Book Review - VAMPYRE 2000: No Rest for the Wicked: Book III

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.

About the Book
In the third book of the Vampyre 2000 Series, Vampyre 2000: No Rest for the Wicked, Rita and Cornelius appeared to be living their afterlife happily ever after. Months after becoming vampyre, Rita had become well-adjusted to her new nocturnal lifestyle. They were both enjoying the relative peace and quiet of an undead life together when a violent and brutal murder, which had been captured by a security camera, was broadcast on national television. The news media quickly dubbed the vicious murderer ‘The Vampire Killer’. However, no one would have ever imagined that she was anything more than just a psychotic and deranged killer. But Cornelius knew exactly what she was. She really was a vampire. As much as he would have liked to forget, Cornelius once had a history with this woman and they had been romantically involved. But there would be no joyful reunion; memories of her brought only pain and suffering to his troubled mind. Her reappearance symbolized the darkest period in his long life of two hundred years. Because of her the life that he once knew had come to an abrupt end. With the aid of a Police Officer (Detective Simpson), Rita and Cornelius leave The Old Victorian behind and embark on an exhausting journey that would take them from one side of the country to the other. With some unfinished business and an old score to settle, Cornelius was going home for the first time in over two centuries. Vengeance has a name and it knows no boundaries.

About the Author
Chris grew up in Idaho Falls, ID. And he has always had a fascination with vampire stories and folklore. As a child, he was an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy; some of his favourite authors were H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, Peers Anthony, Anne McCaffrey, J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen R. Donaldson and Terry Brooks. Finding an appreciation for the classics in college, Chris enjoyed Paradise Lost, Dr. Faustus, Beowulf, Dante's Purgatorio, Inferno and The Iliad. He studied Architecture and History and acted extensively including several Shakespearean plays. After graduating from Texas Tech, he began working as an Architectural Designer in San Francisco, CA. and later, San Antonio, TX. A few years after returning to Idaho, Chris followed his dream and began his write his first novel. VAMPYRE 2000: Life to the Lifeless is a unique look into the life of a two-hundred year old vampire and was first published in July of 2010. Almost immediately people fell in love with Cornelius and Rita, the main characters and eagerly awaited the release of Book Two, VAMPYRE 2000: Ill of the Dead. Because of people’s genuine enjoyment and ongoing interest in the series, Book Three, VAMPYRE 2000: No Rest for the Wicked was published and continued the modern saga of these realistic vampires.

My Take on the Book
This was an interesting read. It was a new take on a Vampire story much different than many others I have read in the past. The author uses a mix of humor and fantasy to draw the reader into the story. I had not read the other two books in this series but I was able to catch up quickly and the author does a good job at making you understand what you had missed or at least that you could infer. 

What was great about the way the author shares this story was that he through a number of twists and turns into the story itself. After reading a bit of this I had thought that I knew what was going to be happening, but the author kept the story active and made me continue to stay alert and not complacent in the story that I thought would be coming. 

Overall, the story was fun and engaging and I now am interested in reading the other two earlier novels!


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HP Unveils Desktop PC That Leaves the Desk Behind

HP recently announced the HP ENVY Rove20 mobile All-in-One PC, the company’s first mobile All-in-One PC, which frees the desktop PC from the desk and allows families and friends to enjoy a shared entertainment experience with a built-in battery, unique design and advanced touch technology.

HP also announced new consumer notebooks, all-in-one PCs and printers that give people more flexibility in how they access and share information. With affordable touch technology and new form factors, HP’s new additions provide seamless integration of technology into customers’ busy lives.



 “Customers are looking for mobility and flexibility in their computing devices to give families new ways to bring generations together,” said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs and Consumer Solutions, HP. “HP is evolving to meet our customers’ needs by designing next-generation form factors, like the Rove mobile All-in-One PC, which will enable people to connect, share and create in ways they never imagined.”

The desktop that leaves the desk behind
The HP ENVY Rove20 can easily move from upright to completely horizontal for a tabletop entertainment experience. Using advanced multitouch technology, multiple users can interact with games and more at the same time. Multiplayer games such as Electronic Arts’ Monopoly™, Fingertapps™ JigsWar Puzzle, Fingertapps Musical Instruments, and nsquared makewords are an ease to play when the PC is laid flat.

In addition to sharing games, families and friends can enjoy multimedia content on the 20-inch 1,600 x 900 IPS LED panel that enables wide viewing angles, rich colors and sharp graphics, while built-in Beats Audio™ offers crisp, clear sound. Powered by 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors, Intel HD graphics and 10-point touch, the HP ENVY Rove20 packs power for productivity tasks and an immersive entertainment experience with the ease of touch interaction.

Additional information about the HP ENVY Rove20 is available on The Next Bench. Affordable touch for every task

HP offers an intuitive Windows® 8 touch experience at great value with new all-in-one PCs and powerful consumer notebooks that feature multitouch display technology. With products at a range of price points, touch has never been more accessible. Users will benefit from new design elements that enhance durability, usability and performance.

