I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Where-To--Go Wednesday - Analog City

We were given complimentary tickets to the Museum of the City of New York for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.


What: Analog City

Where: Museum of the City of New York 
             1220 5th Ave.
              New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through December 31, 2022


Me - Analog City was a lot of fun. It is an exhibit about the world before computers. They had old phones and typewriters and stuff like that. You could even try some of them out.  I especially love trying an old rotary phone.


They also had stuff like medical records Even though now they keep all that information online before they had to write it out or type it up on cards. They had old medical records for animals at the zoo as part of the exhibit. They were fun to look it.


 They also had a bunch of old Rolodexes and a file cabinet.  They had an old printing press too. It was really big. There were lots of pictures and more too. 


I  really loved visiting this exhibit. It was interesting, interactive, and exciting.


Mom - The Analog City exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York is a reminder of the way the world worked before everything went digital. It is a reminder of lost professions, machines we don't use anymore, out-of-date technology, and more. If you are older, it's a great nostalgia trip. If you are younger, it's a great place to learn about the way things used to be. If you're in between, it's a little bit of both.


Not only can you see things that you've long forgotten or never knew about in the first place like a Linotype machine, a Rolodex, or an adding machine in this exhibit, but you can even try some of them out.  Have fun dialing a phone number on a rotary phone, typing on a typewriter, doing some calculations with a slide ruler, and more. If you like interactivity, you will love Analog City.


You can also learn about jobs that used to exist but are no longer necessary with the advent of computers and more advanced technology, such as telegram delivery boys. We don't need telegrams when we can instantly send things by text, fax, or email.  You can also learn about jobs that still exist but have evolved in different ways due to advances in technology, such as, telephone operators. While we still have operators, they are not responsible for connecting every call like they once were.


Analog City is quite a fun and fascinating exhibit. It can definitely be enjoyed by anyone of any age. Whether you are of an age when some (or all) of the exhibit is nostalgic for you or you are young enough not to remember a world before computers at all, you can definitely appreciate the opportunity to take a look back in time with this extremely entertaining exihibit.


And that's our view. For more about Analog City, go to www.mcny.org/exhibition/analog-city. For more about the Museum of the City of the New York in general or to purchase a timed ticket to visit, go to www.mcny.org.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Make-up Test & How Pi Can Save Your Life

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any products, and/or visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: The Make-Up Test & How Pi Can Save Your Life


Today we are recommending The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe. When Allison gets into the Ph.D. program at her dream school Claymore University she finds herself competing against her ex-boyfriend for the one coveted spot to work with their medieval literature professor and to have the opportunity to accompany her on a career-making trip . This is a charming book that reminds us that sometimes it's worth giving people another chance. The characters are all relatable in their imperfections.  Although at its heart it's a basic enemies to lovers story, the gist of the plot is completely unique and original. 


Today we are talking about How Pi Can Save Your Life by Chris Waring. This book is a math nerd's dream. It imagines all these crazy scenarios that could happen but are not likely to and uses mathematical formulas to figure out what to do. What would you do if you got an inheritance but in order to receive the full amount you had to double your money in a year and if you didn't you would lose the entire thing?  How can you transmit huge dinosaur bones in the least expensive way possible knowing that the larger the package the bigger the cost? These are just a few of the absurd possibilities imagined in this book. If you are not a math nerd, you may still enjoy reading about all the incredibly improbable situations the author comes up with trying to understand and follow all the mathematical formulas may make your head spin.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Monday, August 29, 2022

More Theater Monday - Anne of Green Gables

What: Anne of Green Gables 

Where: Goodspeed Opera House 
             6 Main Street
             East Haddam, CT

Who: Ages 5 and Up

When: Through September 4, 2022


Me - Anne of Green Gables the musical was good. Although I knew the basic plot of the novel, I had never read it, or seen another version of it before so I was not that familiar with it. I enjoyed it very much. The story was interesting. I don't really remember most of the songs now, but I did enjoy some of them when I heard them in the show. The acting was good. Juliette Redden who played Anne was the perfect choice for the role. She was definitely the highlight of the show. All in all, however, it was a very enjoyable show.

