Weekend Scripture Joshua 1:8

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Star Trek: Into Darkness

by C.J. Chase

Despite its humble beginnings as a campy, low-budget, short-run TV series, Star Trek has grown to be a multi-billion dollar industry and nearly unparalleled cultural phenomenon. I asked around to see if anyone in my circle could think of a similar pop culture success, and the only comparable suggestion was Sherlock Holmes, the legendary detective of book, stage, radio, and screen.

The original Star Trek series lasted only three seasons (76 episodes) before NBC dropped it from the lineup in 1969. Compare the production quality of the series to that of the original Star Wars movie made less than 10 years later (1977), and you can see how unsophisticated the Star Trek set really was.

And yet, in syndication, it gained a cult following such that Hollywood funded a full-length feature film starring the original cast. And then another. And another. And five more Star Trek series for television – for a total of 722 television episodes and 12 full-length movies, of which Into Darkness (released last week) is the most recent.

The Chase family went to the theater to see Paramount’s latest offering in the franchise. (Have I ever mentioned that as the only female in my household, I usually see “guy” movies?) The new movie merges characters from the original series (played by a younger cast) with the high-tech special effects of a Hollywood blockbuster. No, the effects were beyond special. They were incredible.

Perhaps part of the original Star Trek’s enduring appeal is that, for all its campiness (i.e., Kirk throwing punches and meeting a different attractive alien each week), the series offered up not-so-subtle commentary on social issues of the day. Consider, for instance, the presence of a black, female officer on the bridge (during the height of the Civil Rights movement) or the cooperation between the American and Russian officers (practically unimaginable so soon after the Cuban Missile Crisis and as the Vietnam War was heating up). 

The television series began with basic plots focused around exploration. Remarkably human-looking aliens served as foils to the real humans, often making a point about the foibles of the human condition. 

 

The Star Trek movies and later Star Trek series moved toward a more high stakes save-the-world (or even the universe) theme. 

I asked my oldest son his impression of Into Darkness. He liked it better than I did. Perhaps he’s just easier to please than I or perhaps as a lover of SciFi and Fantasy fiction, he understood it more than I.

The plot is very complex, with multiple villains each having his own motives. Now I love a plot with lots of twists and surprises. However, I felt it deviated too far from my expectations of a typical Star Trek plot for me to truly enjoy the story. The conflict was internal to Starfleet. No exploration. No hostile life form threatening to exterminate humanity . Perhaps the plot just seemed weak when held against the dazzling special effects.

So what did I like (besides the special effects)? Benedict Cumberbatch (best known for his role on the BBC’s Sherlock) makes a great sympathetic villain. And the snappy dialogue had the trademark Star Trek wry humor, even in the tensest of situations. Having just recently read an excerpt of a book with NO humor or laughter by the characters, I noticed right away how the writers were able to incorporate sarcasm and wit into all but the darkest moments. 

For example, here is a particularly memorable line, spoken by Doctor McCoy while he

and a beautiful science officer were trying to deactivate a weapon. “You know, when I dreamt about being stranded on a deserted planet with a gorgeous woman, there was no torpedo!”

And then there was gem when Kirk accused Spock of using a technicality: “I am Vulcan. I embrace technicality.”

Overall, I enjoyed Into Darkness. If you are a long-time fan, you’ll want to put this on your to-see list. If you are a diehard Trekkie, well, you’ve probably already seen it – but if not, you’ll want to see it on a big screen with surround sound. However, if you are basically unfamiliar with the characters from the original series, you’ll probably find it beneficial to preview the 2009 Star Trek to get familiar with the characters first.

Oh, and the 82-year-old Leonard Nimoy (Spock from the original series) makes a cameo appearance, so I’ll leave you with this Spock vs. Spock commercial. Cultural phenomenon, I tell you.

UPDATE: For everyone who enjoyed the Audi commercial, here's the inside joke about the song Nimoy is singing while he drives (about 1:10 mark). Um, you needn't watch/listen to the entire thing to get in on the joke...

