JIM HENSON DOCUMENTARY ON DISNEY+

I grew up watching Sesame Street and the original Muppet Show episodes during the time when Jim Henson was alive and crafting magical puppetry. So, a new, original documentary about the man has piqued my interest and has me geeked to watch it on the Disney+ streaming service. Directed by Academy Award ® winner Ron Howard, “Jim Henson Idea Man” chronicles the story of this extraordinary artist and visionary entertainer. In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of Sesame Street’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. Henson also directed beloved fantasy films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.

Produced with the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, “Jim Henson Idea Man” is an unprecedented, intimate look at Henson’s illustrious, revolutionary career and complex personal life. Using never-before-seen personal archival home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries, as well as interviews with those who knew him best, the film is the definitive portrait of one of the world’s most inspiring and iconoclastic creator.The documentary will premiere May 31 on Disney+.

Fun Fathers Day Gifts for the HBO Fan

 ** I partnered with HBO for this post but the following selections and opinions are my own **

Winter is coming ... in July!  HBO's Game of Thrones' seventh season begins July 16, 2017 and lots of dads like myself will be tuning in to what promises to be the most epic season yet of the popular television show.  Falling just a few weeks before the show's return, Fathers Day marks the perfect opportunity to give Games of Thrones merchandise from the HBO Shop to a dad who is eager to learn the fate of Westeros.

Every guy I know would be thrilled to possess a real life sword of Valyrian steel and rush into combat against the dreaded White Walkers and their zombie hoards.  While that obviously isn't going to happen, you can provide dad with a Long Claw (one of the mighty swords from the show) letter opener that will allow him to slice open his mail while imagining he is on a Game of Thrones battlefield.  This replica of the famed sword from the House of Mormont of Bear Island has a die-cast metal handle and stainless steel blade.

Admit it all dads roll their eyes at the though of getting the trademark Fathers Day gifts of ties, underwear and socks.  This year though you can actually put a smile on dad's face by giving him socks with the Game of Thrones Sigil Knit Box Set.  These three pairs of socks in blue, black and grey featuring the banners of the three major houses of Westros are subtle and classy enough to wear with a suit; yet are also comfortable to go with a casual look.  Game of Thrones fan can feel like a knight of Westeros as they walk about wearing a grey direwolf of House Stark, the three headed dragon of House Targaryen, or the gold lion of House Lannister.

For the active dad on the go pick out a Game of Thrones Sigel Swell Bottle to help him stay hydrated when he is out and about.  This reusable drinkware will highlight to people that he is a Game of Thrones fan as it features each of the banners for the houses of Lannister, Targaryen and Stark.

Want to give dad a home-made present for Fathers Day?  Make some Game of Thrones cookies for him that he can enjoy while watching the show.  The HBO Shop has cookie cutters so you can bake him a special treat shaped like the banners of all the major players in the Game of Thrones.

Show dad he is the king of the house by bestowing on him a replica of the crown of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros for Fathers Day.  This replica of the one from the TV series was made from a direct casting of the original screen-used prop to provide the utmost accuracy to it.  It is crafted from actual metal to provide it with heft, embedded with reproduction gemstones, and finished with a lustrous gold effect.  It comes with a specially designed iron sword motif display stand which allows you to rest the crown on the hilts of 4 swords.

Another popular show on HBO for sci-fi / fantasy fans is Westworld.  It revolves around a technologically advanced theme park staffed by lifelike robotic hosts who engage in Wild West type adventures interacting with the wealthy guests who visit.  What happens though when these robots stop following their programming and start thinking for themselves?

Pick up a Westworld logo hoodie that looks like something you'd pick up from an amusement park gift shop for the father who is a fan of the show.

Get pops a Pop! The HBO Shop has the popular Funko Pop! vinyl figures in a variety of the Westworld characters.  These are always a fun way to let dad personalize his work space on the job or decorate his desk in a home office.  Funko Pop! have really taken off as collectors items and you're seeing them displayed more and more in game rooms, theater spaces, and man caves in people's houses.

Let dad show off his caring fatherly side and his humorous bad boy side at the same time with this Oscar the Grouch shirt.  HBO is proud to be the new home of Sesame Street and has a variety of branded items available in their online store.

Speaking of shirts, every dad likes to have a comfortable, cool looking shirt to workout in.  The HBO Shop has a number of shirts that will make a guy feel like he has entered the world of one of his favorite shows.  Two of my favorites are the Pied Piper start-up shirt from the series Silicon Valley and the high school gym shirt from Vice Principals.  These cool shirts promote aspects of these comedic shows instead of the titles and main characters.  Other fans will get the meaning of wearing these shirts but it will be an inside joke that people who haven't been watching HBO won't catch on to.

