What are we teaching our kids when they see our asses all hung over and stuff?
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Influence
DadCentric15 May 2012 | 2:00 pm -
3D VIERA LED-LCD-Reihe in Full HD von PanasonicDie – Innovativ und ökologisch nachhaltig
Dad's Houseblog14 May 2012 | 10:19 amDie neuen VIERA LED-LCD-Geräte von Panasonic überzeugen durch eine hohe Energieeffizienz, eine blitzschnelle Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit, ein schlankes Design und ein extrem klares und kontrastreiches Bild. Die aktuelle VIERA-Linie bietet außerdem modernste Technologie in Full HD und 3D. Stylish und Elegant: Die PURELINE Modelle Panasonic LED Fernseher © panasonic.de Die verwendete LED-Technologie spart Strom und erlaubt ein dünnes und modernes Design. Die PURELINE Modelle zeigen mit ihrer schlanken Silhouette und ansprechenden Farben wie ein Fernseher heutzutage auszusehen hat. Die klare… -
Pot of gold rainbow!
genuineblog.com Jim Turner26 Apr 2012 | 8:39 pmTweet Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless Posted via email from genuine’s posterous -
The Avengers Movie, A Genuine Review
Dads Talking14 May 2012 | 11:50 amWhen my wife told me what she wanted to do for fun this Mother’s Day, it was like a getting a double bonus on your favorite game–she wanted to see the new Avengers movie. We have all heard about the record breaking box office money the show has been making and the number of people across the country that are standing in lines to see the movie, but little did I know that this was not just the result of a good media blitz and a good PR campaign. The movie is worth every penny and I am sure the pennies mounted up after they paid the costs associated with the all star cast and the… -
Autopilot parenting
Dad-O-Matic15 May 2012 | 9:07 pmRecently I was driving a route that I normally take when driving home, although I was going somewhere else. At the intersection that takes me to my home, I instinctively turned left rather than continuing straight ahead to my intended destination. My eldest daughter pointed out my mistake, and I responded, “I was on autopilot.” In fact, most of the things that I do daily I do on autopilot. When I brush my teeth, wash the dishes, and bring my fork to my mouth, I don’t actively think about those actions. I’m on autopilot. Of course, the reason that I can do those things…
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Dad's Houseblog
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3D VIERA LED-LCD-Reihe in Full HD von PanasonicDie – Innovativ und ökologisch nachhaltig
14 May 2012 | 10:19 amDie neuen VIERA LED-LCD-Geräte von Panasonic überzeugen durch eine hohe Energieeffizienz, eine blitzschnelle Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit, ein schlankes Design und ein extrem klares und kontrastreiches Bild. Die aktuelle VIERA-Linie bietet außerdem modernste Technologie in Full HD und 3D. Stylish und Elegant: Die PURELINE Modelle Panasonic LED Fernseher © panasonic.de Die verwendete LED-Technologie spart Strom und erlaubt ein dünnes und modernes Design. Die PURELINE Modelle zeigen mit ihrer schlanken Silhouette und ansprechenden Farben wie ein Fernseher heutzutage auszusehen hat. Die klare… -
Angesagte Modetrends für Herren 2012
14 May 2012 | 4:32 amDie Modetrends für den Herren belaufen sich in dieser Saison auf schmale Schnitte, hochwertige Qualität und raffinierte Musterkombinationen. Schimmernde Stoffe mit floralen Mustern liegen ebenso im Trend, wie hochwertige Accessoires, welche farbliche Akzente setzen. Herrenstrümpfe in leuchtenden Farben werden zu eleganten Anzügen in Granit und Anthrazit getragen und auch lederne Handtaschen gehören in diesem Jahr in die Garderobe. Lässige Herrenmäntel aus Kaschmir und Baumwolle repräsentieren urbanen Schick, Hemden mit Stehkragen und coole Schiebermützen spiegeln Zeitgeist und… -
Fliesen legen ist nicht einfach aber mit einem Video als Anleitung geht auch das
11 May 2012 | 1:02 amMann muss kein Handwerker sein, um eine Wand fliesen zu können. Mit dem notwendigen Werkzeug und einer genauen Anleitung kann man auch als Heimwerker ein professionelles Ergebnis erreichen. Vorbereitung Im ersten Schritt muss der Untergrund vorbereitet werden. Sollte man alte Fliesen durch neue ersetzen wollen, so empfiehlt es sich diese abzureisen, um für eine bessere Haftung zu sorgen. Die Tragfähigkeit ist nämlich für die Langlebigkeit der Fliesen von besonders großer Bedeutung. Deswegen ist es wichtig, für eine ebene, saubere und staubfreie Fläche zu sorgen. Sollten anschließend… -
Bremsscheiben und Bremsbeläge wechseln
10 May 2012 | 10:39 amViele Fahrzeuge sind mittlerweile so ausgereift, dass problemlos mehrere tausend Kilometer zurückgelegt werden können, ohne dass jegliche Wartungsarbeiten benötigt werden. Dennoch gibt es an jedem Wagen einige Verschleißteile, die regelmäßig einer optischen Überprüfung unterzogen werden sollte. Sehr wichtig sind hier natürlich die Komponenten des Bremssystems. Bremsbeläge und -Scheiben müssen ab einem bestimmten Abnutzungsgrad erneuert werden und besonders bei viel Stadtverkehr tritt dieses deutlich früher ein. Selbermachen oder die Werkstadt beauftragen? Wartungsarbeiten und… -
LG CF3D BEAMER – Multimedia & Home Cinema in 3D
7 May 2012 | 2:38 pmDer Neue LG 3D Beamer mit DLP Technik besticht durch brillante Farben und maximaler Auflösung, dazu verfügt er über sehr gute Kontrastwerte und starker Helligkeit. Doch die stärkste Eigenschaft ist wohl das unglaubliche 3D Erlebnis, welches dieser Beamer möglich macht. Merkmale des 3D Beamers Zu den Eigenschaften, selbst bei nicht abgedunkelten Räumen zeigt der Beamer gute Bilder dank der 2500 ANSI-Lumen hellen Lampe, ein sattes Schwarz kann er dank seinem hohen Kontrast von 7000:1 darstellen, er verfügt über 16,7 Millionen Farben und hat eine native Full HD Auflösung von 1920 x…
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genuineblog.com Jim Turner
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Pot of gold rainbow!
26 Apr 2012 | 8:39 pmTweet Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless Posted via email from genuine’s posterous -
OPENING DAY!! ROCKIES VS GIANTS
9 Apr 2012 | 2:00 pmTweet Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless Posted via email from genuine’s posterous -
What really happened to dinosaurs?
2 Apr 2012 | 10:33 amTweet Yes. They were put in the wash with the rest of the laundry. Posted via email from genuine’s posterous -
Celebrating Diversity – My Little MacLeod
9 Dec 2011 | 8:51 amTweet Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless Posted via email from genuine’s posterous -
Bad News Good News
9 Nov 2011 | 11:26 amTweet This is one of those situations you do not want to see or experience as a father of four that relies on an expensive appliance to operate correctly like a dryer. We do many loads of laundry a week, or should I say per day, and not having a dryer is like not having a scuba tank under water. That would be the bad news. The good news? Look how much change i found in the lint duct and the blower cover! I might be able to get some good coffee out of this fiasco. I am trying my hand at appliance repair guy. So far I have been able to take it all apart, but have no idea what I…
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Dads Talking
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The Avengers Movie, A Genuine Review
14 May 2012 | 11:50 amWhen my wife told me what she wanted to do for fun this Mother’s Day, it was like a getting a double bonus on your favorite game–she wanted to see the new Avengers movie. We have all heard about the record breaking box office money the show has been making and the number of people across the country that are standing in lines to see the movie, but little did I know that this was not just the result of a good media blitz and a good PR campaign. The movie is worth every penny and I am sure the pennies mounted up after they paid the costs associated with the all star cast and the… -
It’s About @Time We Stop The Shaming! #MomEnough
11 May 2012 | 1:06 pmUnless you’ve been completely offline today you’ve surely heard and/or seen the controversial cover on Time Magazine. There’s been plenty of talk about how old the child in this picture is – he’s 3 – and whether or not women should be breastfeeding a child this age. It seems all the controversy online today (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) has been around the topic of breastfeeding. Of course, this is an important topic and one that will be debated for years to come. I am very much in support of breastfeeding. Having said that, this post is actually going to talk about something much… -
Dads, Are We Ever Going To Be A Parent?
11 May 2012 | 10:52 amThe first reaction I had when I saw the Time magazine cover was that the folks at Time were poking the bear, or the “mamma bear” in other words. The Mother’s Day edition is how I looked at it. they are trying to get page views and trying to increase magazine sales. The best way to do the above is to be controversial. If you think that breast feeding is not controversial, just take a stand on it. Get off the fence and say breast feeding is bad or that Mom’s should breast feed until the child is in middle school. You will have plenty opposition to whichever… -
Lessons To Your Kids About The Tax Man
12 Apr 2012 | 10:44 amThe Tax Man is coming. It sounds like a cross between “Something Wicked This Way Comes” and The Grim Reaper. Obviously, I am not one of the 1% that is not paying my fair share or at least it seems that way or else my description might be different. It would be more of a nuisance than a nightmare. Even here at Dads Talking we are not immune from the “paying unto Caesar that which is Caeser’s”. It is that time of year when procrastinator’s everywhere are wondering when on Monday the post office closes, and it is a great time to explain to your… -
From All of Us Dads – Happy Keester!
8 Apr 2012 | 2:49 pmFrom all four of us Dads here at Dads Talking, we would wish you and your family much happiness and fellowship this holiday. We also wish you the best with your families! Now which one of us is going to clean up this mess?
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Dad-O-Matic
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Autopilot parenting
15 May 2012 | 9:07 pmRecently I was driving a route that I normally take when driving home, although I was going somewhere else. At the intersection that takes me to my home, I instinctively turned left rather than continuing straight ahead to my intended destination. My eldest daughter pointed out my mistake, and I responded, “I was on autopilot.” In fact, most of the things that I do daily I do on autopilot. When I brush my teeth, wash the dishes, and bring my fork to my mouth, I don’t actively think about those actions. I’m on autopilot. Of course, the reason that I can do those things… -
My Greatest Day as a Dad (So Far)
8 May 2012 | 6:00 amMy greatest day as a dad recently eclipsed my previous greatest day as a dad. The first one was about a month ago. I was wearing a Stormtrooper t-shirt I had gotten for Christmas. My daughter Lucy was sitting across from me at the table, and said, “I like your shirt, Dad.” I thanked her, thinking she liked the artsy design and bright colors. Then she asked, “That’s from Star Wars, isn’t it?” My ears perked up, because I hadn’t talked that much to her about my favorite movies in the history of the universe. Yet. “Why yes, it is,” I… -
Vote for Chris Mann on The Voice Tonight!
7 May 2012 | 8:08 amI’m lucky that in my professional travels, I have a chance to work with and meet so many wonderful people. In February, while attending the Blissdom Conference in Nashville, I was fortunate enough to have a few minutes to meet and talk with singer Chris Mann. At the time…Chris was one of dozens of contestants on NBC’s The Voice and had just made it onto Christina Aguilera’s team. Tonight…he’s one of four contestants vying to fulfill a dream and competing tonight to be the winner. Dads…Chris has an exceptional understanding of social media and how… -
Whose Dream Is It Anyway?
4 May 2012 | 6:00 amThe shocking news of the suicide of pro football legend Junior Seau has opened up the discussion about the long-term impact of playing the violent sport of football. There have been many studies in recent years showing the severe effects of repetitive traumatic brain injuries, especially regarding concussions. These injuries often lead to what is termed CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) which is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions as well as… -
5 Dads, 50 Conversations, Tons of Fun
27 Apr 2012 | 11:09 am© style-photography.de - Fotolia.com Woohoo! This is EPISODE 50 of the Cast of Dads podcast! As we hit this milestone, I thought I would share the tale of how the Cast of Dads came together… Back when Sony came a callin’ and invited myself and four other dads to become “DigiDads” and get the chance to play with some of their products, of the five participating dads I only knew C.C. Chapman. Since then I have had the pleasure of spending time in person with all of the former DigiDads (C.C., Brad Powell, Max Kalehoff and Michael Sheehan) but actually, the five of…
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DadCentric
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Influence
15 May 2012 | 2:00 pmWhat are we teaching our kids when they see our asses all hung over and stuff? -
The First Time I Made My Kid Cry
15 May 2012 | 10:00 amFor once, I can't blame my kids' histrionics on them. -
Twists
11 May 2012 | 2:52 pmThink of your child. Your son: this handsome, sweet little boy in whom you've invested the fragile sum of your hopes and dreams... living a life of emotional isolation, unable to really connect with others. As an abstract concept or a very real possibility, it's crushing in a sense that defies articulation. -
The Mother of Us All - Erma Bombeck
11 May 2012 | 8:00 amThis Mother's Day, DadCentric notes that there would be no dad bloggers without mom bloggers. And there would be no mom bloggers without the mother of them all: Columnist, author and humorist Erma Bombeck. -
The Root Of All Evil
10 May 2012 | 10:00 amMy kid's getting kinda keen on the green, know what I mean?
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Laid-Off Dad
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Mouth, meet keyboard
12 May 2012 | 3:09 pmToday is TwoBert's seventh birthday party, and I don't have a lot of time. The kids are due here in about 20 minutes, Moxie is running some last-minute errands before she brings over the cake, and the three of us... -
Deep insights into my abiding distrust of beige
19 Apr 2012 | 9:52 amLast weekend, Robert came home with cool news: This Friday is the Science Olympiad. I don't yet know the parameters of this hootenanny, but it's not at his school, so there are probably a bunch of schools involved. And my... -
Spring broken
5 Apr 2012 | 2:21 pmThis post is an experiment. Moxie is out of town for the rest of the week, the kids are off school for Spring Break, and I am tasking them with the specific goal of busying themselves without the benefit of...
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Rude Cactus
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Clementine
16 May 2012 | 7:05 amI grew up reading. My parents read, my grandparents read, and everyone read to me. When I was a kid I loved books of all kinds though I was partial to the Wizard Of Oz books, the Narnia series and A Wrinkle In Time. At some point I found the Choose Your Own Adventure books then my dad handed me a stack of sci-fi books and my fate was sealed. Now, I read everything. As much as we think things change so drastically over the generations, they really don't. Mia and Beth just finished the entire Little House series. She loves the Oz books, some of the Narnia series and I recently discovered that… -
Behind The Curtain
15 May 2012 | 7:01 amIn the evening - after work is over and the kids have gone to bed - I write the things that get spewed out here the next day. If I had to guess I'd say I spend 20 minutes a day writing. This accounts for the poorly edited and often badly conceived things I concoct for your reading pleasure. In the hours before, during the vast majority of the day, I try to think of something at least marginally compelling. There are three conclusions this effort comes to: - I come up with something startlingly brilliant that I am sure will win whatever is the blogging equivalent of a Pulitzer. Or at least… -
Word...To Your Mother
14 May 2012 | 8:07 amLet's skip past the biologically obvious fact that without moms we'd all be, well, not so much here. That fact notwithstanding, I'd still argue the fact that moms pretty much make the world go 'round. There are elite teams of men trained to brave the elements and take out enemies that would cringe at what moms have to put up with on a daily basis. It's obvious that moms past and present have a special place in our consciousness. Yesterday I happened to drive by a cemetery. It was filled with people leaving flowers, standing, heads downward, remembering. I'm assuming that most of the graves… -
Haiku For Monday #413
14 May 2012 | 7:58 amMother's Day was a great big 'ol success. Monday, however, just blows. -
The Weeklies #213
11 May 2012 | 8:06 amThe Weekly Greatest Newspaper Slip-up OR Best Band Name. Cummerbund Bandersnatch. The Weekly Bold Political Move. President Obama finally clued us in to his thoughts on gay marriage. I'm starting to remember why we elected this guy. The Weekly Read. Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva was a great surprise. I found an ebook version for a couple of bucks and forgot about it until last week. What I got was this great little mystery in which the state of Rhode Island with its relatively checkered past was both location and character. It's a gritty little mystery about arson, corruption, and the death…
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THE FATHER LIFE
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[OSBURN ON TAP] Q and A with Geoff Dale of Three Heads Brewing Company
11 May 2012 | 4:59 amWhenever possible, I like to highlight small craft breweries that are doing big things. That is especially true when it comes to breweries located in my hometown of Rochester, NY. I’ve already written about the Roc Brewing Company and all the trials and tribulations that led them to where they are today. Rochester is home to the aforementioned Roc, Custom BrewCrafters, Rohrbach Brewing Company, Naked Dove Brewing Company and the behemoth that is the Genesee Brewing Company. But, in the last year, a new brewery has started to take center stage in the Flour City. Three Heads Brewing Company… -
[REVIEW] A-Rated Avengers Amaze!
9 May 2012 | 6:08 amThe Avengers (MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference) Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hiddleston Director: Joss Whedon Much was promised. Much was expected. And much was delivered. The Avengers brought it all to the silver screen – action, adventure, intrigue, even a little trip down Psych 101 for our viewing pleasure. This blockbuster, which took $220 million to make, was an ambitious undertaking on multiple fronts, putting together a cast of giants… -
The ABC’s of Saving Money
23 Apr 2012 | 5:51 amPhoto Credit: 401K, flickr.com Saving is at the core of a solid financial eduction. Learning to save is not something that is easy to do in our consumer-oriented culture, however. Leading by example — and talking about how saving is helping you reach your family’s financial goals — is important. Creating an environment where kids participate in and ask questions about the saving process is even better. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, here are some “building blocks” to keep in mind when teaching your kid to S.A.V.E., courtesy TD Bank. Show them ways… -
Fashion 202: Colors and Patterns for Men
17 Apr 2012 | 11:10 pmPhoto Credit: Michael Patterson, flickr.com If your daily uniform is a white Oxford shirt and navy suit, it’s time to take your wardrobe to the next level: Colors Ten years ago, men had no choice. If you worked in an office, your shirt was white and your suit was navy. Color belonged on the tie. Today, the rules have changed in even the stuffiest of offices. Light blue shirts are as acceptable as white. Suits no longer have to be dark. You can choose from a range of grays, and during the warmer months, a light or dark khaki suit is comfortable and stylish. As for shirts, pink and light… -
If your kid’s toys could talk
16 Apr 2012 | 11:47 amFroggy and Buey have their say: Bubba and Peter’s stuffed animals have become brothers by default Buey – “Hello, I’m Buey.” Froggy – “And, I’m Froggy.” Buey – “I’m a six-inch, teddy bear. I’m also 5-year-old Bubba Ludwig’s favorite stuffed animal.” Froggy – “And, I’m 4-year-old Peter Ludwig’s favorite stuffed animal. Though, I’m really more of a blanket-animal combo. I have a head and arms, but my body is made of a soft, silky cloth. Buey – “Indeed. Every night the Ludwig boys take us to bed. This includes overnight trips.
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MetroDad
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Portrait of the Writer as a Young Girl
25 Apr 2012 | 8:13 pmWhen I was a young child, I’d often fantasize that my parents were not really Asian immigrants who busted their asses to provide an idyllic upbringing for me and my younger brother. Instead, I had visions that I was simply a misplaced member of an obscure royal family and that, at any moment, my real family would find me and I would rightfully assume my title as the Crown Prince of Cashmeria. I never mentioned this to the couple who considered themselves “my real parents” because I didn’t want to hurt their feelings. However, my mother must have innately picked up on it because from a… -
CHAOS THEORY: February 2012
29 Feb 2012 | 9:26 pmRandom thoughts on a rainy Wednesday NYC night... DO REAL MEN DO YOGA? Internet, I have a confession. I am now a person who does yoga. Yes. I am a Yogi. Me. It all started out innocently. I just wanted to add a different dimension to my workouts. Lifting gets boring (those weights are heavy!) and running on treadmills makes me feel like a lab rat. So despite my general dislike of anything that reeks of a pretentious New Age fad, I thought I would expand my horizons and give yoga a try. At the very least, I figured I'd get to stare at my girlfriend's gorgeous body for 90 minutes. Where… -
Hoop Dreams: The Rise of the Asian-American Baller
16 Feb 2012 | 10:37 pmWhen I was a teenager, I thought nothing in the world would be cooler than being a professional sportswriter. See, as a young boy, I was an extremely shy kid and more than a little introverted. More often than not, I could usually be found with my head buried in a book or furiously writing stories in a tattered journal that accompanied me at all times. I was a studiously sullen kid with few friends and I recall spending a large part of my adolescence alone in my room with a good book and the door shut. My quiet time, as my mom called it. Eager to ensure that I get some exposure to fresh air,… -
CHAOS THEORY: December 2011
5 Dec 2011 | 8:57 pmRandom thoughts on a Monday night... MERRY BIRTHDAY HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Every holiday season, I struggle a bit over how to explain Christmas to the Peanut. Generally speaking, I am wholly unqualified to have this conversation with my daughter. Being somewhat immature and fairly agnostic, I often celebrate Christmas by singing "Happy birthday, Baby Jesus!" all day long and toasting God's only son with a glass of single-malt scotch while acting surprised when opening presents that I've bought for myself. Ideally, I'd like to deemphasize both the commercial and religious… -
A Brief Note on Giving Thanks
23 Nov 2011 | 1:49 pmAs I look around me, I can't help but get the feeling that America seems to be an angry place these days. We're angry that a shrinking portion of the population controls a growing portion of the money. We're angry that public schools are failing our children. We're angry that our so-called leaders are more concerned with partisan mudslinging than solving our nation''s problems. But more than anything else, we all seem to be angry with one another. Look, I get it. We're a PMS nation built on anger. Heck, the very foundation of this country was built on anger.
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Child's Play x3 - A dad and his twins...+1
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If Mom (and this Dad) Had Three Minutes
14 May 2012 | 11:42 pmThree minutes. If my math is correct, that’s 180 seconds. That’s not a lot of time. I mean, it takes me at least 15 minutes to get out of bed in that morning so three measly minutes is like the blink of an eye. And it would be ludicrous to me if someone suggested that I could actually clean in three minutes time. Are you kidding? It take me three minutes to survey the clutter to decide what can get put away and what can get shoved under the coffee table (Honey, if you’re reading this, don’t look under the coffee table). But the fine folks at Clorox set out to prove me… -
Potty Mouth, Katy Perry
2 May 2012 | 12:54 amTheMonk is in his usual spot on the couch. It’s the spot that has a power strip hanging over the side that he has his iPod plugged into. The iPod, on this day, is plugged into travel speakers and he listens to his music while singing along. TheMonk mimics his current favorite, Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel, perfectly hitting the high notes with his young, prepubescent voice. I am not paying too close attention as he sings but I am aware that he is, as ever, ensconced in the music. I vaguely sense that the song has changed and before a few moments have passed, I recognize… -
Baby Sings the Blues
29 Apr 2012 | 6:58 pmGirlyGirl is almost 10 and a half months. Time flies when you are outnumbered by kids. Milestones are flying at us at a rate that is hard for this old man to keep up with. Just this week GirlyGirl went from zero teeth to three teeth and is not too happy about it. Her refusal to nap, one would think, would leave her cranky and bitter but that seems to only have affected her parents. It’s hard not to compare but with the twins they were napping twice a day. Nice, long naps. Naps that meant Mommy and Daddy could have a little respite from babydom for just a little while. I was the only… -
A future in sales?
