Blog Archives
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?
Happy Monday!
Guns N’ Roses + Dave Grohl’s throne + Angus Young + an AC/DC classic =
Performing at Coachella this past Saturday night, Gun N’ Roses called up rock n’ roll buddy Angus Young from AC/DC to provide a little electricity (and Duck Walk) on-stage alongside Slash and Duff as Axl Rose was forced to sit with a broken foot. However, despite his limitation, it was recently announced that Axl will tour with AC/DC (lead singer has to rest with hearing problems) starting May 7th in Portugal. Once his crossover with his Australian friends concludes, the Rose of Guns N’ Roses will return for a U.S. stadium tour beginning mid-June.
Injury or not, rock n’ roll should always have a stage available with Fender amps ready to be blown out by a Les Paul.
Welcome to the New Week!
It’s as Hard as 1-2-3
How do clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid consistently remain as a few of the top performing clubs in the world?
Where to begin: Players, coaches, tactics, history, stadiums/infrastructure, determination, experience, youth, money and passionate fan bases. These attributes certainly help in distinguishing the best soccer clubs from their league and continental challengers. However, the “it” factor for these players, it can be argued, is their rejection of the famed Allen Iverson Principle that slams showing up to practice and singularly promotes showing up for the game.
“…Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game, we talking ’bout practice, man. I mean, how silly is that? We’re talking about practice.”
–Allen Iverson
The timelessness of the old adage, “Practice makes perfect” reminds us that beginner’s luck runs out and that there is someone better out there. We must always remain dedicated and proactive with our craft and passions.
Certainly, Bayern Munich players know how to juggle a soccer ball. They’ll throw in tricks here and there for fun and for bragging rights among their teammates. Unsurprisingly, juggling a soccer ball between four players can present a bit of a challenge.
Now, add two more soccer balls into Route 1’s path and it becomes a worthy TV-interrupting zigzagging high-speed chase.
Soccer players, at the top of their game, burnishing their skill-set while preparing for the decisive Champions League quarterfinal match at Benfica illustrates the importance of practice. Plus, the Bayern Quattro on the pitch (Audi is a club sponsor) reveals the day-to-day mentality that helped the German giants defeat Benfica and qualify for the Champions League semifinal (opponent to be determined Friday morning). Each day is an opportunity to improve.
I’m talking about practice.
The same practice that leads to championships.
P.S. Of course Bayern Munich has a Biergarten at their practice facility. Add that to the list.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 