• The new HP Pavilion 20 TouchSmart All-in-One PC and the HP Pavilion 23 TouchSmart All-in-One PC offer a great user experience for the value-conscious consumer. The HP Pavilion 23 TouchSmart features a 23-inch diagonal full HD(1) display and an IPS panel with wide viewing angles for a stunning view of websites, videos and movies.
• The HP Pavilion 11 TouchSmart Notebook provides an excellent Windows 8 experience with 11.6-inch, 10-point capacitive touch screen, and is the most affordable HP touch-enabled notebook.
• The HP Pavilion 14 TouchSmart Sleekbook is the best-value touch-optimized HP Sleekbook, ideal for work or entertainment. Movies and gaming come alive powered by AMD A-series processors.

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LD Products is Giving Away a Grill

LD Products is a remanufactured ink cartridge company from Long Beach, California. Their prices for ink cartridges are ridiculously cheap! They don’t believe you should hurt your bank account for ink cartridges.

You can check us out at www.ldproducts.com or www.facebook.com/LDProducts.

They are hosting a giveaway for a really nice BBQ set! You can enter the giveaway here - http://promos.ldproducts.com/grill-giveaway/
 
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Book Review - I Call Shotgun

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.

About the Book
For fathers who long to make a positive, lasting difference in their sons’ lives, passing down a legacy of values and ideals that will help them mature into men—into true men, leaders, voices of strength and wisdom for the next generation and beyond—the challenge has become more daunting than ever. I Call Shotgun is a practical playbook designed to equip dads for this vital task, increasing our influence and deepening our father-son relationships.

Written as letters from the authors to their own sons, the book’s sixty-three bite-size chapters cover a wide range of territory, from courage and compassion to finance and faith, from peer pressure and purity to hard work and humility. The life lessons within these pages teach sons how to cultivate integrity, follow True North, avoid victimitis, hang with the wise, laugh at political correctness, train for adversity, seek God first, make no excuses, build productive habits, and much more.

Shooting from the heart, Tommy Newberry and Curt Beavers—men of faith, influencers, entrepreneurs, and battle-tested dads themselves—offer an engaging, highly personal collection of potent insights, a just-in-time antidote to the empty counterfeits that today’s culture tries to pass off as wisdom. At the end of each chapter, simple yet carefully crafted questions invite deeper conversations between dads and sons.

Relevant to any man, but especially tailored for fathers and their teen or pre-teen sons, I Call Shotgun will help you to instill character in the boys who are growing into men right before your eyes—and it might just sharpen your own character in the process.


My Take on the Book
This is a great book that pulls together some practical tips and lessons shared from father to son. I really enjoyed the examples in this book that were shared. While I do not have a son, I do love seeing the advice provided, and found myself reflecting back on my own experiences with my father and what he shared with me as I was growing up. 

The book provides fathers and sons with some great conversation starters that will help to open a door toward a solid relationship for the future.

I loved the setup of the book itself, as it was basically a number of letters from fathers to sons and each of these letters provide a glimpse/pearl of wisdom to be shared. The topics were relevant and important and I could easily see this as a book that anyone could give a father or son as a gift.

The book covers so many areas and will give you so many ideas for how to be a better parent (or at least it did for me) and as I mentioned, though I do not have sons, the messages shared in this book are definitely transferable to all parents!

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Book Review - College (Un)bound: The Future of Higher Education and What It Means for Students

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.

About the Book
What is the value of a college degree?

The four-year college experience is as American as apple pie. So is the belief that education offers a ticket to a better life. But with student-loan debt surpassing the $1 trillion mark and unemployment on the rise, people are beginning to question that value. Is a college diploma still worth pursuing at any price?

In College (Un)bound, Jeffrey J. Selingo, editor at large for The Chronicle for Higher Education, argues that America’s higher education system is broken. The great credential race has turned universities into big business and fostered an environment where middle tier colleges can command elite university-level tuition while concealing staggeringly low graduation rates and churning out students with few hard skills into the job market.

Selingo not only turns a critical eye to the current state of affairs in higher education, but he also predicts how technology will transform it for the better. Free massive online open courses (MOOCs) and hybrid classes, adaptive learning software, and the unbundling of traditional degree credits will increase access to high quality education regardless of budget or location and tailor lesson plans to individual needs. One thing is certain—the Class of 2020 will have a radically different college experience than their parents.

Incisive, urgent, and controversial, College (Un)bound is a must-read for prospective students, parents, and anyone concerned with the future of American higher education.

About the Author
Jeffrey J. Selingo is a leading authority on higher education worldwide and editor at large for The Chronicle of Higher Education. He frequently speaks before national higher-education groups and his writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Huffington Post.

My Take on the Book
As a college administrator I was skeptical going into this book, as I still hold fast that higher education is important, not because it is where I work for a living, but also for the benefits that I see that it provides for the students that I interact with on a daily basis. 

