Board Game Night: Having Fun During COVID-19

Board Game Night: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has meant spending a lot of time with your family, roommate, and other members of your household at home. And that should be "quality time."   And board games are a great way to interact with each other.

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some board game inspired drinks: https://cocktailporter.com.au/blogs/news/cocktails-and-board-games

2) Game Night - Is there a night of the week that's particularly uneventful (I'm looking at you, Wednesday).  Try to set aside some time with everyone to have fun.  If you make it a regular activity, it will be something for everyone to look forward to each week.

3) Collecting Dust - What do you already have in your closet or attic?  Rotate members of your group who selects that week's game.  

4) Game Selection - Obviously, choose a game that allows everyone to participate and is age appropriate.  While digging in your closet, did you notice a pattern with your games?  Were most of them strategy, trivia, guessing, word, or other?  Determine what kind of games your household likes the most.

5) Mail Order Games - If you're like me, you've pretty much memorized all the answers to Trivial Pursuit and looking for something new.  With game selection, we've discovered with both enjoy cooperative strategy games.  And how awesome it is to get a new game in the mail (along with boxes of wine).  A couple personal favorites are:

HuntAKiller.com - It's like a monthly "escape room" at home.  Each month, we receive a box of clues to solve an overall crime at the end of the series.  It comes with evidence props and even a music playlist.  

LuckyDuckGames.com - Has unique interactive games.  We purchased Chronicles of Crime: 1400, which is solving cases from medieval Paris.  It's one game that has multiple stories and variations.  Players use a smartphone to view crime scenes and interview witnesses. 

6) Young Kids - Some suggestions are: Richard Scarry's Busytown, eeBoo Create and Tell Me a Story, Spot It!, Ruckus, Hisss, Candy Land,  Hoot Owl Hoot!, and The Sneaky Sneaky Squirrel.  And remember the classics from our childhood as many of them still exist or can be found on eBay.

7) Older Kids - Some suggestions are: Pictomania, Telestrations, Forbidden Island, Fluxx, Ultimate Werewolf, Escape the room, Ticket To Ride, Apples to Apples, Loonacy, and Machi Koro.  My personal favorites were Pictionary and Balderdash. 

8) Family - Some suggestions are: Santorini, Azul, The Isle of Cats, Exploding Kittens, Labyrinth, Pandemic (no, really), Hedbanz, Articulate, and Mysterium. 

9) Adults - Some suggestions are: Drink-a-palooza, Betrayal at House On the Hill, Rummikub, Codenames, Clue, Hedbanz Adulting, Cards Against Humanity, Catan, Loaded Questions, Risk, Carcassonne, and Scythe. 

10) Classics - Some suggestions are: chess, cards (countless games), checkers, dominoes, Cribbage, Trivial Pursuit, Password, Taboo, Scattergories, Sorry!, Traffic Jam, Cranium, Qwirkle, Jenga, Boggle, Don't Break the Ice, Twister, Agricola, Chinese checkers, Axis and Allies, Battleship, Monopoly, Game of Life, Scrabble, Stratego, Backgammon, Blokus, Connect Four, Operation, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Mouse Trap, Mastermind, Uno, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, Yahtzee, Catchphrase, Speak Out, Mad Gab, Sequences, and Dominion.

11) Tournaments - My friends and I use to play tournament-style when we played 2-player board games or video games.  For example, we had four people that would pair off.  With a quick game like checkers we'd play best of 3 games.  The two winners of those games would play best of 5 games.  

12) Online Games With Those Outside Your Home - Here are some game ideas: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

The President's Cat: Having Fun During COVID-19

The President's Cat: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 has allowed us to spend a lot more time with our pets.  So, let's talk about them!  Make some entertainment from an old parlor game.  

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.

Game Rules:
2) The President's Cat Is a _______ Cat - The first player starts and using an adjective beginning with the letter "A."  For example, "The President's cat is an amazing cat."  Each player repeats using a different adjective.  When it returns to the first player, they move on to a letter "B" adjective.  This continues through the alphabet. 

