Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
The Working Mom Blueprint
'The Working Mom Blueprint' is a sequel to 'The New Baby Blueprint' that is also written by Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP. This is another reference book that will give new parents and old parents sage advice when dealing with a new baby, toddlers, preschoolers and even teenagers. It will help them deal with tantrums at all ages, how you as parents should be working together to raise your child or children, how to do self-care for yourself and your spouse so issues will be able to be handled at least a little bit easier. There are many blocks with reminders throughout the book on these topics. It will seem that this reference book will repeat several topics that were in 'The New Baby Blueprint' so this book could be a review for some parents. My favorite chapter was the one 'Taking Care of Toddlers and Elementary School Kids' only because I studied Early Childhood and Elementary Education and I remembered what I learned and this book gave a good review.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The New Baby Blueprint
'The New Baby Blueprint' is an academic book written by Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP. This is a book that will give expectant parents what they need to know before their bundle of joy arrives. What they should do and need to do to have a healthy baby. It covers material from breastfeeding techniques to developmental milestones to making sure the parents are staying healthy physically and mentally. Whitney also shares at the end of book some activities that the new parents can do and share with whomever they wish if they need to figure anything out.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
All American Sex Addict.
"All American Sex Addict/Woke AF" at The Sargent Theatre of Actors is unique play. The real positive about this play is the even level of actors in this show; no one stands above the other in any noticeable way. In many off off Broadway shows one or two actors are leaps and bounds above the rest of the cast, but not here:the blend and workmanship is pretty consistent throughout the 80 minutes due to nice direction by Phoebe Leonard- Dettmann. While the female actors put forth a better performance than the male actors, the plot of the story keeps the audience locked in and we never really see any weak links.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Dreamgirls
"Dreamgirls" at the bucolic McCarter Theatre on the grounds of Princeton University is as good here as when I saw it back in 1982 on Broadway! The story and songs remain the same, however with a deft staging (stage and lighting cut between glam and jazzy sheik).
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
Motherhood
Parenthood or motherhood is one of the hardest professions there are in this world today it seems. Being a parent means that you are a little bit of everything from a nurse to a teacher to an accountant at times, and a whole lot more. You must be organized to the hilt most times to feel like you succeeded at this job or jobs.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Fatherhood
What does it mean to be a father? Some would think just the basics, but being a father should be the same as being a mother without going through nine months which would be impossible. Being a father is another one of those forever jobs just like being a mother.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Ode to the Musician
What is music and the musician that makes it so easy and fun to listen to at any given chance to listen? Music is a series of sounds and notes that come together that makes us relax or have a good time. Music is also something that lets us show our emotions much like writing and drawing does for me and others.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Ode to the Artist
What does it really mean to be an artist? Artists come in many shapes and sizes and forms. They are people of ideas that are picturesque as well as descriptive in what they are depicting. There are various mediums that one uses to be called an artist.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Ode to Writers
Who are writers? We all learn to write our letters whether in manuscript printing or in cursive. Does that make us all writers? I remember back in second grade and just learning how all the letters joined together to make words come alive and it was pretty as a picture written in cursive handwriting with all the lines and curves like the letters 'Q', 'L', 'S', and my favorite was the letter 'Z'. Anyway, what is a writer by profession that we chose to be during a period of our lives.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Water For Elephants.
"Water For Elephants" at the Imperial Theatre will enjoy what I think will be a long run on Broadway. Like "Music Man" and "Back to The Future", this wonderful musical will appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life. The music and lyrics by Pigpen Theatre Co. are not overly memorable, the choreography by Jesse Robb is simple and plain, however, the acting, the book by Rick Elice the direction by Jessica Stone and the circus design and acrobatics by Shana Carroll (Cirque du Soleil's Crystal) are outstanding.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).2 years ago in Critique