Saying this I do not want to misconstrue that the author is saying that Higher Education is not valuable, far from it. Instead he is stating that based on the trends that are prevalent today that the system of Higher Education in the United States is broken in many ways. 
The author criticizes Higher Education for the costs that it sets for students and how much debt that students come out of college with. The challenge though in my perspective is that even those of us working in higher education are extremely cognizant of the debt ratio that our students are leaving with and we spend much time trying to work with students on fiscal management, but the problem is that many students do not want to hear or change the lifestyle that they either come to college with, or have become accustomed to in college, so they continue to take out the maximum amounts of loans available and live a lifestyle much higher than they should. 
The author does provide a glimpse of positive trends though in his perspective. In examining the idea of online education, the author spends much time talking about how this could change the costs within higher education and could expand the reach of higher education even further. The one thing I would warn about the move to more online education is that without advising and support students may be doomed to fail, especially if they more of a structured learning environment which online classrooms may not provide. 

The book itself was well written and he provides well written arguments to support his claims. While I may not completely agree with his overall sentiments, I will say that it does provide good rhetoric for all to consider as the dialogue about where higher education should go in the future continues. 

I have to agree that Higher Education needs to find solutions for many of the problems that the author brings up and there is no easy answer to this. This book will allow all who read it to better consider all of the debate at this time and where some stand on the issues themselves. 


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Book Review - Success Express for Teens

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.

About the Book
With all the challenges and uncertainty in a teen's life, self-discovery and setting a foundation for the future is difficult. "Who am I?" and "How can I become the person I want to be?" are questions that frequently haunt teenagers.

With the help of Roger Leslie's book, Success Express for Teens: 50 Activities that Will Change Your Life, today's teenagers can begin to discover more about themselves and learn about setting attainable goals.

Leslie compares choosing a direction for your life with going to a train station and deciding which train will take you to your desired destination.

The ticket for every destination in life is commitment. "Are you required to remain only on one train all your life?" students ask Leslie. "Of course not," he reassures them. "You may return to the depot at any time to pick a new train, or you may re-board old trains you once took but left earlier."

To help young people decide on a destination, this award-winning teacher developed and refined the exercises shared in Success Express for Teens. Throughout the book, the brief, action-oriented activities pose the questions "What should I do next?", "How?" and "What's in it for me?" After describing the goal of the activity, Leslie then leaves room to respond to specific instructions and reflect on how the knowledge can be put to immediate use in real life.

The activities are set up to encourage teenagers to clarify their highest ambitions, identify wise risks, and develop motivation that will help make them self-starters and keep them focused on their goals--even in the face of adversity. Leslie subtly teaches students about their dynamic relationship with life and the empowering role they play in any destiny to which they aspire.

Teens can take their journey to success independently by completing the suggested activities on their own. In addition, the book has a helpful appendix for teachers, counselors, group leaders and parents which details ways to turn each of the 50 activities into shared group experiences for five to fifty teens.

So, whether alone or with their peers, teens can board the Success Express and move toward identifying and realizing their dreams.

About the Author
Roger Leslie, an award-winning author and teacher, is widely recognized by school districts, state universities, and national education groups for his original and dynamic techniques. Success Express was inspired by his own personal struggle with depression as a teen and his passion and respect for the limitless possibilities in the young people he now works with every day. He is also the author of Library Programs that Inspire and Drowning in Secret, a novel. He is a YA book reviewer for Booklist.

My Take on the Book
Te author of this book has put together a great workbook for any teen, or any person working with teens to help them truly look at their current life and where they want to be.This book is really a workbook that walks the reader or facilitator step-by-step towards setting goals that can be attained and toward a future that as a parent I know that I want for my own children. There were so many great tips and ideas in this and as my children reach this age I hope that I too can use these tips with them as I think they will be very valuable in the long run.
If you have a teen now, I highly recommend this book for your teen or for you to use with them as it will definitely open lines of communication that will allow you to all work together toward the common future that you and your child wants. 

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Book Review - S3: Science, Statistics and Skepticism

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.

About the Book
"What causes cancer? Are genetically modified foods dangerous? Is climate change real? Do homeopathic remedies really work?”

S3: Science, Statistics and Skepticism, by Fourat Janabi, discusses the differences between good and bad science.

Fourat explores scientific research about cancer, genetically modified foods, climate change, vaccinations, western medicine, homeopathy, evolution, and other fascinating current issues. This book is about knowing how to differentiate between bad science and good science when reading scientific studies on the Internet. There are many articles out there that doubt climate change, deny evolution, rationalize homeopathy, fabricate cancer causes, or oppose vaccinations. S3 helps readers learn how to use critical thinking skills to debunk nonsense.

Fourat criticizes the prevalence of misinformation online and in the media about scientific research. He teaches readers the importance of credible sources, sufficient evidence, placebo effects, biases, and sample sizes so that the reader can better recognize bad science.

