Star Trek

I just saw the new Trek movie the other day, and I must say, I was impressed

I always look forward to new movies in a franchise so enduring as that of Star Trek. It has such a positive spin on the future, which people seem to need, as we watch our present world going through bad economic times. The spin on the alternative time line was a stroke of genius, as it allows the crew to still be the characters we have come to know so well over the last 40-odd years, but changes how they come to be, as we really have not seen that, other than where the 'old timeline' shows us in the original series. It also bears asking the question, where do they go from here? Will they explore the galaxy like the Enterprise of old? With Vulcan gone, the balance shifts greatly, as they had such a large role in the events of the original crew. The whole concept, the 'wagon train to the stars' as Gene Roddenberry first envisioned it, will no doubt change to a large degree, even as it was in the original series, because of the changes in the story presented in the new movie.

The special effects were amazing, as they should be in a movie attempting what this movie is. I saw techniques in the cinematography that hinted at the style used in other shows of late, like "Battlestar Galactica", in particular. I saw elements of others like even those in other movie franchises. I was not sure how a completely different director could make the franchise grow and still be true to the original idea. J.J. Abrams has done that and more.

I don't believe all these critics I hear saying that even numbered movies are this way, and odd numbered movies are that, etc. I like them all. Having said that (and being a big fan of all things trek anyway), I do like some better than others. The first Star Trek ("The Movie"),for example, had its' moments, but was really slow-moving in story line, and the characters were still a bit wooden, like what would happen if you were stuck in one position for a long time, then suddenly had to stand up and jump into action. You would be stiff, and it would take awhile to get to be able to move your legs, etc. properly. That is what the characters reminded me of in the first one. In subsequent movies, they seemed more like the old characters we knew and loved. And the stories were entertaining and thoughtful.

I eagerly await the next one in the franchise, if they make one, which seems to be the consensus thus far. If I may put a slice of personal hope forward, I have always wanted to see a book or two from the many written about these characters, made into movies. One in particualr was called "Strangers From the Sky", (damn, don't remember the authors' name, I will look it up again, and post it for those of you who are interested)about what really happened with the first meeting of Vulcans with earthlings, etc. Without giving away the story, suffice it to say that it involves time travel (again), mind-melds, and an alternative story line, whereby Kirk, Spock and the crew from the first real installment with Kirk as Captain, with Dr. Piper, Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, Lee Kelso, etc. (from the episode, I believe, "Where No Man Has Gone Before" from the Original series), not Chekov and Sulu, etc, get thrust into the past due to contact with a strange alien. It was great reading, and with a re-write, as often happens with books made into movies, it would allow people like Shatner to be involved, and still use much of the storyline as it is. The others, McCoy, Chekov, Uhura, and the others, would still be able to be there too, if the re-write of the screenplay was done properly.

Well, that is just my thoughts. Any one else?

I recommend seeing this movie, even if you are not that acquainted with Star Trek other than to hear of it, or seeing people doing bad impressions of Shatner. the actors did a great job, and in my mind, especially McCoy, who did a fair channeling of the late DeForrest Kelley. This movie will undoubtedly bring the 'next generation' (couldn't resist)online with the franchise.

Go see, and enjoy!

Mohawks vote in U.S. on owning own Electrical power

You know, I was just reading about my people (one of, as I am Upper Cayuga and Mohawk First Nations, of the Iroquois, and related somewhat, to those in the States)owning their own electrical power plants. I must say, I am of two minds about this.

We must be able to be truly self-sufficient and capable of handling our own affairs, if we claim to be 'traditionally sovereign' in my view. In the modern world, I guess that would mean be able to do all the things that a state would do for it's people. We could contract it in from somewhere else, but that would mean making trade pacts with U.S., and more daunting, Canada, who won't recognize Mohawks as being 'sovereign' in any way shape or form, though they call us 'First Nations". And the U.S., though they have treaties with us, (which they, according to their history, don't honour in most, if any, cases) which recognize traditional ownership over certain territories, would they enter into trade agreements? It is highly doubtfull. That would mean doing one or two of the above options.

It would be unreasonable to assume that they in the U.S. and we in Canada as Native people are going to continue to be repaid by the so-called 'conquerers' or more accurately, 'colonisers'. It stands to reason, therefore, that we begin the long process of finding ways to govern ourselves, using whatever ways we know, and to begin even more, to exert our authority over the natural resources we have to hand. But what does that mean to us who have a more traditional belief about our relationship to the environment? Can we do this without damaging it, like the others have? If the Mohawks back there can do such a thing with their own electricity, they will have to balance this. They will have to implement their own teachings in this, and act accordingly, both for their present, and the future of their children to come.

I personally believe it is possible to do both, however it is a tricky game to play. Hopefully more details will come as they happen. We wil just have to see what transpires, with the vote, and how the U.S. will respond. I for one, will be watching.