Dad of Divas' Reviews: March 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Deep Sea Fishing Package in Monterey

I wanted to share this new offering with you from Portola Hotel and Spa: Deep Sea Fishing package.

The package includes:
The package, partnered with Randy’s Fishing, includes:

  • a night’s stay inside Portola’s nautically inspired guest rooms
  • Deep Sea Fishing for two
  • warm homemade chocolate chip cookie upon arrival
  • access to the hotel’s outdoor heated pool
  • relaxing cabanas and Jacuzzi
  • complimentary 24 hour fitness center
  • all your Deep Sea Fishing necessities such as fishing rod, tackle, fishing license, and gunny sack for your fish.


Here is a link to the package online:
http://www.portolahotel.com/specials/attraction-packages/deep-sea-fishing-package

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 - Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You're Expecting

About the Book
A devotional journal inviting women to embrace the spiritual journey that awaits as they prepare for the high and holy calling of motherhood.

Expecting a baby is a wonderful and exciting time for a mother-to-be. She’ll experience many joys as she shares the news with family and friends, hears the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, and bonds emotionally while dreaming about the baby to come. She’ll also experience anxieties such as the trials of morning sickness, anticipating the process of labor, and wondering if she’ll be a good mother. They are all times to be remembered and treasured for a lifetime.

With Waiting in Wonder, readers are guided through the weeks of pregnancy with devotions for reflection and guided questions for pondering deeper into their experiences both spiritually and physically. Each devotion includes Scripture and journaling space for writing personal thoughts, prayers, dreams, even love letters to the growing baby. And when baby is born, mother will be spiritually blessed and hold a lifelong keepsake for rereading and reliving a truly wonder-filled time.

About the Author
Catherine Claire Larson has a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and spent seven years writing with Chuck Colson for BreakPoint radio, Christianity Today, and Newsweek online. Today she writes amid the clatter, curiosity, and joy of two young children.

My Take on the Book
This was a great book that takes you week by week through your pregnancy and allows you to not only prepare yourself mentally and physically, but differently than many books spiritually as well. The book provides the reader with a great ability to delve deeper into scripture and explore their own thoughts about parenthood and what God wants from them as a parent. There is room in the book to journal which was nice and the author does a great job at helping the reader to pull their thoughts together in a time of excitement and anticipation!

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, March 30, 2013

Game Review - Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Gates to Infinity

About the Game
Infinite Mystery Dungeons await you and your Pokémon friends on your quest to stop the forces that threaten Pokémon Paradise! Explore the infinite possibilities of Mystery Dungeons as they come to life with vibrant 3D graphics and detailed environments! Become a Pokémon and travel through a fantastic land inhabited only by other Pokémon! Enlist their help as you build Pokémon Paradise! There’s a new adventure around every corner as you battle and befriend Pokémon, collect treasure, and explore Mystery Dungeons that change each time you enter! Use the Nintendo 3DS Camera to discover Magnagates in the real world that lead to new Mystery Dungeons! Experience even more Mystery Dungeons with downloadable content available for purchase in the Nintendo eShop. Play with up to 3 other people and explore Mystery Dungeons together in Companion Mode!

Product Features

  • Explore the infinite possibilities of Mystery Dungeons as they come to life with vibrant 3D graphics and detailed environments!
  • Become a Pokémon and travel through a fantastic land inhabited only by other Pokémon! Enlist their help as you build Pokémon Paradise! Play as Pikachu, Snivy, Oshawott, Tepig, or Axew and talk to other Pokémon.
  • There's a new adventure around every corner as you battle and befriend Pokémon, collect treasure, and explore Mystery Dungeons that change each time you enter!
  • Use the Nintendo 3DS Camera to discover Magnagates in the real world that lead to new Mystery Dungeons!
  • Play with up to 3 other people and explore Mystery Dungeons together.


My Take on the Game
This was the first Pokemon 3DS game that I have ever played so cannot really talk about the series of games that I know are out there only this one. I have to say that for me the scheme was definitely fun and engaging and had some great graphics for the 3DS. I liked the idea that the human is transported to a world where knowing you exist and has to survive there. The graphics in this game are strong, especially for a handheld system, and in using the 3D effects you really gain some great depth within the game itself and get drawn in even further.  One of the things though that was a bit annoying at times was the speed in which the text that were shared in the game was presented. The text came across a very slow and there is no way that I can tell that you can skip the text itself, you simply have to wait until the text clears to be able to move on and sometimes this became a bit frustrating. Overall, I was impressed and it makes me interested to see what some of the other games in the series are like so I can contrast the experiences.

