Dad of Divas' Reviews: April 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Blu-ray Review - Devil's Due

Devil's Due

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About the Movie
A young couple's blessed event turns into their worst nightmare in one of the most terrifying horror films ever conceived! After a mysterious night on their honeymoon, Zach and Samantha McCall find themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy. While recording everything on video for posterity, Zach notices odd behavior in his wife, which they initially attribute to nerves, although it soon becomes evident that the disturbing changes to Samantha's body and mind have a much more sinister origin. All will suffer...but who will survive?



My Take on the Movie
I don't watch a lot of Horror movies, as this is not the genre of film that I am most drawn too, but this one was different because this one was a movie that I had a connection too. My wife's former classmate wrote this move, so we were intrigued to see it and report our thoughts out to the world. While some might not like the "found footage" type aspects of the film itself, I think this made the movie even more intriguing and suspenseful and well done. There were parts in the movie that I felt left out some key elements but overall the movie seemed in our perspectives to provide a bit of a fresh approach to the theme itself. On top of this the actors in the movie (especially the main ones) did a admirable job too. The engaged the audience and were believable in their portrayal too. Through each step of the movie, you see the world around the main character growing darker and darker and you truly are left unaware of what will happen next by the end of the film. So hold on to your britches because you are going to be taken for a tremendous ride toward a place that you may or may not be ready to go!


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Book Review - The Great Greene Heist

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About the Book
Saving the school -- one con at a time.

Jackson Greene has reformed. No, really he has. He was once the best con artist at Maplewood Middle School,and everyone still talks about his Blitz at the Fitz.... But after Principal Kelsey caught him in his office, Jackson swore off scheming for good.

Then Keith Sinclair -- loser of the Blitz -- announces he's running for school president, against Jackson's former almost-girlfriend Gaby de la Cruz. Gaby doesn't want Jackson involved in her election ... but he knows Keith has "connections" to the principal, which could win him the presidency whatever the vote count.

So Jackson assembles a crack team: Hashemi Larijani, tech genius. Victor Cho, bankroll. Megan Feldman, science goddess and cheerleader. Charlie de la Cruz, reporter. Together they devise a plan that will take down Keith, win Gaby's respect, and make sure the election is done right. If they can pull it off, it will be remembered as Maplewood's greatest scheme ever -- one worthy of the name THE GREAT GREENE HEIST.



My Take on the Book
This was a book that will leave a smile on your face in the end. The author does a great job at truly opening your eyes to the intrigue and savvy finagling that has to occur (at least at Maplewood Middle School) to get noticed and recognized. I loved how well the characters worked together and the author does a great job at building the bonds between the characters themselves. Get ready for some laughs as this team does its' work. On top of this though, get ready to get transported back to Middle School and to lose yourself in the strong writing, characters and plot of the story itself. My daughter and I loved reading this together and you will enjoy it thoroughly too!

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Book Review - Dear Dumb Diary Year Two: You Can Bet on That

Dear Dumb Diary Year Two: You Can Bet on That

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About the Book
The hilarious and bestselling series from Jim Benton continues!

Jamie, Isabella, and Angeline have known each other for a long time. They've even become friends -- whether Jamie likes it or not. But when the trio starts a friendly competition, all bets are off. The loser will be treated to a game of Dare or Worse Dare... with Isabella. (And Jamie's pretty sure that's like having a banana-peeling contest with a starving monkey. The monkey always wins.)

What could go wrong? Probably everything. And it's probably all that blondwad Angeline's fault. Probably.

Jamie still has no idea that anyone is reading her diary, so please, please, please don't tell her. And definitely don't tell her that she's the star of her very own Dear Dumb Diary movie, available on DVD. (Her glamorous ego might not be able to handle it.)



