Spongebob Squarepants Season 11 is ready to take you back to Bikini Bottom

As Fandads, we love to share the things we love with our children. Be it movies, video games, cartoons, we want them to see the things that made us laugh and took us to different worlds. I remember watching Spongebob Squarepants when it was on television and remember laughing at the silly adventures of Patrick and Spongebob. Just watching how silly they were always made me laugh.

Bring The Call of the Wild home

The Call of the Wild is one of those books that you have either read in school or heard about it in school. I remember reading this book a few times and watching the different versions of the film. The new version that was released this year was a great take on the same story but the CGI dogs did take a while to get used to. 

Quarantine 2020 - Day 1

Is this real life? That question has come up way too often over the past few years and especially these past few months. 2020 is definitely going to be one for the record books and it's not even April yet. So as I'm sure many of you are doing, we're staying home. I won't get into the people that still refuse to comply. Or the ones that still think this is a hoax and/or that we're overreacting. It's all too real and we need to get ahead of it. So yes, schools are closed and that means my family is safe at home. Times are tough but I am grateful that we are home and that my wife and I have the opportunity to be home with our children. I know that not everyone is as lucky.

That being said, we wanted to try to keep things as close to normal as possible. One of my daughters brought home a suggested schedule and we tried to keep to it. I have to hand it to my girls, they did a great job of sticking to it. So far so good, granted it was only my first day, but they've been home since Friday. All things considered, they're handling the cabin fever well.

Hard at Work

I did manage to go out and vote before everyone woke up. It was a good move as no one was there and I was able to get in and out fairly quickly. The rest of my clan woke up and they got to work. Their schedule called for a little fresh air so we took a nice walk around the neighborhood.

Umm...?

It was a nice day and a few other people had the same idea. We all kept our distance and gave each other friendly nods from afar.

Lunch was next on the schedule and then a little more school work. We definitely don't want to burn them out so we had some quiet time and then took the afternoon off. 

Naps were had and video games were played. We finished off the day with dinner and a couple of movies before bed.

I'm ending my day like it began, everyone else is in bed while I'm here trying to be productive. 

I'll finish up this post with links to resources and tips for those of you that are also at home doing the best you can with your little ones. Take care everyone and I hope we all get through this safely and in good health.

https://www.khanacademy.org/ Sample Schedules

https://www.gonoodle.com/ https://www.cosmickids.com/

Kidz Bop Dance Tutorials https://www.fitnessblender.com/

 

Bring Home Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #Givewaway

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams’ riveting, inspiring conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, electrified audiences around the globe, earning more than a billion dollars worldwide. Soon fans can complete their collections when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and via Movies Anywhere on March 17, two weeks before it lands physically in 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on March 31.

Bonus material includes a feature-length, making-of documentary, which goes behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and explores the legacy of the Skywalker saga. Bonus features also dig into the film’s Pasaana desert scenes, including the thrilling landspeeder chase, and the ship in which Rey discovers family secrets as well as a new little droid named D-O. Plus, fans will hear from Warwick Davis, who reprises his role as Wicket the Ewok, as well as the creature effects team that created a record 584 creatures and droids for the film. Digital consumers will receive an exclusive feature highlighting legendary composer John Williams, who has scored every episode in the Skywalker saga.

Bonus features include*:

• The Skywalker Legacy – The story lives forever in this feature-length documentary that charts the making of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
• Pasaana Pursuit: Creating the Speeder Chase – Dive into the making of the movie’s epic landspeeder chase and discover how this spectacular sequence was brought to the screen.
• Aliens in the Desert – See what it took to create the Pasaana desert scenes, from the sheer scale and complexity of the shoot to its colorful details.
• D-O: Key to the Past – Explore the ship that connects Rey to the mystery of her missing parents and get to know the galaxy’s newest, irresistible droid.
• Warwick & Son – Warwick Davis, who played Wicket in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, dons the Ewok costume once more; this time joined by his son Harrison.
• Cast of Creatures – The team behind the film’s memorable creatures reveal the puppetry, makeup, prosthetics and digital magic that bring them to life!

Digital Exclusive:

The Maestro’s Finale – Composer John Williams reflects on his body of work for the Star Wars saga and shares insights on scoring Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

The ninth and final episode in the Skywalker saga welcomed the return of original characters Luke Skywalker, General Leia Organa, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Emperor Palpatine and Lando Calrissian, along with the latest generation of heroes and villains, including Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, Maz, Rose, General Hux and Kylo Ren. Newcomers include Jannah, a new ally of the Resistance; Allegiant General Pryde of the First Order; and smuggler Zorii Bliss.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their at-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition includes Blu-ray and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Ultimate Collector’s Edition, including 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a Digital copy. 4K Ultra HD provides four times the resolution of HD paired with fully immersive picture and sound and Dolby Atmos audio, allowing viewers at home to practically feel the Force.

On March 31, coinciding with the physical release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, eight Star Wars films are being released on 4K UHD for the first time: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Getting Weird With Spies In Disguise

When I was younger I was the kid that would get lost in his own world with comics and video games. While I did have a lot of friends, I always felt like the outsider of the group. Growing up I've always had that feeling and even today I still feel like an outsider sometimes. I think that is why Spies in Disguise really connected with me.

Wizard Entertainment To Launch ‘Wizard World Virtual Experiences’ To Bring Convention Experience Online

Wizard Entertainment Inc. for more than 20 years has produced “Wizard World” events at which attendees have enjoyed meeting celebrities, participating in Q&A panels, collecting signatures and conversing with their favorite artists and writers in gatherings at convention centers across North America. Now Wizard Entertainment will bring that experience online with “Wizard World Virtual Experiences,” which make many of the elements that fans at Wizard World shows love most accessible to everyone regardless of location.

Wizard Entertainment will launch this exciting venture later this month, with the celebrities and groups involved in the inaugural programming to be announced soon. Fans will have the ability to purchase a personal one-minute video chat,:15- or:30-second personalized video recording, signed 8x10 photos and signed memorabilia, group chats, and exclusive limited edition art. Select session dates will feature live video panels that are free for fans to view and hear, accessible through the Wizard World website (www.wizardworld.com) and other social media platforms.

“‘Wizard World Virtual Experiences’ will bring the Wizard World experience to fans across the globe, wherever they live,” said John D. Maatta, CEO, Wizard Entertainment, Inc. “We will capture the excitement of interacting one-on-one with celebrities and creators in a format that will be unique and compelling.”

The sessions will be on set dates, with live panels, video chats and signings taking place at designated times during the day.

About Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZDD)

Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&As, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Additional initiatives may include an augmented touring schedule of Wizard World shows, fixed-site installations, curated e-commerce, and the production and distribution of content both in the U.S. and internationally. Fans can interact with Wizard Entertainment at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media services.

The 2020 Wizard World convention schedule is available athttp://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

BLUE MAN GROUP CHICAGO CELEBRATES “CEREAL DAY” WITH COMMUNITY CEREAL DRIVE MARCH 7 – APRIL 19

Blue Man Group, continuing its open run at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted), will celebrate “National Cereal Day” Saturday, March 7 by kicking off a month-long cereal-focused food drive. In partnership with Mariano’s, the theatrical phenomenon will collect boxes of cereal at the Briar Street Theatre from March 7 – April 19, 2020. All cereal will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which provides food to those facing hunger in Chicago and Cook County.

“We are proud to lead this initiative in the fight against hunger and collect food donations for our community,” said Blue Man Group Chicago Resident General Manager Jeremy Smith. “With the help of Mariano’s, the Greater Chicago Food Depository and our patrons, we hope to make a difference in the lives of Chicago families in need.”

Patrons who donate boxed cereal to Blue Man Group’s cereal drive will receive $20 off their ticket to Blue Man Group Chicago and a Blue Man Group branded swag item. Tickets are subject to availability and the promotion is valid for up to 9 tickets with 9 boxes of cereal donated per person. More information is available at www.blueman.com/cereal.

Blue Man Group Ticket Information

Tickets are available from $49-$104. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-BLUE-MAN (1-800-258-3626) or visiting www.blueman.com. A full show schedule and ticket pricing can also be found at www.blueman.com.

VIP Experience ticket packages are also available starting at $150 per person and include an exclusive piece of Blue Man Group merchandise, premium seat, and one pre-show beverage at the Briar Street Theatre, souvenir lanyard and a post-show meet-and-greet with a Blue Man.

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $46.50- $79.50 per person. “Backstage On Stage” experiences for groups of 10 or more are available for $52 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call the group sales department to book at 773-348-3300 or email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is an award-winning show and entertainment phenomenon seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, the show’s euphoric celebration of human connection has universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. The show is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments, and state-of-the-art technology. Blue Man Group has permanent theatrical productions in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Berlin, and is currently touring two shows, the North American Tour and the World Tour. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

This creative collective has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Blue Man Group has served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums, including their most recent, THREE.  Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across the globe. The group’s recently published first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character.

About the Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, believes a healthy community starts with food. The Food Depository is at the center of a network of more than 700 partner organizations and programs – food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile distributions, and other partners – working to bring food, dignity and hope to our neighbors across Chicago and Cook County. The Food Depository addresses the root causes of hunger with job training, advocacy, and other innovative solutions. The Food Depository is a proud member of Feeding America – the national network of food banks. By working to help those most in need go from hungry to hopeful, the Food Depository is building a Greater Chicago. Learn more at chicagosfoodbank.org.

My “Disney/Death and being a Dad” Dilemma

Disclaimer: Joe V. is one of our regular readers and supporters of the site. Joe reached out to us with an idea he had about Death and Disney and wanted to share it with us and we are sharing it with you. We think the timing of this post is great with Pixar's Onward coming out this weekend.

Have any conversation about Disney movies and it won’t take too long for someone to bring up a comment along the line of “Disney must be obsessed with death”, “- - - - was a great movie, but why did so and so have to die”, or “Walt Disney must have had a horrible childhood”.  Okay, obsession may go a little too far and It's not my job or place to psychoanalyze Walt. Come to think of it there was a movie a few years back that sort of did that.  Instead, I’m here to speak about my own experiences with Disney movies and how I have struggled with them as I became a father.

No Case too Small for The Mighty Pups Super Paws

Whenever the Paw Patrol theme song would come on I remember my son dancing like there was no tomorrow. The theme song was so catchy that you could not help but dance to it. We loved watching the show together because it always had a great lesson about working together and believing in yourself. My son is a little older now and still watches the show on Nickelodeon every now and then and he got a little excited when I showed him this new DVD collection.