What My Kids Thought
My eldest also tried out the game and in asking her her thoughts she said that the game was "cool" and that she liked all of the Pokemon creatures that were in the game. She also mentioned that she loved the different levels and how you really got to engage with the different Pokemon characters. She finally mentioned that she really liked the music. I had not thought of that, but she said that the music made the game fun to play!

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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Game Review - Assassins Creed III (WII U)

About the Game
Ignite The American Revolution

The American Colonies, 1775. It’s a time of civil unrest and political upheaval in the Americas. As a Native American assassin fights to protect his land and his people, he will ignite the flames of a young nation’s revolution.

Assassin’s Creed III takes you back to the American Revolutionary War, but not the one you’ve read about in history books.

Key Game Features

  • As a Native American assassin, eliminate your enemies with guns, bows, tomahawks, and more!
  • From bustling city streets to the chaotic battlefields, play a critical role in the most legendary events of the American Revolution including the Battle of Bunker Hill and Great Fire of New York.
  • Experience the truth behind the most gruesome war in history: the American Revolution.
  • Introducing the Anvil Next game engine, the stunning new technology that will revolutionize gaming with powerful graphics, lifelike animations, immersive combat, and advanced physics.


My Take on the Game
WOW! This was an amazing game. I cannot comment on past versions of this game because I have not played them, but in getting the opportunity to be able to try this out for myself I see that I may have been missing something in the past. Not only in the graphics remarkable but the storyline itself is very strong. Now I do have to say that as a parent of younger children I would not want my children playing this yet due to the battles and the ability to kill other characters, but that is why it has a rating on the back of the game itself and my daughters are not to that age yet. I will say this to be a little bit of time to use to the different views and modes that are provided for the player, but once I did I had no problems. One of the things that I thought was pretty cool though was the fact that you have a lot of options in regards to how you play the game, as I had not seen this in the past. I have to say that I only scratched the surface of this game but I can tell that I'm going to truly enjoy it as a plate into the future and you will 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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Product Review - Gund Super Grover

About the Product
GUND®, the oldest and leading soft toy manufacturer in the world known for top quality and innovation, introduces Super Grover to their line of Sesame Street® licensed plush. The latest addition to GUND’s collection of furry friends is another example of how GUND® continues to provide new loveable, huggable characters for everyone of every age to enjoy.

He's blue, he's furry, he soars through the air—he's Super Grover! Modeled after Grover’s iconic role in Sesame Street® as “Super Grover,” GUND® used their super powers to create a new cuddly plush. Perfect for ages 12 months and older, the ultra soft Grover comes with a 15” satin cape and retails at $30.00.

“Super Grover is a fantastic addition to the beloved Sesame Street® licensed brand of GUND® products,” said Bruce Raiffe, President of GUND®. “He will bring smiles to children and nostalgic adults who are big fans.”

To purchase the new Super Grover plush online or to find your nearest retailer, please visit www.gund.com.

My Take on the Product
I am a huge Sesame Street fan and have been since I was a kid! One of my favorite characters of all time though was always Super Grover. This lovable blue monster always had a big heart and was trying to do the right thing even when it wasn't the right thing, and that I think is what I loved most about him. I was excited to see that Gund now has this character for all to enjoy. When I received one myself to try I have to say that this Super Grover is extra soft and feels there is a kind of attention that is placed on his costume as well. For anyone who has loved this character in the past or even now this is a definite must for any home ( or office - as this is where I have mine is now). All-in-all I commend Gund for supporting Sesame Street and their characters as well as for sharing the tradition and characters of this program for generations to come!

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 - Cascade

About the Book
In Maryanne O’Hara’s debut novel, CASCADE (Penguin; $16.00; ISBN: 978-0-143-12351-4; On sale April 30, 2013), Desdemona Hart Spaulding is not your average 1935 Cascade, Massachusetts housewife. A former Boston art school graduate and winner of a prestigious art prize, Dez traded in her dreams of moving to New York City to put a roof over her newly bankrupt, ailing father’s head. Two months later her father is dead and Dez is stuck: stifled by her marriage to kind but conservative Asa Spaulding, and with New York City a receding glimmer on the horizon. She also stands to lose her father’s legacy, the Shakespeare Playhouse, as the Massachusetts Water Board decides whether or not to turn Cascade into a reservoir.

