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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Book Review - Tomorrow is Now

About the Book
As relevant and influential now as it was in 1962, TOMORROW IS NOW (Penguin Classics; On-Sale: October 30th, 2012; $15.00; 978-0-14-310699-9; Also available as an e-book) is Eleanor Roosevelt’s manifesto and her final effort to move America toward the community she hoped it would become. In bold, blunt prose, the most influential First Lady in American history traces the country’s struggle to embrace democracy and presents her declaration against fear, timidity, complacency, and national arrogance.

An open, unrestrained look into her mind and heart as well as a clarion call to action, TOMORROW IS NOW is the work Eleanor Roosevelt willed herself to stay alive to finish writing. For this edition, former U.S. President Bill Clinton contributes a new foreword and Roosevelt historian Allida Black provides an authoritative introduction focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt’s diplomatic career.

In this short but powerful book, it is possible to see the mind of the greatest First Lady of American history tackle the problems of modern society and attempt to reach an understanding of how to have faith in the fundamental dignity of mankind.

About the Author
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and over the course of his long tenure in the White House, Eleanor led many welfare organizations and fought for the rights of consumers, women, and minorities. Eleanor Roosevelt is widely considered one of America’s greatest First Ladies.

My Take on the Book
This was such an interesting book, and one that has stood the test of time. I have always been impressed with Eleanor Roosevelt, for her humanitarian efforts and strong willed determination in everything that she did in her life, and all of this truly was shown in the writing of this book. I was amazed to see how relevant the concepts here are today, so many years after the book was originally published. I love the empowering tone of the book and how it uplifts the young and encourages them to reach for more! I truly believe that all should read this book as it will make you think differently about how we see our youth and what they can and should be able to accomplish in today's society! 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Stretch Your Swag Bucks Further in The Swag Store



Starting on November 1st, for the rest of the year the Swagbucks Swag Store will be bringing you lower prices and limitless rewards. To break it down for you, all $5 gift cards will now be 500 Swag Bucks, $10 gift cards will be 1000 Swag Bucks, $25 Gift Cards will be 2500 Swag Bucks and so on. This excludes the $5 Amazon.com, which remains the bargain price of 450 SB. 

Now you get more bang for your (Swag) Bucks, and with your leftover Swag Bucks, you can now snag even more rewards, because our old monthly redemption limits (except the $5 Amazon.com Gift Card) will be gone. You’re still limited to 2 rewards per day, but you don’t have to worry about which prizes you’re redeeming, because Swagbucks just expanded your monthly SB budget!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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You Haven't Seen Anything Until You See Swagbucks Tasks



 Looking for another way to be rewarded on Swagbucks? Swagbucks Tasks require you to research specific topics on the internet and answer questions, while earning Swag Bucks along the way.  When you visit Swagbucks Tasks you’ll see the list of available tasks, each with a brief description, a corresponding Swag Buck payout PER PAGE completed, and how many of that specific task are still available to be completed. Fill your piggy bank on a specific task and the Bucks are automatically transferred to your account! Start being rewarded for Swagbucks Tasks today!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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DVD Review - Love's Christmas Journey

About the DVD
While still mourning the loss of her husband and daughter, recently widowed Ellie visits her brother Aaron and his children for Christmas. Ellie does her best to enjoy the holidays, even making new friends. Settling in nicely, Ellie also meets Erik, a young man abandoned by his outlaw father whom Aaron has taken in as one of his own. When Aaron travels out of town to purchase adjacent land for farming, Ellie agrees to watch his children, but the season’s festivities are threatened when Aaron goes missing.

My Take on the DVD
My wife (and thereby I as well as I am a supportive husband) have seen all of the Love's Journey movies. With this in mind I have seen them move and grow with the characters, with some of the movies being stronger than others. This installment was a strong one, with two installments, this is one that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end. What my wife loves about this episode is that you truly get to see the strong bond of the family and how the power of family, friendship and love will pull this family through everything. While there are moments that are a bit corny (or cheesy as I would put it) in some of the romantic message that is shared, you come to expect that in these films. Yet, in the end, this and all of the movies from this series are warm, family friendly movies that have positive messages that the whole family can enjoy!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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DVD Review - Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever

About the DVD
Power Up for a Mega Celebration this holiday season and see the Power Rangers battle their most diabolical enemies in the new Lionsgate Home Entertainment release of Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever. Join Saban’s Power Rangers as they cherish their friends and their adventures while learning the true meaning of the holiday season. The Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever special holiday DVD, includes three holiday-themed episodes plus two videos and holiday toymation. It will be available on DVD October 16, 2012 for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Shiba House, the Samurai Rangers revisit their greatest moments together. From first introductions, to funniest moments, to action-packed battles with Nighlok monsters, it’s all here. Even Bulk and Spike’s hilarious memories! And when snow falls on Christmas morning, the team will learn an unexpected lesson about the true spirit of the holidays.

