A Few Fathers Day Items

On behalf of Guideposts magazine, I'm sharing out the Guy Fieri cover story that now appears in the June issue.  Guy writes about how his dad is the perfect role model.  Very timely with Father's Day around the corner

Here's the link: http://www.guideposts.com/story/guy-fieri-fathers-day

and here are a couple notable excerpts:

"Dad loves to tell the story of the time we built a deck. He'd tacked all the boards in place. They just needed to be nailed off. That was my job. I had my hammer and I was pounding big 16-penny nails into the wood. Sure I was only six but Dad had taught me well-those nails were going in straight!"

...

"I had other dreams to explore. If it weren't for my dad I would never have become an entrepreneur or had the guts to start my own restaurants. My very first business was a lemonade stand. I had it down - sixty-nine cents for the mix, a five-gallon jug of water, ice, cups, and a busy corner on Main Street.  Then one year our family went skiing in Squaw Valley and I discovered something more exciting than lemonade. I found a guy at the lodge who sold hot pretzels. Big, salty New York style pretzels slathered in mustard. I spent all my lunch money on 'em. Dad couldn't believe it. 'That's all you ate? Pretzels?' 'Yeah, ten of them!' 'That's good, huh?' Dad said. 'Want to open a pretzel business back home?' 'How do I do that?' 'Ask the guy where he gets his pretzels. Get the address.'"
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How great would it be to enjoy a deep, relaxing massage each night…from the comfort of your own living room?! This Father’s Day, Human Touch is committed to providing one stand-out Dad with a top-of-the-line massage chair from Human Touch, valued at $2,799 (MSRP). 

Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, is running a Father’s Day Massage Chair Giveaway contest and is accepting entries now until June 15th!

We are giving away a free Human Touch ThermoStretch™ HT-275 massage chair to the most deserving Father. To participate, we are asking participants to submit an entry, 150 words or less, describing why their Dad, Spouse/Partner (who is a dad of course!) deserves this great giveaway.

*Dads are also encouraged to submit an entry for themselves! 

All information can be found here: http://blog.humantouch.com/2010/06/04/enter-to-win-dad-a-human-touch-massage-chair-for-fathers-day/

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This month kicks of the start of summer and Skin MD Natural is celebrating by hosting our biggest giveaway ever: a BBQ Basket valued at over $300
viewable here http://www.skinmdnatural.com/july-4-giveaway.php.

Also to get you and your readers ready for summer we are offering 20% off all during the month of June just enter the discount code SUMMER10 during
check out at www.skinmdnatural.com.

Book Review - Onaedo: The Blacksmith's Daughter

Dr. Ngozi Achebe’s new book The Blacksmith’s Daughter is a tale about two women separated by four hundred years but linked by history.

Welcome to a world of strong women, the dynamic clash of cultures, and the resolution of heart-wrenching turmoil. The Blacksmith’s Daughter is a brilliantly written story about the beginning of slavery in Africa that vividly explains just how difficult it must have been for even the most intelligent and caring of people to reconcile the physical, intellectual, and spiritual differences between the peoples of Europe and those of West Africa and how potential areas of understanding were never developed.

Here is an exquisitely crafted novel that allows you to immerse yourself in a powerful story of the people, places, events and cultures in the 16^th century during the age of Portuguese discovery.

In The Blacksmith’s Daughter, Maxine, a modern American woman who is half white and half African, comes across a set of diaries written by a slave in the sixteenth century in her quest to connect with her Nigerian father. She tries to write a book about it.  She uses elements of the discovered diaries in her book and also information she has discovered herself based on ancient stories retold to her by a collaborator. 

The main character in her book, Onaedo, is a young woman from Igboland in West Africa who starts her life in an idyllic town in the heart of West Africa, with her own trials and tribulations as a young, independent minded girl growing up in a traditional society. As she comes of age, she finds herself in the middle of the incendiary events at the beginning of the African slave trade that change the course of history.  