Amidst this turmoil arrives Jacob Solomon, a fellow artist. With him, Dez finds understanding and desire. As their relationship reaches a pivotal moment, a man is found dead and the town points its collective finger at Jacob, a Jewish outsider. At the same time, Dez’s idea for a series of painted postcards is picked up by The American Standard and she suddenly finds herself back on the path to New York City, to Jacob, and to independence. But what must she give up along the way?

CASCADE is at once epic and intimate. It weaves together a town’s impending destruction, a man’s mysterious death, America’s struggle during the Depression, small-town anti-Semitism and the bohemian art world of Greenwich Village, as well as the story of a young woman struggling to make the best of her circumstances. With determination and not a little internal strife, Dez finds her path, contending with the death of her father and his legacy, her failed marriage, her love for another man and her unorthodox desire not to have a child, but to work.

Maryanne O’Hara is an exceptional storyteller. In Dez Hart, she has created a wonderful character trying to reconcile the expectations of her father, her husband, and the era in which she lives with her own ambition and passions.

About the Author
Maryanne O’Hara enjoyed a long tenure as Associate Fiction editor at Ploughshares, Boston’s award winning literary journal. A graduate of Emerson College’s MFA program, her short stories have been published in Redbook, Five Points, The North American Review, The Crescent Review, as well as the literary anthologies MicroFiction, Brevity and Echo, The Art of Friction and Sudden Flash Youth. CASCADE is her first novel. American and Irish, she lives on a river west of Boston with her family.

My Take on the Book
This was a suspenseful book from the beginning, and I have to be honest and say that I did not know that at start of the book. The book explores so much more than the cover may suggest and it draws you in from beginning and holds your attention until the very end. One of the things I really enjoyed about this book were the characters themselves as the author did a wonderful job of making them deep in making the relationships meaningful. The author also makes you think hard about some questions that all of us struggle with in society today. As they read further and further I found that I did not want to put this now and was gone further into the drama and the story as well as the mystery, tradition and ambition that is shown through the characters and the plot. As a first novel I have to commend the author as she was able to fully immerse the reader in the world that she created which not all writers are able to do well. After reading some of the chapters I challenge you to close your eyes and you will be transported into the town of Cascade, I know that I was!

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 - Swimming To Elba

About the Book
Not many 27-year-olds publish a novel that sells 400,000 copies at home (Italy), with rights sold in twenty languages, wins second place in Italy’s most prestigious literary contest, the Premio Strega, and wins praise around the world. Even fewer 27-year-olds do this by using a paradigm-shifting understanding of working-class youth in Italy today. And no one has published a novel so graphic in its pleasures, so defiant in its message, as Silvia Avallone’s SWIMMING TO ELBA (Penguin; On-Sale: April 30, 2013; ISBN: 978-0-143-12365-1; $16.00; originally published as Acciaio in Italy in 2010).

SWIMMING TO ELBA describes a friendship between two young girls who live in the saddest part of a sad Italian town whose economy is defined by a failing steel mill. Both too beautiful for their own good, they realize quickly that their only ticket out is through their sexuality. Their dreams—not to mention the dreams of the friends, family and ever-present boys who love them—take the girls much further than they expect.

Silvia Avallone came of age in a small town exactly like the one in the book, and her fiery, evocative prose reminds us that her message is personal: it’s a tough story with a lot of heart. The book is graphic in its sexual content, and it’s also frank about the realities of life in working-class Italy today, revealing the hypocrisy of the Leftist, Socialist dream of a happy proletariat. This novel became a lightning rod for political discussion in Italy and has been covered with fervor all over Europe. It’s been called Italy’s Catcher in the Rye, and readers who fell for another Premio Strega winner, The Solitude of Prime Numbers, will find the same flawless prose and compelling characters here. Swimming to Elba is a literary masterpiece, and an international event.

About the Author
Silvia Avallone is a poet and novelist. This first novel won second place in the 2010 Premio Strega, and rights have been sold in twenty languages. She lives in Bologna, Italy.

My Take on the Book
This the book is definitely a coming-of-age story that allows you to explore the relationship between Anna and Francesca but also between them and the world around them. The author paints the picture of a town that is going through much upheaval and you feel for the girls as you see a world ridden with drug abuse and crime. There were times that the book made me feel a bit goal down into the depths of depression that you could only guess that the main characters felt, and seeing how the characters themselves dealt with this made me also feel uneasy, especially as a parent. This was a powerful book to read and a difficult book to explore but definitely one in which you are drawn in and one in which you will want to share with others in the end.

