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Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?
“Shark Week” conjures up feelings ranging between amazement and paralyzing fear. Truly a cultural spectacle. As it has been mentioned in a previous post (The Two Scariest Words: Dun-Dun), all of mankind (and womankind) can collectively thank the legendary Steven Spielberg for permanently planting the unforgettable soundtrack and classic scenes into our psyche regarding blockbuster entertainment coupled with beach safety.
Actually, given the number of great white sharks near coastlines at popular destinations around the world, a thank you really is in order. Thank you!
One of the annual traditions with “Shark Week” is watching crews for The Discovery Channel push new boundaries, like exploring the present-day existence of Megalodon or the “Rookin'” down in Louisiana. What will be next?
I’m glad you asked.
What fascinates me is not so much what we think of sharks, but what sharks think of us. Within the technological revolution that is currently booted up for generations to come, is there a neuroscientist somewhere who is dreaming up a water-proof device that could be tagged onto a great white shark that somehow measures and sends back its brain activity?
Think about that. More importantly, imagine that.
Before you begin calling mental institutions to reserve me a room (with an ocean view please), watch the clip below and tell me this diver was not interested in a similar endeavor. It’s only unbelievable until you do it.
If we are going to explore a seemingly infinite environment, we must have an equally infinite imagination.
Fun, USA
It’s summer, which means one thing: when are we going to Disney World and Universal Studios!?
My childhood experiences of flying down to Orlando, Florida for a family vacation or national sports competitions are memories I will cherish forever. Disney World and Universal Studios are truly magical places. From Mickey Mouse to Goofy to Cinderella and her iconic castle to “The Haunted Mansion” to “Space Mountain” to “ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter” to “Jurassic Park” to “The Incredible Hulk” (thank Mom) to “The Terminator” to “Jaws” to “Twister” to “ET” to “King King” to “It’s a Small World” to “Nickelodeon” to “Splash Mountain” to “Big Thunder Mountain” to “Peter Pan” to “Harry Potter” to “Back to the Future” to countless other rides and characteristics, theme parks in and around Orlando, Florida are unequivocally some of the best attractions in the world.
The atmospheres are unparalleled and are overwhelmingly amazing whether walking, running, eating, shopping, standing and sleeping. Simply the best.
Imaginations are deliberately intended to run wild and the smiles on the faces of the children and the adults prove the magic is captured inside everyone. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing!”
Yes, it’s hot and the lines are long. However, it’s all part of the unforgettable experience and the notion that we’re all enjoying this together with our family, friends and joyous people from all across the country and the world.
While my schedule and monetary resources have restricted my chances of going to these amazing theme parks this summer, I do hope to make a glorious return soon.
I just love the omnipresent inspiration for a kid to be a kid and for adults to once again act like kids.
Visiting these theme parks like Disney World/Disney Land and Universal Studios (plus Islands of Adventure) provides us all with one of those rare moments in life when parents and children see the pure wonderment of the world through the same lens.
It’s okay to get older, just as long as you stay young at heart.
In certain circumstances though, it may require a $20 wager.
Usually, I Order a Coke with No Ice…
In partnership with Ogilvy & Mather Bogota, Coca-Cola may have just started a cool sustainability revolution with its ice bottle. According to a July 9, 2013 Foxnews.com article, “Coca-Cola unveils new bottle made of ice,” the popular soda/pop (a serious debate, I know) maker gave the sweating populace of Colombia the rare icicle-like treat.
The ice bottle appears to be precisely what you would imagine it to be: ice that is frozen in the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle, with a rubber band around the middle for holding and drinking convenience, with the refreshing soda/pop cooled to the perfect temperature inside.
Just as long as it is easy to drink with an ice bottle opening and that famous scene from “A Christmas Story” doesn’t occur, then the general public should be in good shape. If need be, adjustments then have to be made.
It’s hot outside. What feels good on a hot summer day? Ice. What’s even better than ice? Ice with chilled Coca-Cola! But here’s the genius of it all: The outer and inner contents of the ice bottle will refreshingly chill your heat soaked bones. It’s a win-win. Actually though, since the bottle is made of ice, that means once you are finished drinking or using the bottle, it simply melts away without becoming trash.
It’s a win-win-win!
With the number of countries throughout the world that experience hot weather all year-round or even just seasonally hot weather like in the United States of America, the potential for this commercial product could be astronomical. Imagine the continents of South America, Africa and Australia for starters. Middle Eastern countries also tend to be on the slightly warmer side. Specifically, Dubai is always looking to the future and embraces some Western ideas and tendencies.