Mom -  The version of Anne of Green of Gables currently playing at the Goodspeed Opera House is a new musical version of the classic story. For the most part, the plot seems pretty true to the original story.  It does seem to emphasize the relationship between Anne and her good friend, Diana Barry more so than other versions, however. There is some heavy sexual tension between them.  It is not exactly surprising that the story leans this way because the book and lyric writer of the musical, Matt Vinson, is known for creating and reclaiming queer histories as noted in his playbill bio. In this case, however, nothing romantic ever does happen between Anne and Diana, and the latter eventually ends up married to a man.

The show is well cast and the acting is uniformly good. Juliette Redden is the ideal choice for the lead role of  Anne Shirley. Not only does she look the part with her natural red hair and freckles, but her performance perfectly embodies the feisty feminist heroine. 

There are some good songs in the folk rock-tinged score. Still, they won't necessarily stick in your head the first time you hear them.  Several of the songs are available on a concept album that was released in 2020, the year the show was originally supposed to open.

The overwhelming theme of an orphan girl coming into her own and finding a place to belong has always made Anne of Green Gables a beloved family-friendly favorite. This new telling of the story is a nice addition to the pantheon of versions of the tale and is definitely worth seeing. 

And that's our view. For more information about Anne of Green Gables the new musical or to purchase tickets, visit www.goodspeed.org/shows/anne-of-green-gables

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Sunday Scoop Week of 8/28/22 Ending Soon, Opening This Week, What's Happening This Week and More

Ending Soon














Between the Lines

BETWEEN THE LINES is an empowering and enchanting new musical for anyone who has ever sought to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in both extraordinary and astonishing ways, Delilah discovers how to find her place in the real world while keeping her dreams alive.

Tony Kiser Theater at Second Stage (305 West 43rd Street)
Closing 9/11

Opening This Week

The Memory Exam

Set in a future world when the simple act of forgetting can be fatal, vigilante laws turn neighbors, friends, and colleagues into spies and informants. Three people in their autumn years covertly hire an expert who can coach them for the perilous Memory Exam. Failure is almost all but certain — but the coach has devised a method that depends on how well they can recall the specifics of their most enduring memory no matter how factual or fantastic.

59E59 Theatres (59 E. 59 St.)
Beginning performances 9/3
Opening Night 9/10
Through 9/25

What's Happening This Week and More

1) Celebrating the Music of Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye
Town Hall 9/2

2) Centenary Stage Co. Fall 2022 Session  of Young Performers Workshop
Registration Deadline 9/9

3) The Chris Mann Show Launches Another Season 
with Perfect Parents

4) Garment District Free Walking Tours 

5) Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway Gets New Audrey
Tony Winner, Lena Hall Starting 9/6

6) National Book Festival Exclusive Non-Fiction Book Coverage
on C-Span 2  9/3

7) New York City Opera Presents Lucia di Lammermoor
at Bryant Park 9/2

8) Works & Process at the Guggenheim Labor Day Celebration
Do the Hustle 9/5

1)


The Town Hall (www.thetownhall.org) presents Celebrating the Music of Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye on September 2 at 8pm. This evening of song features Carla Cooke, Sam’s daughter; Garfield Fleming, who toured with the Delfonics and William Hart for more than 25 years; and Brian Owens, who’s rendition of Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come has 81 million views on Youtube.
 
Carla, Garfield and Brian are backed by That Motown Band featuring Kevin Morris, Natasha McDuffe, Nathina Inez and its musical director, five-time Grammy-nominee Johnny Gale
 
Tickets, ranging from $47 - $67, are available at thetownhall.org or on ticketmaster.com.
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2) CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY
DEADLINE FOR FALL 2022 SESSION 
OF YOUNG PERFORMERS WORKSHOP 
FAST APPROACHING 

The deadline to apply for the 2022 Fall Session of Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performer’s Workshop is September 9 and the program will run from September 10 through December 18. The Young Performer’s Workshop is a 15-week theatre training program for performers ages 8-18. Each session culminates with a Festival of Shows performed by the students. New applicants must complete an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins, before registering. The price for the first student is $425.00, a second student is $395.00, and a third student is $300.00. For more information, or to schedule your interview, call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900 or visit Centenary Stage Company online at centenarystageco.org 

The Young Performer’s Workshop is a 15-week intensive musical theatre program designed to teach kids ages 8-18. This is a hands-on program designed to meet the needs of beginning, intermediate, and advanced performers interested in working in theatre. Throughout the fall session, students have the opportunity to learn about multiple facets of theatre arts from acting, singing and dancing, to stage management, props, and costuming. Each session concludes with a weekend Festival of Shows. Potential shows for this session may include Shrek the MusicalThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Seussical: the Musical. While these shows are being considered, there is no guarantee that the Young Performers Workshop will perform these selections. Enrolled students will also have the opportunity to be cast in CSC's 2022 mainstage Holiday Spectacular, Cinderella, although casting is not guaranteed.