15 Apr 2012 | 11:48 amSwee’Pea, seeing the remnants of our old blender tucked away in the pantry, suddenly looks up at me as I tend the pancakes on the griddle. “Daddy, did you know you can get a Ninja Blender?” Thinking there is a punchline to the joke forthcoming, I ask her to continue. “Yes, while some blenders leave the nutrients of vegetables you blend behind, the Ninja Blender does not. And you know how much it costs? Not, $300. Not $200. Not even $100. You can buy it with four easy payments of $39.95.” Hmmmm… Maybe her mother was right about limiting the amount of TV she… -
Substance Over Style
13 Apr 2012 | 9:26 amIt’s Friday. Which means the favorite clothes have been worn and the kids are reduced to bargaining with their dad over what they can and cannot wear. Normally, this back and forth is with Swee’Pea. I have often said that I could hand TheMonk a garbage bag with holes for arms and a head and he’d put it on with no argument. But not today. It’s threatening rain here in paradise – so our normal shorts and t-shirt attire is out of the question. Unfortunately, the entire week has been a bit chilly and TheMonk has worn all of his pants. I am skeptical when he tells me…
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DIYFather.com
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Bully proof
15 May 2012 | 5:58 pmWhat can you do to make sure your child doesn't get bullied at school? Find out about "bully proof courses" in your area! Bullying is a major issue for all school children and parents these days and it seems schools or government initiatives are relatively ineffective in dealing with this problem. So it's back to us parents to sort it out - fine. I've recently come across so called "bully proof" courses which a number of martial arts disciplines offer. The courses are based on standard entry level martial arts classes but offer a few elements of how to deal with being bullied specifically. -
A dad's point of view - is Glee gay?
15 May 2012 | 4:49 pmThere's no doubt that I'm really wading into it with the title of this column. I was reflecting on the end of this season of Glee and the only other television series that I watch regularly, Modern Family. I enjoy both show but do wonder if they have an agenda as to the message they want to put across. Let me be clear on my stance on homosexuality to eliminate any pre-conceived prejudices you may assume I have or may project on me that are not true. I lost a VERY DEAR friend to Aids back in the day when it first appeared. I worked in showbiz for a quarter-century and loved and interacted with… -
Long haul air travel with toddlers
14 May 2012 | 6:46 pmGoing on a long haul trip (as in 6h+ flight time) with a child aged 18 months to 3 years is probably one of the most challenging travel experience you can have as a parent. Obviously many of us do this but the difference between wanting to fling yourself off the plane and getting a few hours of sleep is all in the preparation. Check out some essential travel secrets for long haul trips with a toddler. Here's our long-haul survival list (in order of keeping you sane) #1 The most essential toy for air travel is a Doodle Pad. It's the most versatile, unmessy, imaginative and inexpensive toy… -
Countdown calendars
13 May 2012 | 10:36 pmHere's a useful tip to manage motivation and excitement for the little people in your house when you are working towards a particular goal or significant changes in their lives. You can use a "countdown calendar" to count down to the day when the change happens - for example starting school, moving house or an upcoming travel adventure. Countdown calendars work in the same way a Christmas calendar works except that you just count down the number of days (rather than using the days in the month). The easiest way to create a countdown calendar is by starting with a large piece of paper or card… -
Massage - the perfect gift for the whole family on Mothers Day (or any day)
9 May 2012 | 4:47 pmA good therapeutic massage is better than having sex ... seriously, you get touched in places that you cannot reach yourself (unless you're a contortionist). If you haven't had a massage - splash out and experience it for yourself. Tell yourself that you have earned it and that with all the demands on a modern dad (or mom) you deserve a little treat. Try out relaxation, deep tissue, Thai or Swedish massages to experience the bliss of therapeutic massages. Once you have done that and you know what it feels like to have a massage you can give massages to your kids, babies or your partner. Even…
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DadLabs Blog
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Boogs & Bugs
15 May 2012 | 6:02 pmAs I dropped my youngest off at daycare this morning, the teachers’ in the 18 month old room appeared to be a bit flustered. When Myers and I walked by they were standing in the corner nervously contemplating something. What, I couldn’t quite tell. I overhead one of the teachers ask the Principal, “Maybe Myers dad can help?”“Sure what can I do?” The director sweetly replied “oh it’s nothing, it’s ok.” I turned and took Myers to the toddler classroom, got him situated and began to make my way back toward the front of the building. -
What Is the Right Age for an iTunes Account?
10 May 2012 | 12:28 pmSooner or later kids have to have their own accounts. Whether it’s email, Google, Amazon or iTunes, kids eventually grow up and need to begin accumulating their own digital goods in their own inboxes and libraries. The question is, at what age is this appropriate? The standard answer here is pretty easy. Because of the provisions of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), any site that collects personal information cannot offer services to customers under 13 years of age. As a result, almost any popular web site has clear terms of service that state that nobody… -
The Because I Said So Challenge
8 May 2012 | 1:56 pmIt’s the force majeure of the parenting vocabulary — a statement that asserts complete authority and brings the gavel down on further debate. Because I said so. But have you ever considered your relationship to “because I said so?” Is it a trusty club in your golf bag that you know you can always hit straight? Or is it an ugly driver’s license photo, something embarrassing that you are forced to produce regularly in public? Is it a tactic that would be upheld by the Supreme Court, or endorsed by the CIA? Does “because I said so” plant your standard proudly snapping in the… -
Oh The Places You Will Go
3 May 2012 | 10:09 pmThis past Saturday evening we hosted five boys from my son’s 3rd grade class for a sleepover at our house. The gathering was a belated 9-year old birthday party for my eldest son and it began with a spirited trip to Blazer Tag for a little laser competition. We then headed back to our house for a big time game of basketball, sang happy birthday, scarfed down copious amounts of chocolate chip cookie cake and topped off the evening’s activities with a toilet paper attack on our cousin’s house several blocks away. Yes I cleaned it up! It appears that lots of sugar and the anxious…
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Daddy Brain
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Living with Loss
23 Apr 2012 | 11:59 pmLoss. It’s something we all live with every day. There are times where I find myself harping on what I’ve lost in life instead of what I have, or what I’ve gained. The loss of a job, a loved one, or one’s own health can make it difficult for us to move forward with our [...] -
Madison Mamas: A Great Local Resource for Parents
2 Apr 2012 | 9:06 pmAre you a mom or dad looking for support in the Madison, Wisconsin area? Madison Mammas is a great local resource for parents – bringing you information on groups, classes, activities and more. A place for modern families with young children in the Madison, Wisconsin area, Madison Mamas was created by Rachel Barnes, “the mother [...] -
The Daddy Brain Workshop at the Goodman Community Center
1 Apr 2012 | 11:30 amThe Daddy Brain Workshop A Dads-only Event Tuesday, May 22, 2012 7-8pm CST The Goodman Community Center Merrill Lynch Room C 149 Waubesa St. Madison, WI 53704 This Month’s Topic … The Discipline Dilemma: How to teach our children without traumatizing them. Positive and negative forms of discipline are discussed, along with some of the adverse affects [...] -
There are Little People in My House
28 Jan 2012 | 10:41 pmThere are little people in my house Not as little as before, Yet compared to me, still small They’re my boys, Max and Joss, And they are a great gift Especially great, Since we lost two children to ectopic pregnancies These little people are filled with sweetness and innocence But enjoy them much, I do [...] -
What is the Value of a Dad’s Relationship with His Kids?
9 Dec 2011 | 8:52 amHow Much Value? How much value would you put on a dad’s relationship with his children? Could you put a price on it? Considering that this relationship is going to have a huge impact on that child’s future? I’d say it has incredible value. From the relationships that our sons and daughters will form, to [...]
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Wired: GeekDad
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22 Years Later, Remembering Jim Henson
16 May 2012 | 9:15 amPhoto by Alan Light; used under Creative Commons license. It’s been 22 years since the world lost Jim Henson, and I still can’t think about it without tearing up a bit. His death at age 53 was sudden and catastrophic, like being hit by lightning on a cloudless day. Along with countless others around the world who had never met him, I felt like a close friend was gone. Five of my fellow GeekDads and I put together this article two years ago as a tribute to his memory on the 20th anniversary of his death. On the following pages are our thoughts on that anniversary of his passing,… -
DROKK – A Soundtrack to a Film That Doesn’t Exist (But Actually it Does)
16 May 2012 | 7:36 amDrokk: Music inspired by Mega - City One If you recognise the word ‘DROKK‘, then you’re already halfway to understanding what this post might be about. For those that don’t, it’s a made up, sci-fi expletive along the lines of BSG’s ‘Frak’ or Red Dwarf’s ‘Smeg’. It’s found in the Earth’s future Mega-Cities, often spoken by perps when they’re apprehended by the mighty Judge Dredd from the 2000AD comic book universe. In this instance it’s the name of the soundtrack collaboration between Geoff Barrow (of… -
Drive the Economy in Titans of Industry
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amRound 6 of Titans of Industry. (Game prototype; not final components.) Photo: Jonathan Liu Overview: Titans of Industry is another heavy-duty worker placement game set in the 1920s, with players competing to build factories, produce resources, and then sell them at businesses for profit and sweet, sweet victory points. The game is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter; I received a prototype to try out. Players: 3 to 5 Ages: 12 and up Playing Time: 90 minutes Retail: $55 on Kickstarter (or $80 for wooden bits or $10 for print-and-play version); eventually $60 retail Rating: Titanic! Sorry,… -
My Inner Thrall Has Been Released
16 May 2012 | 2:59 amPhoto by Anton Olsen My wife laughed nervously when I told her that I’d won a Doomhammer sculpture. She was aware that I had entered the contest at the NY Toy Fair back in February. She even commented on the picture on Facebook, and reposted it to her friends, but I’m sure it never crossed her mind that I could win. She was excited when I got the email in March informing me that I’d won. Her enthusiasm waned a little when I told her it was a life size replica of the Thrall’s Doomhammer made with MEGABlok. Neither of us had any clue exactly what “life size”… -
GeekDad HipTrax #88
16 May 2012 | 2:00 amGeekDad HipTrax Logo by Dave Banks As the weather warms up the new music just comes rolling in! In this episode we spotlight a trio of fantastic new songs from three of our longtime favorites. Get your geek on with: “Mountain Fortress Delta VII” by The OneUps The newly released Nerdapalooza 2011 Recordings album contains no fewer than three dozen amazing live performance tracks from last year’s festival. Of course you can keep up with all the earth-shattering developments concerning this year’s event over at the official site. “Never Fall (feat. Kirby…
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Spain Dad, a baby blog
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Belly Art
19 Apr 2012 | 1:02 amWatch our midwife draw the baby on April’s belly for our son Teo… -
Free ebook for New Fathers
25 Mar 2012 | 4:01 amI recently published a book called Becoming Dad: A True Story of One Man’s Transformation from Clueless Husband to Involved and Nurturing Father. I’m giving away a big chunk of the book (the pregnancy section) as a free ebook. http://www.becomingdadbook.com/free-ebook/ Enjoy! -
Parenting Book for a New Generation of Involved and Nurturing Fathers
9 Jan 2012 | 3:05 amWithin weeks of getting pregnant, April had a stack of parenting books waiting on my nightstand, complete with neat, hand-written bookmarks telling me which chapters I needed to read. In nine months, I had learned everything about April giving birth, becoming a mother, and how I could support her. What I wanted and couldn’t find was a book by a normal guy telling me about becoming a dad. The last thing I needed was more expert advice, a ten-step plan or fancy pie charts. I just wanted someone to give it to me straight, “What was parenting going to be like for me?” To answer this… -
Children’s Book featuring Alleke
6 Jun 2011 | 3:52 pmI’ll be doing my first ever book signing this Saturday in Madrid. It’s a children’s book called Clara Has a Baby Brother. It’s bilingual in English and Spanish, and Alleke is the protagonist. Also, Alejandra Quiceno (www.kalakita.com) will be showing 12 of her illustrations for kids and also doing face painting. We’ll see if I can convince April to make some of her famous chocolate-chip cookies! If you’re so unlucky as not to live in Madrid, and thus, will not be in attendance this Saturday, BUT you’re still eagerly awaiting the chance to get your… -
Dear John
2 Mar 2011 | 4:01 amSpain Dad, a baby blog celebrated its fifth birthday in February. This milestone has given me the chance to reflect on my original purpose for this blog. In 2006 when April first got pregnant, I remember she had a stack of parenting books waiting on my nightstand, complete with neat, hand-written bookmarks telling me which chapters I needed to read. In nine months, I learned everything about my wife giving birth, becoming a mother, and how I could support her. What I wanted and couldn’t find was the story of a first-time dad discovering how to be an involved and nurturing parent. The last…
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Little m Long a
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My Pictures of the Super Moon Super Sucked So We Ate S’mores Instead
6 May 2012 | 1:15 pmshare. peace. -
Go Ahead…
28 Mar 2012 | 9:25 amMy right eye has been twitching for the last three days. Like an itchy trigger finger only I don’t have a gun and the eye thing is a bit more creepy. Maybe its’ some sort of deficiency. I ate a banana but it didn’t stop. Understand it’s out of my control should we happen to [...] -
If You Can’t Leave the House Dancing…..
25 Mar 2012 | 8:45 amThen you’re not ready to leave! share. peace. -
Bananas
23 Mar 2012 | 10:46 amSo I drank the Kool-Aid. It tasted a bit like lactic acid. And bile. Yeah… I started a workout program this past Monday. It’s really more of a ritualistic penitential rite shrouded with self loathing and torture. At least that’s my initial take on the whole thing. I’m not quite sure what led me to [...] -
The Dynamic Duo Does Fun
19 Mar 2012 | 10:23 amCircumstance and obligation often time conspire to rob precious moments. Traditions become “remember when” and “used to”. Or worse, “why don’t we?” The confusion is only compounded when the “whys” are from a child. Several years ago Maura and I worked out a pretty cool birthday tradition for the kids. We called it the Day [...]
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A Man Among Mommies
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Trike N Trail this Morning.
15 May 2012 | 5:03 pmThis morning while my little guy was at Preschool I went for a ride on the local trail system. What a great way to start the day, spend an hour riding my trike in the sun and wonderful weather. The wind was a bit strong, but still an enjoyable Trike Ride! -
Terra Trike Rambling!
14 May 2012 | 7:00 pmToday is my first week off for the summer! Meijer Pilgrimage Was a typical Monday with my youngest and I making our pilgrimage to the local Meijer. Mondays are shopping days. Was awesome since I had a 20% off coupon for all my food purchases (Meijer Perk) and I had a bunch of coupons. I wish I could get the insane amount of coupons the Extreme Coupon'rs get. Terra Trike Rambling! Took my Trike out twice today! According to Cyclemeter I did a 6.98 miles and 6.25 miles both times pulling my 4yo in the trailer! Time were 40:54 and 37:34 through my… -
Every step you take.
12 May 2012 | 1:43 pmWell another day at the hospital and what better thing to do while on break than to blog. Stair master. "I'll find those stairs. I'll whip their butt, too. Those stairs won't know which way they're going... take drastic steps, kick it to the curb. Don't mess wit' me. I'm the Stair Master. I've mastered the stairs. I wish I had a step right here, right now, I'd step all over it..." - Donkey At work I now take the stairs rather than the elevator. Every step you take! Adding every little in the end should help. -
Blogger for iPhone
11 May 2012 | 8:15 amI have been asked what I app I am using for my iphone to blog. I use BLOGGER so I downloaded the BLOGGER free app. -
iPhone blogging tonight.
10 May 2012 | 11:23 pmWell I am trying this and seeing if this will work ok using the tiny keyboard of the iPhone. Some new blogging sections I plan to add. •The Adventures of Trikeman. Logging and talking about all things Trike. Pictures, Trips and of course exercise benefits. • More Lego pictures. This of course with the help of the boys. • Nursing school weekly roundup • Video Game chat. With input from the kids. "Take it one day at a time"
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How To Be A Dad
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Horribly DESPERATE Ways to Nudge Your Lover (The Last of the 50)
16 May 2012 | 5:18 amWARNING: Use these desperate measures with extreme caution! They’ve got more likelihood of bad side-effects and total backfire than any of the previous suggestions and are used at your own risk. You’ve tried nearly everything to drop an entire bag of clues on your special someone that you need lovies. NEARLY everything. This is the “Break in Case of Emergency” list of things to try. Few in their right mind would have actually tried the forty previous suggestion, but for those still in their wrong mind who also still have a strong, aching need for some next-level… -
Breastfeeding Debate Multiplication Chart
15 May 2012 | 2:01 am[ click the image to enlarge ] Maybe the debate scores on this chart will help people to gauge how crazy the conversation at the group picnic is going to get when breastfeeding comes up. Maybe not. Maybe it’ll only be useful to news channels and magazine editors interested in maximizing the number of people who will boost visibility with the light of the torches they carry and the rattle of their pitchforks. Whichever side of the many breastfeeding fences you’re on, we can all agree that there’s a lot of disagreement in the “discussion” out there. -
Muhver Day: My Kid Just Said… #4
14 May 2012 | 2:00 pm“Say Happy Muhver Day!” -Lucas (2012, almost 3 years old) Being literal is not the same as being literate, but it’s funny. Facepalm. He repeated exactly what I just whispered to him. His smile was sooooo big tho! So was hers. Precious. Even though he chewed it up a bit, I was proud he got out the word “Mother’s” because he calls her Mommy. And his inclusion of my instruction to “Say” was quite simply hilarious and reminded me of all the amazing verbatim FAILs I’ve seen on the interwebs. Happy day after Mother’s Day,… -
On Mother’s Day, My Wife Just Said… #59
14 May 2012 | 2:01 amMy wife just said everything without needing to say anything. She gave me the Mother’s Day Look. The one that says, “Um. It’s Mother’s Day. Please rephrase what you just said.” -Elizabeth Previous “My Wife Just Said…” -
Childproofing Level: EPIC
11 May 2012 | 2:19 amYou think you’re doing a good job as a parent, and then you see THIS… I want to find the person responsible for this architectural masterpiece, stuff his pockets with all of my money and then pray to him every day for making my life better. It’s not often you can find a house that is: A. Stylish - These colors are post-modern, shabby chic AWESOME. B. Nostalgic - Imagine living inside your favorite play activity. And then bounce in it. C. Sturdy - I dare the elements to try to kick this house in its metaphorical junk. D. Safe - It’s totally childproofed from top to…
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All that comes with it
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If I may just redirect your attention.
