Entertainment | Page 10 of 89

5 ways to make your basement more enjoyable

A basement is a huge perk for homeowners, but unfortunately, it’s often a space that is closed off and not thought about enough. Most homeowners (especially if the basement is unfinished), just push the project off to the side and do not really make use of it. And I get it – unfinished basements feel dark and dingy, so at best, you might just use it as storage, or perhaps you’ve put a spare fridge or your washer and dryer down there. But finishing a basement opens up an entire world of possibility, not only giving you quite a bit more usable square footage in your house, but also upping your home’s value. While finishing your basement might be a big investment, it’s almost certainly one that’ll pay off. Check out some of these ways to make your basement more enjoyable, finished, or not:

Waterproofing

One thing that most people hate about a basement is that it always feels musty and damp. If this is the case, your basement probably has some issues with water. First of all, you want to make sure that you waterproof your basement because you do not want to run into mold issues down the road — trust me. Then, once you get that issue figured out, purchase a good dehumidifier. It is a quick fix and it will help keep your basement comfortable – especially during the summer months. It will not only help it feel better, but if you had (or have) bugs, it will help protect against them, as well.

Add in a pool table

What better way to make a basement more enjoyable than to add in games, such as a pool table, like this Olhausen Coronado Pool Table from Absolute Billiard Services? This one was handcrafted in TN and constructed of solid maple or oak. Plus, it is available in 35 different finishes and comes with all playing essentials, which includes four cues, bridge stick, wall-mounted cue rack, set of billiard balls, 8-ball and 9-ball racks. It also comes with a lifetime warranty! Absolute Billiard Services does not just sell pool tables, though. They are a full-service billiard company focused on providing master-quality work matched with exceptional customer service. They move, recover, assemble, disassemble, calibrate, and repair all makes and models of pool tables including antiques. So, if you need help moving, repairing, or maintaining your new pool table for years to come, definitely call them. Their ratings are fantastic and they have over 17+ years of experience!

Oh basement, where is the love?

The Secret Garden, a graphic novel-elementary intro to a classic book

Have you seen those YouTube videos where creators listen to something that is well known in some circles, yet it’s the first time that they’ve experienced it? There’s the famous Phil Collins one and there are also some great ones that I like with Iron Maiden and Dream Theater. Those videos are fun to watch because they validate what we already know to be true, plus they’re entertaining and it’s great to see others enjoy what you personally, have liked for a while.

The Secret Garden is like that for me. I know it’s a classic and a book that millions, perhaps even every middle school reader alive have read. They’ve seen the movies, have dioramas about it, and more, yet I’ve never read it. The Secret Garden, a graphic novel is adapted by Mariah Marsden with illustrations by Hanna Luechtefeld and is a lovely piece of work.

The Secret Garden graphic novel presents the classic book via an all-age graphic novel that’s charming and great for ages 8 and up.

A graphic novel ye be, a reading this classic I will see

The Dragon Ark makes you want to believe in them

Statement or impact books are those literary things that draw you into it even if you’re not at all interested on the subject. They can have a cover so beautiful or alluring that you simply must open it. Alternately, the book could be so large or unique that you’re curious about its content. The Dragon Ark, Join The Quest To Save The Rarest Dragon On Earth is an oversized book that works on both levels. The book is huge and its size alone will make people want to see it. The illustrations on the front cover are also incredibly detailed. It features nine dragons flying near an island while a Chinese Junk is sailing below them. There are subtle glossy gold lines that make aspects of the dragons, trees, or boat further pop off of the page.

An impact book that wears its passion for dragons on its sleeve

All age comic books for December 2

Let’s combine the new all-age comic books from last week into this week, shall we? Thanksgiving week was a little skinny and the first week in December is lighter than usual so it’s a great time to visit your local comic book store and see what’s new. Every Tuesday new DC Comic Books are released, while everything else is still released on new comic book day, which is Wednesday. Whatever you’re looking for, there are lots of great options in all age comic books to catch up on.

Those preschool through third-grade readers who want to get off on the right reading foot needs to check out Pirate Stew by Neil Gaiman, with illustrations by Chris Riddell. This is silly, read-along, pirate fun that will introduce kids to an author that they’ll learn to love.

Kids love knock, knock jokes. Smart kids love Doctor Who. Combine the two and you’ve got Doctor Who, Knock, Knock! Who’s There? Joke Book that’ll make those non-Whovians wish they had BBC America, BritBox, or HBO Max. One of the best comic books on the market place is ending its run. Lumberjanes is a fabulous comic book that’ll entertain readers aged 9 and up. It might attract more girl readers than boys simply due to the fact that it takes place at a summer camp for girls. However, the story, action, and humor make this one of the great comic books that anyone will enjoy if they give it a chance.

There are also two Sonic the Hedgehog comics out this week. This series is great for elementary school readers and delivers action with humor and just enough reading to make those younger readers want to read more. In middle through high-school and up is Art of Star Wars Mandalorian. This looks at the concept art behind the hit Disney + show. It’s not a casual book that will be confused with a comic book. The price point is $40 and it’s more of a coffee table book for the Star Wars soul. It’s the art that will be demo friendly to those ages 10 and up, just have them look at it with clean hands.

Now, here are all of the all age comic books for this week.

Issues, get your issues.

Camp Warner Bros, Week 8 is all Family Matters and lots of Urkel

In the late 80’s I didn’t watch much television. I was aware of what cultural touchstones were out there and one of the largest was certainly the TGI-Fridays block of programming that was on ABC. It was equal, if not superior to the Must-See-TV era where Thursday night belonged to NBC. From 1989 to 1997 it was one of the largest cultural juggernauts on the planet that created a classic character and was go-to family viewing for a generation or two of kids. Family Matters was one of the lead television shows and every single season is available on disc or to stream at home.

Bonkers, can’t-miss TV from the 90’s is available on DVD and streaming

Week #6 of Camp Warner Bros, get active with Alex & Me

This week at Camp Warner Bros. is about family entertainment and getting away from the television. In addition to the surprisingly cute, family friendly film Alex & Me, there’s a nice workout that runs close to the movie. This is especially beneficial in the dog days of summer when it’s hot and you might need a new twist to get active.

Exercise-get your kids exercising (and motivated…)

Week #5 of Camp Warner Bros. has Teen Titans GO! and gets kids saving cash

This week at Camp Warner Bros. has a movie from one of the best-and smartest shows on television. Teen Titans GO! is much more than just a kid’s cartoon. It’s incredibly smart, well written and is self-aware enough to break animation boundaries that rival it against The Simpsons or Family Guy. There’s also a go-to craft that’s simple enough for kids to be able to do that allows them to channel their favorite Teen Titan and save money.

A great movie and a cash savvy craft for ages 8 and up

Camp Warner Bros. Week 4 has classic Scooby Gang meeting the WWE

Our kids love Scooby Doo. The oldest has been collecting the comic books since 2014. The youngest has gravitated more towards the screen incarnation of those meddling kids. As a matter of fact, just the other day we were out doing errands and our oldest shouted “look, there’s the Mystery Mobile”. It wasn’t an officially licensed vehicle or anything, just an old van that was painted to resemble their vehicle. All of this coincides nicely with this week’s Camp Warner Bros has Scooby-Doo!: WrestleMania Mystery! is the movie. Nothing Scooby Doo is complete without a Scooby Snack and this snack is utterly fabulous. Our kids loved eating it, helped make and even passed the health litmus test of our family’s snack police.

A great snack, an awesome Scooby adventure and summer fun