I'm not making excuses, but kind of. This week is a crazy one for me as I work on a couple of big projects. But I don't want my brand to suffer as a result, so I've sought out some quotes from people I find inspiring and wanted to share their words with you. I truly believe 2017 will be a banner year for My 1-2-3 Cents. Thank you to everyone who reads, shares and supports all my endeavors.
It seems this time of year there are two types of people. Those who hate Elf on the Shelf and those who love Elf on the Shelf. I am in the category of love. While I don't understand the hate, I certainly respect those of you who do not enjoy this Christmas-time tradition.
Player!
Our family was introduced to the Elf in 2007. St. Nick brought the book and my three kids voted and named our elf Nick. By now you probably know how it works, but just in case you don't... the Elf magically transports to the North Pole each night while everyone is sleeping to report to Santa Claus. The original idea was to encourage kids to behave this time of year. Yes, there are memes of belts saying that's how they were made to behave back in the day, but I digress.
Nick likes craft beer (2016)
For our family, Nick was never meant to be something to "make them be good." Let's face it, I've heard plenty of parents threaten their kids long before the Elf on the Shelf craze that Santa Claus wasn't coming if they didn't straighten up. But I've never once seen a parent follow through on that threat. No kid that I know of has never awoken on Christmas morning to a stocking full of coal or no presents under the tree because of how they behaved.
Minonizing the bananas (2015)
The last few years it's become more fun for me to see what exactly Nick is going to do each night. There are plenty of websites with good ideas. Last year after Christmas when our youngest daughter wanted to know the truth about Santa, I decided the Elf tradition was going to stay.
Nick battles Harry Potter
So here we are in a house of non-believers in Santa or the Elf, but Nick still makes his evening trek to the North Pole. It's fun. The kids still like seeing what silliness will ensue. No one is getting hurt in the process and it's created a tradition for our family. If you don't like it, go elf yourself. :)
"Stone Cold" Stunner
Sure the Elf industry is booming and I applaud the authors Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell. Every time I see the display in the story with all the new accessories for the Elf, I wonder "why didn't I think of that." Merry Christmas and take a minute to enjoy the Elf.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Even at age 43, I love dressing up. We've been dressing up since 2000. Some years a costume will get a second or even third life around here before donating them or using it as a decoration. In 2010 we went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. There were eight of us, so we split into four couples and each had a theme. My dad and oldest son were Geppetto and Pinocchio. A couple weeks later for a Halloween party we attended, I donned the little wooden boy costume. And just this year, my daughter attended a Halloween party and became Pinocchio. Her official costume this is still being completed for Halloween night. I should note my mom made the Pinocchio costume.
Alien becomes Grinch
Our middle son wanted one of those morph alien suits in 2012. After spending $50 on it, he literally put it on long enough for me to take one picture, deciding days before Halloween he was too old (and cool) to dress up and go trick-or-treating. Two years later I used the suit as a base for being The Grinch.
Mad Eye Moody ages backwards
Harry Potter was a popular choice for our oldest through the years. In 2008 I was Mad Eye Moody. He then repuropsed the costume three years later.
Eeyore is a double dose of cuteness
That first Halloween for our boy in 2000 he was Eeyore. We had done a Winnie the Pooh theme with his nursey and couldn't resist the cuteness of the costume. Seven years later his little sister strolled the streets in the same costume. I just got a look at our costumes for this year. I wonder what they'll be recycled in to for Halloweens to come.
It's the end of an era at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The company has announced plans to pull the plug on the Main Street Electric Parade October 9. The fun heads west to Disneyland in California where the event originated more than 40 years ago. The lights go out permanently for the parade in early 2017.
In all the reports I've seen about this, the one tidbit missing is why the parade is coming to an end. Every time we've visited Disney's Magic Kingdom we stopped what we were doing and made our way to Main Street for the parade. During our visit this past March we caught just a portion of it and I snapped the picture of Pete's Dragon. Had I known it was going to be our last time seeing it, I would have taken more note of the parade.
Pooh rules
Through the years Disney has tweaked things at the park and removed attractions and rides that were losing popularity. One of my favorite rides as a child was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. In 1999 it was replaced with The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.
Last time with the Sorcerer's Hat
At Disney's Hollywood Studios the giant Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat has been torn down. We last posed in front of it two years ago. On our most recent trip nothing had replaced the attraction. One rumor was something from Frozen would replace the famous hat from Fantasia. But I haven't seen any other updates on the matter.
