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The Sweet Sound of Eureka
Randomness is a wonderful thing.
Occasionally, the gift of randomly stumbling onto something completely out of the blue can pay enormous dividends. Perhaps “stumbling” isn’t the best word…”slashing” sounds better.
Today is one of those days.
Slash (birth name is Saul Hudson) is a living legend and icon, famous for his trademark curly black hair, black top hat and black aviator shades.
Oh, and he riffs on the guitar from time-to-time.
Slash’s talent is visionary and his wisdom is equally enlightening. Watching a documentary (Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip) about his life growing up on the Strip is a must-see for anybody even mildly interested in the rock scene in LA. Some of music’s biggest names during the past 30 years explained their experiences and personal connections with this crazy good musician dedicated to his craft.
His musical portfolio, and persona, will survive the test of time. Slash is among a special collection of rock stars that will inspire future musicians to pick up an instrument in a music shop as opposed to a laptop (or enter a nationally televised singing competition) to make music that connects with people on a deeply personal level.
On that note…
Randomness: The gift that keeps on giving.
Shaken, not Stirred
Successfully managing the night could lead to booking a future hotel guest by the name of Tom Ford.
The same Tom Ford who tailors the suits for James Bond.
As fans of the 007 franchise remain shaken over the uncertain future of its leading man, witty 35-year-old British actor Tom Hiddleston is giving audiences a glimpse into his theatrical skills as a hotel night manager turned spy in The Night Manager on the BBC earlier this year and currently on AMC. Adapted from John le Carré‘s 1993 novel of the same name, with necessary narrative changes (the mini-series begins in the middle of the Arab Spring in Cairo, Egypt), Mr. Hiddleston’s portrayal as a spy has captured the imagination of viewers and critics alike. American viewers are 5 weeks into the 6 week mini-series. The reviews have been quite positive.
- 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
- 8.4/10 on IMDb
- 82% on Metacritic
After Daniel Craig not-so-eloquently expressed his exhaustion after preparing, filming and finishing the grand spectacle that is Spectre, which involved breaking glassware with some cheeky, dry wit that many took as absolutely literal, predicting the next 007 has gained considerable attention. The news surrounding this potential acting change has garnered more than the usual fanfare concerning this debate of British national pride and intrigue. Lingering above all the non-stop speculation is the indecisive nature of Mr. Craig, who has performed at a near Sean Connery level of James Bond in his four films (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre). Mr. Craig’s brutal realism and complementing charm has perfectly elevated the 20th century character to the challenges of the 21st century.
Here comes the intersection of Mr. Craig and Mr. Hiddleston.
Fans want Daniel Craig to stay (fully understanding the finality of Spectre dating back to 2006’s Casino Royale), but he’s given enough of a hint that he needs a break, at the very least. Fair enough. Fans, in watching the critically acclaimed Night Manager, are contemplating a new beginning and indisputable reinvention of the character for a new story line. Let’s not ignore the recent sighting of Tom Hiddleston with Sam Mendes, the director of Skyfall and Spectre.
What was said at this meeting? No way to know as those involved aren’t disclosing the details.
Ironically, this sort of extraction of information is a job fit for a man named Bond…James Bond.
Here is where this story gets ever-more interesting.
Betting odds involving which British actor will play 007 next has been suspended. These are the odds makers in England, encouraging cause for an eyebrow raise in this ongoing debate. Again though, it must be stressed that Daniel Craig has not officially declared he’s done with the iconic role. On the Today Show with Matt Lauer promoting Spectre last November, he hinted at the possibility of coming back.
As Lloyd Christmas would say, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance…”
Until an official announcement is made by the studio, we are left to piece together what we can like the spy himself and simply wonder.
It’s just most of us don’t want to wonder about James Bond without Daniel Craig.
Fourth Be With You May It
What day is today?
Yoda knows.
In 1977, George Lucas (still forgiving him the best we can for Episodes I, II and III) unleashed his imagination to the world with an out-of-this-world space operatic adventure that redefined cinema and the culture in too many ways to identify and describe.
Need a little proof?
May 4th is officially regarded as Star Wars Day. To be more precise, we celebrate today with, “May the 4th Be With You.”
The movie and subsequent franchise that changed everything was born out of something less certain and more fluid than some may realize. George Lucas, as heard in the clip below, describes the inception of Star Wars and a few of its leading characters. For any fan, and even the 17 non-fans out there, listening to how the man behind the amazing creation of this epic saga realized his galaxy far, far, away is compelling.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to turn on my lightsaber and let The Force be with me.
And may it also be with you.
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 