Showing posts with label geek dad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label geek dad. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2026

HIGH STRESS HIGH REWARD CAREER OPTIONS

high stress high reward career choices

Not every career is built around routine office days and predictable schedules. In fact, some professions require quick thinking, strong decision making skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. While these careers can be demanding, they often provide a strong sense of purpose, accomplishment, and personal growth. For people who enjoy challenges and thriving fast-paced environments, high pressure careers can be incredibly rewarding. Let's take a close look at some examples of professions where the stakes may be high, but so are the rewards.

Emergency medical services

There are very few careers out there that require calm decision making, quite like emergency response work professionals working in EMT jobs are often among the first people to arrive when someone needs urgent medical assistance. The work is physically and emotionally demanding, with no two days looking exactly the same, but many emergency medical professionals find immense satisfaction in helping people during some of the most critical moments of their lives. The ability to make a meaningful difference every day is the major reason many people are drawn to the field. 

Health care professionals 

Doctors, nurses, surgeons and other health care workers regularly face high pressure situations. They often make important decisions affecting patient outcomes while balancing busy workloads and complex responsibilities. While the profession itself can be stressful, it also offers opportunities to improve lives, support communities, and contribute to important medical advancements. Many healthcare professionals describe the rewards of helping others as one of the most fulfilling aspects of their careers. 

Firefighters

This is another profession that combines significant responsibility with meaningful reward. Firefighters respond to emergencies, rescue individuals from dangerous situations, and help to protect people and property during a crisis. The role requires a lot of physical fitness, teamwork, and the ability to stay composed in a challenging circumstance. For many, the sense of purpose and community involvement makes the demands worthwhile. 

high stress high reward career options

Air traffic controllers

This job is actually often listed among the most stressful professions in the world. Controllers are responsible for helping aircraft to move safely and efficiently through busy airspace. The role requires concentration, precision, and the ability to process large amounts of information very quickly. While the responsibility is a significant one, many professionals enjoy the challenge and satisfaction that comes with managing complex operations successfully. 

Business leaders and entrepreneurs

Running a business can involve a different type of stress. Entrepreneurs often face uncertainty, financial risk, and difficult decisions as they work to grow their companies. There may be long hours, unexpected challenges, and periods of significant pressure. However, many business owners enjoy the freedom, creativity, and sense of achievement that come with building something of their own. The opportunity to shape a company's future can be highly rewarding. 

21st century career choices

High stress careers are not for everyone, and that's perfectly OK. The key is to find the profession that aligns with your strengths and interests, along with your personal goals. While demanding roles often come with unique pressures, they can also provide exceptional opportunities for growth, achievement, and fulfillment.

GEEKY INVESTMENTS THAT YOU CAN ENJOY WITH YOUR KIDS

geeky investments to enjoy with your kids

There is a long list of geeky and luxury purchases that most dads would love to make. However, choosing personal satisfaction over something for the kids can leave you feeling a little guilty. The best way to overcome this is to invest in things that can be enjoyed with the kids too. Here are six great investments for spending "dad time" with your kids:

#1. Home Cinema Setups

Ok, so you may be looking to add a home cinema for watching movies like Fight Club. Still, the experiences don’t have to be limited to this type of activity. Watching family-friendly shows or big sports events with a bag of popcorn can be equally fun. Meanwhile, hooking the big screen up to the Nintendo Switch for an epic game night can provide quality moments.

#2. A Boat

Buying a boat is a luxury purchase that some people find a bit nerdy. However, nobody can deny that it’s super cool. The kids will love afternoons out on the water, whether it’s fishing or ripping up the waves. A top boat dealership can hook you up to the perfect vessel for your needs and budget. It’s a purchase that delivers years of family enjoyment.

#3. Home Office Setups 

Not all geeky purchases focus on enjoyment. Home offices are primarily about productivity, and they can work wonders for dad and children alike. Dad can use it for everything from running a business to managing his fantasy football team. Kids can use it for homework, study, and working on creative tasks. Or they could use it for playing PC games.

#4. Family Tree Insights

We all want to know more about our history and lineage. It is now possible to take ancestry tests online to gain far more detail than you would have in previous generations. On a personal note, it is a very eye-opening experience. The family connection is a great way to get your kids interested in history while giving them some understanding and pride about their heritage. 

#5. A Telescope 

Astronomy certainly falls into the geeky category. Still, looking at the stars and planets is simply mesmerizing. Moreover, no child will forget the moment they finally saw another planet through the scope by the side of their dad. 

#6. A Drone 

Getting on the water with a boat is great. Seeing the stars through a scope is fun too. But you can also get up in the sky to see the world from the new perspective of a drone. Top drone manufacturers now produce units that can be flown by all the family. They have longer battery lives and gain clearer images than ever before too. 

geek daddy blog fatherhood tips

Friday, April 24, 2026

EXORCISM ISLAND

geek daddy blog

The first five issues of the Comixology Originals Kindle digital comic book series, EXORCISM ISLAND, is being released as a collected edition by Amazon on April 28, 2026. The digital download is priced at $6.99 at a file size of 57.6 MB. Exorcism Island is written by Jordan Thomas with artwork by Chris Matthews.

