Dad of Divas' Reviews

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Book Review - The Discovery of Longitude

The Discovery of Longitude
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About the Book
Scientific discovery changes the world! Discover the fascinating story behind one of the most important changes to nautical navigation in this nonfiction book for young readers. More than 300 years ago, explorers wandered the seas using unreliable maps. What they needed to know was the longitude of their locations, but for that they needed accurate time keeping. Unfortunately, no accurate source of time measurement at sea existed. In 1714 the British government decided to offer a reward to anyone who could solve the problem. Learned men and great thinkers alike tried unsuccessfully to work out a solution. They declared it unsolvable! Carpenter John Harrison was intrigued; he thought he might have a solution. He worked for years to design a clock that functioned accurately at sea, even though no one believed he could do it. Even after his timepiece was demonstrated effective at sea, he was still not acknowledged for his ingenious solution. It took many years and intervention by the king to grant Harrison the recognition and reward he deserved for solving the problem of how to accurately track longitude and for winning the British government prize. The book offers a detailed map of the world at that time and includes the advancements in the use of longitude since then.



My Take on the Book
If you enjoy history, you will want to read this book to your child.It appears to be a book for children, however I believe you will agree after reading this nonfiction book , you learned some new and interesting information. I know I did.

The book is based on facts about John Harrison, an Englishman, who took the challenge to created a clock which would assist sailors in determining the longitude. The sailors knew how to find the latitude and directions of north, south, east and west, but time differences were a puzzle and often sailors were lost or crashed into rocks while traveling. 

The amazing part of this was John Harrison was using materials available in the year of 1737. He worked on his invention for over 40 years. What a wonderful discovery by this intelligent man.
I know you and your child will enjoy this story.

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Blu-ray Review - Aerial America: Southwest Collection

Aerial America: Southwest Collection
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About the Movie
Take off for a sky-high tour over breathtaking vistas and surreal landscapes in Aerial America: Southwest Collection, flying onto Blu-ray July 22 from Inception Media Group.

The Smithsonian Channel special Aerial America: Southwest Collection showcases the striking beauty of the region while revealing a history that is equally captivating.

Start in Arizona where the Grand Canyon is just one of many magnificent marvels. Explore the Copper State’s remarkable history and its awe-inspiring landscapes, spectacular sunsets and infamous gunfights.

Next, in Nevada, discover the highs and lows of the state’s history that have defined it as the land of big builders and bigger dreamers. From mines and ghost towns of its gold and silver rush to the Hoover Dam, there’s more to this desert land than the City of Sin.

Take flight over 121,000 square miles of timeless beauty and national treasures, from the Rio Grande to adobe structures and dormant volcanoes in New Mexico. Known as the Land of Enchantment and famous for its cowboy tales and UFOs, see what makes this state so special.

In Utah, take a journey over the Beehive State, a land that offers endless surprises and possibilities. From the pinnacles of Arches National Park to the blinding white terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats and the tragedy of the Donner Party to the arrival of Brigham Young, the state has a history uniquely its own.

Lastly, head to Colorado to soar over some of the highest peaks, tallest sand dunes and largest single-site brewery in America. From its stunning Red Rocks outdoor amphitheater to the slopes of Aspen, this visual feast will leave you on a Rocky Mountain high!

Aerial America: Southwest Collection is presented in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 16 x 9 (1.78:1) and 5.1 digital surround sound.




My Take on the Movie
If you have wanted to visit the southwest and wondered what you may see and care to visit, this DVD is an excellent overview of beautiful destinations. 

It is done with photography and a narrator. Each state has it's own section of the DVD so you can stop it at any time or even skip to the state you wanted to know more about.

I watched the entire DVD and learned about some new sights that I am now interested in visiting in the future.

You will learn about the cities, natural features like lakes and mountains, the animals and plants , size and number of people living in the state, and more.

You will definitely will enjoy this DVD. You feel like you are actually there visiting the state.

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Hapari Swimwear Works With Your Body

Hapari Swimwear
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About the Company
Distinctive and beautiful, Hapari swimwear is designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty – no matter her shape. At Hapari, they believe that every woman should look and feel great while having fun in the sun! And that is why our swimwear is created from the finest fabrics and with body-shaping features to help you feel comfortable and confident.