There are poignantly drawn sharp storylines and an unforgettable cast of characters and villains as the story moves to Sao Tome, a tiny sugar plantation island off the coast of West Africa and pulls a curtain back to reveal the life of the colonialists in the 16th century where there are twists and unexpected turns from beginning to end.

To read The Blacksmith’s Daughter is to step into a time machine and travel back to the intersection of African American and European people who come into daily contact and near continuous social conflict.

Dr. Achebe does not simply describe the past-she lovingly recreates it with vivid details about this incredible period in time.

Onaedo – The Blacksmith’s Daughter

By Ngozi Achebe

List $19.95

Trade soft cover 364 pages

ISBN 978-0-9826473-1-8

Published by Mandac-Goldberg Publishing

Available in book stores nationwide and online.  For more information visit www.ngoziachebe.com

The events depicted in the book are loosely based on a lot of the traditions of the Igbo people of West Africa.  Dr. Achebe has lived in and visited West Africa several times and also made use of several highly regarded historical treatises to develop her research for the book.

“The influence of the Portuguese on the African coast made me curious and fed my desire to find out more. It was a remarkable learning experience to look into the past from the comfort of the present and revisit the intense drama of the upheaval that accompanies the Portuguese slave trade and the horror and devastation that followed it.”

-        Dr. Ngozi Achebe

About the Author

Ngozi Achebe was born in London and raised in Nigeria in a middleclass family; the daughter of Augustine, a civil engineer and Matilda, a nurse. Her uncle is Chinua Achebe, author, Professor at Brown University, and critic, best known for his book Things Fall Apart (1958), which is the most widely read book in modern African literature.

Her early unpublished writings were about the darkness of war and survival having been one of the children that lived through the Biafran war - a catastrophic event that engulfed 1960’s Nigeria and a potent definer of many childhood memories.

She currently lives in Olympia, Washington and is a practicing physician.

My Take on the Book

"Oneado - The Blacksmith's Daughter" by Ngozi Achebe is a powerful and well written novel that makes you truly think about your own life and the struggles that you do or do not have to face. While I have read about the slave trade in the past, this book brings the story of one woman to the present day and allows the reader to identify with her plight.

The book is a testament to determination and overcoming odds as well as never giving up hope. While I have read other African literature, this book stands out as one of the better ones that I have read. The book was engaging and entranced me from start to finish.

If this book sounds like a book you would like for your own collection you can find it on Amazon!

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 Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

A New Song for Fathers Day

International recording artist, E. Walter Smith, recently recorded a beautiful song titled, “Little Girl,”

with American Idol contestant, Tatiana McConnico.As you might imagine, the song speaks to the magic

of the relationship between a father and his “little girl.”

For many of you this song can be used to celebrate Father’s Day with the ‘little girls” in your life…

no matter how old they are!    Some of you might forward this to the women in your life that will

want to share a special moment with the men that have been the “father figures” in their life.    Still,

for others the song will speak to cherished memories, heal old wounds and be a way to re-establish

relationships that “might be in need of attention…” 

Your participation in this promotion gives you the opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day with all the Dad of Divas readers AND gives them the opportunity to share a special moment with their

friends and family.

This is how it works:

•           Send the link to get a FREE DOWNLOAD of the song, “Little Girl,” to all of your friends, customers, clients,  family members and supporters asking them to celebrate Father’s Day with their loved ones.

•           Send requests to the local and national radio stations asking them play the song because it’s a special part of how Dad of Divas is celebrating Father’s Day!

As you start to hear “Little Girl” on the radio you’ll know that you and Dad of Divas had a big part in sending it to the airwaves! 

You will have enjoyed it personally, shared it with friends, family and co-workers AND, if just for a few minutes, had a positive impact on the lives of many other people.    

The best part of this campaign is that all it will cost you are a few“point and clicks,” and maybe a couple of “cut and pastes.”    But, for all of that expense you’ve brightened someone’s day, shared a great memory and maybe made the world a better place for a little while!