Following a confrontation with a possessed young woman Catholic priest Gigi Amato finds himself being sent to an island where the Vatican keep all of the long term possession cases under the charge of a gang of psychologically and emotionally bruised priests. The priests attempt to keep the madness of the island under control but dark forces are working against them from all sides as evil digs its nails into their spiritually poisoned, isolated home.

comixology originals


Sunday, March 29, 2026

SUPERMAN AND LOIS APPEARANCE AT MOTOR CITY COMIC CON

superman and lois

Fans of the CW television network's Arrowverse shows based on DC Comics characters will want to head to Novi, Michigan's Vibe Credit Union Showplace for this year's Spring edition of the Motor City Comic Con taking place May 15 - 17, 2026. The event will feature appearances by Tyler Hoechlin (Clark Kent) and Elizabeth Tulloch (Lois Lane) from the Arrowverse's Superman & Lois tv series. Both actors will be appearing on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17 for autographs and photo ops as well as appearing in a panel discussion about their experiences on Superman & Lois.

Tyler Hoechlin is best known for his starring role as Clark Kent alongside his counterpart Elizabeth "Bitsie" Tulloch, who plays Lois Lane in the CW series, Superman & Lois. He has also stared as Derek Hale on MTV's hit series Teen Wolf. He will be available for Autographs ($100), Selfies ($100), Autograph/Selfie Combos ($180), Solo Professional Photo ($120), and Duo Professional Photo with Superman & Lois co-star Bitsie Tulloch ($210).

Like Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch is best known for her role in the CW series, Superman & Lois where she brings strength, intelligence, and heart to one of the most iconic characters in comic book history in her role as Lois Lane. She previously starred as Juliette Silverton/Eve on the hit fantasy drama Grimm. She will be available for Autographs ($80), Selfies ($80), Autograph/Selfie Combos ($150), Solo Professional Photo ($100), Duo Professional Photo with Superman & Lois co-star Tyler Hoechlin ($210).

Michigan’s largest pop-culture event since 1989, Motor City Comic Con gathers comic book and multimedia dealers from across the country, offering a vast variety of pop-culture merchandise, including comics, art, t-shirts, movie memorabilia, posters and more. The event also features entertainment celebrities available for autographs and fan meet and greets and who participate in panel discussions about their work projects and careers. Based upon its popularity, Motor City Comic Con has expanded over the course of time to now be a bi-annual event with Spring and Fall editions each year.

For more information, visit motorcitycomiccon.com

Monday, September 22, 2025

GLENLORE TRAILS WITCHING HOUR

glenlore trails 2025 halloween event

Starting Thursday, September 25 and running through Sunday, November 2, each weekend during that span beginning at dusk, a one-mile forest trail comes to life with a dazzling display of lights, sounds, and wonder. Glenlore Trails is an outdoor experience, that takes approximately one hour to complete and is set up along a wooded, manicured (not paved) trail. Glenlore Trails is located at 3860 Newtown Road Commerce Township, MI 48382.

This year's theme for this annual family friendly Halloween event is "The Witching Hour."  During The Witching Hour, you will step into a spellbound world where witches weave their magic, potions simmer in the dark, and eerie creatures come to life beneath the stars as the clock counts down to something unknown. These glowing spells will dance across towering trees, illuminating shadows and lights will take over the forest, and mysterious sounds will echo throughout during this interactive night walk under the moonlight.

glenlore trails the witching hour

From my family's past visits to this event, I absolutely give Glenlore Trails a Geek Daddy nod of approval for providing an outstanding Halloween experience. To share my enjoyment of this annual event, I'm excited to be able to give away a family four pack to Glenlore Trails: The Witching Hour. Complete the rafflecopter entries below by Sunday, September 28, 2025 for a chance to win the prize pack. Must be 18 years or older and a Michigan resident to participate in this promotion. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some things visitors can experience along the journey: 

  • One-Mile one-of-a-kind complete forest transformation. 
  •  The Witching Hour themed interactive experiences throughout.
  •  Immersive Light & Sound Displays – A fully transformed forest filled with dazzling projections, glowing art, LED light displays, and interactive displays. 
  •  Interactive Fun for All Ages – Interactive games, sensory moments, and surprises tucked throughout the journey. 
  • Merchandise – Including Magical Wands that help you unlock hidden surprises along the trail. 
  • Food & Drinks – Enjoy rotating dinner options from D&Ws Street Eatery and Little Bro’s Food Trucks and nightly desserts from The Little Donut Factory, along with a variety of warm beverage options and a variety of adult beverage selections as well.
glenlore trails witching hour

Tickets are available online at GlenloreTrails.com

WHEN: Thursday, September 25 – Sunday, November 2, 2025 Open Thursday through Sunday Evenings Tours start around dusk. Start times vary by day but typically begin around 7:00 p.m. with the final entry around 10:00 p.m.