Hapari Swimwear

Thus, you don't have to have the time to maintain a perfect figure, which is why they create swimwear to enhance the curves you love and downplay those you don’t. Nearly all of their bikinis, tankinis and one-piece suits are made with secret pockets sewn into the breast area that can be fitted with their Illusions™ silicone enhancements to supplement your curves. Their S.O.S.™ line of tankini tops feature the same gorgeous prints as our other suits, but are built with an underwire directly into the suit to give you added support where you need it most.

Hapari Swimwear

When it comes to swimwear, so many women have trouble with their midsection. Hapari’s exclusive Tummy Tuk™ bottoms provide extra coverage and support for your waistline. And their selection of swimskirts, swimshorts, wraps and cover-ups provide additional coverage and protection from the sun.

Hapari Swimwear

In addition, most tops in their line of tankini swimwear can be worn in three ways: halter-top, criss-cross back, or tank style. You have the option to choose which works best for you. You can also match any of their tankini or bikini tops with any of their bottoms, which means that you can design a one-of-a-kind swimsuit that fits your needs. And all our stunning swimwear is made to move. They look great and stay comfortably in place no matter what your activity.

My Wife's Take on the Swimsuits
My wife was the one to try this suit out (thank goodness, right?). In interviewing her on her thoughts she stated that she was very impressed with the breadth and depth of the website. She loved that there were so many styles and types of suits to choose from and most could easily be mixed and matched together.

She mentioned to me how much she hates buying swimsuits, as it takes a ton of time and so much of the time it is just not the right fit for your body. With Hapari though she mentioned that "they seemed to have a bit for every body type" which she thought was perfect, not only for her own body, but for any woman looking for some variety and some difference when it came to suit fit as well.

In trying out the suit herself, she stated that it "fit great" and that she was happy overall with the suit and couldn't wait to wear it more this summer.

If you have a hard time finding the right bathing suit, Hapari may be exactly what you need to be able to find the right style and fit that you need. My wife highly recommends the site and the selection!


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Friday, July 4, 2014

DVD Review - Stephen Hawking's Grand Design

Stephen Hawking's Grand Design
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About the DVD
The world’s most famous physicist attempts to unravel the truths behind humanity’s most enduring questions: Did God create the universe? What is the meaning of life? Why does the universe exist? Unfolding his personal, compelling vision of the universe, the eminent British cosmologist evaluates a variety of intricate ideas, from ‘Intelligent Design’ to the impact the search for the Higgs Boson particle at CERN could have on our understanding of the cosmos. Drawing on more than 40 years of his own research and a recent series of observations and theoretical breakthroughs, Hawking presents his original and controversial theories, applying current scientific understanding to these complex concepts. Combining cutting edge visuals and Hawking’s witty and incisive worldview, discover how physics and cosmology are being used to tackle ideas that philosophers have struggled with for thousands of years. With a total run time of 129 minutes, this DVD has an SRP of $29.93.



My Take on the DVD
WOW, this is a DVD that will blow your mind. I knew that Stephen Hawking was a genius, but this just solidified it for me. In watching this he brought up ideas and principles that I had never considered. I for one know that I learned a great deal in watching this and I know that you will too. Be ready to be taken on a journey that will open your eyes and your mind!


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The Relay Click Connect Performance Jogging Stroller Gives You Freedom!

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About the Stroller
Graco’s Relay Click Connect Jogging Stroller is the ultimate performance jogger –the only one with all accessories included, allowing you to include your child in your active lifestyle. Designed for avid joggers, it features air-filled rubber tires, a locking front-swivel wheel with tracking, premium suspension and a lightweight frame. Reflective, tech-fabric helps keep you visible in low light and the UV50 canopy gives your child sun protection. This stroller is compatible with all Graco Click Connect infant car seats to create a custom travel system. It’s just what moms – who need to go the extra mile – need!

