Tag Archives: Guardian

The Bat Squad

December 21, 2011 Derek Keirsey 5 Comments

The Dark Knight Rises released it’s first full trailer Monday and HOT DAMN. For those of you who do not know, Christopher Nolan‘s concluding film to his blockbuster Batman trilogy takes place 8 years after the previous one and will feature antagonists Bane and Catwoman. Warner Bros. also released a 7 minute prologue to The Dark Knight Rises attached to the IMAX release of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol which was an introduction to new villain Bane. Warner Bros studios has since received a lot of criticism for one particular issue that kept coming up: no one can hear what the primary antagonist Bane was saying. Bane dons a grim-looking mask strictly of course for fashionable purposes but does so however at the cost of having a muffled and hard-to-understand voice. The legend himself Christopher Nolan has reportedly commented that the studio is fully aware of the issue but will not make significant changes to the sound. Apparently Nolan wants his audiences to have to listen up and ‘participate’ rather than just be dumb stupid idiots. What Nolan evidently is not aware of is the fact that 99% of people are in fact dumb stupid idiots. Despite Nolan’s slight misconception let’s take a look at The Caped Crusader himself and his well-rounded supporting cast.

Bruce Thomas Wayne is an arrogant billionaire industrialist and notorious playboy by day, and a ruthless masked vigilante by night. Characterized by his physical prowess and technical ingenuity, Batman ‘strikes terror into the hearts of criminals everywhere’. Indeed Batman has a thick skin and is a hard-nosed utilitarian, doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Bold, daring, impulsive and adaptable with a strict adherence to utility The Caped Crusader is undoubtedly an Artisan.

Alfred Pennyworth is Batman’s trusty, faithful, and tireless butler, confidant, and surrogate father figure. Alfred has served the Wayne family and maintained Wayne Manor for all of Bruce’s life, and essentially raised him. Serving as a beacon of strength and stability, Alfred helps Bruce Wayne keep his tumultuous two-sided life on an even keel. Highly dependable, extremely stable, serving as a provider and a pillar of strength Alfred Pennyworth is a classic Guardian.

Lucius Fox is Bruce Wayne’s financier, gadget man, and the President and CEO of the international corporate giant that is Wayne Enterprises. Fox is extremely intelligent and business savvy, and turned Wayne Enterprises from a failing venture into a successful multinational conglomerate. Fox is very knowledgable in the realm of technology, and heads a lot of Wayne Enterprises‘ engineering projects like the creation of the Batwing. Highly pragmatic, astutely skeptical, technologically intelligent, serving as a voice of reason Lucius Fox is a prime example of a Rational.

Finally Commissioner James Gordon is Batman’s trusted ally, connection to Gotham City’s Police Force, and a dear friend. Commissioner Gordon and Batman share a deep and unrelenting desire to rid Gotham City of evil no matter what the cost. A man of integrity and honor, Gordon quickly realized that Batman was one of the only men in Gotham City that he could trust. In a city riddled with crime and corruption, Gordon is a beacon of light and hope, and has made many sacrifices in the name of making Gotham City a better place. Highly altruistic, tacitly optimistic, and undeniably spirited serving as a bright light in a very dark city Commissioner Gordon is a true Idealist.

Together they make a very well-rounded Bat-Squad.

Everything’s impossible until somebody does it.

— Bruce Wayne

We soldier on undaunted, you and I, Master Bruce. And if I may say so, sir… I couldn’t beg, borrow or steal a finer way to live my life.

— Alfred Pennyworth

Let me get this straight. You think that your client, one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the world, is secretly a vigilante who spends his nights beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands; and your plan, is to *blackmail* this person? …..Good luck.

— Lucius Fox

No — Gotham doesn’t die — not on MY watch!

— James Gordon

Entertainment, Famous personality, Guardian, Leadership

One in the Same

November 15, 2011 David Keirsey Leave a comment

At last, every hero becomes a bore.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

He saw himself and the institution he built as one in the same.

He was revered and reviled. He was founder and the builder of an United States Federal institution, that now has over thirty thousand employees and has a budget of eight billion. Once upon a time, famous, and respected, he was idolized by kids in the 1930s, for he was responsible for creating the good feelings about G men (government men), the prototypical hero of law and order, and justice, in an earlier age when government wasn’t as pervasive as it is today. Later, he was hated and reviled, on the top of list of the 1960s conspiracy theorist’s boogie men: he was viewed as a nexus for secrets, power, and repression of free speech.

