Monthly Archives: April 2016
Happy Monday!
The park opens…again.
Jurassic World is poised to continue its dominance, this time with HBO subscribers. The 4th installment in the Jurassic Park franchise made its first television premiere this past weekend. Watching the opening sequence again reignites the imagination of viewers as to why it was the cinematic monster of last summer. The first 10 minutes of the film are quintessential Spielberg, proof that director Colin Trevorrow did his homework for rebooting the series with a familiar tone and trademark character development.
The tease for something mysteriously epic is established from the first frame.
And the first minute was perfect for the story that unfolds. In fact, these sixty seconds are a clever throwback to the original.
Here’s to Devising/Genetically-Engineering an Incredible Start to the Week!
Was McDonald’s Always Lovin’ It?
McDonald’s makes the best french fries in the world. Reaching into the bag or sitting under the golden arches and taking that first salty bite is a serene experience.
Have you ever wondered how this perfect encapsulation (and magnetism) of fast food deliciousness came to be?
The story of this revolutionary fast food restaurant highlights how an idea took off and never looked back. After visiting McDonald’s #1 courtesy of Ray Kroc outside Chicago in Des Plaines, Illinois and Hamburger University in Oak Brook, Illinois, the history of McDonald’s came alive. This is not simply a family-friendly restaurant chain, but something much more. There’s an “it” factor.
I even have an authentic Hamburger U flag to prove it!
Arriving in theaters this August, Ray Kroc’s drive and ambition can be seen as Michael Keaton, Laura Dern and Nick Offerman star in The Founder that illustrates the saga of how we’ve all come to love McDonald’s. But first, let’s see how Mr. Kroc and the McDonald brothers cleaned the grease stains that appear to have put the now multi-billion franchise in some early jeopardy.
Even if you are not a fan of McDonald’s or fast food, Ray Kroc changed the way millions upon millions of people around the world (yes, you and me) eat not just on a daily basis, but on a meal-meal and snack-to-meal basis.
Speaking of which, I wonder if there’s some golden arches near by?
Just kidding! Of course there are.
McDonald’s even has a monopoly on fast food jokes.
The Sun Has Set on Music’s Purple Mountain Majesty
If it’s raining where you live, there’s a good chance you’ll be seeing flickers of purple in those rain drops.
Prince, the musically eccentric performer from Minnesota, has died. He was only 57 years old, an age that will cause reflection from those older and younger.
His music was unique, inspired by some of music’s brightest stars.
Prince channeled the dance moves of James Brown, the guitar virtuosity of Jimi Hendrix and the theatricality of “Sgt. Peppers”-era Beatles.
–Jon Schuppe and Jacquellena Carrero, NBC News
Prince was not only admired by many, but he also had quite the sense of humor. Incredibly (and hysterically), the 5’2″ music man used comedian Dave Chappelle’s impersonation of him for an album cover.
True story.
“What am I going to do — sue him for using a picture of me dressed up like him? … That’s checkmate right there.”
–Dave Chappelle on The Tonight Show in June of 2014.
And let’s not forget about Prince on stage. Remember that year he performed during the halftime of the Super Bowl?
(Press Play, then “Watch this video on YouTube”)
RIP Prince.
D.B.’s Treasured Process
Inferno was red hot as a book back in 2013 and Inferno is set to be a red hot movie in theaters this October 28th.
Interestingly, when people hear this word/literary title, it may be fair to conclude that Dante is losing a bit of ground in the modern era when it comes to association…to his most well-known work.
Made famous through his intelligent thrill rides through Europe’s luxuriously historical capitals with plain-hidden secrets galore, led by an unsuspecting professor of symbols, author Dan Brown has captured our imaginations and cognitive curiosities with Leonardo da Vinci, the Pope, Vatican, the Freemasons and now Dante’s Inferno. One reason (among many) why his writing transcends his competitors in a similar space is his skill at leaving his readers wanting more.
The story ends, the last page is turned over, and yet we find ourselves researching for more answers. Mind you, these questions aren’t concentrated on problems with the book. Instead, most wish the story didn’t end. Unfortunately, reality takes over and the realization of the time, effort and creativity that ultimately builds a Dan Brown classic spans years. Fortunately, Hollywood loves to adapt blockbuster books and Mr. Brown’s tales fit the silver screen like a Harris Tweed jacket at Harvard.
Even more fortunate is Dan Brown agrees to the occasional interview when he’s not dreaming up his Robert Langdon’s next adventure.
We know Dan Brown’s exciting fictional side, but it’s equally satisfying to discover his non-fictional side is entertainingly upside down.
Getting even a quick glimpse into the mind that has crafted acclaimed books on a global scale is worthwhile and educational. Like most endeavors in life, the rugged journey, scattered with potholes, misdirection and random glimmers of inspiration provides the greatest insight into how this crazy world goes ’round.
Aside from the Earth’s axis.
Future story idea: I wonder if Dan Brown (D.B.) will ever send Robert Langdon on a domestic journey into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest to solve the thrilling, unsolved mystery of D.B. Cooper and his lost treasure?
Jimmy's Daily Planet 