Pub glasses are always a nice way to personalize a kitchen or bar.  The HBO Shop has a nice selection ranging from ones that feature the banners of the houses from Game of Thrones to others that look they were were souvenirs from a visit to the city where the show True Blood was set.  My favorite though is from the Prohibitionist era themed show Boardwalk Empire sporting a gangster motif on it.  "You can't be half a gangster!"

Check out these Fathers Day gift ideas plus numerous other selections to choose from at store.hbo.com --> Use code DAD at checkout to save 20% off purchases made before 6/8/2017 from items in the online store's Fathers Day Boutique.

PBS KIDS: Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month and PBS KIDS will be airing some special shows featuring autistic characters in an effort to promote awareness, acceptance and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The highlight of these shows will be Sesame Street introducing a brand new Muppet character named Julia who has autism.  Autistic characters will also be featured in episodes of the animated series Arthur and Dinosaur Train.  PBS KIDS hopes that children with autism will find these characters relatable and these shows will help educate the broader public about this medical condition.  These will definitely be some valuable shows full of teachable moments.  Here is a listing of when each show will debut this month:

4/10  Sesame Street "Meet Julia"

When Big Bird doesn't understand why the new girl on the block won't talk to him the Sesame     Street gang explains to him that Julia may act differently than other kids but is special in her very own way.  Julia, a Muppet with autism, makes her debut in a television episode of Sesame Street.  Julia is performed by puppeteer Stacey Gordon, who uses her own experiences raising an autistic son to help make the actions of the character realistic.



Visit SesameStreet.org/Autism to read a free online storybook featuring Julia and to view some videos featuring the newest Muppet character. The website also includes an autism reference section that includes activity and discussion ideas plus informational tips.

4/10  Dinosaur Train “Junior Conductors Academy”

The kids are all excited! Why? Because they’re off to Junior Conductor’s Academy in Laramidia, to try to become Junior Conductors First Class. Buddy has a feeling he’s going to be a star in class, until he meets Dennis Deinocheirus – a kid who knows even more dinosaur facts than he does! Can Buddy get over his disappointment that he’s not the smartest kid in class, and make friends with Dennis (who seems like he’s having trouble making friends on his own)?

Click here for some Autism Awareness Month tips and resources courtesy of  Dinosaur Train.

Arthur is one of my family's favorite shows on PBS KIDS.  I enjoy watching this show with its subtle societal commentaries and humorous situations all most as much as my kids do.  Arthur is an entertaining and educational show providing kids with teachable moments that they may be learning from without even realizing it.  So it is no surprise that they've weighed in on the topic of autism.   There will be four autism-related episodes of Arthur being broadcast by PBS KIDS in April.

4/10   Arthur “When Carl Met George/D.W. Swims with the Fishes"

George is excited about spending time with his new friend, Carl, who seems to know all kind of cool facts about trains and about… well lots of things! Then George learns that Carl has Asperger's Syndrome - a form of autism that makes Carl see the world differently than most people. Can George and Carl remain good friends - and perhaps even learn from each other?  /  D.W. and James enter the pre-school swim meet and recruit their big siblings to coach them. All goes swimmingly until Arthur and Molly start taking their jobs a little too seriously. Who's this race about, anyway?

4/11  Arthur “Pets and Pests/Go Fly a Kite” 

There's a mouse loose in the Read home! And D.W. wants it gone…NOW! When traps fail, Arthur enlists the help of an expert mouse catcher…a fearless hunter who laughs in the face of danger: Nemo??  / While playing in the park, Binky, Muffy, and Ladonna stumble upon an abandoned kite. After failing to find the owner, the trio decides to take joint custody of the toy. But sharing it is easier said than done…

4/12  Arthur “Carl's Concerto/Too Much of a Good Thing”
Carl has agreed to play the accordion for George’s puppet show. But his routines are getting in the way of rehearsals. Now George must decide: keep Carl and risk the show, or replace Carl and risk his friendship? / Buster enlists Binky’s help to keep him from gorging on delicious Tuvaluna cookies. Will Buster’s self-control hold...or crumble?

4/13  Arthur “He Said, He Said/Bunny Trouble”
A special episode of Bionic Bunny is interrupted, and Arthur, Buster, and George try to remember what comes next. But Carl is the only one who can straighten out the story. / D.W. is excited to be taking care of the class bunny, Larry. But when Larry is feeling adventurous and wanders off, it’s up to Ladonna the “Bunny Whisperer” to help get him back.

These shows will be rebroadcast throughout the month after the initial airing listed above.  Check your with your PBS affiliate for more details regarding local programming schedules.