Go Go Christmas Rangers!

My Take on the DVD
This was a fun collection of episodes that not only brings in the action of the Power Rangers as you have come to expect, but also provides some larger messages that show viewers the true meaning of the holidays. You get to see friendship in action, all along seeing the Power Rangers battling it out with some seriously mean villains...what more could you ask for?

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Disney's WRECK-IT RALPH!!!


"Like" WRECK-IT RALPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph

"Follow" WRECK-IT RALPH on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wreckitralph

Visit the official site: www.disney.com/wreckitralph

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

State Farms gives you the chance to win cool prizes just for watching football!

Knowing your family is very active and that you might have an enthusiastic sports fan or two in the house, I wanted to alert you to a cool way to put your football IQ to the test.

Double Check a question about last week’s game and win prizes from State Farm!

It’s simple—each week State Farm will ask a question on Facebook about the previous football weekend. Show how much you know about the game by answering the question correctly, and every Tuesday, those that answer correctly will be entered to win Aaron Rodgers signed merchandise as well as other awesome prizes.

The contest will run every Tuesday through December 19th, so be sure to check in each Tuesday and play to win!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review- Mark Twain's Tale of Today

About the Book
Samuel Clemens, known to most as the popular author and humorist Mark Twain, was also an astute observer of American politics-he just believed that the stark truth about corruption in government would go down more smoothly with a dose of humor. Robed in a white suit, white cravat, and white shoes, crowned with unruly white hair and smoking an ever-present cigar, Mark Twain became America's first global celebrity.

Over 100 years later, Twain's insightful commentary retains an uncanny relevance to the challenges facing contemporary America. His views are as fresh and provocative as those of any contemporary cable TV "talking head," Sunday morning roundtable debater, political blogger, or radio talk show host. His aphorisms are cited to support almost any proposition- which are often inconsistent and contradictory positions. With a handy maxim for most any occasion, he is fondly quoted by Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street activists, union leaders, and liberal and conservative commentators. After all, Samuel L. Clemens was not a political scientist or philosopher who expounded a concrete, coherent theory of governance. He was an equal opportunity satirist, ridiculing the dogmas, shibboleths, and platitudes that characterize the conventional wisdom, regardless of ideological bearings.

Ambassador Donald Tiffany Bliss takes an in-depth look at the intricacies of Mark Twain's America in his new book , "MARK TWAIN'S TALE OF TODAY: Halley's Comet Returns-The Celebrated Author Critiques American Politics" (Sept 20, 2012). The great-grandson and grandson of Twain publishers, Ambassador Bliss combines his lifelong interest in Mark Twain with over thirty years of experience in the Nation's capitol-both serving in the federal government and as a partner of a major international law firm-to trace the evolution of Twain's political and policy views and illustrate their continuing relevance to contemporary American politics and foreign policy.

My Take on the Book
This was such an interesting book! It takes an in-depth look at a man that was so unique and such a larger than life character. I was so intrigued as I read further and further into this book and was amazed at how much information the book this book holds within its pages. This book will take you some time to get through  as it is close to 500 pages. Within these pages though you will be amazed at such an inordinate amount of information that you never knew about Mark Twain. You get to see that Mark Twain was so much more than what you saw on the outside and you get to see how an apolitical man's thoughts could spur a political agenda. I have to say that I learned so much in this book and as I am still reading, I am still learning, and I know that you will as well. This book is well written and so full of facts and figures that you will be in awe at the detail of research that has gone into the writing of this book (I know that I was). All-in-all this was an amazing story that will make you think twice about what you thought you knew about Mark Twain!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Sunday, October 28, 2012

Book Review - Our White House

About the Book
First published in hardcover in 2008, Our White House received three starred reviews and a landslide of awards and rave reviews. Readers and reviewers around the country were captivated by the dynamic view of more than 200 years of American history as seen through the White House windows in Our White House. After the 2008 election Our White House was updated with a new poem by Nikki Grimes about President Obama’s inauguration for the paperback edition.

Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, Our White House is a treasury of essays, short stories, illustrations, presidential letters, speeches, comics, and personal reflections that was more than eight years in the making, with contributions from over 100 renowned authors and illustrators. Katherine Paterson, Jon Scieszka, Kate DiCamillo, Gregory Maguire, David Macaulay, and Brian Selznick are just a few of the superstars who lent their talents to Our White House. Starting with a 1792 call for designers and continuing through the present day, this anthology is a vital resource for families and classrooms -- and a stirring reminder that the story of the White House is the story of every American.

