Monthly Archives: June 2016
That’s One Way to Tailor Suits
Welcome to “Wait, What!? Wednesday.”
This a Jimmy’s Daily Planet special.
This blog already celebrates the first day of the workweek with “Happy Monday!” Then, on occasion, there’s “Throwback Thursday” and “Flashback Friday.” The inspiration behind “Wait, What!? Wednesday” wasn’t to write a paragraph with the most quotation marks, but to add a random midweek surprise. The first name that came to mind was magician extraordinaire David Blaine.
You didn’t see that coming, but he probably did.
Magic has always been difficult to fully believe because strategically-placed distractions, spacial manipulation and slight, yet masterful illusions have been revealed to the public throughout the years. Some of these tricks are for beginners at birthday parties, while a couple elaborate stunts have been given the Wizard of Oz treatment. Even so, most magic tricks cannot logically be explained by even the most perceptive eye.
This is where we cycle back to David Blaine. Arguably, Mr. Blaine’s most famous trick is levitating in mid-air right in front of people on a public street. Pure insanity. Interestingly, the video clip below features the magician embracing the laws of gravity instead of defying them.
Seeing that card trick almost made my heart skip a beat.
England Leaves EUROpe
It’s official: Iceland’s most famous export is no longer the hockey squad from D2: The Mighty Ducks.
France is hosting the Euro 2016 tournament, which has seen many of the power teams advance through the group stage and to the single-game elimination rounds (Germany, Italy, France, Portugal). Keep in mind though, this tournament, during the past 12 years, has seen small nations rise to super human levels. Greece, defying all odds and constructs of reality, won Euro 2004 by defeating Portugal 1-nil.
It’s important not to make a direct comparison (yet), but Iceland continues to make a case in Euro 2016 that’s increasingly morphing into something genuinely mind-boggling.
So mind-boggling that its soccer announcer, Gudmundur Benediktsson, can barely believe what he’s seeing. Last Wednesday, Iceland upset Austria on a stunning last minute goal. Mr. Benediktsson had a mildly excited reaction. Yesterday, Iceland (pop. 330,000) was leading England (pop. 53,000,000) 2-1 in the last minute of extra time.
How can you watch and listen to him and not love the beautiful game?
Barring a surprise tournament entrance by Gordon Bombay: The Minnesota Miracle Man, the now famous Icelandic commentator may not be chilling out anytime soon.
P.S. Do you think Brits are more distressed over leaving the EU or being upset by Iceland? The answer may be more surprising than England losing to, well, you know…
P.P.S. Two unbelievably dramatic departures in less than a week. Is it time to call the U.K. the new Cleveland?
The Brexit.
The Björking.
P.P.P.S. The MVP of Euro 2016 thus far: Gudmundur Benediktsson.
Happy Monday!
Los Angeles has redefined the trust fall.
Nearly four months ago, Jimmy’s Daily Planet covered the ambitiously scary plan by U.S. Bank to build a clear slide for visitors. The catch was that the slide would be constructed on the outside of the building. The second catch was the height of said slide:
70 stories.
After experiencing this newly opened thrill ride, you’ll be telling this story about 70 times.
U.S. Bank: Well played.
People asked for more transparency with America’s banks.
Have a Thrill-Seeking Kind of Week!