Star Wars takes over
It's only natural that things change at the popular theme parks. As the company continues to produce movies and tv shows it's important to stay relevant and do what the paying customers want to see. Universal Studios has undergone several makeovers, most notably to appeal to fans of Harry Potter. Now that Star Wars has the licensing to Star Wars there will no doubt be a larger presence of that franchise at the parks.
So if you haven't been to Disney World for the Electric Parade, time is ticking away. If you have a trip planned between now and October 9, I highly recommend checking it out. I still remember seeing it for the first time at age 6 and the last time days before I turned 43 (while at Disney World no less). Thanks for the memories.
I write every day at work. Then I come home and write more. New blogs are published here daily (since enacting a blog streak in May). Most afternoons I write a blog or two for my freelance business. But I do very little reading. I proofread what I've written and I read other articles and blogs when doing research. But overall I'm not a huge fan of reading. I'd much rather watch a YouTube video or listen to a podcast.
I hate that about myself. The last book I read was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In fact the franchise of books is the only fiction I've read as an adult. I have Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (my son does actually) and I do intend to read it. But it will be the first book I've read since 2010 (I got started on the books after Deathly Hallows was published in 2007).
Mankind's first book
Most of my reading over the last 16 years (and I can pinpoint it to the year 2000 when the Rock and Mankind each published autobiographies around the same time) has been non fiction material. I've read a lot of entertainment related biographies, with the majority being wrestling related. But over the past six years I've simply not made the time to read like I once did.
So here I write every day hoping you and others will read it. Some blogs go over better than others. Subject matter plays a role, as does the distribution method. Timing is critical and after seeing some success, there's room for even more improvement and growth. If you happen to be a blogger and reading this, what are your tips for success? Non-bloggers, thanks! Please leave a note and let me know what kind of content you like to read. Feedback is always welcome here and taken very seriously.
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Harry Potter first entered our lives in 2007. My oldest son had just started second grade when my wife read him "Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone." I didn't pick up the books until the last one was released, but got hooked quickly. We'd read the book and then see the movie. We got caught up by the time Half Blood Prince was released in theaters and actually saw it on the big screen.
Butterbeer break
Four years ago, our family ventured to Universal Studios in Orlando, where we were in awe of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A portion of Islands of Adventure has been transformed into Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. Rides like the Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Dragon Challenge add to the excitement of all the shops, including Honeydukes Sweetshop and Ollivander's Wand Shop. There are places to get your fill of Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, and Gillywater. It's the ultimate place for Harry Potter fans.
Waiting for the Hogwarts Express
Earlier this year, the Wizarding World expanded into the Universal Studios side of the part. Now, you can hop aboard the Hogwarts Express and take it back and forth, assuming you have a ticket to both parks. The train ride is reminiscent of the movies, it's by far the most relaxing of the five Potter themed rides at the park.
In the bank lobby
Speaking of other rides, the only other new ride added with the addition is Escape from Gringotts. Because it's a new attraction, the wait time was between 60 and 90 minutes (in October), although on our last day there, we went straight to that ride when the park opened. Our wait time that morning was about 40 minutes. It's a 3-D thrill ride with twists and turns, but not nearly as jostling as the Forbidden Journey ride. But a little kid did barf on the way out and right in the path of where people were walking.
The dragon
On top of Gringotts bank is a giant fire-breathing dragon. Almost like clockwork every 10 minutes, a ball of fire shoots from his mouth. There are plenty of stores along Diagon Alley, including FloreanFortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, and the Leaky Cauldron. We ate lunch at the Cauldron, and although pricey, it was delicious. I had the Bangers and Mash. The one interesting thing is there are no basic drinks in the restaurant. It's all Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, or Gillywater (which is a bottle of water with a $4.25 price tag). You won't find a soda on the menu. After we sat down and started eating, we were offered a complimentary cup of water.
Working her magic
One of the other really cool parts of the whole Wizarding World Experience now is the interactive wands they sell in addition to the usual collector's wands. These interactive wands can be used at the various store fronts (that have a special marking in front of them) and the holder of the wand can perform some magical task. A sensor in the window reacts to the sensor in the wand to make things happen. There's a cake topper that dances around, a tape measurer that comes unrolled, among other things. It's neat, but again, an added price of about $50 per wand.
Don't touch wands
Compared to most of the other attractions and experiences at Universal, it's obvious Harry Potter and his posse are breathing new life into the theme park. They've managed to cast a spell on my family and millions of others. While not on the same level of Disney's magic, the folks who built this portion of the park have done a great job.