My Take on the Book
This book brings out so many amazing stories about The White House and the people that lived within it, or spent time within it. I have been working on reading through this book to my daughter and she has been so engrossed in each entry that we have shared together. My daughter has shown an interest in the office of the President of the United States and the people that have held this in the past, so this has been a great addition to her knowledge base. As a father and a person who loves learning about history I want to share this passion with my own daughters. This book was set up nicely for children and parents alike, and was a great book to light a fire under all who read to make them want to learn even more about their country's history!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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New Mary Kay Cologne Fit for a Remarkable Man

About the Cologne
Introducing the Mary Kayâ True Original™ Fragrance for Men

We all know him – the committed, confident, genuine man who is unlike all the rest. Capture the unique qualities of the incredible man in your life with the new Mary Kayâ True Original™ Fragrance for Men! Whether he is a businessman, policeman or stay-at-home dad, your truly original guy will love the contemporary combination of lemon, cedar wood, and patchouli notes. The sleek contemporary design and likeable scent make Mary Kayâ True Original™ Fragrance the perfect everyday scent for your guy, no matter what his day may bring!

Perfect for …

  • Fragrance enthusiasts, as well as first-time fragrance users Men looking for a distinguished, everyday scent
  • The distinct and original man desiring a fragrance of his own
  • Men who need a secure and strong fragrance packaging for travel


Tell me more …

  • Aromatic fragrance perfect for all occasions
  • Top fragrance notes contain a likeable combination of lemon and Fuji apple
  • Middle notes of amber and cedar wood offer a dependable scent
  • Bottom notes of patchouli give off a real, authentic aroma
  • Packaged in a sleek glass bottle with easy-to-use spray nozzle, within unique and modern packaging
  • Ideal gift for every man
  • 2 oz. size works well for air travel
  • Suggested Retail Price: $36
  • An aromatic addition to the Mary Kayâ Men’s Fragrance Family – MK High Intensity™ Cologne Spray, Domainâ Cologne Spray, Tributeâ for Men Spray Cologne, Velocityâ for Him Cologne.


My Take on the Cologne


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Book Review - 300 Sensational Soups

About the Book
A good soup nourishes the heart as well the stomach, spreading a feeling of satisfaction and contentment. Hot soup is warming on a winter day, while cold soup is just as welcome in the heat of summer.

From comforting creamy chicken and rice soup to refreshing gazpacho, 300 Sensational Soups offers something for every season, mood and occasion. There are 50 international soups, including Vietnamese pho, Italian wedding soup, and Middle Eastern harira. Soups from the sea include such favorites as snapper in Asian broth with habañero and shrimp, and shrimp and pea soup with lemongrass. Each recipe also includes tips and techniques along with garnishing ideas. As well, there are many creative variations and serving suggestions.

There is also the Just (Soup) Desserts chapter, which features 20 dessert soups, including coconut soup with mango fritters, chocolate soup with brownie croutons, and chilled cherry soup with crème anglaise swirl.

With 300 recipes to choose from, ranging from everyday fare to elegant dishes for entertaining, 300 Sensational Soups offers home chefs a perfect bowl of soup every time.

My Take on the Book
I love soup so when I was asked to review this book I was intrigued. How could anyone create 300 soups.

The two authors did in deed create a book that includes soup stocks, chilled soups, vegetable soups, cheese soups, meat soups, chowders, and dessert soups. There is a section at the back of the book that includes garnishes and toppings for soups.

Each page was well organized with the recipe and instructions. It included the US measurements and metric. There were author's tips for each soup and a comment about substitutions and ingredients which I found helpful.

I decided to make the WHITE BEAN, CHICKEN AND PESTO SOUP. It was very flavorful and easy to make. I used my own pesto sauce in the recipe. It was truly a protein soup with the beans and the chicken.

The only information I would have liked to see was the nutritional information: especially that of fat content and calories

If you love soup or know someone who does, this is a book you may seriously want to purchase.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Closer to the Ground

About the Book
These days, it's not unusual to witness two teenagers sitting together on a couch texting—to each other. While technology certainly brings its advantages (speed, intensity), it also brings its burdens (speed, intensity), leaving many of us longing to get back to nature, and take our kids with us.

Dylan Tomine, a Patagonia Fly Fishing Ambassador, conservation advocate and noted outdoor writer, saw those two teenagers texting on a couch. And that was the moment he decided to establish a different life for his children: more unplugged, more in tune with the rhythms of tide, weather and season. Less screen time, more oyster-shucking and gardening time. In his memoir Closer to the Ground: An Outdoor Family's Year on the Water, In the Woods, and at the Table (Patagonia Books, October 2012, hardcover, $29.95), he tells the story of a family learning to live a life more wild.