11 May 2012 | 7:33 amHey you! Yes you!! If you’d like to follow my summerhouse making efforts further, or even follow my gardening exploits in general why not go to my brand new gardening blog Cabbage Dan! Go on, you know you want to! Bookmark It Related posts: Could I just point your attention towards… If you would care to direct your attention elsewhere If I could just direct your attention elsewhere… -
Pallet Shed – Day 3
8 May 2012 | 4:29 amI’m reaching a point now in my pallet summerhouse project where I’m waiting for things to arrive before I can do move forward. Mainly the windows, which will be arriving tomorrow (hopefully). I could of course leave gaps where the windows are to go – but I’ve got a suspicion if I did that then they would end up not fitting and I’d have to take everything to bits again. Still, I hav made some progress. I managed to put another level of pallets up on the back wall. Of course after I did this I started thinking I’d made it too tall. After a brief battle with… -
Pallet Shed – Day 2
6 May 2012 | 4:10 amDay two of my efforts to win Ronseal’s “I Did It!” contest on behalf of The Joseph Salmon Trust and construction has begun (ably assisted by my daughter too!) I’ve quickly learned that the trick to building sheds with pallets is that to use ones that are as uniform as possible. The other trick is to have the flexibility to let the pallets dictate the design of the project, rather than rigidly impose your own design on the pallets. I’m pretty sure it would be useful to have some DIY skills as well, but two out of three ain’t bad. As might have noticed on the… -
Pallet Shed – Day 1
5 May 2012 | 4:09 amWhile I’ve not actually started any construction as yet, I have made quite a bit of progress in my grand scheme to win Roneseal’s “I did it” contest by building my own summerhouse out of pallets and recycled materials. My main job has been to level off the patio so it can act as a decent foundation. This is a job that has been on my to-do list for absolutely ages, but I’ve always shied away from it as I envisaged it being too difficult. I’m not sure if you could see on the “before photo”, but the patio was suffering quite a bit from subsidence. -
Pallet Shed – Day 0
4 May 2012 | 4:05 amRecently on the blog I mentioned a competition that Ronseal are running to win £1,000. In nutshell Ronseal choose 20 contestants who have various bits of garden DIY to do. They give them enough paint, wood stain, varnish, etc to do whatever job it is – and then in one month they showcase all the different projects on their Facebook page and get people to vote for their favorite. In a fit of stupidity I sent them an outline of project that’s been rattling around my head for a while – making a summerhouse out of recycled pallets. Unfortunately Ronseal liked my idea and…
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Poop and Boogies
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Edible
16 May 2012 | 8:26 amThe whole thing started off innocent enough. Lauren, my lovely wife, in an effort to improve her running times and become more fit read a book call Brain Training For Runners. The book covers the mental aspects of training your body. Every few days Lauren would tell me about her discoveries in the book and how she implemented them into her work outs. I admit most were fascinating, but not enough for me to actually try. I believe somewhere in that book it mentioned that certain kind of foods increase the body's and brain's ability to function as an athlete. This lead Lauren down a path of… -
My Mom is #1
13 May 2012 | 7:45 amWhen we were younger, pre-teens, we were not allowed to curse. My parents rarely swore or used any type of bad language. I should say my dad rarely swore or used bad language. My mother, on the other hand, would use shit, damn, hell and bitch, but always in context and most likely due to one of us kids driving her crazy. She usually cursed towards the end of the day when her patience would be running out. Here are some examples. Example 1 Kid: Mom? Michael stuck a quarter up his nose and we can’t get it out. Mom: Shit. Example 2 Kid: Mom? I think you left the spaghetti on the stove too… -
Broadstreet Run
8 May 2012 | 12:52 am"Agent Meakim, your government needs you." Agent Spider barked. Agent Spiderw was the head of F.A.R.T.E.R, Fast Action Response Team Emergency Runners. Spider was the top recruiter for the secret government agency. "Are you up for this mission?" Spider barked again. "You're the only one that can do this." Agent Meakim listened as Spider described the mission. On May 6th 2012 the Biological Underground Guerrilla Soldiers, or B.U.G.S. as they were known, were planning on releasing a silent but deadly toxin throughout the city of Philadelphia. They were going to use the annual Blue Cross… -
Batteries
26 Apr 2012 | 3:07 pmI like Batteries. I like them of all sizes but I prefer C Batteries and 9 Volt batteries. You know what you are getting with these. They have their functional uses but are also designed for more fun equipment. They usually fit perfectly, with the round nub like terminals facing the same way (not all flip floppy back and forth + to - needing six to get the job done, like Double and Triple As). The C and 9 Volt batteries do not need springs to keep them in place They are easier to store and have a good heft to them. What can I say, I have a preference. When I was younger and… -
Training Days
16 Apr 2012 | 1:04 pmI have said in the past that whoever coined the phrase "terrible twos" never had a three year old. Jackson at 3 and half is quickly moving out of toddler hood and shifting to being a little boy. Having two older brothers is getting him advanced placement classes into boyhood. Jackson knows all about stick weapons. He has perfected sand/dirt/mud throwing. He loves the word "butt" and uses it often to get a laugh. He can whine "that's no fair" like the best of them. He loves to fart and is proud of it. And recently Jackson has learned how to spit. He spits on everything. His distance…
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Creative-Type Dad
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Something Special for Mother's Day
11 May 2012 | 7:00 pmApparently my original plan of flowers, some crafty coloring pages made by the kids, and brunch at the local KFC followed by a trip to see "The Avengers" isn't going to cut it. My wife has been dropping not-so-subtle hints over the last few weeks talking a lot about my iPad and how she "needs" one. And how much easier it would be to not have to turn on a laptop to search on important topics like "what's Lionel Richie up to on Twitter." She even forwarded me a marketing email from Apple last week saying something like, "Forward this to your husband so he knows you want an iPad for… -
Another Drop in the Bucket List
1 May 2012 | 1:00 amDo you have a bucket list? I do. And one of the many items on my list was riding a mechanical bull, preferably somewhere in Texas. My first attempt at this dream was about 9 years ago in San Antonio while the wife and I were visiting some good friends out there. But unfortunately things didn’t quite end up as expected as we both came down with some really bad food poisoning from a Tex-Mex restaurant. Although, all was not lost as I was able to visit the Alamo and ask a friendly guide where the basement was (another check off that bucket list.) That was also the day I saw a transvestite with… -
Random Thoughts at the End of March
30 Mar 2012 | 1:15 amIt’s surprising to me how quickly the year is moving along, especially given all of the things happening around my end of the world these past few months.My son is nearly two now and my daughter is already planning which summer (day) camp she wants to attend after she finishes 2nd grade. I still can’t believe she’ll be in 3rd grade next year and I don’t understand how she got so tall all of a sudden!Work has been an unbelievable amount of stress lately; definitely the most I’ve ever encountered my entire life. I now oversee a business segment and manage a group of over 30, and that… -
13 Mar 2012 | 12:15 am
13 Mar 2012 | 12:15 amBecause if you eat that you’ll get sick and die.Because it’s not safe.Because it cost money.Because it’s past your bedtime.Because it’s too early.Because that’s questionable.Because your Mother already said “No.”Because I already said “No.”Because you’ll never play with it.Because you’ve had enough.Because that’s weird.Because it doesn’t match.Because that doesn’t belong to us.Because you’ll break it, again.Because you’ll poke your eye out.Because you’ll poke somebody’s eye out.And when all else fails…Because I said so! -
A Golden Valentine’s Day
13 Feb 2012 | 6:45 pmI just read that the average person will spend $126.03 celebrating Valentines this year. That’s a whole lot of chocolate, flowers, and dinners.In the past, I’ve usually made some type of printable to help bring that cost down to nearly zero. I’ve made Valentine’s Day Coupons, Lionel Richie Coloring pages, classroom Valentine’s, even Valentine’s for the workspace.This year I came up with the perfect idea for Valentine’s after I found out some amazing history of a writer I work with after getting a LinkedIn invitation – she use to work on one of my favorite sitcoms of all time,…
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Mommy Daddy Blog
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She {hearts} Loving Naturals
16 May 2012 | 6:30 amIf you’ve been a fan of She {hearts} It for a year now – you may have seen our initial reviews on Loving Naturals back in July of 2011. Loving Naturals has been a part of our family ever since. It is a line we will use for as long as they are running! I am so glad I discovered them last year and share their info as often as I can, especially come summer time :) You can read my original reviews on Loving Naturals at the links below: Loving Naturals Body Wash/Lotion Loving Naturals Bug Spray (a must for camping!) Loving Naturals Sun Screen We really do love them :) – I… -
She {hearts} Real {Fast} Food
15 May 2012 | 7:56 amPreparing traditional whole foods meals for our family can be challenging some days. I admit that I will often cut corners and we don’t eat as healthy as I would like to. It all just takes time to prepare, and sometimes I just don’t have that time, or I’m just too lazy to put in the effort. I recently stumbled upon a fabulous blog, written by Trina Holden, called All That Is Good. She’s really a breath of fresh air, and she has written an excellent eBook called Real {Fast} Food. This eBook is full of great tips and tricks on how to incorporate healthy whole foods… -
Adding Sweet & Marble Peppers To My “To Grow” List + A Sponsored Video
14 May 2012 | 10:16 pmI am a tad bit infatuated with peppers, even more so with the idea of growing them myself. I only shop for green peppers since the pretty orange, yellow, and red ones are so expensive. Last Saturday, while at Target, I discovered the yummy little peppers in the photo to the left. They were on... -
Create the Right Room
14 May 2012 | 1:13 pmFrom the crib age all the way up to big boy and girl beds, children should be getting a healthy amount of sleep. If you aren’t concerned and making sure that your children are tucked in each night and staying in bed for an entire night of shut eye, then now is the time to start. By starting smart sleeping habits, picking out fun kids bedding sets, and nightly clean up, your child can get the sleep that’s needed. Why is the right bedding so important for children? When school aged children don’t get sleep, their teachers notice as it reflects on their attitude and performance. Children… -
Why Gadgets Make Great Gifts
14 May 2012 | 1:00 pmFor various reasons, people give gifts to those people they care about every day. When choosing a gift for someone, there is a wide assortment of items from which a gift can be chosen. One popular type of gift to give is gadgets. Gadgets can be a great gift as often many people do not have them. Also, gadgets can fulfill a number of useful purposes. One neat gadget gift is an LED flashlight. This is a great choice for someone who spends time in the outdoors. LED flashlights are good choices because for one, they are brighter than traditional flashlights. Secondly, LED flashlights are much…
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Parenting Message Boards - Parenting.com Community
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Watch Criminal Minds S07E23 - Free
16 May 2012 | 1:20 pmWatch Criminal Minds S07E23 - Hit Online Free. Enjoy this episode soon! When the BAU goes up against a gang of serial-killing bank robbers in Washington, D.C., the team tries to negotiate the situation unfolding inside the bank, but the stakes rise when one of their own becomes a hostages. Click Below to Watch Online: http://tvundercover.com/2012/05/crim...-7-episode-24/ http://tvundercover.com/2012/05/crim...-7-episode-24/ Get this info so far! Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyse the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next move… -
Dent where soft spot was?
16 May 2012 | 1:03 pmHi parents, I am wondering how many other preschool aged children still have the dip in the head where the soft spot once was? The doctor is not alarmed but I've only seen one other kid with this but it was only because his head was shaved. My son has always had a prominent soft spot and it was never "flat". My head is almost all round as it could be ontop but you can still feel where the soft spot once existed. -
Watch Free : Dancing With the Stars E17
16 May 2012 | 12:03 pmIn the results night Carrie Underwood and Alanis Morissette are performing. In Macys Stars Of Dance Design a Dance performance will be shown. Julianne Hough returns to the ballroom with a sneak peek of Adam Shankmans new film Rock of Ages. Watch Dancing With the Stars Season 14 Episode 17 - Free Online Streaming Watch Dancing With the Stars Season 14 Episode 17 - HDTV *VideoWeed* Dancing with the Stars is a unique series that pairs up celebrities with professional ballroom dance partners in an intense competition -- live -- in front of a studio audience and the nation. Each season has a… -
Watch Dancing With the Stars S14E17
16 May 2012 | 11:55 amIn the results night Carrie Underwood and Alanis Morissette are performing. In Macys Stars Of Dance Design a Dance performance will be shown. Julianne Hough returns to the ballroom with a sneak peek of Adam Shankmans new film Rock of Ages. Watch Dancing With the Stars Season 14 Episode 17 - Free Online Streaming Dancing with the Stars is a unique series that pairs up celebrities with professional ballroom dance partners in an intense competition -- live -- in front of a studio audience and the nation. Each season has a select number of celebrity/professional dance pairs. The pairs are then… -
Modern Family : Season 3 Episode 2
16 May 2012 | 10:44 amModern Family 3x23 Modern Family s03e23 Modern Family Season 3 Episode 23 Modern Family Season 3 Episode 23 megavideo Modern Family Season 3 Episode 23 online Modern Family Season 3 Episode 23 streaming Modern Family Season 3 Episode 23 videozer Modern Family Seaside Tableau Vivant Watch Modern Family Season 3 Episode 23 Episode Summary: It seems everyone has a bone to pick: Jay and Gloria get on each other's nerves while trying to simply order lunch at their local diner; Phil is put in the position of having to fire Mitchell; Cam and Claire have opposing theories on how to discipline…
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Writer Dad
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Happy Every Day For The Rest of Our Lives
11 May 2012 | 5:54 amSweet, sweet Cindy I wish I had more time to write for you. Like the mom who is always last to eat, or the cobbler with tattered shoes on their children’s feet, you rarely get the words you deserve. But I promise, even when I’m writing about spaceships or zombies or the end of the world, every sentence rains in your garden. I have more words than anyone I know, yet they’re sand between my fingers when it comes to saying I love you, or telling you how much you mean to me, and how much you’ve shifted the plates of my world. Happy birthday, happy Mother’s Day, and happy every day for… -
As A Father, I Could Never Hope For More
11 Jan 2012 | 9:50 amMy baby is a baby no longer. My baby hasn’t been my baby for a while. This weekend our firstborn child, Haley, turns 10 years old. I’ve been arguing with the calendar for months, taking turns with Cindy as we point our fingers to the sky and curse the impossibility. But the months continue to smear our logic with their mocking smiles. We can argue all we like, but we will never return our faded years. Cindy is cursed with being married to a man who will reflect on moments gone by in excruciating detail, while I am married to a woman who mourns their passing. Together, we promise to make… -
Ho-Ho-Ho And Happy Holly
20 Dec 2011 | 2:00 amHo-ho-ho and happy holly Kris Kringle’s jingle bells are jolly Cards and cookies, candy canes Twice checked lists and lots of names Hanging stockings, flocking trees The inside warms the outside freeze Christmas music crisps the air And lights the smiles everywhere December days, they inch on by Going slow while flying by For children waiting till the Eve Close their eyes as they believe The morning comes with stockings FAT Santa’s footprints on the mat Carrots gone, milk is drained The mantle has been candy-caned Presents piled, giftwrap glowing Mom and dad, their smiles knowing… -
Her Biggest Emotion Was Relief
15 Dec 2011 | 2:00 amMy daughter, Haley, is writing a book. Her book, “Mia Maria and Two Times The Kindergarten” is a wonderful little project, though Haley is slightly devastated she missed her first deadline. Yes, she’s only nine, and yes, I did give her a deadline. We’ve been working on Mia since early this year, starting back in late April. Every Wednesday night we would sit in my office for an hour or two, starting with our outline and working through the chapters one by one. The finished outline was 3,000 words and provided a thick skeleton for her full story. Haley diligently added pages… -
10 Ways To Be Frugal And Stress Free This Holiday
12 Dec 2011 | 6:56 amThe holidays are here. Time for family and friends to gather under the umbrella of good cheer and genuine connection. Keeping things simple and sweet is the secret to living a balanced life every day. Our last few Christmases have been hard, juggling life, family and finances. But those years have helped us grow. Here are 10 ways a buckled economy can help keep things in check over the holidays. 1. Learn to say NO. Saying yes, when you should say no, leaves you resentful and overwhelmed. When people are really your friends, and your family really loves you, they understand when you can’t…
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Rice Daddies
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CD Giveaway! Mista Cookie Jar's Ultramagnetic Universal Love Revolution
8 May 2012 | 9:53 amIn honor of today's release of the sophomore album by Los Angeles kindie rock family band (and Rice Daddies fave) Mista Cookie Jar and the Chocolate Chips, we are happy to be giving away 5 autographed copies of the new CD to Rice Daddies readers. If you're not familiar with the music of Mista Cookie Jar, a.k.a. C.J. Pizarro, he calls it "Urban-Island-Funky-Rock-N-Roll for the Inner Child." His -
An attack on stay-at-home moms, or a Republican hail-Mary?
13 Apr 2012 | 10:01 amVisit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Thank you, Rachel Maddow! I too was wondering why Ann Romney deserved an apology. I don't get why Democrats turned on Hilary Rosen or why they let the Repubs turn this into an issue. Being the wife of a guy from a politics family worth hundreds of millions of dollars does not even come close to putting Ann -
That's someone's child
24 Mar 2012 | 2:00 amI’m an avid road cyclist, and my riding buddies fit the stereotype: tough, quiet, spandexed. Before Eliot was born, I liked to soften these guys up by telling them how excited I was about my imminent fatherhood. I remember one of them—one of our team’s tougher, quieter, more spandexed members—telling me that after having his first child he could no longer watch Law & Order or CSI, or any of those -
Being an "elitist," or just protecting your kids from processed food?
23 Mar 2012 | 4:06 pmIt has been a grueling last couple of weeks for me, as some concerned neighbors in my area have banded up together and tried to fight against developers seeking to build a Taco Bell in our community, right down the street from our elementary public schools. It's been grueling because while I'm fairly good at getting conversation going on a blog, it's an entirely different world when it comes -
Rice Reader: Ed Yau and Sage
27 Feb 2012 | 8:03 pmResponding to a call for personal stories about school at my K2twelve blog, Ed Yau wrote me about the challenges he faced getting his son into a Pre-K in New York City. Sage, the app that resulted from his tackling the difficult process of placing his son in a public Pre-K program is the running for NYC Big Apps 3.0. Click Here to vote for it. Guest Post: “Sage” by Edward Yau It still blows
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sweet juniper!
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The Fauxtopias of Detroit's Suburbs
26 Apr 2012 | 12:21 pmDetroit rose to its greatest height (and fell as far as it did) in part because Henry Ford didn't want to work too hard. As a child, he hated farm tasks that required physical labor; a neighbor once recalled young Henry as “the laziest little bugger on the face of the earth.” Ford’s first mechanical efforts were born out of frustration with manual labor: “I have followed many a weary mile behind -
Preparing for the Siege
4 Apr 2012 | 10:12 amI am still lucky enough to get to spend all day Monday and all day Friday with my son. He's four now, and more fun than ever. Next fall he'll be in preschool five days a week, under the influence of his peers more than ever. I am pretty committed to enjoying the time we have right now. On Friday mornings we usually go to the coffee shop with a pad of paper and he sits next to me while we -
The Rock Tumbler
14 Mar 2012 | 12:57 pmI come from a long, distinguished line of Dutch rock hounds. My paternal grandfather followed General Patton from Algiers to Tunisia through Sicily to Rome, decided he'd seen enough of the world and spent the rest of his life vacationing only along the southern shores of Lake Superior, hauling away buckets of agates and pink-speckled granites and a few cherished Petoskey stones. My grandmother -
Sweet Juniper's Historically Accurate Coloring Book of Cruel and Unhappy Princesses (Part One)
29 Feb 2012 | 10:18 amI've wanted to do this since last year when those ghastly inbred Britons they keep making movies about had that wedding everyone seemed to think was so important. I'm not anti-Princess, you see, I'm just pro-truth when it comes to selling the deplorable lifestyle of European royalty to little girls. If the evil Disney corporation ever loses a class action lawsuit when a dozen poor little girls -
Tall Tales
23 Feb 2012 | 2:41 pmIt all started with a sword. A stick, really: we were playfighting in the park and I made a Z in the sand. That led to the story of Señor Zorro, the heroic masked defender of the weak who left his mark wherever he went with his cutlass. Those stories led to an exclusive viewing of the youtubed Douglas Fairbanks version of Mark of Zorro. Antonio Banderwho? So he gathered up Darth Vader's
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BruceSallan.com
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Anna from Barcelona – I’m NOT That Dad #15
16 May 2012 | 9:58 am -
What the #DadChat!
15 May 2012 | 9:58 amWell, the day if finally upon us. Yes, Guy Kawasaki IS hosting #DadChat this Thursday, May 17 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. PST. It WILL be the biggest #DadChat ever, I promise, plus full of useful information from this iconic figure. We will be talking about his latest book, “What the Plus!” as well as HIS experiences being the father of four. My latest column Is GLEE Gay? takes on Hollywood and its agenda by comparing “Glee” with “Modern Family.” Please weigh in with your comments. I hope you are loving the evolving I’m NOT That Dad vlogs with #15… -
What the Plus! – Guy Kawasaki comes to #DadChat
14 May 2012 | 8:14 pmGuy Kawasaki Joins #DadChat on May 17 #DadChat is continuing to celebrate its 1-year anniversary with very special co-host Guy Kawasaki, on May 17 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. PST. We will be discussing his new book, What the Plus! plus whatever else you’d care to ask Guy, father of four! Guy Kawasaki is the co-founder of Alltop.com, an “online magazine rack” of popular topics on the web, and a founding partner at Garage Technology Ventures. Previously, he was the chief evangelist of Apple. Kawasaki is the author of ten books including Enchantment, Reality Check, The Art of the… -
Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child?! #DadChat Post Script by @Faryna
14 May 2012 | 10:35 amAre parents spoiling their kids? Are you? Am I? That’s what Bruce Sallan (@BruceSallan on Twitter) is asking. He asks himself in last week’s weekly column, Entitled. Last Thursday, Bruce and co-hosts Charlie (@HowToBeADad) AND Andy (@betadad) asked the big questions at #Dadchat. Do you spoil your kid(s)? Why do you spoil your kid(s)? How do you teach kid(s) otherwise? … Every parent has strong and mixed feelings about these questions. Does every parent have good answers? Hand in hand with the feelings, there are concerns, fears and doubts. Perhaps, the problem is that… -
Is GLEE Gay
13 May 2012 | 6:09 pmThere’s no doubt that I’m really wading into it with the title of this column. I was reflecting on the end of this season of Glee and the only other television series that I watch regularly, Modern Family. I enjoy both show but do wonder if they have an agenda as to the message they want to put across. Let me be clear on my stance on homosexuality to eliminate any pre-conceived prejudices you may assume I have or may project on me that are not true. I lost a VERY DEAR friend to Aids back in the day when it first appeared. I worked in showbiz for a quarter-century and loved and…
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The Busy Dad Blog
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Life's Hella Good
1 May 2012 | 2:08 amLook closely at the picture above. To the casual observer, this may look like Nerf darts scattered across a suburban cul-de-sac. To me, they spell the word validation. Validation for a moment's notice decision to move the entire family from Los Angeles to a small town no one's ever heard of in Northern CA. Validation for my using the word hella in a post title in an attempt to adopt the vernacular of my new home (ok, maybe some things can never be validated). When we first packed up and left, I had fears. My own migration into suburbia also happened in 4th grade. It didn't go so well. -
It's baby parkour time!
26 Apr 2012 | 5:05 pmWhen I was in kindergarten, I jumped off the jungle gym at school and landed on my head, necessitating the only stitches I have ever gotten. My parkour career ended before the sport was even invented. What is parkour? It's the craziest, coolest, break-all-the-bones-in-your-bodiest urban jungle gym sport ever. And Lessi loves it. Of course, I have modified it slightly for our purposes (as well as child protective services). We call it Baby Parkour, and of course I made a video of us engaging in this new version that I hope will sweep backyards and playgrounds all over the country. I do these… -
On your tenth birthday
15 Apr 2012 | 2:02 pm10 years ago today, I discovered the difference between being alive and living. Living means that you take every opportunity you can to steal a chuckle. Living means sharing the things you love with those you love, even if they can't quite stand on their own yet. It means shouldering the burden, every once in a while. And making your chiropractor rich in the process. And rocking on with your bad selves, whenever and wherever possible. Living also means passing on valuable life skills, like an intimidating staredown. Or the ways of the Force. And realizing that making a mess is half the fun,… -
The Fried Rice Manifesto
11 Apr 2012 | 12:42 amComrades, the time has come. We must rid this world of weak fried rice. I've waited patiently my entire life for this wok hero, acknowledging that there are other rice frying superstars more capable of leading the masses to the promised land. Yet no one has raised their fist. So consider this post me... fisting. Harnessing the collective wisdom of my ancestors, I have drafted the first-ever manifesto on the science and art of the ubiquitous dish that no one seems to know how to make properly. Actually, it's just the wisdom of my dad, but he made the best fried rice that ever graced this… -
You put your success in the box
28 Mar 2012 | 10:17 amThe moving trucks roll up to our driveway in 90 minutes. But this little quickie deserves mention... When I carved out this little space of mine on the internet nearly five years ago, I didn't have too many expectations. I had never read a blog before. I figured this was little more than a glorified MySpace page. Then one day I discovered I had 13 subscribers. I was ballin!! And with that, came big dreams. One of them was to get free Cheez-Its. Shoot for the stars, baby. Two days ago, we finally got the keys to the new house. As we walked up to the front door, I noticed a box waiting for me.
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Fatherhood Channel
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A Long Road to Justice for Daniel Wultz
16 May 2012 | 7:49 amThe long road to justice for Daniel Wultz reached a milestone on precisely the sixth anniversary of the Weston teenager's death when a D.C. judge issued a judgment Monday against the Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria for $330 million. -
PAIRS Teams Up with VA to Offer Marriage Retreats for Visually-Impaired Veterans
24 Feb 2012 | 6:12 amAfter becoming trained as Marriage Education Instructors by the nonprofit PAIRS Foundation in 2011, Deborah and Todd Lovell today lead marriage retreats for visually-impaired Veterans and their spouses at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. -
PAIRS VA Marriage Retreats Helping Veteran Couples Restore Love, Intimacy, Trust
24 Feb 2012 | 4:53 amPAIRS VA Marriage Retreats are today helping thousands of Veteran couples restore love, intimacy and trust through programs offered by many of the 300 VA Chaplains and Behavioral Health professionals trained by the nonprofit PAIRS Foundation. -
The Priceless Gift of Fatherhood
1 Jan 2012 | 6:36 amWithout a doubt, the greatest gift of 2011 has been the gift of each other – loved ones who cheer, support, encourage, and bring out the best in each other through good times and challenging ones too. -
Rest in Peace, Milton Eisenberg
23 Dec 2011 | 5:18 amMilton Eisenberg, a highly respected Washington, D.C. attorney who helped build the litigation department for the Fried Frank law firm, died yesterday at his home in Washington, D.C. A son says goodbye to his father and longtime hopes for the conversations they never had.
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Daddy Types
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Quick, To The Dadcave
16 May 2012 | 10:08 amI meant to link to Choire's concerned post about the coming real estatepocalypse in Brooklyn when all the adorably involved dads get divorced, but won't move out of the hard-fought good school boundaries, but I got behind. And a good thing, because he found the solution last night in a man summit with some of those eventually-to-divorce dads: dadcaves. They'll all be roomies. Problem solved. Real estate problem, anyway. Plus, they're all going to be living in the new Crown Heights, after it's gentrified, anyway. That's too bad, because do you know how hard it is to get from the 3 train to the… -
Parenting Without A Neto
15 May 2012 | 4:26 pmIn New York over the weekend, I went to my friend Tanya Bonakdar's gallery to see my buddy Ernesto Neto's awesome-looking, new, climbable sculptures, and my buddy Ethan, almost literally the first thing out of his mouth when I walk in, is "Dude, you gotta put this on your daddyblog or whatever: NO KIDS. THEY'RE KILLING US." Apparently, Time Out or Time Out Kids or someone blasted out what an awesome playground Neto's woven rope installation would be, except that it's not, because this one is ages 12 and up, because the little kids can't handle it. So no, it would NOT be an awesome playground,… -
Avocado + iPhone
14 May 2012 | 8:15 pmBkln hipster parents with a (lovely) 6mo old baby on my Paris-JFK flight fed her fresh avocado scooped out w/tiny spoon— Rich Mintz (@richmintz) May 15, 2012 Also when the baby cried they gave her an iPhone to hold and suck on #reallyhappened— Rich Mintz (@richmintz) May 15, 2012 -
I'd Like To Blame Eloise
14 May 2012 | 7:46 pmBut I'm pretty sure it was her big sister at the end of her rope who taught K2 the phrase she now uses on everyone all the time it's driving us crazy: "Silence, s'il vous plait." -
Wairforit
14 May 2012 | 7:45 pmWaitforit would be a pretty awesome middle name.— Guan Yang (@guan) May 15, 2012
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Nagoh
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Goodbye Scooter
30 Apr 2012 | 10:22 amJackie and I had to say goodbye to our sweet friend and family member this past week. Our sweet baby girl Scooter went to sleep for good. She has been a member of our family for almost 16 years. She outlived her eyes, ears and legs, it was her heart that kept beating long after the rest of body had failed her. We have had many adventures together, many visits to the vet for eating chocolate or toys or rotten turkey. She was a runner, and in her early days, if I opened the door before I got a leash on her you could expect to see me running right behind her trying to catch her. Pets become your… -
Sk8tr Boys/Men
16 Mar 2012 | 10:06 amIt has been 20+ years since I have been on a skateboard, but for my 34 birthday I decided it was time to jump back on it. The pictures make me look much better then I really am (thanks Joey) and I am totally cool with that! A side effect of being a dad and pulling out the skateboard is now my oldest son has also caught the skateboard fever! He saw all those kids doing tricks and is now HOOKED! So here we are 34yrs old and 4yrs old being kids. That is what its all about, be a kid, always. -
Finding Your Heart
26 Feb 2012 | 7:55 amA short film about a robot who has lost his heart.(This is my first attempt at making a film, its also my first attempt at writing and singing a song). Enjoy. -
I’m just a dad….