The deadline to register is September 9 and the course will run September 10 through December 18. Those interested in joining the program must call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900 or email boxoffice@centenarystagecol.org to schedule an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins. For more information about the program visit centenarystageco.org or call the box office at (908) 979-0900. 

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers. 

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3) Chris Mann launches another season of The Chris Mann Show with ‘Perfect Parents’ just in time to give the kids back to school!

Viral comedian Chris Mann and his wife Laura are married with two young boys, but nothing about having kids has been by-the-book.  Between food sensitivities and colic to ‘Mommy and Me’ waitlists and the pressure to keep up with the Jones’, The Manns found themselves overwhelmed trying to be perfect parents raising kids in Los Angeles.  In the era of Instagram vs. Reality, parenting is truly a competitive sport running young parents ragged all over America–and The Manns had had enough.  So they did what any other over-tired, stressed-out parents would do–they wrote a musical about it!


The themes of “perfect labors,” being the “perfect t-ball coach,” and raising “perfect kids” without using iPad screens, plastic, or chloroform are getting countless LOLs from other parents on Instagram reels and TikTok.  This original musical number, with music and lyrics by Chris Mann and Scott Simons, arrives at the end of summer and just in time for back to school…a relief for many parents.

To watch the music video of Perfect Parents, click here 


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4) Garment District Free Walking Tours

Garment District Free Walking tours:

August 31, 2022 at 10:30 am.
September 5th, Labor Day.
September 19th, Monday.

All tours will meet at 10:30am at the "Garment Worker" Statue on the NE corner of 7th Av and W39th St.

For more information, visit www.Mikesnyctours.com

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5) TONY AWARD WINNER
LENA HALL
WILL PLAY ‘AUDREY’ IN THE THREE-TIME ‘BEST REVIVAL’ AWARD-WINNING
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 6 AT THE WESTSIDE THEATRE


BROADWAY FAVORITE ANDREW CALL STEPS INTO THE LAB COAT AS 'ORIN SCRIVELLO, D.D.S.
BEGINNING AUGUST 30


Tony Award-winning actress Lena Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Kinky Boots, “Snowpiercer”) will take on the role of Audrey in the three-time Best Musical Revival Award-winning production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS this fall, beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at the Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)Hall will star opposite Tony Award nominee Rob McClure (Mrs. Doubtfire, Beetlejuice, Chaplin), who joined the company earlier this month as Seymour, and Andrew Call (Groundhog Day, Rock of Ages, ‘Grease Live!”), who steps into the role of Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. beginning August 30, 2022.

Tickets starting at $69 are on sale now through January 8, 2023, at Telecharge.com/212-239-6200. Group ticket sales are available through January 8, 2023. The regular performance schedule is: Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 2pm & 8pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2 & 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Holiday Week schedules may vary.

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6) NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL: ONCE AGAIN, BOOK TV IS LIVE, IN-PERSON

 

22nd-STRAIGHT YEAR: EXCLUSIVE NON-FICTION BOOK COVERAGE ON BOOK TV ON C-SPAN2


C-SPAN's Book TV has provided live, in-depth, uninterrupted coverage of the National Book Festival since it began.  Now, after several years of virtual coverage because of the pandemic, Book TV is back in person, once again providing signature LIVE gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Festival's non-fiction authors.

 

Among the guests and authors the nationwide Book TV audience will see and hear from on September 3, 2022, (9:30amET-5:30pmET):

 

  • Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
  • David Maraniss, "Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe"
  • Conversation on women leaders of the civil rights movement with authors Tomiko Brown-Nagin ("Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley") and Kate Clifford Larson ("Walk With Me: Fannie Lou Hamer").  Moderated by Neda Ulaby.
  • Clint Smith, "How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America"
  • Conversation on creating community in America with authors Gal Beckerman ("The Quiet Before) and Kathryn Judge ("Direct"). Moderated by Sewell Chan.
  • Conversation on conspiracies in America with authors Brendan McConville ("The Brethren") and Elizabeth Williamson ("Sandy Hook"). Moderated by Roswell Encina. 
  • Jack Davis, "The Bald Eagle: The Improbably Journey of America's Bird"
  • Conversation on climate change with authors Juli Berwald (“Life on the Rocks”) and Edith Widder ("Below the Edge of Darkness"). Moderated by Liz Neeley. 
  • Conversation on the modern essay in the age of speed with Morten Høi Jensen (“The Fiction That Dare Not Speak Its Name”), Shawn McCreesh (“The Hatboro Blues”) and Becca Rothfeld (“Sanctimony Literature”) .Moderated by Celeste Marcus.
  • Will Bunch. "After the Ivory Tower Falls."