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Entertainment

Ancient Conflict

November 14, 2011 Derek Keirsey 6 Comments

Tarsem Singh‘s visually spectacular Greek mythology epic Immortals opened last Friday to mixed reviews and a $32 million box office weekend opening. Some call it a “living, breathing, work of art” while others ask “doesn’t Greece have enough problems already?” The film is an artistic depiction of several classic Greek myths including that of Theseus, the Minotaur, and the Titanomachy. While the film does succeed in being an impressive visual spectacle, the story ultimately falls short and those looking for an emotional connection to the characters will likely be disappointed. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 37% aggregate with its Top Critics giving it a 22%, while Metacritic gave it a 47 out of 100. In other words when a movie gets “mixed reviews” it usually just means the movie sucks. Most of the films issues lie in the screenplay, but if you are a movie fan or Greek mythology buff you should definitely check it out. Regardless of Singh‘s artistic direction or perhaps lack-there-of let’s take a look at Immortals’ four main characters with limited spoilers.

A father-less peasant named Theseus played by the new Superman Henry Cavill serves as the Artisan in the film, being highly skilled in martial arts and utterly fearless. Indeed it is Thesseus’ fearlessness that prompted Zeus to train him and provide guidance for him in the disguise of an old man.

An oracle priestess named Phaedra played by Freida Pinto serves as the Idealist in the film, being highly spiritual and gifted with visions and premonitions of the future. Indeed it is Phaedra who took notice of Thesseus’ destiny and affinity to the gods, and helped guide him along his path.

A ruthless and bloodthirsty mobilizer named King Hyperion played by Mickey Rourke serves as the Rational in the film, who rose from an unwanted peasant to the most powerful man in Greece. Hyperion is a mercilessly efficient leader and does whatever needs to be done to fulfill his aim of de-throning the tryanny of the Olympians.

The King of the Gods Zeus played by Luke Evans serves as the Guardian in the film, as the one who must enforce the rules of the Gods at all costs, while also protecting his Olympian family from the threat of the Titans. Indeed Zeus is forced to execute martial law when one of his fellow Olympians breaks the rule of not interfering in human affairs. He is also ultimately forced to defend his family’s right to the throne of Mount Olympus, which is probably the coolest part of the film.

If there was one human who could lead them against Hyperion, it would be Theseus. But it has to be his choice.

—Zeus (Immortals)

Entertainment

Imperious Logistics

November 11, 2011 Derek Keirsey 5 Comments

Filmmakers are reportedly looking to cast an unknown actress for the lead role of Artemesia in the 300 sequel titled 300: Battle of Artmesia, with screen testing to happen soon. The films events will be concurrent with the first film (which was a fictionalized account of the battle of Thermopylae), and will be told from the point of view of the Persian King Xerxes. A synopsis tell us that ‘Artemesia’ entices Xerxes to go to war using her “vindictive charm”. While the idiots in Hollywood that made 300 and that are going to make its sequel are rampant morons and are giving us a highly inaccurate account of what are actually pretty dope historical events (the Greco-Persian wars), let’s not dampen the mood and proceed by taking a look at the son of Darius the Great: mighty King Xerxes I of Persia.

King Xerxes son of Darius and Atossa of the Persian Empire was dubbed the ‘chosen king’ of Persia being a descendent of both Darius the Great and Cyrus the Great. Naturally he came to be called what? You guessed it. Xerxes the Great. Xerxes was crowned and succeeded his father in October 486 BC at the age of 36. Xerxes’ ascension to the throne was a smooth transition, as he immediately quelled active revolts in Egypt and Babylon. Xerxes’ first major undertaking as King of Persia of course was the second Persian invasion of Greece, an immense campaign that his father had made preparations for but could not lead due to his failing health. Xerxes then finished preparations and led his highly regimented and extremely diverse Persian army of more than two million strong across the Hellespont. Moving two million soldiers across a continent being a supreme logistical feat in and of itself, Xerxes topped such an accomplishment by bridging the Hellespont, an engineering and organizational triumph. The first attempt to bridge the Hellespont was not successful and in classic Guardian fashion Xerxes had the Hellespont Sea literally whipped for its impudence. Supremely authoritative, strictly commanding, extremely directive, and a logistical genius King Xerxes is undoubtedly a Supervisor Guardian. Indeed Xerxes led the Achaemenid Empire with an iron fist. Disobeying orders, rank, or command was fatal as Xerxes like many Supervisors was extremely ‘eager to enforce rules and procedures’. Supervisors however do ‘have a tendency to jump to conclusions too quickly’ as evidenced by Xerxes ordering a body of water to be whipped. Xerxes makes another brash decision after besting the Greek forces with some resistance (at Thermopylae as portrayed in 300), he reportedly had Athens burned out of spite. Realizing that his anger may have gotten the best of him, Xerxes ordered the city rebuilt the next day. The Battle of Thermopylae took place simultaneously with the naval Battle of Artemisium, the events of which the upcoming film will no doubt portray in typical moronic Hollywood fashion. 300: Battle of Artemisia is slated for a 2013 release.