After leaving the corporate world to stay home with her children, C.J. Chase quickly learned she did not possess the housekeeping gene. She decided writing might provide the perfect excuse for letting the dust bunnies accumulate under the furniture. Her procrastination, er, hard work paid off in 2010 when she won the Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Manuscript and sold the novel to Love Inspired Historicals. Her current release, The Reluctant Earl, is now available  in online bookstores. You can visit C.J.'s cyber-home (where the floors are always clean) at www.cjchasebooks.com  

Are Your Words Delicious?

 

by Jennifer AlLee
 

My son and I were talking with friends yesterday, and somehow, the subject of complaining came up. The conversation went something like this:

Son: "We love to complain at my house."
Friend: "I don't think I've heard your mom complain."
Son: "Believe me, she does."

Enlightening, don't you think? Overall, I really do try to be an upbeat, positive person. But my immediate family gets to experience all my raw honesty. Yes, they have the honor of hearing me complain. Why? Because I love them, of course. And because I trust them enough to let them know exactly how I feel.

My son's joke today made me think about my attitude. It could definitely use some adjusting.

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

Psalm 13:3, NLT

I admit, I sometimes have a hard time controlling my tongue. One of my coping mechanisms is humor and sarcasm, so I tend to make a lot of jokes. Sometimes, they are well-placed. Other times... not so much. I've asked the Lord to help me think before I speak. This is still a work in progress.

Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Psalm 18:20-21, NLT

Don't you just love verse 20? Wise words satisfy like a good meal. Yummy! That's what I want to do... deliver delicious, life-giving words. Won't you join me? Let's dish up feasts for the ears and souls of those around us!

(This post was originally published in June 2011)

JENNIFER ALLEE believes the most important thing a woman can do is find her identity in God – a theme that carries throughout her novels. A professional writer for over twenty years, she's done extensive freelance work for Concordia Publishing House, including skits, Bible activity pages, and over 100 contributions to their popular My Devotions series. Her novels include The Love of His Brother (Five Star, 11/07), The Pastor’s Wife (Abingdon Press, 2/10), The Mother Road (Abingdon Press, 4/12) and A Wild Goose Chase Christmas (Abingdon Press, 11/12). She's thrilled to be working on her first historical series with the amazing Lisa Karon Richardson. Diamond in the Rough (Whitaker House) is the first book in the Charm and Deceit series, available now. And... as if that's not enough, her novella Comfort and Joy will appear in the Christmas anthology, Mistletoe Memories (Barbour, 9/13) She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

Visit Jennifer's website at www.jenniferallee.com/

Guest Blogger: Author and Editor Fay Lamb

The Inkwell is pleased to welcome author and editor Fay Lamb.  Fay's newest release is Stalking Willow, an inspirational romantic suspense novel. 

The cover alone makes me want to read this book.

Patience

by Fay Lamb

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to the life of an author. Yes, there are some overnight successes in the business, people who seemingly decide to take up writing and receive a contract, but that is not the norm. In truth, what often looks like an overnight success to someone on the outside, has been a long journey for the author.

You’ve heard it before. “I write, therefore, I am a writer.” I began to take writing seriously at a very early age, therefore, I have been a writer for thirty-seven years.

Looking back with that 20/20 hindsight, I realize that God had a plan, and if I’d been published when I was so much younger, I wouldn’t have learned a variety of lessons, which I’d like to share with you:

Humility: God has always been faithful to chasten me for my pride. To get my attention once, God took my writing away from me for three painful years until I learned a valuable lesson: when God gives a talent, He expects it to be used to the utmost. Talents aren’t often handed to an individual ready to be displayed. To present the very best to God from what He provides, authors need to practice their skills. Pride says I have nothing to learn. Humility bows before the Master and asks what is to be done with the gift so that it is returned ten-fold to Him.

Family: Yes, immediate family is important, but Christian fiction is a unique industry. It allows writers the opportunity to meet, to befriend, and to work with their brothers and sisters in Christ. A writer may not know every one of his peers, but they are still spiritual kin. For that reason, I have learned to take time to come alongside members of my writing family not only to encourage and to direct but to be encouraged and to receive direction.

