Joel Gratcyk
(He/Him)
Covers:
Parenting, Travel, Craft Beer, Bourbon, WordPress, Star Trek, Streaming Services, Online Shopping, Family, Video Games, etc.
Articles by Joel Gratcyk
Capitalism’s Harsh Reality When Talking About Productivity & Parental Worth
Late stage capitalism is wild. Everything is commodified and consumable. Simple existence is now an expensive undertaking. Food, shelter, education, transportation, entertainment, and more are ever increasing in cost. I wake up everyday with a laundry list of tasks like most others do. The list includes things that need to be done, things that should be done, and things that I’d like to get done but will likely not because of a lack of time, resources, energy, etc.
"Why Do We Fight?" by Niki Walker
Our world is in constant flux. Countries and nations are friends, enemies, and something in-between in a way that is sometimes questioned on an hourly basis. Teams of politicians, commentators, and community leaders are tasked with sorting it all out as their full-time job. It is, no wonder, difficult to explain this messy and confusing situations to children as the news often is full of violence and propaganda. Enter the book “Why Do We Fight? Conflict, War, and Peace” by Niki Walker.
U.S. Virgin Islands Signs New Multi-Year Partnership with the Chicago Cubs
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism recently announced an expansion of its sports collaborations with the launch of a new multi-year partnership with the Chicago Cubs. The partnership creates an "unparalleled opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands to reach deep into the Midwest market and connect with a broad range of potential travelers." Recognized worldwide, the Cubs franchise is a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876.
A Guide To My Journey So Far
Connecting with hiring managers can be challenging when your unique experiences don’t align with their conventional expectations. Nontraditional candidates often face hurdles in a world where most hiring managers have followed traditional career paths. But here’s the twist – my journey as a nontraditional candidate is a testament to my strength, not a hindrance. Consider the following highlights list of my accomplishments: 🚀 I’ve orchestrated multiple six-figure crowdfunding campaigns.
A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harar
If you’re looking for a book that might just change the way you think about… everything, this book is it. This book is all about the idea of shared myths (or fictions) and their power to influence. Things like religion, money, countries, and countries are all uniquely human constructs. Some have their uses while others simply are tools of oppression and control. One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one—homo sapiens.
BLUE BEETLE Hits Theaters on August 18th
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes. Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it.
NEW Series from Netflix After School Hits the Streaming Service This July: "Supa Team 4"
Four teens are just trying to survive secondary school when an ex-spy recruits them for her superhero team. Their newest assignment? Saving the world. Supa Team 4 arrives on Netflix July 20! Four teen girls living in the neo-futuristic African city of Lusaka are recruited by a retired secret agent still committed to saving the world… even if it’s on a budget.
JetBlue Becomes the First Major U.S. Airline to Serve Non-Alcoholic Beer in the Skies » BreweryFinder.org
Athletic Brewing Company, America’s leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer, today announced that JetBlue will become the first major U.S. airline to sell non-alcoholic beer at 35,000 feet. Beginning in May 2023, JetBlue customers will be able to enjoy Athletic Brewing’s award-winning Upside Dawn Golden on all domestic flights.
"The Classic Christmas Specials Collection" Has Three of My Holiday Favorites Now in 4K UHD!
‘Tis the season to enjoy the timeless holiday classics in THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SPECIALS COLLECTION featuring 3 classic stories. Produced by Rankin/Bass, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town feature iconic “Animagic” stop-motion animation and Frosty the Snowman is beautifully animated.
"Sago Mini Friends" Now Streaming on Apple TV+
Based on the award-winning Sago Mini World app, the series focuses on gratitude and features your kiddo’s favorite characters, including Harvey, Jinja, Jack, and Robin! Along with a unique cast of residents, the four friends play, explore, imagine, and celebrate daily in their town of Sagoville – and beyond! In each episode, Harvey and all his friends express their true thankfulness for all things, big and small, through optimism, kindness, preschool-friendly humor, and some seriously catchy...
Code Your Own Dance Party with Coldplay and Code.org
Code.org is teaming up with Coldplay to inspire students to code & dance.
“Friends: The Complete Series” Now on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD!
Disclaimer: I was able to partner with Warner Brothers Home Entertainment for the creation and sharing of this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Friends: The Complete Series [Trailer] We started watching Friends: The Complete Series today on VUDU. Yes, we own the set on DVD (twice), but there is something to be said about autoplay when binge watching such a show on digital.
UNited We Eat Challenge
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · April 12, 2020 It is more important than ever to cook healthy meals for myself and my family. Cooking nutritious meals with limited ingredients may feel daunting, but it is more than possible. That’s why I’ve joined the #UNitedWeEat challenge to show you my some of my best-balanced recipes using simple ingredients. After all, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can boost your immune system and help protect from infections and other diseases.