My Take on the Book
This was another great addition to the Dear Dumb Diary series. One of the things that I loved about this and all of the books in this series was the characters. The author does a great job at developing his characters and for me this makes the book even stronger. I loved the humor that the author uses and I found myself laughing with all of the things that inevitably went wrong in the book itself. All-in-all this was another book that really hit it out of the park for me and I look forward to the next book in the series!


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Book Review - Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse

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About the Book
One small step for a mouse; one giant leap for aviation.

These are dark times . . . for a small mouse. A new invention—the mechanical mousetrap—has caused all the mice but one to flee to America, the land of the free. But with cats guarding the steamships, trans-Atlantic crossings are no longer safe. In the bleakest of places . . . the one remaining mouse has a brilliant idea. He must learn to fly!

Debut illustrator Torben Kuhlmann’s inventive tale and stunning illustrations will capture the imagination of readers—young and old—with the death-defying feats of this courageous young mouse.



My Take on the Book
This was a beautiful story with amazing illustrations! For me the illustrations were the part of the book that truly transported me. I found myself getting lost in the images and looking at all of the rich detail that accompanied the story itself. The story was inspiring and shares an important message that all of our kids must learn, but the author has also done a tremendous job at capturing the essence of the story on each page through imagery. I also appreciated how much you learn in the book. The author has included some great aviation references in the book that any child will find fascinating. This is a book you will find yourself keeping for years to come!


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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Cavemice: The Great Mouse Race

Geronimo Stilton Cavemice: The Great Mouse Race
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About the Book
Geronimo Stilton's ancient ancestor Geronimo Stiltonoot is back in another prehistoric adventure!

It's the season for the annual cavemouse sports competition! This year, Tiger Khan and his saber-toothed henchmen want to enter the games. They call a truce with the cavemice during the tournament . . . but when their flag goes missing, Tiger Khan is furious. Can Geronimo Stiltonoot track it down in time to keep his fur intact?



My Take on the Book
This was a very funny book that continues on the Geronimo Stiltonoot series, while still tying the book to the larger Geronimo Stilton series as well. The author did a fine job setting the stage as well as creating characters that were very memorable. From beginning to end this book leaves you laughing along with the crazy antics of the characters, while still being able to tell to keep you grounded in the story itself!


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Book Review - Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil


Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil

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About the Book
How often have you been at the store looking a bottles of olive oil and not know which one to buy? How many times have wished you had more uses for that expensive extra virgin oil you purchased other than a salad dressing or sautéing up a quick dish? A new book has come out that provides all the answers. COOKING TECHNIQUES AND RECIPES WITH OLIVE OIL (Two Extra Virgins/April 2014; hardcover/$26.95) by Mary Platis and Laura Bashar, provides easy yet detailed techniques for poaching, braising, marinating, infusing, and baking with olive oil -- everything home cooks need to know about olive oil: from purchasing to storage to delicious recipes.

Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and largely responsible for making it one of the healthiest and delectable diets in the world. And, like a fine wine or exquisite cut of meat, olive oil is known for its dynamic and diverse flavor characteristics. But surprisingly, most people don’t really know how to cook with olive oil and have no idea what to look for when buying it.

Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil

“Our goal in writing this book is to teach people new ways to cook with olive oil and master fundamental skills,” the authors state. “The techniques in our book will sharpen skills in the kitchen and acquaint cooks at all levels with basic methods of cooking with olive oil.”

Beautifully photographed, the authors go into great detail explaining the various characteristics of olive oil and their flavors so home cooks know what to buy and how to use it. “It is our hope that by understanding basic olive oil profiles home cooks will feel inspired to experiment with new flavor combinations in dishes and try different ethnic foods and oils.”

