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Recent Comments
- Beth on The One That Ends With Hope
- Judi Feldman on The Brass Tacks of Music Education
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- norman edelson on A Road Well Traveled
- Justin Rogan on The Gift of Boredom
- © 2025 - Gregory Keer. All rights reserved.
Movie Aliens and Captains Offer Family Lessons
Maybe it’s the fact that my sons are getting older so I can take them to more films above the G rating, but I do feel this summer has offered a slew of worthwhile movies to see with my kids. Hard to pick a clear favorite at the moment, especially since timing issues have prevented me from seeing the last Harry Potter flick (I’m a bit fanatical about seeing it in just the right theater and with at least one of my children). But Captain America was a winner for my entire family. The Joe Johnston- (October Sky — which is well worth renting or downloading — and The Rocketeer) directed actioner paid homage to old Hollywood films as it centered on a WWII-era story of heroism, patriotism, and identity. Great line from the movie was Steve Rogers’ response to Dr. Erskine who asks if Steve wants to kill the enemy. “I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies.”Nice lesson to kids who come to the theater to see “The First Avenger” and get a message that it’s not about looking to kill people but about standing up for yourself and preventing aggressors from victimizing others
I’m also a fan of Super 8. J.J. Abrams and his crew told a good Steven Spielberg-style tale of kids being better attuned to others (even aliens) and saving the world. It’s a thrilling movie that gave me a true bonding experience with my adolescent son, particularly because of the father-son storylines. One question, though: why do Hollywood movies and TV shows kill off moms in order to show dads bonding with their kids? This film, by the way, makes me want to show Stand and Deliver to my eldest.
Gonna try to see Cowboys and Aliens this weekend. Not as high on possible lessons, but looks like fun.
Posted in Activities With Kids, Blog, Ethics, Family Man Recommends, Film, Single Fathers
Leave a comment
Family Man Recommends: ‘The Future According to Me’
Rob Kutner is a very funny fellow. He also happens to be a terrific dad and husband (though his wife Sheryl is more qualified to judge). On the funny side, this Emmy-nominated writer for Conan and Emmy winner for his years on The Daily Show weighs in on predicting what the upcoming years have in store with his new Kindle book, The Future According to Me. He covers such topics as the future of Earth, man, woman, race, politics, chocolate, hipster aliens, and Black Holes filled with deadbeat dads, among things worth reading about while you’re in the bathroom library. Honestly, 99 cents is all it takes to get you into the mind of the Nostradamus of Funny — not sure if that makes sense, but if you want the real laughs, check out Rob’s book, which can be read on just about any electronic device.
Here’s a snippet of what Rob has written about fatherhood: “Having a child means that, by definition, I’m constantly thinking about the future — the worst and best scenarios, usually at the same time. In some ways, writing this book was just a cheap form of therapy. Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to read it unless I can figure out how to wrestle the iPad back from my toddler.”
Sunshine Collective – Wanna Play?
Reviewed by Gregory Keer
What’s in a name? If your moniker is Sunshine Collective, then the expectation is that you’ll be full of warmth, brightness, and togetherness. Yep, that accurately describes this summer-appropriate band and its album bursting with happy sounds.
A classical introduction segues into “I Just Wanna Play,” a tune that could be the musical daughter of “I’ve Got a Brand New Pair of Roller Skates” in its ‘70s feel-good vibe. Vocalist and co-songwriter Stephanie Richards has a sophisticated foundation in her skills while letting loose with her playful side on this and other tracks.
The Sunshine Collective, led by the Los Angeles-based husband-and-wife team of Richards and Brian Arbuckle, liberally borrows from bygone eras to season its songs, including the jazzy “Love Makes Life So Sweet” (check out that Stephane Grappelli-style violin) and “Mad About You,” a charming, Dixieland brassy piece about how one good person can make the pitfalls of a day easier.
The positive themes and lyrics of this recording are more open-ended than child-specific (though Richards and Arbuckle have two young daughters), which makes it a true treat for an adult who might want to sit alone with the iPod, especially for a song such as “Fun, Fun, Fun,” with its simple message of being with someone who makes you happy.
One of the other delights of the CD is that you can actually hear the instruments on each track. Produced by group co-leader and multi-instrumentalist Brian Arbuckle, the sound is pure and clear, allowing young listeners the chance to focus on how a piano or violin should come through, without heavy engineering. “A Thousand Notable Things” isolates various instruments, including Richards’s voice, in an uplifting and luxurious way.