PRICING: 3 years and under: Free;  4-12 years: $15;   13-64 years: $25;   65+: $20 

glenlore trails witching hour

Sunday, September 7, 2025

GARFIELD KART 2

garfield kart 2 video game

Garfield the cynical, lasagna loving Persian Tabby made famous from Jim Davis' comic strips wasn't going to let Mario have all the fun with Nintendo Switch! He has his own new Kart racing game coming out on September 10 for Nintendo Switch, but because he loves to be the center of attention it will also be available on PS5, XBOX Series and PC too so no matter how you play video games it should be accessible to you. So, get ready to rev your engines and challenge your friends in the high-speed, chaotic races of Microids GARFIELD KART 2. Be a self-absorbed kitty by using traps and power-ups to gain the upper hand and cross the finish line first!

GARFIELD KART 2 promises to let you race as one of eight iconic characters from the Garfield universe through tracks that have colorful, wacky themes. Here are some of the features of the video game:

  • Mysteries, treasures, and rodeos! Race your friends on wild tracks across three unique worlds! Dash through the mysterious detective streets, conquer the pirate seas, or speed down the dusty cowboy trails—each universe brings its own exciting challenges and surprises.
  • Garfield and friends are back! Play as Garfield, Odie, Jon, and other iconic characters from the beloved comic strip! Each racer has a unique personality, adding a fun and immersive twist to every race.
  • Lasagna-Fueled races with friends! Compete in online races with up to 8 players or enjoy the chaos locally with up to 4 players in split-screen multiplayer! Perfect for intense showdowns with friends or fun-filled family game nights.
  • Create your perfect kart! Customize your kart to match your style! Choose your bumpers, wheels, spoiler, and select a paint job with unique colors to make your kart stand out on the track. Show off your style and prove who’s the true king of the race!


You may HATE Mondays, but GARFIELD KART 2 is coming out on a Wednesday so have a wonderful Hump Day racing with Garfield! Rated E for everyone (all ages appropriate) with gameplay for 1 - 8 players.

garfield kart 2


Sunday, August 17, 2025

2025 MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

2025 Michigan Renaissance Festival

The Michigan Renaissance Festival returns to its medieval Hollygrove Village fairgrounds in Metro Detroit's Oakland County (about an hour north of Detroit just off Interstate 75) for its 46th season this year. Step back in time by visiting a bustling 16th century realm where you can interact with nobles, knights, troubadours, jesters and maybe even cross paths with some fairy folk. Be on guard because Vikings and pirates are also known to raid the festivities from time to time.

Sebastian the Singing Pirate is one of the acts you may come across on one of the Michigan Renaissance Festival's 17 entertainment stages featuring live music, comedy, magic acts and more. This year's event runs on weekends August 16 through September 28. Huzzah!

Cheering on knights participating in the annual Mich Ren Fest jousting tournament is probably my favorite part of the festivities. Seeing the horses race around the pitch while their riders compete in both competitions of skill and battles with iron weapons is impressive. Though sometimes just sitting back with a cold ale and listening to some live music from days gone by can be delightful too. Do you have a favorite activity that takes place at a Renaissance Fair?

2025 Mich Ren Fest

There are some new activities taking place in 2025 at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. There will be a Wicked Wand Workshop, Ninja Warrior Challenge, and Petting Zoo incorporated into the festivities within the medieval village of Hollygrove. Here's some exciting news too, although I step through the standing stones in 21st century garb to visit Hollygrove and only stay for a brief time each year, the honor of citizen has been bestowed upon me. As a subtle aside to my fellow travelers, while there was nothing nefarious about my receiving such a title, if you would like to obtain this privilege stopping by Traveling Leather while in Hollygrove and paying a modest tribute to the shopkeeper goes a long way in obtaining a badge of citizenship.

Hollygrove

Hours for the Michigan Renaissance Festival are 9 AM to 7PM (Rain or Shine). Hollygrove Village is located at 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly, MI 48442. The event takes place on the following dates with these themed weekends:

August 16 - 17: Pirates & Pups

August 23 - 24: Highland Fling

August 30 - Sept 1: Viking Invasion

September 6 - 7: Wonders of the World

September 13 - 14: Shamrocks & Shenanigans

September 20 - 21: Harvest Hazzah

September 27-28: Sweet Endings

Admission is $27.95 for adults, $25.95 for seniors and $18.95 for kids (5-12) with children under 5 having FREE admission. Additionally, parking passes are $15 per vehicle per day. It is recommended you purchase online prior to your arrival.

Mich Ren Fest 2025

For more information, head over the michrenfest.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

PRINCE SIGN O THE TIMES IMAX MOVIE RELEASE


For the first time ever, the iconic concert film Prince – Sign O’ The Times will be released exclusively in IMAX theatres globally for a limited time, beginning August 29, 2025. The critically acclaimed 1987 film, directed by Prince and featuring Prince with his talented band of musicians including Sheila E., has undergone IMAX’s proprietary Digital Media Remastering (DMR) process to deliver unprecedented image and sound quality, offering audiences an immersive experience of Prince’s legendary performance like never before. 