My Take on the Book
This book opened my eyes to the "bad science" that is out there and the lack of good research that is being done in some areas. Though this book is short, it still brings out so many great points in these pages that I have already shared it with another person in my neighborhood. You can easily get through this book in a sitting, but you will find that you may want to go back to re-read to completely soak in the gist of what the author is sharing. All-in-all, this was a great book that will open your eyes to a whole new reality if you are willing to accept it.

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Book Review - Sending Your Child to College: The Prepared Parents Operational Manual

About the Book
In the current shaky economy, where prices for everything are going up, yet income and available financial aid are going down, it is more important than ever that we make the most of the college years.

While the focus is usually on making sure the student is prepared for the big transition to college, there is also a lot that parents need to do, learn and know before they wave goodbye at the airport or dorm.

Thankfully, Marie Carr kept careful track of everything she learned the hard way as her three daughters went off to college. In Sending Your Child to College: The Prepared Parent's Operational Manual, Carr has assembled an amazing amount of important information in an easy-to-use format. All parents of a college-bound student (whether this is their first year or their fourth) will want to have this handbook -- both for the "getting ready" phase and for quick reference later.

It became clear how hungry parents are for this information after Carr talked with hundreds of parents of incoming students for Emory University and during 3 trips to Boston University to participate in orientation programs for the parents at the request of the college. Both college's previous parent handouts paled in comparison with Carr's helpful guides that she created with her daughters to give to these parents.

In Sending Your Child to College, there is information on safety, greening, privacy laws, paying tuition bills, managing a sick child no longer at home; as well as health care proxies, dorm insurance, identity theft, hidden costs and budgeting. The clear, concise instructions, organization charts and forms, tips and shopping lists allow parent and student to plan ahead, be eco-friendly, save time and money, and make the most of these exciting years.

To make sure the information was up-to-date and accurate, Carr enlisted the help of her three college daughters: Katharine, who received her BS from Emory University (2006) and a BRN from Georgetown University (2007); Ann, a senior entomology major at Texas A & M University; and Elizabeth, who is a junior at Boston University majoring in hospitality management. Their input was invaluable because they have been there and done that.

In fact, the issue about managing a sick child no longer at home, was added after Carr got a call from an EMT who was treating her daughter Ann for a severe reaction to a bee sting. Mom learned the hard way that the old, commonly used "Blanket" medical permission is no longer accepted, permission needs to be granted each and every time the student wants the attending physician to discuss their medical care with their parents or guardian.

The section on paying tuition and attention to "due dates" is the result of Texas A & M receiving by Fed/Ex Ann's tuition check prior to the "due date" but not early enough to allow sufficient time to "open the envelope and process the check." The end result was Carr having to pay the tuition a second time so Ann could register for classes. Subsequently, both checks were cashed and the first one refunded 10 days later.

Carr begins the book with this letter to parents: "I wish I knew then what I know now. How many times have we all heard this? So much has changed since we were in college both in laws, rules, regulations, and in the resources that colleges make available to help." With Sending Your Child to College, parent's responses in the future won't sound like this.

This handbook will help parents deal with the nitty-gritty details of sending their child off to college. Getting ready emotionally is a whole different matter.

My Take on the Book
As a person who works in higher education administration I found this book to be a great resource to aid first time (and beyond) parents with the step-by-step process that parents go through as they are helping their children transition to college.

Many parents do not have the experiences or background to know what they need to do to help their child as they go off to college. This book does a great job at helping parents see what one other family went through as they stumbled and learned (sometimes the hard way) about what they needed to do to assist their daughters. 

I can say that I know that there are numerous parents that I have met in the past that would truly have benefited from this book, and it would have made their and their childrens' lives that much easier.

The book is well laid out and offers a systematic approach to how a family should plan for college. Thus in Chapter 1 parents are given resources to consider before the college process begins while Chapters 2-8 examine the summer months prior to college. Chapters 9-13 reflects the moving in and first few weeks of college and the final two student related Chapters (14 and 15) are things that all parents need to share with their kids before college even begins. Chapters 16-20 are geared directly toward parents and gives them helpful hints and resources that will aid them in making the separation as pain-free as possible.

This book was so easy to follow and provided great hands-on tips that all parents can follow. I believe that this book definitely is one that any parent would gain valuable insight from as they prepare to send their child off to college.

If this book sounds like one that you would like for your own library 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.
 
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Book Review - A Funny Little Bird

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.

About the Book
In the world of illustrated picture books, it is very rare to come across something truly original and new.

With a visually imaginative, minimalist graphic style, Jennifer Yerkes’s heartwarming debut tale, A FUNNY LITTLE BIRD (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, May 2013, $15.99 hardcover, Ages 4-8) is an endearing tale about a lonely, invisible bird who learns that the key to happiness and friendship is not based on what you look like, but by being a friend to others.