You can see all of Book TV's coverage of the National Book Festival over the decades via this dedicated C-SPAN Video Library subpage:  https://www.c-span.org/liveEvent/?nationalbookfestival

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7) New York City Opera Presents Lucia di Lammermoor
NYCO's Final Summer 2022 Show at Bryant Park Picnic Performances September 2, 2022

New York City Opera will present an abridged version of Donizetti’s classic Lucia di Lammermoor on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 7pm as part of Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America. Think Romeo and Juliet but set in Scotland. Donizetti’s brilliant score is the height of drama and the pinnacle of the Bel Canto style in this abridged version starring world-renowned soprano Sarah Coburn, the captivating tenor WooYoung Yoon, and the legendary bass-baritone Mark Delavan. It is directed by Shayna Leahy and conducted by City Opera Music Director Maestro Constantine Orbelian, The complete cast includes Coburn (Lucia), Delavan (Enrico), Yoon (Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood), Tair Tazhigulov (Raimondo Bidebent), Elissa Pfaender (Alisa), Ziwen Xiang (Arturo), and Samuel Ng (Normanno).

Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Performances are designed to be enjoyed casually - no tickets required - with ample seating available and free picnic blankets for audience members to borrow. For more information, visit bryantpark.org/picnics.

The performance is approximately one hour and thirty minutes with one intermission.

Attendees may bring their own food or purchase from on-site food and beverage vendors near the Lawn. At most performances, attendees can purchase food from a rotating line-up of local NYC vendors curated by Hester Street Fair. COVID-19 vaccinations and masks are not currently required but Bryant Park will continue to monitor and follow updated New York City and New York State COVID-19 guidelines throughout the summer as necessary.

For anyone unable to attend in person, a free livestream broadcast of the performance will be available nationwide via Bryant Park's website and social media platforms.
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8) Works & Process at the Guggenheim
Announces Labor Day Celebration
Do The Hustle
with dancing for all in the Rotunda with DJ Nelson 'Paradise' Roman
An In-Process Social Dance Commission
September 5, 2022 at 7:30pm

Works & Process at the Guggenheim announces a Labor Day Celebration, Do The Hustle, an In-Process Social Dance Commission with dancing for all in the Rotunda with DJ Nelson 'Paradise' Roman. Tickets available now at www.worksandprocess.org.

IN-PROCESS SOCIAL DANCE COMMISSION
Do The Hustle
with Dancing in the Rotunda with DJ Nelson “Paradise” Roman
Monday, September 5, 7:30 pm
Tickets $35, Choose-What-You-Pay

This is an invitation to dance! Born in 1970s disco New York City and named after its fast-paced stepping, hustle is a social dance that emerged from pre-existing Latin and African American dances. The style of dance brought together queer and straight communities through touch and rhythm, embodied as non-gendered lead-follow.​It also features joint celebratory outbursts of energy. While doing the Hustle, dancers hold hands and embark on an ever-present, expansive, twirling journey across the dance floor to the sound of disco. Suggested dress code for audience members: Disco era, reinvented.

In conjunction with the Guggenheim's Member Mondays, this performance in the theater will be followed by a communal dance in the rotunda for all.

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Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday.

Friday, August 26, 2022

Fix the Holes in Your Closet With Stylish Bodyshapers

This is a sponsored post. We are being compensated for this post. The views expressed in this post may not necessarily reflect the views of Says Me Says Mom.

While it is still summer as we speak, another new season is approaching. As the temperature is starting to shift, it won't be long until the time to bring out the sweaters, coats,  and boots and get ready to layer. This also means there is another round of new styles to try. Are you ready to invigorate your wardrobe with this season's must-have items that will remind you of the joy of dressing up?  While shopping for new clothes can boost your mood and confidence, there is one thing that you must not forget and it is shapewear. You may want to give these undergarment essentials a refresher too.

