Every parent knows that life can be messy when it comes to raising kids. Fall weather is here so for my family that involves trying to keep our kids' soccer uniforms spiffy despite the grass stains and mud splatters that tend to occur during games this time of year. You encourage your kids to always play hard but but that doesn't mean they need to look dingy from the abuse their jerseys, shorts and socks receive on the playing field. So we've teamed up with BIZ STAIN FIGHTER to keep our soccer players' uniforms looking sharp!
BIZ Stain Fighter is specially formulated to tackle tough stains. Different stains require different elements to eliminate them: detergents, whitening ingredients, peroxides and enzymes. BIZ incorporates all of these stain fighters into its ingredients. Plus because BIZ Stain Fighter is the only brand with Enzamix™, a unique blend of enzymes designed to quickly dissolve bacteria causing stains and odors from grass, sweat, blood and more, it has an edge in fighting stains. That combined with Biz incorporating all four key elements to treating stains together in one mixture is why BIZ works better than other brands.
BIZ is currently available as a powder, liquid, and liquid booster. Add these along with your normal detergent to every load of wash to boost your cleaning power and eliminate tough stains. The liquid is also great for pre-treating stains before throwing them into the washing machine. Coming soon is BIZ-ON-THE-GO a portable stain eliminator pen to help combat messes as they happen while you are out and about.
A Geek Daddy is a BIZ Stain Fighter brand ambassador receiving complimentary product and posting sponsored posts throughout 2018. Stay tuned for more tips and stories about overcoming tough to get out stains using BIZ. For more information head over to bizstainfighter.com
My daughter just graduated from the highest class level at Goldfish Swim School. Does that mean her time there has come to an end? Not just yet … she's joined the Goldfish Swim School Swim Force!
The Swim Force is a program for those kids who have advanced through all the swimming classes that Goldfish has to offer. It is the school's in-house swim team. Team members train each week to participate in the Swim Force's swimming meets that take place four times per year. It is a great way to transition kids from learning to swim towards participating in swimming as a sport. Especially for those who may be athletically inclined to pursuing joining a competitive swim club or being a part of high school and college swim teams. My daughter really is into swimming so we absolutely wanted to give her the Swim Force experience to see if this is an activity she really wants to take to the next level and being participating in at a competitive level.
Instead of going to a once per week class, Swim Force swimmers participate in a once per week workout. This workout is double the length of time and distance in the pool than the normal Goldfish Swim School swimming class. Swim Force workouts are an hour instead of half-hour long. Plus Swim Force members swim the length of the pool during their workouts instead of across its width as is done in swim classes. Your kids is absolutely going to get some exercise during a Swim Force workout!
Swim Force session sizes are larger than the average swimming class with 10 to 15 kids normally participating in a workout compared to the maximum of four per class in swimming lessons. This is balanced out though with their being three to four instructors helping out the swimmers during a workout so there is still approximately a 4 students to 1 teacher ratio when it comes to participating in the Gold Fish Swim School Swim Force. These sessions are all about taking kids who have their basic swimming skills down pat and helping them to master strokes, improve their speed in the water, and introduce them to the competitive aspect of the sport.
Each Swim Force member is assessed by instructors and assigned to a specific pool lane based upon his or her skill ranking where he or she will be interacting with other swimmers of similar ability. This helps swimmers avoid becoming overwhelmed or feeling defeated by Swim Force members who have may more advanced skills. Children 5 to 12 years old can join the Swim Force anytime throughout the year – there is no “season” like in other sports. You don't have to have taken lessons at Goldfish either, any kid can join Swim Force provided they can pass tests to determine if they’re ready.
Here are 5 great things we've discovered about joining the Swim Force:
It is one day per week! If your family is like mine I'm sure you always seem busy so the once-a-week Swim Force workouts mean no overextending your schedule with a commitment to a team activity that has multiple practices per week. Children can be involved in swimming yet still have the flexibility to do other activities as well.
Workouts are for one hour! The extended time of Swim Force workouts versus the normal half-hour Goldfish swimming lesson times gives kids extra time spent in the water. And while traditional swim lesson classes may be over, swimmers are still getting lots of individualized attention from coaches who are in the pool with them during the Swim Force workouts.
Socialization! Kids build relationships and learn about working together when they are a part of Swim Force. It is the opportunity to compete against others as well as to feel what it’s like to be on a team.
Builds Confidence! The more often kids practice at something the better they will become and swimming is no different than anything else. Being part of the Goldfish Swim School Swim Force allows children to gain confidence not only in their swimming abilities, but in themselves as they see their accomplishments over time. The quarterly swim meet, which is voluntary to participate in, allows kids to showcase their skills in a team setting meant to build confidence no matter the skill level of the swimmer.
