Captain’s Log Stardate: Right Now!

Growing up I spent a lot of time with my dad watching the original Star Trek series.  I was never a big fan of the original series, but because my dad was, I watched and I came to care about the characters.  So as I got older and the original cast moved to movies and a Next Generation cast was created for the TV – I found myself becoming a huge fan.

When the J.J. Abrams movie hit the theatre last summer, I was at the theater opening night with my dad and younger brother – thrilled to be having another Star Trek experience. 

As I continue to be a fan, I can’t help but marvel how many of the devices that Roddenberry introduced in the 60′s are becoming mainstream in today’s technology culture.  I know many people have noticed how our cell phones seem to look a lot like the portable communicators.  I can’t help but laugh every time I see someone walking down the street with a blue tooth phone device hanging from their ear.  Let’s face it, it was silly when Uhura was doing it with her communicator / translater in 1963 and it is still silly now.

As my wife and I watched the new Star Trek movie at home last night, I had a sudden shock as I realized another comparison in today’s world.  (Spoiler Alert) – Shortly after the destruction of the planet Vulcan, we see the crew and Vulcan survivors on the Enterprise as we hear Spock enter his “Captain’s Log.”  Captain’s Log or Personal Logs were always a favorite of mine as I watched the shows and movies.  It was an excellent way to get critical insight, knowledge, or updates on character feelings and development.  It took the understanding of the story and characters to a deeper level.

It dawns on me that those of us who write blogs or who create podcasts are really just doing Captain / Personal logs.  I know the topics are not always about us specifically, but they are about things of interest to us, or our personal knowledge and observations of events in today’s world.  Just like the characters in Star Trek, many of us don’t exactly know who will be reading / listening, but that is not important.  What is important, at least to me, is to record the thinking at the time.  I think it will be a wonderful record of who I was and what was important to me at this moment in time.  Those who are interested are welcome to read and comment – if they so feel inspired.  If not – that is fine too.  I’m having fun and know millions more join me.

So for now, this is the “Personal Log of Delaware Jerry.  Stardate 121909.”