As 2010 winds down, let's all take a moment to be thankful for the blessings we have received in the past year. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year, and that all your wishes and dreams come true in 2011. The following clip is video of the New Year's Eve fireworks that take place at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The clip is from 2005, but the fireworks are still amazing. Enjoy!
John
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lena Horne - "I'd Do Anything"
Well Christmas is a few days away. Presents under the tree, snow on the ground and holiday music in the air. For the Holiday Season I'd like to share a video of Lena Horne singing a song for Christmas time. It's not a Christmas song but its her 'Christmas present to you'. It's still a beautiful song sung by a classy singer. Enjoy. Merry Christmas!!!
John
John
Monday, December 13, 2010
Halloween - Disneyland 2010
While most people are in the midst of the Christmas Season, I'm finally wrapping up Halloween. I just got my PhotoPass pics from my recent October trip to Disneyland. While the weather was rainy the night we attended Disneyland, we still had a great time. Here are some pics of that night. Enjoy!
John
Madonna Music Monday - 12/13/2010
So Christmas is in high gear and everyone is getting into the Holiday spirit. So while you are doing your shopping and meeting up with friends and family, take a moment to think about those who are less fortunate than you and be thankful for what have. And think what you can do to help save our planet. In this video, Madonna tells us how we should take care of our selves, our fellow man and Mother Earth. You Should too!!!
John
John
Monday, December 6, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 12/06/2010
Now that the Holiday Season is in full swing, its time we hear some Christmas music. To date, Madonna has recorded only ONE Christmas song. That song is the 1st remake of the classic Eartha Kitt song SANTA BABY. Its a great, fun, cutesy version of the song. After Madonna recorded this song, it opened the flood-gates for everyone else to re-record this song. To me, the only good versions are Kitt's original and Madonna's version. While there is no official video for Madonna's version, I did find a cute video that is comprised of various Madonna clips that go along to the song. So I hope you enjoy this video and that the Holiday Season brings you Joy, Peace and Love!
John
John
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 11/29/2010
Well today is my birthday. I turn 41 years old. Since we just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday, I guess I have been in a 'thinking' mood. Plus the partner of a good friend of mine passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving morning. This has also added to some xtra 'self-time'. Its really hard to put into words when someone you know suddenly passes away. I'm still numb by the news. Today there will be a memorial service. Friends and family will gather together to celebrate the life that was taken away too soon. Today we will have to say Good-Bye to our friend. I think this Madonna song/video expresses how I feel right now. It might change later, it might not. But for now this is how I feel. This is for you Burt...you will be missed...
John
John
Monday, November 22, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 11/22/2010
So this past weekend my boyfriend and I spent an amazing weekend together. We went shopping, saw Mickey and Minnie light up Christmas lights, had a fantastic dinner, hung out with great friends and saw an amazing Jim Henson exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry. This is what relationships are all about, just taking the time to be together. And for that I am very grateful. So this is for my Joey. Here is Madonna singing her great ballad Crazy For You as featured in the film Vision Quest.
John
John
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Muppets & Christmas - Christmas Around the World 2010
A great exhibit is currently displayed at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry. The Fantastic World of Jim Henson details the life of the Muppets creator. The exhibit shows Henson's early work, Sesame Street, The Muppets and his film work. If your a child of the early 70's and Sesame Street, you will love this display. If your in Chicago any time soon, I highly recommend you see this exhibit. In this video, the museum has its annual Christmas Around the World display of various Christmas trees from around the world. As you can see, the main tree has been decked in Muppet styled ornaments. And sitting under the Christmas Tree is Mr. Green himself, Kermit The Frog...
Mickey & Minnie Light the Lights...
Mickey, Minnie and the gang were in Chicago over the weekend to help light the Christmas lights along Michigan Ave. After an hour-long parade, there was a fireworks display. Here you can see Mickey & Minnie greeting the crowds...ENJOY!
John
John
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Best of Both Holidays: Haunted Mansion Holiday
Without question, my two favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas. So of course I love The Nightmare Before Christmas and the world of Jack Skellington. So its no surprise that my favorite ride at any Disney park is the Haunted Mansion ride. But what really puts my emotions into OVER DRIVE is when the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland gets the Jack Skellington make-over known as Haunted Mansion Holiday. Here is video of the Haunted Mansion Holiday over-lay from Oct 7th 2010. Enjoy!
John
John
Madonna Music Monday - 11/15/2010
So today is my Mom's 65th birthday. She has done a lot for me and I am deeply grateful for all she has done for me and my sister. After my father passed away, my mother and I have formed a greater and deeper bond and connection.
So for today I thought I would pick a Madonna song that represents my relationship with my Mom and Sister. Today's song is Keep It Together form the Like A Prayer album.