Improves Athletic Skills! The Swim Force program is designed to prepare kids for participating in team sports and competitive swimming. It focusses on helping swimmers becoming more proficient in both technique and stamina. Coaches will help kids perfect swim strokes for the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle – and also learn new racing skills including turns and finishes. If your child has an interest in doing swimming as a sport, Swim Force will get him or her up to speed to move up to a competitive team when he or she has outgrown their Goldfish Swim School years.
My daughter has just started Swim Force and hasn't been in it long enough to participate in a swimming meet yet. She was initially shocked at how many of the kids on the Swim Force outpace her right now after she was always the star of all her swimming classes. I've been impressed on how she has taken that on as a challenge to improve herself to be competitive with them and it looks like she is really enjoying the Swim Force workouts. Stay tuned for more updates as she keeps swimming at Goldfish Swim School and prepares for her Swim Force swimming meets!
For more information about Goldfish Swim School swimming lessons and its Swim Force program, head over to goldfishswimschool.com
A Geek Daddy is a Goldfish Swim School brand ambassador. In exchange for providing publicity through this blog and its social media outlets, I receive free products and services from Goldfish Swim School. Opinions expresses are always honest and my own.
An unexpected delivery arrived at our door today! Warner Bros. Pictures surprised us a box full of SMALLFOOT swag to remind us that this fun, family-friendly animated movie was stomping into theaters this weekend on September 28, 2018. Our box of goodies included two plush dolls of some of the Yeti from the movie, MIGO (voiced by Channing Tatum) and MEECHEE (voiced by Zendaya), some snow treats (cotton candy), and a gift card to Chuck E Cheese's so that we could have dinner and a movie during a family outing to go see SMALLFOOT. Thank you Warner Bros.!
Rated PG for action scenes, rude humor and thematic elements, SMALLFOOT tells the story of a friendly Yeti named Migo whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn't know existed -- a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale. Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with the other Yeti.
The movie is full of recognizable names voicing the characters. In addition to Channing Tatum and Zendaya, other Yeti characters in the movie feature the voices of Danny DeVito (Dorgle), Gina Rodriguez (Kolka), and Lebron James (Gwangi). Plus the human named Percy is voiced by James Corden. SMALLFOOT is directed by Karey Kirkpatrick, Annie Award-winning director of “Over the Hedge” and Annie nominee for the screenplays for “Chicken Run” and “James and the Giant Peach.”
Yeti or not SMALLFOOT will be here this weekend! It looks to be a fun, family-friendly movie. My family is really looking forward to going to see it on the big screen at the movie theater!
I've heard good things about THE GIFTED television series inspired by Marvel's X-MEN comic books characters which Fox has also made a number of movies on. Now Fox has expanded upon the X-MEN universe with this show for its broadcast television network. So I absolutely plan on tuning in tonight for the premiere of Season 2. I missed out on seeing Season 1 but since it was just released on DVD I am going to be binge watching this week to catch up with what is going on.
THE GIFTED exists within the setting of Fox's X-MEN cinematic universe but doesn't feature characters from it. Essentially it tells a story about dealing with mutant super powers from the perspective of other people living in the same world as where the X-MEN adventures are set. In THE GIFTED two ordinary parents take their family on the run from the government when they discover that their children have mutant abilities. They join an underground community who have to fight to survive from persecution as mutants are being rounded up with some being sent to concentration camps and others that are captured simply disappear to who knows where maybe being experimented on or killed.
While the main characters from the X-MEN movies and comic books don't directly appear in this TV show there are a number of aspects that connect the two. One of the mutants taking part in the underground resistance movement is Polaris, the daughter of X-MEN villain Magneto who shares her father's ability to control magnetism. Also the government agency hunting down the mutants is called Sentinel which is the same as in the comics and movies. I'm looking forward to watching Seasons 1 & 2 to see what other connections can be discovered between this television show and the overall X-MEN fantasy universe.
Season 2 of THE GIFTED airs on the Fox television network on Tuesday nights at 8pm ET/PT. You can pickup the Season 1 DVD set for your home entertainment video library at most major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart. For more information about this TV show, visit fox.com/the-gifted
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me! Every night when Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers perform their audiences have the chance to live the pirate life while this band plays its tunes. The wild band of Nashville musicians dress like pirates and act out the role as well while playing a rollicking mix of piratical sing-alongs, rousing historical rave-ups, Afro-Cuban tinged ballads, Cajun sea shanties, and bluesy Irish jigs, all celebrating the days when the seas were ruled by great sailing ships. Their energetic performances and outlandish pirate garb are always a hit with kids while parents will enjoy the rambunctious pub band attitude of Captain Tom and his Blue Buccaneers. With a playlist of all ages friendly content, this is a band that is sure to entertain the entire family.
In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, Captain Tom has shared with ageekdaddy.com his pointers on speaking like one of his Blue Buccaneers. "If you are shy and need some nerve, talk like a pirate!" Captain Tom recommends. Enjoy this video of Captain Tom's Talk Like a Pirate Day tips then take a moment to enter our giveaway for his band's new album If You Want To Be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers.