14 May 2011 | 10:06 pmIts rough around the edges, but I did it for a laugh anyway. -
Like father like son
10 May 2011 | 1:32 pmThis is one of my most favorite lines from a movie. Such a very heart warming moment in “Superman Returns” were superman is talking to his son, who is sleeping. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father. And the father, the son.
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Daddy Forever Dad Blog
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Baby Magic Rafflecopter Giveaway – what to expect when you’re expecting
16 May 2012 | 2:01 amMother’s Day is over, but I have a Baby Magic giveaway for moms with babies or moms who are expecting. Speaking of expectant moms, Baby Magic recently conducted a survey in anticipation of the upcoming movie, What to Expect When You’re Expecting (to be released this Friday, May 18th). According to the Baby Magic survey, the reality of motherhood is very different than moms’ pre-birth expectations. Read more: Baby Magic Rafflecopter Giveaway – what to expect when you’re expecting Find a Job : : Free Magazines : : Embedded Star : : EDA Geek : : EDA Blog : : FPGA… -
MotionX-Sleep Giveaway – 500 winners!
15 May 2012 | 8:50 amI just want to let the readers of my dad blog know that I’m giving away 500 licenses for the MotionX-Sleep 2.0 app on my geek dad blog. The main function of MotionX-Sleep is to help users track and optimize their sleep cycle. Head over to my geek dad blog if you want to read my MotionX-Sleep app review. Or you can go directly to my MotionX-Sleep giveaway page if you want to download the app now. The first 500 people to sign up can get the app for free. MotionX-Sleep is compatible with the Apple iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices (iOS 4.2 or later). Find a Job : : Free Magazines : :… -
A behind-the-scenes look at ParaNorman – coming soon to a theater near you
14 May 2012 | 8:54 amMy oldest daughter and I were invited to a tour of LAIKA Studios about six weeks ago. LAIKA is the animation studio that created Coraline. LAIKA’s next movie is ParaNorman (Focus Features), which opens in theaters this summer (August 17th). My daughter and I got a behind-the-scenes tour for the production of ParaNorman [Facebook | Twitter]. All production on ParaNorman took place in a huge, 151,140-square foot building in Hillsboro, Oregon. A large space was needed because ParaNorman had a crew of over 320 designers, artists, animators and technicians. At any given time during the… -
Avengers, Star Wars, New Year’s Eve, and PearlMountain Giveaways Winners
12 May 2012 | 8:52 amGood morning, moms and dads. I have four winner announcements this morning. But first, here are the current open giveaways on my dad blog: Bob the Builder DVD Giveaway (ends 5/14) Thomas & Friends DVD Giveaway (ends 5/16) International Delight Iced Coffee Giveaway (ends 5/18) Read more: Avengers, Star Wars, New Year’s Eve, and PearlMountain Giveaways Winners Find a Job : : Free Magazines : : Embedded Star : : EDA Geek : : EDA Blog : : FPGA Blog : : iZachy© 2012 Online Destiny Ltd : : Daddy Forever is a trademark of Online Destiny Ltd -
Movie Review: Otter 501 – it’s not a traditional documentary
11 May 2012 | 8:53 amMy family and I recently watched a screening disk for Otter 501 [Facebook | Twitter] . It’s a documentary about an orphaned sea otter pup. There isn’t any action in this film, but it is informative and interesting for people of all ages. Otter 501 (Sea Studios Foundation) opens in theaters today in Monterey, Berkeley, and San Francisco. Use this list for opening dates and locations for Otter 501 in other cities. Below is a quick summary of the film. Continue reading for the full movie review of Otter 501. The 411 for Otter 501 The story A documentary about an orphaned sea otter…
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Daddy Dialectic
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On The 20th Anniversary of Riot Grrrl
5 May 2012 | 11:59 amThen: It did not hit me like it did the women in the crew. For them, it was an (albeit lily- white) explosion. It was a profound shifting in how they publicly expressed culture. I noticed it in bits and pieces. The women who once where the backbone of our ‘zine making and distribution empires, now could not be found to bum a ride to Insty-Prints to make copies. They used to emcee—introducing the bands. They now had bands of their own, and they were playing better and with more ferocity than the dudes they once supported. It wasn’t like it was an all out gender mutiny. It was not a… -
Riot Parent, Riot Kids Reflections on Teen Sexuality, Becoming a Feminist, and Riot Grrrl by Tomas Moniz from Rad Dad 22
29 Apr 2012 | 6:48 pmThe other day I found myself exclaiming to my two daughters, sixteen and fourteen respectively, don’t have sex until you’re in your twenties, but here are some condoms. I’m not sure if there is a better example of sending a mixed message.I should explain. The other night I discovered my oldest daughter had spent the night with her boyfriend. Now, I have consistently brought up sex with them and with their older brother who now lives on his own with a gaggle of twenty something young men in West Oakland. And I have consistently been… -
When Rich People have Too Much Power, Bad Things Happen
19 Mar 2012 | 6:38 pmCreated by: Accounting Degree Online -
Dad 2.0, Mindful Sex, Restorative Justice, and More
22 Feb 2012 | 4:51 pmYes, it's true, this blog has been recently neglected. Here's why:1. I started a new job as Web Editor of the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center--and here, check out my latest article on "science-based sex tips for the emotionally intelligent gentleman." Trust me: It's amusing. 2. I've been promoting my new book Rad Dad: Dispatches from the Frontiers of Fatherhood, which I hope you'll check out. My coeditor Tomas and I have traveled far and wide, from Boston and New York to Los Angeles and Portland, and to points in between. Here's a fabulous, thoughtful review in Bitch: Feminist… -
BetaDad Responds to PistolDad
12 Feb 2012 | 7:59 pmIf you live under a rock and you're wondering what BetaDad is spoofing, read this.
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James Spratt .org
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Spratt family – New York / New Jersey
24 Apr 2012 | 1:50 pmMessage Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.spratt/286/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Looking for any information on Jas. Kidd Spratt b.1830 in NY, married to Patience Waters b.1835 in NY. Jas lived in NY and was a thread dealer. Patience was born in NY., her parents also born in NY but I have no names for the parents according the 1880 census. Patience has a sister named Margaret b.1830, married to Jas. Merritt b. 1824. Jas and Patience had 5 children. Annie, James, Breakley, George and Buwhem and I can follow the family line to the present, however, would like any info or… -
Don’t Make Me Cut You
17 Mar 2012 | 3:11 pmYou know, for the kitchen. I made this. Related Posts:Liza and the Sleeping JapaneseJim’s Stag Do in KrakowPushchairs3 Brighton BirdsChav Leaving Do -
Statira R. Spratt, born c.1844
9 Feb 2012 | 7:52 amfrom rootsweb: Message Board Post: I am trying to find info. on Statira R. Spratt b ca.1844 Ms. who was living with John and Statira W. Randolph on the 1850 census in Collierville,Tn. Statira R.Spratt was on the 1860 census with a Hershell Spratt, son of Henry D.spratt,.They were living with Statira W. Randolph.Hershell Spratt was killed in the Civil War in Tn.Statira R. Spratt was listed as niece of Statira W. Randolph.Statira R.Spratt married a Biggs in Collierville and died in Collierville. How were they related, Statira R.Spratt and Statira W.Randolph? Was Henry D. Spratt the brother of… -
Liza and the Sleeping Japanese
2 Feb 2012 | 11:14 amWe went to Japan and all around us they slept. Related Posts:Don’t Make Me Cut YouJim’s Stag Do in KrakowPushchairs3 Brighton BirdsChav Leaving Do -
Yesterday’s News
13 Dec 2011 | 2:23 amRelated Posts:Commit No NuisanceHeart Attack At The DeskThree Guns Table VaseThe New RideWestminster from Petty France
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Savvy Daddy - For super dads everywhere
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What I've Learned About Women
10 May 2012 | 10:30 amby Tony Chen -
Daughter saw me naked
2 Mar 2012 | 12:09 pmI just got back from Afghanistan. The wife and I were having sex on the Sofa. When we finished I got up and walked into the kitchen in the dark. As I turned around to come back to the living room, I noticed my six year old silouett. I was rather shocked, as I didn't hear her come out of her room. I told her good morning and bent over to give her a hug and sent her back into her room. My wife asked if my daughter had noticed if I was naked. I replied I don't know it was dark. Why? It's no big deal. She made a big deal how it was inapppropriate for a child to see their father naked. She was… -
5 Q's to Ask Before Starting a Business
26 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pmby Tony Chen A lot of the savviest daddies I know have figured out a way to invent a life they enjoy - significant time with the kids and doing something they love. Many of them have achieved this life by starting up a business. What does it take? What questions should you ask before making the leap? As I just recently launched another business (Movement121 - check out the bag in the picture in my starbucks "office"), I just went through a lot of these questions myself yet again. Lots of choices to make up-front. Before you delve in, ask yourself these 5 questions. Why am I starting… -
A Home to Grow Childminding
18 Jan 2012 | 11:01 amHello, Our names are Lydia & Dale and we offer a childminding service from our lovely 4 bedroom home based in St John’s Wood, Marylebone, Westminster, London NW8. Our childcare business is named 'A Home to Grow' and caters for children of all ages. We are both fully registered, trained and qualified OFSTED childminders and have recent First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection certificates. We are also both members of the National Childminding Association and we have public liability insurance for up to 12 children. We have many years experience of working in schools, nurseries and… -
well,is this site still active!?
29 Sep 2011 | 12:36 pmGreetings to all who may read this... I have just been looking for some good forum site for new dads and found this site ,but by looking at the dates i have some feeling that this site is not active at all...Could I be wrong?please let me know anyone...Thank you...In march 2012 is our baby due...
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A Suitable Wardrobe
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Giving The Nod To Commerce
16 May 2012 | 9:09 amBritain's Royal Mail has issued a set of ten stamps honoring what it considers the great (British) clothes designs of our time. One of those is a nicely rendered image of Tommy Nutter's checked suit for Beatle Ringo Starr made fifty years ago. Now I will not pretend to have done any formal research to confirm my suspicion but I believe that suit was the post-War highlight of Savile Row's search for relevance in a world taken with first French and later Italian tailoring. The Row has come a long way in the intervening years, but it is a search that continues today. James'… -
Worthy Of Emulation
15 May 2012 | 8:51 amYou probably already know that in the early twentieth century wealthy men began wearing cream colored flannel trousers with their navy suit jackets at resorts, a fashion that was the seed of both the blazer specifically and the odd jacket generally. And to this day the most classic trouser to wear with a blazer during the day is cream colored, like the best dressed former President in the photograph.So far as I am aware, no-one ever recorded the evolution of those cream colored trousers into the khaki chinos worn as part of the California tuxedo, the tan cavalry twill that author Bernhard… -
Brown Suits
14 May 2012 | 9:00 amBrown suits seem to be going the way of the dodo. Never all that popular to begin with, they are being put to death by that hoary old "no brown in town" chestnut. Now by brown I do not mean tan, or patterned tweed necessarily, but true brown whether flannel for winter, gabardine for spring and fall, or cotton and linen for warmer weather. And that is because brown is a country and suburban color, better suited for holidays than conference rooms. When the suit is worn only for formal occasions, its informal applications disappear. 'Tis a pity, that. It's a pity because brown suits are one of… -
Kissing The Tortoiseshell
13 May 2012 | 10:01 amSooner or later those of us who read blogs like these (or indeed write for them) are likely to have a flirtation with exotics. There is nothing so everyday that it can’t be jazzed up in some rare material, the scalier or stranger the better. As I’ve written before, most rationalizations for such indulgence are not, in fact, rational explanations, beyond, perhaps, jadedness and our limitless capacity to overdo, which sometimes even exceeds our ability to overthink. Just as some people live paycheck to paycheck, other live purchase to purchase, in fact living on the anticipation of some new… -
Book Review: An Amuse-Gueule
12 May 2012 | 9:00 amWhen I was putting together the autographed book program for the ASW store I chose Nick Foulkes' Cigar Style as the best in-print example that my readers might enjoy from his very prolific collection of work on topics related to men's style. As it happened, Nick and the autograph sheets never hooked up and the ASW store is offering the book sans signature this week as sort of an amuse-gueule. In French cuisine an amuse-gueule is a bite sized appetizer selected by the chef, and that aptly describes Cigar Style in the context of A Suitable Wardrobe. It is a little thing of 80 pages and 60…
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Nordquist Blog
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Biking to Work
11 May 2012 | 1:50 amAfter months of saying I would ride my bike to work I finally did it today. The five miles to work is quite easy as it’s mostly downhill. But getting back up the hill to our home wiped me out. I made it a third of the way before having to walk my bike up the remainder. I was feeling good about myself until a family with young children passed me on the hill. When a friend pulled up next to me and offered a ride to my home I had sweat streaming down my face. I must have looked pathetic. But I turned down the ride and continued walking my bike up the hill. Even that provided more exercise than… -
Tomorrow Never Knows
9 May 2012 | 1:54 amLast night’s episode of Mad Men was one of my favorites. I’m still getting accustomed to the new, gentler Don Draper. That Megan isn’t a pushover makes their relationship less predictable and more interesting. TV shows such as Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and Mad Men are so good that I’ve lost interest in firing up Netflix to catch up on the latest blockbuster I missed in the theater. I recently made my way through all five seasons of the Wire, and will write about that another time. But, in short, I can’t imagine watching a better TV drama. It’s so good that it’s in a… -
Why Write
8 May 2012 | 12:17 amWhen I first began jotting down my thoughts about 12 years ago, I wrote for one person: me. I didn’t give much thought to what I wrote about. On the rare occasion I was proud of a post, I’d tell Kim and she’d read it and encourage me to continue writing. It wasn’t until 2004 when I wrote about walking away from a job that I realized a few people were following what I wrote. When a woman emailed to say that post had encouraged her to quit her job I wondered what I had done. That’s when I began to consider why I continued to write. Those same thoughts have crept into my mind on a… -
Half My Life
29 Apr 2012 | 1:48 amGive or take a few years, about half my life is over. Of course, I have no guarantee I’ll live to be 90 years of age. None of us do. But I suspect most of us can picture ourselves living into our 80’s or 90’s. I tend to see myself living at least as long as my grandparents did. That’s the best case scenario anyway. Certainly genes have a say in it as does my level of exercise and diet. I’ve read that those who own a pet or believe in God also tend to live longer. If that’s true, then I can tack on a couple more years. Speaking of diet, I took my kids to McDonalds for… -
Still Relying on RSS
14 Apr 2012 | 5:37 pmTaking to my blog to write about RSS reminds me a little of those who vent about privacy on Facebook. My intention isn’t to defend RSS because it doesn’t need me to defend it. Instead I’d like to point out how I use it and why it’s still valuable to me in a world of Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. OK, I threw that last one in there for laughs. It’s true that these services do bubble up some great content. Curious people post links to interesting content. But combing through thousands of tweets and status updates is a major time suck. I seldom go back through my streams searching for…
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5ksandcabernets
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How to run fast: Get yourself a good pair of genes
9 May 2012 | 3:30 amThe guy on the left: probably lots of slow twitch muscle fibers. The guy on the right: an abundance of fast twitch muscle fibers. Over time, I’ve had a lot of new and not so new runners ask me the $64,000 question about running: “How do I get fast?” I usually spout off all the cliched answers: Increase your mileage. Focus your speed sessions. Blah. Blah. Blah. Blah. But really, speed is like height or hair texture. You can do things to enhance your physical traits, like wear high-heeled shoes if you are short or dye your hair a different color. But when you take your shoes off, and when… -
How many miles a week you should run depends on what you are training for
25 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmMy week-by-week miles this year. Runners are always looking for an edge – to get faster, to run farther, to stay injury free. I can preach to you about the importance of nutrition, or staying hydrated, or even the kind of shoes you wear. But I believe the single biggest predictor of race day performance – behind pacing strategy – is the number of miles you run per week in a given training program. You want to run your best marathon? Well, 25 miles a week isn’t gonna do it. And likewise, if you are training for a race of a much shorter distance, you probably don’t need a… -
In which a young Don Nelson looked around the huddle, said the player who made the most money would take the last shot
2 Apr 2012 | 7:16 pmA young Don Nelson coaching the Milwaukee Bucks. Yeah, its an old picture. Look at the short shorts worn by John Lucas. Congrats to Don Nelson. The former NBA head coach of the Bucks, Knicks, Warriors, Mavericks and Warriors again was named a member of the 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame. Now, what does Nelson have to do with 5ksandcabernets? Plenty, plenty. During the 2001-02 season, I was an NBA/Mavericks beat writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Nelson was the Mavericks coach and near the end of 2001, Nellie – that’s what everybody called him – was nearing career… -
March 2012 mileage: Most running since last September
1 Apr 2012 | 10:00 pmIn March 2011, I was knocked out with a stress reaction in my pelvis and couldn’t run much. This past March, even with a crazy leg that goes every-which-a-way, I logged 164 miles, which is just a tick below 40 miles a week. This is the most miles I’ve run in a month since last September, but still some 40 to 50 miles less than I run when training for a marathon. The distance is also nearly 100 miles more than I ran in February, when I failed to net even 100 miles running. Ah, but I’m not training. So, 40 to 45 miles a week is where I want to stay at mileage wise until I… -
In a year, Noah has gone from reading about “Dot and a Dog” to musings about the solar system
28 Mar 2012 | 8:21 amNoah, my 4-year-old son, is becoming quite the reader. When I picked him up last weekend, he had this book in his hands about the solar system. (From Usborne Children’s Books.) I’m like, “What are you gonna do with that?” He said, “I’m gonna read it.” I told him that the book look kind of advanced for his age, but he said he could handle it. And so, while we were in the car he opened the book and started reading. I caught him midway through with my iPhone and started recording (Yes, while I was driving – do not try this at home.) Sorry about the…
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Danz Family
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Will's Ninth Baseball Game
9 May 2012 | 10:55 pmWill had his ninth baseball game of the season tonight and it was his turn to play second base. As the picture shows, Will really enjoys playing baseball. Will had another great night hitting including this one about to be walloped off the tee. Stepping on home plate for the first of many runs for the team. Will and his team had a great night fielding with two innings where they got 3 outs before the other team scored the maximum allowed 7 runs. Slugging another hit. Getting down low to field a grounder. Thanks to the boys' terrific defense efforts, they won the game 28-24. Will's wind up… -
Will's Eighth Baseball Game
8 May 2012 | 12:30 amWill had his eighth baseball game tonight. It was his turn to play left field. Despite the game being an offensive battle, Will never got the ball in left field. Instead, a 5 year-old phenom at shortstop vacuumed up everything. Ossie Smith and Omar Vizquel couldn't have put on the performance that this little guy did at shortstop. As the result of no baseballs making it to left field, all the action photos from this game were of Will hitting and running the bases like Will, here, smacking one hard. A missed play at first and the coach sends Will off to second base. Another hit for Will. -
Drew's First Communion
7 May 2012 | 12:54 amDrew had his first communion today. This is father Joe and the first communicants along with their religious education teachers. Drew in front of the Saint Benedict's alter. Drew proudly showing off his banner that he and Mama made together. Drew's wonderful religious education teachers. The Danz family. The Youngmans joining in. Since we didn't get a picture of Aunt Catherine together with Ma and Pa yesterday at Catherine's graduation, we got them to pose together today. Finally, after church, everyone came over to our house to celebrate with lunch and a first communion cake that Mary made. -
Drew's Sixth Game of Season
5 May 2012 | 12:28 amIn the first inning, a line drive was hit down the first base line past the first baseman so quick that this was my first picture of the play. Drew perfectly played the grounder which allowed him the opportunity to try again what he had tried in a prior game (last picture). Drew sprang up and in one motion made a rocket throw to first base. My camera takes 8 frames/second. This was the ninth frame I captured of this play. That means Drew only had the ball in his possession for just 1.0 second. His speed, skill and quick thinking allowed Drew to accomplish what he just missed doing last… -
Will's Seventh Baseball Game
2 May 2012 | 12:12 amTonight it was Will's turn to play first base. Here he is at the start of the game in his ready position. It was a busy night for Will. Kindergartners don't hit the ball out of the infield much and almost every play is at first one way or another. In this series of photos, a grounder was hit to Will's right, he immediately went after it, somehow while keeping an eye on the runner he bare-handed the ball (not one of the photos in the series shows him looking at the ball when picking it up), raced to first and just got the runner out--an unassisted out! Fielding another grounder at first. What…
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HighTechDad
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We’re NOT Shaving with a Motorola DROID RAZR, We’re Giving One Away! – “Mother’s Day Special” – Cast of Dads Podcast
16 May 2012 | 9:12 amWhile Mother’s Day has come and gone, and yes, all of the Cast of Dads were able to plan ahead to treat the moms (and wives) of our lives to their special day, we do have a “Mother’s Day Special” after the day went by. And, this episode marks a great milestone for the Cast of Dads – we have a sponsor (Motorola and their new Android RAZR). Let me cut to the chase here – we are GIVING ONE AWAY! All that you have to do is listen to this podcast and then head on over to this episode of the Cast of Dads website to enter. We put the RAZR to the test during… -
Seagate Storage Review Roundup: Thunderbolt Adapters for the GoFlex Line & the Satellite Wifi Portable Storage Solution
15 May 2012 | 9:35 amI have been evaluating 3 different storage solutions from Seagate for the past few months, two of these involve the new super high-speed Thunderbolt connection and one is designed to provide a huge amount of portable hard drive space for mobile devices via a Wifi connection. As we, as consumers, are creating more and more large sets of digital data in the form of multimedia files like high-resolution photos or high-definition videos, having places to store these types of files is critical. And if you are like me, you don’t simply need to store these files, you want to create more media… -
The 2012 Chrysler 300S Exudes Confidence & Style with some Technology & Performance Thrown In
9 May 2012 | 9:35 amI have driven a sedan now since 1998. It’s a great form factor for a 4-5 person family, especially if your children are younger. As they grow up, sedans might not be a preferred choice, until the kids have flown the nest. But as a second car, a sedan is a definite solid addition to the family fleet of cars. For 10 days, I got to play around, elegantly I might add, in the 2012 Chrysler 300S sedan. It was, for lack of a better word, solid. Not only does the outside styling look refined in a slightly edgy manner, the interior was packed with luxurious comforts that you might find in cars… -
Old Fashioned Content Delivery About New Fashioned Technology – Scholastic Discover More “Technology” Book
7 May 2012 | 9:11 amI usually write about technology and gadgets. Anything bright and shiny really gets my attention, so much so, that I have little to no time to read books as most of my reading is confined to trade publications and articles. My children, however, especially my youngest daughter seem to LOVE reading, which is exciting. However, I just got my hands on an advanced copy of new book coming out soon by Scholastic as part of a new series called “Scholastic Discover More.” The book that caught my attention in particular was one called “Technology – How today’s technology… -
How To Create a “Work” Menu Like Office 2004/2008 in Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac
4 May 2012 | 2:10 pmWhile I truly like Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac (you can see my review of it here on the Microsoft Office for Mac Blog), there are some folks who have complained about a feature being removed from previous versions, specifically, the “Work” menu that was present in previous versions of Word in Office for Mac (2004 & 2008). Personally, I never used that feature, simply because I didn’t need to. The “Open Recent…” menu item was just fine for me and I also really try to organize my content into a folder hierarchy on my hard drive or on DropBox.Also, in the Windows version of…
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Always Home and Uncool
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Not What it Seems
4 May 2012 | 9:01 amWhat first comes to your mind when you look at this photo of Excitable about to plunge off the back of our vacation houseboat and into the clear waters of Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona? READ MORE » + + + Don’t be selfish – share the love by using one or more of the social bookmark buttons below or in your feed reader. Thanks! -
Me on TV. DadLabs TV. Via Internet. So, Me on the Internet. Big Whoop.
