LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES PROMOTION HYPES RETURN OF TNT TV SERIES

Debuting this week on the TNT cable network is a spinoff series of the fantasy adventure movies and television show The Librarians which starred Noah Wyle of E.R. fame that were released between 2004 and 2018. All four seasons of The Librarian series are available now to view on Amazon Prime if you didn't catch them during their cable tv run. This new original TNT series premiering on May 25, 2025, THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER features its own cast starring Callum McGowan, Jessica Green, Olivia Morris, and Bluey Robinson.

In THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER, a Librarian from the past time travels to the present and finds himself stuck here. When he returns to his castle, which is now a museum, he inadvertently releases magic across the continent. He is given a new team to help him clean up the mess he made, forming a new team of Librarians.

To mark the return of The Librarians, TNT has partnered with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Little Free Library, to distribute books and custom swag to more than 200 library stewards in their network. Each participating Little Free Library will host a selection of books curated by the Little Free Library team and TNT, including The Librarians tie-in novels, collectible branded bookmark charms and window vinyls. 

You can search for the participating Little Free Library in the Detroit area through their online map starting May 25th. The promotion is scheduled to run for three months. When looking over the Little Free Library map I noticed four participating locations within 2 miles of my house. Check out if there is one near you to take advantage of joining in on this fun promotional event.

007 SCIENCE

The name's Bond, James Bond ... when this movie geek and car gearhead heard that the Griffin Museum of Science + Industry was hosting a 007 exhibit featuring costumes, props and vehicles from the films you know I had to take a road trip to Chicago. How often do you get the chance to obtain close up views of items used in filming some of your favorite movies?! Only on display until October 27, 2024, this limited time exhibit, 007 SCIENCE: INVENTING THE WORLD OF JAMES BOND, showcases how film production teams utilized real-world science to cast Hollywood magic on moviegoers. I am so GEEKED that I made the trip to Chicago's science museum for this James Bond 007 experience!

007 SCIENCE, INVENTING THE WORLD OF JAMES BOND highlights how moviemakers harnessed scientific thinking to craft 007's iconic gadgets and vehicles as well as employed physics, chemistry, engineering and mathematics to create the thrilling stunts and actions sequences the films are known for. There is a big emphasis in the exhibit on the technology used for spying by both the fictional 007 and his real-life counterparts in the CIA and MI-6. Get a look at fantastical gadgets created for the Bond films alongside the real-life inventions they prefigured—see a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.

You have to love the cars in 007 movies and there are a number of them on display here ranging from the classic Aston Martin DB5 Bond Car seen in films that include "Goldfinger", "Thunderball", "Tomorrow Never Dies", "Skyfall" and "No Time to Die" to the more modern DB10 model created by the car manufacture to be featured in "Spectre." The weaponized Jaguar XKR used by the villainous henchman Zao in "Die Another Day" is also featured in the exhibit to provide some contrast to the hero's vehicles. 

You can also get a look at one of James Bond's most memorable cars, Wet Nellie, a custom-built submarine shaped to look like a Lotus Esprit S1 sports car used in "The Spy Who Loved Me." Interesting the submarine actually works but it wasn't able to maintain a dry interior so occupants had to wear scuba gear while operating it. The film crew hired an ex-Navy SEAL to drive Wet Nellie when shooting underwater scenes and borrowed the chairman of Lotus personal vehicle for shooting road scenes featuring the car.

There is also a lab space inspired by Q, the source of secret field technologies in the Bond movies, where you can test your abilities to design the perfect spy vehicle as well as learn about the science behind the tech and technique of the world’s most famous spy. As you make your way through the galleries complete a scavenger hunt questionnaire that adds to the educational element of the experience. Turn it in on your way out to get a free sticker! 

Also, on display is concept art used to develop the look of the films to assist in creating costumes, props and sets. I always find this type of artwork intriguing and am glad some of these samples were included within the exhibit.

Admission to the James Bond exhibit is a separate, timed-entry ticket purchase in addition to the general museum admission price. So, if you visit, make sure to explore all of this wonderful museum. The Griffin Museum of Science + Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. There is a lot to see across three stories of gallery space including the command module of Apollo 8, life size scale replica of a working coal mine, a German submarine captured during WWII, a Next Gen Ford Mustang NASCAR stock car and more! 

While the James Bond exhibit was the highlight of the visit for me, my teenager who joined me on this journey for a father-son summer road trip will probably say the Interactive Flight Simulator was his favorite thing at the science museum. You harness into a flight simulator that literally moves in the direction the plane is being steered. We flew a F-4 Phantom simulation where he piloted and I co-piloted and I'm not joking when saying we were hanging upside down for a good portion of the "flight." 

Wow! Yes, you actually physically feel the motion of doing a climb, dive or roll while simulating your flight at the machine moves around. I can confirm you can do a 360-degree barrel roll! It is a good thing they have lockers you have to put all your items in or everything in my pockets would have fallen out. There is absolutely something for everyone to enjoy at this Chicago science museum.