Sign O’ The Times is widely celebrated for capturing the artist at his creative peak—blending electrifying concert footage with cinematic storytelling, powerful visuals, and genre-defying sound. Now, enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images, Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available. “Prince – Sign O’ The Times” features some of Prince’s most iconic tracks, including “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” the anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times,” and “U Got The Look,” Prince’s smash hit duet with Sheena Easton. The film showcases Prince’s unparalleled musicianship, stagecraft, and style, highlighting his timeless impact on music and popular culture.

Tickets can be purchased at www.imax.com/prince. It will be showing for 1 WEEK only so don't miss out on your chance to experience this exceptional showcase of the musician's performance in an IMAX theater. 

Friday, March 7, 2025

NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE

night of the zoopocalypse

When a meteor crashes into Colepepper Zoo, a virus that transforms the animals into slobbering zombie - like mutants is unleashed. Gracie, a young quirky wolf, teams up with a gruff mountain lion named Dan to find a way back to her pack. As the zoo is overrun, they must come up with a plan to get al l the animals back to normal. Together with the help of a motley crew of survivors - Xavier , the movie - obsessed lemur, Frida the fiery capybara, Ash the sarcastic, fabulous ostrich and Felix the treacherous monkey - they embark on a perilous mission to rescue the zoo and defeat Bunny Zero, the deranged mutant - king determined to spread the virus beyond the zoo walls. Welcome to... THE ZOOPOCALYPSE


Distributed by Viva Pictures, the all - new spooky family comedy, NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE, starts its theatrical run today. This animated flick features the voices of Emmy-nominated David Harbour ( Stranger Things, Suicide Squad, Thunderbolts ), Emmy-nominated Scott Thompson ( The Kids In The Hall, The Pacifier ), Paul Sun - Hyung Lee ( The Mandalorian , Avatar: The Last Airbender ) and Gabbi Kosmidis ( Unicorn Academy, Fellow Travelers ). Inspired by a concept from best - selling genre author Clive Barker (“The Thief of Always”), NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE is directed by veteran animators Ricardo Curtis ( The Incredibles, The Angry Birds Movie, The Iron Giant ) and Rodrigo Perez - Castro ( The Book of Life , Ice Age: Collision Course , Ferdinand ). The movie is rated for PG by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) for action/peril and scary imagery. 

clive barker animated kids movie

Do you think Bunny Zero can be defeated or will the Zoopocalypse spread across the world? This looks to be a fun animated film making a nice introduction for kids to the horror genre being that it is more of a comedic spoof of zombies than a scary movie. Are you a horror film buff that would like to share your interest in "scary movies" with the kids in your life? If so, NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE would make for an excellent family outing to the movie theater. Check out the impressive animation of this movie in its full glory on a big screen! 

Friday, February 28, 2025

NEW STAR TREK MODELS AND BOOKS COMING FROM MASTER REPLICAS

master replicas

There has been a gap in the availability of cool displayable models of Star Trek spaceships since Eaglemoss, a manufacturer of licensed collectibles for a number of sci-fi brands, went out of business a few years ago; but Trekkies can now look forward to the upcoming Star Trek Starships Library being produced by Master Replicas for some great new offerings. Launching this summer, with preorders available now, Master Replicas, under license from Paramount Consumer Products, will be producing a new series of reference books and 4” to 5” long model ships.

Master Replicas Star Trek Library will provide collectors with in-depth reference to some of the most historic Star Trek ships while offering them the opportunity to hold the models in their hands. The palm-sized models will be made of a combination of die-cast metal and ABS resin and will measure between 4” and 5” long. They have been made with careful reference to the original visual effects models featured on the shows and movies and then carefully painted to be as accurate as possible. 

Each model comes with a specially designed stand that can be combined with the book to create a display.The books will cover each ship in detail with annotated plan views of the exterior, an in-universe service history, a behind-the-scenes account of the ship’s appearances in the Star Trek franchise, and information about how and why it was created with new interviews with the creators.

master replicas

The first three books and models being released in July 2025 are: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) U.S.S. Cerritos (Star Trek: Lower Decks) U.S.S. Enterprise (Kelvin Timeline). New ships and books are expected to be released each quarter by Master Replicas. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

HOME VIDEO RELEASE OF DREAMWORKS DOGMAN

dogman movie

Part man, part dog, all hero. As the DOG MAN graphic novel film adaptation continues to capture the hearts of audiences in theaters, this animated comedy adventure for the whole family will be available exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent starting today, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Experience exclusive deleted scenes, how-to-draw tutorials from the animators themselves, recording booth bloopers, and more only when you purchase from participating digital retailers nationwide, including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Movies Anywhere. Filled to the brim with humor, heart, and tail-wagging action, DOG MAN will also debut on Blu-ray and DVD on April 1, 2025.

