Dad of Divas' Reviews: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Book Review - Galadria

About the Book
Miguel Lopez De Leon, an accomplished short story writer, is thrilled to debut his premiere novel with the first book in a series of the fantastical story of Galadria. Peter Huddleston lived a dull life in a quiet town with his decidedly normal father and stepmother; he awoke each morning with the intention to fit in and be like everyone else. But something always seemed to get in the way of those best intentions.Peter, the book's main character, has been touted by journalists as the next Harry Potter. The book is written for young adults but people of all ages are buying and enjoying it. De Leon is making appearances at schools in the Los Angeles area and speaking to students about GALADRIA. He wants students to recognize their worth and understand that seemingly ordinary people all have extra-ordinary gifts if they are open to the possibilities.

In GALADRIA, Peter blunders from one misunderstanding to another until his exasperated father bundles him off for the summer to visit his Aunt Gillian at her home, Hillside Manor.Peter quickly learns that Hillside Manor is no ordinary summer retreat, and that his aunt is anything but an ordinary woman. Within its vast walls, and 3,000 rooms, the wondrous manor houses many secrets, including the fact that it serves as a gateway between our world and the mysterious Galadria, where Peter’s family currently rules. Peter has been summoned to Hillside to learn that he is the only heir to the royal family, and to determine if he is prepared to face the Rites of Passage.

The rites are not the only challenges Peter will face during his summer of tutelage at the hands of his aunt and her strange and fascinating entourage. Peter is embroiled in the dynastic challenge as his aunt’s heir, inheriting the enmity of Knor of the House of Shadowray, who covets the crown of Galadria. With his trusty boomerang and armed with magical trinkets, Peter gamely faces the challenges to prove himself in this eccentric and privileged world. Aid comes from strange and unexpected places, but inexorably Peter is pushed and tested to his breaking point. His successes put him in evermore peril and catapult him closer to a confrontation with Knor, and to a grizzly realization that he might not survive the summer!Miguel Lopez de Leon, who lives in Los Angeles, is grateful to all the kooky characters he’s met in his life, who have been a true and constant inspiration to his imagination. He is currently working on the second installment of the GALADRIA series, "Peter Huddleston and the Mists of the Three Lakes."For more information on the GALADRIA series go to http://www.wakestonepress.com.

Miguel Lopez de Leon

An accomplished short story writer, Miguel Lopez De Leon is thrilled to debut his first novel with the first book of the fantastical story of GALADRIA! Miguel, who lives in Los Angeles, is grateful to all the kooky characters he’s met in his life, who have been a true and constant inspiration to his imagination. He is currently working on the second installment

of the GALADRIA series, Peter Huddleston and the Mists of the Three Lakes.

My Take on the BookThis book was a quick and easy read for middle school (young adult) readers, but also for anyone that likes a bit of .humor as well as well developed characters.

This book was filled with great characters and even early on within the story you are hooked. I found the story itself it be utterly enjoyable and the antics of the characters hilarious.

The book was also a page-turner and I found that I could get through it without any problem in only two sittings. For me, how fast I can read a book says how much I enjoyed it and with how fast I got through this, you can see how much I enjoyed it (even though I am an adult).

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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The folks over at Swagbucks have put a fun twist on their reward points - Collector's Bills! From now through September 6th you have a chance to win one of five Collector's Bills celebrating Labor Day. Each of the five is for a different amount and each one has a different image - you can keep track of your bills by looking in the "My Swag Bucks" area of your account, and if you get all five during the promotion, you'll get a 10 Swag Buck bonus instantly applied to your account, meaning you'll be even closer to getting the free stuff you love!

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.

Handstand Kids Cookbook Company Announces New Additions to Cooking Accessories Line

The Handstand Kids Cookbook Company is proud to announce the release of the Handstand Kids Chef’s Hat, Oven Mitt, and Apron. These well-designed cooking accessories make spending time in the kitchen an activity the whole family can enjoy. Made from 100% cotton, they are machine washable and easy to clean, giving little chefs the opportunity to try out recipes from all three Handstand Kids Cookbooks with ease. The chef’s hat, mitt, and apron are colorfully printed with fruits, vegetables, and foods from around the world, educating children about healthy eating and the cuisines of other cultures.

