Cast Movies and TV shows... With Friends: Having Fun During COVID-19

Cast Movies and TV shows...  With Friends: Having Fun During COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has given us an unpleasant reality.  Fortunately, movies are a great source for escapism.  A necessary distraction into the world of imagination and fantasy.  Let's put our tendency to be couch potatoes to good use by making it a game.  

Games improve our outlook on life.  It activates neurons in our brain, which prevents diseases like dementia.  Having fun is medicine to fight anxiety and depression (https://anzmh.asn.au/mental-health/the-psychological-benefits-of-playing-cards/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20reconnecting%20with%20the,loss%20associated%20with%20older%20age.)  

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

2) Select a Movie Everyone Has Seen: This is not an exhaustive list.  There are countless other movies, foreign films, and other features people know and love.

2010+: Star Wars (sequel trilogy and spinoffs), Avengers (multiple), Black Panther, Jurassic World (multiple), Incredibles 2, The Lion King (Live Action), Finding Dory, Frozen (multiple), Batman: Dark Knight Rises, Toy Story (multiple), Beauty and the Beast (Live action), Captain Marvel, Hunger Games (multiple), Wonder Woman, Iron Man (multiple), Captain America, Harry Potter (multiple), American Sniper, Boyhood, Moonlight, 12 Years a Slave, Selma, Things To Come, Coco, John Wick (multiple), Train To Busan, Ladybird, Margaret, Toni Erdmann, Get Out, Carol, No, The Tree of Life, 

2000-2009: Avatar, Batman: The Dark Knight, Shrek (multiple), Pirates of the Caribbean (multiple), Spiderman (multiple), Transformers (multiple), Star Wars (prequel trilogy), Lord of the Rings (multiple), The Passion of the Christ, Finding Nemo, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Mulholland Drive, Gladiator, Children of Men, Lost In Translation, Sweet Home Alabama, 13 Going On 30, I Am Sam, Catch Me If You Can, The Notebook, American Psycho, Punch-Drunk Love, Grizzly Man, 

1990s: Titanic, Jurassic Park (multiple), The Lion King (animated), Forest Gump, Independence Day, The Sixth Sense, Home Alone (multiple), Men In Black (multiple), Toy Story (multiple), Twister, Mrs. Doubtfire, Beauty and the Beast (animated), Ghost, Aladdin, Saving Private Ryan, Austin Powers (multiple), Terminator 2, Armageddon, Dances With Wolves, Batman Forever (Val Kilmer), The Fugitive, Liar Liar, Before Sunrise, Groundhog Day, Goodfellas, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Piano, Close-Up, Schindler's List, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Selena, The Matrix (multiple), My Girl, Roger and Me, The Silence of the Lambs, Clueless, 

1980s: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Batman (Michael Keaton), Indiana Jones (multiple), Ghostbusters (multiple), Beverly Hills Cop (multiple), Back To the Future (multiple), Top Gun, Tootsie, Crocodile Dundee, Rain Man, Three Men and a Baby, Fatal Attraction, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Gremlins (multiple), Rambo (multiple), Do the Right Thing, The Shining, Die Hard (multiple), The Terminator, Dead Poets Society, Heathers, The Verdict, Blow Out, 

1970s: Star Wars (original trilogy), Jaws (multiple), Grease (multiple), The Sting, Superman (multiple), The Godfather (multiple), The Exorcist, Smokey and the Bandit, Animal House, Blazing Saddles, Rocky (multiple), Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Towering Inferno, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Love Story, Kramer Vs. Kramer, Airport, American Graffiti, Saturday Night Fever, The Poseidon Adventure, The Trial of Billy Jack, The Amityville Horror, Young Frankenstein, Every Which Way But Loose, Apocalypse Now, Star Trek (multiple), The Goodbye Girl, Heaven Can Wait, Alien (multiple), Hooper, Fiddler On the Roof, The Muppet Movie (multiple), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Suspiria,  

1960s: The Sound of Music, The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Jungle Book (animated), My Fair Lady, Thunderball, Cleopatra, 2001: A Space Odyssey (multiple), Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, How the West Was Won, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Funny Girl, Herbie: The Love Bug (multiple), James Bond (multiple), Bonnie and Clyde, The Dirty Dozen, Lawrence of Arabia, Midnight Cowboy, The Odd Couple, Valley of the Dolls, West Side Story, Doctor Zhivago, Bullitt, Easy Rider, The Longest Day, Romeo and Juliet, Tom Jones, Oliver!, The Bible: In the Beginning, Hawaii, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Hello Dolly!, Bob and Ted and Carol and Alice, Paint Your Wagon, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Mary Poppins, The Sand Pebbles, The Guns of Navarone, The Carpetbaggers, Spartacus, 8 1/2, Psycho, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Parent Trap, To Kill a Mockingbird, Z, 