From DreamWorks Animation – creators of How to Train Your Dragon and The Wild Robot – comes the canine crime-fighting film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s literary phenomenon: DOG MAN. When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured on the job, a harebrained surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born! As he embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief (Lil Rel Howery, Get Out), Dog Man must stop the villainous Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson, “Saturday Night Live”) from cloning himself and creating an evil kitten, doubling his evil abilities. The story takes a turn when the kitten forges an unexpected bond with Dog Man and in the process, they discover the power of family to bring even the most hostile foes together.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN YOU PURCHASE AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
  • DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES WITH INTRODUCTIONS BY SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR PETER HASTINGS 
    • Sewer Ball Chase 
    • Petey Robs Bank of Jim 
    • Li’l Petey Adoption People 
    • Petey Puppet Time 
    • Dog Man Chopper Hang Glider 
    • Revenge of the Bank of Jim 
    • Butler Business
    •  Flippy in Jail 
    • Epilogue 
  • MEET THE PACK: Go behind the scenes of the DOG MAN recording sessions as we meet the actors who brought the characters to life and watch them perform some of their silliest lines! 
  • THE MAKING OF DOG MAN: A SARAH HATOFF EXCLUSIVE: Ace reporter Sarah Hatoff delivers a special report on the making of DOG MAN! Learn about the story, characters, and comic book animation behind Dog Man’s big screen debut! 
  • HOWL TO DRAW FLIP-O-RAMA STYLE: Join head of story Anthony Zierhut as he teaches how to draw Dog Man, Petey, and Li’l Petey, then learn how to transform your drawings into a Flip-O-Rama! 
  • HOWL TO MAKE DOUGHNUTS FOR DOGS: Police officers and dogs both love one thing…doughnuts! We’ll show you how to make your own Fido-friendly doughnuts for your canine best friend. 
  • FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR PETER HASTINGS

For more information, visit dreamworksdogman.com

Saturday, October 19, 2024

S'MORES HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Limited Series Three-Season Collection

Spooky Season is here! Snuggle up next to a warm fire and make The Midnight Society's secret recipe for delicious S'Mores Hot Chocolate while watching Nickelodeon's Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Limited Series Three-Season Collection. Available Now on DVD!

smores hot chocolate recipe

In 2019 Nickelodeon broadcast a mini-series “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” tale introducing a group of TMS kids who find that one of the scary stories told around a campfire begins to become true. A second mini-series was broadcast in 2021 and followed a new group of Midnight Society kids, who learn of a terrifying curse cast over their small town and are haunted by a mysterious creature. The third chapter, Are You Afraid of the Dark? Ghost Island, was shown in 2022 on the cable tv network and features another TMS group as they go on vacation on a resort island becoming entangled in the sinister haunting of a hotel's guests. Enjoy hauntingly good scary stories with The Limited Series Three-Season Collection, just in time for Halloween!

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SONGS TO HOWL & SING

little coyotes

Indie folk band LITTLE COYOTES have just released their first album which is available now digitally on all major music platforms. SONGS TO HOWL & SING is full of tunes to inspire children to have a lifetime of love for the outdoors and to embrace having family adventures in wild places. Fronted by vocalist Becca Mohler and produced by her Grammy-nominated husband Billy, LITTLE COYOTES' SONGS TO HOWL & SING is a blend of nostalgic folk melodies reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian, Donovan, and Simon and Garfunkel providing an evocative listening experience. Each song is crafted with a nod to folk artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Becca and Billy Mohler own Cal Heights Music in Long Beach, California, a music school known for fostering creativity and musicality in students of all ages. Their popular caregiver-and-me class for children ages 0 - 4, which encourages a love for music and the outdoors from an early age, was an important inspiration for SONGS TO HOWL & SING. Their teaching roots provide a personal and authentic touch to the tunes performed in this album.

“Little Adventure” teaches colors by identifying natural elements like green moss and orange poppies, while “National Parks” takes families on a musical road trip through the wonders of America’s natural landscapes. The geometric “Shapes Are Everywhere” has an upbeat, ‘60s, “Mrs. Robinson” feel, while “Little Campfire” is all about cooperation and teamwork.

“Songs to Howl & Sing holds a special place in my heart, as it reflects my deep love for music, my passion for teaching children, and my desire to evoke the nostalgic essence of childhood,” Becca Mohler remarked to ageekdaddy.com. “My aim is to transport listeners back to that enchanting world, where every moment was infused with a sense of possibility and wonder.”

The album is aimed for an audience of children 1 - 8 years old has ten songs with a running time of twenty minutes. 

Track List

1. Little Adventure 
2. Looking Out My Window 
3. I Love All The Months 
4. Grow Wild And Free 
5. National Parks 
6. Shapes Are Everywhere 
7. AEIOU 
8. Sunny Day 
9. Rainy Day 
10. Little Campfire

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

HARD BARGAIN GRAPHIC NOVEL KICKSTARTER

hard bargain graphic novel kickstarter

A Kickstarter campaign launched today that will run through July 25, 2024 to support the publishing of a supernatural thriller themed graphic novel written by Steven S. DeKnight and illustrated by Leno Carvalho. HARD BARGAIN follows a hard-boiled P.I. in 1940s Los Angeles who finds himself fighting not only the usual cadre of criminals and ne’er-do-wells—but also demons, monsters, and other malevolent supernatural beings—as he races to solve a deadly mystery before a horrific fate descends upon everyone it touches. Pledges range from $15 for a digital edition of the graphic novel to $140 for a printed collectors edition signed by DeKnight and Carvalho. 