Recognized for its unique approach to storytelling by being named an Opera Prima finalist in the Bologna Book Fair Ragazzi Award, A FUNNY LITTLE BIRD was hailed as “a new Aesop” by the award jury for “its innovative ability to surprise all kinds of readers at every turn.”

Combined with a simple yet essential message about self-confidence and rejoicing in one’s differences, Jennifer Yerkes’s brilliant and creative use of negative space, emphasizing color and shape, will stimulate the imagination of readers young and old.

The perfect gift book for kids and adults who will delight in this adorably charming tale about the dangers of pride and vanity, A FUNNY LITTLE BIRD encourages young readers to embrace their uniqueness and find a balance between blending in and standing out.


About the Author and Illustrator
Jennifer Yerkes was born in Minneapolis, MN. After a stint in Turkey as a little girl, she moved back to the U.S, where she grew up surrounded by her family, art, books, and greenery. Jennifer studied Design and Art History at universities in the U.S. and Europe. She now lives in Strasbourg, France, where she works as a graphic designer and illustrator, still surrounded by her family, art, books, and greenery.

My Take on the Book
This was a wonderful story that shows the reader that friendship is so much more than outward appearances. My daughters loved looking for the bird on every page and at the end we were able to have a good conversation about what the story was really saying in the end. The illustrations alone were beautiful and completely jumped off of the page and each page is filled to the brim with images that will make you want to come back again and again. The book talks to the reader at a higher level than one might first think, but I commend her for this as it does not talk down to the reader, but instead lifts them up. The reader is provided a character that any parent would be more than happy to share with their own children based on the sincere kindness of this little bird. All-in-all this is a great book for young readers.


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Disney's PLANES - New Trailer

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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.

Website:Disney.com/Planes
Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/DisneyPlanes
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures


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Book Review - The Big Book of Where

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.

About the Book
TIME For Kids BIG Book of Where presents kids 8-12 years old with answers to the kinds of intriguing geography questions that appeal to their sense of curiosity. Colorful maps, spectacular photos and clear, engaging diagrams will help answer questions such as: Where is the tallest mountain?; Where did the Olympics begin?; Where is the Petrified Forest?; Where are diamonds found?; Where was the hamburger invented?; Where does spam go after you delete it?

Kids will travel the world and their own backyards to learn about different customs, sports, history, and animals in each continent. Some questions will compare how some cultures differ. For example: Where do people sleep? Some cultures sleep in beds, others on the floor, some inside, some outside. TIME For Kids goes beyond just answering the question, and engages kids with thorough answers that will satisfy the most curious of kids.

The BIG Book of Where is a must-have kids geography book.

My Take on the Book
This was a great book with so many facts and figures. I was amazed at how much I didn't know as I was reading this, and my daughter and I had a blast reading through this and learning together. This is a great book that will inspire you and your children to learn together in a fun and engaging way. I loved the images and full color that was throughout the book and I know that my daughter will continue to go through this even after we are complete, as it is a book that keeps on giving. 

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Book Review - The Space Creativity Book

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About the Book
Reach for the Stars in this mind-bogglingly entertaining Space Creativity Book. Perfect for all budding girl and boy space fans, this out of this world activity book is packed with puzzles, games, stickers, stencils, pull-out art paper and much, much more. There's plenty here to keep a whole planet of children occupied for hours. Take Astronaut Alan's space test before entering the world of aliens, intergalactic battles and cosmic critters to see if you've got what it takes to pass out of astronaut school with flying colours.

About the Author
William Potter has been writing, illustrating and editing children's titles for over a decade, including hundreds of comics. His stories and activities have explored the world, the bottom of the ocean, the past and the distant future.

My Take on the Book
This was a fun book with a ton of great activities, facts, figures and so much more for the person who wants to know a little bit about everything in regards to space. I loved the stencils and images where you can draw your own space pictures (be as creative as you like!). There are even some fun recipes with space themed names which was definitely appropriate and ones in which my girls are excited to make together. This book is one that will provide the reader with a ton of things to do and especially as school is getting out, this is the perfect book for engaging the mind (while still having fun) over the summer break from school.
 
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Book Review - Super Pop

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.

About the Book
As David Letterman demonstrates every night on the Late Show, top ten lists are really funny. And we know lists are a great way to get organized, get things done, and streamline life's many tasks. But now, pop culture connoisseur Daniel Harmon takes a new approach to list making in his new book Super Pop! and organizes 500 movies, songs, books, video games, TV shows, podcasts, and more into top ten lists that not only entertain, but also help you become a better person.

Just in time for summer movie blockbuster and beach reading season, Harmon shares tips on not only what we all can watch, play, and read next, but also which top ten movies, music, comics, and other types of entertainment will help us become more interesting at a dinner party, more fun on a date, and generally smarter and happier people overall.

This uniquely humorous yet wise pop culture expert sheds light on:

• How pop culture can make this the best summer of your life - and improve your life overall well after summer's over.
• Ways pop culture top ten lists can help you survive a bad breakup-as well as a shark attack.
• Little known but fascinating movie and music trivia that can change your worldview.

