November 2016 art contest submission for TrekBBS

So I'm entering the TrekBBS art contest again.

Similar to May's TrekBBS art contest, this one's focus is one creating a Star Trek Christmas Card.

The idea was based on a thought (perhaps a cartoon) I had from about 30 years ago or so.

The graphic shows the Outside and the Inside of the card.

So if you're on TrekBBS, please consider voting for me.

Coming soon - a link to the vote.

The Cubs, the World Series and the End Times

Chicago Cubs World Series Win: Good or Bad for humanity?

So tonight, the Chicago Cubs are on the verge of winning their first World Series in 108 years. There seems to be no one alive who remembers the last time the Cubs actually won the World Series, while a few grandparents are getting a second chance to see the Cubs actually win the series (they last went to the World Series with the Cubs in 1946, who lost the series).

People have been talking about a Chicago Cubs World Series win literally for generations.  The second Back to the Future movie predicted for 2015. It looks like that a Cubs win is not science fiction, but rather they were off by perhaps a year.

But we should be concerned.  Others have noted how Donald Trump’s candidacy (and the Cubs – Sox rivalry at this time) seem to be fulfilling Endtime scriptures like Matthew 24:6 of “Wars and rumors of wars”.

But the scariest of these is how the prediction of the Cubs winning the World Series is a part of the  End Times as well. If you don’t believe me , check it out in the biblical book of Revelation, chapter 30. There you will see that 8^th seal will have been broken.

Also, there is a word from Brian Bakke, son of Ray Bakke, an urban missionary to Chicago many years ago. Brian grew up on the North Side of Chicago in Uptown, just a couple of miles due north of Wrigley Field. So with those credentials, you know he is theologically and geographically correct in what he says.

So he has presented this on many occasion: What did Jesus tell the Cubs? “Don’t do anything until I get back.”

We have seen what looks like a comeback miracle, after losing at home but not tying the series at 3 a piece. So we shall see in a few hours if the end is nigh, or if the Cubs’ tradition will continue.

For the love of diversity, PLEASE see Queen of Katwe

If you love diversity(or say you do), especially in entertainment, then go see Queen of Katwe this week (ALREADY in selected theaters, and many more next week, starting this Friday, September 30).

There are people who have probably written much more persuasive (and longer) pieces, but i'd like to throw out my feelings and thoughts, and hope you can agree at least on one small action.

Now, this weekend, The Magnificent 7 remake is out as well. That too is an excellent example of diversity (the 7 are a diverse bunch), as well as Antwone Fuqua as director. The thing is, this is a Hollywood blockbuster, and since it's opening in late September, it will likely be #1 at the box office for the next 2-3 weeks. So while it could also use the support (it was already #1 on its opening weekend),  it won't need it as much as a lower budget (approximately $15 million) film  could use the help.

None of the stars of this movie are white  (and in fact are 1st or 2nd Generation African), which may turn off many potential moviegoers. Let's buck that trend, and not give Hollywood an excuse to stop making films featuring non-whites, as well as excuses for focusing just on sex and violence.

So if you can only see one movie this weekend, see Queen of Katwe. If you can see two, then go for Magnificent 7. But sacrifice a little to make a big impact.

Thanks for taking the time (and just a bit of money)  to help support diversity, and quality entertainment.

Christians need to see Queen of Katwe

I really want to encourage my Christian friends to take some time this weekend and see the movie Queen of Katwe. This is a movie about a young Ugandan girl who becomes a chess champion.

The reason why I want to see this movie this weekend as opposed to waiting to DVD or another weekend is because the opening weekend of a movie is how to make a huge impact. This will send a signal to the studio executives that these kinds of family-oriented movies are important and really need to be out there.  (It opened in limited release last week, but the full opening is this weekend).

Now, this Christian movie is not as blatantly Christian is The Passion of the Christ or this year's movie Risen. However, this is one of those rare movies that shows Christians in a positive light. It shows us doing Simple everyday Ministry, which shows how we can have a great impact around the world.

My oldest daughter is excited to see it, and I can wait to see it with her, and talk all about it after it's over.

Let's get all out there as well. This is our opportunity to make a difference. And it won't cost us very much money and just a couple hours of our time.

May 2016 art contest submission for TrekBBS

Trekbbs has a monthly art contest. For May 2016, the theme is flags...especially ones that were NOT seen in Star Trek at all.

My entry is for May 2016 is Mudd's Planet.... (the episode where interstellar con man Harry Mudd had a planet of androids)

I wanted it animated, because without 20th century budget and technological restraints, flags should be able to change color

And with Harry Mudd, his stuff would  be gawdy...and of course about him !

Marvel *and* DC : Civil War

So this year, comic fans are looking at their heroes going to war with themselves. From Captain America: Civil War (Marvel heroes fighting in May) to Batman V. Superman (DC heroes fighting right now) to Supergirl racing the Flash on Monday... what if we put them altogether in one graphic?

And on the serious side...

I hope to get back to writing soon, on thoughts ranging from the "fun" (like how I think DC should have rolled out Justice League on film) to the political, such as the "test" I wold challenge any Supreme Court nominee, as well presidential candidate questions that we have never heard in a debate, but be far more useful in determining a choice of world leader.


In the meantime, let me give you some links to one of my other blogs, Do-Gooder Consulting.  Our motto is helping you help others, and hopefully, some of this information will help.

• Why you high school student needs to fill out the FAFSA right NOW! 
• 
  
• Suggestions on using social media more effectively
• 
  
• MAJOR changes to the FAFSA for next year (really only 7 months from now!)
• 
  
• Some of our other best work

Hope these can help!