3) Um...  Um...  Um... - If a player fails to come up with an adjective or repeats one previously used, they are out of the game.

4) Variety Is The Spice Of Life - Too simple or difficult?  Try these variations:

a) Set a timer - Everyone has 10-15 second to say their line

b) Clap in unison to set a pace for saying your lines.

c) Have the group speak in a rhythm to set the pace for saying lines.

d) Change the letter each person instead of each round.

e) Remember all previous and add your own adjective on each turn. For example the six player would say, "The President's cat is an able, bubbly, caring, dazzling, energetic, funny cat."  

f) Turn it into a drinking game.  Take a shot or swig every time you're out.

g) Have a prize for the winner(s).  It can be something simple.  For example, you get a piece of Starburst for each round and a Snicker bar for the most overall wins.  

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!

And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) No indoor activities

2) No sharing bathrooms

3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.

4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Michelangelo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

Michelangelo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

Having fun during Coronavirus/COVID-19 means getting creative, dusting off old ideas, and trying new things.  At this time of year, parlor games are a great form of entertainment.

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some art inspired drinks: https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/cocktails-inspired-by-art/?

2) The Space - Use a space that is free from dangerous clutter and other obstructions.  It can be a living room, basement, outside.  And more people will require more space.  

3) Choose Your Props Wisely - Go through your garage, attic, basement, closets, etc. and find funny and strange items.  Place them throughout the space.

Game Rules:

4) I Am Michelangelo - Select who will be "Michelangelo" first.  It can be assigned, random, or whatever

5) The Artist At Work - "Michelangelo" will walk up to each person and pose them in the position he would like.  It can be serious or funny.  But, the "sculpture" cannot laugh, talk, move, or smile unless instructed by "Michelangelo."  

6) Actions Speak Louder Than Words - The "sculpture" that laughed, talked, moved, or smiles first is the new "Michelangelo."

7) Friendship Is Sharing - Adjust according to size of the group.  But, make sure everyone can participate.  For example, limit "Michelangelo" to 3 moves per "sculpture" before moving to next "sculpture."  And/or establish an order of turns for all "sculptures." 

8) Variety Is The Spice Of Life - Too simple or difficult?  Try these variations:

a) When being sculpted, give them something to read or sing.  

b) "What Am I Doing?" version: "Michelangelo" is given a description by the previous "Michelangelo," like "throwing a football."  "Michelangelo" has to pose the "sculpture" while other participants guess.  The more specific, the better.

c) "What Am I Doing?" Teams: Same as above (b), but divide into two groups if you have a household of 6+ people.

d) Movie Edition: "Michelangelo" chooses a scene from a movie and can use anyone as a "sculpture" to recreate it.  Everyone, including "sculptures" can guess.  Set a timer and take turns.

e) There are countless versions.  Let me know if you have another fun variation.  

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!

And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) No indoor activities

2) No sharing bathrooms

3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.

4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Blind Man's Bluff: Having Fun During COVID-19

Blind Man's Bluff: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 has left many of feeling blind and lost in the darkness.  So, let's have fun and make a game out of it!

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.

2) The Space - Use a space that is free from dangerous clutter and other obstructions.  It can be a living room, basement, outside.  And more people will require more space.  But, make sure that it's also a limited enclosure.  Too few people in a large space will make the game nearly impossible.   

Game Rules:
3) You're "It" - Determine who will be "it" first.  You can draw straws, guess a number, or randomly assign.  Whatever your group thinks is most fair or easiest.  Once selected, the person that is "it" will be blindfolded.

4) Other Participants - Move around the space trying to avoid the person that is "it."  And it is encouraged that you find ways to distract and trick "it" into changing directions. 

5) GOTCHA! - When "it" catches someone, they will become "it" and play will continue.   

6) Variety Is The Spice Of Life - Too simple or difficult?  Try these variations:

a) Everyone blindfold!  A lot of surprises when you try to avoid what you can't see.

b) The person who is "it" must also guess correctly who they caught to pass on the blindfold.

c) Sit in a circle and have "it" sit in the middle.  Have "it" spin for 10 seconds while everyone in the circle changes places.  "It" will point to participant who will oink like a pig.  "It" will have to guess who the participant is.  Once correct, that person is now "it."

d) If you're "it" you sit out the following rounds after you've tagged another "it."  And have a small prize for the final player never caught.

e) To slow participants down, require them to carry a cumbersome object.  It could be a large pillow, full glasses of water, something heavy, etc.    