About the Author
Pop Culture connoisseur Daniel Harmon, a longtime editor of pop culture projects for a variety of publishers, is the author of the new book, Super Pop!. He is currently the editorial director of Zest Books, as well as a provider of unsolicited feedback on a wide variety of topics. Daniel loves free podcasts, midnight movies, and other things that are both cheap and fine.

My Take on the Book
This is a great book for anyone who wants to be at the top of their game with lists and trivia. What I loved about this book was that it covers almost everything that I could think of in regards to pop culture. It opened my mind to a ton of things that I would not have thought of in the past and I was impressed with the breadth of the book itself too. All-in-all, the book was a great read for anyone who wants to be a know-it-all in all things revolving around pop culture!


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Sauce Up Your Summer BBQ with New Garland Jack’s Secret Six

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.

About the Product
Garland Jack’s knows that if your favorite part of barbeque isn’t eating, you’re doing it wrong.

To help sauce up your summer, there’s new Garland Jack’s Secret Six Barbeque Sauce, now available nationwide. Lovers of the grill can sauce up their meats and other barbeque favorites with confidence and ease, and wow their guests too.

All six authentic Garland Jack’s Secret Six Barbeque Sauce flavors are made with real sugar: Original Recipe, Country Honey, Hickory Spice, Squealin’ Hot, Sweet Brown Sugar and Sweet n’ Sticky Molasses. With these tasty choices, there’s something for every BBQ lover out there.

For more information on Garland Jack’s Secret Six Barbeque Sauce, recipes and fun grilling tips, visit: http://www.garlandjacks.com/

My Take on the Product
Above are a few of the sauces that I have tried thus far from this company and I have to say that I am impressed. I was lucky enough to receive all of their varieties and they run the gamut from sweet to spicy and everything in between. All of the sauces were well made with a great blend of spices and best of all, the flavor stays with the meat as well, making the meat taste amazing! If you are a BBQ lover like I you like to try different things in your sauces, and though I have my favorites, I will honestly say that this company has done an amazing job at giving you as a consumer a HUGE mix to choose from and you can definitely not go wrong on any of them (at least from what I have tried thus far)!

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Fast Fixin' Gives Families a Tasty Alternative to Chicken Nuggets!

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.

Fast Fixin’ is a better chicken nugget, with all-natural white breast meat and 20% less fat and calories than its competition.

• They are made with 20% lower total fat and calories than the leading brand (Tyson).
• They are made from the best and healthiest part of the chicken, the white breast meat.

Find Out More Below

• http://fixabetternugget.com/ ($1 off coupon on site)
• https://www.facebook.com/FastFixinFun
• https://twitter.com/FastFixin/

Some Recipes to Try
Kathy Mora- Fast Fixin’ Chicken Nugget Recipes

1. Chicken Fiesta Wrap
Ingredients:

• 4-5 Fast Fixin’ Chicken Nuggets
• 1 Spinach Tortilla (other tortilla of choice can be substituted)
• Approximate portions:
• 2 Tbsp Refried Beans (vegetarian or fat free version)
• 1-2 tsp chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 tsp chopped fresh red/purple onion
• 1-2 Tbsp Shredded lettuce
• 1- 2 tsp Shredded cheese (Mexican style, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, any preferred Salsa

Preparation*:

1. Using microwave- place Fast Fixin’ Chicken Nuggets on microwave safe plate or dish and heat according to package directions.
2. Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels, heat in microwave ~15-20 seconds until warmed, but not stiff.
3. Place refried beans in microwave safe bowl or shallow dish, cover and heat ~1-2 minutes.
4. Chop tomatoes and onion, set-aside until ready for use.
5. Spread refried beans in center of warmed tortilla, layer with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Folding sides in, wrap ingredients into tortilla like a burrito.
6. Serve warm with side of salsa.

Chicken Fiesta Wrap + Pineapple or Mango Salsa + Orange slices + Glass of Milk = Nutritious and Complete Meal

Enjoy!

* Note- alternatively may heat tortillas and chicken nuggets in oven, wrap tortillas in foil first. Refried beans can be prepared on stove-top. Ingredients can vary per taste and desired amount. Example, can add chopped peppers, black olives, black bean refried beans, fruit salsa, hot sauce, etc.

The following 3 recipes can easily be interchanged as wraps or sandwiches. Select more whole grain breads and vegetable based wraps.