Shapewear is a necessity in your closet especially when you want a quick fix to have a sleeker look when wearing a figure-hugging dress, and there's no time to go on a diet. This body shaper can make or break an outfit. It helps to smoothen the body which in turn boosts confidence. This slim shapewear will help to flatter and enhance the natural curves of the body. Good quality shapewear can also offer extra back support and promote good posture. Shapewear will also have your back when it comes to wearing high-slit dresses, plunging necklines, or low-back outfits so you do not have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions.

Stylish Must-Have Body Shapers You Need In Your Closet

If you are looking for body shapewear that is both effective and comfortable, look no further than Sculptshe. This global shapewear retail store offers an extensive size range that embraces women of all sizes and shapes. Sculptshe specializes in a wide variety of thoughtfully designed body sculpting shapewear that will support and enhance your curves so that you can slay that favorite outfit of yours. Keep reading for the best body shapers that will keep you looking great no matter what.

Underbust Bodysuit Shaper

This body shaper is one of the easiest shapers to wear. The open bust design is highly versatile and flexible. If you must wear your own bra, this is the shaper you need. It has 3 rows of hook and eye closures that offer extra slimming control and does a great job of tucking everything in. The three-layer design on the tummy pulls in the waist and gives a much flatter look. The wide adjustable shoulder straps are comfortable and reduce pressure on the shoulder. It has a high back to smooth out any bulges in that area. The open crotch makes it easy for bathroom access.

https://www.sculptshe.com/collections/shapewear/products/sculptshe-hook-open-crotch- underbust-bodysuit-shaper

Shaping Bodysuit Panty 

Gain control of your curves with this body shaper. Made with a blend of nylon and spandex, it offers slimming control on the hips, bottom, tummy, and waist. It features an abdominal crossover three-layer design that flattens the midsection. The open bust design means you can wear your own favorite bra. The adjustable shoulder straps offer comfort and flexibility and it also has a hook and eye crotch design for ease of bathroom.

https://www.sculptshe.com/products/sculptshe-strapless-shaping-bodysuit-shaper

Three Belt Waist Trainer

This is one of the best waist trainer shapers you can wear. It offers firm compression and a customizable fit with a front zipper and 3 Velcro adjustable belts. Expertly designed, all the bulges are instantly smoothed as soon as it is put on. This plus-size waist trainer has 7 steel bones that can strengthen the shaping and waist sculpturing effect. 

https://www.sculptshe.com/products/sculptshe-triple-belts-waist-trainer-with-hooks

Lace Bodysuit Shapewear

This bodysuit with a sexy lace design is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. It is free of underwire and gives a natural shape to the bust while smoothing and lifting the tummy, waist and back. This full coverage body shaper is breathable and comfortably hugs the body. Theadjustable and convertible straps can be worn in multi-ways. This bodysuit also has an open crotch design for easy bathroom access.

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Theater Thursday - Audrey the musical

We were given complimentary tickets to Audrey the musical for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.


What: Audrey the musical

Where: The Players Theatre
             115 Macdougal
              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through August 28, 2022


Me - Audrey the musical was a pretty good show. I did not know that much about Audrey Hepburn, and it was fun to learn about her. At times it was a little hard to follow the story because of the jumps ahead in time. The acting and singing were both fine although sometimes it was hard to hear over the music from where we were sitting. The songs were nice but none were particularly memorable. Overall, the show is a good way to learn a little about the life of Audrey Hepburn in a fun way.


Mom - Audrey the musical is a fascinating look into the life of the legendary performer and humanitarian. The show mostly covers her career as a performer, however, and not so much the latter. Marina Yiannouris who plays Audrey does a really good job of capturing her essence and has a really beautiful voice. Unfortunately, not all of the other performances are quite up to her level. One of the other strong performers in the show, however, is Charlotte Odusanya, who plays Ella Fitzgerald and Edith Head. She is particularly good in the role of Ella with her strong and beautiful voice which is one of the few that can be heard clearly over the orchestra no matter how close you are sitting to the stage.


There are some nice songs in the show. They include some fun upbeat tunes as well as a pretty ballad or two sung by Ms. Yiannouris. Unfortunately, however, the songs don't really stay in your head after you leave the theater, and there are no songs listed in the playbill to help jog your memory. 