Battling the forces of darkness is another day at the office for Frank Harding, P.I.—but his current case may just be the one that puts Frank out of business for good. As he investigates a case deeply connected to his own murky past—as well as L.A.’s all-too-real history of prejudice and discrimination—Harding is forced to reckon with the fact that the sins of one generation will always be paid for by the next. Combining the appeal of classic noir crime storytelling with a well-wrought fantasy world of monsters and magic, HARD BARGAIN pairs DeKnight's crackerjack storytelling with Carvalho's dynamic visuals to build a fast-paced, hard-boiled thriller that simultaneously reckons with the dark underbelly of bigotry, violence and revenge haunting gritty Los Angeles.

hard bargain

DeKnight got his start in the entertainment industry as a staff writer on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer before going on to write, direct, and produce on the series Angel, Smallville, and Dollhouse. He also was the executive producer and showrunner of season one of the Marvel/Netflix series Daredevil. DeKnight has also written Wastelanders comics for Marvel.

Leno Carvalho is a Brazilian comic artist and illustrator best known for his realistic and detailed style. Throughout his career, Carvalho has worked with many publishers on series such as Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen Special at DC Comics, Dean Koontz’s Nevermore and Bionic Woman at Dynamite Comics, The Rift at Red 5 Comics and Crusaders at Soleil, as well as The Source at Scout Comics. 

hard bargain kickstarter

Thursday, July 4, 2024

MARIO KART 8 DELUXE BOOSTER COURSE PASS

mariokart 8 deluxe booster course pass

Thanks to Nintendo for gearing me up for MARIO KART 8 DELUXE by providing me with the video game, its Booster Course Pass DLC and a racing jacket to show off my being a Nintendo Dad. A bunch of dad bloggers including myself got together courtesy of Nintendo to play with the Booster Course Pass DLC in an online Grand Prix. It was a crash course for me in learning to play the game! 

The Booster Course Pass opens up 48 more courses beyond what are available on the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for Nintendo Switch as a paid DLC. It also unlocks new playable characters to race with and 16 new Mii racing suits for customizing character appearances.


What is a DLC? Downloadable content that can expand upon the storylines and challenges of an already released video game. DLC normally involve purchasing a subscription for future updates to a video game or just buying an update outright like the case in the Booster Course Pass for MARIO KART 8 DELUXE. Sometimes DLC are also made available for free too as a perk for having a membership in a paid online service like Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.



Highlights of the Booster Course Pass DLC include the Yoshi’s Island course—inspired by the Super Mario World™ 2: Yoshi’s Island™ game—and returning favorites like DS Waluigi Pinball, GCN Daisy Cruiser, Wii DK Summit, and Wii Rainbow Road. Whether you're coasting through the flowery hills or clinging to the rainbow edges, you're in for a wild ride! 

By downloading the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, you can unlock 8 more characters to use in all modes! Birdo, Petey Piranha, Kamek, Wiggler, Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette are all ready to race to the finish.

   

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC costs $24.99 and requires ownership of the MARIO KART 8 DELUXE video game to utilize its features. Racers who have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership though have access to all of the DLC courses, characters, and Mii racing suits at no additional cost while their membership is active.

With MARIO KART 8 DELUXE burn rubber across Mushroom Kingdom raceways—underwater, in the sky, upside-down in zero-g, and past the finish—for the win! Get revved up for local multiplayer, online in-game tournaments, a revamped battle mode, and more! Are you ready to race?! 

geek daddy blog

Saturday, June 29, 2024

GHOSTBUSTERS AT HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

halloween horror nights

Do you enjoy scary attractions like haunted houses at Halloween time? We have some spooktacular places to visit here in Metro Detroit like Eloise Asylum, Hush Haunted Attraction, and the Erebus Haunted Warehouse; but I've come across rave reviews about HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS at Universal Studios Orlando theme park that may make a Fall vacation to check them out worthwhile...especially because this year they are incorporating GHOSTBUSTERS into the event.

On select nights from August 30 - November 3, Universal Studios Orlando closes early and reopens for a special ticketed event called HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS where a few rides are open (Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Transformers) but the primary attraction is participating in event only scary attractions. During HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS ten haunted houses are opened to explore with five scare zones situated between them filled with scare actors on the prowl you need to navigate through to make your way around the amusement park. Plus, there is Halloween-themed live entertainment as well as themed food and drinks available to enjoy around the park as well.


The haunted houses utilize movie studio caliber costumes, props and special effects to provide a Hollywood blockbuster quality experience that exceeds what most local Halloween attractions are able to provide. In 2024, two of the amusement park's haunted houses are going to have movie themes too: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and A Quit Place. 

An ancient artifact has released a chilling new entity, Garraka in the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire haunted house. He’ll stop you cold. Only the Ghostbusters can keep you from getting iced. 


In the A Quit Place haunted house, make a sound and you won't last long. Monstrous creatures will hunt you down as the world of the first two films comes to terrifying life.