Happiness: When an author rushes to publication, there is a tendency to forget the joy of doing what God has called him to do. I revel in my fantasy worlds. Bringing them to life for a reader and infusing them with a message that can draw someone closer to Christ is one of my greatest joys in the world. Time is a gift from God. Rushing to publication before I am ready wastes the time God has given to me to enjoy what He has asked me to do.

Reality: Sometimes authors feel that their story just needs to be read. The message is ripe for the world, and the author has to make sure it gets out there. The reality is that God is in control. He knows how, when, where, and even if He wants the message delivered. Remembering Who is the director of my path, keeps me from tripping and falling on my face every time I am tempted to run ahead of God.

Continuity: Authors often focus on their first book to the extent that they do not see the overall picture. Like the king who was told by the prophet to shoot his arrows, and he shoots so few that he doesn’t realize the full blessing God meant for him, a writer losses the opportunity to place several more stories in his quiver because he gets too busy pressing that one fantastic book and never writing any others. In my thirty-seven years, I have written a number of books. I have twenty other books started and in various forms of completion. I didn’t just write one book to rush to publication. I actually used one book to practice all of the elements of storytelling, and I’ve applied it to everyone I’ve completed, and I continue to grow and to apply what I have learned to the unfinished work as well. When God opened the doors wide for me, I had several books and many ideas to offer my publisher. All of my ideas or stories may never get published, but I have a quiver to draw from, and I plan to keep shooting those arrows until God calls me home.

Patience is a great virtue for a writer. Our time is best spent waiting for God to show us the paths to our writing career. That time isn’t wasted when, while we’re waiting, we’re studying the craft of storytelling, building our library of books to offer to publishers, taking the time to enjoy the gifts God has bestowed, and fellowshipping with other authors to encourage and be encouraged.

Fay Lamb is an acquisition editor for Pelican Book Group. She also provides freelance fiction edits.

Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Fay has recently contracted with Write Integrity Press for two four-book series. Stalking Willow, the first in the Amazing Grace romantic suspense series is currently available for purchase, and Charisse, the first release in her The Ties That Bind contemporary romance series will be available in July, 2013. The second story in the Amazing Grace series, Better than Revenge, is set for release in September 2013.

Fay is a past-secretary for American Christian Fiction Writers. She served for four years as the moderator for ACFW’s critique group, Scribes. For her volunteer efforts for ACFW, she received the Service Members Award in 2010. She was also a semi-finalist that year in the ACFW Genesis Contest.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren (with the sixth on the way).

Links for the book:

http://www.writeintegrity.blogspot.com/ (Publisher)

Amazon for print book: http://amzn.to/ZIzpFo

Links for Fay:

www.faylamb.com (Fay’s website and blog: On the Ledge)

www.facebook.com/fay.lamb (personal FB page)

www.facebook.com/AuthorFay (Fay’s fan page)

www.facebook.com/TacticalEd (Fay is the Tactical Editor, sharing self-editing tips)

www.twitter.com/FayLamb (Fay’s Twitter address) 

Pirate Queen

By Lisa Karon Richardson

One of the most successful and feared pirate lords of all time wasn’t a lord at all, but a lady. Ching Shih, has been known by many different names, including, Zhèng Shì; Jihng Sih, and Cheng I Sao and believe me, compared to her, Blackbeard, Bluebeard, and all the other beards were small potatoes.

Little is known about her early life, but it is believed that Ching Shih was born around 1775. We also know she spent much of her early life as a prostitute in a small brothel in Canton until she was captured by pirates. Her lifestyle changed dramatically in 1801 when she married Zheng Yi, a famous pirate captain with a pirate pedigree that went back well over a century.

By 1804 Zheng Yi, with Ching Shih at his side, managed a fantastic coup. Through cunning, force, and diplomacy he managed to form a coalition among the competing Chinese pirates. This new armada was called the Red Flag Fleet.

Near the end of 1807, Zheng Yi died in Vietnam and Ching Shih demonstrated that she had learned much from her husband. With consummate cunning and foresight she moved quickly to consolidate power and preserve the fleet. In an effort to instill unity she instituted a pirate code.

