Blog Archives
Golfing in Brazil
Nike (click the image for a larger view)
4 years ago, the Americans paraded around South Africa in a beauty pageant sash. This year, it’s a golf shirt/polo shirt (whichever you prefer). I want to offer a special congratulations to the entire Creative Department for the USMNT Soccer Jerseys and Uniforms at Nike for (again) successfully implementing that rare business plan centered on the premise of designing bland/unimaginative/terrible-looking jerseys that will sell like the complete opposite of something that sells like crazy.
With the biggest window for American commerce to soccer (which only presents itself every 4 years, mind you), Nike has again managed to design the most confusingly bizarre, plain-looking jerseys with the best colors and creative opportunities at their fingertips in red, white and blue, coupled with America’s amazingly inspiring history.
Nike has the vivid colors of red and blue at their disposal and they chose all white. The jerseys don’t need to be loud, but there are infinite possibilities regarding attractive color combinations and sharp designs for a quintessential American look that projects belief, talent and relentless heart (the collar should, without question, be blue by the way).
Is this uniform supposed to symbolize the vanilla and often predictable and mundane ball movement of the USMNT players on the field? If so, then maybe this uniform works.
Where is the creativity from the red and white striped-“Waldo” jerseys?
The premiere of the 2014 World Cup jerseys/uniforms for the United States could not have demonstrated less creativity or fewer instances of inspiring imagination on the part of Nike.
Interestingly, Nike has proven that simplicity can certainly work (see the new oranje Dutch 2014 World Cup jersey/uniform), but it has also proven the opposite (see the American 2014 World Cup jersey/uniform).
Nike had 4 years…4 years. It’s almost unbelievable.
Usually the terms “cash cow” and “soccer” don’t joyfully collide in the United States…and sadly, after this recent jersey/uniform reveal, they still won’t.
Yes, heat will be at least some issue and white is the best color to combat heat. But that’s no excuse for what Nike ultimately and willfully designed. Plus, the heat will not be the determining factor for the USMNT in Brazil. It just won’t. A darker jersey will not prevent them or be the deciding reason for why the USMNT may not progress out of their very difficult group.
Where’s Waldo?
Hopefully in Brazil this summer!
P.S. I had a jersey idea about a year and a half ago…
Gal Gadot Looks Pretty Wonderful
For fans of Wonder Woman, the news that the 5’9” Israeli actress Gal Gadot will portray the female superhero equivalent of Superman was likely met with long, overdue jubilation. Plus, a dose of ambiguity. Why? Because Wonder Woman fans have long wished to see this lasso waving superhero on the big screen as the central figure and not necessarily as a supporting cast member, potentially.
(Zimbio)
The specifics of her role will remain a mystery for everybody around the world except the very select insiders: writers, producers and director of the “Man of Steel” sequel. Before too much speculation and analysis, there are some positive characteristics Gal Gadot will instantly bring to Wonder Woman, regardless of her ultimate character contribution.
First, she is absolutely gorgeous. Second, she has some film experience (mostly with the “The Fast and the Furious” movies) and, therefore, will bring a fresh face and impression to audience members. In other words, most people will see her as Wonder Woman and not as a character from a past project/series trying to portray Wonder Woman. She will be Wonder Woman. And third, she will inherently receive an elevated standing (at least initially) because of the nature and anticipation of the movie and the sensational credentials of the director, producers and writers of “Man of Steel” and, yes, “The Dark Knight” trilogy.
Interestingly though, has the global box office success of 2012s “The Avengers” (~$1.5 billion) and forth coming sequel put a rush delivery on the DC Comics super get together for The Justice League, despite the global box office success of summer blockbusters with solo superheroes in “Man of Steel” (~$662 million) and “The Dark Knight” trilogy (~$2.74 billion)? Without seeing the “Man of Steel sequel, it’s impossible to judge the decision to inject the DC Universe together so quickly after introducing Superman. Still though, seeing a longer, deeper character and story arc for Superman, Wonder Woman, the new Batman (maybe not so much) and The Flash would be legendary.
