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Happy Boomerang Thursday!
The initial “throw” was great, now time will tell if its return “back” to the cinema will meet expectations.
With its already existent universe (technically, its land and world), Disney is set to be one of the biggest winners of the year with the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens this December. And remaining in the spirit of popular franchises and movies being rebooted, Disney just revealed the latest surprise in their magical portfolio at the D23 Expo 2015.
Will this adaption match the original from 1977? Realistically, no. But the hope is that it will be a fun and worthy second chapter in the movie’s warm, captivating story.
It’s fair to presume that if this asset gets out of containment, it will bring only imaginative happiness to the characters and audience alike.
Our Attraction with the ‘Future’
First prize goes to Hendo Hover by Arx Pax.
Second place is awarded to SLIDE by Lexus.
While the interiors differ by way of a supercooling superconductor and the exterior designs differ in function versus luxury, the undeniable correlation between Arx Pax and Lexus is their dependent use of magnetism used to glide their respective hoverboard inches above the ground. Thus far, principles of physics have revealed magnets as the primary source of generating a hovering effect with a person riding a wheel-less skateboard above a metal/magnetic surface.
To create the illusion of a hoverboard Marty McFly might ride to perfect his riding and escaping skills, Lexus built a skate park in Barcelona, Spain with magnets underneath the surface and just below a sleek water strip. The promotional video for the company (which was devised to showcase its innovative prowess) will admittedly not lead to a hoverboard for purchase down the road (well, technically not for the “road”) or any further hovering parks. That’s a bummer.
Still, their finished product is pretty damn cool.
Arx Pax and Lexus clearly have the best taste in entertaining cinema and they also understand the wonderful power of dreaming big. We all wanted to travel to “2015” when we saw Back to the Future: Part II in movie theaters in 1989. Besides buying a pair of Nike power lace shoes (later this year!), wearing a power-drying jacket and getting our hands on “Grays Sports Almanac from 1950-2000,” we wanted a hoverboard. As our pop culture-driven scientists are in the alpha stage of developing an anywhere-anytime hoverboard, it’s exciting to be on any path that resides above the ground.
Every life-altering invention started somewhere stuck between limitation and doubt.
And then the future arrives…
Going Dutch in Kansas City?
While the world’s shining city on a hill has emitted a dull glow in recent years, there still appears to be an allure for footballers in South America and Europe. A recent report revealed Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has been offered a major contract to sport a light shade of blue in Kansas City. The deal is estimated at $4.8 million/year for the 32-year old.
I repeat: Rafael van der Vaart is only 32-years old.
He’s a game-changer. He can define a midfield with purpose, incorporate dynamic calculation in its movement and offer spontaneous displays of applause-worthy flair. Rafael van der Vaart still has a few years left and, if this deal is signed, would be a tremendous pick-up for Sporting Kansas City and MLS in general.
Here’s some evidence:
New International Players arriving in MLS this season:
- Kaká
- Frank Lampard
- Steven Gerrard
- Sebastian Giovinco
- David Villa
- Rafael van der Vaart?
Will Rafael van der Vaart be living in the Midwest in 2015? Who knows. It could just be a bargaining chip in Europe or merely an initial interest in hopping across the pond to America. Regardless, it’s exciting speculation. And just on the surface, there are several reasons to check out MLS this season beyond our favorite squads. There’s the amazing redesign and re-branding of the Columbus Crew SC, big international signings, new club introductions and modernized club identities. 2015 may seem a little bit like the mid-late 1990s with a refreshed, adrenaline-fueled enthusiasm for soccer in America.
Of course, if Rafael van der Vaart does sign with an MLS team, remember his wife and kids will join him as well.
Rafael and Sylvie van der Vaart encapsulate why soccer is called the beautiful game.
Happy Monday!
Last night, Olympic viewers were treated to one of the most anticipated events by one of the most anticipated nations: The Two-Man Jamaican Bobsled Team. Despite a less than stellar time, that wasn’t the core reason for the excitement and widespread jubilation surrounding their return to the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years. It all dates back to the 1993 Disney classic, Cool Runnings, based on events from their improbable bobsled debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
We all know the story and we all love the story.
When the Jamaicans prepared their run last night, everybody was leaning in as close as possible (both in the stands and at home) to try and hear if they would say that magically inspiring phrase…
The following video is fan-made and combines an epic finish with an epic song by Hans Zimmer. 20 some odd years later and people still view this story as unforgettably special and, yes, transcendent (please turn the volume up for the video/song).
This story never needed a gold medal to be seen as a golden Olympic moment.
“Respect!”
Happy Monday Mon!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 