Filled with weather, natural history and delicious meals, Tomine encourages us to think about our relationship with nature, but in an accessible way. "It's about regular people trying to live a little closer to nature—especially through the process of food—with their kids," says Tomine.

Tomine and his wife left high-rise Seattle for a house in the woods on an island in Puget Sound. There, they raise their children in a way that keeps them in touch with their surroundings—searching for firewood, oysters, and mushrooms.

Part parenting memoir, part food narrative, in Closer to the Ground the author shares his experience exploring nature daily with his kids, ages three and six. The book walks readers through four seasons of family foraging, cooking, and eating from the woods and sea. Together, the Tomine Family hunts chanterelles, fishes for salmon, digs clams and gathers at the kitchen table (mouths watering), to enjoy the fruits of their labor. A surprising result of their fishing and foraging life: the kids see healthy food, like salmon and homegrown vegetables, as delicious treats.

Closer to the Ground carries a timely message, addressing the current—and growing—interest in local food, childhood “nature deficit disorder,” conservation of natural resources, and the general desire to live in closer contact with the earth. It explores a more personal side of subjects covered in The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Last Child In The Woods.

"This is leading by example; and the quiet message is to learn to live with the things that really matter, the eternal things about the earth and each other," writes acclaimed author and outdoorsman Thomas McGuane, in the foreword.

Patagonia founder and owner Yvon Chouinard says "Closer to the Ground is a lot more than your usual tribute to local food or to a local sense of place, or how to manipulate your kids into doing what you want them to do. Closer is a good-humored guide to teaching our kids how to learn from nature as teacher and mentor. Chief among nature’s lessons is self-reliance. You can see in Dylan’s kids, the more time they spend foraging and fishing with their dad, just how different their relation is to the food they eat, and how they develop a confidence anyone of any age could envy."

About the Author
DYLAN TOMINE is a writer, conservation advocate and speaker for wild fish and water. He serves as a Fly Fishing Ambassador for Patagonia and a trustee with The Wild Steelhead Coalition. A noted outdoor writer, his stories have appeared in The Flyfish Journal, The Drake, The New York Times, and other publications. He lives with his wife and kids, now five and eight years old, on an island in Puget Sound where they run Bainbridge Island Blueberry Co., a U-Pick blueberry farm.

My Take on the Book
This was such an interesting book, as the author did something drastic in today's standards and walked away from all of the technology and conveniences that we survive on to change the lives of his family and instead turn back to a more natural existence which allows his wife and himself to raise their children in a more natural, more connected to nature way. The book was well written and provides the reader with such vivid imagery about the life that they are living now. I was impressed with this monumental jump into the unknown and how well the family makes the transition as I do not know how I for one, would be able to remain unconnected as this family did. I was envious though by the one-on-one connection that the author had with his family and I could tell that his removal from Seattle to Puget Sound was both intentional and made a lot of sense. For any of you that are looking for a book that will draw you in and encourage you to keep reading, this was definitely the book.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Dogs on Duty: Soldiers' Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond

About the Book
When the news of the raid on Osama Bin Laden's compound broke, the SEAL team member that stole the show was a highly trained canine companion. Throughout history, dogs have been key contributors to military units. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent follows man's best friend onto the battlefield, showing readers why dogs are uniquely qualified for the job at hand, how they are trained, how they contribute to missions, and what happens when they retire. With full-color photographs throughout and sidebars featuring heroic canines throughout history, Dogs on Duty provides a fascinating look at these exceptional soldiers and companions.

My Take on the Book

Dorthy Hinshaw Patent has written a story which every family needs to read. All the wars since World War I , have focused on the men an women who have served, as they should have , but there are dogs who have been "soldiers" behind the scenes on all the wars . These dogs have been trained to help our service men and women in so many ways and saved many of their lives.

I had not known about the training and the extent of the usage of dogs in the military. This book illustrates through detailed photographs of the dogs , their trainers, the jobs the dogs have in the specific locations in our world, what happens when they are injured, and more. You will admire the courage of these animals and the dedication they show to the men and women they assist.

If you want to share with your children the patriotism of our nation, you could easily tell them about the men and women in our armed forces, but this book will assist you in showing them the dogs who are part of the United States's armed forces too.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Software Review - Anime Studio Pro 9

About the Product
Anime Studio Pro is perfect for professionals looking for a more efficient alternative to tedious frame-by-frame animation. The intuitive and affordable feature set offers a solution to traditional animation tasks. With an intuitive interface, a visual content library, and powerful features such as a bone rigging system, bitmap to vector conversion, integrated lip-syncing, 3-D modeling, physics, motion tracking, a character wizard, and more, Anime Studio Pro delivers advanced animation tools to speed up your workflow.


