Blog Archives
A Lift Back in Time
Sequels, historically, have a mixed record. How about a non-sequel sequel?
The 2011 film Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Emma Stone and Julianne Moore is a wonderful cinematic achievement. Akin to the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, the casting, writing and acting was pitch-perfect and clever throughout with fun twists and fantastic settings we wish we could hang-out in on the weekend or on vacation.
Great escapism.
Speaking of escapism…
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s chemistry in Crazy, Stupid, Love is clearly evident. Remember the Dirty Dancing-inspired scene with the famed lift? It’s fitting the two would make a movie that expands their burgeoning romance from that dynamite move.
Despite not being their first reunion on film (Gangster Squad in 2013), the brand new teaser trailer for La La Land is, in terms of tonality, a similar feel-good spirit for the actor and actress as their beloved roles as Jacob Palmer and Hannah. The classical, dreamy aura reminds us of the Golden Age of Hollywood, inviting us into a world that serves as confirmation for why we enjoy movie magic and how this magic is created.
This film is unapologetic in celebrating Hollywood’s bright, shining spotlight elevated on and for the stage of suspended belief.
La La Land doesn’t look crazy or stupid, but full of love.
The Core of Apple’s Genius
An apple rolled into a mall…
This blog has, on many occasions, paid tribute and explored the various reasons how and why Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak revolutionized the world with their visionary technology. Lightning in a bottle is being modest when discussing that small tech company known as Apple. Equal to its imaginative quality and inventive prowess is the seamless accessibility of the insanely great products in its store.
Apple, in somewhat groundbreaking fashion, popularized the modern mentality that its store patrons ask questions. Lots of questions. Apple’s retail culture encourages curiosity with current and potential customers. Most retail store employees (regardless of industry) will answer a few inquiries, but ultimately expect a purchase of an item or items. In other words, a more linear business model. Interestingly, the Apple store was envisioned with practice and learning in mind. Technology is a complicated field and perhaps the real genius behind the Cupertino, California-based company is not with its informative bar, but instead with its inviting culture to all those intrigued by its line of cool products.
15 years ago, the Apple store was conceptualized into an exciting reality.
The come in, sit down and stay awhile attitude altered the shopping and browsing in a mall paradigm from being more directly motivated by total sales towards a more indirect connection with customers who are returning and who are new, leading to another sale or a first sale. This is not to suggest that Apple store employees aren’t clever salespersons. Quite the contrary. However, the way they are presenting and promoting their products, and more importantly their brand, is the impressive change agent.
As technology continues to transform individuals and societies into digital ecosystems, let’s not forget the late Steve Jobs believed in bridging the past and future together and not apart. Like the Apple store, if the personal connection is the overarching priority in collaboration with its product offerings, then innovation will not only take flight, but exceed all perceived expectations.
This way, the conversation between business and customer continues far into the future.
That’s just one reason why millions of people pick-up an apple Apple each day.
Still Learning to Fly
Sure, 31 is just a number.
This is a factual statement, yes, but it’s a real number that sparks real reactions.
Turning 31 today evoked a strange feeling. Not as seismic a response as 30, but substantial nonetheless. How did I get here? Remain calm, the following sentences are not going to dive into the depths of my psyche (perceived vs. reality). The questions that I find myself asking are more concerned with how I got here relative to reacting in the immediate future. Immediate meaning the next minute, hour, day and month.
To be frank, these are inquiries that are difficult to answer. However, one of the benefits of getting older is knowing where to look. And that’s paramount.
The Foo Fighters are usually a good first step.
“Learn to Fly” is still one of my all-time favorite songs after all these years.
That has to mean something.
The Feeny Call Lives On
Hopefully, 31 will be good.
As the last day of being 30 comes to a close, I’m reminded that I have so much more to learn and experience. I’m listening at every moment I can to try and gain a better grasp on the world around me. My dad always says the homework doesn’t stop at graduation, it’s just that the homework simply takes different shapes.
Truth.
Speaking of advice, it seems only fitting to feature the greatest series finale message in TV history. The final scene of Boy Meets World below is edited for the final life lesson by Mr. Feeny because of its relevance to going into the unknown world, but also because it’s still difficult to watch the scene in its entirety without tearing up.
Mr. Feeny, you always have our attention.
Here’s to a good year a year of good.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 