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 - Letters To A Young Poet

About the Book
At the start of the twentieth century, Rainer Maria Rilke wrote a series of letters to a young officer cadet, advising him on writing, love, sex, suffering and the nature of advice itself. These profound and lyrical messages became LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET (A Penguin Classics Hardcover Original; On Sale: March 26, 2013; ISBN: 978-0-14-310714-9; $18.00; 160 pages), now newly translated by Charlie Louth.

A hugely influential collection for generations of writers and artists of all kinds, LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET has inspired writers, artists and musicians such as J.D. Salinger, Philip Roth, Cy Twombly, Patti Smith, and Lady Gaga. In this new translation, Louth presents a voice that is immediately accessible to modern readers and additionally provides notes, a chronology, an afterword, a translator’s note, and further reading. This Penguin Classics hardcover edition also includes THE LETTER FROM THE YOUNG WORKER. In a new Introduction, Lewis Hyde, author of THE GIFT, a modern classic of creative experience praised by writers including Zadie Smith, Jonathan Lethem, and David Foster Wallace, explores the context in which Rilke’s letters were written and how the author embraced his isolation as a creative force.

With honesty, elegance, and a deep understanding of the loneliness that often comes with being an artist, Rilke's letters are an endless source of inspiration and comfort. Packaged in a slim, beautiful, and foil-stamped hardcover book with printed endpapers including an inscription page, LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET makes the perfect gift for aspiring creative readers at any chapter of life.

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) studied literature, art history, and philosophy in both Munich and Prague and is often considered one of the German language’s greatest twentieth-century poets. His two most famous verse sequences are the Sonnets to Orpheus and the Duino Elegies; his two most famous prose works are Letters to a Young Poet and the semi-autobiographical The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge.

Charlie Louth is a fellow at Queen’s College, Oxford, where he lectures in German. He is the author of Hölderlin and the Dynamics of Translation.

Lewis Hyde is the author of the hundred-million-copy bestseller The Gift. A MacArthur fellow and former director of undergraduate creative writing at Harvard University, Hyde is a fellow at Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Gambier, Ohio.

My Take on the Book
I have to be honest and say that I had never heard of this author before, but after reading this I was quite impressed with the writing style and how ( at least in this translation) he is able to capture the reader's attention while writing to a place of deep emotion. This book truly makes you think for yourself about the concept of inner peace and how each of us go through our own searching process for this. I can tell that this would be a book that you would need to read a few times to capture everything, and that you do need to be of a certain age people to truly understand what the author is sharing as well. Even after one reading, I find myself going back and rereading parts of the book and afterward I seem to come to a different conclusion about what I had originally read. You can tell that the book is deeply personal and the way in which the author writes makes you feel that he is talking directly to you. This is the type of book that will make you come back again and again.

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 - Justin Bieber Test Your Super-Fan Status

About the Book
Get ready for a brand new edition of the top selling super-fan favorite! Are you a true Justin Bieber SUPER-FAN? You can't get enough of his adorable smile. His pictures and posters decorate your bedroom walls. You follow him on Twitter and treasure his YouTube videos. And of course, you buy every bit of his merchandise and love every single one of his songs.

Now you have another chance to test your Bieber-IQ with an all new edition of Justin Bieber Test Your Super-Fan Status! This latest edition is jam-packed with cool activities that sum up everything there is to know about Justin. Super-fans will discover:


  • A fun-filled interactive quiz book on all things Justin Bieber
  • Puzzles, trivia, quizzes, and games that put their status to the test
  • Extra features like song titles scrambles, fill-in stories, word searches, spot-the-difference games, and more
  • Features 8 pages of full- color Justin Bieber photos!


My Take on the Book
While I am not a huge Justin Bieber fan, my daughter is, so has a father I need to be up on her interests, so this book truly provide in-depth information about this artist, his background, and everything else that you would ever want to know about him. I spent a bit of time reading through this and found it interesting, but when I say give it to my daughter she was ecstatic. All-in-all I have to say that the book was well written and provided great information for the true fan, and even has a person who is not a huge fan I gained a lot of information reading the book and you will 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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Book Review - Horrid Henry Robs The Bank

About the Book
Four brand new stories in which Horrid Henry helps himself to all the money he needs to win his favorite board game, comes up with another spectacular money-making scheme for launching a newspaper with all the school gossip, vows vengeance on Perfect Peter when Peter steals his birthday party theme and has his own Pirate Party—and gets his revenge by taking over as head teacher when Peter plays school with his goody-goody friends.

