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A Big Afternoon
Several months ago, I was in New York City with my Dad and nephew for an impromptu “boys weekend,” which included dinner in a very cool SoHo restaurant and front row tickets to “The Lion King” on Broadway. The dinner and show were both fantastic and unforgettable.
In addition to what was mentioned above, one of the moments that will forever be burned into my memory was when we ventured to FAO Schwarz one late afternoon. Bound and determined, I wanted to show my nephew something special. Despite the fact it had been moved from its regular spot, we weaved through the maze of toys, giant stuffed animals, video games and LEGO’s to reach the end of what should be considered the toy store’s treasure map. Believe me, with a young boy, this was not easy.
Still, we made it to the giant piano on the floor!
Correction: We made it to the “Big” piano on the floor!
Hesitant at first, my nephew eventually started to do what all kids do on a giant piano…he slid across the keys on his knees like a boss. He was tapping, sliding and jumping around amongst the other kids, just letting loose.
It was his “Big” moment, whether he realized it or not. Aside from the fact I recorded this experience (with the slide!) and that he’s seen it a few times, years down the road when he’s experiencing a stressful moment, he can think of that afternoon and/or watch that video and remember how great it feels to act like a kid and to just have fun.
The video below has been making its way around the popular media outlets recently. Tom Hanks, host Jonathan Ross and Sandra Bullock goofing off on a big piano on The Jonathan Ross Show. What’s not to like?
Regardless of our age, it’s vital that we occasionally let that kid within ourselves come out and play once in a while.
You might be amazed at how many other people feel the exact same way.
After all, smiling and having fun is kind of a big deal.
When a Babbling Brook Has a Narrator
It’s fascinating how everybody sleeps, yet each person seems to do it in their own unique way. You may be asking, “what do you mean? You just lay still and close your eyes.”
How we all wish it were that simple.
After countless nights in hotels, dorm rooms and many other similar situations, it’s truly mind boggling to witness and/or hear the variety of ways certain people sleep. Whether it’s keeping the television on, certain lights on, playing particular sounds of nature, spreading one’s body out diagonally or hogging all the blankets, sleeping lends itself to all sorts of normal and utterly crazy behavior.
Exhibit A: Frasier lets Niles crash in his room for a night.
We’ve all been here.
Hangin’ Out, Down the Street (Again!)
Apparently, the kids who were always “hangin’ out, down the street” together arranged a piano number this past Tuesday night at a quintessential LA pad to reminisce about those days from about a decade ago in real time and more than 30-40 years ago in sitcom time.
(Topher Grace’s Twitter: “Hangin’ out, down the street….”)
Clearly, the basement was just being renovated or something.
A reunion was groovy enough, but “the gang” decided to take it a few notes further…
The still photo above is evidence, as reported by a few of the former Point Place troublemakers, of a “That ’70s Show” sing-along to, you know…
Back to the ’80s
Only two episodes in and “The Goldbergs” has already inspired me to search my local mall for a highlighter yellow (or orange) jacket that glows in the daytime.
“Science!”
Based in the 1980s, the story of “The Goldbergs” is told by the youngest child Adam “Wonder Years” style. Equipped with a shoulder rock (known then as a video recorder), Adam chronicles some of the funniest and strangest moments his family has to offer. The VHS quality recordings range from the mundane no-pants Father to the bizarrely hilarious Big Tasty: recognize!
Impressively, this sitcom successfully transports the viewer to the house and neighborhood straight out of the era when hover-boards on the silver screen and A-ha’s “Take on Me” ruled the day.
Oh, and as mentioned above, the clothes are very boss as well. Acid wash jeans? Yes, please!
And I think all sons can relate to shopping with our Mom at one point and hearing them infamously shout throughout the store about getting a pair of pants that better fit the, well, you know the region if you’re a guy.
Memories.
Beyond the great stereotypical roles of the rebellious, Daddy-wrapped-around-her-little-finger teenage daughter (Erica) to the stuck between a rock and a roller rink middle child (Barry) to the ready-to-see-the-world youngest son (Adam), The Goldbergs provide fun, eccentricity and just the right amount of heart for a totally awesome and strangely relatable family.
The Grandfather (Albert) humorously refuses to grow up (a Burt Reynolds twin anybody?), the Father (Murray) has a “Red Forman” dynamic upgraded for the ’80s by means of a floppy disk and the Mother (Beverly) is quite simply spectacular as she perfectly blends adorably embarrassing moments (trains are plenty dangerous!) with the amazingly lovable defense of her kid’s best interests. Who else could intimidate a store clerk to open a store after hours and convince the same clerk to honor a coupon that’s been expired for more than a year? Only a Mom on a mission.
Aside from the killer soundtrack at the end of each show, one of the best parts is when nostalgic home movie clips are shown of the real Goldbergs for whom the characters are based.
It’s surreal how familiar all those home movies look…
“The Goldbergs” will rap their way into your living room Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.
This show not only shows off some tasty fashion, but is also looking like it might become pretty big.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 