The Handstand Kids Cookbook international series features the languages and cuisines of Italy, Mexico, and China. Each Handstand Kids cookbook offers over twenty family-friendly recipes, introduces children to new and familiar foods, andfamiliarizes them with the language of the corresponding country. The cookbooks translate the key ingredients and utensils into the country’s primary language and are each uniquely packaged with a child-friendly cooking accessory.

“The goal of the Handstand Kids is to create a global community of children,” says author and creator Yvette Garfield. “We want to educate children about the importance of healthy and nutritious foods, while at the same time teaching them how to cook with these ingredients.” She goes on to say, “In addition to introducing kids to recipes from around the world, the cookbooks also encourage children to use their new skills to get involved in their community. Each book exposes children to a different charity and shows them how they can use their new cooking abilities to help others.”

The Handstand Kids Cookbooks are now available at Bed Bath & Beyond, and make the perfect gift for any child interested in cooking or learning more about the Mexican, Chinese, or Italian culture and cuisine. The new chef's hat, oven mitt, andapron are exclusively available for purchase on the Handstand Kids CookbookCompany website, www.handstandkids.com. The Chef’s Hat, priced at $12.00, has a Velcro closure, creating a comfortable fit for any child. The Oven Mitt, $8.00, comes with a hanging loop making it ideal for display in any kitchen. Finally, the Handstand Kids Apron, priced at $20.00, comes with an adjustable tie closure and double pocket, perfect for housing any of the Handstand Kids cooking utensils that come packaged with each cookbook. The entire line of Handstand Kids cookbooks and accessories is available for purchase at the Handstand Kids online store located at www.handstandkids.com/order.
For additional information on the Handstand Kids Cookbook Company, please visit www.handstandkids.com,

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.

Memorex® Presents the Yo Gabba Gabba! It’s Time to Dance

Here’s your chance to chat, dance, sing and “Gabba it up” with Yo Gabba Gabba! characters Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Toodee and Plex! You and your family are invited to attend a rockin’ birthday celebration with Memorex and Yo Gabba Gabba! live on Ustream at noon CDT on Friday, Sept. 9, as Yo Gabba Gabba!, created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and produced by The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, will join Memorex in hosting a very special Memorex virtual 50th birthday party celebration.

“As part of celebrating 50 years of inspiring fun family moments with music, Memorex is thrilled to share quality WeTime with our family, friends and Yo Gabba Gabba! during this exciting virtual birthday party event,” said Jessica Walton, global brand director for Memorex. “As one of the most popular children’s television series and cast of characters today, Yo Gabba Gabba! is sure to bring a level of fun and party excitement worthy of a milestone birthday bash of this nature.”

Hundreds participated in Memorex’s Dancey Dance video contest on Facebook leading up to the event. One groovy family, the Reas from Columbia, Pa., was chosen to swing, spin, shimmy and strut with the cast during the live virtual birthday party event Sept. 9. Other friends of Yo Gabba Gabba! will be tuning in across the country, including 16 bloggers exclusively chosen to boogie along with party kits provided by Memorex.

Leslie Hall, one of Yo Gabba Gabba!’s best buds and a frequent guest on the show, will host the bash, bringing you live red carpet coverage and offering a behind-the-scenes look at all of the festivities! Log on to www.ustream.tv/memorexbirthday at noon CDT on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 to make sure you don’t miss a second of the fun.

Event highlights include opportunities to:

· Chat live with Leslie and all of your Yo Gabba Gabba! friends

· Dance along to your favorite Yo Gabba Gabba! songs

· Win cool Memorex products

· Watch clips of the Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Tour

· Help Memorex celebrate its 50th birthday

Would your family like to meet Muno? Do you have a burning question for Brobee? Throughout the party, Yo Gabba Gabba! characters will take turns at the computer, chatting with viewers and answering your questions.

The party will wrap up with the birthday Dancey Dance and giant cake-cutting ceremony! Party-goers will blow out Memorex birthday candles and will share a piece of birthday cake from Cakes.com.

“Yo Gabba Gabba! can’t wait to sing and dance at Memorex’s 50th birthday live with our friends,” Yo Gabba Gabba! co-creator Christian Jacobs said.

“Sharing the party on Ustream means families from across the country can join in the fun,” said Yo Gabba Gabba! co-creator Scott Schultz.

“Our family has always danced along at home,” said Nicole Rea. “I can’t believe we’ll actually be celebrating live with Yo Gabba Gabba!”

