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Friday, September 4, 2026

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Author

Ray Kowalski

Ray Kowalski reviews things for people who will keep them seven years, not seven days. He tests family plans and smart-home setups with real timings and costs, writes verdict reviews, and reports the deals, slates and funding rounds behind consumer entertainment.

Lead Writer

Independent editorial contributor covering consumer reviews, family activities, smart home testing and entertainment business.

Articles by Ray Kowalski

Bright building blocks and small tools on a table

Minecraft for New Families: What to Know Before the First World

Ray Kowalski

What Does a PG-13 Rating Actually Mean? How Movie Ratings Really Get Decided

What Does a PG-13 Rating Actually Mean? How Movie Ratings Really Get Decided

Ray Kowalski

Bar chart comparing 2026 domestic opening weekends

Entertainment News

US Box Office Is Boiling Over, Led by Family Films

Ray Kowalski

Open photo album with printed snapshots on wooden shelf

Preserving Family Memories: A Photo-and-Stories System Anyone Can Maintain

Ray Kowalski

Family sorting donation boxes at community center

Volunteering With Kids: What They Can Do at Every Age (and Where to Start)

Ray Kowalski

Parent and child reading together on sofa

Book to Film Adaptations: A Read-First Family Guide

Ray Kowalski

Four hands holding colorful controllers during a living room tournament

The Best Four-Player Party Games for One Couch

Ray Kowalski

Toy-filled child's bedroom at dusk with warm lamp glow

Entertainment News

Toy Story 5 Opens to About $160 Million as Pixar's Toys Return

Ray Kowalski

Decorated celebration table with lanterns, sweets and ornaments

Celebration Traditions Around the World Families Can Try at Home

Ray Kowalski

Living room gaming corner set up with four colorful controllers

Co-Op Games That Genuinely Teach Kids Teamwork

Ray Kowalski

Adult and child 3D glasses on velvet

IMAX vs 3D vs Standard: The Family Movie Format Guide

Ray Kowalski

Game controller and playing cards arranged beside a calendar

How to Build a Weekly Family Game Night Rotation That Actually Lasts

Ray Kowalski

Parent and children browsing shelves at public library

Library Programs for Families: The Free Stuff Parents Keep Forgetting About

Ray Kowalski

Three movie cases stacked beside popcorn bowl

Family Film Trilogies: The Weekend Marathon Guide

Ray Kowalski

Family hands mid-move during colorful living room board game

Starter Family Board Game Collection: 9 Games

Ray Kowalski

Parent checking a phone beside a game controller on a counter

Xbox Family Settings: How to Set Screen Time, Content Limits, and Reports

Ray Kowalski

Empty New York street at sunrise with skyscrapers and long shadows

Entertainment News

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Trailer Unveiled After 24-Hour Fan Countdown

Ray Kowalski

Empty animation studio desk with glowing monitors

How Animated Movies Are Made: Behind the Scenes of a Studio Production

Ray Kowalski

Handwritten family weekend plan on a kitchen notebook

How to Plan Weekend Family Activities That Work

Ray Kowalski

Chart of comfortable show run times by child age

First Live Theater Show With Kids: How to Pick, Prep and Survive the Applause

Ray Kowalski

Clean chart showing daily play-time limit settings

How to Set Up Nintendo Switch Parental Controls: The Complete Family Guide

Ray Kowalski

Family gathered on living room couch watching an awards show broadcast

Entertainment News

Golden Globes 2026: Hamnet and One Battle After Another Take Top Prizes

Ray Kowalski

Family with popcorn walking toward glowing theater posters

2026 Family Movie Release Calendar: Every Animated and Kids' Film Dated So Far

Ray Kowalski

Family cuddled on couch watching movie, seen from behind

Family Movie Night by Age: The Complete Guide

Ray Kowalski