My teenagers are at an age that they don't want to go on family trips with mom and dad anymore ... even to places like Disneyland or Universal Orlando because they don't want to be treated like kids. But these haunted houses are targets to an audience of teens, young adults, and those of use who categorize ourselves as kids-at-heart (aka over 40). In fact, there is a warning on the promotions for HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS that the event is not recommended for children under 13. A night of scary attractions and amusement park rides may just be the family outing we've been looking for. Plus, Ghostbusters has piqued my interest!

halloween horror nights

Would you take a Florida vacation just for some Halloween themed fun? I'm really thinking about it!
For more information about this event, head over to halloweenhorrornights.com

P.S. Halloween Horror Nights also take place at Universal's theme parks in California, Singapore and Japan.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

CELEBRITIES VISITING DETROIT FOR SPRING COMIC CON EVENT

spring motor city comic con 2024 dates

Motor City Comic Con, one of the largest conventions in the Midwest, takes place yearly in both the Spring and the Fall at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. This year's Spring event is May 17 - 19, 2024.Throughout the three-day weekend attendees can participate in autographs and photo opportunities with fan favorite actors and actresses from movies and tv. Attendees can also participate in various panel discussions, attractions, events, and explore various exhibitors. Artists, writers, and illustrators will also be featured throughout Artist Alley over the three-day convention. In addition, there will be venders offering a variety of merchandise including comics, toys, art, unique jewelry, clothing, memorabilia and much more! 

Here are some of the celebrities scheduled to be in attendance at the 2024 Spring Motor City Comic Con. Be aware that meet and greet opportunities with the show's celebrity guests often involve an extra fee beyond your admission to the event. If you purchase an autograph, note that many of these people will also require more money if you want to get a selfie with them at that time too. Professional photo ops also are offered for many of the celebrities in attendance and can be a nice souvenir where you don't have to worry about handing your phone to someone to take the picture for you. Checking out the pricing and availability of the scheduled celebrities during the show at the Motor City Comic Con website in advance can save you from some unexpected surprises or disappointments when it comes to these interactions.

William Shatner 

Best known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. He has also in movies and television shows like Hawaii Five-O, Miss Congeniality, and Boston Legal Appearing: Saturday 5/18, and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($120), memorabilia autographs or 8x10 with inscriptions ($150), professional photo ops ($140)

Ron Perlman 

Actor best known for his roles in Hellboy, Quest for Fire, Cronos, The City of Lost Children, and Alien Resurrection. He was also in season 6 of Sons of Anarchy. His distinctive voice has garnered him roles in many animated films and series, commercials and video games. Appearing: Saturday 5/18 and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($60), funko pop autographs ($75), professional photo ops ($80), duo photo ops with Charlie Hunnam ($200), duo photo ops with Katey Sagal ($180), and Sons of Anarchy trio photo op with Katey Sagal and Charlie Hunnam ($280)

Katey Sagal 

Katey became a household name in the 80s when she played Peg Bundy on Married with Children. In 2008 she took on the role of Gemma Teller Morrow in Sons of Anarchy. Appearing: Saturday 5/18, and Sunday 5/19 Available for 8x10 autographs ($100), autographed items ($120), selfies ($90), 8x10/selfie combo ($175), item/selfie combo ($200), professional photo ops ($100), duo photo ops with Charlie Hunnam ($210), duo photo ops with Ron Perlman ($180), and Sons of Anarchy trio photo op with Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman ($280)

Charlie Hunnam 

 Actor best known for his role as Jax Teller in the FX series Sons of Anarchy. Appearing: Saturday 5/18, and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($100) and professional photo ops ($125), duo photo ops with Ron Perlman ($200), duo photo ops with Katey Sagal ($210), Sons of Anarchy trio photo op with Ron Perlman and Katey Sagal ($280)

Karen Allen 

Best known for her roles in the comedy Animal House and as Marion Ravenwood in the Indiana Jones films Appearing: Friday 5/17, Saturday 5/18, and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($40), selfies ($40), autograph & selfie combos ($60), professional photo ops ($60)

John Ratzenberger 

John is best known for his role as Cliff Clavin in the comedy sitcom Cheers for which he earned two Primetime Emmy nominations. He has also been the voice of animated characters in Disney Pixar films like Toy Story and Monsters University. Appearing: Friday 5/17, Saturday 5/18, and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($50) and professional photo ops ($50)

Katee Sackhoff 

Actress known for Battlestar Galactica, Another Life, The Mandalorian and voicing characters in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and Robot Chicken. Appearing: Saturday 5/18 and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($100), professional photo ops ($120), duo photo ops with Simon Kassianides ($190), duo photo ops with Giancarlo Esposito ($230) and trio photo op with Simon Kassianides and Giancarlo Esposito ($290). 

Simon Kassianides 

 Actor, Director, Producer and Screenwriter. Known for The Mandalorian, Unforgettable, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Quantum of Solace. Appearing: Saturday 5/18 and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($60), autographs on Star Wars merchandise ($90), professional photo ops ($80), duo photo ops with Katee Sackhoff ($190), duo photo ops with Giancarlo Esposito ($160) and trio photo ops with Katee Sackhoff and Giancarlo Esposito ($290). 