The recipes in COOKING TECHNIQUES AND RECIPES WITH OLIVE OIL are cataloged by chapters that cover Lessons in Olive Oil, Poaching, Braising, Marinating, Steaming, and Baking. There is also a chapter on Other Techniques that shows how to infuse and preserve oils with recipes for confits, mayonnaise and mustards, dressings and more. Recipes in the book include:


  • Rosemary-Garlic Lamb Chops with Mashed Potatoes and Artichokes
  • Tuna with Citrus and Avocado Salad
  • Figs with Muscato Grapes
  • Greek Style Vegetables with Tomatoes
  • Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
  • Chicken Kabobs with Cucumber-Mint Barley
  • Sockeye Salmon with Spinach and Beet Greens
  • Stuffed Grape Leaves with Brown Rice, Kale and Fresh Herbs
  • Whole Wheat Scones with Blueberries and Lavender
  • Olive Oil Almond Cookies with Rosewater and Cardamom
  • Kalamata Olive Bread with Rosemary
  • Olive Oil and Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Watermelon Shooters with Persia Mint Syrup an Olive Oil


The authors also provide conversion charts and references and encourage home cooks to buy locally produced oil from farmers markets in their area if available.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Mary Platis, food writer and culinary teacher, discovered her passion for olive oil after visiting the Greek island Kythera. Mary’s Greek heritage introduced her to healthy and seasonal cooking, and now she shares her own recipes with culinary students, readers of her popular blog, California Greek Girl and, of course, her family. Mary is currently the olive oil spokesperson for Bragg Live Foods©, and owner of The Greek Gourmet© catering for more than 25 years. Mary and her recipes have been featured in a number of publications – including Olive Oil Times, Greek - American Magazine, October Unprocessed, Melissa’s Produce, and Meatless Mondays among others – and on Dr. John Westerdahl’s Health and Longevity Talk Show on Life Talk, and Author’s Corner with Neil Haley on Total Education. Mary sits on the board of the Les Dames d’ Escoffier San Diego and is a member of the Publisher and Writers of San Diego. As an avid gardener, her inspiration for recipes and writing begins with a morning walk through her seasonal garden. She is the mother of three grown children and lives in San Diego, California with her husband and dog, Hershey.

Laura Bashar is a former graphic designer and advertising account executive. Self-taught in HTML she started her very popular food blog, Family Spice in 2009 to share her love of family and Persian food. Laura regularly develops recipes for brands and companies, and her work has been featured on online sites such as: Huffington Post, Yahoo Shine, Katie Brown Workshop, Babble, The Kitchn, Olive Oil Times, Safest Choice Eggs, Newman’s Own, allParenting, PBS Parents and BlogHer. Combining fresh ingredients, contrasting flavors, exotic spices and multiple cooking techniques from all over the world continues to be Laura’s passion today. A stay-at-home mother of three, Laura lives with her husband and kids in San Diego, spoiling them all with wholesome, delicious food.



My Take on the Book
This has become my new favorite cookbook. It is not just because I love using olive oil, but the recipes are healthy and easy to use. You can just about taste the deliciousness as you read through the recipes and gaze at the accompanying photographs.

I enjoyed reading about the history of olive oil, uses, different kinds, methods of cooking with olive oil, storing olive oil properly and more. The authors have included so much valuable information about olive oil.

I prepared the WHOLE WHEAT SCONES WITH BLUEBERRIES AND LAVENDER. The combination was interesting as was the method of preparing the scone mixture for baking. The batter was flattened on a floured surface and you pressed the blueberries on half the batter. Then you cover the blueberry half with the last batter half and press more blueberries into it.

I plan to use this book often . There are so many wonderful recipes using meats, fish, poultry, desserts, vegetables, infusions, and even beverages.

If you enjoy using olive oil in your food preparation, I believe that this cookbook will become a valuable resource in your kitchen. Buon Appetito!