Here’s your link for the FREE download

http://www.ewaltersmith.com/LittleGirl.mp3

Dad of Divas is counting on your participation for this part of our Father’s Day promotion.   Radio DJ’s and Program Directors need some lead time to place songs into their airplay rotation, and although Father’s Day is in a few weeks, we need your participation now!

Here are the links to some syndicated radio shows:

The Tom Joyner Morning Show

webmaster@blackamericaweb.com

or kim.nelson-ingram@reachmediainc.com

The Michael Baisden Show

sme@michaelbaisden.com

Stephanie M. Exum 

Mon. - Fri. 3:00pm - 7:00pm EST 1-877-622-3269

CoCo Brother

Praise 102.5

http://www.CoCoBrotherLive.com

itsme@cocobrotherlive.com

Radio Disney

1 888 327 7018

http://radio.disney.go.com/contactus/request.html

Delilah

1 888 633 5452 or 1 888 635 4524

d@delilah.com

7pm-Midnight PT- Monday-Sunday

Don’t forget to call your local stations, too! If you have kids get them involved along with all of their friends!    When you start hearing it on the radio you’ll know that you and I had a huge part in taking “Little Girl” to the top of the charts!

Happy Father’s Day!

Dad of Divas

PS.

CUT AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING AND SEND TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Subject: My gift to you for Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day!

Father’s Day is upon us and I want to make sure that I help you celebrate this very special day!

One of the many ways that I’m going to celebrate Father’s Day is by giving you a FREE download of a beautiful song titled, “Little Girl.” This amazing song was written and recorded by international recording artist, E. Walter Smith, and featuresAmerican Idol contestant, Tatiana McConnico.  

As you might imagine, the song speaks to the magic of the relationship between a father and his “little girl.”    

For many of you this song can be used to celebrateFather’s Day with the men that have been the “father figures” in your life.    Others will be able to share a special moment with the ‘little girls” in your life…

no matter how old they are!    Still, for others the song will speak to cherished memories, heal old wounds and be a way to re-establish relationships that “might be in need of attention…”  

Here’s my gift to you courtesy of Dad of Divas:  

Your FREE download of “Little Girl!”

http://www.ewaltersmith.com/LittleGirl.mp3

Happy Father’s Day from me and Dad of Divas!

PS.

Feel free to share this with all of your friends and associates so that they can celebrate Father’s Day, too!    

To make sure that this Father’s Day gets all the attention that it truly deserves, we are contacting the radio stations and letting them know that we think that this song, “Little Girl,” helps to really celebrate this special day.  If you feel the same, please feel free to contact your favorite DJ and have them play “Little Girl” by E. Walter Smith and Tatiana McConnico.

To find out more about E. and Tati go to http://www.TheLittleGirlSong.com

Here is the contact information for some of the nationally syndicated radio shows: 

The Tom Joyner Morning Show

webmaster@blackamericaweb.com

or kim.nelson-ingram@reachmediainc.com

The Michael Baisden Show

sme@michaelbaisden.com

Stephanie M. Exum 

Mon. - Fri. 3:00pm - 7:00pm EST 1-877-622-3269

CoCo Brother

Praise 102.5

http://www.CoCoBrotherLive.com

itsme@cocobrotherlive.com

Radio Disney

1 888 327 7018

http://radio.disney.go.com/contactus/request.html

Delilah

1 888 633 5452  or 1 888 635 4524

d@delilah.com

7pm-Midnight PT- Monday-Sunday

Surprise Your Dad this Father's Day with a Gift from Sure Fit

Hate your man’s beat up LA-Z-Boy but know he’ll never throw it out? Surprise him this Father’s Day by giving his trusty chair a makeover without sacrificing that worn in feel with a soft, fitted Sure Fit LA-Z Boy slipcover.

Recliner covers are now available in 13 materials in over 20 colors, including the popular stretch suede and stretch leather, starting at just $60.00 on www.SureFit.com.

