Homage to George Takei

George Takei is a beloved actor, activist, and social media icon who has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series, Takei has been a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes with his talent and charisma.

But Takei’s contributions to society extend far beyond his acting career. Throughout his life, he has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Takei’s own experiences as a Japanese-American who was interned in a U.S. concentration camp during World War II have given him a unique perspective on the importance of standing up for marginalized communities.

Takei’s activism has taken many forms over the years. He has served on the board of directors for the Japan-United States Friendship Commission, and he has been a prominent voice in the movement to grant marriage equality to same-sex couples. He has also been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, using his platform on social media to call out the administration’s policies on immigration and civil rights.

But perhaps one of the most enduring legacies of Takei’s activism is his work to raise awareness about the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Takei has spoken publicly about his own experiences in the internment camps, using his platform to educate others about this dark chapter in American history. He has also been a driving force behind the creation of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, which serves as a powerful reminder of the injustices that were committed against Japanese-Americans during the war.

Takei’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. He has been a fixture in the Star Trek franchise for decades, and his iconic catchphrase “Oh my!” has become a cultural touchstone. But it is his tireless advocacy for social justice that truly sets him apart. Takei has used his fame and his platform to speak truth to power, to uplift marginalized voices, and to fight for a more just and equitable world.

As we reflect on George Takei’s life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of celebrity to effect real change in the world. Takei has shown us that fame and fortune are not enough; it is our responsibility as human beings to use our privilege to make the world a better place. George Takei has lived that principle every day of his life, and for that, we are all grateful.

Tribute to Grace Lee Whitney

Grace Lee Whitney was an actress and singer who became a beloved icon in the world of science fiction as Yeoman Janice Rand on the original Star Trek television series. Although her time on the show was relatively short, her impact on the franchise and its fans cannot be overstated. Whitney passed away on May 1, 2015, but her legacy lives on as a trailblazer and role model for generations of Star Trek fans and aspiring performers.

Whitney was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1930, and grew up in poverty in Detroit. Despite the many challenges she faced, she pursued her passion for performing and landed her first major role as a singer in a touring production of the musical comedy “Top Banana.” She went on to perform in various stage productions and TV shows, but it wasn’t until she auditioned for Star Trek that her career truly took off.

Whitney’s character, Yeoman Janice Rand, was a key figure in the early episodes of Star Trek, serving as Captain Kirk’s personal assistant and occasional love interest. Her character was notable for being one of the few women in a position of authority on the show, and for her distinctive hairstyle, which featured a large beehive hairdo with a black hairband. Whitney’s performance was widely praised for its warmth, humor, and vulnerability, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

Despite her popularity, Whitney’s time on Star Trek was fraught with personal struggles. She battled addiction and depression, and was fired from the show after just one season. However, she continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in various TV shows and movies over the years. She also became an outspoken advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness, sharing her own experiences to help others.

Whitney’s impact on Star Trek and the wider sci-fi community cannot be overstated. Her character paved the way for other strong female characters on the show, and her presence helped to diversify the cast and make Star Trek a more inclusive and representative series. Her warmth, humor, and courage continue to inspire fans to this day, and her legacy as a pioneer and trailblazer will live on for generations to come.

In conclusion, Grace Lee Whitney was a true icon of sci-fi and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her contributions to Star Trek and her advocacy for addiction recovery and mental health awareness continue to inspire and uplift fans around the world. We honor her memory and celebrate her legacy as a trailblazer, performer, and role model for all.

Why Celebrate April Fool’s Day?

April Fool’s Day is a day that has become synonymous with pranks and jokes. But is it really something we should be celebrating? It’s important to consider the potential negative effects of such a day, both to ourselves and to those around us.

For one, it can be quite hurtful to be on the receiving end of a prank or joke that wasn’t intended to be malicious. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment, anger, or resentment. It can also lead to a breakdown in trust and communication between friends, family, or colleagues.

Furthermore, it can be quite costly to implement some of the more elaborate pranks. This can be especially true if the prankster has to purchase items or services in order to pull off the prank.

Finally, April Fool’s Day can also encourage people to take risks they otherwise wouldn’t take. This can be dangerous, particularly when the prank involves physical contact or even a person’s safety.

For these reasons, it’s important to think twice before celebrating April Fool’s Day. It’s important to consider the potential consequences of our actions, and to remember that a joke can have far-reaching effects. There are better ways to have fun and bring people together than to prank or joke. Instead of using April Fool’s Day as an excuse to make jokes at someone else’s expense, why not use it as an opportunity to bring people closer together? Celebrate the day by having a fun and meaningful gathering with your friends and family. Spend time playing games, telling jokes, or even sharing stories. You can even create a themed event or special activity that everyone can enjoy.

This way, you can still have a day of fun and laughter, but without having to worry about the potential consequences of pranking someone. After all, laughter and joy should be the goal of any celebration. So, instead of celebrating April Fool’s Day with pranks, why not celebrate it with laughter and love?

April 1 to Begin the New Year?

