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The Spinning Top Generation
(Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite)
What did forthcoming Princeton University graduates want to hear this week as they prepare to enter the overwhelmingly expansive real world that’s full of twists and turns and unlimited pathways that are equal part linear and non-linear?
A speech from today’s cinematic and storytelling expert on grit, epic realities and dreams: Christopher Nolan.
“In the great tradition of these speeches, generally someone says something along the lines of ‘Chase your dreams,’ but I don’t want to tell you that because I don’t believe that,” he told the students at Class Day. “I want you to chase your reality.”
One of the constants in movies by Nolan is that regardless of the setting, everything is realistic (and yes, this applies to those astonishing dream sequences). He proposed a novel idea in his speech: aspiring to our desired reality. This certainly includes, Inception, which he referenced to and added just a little context to that excruciatingly famous ending.
Instead of floating off onto a cloud above our reach towards the bright light of our dreams, he wants us to pick a reality and do anything we have to do to reach it. Like his movies, the main protagonist(s) are thrown into extraordinary situations, yet they choose to battle whatever barriers stand in their way. However psychologically draining or physically dominating their enemy/wave/tumbling hallway is, we must feel the bumps in the road on our feet, the rain on our faces and feel terrified by the surrounding thunder and lightning.
Why?
Because we have the knowledge to achieve a lot, but it’s only by testing and adjusting this knowledge through life’s unsuspecting experiences that we will ultimately learn how to reach and become our coveted reality. In essence, Nolan’s message is to add practicality to our journey and future, no matter the environment:
A dream is above us, but reality is in front of us.
I think the students listening were just glad that he adjusted the mind-bending element of his speech down from 90% to 70%.
You could say that was a bit of a dream come true.
The Beautiful Resignation
(Daily Mail)
FIFA’s mountain of corruption, bribery and destruction towards the beautiful game for decades has been hit at the place many demanded, yet presumed was impossible to reach: the summit.
“Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s long-time president, announced on Tuesday that he will be resigning as soon as an extraordinary FIFA congress has elected a successor,” Leander Schaerlaeckens wrote (FC Yahoo).
The four-term president (who was elected to a fifth-term just days ago) signifies that the 14 arrests made late last week of FIFA officials and executives is truly the seismic shift the soccer world has been wanting amid relentless controversies and favoritism for more than 20 years that violated clear ethical grounds and the very integrity of the game itself. This is not a minor moment. It has shaken soccer’s foundation, for the better. While this news currently looks like a cloaked admission of guilt or impropriety in the very least by Blatter, it’s a massive declaration, nonetheless, that will prove to be a powerful pivot for soccer.
What was discovered about Blatter? Was this a strategy/agreement to prevent the disclosure of damaging evidence? How much pressure did soccer’s biggest advertisers apply to Blatter and FIFA? Will votes be recast for the 2018 World Cup? The 2022 World Cup?
These are important questions that need to be asked and answered. As of right now, the future is unclear. However, this rainy, overcast feeling is far superior to the smoke that was created by the multiple fires of corruption and bribery the soccer world has been living under for far too long with Blatter in charge. The chance for a bright sunrise on soccer fields around the world is finally here. As soccer is the world’s most popular game, the subsequent decisions made by FIFA will define this broken institution and be analyzed by fans of this sport for generations to come. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for genuine change for good.
The penalty kick has been given in the championship game and it’s tied in extra time. It’s golden goal.
Whose going to take it?
Happy Monday!
“{I understand we’re in} the place of the champions.”
While Mick Jagger was trying to get some local street cred (well done, by the way), the crowd was thinking they were in the presence of some musical champions.
It was that kind of night.
The Rolling Stones erupted on stage with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” to kick-off their rocking concert in Ohio Stadium this past Saturday night with 60,000+ fans singing and dancing along. And the crowd was quite eclectic, featuring several generations of people that made for a great environment to see such a legendary rock n’ roll band. Their 19-song playlist (with one special rendition of a hometown favorite) focused on their immensely popular album, “Sticky Fingers,” as well as a few of their smash hits: “Satisfaction,” “Start Me Up” and “Paint It Black.”
Running and dancing (or grazing for Keith Richards) to every square inch of their enormous stage revealed that these older gents from across the pond are not only still very talented, but are first-class entertainers. Age wasn’t a factor. Mick Jagger had moves like, well, Jagger! The Stones emphatically proved that there is no age limit from having unbridled fun.
They put on a spectacular show for more than 2 hours and, perhaps best of all, it looked, felt and sounded like an old school rock n’ roll concert with some welcomed modern flare. They even brought in the Ohio University Singers to help them with, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” which was amazing.
Fans stood for the entire night, which just raised the already incredible energy level. This was in addition to Jagger’s infectious buoyancy on stage. Turning to occasionally look around the packed stadium revealed that we were all in this thing together and it was an awesome feeling. And even with all the aforementioned classics that were played and received with remarkable enthusiasm, the moment that got the foundation shaking was when the Stones performed a song that has a very special place in the hearts of all Ohioans.
Yes, they happily went there.
Have a Rolling Good Week!
P.S. This special logo for the concert and accompanying custom-made apparel didn’t hurt.
(Schottenstein Center)
Jimmy's Daily Planet 