National Ice Cream Day w/Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Commemorate the "coolest" holiday using flavors from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Whether it's a scoop, a sandwich, a shake or on a stick, ice cream is the perfect way to chill out when the thermometer is climbing. Americans love this frozen treat! In fact, 90 percent of the US population consumes ice cream and each American eats over 23 quarts of frozen dairy product every year. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month. He also established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month, this year on July 18. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day this summer with the most popular ice cream flavor - vanilla. Madagascar grows 60 percent of the world's vanilla beans that are used for ice cream giving it a rich taste and texture. So, churn out the creamiest, vanilla dairy delight using premier vanilla extracts and pure flavors from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.     "Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste contains real vanilla seed and is a convenient way to add delicious vanilla flavor and eye appeal at the same time," says Craig Nielsen, chief executive officer of Nielsen-Massey. "It is an ideal ingredient in a recipe where the vanilla taste is to be showcased."   Vanilla Ice Cream 1 pint whipping cream 1 pint half and half 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste 1/8 teaspoon salt Mix all ingredients until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill until ready to use. Follow ice cream freezer directions to churn and freeze ice cream. Note: 1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract may be substituted for the bean paste. Using quality ingredients, such as Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, guarantees the very best product to be placed in a cone, bowl or A LA Mode.  So, chill out when the thermometer is climbing, get cranking and enjoy this popular frozen delight.

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey's Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar and Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Beans and Powder.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas recently introduced a line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water.  All Nielsen-Massey products are certified Kosher and Gluten-free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

IPAD Prize for Fathers Day Contest

Encourage your kids to enter a fun Father’s Day contest!

To enter the contest, all kids have to do is submit their answer to the question, “Why do you love YOUR dad?” The grand prize winner, chosen at a Father’s Day Party, will receive a new iPad and 4 tickets to a Mets game!
http://www.ilovemydadbecause.com/


The Upper East Side’s newest luxury residential building, Azure, announces an “I Love My Dad Because” contest for children ages 5 -17, in honor of Father’s Day. The grand prize winner, and his/her lucky dad, will receive a brand new 32G iPad with Wi-Fi and four tickets to the Tuesday, June 22nd New York Mets game. The winners will be announced at a Father’s Day party hosted at the Azure on Sunday, June 20th. Additionally, a lucky dad or mom will win a $1,000 Citibabes-to-go gift certificate in a raffle, redeemable for a private recreational class or birthday party.

Father’s Day is always a memorable family day, but elementary, middle, and high school students are given the chance this year to make the day even more special—by submitting a heartfelt and creative answer to the question, “Why do you love YOUR dad?”

“There are no precise criteria for kids’ entries,” says Joseph Mattone, Sr., Chairman of the Mattone Group and the contest judge. “As a grandfather to 27 kids, I know there is no limit to the creativity and precociousness of today’s youth. It will certainly be difficult to pick a single entry that rises above the rest, but I have a feeling I will know the winning entry when I see it.”

All entries must be submitted before midnight on June 18 at http://www.ilovemydadbecause.com/. Parents may fill out the form for children too young to type the entry themselves. The winner will be chosen at Azure’s Father’s Day Party, which will be held in the building’s children’s playroom and game room from 10:00am-12:00pm. Refreshments will be served.

The Azure is a 34-story luxury building comprised of 128 residences, ranging from 600 square foot studios to 3000 square foot 4-BR apartments, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side at 333 East 91st Street (corner of First Avenue). Slated for June 2010 occupancy, the building offers 6,300 square-feet of first-class amenity space, including a children’s playroom, game room, lounge and event space, private dining facility and adjoining catering kitchen, fitness center, and two landscaped rooftop terraces offering direct elevator access. The building offers a 20-year tax benefit, and immediate financing is available for 80% loan to value. Azure is pet-friendly and also features 24-hour concierge and valet service, a live-in Resident Manager, Fresh Direct cold storage facility, free bicycle storage, and additional storage units available for purchase. For additional information, please visit www.azureny.com.

A Contest to Check out

Just saw a couple of contests for you to check out...

Win a Pillow Pet @ Blommi.com