Overall, the show is a nice sojourn into the life of Audrey Hepburn, but the whole thing goes by so fast, that it just leaves you wanting to learn more. 


And that's our view.  For more about Audrey the musical or to purchase tickets, visit hwww.greenlightgroupproductions.com/audrey-musical.

Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits: 
All Audrey the musical production photos by Eric Bandiero

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Underground New York Subway History Tour

We were given a complimentary Underground New York Subway History Tour for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.


What: Underground New York Subway  HistoryTour

Where: New York Tours by Gary
              Underground New York Subway History Tour starts at Starbucks
                                                                       38 Park Row
                                                                       New York, NY

Who: Tweens and Up


Me - The Underground New York Subway History Tour was interesting. I ride on the subways a lot, but there was so much I didn't know about it before. We got to see pictures of old subways and things like that. We learned about somebody who had their own subway car. It had a bathroom and a kitchen. It was more like a trailer than a subway car.


We learned that old subways were made out of wood. That was problematic because it would catch fire easily. I wouldn't want to ride in a wooden subway car.


As part of the tour, we got to ride on a few subways. You had to pay for your own subway fare.  There was only one fare per person, however, because we never left the station before getting on another subway. One subway line we took was the shuttle that goes from Grand Central to Times Square. Even though I am in that area a lot, I never took that before. We usually just walk. The shuttle is very quick, but there aren't a lot of seats definitely not as many as on other subway lines.



The tour was very informative. We learned a lot of information about the history of the subway. It was fascinating and fun.


Mom -  The New York City Subway is one of the world's greatest transportation systems. Whether you are local to the New York area and you ride the subway frequently or you are visiting New York for the first time, and you have never ridden on the subway in your life, it is fascinating to learn about the history of this amazing people mover. 


The subway tour offered by New York Tours by Gary is the perfect way to learn everything you have ever wanted to know about the subway and more. Gary's  Underground New York SubwayHistory tour is extremely interesting and informative. Not only will you learn about the subway on this tour, but you will also have the chance to ride the subway as well. There is no better or more fun way to learn about the history of the New York City Subway system than this tour. 


And that's our view. To learn more about the Underground New York Subway Tour or other available tours from New York Tours by Gary or to sign up for a tour, visit www.newyorktoursbygary.com.


Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake & Misc.: The Photography Trivia Deck

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any products, and/or visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Lizzie Blake's Best Musical 


Today we are recommending Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings. Lizzie's mother couldn't handle her ADHD so she always made Lizzie feel like she wasn't good enough and nobody could really love her. Because of this, Lizzie hasn't really been able to settle down and have a real relationship with anybody. She just flits from one-night stand to one-night stand. Then, she meets Rake. He was supposed to be a one-night stand too, but when Lizzie becomes pregnant this one-night stand turns into allegedly platonic roommates planning to raise a baby together. There's just one problem, Lizzie finds herself really falling for Rake, and he just may be falling for her too.

This is a really sweet novel. Lizzie and Blake are such an adorable couple. Lizzie is such an admirable character who tries so hard although things don't always turn out well for her despite herself. It is just heartbreaking how cruelly her mother has treated her all her life, and the psychological damage it has done to her. Rake is an incredibly great caring almost perfect guy. It's hard to believe that anyone like him could actually exist, but it's fun to read about him anyway. He and Lizzie are both such lovely big-hearted characters that you can't help rooting for them to be together.

This book also provides great insight into what it is like for someone living with ADHD. Lizzie's coldhearted mother is the perfect example of how not to treat children or anyone with ADHD. However, on the contrary, using the coping strategies Lizzie learns may actually help a person with ADHD learn how to cope themselves. Therefore, not only is this a great story with extremely likable main characters, it is a book that can actually teach the reader about ADHD and/or ways to help manage it. 

Misc: The Photography Trivia Deck


Today we are recommending The Photography Trivia Deck. The Photography Trivia Deck is a fascinating but super hard trivia game related to photography. It consists of a box full of cards each containing several trivia questions related to photography. The subject matter covered includes cameras, famous photographers, photography history, and more. If you know a group of people who know a lot about photography, you can organize a game. If not, you can still test yourself if you think you know a lot about it. Even if you hardly know anything about photography at all, it is still fun to read through the cards and learn interesting facts and information about the subject.

For more about The Photography Trivia Deck, visit rockynook.com/shop/photography/photography-trivia-deck.

And that's our view.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.