The first provision of the pirate code provided that anyone giving orders that did not come from Ching Shih, or disobeying the orders of a superior, was beheaded on the spot. The second rule was that no one was to steal from the public fund (This was the big, collective pot that their loot went into) or any villagers that supplied the pirates. All booty had to be presented for group inspection. The loot was registered by a purser and then distributed by the fleet leader. The penalty for holding back treasure was death.

Ching Shih’s code also had special rules for female captives. She directed that such women should be released. But in practice the pirates made their most beautiful captives into concubines or wives. If a pirate took a wife he had to be faithful to her. Pirates that raped female captives were put to death.

Other violations of the code also carried punishments as severe as any in the Royal Navy; flogging, clapping in irons, or quartering. Deserters’ ears were chopped off, and then they were paraded around their squadron.

At the height of her powers it is estimated that she commanded more than 1800 ships and 80,000 pirates. This amount of muscle allowed her to direct raids of every town and ship between Macao and Canton. They grew to such strength that they actually levied taxes on some coastal towns.

She became a serious threat to some of the great imperial powers of the day, but despite concerted effort, neither the British, Portuguese, or Chinese were able to put a halt to her reign.

In 1810, Qing dynasty officials made an incredibly smart move. Rather than trying to break the pirates they offered them amnesty if they gave up their piratey ways. Ching Shih took them up on the offer, negotiating a pardon for herself and the majority of her fleet, that allowed her to retain her wealth. I did say she was cunning, didn’t I?

With her ill-gotten gain she opened a gambling house, which she operated right up to her death in 1844. Since then she has continued to color the popular imagination. Most recently, the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean featured a powerful female pirate lord named Mistress Ching. I think we all know where that particular inspiration came from.

Not that I admire her methods, but I do find Ching Shih’s story to be fascinating and surprising. I wonder how she managed to navigate such violent waters and come out the other side unscathed. I mean, we’re talking about a society that purposely crippled their daughters as a sign of their “high” status. Where there’s a will there’s a way, I guess. But it had to be a remarkably formidable will, and a brilliant tactician’s mind to go with it in order to both overcome prejudice and gain the allegiance of her men.

Maybe next Talk Like a Pirate Day (that’d be September 19^th to the uninitiated) you’ll consider a Chinese accent in her honor?

What is your favorite surprising story of unprecedented success?

Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, LISA KARON RICHARDSON’S early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she’s (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a brand new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city. Her published works include “Impressed by Love,” in the Colonial Courtships anthology. The Magistrate’s Folly was published by Heartsong Presents in February of 2013. Diamond in the Rough, (May, 2013) was co-authored with Jennifer AlLee, and is the first in the Charm and Deceit, series from Whitaker House. Finally she has another novella coming out September, 2013 from Barbour entitled “Midnight Clear,” part of the Mistletoe Memories collection.

Coronation Day 1911

by Anita Mae Draper

Today it's Victoria Day in Canada and since we're celebrating royalty, I thought I'd talk about the 1911 Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. I covered the Coronation itself on my Author Memories blogpost 1911 Courtship: June 21 Dear Ethel, but I thought I'd show you some extra coverage of the big event.




His Majesty King George V, Real Photograph on a Tuck Postcard #1459, first used 1906, sold in Great Britain and Canada.

Her Majesty Queen Mary,

 Real Photograph on a Tuck Postcard #1460, first used 1906, sold in Great Britain and Canada.

The above images are the same ones published on the first page of the June 23, 1911 edition of The Newmarket Era except those images are so dark, you can barely make anything out. From what I did see however, I was able to find the matching images on a huge database website called TuckDB Postcards which states: TuckDB is a free on-line database listing antique postcards published by Raphael Tuck & Sons. Thank you to creators and maintainers of this wonderful look at history portrayed in postcards.

Royalty and important politicians from around the globe made their way to London for the spectacular event, but the one that caught my eye was Her Highness the Nawale Begum of Bhopal who traveled with 9 tons of baggage. The snippet is taken from the OurOntario.ca Community Newspapers Collection which is an excellent resource for those researching Ontario from it's earliest days to the present. The website can only digitize the newspaper itself so if the original is illegible, that's the way you see it. However, I've transcribed the original for ease of reading.

