Blog Archives
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.
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.
Top of the First
Isn’t it odd that for 90% of any given game, baseball is quintessentially a boring sport. And yet, movies about baseball are incredibly exciting and entertaining 90% of the time. It’s a fascinating contrast to say the least.
Spring training is here and that means baseball is in “full swing” (had to). Admittedly not a fan of the professional adaptation of Stickball, the amateur version can be fun to play…or at least enjoyable to watch in a movie. It’s an important part of the American fabric of sports. That’s undeniable. However, baseball also has a serious drug and cultural stigma and has, thus far, refused to adequately deal with this contagious problem.
Resisting the temptation to list all the negatives about baseball (they are plentiful), instead the following will be a surprisingly laudable tribute to the one constant every fan and non-fan can agree upon: great films have been made about baseball.
An important note: I do have a few great memories of going to baseball games. This includes venturing down the road to a AAA baseball game on a slow summer day (with a Beach Boys performance!), a Cleveland Indians game in the mid-nineties with a best friend when the Tribe was stellar, watching the Atlanta Braves in “Hotlanta,” a day trip to Chicago with a first time visit to Wrigley Field to take in a Cubs game and seeing a Yankees-Royals game in the now torn down Yankees Stadium.
Am I a fan of the actual game? No, not so much. But every once in a while, it is a great American tradition to take part in. At this point, the “once in a while” qualifies as one game, each having a special significance, approximately every few years. So far, so good. This means my next game is right around the corner…literally. The Columbus Clippers have won two championships within the past three years. Will I be heading to Huntington Park this summer?
As a celebration of the magic of movies involving baseball, at least one scene from a different film will be posted each day for the next nine days, starting this morning.
Here is the first clip as part of a collection of the best movies that have stood the test of time in terms of popular culture and childhood memories.
Let’s start off with a classic.
Play ball!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 