About the Author and Illustrator
Francesca Simon was born in the United States and attended both Yale and Oxford universities. A former journalist, she now writes full time. She lives in North London, England, with her husband, Martin, and her son, Josh. Tony Ross is a prolific illustrator of books for children, including Martyn Beardsley's Sir Gadabout stories as well as his own. Tony has become one of the best known creators of original and traditional picture books and his work has been sold all over the world.

My Take on the Book
This is another great book from Francesca Simon in character that all parents love to hate Horrid Henry! While as a parent I cannot say that I like what I see in these books, especially with the fact event there are no consequences for Henry, my daughter seems to love the books and it encourages her to read which I love. We simply have a longer conversation about what is right and wrong with what Henry does it allows us to be closer in to what our expectations are of her, while she can still have fun with reading some of the antics that Henry does. This story was well written and is definitely a book that is great for young readers as it is not too long but it will still challenge and encourage your child to continue reading from beginning to end.

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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Disney's PLANES - Poster


From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013.

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 - God's Good Design

About the Book
Although Claire Smith was a young adult when she came to know Jesus, it wasn’t until she went to theological college that she noticed parts of the Bible that challenged her feminist views. Studying these passages led to radical changes in her life.

Too often we put these same passages in the ‘too hard basket’, or we make up our minds without taking a close look at them for ourselves. But we must let God’s word determine these issues, and not the culture in which we live.

Claire takes us through the same process she went through herself, looking closely at seven key Bible passages about men and women and how they should relate together in God’s purposes. Along the way she deals with many common objections, and applies the teaching of the Bible simply and practically to our relationships at home and in church.

The warmth and simplicity of the book means it will benefit every Christian—whether you have looked at these passages a thousand times, or you’ve never thought about them in your life.

About the Author
After working for some years as a nurse, Claire Smith spent many years at Moore College closely studying the Bible, completing a BTh, MA (Theology), and a PhD in New Testament. These days she spends her time writing and speaking at conferences. To relax, she writes letters to the paper and talks theology with the two men in her life–her husband, Rob, and their son, Nathanael (both avid musicians). She will also happily watch any sport on TV (although her favourite is rugby).

My Take on the Book
What it was interesting about this book was not that the author uses Scripture that we do not know, far from it, instead she uses Scripture that is quite familiar and allows us to be able to delve deeper into numerous translations of the Bible and helping the reader to be able to better understand what is being shared through these verses. She definitely makes you think very hard about each of the verses that she shares and has you sometimes truly question your own beliefs as well. I know that there were some things that she put out there that I did not agree with, but the author made a compelling argument for me to continue reading until the end. this book really does go into depth into the roles of men and women in the church and the authors background and research on this makes this book a book that holds much credence. You will definitely learn a lot from reading this book and whether you agree or not you will be the book with a much better understanding of gender issues within the church.


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, March 29, 2013

Book Review - The Collected Poems of Marcel Proust

About the Book
For the centennial of Swann's Way: the most complete volume of Proust's poetry ever assembled, in a gorgeous deluxe edition.

As a young man, Proust wrote both poetry and prose. Even after he embarked on his masterful In Search of Lost Time at the age of thirty-eight, he never stopped writing poetry. His verse is often playful, filled with affection and satire, and is peppered with witty barbs at friends and people in his social circle of aristocrats, writers, musicians, and courtesans.

Few of the poems collected here under the editorship of Harold Augenbraum, founder of the Proust Society of America, have ever been published in book form or translated into English until now. In this dual-language edition of new translations, Augenbraum has brought together nineteen renowned poets and poetry translators to bring Proust's exuberant verse back to life.

About the Author
Marcel Proust (1871–1922) spent his twenties as a conspicuous society figure, but after 1907 he rarely emerged from a cork-lined room in his apartment where he devoted himself to the composition of In Search of Lost Time.

Harold Augenbraum is the executive director of the National Book Foundation and founder of the Proust Society of America, and he has previously translated José Rizal and Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca for Penguin Classics. He lives in New York City.

My Take on the Book
I am a big fan of poetry, and have read many of Proust'd works in the past along with many other poets. I was excited though to find one new volume that brought together the collective poems of this poet, as I have not found one before. What I loved about this book was that it brought forward a number of poems that I had never seen it before ( and I thought I had seen them all). Also, the way in which Pete: these are shared allow you to better appreciate the poems themselves. Whether you are already a Proust fan, or if this is the first time you have ever heard of him, you should definitely grab a copy of this book and see the amazing fluidity of the prose that Proust shares with his readers. You too will be entranced by what you see in front of you!