In addition to incorporating the topic of autism into PBS KIDS programming, the PBS Parents website has articles from doctors, disability experts and special education teachers on topics ranging from identifying autism to creating inclusive environments for autistic children.  Additionally, PBS Learning Media has great teacher resources and activities for children with autism that can be found here.

Free Comic Book Day has lots of offering this year for the youngsters in your house

The first Saturday in May is one of the favorite days of the year in our house … it’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!!  While you may think this event is aimed to cater only to teens and adults, it actually has a very large array of giveaways aimed at preschool to elementary school aged children.  I took my children last year to a local comic book store for the event when they were only 3 years old and we picked up a lot of great age appropriate stuff that they could flip through on their own to enjoy the artwork or I could enjoy spending some time reading to them.  Some of the titles we picked up last year were The Smurfs, Yo Gabba Gabba , Disney’s TinkerBell, and Sonic the Hedgehog.  

The kids are 4 years old this year learning the alphabet and their letters but still can’t read.  Nothing less we’ll be going to Warp 9 Comics on Saturday, May 4, 2013 to pick up some more titles that we can enjoy together as a family and can be fun tools to encourage an appreciation of artwork and reading with our children.   Hey and you can’t beat the price … FREE!!!!  

Here’s a list of a few of the comic books that will be available this year that are focused to a preschool to elementary school age audience:

SESAME STREET & STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE 

On side one, Elmo, Cookie Monster, The Count and Super Grover teach you about the magic of reading comics! It's GUARANTEED to chase the clouds away!

On side two, join Strawberry Shortcake and friends on 3 berry sweet adventures!

Includes "The Blue Flu", "The Hunt for Blackberry's Treasure", and "Blueberry's Book Tour".

It's a bushel of fun! 

CLICK HERE for a preview

THE SMURFS 

THE SMURFS return to Free Comic Book Day with two stories never-before-seen in the US! Gargamel has tormented the Smurfs time and time again, always vowing his revenge on the small creatures. But what happens when he is forced to tangle with someone bigger than him- a nasty Ogre? Will the Smurfs let the Ogre destroy Gargamel, or will they decide to help their oldest foe?  Find out in "The Ogre and the Smurfs"! 

CLICK HERE for a preview

DISNEY FAIRIES: TINKER BELL

Papercutz presents DISNEY FAIRIES featuring Tinker Bell, along with comics from the new hit series, STARDOLL! There's only one fairy in Pixie Hollow who can't fly- Water-Talent Fairy, Rani. Why doesn't Rani have wings? Was she always this way? Find out in "Tinker Bell and the Wings of Rani".

CLICK HERE for a preview

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

"Worlds Collide: PRELUDE" - It's TWO free comic books in ONE! Just in time for the start of the epic Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man crossover event, "Worlds Collide," comes a primer issue exclusively for Free Comic Book Day! Witness the journey these two epic heroes from both Sega and Capcom took to finally meet each other - Mega Man's journey chronicled on one side, and Sonic the Hedgehog's on the other! This is the must-have primer for the biggest comic book event of 2013 - as video game icons Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man meet for the very first time anywhere - featuring art from both Sonic and Mega Man comic book fame! 

CLICK HERE for a preview

NFL RUSH ZONE

 A referee's flag is corrupted by the power.  The Guardians must arrive at the Bengals-Titans game and get that flag before the referee throws it, bringing it to life.  And the villainous Coach Carnage is on the recruit for his interstellar team "The Visitors," and it's up to the Guardians, with the help of previous draft picks, to stop him from ruining the draft and taking this year's recruiting class.

CLICK HERE for a preview

PIPPI LONG STOCKINGS

Drawn & Quarterly offers a second FCBD title for the first time this year and it will feature one of the world's most beloved and popular characters, Pippi Longstocking! The Pippi Longstocking Color Special will offer a sneak peak at the brand new Pippi Longstocking title that D+Q will publish in May 2013 to coincide with FCBD. Pippi Longstocking was created by Astrid Lindgren and has developed a dedicated fan base of both children and adults for over six decades. The comics presented here were originally published in Swedish in the 1950s and are now being presented for the first time ever in English. This will be the perfect All Ages comic book, ideal for developing a new readership of kids in the 6 to 10 age set. 