For its fine musicianship and genial disposition, this is a recording you should play for your kids, for yourselves, for anyone who could use a bit more sunshine.
www.sunshinecollective.com – $11.99 (CD) – Ages 3-100
Father and Son Are ‘Dinorific’
In the interest of creating a “time capsule of creativity,” Michael Sgrignoli wrote a series of ten poems about dinosaurs that he then had his son, Ethan (then age 8), illustrate. The result could’ve been a simple keepsake for Mike and his kid, but the poetry is funny, the words cleverly chosen, and the content quite educational. Along with Ethan’s adorable pictures, the book makes for a fun read with your kids. More than that, it’s the kind of thing that might inspire you and your own child to do something similar. My own six year old made me sit down at the computer after we read Dinorific Poetry and we wrote a few verses. While it’s certainly not as polished as Mike (who also sells advertising and plays drums on weekend gigs) and Ethan’s work, I am grateful for the incentive to write something with my son. Check out the efforts of the Sgrignoli team and see what imagination roars for you.
4th of July Songs for Kids
Music maven Dave Sloan has posted his picks for a 4th of July playlist. It includes some unexpected (no surprise with Dave) selections from Violent Femmes, the Pogues, and more. For kids, there are plenty of patriotic songs worth cranking up while you fire up BBQs. Some more conventional but worthwhile choices include Ray Charles’s “America the Beautiful,” Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom,” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is My Land.” Every year, someone (I believe it’s the invaluable TCM cable channel) airs Michael Curtiz’s Yankee Doodle Dandy, a musical biopic of Broadway legend George M. Cohan, with James Cagney in the title role. I highly recommend this classic for its unabashed positivism and patriotism about the man who wrote such songs as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Over There.” Make sure to catch the black-and-white version if you can. What are some of your favorite 4th of July songs?
Father’s Day Music Playlist
Friend and fellow music lover Dave Sloan has taken all the guesswork out of creating a Dad’s Day playlist. Go to his blog, Let’s Not Get Carried Away, for some excellent choices, including Randy Newman’s “Memo to My Son” and De La Soul’s “Magic Number” (an all-time favorite of mine).
Sing To Your Baby on Father’s Day
As a parent and music lover, I have long been a fan of Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, the Grammy award-winning duo behind such albums as Pillow Full of Wishes and the recent EP Banjo to Beatbox. While these highly lauded ladies have long been leaders in innovating new music to help parents and educators connect with kids, they’ve outdone themselves with their newest project, Sing to Your Baby. Based on audience requests and scientific backing that explains how vital it is for babies to bond with the voice of their parents, this is a combination picture book and CD ($19.95 from the Web site) which offers songs that any parent or child guardian can croon. In fact, Fink and Marxer recorded each song in two different keys to make it easier for parents to find the most comfortable way to sing. For the male versions of the songs, Michael Stein, a cantor and original cast member of Jesus Christ Superstar shows the way for dads, grandpa’s, and uncles to sing such sweet tunes as “Love Is What I Feel For You,” “Rockin’ My Baby,” and “Baby’s Got a Giggle.” This is empowering stuff for parents and a powerfully emotional tool to connect with your baby.
New Social Action Book Series for Kids
A couple of years ago, Tracey Serebin interviewed me for a number of segments on her Internet radio show. Tracey also mentioned she had a dream of publishing a book series geared for 7-12 years olds to help raise the social consciousness of kids. Like too few of us, Tracey has been steadily working on making her dream a reality and she is now raising the capital to publish her just-finished first book in the Daisy Button Adventure Series. The initial volume is about building a community garden, something that is growing in importance in a world in which a lot of kids do not get enough fresh produce in their diet. Tracey is already making agreements with schools around the country to use the book series in their curriculum. If you are interested in the book, take a look at the Web site linked above. If you’d like to contribute funds to get the book into its first printing, click to the Kickstarter.org site.
Recess Monkey – Flying!
Reviewed by Gregory Keer
When they become parents, my children will have a few music acts they will remember fondly enough to share with their own kids on whatever super-space-age record player they will have in the future. But there is one particular group I imagine they will pull out first because it seems to fit so perfectly in the future – as well as the present and past, for that matter. This group will be Recess Monkey. While other solo acts write terrific songs and numerous ensembles have catchy sounds, Recess Monkey captures the attention of my sons because of their ever-surprising mix of music, storytelling, and gymnastic imagination.
On their seventh release (one for each year since they debuted with 2005’s Welcome to Recess Monkey Town), this band of elementary schoolteachers-turned kindie rock stars has crafted an album that is as playful as it is mind-expanding for kids. Flying! continues the group’s penchant for themed-recordings as it runs, leaps, and lifts heavy weight off the ordinary family CD with its songs about blending real-life with flights of superhero fancy. Produced by Tor Hyams, who maintains his reputation as the Willy Wonka of family music, the disc is pop rock suitable for grown-ups – but better.
The title track goes “Flying!” with its bouncy beat into the blue skies of heroic thoughts (assisted by the band’s trademark “radio reports”), a Latin vamp drives “Covered in Band-Aids” about an intrepid little sister, and crunchy rock guitar propels the “Bravest Kid in the World’s” message about the courage of making values-based choices. Things get funky with, of all subjects, a tune called “Grandmom’s House” and the sound goes ‘50s doo-wop on “Bunk Bed.”
The Seattle-based trio of Jack Forman, Daron Henry, and Drew Hollway have made an album of swift intelligence and powerful fun, illustrating that Recess Monkey has reached music superhero status.
www.recessmonkey.com – $14.99 (CD) – Ages 3-8
Book Preview: ‘Go the F*** to Sleep’
There’s a new picture book that has parents around the world buzzing. It’s so hot that, in advance of it going on the market in October of this year, it has already cracked Amazon’s top 300 list because of presales. No, it’s not a previously undiscovered Dr. Seuss. It’s a story that’s actually meant for grown ups called Go the F*** to Sleep.
My friend Geoff Silverman brought this little tome to my attention and I got a sneak peek into something that should hit the funny bone of many parents because of its crass but true sentiments. Written by acclaimed novelist Adam Mansbach (recently of Angry Black White Boy) with illustrations by Ricardo Cortes, the book imitates Goodnight Moon (the classic bedtime story from Margaret Wise Brown and illustrator Clement Hurd) as it uses calming poetry full of nature-oriented symbolism before it whacks you over the head with what the parent reciting the poetry realizes: his child will not go to sleep! With each page, the narrator tries to regroup to help his child slumber, but the kid won’t go down. As such, the parent curses up a blue streak in ever-deepening frustration. Frankly, it says what many of us feel bubbling beneath the surface when a son or daughter continues to eat away at our precious down time.
This is very obviously not meant to be read to kids, and the back cover has a warning stating this. However, if you can handle a bit of off-color humor, this is a book parents will laugh heartily over. See the Amazon page at http://www.amazon.com/Go-F-Sleep-Adam-Mansbach/dp/1617750255.
Movie Aliens and Captains Offer Family Lessons
Maybe it’s the fact that my sons are getting older so I can take them to more films above the G rating, but I do feel this summer has offered a slew of worthwhile movies to see with my kids. Hard to pick a clear favorite at the moment, especially since timing issues have prevented me from seeing the last Harry Potter flick (I’m a bit fanatical about seeing it in just the right theater and with at least one of my children). But Captain America was a winner for my entire family. The Joe Johnston- (October Sky — which is well worth renting or downloading — and The Rocketeer) directed actioner paid homage to old Hollywood films as it centered on a WWII-era story of heroism, patriotism, and identity. Great line from the movie was Steve Rogers’ response to Dr. Erskine who asks if Steve wants to kill the enemy. “I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies.”Nice lesson to kids who come to the theater to see “The First Avenger” and get a message that it’s not about looking to kill people but about standing up for yourself and preventing aggressors from victimizing others
I’m also a fan of Super 8. J.J. Abrams and his crew told a good Steven Spielberg-style tale of kids being better attuned to others (even aliens) and saving the world. It’s a thrilling movie that gave me a true bonding experience with my adolescent son, particularly because of the father-son storylines. One question, though: why do Hollywood movies and TV shows kill off moms in order to show dads bonding with their kids? This film, by the way, makes me want to show Stand and Deliver to my eldest.
Gonna try to see Cowboys and Aliens this weekend. Not as high on possible lessons, but looks like fun.
Posted in Activities With Kids, Blog, Ethics, Family Man Recommends, Film, Single Fathers
Leave a comment
Family Man Recommends: ‘The Future According to Me’
Rob Kutner is a very funny fellow. He also happens to be a terrific dad and husband (though his wife Sheryl is more qualified to judge). On the funny side, this Emmy-nominated writer for Conan and Emmy winner for his years on The Daily Show weighs in on predicting what the upcoming years have in store with his new Kindle book, The Future According to Me. He covers such topics as the future of Earth, man, woman, race, politics, chocolate, hipster aliens, and Black Holes filled with deadbeat dads, among things worth reading about while you’re in the bathroom library. Honestly, 99 cents is all it takes to get you into the mind of the Nostradamus of Funny — not sure if that makes sense, but if you want the real laughs, check out Rob’s book, which can be read on just about any electronic device.