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!

And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) No indoor activities

2) No sharing bathrooms

3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.

4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

New-New Years Eve Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New-New Years Eve Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

GOODBYE 2020!  Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, no one will be sad to see you go.  And we have high expectations that 2021 will be better.  To make sure that happens, here are some fun and safe ideas for celebrating.

1) Watch the Ball Drop - Starting at 8PM (EST), there will be musical performances and celebrity interviews live from Times Square on NBC, ABC, Fox, CNN, and TimesSquareNYC.org.

2) Celebrate With Family and Friends With Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the night. Let them come and go as they please. 

3) Have Your Favorite Foods - Make a hearty dinner to say good riddance to 2020.  Maybe cookies and snacks for the evening to absorb festive beverages.    

4) Midnight Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you appreciate for them. And why you care for them.  Wish them a wonderful 2021!

5) Share Memories - Ask questions like "what was your best year?" "what is your earliest New Year's memory?" and "what's the strangest thing you've experienced during the New Year's?"  Get things started and it can provide you fun entertainment.

6) Online Games - Join friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

7) Share Memories Online - Post a New Year's photo and tell us a story about it.  Let us know who was there, what you're doing, when this happened, where it was, and why it was special.  Then invite your friends and family to do the same.

8) New Year's Movies - There's a lot of great movies set around New Years.  Here's a list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_set_around_New_Year.  Use Netflix Party (https://www.netflixparty.com/) and watch your favorites with friends and family.

9) Get Dressed Up - Want New Year's to feel special?  Wear something fancy.  We've all been home wearing pajamas and being lazy.  Do something fun, eat a nice meal, and take photos while looking stylish.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) No indoor activities

2) No sharing bathrooms

3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.

4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Mumbo Jumbo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

Mumbo Jumbo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 has left many of us speechless.  So, let's have fun and make a game out of it!

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people in your home or live alone?  Invite people to play on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 

2) That's What That Is - Grab your dictionary.  Don't have one, use dictionary.com.  If you want to make this even more difficult, fun, "adult," use the Urban Dictionary.

Game Rules:
3) The Definition Is... - Choose a player who'll start the game.  That player will select an obscure word from the dictionary, but will not reveal the definition.

4) It's All Made Up - One the obscure word is given, all the other players will write down a made up or guessed definition.  When finished, they'll give it to the player who chose the obscure word.   

5) Does That Sound Right? - Make sure all definitions are written discreetly by using the same paper.  If that's not available, have a cardboard screen or other means to block the view.  

The player who chose the obscure word will shuffle the real and made up definitions before reading them out loud.  Feel free to use voices and act it out.  Ham it up.

6) This Is a Democracy - Players will vote for the correct definition of the obscure word.  

a) 1 point for every vote a fake submission receives.

b) 2 points to every player who guesses the correct definition

c) 3 points to the obscure word selector if no one votes for their word

d) 4 points to a player who provides the correct definition to the obscure word.

First player to 20 points wins.  Or you could say whoever has the most points after reading two or three times from the dictionary.  

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!

And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) No indoor activities

2) No sharing bathrooms

3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.

4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't cancel Halloween.  It may be different.  But we are in this together and can still have fun. 

1) Decorate Your House - What could entertain your neighbors? Turn your yard into a haunted maze. Or the lawn is now a graveyard. Make a scary backdrop for kids to do a photoshoot.

2) Decorate A Neighbor's House - Surprise someone by making signs, filling their yard with witches and skeletons. Decorate pumpkins and leave them on their stoop.