PARTY AT THE SCIENCE CENTER

Science centers aren't just meant for just being used for school field trips. Leave the kids at home and have a fun outing at the Michigan Science Center's AFTER DARK party on Saturday, September 27 from 6 - 11 pm. The theme of this 21+ only event is THE MI-SCI GAMES. In honor of this summer's Olympic Games, attendees can compete against one another in racing through an inflatable obstacle course. The team from Hustle Flow Lab will be getting everyone warmed up providing exercise demonstrations and showing stretching techniques before people jump into the obstacle course. A fun way to get rid of some stress at the end of the work week with a light hearted workout.

If getting an aerobic workout isn't your thing, there are other games to play at this event. Quizzo will be hosting three trivia game sessions throughout the evening. Bring your Trivia A Game because these will be challenging to event the most seasoned bar trivia extraordinaire. Opal Grove Gaming will also be on hand to host people in playing some of today's most popular table top games. Table top games have seen a real resurgence since the COVID outbreak.

Plus, your ticket to the event provides access to all the museum has to offer, including the latest special exhibit, "Above & Beyond," planetarium shows, and an IMAX® Dome theater Laser Show. Sip on handcrafted cocktails, dance to the dynamic tunes of a live DJ from the Tod Everett Experience, and discover the excitement of exploring the museum's interactive exhibits. One free drink ticket is included with admission. 

Tickets are $45 per person. Click here to purchase tickets in advance online. For more information, go to mi-sci.org. If you love a good Halloween party, mark down on your calendar October 26 for the AFTER DARK: NIGHTMARE ON JOHN R STREET event at the Michigan Science Center. Their Halloween festivities are spooktacular. These AFTER DARK 21+ parties at the Science Center are a great way to have an educational and entertaining evening out on the town for kids at heart whether you are a single college student or parents looking for an out of the ordinary date night.

METAL AND MONSTERS EVIL DEAD EPISODE

Gibson TV has debuted a fourth episode of its METAL AND MONSTERS show. Hosted by Count D, the show is dedicated to heavy metal music and horror movies. This new episode features Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5, legendary horror actor Bill Moseley, best known for his roles in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, The Devil’s Carnival, and Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses, and a tour of Burbank, California's Mystic Museum Evil Dead exhibit. Metal and Monsters can be viewed for FREE on the Gibson TV YouTube channel and at Gibson.com. Gibson is a leading guitar brand that has been manufacturing instruments for 130 years.

FRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Throughout the year, St. Louis' CITY MUSEUM provides a fun menagerie of unique environments and exhibits that kids and kids at heart are sure to be geeked to explore. What was once a ten story shoe factory and warehouse has now been transformed into an artistic wonderland that will put your curiosity and imagination into overdrive. 

Do you have the courage to thrust yourself down a ten story slide that was originally a shaft used to transport finished shoes from the building's factory area to its warehouse? Brave enough to tackle a subterranean maze called "the caves?" Have the stamina to navigate a vertical climbing course on the exterior of the building complete with planes to leap into that gives you the feeling of soaring over the cityscape? These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the exciting and exhilarating experiences to be had at the City Museum. 

And while visiting this St. Louis, Missouri attraction anytime during the year will be entertaining, a visit at Halloween is extra special. From September 29th - October 28th the City Museum is going all out to amaze and mystify. FRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM will feature special Halloween themed exhibits and entertainment. There will also be two pop up pubs for the occasion for adults to enjoy, Vampire Bar and Coven & Cauldron featuring some spooktacular cocktails. 

For more information about Fright at the Museum, visit citymuseum.org

SIX BONDING ACTIVITIES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAMILY'S CONNECTION

According to a recent US study, many American parents find parenting harder than they expected. The increasing pressures of jobs, education, and technology could cause many to struggle to find time to interact with loved ones to build strong family connections. However, engaging in family bonding activities can improve the sense of togetherness and connection and provide numerous benefits, including improved mental health, decreased risk of behavioral issues, enhanced adaptability, and resilience. Below are six bonding activities to strengthen your family's connection. 

1. FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Family game night is a fun and engaging way to build connections and strengthen relationships within the family. A good old-fashioned game night is easily one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to bond with your family. Set aside a night each week when the whole family can gather to play board games, card games, or even video games. 

To make sure everyone stays enthusiastic, try to choose games that you can roll over from one game night to the next. Being able to pick up where you left off on a video game can be great for this purpose, as it’s sure to see everyone excited to get going again. Equally, choosing card games like Magic: The Gathering means that ongoing play over a few game nights can result in growing card decks and an increasingly interesting game. Especially if you help your kids secure even rare cards by looking into the best ways to print MTG proxy cards for private use. As well as being irresistible from a gameplay perspective, this activity promotes healthy competition and fosters communication, teamwork, and problem-solving among family members. Make the family game night a regular family activity and watch your loved ones connect on a more personal level.

2. GO FOR FAMILY DAY TRIPS 

Do you have any childhood memories of your first family day trip? These exciting experiences are deeply ingrained into our being and always come with the memories of the people we shared the experiences with. Remembering the highlights of your family outings during your childhood is easy. As a parent, it's only natural to want to pass on these experiences to your children. Today, the options for family day trips seem limitless, from spending a day at the beach, visiting a museum, or even a safari park. These trips are precious, and the richness of the experience can be extremely fulfilling.