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, March 28, 2013

Book Review - Home Run (@HomeRunTheMovie)

About the Book
The story is centered around the life of Major League baseball player Cory Brand. After years of self indulgent behavior and reckless living, a DUI and team suspension land Cory back in the Oklahoma town where he started. Forced to coach the local Little League team and spend eight weeks in Celebrate Recovery©, the only twelve-step program in town, Cory must face the memories that contributed to his life becoming so destructive as well as honestly confront the love he left behind.

 Home Run powerfully reminds us that no habit is beyond help, no one is beyond God’s reach when they are willing to surrender, and no hurt escapes God’s healing. “What Courageous was for fatherhood, and Fireproof for marriages, Home Run is for battling addictions, bad habits, and hang-ups. The inspiring and authentic message of Home Run is that freedom is possible.”

A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us. www.HomeRunTheMovie.com

Website: http://www.homerunthemovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeRunTheMovie?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeRunTheMovie
More Info: http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=125960&source=search

About the Author
Critically acclaimed and creatively diverse novelist Travis Thrasher is the author of more than twenty novels, including The Solitary Tales series, Isolation and Ghostwriter. Writing stories that move, haunt, and provoke readers, Thrasher tells tales in a variety of genres. He lives with his wife and three daughters in a suburb of Chicago.

My Take on the Book
This was a powerful book that talks abut fast living, addiction and other vices hat leads one man down the wrong path of life. The book was written in such a way that it draws you in from the beginning and you see the life of the main character as out-of-control, and even though from many on the outside it may seem perfect, it is far from that. The book brings the main character down a number of notches and he finds himself back in his home town now coaching little league and having to re-live his past and consider some of the mistakes that he has made and how he can make them right.

One of the things that makes this book as strong as it was were the characters themselves. The author has done a great job at providing the reader with characters of substance and it is through these characters that you are able to live vicariously. The author makes you want to feel for the main character while you know he has made bad choices within his life, and in the end the author makes you want to both empathize with and cheer on the main character so that he can re-build his life.

The book has some strong spiritual ties and shows you that God does forgive. This was a well written book that all will 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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Make This Easter Special with Costumes

About the Product
Get hoppin' down the bunny trail! Kids everywhere will jump for joy when they see you in this Deluxe Easter Bunny Adult Plus Costume. This bunny suit includes: A plush bodysuit, character hood featuring mesh, cartoon like eyes, vibrant polka dotted vest, matching neck tie, plush gloves and a pair of fuzzy boot covers.


  • Available in Adult Size: Plus.
  • Includes: Jumpsuit, Vest, Neck tie, Gloves, Bootcovers, Hood.
  • Does not include shoes or basket with eggs.


My Take on the Product
If you are looking for a great costume for Easter, or if you are trying to find a great costume to wear for Halloween or any gathering, this is a great site that has so much to offer. I was very impressed with the overall quality of this costume and their sizing is true to form, I have ordered other costumes in the past and this have not always been the case. One of the other things I wanted to comment on was the ease in which you can find costumes on this site. I was very impressed with the sorting ability on this site as it really allows you to find what you want quickly and effortlessly. All-in-all this costume was great, and I would have no qualms working with this company in the future for other costume needs that I had. I highly recommend them to all and encourage you to check them out 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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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Product Review - Insect Shield Outdoor Blanket


Spring is coming and, unfortunately, so are the bugs. Outdoor pursuits are about to become inundated with pesky and potentially dangerous insects. 2012 was one of the worst years for Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Researchers have pin-pointed a new tick-borne disease already this year. Insect Shield® Repellent Technology, known for their innovative insect repellent apparel has just received EPA-registration for a new product – an outdoor blanket, to help protect you from insects this summer.


Patent-pending Insect Shield Technology provides long-lasting, effective and convenient personal insect protection. The durable protection provided by Insect Shield apparel and gear is the result of years of research and testing. The new Insect Shield outdoor blanket offers built-in, odorless and effective protection. The blanket can be used by the entire family with no restrictions for use, it is machine-washable and no special care is required. The dimensions are a generous 56” x 74” and it weighs a mere 18 ounces. Ideal uses for the new Insect Shield outdoor blanket are for camping, backyard, the beach, your pets and more. MSRP: $29.95 Available via www.insectshield.com/shop as well as national retailers summer 2013.


Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by insect-borne diseases. The impact of these preventable diseases on families, communities and the economies of developing countries is tremendous. Insect Shield® technology can be used for apparel and many other items that people use daily to aid in protection against insects. In partnership with international relief organizations, Insect Shield is also launching a relief blanket to help protect those at risk for malaria, Yellow fever, Dengue Fever and other dangerous insect-borne diseases.



About Insect Shield Technology:
Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel and Insect Shield® Repellent Gear are revolutionary products designed to provide long-lasting, effective and convenient personal insect protection. The durable protection provided by Insect Shield apparel and gear is the result of years of research and testing. In July 2003, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel was registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Insect Shield Technology is utilized by leading lifestyle brands, work wear distributors and International relief organizations across the globe to provide effective protection against insects and the diseases they can carry. Insect Shield is an approved vendor of the US Army and US Marine Corps.



For more information:

http://www.insectshield.com

http://www.facebook.com/insectshield

http://www.pinterest.com/insectshield

My Take on the Blanket
This blanket is so lightweight, yet covers so much and you can rest assured that it will work wonders on those summer days when insects tend to be pesky and sometimes dangerous as well. I mentioned that this is lightweight, but it is also quite thin, making it easy to transport and even easier to use and clean up afterward. I have tried it around the house and love its weight and the potential of it keeping me safe, and I know that when the weather gets warmer and I can be outside that I will definitely be using this!! If you spend time outdoors you should definitely check this out as it is worth the price!



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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Game Review - The Croods: Prehistoric Party! (WII)

About the Game
The Croods: Prehistoric Party! combines the ultimate fun of a family party game with Croods-style action as you journey through 30 unique and addictive multi-player mini-games. Game boards bring the Croods' world to life, complete with hazards, never-before-seen creatures from the film, hilarious surprises and rough and tumble competition that only the Croods family can bring.


Game Features

  • Challenge your friends with the ultimate mix of family fun and Croods-themed party games!
  • Play as any one of the lovable Croods family members - Grug, Ugga, Eep, Thunk, Sandy, Gran and Guy!
  • One to four player multiplayer fun! (single or split screen)
  • 30 mini-games on five unique unlockable boards!
  • Features spectacular landscapes and never-before-seen creatures from the film!
  • Boosts and items to collect throughout the game


My Take on the Game
I found this to be a ton of fun and completely engaging as a family game.I loved that we could have our whole family (all four of us) play this and have some great interactive play (and even some competition as well). The graphics were fun and reminded me so much of the movie (which is better than some movie related games I have played in the past). The plot of the game was fun and even my youngest was able to join in on the fun and follow along. Beyond the normal play I loved playing some of he mini games as well as they were nice additions to the overall game itself. All-in-all this was a fun game, that incorporated not only the characters, but the plot, look and feel of the movie too and is a game I would encourage all to try out 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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Book Review - The Path of Names

About the Book
Mysteries, mazes, and magic combine in this smart, funny summer-camp fantasy -- like THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER and CLAY for kids!

Dahlia Sherman loves magic, and Math Club, and Guitar Hero. She isn't so fond of nature walks, and Hebrew campfire songs, and mean girls her own age.

All of which makes a week at summer camp pretty much the worst idea ever.

But within minutes of arriving at camp, Dahlia realizes that it might not be as bad as she'd feared. First she sees two little girls walk right through the walls of her cabin. Then come the dreams -- frighteningly detailed visions of a young man being pursued through 1930s New York City. How are the dreams and the girls related? Why is Dahlia the only one who can see any of them? And what's up with the overgrown, strangely shaped hedge maze that none of the campers are allowed to touch? Dahlia's increasingly dangerous quest for answers will lead her right to the center of the maze -- but it will take all her courage, smarts, and sleight-of-hand skills to get her back out again.

About the Author
Ari Goelman has published many science-fiction/fantasy short stories, and his academic work has been covered by the Brookings Institution and the NEW YORK TIMES. An American citizen, Ari currently lives and teaches in Vancouver, Canada, with his family and the rain.

My Take on the Book
This was a great book that incorporates so much into one book. If you have a child that loves mysteries, magic and so much more. What I loved more about this story were the characters as you really get brought into the story in general through their actions, and the main character is one that you end of wishing that you could know personally in the end. The author also does a great job at developing a world full of so much color and definition, you can actually hear, see and experience the world first hand. This was a great story that I encourage all to check out for yourself!