The stream will last 20 minutes, and then continue on a loop at Ustream’s site until noon CDT on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. Kids can tune in at any time they feel like bustin’ a move – just visitwww.ustream.tv/memorexbirthday.

CONNECT LIVE

You can take part in the birthday party by visiting one of the following links:

· Birthday Party Live on Ustream: www.ustream.tv/memorexbirthday

· Memorex Fan Page: www.facebook.com/memorexfans

· Yo Gabba Gabba! Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yo-Gabba-Gabba/42220833615

The party isn’t just happening on Ustream. Sixteen lucky bloggers will be hosting their own birthday bashes with family and friends. Visit participating blogs to find out how families across the country are celebrating with Yo Gabba Gabba! and Memorex:

· 2Wired2Tired.com

· Being Alison

· Lille Punkin

· Mom’s Favorite Stuff

· A Wrestling Addicted Mommy

· Daytripping Mom

· Mod*Mom

· Momma Findings

· Seven Dogs & A Baby

· Mommies Playground

· This Mama Loves Her Bargains

· Wisconsin Mommy

· Mommin’ It Up

· The ABCD Diaries

· MI Saving Mama

· Happy Hour Mom

Lose the Ketchup and Spice Up Your Fall with NEW Frank's RedHot THICK Sauce

About the Sauce
Fall is almost here and that means the kick-off to football season and RedHot's brand new Thick Sauce is ideal for backyard grilling and tailgates to add that delicious, extra flavor to everything from burgers to corn on the cob.

A little bit about Frank’s® RedHot THICK Sauce:

Same great taste as Frank’s RedHot Original, but with a thicker consistency
Great for grilling burgers, chicken, ribs, and even corn on the cob
Perfect for dipping appetizers, such as spring rolls, chicken nuggets, French fries, and mozzarella sticks
Ideal for dipping and spreading

SPICY PEPPERONI PIZZA

Pre-baked pizza shells make this recipe a snap. Experiment with different toppings.

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

½ lb. bulk Italian sausage

1 cup pizza sauce

¼ cup FRANK'S® REDHOT THICK™ Cayenne Pepper Sauce

1 (14 inch) pre-baked pizza crust shell

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup each sliced green pepper and onion

½ cup sliced pepperoni

½ cup sliced black olives

1. COOK sausage in nonstick skillet until browned, stirring to separate; drain. Stir in pizza sauce and THICK Sauce.

2. SPREAD pizza crust with sausage mixture. Top with remaining ingredients. Place pizza on baking sheet.

3. HEAT barbecue grill to medium. Carefully transfer pizza directly onto grill. Grill about 10 min. until golden and crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with additional THICK Sauce.

Makes 8 servings

Tip: You may substitute link sausage; remove meat from casing.

Oven bake directions: Place pizza on baking sheet. Bake at 400°F about 15 min. until golden and crispy.

JUICY & ZESTY BURGERS

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

¾ cup FRANK'S® REDHOT THICK™ Cayenne Pepper Sauce

1 lb. ground beef

4 hamburger or Kaiser rolls, split and toasted

1. MIX 1/4 cup THICK Sauce with ground beef; shape into 4 burgers.

2. GRILL or broil burgers about 10 min. until no longer pink in center.

3. SERVE burgers on toasted rolls, spreading with remaining THICK Sauce.

Makes 4 servings

Variation: Add a slice of American cheese to each burger while grilling.

SPICY GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

4 (5 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts

½ cup FRANK'S® REDHOT THICK™ Cayenne Pepper Sauce plus additional for sandwich

4 kaiser or hamburger rolls

4 leaves, lettuce

1. MARINATE chicken in Thick Sauce for 30 min. or up to 3 hours.

2. GRILL or broil chicken 10 min. or until no longer pink in center.

3. SERVE on lettuce-lined rolls and spread chicken with additional Thick Sauce.

Makes 4 servings

SPICY THAI TURKEY WRAP

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 0 mins

2/3 cup peanut butter

½ cup FRANK'S® REDHOT THICK™ Cayenne Pepper Sauce

¼ cup reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce

¼ cup minced cilantro leaves

8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained

3 cups chopped bell pepper

¾ cup chopped peanuts

6 burrito-size, flour tortillas

1 lb. sliced deli turkey

6 cups baby spinach leaves

1. PLACE peanut butter, THICK Sauce, teriyaki sauce and cilantro in food processor; blend until smooth. Set aside.

2. MIX pineapple, bell pepper and peanuts in small bowl. Reserve.

3. SPREAD about 1/4 cup peanut sauce on each tortilla. Layer each tortilla with 5 slices turkey, 1 cup spinach leaves and 1/2 cup pineapple mixture. Roll up tightly. Cut in half to serve. Serve with extra Thick sauce on the side.