3. VOLUNTEER TOGETHER 

Volunteering benefits your family connection and exposes your children to the world outside your home, community, and region. Your kids may learn many life skills, like communicating and effectively working with others who may be different. Much research has also shown how volunteering can positively affect people's happiness and self-esteem. For young children, learning more about the challenges and societal concerns they read about in the news can teach them how to positively impact the world around them. So what type of volunteer programs welcome families? Many different volunteering options focus on animal conservation, marine conservation, and even English teaching, which are ideal for your next family volunteer vacation. 

4. EXPLORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Spending time outdoors is a fun and healthy way to strengthen the bonds between family members. Not only does exercise promote physical health, but it also has mental health benefits such as reducing stress and boosting mood. You can promote a sense of adventure and exploration by spending time outdoors. This shared experience can create a sense of harmony and teamwork within the family. Outdoor activities like paintball, for instance, are useful for promoting family bonding and collaboration, so keep this in mind. Fortunately, a few online shops provide easy access to stuff like the best paintball gun if you are looking for a good way to spend quality time outdoors with one another in today's busy world. 

5. CREATE FAMILY TRADITIONS 

 Family traditions, whether around holidays or specific periods of the year, bring families together and foster great experiences and memories. Traditions might be as simple as eating certain meals on weekends and holidays, fruit picking during each fall, or observing a particular ritual on someone's birthday. Family traditions are often passed down from one era to the next, but you may create a new pleasant bonding tradition for your family to pass on. Fortunately, creating new traditions has never been easier with the many ideas available today. 

 6. HAVE FAMILY MEALS 

Sharing meals is an essential way to bond as a family. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sitting down and enjoying a meal together can help strengthen the family's relationships. Family members can converse, share stories, and catch up on one another's lives during mealtime. This shared experience can help to create a sense of togetherness and unity within the family. Regularly eating together can encourage healthy eating habits and promote positive social habits such as listening, sharing, and taking turns. Family meals allow for connecting, communicating, and building stronger relationships with those who matter most. 

Family bonding activities are critical for fostering healthy relationships and establishing family bonds. You may take your family through a few activities above to generate a strong sense of connection and make lasting memories while spending quality time together.

EIGHT IDEAS FOR A ROMANTIC CODY YELLOWSTONE GETAWAY

Have yourself a wild adventure for Valentine's Day with your special someone by going on a getaway to visit the scenic territory of Yellowstone National Park and the northwestern Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse that neighbor it. Without the summer tourist crowds, winter is a great time to experience this wonderland as if the place was your own personal playground. Enjoy some one-on-one time enjoying the sights and sounds of the region with your Valentine.

“Nature is the star performer in the winter, when couples can view the starry skies, wandering wildlife and winter landscapes in quiet solitude,” Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone, the marketing arm for the region that includes the towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse, a large swath of the Shoshone National Forest and about half of Yellowstone National Park, told ageekdaddy.com. “No matter what their shared interests, couples can find endless inspiration in the frosty quiet of the forests and valleys and the historic streets of downtown Cody.” 

In addition to the splendor of nature's scenery, couples visiting Cody during the pre-summer quiet season will find plenty of ways to enjoy each other’s company. Here are some ideas: 

• Sharpen skills together. Cody Yellowstone stages periodic special events such as this four-day Winter Photography Workshop in late February. Led by two celebrated outdoor photographers, the workshop includes accommodations at the historic Irma Hotel, instruction and field trips into the frosty wilderness. 
• Observe frosty critters at sunrise. Get up early, grab a coffee and drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway towards Yellowstone with binoculars handy. The early-morning hours and dusk are two of the best times to see animals in the wild. There are numerous places to pull off the road to scope for bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and even moose. 
• Act like a couple of kids in a candy store. Literally. The Cowtown Candy Company celebrates sweet nostalgia in the form of hand-dipped truffles, homemade fudge as well specialty sodas and unique gifts. Couples with a taste for authentic sweets will find a distinctive selection at the Meeteetse Chocolatier. Owned by a one-time cowboy, the store’s celebrated concoctions include raspberry, peanut butter and even jalapeno truffles. 
•  Cross country ski through the forest. Work off the calories along the classic tracks and skate lanes along the Shoshone River at Pahaska Tepee near the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park. Or head to the remote Wood River Valley Ski Touring Park. Skis as well as snowshoes can be rented at outfitters in town or at the Sleeping Giant Ski Area. 
• Make it a Date Night at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The acclaimed museum stages periodic date nights such as a Sangria and Tapas evening. The celebrated museum also hosts Cody Culture Club evenings with talks about a variety of Cody topics. 
• Or make it a date night with a twist (or olive). Sip on a cocktail and listen to live music at the Chamberlin Inn. The romantic boutique inn serves inventive cocktails and snacks and stages live music on Friday nights in its cozy Spirits Lounge. 
• Shop for the perfect new painting. Art is a tradition in Cody, and couples will find numerous art galleries and one-of-a-kind stores and antique shops overflowing with a wide range of art and home décor. In addition, museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and By Western Hands have a wide selection of Western-style creations for purchase. 
• End the day with a beer crawl. Hops-loving couples can sample local brews at numerous downtown locations such as Pat O’Hara’s Brewing Company, Cody Craft Brewing and the Millstone Pizza Company and Brewery. Be safe! Stay at one of the many hotels right in downtown Cody and walk to each location.