I was impressed that If You Want To Be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers' songs have the quality of being enhanced by multilayered instrumentation – from accordions to violins – and are full of jolly harmonies. The album starts listeners off on their musical pirate adventure with the aspirational and welcoming title track. Next up, the song “It’s a Lot of Work To Be a Pirate,” confirms the bilgey deck-swabbing reality of life aboard a sailing ship. Listeners meet “Kristofer the Kindly Kraken” and “The Parrot of a Pirate.” There’s no sign of rum in the kids’ version of the Blue Buccaneers hit “In the Drink” included on this family friendly album.
Captain Tom and his crew have some interesting message in a bottle style lyrics to share with their Mateys. One tune bemoans the state of the world’s oceans and “messy humanity” when “You Can’t See the Treasure through the Trash.” They also share with all the “lusty lads” and “lively lasses” listening how to instantly “Talk Like a Pirate” (a song written with Talk Like a Pirate Day co-founder John “Ol’ Chumbucket” Baur). Time moves swiftly in a pirate’s life. Before you know it, you’re “Sailing On” with the wind.
This is one of my favorite all ages albums released this year. So I'm excited that Captain Tom and the Blue Buccaneers have provided an album to giveaway to one lucky winner. Hey my matey! Who wants it? Just complete the rafflecopter entries before October 10, 2018 at 11:59 pm EST for a chance to win. Must be a United States resident, over 18 years old, wear an eye patch and have a wooden peg leg to be eligible for the giveaway. Ok ignore the peg leg and eye patch requirement, I was just checking to see if you were reading the rules. Good luck!
Talk Like A Pirate Day was created by John “Ol Chumbucket” Baur and Mark “Cap’n Slappy” Summers. Find out more about them and why everyone adds "Argh!" to their vocabulary on September 19th at www.talklikeapirate.com. For more information about If You Want To Be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers sail across the Internet over to tommason.net
Autumn can be a hectic time for dads and moms with work schedules, school back in session, activities kids are involved in and other family obligations. So finding the time to put together a good meal often is easier said than done. With that in mind, I was really excited to discover that one of my favorite restaurants, Zoup!, has just begun offering a convenient, carryout option for busy families.
As the weather begins to turn brisk, fall becomes a great time to enjoy a bowl of soup. With its award-winning, gourmet soups such as Brewhouse Cheddar, Chicken Potpie, Lobster Bisque and Singapore Squash, Zoup! is always a great place to enjoy a bowl. There are 12 rotating daily varieties, including low-fat, low-cal, vegetarian, made with gluten-free ingredients and dairy-free options, all served with a hunk of freshly baked bread.
Zoup! is more than just soup though! They also make tasty salads and sandwiches. Plus they recently introduced protein-packed Power Bowls to their menu which mix together nutrient-rich kale with other ingredients to create varieties like Chicken Caesar, Citrus Garbanzo, and Fiesta Chicken.
Now it is possible to stop by a Zoup! location to carryout a Family Meal to bring home with you. Order and pay online so it is just a matter of popping into a restaurant near you to pickup your food. The Family Meal option combines delicious gourmet soup with the restaurant’s made-to-order salads, sandwiches and Power Bowls for a full, filling lunch or dinner that can feed anywhere from two to six hungry friends or family members. It was perfect for my family of four!
Included in the cost of the Family Meal are two quarts of the soup of your choice with four hunks of bread, your choice of either two whole salads, sandwiches or power bowls and eight mini cookies. We selected the beer cheese inspired Brewhouse Cheddar (which is a seasonal addition to the menu so get it while you can) and Lobster Bisque (this soup is do delicious that I will go out of my during my lunch hour to get some) for the Family Meal we picked up for this review. We also included in our Zoup Family Meal a full-sized Chicken & Bacon Cobb salad and a Turkey & Bacon Club sandwich. Oh! by the way … the chocolate chip cookies that came along with our meal where to die for! This Family Meal from Zoup! was so delicious that it absolutely earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.
It is nice how you can mix and match the items in the Family Meal to cater to different people's tastes. We were able to divvy up our Family Meal into soup and sandwich and soup and salad combos to make everyone happy. This meal filled up everyone's bellies and put smiles on their faces!
The first Zoup! restaurant located in Southfield, Michigan opened in 1998. In fact, I remember going to eat there when it was a brand new place and have been going back ever since! Twenty years later there are now locations spread throughout seventeen states in the United States and Ontario, Canada. Visit zoup.com to find the closest location near you and to learn more about their menu. You can also follow the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We had some BATMAN DAY fun playing "Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure" thanks to Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment sending us a free copy of the SCRIBBLENAUTS MEGA PACK they are releasing on September 18, 2018.