The Newmarket Era. May 19, 1911 - Page: 2

Lady Had 9 Tons of Baggage.

   Great interest is being shown in Paris, in the visit of the Begum Bhopal, who is staying there for three weeks on her way to the coronation.
   The Bergum, who is believed to be about sixty years of age, is visiting Europe for the second time. When she arrived in Marseilles on Saturday with her suite of twenty-four people and nine tons of luggage, the Hindus of Marseilles , who are numerous, gathered in force to welcome her. 
   The Begum and the ladies of her suite are not allowed to show their faces, and they disembarked covered in heavy veils which extended from their heads to well below their waists. The Hindus of Marseilles had covered the road from the boat to the Begum's carriage with rich carpets, and when she appeared they prostrated themselves on the quay, remaining in this position until she had passed.

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One of the things I enjoy about The Newmarket Era is the little bits of personality inputted by the editor where space allows. During the weeks leading up to the coronation though, the editor seemed to be fixed on the idea of too many holidays.

The Newmarket Era. June 9, 1911 - Page: 5

 The Newmarket Era. June 16, 1911 - Page: 8

The Newmarket Era. June 16, 1911 - Page: 3 

 The Coronation Ceremony of His Most Gracious Majesty King George V
 in Westminster Abbey, 22nd June 1911,
 by John Henry Frederick Bacon, Courtesy of Wikipedia

Gorgeous Scene

   London, June 20 - The most regal banquet palace of king or emporer ever witnessed and a gorgeous Shakespeare ball under the auspices of noted sociey leaders stand forth as shining features of the second day of coronation week. The banquet in Buckingham Palace tonight was a scene of imperial grandeur, so far as the assembly of royal and eminent personages, the setting of costly magnificence and beautiful decorations would combine to make it. 
   The King and Queen entertained the visiting and English royalties, all the special foreign delegations, the foreign ambassadors and ministers, the officers of state and the household, the members of the cabinet and former cabinet ministers, the heads of the church and judiciary and of the army and navy.
   The two largest apartments in the palace, the ball room and the picture gallery which adjoin, were utilized as a banquet ball. On the tables was displayed the royal gold plate, used only on historic occasions, the cost of which is estimated at $15,000,000 and its weight eight tons. This plate for the most part was collected in the reigns of the four Georges, and the principal place is a massive peacock captured in one of the Indian wars, whose tail is studded with diamonds. Cut glass worth a fortune, Ivory decanters, hundreds of years old, and old wines dating back more than a century were on the board. 
   The gallery holds more than 500 pictures.The decorations of both rooms are largely gilt, and this background was embellished with banks of palms and giant lilies, white orchids, roses and ferns were stacked on the tables. Yeomen of the guard ranged about the walls, and all diners wore their richest uniforms, decorations, gowns and jewels.

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If found this YouTube video entitled Street Parade for coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 however, I believe the footage is actually the coronation of King George VI and Elizabeth (the current queen's parents). Why? If you listen to the start, the narrator talks about remembering back to 1911 when a glittering escort came along the same street in the same royal coach bearing the newly crowned King George and Queen Mary.

However, The Era gave a detailed post-coronation report called THE CROWING OF OUR KING, Most Gorgeous Spectacle of Modern Times where he mentions the open carriages and ends with this as the final paragraph:

A landau is an open vehicle. Now look at this video and listen to the words carefully:

The video looks old enough to be 1911, but I surmise that it's 1936, especially when the narrator ends by talking about King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and says, "Long may they reign."

What do you think?

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Anita Mae Draper is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and lives on the prairie of southeast Saskatchewan, Canada with her hubby of 30 plus years and 2 of their 4 kids. She writes stories set on the prairies of Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Anita Mae has semi-finaled in the Historical Romance category of the ACFW's 2011 Genesis contest and finaled in the Inspirational category of the 2011 Daphne du Maurier, the 2011 Fool for Love, the 2011 Duel on the Delta and 2009 Linda Howard Award of Excellence contests. Anita Mae is represented by Mary Keeley of Books and Such Literary Agency. You can find Anita at http://www.anitamaedraper.com/

Weekend Scripture Psalm 34:8

Image courtesy of graur razvan ionu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net