Makes 6 servings

SAUCY CUBAN SANDWICH

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

6 soft, hoagie or Pan Cubano rolls, split 3/4 of the way through

1 1/8 cups FRANK'S® REDHOT THICK™ Cayenne Pepper Sauce

¾ lb. sliced deli turkey

¾ lb. sliced deli roast pork loin

6 oz. sliced Cheddar-Jack cheese

6 tbsp. chopped bread and butter pickles

Shoestring potato sticks (optional)

1. SPREAD bottom of each roll with 2 tbsp. THICK Sauce.

2. LAYER each with turkey, pork, cheese and pickles, dividing evenly. Drizzle each sandwich with 1 tbsp. THICK Sauce. If desired, sprinkle each sandwich with shoestring potato sticks.

3. CLOSE sandwiches together firmly. Wrap each in foil. Heat in 350°F oven for 10 min. until cheese melts.

Makes 6 servings

Tip: Sandwiches may be cooked on a panini-style grill.

BUFFALO SHRIMP & CHICKEN QUESADILLAS

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

12 burrito-size flour tortillas

3/4 cup FRANK'S® REDHOT THICK™ Cayenne Pepper Sauce

3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

3 cups diced, cooked chicken breast

1 ½ cups cooked salad-size shrimp

½ cup diced canned green chilies, drained

1. PLACE 6 tortillas on flat work surface. Spread each tortilla with 2 tbsp. THICK Sauce. Layer each with 1/2 cup cheese, 1/2 cup chicken, 1/4 cup shrimp, and about 1 tbsp. green chilies.

2. TOP each tortilla with second tortilla.

3. COOK tortillas on a panini grill or barbecue grill about 5 min., turning once, until toasted and cheese melts.

Cut into wedges and serve with additional THICK sauce.

Makes 6 servings

My Take on the Sauce

Thick and spicy and delicious, I think that sums it up. If you like RedHot in the past with the liquid drops that you typically would get, but this sauce reminded me so much of catchup but its flavor was so much better in my opinion that is. I loved being able to put these on chicken sandwiches as well burgers, and it made the meat just taste remarkable. My kids are not big into things that are too spicy, but I still had them try it and one liked it the other said it was too spicy for them. This was however good news for me!

Overall a great sauce, and one that I will be purchasing in the future!

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Triscuit Thin Crisps Chile Pepper Chips Offer Bold & Spicy Snack

Triscuit's are both delicious and nutritious and I have been eating them for years. Whether it is with cheese or plain, I love these crackers so when I was given the opportunity to try these new Triscuit crisps I was intrigued. How would they taste? Would they be too spicy? When the two boxes arrived, I tore right into them and I decided to eat a few and share some with the family.

I have to say that in eating these chips, they were definitely not too spicy for me as I love spice. For my wife though, she mentioned that they did taste a bit spicy (she does not like a lot of spice). My kids though thought that they tasted great as well and asked for more after the first batch. I also tried the chips with cheese and this was a great pairing also.

In the chip itself you can taste garlic and onion and even some cheese. Then there is a bit of spiciness as well with the flavor of chile peppers.

We all want to have healthy snacks around the house, and after eating these new crackers, I have to say that as a parent I would have no problem having these for my family! Not only are they low in fat, but they also are reasonable in calories.

These crackers are great for any family! Not only do they taste great, but they are affordable as they tend to cost around $3.69/box. You can find out more information about these and other Nabisco Crackers here:

www.nabiscoworld.com/triscuit/.

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.

Epson Unveils WorkForce Pro Line

Epson Unveils WorkForce Pro Line of Business-Class Printing Solutions to Help Businesses Run at Full Speed

Epson America, Inc., a leading provider of superior performing printing solutions, today expanded its business printing solutions with a new product line-up – the Epson WorkForce^®Pro WP-4540 and WorkForce Pro WP-4530 all-in-ones and WorkForce Pro WP-4020 ink jet printer. Ideal for small offices, departmental workgroups and vertical markets such as real estate, the WorkForce Pro series delivers ink cost savings of up to 50 percent compared to color lasers[1], while providing the world’s fastest auto two-sided print speeds[2], efficient and hassle-free paper handling and all-new extra-large ink cartridges to ensure small businesses are always running at full speed.