3) You've Been Boo'ed - It's like a Halloween Secret Santa.  Make two signs or decorations, two gift packs, and secretly deliver the goodies to your neighbors.  Display sign/decoration somewhere prominently and leave instructions to do the same for two more neighbors.  Watch the fun spread through the neighborhood  

4) Hands-Free Bag-O-Candy - Grocery stores have bags and bags of candy. Some are all the same. Others are a mix of your favorites. The virus only lasts about 3 hours on paper and non-solid wrappers (at last update)

5) Neighborhood Costume Parade - Set a time for families to have a social distance parade down the street. If you have a neighborhood Facebook Group or other social media, share photos and give online awards for costumes like: scariest, funniest, most original, cutest, etc.

6) Zoom Costume Party - Send out invites, wear costumes, have a matching virtual background, make something together (spooky food, carve pumpkins, scary science experiment), play games (20 questions, truth or dare, would you rather). And don't forget the food and drinks.

7) Netflix Party (Scary Movies) - Watch a scary movie at home and invite your friends with Netflix Party (https://www.netflixparty.com/). Or share with the neighbors by projecting on your garage or bedsheet. Projectors are as cheap as $55 USD (https://www.lifewire.com/best-cheap-projectors-to-buy-4062263).

Need movie suggestions? Here's the Top 100 Horror Movies according to Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_horror_movies/

8) Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt - Invite your neighbors to participate in a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Have every participating neighbor provide item hidden in their yard for your list. This list can be shared to participants by email, Facebook Groups, or other way you communicate with neighbors. Consider using a hashtag and having participants share their finds on social media.

*Consider clues and prizes for all younger kids.

9) Haunted Drive-Thru - Coordinate with your neighbors to make your street haunted. Have a friendly competition with inflatable displays, choreography/actors, and outrageous designs for car viewing.

Too ambitious? Maybe partner with a few neighbors and friends to combine decorations. If someone has a good sized plot of land or a circular driveway, that's fun too.

10) Adults Too! - Halloween isn't just for kids. Grown-ups need fun too. Holidays are about bonding and shared experience. So find ways that everyone can participate in the fun.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed how we celebrate Halloween, but it won't stop us from having fun.  Here's a fun game, especially on a dark, foggy, autumn night.

1) What You Need - A flashlight, yard, black/dark clothes, and a dark and eerie night.

2) Set Up - Use items to mark "graves."  It can be anything, but cardboard tombstones can be fun to make beforehand.  Spread them out evenly throughout yard.

Place 4 "cemetery exit" alarms equally around the yard.  These should be something that light up or make a noise (ie - bells, whistles, kazoo, lantern, etc).   

3) Choose the Gravedigger - It can be completely random.  Draw straws, closest birthday, etc.  Give them the flashlight.  To have extra fun, wear an oversized black coat/blanket and carry a shovel.

4) Choose your Grave - Lie down in the marked grave.  You and everyone else are now a Zombie 

5) Play Game - The game starts when the Gravedigger says "Who goes there?"  The Zombies must crawl to one of the 4 exits to set off the alarm.  But, if the Gravedigger shines the flashlight on you while moving or making noise, you must return to your grave they say "back to your stone wayward soul."  You may remain if you're perfectly still and quiet.   

6) Other Movements - The Gravedigger cannot touch the Zombies.  But, the Gravedigger is allowed to try to trick you into moving, laughing, or making other noises.   

7) New Gravedigger - The first Zombie to reach a cemetery exit and say "Mmmm...  Brains!" is the new Gravedigger.  All Zombies must return to their graves.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) No indoor activities

2) No sharing bathrooms

3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.

4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Working For the Weekend: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Working For the Weekend: Having Fun During Coronavirus

While job hunting isn't "fun," work pays for all the entertainment. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the hiring process. So let's work together to find you a great new job.

1) Where To Look - Make sure your friends, family, former co-workers and neighbors know you're looking for work.  On average, you probably know about 600 people.  Those 600 people know about 600 other people and so on.  Use that network to your advantage.  There are also job boards.  If you apply for a job, look on social media to see if anyone you or a friend knows someone at that business.