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Saturday, April 26, 2014

DVD Review - Little House On The Prairie – Season Two

Little House On The Prairie – Season Two
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About the Book
Just in time for Mother’s Day, the beloved family series Little House On The Prairie – Season Two Deluxe Remastered Edition, arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and Digital HD May 6 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The all-new set includes over 20 hours of fully remastered content including all 22 episodes from Season Two complete and uncut in their original broadcast length. Featuring part two of the new 40th Anniversary celebration documentary, “The Little House Phenomenon: Part Two – In The Beginning…” The Little House On The Prairie – Season Two Deluxe Remastered Edition Blu-ray and DVD collections will be available for the suggested retail price of $38.99 and $29.98, respectively.

Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s best-selling and much-loved book series, “The Little House on the Prairie” chronicles the dramatic, gripping adventures of a young pioneer family’s struggle to build a new life for themselves on the American frontier of the 1870s. Season Two brings new challenges and unforgettable frontier adventures. When debts force Charles to work at several jobs, his entire family pitches in to earn the needed money. Mary’s gift for mathematics makes her the talk of the town. Charles helps an ailing widow find care for her three children and the Ingalls family celebrates the nation’s centennial with a joyous town party. Relive these favorite moments – and so many more – in this heartwarming collection that celebrates one of the most beloved TV series of all time.

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

“The Little House Phenomenon: Part Two – In The Beginning…”



My Take on the Book
This was a great DVD set with amazing episodes included. This is an amazing series that my family and I have continued to share together. The episodes in this set include:


  • The Richest Man in Walnut Grove
  • Four Eyes
  • Haunted House
  • In the Big Inning
  • The Campout
  • The Spring Dance
  • Remember Me, Parts 1 & 2
  • Ebenezer Sprague
  • At the End of the Rainbow
  • The Gift
  • His Father's Son
  • The Talking Machine
  • The Pride of Walnut Grove
  • A Matter of Faith
  • The Runaway Caboose
  • Troublemaker
  • The Long Road Home
  • For My Lady
  • Centennial
  • Soldier's Return
  • Going Home


With great acting as well as a great message that is included in each episode. This is one of the best series for families that I have ever watched and I love that the seasons are being re-released. My family and I watched this season together and I have to say that they did a great job at remastering it. 

I highly recommend this season and this series to all. You will not be disappointed!


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Friday, April 25, 2014

Nokia Presents: Icon Video Challenge to Win Special Feature on Thrillist





Calling all people who love film! Nokia recently launched a creative competition inviting creative and visionary individuals—to get behind the camera and create something cool and original. This is the perfect chance for all who take hobby in filmmaking, to tell their unique story.



The “Lumia Icon Video Challenge” is asking talented, but under-equipped, filmmakers to compete for a $10,000 production budget and filmmaking kit to create cool content using the Nokia Lumia Icon. Powered by creative community, Rippld, aspiring filmmakers will have the chance to showcase their technical skills, personal style and artistic vision to create original video content for a grand prize. They will also document their behind-the-scenes process to show the real and true workings of a director/producer absorbed in the art of great filmmaking.



I encourage you participate in this creative opportunity, so please visit bit.ly/1p1GphZ to learn more about the project and show off your creative chops.

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Thursday, April 24, 2014

eKids Captain America Technology Offers Great Sound Quality!

eKids Captain America Technology Offers Great Sound Quality!
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With Captain America: The Winter Soldier now being in theatres, eKids, a sister company of iHome Audio has introduced some amazing new technology for kids that connect kids, not only to the movie, but also to some great technology.

eKids Captain America Technology Offers Great Sound Quality!
The eKids Captain America Over-the-Ear Headphones feature an adjustable headband and soft ear cushions, while the Noise Isolating Earbuds are compact enough to throw in the carry-on for summer travel! The Rechargeable Character Speakers are also very travel-friendly and lightweight, hooking up to any MP3 player or laptop to play movies and music.

eKids Captain America Technology Offers Great Sound Quality!


The items vary from $14.99-$24.99 and are available at eKids.com.

My Take on the Products
I have been a fan of Captain America for years, and now with the movies out, a new generation is also getting connected to this great American icon. On top of the movies though eKids has come up with a HUGE line of products that allow kids to connect with their favorite characters (from super heroes to Mickey Mouse and more!). I was lucky enough to be able to try out a few of the items above to share my thoughts on with you today.