Giancarlo Esposito 

Actor known for Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Boys, Malcolm X, and The Mandalorian. Appearing: Saturday 5/18 and Sunday 5/19 Available for autographs ($80), Selfies ($60), autograph and selfie combo ($120), professional photo ops ($90), duo photo ops with Katee Sackhoff ($230), duo photo ops with Simon Kassianides ($160), and trio photo ops with Katee Sackhoff and Simon Kassianides ($290).

For a full list of activities and celebrity appearances visit motorcitycomiccon.com 

Friday, March 15, 2024

RICK AND MORTY COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON

rick and morty season 7

I was GEEKED to get home from work tonight and find RICK AND MORTY: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON on Blu-ray had just arrived in the mail courtesy of Warner Bros Discovery Home Entertainment promoting its home video release. You know what I'll be doing this weekend → binge watching the new intergalactic adventures across the multiverse of a mad scientist and his family. The Blu-ray and DVD for RICK AND MORTY: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON which contains all ten episodes of the Adult Swim animated series seventh season and a number of special features is available now on Amazon.com.

The show nominated for a 2023 Emmy in the Outstanding Animation Program category is back for more adventures with Season 7. The possibilities are endless with this show: what's up with Jerry? EVIL Summer?! And will they ever go back to the high school? Maybe not! But let's find out! 

rick and morty season 7

Special bonus content for the home entertainment Blu-ray and DVD release of RICK AND MORTY: THE COMPLETE SEVENTH SEASON include these featurettes:

  • Inside the Episodes -- Take a deeper look into each of the ten episodes from the season;
  • Directing Unmortricken -- Jacob Hair walks viewers through the challenges of making one of the most ambitious and action packed episodes in the series history;
  • The Characters of Season 7 -- A wide-ranging look at how the character team crafted this season's new designs.
  • Inside Season 7 -- A look at the making of the season from the perspective of various members of the crew.

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Monday, March 4, 2024

2024 AUTORAMA HIGHLIGHTS

2024 autorama

Over the weekend, the annual AUTORAMA show was taking place at the Huntington Place convention center in downtown Detroit. More than 800 classic cars and customized hotrods were showcased during the event. When you live in the Motor City it is part of the region's car culture that fathers and sons bond over checking out cool rides. My boy and I did exactly that spending some quality time together enjoying all that AUTORAMA had to offer.

Here is a highlight reel of our walk around the AUTORAMA show floor:

My son's favorite car at AUTORAMA was this souped-up Ford Mustang. He'd love to take that out for a spin on a track! That car has some nice Motor City muscle! 

2024 autorama hightlights

This gritty street racer with an Old English D on the grill caught my attention. Piecing together a vehicle to race against your buddies on a rural dirt road or urban back alley for drag racing bragging rights is like an elixir of youth for a middle-aged dad like me. So, this was one of my favorite cars on display at this year's AUTORAMA.

detroit autorama 2024

This year was Autorama's 71st annual event in Detroit. For more information about Autorama or other hot rod shows held around the country, including Cincinatti, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis and Kansas City, visit autorama.com. Also check out @hotrodshows on Instagram and Twitter

Saturday, January 13, 2024

SHREK THE MUSICAL

shrek the musical

Broadway in Detroit is bringing everyone's favorite ogre to town this summer! An all-new version of SHREK THE MUSICAL is embarking on a cross-country national tour that includes a stop at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre August 2 – 4, 2024. Audiences can expect a SHREK that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, inviting everyone to “fall in love all ogre again.” 

Tickets for SHREK THE MUSICAL will go on sale on Friday, January 26, 2024 and start at $39. Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayInDeroit.com and in person at the Fisher Theatre box office starting at noon.

Based on the hit DreamWorks animated film, SHREK THE MUSICAL is a hilarious fairy tale adventure with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrek-tacular’ score that’s perfect for the young and the young-at-heart! Our unlikely hero finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and the feisty Princess Fiona who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek. It’s not easy being green, but this irreverently fun musical proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre!


The tour cast features Nicholas Hambruch (Shrek), Cecily Dionne Davis (Fiona), Naphtali Yaakov Curry (Donkey), Timmy Lewis (Lord Farquaad), Jamir Brown (Pinocchio), Tori Kocher (Dragon), Kelly Prendergast (Gingy/US Fiona), Hope Schafer (Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch/Blue Bird), Riley Johnston (Pig/Knight/2nd Shrek US), Katherine Paladichuk (Teen Fiona/Peter Pan), Sage Jepson (Wolf/Shrek US), Cynthia Ana Rivera (Mama Bear/ Dragon US), Carson Zoch (Pig/Pinocchio Cover), Demetrio Alomar (Papa Ogre/Papa Bear), Ally Choe (Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling/Gingy US), Leon Ray (Pig), Casey Lamont (Female Swing), and John Cardenas (Male Swing). Harrison Roth is music director.

Performance schedule times for SHERK THE MUSICAL appearing August 2 – 4, 2024 at the Fisher Theatre located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit MI are:  
  • Friday & Saturday evening performance at 7:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday matinee performance at 1:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday evening performance at 6:30 p.m.