High Speed Printing with Low Running Costs

The robust feature set included in both the WorkForce Pro WP-4540 and WorkForce Pro WP-4530 make the all-in-ones ideal printing solutions for high-print volume, multi-tasking businesses that require maximum speed and flexibility. Both printers deliver high performance and productivity features including blazingly fast single- and double-sided print speeds – 16 ISO ppm black and 11 ISO ppm color single-sided; 9.2 ISO ppm black and 7.1 ISO ppm color two-sided[3]. Business users will also benefit from Epson’s new extra large ink capacity cartridges, capable of printing up to 2,400 pages black; 1,200 pages color[4] as well as a robust monthly duty cycle of up to 20,000 pages[5].

Additional productivity features for the WorkForce Pro all-in-ones include:

· Built-in 30-page automatic document feeder to copy, fax and scan two-sided originals

· Easy-to-use copy features

· PC-Fax for direct fax from computer[6]

· Scan-to-PDF – for archiving documents and images digitally

· Upload files straight to a PC via printer’s USB port

· Built-in Wi-Fi n[7] networking

“The WorkForce Pro series further expands Epson’s already successful line of home office and small business ink jet solutions,” said Rodrigo Catalan, sr. product manager, Business Ink Jets, Epson America, Inc. “Engineered for productivity, all three models offer low running cost for high print volume needs, perform at twice the speed of leading inkjet printers and boast easy-to-operate features for producing high quality documents.”

WorkForce Pro All-in-One Robust Paper Handling and Navigation

The WorkForce Pro WP-4540 includes an unprecedented 580-sheet input capacity – not only the highest paper capacity in its class but it also lends itself to a hassle-free experience as users won’t have to load paper as often and will be able to accommodate up to 80 specialty sheets. The WorkForce Pro WP-4540 also offers quick and easy navigation with a 5.8” touch panel and 3.5” LCD screen to quickly access all printer functions. The WorkForce Pro WP-4530 boasts a 330-sheet capacity with rear feed tray for up various media types.

Epson Connect and Printing On-the-Go

The Epson WorkForce Pro series also comes equipped with Epson Connect, a new portfolio of cloud and mobile services enabling mobile users to print documents and photos directly to their Epson printers from a mobile device.[8] Epson Connect offers two solutions – Email Print and Epson iPrint. Email Print allows customers to print out e-mail and file attachments by simply sending an e-mail from their smartphone or other mobile device to an enabled Epson printer. The Epson iPrint application, for the latest iOS- and Android-based devices, allows customers to print a wide range of content such as photos, documents and web pages by simply downloading the Epson iPrint application and connecting to a Wi-Fi enabled printer. More information on Epson Connect is available at www.epson.com/connect.

Built for Business – Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4020 Inkjet Printer

The WorkForce Pro WP-4020 printer delivers fast single- and double-sided print speeds – 16 ISO ppm black and 11 ISO ppm color single-sided; 9.2 ISO ppm black and 7.1 ISO ppm color two-sided². Packaged in a sleek industrial design, it also includes a 330-sheet input capacity, and provides a reliable solution to small business owners that require professional looking prints in high volume.

Pricing and Availability

The Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4540 ($399.99*), WorkForce Pro WP-4530 ($299.99*) and WorkForce Pro WP-4020 ($179.99*), will be available in September through major computer, office and electronic superstores, mail order, and the Epson Store, www.epsonstore.com. For more information about the WorkForce Pro WP-4540, WP-4530 and WP-4020 ink jets, please visit www.epson.com.

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Unique Music Gifts Starting Under $10

Ocarinas and teacarinas designed by STL Ocarina are ideal for adults or kids and are creative gift ideas for the aspiring musician in your family.

"The ocarina and teacarina seem to be the ideal instrument for adults and kids alike. It doesn't cost a lot and the learning curve is very, very easy," Laura Yeh, director at the St. Louis School of Music and who designs ocarinas for STL Ocarina.

This pocket-sized wind instrument with its soothing, ancient sound is becoming a favorite of video game fans around the world. Just recently, the new game, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS by Nintendo, was released. One gift idea is the new CD (details below) released by STL Ocarina featuring Heather Scott, an ocarina performer and instructor at the St. Louis School of Music. Heather is known worldwide to fans of the Legend of Zelda game series and through her YouTube channel which has more than 15,000 subscribers.