Key Features:

  • All accessories are included, so there's nothing more to purchase
  • Pneumatic tires & locking front-swivel wheel with tracking
  • Premium suspension system offers high-grade performance
  • Breathable, premium tech fabrics with reflective piping, for comfort & safety
  • One-second, one-hand fold
  • Accepts all Graco® Click Connect™ infant car seats in one secure step with a built-in connection - no additional adaptors needed
  • Extended, adjustable canopy with UV50 protection
  • Stroller accommodates your child from newborn to toddler (total weigh is 70 lbs. = child + essentials)
  • Deluxe parent storage console with cup holder, zippered storage & phone pocket
  • Removable armrest bar with child cup holder for easy in & out
  • Adjustable, multi-position reclining seat with convertible 3- & 5-point harness
  • Extra-large storage basket holds travel essentials
  • Safety tether attaches to wrist for peace of mind



My Take on the Stroller
As someone who enjoys jogging, I know that there are times when my runs are held back because I have the kids. No More! This stroller is amazing and will even hold kids up to 70 pounds (not that you would want to be pushing a 70 pound child while running).

First off, I have to say that the stroller was easy to put together. I was expecting something that might have a lot of parts but found that this was not the case at all.

The stroller, once together, rolled easily and was very lightweight (for a stroller like this). I ended up placing my youngest in this (She is a light weight), and tried out the stroller. The stroller worked really well and I could easily control the stroller with one hand and pushing it with her within it was easy and not too taxing, though I know I won't get my best times when running with her.

All-in-all this was an amazing stroller that any runner/jogger will love! Lightweight, great turn radius and more... you should really check this out!


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Book Review - Comfort Food Cookbook

Comfort Food Cookbook
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About the Book
Few things in life are better than comfort food—familiar recipes and smells often invoke a sense of happiness and well-being. Combining traditional comfort recipes with nostalgia for the kitchen of another era, the editors of Grit personally selected a collection of comfort food recipes from the popular country living magazine’s archives to create their new book!

GRIT MAGAZINE’S COMFORT FOOD COOKBOOK uses both personal stories and 230 time-tested recipes to allow your mom’s, and even her mom’s, favorite recipes to live again in the modern kitchen. Fully illustrated with guides for measuring, storing, and entertaining, the book also features recipes such as:


  • Creamy Summer Corn Chowder
  • Roast Beef With Blackberry Ketchup
  • Oven-Fried Honey Chicken
  • Cheesy New Potatoes With Bacon
  • Mushroom Beef Stew With Dumplings
  • Cheddar Herb Biscuits
  • Skillet Peach Cobbler
  • Butterscotch Fudge


This traditional yet completely unique cookbook offers a peek at the cooks and kitchens of yesteryear by bringing the best of Grit's comfort food recipes into the modern, twenty-first-century kitchen.

Rediscover and recreate your favorite meals with GRIT MAGAZINE’S COMFORT FOOD COOKBOOK—a unique guide to traditional comfort food classics from a century’s worth of cooking.


My Take on the Book
If you love down home cooking, this cookbook is for you. Filled with amazing recipes, and a wide array of food to choose from your mouth will start watering from the first time you see the amazing pictures of the recipes that are shown to you. The cookbook is laid out well and gives you directions that are easy to follow. I also liked the fact that the book is not filled with ingredients that are hard to find or are not things you would typically have on hand. Instead, I found that in many of the recipes I had many of the items on hand and only would have to go to the store for some items. All-in-all this was a great cookbook that has items that not only look delicious, but in the two that I have tried thus far, they taste great too!


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Thursday, July 3, 2014

Book Review - Let's Walk the French Quarter

Let's Walk the French Quarter
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About the Book
New Orleans' famous treasures and hidden gems. With a self-guided walking tour through the iconic French Quarter, New Orleans visitors will not miss a single landmark. Featuring striking photographs by Kerri McCaffety that showcase the city's majestic architecture-not to mention its world-famous cuisine-this book provides a low-budget and unforgettable way to experience the best of the Crescent City.


My Take on the Book
I love New Orleans! Unfortunately I do not get there as often as I would like. As a photographer, this city offers so much visually, and this book captures some of the hidden gems within the city. I have to say that this book showcases some of my favorite places, but it also opened my own eyes to some places that now I will be looking for when I go back next March. This book truly captures the beauty of the city and the majesty of the architecture itself too. If you love this city as I do, or you simply love seeing and experiencing living history, this book is definitely one to read and share with others!


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