CLICK HERE for a preview

 KABOOM! COMICS

An explosion of All-Ages awesomeness from KaBOOM! this Free Comic Book Day! Sure to be one of the most popular offerings this Free Comic Book Day, the KaBOOM! Summer Blast is 48 pages chock-full of the most popular all-ages comics on the stands today! Featuring excerpts from Adventure Time, Peanuts, Regular Show, Bravest Warriors, Garfield, Ice Age and some brand-new surprises

CLICK HERE for a preview

Don't know where to go to find a comic shop participating in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY? No problem, just go to this link, enter your zip code, and viola you will be provided with the information you need:  http://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator

On a finale note WOLVERINE ( aka Hugh Jackman ) wants you to go ... watch this video message and make sure you take advantage of this great event:

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

A Dad's View: Sesame Street Live

We bought tickets and took our kids to see Sesame Street Live for the second year in a row last weekend.  From a parent's perspective I have to give the producers of this show kudos for an excellent production.  Sesame Street Live entertains the kids with age appropriate educational content that is family friendly.  In family friendly, I also mean that it throws in some inside jokes and content aimed at keeping the dads and moms in the audience entertained too.  This year's golden nuggets for the adults in the audience were a Jimmy Buffet inspired song number led by Cookie Monster and and a performance by The Count inspired from a classic 80's pop song.

This year's show was titled "Elmo Makes Music" and the premise of the show was that a new music teacher has just moved to Sesame Street. Oh no! the moving van with all her musical instruments never arrived so she can't teach the residents of Sesame Street.  Bert & Ernie come to the rescue by leading an effort for everyone to collect everyday items that can be used as instruments to replace the lost ones.  The catch is though they want to do this in secret for the new music teacher, Jennie, so they have various exploits as they look for items while trying to surprise her.  While Elmo is the headliner for this year's show it's Bert & Ernie who the show really centers around.  In fact, Bert & Ernie really steal the show from Elmo with several Josh Groban like ballad performances.

A big difference from last year's show "Elmo's Super Heroes" (see my past blog post) is that while Elmo plays a big part in "Elmo Makes Music" the production does not revolve around him.  In "Elmo's Super Heroes" the focus really was around Elmo while in "Elmo Makes Music" their is a fuller cast of contributing characters with Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, and The Count getting a lot more stage time.  My wife and I differed on which show each of us liked best.  She liked last year's show because it was filled with more of a story line outside the typical Sesame Street story lines with lots of special effects.  In comparison, "Elmo Makes Music" was more toned down but had more of a feeling like you were seeing a traditional Sesame Street tv episode being filmed right in front of you.  I enjoyed this year's show more than last year's because I appreciated that the tradition Sesame Street characters I grew up with (Cookie Monster, The Count, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie) had a bigger role while last year the focus was mostly on the newer trendy Elmo, Telly and Zoe that my kids loved but as a parent I didn't relate to as much.

The Cookie Monster is one of my all time favorite Sesame Street characters and while he doesn't get a lot of stage time when he is in the story he makes his presence felt!  In "Elmo Makes Music" he leads the Sesame Street gang in a Jimmy Buffet inspired rumba song and dance about cookies that was a fresh blast of Caribbean fun on a cold February day in Detroit.  Interestingly despite the title, Elmo only really sings during a segment meant to be just like the tv show's "Elmo's World" sketches.  This segment really didn't seem to catch the attention of the  kids in the audience despite Elmo being such a highlight attraction, maybe it was too much like what they regularly see on the tv show.  All in all "Sesame Street: Elmo Makes Music" did a great job of  keeping the audience's attention, often by having everyone interact in the songs and skits which made for a great time for everyone.  If you have a child between ages of 2 and 5 I highly recommend you check out Sesame Street Live.

Parent-to-parent though, if you go watch out for the over-priced souvenirs.  They have these awesome looking glowing wands and swirly light toys for sale that I went to the souvenir stand to check out for my kids but than I saw the price tag.  At $15 each that would have been a $30 purchase to get one for each of my kids (you know have to get one for each to avoid World War III from breaking out) for something that would have probably ended up in a toy chest or junk drawer the day after the performance.  Sorry kids but NO.  The fortunate thing is they really are discreet with the souvenir stands and you can easily avoid them and keep your kids from begging you for them as long as the parents sitting next to you don't buy them for their children.  Beware though, the one thing you can't avoid and they are NOT discreet about selling are the notorious Elmo balloons.  When they break for intermission  they bring these helium filled wonders out into the theater for every kid to see and want.  As a parent all I can say is "Oh the horror!" when you see these balloons being sold for $12 and you have to admit they are pretty cool but again looking at the sticker shock $24 is a lot of money for a couple of balloons.  Here's a secret ... you can buy the same balloon at Party City so surprise your child with one later on when it really is a special surprise. So if you don't want to loose a paycheck on souvenirs be prepared for them and know how you are going to address the situation with your kids before you go.

Your kids are only little once and Sesame Street Live is a nice indulgence for parents to thrill their kids with and enjoy some quality family time together.  Unfortunately there really is a limited time frame in which this show will appeal to children with the show being most age appropriate for ages 2 to 4.  So if your kids are in that age range don't miss out on what is a really great experience and check out Sesame Street Live the next time it comes to town.