Here’s a snippet of what Rob has written about fatherhood: “Having a child means that, by definition, I’m constantly thinking about the future — the worst and best scenarios, usually at the same time. In some ways, writing this book was just a cheap form of therapy. Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to read it unless I can figure out how to wrestle the iPad back from my toddler.”
Sunshine Collective – Wanna Play?
Reviewed by Gregory Keer
What’s in a name? If your moniker is Sunshine Collective, then the expectation is that you’ll be full of warmth, brightness, and togetherness. Yep, that accurately describes this summer-appropriate band and its album bursting with happy sounds.
A classical introduction segues into “I Just Wanna Play,” a tune that could be the musical daughter of “I’ve Got a Brand New Pair of Roller Skates” in its ‘70s feel-good vibe. Vocalist and co-songwriter Stephanie Richards has a sophisticated foundation in her skills while letting loose with her playful side on this and other tracks.
The Sunshine Collective, led by the Los Angeles-based husband-and-wife team of Richards and Brian Arbuckle, liberally borrows from bygone eras to season its songs, including the jazzy “Love Makes Life So Sweet” (check out that Stephane Grappelli-style violin) and “Mad About You,” a charming, Dixieland brassy piece about how one good person can make the pitfalls of a day easier.
The positive themes and lyrics of this recording are more open-ended than child-specific (though Richards and Arbuckle have two young daughters), which makes it a true treat for an adult who might want to sit alone with the iPod, especially for a song such as “Fun, Fun, Fun,” with its simple message of being with someone who makes you happy.
One of the other delights of the CD is that you can actually hear the instruments on each track. Produced by group co-leader and multi-instrumentalist Brian Arbuckle, the sound is pure and clear, allowing young listeners the chance to focus on how a piano or violin should come through, without heavy engineering. “A Thousand Notable Things” isolates various instruments, including Richards’s voice, in an uplifting and luxurious way.
For its fine musicianship and genial disposition, this is a recording you should play for your kids, for yourselves, for anyone who could use a bit more sunshine.
www.sunshinecollective.com – $11.99 (CD) – Ages 3-100
Father and Son Are ‘Dinorific’
In the interest of creating a “time capsule of creativity,” Michael Sgrignoli wrote a series of ten poems about dinosaurs that he then had his son, Ethan (then age 8), illustrate. The result could’ve been a simple keepsake for Mike and his kid, but the poetry is funny, the words cleverly chosen, and the content quite educational. Along with Ethan’s adorable pictures, the book makes for a fun read with your kids. More than that, it’s the kind of thing that might inspire you and your own child to do something similar. My own six year old made me sit down at the computer after we read Dinorific Poetry and we wrote a few verses. While it’s certainly not as polished as Mike (who also sells advertising and plays drums on weekend gigs) and Ethan’s work, I am grateful for the incentive to write something with my son. Check out the efforts of the Sgrignoli team and see what imagination roars for you.
4th of July Songs for Kids
Music maven Dave Sloan has posted his picks for a 4th of July playlist. It includes some unexpected (no surprise with Dave) selections from Violent Femmes, the Pogues, and more. For kids, there are plenty of patriotic songs worth cranking up while you fire up BBQs. Some more conventional but worthwhile choices include Ray Charles’s “America the Beautiful,” Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom,” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is My Land.” Every year, someone (I believe it’s the invaluable TCM cable channel) airs Michael Curtiz’s Yankee Doodle Dandy, a musical biopic of Broadway legend George M. Cohan, with James Cagney in the title role. I highly recommend this classic for its unabashed positivism and patriotism about the man who wrote such songs as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Over There.” Make sure to catch the black-and-white version if you can. What are some of your favorite 4th of July songs?
Father’s Day Music Playlist
Friend and fellow music lover Dave Sloan has taken all the guesswork out of creating a Dad’s Day playlist. Go to his blog, Let’s Not Get Carried Away, for some excellent choices, including Randy Newman’s “Memo to My Son” and De La Soul’s “Magic Number” (an all-time favorite of mine).