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR TEACHING KIDS NEW THINGS ABOUT LIFE

As a parent, it is your job to teach your children the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Teaching your kids new things doesn't have to be a difficult and trying task. Instead, with the right approach, it can be fun and educational for everyone! Here are five easy ways to introduce your children to new concepts and help them learn more about life:

Explore Nature

Taking a walk or hike together in nature is a great way for kids to learn about the plants, animals, and other natural elements that make up their world. By observing and discussing what they see during these outings, you'll be able to show them how different species interact with each other in a safe environment without any pressure or stress. Exploring nature together is also a great way for you and your kids to get some physical activity while learning something new. 

Read Books

Reading books together can create an intimate bond between parent and child and provide an opportunity for learning new things. You can use story time to teach your kids new words, discuss culture and history, and explore a wide range of topics. In addition, reading books opens the door for conversations and discussions that may not have happened otherwise. Reading also helps to boost your child's creativity and imagination, so starting from a young age is always a good idea. 

Watch Interesting & Educational Movies 

Movies can be a great way to teach your kids about history, science, and other topics. While not every movie is educational, there are plenty of great options available that are both entertaining and informative. For example, you can find Christian movies available here that are designed to teach children about the Bible and its teachings. In addition, watching movies together as a family can be a fun activity for everyone involved and an easy way for children to learn more about the world around them. 

Visit Museums

Museums are educational institutions that help to preserve, conserve and interpret artifacts and works of art. Visiting a museum together can help children learn about different cultures, history, and science. You can also find interactive exhibits that are designed to engage kids of all ages in the learning process. Museums provide an excellent opportunity for you and your children to explore topics that they may not have been exposed to otherwise. 

Play Games

Games are a great way to introduce your children to new concepts and have fun at the same time. Whether it's a board game, video game, or card game, playing together can help kids learn problem-solving skills, learn about different topics, and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Playing games also encourages teamwork and communication between family members, which can benefit your child's social and emotional development. 

No matter how you choose to introduce new concepts to your children, the most important thing is that they feel comfortable and excited about learning something new. With the right approach, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your kids!

WINTER ACTIVITIES AT SPACIOUS SKIES CAMPGROUNDS

Winter weather doesn't have to mean that camping fun has to end until temperatures warm up again. Five of the thirteen Spacious Skies Campgrounds that dot up and down the country's East Coast are open for business during the winter season. While the campgrounds aren't having people pitch tents, they do offer winterized-RV sites and cabins to rent. Are you up for a winter adventure?

“Winter is a time to celebrate the joys of slow travel. Our winter-season guests take their time meandering along campground trails and visiting museums and historic sites,” Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, communicated to this travel geek. “There are plenty of outdoor adventures too, with UTV trails and ski areas just waiting to be experienced.” 

All five winter campgrounds are located in scenic destinations and feature a variety of on-site activities complimented by local attractions: 

Spacious Skies French Pond 

Located in Southern New Hampshire, Spacious Skies French Pond features 46 winterized RV sites. The campground is convenient to a variety of historical sites, cultural attractions and ski areas. Here are three ways to enjoy winter days at Spacious Skies French Pond: 

• Hit the slopes at Pats Peak, a family-owned destination featuring night skiing, or Mt. Sunapee featuring 67 trails and four terrain parks. 
• Take a selfie on the Henniker Covered Bridge, a 50-year-old footbridge above the Contoocook River. 
• Have an air hockey tournament at the campground’s arcade. 

Spacious Skies Belle Ridge 

Situated between Nashville and Knoxville in the middle of Tennessee is Spacious Skies Belle Ridge. The campground features 50 RV sites, 12 cabins and 500 forested acres with trails for hiking and riding UTVs. There are also numerous historic sites nearby. Winter experiences at Spacious Skies Belle Ridge include: 

• Learn about the Civil War by exploring Civil War Trails, a network of sites that helps visitors learn about the war from the perspective of soldiers, locals and enslaved people. 
• Discover why Monterey’s motto is “Where Hilltops Kiss the Sky” at the Monterey Depot Museum, a replica depot offering a variety of exhibits exploring the rich history of the Upper Cumberland Mountains. 
• Hike to a waterfall or cave on the property or explore the many UTV trails for a taste of adventure. 

Spacious Skies Hidden Creek 

Located in Marion, N.C. at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just 40 minutes from Asheville, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek offers 141 RV sites and17 cabins. During a winter stay at Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, guests can: 

• Make it a date night in downtown Asheville, renowned for its art, dining and craft beer scene.  
• Take a tour of Linville Caverns and see an underground stream, stalactites, stalagmites, a vast array of mineral colors and the “Bottomless Pool.” 
• Open on weekends in winter. Take a hike to…Hidden Creek. Hint: it’s not that hard to find. And while you’re at it, look for Hidden Creek Lake. 