I tried the headphones that you see at the top of the screen and the wireless speaker above. First off, I have to comment on the artwork and design of the products. both were well done artistically. I loved the color scheme and its connection to Captain America. That being said there were a few details that I loved on these products. For example, the shield that is on the side of the wireless speaker was a great touch and something that I would not have expected to be there. On the headphones, I loved how the color scheme worked throughout the product itself as it added to the overall consistency with the theme.

Best of all for both of these items was the sound quality that you received. The headphones truly canceled out outside noise and in trying them on my oldest daughter, they fit her perfectly. My youngest has a smaller head and the speakers did not fit her as well (but not many headphones do). The wireless speaker was easy to set up and the rechargeable battery held quite a bit of life (more than I had expected) before needing to be recharged. As in most rechargeable technology, they encourage that you run the battery all of the way down before recharging, so keep that in mind as you use this.

All-in-all the design and sound quality were definitely things that sold me. On top of this though, in reviewing the website, I have to say that I was VERY Impressed with the selection that eKids offers, as I was not expecting the breadth and depth of products and characters that were represented. If you have yet to see these, I encourage you to check out the eKids website today!


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DVD Review - The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy

The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy
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About the DVDs
Cinedigm is releasing THE ADVENTURES OF RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY on May 13th as a COMPLETE COLLECTION featuring all 13 episodes, or as three single DVDs perfectly themed for kids and families of all ages.

Previously aired in the US on CBS (1988-1991), THE ADVENTURES OF RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY has remained a staple of childhood entertainment with a global products program including 45 books in publication and an induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002. Each DVD single will include four to five full-length episodes of the beloved children’s series.

A little girl's Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls come to life when no humans are in her bedroom, and they are all whisked off to a parallel world to save its inhabitants from a villain sorcerer known as Cracklin. Also aiding Ann and Andy in their adventures are two of the little girl's other stuffed animals, a panda known as Grouchy Bear, and a stuffed rabbit known as Sunny Bunny.



My Take on the DVDs
I still remember this cartoon series when it first came out. I was a bit old for the series, but I had watched a few episodes then and I was glad to be able to share it now with my own girls as it is definitely set for an age range that my kids fall into now (6 & 9). The DVD's are a bit short with only 4-5 episodes on each, but they were fun to watch and for any Raggedy Ann & Andy fan, you will be completely drawn in. For younger children, this will awaken their imagination with their own toys and they will definitely be waiting to see if their dolls can also come alive like these did! I am very glad that these came back and am impressed with the quality of the cartoons after all these years too! All-in-all, these DVD's are family friendly and bring back a iconic cartoon for all to enjoy!


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DVD Review - Transformers Energon Volume One

Transformers Energon Volume One
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About the DVD
Ten years of peace have passed since Unicron’s destruction, but all of that’s about to change. A mysterious enemy has unleashed the Terrorcons on the Autobots’ cities, gathering energy for plans of total domination. Enter a newly revived Megatron and the universe is in for a war unlike any it’s ever seen between the Autobots and Decepticons. And once again, Earth is caught in the middle!

Can Optimus Prime and his valiant Autobots — alongside their human allies — protect the Earth against this new threat? Find out with Transformers: Energon!

Includes The First 7 Exciting Episodes!


My Take on the DVD
This is a great new DVD set that will allow you to whet your appetite for the rest of the episodes from the series. While this was not my favorite Transformers series of all time, it still was exciting and engaged me from beginning to end. I liked the new Terracons and by the end of this DVD you truly wonder what will come next, so you will truly be left on the edge of your seat!