Also NEW for 2011 is a DIY 12-hole ocarina (details below).

Musical gift ideas for kids and adults of all ages include:

• (NEW) Echoes of Gerudo Valley (2011): Music from The Legend of Zelda: Featuring 12 Zelda songs including “Zelda’s Lullaby”; “Song of Time”; “Bolero of Fire”; and “Song of Storms”. Also included are the accompaniment tracks (13 to 24) for all of the songs, so you can play these on the ocarina! SRP: $13.99

• For Legend of Zelda fans, STL Ocarina carries a full line of instruments and accessories, including the Legend of Zelda Rupee Tenor Ocarina now on sale for $22 (regularly $26). This new, 6-hole C Major tenor Rupee ocarina is about 3 inches long with a range of 10 notes plus sharps and flats. It comes with a neck strap and a fingering chart. Buy the Legend of Zelda Rupee Tenor Ocarina and get free downloads of tablatures for songs such as "Ocarina of Time" title theme, "Zelda's Lullaby," "Serenade of Water" and "Twilight Princess" title theme. For more details, visithttp://www.stlocarina.com/lrupee6.html.

• For the youngest of musicians The 6 Hole Plastic Ocarina is ideal for beginners and retails for $10.00. It comes in different colors and is 3 inches long with a pitch from C5 to E6 including sharps and flats and includes a free instructional book. Visit http://www.stlocarina.com/pl3.html for product overview.

• (NEW) The Dog Ocarina http://www.stlocarina.com/k9.html is another great gift for children. Retails for $9.99 and is 3 by 2 inches with a pitch from G5 to G6 and comes with a free instructional booklet and neck strap.

• Manufactured by STL Ocarina of St. Louis in a range of beautiful colors, theteacarina is on sale for $18 (regularly $22) making it a truly affordable gift. Like all of the amazing ocarinas manufactured by STL Ocarina, it is irresistible to play for anyone young or old. Each teacarina comes with an instruction booklet. Music is produced by blowing through an air chamber, changing pitch by fingering four holes of various sizes on the side on the cup. To see and hear a demonstration, click here:http://www.stlocarina.com/teacarina.html.

• (NEW) For the creative musicians who want a customized ocarina, the new 12 Hole DIY (Do It Yourself) Tenor Ocarina is available. Paint your own ocarina! This 12-hole tenor ocarina is about 5.5 inches long. The surface of this ocarina is unglazed, but there’s a clear protective coating around the mouth piece. It comes with a brush and non toxic paints in 6 different colors. You can mix the paints and create your own colors. After you finished painting the ocarina, simply let it dry and that’s it! Retails for $49.99.

Cartoon Network and Hasbro Celebrate New Season of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" with Fan Sweepstakes

In anticipation of the upcoming fourth season premiere of the hit series Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Cartoon Network, Hasbro and the network are joining forces for an exciting fan promotion. Starting today, Cartoon Network viewers will have the opportunity to check out CartoonNetwork.com/toys to enter for a chance to win one of 500 Hasbro STAR WARS ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABERS to be given away over a two-week period. The all-new ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABER features a progressive light-up “blade” with vibrant LED lighting, allowing kids to experience the Force in a whole new way. The sweepstakes page will expand the week of September 5to offer fans a sneak peek of Season Four of the series premiering on Friday, September 16 at 8 p.m. (et/pt) and the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. Full details and rules for the sweepstakes will be available at CartoonNetwork.com/toys.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a thrilling, weekly 30-minute “mini-movie” created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation. Season Four: Battle Lines promises to continue the saga thatStar Wars fans of all ages have grown to love, with the most fearless heroes and evilest bad guys returning for an action-packed season of fun and adventure.

As the heroic Jedi Knights and their clone army fight to preserve order, their efforts continue to be met with strong resistance from the massive Separatist Droid army. Escalating and expanding into uncharted corners of the galaxy, the scope and scale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars continues to grow - with exotic adventures and enhanced animation strengthening ties to the Star Wars saga. Within the galactic battle, fearsome foes from the past return to settle the score. As unexpected alliances are formed on both sides of the conflict, the action explodes and the course of the war takes an unforeseen turn!

Are Your Child’s Eyes Ready for School?