1950s: The Ten Commandments, Lady and the Tramp (animated), Peter Pan (animated), Cinderella (animated), Ben-Hur, Sleeping Beauty (animated), The Bridge On the River Kwai, Around the World In 80 Days, This Is Cinerama, The Greatest Show On Earth, Rear Window, South Pacific, The Robe, Giant, Seven Wonders of the World, From Here To Eternity, White Christmas, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Sayonara, Cinerama Holiday, Demetrius and the Gladiators, Peyton Place, Some Like It Hot, Quo Vadis, Auntie Mame, Seven Samurai, Singin' In the Rain, Tokyo Story, The Seventh Seal, The Night of the Hunter, A Face In the Crowd, Rebel Without a Cause,  

Not satisfied with this list?  The American Film Institute has a bazillion more options at: https://www.afi.com/afi-lists/

3) The Audition - Once a movie or TV show is selected, who are the characters?  Think of the hero, the lancer, the ogre, the smarty-pants, the old timer, the rookie, the philosopher, and the comic relief.  

Which friend or family member would fit that role?  Who has the physicality, emotions, motivations, and intentions for the part?  Or for a twist, who'd be the most awkward loved one for the production? 

4) Defend Yourself From the Critic - To me, this is the most fun part as every is encouraged to submit their nomination and decide as a group.  State your case, have constructive feedback, and remember to laugh.  Describe specific scenes with your loved ones cast.  What would change and what is true to life?  

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

UNVACCINATED

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

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

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

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

2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people

3) No sharing bathrooms

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

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

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

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

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

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

Leprechaun On a Shelf?: Having Fun During COVID-19

Leprechaun On a Shelf?: Having Fun During COVID-19

I'm sure you know Elf On a Shelf, but doesn't a Leprechaun make more sense?  They're always getting into mischief.  And during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, we could all use a little luck of the Irish.  So, here are some things you can expect if you have a Leprechaun in your home.  Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!

1) Set a Leprechaun Trap - You need to catch a Leprechaun to start.  Here's a place for some suggestions: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/leprechaun-traps/ 

2) What Does Your Leprechaun Look Like? - You may find one online.  Maybe you have one already.  Or, take a cue from Flat Stanley and create your own Leprechaun: https://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/make-it-a-flat-stanley-summer/

3) Quarantine - Put the Leprechaun in a bubble before he joins your bubble.  It could be a 2-liter, food canister, or any other clear container.  And make sure he wears a mask and washes his hands.

4) Have Your Favorite Irish Foods - It doesn't get more Irish than corned beef and cabbage: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/.  But, there's more than just that.  Try making soda bread, oysters, Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boxty, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, coddle, and/or barmbrack.  

5) Hide and Seek - Where is the Leprechaun this morning?  Sleeping in a sock drawer?  Eating your cereal?  Whoever finds the Leprechaun should get a small prize, like small candy.

6) Playing a Board Game - After a long day of cobbling shoes, even Leprechauns need a break.  See what game he selects for this week's game night.  Some suggestions at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/02/board-game-night-having-fun-during.html

7) Exercising - If your Leprechaun is like mine, he has a bit of a gut on him.  Too much good food and drink at home, I guess.  So, let him announce to the family what today's household exercise will be.  Here are some ideas: https://morningchores.com/fun-family-exercises/.  Also, I will be building a ninja course in my backyard now...

8) Drive-In - Set up your tablet, projector, phone, or TV somewhere different like the patio or garage.  Lay out a blanket with snacks.  And watch an Irish movie like: My Left Foot, The Young Offenders, Cardboard Gangsters, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Irish Pub, The Crying Game, The Snapper, Once, Brooklyn, In the Name of the Father, The Guard, Sing Street, Bloody Sunday, Frank, The Quiet Man, The Commitments, The Secret of Kells, Philomena, The Magdalene Sisters, In America, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Be cautious if your Leprechaun chooses something from the Leprechaun film series...: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun_(film_series)

9) Practical Jokes - Leprechaun's love a good prank.  So, here's some ideas of what you can expect: https://mashable.com/article/easy-pranks/

10) Pot O' Candy - You've been tolerant and patient with the Leprechaun.  For that kindness, Leprechauns are known to leave treats behind.  Something he probably learned from the Easter Bunny.

More St. Patrick's Day Activities at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/03/new-st-patricks-day-traditions-having.html

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

New St. Patrick's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New St. Patrick's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

We could all use a little extra luck of the Irish during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.  While plans will be different this year, at least we'll be able to plan ahead unlike last year.  So, here are some safe and fun ideas for celebrating.  Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!