SCRIBBLENAUTS MEGA PACK combines upgraded versions of previously released, "Scribblenauts Unlimited" + "Scribblenauts Unmasked" in one video game bundle which includes new content for both titles. It is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One gaming consoles.
As a parent, I appreciate that Scribblenauts' games focus on players utilizing their creativity and imagination along with vocabulary and spelling skills to solve puzzles and overcome challenges to win the game. Using adjectives to enhance the abilities of characters and objects and nouns to create helpful tools and vehicles are an essential part of these games. Utilizing the games extensive dictionary database, players can conjure up user-created objects or alter the features of characters within the games that range from incredible to wacky.
I also like the old school side-scrolling views the game is laid out in while my kids appreciate the open world aspect of the play. They love games that let them explore rather than ones that force you to follow a script so Scribblenaut games are always a hit with my twins. The distinctive Scribblenauts art style with its sketchy tones is an aspect of these games my son and daughter really like. SCRIBBLENAUTS MEGA PACK improves on this aspect by now having the hand-drawn scenery and objects that are a highlight of these two games displayed in high-definition.
Another nice feature of the MEGA PACK is having added the Scribblenauts "sunflower" text entry system to both games making them much more user friendly than the earlier versions of "Scribblenauts Unlimited" and "Scribblenauts Unmasked." Also both games had the two-player mode upgraded to provide for a more collaborative and interactive experience. It is nice to see my Wonder Twins teaming up as they activate powers and craft things so they can solve the problems the game presents them to overcome. It is great to see them working together and having fun spending time with each other.
SCRIBBLENAUTS UNMASKED
So as I mentioned, it is Batman Day and my kids are having a super time interacting with the Caped Crusader and exploring Gotham City while playing "Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure." Wow there is Batman … and he's drawn in the classic Scribblenauts style. Plus the game's dictionary has been expanded to incorporate references from DC Comics so you can create a Batmobile and take it for a spin. You know that was a big hit with the kids!
"Scribblenauts Unmasked" isn't just about Batman though, the game incorporates thousands of DC Comics references into it. Ally with a variety of heroes and battle numerous villains while traveling among iconic locations that in addition to Gotham City include Atlantis and Metropolis. It really is an immersive experience into the DC universe that combined with the Scribblenauts style imagery really gives this game some fantastic comic book flair to it.
The SCRIBBLENAUTS MEGA PACK also adds two new locations into the Unmasked game. Titans Tower, headquarters of the Teen Titans (did you see their animated movie this summer?) and Belle Reve which is the base of operations for Suicide Squad (have to admit I haven't seen that movie yet myself). The game has also been updated with the addition of hundreds of new DC characters, objects, and costumes for players to interact with. Dress your Scribblenaut to mimic your favorite DC Comics super hero or create your own look.
Customizing your character was an aspect of the game my kids truly appreciated. They also really enjoyed being able to summon heroes like Batman and Superman to join them in action to help defeat bad guys like Batman's nemesis the Joker and the Green Lantern's archenemy Sinestro. All the special comic book inspired details of "Scribblenauts Unmasked" put some big Joker sized smiles on my son and daughter's faces while playing the game. It was a great way to enjoy spending Batman Day.
SCRIBBLENAUTS UNLIMITED
Of course my family also spent some time playing the other game included within the MEGA PACK too! "Scribblenauts Unlimited" is fun in its own right. Players help the game’s hero, Maxwell, solve robust puzzles and challenges by summoning objects as varied as “colossal hoverbus” and “microbial fire tornado” in this Scribblenauts adventure.
Explore a variety of places ranging from a mummy's tomb to a pirate ship. "Scribblenauts Unlimited" has been updated with two new bonus levels, The new Zed Zeppelin has players work with crew members to keep the dirigible safe while the new Land of Sweet Hyperbole level allows players to drive around in a sweet ride and interact with candy themed neighbors. When it comes to "Scribblenauts Unlimited" the only limitations are a player's own imagination.
SCRIBBLENAUTS MEGA PACK earns A Geek Daddy nod of approval because it is educational and entertaining. Kids are developing their spelling and vocabulary as they play. It is also great for promoting children's creative thinking and imagination as well. Parents have to like that! This is a video game where kids are actually learning while having fun!
"Scribblenauts Unlimited" and "Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure" are rated E10+ with Cartoon Violence & Comic Mischief. For more information about the SCRIBBLENAUTS MEGA PACK that bundles them together with updated content go to www.scribblenauts.com.
During my college years in the '90s, I was part of my university's forensic competition team. We traveled around the country engaging in contests of argument and advocacy public speaking skills versus other schools. One of the categories I participated in was Informative Speaking which has students present a speech that educates an audience about a topic.
