Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Georgia Guidestones

Georgia GuidestonesImage via Wikipedia
I was, until recently, completely ignorant of the existence of the so-called Georgia Guidestones. Also known as the American Stonehenge, the Georgia Guidestones are an enigma wrapped in a mystery inside a riddle. Or something like that.
From Wikipedia:
In June 1979, an unknown person or persons under the pseudonym R.C. Christian hired Elberton Granite Finishing Company to build the structure.[3] One popular hypothesis is that the patron's pseudonym may be a tribute to the legendary 17th-century founder of Rosicrucianism, Christian Rosenkreuz.
Interesting in and of itself. But here is the kicker:

A message consisting of a set of ten guidelines or principles is engraved on the Georgia Guidestones in eight different languages, one language on each face of the four large upright stones. Moving clockwise around the structure from due north, these languages are: English, Spanish, Swahili, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
  1. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
  2. Guide reproduction wisely - improving fitness and diversity.
  3. Unite humanity with a living new language.
  4. Rule passion - faith - tradition - and all things with tempered reason.
  5. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
  6. Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court.
  7. Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
  8. Balance personal rights with social duties.
  9. Prize truth - beauty - love - seeking harmony with the infinite.
  10. Be not a cancer on the earth - Leave room for nature - Leave room for nature.
 Certainly these are a fair guide to live by according to any standards. But the question remains, "Why?"
There are quite a few websites dedicated to the guidestones:
Curious to say the least.

Georgia Guidestones - tavola inglese - english...Image via Wikipedia

Monday, February 21, 2011

Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

2001 trade-paperback collection, with repurpos...Image via Wikipedia

Growing up a child of the '70's and '80's, my version of Nick Fury wasn't Samuel L. Jackson. All apologies to Mr. Jackson (who is an incredibly talented actor and I consider myself a fan of his work), the Nick Fury I grew up with was a somewhat middle-aged white guy re-invented by Jack Kirby and Jim Steranko (who really ran with the character). The character itself is a pastiche of the 1960's spy/adventure set, which makes sense since it's when he debuted.

A rare quiet moment for Nick Fury: Strange Tal...Image via Wikipedia
Anyway, even though it isn't cool to be a middle-aged, caucasian super-spy any more (sorry Mr. Bond), I still love the character.

Strange Tales #135 (Aug. 1965), the debut of S...Image via Wikipedia
I find it incredibly interesting that writers are able to make the two versions co-exist in the Marvel comics universes, but not in popular culture. Case in point: check out the latest Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes cartoon. The character is an amalgam of both versions of the character.
*sigh*
Maybe someday I'll see my favorite version of Nick Fury done justice. I still shudder at the horribly bad Hasselhoff debacle that was on Fox tv.
And so, this is my small tribute to the character, via a little gallery of images I cobbled from Deviantart.com.
Enjoy!















Saturday, February 19, 2011

D. B. Cooper Decoded

F.B.I. wanted poster of D. B. CooperImage via Wikipedia
I don't know if you watch Brad Meltzer's Decoded on the History Channel. But you probably should. The show recently featured the elusive and legendary figure of D. B. Cooper.

Fortunately for us, someone posted the episode on YouTube. Voila!










Sunday, February 13, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tigra!

No, no. Not this Tigra.

This Tigra.
Yummy.

Greer Nelson, a.k.a. the Furry-friendly, scritch-ready Marvel Comics superheroine. Don't know what a Furry is? Check here.
Frightening, isn't it?
 I think it's pretty easy to understand the appeal the character has on the pubescent, pimply-faced hordes of basement-dwelling comic book readers. I count myself among them, even though I've long grown through puberty. Or is that out of puberty? Not sure. Not sure I care.
I do know, however, this character is hot. And always has been.
 Tigra's had a long history in the world of Marvel Comics and left many a lonely superhero behind her on the quest for a good romp in the hay. Or the litter. Ew. On second thought, skip the litter.
Tigra is also playing some havoc on the interwebs. Search for her on Deviantart.com and just see what you see. I guarantee it'll be more than you bargained for.
There's also a nifty Tigra Gallery run by a gentleman with noble and completely wholesome purposes. Sure. I'd buy that for a dollar.
She even has her own action figure.
Don't ask me who or what that thing is next to her. I have no idea. 
 Truly a sign she's made it in the superhero community.
So consider this my personal mini-gallery of favorite Tigra images.
You're welcome, fanboy!