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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

ENTER NOW: Disney.com's Best Moment Ever Sweepstakes

Disney.com's Best Moment Ever Sweepstakes

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Every Disney Princess has had their best moment ever. Merida changed her fate. Tiana opened her dream restaurant. Rapunzel finally saw the lights. Share YOUR best moment ever and enter for a chance to win a Disney Parks vacation and participate in the Disney Royal Family 5K in The Best Moment Ever sweepstakes, running through May 14, 2014.

To enter, submit a photo that portrays a moment of achievement in any activity whether it be recreational, educational or a significant moment in time. With your photo, submit a caption that best describes your moment (less than 140 characters). Check out examples in the Best Moment Ever Photo Gallery and for more detailed instructions, visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver and read the official rules.

Prizes include:

1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a 4 days/3 nights Disney Parks Vacation for 4 to The Walt Disney World® Resort:

  • Roundtrip coach Airfare*
  • 2 Nights at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel
  • 1 Night at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney Worldc Resort
  • 4 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option
  • 4 Tickets to the runDisney “Royal Family 5K” as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort on February 20, 2015


*If winner resides more than 250 miles from Orlando International Airport

1 FIRST PRIZE WINNER will receive a $1,000 Disney Store shop card
3 SECOND PRIZE WINNERS will receive a $100 Disney Store shop card

Visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver to enter now.


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Little Red Stories – Chance to win $10,000 in CASH!!!


Radio Flyer is unveiling Little Red Stories, an online gallery where fans can submit or browse stories, photos and videos of Radio Flyer experiences, past or present! Those who submit their Radio Flyer memories, whether 2 days ago or 20 years ago, through text, photo or video have a chance to be selected as a monthly winner and win a $500 gift card to RadioFlyer.com. All entries will be eligible for Radio Flyer's Little Red Stories $10,000 cash grand prize plus a custom Build-A-Trike and Build-A-Wagon to be awarded in May 2014. Encourage your readers to submit for a chance to win here: http://www.radioflyer.com/content/share/stories


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DVD Review - Transformers Energon: The Complete Series

Transformers Energon: The Complete Series
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About the DVD
The Unicron Trilogy Continues

Ten years of peace have passed since Unicron’s destruction, but all of that’s about to change. A mysterious enemy has unleashed the Terrorcons on the Autobots’ cities, gathering energy for plans of total domination. Enter a newly revived Megatron and the universe is in for a war unlike any it’s ever seen between the Autobots and Decepticons. And once again, Earth is caught in the middle!

Can Optimus Prime and his valiant Autobots — alongside their human allies — protect the Earth against this new threat? Find out with the complete series of Transformers: Energon!




My Take on the DVD
This was a very complete DVD set that gives any Transformers fan something truly new and unique to explore and enjoy. I will say that the cartoon artistry in this was not as strong as in some of the series DVDs' that I have watched in the past. That being said though, the story itself was a strong one and I loved that the entire series was at my fingertips. While in my opinion this was not the strongest of the transformer series, and there were some voices for the autobots that I did not think completely connected with the characters themselves, I still found that the story itself was fun and engaging and I did end up watching all the way through. That being said, if you are a fan of the Transformers, I would highly recommend that you watch this!


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Book Review - The First Book of Ore: The Foundry's Edge

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About the Book
For Phoebe Plumm, life in affluent Meridian revolves around trading pranks with irksome servant Micah Tanner and waiting for her world-renowned father, Dr. Jules Plumm, to return home. Chief Surveyor for The Foundry, a global corporation with an absolute monopoly on technology, Phoebe's father is often absent for months at a time. But when a sudden and unexpected reunion leads to father and daughter being abducted, Phoebe and would-be rescuer Micah find themselves stranded in a stunning yet volatile world of living metal, one that has been ruthlessly plundered by The Foundry for centuries and is the secret source of every comfort and innovation the two refugees have ever known.