1) Wear Green - It's the color of a shamrock.  A symbol of defiance against British oppression that has become a symbol of Ireland itself.  A way to show kinship with Gaelic people.

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) St. Patrick's Day Mass - Watch an Irish Catholic Mass at: https://www.dublindiocese.ie/watch-listen-live/.

4) Stream An Irish Parade - Well, that's been cancelled...  But, March 12-17th, Dublin is hosting the St. Patrick's Festival instead.  More information at: http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/

New York City's Virtual Parade will be livestreamed at: https://www.nycstpatricksparade.org/parade/watching-the-parade/

5) Have Your Favorite Irish Foods - It doesn't get more Irish than corned beef and cabbage: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/.  But, there's more than just that.  Try making soda bread, oysters, Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boxty, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, coddle, and/or barmbrack.  

6) Have a Pint (or two)! - This is why we're all Irish on Saint Patrick's day, right?  And we all know about Guinness.  But, you may want to try Murphy's, Kilkenny, Smithwick, Harp, Hop House, O'Hara's, Porterhouse, or Wild Irish Goose too.  

Don't like beer?  Try Magners cider

Looking for something stronger?  Look for Irish whiskey like Dead Rabbit, Tullamore D.E.W., Redbreast, Bushmills, Jameson, Teeling, Sexton, Knappogue Castle, Green Spot, Powers Gold Label, Tyrconnell, and/or Slane.  But, maybe in something more moderate than in a pint glass...

7) Irish Music - It's time to expand your playlist.  Here are some suggestions: U2, Thin Lizzy, Rusangano Family, Fight Like Apes, SOAK, Fontaines DC, Damien Rice, Adrian Crowley, David Holmes, Chequerboard, Villagers, Ash, Andy Irvine and Paul Brady, Talos Republic of Loose, The Frank and Walters, Just Mustard, The Cranberries, Therapy?, Van Morrison, The Frames, Enya, Two Door Cinema Club, Rejjie Snow, Lankum, Kojaque, Clannad, Planxty, James Vincent McMorrow, The Divine Comedy, Gemma Hayes, The Sultans of Ping FC, Jafaris, The Undertones, The Pogues, Rollerskate Skinny, My Bloody Valentine, Fatima Mansions, Cathy Davey, Sinead O'Connor, The Immediate, Roisin Murphy, Whipping Boy, A House, and Girl Band.

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

9) Share Memories Online - Post a St Patrick's Day 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.

10) Irish Movie Marathon - There's lots of great Irish movies.  Here is a small list: My Left Foot, The Young Offenders, Cardboard Gangsters, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Irish Pub, The Crying Game, The Snapper, Once, Brooklyn, In the Name of the Father, The Guard, Sing Street, Bloody Sunday, Frank, The Quiet Man, The Commitments, The Secret of Kells, Philomena, The Magdalene Sisters, In America, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

11) 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!!!

12) Get Dressed Up - Want St Patrick's Day 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 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

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

Movie Superfan: Having Fun During COVID-19

Movie Superfan: Having Fun During COVID-19

1 EXT. PLANET EARTH - DAY

(deep male voice boom)

In a world with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), only one actor can save the planet by keeping it entertained.  Who will you choose?

End of Act One    

1) Who Is Your Favorite Actor? - Who is someone you'll watch in any movie; good or bad?  Maybe there's an actor that you want to see more of their work.  Every member of the household could have a selection too.  Don't have anyone in mind?  Here's a few suggestions: Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Katherine Hepburn, Denzel Washington, Bette Davis, Marlon Brando, Viola Davis, Morgan Freeman, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert De Niro, and so many more at: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls053085147/

2) That's More Than I Expected? - Copy and or print a list of all their films for tracking.  

3) The Alpha and Omega of ____'s Career - Start watching!  You can begin in chronological order.  Or you could try alphabetical order.  If the actor has lots of old, obscure, or difficult to find movies it could be in order of acquisition.

4) When To Watch? - You could binge all their work.  Or, pick a night of a week to watch.  My wife and I like listening to podcasts and other research on Wednesdays and then watch the film on Saturday.  It makes even bad movies fun because we know some backstories, details to look for, and plot holes that don't make sense.

5) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some movie inspired drinks: https://tastessence.com/amazing-cocktails-inspired-by-movies 

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

Valentine's Gratitude Board: Having Fun During COVID-19

 

Valentine's Gratitude Board: Having Fun During COVID-19

Valentine's Day is about gratitude and kindness for everyone; not just romantic couples.  During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's good to remind ourselves that we a lot to appreciate in our lives.  Let's see how lucky we are with a gratitude board.