As we all know, January 1st is the traditional start of the New Year. However, this date has no scientific basis. In fact, the first day of the year has changed throughout history, and there are arguments to be made for why April 1st should be the new start of the year.

One main reason for this change is that April 1st is the start of the astronomical new year. The astronomical new year is based on the Earth’s position in relation to the sun and the moon, and it is considered to be the most accurate way to measure the passage of time. This means that April 1st is the most accurate new year date, as it takes into account the natural rhythms of the planet.Another reason that April 1st should become the new start of the year is that it coincides with the natural cycles of the Earth. This is the time of year when the world starts to wake up after a long winter and the days begin to get longer and warmer. This can be seen as a metaphor for the start of the new year, where we can all look forward to new beginnings and fresh starts.

Finally, April 1st also marks the start of the tax year in many countries, so it makes sense to have the calendar year begin on this day as well. This could make tax filing and other administrative tasks easier and more organized.

In conclusion, there are several compelling reasons to make April 1st the new start of the year. It is based on the astronomical new year, it coincides with the natural cycles of the Earth, and it marks the beginning of the tax year for many countries. These factors make April 1st the perfect date to begin the new year, and it should be seriously considered as a replacement for the traditional January 1st start.

A Tribute to Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015)

Leonard Nimoy was an actor, director, photographer, and writer who became a cultural icon for his portrayal of the character Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek series. Nimoy’s career spanned more than six decades, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and inspiring generations of fans.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1931, Nimoy began his acting career in the early 1950s. After a series of small roles in film and television, he landed the role of Mr. Spock in Star Trek in 1966. Nimoy’s portrayal of the half-Vulcan, half-human science officer quickly became a fan favorite and helped to launch the Star Trek franchise.

Nimoy’s performance as Mr. Spock was characterized by his calm, logical demeanor and his iconic catchphrase, “Live long and prosper.” The character became a symbol of the show’s message of diversity and acceptance, and Nimoy himself became a beloved figure in the Star Trek fandom.

Beyond Star Trek, Nimoy continued to work in film and television, appearing in a wide range of projects throughout his career. He also directed several films, including the hit comedy Three Men and a Baby.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Nimoy was also an accomplished photographer and writer. He published several volumes of poetry and memoirs, and his photography was exhibited in galleries around the world.

Nimoy passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. His contributions to the entertainment industry and to popular culture as a whole are immeasurable, and his influence can be seen in countless works of science fiction and beyond.

In the words of Mr. Spock, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” Leonard Nimoy’s life and career exemplified this philosophy, as he dedicated himself to creating art that would bring joy and inspiration to countless people around the world. He will always be remembered as a true icon and a visionary artist.

Live long and prosper.

Tales From March 15, 2023

Once again, it’s time for some fun stories that take place on March 15. Let’s imagine an alternative timeline where Julius Caesar actually listened to the soothsayer and not gotten stabbed in the back. That would have been preferable to what we have today.

Well, there’s the stories that will be featured on this blog:

1. J.K. Rowling’s newest fantasy series is a hit, which makes many people unhappy. Yet Rowling herself is making a secret deal with MovieMagic Films to remake the Harry Potter series.
2. Jacquel Rassenworth talks about “The Rings of Power” and why it’s not a good TV show.
3. A brand-new era begins as a member of the infamous Trichenberg family makes their mark in American politics. The Brotherhood of Pride decides to target Daniel Kennedy, who decides to take his father JFK’s place as senator.
4. While the human rights groups clash with the Etaldheimian government, a prominent Russian senator and his wife are brutally murdered by an autistic woman, prompting an emergency meeting at the UN. Meanwhile, Hadassah must deal with an angry Tomas when he discovers a secret that his mother had kept hidden from the rest of the world for many years.
5. The United States of Fimbultyr and the Nation of Columbiana collide when President Amelia Johnson deals with King Wyatt Washington, but everything is not what it appears to be.
6. While J.K. Rowling’s newest series “Spellbound: A Mage’s Odyssey” is being made into a movie, the Harry Potter fans attempt to drown out the series and force the studios to bring back Harry Potter. Their scheme does not work.
7. The superhero universe gains some momentum, but behind the scenes drama threatens to ruin everything.
8. After the destruction of the Spirit Keeper books and movie, Leslie Harlingson is ordered to hand her drafts of the spirit keeper to Hhamboldt publishing. After that happens, a very happy Dicky Trichenberg plots to completely remake the series under a pseudonym.
9. The Ainysians discover that someone had faked the current AIDS attack to discredit them. The UN calls for that person’s arrest, which almost results in another world war.
10. After several popular streaming services refuse to revive the Eragon series, the series in question is now being investigated by an internal police due to allegations of racism and abuse of the disabled actors behind the scenes.
11. The “white-looking” African Americans are treated horribly by the “black” Africans, which prompts King Ishaan Washington and several others to investigate one of the Columbianan colonies in Liberia. What they found was nothing less than shocking.
12. The MovieWatching Trio continues to fight the evils of “woke culture”. Their newest movie forces many people to “wake up” and realize that they are ruining their own lives.
13. King Ishaan and Queen Michella Washington experience life during the 1880s. President James Garfield survives an assassination attempt, which unfortunately sees many disabled people losing their basic rights.
14. Seven years after Russia destroyed the United States, many people are slowly rebuilding their lives. Seamus and his family are still living in Santa Cruz, California, but King Wyatt Washington of Columbiana invites him to come to Saint Louis, Missouri and speak at a national conference.
15. Five years after King Joshua Washington took over the Nation of Columbiana, a group of angry disabled people attempt to start a violent campaign to remove him from the throne and restore America back to what it once was. But Sean and the Cousins Logan, Dicky, and Andrea kick their butts for that while Jacquelyn firmly reminds Joshua and the rest of the country that American democracy had ruined more lives than it had improved.

Well, that’s all for now, but soon I will be featuring these stories. Thanks for reading!

Tales From March 15

Once again, it’s time for some fun stories that take place on March 15, whereas on that day, Julius Caesar would have been an effective Roman emperor and lived a whole lot longer had he not gotten himself stabbed in the back. (Remember kids, always listen to your local soothsayer before doing any important business on a certain day.)

Well, there’s the stories that will be featured on this blog:

1. With the end of the Harry Potter franchise, many depressed readers are forced to rethink their lives. Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling writes a new book, which becomes a bigger hit than the Harry Potter books.
2. Jacquel Rassenworth talks about Disney+.
3. Many people are very upset about Ted Kennedy not running for reelection, yet that’s nothing compared to an African based group that infiltrates Washington, DC.
4. Hadassah is forced to make an extremely difficult choice regarding her son Tomas, even as various human rights groups protest against Etaldheim’s decision to send autistic people away to state-owned hospitals.
5. The United States of Fimbultyr enjoys a prosperous reign under the leadership of President Amelia Johnson, but the Nation of Columbiana is still lurking in the shadows.
6. Several desperate Harry Potter fans make their own Harry Potter movies. J.K. Rowling (who is currently promoting another (more successful) magical book series) is not impressed. And neither is Hollywood.
7. A new superhero movie franchise begins. Will it be successful like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or will it fail?
8. Leslie Harlingson sues Skybolt Film Productions for burying The Spirit Keeper movie. In response, the company’s president has the copies of the movie in question as well as the Spirit Keeper books removed from all stores and libraries and destroyed.
9. The Ainysians must fight for their right to remain on Earth after their ugliest secrets are exposed. Yet many people die from a new strain of AIDS, promoting an international emergency.
10. Disney+ refuses to revive the Eragon series, much to the disappointment of hundreds of fans everywhere.
11. While most of the people deported to Africa settle down in their new homes, several light-skinned African Americans are forced to move to Europe. This angers the Atlantean government.
12. The MovieWatching Trio fights the evils of “woke culture” with cultural wisdom. Many people are forced to rethink their lives.
13. King Ishaan and Queen Michella Washington must deal with Sahra Sindrane while raising Crown Prince Kwanzaa and preparing for Lady Dorcas Maples’s marriage to Sir James Cunningham. Yet President Rutherford Hayes’s non-alcohol policy has the entire royal court up in arms.
14. The powder keg between Russia and the United States has finally exploded, and the United States is the country that was unceremoniously defeated. Seamus laments the end of American democracy while King Wyatt Washington of Columbiana urges him to wait.
15. King Joshua Washington, his wife Queen Barbara, and their children Crown Prince Caleb, Princess Beverly, Princess Ann, and Prince Lawrence have firmly established themselves as America’s favorite family. Yet Joshua’s cousin John Morris decides to reopen the case of the death of President Kennedy, which brings back some unwanted memories and exposes a conspiracy that several wealthy Atlantean families were trying to hide.

Well, that’s all I have for now, but expect more updates to happen on this blog soon.

The Washingtons: a story about America’s secret royal family

tapas.io/series/The-Washingtons/

Reverse NaNoWriMo (Redux)

via Reverse NaNoWriMo: A Helpful Tool for Winning NaNoWriMo | The Claire Violet Thorpe Express

Last year, I wrote a blog post that detailed reverse NaNoWriMo, a tool I used to win NaNoWriMo 2016 (without using cheat codes or performance-enhancing drugs). I mean, it’s simple, as in, you just do your heaviest writing at the beginning of the month and gradually reduce the amount of words you write until November 30, when you write 1 word.

And trust me, when that happens, it’ll be a glorious day.

So, I’m getting ready for that so when NaNoWriMo 2017 happens, I’ll be able to take off like a rocket ship.

NANOWRIMO DAY 6

Title: After Class

Summary: Ten years after graduating from high school, a group of adults realize that the lives they planned aren’t exactly the lives they have now, so they seek to change that, not knowing that they weren’t meant to have successful lives at all.

So, what’s this story about? Twenty-something crisis, meaning, these guys don’t know what life is until it hits them.

Why? I’m sure that at least 85% of us don’t know what we’re doing wrong as opposed to what our parents did right.

Where? As of right now, I don’t know.

What? What is life but something half lived?

Outcome: At this point, I don’t know how this story will end.

And anything else? Will relate to anyone wondering if they wasted their life by not being productive.