2. Chicken Verde Wrap
Ingredients:

• 4-5 Fast Fixin’ Chicken Nuggets
• 1 Spinach Tortilla (other tortilla of choice can be substituted)
• Approximate portions:
• 2 Tbsp Guacamole with chopped tomatoes (store bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp chopped fresh red/purple onion (optional, can substitute red/green pepper)
• 1-2 Tbsp Shredded lettuce
• 1-2 tsp Shredded cheese (Mexican style, Monterey Jack, Cheddar,
• Salsa verde to taste

Preparation*:

1. Using microwave- place Fast Fixin’ Chicken Nuggets on microwave safe plate or dish and heat according to package directions.
2. Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels, heat in microwave ~15-20 seconds until warmed, but not stiff.
3. Spread guacamole in center of warmed tortilla. Add onions/peppers, lettuce, cheese, chicken nuggets. Folding sides in, wrap contents into tortilla like a burrito.
4. Serve with side of salsa verde.

Chicken Verde Wrap + Salsa + Mango slices + Glass of Milk = Nutritious and Complete Meal

Enjoy!

* Note- alternatively may heat tortillas and chicken nuggets in oven, wrap tortillas in foil first. Ingredients can vary per taste and desired amount. Example, can add chopped peppers, black olives, black bean refried beans, fruit salsa, hot sauce, etc.


My Take on The Product
With young kids, I have had my share of chicken nuggets, but I have to say that I, and my kids were quite impressed with these nuggets. Not only did they taste great, but they were super moist and were easy to prepare. On a family budget the amount you get for the price that you pay is also very reasonable. I was very impressed and I would highly recommend this to all!


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Celebrate Dairy Month in June

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.

June is Dairy Month…serving for more than 70 years as a reminder of the importance of getting more protein- and calcium-rich dairy products into the family’s diet – especially for children. But parents often wonder how to do that when they’re on the go, since dairy products need to remain chilled.

Milk Unleashed is an educational campaign to let people know that shelf safe milk is a great solution when you’re on the go, especially with summer activities on the horizon. It is Grade A milk that doesn’t require refrigeration until it’s opened (no preservatives added). Single-serving milk boxes – similar to juice boxes – can be stored in the pantry for up to six months without refrigeration. It’s a convenient and healthy way to get the nutrition from milk on car trips, while camping, at the park…even at the beach. Freeze a few cartons the night before and toss into a sports bag, picnic basket or cooler, and it will be the right temperature when you’re ready to drink it.

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, dairy and calcium intakes are inadequate in most four- to 18-year-olds. A carton (8 oz.) of shelf safe milk has eight grams of protein and nine essential nutrients. Now it’s easy to substitute a healthy beverage choice when you’re away from home, anytime, anywhere.

Here are a few ways to celebrate Dairy Month in June:

• Download a Cow Calendar with fun facts about dairy cows
• Enter our “Where is your Milk Unleashed?” photo contest and show us an unlikely place your family enjoys shelf safe milk. You could win a month’s worth of shelf safe milk
• Check out some tips for getting kids to drink more milk
• Read about how milk can become shelf safe
• Engage with moms and dads who are sharing ways to improve their kids’ nutrition
• Try some of these fun, family adventures…like a cereal picnic!
• Learn how moms and dads can help other parents in developing countries around the world get milk for their children
• See all the types of shelf safe milk available in your local grocery

For more ideas, visit www.MilkUnleashed.com


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Book Review - Buy This Land

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.

About the Book
Kidnapped at age two, a refugee from the Chinese Communist revolution, a man who had seen the world by the time he was sixteen, Chi-Dooh Li had earned his comfortable life in America. But a throwaway comment by a man he had never met shook him awake to a shocking realization – an idea he pursued into the jungles of Guatemala during the heat of a brutal civil war, bringing him face to face with a people whose suffering defied imagination. Buy This Land is the unlikely but inspiring story of how lives were forever changed – all because a Spanish-speaking Chinese lawyer from Seattle once said yes to a crazy idea.

About the Author 
Chi-Dooh Li is a partner at the Seattle law firm Ellis, Li & McKinstry and founder of Agros International, an organization that has received recognition from the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank for combating the root causes of poverty.

My Take on the Book
This is a book that will truly move you. As I read this I found myself seeing how many great things that I have available in my own life that I take for granted that others do not. This book brings up and shares some of the poverty and problems that plague our world and how one man is trying to change this though a plan that he developed. The story is told in such a humble way. You would be completely amazed at how well this idea is working and how it is transforming the areas in which it is being tried. This was an inspirational book that will really make you think about your own situation and how you too might be able to make a difference for others in the future. On top of this inspiration, I was moved by the hope that the author exudes in what he is trying to do. No matter what the odds, this one person is taking a giant leap to change the world and I for one can only hope that others follow in his footsteps. 


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DVD Review - The Confession

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.

About the Movie
Katie Leclerc (TV’s “Switched at Birth”) and three-time Emmy Award® nominee Sherry Stringfield (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, TV’s “ER,” 1995-1997) star in the uplifting drama BEVERLY LEWIS’ THE CONFESSION, debuting on DVD June 11th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and AFFIRM Films/Provident Films.

