Blog Archives
Zooming Through the Looking Glass
The next several months could redefine the future of transportation in the 21st century.
The startup company Hyperloop Technologies — which takes its name from Elon Musk’s proposed invention but has no direct connection to him — announced today that it will build a test track for the ultra-fast transportation service in North Las Vegas, Nevada…The company plans to test its custom designed electric motor to speeds of up to 540 km/hour (about 335 mph) on a 1 km (about 0.62 miles) long track.
—, “The Hyperloop Will Begin Testing in Nevada in 2016”
Airfares continue to increase and flying attire and attitude have become far too casual, trains have limited rail systems and nobody wants to use (or at least admit) that they’ve traveled on a Greyhound bus. Like energy, alternatives to traveling from Point A to Point B are actively being explored. The Hyperloop is just the latest example that proves innovation is where the brightest future resides.
The consequence of living in a minute-to-minute (even second-to-second) society has undeniably reached the transportation sector. People crave immediacy.
Here is a video illustration of future travel that would break the (speed) limits as we know them today.
Ladies and gentlemen: The Hyperloop.
If the forthcoming tests during the first part of next year are positive for this Jetsons-like method of conveyance, the public’s reaction and inquiry will be aimed directly at Hyperloop’s team at 100 miles per hour.
Well, technically 335 miles per hour.
Art’s Infinite Heights
What on earth is this?
This fantastic, swirling mess titled, “The Vertigo of Eros” by Roberto Matta caught my eye today at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). There were many pieces that caused a pause in my step on this rainy afternoon, but this painting certainly had that “it” factor. There was a next-level dimension to it, which is a common characteristic of great art.
But what does it mean?
The verdict is ambiguous, to say the least. Two different people could offer two different reactions. There’s no clear picture of what’s happening in the painting, especially to the casual passerby.
And yet, this work of art is showing us something vaguely recognizable, something to connect with.
While my final conclusion will require a little more time, there are definitely elements of excitement, a labyrinth of creativity and insight and an epic journey that awaits, just waiting to be explored.
With an important job interview tomorrow, experiencing masterpieces and new artistic visions in-person was definitely worth the price of admission.
Including the vertigo.
Starry Sight
Vincent van Gogh was a genius.
That esteemed term, typically reserved for the few, is far too often granted to the many. However, in the case of the Dutch painter born March 30, 1853, it’s appropriate. Despite only reaching 37 years of age and painted portraits with an expression that balances between indifference and scowling, his legacy is surprisingly inspiring and long-lasting. The way that van Gogh conceptualized the world in colorfully wavy, yet defined spaces screams (sorry, wrong artist) a visionary that captivates people and admirers alike 125 years after he passed away.
Remarkable.
His masterpiece is “Starry Night.” As a matter of fact, it’s my personal favorite. On April 12, 2013 at 6:03 p.m. (iPhone picture info.), I was a mere three-feet from this chef-d’oeuvre!
(“Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh, MoMA)
There are many tributes to Vincent van Gogh and to “Starry Night” in particular. The following use of dominoes is truly something else.
“FlippyCat—easily the most patient YouTube celebrity—spent around 11 hours recreating Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night using 7,067 carefully stacked dominoes that were then sent tumbling in a glorious chain reaction.”
–Andrew Liszewski, Gizmodo
Creativity has a tendency to reveal new, unseen dimensions.
It’s like discovering a new constellation.
Betting Big on a Message
“I want you to want me”
Late last night, the quintessential ’90s romantic comedy (with raw emotional depth, edge and incredible deftness at the angst and hilarious realities of living within the relentless tornado of high school cliques) 10 Things I Hate About You played on HBO and it was a wonderful escape. This movie, with a pitch perfect cast, shows what can happen when creative storytellers (actors and actresses) are given a creative story (the script) to interpret intersections of romantic quests, heartbreak with seemingly immovable barriers and the continuous dancing on the edge between funny and crude.
For those who have seen 10 Things, the latter always fell on funny.
And that’s the point. The 100-minute movie still sparks repeat views and flashbacks of happy, nostalgic memories because it told a fantastic story that connects with people in a positive light. This despite its all-to-familiar gut-wrenching moments of trying to find and understand love. The journey was tough (with subtle nods to a tame Shakespeare play), but genuinely worthwhile and enjoyable. While I could write a glowing analysis of more than 10 things I love about this movie (c’mon, I had to), the purpose of this blog post is to highlight the investment people will make for a story that takes the time and effort to be worthy of being paid attention to.
There are lots of substantial topics one could write about from this 1999 classic, but the issue today is highlighting its storytelling prowess. If you think about your favorite television commercials or advertisements, falling somewhere within the digital and print universe, odds are high they are clever and likely don’t appear like a linear plug of a product or company. They’re different in some way. These companies made the choice to be distinguishable, while maintaining high standards. And it’s the firms that choose to mix some traditional themes with a little bit of unorthodox communication and engaging characters that establish themselves as more than a product or company.
They become a story worth investing time and money in. These firms elevate their message and image above the competition with the rare quality of continuously maintaining people’s attention, like a movie that’s still as popular, unique and relevant today as it was 16 years ago.
And isn’t the quotation at the top of the page (the name of a song covered in 10 Things I Hate About You, as well as a major plot point) the primary message of any business?
Jimmy's Daily Planet 