2 May 2012 | 8:38 amScene: Our kitchen, last night, My Love wanders in from work, exhausted, spent, the day’s burdens pinning her shoulders for the three count. Me – bouncing up and down like a pup, pre-neutering. ME: “Guess what, honey, guess what? I’m going to be on the Internet!” MY LOVE: “Uh, you’re on the Internet every day.” Bubble. Burst. Ka-BLOOEY! Actually, here’s the deal: I will be appearing / stuttering / flop-sweating live via Skype today -- Wednesday, May 2 -- at 3 p.m. Eastern time on DadLabs UStream show The topic: juvenile myositis, The Cure JM Foundation and the work my family… -
Fear and Dancing in Las Vegas
1 May 2012 | 7:00 amOur recent family vacation started and ended in Las Vegas. It may seem incongruous to bookend travels with children in a place known as Sin City or for me to use a 10-cent word like “incongruous.” However, I have plenty of photos of us enjoying “wholesome” touristy things to prove otherwise. Like … READ MORE » + + + Don’t be selfish – share the love by using one or more of the social bookmark buttons below or in your feed reader. Thanks! -
Photo Finished
27 Apr 2012 | 9:22 amI write about my failures as a family portrait photographer on our recent trip West at DadCentric today. Here’s the start and one of my many bad photos to entice you. Cheers! The poetic among us would find rich metaphoric comparisons between the taking of our yearly family portrait and my annual health checkup. I kinda froze here: one is a figurative pain in my tuchus; the other is literally. :: snap :: ... and exhaaaaale -- good. Though a notoriously mediocre point-n-shooter, I undertook the job of family photographer this year because I now own a decent camera and we were going on a… -
Go West, Uncool
26 Apr 2012 | 7:10 amIf you only read my blog feed or Facebook page or blog title (ye of ultra-short attention span), you were probably under the impression that, as usual, I was home last week. Sucker! Those who follow my Twitter feed knew that The Uncools actually took a trip West to explore this beautiful and diverse land of ours, to create memories that will last a lifetime, and to show our children what makes America the best dang country in the world without true universal health care! (Take that Bahrain … wherever the heck you are.) So, just where did we go? READ MORE » + + + Don’t be selfish –…
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LiteralDan
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A conversation with M-: A teachable moment...
14 May 2012 | 11:43 pmDespite two years served under the patient ears of The Tattling Turtle at school, my 5-year-old daughter M- still tattles like nobody's business*, and her 8-year-old brother D- has long ago earned his Veteran Kid status, which entitles him to get away with all kinds of secrets and sneakiness under our noses, as this frustratingly inconclusive conversation demonstrates: M- (the "eager" version of The Tattling Voice) Last night, I was trying to sleep, and D- was keeping me up by saying a bad word. One that means "horse poop"? Me (mild curiosity officially piqued) ...Oh? Which word was that? M-… -
Amusing searches, Vol. 16
30 Apr 2012 | 11:59 pmGoogle's admirable privacy efforts are slowly draining me of this source of amusement and education, but while I still have some material left, here are some of the most amusing searches that have brought people here since the last edition. (All search strings are reprinted exactly as they were entered, and the search text links to the post at which the visitor arrived.) • nitpicking in conversation (New York, NY) - According to at least half of the people I've ever spoken to for more than a few minutes, you've come to the right place. • "punch a bird in the face" (Fairfax, VA) - I'm… -
Classic quotes, Vol. 36
29 Apr 2012 | 11:59 pmHere's a selection of some recent notable quotes, this time from my wife J-, our 5-year-old daughter M-, and our 1 year-old son E-: M- (looking at a picture of a llama, with a tone suggesting it had personally done something to offend her) Seriously?? There's no hump on this camel! J- (spacing out while talking to E-, who was getting into things in the kitchen as she read a dessert recipe) No, put that down, Lemon! M- (overselling it a bit, referring to E- having grabbed at her Swedish pancake and knocked it to the floor, after the waitress had assured her it would be replaced) Well! THAT… -
A conversation between M- and J-: It is risen
24 Apr 2012 | 11:59 pmThe following conversation between my 5-year-old daughter M- and my wife J- took place during our multi-state car trip right before Easter, during which my wife indulged in many of her Rhode Island favorites from childhood, including "Easter bread", a very sweet, iced treat: J- (concerned that the kids have buried and/or crushed the loaf we were taking home, somewhere in the van) Where's the Easter bread? M- (immediately jumping in, with a "Magical Storytime" voice all cued up) He stays in a nook, faaaaar under the ground... J- (interrupting, totally confused) What?? Me (realizing the… -
A conversation with M-: I am a skilled negotiator.
30 Mar 2012 | 2:00 amMy 5-year-old daughter M- is still working out the kinks in her understanding of numbers, as evidenced by our recent conversation below: M- (putting on her most comically dignified voice as she approaches me, clutching a bundle of imaginary balloons) I would like to buy these... 8 balloons, please. Me (like a bored street vendor who knows he's got you right where he wants you, but doesn't much care anymore) That'll be four hundred dollars, please. M- (still with the voice) I don't have that much money. Me: Then you don't have any balloons, either. M- (sliding toward her normal voice, as she…
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Annoyingly Boring?
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Rockland Grey. Doin’ Work
5 May 2012 | 10:13 amUnder the Lights at Rockland Veteran’s Memorial Stadium My boy’s 13 & 14 year old Junior League team had a game last night at the stadium. We are very lucky to have such a great field to play on. We would not have gotten the game in if we didn’t have the lights to play under. It was cool and misty, but the boys’ bats and gloves were hot. They won 14-4. That’s my boy on the mound. Only pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief, but picked an inherited runner off and struck out the one batter he faced. They came in and scored a bucket of runs to close out the game by… -
We’ll Be Back
22 Apr 2012 | 10:09 pmOpening Day 2012 I told the three that I had for the shot, that I’ll be making them come back as their brother was unavailable for the photo op. Too bad too, since I think it came out great! -
Sweet Relief
17 Apr 2012 | 5:50 pmFor my son, not me. A “real” photo (taken with my Nikon) run through instagram. -
JM Force 12Us Season Opener
8 Apr 2012 | 10:27 pmPlay Ball! My younger son’s 12 and under AAU baseball team kicked off their season on Saturday. They dropped both ends of the double header, but played well considering they were short handed. They will do well this year. I am sure of it. Here my boy talks with Coach Dave Dickerson during the opposing team’s mound visit. I asked him after the game what they were talking about and he said he asked coach if he should take the first pitch as the pitcher was having control issues. Coach told him to swing away if he liked it. As you’ll see, he did swing away, but wound up walking… -
ROCKLAX!
1 Apr 2012 | 11:15 pmA week ago he had never played the game. At all. Not once. Never. Today, it’s his favorite sport. My oldest played in his first lacrosse game today. He LOVED it. I don’t know much about the game, but from what I saw he did OK. He worked hard, didn’t do anything that made the crowd groan and didn’t get hurt. Sounds like a successful first game. Go Dogs!
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Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords
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The End of an Experiment
14 May 2012 | 7:31 amThere's a new post over at Support for Special Needs. My thoughts on the conclusion of a program that really did make the difference in Schuyler's life. -
An Undiscovered Country
12 May 2012 | 8:41 pmIn the past year or so, Schuyler has made a discovery. It's one I've always known she would make, and always anticipated with a heavy heart. Inevitable, perhaps, for any person with an essentially good heart and a love for the world that it has neither earned nor returned.Schuyler is learning how to be sad.She learned in middle school that being surrounded by people doesn't mean you can't be lonely. She learned that people will look at a kid like her and make assumptions that are extremely unkind, assumptions that she can't easily dispel. She learned that her brain can betray her, can leave… -
The Anxious Season
7 May 2012 | 7:30 amThere is a new post up at Support for Special Needs. Schuyler's IEP meeting is later today, so I decided to share my thoughts on that whole process.The big news today is that for the first time, Schuyler will be attending that meeting. This has been something we've always wanted her to do, as soon as she was ready. She's going to share her decision with the committee as to what assistive tech solution she has chosen for next year. We've given that decision over to her entirely, and she has been extremely mature and contemplative in making that choice.I couldn't be more proud of her. -
Touch
30 Apr 2012 | 9:07 amThere's a new post up at Support for Special Needs. Schuyler had a problem at school, one without any easy answers. Well, that's hardly new. -
The Fated Family
23 Apr 2012 | 6:05 amThere's a new entry at Support for Special Needs about how the process of building families is perhaps different for parents of kids with special needs.A few weeks ago, I wrote about a new AAC app, Speak for Yourself, which is the subject of a lawsuit by the Prentke Romich Company. Well, the developers were kind enough to let me see and evaluate the app with Schuyler. I'll be writing something this week on that very subject. Cool, a teaser…
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Velcrometer
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M. Ovie Reviews: Cabin in the Woods
1 May 2012 | 7:11 pmM. Ovie Revews: Cabin in the Woods I don't know if there's any point in reviewing Cabin in the Woods in my usual spoiler-free style, since by now you've either a) already seen it, b) been spoiled by someone else, or c) have already decided to never see it anyway. I'll just say that if you fall into the c) group, you should seriously reconsider. But we've been spoiler-free since '03, so maybe I should talk about another movie I saw about this time last year, called Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. But I don't want to spoil that movie, either. I'll just say that if you're interested in a hilarious… -
M. Ovie Reviews: The Hunger Games
16 Apr 2012 | 9:28 pmM. Ovie Reviews: The Hunger GamesMaking a popular book into a movie is a no-win proposition. If you change it, you piss people off. If you don't change it enough, you piss other people off. I don't know why anyone bothers, when at the end all they're going to be left with is a bunch of pissed-off people and tens of millions of dollars.In the case of The Hunger Games, I departed from my usual position of total ignorance of the source material. I'd read the book for the first time over New Year's, recently enough to remember most of it but long enough ago that there were some details that were… -
Back from the Dead
28 Mar 2012 | 2:23 pmBack from the DeadDon't get me wrong, I like my new car. But I wouldn't have it if my old Saturn hadn't blown up and forced me to buy it. There was really nothing else to be done. As the guy at the shop told me, a hunk of the engine was catapulted across the shop when the started it. It was its time. In fact, as of just a few weeks ago when I drove by, it was still on their tiny lot. I would have felt bad about it taking up space if I hadn't signed the wreck over to them months ago so they could junk it. It was bad enough experiencing the ambivalent feelings I had just seeing it sit there,… -
Bumper Cars
21 Mar 2012 | 10:52 pmBumper CarAs much as M. Edium likes my new car, it took him some time to get used to some things about it. Like getting in and out.He may have been annoyed and occasionally even embarrassed by my old Saturn station wagon, especially when I picked him up at his elementary school in a chi-chi suburb, but at least it had smaller doors and a lower drop to the pavement than the new vehicle. Now, getting out of the Equinox, he's in the habit of facing the back, bracing one hand on the edge of his seat and one hand on the door handle, and swinging his feet down to the ground. Naturally, this has the… -
Summer Cool
13 Mar 2012 | 6:58 pmSummer CoolIt was time to plan how M. Edium was going to spend his summer. At seven years old, and more than halfway through first grade, he's at that awkward age. He's too old to go back to Montessori or day care for the summer, and he's too young to be allowed to hang around the house all day driving his mother and me crazy for three months while we're trying to do our work-from-home day jobs.Last year wasn't so bad. He'd been going to half-day kindergarten the previous school year, filling the other half-day at the same Montessori school he'd been going to since he was three and a half.
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GoFatherhood®
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How I Clean My Teeth
14 May 2012 | 10:20 amNo, really, stick with me on this one. Braun / Oral-B sent me a super complicated smart toothbrush and as part of the campaign, I’m going to write about my existing oral hygiene, then share what it was like to use their device for a month. To get into the spirit of things, I’ve decided to do this first post as a tech unboxing and first impressions piece. Before I do, though, be aware that I have historically used a regular old toothbrush, “soft” bristle, and that I have zero brand loyalty, buying whatever brush is on sale at the supermarket. My belief is that… -
Parents can be jerks at sporting events!
14 May 2012 | 4:07 amMy son’s on a local lacrosse team and I think we’re both enjoying it quite a bit. It’s a great sport for boys with lots of running, bashing into other boys, swinging sticks around and general physicality while they all wear padding and helmets to keep them reasonable safe from each other. He’s 12 and more than once he’s told me “I just want to really check some other boy hard!” on the way to practice or a game. Of course, he’s fairly mild-mannered on the field, but I like that he can talk tough and actually do something physical in a safe,… -
“I forgot”: logistics or natural consequences?
2 May 2012 | 10:00 amThis morning, prior to going to school, I reminded all of my kids that they weren’t with me tonight (I’m heading into Denver to see The Avengers. Yes!) so they needed to think through what they’d need not just for today but also for tomorrow until we met up after school. With a bit of prodding, my son got all his lacrosse stuff together and put it in the car (well, except for his uniform which needed to be washed), and everyone seemed to understand what I was talking about. Then we get to school and my teen A- informs me that she forgot her new American Eagle shirt and since… -
Field Trip to SeaWorld San Diego!
24 Apr 2012 | 11:49 amMy Dad lives in Southern California so we visit the area quite frequently, at least twice annually, and in terms of places with things to do, I don’t know that anywhere beats Southern California. Between Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and, of course, the beaches and a million other places to check out — especially if you’re a film buff — it’s easy to find things to keep us occupied. With all of that, however, one place has emerged as our favorite for its combination of shows and cute animals:… -
Talking to kids about Facebook, privacy and safety
20 Apr 2012 | 3:21 pmThis will be the third year in a row that I have been given an opportunity to talk with 9th graders at the local high school about Facebook, privacy, online safety, etc. It’s interesting each year because the kids confirm to me that they are more active than we adults realize and that many of them lie to their parents — or simply sidestep the truth — about their participation in the online world. It’s certainly easier to ask modern 15yo’s to raise their hand if they’re not on Facebook than if they are, that’s for sure. Most of them also now have…
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Clark Kent's Lunchbox
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THE AMERICAN BOY - Teddy Roosevelt
9 May 2012 | 7:39 pmTHE AMERICAN BOY -Theodore RooseveltPUBLISHED IN "ST. NICHOLAS," MAY, 1900OF course what we have a right to expect of the American boy is that he shall turn out to be a good American man. Now, the chances are strong that he won't be much of a man unless he is a good deal of a boy. He must not be a coward or a weakling, a bully, a shirk, or a prig. He must work hard and play hard. He must be clean-minded and clean-lived, and able to hold his own under all circumstances and against all comers. It is only on these conditions that he will grow into the kind of American man of whom America can be… -
Hey Dad Bloggers
1 Feb 2012 | 9:32 amHey dad bloggers, just dropping everyone a line about the Dad 2.0 Summit coming up March 8-10 in Austin. There's already over 100 people registered to go which means this is going to be a well-attended event with a lot of opportunities available for doing some networking, getting your name out there, and meeting brands like LEGO and Johnson & Johnson.Also, at the moment, there are meetup events planned in various part of the country prior to the conference. The are the ones currently schedule (Houston's is coming up in a few weeks):* Austin: February 1, The Cedar Door* Chicago: February… -
Would You Tell Your Children That You Used Drugs?
24 Jan 2012 | 10:00 amI’m going to make a confession here that few people know about: I’ve used illegal drugs. For a little over a year after my divorce I took X-stasy and smoked marijuana. That’s right, not in high school or in college, but as an adult.Go ahead and judge me. This is the internet, which, among its many benefits, is the freedom to condemn others anonymously in the comments section. If you feel so compelled, have at it; just know I won’t care. It was dumb, I know. I’m not going to waste time justifying it, and that’s not exactly the point of this post anyway.The question I’ve had to… -
The History of Fatherhood in the United States
18 Jan 2012 | 8:02 amAfter yesterday’s post about Roman Krznaric’s essay on the history of the men as fathers, I decided to do a little research on my own; being a self-professed history nerd, I didn’t require much arm-twisting to do so either. Unlike Krznaric’s broader worldwide focus, I decided to hone in on just the progression of fatherhood in the United States, and what I discovered was surprising.Most of us are familiar with the major events in history—the colonization of early America, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, World War 2, and so on. What many of us may have not… -
12 Month Plan for Dads To Prepare for the Apocalypse
12 Jan 2012 | 8:53 amWell, this is supposed to be the year the Mayan calendar runs out and the whole world’s supposed to go KABLAMO! Whatever. Personally I don’t think it’s going to happen, but I can’t say the same for my family. Last week my stepdaughter got in the van and started running down all the things that are supposed to happen. By the way she was listing them off I could tell what her source material for this was.“Where did you find all this out?” I asked.“I was watching TV with Grandma,” she replied.Exactly what I thought. But then it occurred to me that all of this might be plausible.
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Mocha Dad
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Two Generations of Comic Book Geeks
16 May 2012 | 10:45 amMy name is Mocha Dad and I’m a comic book geek. I’ve been collecting comics since I was a young child and I don’t think I’ll ever stop. I can speak ad nauseam on the merits of Marvel vs. DC and I’m a virtual encyclopedia of comic characters’ origins, powers, weaknesses, and genealogies. DC Comics‘ new 52 series has me excited about actually reading comics again. I really like the reboots of Nightwing, Justice League, Teen Titans, and Static Shock (sadly this one has been discontinued). I’ve discovered some new titles such as Red Hood and the Outlaws, Mr. Terrific,… -
Giving My Wife the Gift of Time for Mother’s Day
12 May 2012 | 11:39 amMost parents would agree that we could all use more time. Between working, cooking meals, homework, driving kids to various activities, and trying to manage the household, the days always seem too short. In my discussions with moms, I discovered that most of their time is spent caring for other family members and they often neglect their own needs. As a stay at home mom, my wife is constantly doing things for us or for the community and rarely gets a chance to unwind and pamper herself. That’s why I’m giving her the gift of time this Mother’s Day. I’ve tried giving her… -
Should Husbands Buy Their Wives Mother’s Day Gifts?
11 May 2012 | 11:26 amMother’s Day is an occasion when people around the world celebrate their moms. Buying your own mother a gift is a no-brainer, but things aren’t always so obvious when it comes to other moms in your life. I’m speaking specifically of the mothers of our children. I asked people on Facebook and Twitter if they thought that husbands were obligated to buy their wives a gift on Mother’s Day. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of respondents believe that husbands should buy a gift. In fact, some were quite vehement in their assertion. “If she is a mother or if y’all are trying to have kids, then… -
Laughter is the Best Medicine
10 May 2012 | 10:04 amI love to laugh with my family. We often tell jokes, read funny books, or tickle each other. One of our favorite family activities is watching “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” We all realize that the show is cheesy and somewhat outdated, but watching these videos keep us laughing together. We also enjoy playing funny games of charades. I’m always amazed by my children’s creativity as they act out the clue. Sometimes we fail to guess the clue because we are laughing too hard. Although we spend a lot of time creating funny moments, our funniest memories occur spontaneously. Our… -
Family Dinners Allow Parents and Children to Develop Strong Bonds
9 May 2012 | 3:50 pmTake the time to enjoy a healthy meal with your family. Image Copyright Mocha Dad When I was a child, my family didn’t eat dinner together very often. I grew up with a single mom who was busy working, going to school, or taking care of household chores and errands. Consequently, my sister and I parked ourselves in front of the TV and ate whenever our favorite shows were on. Despite our hectic lives, my mom did make a point to have Sunday dinner as a family. She cooked a delicious meal, turned off the TVs, and gathered the family around the table. Those Sunday dinners were special times.
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The History of Daddy Claxton
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inDesign and Interactive Books for the iPad?
14 May 2012 | 9:27 pmAnyone out there an expert in inDesign? I’m hearing conflicting stories about the capabilities of Id in regard to outputting e-pubs. I know it will do that and it can be used on multiple mobile devices. But I’ve also seen text saying it can add videos and interactive charts like iBooks Author, but I’ve yet [...] -
I do not support gay marriage–And I oppose hate-filled Tweets
11 May 2012 | 5:30 pmYesterday, as I gathered with colleagues for lunch, I sat in front of a TV with a CNN anchor who was going through all the who’s who of Hollywood who were out commending President Obama for coming out of the closet on his position about gay marriage. A montage of b-roll ran as they did [...] -
Adobe Creative Cloud–Christmas In May
11 May 2012 | 1:53 pmWow! For a young company starting out or an independent designer, web builder, etc. it’s been hard the past few years to even think about owning the Adobe Creative Suite‘s tools like inDesign or Illustrator or After Effects unless I had an extra $2,000 sitting around. And like most people in this wonderful economy, I [...] -
Tomorrow Never Knows on Mad Men
6 May 2012 | 10:33 pmAmazed. Mad Men uses The Beatles’ Tomorrow Never Knows and almost 3/4 of the people commenting on how cool it was on Twitter, also wonder how much the producers of Mad Men had to pay to use the song. It’s kind of like how an iPad works. It’s got a little genie inside, squirrels. Who [...] -
The University of Alabama Should Sell Portions of its Broken National Championship Trophy
17 Apr 2012 | 7:12 amAs an Auburn fan, part of me chuckled inside when I read the story about how the University of Alabamadropped it’s 2011 National Championship Trophy over the weekend when an ogling fan tripped over the carpeting around it and it fell, shattering into a million pieces. University officials report that they are going to replace [...]
