Category Archives: Uncategorized
Violins Have a Fuse?
What if movies existed in the late 1700s?
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 defined music in the late 18th century and early into the 19th century. John Williams and Hans Zimmer have arguably made the same contribution with definitive styles and sounds to musical compositions in the late 20th century and early into the 21st century.
Add composer Danny Elfman and artist Artie Kane to the honorable mention list.
And add violinist extraordinaire and movie super fan Taylor Davis as well…?
Inspired by her fandom of a B-movie classic from 1996, violinist Taylor Davis achieved a new, cool level of nostalgic vindication as the cinematic fuse dramatically burns. She beautifully bridged two moments in time separated by nearly four centuries (the creation of the violin and a movie soundtrack) for the original performance above that’s primed for social media sharing. Pop culture is often regarded as a lesser art form. That’s the truth, rightly and wrongly. And yet, absent a fondness for decade defined by brilliant major motion pictures, including Mission: Impossible, the creativity and skill shown by modern musician Taylor Davis wouldn’t exist.
The talent of Ms. Davis makes one wonder about the shelf-life of film scores. As a longtime fan of movie soundtracks, my vote is indisputably in the category that music written and performed for movies are tragically underrated. Why aren’t songs from popular film scores played on the radio?
Some movie soundtracks and its unforgettable instrumentals reveal musical genius.
At least I know Taylor Davis agrees with that sentiment.
The Great (Protected) Fall of China
And you thought only Superman could see through things?
Vertigo sufferers may not need apply for directions to the longest and highest glass bridge in the world. Eye-popping views are not uncommon with bridges of all shapes and sizes, but China has clearly raised the thrill-factor to a new level. And, impressively, this ground-breaking sight was constructed for the everyday visitor. That means experience climbing Mt. Everest is not a prerequisite, which was a courteous touch on the part of Haim Dotan. The Israeli architect has certainly made his impression in far away China.
The six-meter wide bridge stretches 430 meters over a 300-meter-deep valley between two cliffs in the beautiful Zhangjiajie Park, said to have inspired the scenery for the sci-fi movie “Avatar.”
–CNN
CNN also reported that a bungee jump will be set-up at the bridge. YouTube videos will follow shortly…
Mr. Dotan’s imaginative creation will also be conducive to the artistic, fashion-forward and, quite frankly, the brave: Fashion runway shows.
Safety inspections may be slightly more frequent than other, more pedestrian bridges. However, seeing and speaking with safety professionals and engineers might be nice, even if to just put visitors at ease.
That would be the transparent approach.
Happy Monday!
Typically, a music video doesn’t require an explanation or introduction.
However, Coldplay doesn’t announce or produce music videos in typical fashion.
(As described on Coldplay’s website)
“The video was filmed in Mexico City during the band’s sold out Latin American stadium tour in April. Directed by Marcus Haney and shot predominantly on Super 8mm film, it features the band cycling to their show at the city’s Foro Sol venue (where they set a new attendance record). The video begins with Charlie Chaplin’s speech from The Great Dictator, which also opens the #AHFODtour live show.”
Coldplay’s newest music video is to their hit single, “A Head Full of Dreams.” This song is the title of the album, which makes the journey from the streets of Mexico City during the day to a rocking stadium at night all the more appropriate. The music video, energized by the uplifting sound and lyrics by the pop rock quartet, came together for a unique Coldplay experience.
Have an Inspired Week!
Crikey, I’ve Never Seen That Before
You’ve never been so happy to be aboard a plane for hours and hours.
My family’s Christmas tradition, starting from when I was about 5, was to travel somewhere foreign and exotic. Broadening our perspective and soaring far beyond (and above) our preconceived horizons was always a thrill for me, my two older sisters and my parents. No matter what’s happening in our lives, good or bad, traveling somewhere new always proves to be a magical escapism.
From the New Year’s flight over Antarctica to standing in snow watching my sister ski down an indoor slope in Dubai to sleeping in the desert in Oman to enjoying dinner under the stars with Uluru (Ayers Rock) serving as the backdrop, venturing off to exciting places around the world is something I am eternally grateful to my parents for throughout my life. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover my appreciation for these priceless experiences.
And on equilibrium with the destinations are the memories of the journey.
Seeing the world unfold in ways we never thought possible is why we travel. To hear about a far off place is one thing, but to witness and embrace a new culture in-person is enlightening in the best ways imaginable. The sights, sounds and people far exceed what you anticipate. As divided as the world seems these days, one saving grace I’ve always kept close to my vest (not literally, but you know what I mean) is that everywhere I’ve traveled, the people, rich and poor, have been kind, helpful and inspiring.
Experiencing life’s wonder with friends and family, as well as with friendly strangers, is part of the beauty of it all. When you’re on vacation, anything can happen.
Like going on a spur-of-the-moment late night stroll along a riverbank in Kakadu National Park in the Australian Outback with Ranger Ted in an effort to spot crocodiles. And, for the record, we succeeded. Ranger Ted told us to pause our walk to focus our eyes on these two red dots in the middle of the river. From those two red eyes reflecting in the water to the tip of its tail, the crocodile’s length was ~15 feet.
True story.
That’s why we escape the daily grind for an overseas adventure, isn’t it?
Jimmy's Daily Planet 