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Welcome to Jurassic World (Really)

Randomness is a mysterious, yet powerful force that can yield not much of anything. Or, it can produce something in the neighborhood of accidental brilliance.

Maybe (and hopefully), the following idea will somewhat resemble the latter.

While listening to the first few minutes of the Jurassic Park soundtrack at work on YouTube this morning, the perfectly composed instrumental by the legendary John Williams inspired a thought as crazily insane as a modern-day park on an island filled with dinosaurs brought back to life from 65 million years ago.

What about a new ride at Universal Studios Orlando called Jurassic World that would coincide with the release of the 4th installment of the popular movie franchise that let’s intrigued visitors starting at age 10 or 11 pick 1 of 3 levels to walk (and run!) through while being hunted and pursued by a variety of dinosaurs!?

Now that I have your attention, I’m sure you’re wondering this question:

How would it work?

Depending on the level of adventure (1=easy going with a surprise or two, 2=ready for an adventure with dramatic surprises and 3= a kitchen-caliber experience), the participant or small group of participants would be briefed on what task they need to accomplish in a 2-minute time period by a distressed character in the park. The technology would be a combination of animatronics and virtual reality, depending on the selected level and the viability of realism and operating such machines on a constantly rotating schedule. However, the environment, movie set surroundings and dramatic music would be perfectly authentic and real.

Contingent upon the level selected, each participant will or will not be equipped with a weapon to defend themselves. Plus, the experiences on each level would change after a certain amount of time as to keep people who come back more than once guessing and in suspense.

Any young children under a predetermined age by Universal officials would need to be accompanied or joined in their adventure by a parents(s)/uncle/aunt/grandparent/older brother or sister, etc.

This is only an initial suggestion that would require countless variables to be considered and worked out (yes, more so than in the movie).

Regardless, would you get in line?

This personal/group thrill ride would take the existing Jurassic Park attraction in Orlando a step further by fully-injecting people inside Jurassic Park/World without the restriction of a car.

Fans would experience the world of Jurassic Park like never before.

Jurassic Park ushered in a new era of special effects for multiple generations of moviegoers and fans, so it seems only fitting that Jurassic World also usher in a new era of special effects for multiple generations of moviegoers and fans.

It would be an experience only John Hammond would/did dream of…

Jurassic World: will you get into it?

Redefining Immortality

(Source: Wikipedia)

(Source: Wikipedia)

Transcendence will project on movie screens all around the United States today. As a science-fiction thriller, first-time director (and acclaimed cinematographer) Wally Pfister and his all-star cast (Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy, Paul Bettany) will pose surprisingly relevant questions about the current state of mankind and womankind and whether racing on the autobahn of developing increasingly personal technologies and building machines with only “pure upside” is the road we should be taking. Or, at the very least, at the speed innovators appear to driving their savvy imaginations in this day and age.

Can (or should) humans live forever, consciously, inside a computer?

The term “the grid” is taking shape and evolving in ways many of us either didn’t think was possible or were, quite frankly, fearful of. Once this mainframe is built (or perhaps it already is), is it even possible to dismantle it?

There are infinite questions to be pondered from this movie and other science-fiction thrillers. For instance: What does artificial intelligence look like today? What is its true reach? Is that reach good or bad?

Some may think that technology is tinkered with in basement facilities with pale walls, computers, wires and varying degrees of limitations. But what if the concept of “the cloud” is as unlimited and open as its sounds?

This blog has written about technology before, including its benefits and drawbacks. Without seeing Transcendence, an opinion cannot rightly be rendered. But this film presents a couple hours to escape into a creative and entertaining story of artificial intelligence and the pursuit of advanced technology on a Friday or Saturday night, as well as to take a moment to pause and reflect on the subject matter.

How long until we are in the “age of transcendence” as defined by Pfister and Co.? What does this mean for society as individuals, as well as the collective? Is the infinite space above and all around us becoming finite and controlled without us knowing? Should it be if it’s guided by a genius?

There’s one way to find out and it’s called Transcendence, playing in a theater near you.

Maybe we should ask Siri about transcendence…

Happy Monday!

Warmth is (finally!) supposed to be ushered in by Mother Nature herself this afternoon with a forecast in the 60s in Columbus, Ohio. This could very well be the beginning of the much anticipated (and prayed for) Spring season! Accordingly, I began to think of a specific movie that features great weather and elements of sunny disposition juxtaposed with undeniable change sparked by bright splashes of color.

Ladies and gentleman, it’s time to start thinking about the pure pleasantness of Spring.

Happy Monday!

Wonder Upon a Star

As a warm front spreads across Ohio, it’s fascinating how our imaginations then begin to warm to ideas in our minds of the seemingly unthinkable. A strange sensation for sure, but it’s true. Before stepping down into my car to pick-up a pizza for dinner yesterday evening, I found myself gazing up at the crystal clear night sky that was illuminated by an infinite portrait of shining stars. The sight was utterly spectacular. There was not a cloud on the horizon in any direction, a first in what seemed like in months.

It was a feeling of things boundlessly opened up.

On this Friday (which carries with it no special meaning), this blog implores you to think with no limits. Look up and see and touch no ceiling.

Last night, in the few seconds of staring into the heavens, this video instantly started playing in my head. Thankfully, it won’t be the last time.

Only 244 days left until we all travel into the stars with Interstellar.

“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream”
–Vincent Van Gogh