Spacious Skies Peach Haven 

Visit South Carolina’s Upcountry in the midst of farmland and rolling hills. This is a nice destination for people who are geeked to delve into history with opportunities to learn about the region's Native American heritage and a Revolutionary War battlefield to explore. The campground features 127 RV sites, two deluxe lodges accommodating up to six people, one deluxe lodge that sleeps four and two deluxe units that sleep two. During the winter months, guests at Spacious Skies Peach Haven can: 

•  Learn about local history with the Cherokee County Historical & Preservation Society and explore renovated structures like Fort Thicketty and the Possum Trot. 
• Learn about national history at Cowpens National Battlefield, a Revolutionary War site that commemorates the victory of Brigadier General Daniel Morgan over his English enemy Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. 
• Head to the rec hall. With an array of games and activities for all ages, the rec hall is good old-fashioned fun. 

Spacious Skies Sandy Run 

A popular winter campground destination, Fayetteville, N.C. minutes off I-95, is situated along a route many snowbirds traverse from the Northeast United States and Eastern Canadian provinces. The campground has 62 RV sites. Here are three ways to spend winter days at Spacious Skies Sandy Run: 

•  Make a beeline for Cape Fear Botanical Garden, featuring specialty gardens and blooming ornamental plants as well as 1886 agricultural structures and a homestead. 
• Take a drive on Cultural Heritage Trails with more than 750 miles of themed driving trails.
• Catch – and release – a fish. The onsite fishing pond is stocked and waiting.

Do you hibernate during the winter or are you up for an adventure? Find out more about these destinations by heading over to spaciouskiescampgrounds.com

PUPPETEER RETURNS TO KINDIE ROCK ROOTS

From 1989 - 2003, Tom Knight released five popular kindie rock albums that delighted children and their grown-ups. For the last twenty years though instead of recording music he focused on a passion for puppetry. Knight hadn't totally given up on music but incorporated it into puppet shows. He has been traveling the country performing interactive, musical puppet shows featuring hand-made puppets, catchy songs, and lots of audience participation. In addition to his in-person presentations, the artist with a focus on family-friendly entertainment has also created a YouTube show that utilizes puppets and music to get kids enthused about education by making learning fun.

By blending elements of Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit with the boundless creativity of Jim Henson, Tom Knight has become an authentic lyrical storyteller in song, engaging listeners through his evocative music, warm vocal presence, creative use of puppetry in performance and video, and easy sense of humor. Now Tom Knight has produced an album of new content aimed at kids aged 3 to 8 years old. His sixth kindie rock album, LOOK BOTH WAYS, is being released on November 18, 2022. Available at tomknight.com you can purchase a CD for $10 or digital download of the album for $8.

Through the years since the release of his last album, The Classroom Boogie, Tom Knight has continued to perform and write new songs. During the COVID pandemic, however, Tom shifted gears to online performances and even created an original YouTube kids’ series. Adapting to this new way of performing and interacting with kids proved to open the door of opportunity for Tom to create a fresh batch of brand-new material for Look Both Ways. 

Look Both Ways' “Alligator Jump/¡Salta Caima´n!” really “jumps” out to the listener with its infectious Latin spirit. This new version of Tom Knight’s popular “Alligator Jump” has been most appropriately fitted with a salsa groove, rounding out its evolution as a vibrant Spanish/English bilingual number with vocals by the supremely gifted Argentinian singer Mica Farias Gomez and Latin percussion by her equally gifted partner, Manu Uriona, who brings a smile to every shake of the maracas. 

“Wiggly Tooth” celebrates a universal rite of passage by combining country rock with a honky-tonk piano by Frank Shelton. On Look Both Ways, Tom’s acoustic folk song, “The Garbage Monster,” has transitioned to an R&B bop, showcasing some fantastic bass guitar playing from Daniel Yoong along with Tom Knight’s charming story-song performance. “Stone Soup,” inspired by the traditional folk tale, emerges with new lyrics highlighting community building and mutual aid, voiced as a country-folk bit of Americana featuring fiddle and banjo. 

Set to the lovely elegance of authentic Latin rhythm, “Museum Mambo” is the tale of a mouse who visits an art museum, making friends with each painting. In Tom Knight’s version of “Five Snow People,” inspired by a Susan Salidor counting song, “snowmen” become “snow people” and each snow person leaves the group because of a sensory experience: sleepiness, hunger, being cold, or feeling the urge to dance. Look Both Ways comes to a gentle close with a gem of rare purity, “Hot Air Balloon.”

Tom Knight's Look Both Ways earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval. Share the gift of music with children in your life. Pick up a copy of Tom Knight's new album Look Both Ways.

AIN'T TOO PROUD OPEN CASTING CALL

The producers of Ain't Too Proud, a nationally touring theatrical stage show based upon Motown singers The Temptations have announced an open casting call for black male and female actors, singers and dancers in their 20s/30s. They are seeking individuals to play The Classic Temptations: Otis Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and other characters from the Motown Era: Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Tammi Terrell and more! Selected individuals will join the cast following its August 9 - 28, 2022 run at the Detroit Opera House as the show moves on for performances in other markets across North America.