GENERAL
1) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-andrew-seaman/
2) Indeed.com
3) Monster.com
4) CareerBuilder.com
5) Ziprecruiter.com
6) GlassDoor.com
7) better.job
8) jobs.birddoghr.com
9) careerjet.com
10) jobisjob.com
11) jobrapido.com

SPECIALIZED
Health
1) MedicalWorkers.com
2) HealthECareers.com
Student/Graduate
1) CareerOneStop.com
2) AfterCollege.com
3) CareerRookie
4) DiversityJobs
Construction
1) mepjobs.birddoghr.com
2) procoreconstructionjobboard.birddoghr.com/
Nonprofits
1) Idealist.org
2) jobs.philanthropy.com
3) PhilanthropyJournal.org
Disabilities
1) abilityJOBS.com
Advertising/Marketing
1) Adzuna.com
Entertainment
1) EntertainmentCareers.net
2) jobs.variety.com
Finance
1) CareerBank.com
2) eFinancialCareers.com
Military
1) https://usmilitarypipeline.com
Law
1) LawJobs.com

2) Beat the Bots - Human Resources will receive thousands of resumes because of online job boards. AI-powered platforms will scan your resume to determine if you will get through the initial screening. To do this, use the same descriptive words from the job description in your resume. The main focus should be the last ten years of work experience. And don't include pictures.

3) Ignore Job Titles (mostly) - Titles have largely become meaningless. What is a "Talent Delivery Specialist?" It may be the person who gives you your next job... What you need to do is talk to a human being. To do this, showcase your skills. You don't need 100% of the skills on the job description. Just enough to talk to someone about what the position is truly like and show your willingness to learn.

4) LinkedIn - I could give you a thousand reasons why LinkedIn is annoying, cumbersome, and counter-intuitive. But, one reason you should use it: recruiters and human resource departments use it A LOT. So, start or update your profile right now. Tell us what makes you unique and your achievements in the "about" section. For "experience," list all titles from organizations if you've received a promotion. Give a short summary of responsibilities and focus your project successes. In "skills and endorsements," add anything and everything you think is relevant to your career. This will help recruiters find you instead of you having to find them. If your project or program is featured online, include links. Have you ever been quoted in an article, spoke at a conference, or talked publicly: add it to your profile. And don't be shy about asking for recommendations from people you know from very different parts of your life.

5) Other Social Media - What will your future boss think about your posts? Use your empathy and/or ask someone you trust professionally to review your pages. Do you have posts about personal/relationship problems, complaints about boss/work, use violent/vulgar language, party/alcohol/drug photos, and religious/political rants? Be honest with yourself. It may determine if you'll get a job.

6) A Remote Interview? - This is how interviews are now conducted. This means you need to do more than wear your most professional outfit (Don't be casual just because you're at home). You need to "stage" your video call. This includes background selection, camera placement, lighting, and outfit choice. For more details, visit: Tips For Working At Home: Staging Your Virtual Office - https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/03/tips-for-working-at-home-staging-your.html

Make sure the space you interview in is quiet and private.  No distractions from kids, pets, or anything else.  And have a backup plan just in case your internet, video, or microphone fails.  

7) Character Over Skills - Have you ever been hired because they "liked you" or were friends with someone who already worked there? Everyone knows or can be trained to use MS Word, but a bad personality can be difficult to change. So, don't be afraid to showcase your kindness, communication, adaptability, empathy, and problem solving talents. During a remote work pandemic, these skills have a much higher value.

8) Gaps In Your Resume - In 2020 and beyond, almost everyone's resume will have lapses. But, you can be proactive in standing out as a candidate by filling in those spaces by volunteering, publishing articles, passion project, and online classes. Also, the people you meet may lead you to your next opportunity.

9) Thank You! - Before Coronavirus/COVID-19/politics, I would have suggested mailing a thank you note because they are more memorable (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/save-post-office.html). But, with HR staff at home and severe post office delays, decision makers may not see your letter until after they've hired someone else.

Instead, send individualized emails to everyone you've talked with at the organization. People are visual, so try to include a relevant photo in the email. If it's something of personal interest, even better (ie - if you talked about flowers in your gardens, send a photo of your landscaping). Anything that can make you positively stand out from the crowd.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog