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Fourth Be With You May It
What day is today?
Yoda knows.
In 1977, George Lucas (still forgiving him the best we can for Episodes I, II and III) unleashed his imagination to the world with an out-of-this-world space operatic adventure that redefined cinema and the culture in too many ways to identify and describe.
Need a little proof?
May 4th is officially regarded as Star Wars Day. To be more precise, we celebrate today with, “May the 4th Be With You.”
The movie and subsequent franchise that changed everything was born out of something less certain and more fluid than some may realize. George Lucas, as heard in the clip below, describes the inception of Star Wars and a few of its leading characters. For any fan, and even the 17 non-fans out there, listening to how the man behind the amazing creation of this epic saga realized his galaxy far, far, away is compelling.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to turn on my lightsaber and let The Force be with me.
And may it also be with you.
The Sun Has Set on Music’s Purple Mountain Majesty
If it’s raining where you live, there’s a good chance you’ll be seeing flickers of purple in those rain drops.
Prince, the musically eccentric performer from Minnesota, has died. He was only 57 years old, an age that will cause reflection from those older and younger.
His music was unique, inspired by some of music’s brightest stars.
Prince channeled the dance moves of James Brown, the guitar virtuosity of Jimi Hendrix and the theatricality of “Sgt. Peppers”-era Beatles.
–Jon Schuppe and Jacquellena Carrero, NBC News
Prince was not only admired by many, but he also had quite the sense of humor. Incredibly (and hysterically), the 5’2″ music man used comedian Dave Chappelle’s impersonation of him for an album cover.
True story.
“What am I going to do — sue him for using a picture of me dressed up like him? … That’s checkmate right there.”
–Dave Chappelle on The Tonight Show in June of 2014.
And let’s not forget about Prince on stage. Remember that year he performed during the halftime of the Super Bowl?
(Press Play, then “Watch this video on YouTube”)
RIP Prince.
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?
Jimmy's Daily Planet 