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Luke, I Am Your Father
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Dad's A-Z: H is for Half Life
8 May 2012 | 10:53 pm"Brains!" "Dip!"Half Life, abbreviated as t1/2, is defined as the period of time it takes for the amount of a substance undergoing decay to decrease by half.Sometimes I feel like I'm a substance undergoing decay. Sometimes I'm also wondering if I've reached my chronological Half Life yet. (This is otherwise know as Middle Age) Honestly it feels like my rate of decay is increasing these days. Of course, I hope I haven't reached my half life already. I'm still in my mid-forties for crying out loud.When I was younger, I have to admit I was not worried about getting… -
Dad's A-Z: G is for Glasses
4 May 2012 | 12:15 amGlasses fit for SupermanIt was at his 4th year check up that we discovered Lukas had an issue with his eyes. Well, eye actually but I will get to that. At that check up, the nurse took him to do the eye exam for the first time.I suspect that they waited until his 4th birthday, rather than doing one on his 3rd, because they assumed he would not be able to recognize his letters before then. But he knew them at 3, so I am a bit upset with myself for not asking that they do the test back then.During the exam, he rattled off several of the rows with his first eye. His… -
Dad's A-Z: F is for Family Size
1 May 2012 | 11:03 pmHelp our family adopt a baby! Check us out at Parent Profiles . Lukas keeps asking Mrs. LIAYF and I when he is going to have a little brother or sister.That's a good question. I wrote a post back in September announcing that we were looking to adopt a second child. If you haven't already, go read it. It says so much more than this post will. Now, eight months later we are still waiting. Still waiting, as we like to describe it, for our 2nd child to choose us. With busy lives, eight months can slip by seemingly in a heartbeat. But it hasn't for us. Not at… -
Dad's A-Z: E is for Energy Level
28 Apr 2012 | 6:15 pmOff the GridI have this distinct memory from when Lukas was just an infant. He was maybe 5 or 6 months old at the time and was lying on his back on his changing table. He was in a very happy mood. This was probably because he had just pooped, peed, or more likely had a serving of warm milk from Mom's vending machine.Yes, that picture of him in and of itself would have been a memory to treasure. But honestly, I must have seen him on his back a million times on that changing table. Often through blurry eyes. No, this time was different. As he lay there this… -
Dad's A-Z: D is for Dirt
25 Apr 2012 | 7:00 pmGot Dirt?If it wasn't for dirt, Lukas may never have been born.Allow me to explain. It been16 years ago now - can I just pause here to say "Wow, how can it be 16 years already"? - when I was shooting pool at an Olympia, WA tavern after a long day of working on my farm (Yes, I used to be a farmer - The thing about the long hours: Not an exaggeration). Well, I was about to put a dollar in the Jukebox when a very attractive barkeep pressed in front of me and said something to the effect of "It's time I played some real music!" before inserting a coin into the machine.I might…
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Dad's Workbench: A Dad Blog
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Last 3 Months
8 May 2012 | 11:44 pmHere are some photos of the kids from the last three months. Our three little kids are having fun and growing up fast. It is going to be a fun summer learning to ride bikes, swimming and eating hotdogs. -
Jacob
6 Mar 2012 | 11:41 pmHere are some photos of my new born son Jacob. -
My Gangstas
5 Feb 2012 | 12:40 amTheir mean, their tough and you don’t want to mess with them. We live in the bad part of town and these two run the joint. They’ll rub their snotty nose on your clean shirt, put peanut butter finger prints on your new jeans, squeal louder and higher than your neighbors house alarm and when your not looking they will steal all the black olives from your Greek salad. If you watch them closely though, you will find they have a soft side. This shot was of the two on the way home from feeding the ducks. “Hungee, ducks” as they would call them. Earlier today they were found… -
A RainBONE In The Sky
29 Jan 2012 | 11:22 pmMy oldest daughter is now talking quite well. It is amazing the things that she comes up with and figures out on her own. However she can’t say the sound ‘S’. It sounds like Hhhhh with lots of Phlegm. So it is fun to listen to her talk about the Hhhhhhhhun (sun) or when she asks for Hhhhanichis (sandwichs). But the best one is after it rains she loves to run to the window and look for the rainBONE in the sky! -
The Wall-Desk
15 Jan 2012 | 11:52 pmI finally finished building our wall-desk. I built it to divide our room into a playroom and office. My wife gets to use it for her crafts… She is going to give me a little corner and a couple of shelves.
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mattdaddy.net
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Okay, that was a long pause between posts!
2 May 2012 | 11:38 amQuick update while I'm at lunch. I'm no longer working for my old employer, I'm at a new place in the city that is awesome. Really great people, wonderful location two blocks from Central Park, and an awesome boss. I'm commuting on the bus and it's a little more expensive than the train, but there's no transfer so it's a straight shot into Port Authority, two less stops on the subway and voila, I'm there. Okay, I'm too hungry to go on any more. -
What the hell was she thinking?
9 Apr 2012 | 3:01 pmWhat did I do to deserve this? Was I good in a former life? Did I win the relationship lottery? Man, sometimes I just don't know. For some reason, this woman has decided that I'm worth spending her life with because before internet dating, well, before INTERNET, we started playing a role playing game online based on some books by Anne McCaffrey and more than 19 years later, she's still putting up with me. Has it been easy? Nope. Have we had good times and bad? You bet. But this exceptional woman has grown and changed and struggled and celebrated with me for a while now and I… -
New Chapter
5 Apr 2012 | 10:21 pmSo I've been thinking of looking around for something new for a while, but just never really got out there to see what was available. I updated and cleaned up my resume and put it out there, but I wasn't really looking that hard. And then a job literally jumps off the page and in less than a week, I'm in an interview, and in less than a day I have an offer. Very excited, nervous, sad, happy all at the same time. I've been with the company I work for since March of 2006, so it's been just over 6 years. In IT, that's FOREVER! When I interviewed, the first guy I talked to had been… -
Day 72/365: I got off my….
13 Mar 2012 | 12:51 pmwell, you get the picture, trying to keep it clean One of the things I use on an hourly basis for help in programming is Twitter. I ask and answer questions all day long and it's wonderfully helpful. I tweeted something the other day about getting in shape without running a marathon day 1. A friend of mine posted http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm back and said it was instrumental in getting him out there and keeping him going. They're podcasts dictated by a guy named Robert Ullrey - just a NOCal guy getting off his ...well, you know ... and sharing his experience with the masses. -
Day 64:365 Deep breaths
4 Mar 2012 | 7:05 pmI've had a day of running around today. I sometimes wonder if I could invent a transport device that would allow my kids to go to all of their crap without me or Fae driving. I'd probably save a lot on gas if I could invent something like that okay, I'm blogging because I want to blog. Today was a day of really deep breaths, I managed to wrap some of what was bugging me, and let go of some other stuff as well. This week is going to be busy as hell so I'm glad my mind is a little clearer now. I have a lot of studying to do this week because we're going to being an implementation this…
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Ask Mr. Dad
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P&G is Dissing Dads. Again. Please sign the petition!
15 May 2012 | 9:55 amFour years ago, at the Beijing Olympic Games, Procter & Gamble's ad campaign was "Proud Sponsor of Moms." I complained loud and long about that one—how leaving dads out in such a glaring way was insulting and demeaning. Now they’re back, and are ramping up their insulting, demeaning message a few notches. P&G's campaign for [...] -
Stay with Me!
9 May 2012 | 7:07 amDear Mr. Dad: My 3-year old has been going to the same daycare for 8 months, but he’s still anxious and nervous every time I drop him off. I know that young children can have anxiety problems about unfamiliar places and people, but hasn’t this gone on long enough? A: I remember dropping off my [...] -
Bite Your Tongue. Hard. Please.
2 May 2012 | 7:07 amDear Mr. Dad: My mother-in-law has an opinion on every conceivable parenting topic. The problem is that those opinions are usually unwelcome and unhelpful. Besides that, every time she’s at my house, she insists on telling me (and my wife when she’s there) how we should raise our children. What can I do before I [...] -
Sorry, I Forgot. Did You Say Something?
25 Apr 2012 | 7:17 amDear Mr. Dad: My daughter is a really good kid, but she can’t seem to remember anything for more than five minutes. We constantly have to harp at her about things that should be habits, like brushing her teeth every morning. Is there something wrong with her? Why can’t she remember to do things like [...] -
Is There Intelligent Life in Your Living Room?
18 Apr 2012 | 7:32 amDear Mr. Dad: This might sound silly, but is there some way to tell if my daughter is a genius? She’s only seven but I think she’s a lot smarter than I am. A: As parents, we’re always worried about how our kids are doing, and there’s no shortage of information on warning signs of [...]
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A Dad's Life
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The Gift of Charles
7 May 2012 | 5:13 amThe Gift of Charles at A Dad's LifeYou learn to be an intentional dad by being mindful of the precious moments with your family. You learn from others who do this better than you. You learn through your pain and that of others.Although this story on CNN is very painful, I learned so much from it. It talks of courage, absolute love, pain, family and what is really important in this life. Our time is so short here with each other. Be intentional. Be mindful and work hard to live each moment.Read The Gift of Charles.Charles’ aunt, Janice Mays, at a Celebration of Life Services read a… -
How to be Dad? How bad do you want it?
6 May 2012 | 6:01 pmHow to be Dad? How bad do you want it? at A Dad's LifeYou’ve heard it before. Things that matter take real effort. You need to really want it. Being a dad is just like that. You need to work at it every day and you will improve. And it’s so worth it.Here’s a video to get you motivated to give it your all every day.Enjoy your Sunday with your family.You may also enjoy:Sunday morning pancakesTraveling backFind more great how to be a dad and live a mindful and meaningful life articles at A Dad's Life - A web column for fathers on current events, technology and earning the title… -
Dad milestone — daughter’s first date
4 May 2012 | 7:18 pmDad milestone — daughter’s first date at A Dad's LifeAs I write this my daughter is with friends in a limo on her way to an eighth grade prom. It’s her first date. I’m ecstatic for her and hope she has a great time. I think she’ll remember this day for the rest of her life. I certainly have enough pictures to make sure she can’t forget it.So, why do I feel frozen inside?My wife is nervous about the whole thing but definitely very happy too. I can see it in her. She “gets it”. She’s been there and, obviously, can relate with what my daughter is feeling. By the way, my… -
How to be Dad? Inch by Inch
29 Apr 2012 | 5:32 pmHow to be Dad? Inch by Inch at A Dad's LifeBoys, I dedicate Sundays to family so no long posts today. However, here’s a quick thought to end your weekend.Like many things in life, how to be Dad is tough. It’s a struggle but you keep at it. Inch by inch. Until you get better or you die. Inch by inch. That’s what you focus on. How can I be a better dad today? Focus on what you are doing today. That’s your inch. Over time, the inches add up and your family (and you) are better for it.Now go. Focus on that inch.No related posts.Find more great how to be a dad and live a mindful and… -
How to be a dad? Be Intentional
16 Apr 2012 | 8:07 pmHow to be a dad? Be Intentional at A Dad's LifeI believe that a dad is made by the grace of God, the love of his wife, and his commitment to being one. I understand we don’t always have the luck of staying together with the mother of our children but your commitment to being a dad, an intentional dad, is completely within our control.I love to showcase dads that are living the “intentional dad” life and it shows. Busy Dad is one of those dads. He’s an inspiration. Read his stuff and you can see it come through.I could see his soul as it came through loud and clear in his post for…
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Makes Me Wanna Holler.com | Fatherhood, Relationships And Lifestyle
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Mondays With Michelle: Atlanta Food Truck Park
14 May 2012 | 8:17 amHappy Monday my lovely foodie friends! Before I get into the exciting news of the Food Truck Park reopening I have a change in schedule that you all should be aware of. As of this week, Mondays with Michelle will be a bimonthly post. I am working on a project that is going to require more of my time. But don't worry, that just means I'll have more fun stuff to talk to you guys about when I do post twice a month. That said, my next post will be on Monday, May 28th. Now on to the Food Trucks.... Have I said how much I LOVE the whole food truck scene? Read more » -
Getting Put on the Spot At Target
10 May 2012 | 10:43 amA couple of days ago I was minding my business, heading into Target to get a garbage pail (the old school one) to stash the pup's poo after taking him on walks rather than the main trash. Well I didn't find the trash can but someone in my field saw me. James Andres, otherwise known as @KeyInfluencer on Twitter has a social media resume as long as my arm, maybe even my leg. In any event he recognized me and interviewed me on the spot via Social Cam. I was very concerned as my bald head is usually quite shiny by nightfall and most of my strength was zapped by a cough I caught from my daughter. -
Mondays with Michelle: Spring Eats - Where And How
7 May 2012 | 7:37 amHello foodie friends! I am currently on the beach sipping an alcoholic beverage and soaking up all the sun I can handle! :-) Don't be jealous. I'm thinking about each and everyone of you. In the spirit of spring fever, here's a list of some fun foodie events going on around the city this week...yummy...Read more » -
eBay's 2012 Mother's Day Gift Guide
30 Apr 2012 | 8:11 pmWith Mother’s Day right around the corner and men being men, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most of us reading (and writing) this post have yet to begin shopping for the big day. Are you shopping for your one and only mother or will you be buying for the mother (maybe plural depending on your relationship status) of your kids? My reason for not grasping how close this holiday comes has very little to do with lack of concern for the mothers in my life. But it might have a little to do with being able to outdo myself. Last year I bought my wife a cream-colored Marin California… -
Mondays with Michelle: Seasonal Eats
30 Apr 2012 | 9:26 amHappy Monday! I haven't been doing a whole lot of cooking lately, mostly just brown rice, lean protein and veggies, but a girl can dream, right? Check out these delish seasonal dishes I can't wait to try... Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie Read more »
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A Blogger and a Father
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Circle of Moms Catches a Predator
15 May 2012 | 11:09 amI've always wanted to try making one of them xtranormal video, but never found the right subject. Fortunately, Sharon Silver of Circle of Moms has recently written about her encounter with a child predator. How does she know he was a child predator? Well, she doesn't. She knows he was a man, and she knows he was chatting loudly with two teenagers in a public place, and she comes to the unquestionable conclusion that by publicly humiliating the man, she saved these kids from being abused.The original post is here. Read it while wearing a helmet, because you will want to bang your head on the… -
DrawSomething: Father Edition
14 May 2012 | 10:10 amAs a person born with two left hands, I wish to take this opportunity to apologize to anyone who has made the mistake of starting a DrawSomething game with me.To anyone who doesn't know this game, well, it's a game. You play it on your phone.Here's my latest masterpiece (the poor victim is my cousin, Ileenie Weenie): See, it's not a cow, and it's not a chicken... And it's square...Come on!Maybe I should have drawn chopsticks instead of a fork and a knife. Although to be fair, my chopsticks would have resembled real chopsticks the same way the fork and knife resemble the real… -
Dinner and Movie Giveaway From Subway and Battleship
12 May 2012 | 9:34 amJust a quick note here.I got an email about a partnership between Subway and the coming Battleship movie (opens on Friday 5/18). Here's the trailer:I know! Two guys from Friday Night Lights!So, a couple of things:Subway has partnered with Universal Studios and with Coke Zero for their latest Sweepstakes and Instant Win Game. Until June 13th, be sure to stop in your local Subway Restaurant for a chance to win $100,000 from the Subway Battleship online game. Visit battleship.subway.com for more info, too.And... Here's another cut & paste:We’d love to offer one of your readers dinner and a… -
Review of Three Candles by Will Corcoran
11 May 2012 | 3:10 pmA few months ago, I was given Will Corcoran's Three Candles to review. Amazon readers were unanimous in giving it 5 stars, but I wasn't sold. This book has a tremendously presumptuous premise: that the author's story of being abused as a child, and the current story of him as a dad, taking care of Henry, his terminally ill child, would somehow be uplifting.I had other words to suggest to the author, like infuriating and sad, but I carried on and started reading, thinking, "Prove to me. Prove to me that dealing with an abusive father and a sick child can somehow be… -
Legos in Charge
10 May 2012 | 9:59 amJohn from Daddy's in Charge? is a Lego Master Level 5, which is the highest level currently known to man, although ancient books mention Master 9s battling it out for fame and glory. Maybe I made it all up, and maybe I didn't. It doesn't matter--it's out of my hands. It now belongs to the Internet. Use it wisely.Here are some of his videos, because they're too cool not to share.And more recently, using sacred iPhone technology:
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Pacing The Panic Room
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Instant Love
16 May 2012 | 6:15 am*** PLEASE... Dear God read this before you submit 10 times in a panic. I get so many terrible spam comments on a daily basis that I have to moderate my comments here. If you post a comment, just wait a few minutes. It will get published soon. No need to keep trying. Just hang in there :) I promise. Some of you may or may not know that among other things, I make book trailers. I have made quite a few of them. Weird right?! Trailers. For books! It's an exciting age people. Just flow with it.I don't normally post about every book trailer I make because, well, I don't know why really... I just… -
Missed
6 Apr 2012 | 8:00 amThese pictures that I take, each one has its own separate sound track and story that stays tightly bound to it, and it will replay in my head when I look long enough and go back to that time and place. It helps me remember exactly what was unfolding right before the shutter closed. I remember the reason I thought to take the photo. When i take a picture I'm almost always doing it to try and remember something, embedding my emotions into a photo and knowing I will get to always visit the experience for as long as I have the image. I post a picture like the one above, and people might glance… -
Life After Stats
3 Apr 2012 | 10:08 am**This is the last time I blog about blogging on this blog. This is brutally long. Did I ever mention that I hated being on Twitter? A few months back I quit using the must have social media companion and it felt really fucking good. Instantly good. Like the way you feel when you get out of intense white noise that has been going on for so long that you didn't even realize it was driving you bonkers until it was suddenly quiet again. That quiet washes over you, and then you take a deep breath, and you can actually hear yourself thinking again, and you suddenly remember that you have had a… -
Tessa: Spring 2012
26 Mar 2012 | 6:00 amRight now she is all about wearing pretty dresses to go play in dirt. Basically, the greatest! :) Taken with Polaroid 600SE 127mm f/4.7 on Fuji FP-100B -
The Little Things
23 Mar 2012 | 6:35 amHopefully the kids will remember these days-- when they had fun right in our own backyard, when it first turned warm and sunny, when the air smelled like orange blossoms and fresh grass, they will remember that they splashed around in chilly hose water and laughed with one another, and that Cole and I were happy. I hope they remember us sitting beside them watching with big dumb smiles. It would be so great to know that when they see these photos of our first swimming pool when they are older, that they will still love it, that this little pool holds big memories for them. It's the best we…
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Natural Papa
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Surprising Facts about Sunscreens
16 May 2012 | 12:41 pmLet the buyer beware, especially when it comes to sunscreens. “Sunscreens prevent sunburns, but beyond that simple fact surprisingly little is known about the safety and efficacy of these ubiquitous creams and sprays. EWG’s review of the latest research unearthed troubling facts that might tempt you to give up on sunscreens altogether. That’s not the... -
Wrap it in a Greensleeve, the Zero Waste, Zero Plastic iPad Case
14 May 2012 | 2:01 pmAs the relatively new owner of an iPad, I’ve grown to love a number of things about it, such as the easy-to-use interface, the amazing screen quality, the thousands of free and cheap apps, and the light weight and thin size of it. But the very thing that makes it unique – the tablet and... -
Escaping the Homework Trap
14 May 2012 | 8:15 amAs the world engages in a global homework debate, there are many parents whose major concern is not public policy, but what will happen at home tonight. They are not Tiger Moms, but ordinary parents who simply want the best for their children. These parents start out with the full intention of supporting the teachers... -
Modeling Good Online Behavior for Your Kids
12 May 2012 | 8:05 amYour kids are growing up in a new world; here’s how to help them navigate it. The internet has changed everything for our kids, and without any precedent to go on, most parents find themselves making up the rules as they go. There are many successful strategies to help your kids develop a safe and... -
5 Home Improvement Tips to Greenify Your Home
11 May 2012 | 4:20 pmOne of the first places to look at “greening” your life is your home. There are easy ways to integrate a ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ philosophy into a home improvement project. Whether you are actively tackling a project and looking for a green approach, or just seeking ways to save water, electricity, and other resources,...
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Single Parent Dad
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Do you want a cocky or confident child?
11 May 2012 | 4:37 amAs a child, and a young adult, I always bemoaned a lack of confidence.I was too shy to ask for things, make introductions and to address more than one person at a time.My sister, and younger sibling, would be despatched to do such things on my behalf. “Can my brother play football with you?” she would pose to unknown groups of children. Yeah, my confidence was a problem, shame however, not so much.Being inherently lazy was partly to blame, but more so, was my perceived lack of swagger.Forcing her to act for me, as well as herself, probably did her a favour on some level. Since… -
Our Year of Get Up and Go with Best Western - Bath and Longleat
17 Apr 2012 | 10:38 amWhen I told my son we were going to Bath, he said: "But Daaaaaaad, I had one yesterday."His mood soon changed when I explained as being part of Best Western Year of Get Up and Go, we were off on an adventure rather than going to our bath tub.He was further excited to know that we were headed to the place that one of his grandmothers went to university.Mind, I found Bath really posh.I'm surprised they let her study there.I jest of course, I think my mother was quite well-to-do before I was born, but Bath really is a beautiful place.I'd never been before, but found it to be like Harrogate, yet… -
Why haven’t we got Sky TV?
27 Mar 2012 | 2:02 pmLast year I wrote about why I took my son back in time with his TV viewing.At the time, the lovely editor (and for once, there’s no sarcasm there) asked if I was worried that my son might not be able to relate to his peers.Instead of being able to join in with playground chat of whatever nonsense is currently popular, would he be isolated with only his knowledge of The A-Team, Knight Rider and The Raccoons to entertain him.I wasn’t worried.Perhaps I should have been.Recently his ‘Why haven’t we got Sky?’ moan is getting louder.Yesterday he even asked my mother to have ‘a word with… -
Children's lunchboxes, it's the outside that counts
22 Mar 2012 | 7:42 amAnyone been watching the child lunchbox story line on Coronation Street?No, me neither.I don't watch that crap, nah, not me, no way, forget I said anything.I know nothing of recent story lines mirroring life, of junk food being pushed through school railings at lunch times, of little Maxwell (think that's his name) being forced to have school dinners as his packed lunches were deemed unhealthy.But while I'd drifted to that point, who cares what's in a child's lunchbox anyway?Well, apart from everybody?I am all for kids eating healthily (not sure who wouldn't be), and having food information… -
The year of Get Up and Go
19 Mar 2012 | 4:10 amWell, it certainly is for me.I’ve accepted an offer from Best Western to join their Get Up and Go blogging panel for 2012.With so much happening in the UK this year, the Queen’s Jubilee, the Olympics and the Stone Roses re-forming to name three, Best Western are doing their best to motivate people to get up and go visit the wonderful and weird from all around our beautiful isles.They have created a database of 2,600 UK events planned for 2012.You can search for an event by where you want to go, when you want to go and even if you don’t care when and where it is, just for the type of…
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GummyLump.com Blog
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Hand Print Bird Kids Craft
11 May 2012 | 7:00 amby Melinda from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! for GummyLump.com for Ages 18 months and up with Adult Participation and Supervision Since Mother's Day is right in May there is no better way to celebrate than with a sprinkle of handmade Spring crafts. Hand print crafts are precious keepsakes that can be saved for years to hold onto the memories of when your kids were small. Supplies: ½ sheet of cardstock per hand print Fingerpaint, color of bird and yellow for beak Googly eyes Paper bag Child-safe scissors Glue Paintbrushes Time Needed: 20 minutes plus 8 hours total drying time Prep: Cut… -
Mother's Day Kids Crafts: Projects #95
10 May 2012 | 7:37 amMother's Day Kids Crafts Preschool Crafts for all abilities! for Ages 3 Years and Up I realized that many of our previously posted Valentine's Day crafts would make great Mother's Day Gifts as well! Some need minor changes and others are perfect for Mother's Day as is! Mother's Day is Sunday May 13th, 2012! Watercolor Flowers in Vase No modifications needed. Foil Play Food Cupcakes A sweet treat for Mom. No modifications needed :) Brownie Love Pops and Heart Shaped Brownies for Mom! No modifications needed. Delicious homemade treats for Mom! Heart Mosaic Wall… -
Spring Flowers Using Paint Chips: Craft for Kids
2 Apr 2012 | 12:11 pmSpring Paint Chip Flower by Melinda from LookWhatMomFound...and Dad too! Crafts for all abilities! Ages 18 Months and Up with Adult Participation and Supervision.I don't know about you but I'm addicted to the beautiful rainbow of colors in the paint section at the Hardware Store. I get inspired but the different shades and go home with my head spinning from all the ideas. This one was simple. I picked up 1 card from each color group and thought what a lovely bouqet, voila, a Paint Chip Flower Bouquet. Supplies Needed:Paint Chips in desired colors (don't forget green… -
Easter Eggs Hiding in the Grass: Spring & Easter Preschool Crafts for Kids Project #63
30 Mar 2012 | 9:50 amEaster Eggs Hiding in the GrassSpring & Easter Preschool Crafts for all abilities! for Ages 3 Years and Up Our completed Easter Eggs hiding in the grass. I love our spaghetti grass! Supplies Needed:Uncooked Spaghetti (10-20 strands) Green Food Coloring Plastic Bag (that seals closed) Rubbing Alcohol Waxed Paper White Glue White Foam Paper or White Construction Paper 3 Different Colors of Construction Paper Scissors Time Needed: For Spaghetti: 5 minutes plus drying time For Craft: 15 minutes plus drying time What To Do:Break spaghetti into 2-3 inch pieces and put into a… -
Textured Easter Eggs Sensory Art! Kids Easter & Spring Crafts Project #67
30 Mar 2012 | 6:45 amTextured Easter Eggs Sensory ArtEaster & Spring Crafts for Kids of all Abilities! for Ages 3 Years and Up Textured Easter Eggs Sensory Art! Beautiful vibrant colors and interesting textures make this Easter craft a sensory dream come true! Supplies Needed:Colored Cotton Balls or Pom Poms White Glue Double Sided Tape 2 Sheets Yellow Construction Paper or Foam Paper Buttons in Different Colors & Sizes 6 Pipe Cleaners, 2 in each of 3 colors Scissors Newspaper To Keep The Work Area Clean Time Needed: 15-30 Minutes for each textured egg craft…
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thedaddycast.com
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DaddyCast 212 – Detachment Parenting
13 May 2012 | 9:37 amThe DaddyCast Episode 212 A Podcast for Parenting from the Hip! It has been a while – sorry. Athletic Inspirations realized – my oldest preps for his 5k with his Aunt. Our pet project – keeping fish alive!! Support the show, support the sponsors- check out an offer for PetMeds and save. Blossom wants to tell you about attachment parenting – does it go too far? What about raising independent kids – is that detachment parenting?? What have we been up to? Lots of running, riding, and trying to keep fit! Join The DaddyCast Facebook Fan PageFacebook.com/DaddyCast Join… -
Eat out and forget the non-parent glares.
