Blog Archives
When There’s Something Inspiring in Your Neighborhood
Superheroes, sports heroes and a Greek gyro:
One of these doesn’t belong when it comes to being a popular Halloween costume for kids.
(Hint: There’s no trick here, but there most certainly is a treat).
Kids from coast-to-coast dressed up last night for trick-or-treat, bringing smiles to the faces of parents, candy-supplied neighbors and the children themselves. Halloween is a wonderful occasion that sparks the imagination of young minds to have fun dreaming big and thinking creatively with the certainty of ending up with a pumpkin shaped basket or pillow case full of the best candy that lasts, oh…about a couple hours.
There are always some very clever costumes on this most special of nights, but there was one that topped them all this year.
This kid’s costume came, was seen and kicked Halloween’s ass!
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?
Happy Monday!
Checkmate: Movie soundtrack edition.
Every amazing movie needs an amazing soundtrack. While Josh Waitzkin was left searching for Bobby Fischer (in the literal sense), director Steven Zaillian found the emotionally evocative James Horner to score his cinematic masterpiece from 1993 based on the true story of a young chess prodigy told from the perspective of a “chess parent.”
Randomly finding this movie playing last night was (and always is) an inspiring couple of hours everyone should experience.
That instrumental is fantastic…like a pawn-takes-pawn move that sets the stage for a cleverly disguised 12-move checkmate.
Have an Awesome Week!
P.S. Those fish won’t catch themselves.
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.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 