Imagine going to the beach during Summer vacation and instead of having to lug around a cooler filled with empty soda/pop bottles or cans at the end of the day…well, now you don’t have to. The cooler would be significantly lighter. Incredibly, this idea could spread to adult beverages. Because water is a key ingredient in beer, it is manageable. The recipe would have to be altered and thoroughly tested, but it is workable.
Wouldn’t you try a Coca-Cola or a Corona in an ice bottle on a hot Summer day?
Environmental sustainability is a vitally important issue and Coca-Cola’s seemingly simple ice bottle could be the practical product the public embraces globally just like Coca-Cola itself. Having traveled all around the world, I will speak from extensive experience when I say American consumer goods, like Coca-Cola, Pepsi and McDonald’s are very popular. In the case of the Coca-Cola ice bottle, the brand is already well-established and a favorite with millions of people.
If managed properly (cost, distribution, etc.) and affordable pricing is offered to the public, then we could be on the cusp of a global effort to positively and realistically preserve the environment.
Some of our worries could just melt away…
P.S. Two suggestions to Coca-Cola: don’t use a rubber band (use something recyclable) and make the gripping band larger so it can be hand-held, not finger-held.
Our Nation’s Artists
This morning I needed a light jacket. Normally, this isn’t a big deal except for the fact it’s June 7th. I guess Mother Nature decided to take a refreshing breath mint or two and blow her new-found coolness across the Midwest.
Just a little global cooling to make Al Gore go crazy for a few days.
Inexplicably, this cold front in June sparked random curiosity and wonderment of Americans from yesteryear…like yesteryear.
Having always been fascinated with history, this sudden reflective contemplation to the past patriots who lived in this country one hundred to two hundred and some odd years ago is not too surprising a revelation. Still, it’s noteworthy to think so far back in time without taking part in a tour or sitting in a history class.
Speaking of a historical tour, I have fond memories of visiting Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, soaking in all the astonishing buildings, artifacts, food, people, gardens, modes of transportation and anything and everything found within its parameters. Uniquely American, it opened my eyes into the improbable inception of the United States of America and the ambiguous journey everyone took part in together in building the foundations of a new nation. An insightful quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. illustrates this courageous endeavor taken by our adventurous ancestors.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
When my family and I visited Colonial Williamsburg, it was summer and it was hot. Not warm with a light cloud of humidity or it might be hot enough to swim, but, “Dog Days of Summer” hot. While partaking in the exercise of sweating and walking, there were countless Revolutionary soldiers and townspeople dressed in traditional late-1770s clothing. The attire was heavy and assuredly sweltering, yet they never showed discomfort. And here I was, in shorts and a t-shirt, feeling hot and uncomfortable. I made damn sure to shape up and wipe my brow when walking by the cannon operators!
Like Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg should be a national requirement for all students to visit. The sights and sounds are spectacular and together creates an unforgettable experience and appreciation for our forefathers and foremothers and everything they endured to build the great nation we live in today. When it was hot, they sat on their porch or ran around outside and enjoyed the company of their family and neighbors. Some maintained their luscious gardens filled with colorful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables while others socialized in stores around the town they all helped to build and support.
Despite the fact Colonial Williamsburg is not a quick stroll down the road, the Ohio Village is within a short driving distance. This is a place frozen in time dating back to the 19th century. Located in the shadows of Crew Stadium, the Ohio History Center and this thing they call a, “freeway,” the Ohio Village offers its patrons a momentary break from 21st century realities to visit the forever sought after and admired, “much simpler time.”
When it was too hot to stay inside, they went outside. When it was too cold to be outside, they stayed in, bundled up and made a fire. And when it was dark and they needed light, they lit candles. Our American ancestors were resourceful and did what they had to, whatever that meant. What’s more is whether it was during the 18th or 19th centuries, Americans have managed to pull off truly remarkable achievements. They took a blank page on a shaky canvas and, during their time, added their individual paint strokes and color splashes to create the foundation of the masterpiece we all see and enjoy today known as the United States of America.
Pretty cool, right? I get chills just thinking about it.
And come the fourth day in July, I know I’ll get goosebumps in the unrelenting heat while gazing up at fireworks in the same way our nation’s forefathers and foremothers did: celebrating the incomparably brilliant idea that is the American dream.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 