As children return to school, parents naturally consider how to help their children learn and succeed. Good vision and eye health are key to students’ ability to do well in the classroom, on the playground, in sports and when studying at home. September is Children’s Eye Health and Safety month, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) encourages families to make sure students receive vision screening and learn eye health and safety practices. Also, it’s important for parents of children with learning disabilities to know how vision does — and does not — play a role.

The first hint that Quinn Kirby had a serious — but correctable — vision problem was during a preliminary screening at her pediatrician’s office. Quinn, a bright, lively little girl who was four at the time, couldn’t name the pictures or letters, which frustrated her, since she knew her alphabet. The pediatrician and Quinn’s mom, Kris, agreed on sending Quinn to a pediatric ophthalmologist, an Eye M.D. who cares for children, for a comprehensive eye exam.

The exam determined that Quinn’s vision was 20/30 in her right eye and 8/200 in the left, compared with 20/20 normal vision. Her stronger eye was doing most of the work, and her other eye was becoming weaker as a result, a condition called amblyopia. Also, Quinn’s weaker eye was slightly turned inward (one variation of a condition called strabismus), but this was too subtle to be noticed, except in an exam.

Her parents take excellent care of their kids’ health, and so were stunned by the news. Their Eye M.D. asked them not to blame themselves, as such vision problems are nearly impossible to detect — especially in young children — except through vision screening by a school nurse, pediatrician or other qualified health provider.
“Quinn’s story illustrates how vision screening and proper treatment can make a big difference to a child’s future,” said Daniel Neely, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Indiana University and Chair of the AAPOS Vision Screening Committee. “When a potential problem is found, a comprehensive eye exam by an Eye M.D. is the best way to determine whether vision correction or other treatment is needed.”

Parents may have questions on how the eyes and vision interact with learning disabilities in children. Learning disabilities result from the brain’s misinterpretation of images received and relayed by the eyes, rather than from structural or functional eye problems. That’s why learning disabilities are not treatable by eye exercises or vision therapy. If learning disabilities are suspected, students need testing, followed as appropriate by in-depth neurological exams and treatment. And, whether or not learning disabilities are suspected, all students need vision screening to check eye health and visual acuity.

Kris, who teaches third grade, said some of her students’ learning struggles might have been avoided if they had had vision screening and treatment when they entered kindergarten, or as soon as vision or learning problems were suspected.

“I’d encourage all parents to make sure your children get screened at school, at your pediatrician’s office, or through another health service,” Kris said. “My husband and I are grateful that Quinn’s problem was discovered and treated early. She’s now almost five-and-a-half, with 20/25 vision in her right eye and 20/30 in the left. She loves being able to do whatever her big brother does and enjoys reading with us.”

Her treatment included glasses — at first with very thick lenses — but Kris says Quinn liked choosing the pink and purple frames and didn’t mind wearing them. The eye patch treatment was a different story: after three months of persuasion, Quinn agreed to wear the patch over her stronger eye for about eight hours daily, so that her weaker eye took on the work of seeing and developed more normally.“Actually, she insisted all of us wear patches along with her. Quinn and my husband in their daisy eye patches were famous at our local market!” Kris added.

About American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
AAPOS is the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The organization's goals are to advance the quality of children's eye care, support the training of pediatric ophthalmologists, support research activities in pediatric ophthalmology, and advance the care of adults with strabismus. Further information regarding vision screening and many other topics on childhood eye problems can be found at www.aapos.org.

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Monday, August 29, 2011

What drives mom crazy this back-to-school season?

The back-to-school craziness is in full swing, and Cozi has the pulse on what is driving mom crazy. Cozi asked its users to share the ONE thing they have to tell their kids over and over again in the morning that, honestly, drives them a little crazy. The top three answers were:

22% - Hurry up, you’re going to be late!
20% - Get dressed!
17% - Brush your teeth!

About CoziCozi is a free Web and mobile service that simplifies busy family life. With Cozi, families have the tools to manage schedules and activities with an online calendar, track grocery lists, shopping lists and to do lists, organize household chores, and share family moments with relatives and friends—all with one solution. Families can access Cozi from any computer at home or at work, and can get their grocery list, shopping list, to do list, schedule and messages on any mobile phone. Located in Seattle, Wash., Cozi was founded by veterans of Microsoft, Expedia and Amazon with a vision for creating technology tuned to the family. Cozi has over 3 million registered family members, and is available for free atwww.cozi.com.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011