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter My family recently wrapped up an amazing eight day adventure to Disney World and Universal Studios. My mom, who is currently in remission after a battle with bladder cancer, wanted to take all five of her grand kids to Disney World, so luckily, my brother and his family, my wife and kids, and my parents were able to make it happen. We've been before, but this is the first time all 11 of us were together for the trip. As you might imagine, I've learned some lessons along the way...
Memory Maker in action
10. Splurge on the Memory Maker PhotoPass. It costs $149, but this option gives you access to all the pictures that are taken of your party at any given Disney Park. We have nearly 50 photos and two videos. Anytime you're on a ride, the pic "magically" connects with your Magic Band and you don't have to wait in line to purchase individual photos. We have plenty of great, professional shots to share now as a result.
My nephew
9. When a four year old tells you he has to poop, he means it. A couple of times my nephew got caught up in the excitement of the Disney Magic and didn't make it to the bathroom on time. In one case, we were about to board the Toy Story Midway Mania ride. But like the professionals they are, the folks at Disney's Hollywood Studios gave my dad and nephew new FastPasses so they could enjoy the ride too. 8. Read the instructions thoroughly when the information comes in the mail. I screwed up and didn't make sure that my brother received his luggage tags when they were mailed to us. You put the "Disney" tag on your suitcase and the folks there get it from the airport and deliver it straight to your room. You can get off the plane and head straight to the Magical Express Bus and not worry about your baggage.
Seven Dwarfs, it was fun!
7. Roller coasters hurt more after you hit 40. We rode everything from the Rock n Roller Coaster, to Space Mountain, to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The kids rode some of these more than once. I didn't venture onto the Hulk this year because after the Dragon Challenge, Expedition Everest, and the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster, my body had enough. Don't get me wrong, they're all enjoyable rides, but the older I get the more things like Winnie The Pooh, Peter Pan, and Dumbo appeal to me.
My parents and the kids
6. People tend to not pay attention to folks in wheelchairs. My mom, as I mentioned, is in remission from cancer. She's also dealing with other health issues, including a severe case of asthma. Our first full day we spent at Magic Kingdom and all the walking wore her out, so we rented a wheelchair the rest of our stay at the parks. In general, people are respectful, and the Disney cast members go out of their way to accommodate on rides and in restaurants. But there were a lot of people who cut in front of the chair, make snide comments, or completely ignore it. It made me more aware of others in similar situations.
Casting spells at Universal Studios
5. Take time to cast a spell at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter fans can end up at Hogwarts and visit Diagon Alley. You need tickets to both parks to do this though. There are interactive wands to purchase and you're able to do different tricks at the various store fronts. I'll share more on that in a future post.
Flaming Moe & a Krusty Burger
4. When visiting Universal Studios, you have to eat at Krusty Burger, get a beer a Moe's Tavern, and have a donut at LardLad Donuts. As a Simpsons geek, I was in heaven in the newly updated Simpsons area of the park. I drank a Flaming Moe, Buzz Cola, and Duff Lite while there. I'll go into greater details later this week.
Our resort
3. Don't leave the Magic behind. We stayed at the Art of Animation Resort for six nights. We left and took a cab over to the Holiday Inn next to Universal Studios for a couple of days of Harry Potter, Simpsons, and Marvel fun. In hindsight, I think we should have stayed on the Disney property (as they will arrange transportation to get you over to Universal and back). To be fair to the folks at Universal, we did not stay in one of their resorts, so I don't know if things would have been better on their property then a regular hotel.
Magic Kingdom after midnight
2. Take a day to rest. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon. After getting checked in at the resort, the eleven of us hopped on a bus and hit Downtown Disney. Every day after that we opened and closed the parks, including Universal Studios across town. Magic Kingdom was open until 2 am on one of our nights there, so my niece, son, and daughter, went back with me for some late night fun. We always talk about taking a day to relax and enjoy the pool at the resort. One day we will.
Loving the Magic!
1. Disney Magic, although paid for, is real. I can't properly express in words how much more enjoyable the Disney experience is compared to any other vacation I've ever been on before. From the way the resorts are decorated, to the buses to get you to and from parks, to the Magical Express to and from the airport or even other theme parks, to the overall hospitality. It was a great trip, made even more special by the way we were treated while at Disney World. Walt Disney's legacy is alive and well and I can not wait to return to his Kingdom.
I have visited Universal Studios in Florida three times in my life. The first was back in 1991, right after I graduated high school. One of the rides that stuck out to me was Jaws. When I went back in 2008 and 2010, I rode it again and of course posed by the giant shark hanging outside the entrance.