Auditions are on Wednesday, August 10 at the Motown Museum in Detroit. Sign in is from 9am - 1pm with auditions from 10am - 2:30pm. All actors will be required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entrance to the Motown Museum. Masks will be required once entering the building and can be removed once in the audition room.

Please prepare a short cut of a Motown-era song. Please chose one of the following to prepare: 

• Bring sheet music in the correct key – an accompanist will be provided; 
• Bring your own accompaniment track; 
• You may sing A Capella.

For more information: tararubincasting.info@gmail.com 

Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations will be at Detroit Opera House, August 9 – 28, 2022. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone (800) 982-2787, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office. 

Performance times for Ain’t Too Proud are: 

Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m. 

Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m. 

Special Open Caption performance on Sunday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. 

For more information about Ain’t Too Proud, visit: ainttooproudmusical.com/

AMERICA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK -- NEW RIVER GORGE IN WEST VIRGINIA

The region around one of the world's oldest running rivers has become the United States' newest national park. The New River Gorge became the country's 63rd National Park as part of a COVID-19 relief bill passed in December 2020 by Congress as part of Blue Dog Democrat Joe Manchin's demands for supporting the overall legislation within the Senate. Whether or not you support how the park was authorized, I hope most people support that now more than 70,000 acres will be preserved and maintained by the Federal government to be a natural playground for rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and whitewater rafting as well as a habitat corridor for protecting wildlife in southern West Virginia. Head to New River Gorge for outdoor adventures and scenic views that are sure to have you geeked about this National Park.

The gateway into New River Gorge National Park is the Canyon Rim Visitor Center located a ten-minute drive from the town of Fayetteville and an hour from the State Capital of West Virginia, Charleston. From the visitor center there are views into the gorge to watch the New River flow by way below you. It is called the "New River" because when the area was being settled in the 1760's they found it wasn't included in a survey of the territory done by Peter Jefferson (father of Thomas Jefferson) in the 1750s. So, they simply called this waterway New River and the name stuck. 

Despite the name, geological studies have shown that the New River could have existed for as much as 360 million years making it one of the world's oldest consistently existing running rivers. Interestingly, it is one of only a handful of rivers on the planet to run in a northerly direction instead of to the south. Watch the New River continue to flow through its prehistoric route from great vantage points at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

NEW RIVER GORGE BRIDGE

This visitor center is situated next to the focal point of the region and a state landmark, the New River Gorge Bridge which rises 876 feet from the ground. An engineering marvel, the New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, third highest bridge within the United States, and fifth highest vehicle carrying bridge on the planet. It has been featured on the West Virginia State Quarter printed by the United States Mint and a postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service. 

A boardwalk and observation decks provide great views of this West Virginia landmark. All of the structural segments for the New River Gorge Bridge are made with a steel that oxidizes with age giving it a protective rust covering and dark russet coloring. The oxidation prevents the steel from needing to be painted and as sunlight changes throughout the day the reflection off it alters the appearance of the bridge's coloration so there are different views to take in based upon the time of day and weather conditions in the gorge. 

Canyon Rim Visitor Center provides a wonderful spot for taking selfies and landscape photographs with the New River Gorge Bridge as a backdrop. You don't want to miss out on getting a good view of this landmark when passing through the area. Don't miss out on the observation decks that are a short walk from the New River Gorge National Park's Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

Prior to construction of this massive single arch bridge being finished in 1977, it was a 45-minute drive along a narrow, winding road up and down the gorge's Appalachian Mountain slopes crossing the New River on a one lane wood bridge. Don't even think of a semi-truck making the trip and parts of the trek would require vehicles to pull off the road to allow oncoming traffic through. That original road is now maintained as a scenic drive that lets people navigate hairpin turns down to the bottom of the gorge, cross the narrow bridge and head up the slope on the other side of the river. Or you can cross the New River Gorge Bridge in about a minute. The bridge not just incredibly improved accessibility and travel times for locals but enhanced transportation options throughout southern West Virginia.

VISITOR CENTER

Inside the Canyon Rim Visitor Center there is a theater that shows an 11-minute movie on the history of the New River Gorge as well as points out attractions and activities that are popular at the national park. A small gift shop has an assortment of souvenirs. There is also a gallery with educational displays focused on the industrial history of the New River Gorge and the promotion of the area as an outdoor recreation destination.

From 1880 through 1940, New River Gorge was a hotbed of mining activity as the bituminous coal found here was attractive for it burning relatively smoke free. Because the coal had few impurities in it there was a lot less smoke generated when burning it compared to other sources of coal from around the country and even the world. The Titanic was fueled with bituminous coal originating from New River Gorge mines during their heyday. That coal is still in the wreck at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean a lasting relic of West Virginia's New River Gorge coal mining past.