26 Mar 2012 | 6:06 amThe headline on the paper version of the local area .com (you know the one that wraps up all the coupons with a couple of articles to look like a newspaper- google newspaper if you don’t remember what one of those looks like) read “Dos and Don’ts for Parents Taking Kids to Restaurants and Theaters”. But is was the byline, “Our readers were loud and clear: It’s not the kids, it’s the parents” that caught my eye. Readers being loud and clear was one thing, but parents being at fault is quite another! Typically this local rag goes from mail box to… -
Carpe Diem
27 Feb 2012 | 10:39 pmCarpe Diem – Seize the Day. The battle cry of the film Dead Poet’s Society. An inspiration to us all to make the most of each day, each moment, each opportunity. Don’t let time pass you by, seize the day and make the most of it. As a sensible father, I am not suggesting pursuit of every risky adventure you may have on your bucket list. Don’t run out and go skydiving just because you recall the feeling a 1989 movie gave you. But, don’t forget that life can throw you curve balls and you should never take anything for granted. Focus on this- make sure your kids know everyday that… -
Top 15 “Back to Reality” signs after a week at Disney World
14 Feb 2012 | 9:38 pmYou know you have been at Disney long enough when: 15. You realize parking without direction is tough 14. You feel the need to shoot the Target logo when you drive by 13. You try to convince the hostess at Chilis that you are on the dining plan 12. You look for the FastPass distribution machine at the grocery store 11. You stare at the name tags at McDonald’s to see what country or college they are from 10. You paint point values on your plates and look for a nerf gun strong enough to break them 9. You see a line at the mall and ask what character they are waiting for (with autograph… -
An explosive time at Disney
7 Feb 2012 | 6:23 pmWe are back again for our annual pilgrimage to Disney. We came on Saturday and are now officially half way through our week. So far it has been an action packed week with time spent at all four parks – Epcot, Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom and today in Animal Kingdom. We have been posting pictures on Flickr and Facebook throughout in case you are interested. Perhaps the best of our visit so far has been the boys willingness to try new things (or retry things they decided they didn’t like previously). This has included the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular which scared them…
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Digital Dads
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“I’m Having An Orgasm”
14 May 2012 | 8:44 am“I’m having an orgasm,” came the shout heard around the quad. It was clear. It was unmistakable. It was unavoidably audible. And timed perfectly to cause maximum shock value. My teen-aged daughter and I were on our sixth and final college campus tour. By now, the routine had become familiar. After an admissions counselor dutifully presented the college’s credentials and outlined the admissions requirements, a hyper-enthusiastic student, as well-practiced in the school story as in walking backwards while telling it, gave us a tour of the campus. If… -
Mac and Cheese Pot Pie
12 May 2012 | 9:19 amThere are hundreds of ways to make mac and cheese. My mother’s mac and cheese was pretty straightforward – pasta, grated cheddar cheese and hot dogs. Combine and bake until golden brown. So simple, yet so good. As I expanded my skills in the kitchen I started making a version of mac and cheese that, by pure accident, resembled a dish my wife’s mother used to make when she was growing up. I would make a quick béchamel, add different cheeses to it to transform it into a cheese sauce and then would mix that with an egg, pasta, and diced ham before topping it off with a mixture… -
Digital Dads Watch for May 11,2012
11 May 2012 | 8:58 amEvery week it amazes me how many great videos we come across. People are getting more creative, telling better stories and just down right entertaining us on whole new levels. It is hard to narrow down the videos some week and when I miss one it is even harder, but I hope you’ll enjoy this weeks mix of movie trailers, music and down right fun. Have a great weekend! 001. Noah Cover of “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO 002. The $100 Startup Book Trailer 003. Assassin’s Creed III – First Extended Gameplay 004. Lacrosse Inside Out 005. Gangster Squad Trailer 006. Inside… -
Digital Dads on Fox 25
10 May 2012 | 9:53 amThis morning I went down to Boston’s Fox 25 to be part of their morning news program. You can watch and share my appearance here. It is always fun to go in there and serve as an expert on whatever topic they are discussing that morning and I’ve done it a few times now, but never to focus directly on parenting so it was extra fun. They wanted me to chime in on a couple of recent current events that involved Dads and I was more than happy to give my opinion on the recent happenings with Huggies, Bobby Brown and Ryan O’Neill. Wonder if we can talk them into make this a regular… -
Thai Style Meatballs
5 May 2012 | 7:30 amI love meatballs. Being part Italian I heavily favor the meatballs of my youth, piled on top of a mass of spaghetti and covered in grated cheese. While over the years I’ve taken the ones my mother and grandmother made for me growing up and added my own twist to them, they are essentially the same thing. More recently I’ve started going beyond what I grew up with and started experimenting with other flavors, imagining what a meatball might be like in different ethnic and regional cuisines. I’ve mixed flavors and proteins, whether it was adding a gyro seasoning mix to lamb for…
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Juggling Eric
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Home.
7 May 2012 | 8:00 amWhen we're in the Dragon Wagon, my kids have a few songs they request to hear. The below video contains one of those songs. Building 429's, Where I Belong. With the sudden passing of our church's pastor Dave Bell, shock is still set in. On Facebook, friends are changing their profile picture to worship album covers he was a part of and leaving heart broken and encouraging posts about their pastor, spiritual father, and friend. While his congregation mourns their loss, it is not uncommon for people to ask "How could God let this happen?" or "Why did God allow this? -
David Bell.
6 May 2012 | 4:14 pmSunday mornings can be crazy here in Boltonshire. We try to get everyone ready and out the door so we can get to church by 10:30. At 10:30 they start praise and worship, but at 10:30 they also stop serving free coffee. Sure I can get free coffee at work every morning, but work doesn't have French Vanilla Creamer. Now being an expert at knowing my family, I knew there was not a chance in the world we were making it by 10:30 today. My second option required us to be at a Valero by 10:00, When the Spurs when a championship game, Valero gives out free coffee. -
Once Upon A Time In Boltonshire [Week One]
4 May 2012 | 6:00 amI guess I'm trying to get back into blogging. I was kind of burned out from it, plus my kids got kind of boring. So while I try to establish a routine, I'll post a previous blog, part or in whole. Usually it will be something I find comical and maybe comment on how things have or have not changed. From Weekend Wrap Up Monday 8/09/09 I make the call to my grandparents and let them know that we made it back in town safely. My grandmother tells me that she found one of Ladybug's Care Bears. She said that she'll take care of it until we come back. I tell this to my daughter who… -
Six Pounds.
3 May 2012 | 6:00 amTwelve months ago, there were four kids in our house that were in diapers. Disco, Celi, Emsters and Destiny. Sometimes we'd skip health insurance payments, just to buy diapers. But I always had my daily Dr Pepper!!! So we scared Disco with the Poop Monster eating his butt off last summer and the intervention was a success. He joined Team Tighty Whitey and we were down to three. We had continuous health coverage now, just not car insurance. But I always had my daily Dr Pepper!!! In August, Destiny left along with her diapers and we were down to two. Now I could… -
Man of Steel
1 May 2012 | 6:00 amSo MaddSkillz had to do a project for class. He had to take a painting by someone, anyone, doesn't matter and then recreate it with himself as the focus. All without photoshop. So he chose a painting entitled "Man of Steel" by Mel Ramos. So he [read "WE"] had to make it work. Again, all without photoshop. Here's what we finished.... I think it came out pretty dang good. We used candle motives as the rivets insulation board for the hull. The cracks in our hull were due to it being windy the night we bought the board and it folded in half on us. Sure we…
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Simple Father
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Old Man Simple Father (Get Off My Lawn!)
15 May 2012 | 10:00 amIt’s that time of year again. Birds are chirping, bees buzzing, animals at the zoo are doing inappropriate things to each other, flowers are blooming... and those darn neighborhood kids are on my lawn again. Ah yes, springtime. Spring is the time of year when I get to remind all the neighborhood kiddies exactly how things operate around Old Man Simple’s house. Here are a few easy to understand guidelines (keep in mind my 2 girls are about the only girls on the block): If I don’t know you, and you want to be at my house, I will find out who you are, so don’t try to fly under the radar. -
The S Word
8 May 2012 | 10:00 amLike many other days, we sat down for dinner and began to reflect back on the day. Much to my horror Princess P said that one of her friends kept saying the dreaded “s word.” She continued by saying that this friend shouldn’t be saying “adult words.” At this point, my wife and I tried to drive home the point that the “s word” wasn’t an “adult word,” but rather a word that just shouldn’t be said, as it wasn’t a pleasant word in the first place. After all, she didn’t hear that word around our house! Then it happened, Princess P exclaimed that she had heard the “s… -
Do Not Withhold Good...
1 May 2012 | 10:00 amI recently read that you should not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is well within your power to do so, and I started unpacking the ramifications behind such a seemingly simple idea. Do not withhold good What is good? Reading a bedtime story while snuggled up under the covers? Enjoying a bowl of ice cream? Playing hop-scotch? Looking for bugs? Making ridiculous faces and laughing so hard you pee a little? Discipline? Chores? When you don’t take time to slow down, you are withholding good from your children. In this day and age where kids get everything, often the things we… -
Flushable Wipes are Evil
24 Apr 2012 | 10:00 amI enjoy a good plumbing challenge just as much as the next guy. I view it as one of the more finesse areas of home improvement. Much like a woman, you have to be gentle and take care of the pipes, or they can make your life miserable. I also think that after working in the hardware business for around 6 years that I have a clue, albeit a small one, about fixing the minor stuff around the house. Well... I nearly met my match. This item may start as a fragrant, moist, small square, designed to cleanse the dirtiest of regions, but ends in an unholy nightmare. That’s right, the flushable wipe. -
Do While
17 Apr 2012 | 10:00 amIt's time once again for the world of computer programming to prove it's usefulness by teaching us a thing or two about parenting. How many times have you found yourself repeating something to your children over and over again. Programming has a simple, yet effective solution for this problem. It’s called a “do while loop.” The idea behind a do while loop is fairly straightforward. You do an action, say scrub the floor, while it is dirty. This translates nicely to many parenting situations. For example: do{ cleanYourRoom(); } while (clothes_on_the_floor = true) do{ playOutside(); }…
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Simple Father
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Old Man Simple Father (Get Off My Lawn!)
15 May 2012 | 10:00 amIt’s that time of year again. Birds are chirping, bees buzzing, animals at the zoo are doing inappropriate things to each other, flowers are blooming... and those darn neighborhood kids are on my lawn again. Ah yes, springtime. Spring is the time of year when I get to remind all the neighborhood kiddies exactly how things operate around Old Man Simple’s house. Here are a few easy to understand guidelines (keep in mind my 2 girls are about the only girls on the block): If I don’t know you, and you want to be at my house, I will find out who you are, so don’t try to fly under the radar. -
The S Word
8 May 2012 | 10:00 amLike many other days, we sat down for dinner and began to reflect back on the day. Much to my horror Princess P said that one of her friends kept saying the dreaded “s word.” She continued by saying that this friend shouldn’t be saying “adult words.” At this point, my wife and I tried to drive home the point that the “s word” wasn’t an “adult word,” but rather a word that just shouldn’t be said, as it wasn’t a pleasant word in the first place. After all, she didn’t hear that word around our house! Then it happened, Princess P exclaimed that she had heard the “s… -
Do Not Withhold Good...
1 May 2012 | 10:00 amI recently read that you should not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is well within your power to do so, and I started unpacking the ramifications behind such a seemingly simple idea. Do not withhold good What is good? Reading a bedtime story while snuggled up under the covers? Enjoying a bowl of ice cream? Playing hop-scotch? Looking for bugs? Making ridiculous faces and laughing so hard you pee a little? Discipline? Chores? When you don’t take time to slow down, you are withholding good from your children. In this day and age where kids get everything, often the things we… -
Flushable Wipes are Evil
24 Apr 2012 | 10:00 amI enjoy a good plumbing challenge just as much as the next guy. I view it as one of the more finesse areas of home improvement. Much like a woman, you have to be gentle and take care of the pipes, or they can make your life miserable. I also think that after working in the hardware business for around 6 years that I have a clue, albeit a small one, about fixing the minor stuff around the house. Well... I nearly met my match. This item may start as a fragrant, moist, small square, designed to cleanse the dirtiest of regions, but ends in an unholy nightmare. That’s right, the flushable wipe. -
Do While
17 Apr 2012 | 10:00 amIt's time once again for the world of computer programming to prove it's usefulness by teaching us a thing or two about parenting. How many times have you found yourself repeating something to your children over and over again. Programming has a simple, yet effective solution for this problem. It’s called a “do while loop.” The idea behind a do while loop is fairly straightforward. You do an action, say scrub the floor, while it is dirty. This translates nicely to many parenting situations. For example: do{ cleanYourRoom(); } while (clothes_on_the_floor = true) do{ playOutside(); }…
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Free Coupons | Redbox codes | Coupon Dad
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Chef Boyardee Coupon May 2012 + Target Scenario
16 May 2012 | 1:23 pmChef Boyardee Coupon May 2012 + Target ScenarioWhat a GREAT Chef Boyardee coupon we have for you today!Save $1.00 on any four cans (15oz or larger) of Chef Boyardee pasta…Chef Boyardee couponType in zip code 78250 and look under foods to find this coupon. Remember you can print it twice!The expiration date on your Chef Boyardee coupon is 30 days after print!Enjoy the savings! Great place to use your Chef Boyardee coupon is Targert Scenario:Chef Boyardee Pasta – $.84 (price cut - not sure for how long) Grab 4 - use one $1.00 coupon from the link above Final price = $2.36 or… -
Quiznos Coupon Good Through May 23rd 2012
16 May 2012 | 1:22 pmQuiznos Coupon Good Through May 23rd 2012We have the latest Quiznos coupon for you today!This Quiznos coupon is good for a $2.00 off any $10 or more purchase!Quiznos printable couponThis coupon expires on May the 23rd 2012. Print yours and take a date!Great way to save a couple of bucks and grab a GREAT lunch right?Which is your favorite sub? -
Finish Coupon for Dishwashing Booster May 2012
16 May 2012 | 1:21 pmFinish Coupon for Dishwashing Booster May 2012We have a COOL Finish coupon for their Dishwashing Booster today!Save $.75 on any one Finish Power Up Dishwashing Booster.Finish couponThis is a Facebook promotion and you will have to “LIKE” the page and then give them your information (name and address) before you can print your coupons.The Finish coupon is BRICKS managed and you can print it twice. The expiration date is 30 days after print..Enjoy the savings! Great place to use your Finish coupon is Right now I had no idea this stuff was even out there so I am still looking… -
Office Depot Coupons & Codes for May 2012
16 May 2012 | 1:16 pmOffice Depot Coupons & Codes for May 2012Here are the latest Office Depot coupons & codes just for you!Office Depot coupon - save $10 off $50 or more.Office Depot printable coupon – save $15 off $75 or more.printable Office Depot coupon - save $20 off $100 or more.Be sure to look over all the fine print on your coupons for any exclusions…The codes below can be used at OfficeDepot.com when you are at check out…save $10/$50 : 56856818 save $15/$75 : 43428705 save $20/$100 : 61129421 These coupons and codes all expire on May the 21st, 2012 so time to grab your list… -
H-E-B Deals Week of May 16th 2012
16 May 2012 | 12:25 pmH-E-B Deals Week of May 16th 2012Here are this weeks San Antonio H-E-B Coupon Match ups and best deals!Remember some pricing and deals will vary by store or region.H-E-B coupon policy – you may want to print this and have it in your book.Thanks Frugally Thrifty….!This Week’s H-E-B Meal DealsBuy HEB Seasoned Chicken Breast Get 4 items FREE with in-store coupons: - H-E-B Steamable Baby Normandy Blend, 16 oz. - Dole Salad Blends 6 – 12 oz., assorted varieties - Wish-Bone Salad Dressing 8 oz., assorted varieties - H-E-B Single Serve Powdered Drink Sticks 10 – 12 qt.,…
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DadCAMP
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I’m Not Worthy
13 May 2012 | 12:01 am[twitter]Mother’s Day is another one of those holidays where men must genuflect before the important women in their life and apologize. Just as with Valentine’s Day, the impetus of Mother’s Day lies on the man to stop down and say “Woah, I really don’t appreciate anything you do 363 days of the year.” Dismiss Mother’s Day as a Hallmark Holiday if you must, but it does serve as a necessary reminder for those of us who are on selfish cruise control most of the year to wake up and appreciate how Mom manages to get it done. The sacrifices every Mom must… -
Outsourced Parenting
10 May 2012 | 9:49 pm[twitter]Last summer we registered our 4 yr old in a program called Pedalheads. It’s a tiered program for kids that teaches them bike safety, and how to ride a bike. My wife’s friends swore by it, so once a week we packed up our boy and bike and took him to a park to ride with other kids. At the time he still had training wheels on his bike. By the end of the first class they were gone. I had missed one of those ultimate parenting milestones. The one where you watch your kid fall, then pick your kid up, and encourage him and hold him and then .. let go, and watch them fly –… -
Are You Dad Enough?
10 May 2012 | 11:38 am[twitter]Time Magazine has dipped a toe into the Mommy Wars this week with their latest cover. Actually, scratch that, they dove full cannonball into the pool to make the largest splash possible. It’s classic link bait. Say something as outrageous as possible to inflame as much debate as possible. It’s like the Time publishers went to school on Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian in public manipulation. And the internet has chomped on the bait hook, line, and sinker. The article features a lithe 26 yr old mom of two proudly breastfeeding her 3 yr old. Inside the piece Jamie Lynne… -
Cameron Diaz Says Don’t Watch The Birth
9 May 2012 | 10:24 am[twitter]My favorite part about having kids is when people without kids offer advice. From taking kids to restaurants, to organizing birthday parties, to how to get kids to eat vegetables, it’s amazing how much wisdom one can have without ever having experienced parenting. I was the same way, to be honest. Parenting is so easy when you’re not in it. A+B=C every single time, except the kids don’t understand that logic, and variables are tossed into every single decision that make no sense. So if you don’t have kids, you don’t get an opinion, frankly. Shut it. You… -
Buy Your Wife A Vacuum And Win
7 May 2012 | 10:20 amDomestic Goddess [twitter]Moms like appliances and flowers. Dads like barbecues and tools. Those are the stereotypical messages marketers will blast at us for the months of May and June. They’re based on old-school gender roles that say Moms run the family, and house, while Dads rule the yard and garage. Okay, I’ll give you that is most likely the case, but roles have evolved in many of our families to the point where we’re all doing everything. Still – some will bristle at the notion that Mom receive an appliance or some other housework related tool for Mother’s…
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Random Thoughts- Do They Have Meaning?
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Changes
12 May 2012 | 4:08 pmChange is in the air, I feel it. But even if I did not I would know it because it is happening around me, to me and in me. There are words to be used and stories to be told about these changes, but not now. I lack perspective and am unwilling to begin the narrative here. Maybe later, maybe elsewhere. Maybe someday. That is enough maybes for me this May. -
Thunderstruck
11 May 2012 | 1:52 amThere is someone out there who I would tell about this place I am trying to reach. Someone who would be granted access to the vault where I keep my secrets. You who think that I share all that I know are wrong. I provide glimpses of this and that and use a bit of misdirection and guile to send you chasing down the paths I prefer you visit and keep you well away from those that are protected. Don't ask me to explain why because I don't know why or when this started. I only know that this is how I prefer it. That may change one day but that day is not today. That day is not now and so you find… -
What Do These Links Have In Common.
4 May 2012 | 9:11 pmThe First Time Ever I Saw Your Face There Are No Coincidences The Business Letter/Email Signatures With Bonus Audio One Slightly Used Pump For Sale -
Caught Between A Rock And A Hard Place
1 May 2012 | 8:23 pmI find myself caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place with choices that consist of bad and not good. Certainly not the best position to be in or the most enjoyable, but not necessarily the worst either. There are moments in time where these things happen and you find yourself struggling to figure out which way to turn and what to do. That is because you can't always figure out what is best. You can't see through the fog or foretell the future so you flip a coin and hope for the best. It is not ideal but you can be caught in analysis of paralysis and make things worse by doing… -
The New Newsletter
27 Apr 2012 | 10:23 pmIf you head over to TheJackB and scroll down to the bottom left of the page you'll find the registration form for the "new" newsletter. Get in early and learn what the fuss is all about. It is far more exciting than Fifty Shades of Grey. And don't forget to check out these recent posts either: Telemarketers, Newsletters & Living Your Dream Don’t Regret Not Living Your Life How To Write Funny Posts That No One Will Read What Is The Most Important Page On Your Blog The Song Of My Heart Makes My Soul Sing How To Become a Better Writer In Three Easy Steps The Best Bloggers Are…
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A Culminating Life
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What’s Scarier Than Success? Zombies!