One year I qualified for the American Forensic Association's national collegiate championship tournament in the Informative Speaking category with a presentation on what was a new concept at the time that suggested technology could copy then reverse sound waves to hush noise. It has been exciting over the years to see this emerging tech idea that I highlighted in my speech now being utilized in products people are now using everyday like Sony’s Noise Canceling WH-1000XM3 Headphones available from Best Buy.
INDUSTRY LEADING NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
It seems like whenever I want to relax on my back patio to read, listen to a ball game or enjoy some music one of my neighbors decides that is the perfect time to mow their lawn, start using loud tools on some sort of project, or just be obnoxious in some other way. What is nice about wireless noise cancelling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM3 are that you can slip them on wherever you are at and block out the noise around you. In fact, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones are the industry leader when it comes to noise-cancelling technology.
While most noise cancelling headphones just block out harsh sounds like vehicle clamor, the WH-100XM3 excels at nullifying a variety of background sounds including voices. Whether you want to focus on phone call, enjoy listening to music, or just block out annoying sounds around you, the close-fitting ear pads and advanced high definition QN1 noise cancelling processor make Sony's WH-1000XM3 Headphones highly effective at filtering out the disturbances that can surround us.
Here are three of my favorite features with Sony's. First, with Quick Attention simply place your hand over one of the ear cups to instantly pause the noise canceling process and reduce the headphone's volume for a quick conversation. Second, its other ear cup has simple tap and swipe controls for easily interacting with connected Bluetooth devices and controlling the headphone's functions. Third, it has up to 30 hours of battery life and can be powered for 5 hours with just a 10-minute quick charge.
Saving the best for last … the best feature of Sony's new industry leading noise cancelling WH-1000XM3 headphones is their Adaptive Sound Control feature. Adaptive Sound Control automatically detects your activity when traveling, walking, or just sitting around and then it adjusts ambient sound settings to your situation. You can also download the Sony I Headphones Connect App to personally control your ambient sound dampening and the WH-1000XM3's volume levels. Plus with these headphones being wireless you can enjoy using them cord free!
This Sony Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones post in sponsored. The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
I've been enjoying reading the new series from Image Comics called THE REALM. It is a comic book apocalyptic adventure that has a Dungeon & Dragons meets The Walking Dead vibe to it. The story is set fifteen years after a cataclysmic event impacted the Earth which involved an energy burst that destroyed the ability for anything using electricity to operate causing technology and vehicles to be inoperable. This was followed by mystical portals opening up around the world unleashing hordes of invading mythical creatures like goblins, trolls and even dragons from another dimension.
The story combines realistic elements from everyday life and spins them together with a fantasy landscape filled with monsters and magic creating a captivating supernatural drama. In THE REALM, a group of humanity's survivors embarks on a quest to reclaim our planet from the growing darkness that is enveloping it unleashed from mysterious portals that arrived the day electricity stopped working. Can they find a way to reverse the dampening field that is hindering people from using the technology and transportation that society had become dependent on? Can our heroes shut down the portals transporting these alien invaders to the Earth? Or is the planet destined to end up looking like the setting for J. R. R. Tolkien's novel Lord of the Rings.
THE REALM is released in monthly installments and I've looked forward to getting my hands on each new comic book issue as it comes out. The creative team has taken what could have been a really cheesy concept and portrays this nightmare scenario as if it crazily actually happened. It provides a gritty drama that is interesting to read complimented with excellent artwork that draws you into the story. This series provides an entertaining escape from reality for its readers which in my opinion is what comic book authors and artists should always be striving to achieve. This comic book series is rated M for Mature Audiences.
To further immerse readers into THE REALM experience, its creators have teamed up with the Indie rock band Me Like Bees to create a musical soundtrack for the comic book series. Me Like Bees has created a five track album titled "Songs from the Realm" as well as a music video for the first song, The River Divides to give readers a multi-media experience when it comes to reading these comic books. Movies and television shows have music soundtracks so why not comic books too?!
You can take a listen to THE REALM's musical soundtrack for FREE on Spotify:
You can also purchase a compact disc of "Songs from the Realm" from Me Like Bees website or buy digital downloads of the songs from iTunes.
Great comic books … great tunes … I encourage you to pick up THE REALM from your local comic book shop, tune in to the soundtrack from Me Like Bees and imagine yourself in a world where scary creatures have come to life. How would you cope in a world without automobiles, lights, the internet, refrigeration, and other conveniences we've become accustomed to that has suddenly become filled with monsters straight from the pages of a Dungeon and Dragons fantasy game? Reading THE REALM will immerse you in that world and have you anxiously looking forward to each new issue.
Marvel Entertainment is known for its incredible visualizations of superhero adventures in comic books, television shows, movies and video games but they are also producing some marvelous music to compliment those productions. From original scores for the feature films in the Marvel cinematic universe to playlists that tie in to the reading experience of a comic book there is a variety of musical selections to enjoy. Soundtracks from Marvel television shows including Daredevil, Cloak & Dagger, and Runaways, themed playlists for characters ranging from Captain America to Iron Man, and songs from movies like Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy, and song lists compiled to go along with specific comic book issues such as Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #297 and Doctor Strange #25 and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 can all be streamed for FREE from Spotify.