1) What Is a Gratitude Board? - It's easy.  It's just a poster board, cardboard, side of fridge, large concrete retaining wall, or anything that you can write what you're grateful for.  It can be as simple or as complicated as you'd like.  It can be your wall with Post-It Notes.  Or it can be ornately designed to complement your interior decor.  It can be all photos!

2) What Am I Grateful For? - This is a moment to forget about the news media and nasty attitudes on social media.  It's a time to reflect on what really matters to you.

People: Think about your partner, kids, parents, grandparents and other loved ones.  Who are your friends and why?  A confidant at work.

Actions: Did someone do something nice for you today?  Help you in a moment of need.  Or just listened to you during a moment of difficulty?

Stuff: Do you appreciate the food, shelter, clothing, and your health?  Say it.

The Small Things: Gratitude doesn't have to be grand.  In fact, beauty comes in small doses.  It can be a sunny day.  Maybe a smile during an absurd meeting on Zoom.  A funny moment while walking the dog.  

3) Who Should Participate? - This is a personal choice and should not be forced on anyone.  Your attitude is your decision.  This can be done individually as a form of self-care.  Or you can paint a piece of plywood and have the whole neighborhood take part in being happy.

4) When Should I Be Grateful? - Set aside a moment each day for a little reflection.  Have a reminder on your phone if that helps.  Some people find that it helps set the tone for the day if it's the first activity they do after waking up.  Others find it reassuring if it's the last thing they do before bed.  There's no correct answer.  Do what works best for you.

5) Where Should I Be Grateful? - It should be somewhere that will be viewed by all participants regularly.  If it's for you, it can be on your bedroom mirror or a daily used notebook.  For a family, a kitchen or living room might be more appropriate.  Create an online board with friends and others on social media.  All contributors should see it frequently and be able to access at all times. 

6) Why Am I Doing This? - I admit, when this was introduced to me I thought it was cheesy and just another unnecessary chore.  But, I witnessed a moment when negative words and actions caused a loved one pain at a time that should have been very joyful.  So, I decided to take it seriously and find ways for it to be personally meaningful.  

Oddly enough, there was a science experiment about it.  When soccer/football players were positively told to kick a ball to the top left corner of the goal, they were far more accurate because that's what they focused on.  But, when soccer/football players were negatively told to avoid kicking the ball to the bottom right of the goal, the ball ended up their the majority of the time because that's what they focused on.  (If you know of this study, please let me know so I can cite it).  The lesson: If you focus on happiness you're far more likely to be happy.

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

Will You Be My Valentine?: Having Fun During COVID-19

Will You Be My Valentine?: Having Fun During COVID-19

Valentine's Day is about love and gratitude for everyone; not just romantic couples.  During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's good to remind ourselves that we're still connected to a lot of wonderful people.  Tell them.  

1) You Made A Difference  - What are some important, pivotal moments in your life?  Did a teacher encourage you to try something new in school?  Was it a friend helping you with a project in college.  Maybe a relative that gave you a little extra support when you needed it most.  Who helped you become the person you are today?

2) Dear ______, - To those important people in your life, write them a letter.  Address them directly and honestly.

3) Because of You - In your letter, state the specific actions they took that you appreciated.  Why it means so much to you.  And the impact that it has had on your life.

4) Update - Let them know what you're doing now, especially if you haven't seen them in a very long time.  Maybe how their kindness made a part of your life possible.  Or how frequently you recall their support. 

5) Short and Sweet - Try to keep it to one page.  Handwritten is more personal.  And easier to remember and have as a keepsake.

6) Public Display of Affection - For very private, personal, and/or sentimental messages, it's probably best to send by mail.  But, I also encourage public messages on social media.  It's okay to let the world know that someone is awesome.   

7) If You Break This Chain... - Encourage spreading the kindness. End with saying "I hope this inspires you to send a gratitude letter to someone else you're better for knowing."

8) Why Am I Doing This? - I admit, when this was introduced to me I thought it was cheesy and just another unnecessary chore.  But, I witnessed a moment when negative words and actions caused a loved one pain at a time that should have been very joyful.  So, I decided to take it seriously and find ways for it to be personally meaningful.  

Oddly enough, there was a science experiment about it.  When soccer/football players were positively told to kick a ball to the top left corner of the goal, they were far more accurate because that's what they focused on.  But, when soccer/football players were negatively told to avoid kicking the ball to the bottom right of the goal, the ball ended up their the majority of the time because that's what they focused on.  (If you know of this study, please let me know so I can cite it).  The lesson: If you focus on happiness you're far more likely to be happy.

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