Sleeping with the Dinosaurs

by Iva Skoch on

Starting next month, the Natural History Museum in New York City will host all-night sleepovers.

I thought this would be a great opportunity to save some money on rent in Manhattan while actually having a view of something other than a brick wall, but that was just too good to be true….Not only is the invitation extended only to kids 8-12 years old, you also have to pay $79 per person. And no, I don’t think you get Best Western points for that, either.

According to Newyorkology, $79 is a good deal. The Bronx Zoo apparently charges $4,500/group and FAO Schwarz sets you back $25,000 for a private sleepover. Unless Michael Jackson pays, of course.

North Korea Dance Video

by Erik Olsen on


I can’t vouch for the authenticity of this video, but it sure seems like it’s something that would come out of an axis of evil…if by evil we mean tormenting young children through dance. The video here is said to be of some North Korean kids doing the kind of passionate, high-intensity dance steps you’d expect from a rogue nation…or American Idol, for that matter.

In all honesty, I thought it was very cute. Kinda made me feel warm and tingly for the North Koreans…for the kids, anyway. But you just KNOW that Kim Jong Il had a say in the choreography. He’s apparently quite talented, you know. Very artistic.

I mean, look at those suits! So 70’s, so Sid and Marty Croft, in a way…which kind of begs the question :maybe the North Koreans aren’t so far behind us after all.

Kid Travel Help

by Erik Olsen on

Way back during April, April 1 to be exact, we posted about a fictional ,but much-needed device for airplanes called the Baby Cone of Silence .The idea is that babies (you know who you are!), while cute, and fun and adorable…are also head-achingly loud when they want to be.

Now, I know how hard it can be to travel with kids, so I have sympathy. And more than that, I am here to offer a link to advice on how you might make your next rip with the kids a bit easier on everyone. Now, after reading these, I have to say that they might work for some kids ,but not all. And by no means will they be effective for anyone under 2, so beware.

1) Have a discussion with your child and explain how to behave during the trip. Tell them what to expect and how important it is to act in accordance with the Geneva Convention (OK, I made that up.)

2) Take a moment to explain the various safety features of a plane or train pointing out oxygen masks and emergency exits.

3) Ask crew members is there are any special safety equipment or issues for children.

4) Has your child slept well? I hope so.

5) Don’t send your child alone to the bathroom (duh?!).

6) Don’t allow the child to spread his/her things around (i.e. Game Boys, Power rangers, dolls, small nuclear devices).

So there you have it. Lots of fun rules to help make travel with the kids so much easier.