Bone Rigging 
Bone-rigging is a fast and efficient alternative to tedious frame-by-frame animation. Add a skeleton to any image by pointing and clicking to create bones that overlay the parts of your image, to control arms or legs for example. Then bring your image to life by moving any individual bone point to create the pose or motion you want, while keeping your project organized with the sequencer and timeline.

Revolutionary Smart Bones 
New in Anime Studio Pro 9, Smart Bones is an incredible feature that reduces or entirely removes distortion around your character's joints - specifically around knees and elbows. Group a set of points and use the Smart Bones control levers to create 3-D looking motion that you can easily repeat with the turn of a dial. For example, with Smart Bones you can control facial expressions and head-turning on a character with simple lever movements instead of having to touch each bone point. Smart Bones makes it easier to repeat complex movements and control your rigged elements.


Import Photoshop Files
Import your existing Photoshop files with all layers intact. Changes made in Photoshop instantly appear in the imported file in Anime Studio, allowing you to continually refine your Photoshop document. Many Photoshop features are supported in the imported PSD files, including blending modes, layer opacity, smart objects and smart filters. Groups are also supported and can be set up in Photoshop to automatically get imported into Anime Studio as switch layers for quick animating.

Real Time Media Connection 
The new Real Time Media Connection in Anime Studio Pro automatically updates image, movie, and audio files in your imported Anime Studio files when edited in an external program. This is a great workflow enhancement for individuals and production studios alike.

Editable Motion Graphs 
The single most requested feature that our users have been asking for is finally here. In Motion Graphs, the animation channels of the current layer are displayed graphically, rather than just as points along a line. Now get maximum control of your animation with Editable Motion Graphs. You can now edit motion curves with Bezier handles directly instead of relying on tweening, ease-in and ease-out.


Character Wizard 
Hundreds of new characters. Quickly design ready-to-animate characters using the built-in Character Wizard. Select preset, dial-in body proportions, and choose from dozens of predesigned 2-D components such as hands, feet, mouths, eyes, noses, and heads.

Audio Recording, Sound Effects, and Automatic Lip Syncing 
Add a soundtrack and lip-syncing to your animations. Record your own sound clips inside Anime Studio and adjust the pitch from high to low to fit your animated characters or import existing audio files into your project. Anime Studio will automatically insert them into your timeline, where you can adjust the timing and length to fit your scene. Using the Sequencer, freely move multiple sounds along the timeline to adjust syncing. Anime Studio supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, and M4A formats. Built-in lip-syncing in Anime Studio can help you save time. Simply load a sound file, and from the layer options of the layer you wish to sync, select the sound file from a pull-down menu. Anime Studio does the rest. Easily synchronize characters' lip and mouth movements to a sound file through a simple and intuitive process.


Automatic Image Tracing: Use Your Own Artwork 
Import your scanned drawings or existing images and photos then convert them to vector drawings with the click of a button. Trace as black and white or edges only and adjust a number of settings to style your vector image. Color your vector art, resize without loss in image quality, and animate it using bones.

Layer Comps 
Export multiple layers individually with one click. Layer comps are useful if you want to export only selected items in your scene so that you can composite them externally in third party software. For example, you can create a layer comp that relates to background elements, another that relates to characters, and another that relates to foreground elements or titles. Turn groups on and off until you get elements that logically belong together. Then create a new layer comp from that group. At render time, you can then choose to render specific layer comps as a movie file.


Global Rendering Styles 
Global Rendering Styles allow you to quickly change the overall design of your animations. Choose from various presets such as sketchy, cutout, crayon, and more to easily transform the look and feel of your entire animation. Create your own custom combinations by mixing and matching different styles for fills and outlines.

Flexible Import and HD Export Capabilities 
Anime Studio can import several kinds of other media files into an animation project. Import QuickTime, AVI or MPEG-4 video, or even 3-D scenes from Poser. Image Based Modeling allows you to create 3-D objects from 2-D vector layers, and the included Content Library contains hundreds of ready-to-use characters, props, and more.

Follow Path Tool 
The Follow Path tool allows you to have any character or object follow and bend itself along a pre-drawn path (like a snake), making tons of animation posibilities easy.

Video/Motion Tracking 
Add an object to an imported video that will follow the position and rotation of something, like a person's thumb. Just add tracking points that identify the item on the screen you want to follow.

Wacom Multi-Touch Support
Wacom Multi-Touch support allows you to use Wacom's new generation touch tablets with Anime Studio. Easily edit characters, scale, rotate, pan, zoom in and out of the canvas with simple finger gestures. Available on Bamboo, Intuos, and Cintiq touch-based tablets.

Patch Layers 
Patch Layers were designed for constructing characters and are similar to masks. They allow you to hide certain parts of a layer. Create each body part separately and then hide the overlapping lines. Adjust the size of the patch to perfectly blend the layers to get the desired style.

My Take on the Product 
This was an amazing piece of software that will take you to the next level in regards to creating anime. I did also try the Debut version of the software and though it had some of the functionality of the Pro version, this version by far was superior. The program, though a bit complex to learn at the front end, truly takes off once you have mastered the controls, and makes the task of animation much easier than the frame by frame animation of the past.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most on this program was the automatic figure image tracing functionality.  In just one click you have the program doing all of the work to develop the vector drawing that you need to move forward.

As I said the manual for this is a bit cumbersome, but there are definite parts that I found to be more helpful than others. All-in-all though it does take some time to master the controls and the skills needed to be successful in this type of program, and I found this out the hard way as I slogged through my initial learning within the program.

If you are like me and have a passion for drawing comics, this is a program that will definitely blow you away!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Embracing Fry Bread: Confessions of a Wannabe

About the Book
When he was out playing Indian, enacting Hollywood-inspired scenarios, it never occurred to the child Roger Welsch that the little girl sitting next to him in school was Indian. A lifetime of learning later, Welsch’s enthusiasm is undimmed, if somewhat more enlightened. In Embracing Fry Bread Welsch tells the story of his lifelong relationship with Native American culture, which, beginning in earnest with the study of linguistic practices of the Omaha tribe during a college anthropology course, resulted in his becoming an adopted member and kin of both the Omaha and the Pawnee tribes.

With requisite humility and a healthy dose of humor, Welsch describes his long pilgrimage through Native life, from lessons in the vagaries of “Indian time” and the difficulties of reservation life, to the joy of being allowed to participate in special ceremonies and developing a deep and lasting love of fry bread. Navigating another culture is a complicated task, and Welsch shares his mistakes and successes with engaging candor. Through his serendipitous wanderings, he finds that the more he learns about Native culture the more he learns about himself—and about a way of life whose allure offers true insight into indigenous America.

My Take on the Book
This book was so honest and forthright about the author's journey into and through native culture and life. I loved how you could read a passage and see the imagery all around you. The way that he deeply describes his life was both intriguing and inspiring and I could only hope to be able to share my own story and life journey with so much detail and color. I loved how close he was to his friends of the native nation, and you can tell through reading this that much of the writing of this book was a testament to this friendship. This book will allow you a rare glimpse into the Native American World, and whether you are closely familiar or whether this world is completely foreign, you will learn so much as you read this book!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - The Goose And The Swan

About the Book
Inspiration comes from many different places, and author Anne-Louise DePalo was inspired to write her children’s stories after spending time in her own backyard. Two swans made a home on her lake and as she watched them grow, she was motivated to write a series of books aimed at teaching children valuable lessons.

DePalo’s new book, The Goose and the Swan, teaches children to follow their moral compass and to do the right thing even when it’s not easy.

“My life has grown and changed since I began writing the Sampson stories,” says DePalo. “I am a much more fulfilled, kinder, soulful and loving person.”

Sampson the Swan lives on a lake in a quiet kingdom. One day, Goosey Lucy visits the lake and takes him on an adventure that teaches Sampson an important lesson about friendship and courage. He and the lake will never be the same again because of Goosey Lucy.

“I want everyone who reads about Sampson to come to know and love him as much as I have,” DePalo says.

In The Goose and the Swan, DePalo teaches children to accept those who are different, treat others respectfully and know they are loved.

About the Author
Anne-Louise DePalo has written 20 short stories about Sampson the Swan. She is a family law attorney and University of Rochester graduate. Anne-Louise enjoys writing poetry, painting, writing songs and traveling. She is a devout Catholic. She and her husband live on Staten Island, New York.


My Take on the Book
This was an inspirational take on the Swan Princess. I loved the tale of friendship that this story tells. The story was heartwarming and truly shows what friendship is all about and what can happen when you hold fast and show how true your friendship can be. What I loved about this book was that it had a true moral tale that I enjoyed sharing with my own daughters as it showed them that there are things that they need to stand up for and we actually had a great conversation about the book and the message within after. It is these types of books that I love sharing with my daughters as they are so much more than just a story.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - Surviving Your Adolescents: How to Manage and Let Go of Your 13-18 Year Olds

About the Book 
A step-by-step approach to handling teenagers, this guide helps parents end hassles and improve their relationship with their adolescent. Parents learn how to communicate with teenagers, how to manage teenage risk-taking, how to let go in certain situations, and when to seek professional attention. Concise and encouraging, this resource walks parents through the ups and downs of parenting teenagers as their kids push towards independence.