My Take on the Book
In this book the author is not an amazing job to create characters that you truly feel connected to. You have strong protagonists in which the story revolves. You also get a story filled with adventure, mystery and suspense, all of which are things that a young reader wants in a book. I have to say that I are true be enjoyed the characters of Phoebe and Micah. The author has largely differentiated the characters which is part of their allure (to me that is). The book provided nonstop engaging reading opportunities, where I found myself and not willing to set the book down so that I could find out more. The world in which the book is situated was well developed in speaks about a world different than our own but still close enough to our reality that as a reader you can connect with what is being shared. This was a book that was wonderfully creative and is something that I know both micros will enjoy as they get a little bit older.



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Book Review - The Good Dad

The Good Dad: Becoming the Father You Were Meant to Be
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About the Book
As president of Focus on the Family, a dad to two sons, and a man who didn’t really have a dad growing up, Jim Daly has a passion for fathers. He wants to see families thrive, and that starts with dads who help set the tone for the household, and whose influence on their children has been widely documented by social science.

Jim Daly, president and CEO of Focus on the Family, is an expert in fatherhood—in part because his own "fathers" failed him so badly. His biological dad was an alcoholic. His stepfather deserted him. His foster father accused Jim of trying to kill him. All were out of Jim's life by the time he turned 13.

Isn’t it odd—and just like God—that the director of the leading organization on family turned out to be a guy whose own background as a child was so pretty messed up? Or could it be that successful parenting is discovered not in the “perfect” peaceful household but in the midst of battles and messy situations, where God must constantly be called to the scene?

Using his own expertise, humor, and inexhaustible wealth of stories, Jim will show fathers that God can make them a good dad, a great dad, in spite of the way they’ve grown up or the mistakes they’ve made. It’s not about becoming a perfect father. It’s about trying to become a better father each and every day, building relationships through love, grace, patience, and fun—and helping children grow into the men and women they’re meant to be.


My Take on the Book
This is the type of book that will make you truly reconsider what fatherhood means to you and to your family. The book is spiritually based and makes numerous connections to God’s plan for fathers in society today. The book is poignant and well-written and shares personal experiences of the author along with the goals that this author has to become a stronger, more engaged dad. The book is deep and gives readers a true glimpse into what is at the core of fatherhood. I know that I, for one, found that the book truly engaged me and had me look back at my own traits and characteristics, and help me to reevaluate. One of the difficult things to grapple with in this book are the stories that the author shared about being raised in a home with an abusive father. Though I say this, the stories are there to inspire other fathers to become better. You will learn so much of this book and at the same time will connect a deeper level with the word of God as it relates to being an amazing dad.


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Book Review - Wisdom for Dad: Advice for Dad In 140 Characters or Less

Wisdom for Dad: Advice for Dad In 140 Characters or Less

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About the Book
By accessing the social web and the power of the dad crowd, Wisdom For Dad cuts through the clutter to deliver brief, witty, snippets of wisdom every dad will appreciate. With 85K plus Twitter Followers (@dudetodad), popular author/blogger Hugh Weber delivers a terrific follow-up to Dude to Dad that again aims to help ordinary dudes become extraordinary dads.

Given that dads today communicate primarily via texts, tweets, and Facebook status updates, Wisdom For Dad features a compilation of more than 100 of the funniest, most inspiring, and notable posts geared toward today's generation of dads to help them as they journey through fatherhood.


My Take on the Book
This was a fun book that really captured the true essence of being a father. As a father myself I know that I don't have a lot of time to be able to spend on parenting books, however, this book gives you so much wisdom and so little words. The book itself is broken down into small kernels of knowledge, 140 characters at a time.

The other share some great insights into what being a dad really means, and he shares it in a way that is both lighthearted and full of thought. The book itself is set up to provide direct, hands-on advice and resources for any father that picks up this book. The author shares both experiences and sage wisdom that will help any new or old father to become even stronger in their role.

All-in-all this was a great book that I would recommend giving to any father, as he will completely appreciate it.

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