Cartoons | "Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears" (1985–1991)

The ultimate family animated series, “Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears.” Every Saturday morning we gathered around the television to watch the Gummi-Glen Gummis—Cubbi, Sunni, Gruffi, Zummi, Tummi and Grammi—bouncing here and there and everywhere. And, after all these years, I am still trying to get my hands on some of that Gummiberry Juice.

Thought of as mere legends after humans forced their species into exile centuries prior, the magically-skilled bears live inside a tree outside the medieval kingdom of Dunwyn as the last remainders of their civilization. In the first episode, the Gummis encounter and befriend a human, Cavin—the squire of Sir Tuxford—who keeps close to him a Gummi medallion passed down by his grandfather. Throughout their many adventures, they seek to protect their secrets of magic, as well as King Gregor and his castle from the exiled Duke Sigmund Igthorn and his army of ogres.

 

 

The series includes 94 episodes. It originally debuted on NBC where it spent four seasons before subsequently moving to ABC for the final season and afternoon syndicated programming. Many of the episodes are uploaded on YouTube, and Seasons 1–3 are available on DVD.

Watching “Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears” is extremely emblematic of my childhood family time. It is one of those cartoons with such well-developed characters that it is utterly impossible to pin-point a favorite. The series is charming and the adventures are so compelling that parents love to watch as well. It is an absolute classic and a precious precious gem.

Cartoons | "Denver, the Last Dinosaur" (1988–1990)

This one is quite the throwback for me and particularly special! I fondly recall the good ole days of my mom taking me to the public library to rent the VHS tape of "Denver, the Last Dinosaur." If only I could find the actual copy that I use to watch, re-watch and watch again, I would be on cloud nine! FYI, I am extremely sentimental about those sorts of things.

“Denver, the Last Dinosaur” was released in the United States in 1988 and only ran for two seasons. It was nationally syndicated with reruns airing up until 1990. Throughout the 52 episodes, it largely focuses on environmental issues and friendship. The story begins when a group of California teens discover a prehistoric egg near the La Brea Tar Pits, which hatches a cute and friendly Corythosaurus. Naming him Denver, they decide to keep him, but inhibit the knowledge of his existence. Through their enduring adventures, they teach the English-speaking dino about teenage life while simultaneously protecting him from the public. In contrast—with help from a piece of the egg—Denver is able to take them back to his prehistoric age and teach them about the time period. The character is voiced by the legendary Pat Fraley, whom performed in many of the most memorable cartoons of the 80s and 90s. 

 

 

As hard as I try, no one from my era ever remembers this incredible animation. I feel like “Denver, the Last Dinosaur” is all mine—it’s my baby, cute and adorable! Although I will probably never track down that VHS tape I use to check out from the library, I did locate 19 of the episodes on two separate volumes of DVDs. The majority of the series is also uploaded on YouTube, but I am a tangible type of guy. Plus, it is always worth spending a little bit on those things that impacted my life the most!

The Goonies, Good Enough For Me

When fate allows it, I occasionally find myself watching a movie in the perfect moment. The lighting and weather are fitting and the mood is just right. Sunset during the summer always leaves memorable movie-watching experiences for me, but every now and then it happens on the rarest of occasions. Never was this truer than the last time I watched The Goonies (1985).
 

My copy of The Goonies (1985) starring
Sean Astin and Corey Feldman


It was probably some time in October of 2000. I was a sophomore in high school and playing football for the Oberlin Red Devils. For some odd reason, we had a Saturday morning JV game against the Norton Blue Jays on their field. It was a frigid day. Horrifically wet and muddy, just miserable. Our towns are fairly close to one another, so we were receiving the same type of weather.

When I arrived home it was sleeting, but strangely I still went up to our local A&W/gas station and bought a smoothie. I got back to the house and resided to the basement to watch some television. Right at that moment, The Goonies started playing on TBS. I had our large basement window shades open allowing the dreary weather to seep into my quarters. It was relaxing, and my setting seemed to inexplicably match that of the movie. This was hardly the first time I ever watched the The Goonies, but this time everything jived. And, here I am 13 years later still trying to recreate that moment.

Set in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, the adventure comedy follows a faction of pre-teens who attempt to save their homes from inevitable foreclosure. While exploring the attic, they discover an old Spanish map and artifact that sets them out on an exploit to excavate the hidden treasure of 17th-century pirate One-Eyed Willie. However, the coordinates take them to an abandoned seaside restaurant where they encounter a family of fugitives called the Fratellis. Escaping the villains through a cavern beneath, they trapse through a series of booby traps that subsequently lead them to a pirate ship full of gold.

 

 

The Goonies is an all around feel-good film, one created especially for dreamers—one that I would fantasize about, and put myself in the shoes of Mikey or Mouth. It embodies the culture of the 80s and is certainly one of the foremost teen and pre-teen films of the decade. It is packed full with unforgotten moments. The cast is incredible. Sean Astin and Corey Feldman are both iconic stars. And, the soundtrack includes some insatiable tunes, including Cyndi Lauper’s “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” which I am felicitously listening to at this very instant. Fervent and impatient, I continue holding out for the day that my internal feelings collide with a frigid and perfectly relaxing Saturday when I can revisit this cherished movie.

Now Playing | The Last Stand starring Arnold Schwarzenegger

The quintessential 80s action hero is back! Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new flick The Last Stand opens in theaters today, and is sure to deliver 107 minutes of explosions, car stunts and combat. He stars as Sheriff Ray Owens who retired from the LAPD after his partner is left crippled and now protects border town Summerton Junction from a fragment of crime. However, when drug kingpin Gabriel Cortez escapes from an FBI prisoner convoy and blazes towards the border with an army and hostage in tow, Owens is forced to make the last stand with his crew of inexperienced officers before the convict escapes the grasp of the United States law indefinitely.

 

 

 

Growing up through the 80s and 90s was perfect timing, as I was highly influenced by a multitude of Arnold’s characters. Often on television and watched by my family during my youth, The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) are my first memories of him. A cyborg assassin from the future sent to kill, and then reprogrammed to defeat evil in the sequel—captivating, especially for an action-loving adolescent!

My favorite childhood Arnold Schwarzenegger films:
The Terminator (1984)
The Running Man (1987)
Red Heat (1988)
Total Recall (1990)
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Last Action Hero (1993)
True Lies (1994)
Eraser (1996)
Jingle All the Way (1996)

As an Arnold enthusiast in both the motion picture business and the world of bodybuilding, I am anxiously awaiting a trip to the theater to catch his latest release. It is his first starring role since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), so some place like the Fork & Screen at the AMC 30 in Olathe seems like a fitting location—my fingers are crossed. Undoubtedly, I will have more words after the screening, but go ahead and check it out for yourself!

 

Rod Stewart, My Rock 'N' Roll Idol

If only I could remember just how old I was the first time I heard a Rod Stewart song. Obviously, I was quite young as I still slept with my bedside lamp on and radio playing. I recall awakening one evening immediately captured by a tune running through my room. As I laid there with my eyes wide open, I thought it was the greatest sound to ever hit my eardrums. It was “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” but I would not discover the title or the artist until several years later.

Fast-forward to age 17 when my mom and I returned home from one of our many travels to McCook, NE. I was driving my new Honda Accord, and as I parked in our driveway Rod Stewart hit the speakers with “This Old Heart of Mine.” Immediately, I recognized the voice from my youth and inquired with my mom. “Oh, I think this is that guy your dad likes,” she replied. Hilarious, who would have known that he was a fan all along!? From this point onward, I dove into every bit of Rod Stewart music I could find, and finally identified that song from my past.

 

 

 

As fortune would have it, living in the Kansas City area allowed me to witness him live in concert twice when he performed at the Sprint Center in July 2009 and April 2011. Both nights were eminently enthralling. The first time I attended with a friend, and we sang along to every song as fans our parents’ age stared at us in amazement wondering how we knew all of the lyrics.

SETLIST - JULY 28, 2009: Some Guys Have All the Luck, It’s a Heartache, This Old Heart of Mine, The First Cut is the Deepest, Havin’ a Party, You Weart It Well, Downtown Train, Tonight’s the Night, You’re in My Heart, Twistin’ the Night Away, Forever Young, Proud Mary, Have I Told You Lately, Love Train, Hot Legs, Young Turks, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Maggie May (encore)

 

My event tee and program from the Rod Stewart
concert at Sprint Center on July 28, 2009

The second opportunity was the consummate bonding experience with my dad, and forever a beloved memory. I was overly thrilled I was with him for his first time seeing Rod and hearing his favorite song “Maggie May.” It was The Heart & Soul Tour. Stevie Nicks opened up that night, and together the two put up an epic performance.

SETLIST - APRIL 12, 2011: Love Train, Tonight’s the Night, Havin’ a Party, Passion (w/ Stevie Nicks), Leather and Lace (w/ Stevie Nicks), Forever Young, The First Cut is the Deepest, This Old Heart of Mine, Twistin’ the Night Away, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Downtown Train, Reason to Believe, You’re in My Heart, Sweet Little Rock and Roller, It’s a Heartache, Rhythm of My Heart, Knock on Wood, Have I Told You Lately, Hot Legs, Maggie May, Do You Think I’m Sexy (encore)



My event tee, program and ticket from the Rod Stewart
concert at Sprint Center on April 12, 2011

Till this day, Rod Stewart remains my favorite musical artist and “Some Guys Have All the Luck” and “This Old Heart of Mine” remain my two favorite tunes. He struts this ultimate ladies’ man mystique and with a raspy British voice, incredible lyrics and slick dance moves combined with flash, charisma and class, he is pure gold. And, I always think that if ever there is a reason to write a screenplay about my life, it should open with that fateful night as a lad when I first heard him sing.

 

Rare Finds | Happy Together (1989)

Long before starring as Dr. Derek Shepherd—better known as “McDreamy” by all of his admirers—in the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey was stealing hearts in many of the 80s’ best romantic comedies. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and Loverboy (1989) go back to my earliest memories, subsequently leading to my craze for the decade. His roles as Ronald Miller and Randy Bodek secured him the spot as my favorite actor of the genre and caused me to continually search out more of his work. Although never officially released on DVD, I lucked upon a copy of Happy Together (1989) in perfect condition on DVD-R.

My DVD-R copy of Happy Together (1989)

In the role of Christopher Wooden, Dempsey stars alongside Helen Slater as Alex (Alexandra) Page. He is an aspiring playwright and incoming college freshman, whom by computer error is roomed on “the hill” with a girl. Annoyed with her overly extroverted and epicurean antics, Chris seeks alternative housing. However, in midst of their cohabitation, he starts to like and eventually falls for Alex. Through their energetic exchanges, Chris evolves emotionally and transforms his writing skills. But, when Alex’s pleasure-seeking personality starts to prove too tough to handle, we discover if he can really love her and if she can truly accept his adoration.

Watching a VHS-quality transfer of this film created an incredibly evocative sensation. The opening music sets a transcendent tone for the entire movie. The plot is both charming and magnetic. It takes authentic boy-meets-girl emotions straight out of life and interjects them in a fanciful and captivating situation. And, until the closing credits, it captures the magic of the era and the presumed innocence of love. 

Hall & Oates | Do What You Want, Be What You Are

Four months later, and I am still reeling from catching Hall & Oates live. The duo appeared at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City on September 8 as part of the “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” tour. I was dying to see them, praying to finally hear a favorite band in person, which is now somewhat of a rare opportunity. Not only was I anxious to hear them live, but deeply yearned to share their music with my lovely lady. The concert was drawing near, and sadly we had no tickets. 

I arrived home one evening, and Courtney gave me a grocery sack with two massive bags of Mike & Ike’s—my favorite sugary candy—and I was thrilled about her purchase. She giggled and told me to look in the bottom. I reached back inside and to my amazement pulled out two tickets—Plaza 6, Row L, Seats 17 and 18. My eyes were as big as ever. I was awe-struck, caught with emotion. It was the sweetest surprise I could ever imagine.

Our printer-friendly version of the tickets (they would not scan at the gate, so we
visited the box office and still received our hard copies)

The setting was impeccable. It was one of those perfect nostalgic evenings I wish could last forever. It was our first trip to Starlight, and we were astounded. The Theatre is stunning and impressive, and there is not a bad seat in the house. And the atmosphere—the weather and with the sun setting—was one designed only for movie making.