Directed by Michael Landon Jr. (Beverly Lewis’ The Shunning, Love Comes Softly), the inspiring film is a sequel to the Hallmark Channel’s hit movie, Beverly Lewis’ The Shunning, and is based on the second novel of “The Heritage of Lancaster County” trilogy from New York Times best-selling author Beverly Lewis. Katie Lapp (Leclerc), a young Amish woman, goes on a journey in search of her identity -- only to find herself embroiled in a mystery that must be solved before she can be reunited with the “Englisher” mother, who gave her up for adoption 20 years earlier. The film also stars Bill Oberst Jr. (The Secret Life of Bees), Cameron Deane Stewart (Pitch Perfect, High School Crush) and Julia Whelan (TV’s “Once and Again”).

Synopsis:
Raised by an Amish family, Katie Lapp (Katie Leclerc, TV's "Switched at Birth") always felt the call of another life. Now, her quest to find her birth-mother, Laura Mayfield-Bennett (Sherry Stringfield, TV's "ER"), has drawn her into world of the "Englishers." Along the way, two very different men try to help her overcome a devious scheme to steal her rightful inheritance. Business-minded but kind-hearted Justin Wirth (Michael Rupnow) reaches out to discover Katie's hidden secrets, while her childhood companion Daniel Fisher (Cameron Deane Stewart) sacrifices his own happiness for her future. Katie's heart is divided between two worlds as love reveals the truth in the moving saga based on the hit novel from New York Times bestselling author Beverly Lewis.

Based on the novel by Beverly Lewis and directed by Michael Landon Jr., the film has a screenplay by Brian Bird and Michael Landon Jr. The film was produced by David R. Kappes and executive produced by Brian Bird, Maura Dunbar and Michael Landon Jr.

The movie has a running time of approximately 88 minutes and is not rated.

My Take on the Movie
I had seen the Shunning in the past so I was excited to see this movie as well. I was a bit surprised to see that the actress from the first movie was not the same as the second, but that being said, the movie was still a good one and had some great messages to share with the viewer. The movie truly allows you to see the struggle in the life of the main actress as she lives in a new world and has to become more adept in maneuvering around this. The acting in this movie was strong and I was impressed with the dynamics in character relationships as shown in the writing of the movie itself. The movie is family friendly and you get drawn in from beginning to end. I will say that having seen the first movie I could easily follow the plot in this, but for someone who may have missed the first movie, they may be a bit lost, so I encourage all to view The Shunning first. Overall, the movie was great, and gives viewers a bit of everything. This is a strong movie with a string cast and I encourage all to see it for yourself!


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Game Review - Laser Maze

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.

About the Game
Laser Maze is the first logic game with a REAL LASER for ages 8 and up!

Played solo, Laser Maze inspires you to beam, bend and split a laser using mirrors and targets to match 60 challenges from beginner to expert. Parents love that it builds skills in logical deduction and visual perception – kids love the real laser and learning how to control it! It retails for $29.99. Check out our how to play video below to learn more.

• Logic game with a real laser
• 60 challenges from beginner to expert
• Builds sequential reasoning and planning skills
• From the makers of Rush Hour and the inventor of The Laser Game: Khet 2.0
• Puzzle challenges by world famous puzzle-creator Wei-Hwa Huang

My Take on the Game
This game was a ton of fun, and while a bit challenging, my daughter and I loved working through the logic puzzles making the laser do what I wanted we wanted it to do. The game took a little time to get used to, but one of the things that I loved outside of the game play itself was the scientific principles that the game shared as well. I could talk to my daughter while playing about refraction and reflection among other principles regarding how light works. Very few games allow for this type of interaction, and I for one was impressed and would definitely encourage others to also try it out for themselves too!

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American Girl Debuts New Feature-Length Movie This Summer!

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.

This summer, Saige Copeland™, American Girl’s popular 2013 Girl of the Year, comes to life in a new feature-length movie from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky. The movie, releasing on DVD and Blu-Ray on July 2 and airing Saturday, July 13, at 8/7C on NBC, stars Jane Seymour as the beloved Grandma Mimi and introduces Sidney Fullmer as Saige, a talented artist with a passion for horses, in this modern-day story about finding one’s voice.

Nine-year old Saige is excited about the new school year until she discovers that art—her favorite class—has been cut. On top of that, her best friend, Tessa, is spending more and more time with another girl. For support, Saige turns to her grandma Mimi (Seymour), a well-known artist and horsewoman, who encourages her to take action and inspire her community in a fund-raising effort to start an after-school art program. Heartwarming, empowering, and fun, it’s a movie for every girl who has ever dreamed big.

To celebrate the debut of Saige Paints the Sky, American Girl is hosting special movie-premiere events at all of its retail stores nationwide, starting Friday, June 28, 2013. Moms, girls, and their favorite dolls will be among the first to see the Saige movie, enjoy Saige-related crafts and activities, and take home exclusive giveaways. In addition, eager fans can go to americangirl.com/girloftheyear for a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming film, including the movie trailer and video clips, cast and character bios, movie-related events, games, crafts, and much more.


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