But, because of “The Avengers,” is there enough time or patience? Time will tell, but the fans were willing to wait (and excitedly!) during the 7-year, A-movie quality Batman trilogy…
Lassoing back to Wonder Woman, here are 10 questions (for today anyways) surrounding the announcement of her presence in the untitled “Man of Steel” sequel that will hit theaters in 2015, in no particular order:
- Doesn’t Wonder Woman deserve at least a solo movie treatment, given the story and cultural popularity of her character, plus her positive superhero image for girls and women alike?
- Will and how will her character fit into the darker, grittier Zack Snyder/Nolan superhero universe?
- What “world” will she, Superman and Batman exist in? Will there be multiple locations/cities?
- Will her costume have a narrative like Superman’s in “Man of Steel?” (ie- his suit was actually made of steel links) If so, what will it look like and what will the narrative be?
- Will Gal Gadot look like the Wonder Woman people know from the comics and television show or will she be a new, modern adaptation?
- There was no Kryptonite in “Man of Steel.” Will Wonder Woman keep her Lasso of Truth?
- Will Wonder Woman be merely introduced or will she feature in a starring role alongside Batman and Superman?
- Will Wonder Woman battle Batman and/or Superman?
- Will Alan Harper make an appearance somewhere in the movie as a star struck admirer while slinging his own Lasso of Truth?
- Bottom line: Will Gal Gadot define Wonder Woman for a new generation?
The anticipation will be wonderfully mysterious and intriguing.
Orange is the New Awesome
Today, I am wearing my orange gingham J. Crew button up shirt, black jeans and a pair of faded black Converse high tops. Why? I’m glad you asked.
It was one year ago, on the Friday night before the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park in NYC, when I decided to take a stroll in the early evening around the neighborhood of my hotel when…
Yes, that is Dave Grohl! And he voluntarily took the picture himself!
For the full recap of how the entire day/weekend unfolded (and there is more to this story and day), please check it out!
Not only is orange one of my favorite colors (the Dutch), but by wearing this shirt on this day, I was reminded of how great it felt to just wander a little bit. Every now and again, it’s really nice not to have any plans and to simply walk outside and let life happen.
We are living in a world that is increasingly organized and scheduled down to the minute. There are times when it’s really nice to know when something will happen. Having structure is not bad, but there still needs to be plenty of random moments when getting a little lost is okay. Sometimes, that’s when you find what you are really looking for or hoping to find, even if you couldn’t think of it beforehand.
It took me only a matter of minutes to turn off the hotel television and walk outside for a routine stroll around the neighborhood in the early evening before meeting a girl for dinner (check out the link above). Just a casual decision.
And yet, here I am, still writing and thinking about that day one year later.
A Resurgent Glow from a Golden Era
It is being widely reported today that, “Girl Meets World,” the spin-off series to the Millenial ’90s favorite, “Boy Meets World,” has officially been greenlit, according to Yahoo TV’s Kelly Woo’s article, “‘Girl Meets World’ Is Officially Happening! Disney Channel Orders Series.”
Yahoo! TV/Eric McCandless/DISNEY CHANNEL – Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel, Rowan Blanchard, and Sabrina Carpenter in the series premiere of Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World.”
The purpose of the post is first to celebrate this momentous occasion!
Second, take a close look at the picture above. The best friends hugging is nice, as is Cory’s/Mr. Matthew’s reflective contemplation of his daughter’s best friend dynamic (Cory and Shawn…Cory and Shawn…) from the eyes of a parent.
This show is going to be a fascinating journey (FYI – This is the point where each of us does, “The Fenny Call”)!
However, the best part of the screen shot is the look on Topanga’s/Mrs. Matthew’s face. Her heartfelt glare towards the love of her life (Monkey bars!) transcends whatever is happening in this scene and encapsulates the return of the cool-family friendly-TGIF show from the ’90s.
The return of wholesome, cleverly written and wonderfully acted television with pertinent subject matters and important life lessons will arrive soon enough. 2014 will see the return of Cory, Topanga and Mr. Feeny (at least in the pilot). Perhaps a cameo from Shawn? Plays with Squirrels…?
Even if it’s just one show, turning on any spotlight to shine greatness starts with a glow.
P.S. Girls of America: Turn off the “Real Housewives” of wherever and start doing your video research on the beautifully intelligent and independent (with a healthy side of weird) Topanga.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 