There’s no turning back for either side of this conflict, only the question of who strikes first and who gets struck. Either our land will be theirs, or theirs will be ours; our mutual hatred allows no compromise.

—Xerxes I of Persia

Famous personality, Guardian, In Memoriam

Of the Greatest Generation

November 10, 2011 David Keirsey 1 Comment

He never wanted to talk about what he had seen.

He was typical of his generation, they just didn’t talk about it.

That is strange because he made a good living by talking. Or more accurately, reporting what he thought. He was a writer above all else. He was probably the most famous curmudgeon of all time.

He would complain. Like clockwork. For nigh thirty three years, every week, for a few minutes. Probably the best and funniest complainer on American TV.

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Entertainment

Marvel's Super-Squad Assembled

October 12, 2011 Derek Keirsey 1 Comment

The Avengers Official Trailer was released yesterday online giving us our first glimpse of Marvel Studios‘ purported blockbuster movie franchise. Given such thoroughly exciting news lets take a look at Marvel’s four flagship superheroes and the steadfast Logistical Administrator that leads them into battle.

Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures have strategically released independent films providing backstory for the Avengers’ four major characters. Those being Iron Man, the incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. And like any dynamic and complex set of major characters, these four ‘Avengers’ together represent all four basic personality types. Captain America is of course the stalwart Guardian who defends justice with his iconic shield. Hulk is likewise the emotional and impulsive Artisan who transforms into a raging beast when angered. Iron Man is the Rational industrialist and ingenious engineer that utilizes a mechanical suit. Finally Thor is the championing Idealist God of Thunder who fights ‘for Asgard’ and is constantly learning life’s lessons. Together, they assemble to fight against threats to humanity. Much like the four temperaments assemble to do the same.

Captain America is the hard-hitting Guardian who actually leads The Avengers into battle, with his infamous battle-cry ‘Avengers Assemble!‘. A born leader, defending justice with his iconic indestructible shield, The Sentinel of Liberty is undoubtedly a Supervisor Guardian. Strong, dependable, and hard-working: ‘Cap’ is a poster-boy for the ideals of our nation, a nation that was indeed founded by a Guardian. Dutiful, commanding, and disciplined Captain America is the vocal leader of the Avengers, and knows like all Supervisors do that one must ‘lead by example‘. The ‘first avenger‘, Steve Rogers is very much the back-bone of The Avengers, much like Guardians are the back-bone of society.

DC/Warner Bros. has made it known that it has similar aspirations to assemble it’s own superhero team in a similar way and put a Justice League Film together by 2013 in order to directly compete with Marvel’s The Avengers. One could argue that they are slightly behind schedule, since Chris Nolan’s Batman franchise will not be connected with a JLA (Justice League of America) film, and neither will Zack Snyder’s upcoming Man of Steel. That leaves DC with only one established character in the Justice League Universe that of which being Green Lantern who’s film without being too cynical was quite the thespian blunder. Warner Bros. president Jeff Robinov has made it clear however that a Justice League film in 2013 is the studios top priority despite all evidence to the contrary. Earth’s Greatest Hero’s assemble in theater near you on May 4, 2012.

Entertainment

The Bat Squad

October 10, 2011 Derek Keirsey Leave a comment

With the Dark Knight Rises filming in major cities Pittsburg and now Los Angeles naturally a plethora of on-set spy photos and videos have surfaced all over the web, most of which have been quite spoilerish. This most recent spy video is perhaps the most revealing one as it shows Bruce Wayne ‘limping’ with a cane out of his Lamborghini into a party. This of course strengthens arguments that the film will borrow plot points from the story arch “Knightfall“ in which antagonist Bane badly injures Batman and infamously breaks his back.

Without giving too much away let’s take a closer look at the titular Caped Crusader, and his well-rounded supporting cast. Bruce Thomas Wayne had the unfortunate luck of witnessing his parents murder by a mugger as a young child, an event that no doubt had a major impact on his life. Arrogant billionaire industrialist and notorious playboy by day, and a ruthless masked vigilante by night, Batman/Bruce Wayne is undoubtedly a Promoter Artisan. Bold, daring, and audacious with a tough-minded persona Bruce knows as most Promoters do that ‘nice guys finish last‘.

