Book Review - Embracing Fry Bread: Confessions of a Wannabe

About the Book
When he was out playing Indian, enacting Hollywood-inspired scenarios, it never occurred to the child Roger Welsch that the little girl sitting next to him in school was Indian. A lifetime of learning later, Welsch’s enthusiasm is undimmed, if somewhat more enlightened. In Embracing Fry Bread Welsch tells the story of his lifelong relationship with Native American culture, which, beginning in earnest with the study of linguistic practices of the Omaha tribe during a college anthropology course, resulted in his becoming an adopted member and kin of both the Omaha and the Pawnee tribes.

With requisite humility and a healthy dose of humor, Welsch describes his long pilgrimage through Native life, from lessons in the vagaries of “Indian time” and the difficulties of reservation life, to the joy of being allowed to participate in special ceremonies and developing a deep and lasting love of fry bread. Navigating another culture is a complicated task, and Welsch shares his mistakes and successes with engaging candor. Through his serendipitous wanderings, he finds that the more he learns about Native culture the more he learns about himself—and about a way of life whose allure offers true insight into indigenous America.

My Take on the Book
This book was so honest and forthright about the author's journey into and through native culture and life. I loved how you could read a passage and see the imagery all around you. The way that he deeply describes his life was both intriguing and inspiring and I could only hope to be able to share my own story and life journey with so much detail and color. I loved how close he was to his friends of the native nation, and you can tell through reading this that much of the writing of this book was a testament to this friendship. This book will allow you a rare glimpse into the Native American World, and whether you are closely familiar or whether this world is completely foreign, you will learn so much as you read this book!

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 Goose And The Swan

About the Book
Inspiration comes from many different places, and author Anne-Louise DePalo was inspired to write her children’s stories after spending time in her own backyard. Two swans made a home on her lake and as she watched them grow, she was motivated to write a series of books aimed at teaching children valuable lessons.

DePalo’s new book, The Goose and the Swan, teaches children to follow their moral compass and to do the right thing even when it’s not easy.

“My life has grown and changed since I began writing the Sampson stories,” says DePalo. “I am a much more fulfilled, kinder, soulful and loving person.”

Sampson the Swan lives on a lake in a quiet kingdom. One day, Goosey Lucy visits the lake and takes him on an adventure that teaches Sampson an important lesson about friendship and courage. He and the lake will never be the same again because of Goosey Lucy.

“I want everyone who reads about Sampson to come to know and love him as much as I have,” DePalo says.

In The Goose and the Swan, DePalo teaches children to accept those who are different, treat others respectfully and know they are loved.

About the Author
Anne-Louise DePalo has written 20 short stories about Sampson the Swan. She is a family law attorney and University of Rochester graduate. Anne-Louise enjoys writing poetry, painting, writing songs and traveling. She is a devout Catholic. She and her husband live on Staten Island, New York.


My Take on the Book
This was an inspirational take on the Swan Princess. I loved the tale of friendship that this story tells. The story was heartwarming and truly shows what friendship is all about and what can happen when you hold fast and show how true your friendship can be. What I loved about this book was that it had a true moral tale that I enjoyed sharing with my own daughters as it showed them that there are things that they need to stand up for and we actually had a great conversation about the book and the message within after. It is these types of books that I love sharing with my daughters as they are so much more than just a story.

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 - Surviving Your Adolescents: How to Manage and Let Go of Your 13-18 Year Olds

About the Book 
A step-by-step approach to handling teenagers, this guide helps parents end hassles and improve their relationship with their adolescent. Parents learn how to communicate with teenagers, how to manage teenage risk-taking, how to let go in certain situations, and when to seek professional attention. Concise and encouraging, this resource walks parents through the ups and downs of parenting teenagers as their kids push towards independence.

About the Author
Thomas W. Phelan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and the bestselling author of 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children, Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, All About Attention Deficit Disorder, “I Never Get Anything!,” and Self-Esteem Revolutions in Children. He lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

My Take on the Book
This was an easy to understand guide for any parent working with a teenager. The book is practical and offers a step-by-step approach that anyone can understand and appreciate. It is so important to be able to "let go" of your teen, even though you may not feel that they are ready, as it promotes independence, and this book helps parents with this process. Though it is not easy, it is important and I for one am happy to have read this far ahead of the teen years so that I can better prepare myself too. I also can already tell that I will be referring back and re-reading this as the time gets closer. If you currently have a teen or will have one in the near future, this is a great read that will provide you with some great guidance!

