The phrase "a thousand points of light" was popularized by US president George H. W. Bush, and later formed the name of a private, non-profit organization launched by Bush to support volunteerism.
History
The term was used by George Bush in his speech accepting the presidential nomination at the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans. Written for Bush by Peggy Noonan and Craig R. Smith, the address likened America's clubs and volunteer organizations to "a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky."
Bush reprised the phrase near the end of his speech, affirming that he would "keep America moving forward, always forward—for a better America, for an endless enduring dream and a thousand points of light."
He repeated the phrase in his inaugural address on January 20, 1989:
A 1991 article in The New York Times noted that the phrase had inspired "a host of caustic political satires, including cartoons of devastated communities as 'a thousand points of blight.'"
Points of Light is an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in the United States dedicated to engaging more people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service.
Each year, Points of Light mobilizes millions of people through affiliates in approximately 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and companies.
History
Points of Light was formed in 2007 by the merger of the Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network. Encouraged by major donors and affiliates, the two organizations merged with the goal of strengthening volunteerism, streamlining costs and services and deepening impact.
The Points of Light Foundation was created in 1990 as a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. to promote the spirit of volunteerism described by U.S. President George H. W. Bush in his 1989 inaugural address, "I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good."
The flexibility of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) game rules means that Dungeon Masters (DM) are free to create their own fantasy campaign settings. For those who wanted a pre-packaged setting in which to play, TSR, Wizards of the Coast (WotC), and other publishers have created many settings in which D&D games can be based; of these, the Forgotten Realms, an epic fantasy world, has been one of the most successful and critically acclaimed settings. Many campaign settings include standard sword and sorcery environments, while others borrow Oriental, Central American, swashbuckling, horror and even space-travel themes.
These are official D&D campaign settings published or licensed by TSR or WotC. Some, like original settings Blackmoor and Greyhawk, are no longer published or officially licensed, though all have active fan bases.
Birthright
A setting in which the players took on the powers of the divinely-empowered rulers of nations, with emphasis on tactical gameplay with a broad scope. This campaign setting is no longer officially supported.
However, Wizards of the Coast does have a fan-driven community which has converted the setting to version 3.5 and is currently working on a 4.0 conversion.
"AS the hordes of the night finally were defeated, nature was beginning on it's task to restore Dragonland to it's former grandeur and beauty. The sun reached the surface for the first time in a hundred years, revealing the scars the evil reign had bestowed upon the earth. But alas, we could yet again live as the free people we once were. Thus, fulfilling all of the lost saviour prophecies on but one aspect, I knew my quest was far from finished. As I kneeled in the bloodslaked soil of the battlefield, the sky itself seemed to open up an reach for me, call for me. After a moment of hesitance all was clear..." As this eternal struggle has come to end The light of life now shines upon us once again But can we truly be free of tyranny and grief? I see a thousand points of light reaching for me Now nature grows and blooms and people live again Yet this is not the end I feel it This power given to me is more than I can bear Unbidden flowing through my mind Divine it is but it could ruin this world I see a thousand points of light reaching for me Now nature grows and blooms and people live again Yet this is not the end I fear it I am the one to end this game This world will never be the same I have the power in my hands The Time has come to save all life I'll do what it takes no more lies I'll choose the destiny of Dragonland A thousand points of light the madness now have to end I've yet to destroy the ones, the Gods, responsible for this A thousand points of light my final quest is at hand To let people live their lives in peace without Gods and without me [Solo] With great reluctance I reached into the light I rise up to the skies enraged and full of might They stand before me radiating azure-blue I'll fight them till the end, yes, that's what I must do And I shall rid this world of Gods to rule our lives So now the end is here I know it With all my force I strike them down They scream in anguish as they drown In fire they now turn to sand They beg for mercy I give none My live is over my quest done I've saved all living here in Dragonland A thousand points of light the madness now it has end I've yet to become one with all one with universe A thousand points of light Dragonland is at peace A thousand points of light
Bush approach — “a thousand points of light,” where heroes of all sorts must address the inexorably evolving spectrum of climate health concerns ... The devil lies in how well a thousand points of light ...
As we entered the first tunnel, I recalled the phrase “thousand points of light” that was first used by President George Bush, Sr ... stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.".