Primarily trusting his impulses with a knack for tool usage, Batman is definitely an Artisan, but certainly doesn’t get the job done all by himself. Alfred Pennyworth is Batman’s faithful and tireless Guardian butler and confidant. Lucius Fox is Batman’s Rational financier, gadget man, and behind-the-scenes business manager of Wayne Enterprises. Commissioner Gordon is Batman’s Idealist link to Gotham City’s Police Force who is strictly and naively concerned with ridding Gotham City of evil. Given such a well-rounded bat-squad let’s hope that even with a broken back Batman will be able to best his powerful nemesis Bane in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated conclusion to his blockbuster trilogy.

Word on the streets is that the Dark Knight Rises’ ending sequence is so over-the-top that it is only known by five people including Christopher Nolan and will be done entirely in CG. So apparently Nolan’s conclusion is so epic that it has to be done entirely in visual effects? Guess we’ll find out July 20, 2012!

Uncategorized

Super Brawl

September 30, 2011 Derek Keirsey 2 Comments

DC Comics is relaunching its entire stockpile of 52 comic book titles this month in hopes of reaching a broader audience. Such a ‘reboot’ goes hand-in-hand with DC’s parent company Warner Bros. aspirations to put a Justice League Film together by 2013 in order to directly compete with Marvel’s The Avengers. Warner Bros. new president Jeff Robinov has made it clear that such a project is the studio’s top priority with the company looking for a new cash cow in the wake of Harry Potter’s franchise concluding. Regardless of the logistic reality of such a task let’s take a look at the four main characters of DC’s flagship team of superheroes. Superman is the indestructible Guardian known as the Big Blue Boyscout who is steadfastly reliable and follows a strict code of ethics. Batman is the billionaire playboy industrialist Artisan who dons a mask at night and ‘beats criminals to a bloody pulp with his bare hands’. Green Lantern is the nurturing Idealist who wields a ‘power ring’ that translates his imagination into green energy using the strength of his willpower. Finally The Flash is the Rational scientist who thinks at superhuman speed, travels through time, and defies the laws of physics. Marvel/Disney clearly has an advantage in Hollywood having almost wrapped principal photography on the Avengers after solidly establishing all four major characters. DC/Warner Brothers on the other hand has it’s work cut out for it having not successfully established any major characters yet outside of Chris Nolan’s Batman franchise. Robinov however has made it clear that a Justice League of America film will happen in 2013 regardless of how many characters have been solidly established with audiences beforehand. Given these two supersquads I think the question on everyones mind is: which one wins in a streetfight?

Uncategorized

Assembly Required

September 28, 2011 Derek Keirsey 2 Comments

The Avengers is Marvel/Disney’s hopeful blockbuster franchise slated to assemble at a theater near you during the summer of 2012. Marvel studios and Walt Disney pictures have strategically released independent films providing backstory for the Avengers’ four major characters. Those being Iron Man, the incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. And like any dynamic and complex set of major characters, these four ‘Avengers’ together represent all four basic personality types. Captain America is of course the stalwart Guardian who defends justice with his iconic shield. Hulk is likewise the emotional and impulsive Artisan who transforms into a raging beast when angered. Iron Man is the Rational industrialist and ingenious engineer that utilizes a mechanical suit of armor. Finally Thor is the championing Idealist god of thunder who fights ‘for Asgard’ and is constantly learning life’s lessons. Together, they assemble to fight against threats to humanity. Much like the four temperaments assemble to do the same.

Famous personality, Four Temperaments

Be A Viking Bystander

August 16, 2011 David Keirsey 5 Comments

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” spoken by Atticus Finch, in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.

How do you “truly” climb into another’s skin and walk around? It is a hard thing to do, well. For that person may be a different kind of person from you, from a different time, and from a different place.

My avocation since I was a child was as a Viking bystander. My vocation lately has been as a Viking reader of books and people.

One can try to “climb into another’s skin” through watching a movie or play, or reading a book. This is something we can do as humans. We can visit different lands and different tribes – the modern words for “lands” and “tribes” is countries and cultures. We can also visit different “ages” – through movies and living in cultures that are “slower” than your “culture” – although there are limitations and there is a possibility to not really get the “gestalt” of that age and place.

Mostly, we don’t understand “truly” – the Temperament, the Tribe, the Age that is not like us

But we can try.

Here are some autobiographies of the various Temperaments, many from a different time and different place. Climb into the person’s skin, and walk around in it – at least for awhile.

Rationals

Ben Franklin (Inventor)

Mark Twain (Inventor)

Margaret Thatcher (Fieldmarshal)

Ulysses S. Grant (Mastermind)

Charles Darwin (Architect)

Linus Torvalds (Architect)

Idealists

Jane Goodall (Counselor)

Mohandas Gandhi (Counselor)

Jane Fonda (Teacher)

Albert Schweitzer (Healer)