Just set up a no cost Spotify account and search for MARVEL MUSIC PUBLIC PLAYLISTS. You can then stream the music to your computer or a mobile device without any charges though you will need to listen to an occasional advertisement. I've found Spotify provides excellent sound quality and really appreciate that they actually make an effort to minimize the disruption of your listening experience with infrequent short, targeted advertisement segments. Tune in to Spotify and crank up a Marvel Music playlist the next time you are reading comic books or playing a superhero themed game.
We like to turn up the volume on Spotify's Marvel Studios Theme Songs playlist to set the mood during family fun nights playing the Marvel edition of MUNCHKIN from USAopoly. This card game lets players imagine they are a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent taking part in a comic book style superhero adventure. Characters draw cards they can use while playing the game which enlist them with the help of allies (like Black Widow, Captain America, She-Hulk or Thor), use of equipment (ranging from Nick Fury's eye patch to Spider-Man's web slingers), or provide special attributes and powers (such as enhanced agility, heightened senses or elemental manipulation).
Tune in to Spotify to make the music of the Marvel entertainment universe part of the soundtrack of your life. Head over to spotify.com to start listening! Plus for news and updates about Marvel Entertainment's music endeavors follow @MarvelMusicInc on Twitter.
History buffs like myself will appreciate this new musical album, 27: THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM, that features original songs by a variety of artists ranging from Dolly Parton to They Might Be Giants that are inspired by the 27 Amendments to the United States Constitution. Each track on the album reflects upon one amendments. 27: THE MOST PERFECT is available to listen to digitally for FREE.
From country music and mariachi, to folk and punk rock, all of the participating artists interpret each of the amendments in their own distinct styles. Dolly Parton delves into the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote; Flor de Toloache contributes a track about the Second Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms; Devendra Banhart reflects on the procedures for presidential succession. Plus Palehound, Torres, Kash Doll, Caroline Shaw, The Kominas, Cherry Glazerr, The Slants, Sons of an Illustrious Father are some of the other artists you'll hear on this album that provides a civic lesson in an entertaining way. CLICK HERE to stream 27: THE MOST PERFECT from SOUNDCLOUD.
Produced by Jad Abumrad the host of the popular show Radiolab from WYNC Studios -- New York Public Radio, 27: THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM was influenced by More Perfect, a Radiolab spin-off podcast he created that explores how cases deliberated inside the Supreme Court affect people's lives far away from that legal setting. “The mission of this album is to take these sometimes forgotten words and animate them through the power of music," Abumrad communicated to ageekdaddy.com. "These 27 amendments not only outline our basic rights as Americans but they also show a country changing and evolving and re-imagining itself. Striving (and not always succeeding) to be better.”
Who remembers School House Rock? They were short clips that aired during Saturday morning cartoons in the 1980s teaching kids educational topics through amusing songs. I loved them! One of my favorites was "I'm Just A Bill." 27: THE MOST PERFECT is taking a similar approach in a bit more sophisticated manner with the goal of getting people thinking about important principles by capturing their attention in an entertaining way.
I have to say my favorite song from 27: THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM is 18th & 21st Amendments by The Slants which has a catchy beat and interesting message about being aware of freedoms politicians can take away from you. If you aren't familiar with the Constitution and American history though might not catch the connection with the 18th Amendment that created a national prohibition on alcohol and the 21st Amendment the repealed the restrictions that is the basis of the song.
I enjoyed listening to the numerous musical styles and hearing how the artists attempted to make a topic many people probably consider boring or irrelevant to themselves into an impactful, interesting experience. 27: THE MOST PERFECT ALBUM is worth taking the time to listen to...and hey if you don't like it you didn't spend any money on it since it is available to listen to for free.
Broadway in Detroit is celebrating the start of its 2018-2019 theatrical season with a fun, free event on Friday, September 21 from 7 pm - 9pm at New Center Park located directly across from the Fisher Theater where many of its shows will be playing. Join in a HAMILTUNES community karaoke style sing along of the songs from HAMILTON led by the Mosaic Youth Theatre troupe.
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit harnesses the passion, energy and creativity of area youth to create outstanding theater productions, critical thinking skills, and good global citizens through arts education, college prep, and workforce readiness programming. Mosaic's young artists have performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center and have toured their critically-acclaimed productions in Europe, Asia, Africa and 25 states throughout the U.S. The organization maintains a 95%-plus high school graduation rate with students attending colleges across Michigan and around the country, institutions such as The Julliard, and going on to become Kresge Fellows, Broadway stars, and Emmy and Tony Award winners.