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 - Isabella: Star of the Story

About the Book
Every day's an adventure with Isabella!

Isabella checks out the library, and steals the spotlight from some of the most memorable children's book characters. She's Alice, tumbling down the rabbit hole. No, now she's Peter Pan, flying off to Never Never Land. And when it's finally time to follow the yellow brick road home, she decides she's happy just being Isabella, the little purple-haired girl with a lot of books and even more imagination.

About the Author
Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children’s book writer. After running away to Costa Rica for a few years, she returned to the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and three children to read, write, and try to get out of doing housework.

About the Illustrator
Mike Litwin is a New York Times bestselling illustrator who creates scenes that serve the imagination and education of children. In other words, he’s a big kid who draws pictures for a living. He currently lives in Greenville, NC with his wife and three daughters.

My Take on the Book
My daughters love Isabella and we have been lucky enough to experience all of her stories to date and all seem to get even better than the next. What we love in this and all Isabella stories is the great collaboration between author and illustrator as the story and pictures go together so well! All-in-all this is a great story that the whole family will love to read over and over again (at least mine did)!

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 - A Monster in Paris

About the DVD
A wacky inventor, his camera-crazy best friend and a madcap monkey make a massive mistake when let loose in a mad scientist’s laboratory. With lotions and potions spilling everywhere, the troublesome trio accidentally creates Franc, the product of a reaction between a common flea and one of the scientist’s mystery concoctions. What they fail to realize, however, is that this ‘monster’ is actually a soft-centered soul with an astounding talent for music.

With the help of an enchanting nightclub singer Lucille, Franc becomes the talk of the town, just as stories of Paris’s newest monster attract the attention of the egotistical police commissioner, hell bent on securing a big prize to help his battle to become mayor. The unwitting scientists and the singer must team up to protect Franc, a monster with more than a musical career to protect!



Venture into the delightful Parisian cityscapes 1910s and spellbound by the visually opulent family adventure of A MONSTER IN PARIS, directed and written by Bibo Bergeron (Shark Tale) and produced by world renowned filmmaker Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp and Bergeron’s Bibo Films. With an exceptional English-language voice cast of French singing sensation Vanessa Paradis, singer/song writer Sean Lennon, Catherine O’Hara (Penelope), Adam Goldberg (A Beautiful Mind), Bob Balaban(For Your Consideration), Danny Huston (Hitchcock) and Jay Harrington (Private Practice), A MONSTER IN PARIS harkens back to the classic tale of beauty and the beast, and delivers vibrant storyline packed with elegant characters, unforgettable song-and-dance musical numbers and beautiful CG animation that the whole family will enjoy! This critically acclaimed international major motion picture also features enchanting, honey-toned vocals by Vanessa Paradis and Sean Lennon, with music score by popular French singer/songwriter Matthieu Chedid (aka M) and Patrice Renson.

On April 16, 2013, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with EuropaCorp, invites kids and families across America to a whimsical world of Parisian adventure and fantasy when Shout! Factory, in collaboration with EuropaCorp, unleash A MONSTER IN PARIS on DVD and on two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack. The Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack allows viewers to enjoy A MONSTER IN PARIS on the platform of their choice and includes spectacular movie presentation on Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and a digital copy of the movie compatible with PC, MAC, iTunes, iPhone and AppleTV.


Pre-order available now at Amazon.com or ShoutFactory.com
Amazon pre-order links:

A MONSTER IN PARIS Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack:
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Paris-Blu-Ray-Digital-Copy/dp/B00AWHDF5S/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1357672966&sr=8-6&keywords=A+MONSTER+IN+PARIS

A MONSTER IN PARIS DVD
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Paris-Adam-Goldberg/dp/B00AWHDFLW/ref=sr_1_6?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1357673374&sr=1-6&keywords=A+MONSTER+IN+PARIS





My Take on the DVD
This movie had a fun story that brought in many of the sights and sounds of Paris which was fun for my whole family, especially since my eldest keeps saying she wants to go and see the Eiffel Tower. One of the things that I really liked was that even though this was not from a place like Pixar you still see a great quality film that you and your kids will love. Not only is the plot strong, but the movie also has a great musical track. All I can say is that now I have seen this I will be sharing it with others, as I had never heard of this film before (though I wish that I had) and more people need to know about it as well. If you love cartoons and musicals, definitely check this out 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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