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Several of you might roll your eyes in disgust once realizing this story is a head-first leap into a Christmas-related story. Yes, already. Sick indeed, but see, when holiday commercials are airing before Halloween, and stores (*cough*Wegmans*cough*) have trees and sparkling lights up promptly on November 1, it's not that
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J.K. Rowling started out with telling her kids stories about a character named Harry; now-retired fourth grade teacher Elizabeth Falk wrote books set during key points in New York State's history. Sure, one has made bazillions and the other? Well, she did something even better. She helped her students
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Let's get this out of the way up front: when it comes to horror movies, I am a great big sissy. We're talking face-buried-in-the-pillow, squeamish little spaz. So it should not come as a big surprise that I've lived my life quite happily avoiding "The Shining" - that is, until
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What child hasn't dreamed of flying, battling bad guys, and saving the world? Role-playing as superheroes is part of the fabric of American childhood. Generations of kids have grown up hoping to one day leap tall buildings in a single bound, save the day, and kick large quantities of bad-guy
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Ego, wealth, optimism, and opulence. RMS Titanic was the grandest symbol of all this and more. Branded as "practically unsinkable," the largest ship ever built in its time boasted a top first-class ticket price of more than $103,000 in today's currency. Filled with celebrities, dignitaries, tycoons, and immigrants, the Titanic
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Guilty pleasure confession time: I read the "Twilight" books and actually somewhat enjoyed them. Now, by "enjoy" I don't mean I'm jumping into the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate, but they were an entertaining escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Besides, being able to talk to
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As I write this our house is in a state of chaos - boxes, artwork, skateboards, and other miscellany are everywhere due to the newest addition to our family moving in last weekend. As a result, this week's column is going to be a little different. Art imitates life, and
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For whatever reason, Americans are obsessed with watching people kick their own hineys. Ever seen an episode of "Wipeout" on TV and laughed hysterically? Case and point. Still, how many of us have thought of countless ways we would dominate over some dimwit contestant in an immunity idol challenge? Well, now's
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I have never been even remotely excited over the Tour de France. Based on what I've heard/seen/read in the last three weeks, I may be the only person in the world who doesn't follow this sport, but so be it. Still, there is no arguing against the fact that TDF
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If your little Xbox button-masher can name every skateboarding trick in the canon, he or she is not alone. Many brag about the incredible virtual feats of skill and precision they can pull off, and they even have the skate shoes and Zumiez wardrobe to prove it. But guess what?
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Let's get one thing straight right off the bat. I am supremely jealous of how Jon-Paul Dyson spends his workdays. I'll try not to let it color this article too much, but I can't make any promises. Dyson is the director of the National Center for the History of Electronic
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This summer, Writers & Books - Rochester's haven for literary creativity - wants to help your kids tap into their inner Iago, develop their penchant for improv comedy, become a true puppet master, and be able to understand what the heck Dora the Explorer is talking about. It's all part
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Given the blustery, unpredictable Rochester winter, there's nothing more rewarding that the gorgeous weather that comes to this area every summer. And with more than 50 Department of Environmental Conservation campgrounds, hundreds of New York State-owned camping areas, and dozens of private campgrounds in the region, there's plenty of opportunity
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Mention the word "dinosaur" to most folks in Rochester and the tantalizing thought of mouth-watering barbecue comes to mind. Come Wednesday, June 10, that might all change, at least for a couple of days. Walking with Dinosaurs-The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC television series of the same name, is
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Remember how Charlotte taught Wilbur to read in "Charlotte's Web"? Or how Belle incited a love of literature in the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast"? Well, your kids likely do, and on Tuesday, May 19, they will surely delight in watching these beloved characters and more come to life,
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Perhaps admitting this will bring to light that I was an odd child, but so be it: I really loved musicals as a kid. I grew up not only listening to my Dad's Rolling Stones and - cringe - my Mom's Barry Manilow albums, but also singing along to the
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Wiis, Playstation 2s, computers, and DVDs: a visit to a local library branch these days might feel more like a visit to Best Buy than the conventional book havens of yore. But it's true - local libraries have become much more than just places from which to borrow books. Programming
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Back in 1970, a wise group of folks - about 20 million of them across the United States, actually - banded together on the first Earth Day to warn the world about the importance of planetary stewardship, thus marking the official beginning of the modern-day environmental movement. Since then, PSAs
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Although it may be hard to believe, there really was a time where even the word "damn" was considered taboo to say on television. Lots has changed over the years: kids programming was deregulated, Tipper Gore went on a one-woman crusade to change the music industry, and half of the
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Life before kids. For many of us, that time was filled with activities that didn't involve cartoon characters, big sticky peanut butter messes, or songs about sharing and caring sung by big dopey dinosaurs. Some of us even *gasp* enjoyed getting out now and then to have a few laughs