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 - I Know a Librarian Who Chewed on a Word

About the Book
A most exciting word has the whole library abuzz, in this picture book for young readers, written in the style of "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." Fascinated children look on as Miss Divine dines on a table, savors a shelf, and chomps down a chair, all to chase down a single word. This librarian finally catches the only verb that could make a librarian practically purr, and that word is READ.

My Take on the Book
This was such a great book for the whole family to read together. You can tell from the very beginning to the end of the book how much the librarian loves to read. The illustrator has done an amazing job at bring forth images that are so rich and vivid and make the story just come alive. My wife works at a library and she also loved this and actually saw this as a great book to share during their kids reading hour, and plans on doing this in the near future. All-in-all this was a great book that I would highly recommend to all!

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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Software Review - Nancy Drew: The Deadly Device

About the Game
Fear lingers in a remote laboratory after a physicist's suspicious demise. A police investigation resulted in nothing except a case as cold as the secretive personalities and steel walls that enshroud a top-secret Tesla-inspired facility. That's why the lab owner asked you, as Detective Nancy Drew, to expose the terrifying truth about The Deadly Device!

Key Features:

• Uncover Obscure Tesla Insights!Discover true facts about this unsung and eccentric physicist and inventor
• Unlock Corporate Secrets!Interrogate coworkers as you examine multiple motives
• Solve Ingenious Puzzles!Tinker with strange mechanical wonders created by Tesla

• Play Addicting Arcade Games!Get a charge out of the new Aggregation puzzle game
• Sneak into Off-Limits Areas!Talk, walk and unlock your way into secret places

• Sleuth in the Day and at Night!Snoop or get the scoop from employees on day and night shifts
• Choose Difficulty Levels!Play at Amateur or Master Sleuth level and erase mistakes without starting over

My Take on the Game
I have had the chance to try quite a view of the most recent Nancy Drew games by Her Interactive, and to me it seems that each is getting better and better than the past versions that have been released. This game was no exception! The story was strong, the animation top-notch, and the overall gameplay was superb.

I even offered my daughter the opportunity to try the game. She is a huge fan of Nancy Drew and loves finding out how she swallows each of her mysteries and to be honest she is very good at identifying the clothes that need to the mystery being so. I was so great about this game was at all the things that I mentioned above but also in the digestive reasoning the game requires of you. This is the type of game that I like my daughter to play because it is not simply one where you sit and brainlessly play, but instead, you truly have to think to be able to move further in the game itself.

All in all this is a great game that I would highly recommend to all, not just Nancy Drew fans, but all gamers young and old alike.

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 - How To Win College Scholarships

About the Book
The How To Win Scholarships guide will tell you exactly what you need to do to get started NOW on winning as much FREE money for college as possible. The author's son was exactly where many students are in their senior year of high school. He was busy with social, academic, and sports obligations, but knew he needed to win scholarships to pay for his college education. He needed scholarship help!

This guide will help you by teaching you a method of putting together your scholarship application packets in a way that looks, feels, and IS different from those submitted by your peers. Your college scholarship applications will stand out and get noticed by the judges and THAT is the way to win scholarships.

The author developed a method of applying for college scholarships that is nothing like the normal method of filling out applications and mailing them in. This method teaches parents and students how to create a scholarship application packet that immediately stands out from those of their peers.

Both guides are organized into 10 clear and easy to follow sections, with step by step instructions on perfecting scholarship applications, along with tips on what college scholarship selection committees look for and how to win scholarships. Learn amazing ways to:

• Get organized
• Find scholarships
• Get great letters of recommendation
• Write a memorable (and winning!) essay
• Put together an application package that looks, feels, and IS different from all the rest
• Get the most financial aid possible

And much more scholarship help!

My Take on the Book
I have read many books preparing for college as well as finding scholarships and was looking for bigger and better resources to share with students that I am working with. This ebook was practical, down-to-earth, and so easy to understand. The author has put so much personal learning and experience of the book it makes it that much better for the parent of the college student as well as the student themselves. The book also is set up with the reader in mind and gives great advice about what a person can do to truly set them apart from others and make  it  that much more probable that they can identify scholarships from cells that will help them cover the cost of their college education. While there are many books on finding scholarships this one in my mind stands out just for sheer honesty and upfront frankness about what steps you need to take to take yourself to the next level and candidacy for scholarships.

