Category Archives: Uncategorized

This Story is a Kroc

Before a brand can become a brand that everyone knows and loves, it needs something:

A founder.

Everybody knows about McDonald’s. Most people are probably aware of the name Ray Kroc and his association with McDonald’s. However, very few people likely know the incredible story of how a fast food joint became a global phenomenon.

Just as The Social Network is a film that highlights the brilliant happenstance of American ingenuity, so may The Founder. A trailer was just released for the new year with Michael Keaton starring as Ray Kroc, who is, you guessed it…

Building and managing a company is a complex undertaking inherent with infinite challenges (seen and unforeseen) that’s never as easy as people may imagine, despite a speedy drive-thru. Ensuring that all the moving pieces are functioning properly and are accounted for is akin to clockwork: Even one small malfunction can potentially jeopardize the entire operation. Back when McDonald’s was introducing its burgers and fries to the American public during the mid-1950s, there were probably as many reasons why this new restaurant should succeed as there were to why it should fail.

Someone needs to be a leader and determine how to transform a vision into a successful reality. The Founder looks like an entertaining true story with fascinating insight into how fast food (and even entire cultures) were changed forever by way of a daring American Dream.

I’ve gotta say…I’m lovin’ it so far.

These Musical Chairs Are a Force Unlike Any Other

Continuing yesterday’s blog post, let’s explore a bit of the force and its enduring power…

John Williams.

Enough said, I know. Mr. Williams is a masterful music composer who is responsible for some of the most iconic and treasured movie scores in history. Among them, the theme from Jaws (1975), all the Star Wars films (starting in 1977), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Superman (1978), all the Indiana Jones films (starting in 1981), E.T. (1982), Home Alone (1990), Schindler’s List (1993), Jurassic Park (1993) and so on.

Forgive me for not listing all his movie soundtracks, but it’s a very long list.

Returning to the Star Wars franchise was a thrill for Mr. Williams, as he explains in the video below. Inspired by the chance viewing of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope on the first day of 2017, any reason to listen to and learn from a genius is a good one. And this is one of those occasions. For any fan of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (or of brilliant music in general), please enjoy a special behind-the-scenes look into the process for writing and imagining the soundtrack for the blockbuster smash hit The Force Awakens.

If that interview makes you ponder life in a slightly unorthodox, yet better way, then the force may not be that far off for you…

Happy Monday

The first movie I watched (well, re-watched) in 2017 was Stars Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Fitting.

Movie soundtracks are a source of great intrigue, analysis and enjoyment on Jimmy’s Daily Planet. Instrumentals, if done correctly, are genuine works of art. A masterpiece of this variety that’s written and performed for a major motion picture evokes powerful emotions in our conscious and subconscious, all the while inspiring and accompanying unforgettable moments of cinematic storytelling that have the very capability to change how we view the real world around us.

One such instrumental is featured in the intergalactic blockbuster Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. Musical genius John Williams composed a wonderful score for The Force Awakens, including the gem that can be heard below with the single click of your computer mouse.

2017: How will you awaken your force this year?

Have a Better Week than Last Week.

Happy New Year’s Eve (Eve)

New Year’s Eve is upon us.

2016 was a roller coaster year, filled with ups and downs that, at times, changed on a daily basis. Coupled with the occasional (and necessary!) look back at nostalgia, whether it be last month, last year, 5, 10, 20 or more years ago, life is a future-looking endeavor. Tomorrow is a new day. It just so happens that tomorrow’s tomorrow will ring in a brand new year:

2017.

Along with remembering and building on your successes in 2016, also take the opportunity of a new year to recall your shortcomings and to not let people walk all over you if you happen to have a personable demeanor. Instead, make the necessary pivot without losing your core character and run your life like a, what’s the word?

What do I mean? Jim Halpert, help me out.

Service with a smile.