This is by no means new news, but I wasn't really aware the ride had closed more than a year ago. It was taken out to make way for the expanding Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The waters where the guided boat tour once cruised have been paved over for Diagon Alley. Like I said before, I've only been there three times in the last 20 + years, but it makes me a little sad to see the classics getting bumped.
My kids in Harry Potter World
Don't get me wrong, I love Harry Potter. I love the books and the movies much more than Jaws. The area of the park we visited in 2010 that's dedicated to the boy wizard is amazing. I also thought it was sufficient. But I understand as things in popular culture get old, they have to fade off into the sunset.
Yabba Dabba Don't close this ride
Something similar happened about a decade ago when my favorite ride at the park, The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera was replaced with Jimmy Neutron's Nick Toon Blast. I'm sorry, but the likes of Fred Flintstone, Yogi Bear, Scooby Doo, and George Jetson have and will stand the test of time compared to Jimmy Neutron. But I get it. The park is appealing to a much younger demographic. And so Despicable Me has replaced Neutron. As they say at the other theme park in Orlando, "it's the circle of life."
D'oh!
I do sing a different tune when it comes to the Simpsons ride. I've loved the show since it started off as short sketches on the Tracy Ullman Show in the 80's. The ride replaced the Back to the Future Ride. A great movie, a fun ride, but my love for Springfield wins this battle. Moe's Tavern and Krusty Burger have also been added since I was last there in 2010. I don't know (and couldn't find after a brief search) what, if anything the new features are replacing.
While it's hard for me (not really hard, but you know what I mean) to see these blasts from the past become extinct, I know that new memories will be made for generations to come, including my own kids who loved the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It's a great experience, even for Muggles.
Since today is the opening of the new Harry Potter film, I decided to let my inner geek out completely and dedicate a post to some of the wizardly and magical superstars of years past. Here are the only three I could come up with. I'm sure there are more.
All photos are courtesy of wwe.com unless otherwise noted.
Oz. Now I don't remember a whole lot about Oz. I do recall him being based on the character from the Wizard of Oz. But what I don't know is if he used any kind of "magic" when in the ring, other than the ability to make an audience disappear.
Oz of course was played by Kevin Nash, and when he first appeared in WCW in 1991 he got a lot of hype. But I think it was more of a case of "all show and no go." The only match I remember with him was one where Ron Simmons handed him his ass. This was just about the time Simmons was rising up the ranks.
So while Oz was far from great, it did create a silly gimmick for us to look back at and mock nearly 20 years later. Who would have thought back in '91 this guy would go on to win the WWF and WCW world titles? Same guy, different character I suppose.
Papa Shango. He wasn't really a magician or a wizard. More of a voodoo guy with mystical powers. After all, he made the Ultimate Warrior throw up on TV. Remember that? Or what about the stuff he'd do to the jobbers he was facing.
His big break came at Wrestlemania 8 when he "interfered" in the match between Hulk Hogan and Sid. This promoted the return of the Ultimate Warrior. The two feuded for the months that followed, with Shango doing the job.
Eventually, he would take his smoking skull, bone necklace, and other voodoo tools and leave the WWF. While the character was gone, the man behind the skull face and blazin' tattoos would soon return. This time, Charles Wright was Kama: The Ultimate Fighting Machine. Then he became Kama Mustafa and joined the Nation of Domination. That character turned into the Godfather before becoming the Goodfather. Lots of gimmicks for the Wright, but the
Godfather was arguably the most popular with fans.
But Papa Shango may go into the book of awesomely bad gimmicks. It was an odd time in wrestling. Although I guess each era has its share of hokieness.
Phantasio. Remember him? If not, don't worry. His act didn't last very long. I actually saw him wrestle at a Superstars, Raw, Coliseum Home Video taping in the summer of 1995. It was in St. Louis and his opponent was Rad Radford.
Phantasio had wrestled in USWA as Spellbinder. I think his gimmick was similar. As you can see, he was the precursor for the "Crow" Sting.
He wore a mime mask to the ring, and once he arrived, he removed it and revealed the white and black face paint. He would do tricks for the kids. This was all at a time when the WWF was coming off the steroid trial and allegations of sexual harassment. Vince was covering his bases and adding as many "kid friendly characters as he could.
This was also the era of Who?, the Goon, and TL Plopper. Phantasio must not have cast a good enough spell on the powers that be, as he was only with the company for a few months. He apparently also wrestled on the first TNA pay per view back in 2002, but only that one night.
So, Muggles I hope you enjoyed this one. Until next time.