In the 1940s, the mines in the area were becoming depleted and it was becoming harder and more expensive to extricate coal from them. The mines shutdown and moved operations to new places. The riverbanks that had been hubs of activity filled with commercial, industrial and residential buildings became ghost towns over the next few decades. Now what had at one time been vibrant communities are just ruins much of which have been overgrown and reclaimed by nature. There are a number of these ghost towns that are within the boundaries of New River Gorge National Park that can be explored by adventurous hikers.

ADVENTURE SPORTS

The sandstone geography of New River Gorge has brought people back to the area; though instead of searching for black gold they are looking for adventure. The way the rock erodes along the river creates some of the most exciting whitewater rafting conditions in the country. Plus, the cracks and crevices in the sandstone rock formations and cliffs along the Gorge create ideal hand and foot holds for climbers. This makes New River Gorge a fantastic spot for adventure sports!

My son and I took a Fathers Day Weekend road trip to New River Gorge National Park to do some rock climbing and whitewater rafting in an Appalachian Mountain summer getaway. We were looking for some adrenaline pumping excitement during this vacay and we absolutely found it at New River Gorge!

My son loves climbing at the Planet Rock Climbing Gym near us as well as making his way up those rock climbing walls you see pop up at festivals and community events. He had never had a real-life rock climbing experience though so we were going to give him that chance during our New River Gorge road trip from Detroit. I also have always wanted to go whitewater rafting so this was an opportunity to check that off my bucket list. Our adventures on the gorge weren't just about having an exciting good time but also provided an opportunity for bonding together as we participated in these challenging activities together.

HIKING TRAILS

If adventure sports aren't your thing, there are still activities to make a trip to New River Gorge National Park worthwhile. Enjoy a swim at the base of a waterfall, visit a museum in a historic train depot, check out a preserved early Appalachian subsistence farm or take a hike around the miles of trails within the park. The trails are well maintained with many routes having stairs and boardwalks to moderate the difficulty level of a walk through the woods. Tunnel Trail is a popular route being only a half mile long and passing under large rock outcrops.

Other popular trails include Castle Rock, the Endless Wall, and Grandview Rim. 

Castle Rock has you wander past fortress-like rock walls and exposed coal seams. Beware there are unsecured steep drop-offs at points along the trail that can be a dangerous tumble. You'll feel like an explorer trekking along this trail even though it is one of the most popular and traversed ones at the park.

Grandview Rim provides just what is promised a grand view of a horseshoe shaped bend in the New River from the upper rim of the gorge. The trail is rated moderate because of several steep hills. It has great scenic overlooks of the New River flowing below you. 

Endless Wall follows a cliff top 1,000 feet about the New River providing a remarkable vantage point of the gorge. Diamond Point along this trail is considered one of the best overlooks of the New River Gorge within the national park. It is also one of the best places to watch rock climbers and whitewater rafters as they navigate the cliffs and rapids below your vantage point on the trail. It is rated easy to moderate but you don't want to be afraid of heights if you hike this trail.

GHOST TOWN

The City of Thurmond was a coal mining boomtown and was one of the busiest railroad stations in the country from 1900 - 1920. During this era, fifteen passenger trains per day stopped here and its depot had more than 75,000 passengers pass through it per year. The historic Thurmond Depot has been restored as a museum with exhibits and historic furnishings highlighting the golden days of railroading.

Not much else remains from the boomtown days of Thurmond, but the park service has a walking tour guide brochure so you can wander around the place and image what the place was like in its glory. A block of the original commercial district that lines up along the railroad tracks that was home to a bank, pharmacy, saloons and stores is being preserved by the national park as well as the depot. 

The walking tour also shows you were other buildings and structures used to exist including the Lafayette Hotel which contributed to the town getting the nickname "Dodge City of the East" and a massive Engine House railroad maintenance building where trains were repaired.  The spot where water towers that provided trains with the liquid to produce steam is marked, but they are long gone. A coal tower though still stands by the train tracks that was used to load locomotives with the coal needed to operate the steam engines. These tracks are still active so you may get a closeup look at a train as it rolls through this ghost town.

WATERFALLS 

At the opposite end of New River Gorge National Park from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the area's largest waterfall. The falls are 1,500 feet wide as they span the width of the New River. Elevations differentiate through this span with some spots the water dropping more than 25 feet and others less then 10 feet. Sandstone Falls Boardwalk provides a nice view of the falls from nearby islands and observation decks. It is a very accessible walkway with an easy difficulty trail rating making this the perfect spot for a casual stroll. The flatrocks around the boardwalk are home to plants that are found nowhere else within the New River Gorge.

If you want to get into the water, there is a less known spot the locals are aware of on the west side of the river that is a nice swimming spot with calm pools at the base of multiple small waterfalls. Here is where to go to take a dip in the river near the falls. There is also a rocky beach on the island below the main waterfall that is promoted by national park rangers. I was warned though during our visit that it is easy to get swept away by the current there and it is a popular fishing spot so the riverbed there is covered with hooks so wear your sandals in when plunging into the water here. The message here is clear, always ask locals about the good and bad about a spot like this. Remember always put safety first!