The hit theatrical sensation HAMILTON is coming to Detroit's. Fisher Theatre, March 12 – April 21, 2019. This musical stage show tells the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. The play features a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway musical styles. HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.
Gates to New Center Park will open at 6 p.m. and seating is first come – first served. People are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and plan accordingly for weather. You can sing along from the crowd but there is also an opportunity to jump on stage to perform yourself in front of everyone. If you are interested in doing that sign up at hamiltunesdetroit.eventbrite.com.
To find out more details about going to see HAMILTON while it is in town, visit BroadwayInDetroit.com. You can also follow Broadway In Detroit on Facebook as well as @BroadwayDetroit on Instagram and Twitter for regular news and updates about the Broadway quality performances they are bringing to Detroit.
As a special treat for ageekdaddy.com fans, children's musician Sara Lovell has provided us with a sneak peek before its official release of the music video for the title song of her new album WILD IS EVERYWHERE. The video, produced by Josh McClain, features Sara's son Gabe, exploring the "wilds" of his Bay Area neighborhood. It shows how kids can find "wild" things "everywhere" even in urban settings where nature probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when describing the landscape and encourages free-ranging exploration by children anywhere they may be. Check it out!
This all ages album features 14 original songs that take listeners on a musical adventure through a landscape of imaginative fantasies and surprises from everyday reality. From the Sgt. Pepper’s inspired first track, “Get Up,” which invites you to “grab onto the tail of someone’s kite,” the energy builds up and expands song by song. Wordplay and lyrics with vivid imagery gets children tuned in to the funky beat of “Rhinoceros under the Bed” and “Raspberry Pickleberry Wormnut Pie.” Blues and disco themes are inflected within “Bounce,” “Stand Together” and “Where You Hiding All Day Long?” WILD IS EVERYWHERE is a PARENTS' CHOICE AWARD® 2018, THE 2018 NAPPA AWARDS & THE 2018 CREATIVE CHILD AWARD winner.
You can purchase WILD IS EVERYWHERE by Sara Lovell on Bandcamp, iTunes, and Amazon. Its songs can also be streamed via Spotify and Apple Music. For more information about the artist and this album, visit saralovell.com
When was the last time you used an antenna to watch a television show? For awhile there wasn't much being broadcast over the air waves with cable and online streaming monopolizing television programming. But FREE TV is making a comeback with lots of new channels emerging that can be watched without having to pay anything by just plugging a digital antenna into your television. Two of these channels that I have been watching a lot since we cut our cable service and Netflix subscription have been COMET TV and CHARGE TV.
COMET TV has a focus on airing science fiction and monster movie programming. CHARGE TV airs television shows and movies with an action / adventure theme to them. Both channels are broadcast across the country in select markets airing content come from MGM's extensive library of television shows and movies. For example COMET TV shows television sci-fi television series like Andromeda, Babylon5, Stargate, and the Outer Limits. CHARGE plays a variety of action style flicks ranging from Bruce Willis' 2002 HART'S WAR to Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1993 NOWHERE TO RUN to John Wayne's 1938 HELL TOWN.
Here in Detroit you can see them on Channels 50.2 (Comet) and 50.3 (Charge). Check out the station locator on each channel's website to see if they are being broadcast where you live. You can also view each channel's live feed on their websites as well if you can't tune in on your television.
There is some great stuff to see on COMET & CHARGE TV in September! Plus you don't have to purchase a subscription to view it. These channels are always FREE to watch whether via digital antenna or online via a mobile device.
COMET TV is adding the classic sci-fi series SPACE: 1999 to its program rotation plus will be hosting a Godzilla movie marathon on Saturdays throughout September. CHARGE TV will be showing ROCKY movie double features every Thursday during the month. Relive all the action, guts and glory of the Rocky movie saga.
To make things even better, A Geek Daddy has a prize pack to giveaway that full of great swag to enjoy while binge watching the classic movies and television shows on COMET & CHARGE TV. For a chance to win complete the entries in the rafflecopter form below or participate in A Geek Daddy's Twitter Retweet Promo. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. One winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Good luck!
1 - Limited Edition Space: 1999 COMET TV T-shirt: This exclusive shirt celebrates the retro goodness of this classic series!
1 - Rocky Exclusive Charge! Clamshell Box: While there may not be a VHS tape inside, this pack has some of the classic Rocky artwork on its cover. Yo Adrian!
1- Rocky Viewing Kit: When you’re working up a sweat in the gym and feeling the Eye of the Tiger, this kit will help you get into the Rocky mood. There is a Charge jump-rope, a gym towel and a die-cut Rocky sticker!
1- Godzilla Funko Pop Figure: Who doesn’t love Funko Pops?!? This Godzilla will be the fire breathing center of your collection and a perfect way to celebrate the Godzilla double features on COMET TV!