Sing To Your Baby on Father’s Day
As a parent and music lover, I have long been a fan of Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, the Grammy award-winning duo behind such albums as Pillow Full of Wishes and the recent EP Banjo to Beatbox. While these highly lauded ladies have long been leaders in innovating new music to help parents and educators connect with kids, they’ve outdone themselves with their newest project, Sing to Your Baby. Based on audience requests and scientific backing that explains how vital it is for babies to bond with the voice of their parents, this is a combination picture book and CD ($19.95 from the Web site) which offers songs that any parent or child guardian can croon. In fact, Fink and Marxer recorded each song in two different keys to make it easier for parents to find the most comfortable way to sing. For the male versions of the songs, Michael Stein, a cantor and original cast member of Jesus Christ Superstar shows the way for dads, grandpa’s, and uncles to sing such sweet tunes as “Love Is What I Feel For You,” “Rockin’ My Baby,” and “Baby’s Got a Giggle.” This is empowering stuff for parents and a powerfully emotional tool to connect with your baby.
New Social Action Book Series for Kids
A couple of years ago, Tracey Serebin interviewed me for a number of segments on her Internet radio show. Tracey also mentioned she had a dream of publishing a book series geared for 7-12 years olds to help raise the social consciousness of kids. Like too few of us, Tracey has been steadily working on making her dream a reality and she is now raising the capital to publish her just-finished first book in the Daisy Button Adventure Series. The initial volume is about building a community garden, something that is growing in importance in a world in which a lot of kids do not get enough fresh produce in their diet. Tracey is already making agreements with schools around the country to use the book series in their curriculum. If you are interested in the book, take a look at the Web site linked above. If you’d like to contribute funds to get the book into its first printing, click to the Kickstarter.org site.
Recess Monkey – Flying!
Reviewed by Gregory Keer
When they become parents, my children will have a few music acts they will remember fondly enough to share with their own kids on whatever super-space-age record player they will have in the future. But there is one particular group I imagine they will pull out first because it seems to fit so perfectly in the future – as well as the present and past, for that matter. This group will be Recess Monkey. While other solo acts write terrific songs and numerous ensembles have catchy sounds, Recess Monkey captures the attention of my sons because of their ever-surprising mix of music, storytelling, and gymnastic imagination.
On their seventh release (one for each year since they debuted with 2005’s Welcome to Recess Monkey Town), this band of elementary schoolteachers-turned kindie rock stars has crafted an album that is as playful as it is mind-expanding for kids. Flying! continues the group’s penchant for themed-recordings as it runs, leaps, and lifts heavy weight off the ordinary family CD with its songs about blending real-life with flights of superhero fancy. Produced by Tor Hyams, who maintains his reputation as the Willy Wonka of family music, the disc is pop rock suitable for grown-ups – but better.
The title track goes “Flying!” with its bouncy beat into the blue skies of heroic thoughts (assisted by the band’s trademark “radio reports”), a Latin vamp drives “Covered in Band-Aids” about an intrepid little sister, and crunchy rock guitar propels the “Bravest Kid in the World’s” message about the courage of making values-based choices. Things get funky with, of all subjects, a tune called “Grandmom’s House” and the sound goes ‘50s doo-wop on “Bunk Bed.”
The Seattle-based trio of Jack Forman, Daron Henry, and Drew Hollway have made an album of swift intelligence and powerful fun, illustrating that Recess Monkey has reached music superhero status.
www.recessmonkey.com – $14.99 (CD) – Ages 3-8
Book Preview: ‘Go the F*** to Sleep’
There’s a new picture book that has parents around the world buzzing. It’s so hot that, in advance of it going on the market in October of this year, it has already cracked Amazon’s top 300 list because of presales. No, it’s not a previously undiscovered Dr. Seuss. It’s a story that’s actually meant for grown ups called Go the F*** to Sleep.
My friend Geoff Silverman brought this little tome to my attention and I got a sneak peek into something that should hit the funny bone of many parents because of its crass but true sentiments. Written by acclaimed novelist Adam Mansbach (recently of Angry Black White Boy) with illustrations by Ricardo Cortes, the book imitates Goodnight Moon (the classic bedtime story from Margaret Wise Brown and illustrator Clement Hurd) as it uses calming poetry full of nature-oriented symbolism before it whacks you over the head with what the parent reciting the poetry realizes: his child will not go to sleep! With each page, the narrator tries to regroup to help his child slumber, but the kid won’t go down. As such, the parent curses up a blue streak in ever-deepening frustration. Frankly, it says what many of us feel bubbling beneath the surface when a son or daughter continues to eat away at our precious down time.
This is very obviously not meant to be read to kids, and the back cover has a warning stating this. However, if you can handle a bit of off-color humor, this is a book parents will laugh heartily over. See the Amazon page at http://www.amazon.com/Go-F-Sleep-Adam-Mansbach/dp/1617750255.