TRAVEL GEEK RECOMMENDATION

Our Fathers Day Weekend road trip to the wilds of southern West Virginia was an incredible experience. It was an exciting, memory-making summer vacay. New River Gorge National Park is a great place for summer fun! Our adventures on the gorge absolutely earned America's newest national park a Geek Daddy nod of approval.

While New River Gorge may seem out of the way, it really isn't that far when it comes to considering a road trip destination. New River Gorge National Park is actually within a road trip doable drive of 500 miles for 60% of the country's population. If you prefer flying, it also is a convenient hour drive away from the airport in Charleston. Find out more information to plan your own New River Gorge vacation at www.nps.gov/neri. 

Oh, one more important thing to know before you go! There is no fee to enter New River Gorge National Park. Since this is not a fee park, you don't need to spend money on park passes, senior passes, and access passes. Just be aware since they don't ask for them here, they also don't sell National Park passes. Therefore, if you are park hopping don't count on buying passes for your next stop here.

Happy Travels!

COMIC BOOK COLLECTING SUPPLIES

If you are planning on hanging onto comic books rather than just reading and tossing away, it is important to take some basic precautions to stop avoidable damage and deterioration happening to them. I purchase comic book collecting supplies trying to keep my collection in decent shape. So, while they may not be pristine they all still look good if I want to flip through them for a read and can get me a middle of the road price if I ever want to part with them. 

A box of comic book collecting supplies, I purchased for my hobby just arrived from my go to vendor BCW. Take a look at what I bought for my comic book collection in this unboxing video:

COMIC BOOK BAGS

Keeping your comic books free of elements that can cause degradation is very important. Dust and dirt exposure can take a toll on the quality of pages. Also acidy, chemicals and pollutants in the air can negatively impact the books' paper. Even oils from your skin touching a comic book can have a negative impact. Not having a protective shield around comics also opens up opportunities for scuffing that you want to avoid. Bagging your comic books in plastic sleeves provides a protective shield around them that minimizes harmful exposures.

Comics have been printed in different sizes during the years so you will want to look for sleeves that match the era a book was published in. The Golden Age of comic books, 1938-1956, is when these publications first began to become popular and widely circulated. They were produced at a standard size of 7 3/4 x 10 1/2 inches.

The Silver Age of comic books was 1956-1969, which was a time were the superhero characters of the Golden Age lost popularity and stories about crime mysteries, horror and monsters, romance and westerns were the focus of publishers and readers. While DC Comics and Marvel are the powerhouse publishers of today, during the 1930s - 1970s, Dell Comics was the most successful comic book company based upon it having the licensing rights to Disney and Warner Bros cartoons as well as popular radio shows, television series and movies. Dell and Silver Age comics tend to be sized 7 1/8 x 10 1/2 inches. 

Modern comic books are from the 1970s to the present and their stories have a renewed focus on superhero adventures. These comic books tend to be about 6 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches. You can see the height has remained fairly standard but over the years the width of comic book pages has consistently been shrinking as publishers reduced production costs by limiting size.

Being that sizing differentiates make sure you know the width of your comic books so your bags have the proper fit. Comic book bags are made out of three different types of plastic: polypropylene, polyethylene, and mylar. Polypropylene is the least expensive of the three but affords the least protection. These work just fine if you are a casual collector looking to store them in bags for 5 - 10 years though. 

If your comic books are more of an investment than polyethylene is a bit of an upgrade adding more thickness for security and a longer recommended shelf life of up to 25 years. If you want a museum quality collection, mylar is archival quality and the most secure of the three for protecting the integrity of comic books. Mylar is what the Library of Congress uses to protect documents! That being said, mylar also has a hefty price tag compared to polypropylene and polyethylene. For me, polypropylene works just fine for my comic books, but my collection is mostly mid-grade quality so I am not looking to preserve monetary value as much as nostalgia when it comes to the hobby.

COMIC BOOK BOARDS

Comic book boards add stiffness when storing your issues. This helps avoid bending, creasing and wrinkling. Whether you are keeping comics for your own personal enjoyment or as an investment you don't want to have your books pages looking terrible with imperfections on their covers and pages. Therefore, boarding comics is very worthwhile and really makes a difference in preserving the quality of a collection. Make sure to purchase certified acid-free boards though or else instead of protecting your comics a board could damage a book.

COMIC BOOK BINS

Ultraviolet rays from light are a comic book's worst enemy. Storing your collection in a bin that prevents light exposure is an important aspect for preventing the degradation of comics. Plus, a good bin will keep comics secure so they aren't getting dinged up by being loosely stored or jostled around. I prefer getting "short boxes" because they are easier to store and move around compared to "long boxes" which as the name implies allows you to store twice as many comics within the bin. I also prefer plastic bins compared to cardboard for increased protection against potential moisture exposure.

Of course, you could skip the need for buying these comic book collecting supplies via buying digital comics. For me though there is a pleasure in flipping through pages with the feel of paper in your hand. Plus, I like to go to my local comic book shop to peruse what is stocked on store shelves and to chat with staff and other comic fans. So, it is a print comic book life for me!

I wasn't paid for this endorsement and spent my own money to purchase the featured BCW products. Opinions expressed are honest and my own.