30 Days of Activities At Home With The Kids [Day Twenty]
I started writing this series the morning I got an email from my son’s school issuing a notice saying that the schools would be closed for at least two weeks (but likely longer) due to the current Covid-19 outbreak. Many parents are in the same spot. This is why I’m doing this. Each day I’ll share a simple activity that you can do with your kids that will help pass the time. Sometimes these with be educational. Sometimes these activities will be family projects.
30 Days of Activities At Home With The Kids [Day Eighteen]
I started writing this series the morning I got an email from my son’s school issuing a notice saying that the schools would be closed for at least two weeks (but likely longer) due to the current Covid-19 outbreak. Many parents are in the same spot. This is why I’m doing this. Each day I’ll share a simple activity that you can do with your kids that will help pass the time. Sometimes these with be educational. Sometimes these activities will be family projects.
National Beer Day is April 7th
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Top Agency for the creation and sharing of this post. 7 Best Beer Pong Trick Shots Ever video from NationalToday.com If you know anything about me you’ll know that I’m a father, a tech geek, and a beer nerd. Breweries are great to visit, but are not a necessity to celebrate. Grocery stores, liquor stores, beer festivals, restaurants, bars, and even personal collections can keep beers in your hands.
Own “The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Series” Set Today
I count myself as a fan of the show, but have only seen the first few seasons. Not having cable to stay up-to-date on the show and not owning the seasons has prevented me from catching up. If I can get a hold of this complete series set you bet I’ll be spending my shelter in place time watching it! The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Series now available for purchase on digital, DVD, and Blu-ray.
“Impractical Jokers: The Movie” Giveaway (For the Parents)
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on the creation and sharing of this post. 10 challenges. 3 tickets. 1 wild ride. The story of a humiliating high school mishap from 1992 that sends the Impractical Jokers on the road competing in hidden camera challenges for the chance to turn back the clock and find redemption. – truTV I’d never heard of the truTV show Impractical Jokers until after I saw Impractical Jokers: The Movie.
“The Call of the Wild” Family Fun Activities & A Giveaway
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · March 31, 2020 Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Think Jam on the creation and sharing of this post. Adapted from the beloved literary classic, The Call Of The Wild vividly brings to life the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog, and the man (Harrison Ford) he must learn to trust. Buck’s life is turned upside down when he’s pulled from domestic life in California to become a member of a mail delivery sled team in the Alaskan Yukon during the 1890s.
30 Days of Activities At Home With The Kids [Day Fifteen]
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · March 30, 2020 I started writing this series the morning I got an email from my son’s school issuing a notice saying that the schools would be closed for at least two weeks (but likely longer) due to the current Covid-19 outbreak. Many parents are in the same spot. This is why I’m doing this. Each day I’ll share a simple activity that you can do with your kids that will help pass the time. Sometimes these with be educational.
30 Days of Activities At Home With The Kids [Day Two]
I started writing this series the morning I got an email from my son’s school issuing a notice saying that the schools would be closed for at least two weeks (but likely longer) due to the current Covid-19 outbreak. Many parents are in the same spot. This is why I’m doing this. Each day I’ll share a simple activity that you can do with your kids that will help pass the time. Sometimes these with be educational. Sometimes these activities will be family projects.
30 Days of Activities At Home With The Kids [Day One]
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · March 16, 2020 I started writing this series the morning I got an email from my son’s school issuing a notice saying that the schools would be closed for at least two weeks (but likely longer) due to the current Covid-19 outbreak. Many parents are in the same spot. This is why I’m doing this. Each day I’ll share a simple activity that you can do with your kids that will help pass the time. Sometimes these with be educational.
A ‘Five Iron Frenzy’ Story
Two weeks ago today, Five Iron Frenzy announced that they were coming back to the music scene. After months of waiting to see what the band’s website countdown was about, weeks of teasing social media posts, and a scavenger hunt that was more hype than substance, the two words that fans had been waiting years for hit the web “We’re Back!” There was a Kickstarter campaign launched to raise $30,000 for a new album, which was funded in 54 minutes. That number reached $160,000+ in just two weeks.
A Disney’s “Frozen 2” Giveaway
Disclaimer: I’ve partnered with Disney on the creation and sharing of this post. The No. 1 Animated Feature Film of All Time is now available on Digital. Hits 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on Feb. 25. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” is known around the world having become the No. 1 animated feature of all time. The home release includes a sing-along version of the movie and all-new extras, on Digital in 4K Ultra HD™, HD and Movies Anywhere on Feb.
An Interview with R. Alan Brooks
R. Alan Brooks pictured. Photo by Justine Martinez. R. Alan Brooks is the author of a new graphic novel featuring a sci-fi story that is meant to be an allegory for leaving white supremacist movements. I met Alan back in 2004 when he was on tour with several other artists doing spoken word art. We’ve stayed connected off and on since then. He’s an amazing artist, musician, and storyteller you should know about.
National Pizza Day is February 9
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · February 6, 2020 Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Top Agency for the creation and sharing of this post. National Pizza Day video from NationalToday.com You know why I love pizza so much? There are a million kinds to choose from. The differences in brands, styles, toppings, and ingredients is nearly endless. And I, just like everyone else, have my favorites. Let’s break it down. I eat basically 4 kinds of pizza: Deep dish, tavern-style, thin crust, and pan.
One Father's Take on Why “Like a Girl” Should No Longer Be Considered an Insult
Home / Families / One Father’s Take on Why “Like a Girl” Should No Longer Be Considered an Insult Joel Gratcyk recalls his personal history with being told he was acting “like a girl” and how he plans to make sure that his children recognize the phrase as the compliment it is. — “You hit like a girl!” he shouted. I was six and had just been insulted by Jake. He was a fellow student and resident cool guy in first grade. I wanted to be just like him.
Recycle That Old Phone (Tablet or MP3 Player) with ecoATM
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · July 21, 2014 Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, in conjunction with ecoATM. I received compensation for the creation and sharing of this post. Like most Americans I love my gadgets. And like many I simply collect old phones. They end up in a drawer or a box and I don’t think about them again until I move or decide to “sort” things. I’ve been in a sorting mood recently and ran across my wife’s old Apple iPhone 3G.
We’re All In This Together, Right?
My great-grandmother came to the United States from Hungary as a toddler three generations ago. She was woken up in the middle of the night, as the story has been told to me, and taken over the mountains to board ships that were headed for the USA. She and her family were fleeing the violence that was happening in Europe at the time. I can’t help but to think about this more and more recently.
Five Remote Job Sites You Should Be On Right Now
Looking for a Remote Position? Here are the websites to focus on when searching for that perfect remote employment. There are hundreds of job sites out there for everything under the sun (and a few up in space). I’ve spent far too many hours jumping from site to site without finding exactly what I’m looking to do. That changed when I started spending some time on the sites listed below. Sign-up, apply and find a new gig today. Just remember to move fast.
How To Launch A Legit Blog On The Cheap with HostGator
Disclosure: I may earn a commission from HostGator if you use my referral link to make a purchase. This involves no extra cost and benefits me as a content creator. Thank you for your generous support! A step-by-step guide to get you started blogging… Baby selfie from when my blog was still new-ish back in 2014. I’ve been blogging about parenthood for several years now and have experienced the ups & downs that come with it. You might have joined me on that journey when I started it.
Create Custom Polaroids Direct from Your Phone's Screen in a Click
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · November 15, 2019 Disclosure: I have been compensated by Polaroid and Best Buy for the creation and sharing of this post. All opinions are my own. I love turning memories into photos with the help of my phone on a daily basis. Now, I can turn those photos into physical copies with the Polaroid Lab! I try and take a photo (or more, sometime many more) every day to document my kids lives as they get older. Kids grow up so quickly.
The Disney+ Content I'm Most Excited About on Launch Day
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · November 12, 2019 Disney launched their long anticipated streaming service today in the U.S. with a few hiccups along the way. Many have been looking forward to this for month. My family included. And to be clear, this is in no way a sponsored post. It’s just me sharing a bit. The demand for #DisneyPlus has exceeded our highest expectations. We are so pleased you’re excited to watch all your favorites and are working quickly to resolve any current issues.
Johnsonville Tailgate Throwdown Contest & Kicking Sausage Recipe
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · October 30, 2019 Reading Time: 4 minutes Disclosure: I have been compensated for my creation and sharing of this sponsored recipe and the promotion of the Johnsonville Tailgate Throwdown contest. All options shared here are honest and my own. Do You Have What It Takes to Win the Johnsonville Tailgate Throwdown? The Johnsonville Tailgate Throwdown contest is all about finding the best sausage-inspired tailgating recipe. Do you have a family favorite?
Awesome Achievers Book Series
Reading Time: 3 minutes Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that will allow me to earn a commission on purchases you make via clicks though to various online shops. I was sent copies of each of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions contains here in are honest and my own. My son loves learning. I’d like to think he got that from me, but my wife is also an avid learner. We take weekly (if not more often) trips to the local library in search of answers to his questions.
Veronica Mars (2019): The Complete First Season now on DVD and Blu-ray
Reading Time: 2 minutes Disclaimer: Warner Brothers sent me the DVD set of Veronica Mars (2019): The Complete First Season to review. My first exposure to Veronica Mars was this most recent release. I knew nothing more than that Kirsten Bell, the show’s lead, was a private detective before starting the 2019 season. The show had some inside jokes and references I missed, but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the show for me. It’s a cheesy, romantic, and sometimes just a little bloody.
Reviews.org Will Pay 5 People $1,000 to Watch 30 Movies on Disney+ in 30 Days
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · October 23, 2019 Reading Time: 1 minute Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored or associated with Disney. It’s just my take on a press release I got from Reviews.org. Are you a huge Disney fan? Like, over the top, watch Disney movies and TV on repeat sort of fan? Don’t mind talking in front of a camera about said entertainment? This contest by Reviews.org might just be up your alley.
Free Bowling Offer at Lucky Strike in Chicago During CPS Strike
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · October 21, 2019 Reading Time: 1 minute Two Lucky Strike locations in Chicago are offering free bowling and shoe rental to kids throughout the Chicago Public Schools Strike every weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lucky Strike Social in Wrigleyville (1027 W Addison Street) and Lucky Strike Chicago Streeterville (322 East Illinois) are both participating in the offer.
Toy Story 4 is Now Out on DVD, Blu-ray & Digital [Giveaway]
Reading Time: 2 minutes Disclaimer: We got a review copy of Toy Story 4 thanks to Disney. Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.
Making Housework Easier With the iRobot Roomba 870
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · March 21, 2015 Reading Time: 2 minutes Disclaimer: I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. I share the housework with my wife on a pretty even basis. We share lots of the laundry, cleaning and childcare duties based on our work schedules. Vacuuming, however, has been one of the chores that has remained squarely in my realm of responsibility.
A Birth Story As Told By The Father To Be
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · March 31, 2014 Reading Time: 8 minutes This post was written a few days after my son was born. It’s being posted today (one year later) as a reminder to myself of the wonder and intense experience of childbirth. This is the day I became a father. This is the day that changed my life forever. This is the day I learned that I could love a child more than I had ever thought. I hope you enjoy walking down memory lane with me today.
Nintendo Switch Road Trip 2019
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · June 24, 2019 Reading Time: 2 minutes Nintendo is hitting the road again this summer and holing a Kick-Off Party at Chicago’s Navy Pier.
"Free Kids Summer Movie Escape" at CMX Market Old Orchard in Skokie, IL
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · June 16, 2019 Reading Time: 2 minutes Now through August 1: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays CMX Market Cinema Old Orchard, a unique combination of luxury movie-going experience with refined self-serve culinary and beverage selections, will debut its “Free Kids Movie Escape” promotion, offering the latest movies at no charge for all guests on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 10 a.m. throughout August 1, 2019.
The Chicago Dogs Baseball Makes for a Perfect Family Night Out
Disclosure: My family and I were invited as guests to attend a Chicago Dogs. The following opinions are my own. Abigail and I attended a Chicago Dogs game last year. It was fun and we’d been talking about attending again with the kids for months. That finally happened last week. We were invited back to be guests at a game during a beautiful night at the ballpark inside Impact Field in Rosemont, IL.
Add Some 4K UHD Entertainment To Your Outdoor Relaxation Area
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · June 1, 2019 Reading Time: 2 minutes No backyard or deck is complete without a weatherproof TV to share home movies, funny online videos, watch live sports, or the scary movies on the porch. The SunBrite Veranda Series Outdoor 4K UHD HDR TVs at Best Buy fit this bill perfectly. The Veranda Series of SunBriteTVs are designed specifically for outdoor use.
"How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" Out Today
by Joel Gratcyk (Daddy's Grounded) · May 21, 2019 Reading Time: 2 minutes A great big thank you goes out to DreamWorks for sending us a review copy of the new film. Nearly ten years after the first movie wowed audiences around the world, Hiccup and Toothless return to captivate fans with an adventure of a lifetime in DreamWorks Animation’s HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD.
‘Roadtrip’ Hits Apple’s App Store
Road Trip! product feature video. Time for a Road Trip! A music listening app that invites you and your friends to jam out together just like you’re in the same room. Play DJ and try to climb the leaderboard or sit back and let someone else control the tunes during your next commute, workout, or spare couple minutes! – Product Hunt Who doesn’t like being the DJ? Sharing new music, enjoying the classics, playing that earworm on repeat.
Hey David, - Daddy's Grounded
Reading Time: 1 minute I hear you’ll be in Chicago this month. My wife is a HUGE fan, but had to sell her ticket (and give up meet & greet passes) to C2E2 because she couldn’t get off of work. She also missed out last time you were scheduled to be at a ComicCon in Chicago because you had to cancel your appearance. She’s still bummed about it. She works in airline safety so it isn’t exactly a job she can just “call in sick” and meet you. So… I have a small favor to ask.
Twenty Dads I'm Going to Miss Seeing at Dad 2.019 Summit
Reading Time: 2 minutes I’ve attended the Dad 2.0 Summit every year since 2014. It is an amazing annual conference focused on fatherhood and the media. Every year something cool happens and I learn so much. I love to attend because I get to hang out with my friends, interact with brands, and learn new things in various sessions and breakouts.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Joel
Contact Joel, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack