The World Will Know

Watching sports on TV is never as much fun at playing them yourself, but then again I don’t think I’d have much fun attempting to snowboard for the first time. The Winter Olympics have been my go to programming since they began. The competition, the magic… the style!

Let’s begin with the corset comeback.

Looking demure while awake (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, January 1959).

Looking sassy while skating.

Youthfulness is always in fashion. So are tunics and girls wearing leggings instead of pants. Guess what? Leggings aren’t pants. Put on a longer top or some ice skates or you’re not leaving the house.

No pants, no voice, no problem. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, February 1953).

Emulating Tinker Bell’s look with a hefty amount of glitter.

A redhead always stands out.

You want thingamabobs? She’s got twenty. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, November 1989)

But who cares? No big deal. The Flying Tomato wants more.

The medal ceremonies are so full of emotion. As the athletes are honored for their achievements, the gratitude, relief, pride, and sense of history wash over their faces. “And the world will know that we’ve been here.”

Christian Bale deserves a gold medal for singing, dancing and good hair. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, April 1992)

Lindsey Vonn celebrates her gold medal in the downhill.

Who are you cheering on this year?

She goes around in circles, ’til she’s very very dizzy

Finding the fun in going around in circles.

This mouse doesn't even work. He's overwhelmed by the work of someone else. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, February 1950)

Starting small...

sit and spin... (Source: Hasbro)

getting dizzier...

almost enough spin...

Ta da!

Whistle While You Work

One of my favorite sportswriters, Jason Sobel, recently published a great article on espn.com entitled “For Tiger, golf just isn’t fun anymore.” It got me thinking about what I do for fun, and what I would do if I lost my passion for something time consuming and central to my life. I’d be hard pressed to find a good replacement, and would rather take a break and try again.

This whistle party would come to a stop if mining wasn't the dwarf jam anymore. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, December 1937)

When I See An Elephant Fly

‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, wool jackets, wish lists, and swapping. I’m not talking about a holiday party Yankee swap. Although it might as well be. No, I’m referring instead to the antics reserved for professional athletes, coaches, agents, and teams.

It’s the usual suspects again this year with Notre Dame football and the New York Yankees making early headlines about personnel changes. It’s only fitting that during the recession everyone is looking for the best deal. Too bad the best deal will cost an arm and a leg.

During this season of giving, everyone is looking for is an upgrade. I’m asking Santa for a gray pea coat while Johnny Damon is asking for a major contract extension and the money that goes with it. I wouldn’t feel comfortable having Scott Boras write my requests to Santa Claus for fear of coal in my stocking. Damon might as well send a super agent to do his bidding because Yankees don’t seem to be as strict in giving large gifts whether you’re naughty or nice.

The Yankees are doing more than giving this year. They continue to be the best as receiving (or taking if you’re a Red Sox fan). They describe recent acquisition Curtis Granderson as “the total package” leaving a little less room for Damon under the tree.

Maybe you should settle for a pea coat Johnny. (Source: New York Times Company, August 29, 2007)

While he’ll get a nice offer, or present as the case may be, I doubt it will match his original requests. Johnny Damon’s entire wish list will be fulfilled “when I see an elephant fly.”

This guy gets it. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, October 1941)

Tell You All About It When I Got The Time

So begins my leap into the blogosphere. The beginning of my story is less scary and amusing than jumping out of a window with a monkey. Hey, at least I’m not being chased!

One jump ahead. (Source: Walt Disney Pictures, November 1992)

“Here goes, better throw my hand in. Wish me happy landin’. All I gotta do is jump.” – Aladdin