About the Author
Thomas W. Phelan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and the bestselling author of 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children, Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, All About Attention Deficit Disorder, “I Never Get Anything!,” and Self-Esteem Revolutions in Children. He lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

My Take on the Book
This was an easy to understand guide for any parent working with a teenager. The book is practical and offers a step-by-step approach that anyone can understand and appreciate. It is so important to be able to "let go" of your teen, even though you may not feel that they are ready, as it promotes independence, and this book helps parents with this process. Though it is not easy, it is important and I for one am happy to have read this far ahead of the teen years so that I can better prepare myself too. I also can already tell that I will be referring back and re-reading this as the time gets closer. If you currently have a teen or will have one in the near future, this is a great read that will provide you with some great guidance!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Book Review - I Know a Librarian Who Chewed on a Word

About the Book
A most exciting word has the whole library abuzz, in this picture book for young readers, written in the style of "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." Fascinated children look on as Miss Divine dines on a table, savors a shelf, and chomps down a chair, all to chase down a single word. This librarian finally catches the only verb that could make a librarian practically purr, and that word is READ.

My Take on the Book
This was such a great book for the whole family to read together. You can tell from the very beginning to the end of the book how much the librarian loves to read. The illustrator has done an amazing job at bring forth images that are so rich and vivid and make the story just come alive. My wife works at a library and she also loved this and actually saw this as a great book to share during their kids reading hour, and plans on doing this in the near future. All-in-all this was a great book that I would highly recommend to all!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Software Review - Nancy Drew: The Deadly Device

About the Game
Fear lingers in a remote laboratory after a physicist's suspicious demise. A police investigation resulted in nothing except a case as cold as the secretive personalities and steel walls that enshroud a top-secret Tesla-inspired facility. That's why the lab owner asked you, as Detective Nancy Drew, to expose the terrifying truth about The Deadly Device!

Key Features:
  • Uncover Obscure Tesla Insights!Discover true facts about this unsung and eccentric physicist and inventor
  • Unlock Corporate Secrets!Interrogate coworkers as you examine multiple motives
  • Solve Ingenious Puzzles!Tinker with strange mechanical wonders created by Tesla
  • Play Addicting Arcade Games!Get a charge out of the new Aggregation puzzle game
  • Sneak into Off-Limits Areas!Talk, walk and unlock your way into secret places
  • Sleuth in the Day and at Night!Snoop or get the scoop from employees on day and night shifts
  • Choose Difficulty Levels!Play at Amateur or Master Sleuth level and erase mistakes without starting over

My Take on the Game

I have had the chance to try quite a view of the most recent Nancy Drew games by Her Interactive, and to me it seems that each is getting better and better than the past versions that have been released. This game was no exception! The story was strong, the animation top-notch, and the overall gameplay was superb.

I even offered my daughter the opportunity to try the game. She is a huge fan of Nancy Drew and loves finding out how she swallows each of her mysteries and to be honest she is very good at identifying the clothes that need to the mystery being so. I was so great about this game was at all the things that I mentioned above but also in the digestive reasoning the game requires of you. This is the type of game that I like my daughter to play because it is not simply one where you sit and brainlessly play, but instead, you truly have to think to be able to move further in the game itself.

All in all this is a great game that I would highly recommend to all, not just Nancy Drew fans, but all gamers young and old alike.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Review - How To Win College Scholarships

About the Book
The How To Win Scholarships guide will tell you exactly what you need to do to get started NOW on winning as much FREE money for college as possible. The author's son was exactly where many students are in their senior year of high school. He was busy with social, academic, and sports obligations, but knew he needed to win scholarships to pay for his college education. He needed scholarship help!

This guide will help you by teaching you a method of putting together your scholarship application packets in a way that looks, feels, and IS different from those submitted by your peers. Your college scholarship applications will stand out and get noticed by the judges and THAT is the way to win scholarships.

The author developed a method of applying for college scholarships that is nothing like the normal method of filling out applications and mailing them in. This method teaches parents and students how to create a scholarship application packet that immediately stands out from those of their peers.

Both guides are organized into 10 clear and easy to follow sections, with step by step instructions on perfecting scholarship applications, along with tips on what college scholarship selection committees look for and how to win scholarships. Learn amazing ways to:

  • Get organized
  • Find scholarships
  • Get great letters of recommendation
  • Write a memorable (and winning!) essay
  • Put together an application package that looks, feels, and IS different from all the rest
  • Get the most financial aid possible

And much more scholarship help!