Disclaimer & Rules: A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by COMET + CHARGE TV and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate. One entry per mailing address and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. If you have already won this prize through another blog participating in this promotion, your entry will be disqualified. By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. COMET + CHARGE TV will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner. A Geek Daddy is not responsible for delivery of the prize
My kids really enjoyed the Nickelodeon animated series PAW PATROL as preschoolers. While they outgrew it a few years ago based upon our family's fond memories of Paw Patrol I'm glad to see the show is still going strong. In fact there is a new Paw Patrol movie titled MIGHTY PUPS that will be airing in the near future on Nickelodeon. For those who can't wait for the TV debut of Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups, this 44-minute action-packed adventure is available now on DVD exclusively from Walmart. A great addition to the home video library of anyone who has preschoolers around their house!
In this high-flying, heroic mission, the PAW Patrol are given Mighty Pup powers after a mysterious meteor lands in Adventure Bay. When Mayor Humdinger and his nephew trap Ryder and steal the meteor to take over the city, the pups must work together and use their new powers-- from Chase's super speed to Marshall's mighty heat, Rubble's super strength and more-- to race to the rescue and save the day.
Wow! I like the super hero theme of this new Paw Patrol movie! Who knows a kid that would like to see Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups because ageekdaddy.com has a DVD to giveaway to one lucky winner courtesy of Nickelodeon Home Entertainment. Just complete the rafflecopter entries below for a chance to win. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible to win. Good luck!
The Detroit Opera House with its ornate 1920's era architectural details is a magnificent place to go for live theatrical performances. It was built when performers had a more intimate connection with their audiences and there weren't the sound systems and special effects to enhance performances we have today so the theater was specifically designed to enhance the acoustics and atmosphere within the space. After an extensive renovation in 1996, the Detroit Opera House maintains the wonderful elements of a classic theater combined with modern, high-tech features making it a remarkable place for hosting concerts and shows.
I have seen a number of entertaining acts there over the years and even walked across its stage myself for my law school graduation ceremony. So there are a number of memorable times that come to mind when thinking of the Detroit Opera House. I'm looking forward to making some new memories tied to this great place when I take my little girl there for a daddy-daughter night out when Disney Theatrical Productions' ALADDIN comes to Detroit for a run at the Opera House from December 12, 2018 through January 13, 2019.
Tickets for this limited five week engagement start at $25 and are available to purchase now. You can purchase tickets to the play online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. You can also stop by the Fisher Theatre and Detroit Opera House box offices to buy tickets to ALADDIN.
This ALADDIN stage show originally opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014. It quickly established itself as one of that theater's biggest blockbusters in recent years, breaking 13 New Amsterdam Theatre house records. Since then the production has expanded to include productions in Tokyo, Hamburg, London and Australia, in addition to two U.S. productions including this one visiting Detroit.
ALADDIN, adapted from the Academy Award®-winning animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for this play. The play also features costumes, props, and stage layouts designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, and two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes.
Under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).
Here is a fun weekend activity for Metro Detroit area families to enjoy that provides an interesting way to teach kids about a different culture from another part of the world in an entertaining way. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is hosting a Taiwanese arts and culture festival on Saturday and Sunday (September 15 - 16, 2018) from noon to 4 pm each day. Taiwanese Festival activities are FREE with museum admission, which is complimentary for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and DIA members. The festival is part of special Asian arts and cultures programs leading up to the opening of the DIA's newly expanded Asian art galleries on November 4, 2018. Festivities will include movies, performances, cooking demonstrations, traditional arts and crafts, puppets to play with and educational displays.
A highlight of the event for me is an appearance by Yenchih Huang who is a professional LEGO brick builder certified by the toy company. This master builder has worked with the LEGO Group since 2009 and has created numerous life-size brick sculptures for the company that have been on display at events and exhibitions in Asia. Yenchih Huang will display a large “Chaotian Temple LEGO” and demonstrates Taiwanese-style LEGO-building at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday in the Great Hall during this DIA event.
There will be a cooking demonstration at 2:15 p.m. in the Crystal Gallery Café where Shih-Wen Wu demonstrates how to make traditional Taiwanese pork dumplings and will provide copies of the recipe. National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan will be performing at 3 p.m. in the Detroit Film Theatre on September 15 and at that time in the Rivera Court on September 16. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the island nation by viewing the film “Beyond Beauty: Taiwan From Above” that will be playing in the Detroit Film Theatre at Noon on both days of the festival.
Kids will also enjoy these hands-on activities taking place from Noon–4 p.m. throughout the weekend in the DIA's Student Lunchroom:
Dough figurine: Make a simple dough animal using basic tools.
Lantern making & door gods coloring: Create a lantern decorated with Chinese characters that typically accompany the display of door gods and color your own door god.
Taiwan puzzles: Learn about Taiwan’s geography by playing with Taiwan maps and landmark puzzles.