The lyrics to this song are pretty simple and straight-forward:
This is one of Madonna's best songs. That's because the song comes from one of Madonna's most personal albums, Like A Prayer. The album's songs talk about failed marriages, spirituality, strained relationships with one's father and family importance. I love this song a lot, despite it was not a big radio hit. It doesn't even have an official video. The clip below is actually a live performance from Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour from 1990. The performance has a great 'Clockwork Orange' look to it and the arrangement is a great tribute to the Sly and the Family Stone song Family Affair. But more than anything, I love that Madonna performed this song live on this tour. It is the only tour where Madonna has performed this song in. So without delay here is Madonna performing Keep It Together...LIVE!!!
John
So for today I thought I would pick a Madonna song that represents my relationship with my Mom and Sister. Today's song is Keep It Together form the Like A Prayer album.
The lyrics to this song are pretty simple and straight-forward:
Keep it together in the family
They're a reminder of your history
Brothers and sisters they hold the key
To your heart and your soul
Don't forget that your family is gold...
This is one of Madonna's best songs. That's because the song comes from one of Madonna's most personal albums, Like A Prayer. The album's songs talk about failed marriages, spirituality, strained relationships with one's father and family importance. I love this song a lot, despite it was not a big radio hit. It doesn't even have an official video. The clip below is actually a live performance from Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour from 1990. The performance has a great 'Clockwork Orange' look to it and the arrangement is a great tribute to the Sly and the Family Stone song Family Affair. But more than anything, I love that Madonna performed this song live on this tour. It is the only tour where Madonna has performed this song in. So without delay here is Madonna performing Keep It Together...LIVE!!!
John
Monday, November 8, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 11/08/2010
So the Internet is all abuzz about Madonna's appearance on the Ellen Show tomorrow? According to a press release, "she has some important things she’d like to share with everyone." Is a new album on the way? More charity work? A message about gay-bullying? News about her new line of fitness gyms? We'll just have to wait and see what she announces on Ellen. Until then, let's listen to some music!!!
There was a time when the release of a new Madonna video, song or album caused a sensation. The most famous of these was when Madonna was set to premiere the video for Like A Prayer.
The release of Madonna's video caused a huge drama. The official video premiered the day after Pepsi released a commercial that featured Madonna. The commercial was sweet and innocent and had no controversial imagery. It premiered during a telecast of The Cosby Show. The official video of the song is another thing: images of violence, religious symbols, race crimes, stigmata. These images, plus the outcry of people who confused Madonna's video with Pepsi's commercial, caused Pepsi to pull their commercial off the air after only the one showing. Here is Pepsi commercial:
As you can see, its clearly meant to advertise and sell Pepsi. Here is Madonna's video for Like A Prayer:
As you can see, these two videos are so different in style and content. But when the senseless crowds scream 'fire', no one has time to think correctly. This is an amazing song and an amazing video. Madonna was truly expressing personal beliefs. She was expanding her music as an art form. She was singing mature songs and she was pushing people's buttons. That's what I like about Madonna and this song. Let's see what news Madonna will make tomorrow. I'm sure it will be amazing...
John
There was a time when the release of a new Madonna video, song or album caused a sensation. The most famous of these was when Madonna was set to premiere the video for Like A Prayer.
The release of Madonna's video caused a huge drama. The official video premiered the day after Pepsi released a commercial that featured Madonna. The commercial was sweet and innocent and had no controversial imagery. It premiered during a telecast of The Cosby Show. The official video of the song is another thing: images of violence, religious symbols, race crimes, stigmata. These images, plus the outcry of people who confused Madonna's video with Pepsi's commercial, caused Pepsi to pull their commercial off the air after only the one showing. Here is Pepsi commercial:
As you can see, its clearly meant to advertise and sell Pepsi. Here is Madonna's video for Like A Prayer:
As you can see, these two videos are so different in style and content. But when the senseless crowds scream 'fire', no one has time to think correctly. This is an amazing song and an amazing video. Madonna was truly expressing personal beliefs. She was expanding her music as an art form. She was singing mature songs and she was pushing people's buttons. That's what I like about Madonna and this song. Let's see what news Madonna will make tomorrow. I'm sure it will be amazing...
John
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 11/01/2010
Happy Halloween! Well the season is almost over. So to end the holiday with a Madonna twist, I've picked a cool video to share. Today's Madonna video is Bad Girl, from the 1993 album EROTICA.
This video is actually a mini thriller movie. It tells the sad story of a lonely woman and her vices and the horrible consequences of her careless actions. The video is directed by film director David Fincher. It also stars Christopher Walken in a 'Guardian Angel' type role. However, when Walken's character gives Madonna a kiss in the video, he then becomes The Angel of Death. The video also features an uncredited cameo appearance from Matt Dillon, who plays a crime scene cop. Not your typical video, but then again Madonna is NOT your typical artist. I love this song on its own. The music is so haunting and the lyrics, according to Rolling Stone magazine, perfectly describes "the mind of a girl who'd rather mess herself up than end a relationship she's too neurotic to handle... the characters remain faceless. It's as if Madonna recognizes the discomfort we feel when sensing the human character of a woman whose function is purely sexual. A sex symbol herself, she coolly removes the threat of her own personality." In other words, a great music video. Enjoy!
John
This video is actually a mini thriller movie. It tells the sad story of a lonely woman and her vices and the horrible consequences of her careless actions. The video is directed by film director David Fincher. It also stars Christopher Walken in a 'Guardian Angel' type role. However, when Walken's character gives Madonna a kiss in the video, he then becomes The Angel of Death. The video also features an uncredited cameo appearance from Matt Dillon, who plays a crime scene cop. Not your typical video, but then again Madonna is NOT your typical artist. I love this song on its own. The music is so haunting and the lyrics, according to Rolling Stone magazine, perfectly describes "the mind of a girl who'd rather mess herself up than end a relationship she's too neurotic to handle... the characters remain faceless. It's as if Madonna recognizes the discomfort we feel when sensing the human character of a woman whose function is purely sexual. A sex symbol herself, she coolly removes the threat of her own personality." In other words, a great music video. Enjoy!
John
Day of the Dead - Disneyland - Oct 2010
Feliz Dia de las Muertos! Yes, the Halloween season does not officially end until after All Saint's Day (Nov 1st) and All Soul's Day (Nov 2nd). Here are some pics from the Day of the Dead display at Disneyland. These pictures were taken on Oct 5th and 7th 2010. Enjoy!!
John
John
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Hi, check my new fantastic look @ Monday, October 25, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 10/25/2010
Madonna's True Blue album became the archetype of all late '80s & early '90s pop albums. Real instruments, personal lyrics, polished production. This album was 'dedicated to my husband, the coolest guy in the universe, Sean Penn.' The late 1980s marked a new era of the pop artist as a brand, and Madonna became the first one to exploit this. The title track is actually a draw-back to the 60's, a tribute to the Motown sound and girl-groups like The Supremes. The song was the basis of two videos: one video produced by MTV from a contest it promoted and another produced exclusively for the European markets. The video produced for Europe is a great video. Madonna embraces the girl-group persona. Madonna and her back-up singers dance and sing in a malt-shop setting. Actress Debi Mazar makes a cameo as one of Madonna's dancers/girlfriends. Personally, I love Madonna's look in this video: her platinum 50's hair-do is beyond sexy. With simple, direct lyrics the song is catchy and easy to sing along to. So for today I recommend an oldie but goodie, Madonna's True Blue from her 3rd album of the same name:
John
John
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
EPCOT Center Opens - Oct 1st 1982
Here is a cool newscast about the opening of EPCOT Center from 1982. This recently re-aired on ABC News. Enjoy!
John
John
Monday, October 18, 2010
Madonna Music Monday - 10/18/2010
Well I'm back! After a great vacation to LA and Disneyland, its back to the real world. There are some changes brewing this week. Hopefully, next week I will be able to share more details. But until then, lets chat about Madonna...
Pop music should move your soul, free your mind and make you DANCE!!! The best in pop music also makes a statement. Sometimes that statement is important like 'We Are The World' or 'Give Peace a Chance'. Sometimes its a personal statement. Today's Madonna song is such. Its actually one of my favorite motto's. Its one that I live by and try to use all the time. Today's Madonna song is EXPRESS YOURSELF.
This song has a great message to share: Be Yourself, Do What You Want, Get The Most Out of Life. The studio version, taken from the great Like A Prayer album, has an amazing production because it uses real instruments instead of synth music and drum machines. The song sounds personal and real. But the version of this song that is truly amazing is the live version taken from Madonna's 1990 Blond Ambition Tour.
The Blond Ambition Tour was the tour to promote Madonna's Like A Prayer album and her new film Dick Tracy. At the time, it was also considered a greatest-hits tour. Without a doubt, this is Madonna's BEST TOUR...EVER!!! With a huge selection of great songs, this tour ROCKED. The tour opens with an amazing version of Express Yourself. The song sets the tone for the concert and it pretty much lays out what to expect: Sex, Love, Lust, Anger, Passion, Devotion, Pleasure, Fun, Pain and Hope. The live arrangement of Express Yourself is just a pounding symphony of bass. The song just beats and beats, never stopping its rhythm. Its without a question one of the best openings to a concert. Its one of the best live version of a Madonna song. Its just an amazing live performance. I can't do justice to this performance. All I can do is let you see the performance and judge for yourself. So without further ado, here is Express Yourself live from Madonna's 1990 Blond Ambition Tour:
John
Pop music should move your soul, free your mind and make you DANCE!!! The best in pop music also makes a statement. Sometimes that statement is important like 'We Are The World' or 'Give Peace a Chance'. Sometimes its a personal statement. Today's Madonna song is such. Its actually one of my favorite motto's. Its one that I live by and try to use all the time. Today's Madonna song is EXPRESS YOURSELF.