My Take on the Book
I have read many books preparing for college as well as finding scholarships and was looking for bigger and better resources to share with students that I am working with. This ebook was practical, down-to-earth, and so easy to understand. The author has put so much personal learning and experience of the book it makes it that much better for the parent of the college student as well as the student themselves. The book also is set up with the reader in mind and gives great advice about what a person can do to truly set them apart from others and make  it  that much more probable that they can identify scholarships from cells that will help them cover the cost of their college education. While there are many books on finding scholarships this one in my mind stands out just for sheer honesty and upfront frankness about what steps you need to take to take yourself to the next level and candidacy for scholarships.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Software Review - Manga Studio EX 4

About the Software
Manga Studio EX 4.0 delivers powerful, cutting edge features for Manga and Comic artists alike. Manga Studio EX 4.0 offers thousands of screen tones, professional coloring tools, built in 2DLT and 3DLT rendering capabilities, advanced vector tools and image filters. Manga Studio EX is the leading comic software worldwide, making it the ideal tool for professional Comic and Manga artists.

  • Choose from over 3,000 screen tones or create your own.
  • Resize with no loss in quality by converting your bitmap drawings to resolution-independent vector images.
  • Export to a wide variety of formats such as BMP, JPEG, PNG, PSD, TGA, EPS (monochrome only), TIFF, PDF and PICT (Mac only).
  • Draw naturally with a pen tablet and recreate the sensation of drawing on paper offering an incredibly natural drawing experience.
  • Simplify your layout and design process with easy to use features such as a variety of built-in rulers that save you time.
  • Color artwork using the integrated tool set enabling you to mix and blend for custom color work.
  • Convert 2D images to line and tone data by using the 2DLT Rendering function.
  • Import 3D objects and easily transform them into tone and line drawings by using the 3DLT Rendering function.
  • Add speed line and focus line effects in seconds to express motion or moods.
  • Work with precision using unlimited layers.


Select from a suite of advanced filters to quickly apply distortions and special effects to your artwork.
New and Updated features Manga Studio EX 4.0 allows you to create professional, ready to publish manga and comics.

NEW! Professional Color Set
Choose from literally millions of colors and create your own color sets. Includes dodge, burn and color blend tools.

UPDATED! Additional Word Balloons
Add word balloons with ease by dragging and dropping any of almost one hundred preset editable word balloons. Freely adjust the font, size, style and spacing of the text and add a curved or straight tail.

NEW! Vector Toolkit
Speed up production using the built-in vector tools such as "Show Center Line" which makes spotting trouble areas in need of smoothing, a breeze.

UPDATED! Additional 3D Objects 
Manga Studio EX comes with over 550 built-in 3D Objects. Quickly, position, rotate and adjust them on your page. Convert them to line and tone data and use them as backgrounds and props for your drawings.

NEW! Professional Filter Set 
Manga Studio EX now offers a suite of advanced creative filters. Quickly distort images, adjust hue and saturation, or add rain and sparkle effects to your artwork.

UPDATED! More export formats
In addition to the existing BMP, JPEG, PNG, PSD and TGA formats, Manga Studio EX 4.0 now offers the ability to export your artwork as TIFF, EPS (monochrome only), PDF and PICT (Mac only) formats.

NEW! Story Editor
Enter and edit the text for your entire story and distribute across pages using the Story Editor in Manga Studio EX.

NEW! Advanced Text Input
Manga Studio EX now allows you to enter text directly on your page using a standard text tool. You can also quickly add special characters and with support for many characters such as Katakana and Hiragana, Manga Studio EX is better than ever!

NEW! Mesh Transformation
Use the Mesh Transform tool to modify scre
en tones to better showcase clothing textures by giving them a wrapping appearance. NEW! Special Rulers Choose from a variety of rulers, including symmetry rulers, radial line rulers and concentric circle rulers that speed up production.

UPDATED! Extra Pattern Brushes
Choose from 80+ customizable pattern brushes. Adjust the size, color and angle quickly using the sliders to create an almost unlimited number of unique effects.

Note: Register your product within 30 days of purchase and receive the Manga Studio EX Content pack valued at $39.99 for free. This package includes 20 3D models, over 100 background templates and over 100 Power templates. Information regarding registration and how to redeem your content pack are included with your purchase.

My Take on the Software
I tried Manga studio Debut and found this to be very user-friendly and quite robust for a novice like me. This version takes the Debut to a whole new level. I will state that because I am not an expert, nor a graphic designer, it took me a little while to get the hang of this program. Yet, once I did spent time with the program I started to get the hang of it, and using Debut first also assisted me in better understanding how programs like this would work.

I did find that the manual was a bit hard to follow, and for me it was a bit easier just diving in and trying, failing, trying again, and succeeding. the software has many more features than Debut, which definitely makes it a more robust product.I would have to say that if you are truly into manga art and want to take your art next level and this is the software that you want to use to do it. Though the price tag is a bit higher than you will find for Debut, it is well worth the price for what you get in return.

One final thing that I will add is that I loved the brushes and tools that this provided the user has a truly made the imaging much more depth and richness to the overall product that you produce in the end.

This was a powerful program that I would highly recommend to any current artist or aspiring artist has this will take your art to the next level.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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