View of the stage from our Plaza 6 seats

Everyone was hungry for some rock and soul; we were all on our feet as the band hit the stage and onward throughout the night. They opened hot with “Maneater” and never simmered. The sounds were savory, their voices and instruments crisp, inspiring and tranquil. Better than on album, I always say. No record could ever truly capture the mellifluous tones of a live Hall & Oates concert.

SETLIST
Maneater, Family Man, Out of Touch, Say It Isn’t So, How Does It Feel to Be Back, When the Morning Comes, Las Vegas Tournaround, She’s Gone, Sara Smile, I Can’t Go For That, Rich Girl, You Make My Dreams, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes

The 90-minute set included two encores, but we still did not want to go home. Afterwards, Courtney and I sat in the parking lot while some of the older couples who were tailgating blasted their favorite tunes from their car stereos. We were overly energetic the entire ride back to Lawrence, singing, laughing and already reminiscing.

Courtney showing off her event tee

Every time a Hall & Oates song randomly plays, we are taken right back to that cherished moment. But, the one we always love hearing together—“She’s Gone,” which was originally released on their 1973 album Abandoned Luncheonette and as a single in 1974. It was later remixed and re-released in 1976 as a popular radio version that helped catapult their careers.

The Science of Rock 'n' Roll

The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll exhibit delves into technology and offers an in-depth history lesson of how advances throughout each decade helped shape the world of music. It is a spectacle designed for both artists and enthusiasts alike, and is currently showing at Union Station in Kansas City.

As part of our 1-year anniversary celebration, my girlfriend Courtney and I viewed the display inside the Bank of America Gallery this past Sunday with intrigue and fascination. As a child of the 80s—and an obsessed fanatic—I was enthralled with the flashback to the era’s breakthroughs. It covered such things as the lineage of 8-track tapes to cassettes to compact discs and the development of the Sony Walkman, the synthesizer and the boombox, as well as the emergence of rap, hip-hop and breakdancing.

After a glance at the historical innovations between 1950 and today, visitors are allowed a hands-on experience with instrumentation, including electric guitars, trap sets and a keyboard. Isolation booths are also available for singing and recording of a few choice songs. A clever feature—when we arrived, the friendly and enthusiastic hosts handed us commemorative VIP passes with a QR code on the back for uploading our performance to our computer back at home. As we left the studio and traipsed through some additional pieces of gadgetry, we came upon a room with a concert screening and comfy seating to top off the inspirational adventure.

Courtney and I prepare to record Bob Seger's 1978 hit
"Old Time Rock and Roll" inside the isolation booth

If you live in or around Kansas City—or the exhibit is travelling to a venue near you—I sincerely recommend an exclusive outing to explore. You observe at your own pace, and it is perfect for families, couples and kids. Tours at Union Station run through March 6. Ticket prices range between $12.50 and $15.00, and are available at the box office and online at boxoffice.unionstation.org.

Song of Motivation

Eric Clapton’s “It’s in the Way That You Use It”—one of those very few tunes that I can listen to all day every day, and still consume with the same energy and emotion every time. In fact, it is my song of motivation, especially in the gym. It combines an electrifying sound with perfectly inspirational lyrics that fuel my workout session, encourage me to train with intensity and purpose and remind me to not abuse the gifts and privileges with which God blessed me.

The song debuted in October of 1986 as the theme to the Paul Newman-Tom Cruise flick The Color of Money directed by Martin Scorsese. As the sequel to The Hustler (1961), Newman reprises his role of Fast Eddie Felson, a pool shark seeking to climb the ranks once again. With big payouts in sight, he takes the talented babyface Vincent Lauria under his wing. These two combined with Vince’s sexy and manipulative girlfriend shape an unstoppable trio. However, when arrogance gets a hold on the young protégé, lost matches ensue and inevitably lead to destruction for the faction.

A month after the movie hit the big screen, the song was released as the first track on Clapton’s tenth studio album entitled August under the Reprise Record label and produced with Phil Collins and Tom Dowd. It went on to reach #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

With tremendous enthusiasm, I give you “It’s in the Way That You Use It”—may it add a little hop to your step and exhilaration in your life…