This song has a great message to share: Be Yourself, Do What You Want, Get The Most Out of Life. The studio version, taken from the great Like A Prayer album, has an amazing production because it uses real instruments instead of synth music and drum machines. The song sounds personal and real. But the version of this song that is truly amazing is the live version taken from Madonna's 1990 Blond Ambition Tour.
The Blond Ambition Tour was the tour to promote Madonna's Like A Prayer album and her new film Dick Tracy. At the time, it was also considered a greatest-hits tour. Without a doubt, this is Madonna's BEST TOUR...EVER!!! With a huge selection of great songs, this tour ROCKED. The tour opens with an amazing version of Express Yourself. The song sets the tone for the concert and it pretty much lays out what to expect: Sex, Love, Lust, Anger, Passion, Devotion, Pleasure, Fun, Pain and Hope. The live arrangement of Express Yourself is just a pounding symphony of bass. The song just beats and beats, never stopping its rhythm. Its without a question one of the best openings to a concert. Its one of the best live version of a Madonna song. Its just an amazing live performance. I can't do justice to this performance. All I can do is let you see the performance and judge for yourself. So without further ado, here is Express Yourself live from Madonna's 1990 Blond Ambition Tour:
John
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Another Vacation Has Come and Gone...
Don't you hate that feeling? You know that feeling after a vacation. Its a mix of depression that the vacation is over and the great feeling of all the stuff you did on vacation. Well I have that feeling now. I'm back from a great week long California vacation. I spent time in West Hollywood with friends, attended a couple talk show tapings, saw Beauty & The Beast on the big screen again, went to a Halloween party at Disneyland and relaxed in Palm Springs. I'll post some pics and videos. I'll write a couple of blogs of what happened. But for now here is a sneak peak. Have a Magical Day!!!
John
John
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Chicago Loop Welcomes Disney Store...
Today, Disney officially opened a store in Downtown Chicago. While a Disney Store has been located further north along the 'Magnificent Mile' for some years, this new store is located in the heart of the Chicago Loop retail and business center. I was able to visit the store today during my lunch break since I work nearby. Here are some pics I took:
The Disney Store is located at Washington and State Street. Its located inside Block 37, the new retail center complex.
Where else can you see classic Disney films? This picture does not do any justice to the look of the film and the screen. Its definitely a HD projection.
This is the first Disney Store I have seen where you can make Ridemakerz cars. This store is really aiming for the boys. Check out the CARS related toys and merchandise:
This is the sitting area for the movie screen...
Time for arts & crafts...
This is the touch-screen panel that controls what is shown on the movie screen...
Here is a closer look..
Another view of the screening room area...
This is the other store entrance located inside Block 37...
This is a digital panel that shows info about the store...
Looks like its gonna be a busy week at the new Disney Store...
This mural is located next to the store entrance...I LOVE IT!!!
Don't worry...there's PLENTY of toys and merchandise for the girls...LOL!!!
Various images are projected on these tree panels...can you spot the Hidden Mickey?
How about now...
Or now...
All in all, its a great store. Its a nice size and seems to have everything for everyone. The location of the store is PRIME. This store will easily do big business and get tons of foot traffic. I for one will be a regular shopper. Have a Magical day!!!
John
The Disney Store is located at Washington and State Street. Its located inside Block 37, the new retail center complex.
Where else can you see classic Disney films? This picture does not do any justice to the look of the film and the screen. Its definitely a HD projection.
This is the first Disney Store I have seen where you can make Ridemakerz cars. This store is really aiming for the boys. Check out the CARS related toys and merchandise:
This is the sitting area for the movie screen...
Time for arts & crafts...
This is the touch-screen panel that controls what is shown on the movie screen...
Here is a closer look..
Another view of the screening room area...
This is the other store entrance located inside Block 37...
This is a digital panel that shows info about the store...
Looks like its gonna be a busy week at the new Disney Store...
This mural is located next to the store entrance...I LOVE IT!!!
Don't worry...there's PLENTY of toys and merchandise for the girls...LOL!!!
Various images are projected on these tree panels...can you spot the Hidden Mickey?
How about now...
Or now...
All in all, its a great store. Its a nice size and seems to have everything for everyone. The location of the store is PRIME. This store will easily do big business and get tons of foot traffic. I for one will be a regular shopper. Have a Magical day!!!
John
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