Welcome to Friday, wherever you are. Here in Indianapolis, the sun is shining and it’s going to be a beautiful evening.
As you know, it’s been an unbelievably unbelievable week. Three tragic incidents in Orlando, Florida. Our hearts, as do the world’s, go out to everyone affected. While we’ve all had our individual moments of horror, shock, incredible sadness and wonder at what happened and what’s next, we know that life must go on, though it may never be the same.
So I wanted to put just a few things on your radar that will make you smile — maybe even laugh — and leave you with the right sort of mojo as you head into the weekend. Tonight, when you get where you’re going and you see someone you care about, give them a hug and tell them what they mean to you.
Until then, take a few minutes to ponder what an amazing thing life is, how creative and gifted people are, and simply smile. It’ll do your heart good. In no particular order:
Please Come to Italy!
A musician and Foo Fighter fan in Cesena, Italy really wanted the band to put his hometown on their next tour. They didn’t. Instead of getting mad, he got creative and brought together more than 1,000 musicians to record a cover of Learn to Fly and posted it on YouTube. 31,000,000 views later, including band leader Dave Grohl, who responded with a video of his own and, in halting Italian, promised: “We are coming. I promise.” Beautiful.
Bird Box Studios (no relation) Offers Carpark
Kyle’s a big fan on these guys and offered a few. I picked this one because, well, it’s familiar to me.
Kermit and Joey Sing the Alphabet
I would have expected this from one of the parents in the building, so I was mildly surprised to get this suggestion from the youngest member of the team. But maybe Craig actually remembers seeing this on Sesame Street… Watch all the way to the end to see her stop Kermit in his tracks. Priceless.
Carpool Karaoke
If you haven’t watched James Corden and his Carpool Karaoke, be warned: this is a hole you could slip into and emerge hours later. Those hours will have been well spent, but still… Today, Troy wants to share James’ commute to work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but you should also watch Gwen Stefani and Adele and Stevie Wonder and Elton John and JLo and … well, you get the idea.
While we’re on a music kick, here’s a Jimmy Fallon classic straight from the favorite list at the Cota house: his LipSync Battle with Emma Stone.
The Birds Have Gone to the Dogs
There are lots of dog lovers here, so it’s no surprise to me that dogs are a theme of the offerings here. Tom is channeling the weekend with this video of a dog lounging in the pool.
A Real American Ninja Warrior
On Tuesday night, the episode of ANW that was filmed in the Circle City aired on Esquire TV. Late in the night, a competitor named Zach Gowen stepped up to the starting line, took off his prosthetic leg, and then put on a performance that was one for the ages. This guy is an inspiration.
Jim Gaffigan: Whales
Gaffigan tells my all-time favorite joke:
“You wanna know what it’s like to have a fourth kid? Just imagine you’re drowning… and someone hands you a baby.”
Pretty great, right? Here’s a few minutes of Gaffigan offering his thoughts about whales.
https://youtu.be/gsMqakE7noE?t=10s
Love Comes in All Shapes and Sizes
Finally, while we love that it’s a beer company that reminds us of this, let’s remember that love comes in all forms. It’s wonderful to be surprised by love, something we hope is gaining ground these days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNO2trC-mk