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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Software Review - Manga Studio EX 4

About the Software
Manga Studio EX 4.0 delivers powerful, cutting edge features for Manga and Comic artists alike. Manga Studio EX 4.0 offers thousands of screen tones, professional coloring tools, built in 2DLT and 3DLT rendering capabilities, advanced vector tools and image filters. Manga Studio EX is the leading comic software worldwide, making it the ideal tool for professional Comic and Manga artists.

• Choose from over 3,000 screen tones or create your own.
• Resize with no loss in quality by converting your bitmap drawings to resolution-independent vector images.
• Export to a wide variety of formats such as BMP, JPEG, PNG, PSD, TGA, EPS (monochrome only), TIFF, PDF and PICT (Mac only).
• Draw naturally with a pen tablet and recreate the sensation of drawing on paper offering an incredibly natural drawing experience.
• Simplify your layout and design process with easy to use features such as a variety of built-in rulers that save you time.
• Color artwork using the integrated tool set enabling you to mix and blend for custom color work.
• Convert 2D images to line and tone data by using the 2DLT Rendering function.
• Import 3D objects and easily transform them into tone and line drawings by using the 3DLT Rendering function.
• Add speed line and focus line effects in seconds to express motion or moods.
• Work with precision using unlimited layers.

Select from a suite of advanced filters to quickly apply distortions and special effects to your artwork.
New and Updated features Manga Studio EX 4.0 allows you to create professional, ready to publish manga and comics.

NEW! Professional Color Set
Choose from literally millions of colors and create your own color sets. Includes dodge, burn and color blend tools.

UPDATED! Additional Word Balloons
Add word balloons with ease by dragging and dropping any of almost one hundred preset editable word balloons. Freely adjust the font, size, style and spacing of the text and add a curved or straight tail.

NEW! Vector Toolkit
Speed up production using the built-in vector tools such as "Show Center Line" which makes spotting trouble areas in need of smoothing, a breeze.

UPDATED! Additional 3D Objects 
Manga Studio EX comes with over 550 built-in 3D Objects. Quickly, position, rotate and adjust them on your page. Convert them to line and tone data and use them as backgrounds and props for your drawings.

NEW! Professional Filter Set 
Manga Studio EX now offers a suite of advanced creative filters. Quickly distort images, adjust hue and saturation, or add rain and sparkle effects to your artwork.

UPDATED! More export formats
In addition to the existing BMP, JPEG, PNG, PSD and TGA formats, Manga Studio EX 4.0 now offers the ability to export your artwork as TIFF, EPS (monochrome only), PDF and PICT (Mac only) formats.

NEW! Story Editor
Enter and edit the text for your entire story and distribute across pages using the Story Editor in Manga Studio EX.

NEW! Advanced Text Input
Manga Studio EX now allows you to enter text directly on your page using a standard text tool. You can also quickly add special characters and with support for many characters such as Katakana and Hiragana, Manga Studio EX is better than ever!

NEW! Mesh Transformation
Use the Mesh Transform tool to modify scre
en tones to better showcase clothing textures by giving them a wrapping appearance. NEW! Special Rulers Choose from a variety of rulers, including symmetry rulers, radial line rulers and concentric circle rulers that speed up production.

UPDATED! Extra Pattern Brushes
Choose from 80+ customizable pattern brushes. Adjust the size, color and angle quickly using the sliders to create an almost unlimited number of unique effects.

Note: Register your product within 30 days of purchase and receive the Manga Studio EX Content pack valued at $39.99 for free. This package includes 20 3D models, over 100 background templates and over 100 Power templates. Information regarding registration and how to redeem your content pack are included with your purchase.

My Take on the Software
I tried Manga studio Debut and found this to be very user-friendly and quite robust for a novice like me. This version takes the Debut to a whole new level. I will state that because I am not an expert, nor a graphic designer, it took me a little while to get the hang of this program. Yet, once I did spent time with the program I started to get the hang of it, and using Debut first also assisted me in better understanding how programs like this would work.

I did find that the manual was a bit hard to follow, and for me it was a bit easier just diving in and trying, failing, trying again, and succeeding. the software has many more features than Debut, which definitely makes it a more robust product.I would have to say that if you are truly into manga art and want to take your art next level and this is the software that you want to use to do it. Though the price tag is a bit higher than you will find for Debut, it is well worth the price for what you get in return.

One final thing that I will add is that I loved the brushes and tools that this provided the user has a truly made the imaging much more depth and richness to the overall product that you produce in the end.

This was a powerful program that I would highly recommend to any current artist or aspiring artist has this will take your art to the next level.

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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