15 May 2012 | 3:31 amAlso known as, “Braaaaaiiiiiinnnnnssss” *blink* There we have it. It’s not really about starting over, but that’s what I’ve done. For awhile, I gave up on writing articles about divorce, family, etc… and went into developing a cloud computing product line for my company, that’s going to be the coolest thing since Amazon’s EC2. It’s got a cool name, and I’ve developed a new concept around how we see the cloud, and how we interact with it [ object driven is not only cool, but it's sexy too ] But in the back of my mind, I…
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smonk you: the best freaking daddy blog ever
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Over Analyzing Peter Rabbit
14 May 2012 | 7:56 pmWe all know the story, right. A rabbit (who's a bit like me) doesn't listen to his mother and loses his clothes then get sick... Moral is listen to your mother. But is that really the moral? I think not. Let's walk through it a bit. Peter ran off while Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail were gathering blackberries. Sure Peter should have stayed with his sisters but have you ever picked blackberries? It's tedious and prickly... No one in their right mind would blame him for ducking out... I should mention here that in the board book we have they don't mention that Peter's dad was in a… -
A is for Asshole –or– I Don't Care That Your Kid Can Say The Alphabet
29 Apr 2012 | 10:55 pmIt seems like a lot of parents of toddlers biggest pride is their kid can recite the ABCs... They strut out like a trained seal and say "Say your alphabet." I've been accosted by these alphabet spewing kids too many times to count... And it's freaking annoying. I feel like they're trying yo impress me... I feel like I should reach into my pocket and throw some spare change in the kid's hat... Too bad none threw one down before hand. It means absolutely nothing. It's memorization. It's a song. A mnemonic but really it's a completely... Not like counting. But I think parents feel that because… -
I was going to write something else but this takes precedence.
16 Apr 2012 | 10:16 amWe went looking for bikes yesterday... His legs are so super tiny that even most balance bikes are too small... Luckily if he grows about an inche he'll be able to ride the smallest Novara kid's bike... But he was a bit bummed that he couldn't buy a bike... And so was I... And this crappy little skateboard was only $18 (in reality I'd never buy a regular board or bike from anywhere than a board or bike store. Toy and Big box store gear sucks). We took it home... He's still too young for this, can't balance while kicking and doesn't get the idea of kicking... But damn he loves it... It was his… -
Freaking High School Kids
9 Apr 2012 | 11:06 amSince I can't get to sleep until it's quite late I find myself watching movies at night since post-prime time television kind of sucks... I should also mention that late used to mean 2 or 3 in the AM but now with the kid and my age it means midnight... And I should mention that midnight is 12:00 which means it's actually morning... People always say things like "I need that by midnight tonight". There are two things wrong with that... People don't often say that and midnight would have already passed. That being said an unnamed online streaming company keeps me entertained... -
Killing It With A Joke
2 Apr 2012 | 10:00 amI'm killing the blog... Kind of... It all comes down to time and energy really... And while I love writing on this blog I don't feel that I have the time to write really good stuff anymore... And there are a shit load of sites out there with really crappy stuff on them and I don't want to add to the noise... On a side note I find it odd that some of those sites with crappy stuff are quite popular... But I suppose one dog's crap is another dog's meal. I learned this lesson this morning as my dog was chomping on another dog's poo while leaving a little gift of her own on the lawn. The circle of…
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Dad's Guide to Twins
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Should You Expect Another Baby Shower If Twins Are Not Your First Children?
16 May 2012 | 10:01 amShould you expect another baby shower when expecting twins — even if you already have a child? What is the etiquette on this? New Situation. New Baby Shower. When you have twins, you break a lot of the “normal” rules of having kids (beyond just the obvious two-at-one-time thing). This gives you some liberty with all aspects of the pregnancy, including baby showers. Even if you’ve got another child or children, you can still benefit from a twin baby shower. Odds are you have only one car seat, a one-seat stroller, one crib, and one high chair. With twins you’ll… -
How to Encourage Individuality in Your Twins
9 May 2012 | 10:01 amAs a parent of twins, you recognize that your twins are individuals and you want to help them develop their individuality. Here are some ways to encourage individuality in your twins: Treat Them As Individuals Encouraging individuality in your twins starts with how you treat them. Call each twin individually by name and avoid always grouping them as a pair. For example, are you always calling out “let’s go twins” or “let’s go girls”? When activity is truly optional, avoid forcing one twin to do what the other is doing. Granted, you’ll need to make a… -
Surviving the Haze of the First Year – Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Episode 8
4 May 2012 | 11:01 amThe first year with twins is a big challenge. In the 8th episode of the Dad’s Guide to Twins podcast, I discuss why the first year with twins will put you in a constant foggy haze and what you can do to survive. Show Notes I start with a question from a couple who wanted to know when (at how many weeks) they should expect their twins to be delivered. Listen to the podcast to see what how you can overcome the challenges of a foggy and mind-numbing first year with twins. What factors make the first year so hard Specific things to look for that may make your first year even harder What you… -
Visiting Disneyland with Twins
2 May 2012 | 10:01 amWe recently took our second trip to Disneyland with our family. The last time we went, our twin girls were 10 months old. This time they are nearly 4 years old. If you are planning a trip to Disneyland with your twins, here’s some things to remember to make your vacation great. Kid-Friendly Rides Many rides at Disneyland are kid friendly, even when the twins are very small. Be aware that even if height requirements are met, some rides need an adult to ride with the child until they are at least 7 years old. An Adult for Each Twin We saw a set of triplets who were probably about 5 years… -
Should Twins Sleep in the Parent’s Room?
25 Apr 2012 | 11:01 amShould your twins sleep in your room when they come home from the hospital? The answer depends on several factors. Benefits of Having Infant Twins Sleep in the Parents’ Room You may consider having your infant twins sleep in your room for several months. Twin parents will sometimes use a bassinet or Pack-n-Play in their room to sleep the twins. These temporary sleeping quarters won’t last forever, but they will serve you and your twin babies for some time. There are some advantages of sleeping twins in your room: Easy to access – When your twins are in your room, you…
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Beta Dad
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The Problem with Mother's Day (A Post-Mortem)
14 May 2012 | 9:30 amI had a lovely Mother's Day. I think my wife did too. Mostly, the kids and I stayed out of her hair while she and her sisters and her mom went to brunch and got massages.The girls, staying out of Mom's hairLast week, I had been talking to an editor from a website I'll probably start contributing to about writing my inaugural post there on "The Problem with Mother's Day." Mother's Day has the same problems many holidays do: the fact that commercial aspects have drowned out the original intent of the holiday to the point that it becomes onerous to participate in it for a lot of… -
My Mom Proves that Parents Should be Their Kids' Friends
10 May 2012 | 10:00 amChristmas, 1967. Definitely the cutest I've ever been.On and off throughout the day today, I've been contemplating what to say about my momfor Mother's Day. I jotted a little list all up in my brainpan. Then I sat down to write, and figured I should check my new list against whatever I may have written for the previous two Mother's Days that passed since I started this blog. Oh yeah, that's right, I thought as I found an entry from last year that was exactly the same as my "new" mental notes.So this is a rerun of the original post, entitled "A Bouquet of Bullet Points," but… -
Parenting is not a Job (from DadCentric)
8 May 2012 | 4:07 pmOver the past few weeks, I've been seeing this Proctor and Gamble ad plastered all over Facebook walls, festooned with comments about the tears and squishy feelings it has inspired. I'm sure you've seen it too. If not, here it is: Being that this is an advertisement for household products, I was skeptical when I clicked play. Then I saw where it was headed: Moms make sacrifices, kids excel, sports happen, medals and glory follow, moms cry, we all buy soap. I have to admit that , despite my fully engaged force-field of cynicism, I was a little moved. This thing… -
A Family of Gym Rats
30 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amI no longer have any excuse for not going to the gym, and as a consequence I...have actually been going there.I know. I'm shocked too.The reason my excuses have dried up is that my kids now love going to "Kids' Club"--the child care facility at the gym--almost as much as they love going to Sea World. Pretty frequently now, we'll actually go to the gym in the morning, eat some pizza, and then go to Sea World in the afternoon. This is made possible by the somewhat tragic abandonment of the afternoon nap. But that's another story.The girls' love of Kids' Club is due in… -
Crop Rotations
25 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amI am a vegetable gardener. Not a particularly skilled or successful one mind you; but I seem to be afflicted with the compulsion to grow food in my tiny back yard nonetheless. I can't help but note the paradox inherent in spending $120 on seedlings and garden dirt and organic soil amendment and fertilizer, etc., etc., in order to grow maybe $75 worth of produce. And when I harvest the crops, I often don't enjoy them as much as I should. Instead of confidently saying This is sooo much better than that store bought crap! You just can't get produce any fresher than this,…
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STATS DAD
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Youth Baseball: Get Your Swing Analyzed by a Pro at ExtraInnings
14 May 2012 | 10:59 amMy son has spent a lot of time with a baseball hitting instructor, but many kids do not have access to this type of training nor the resources to pay upwards to $60 per hour. These kids rely on good old dad to teach them the finer points of hitting a baseball, which happens to be one of the hardest things to do in the world of sports. Dad might have played in HS or college and have a clue, but -
Youth Sports: Should Boys be Allowed to Play on Girls Teams?
9 May 2012 | 10:49 pmIn the past, I have tried to answer the question should girls be allowed to play on boys teams? I determined that the answer to that question was a resounding maybe. The question came up when my daughter, CC, tried out for a boys basketball team in 2nd grade. She wanted to play basketball, but there were no 2nd grade girls teams. She made the team and did fairly well. She was not the best on -
Youth Sports: Two Sport Athlete Overcommitted (Part 4)
6 May 2012 | 8:36 amIn the previous three posts, I have questioned whether it is fair for a young athlete to commit to two different teams in the same season? Is it fair to the respective coaches, fair to both sets of teammates, fair to all of the parents who spend a lot of money to put their kid on a top team with high expectations? I talked to two people who have experienced the two sport situation. After my -
Youth Sports: Two Sport Athletes Overcommitted (Part 3)
1 May 2012 | 11:01 amIs it fair to commit to two different teams in the same season? Fair to the respective coaches, fair to both sets of teammates, fair to other parents who spend a lot of money to be on a team with high expectations? In this series of posts, I am thinking out loud regarding the topic of specialization in one sport. I am trying to determine 1) if an youth athlete can do two sports and be respectful -
Youth Sports: Two Sport Athlete Overcommitted (Part 2)
29 Apr 2012 | 8:56 amIn my previous post I asked the following question - Is it fair to commit to two different teams in the same season? Fair to the respective coaches, fair to both sets of teammates, fair to other parents who spend a lot of money to be on a team with high expectations? My daughter plays elite level soccer and AAU basketball. In the last post, I wrote about overcommitment and how we got into this
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DaDa Rocks!
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April 30th – National Oatmeal Cookie Day
29 Apr 2012 | 11:22 pmLove the oatmeal cookie – I really do — yah my wife loves chocolate chip but give me an amazing oatmeal raisin cookie and I’m set for lunch most days. A few days ago I wrote about how Quaker finally came out with pre-packed oatmeal cookies. Here are some really interesting facts (interesting enough I’m sharing them). The Oatmeal Cookie was originally invented in the late 1800sduring Rome’s attempts to conquer England. Two of the most famous fans of oatmeal cookies are Susan Sarandon and Bethenny Frankel. Oatmeal cookies are the second most… -
The tech gifts your mom wants #HPLovesMom
27 Apr 2012 | 5:00 pmMoms are always putting others before themselves and updating their technology is no exception. This Mother’s Day, I’ll let one of you lucky readers give their mom what she really wants – a full “Tech-Over” suite of HP technology including an All-in-One desktop, notebook and wireless mouse! What does that include? HP TouchSmart 320 Mothers have that special touch that makes everything better, so why not reward her skill with the HP TouchSmart 320? This powerful, compact, wireless all-in-one PC can recognize mom’s fingers before she even touches the screen, making her… -
Yo Gabba Gabba introduces fun new bedding at Walmart and release a new DVD Super Spies
17 Apr 2012 | 10:33 pmHere’s something you and your kids can both be excited about – colorful, fun Yo Gabba Gabba! bedding by Betesh, now available at Walmart stores nationwide.The 4-piece toddler bedding set is affordably priced and machine washable. For more fun, add a Pillow Pal or one of several blankets. There are cuddle pillows, fun activities pillows (which I’ve never seen before) and much more available, only at Walmart. Whats included? 4-piece bedding set includes comforter, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillow case. 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend means its Machine… -
Finally Quaker Oatmeal Cookies
16 Apr 2012 | 5:30 pmFor more than 130 years, Quaker has been inspired by the goodness of the whole grain oat. Quaker Oats is a staple in kitchens across the country, and FINALLY announced the addition of Quaker Oatmeal Cookies to their product line. Cookies to me should always be soft and doughy – I usually eat half raw cookie dough for that very reason… then I got to try the Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies… ok I’m a little amazed they’re soft right out of the package and if your a microwave fan stick them in there for 20 seconds and now you’ve got a warm cookie thats… -
Tax Day: Tips to Help Protect Against Identity Theft #Lifelock
15 Apr 2012 | 10:45 pmYou the only good thing about taxes being due on a Sunday (which April 15th is) you get to add two bonus days filling due date is now April 17th 2012. Did you fill yet? Did you remember to mail it in or did you do efile? Are you sure it isnt sitting in an envelope in the visor of the car? or worst in the bottomless purse your wife carries around? maybe its stuck between the seat and the center console of the car. Doesnt matter if you’re getting a refund or your going to owe the IRS – people looking to steal your identity aren’t concerned which category you fall in as they…
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Sex and the Single Dad
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The evolution of my voice
20 Apr 2012 | 3:06 pmOn December 14, 2009 I launched my first blog, Sex and the Single Dad as a way to share my dating exploits and funny stories of raising my daughter who I lovingly refer to as Drama Queen. ... This is only a taste of the post. Check it all out at www.sexandthesingledad.com
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FatherMag.com Home Page
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Eleanor Leacock: Deceptions of a Gender Equal Society
16 May 2012 | 12:00 amExposing the fraudulent claims in Eleanor Leacock's contribution to Becoming Visible, a textbook often used in Womens' History classes.
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Dazed Dad
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Caleb’s Baptism
15 May 2012 | 9:00 amLast Sunday was Caleb’s baptism. Both my parents and Sarah’s parents were able to be here for the occasion, and it was really wonderful. It was his first time in church, and he did very well. Thankfully, my colleague put the baptism toward the beginning of the service, so he didn’t have to wait too long. Unlike my wife, I was not baptized as an infant, but rather was dedicated in a Presbyterian Church. My mom came from a Mennonite background, where adult/believer’s baptism is the norm. So, rather than getting sprinkled with water in a church sanctuary, I was dunked in… -
Caleb Discovers his Vocal Chords
26 Apr 2012 | 9:44 amYesterday was hilarious. Well, two days ago Caleb began making some louder noises than usual. We’ve been able to get him laughing recently (it’s this hilarious guttural laugh that I have yet to get a really good video of) but these were just sounds he was making on his own. Two nights ago, his noises were so loud and hilarious, it caused Sarah to get up out of bed in the middle of the night and see what Caleb and I were up to in the nursery. So, yesterday I caught a few video clips of him and the noises that he was making…pretty much constantly when he was up. The video is… -
A Different Baby at Night
24 Apr 2012 | 12:38 amI think we were getting spoiled for awhile by the fact that Caleb was sleeping through the night for a few weeks. It was pretty awesome. Put him down around 6-7pm, and then he wouldn’t wake up until around 6-7am. Really, really awesome. Sarah and I both got an evening to do what we wanted, get caught up on our DVR…and then a full night of sleep. Lately, that hasn’t really been working out for us. First we think he had a cold, then something about the schedule got messed up…not it’s just kind of hit or miss. Last night he decided he wanted to wake up twice at… -
Using The Fray’s “Be Still” as a Lullaby
19 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amThe past week has been a bit of a killer when it comes to trying to get Caleb to sleep…last night I put him down three times (and he was asleep all three times), only to have him wake up again about 10 minutes later. Which is a total. Bummer. I’ve never been good with remembering the words to songs, especially lullabies, and so it’s been a struggle to figure out what to sing to Caleb to get him to go to sleep. I’ve tried going the “You Are My Sunshine” route, but I really only know the chorus, and you can only sing that so many times. And then I remembered… -
Getting @Honest about Diapers
17 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amAlright. So, it’s time to get honest about diapers. Sarah and I had thought a lot about diapers before Caleb came along…I asked for advice here on this blog and on Facebook & Twitter, and Sarah did a TON of research into all the available options when it came to disposables/cloth/hybrids/etc. We eventually settled on gDiapers (cute bum, small footprint). gDiapers are hybrids, because you still throw away the inside liner, which can sometimes be even bulkier than a disposable diaper. So we’ve been trying to use them…Sarah more than me, probably. But I feel like we…
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SHAKE YOUR FOUNDATION
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The Man Who Almost Replaced George in The Beatles
15 May 2012 | 8:57 amOver 40 years after they broke up the Beatles are still the undisputed heavyweight champs of music. Whatever band comes in second is so far away that it’s not worth debating. The legend grows each year. The Beatles hold a special place in my heart. I was raised on Revolver (the greatest album ever created) and have listened to them consistently for over 30 years. They’re still all I play on Sunday mornings. I was watching Martin Scorcese’s incredible 3 1/2 hour documentary on George Harrison when I learned an amazing fact about the Beatles (and I thought I knew them all). -
Things I Realized I Will Never Do
11 May 2012 | 8:56 amLoni Anderson, the one that got away (image by J. Zee). I hit 43 this week. Not really sure how that happened because it seemed like just yesterday I was 12. What a great age 12 was — young enough to still be a kid, but old enough to start understanding the world around you. All I cared about were sports, my friends and my bike. I ruled the world. Although I did start noticing Loni Anderson on WKRP. Sliding past middle age had me thinking about what’s ahead … and what isn’t. I haven’t really thought about what I won’t be doing in life. I’ve… -
What Howard Stern Can Teach You About Parenting
30 Apr 2012 | 9:30 amHoward Stern Has Life Tips I’m going to give you parenting advice from Howard Stern. Before you freak out, it needs to be said and it’s exactly what our generation needs to hear. We’ve created a world that overprotects our kids, shields them from fear and guards them from failure of any kind. Good in theory, bad in practice. Unless they’re going to live with you forever. I was listening to Howard last week when a caller mentioned he and his wife were haivng their first baby. He asked “The King of All Media” if he had any parenting advice (Howard has three…
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Dad Does
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Review: Hub Innovations PRIZM Stand, So Simple and So Perfect
16 May 2012 | 8:47 amThis is not going to be a long review. Normally we spend a great deal of time describing a product, going over its features and how well it works. Today we are looking at Hub Innovations PRIZM stand -- a product so simple, elegant and practical it would be an injustice to over complicate it with a wordy review! What is the PRIZM Anyway? Excellent question and one much better answered with a video. Let’s take a quick look at our video review of the Hub Innovations PRIZM stand - www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hyUrD0L24 Does It Really Get More Simple and Practical Than That? If I had a… -
Review: Olympus LS-20M The Video Camera That Believes Your Kid Has A Beautiful Voice
13 May 2012 | 10:07 pmBefore the Flip Camera, video cameras came in all different shapes and sizes. Then the Flip came along and suddenly all small, personal video cameras looked and acted the same. Hold the camera like a smartphone, push the record button and away you go. At first glance the Olympus LS-20M looks like just another Flip camera, but dig a little deeper and you find a very different video camera with some interesting features. The Olympus LS-20M Believes People Should be Seen…and Heard The Olympus LS-20M is a relatively small, brick sized, High Definition (HD) video camera that can… -
Mother’s Day, Oh Why Can’t I Mock Thee?
11 May 2012 | 6:52 amMan would we love to mock Mother’s Day for so many different reasons. First, this is a dad blog – Dad Does – so it seems only natural that one of the things Dads should do is poke fun at Mother’s Day, while singing the praises of Dads. Second, there is the whole Hallmark and commercialization of Mother’s Day thing to mock. Last I checked I don’t think there was a Saint Mother who was born on this day and we now celebrate. Finally, we have serious issues with being serious about just about anything. So why then is the mocking not pouring out from our fingertips? Mothers Are Just… -
The Ultimate, Odd and Off The Wall Father’s Day Gift Guide is LIVE!
9 May 2012 | 8:27 amIt’s Alive, Run for Your Life – It Lives! Yes, mark it on the calendar, with just a mere 40 days until Father’s Day we have launched our Father’s Day Gift Guide 2012. Jump Over to The Father’s Day Gift Guide 2012! You still here? Okay, let’s fill you in on why we are so excited about our Father’s Day Gift Guide - Hundreds of Real World Reviews, Just a Handful of Winners Over the course of the year we have done hundreds of reviews on everything from gadgets to games, tools to toys and everything in between. Real Dads and Moms have tested hundreds… -
Review: iDAPT i4 Universal Charger, Be Gone Tangled Wires, Be Gone!
8 May 2012 | 11:05 amI love my gadgets but hate the tangled mess of charging wires that accompany them. Yes, I do need my iPhone, iPad and video camera on any trip I take…even one to the bathroom. There may be more gadgets in my family than Cheerios stuck in the couch cushions, which also means we have a tangled mess of wires and charges to keep everything juiced up and running. The new iDAPT i4 Universal Charger promises to end your wire clutter by allowing you to charge four of your gadgets simultaneously, without the normal rat’s nest of wires. How does the iDAPT i4 pull off this feat of…
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Just Add Father
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Listening for my mother
14 May 2012 | 3:41 amA Perhaps everything terrible in its deepest being is something helpless that wants help from us. — Rainer Maria Rilke A I began listening to my mother when she was dying. She had never listened to me. In the end, I decided I was the one who needed to listen. Our relationship after my father [...] -
A thing is what it is, Part 1: Truthiness
7 May 2012 | 4:45 am“I should be content to look at a mountain for what it is and not as a comment on my life.” ― David Ignatow A David Ignatow’s little poem has always worried me. When I think I’m writing about someone else, say my son, am I really writing about myself? If I take action to [...] -
Whispers to God
30 Apr 2012 | 4:09 amCome wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, come yet again, come. — Rumi It’s the oddest thing, but I’ve started to pray. God is no stranger, but for me words have never been part of the relationship. [...] -
Of landings and forgiveness
23 Apr 2012 | 4:20 amI am content to follow to its source Every event in action or in thought; Measure the lot; forgive myself the lot! When such as I cast out remorse So great a sweetness flows into the breast We must laugh and we must sing, We are blest by everything, Everything we look upon is blest. [...] -
Pipers at the gates of dawn
16 Apr 2012 | 4:09 am“Now it passes on and I begin to lose it,” [Ratty] said presently. “O Mole! the beauty of it! The merry bubble and joy, the thin, clear, happy call of the distant piping! Such music I never dreamed of, and the call in it is stronger even than the music is sweet! Row on, Mole, [...]
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matt, liz and madeline
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maddy’s first concert (plus some other news at the bottom).
15 May 2012 | 2:59 pmtwo fridays ago maddy went to her first concert. well, sort of… technically her first concert was a kanye west show outside of the la memorial coliseum after i ran my first 10k, but i’m not sure that one actually counts. i mean, first of all, she wore industrial-style, noise-canceling, ear muffs and second of all, she slept through the entire thing. besides, that one wasn’t really a choice. it was an accident of convenience so i don’t really count it. more than anything, i want her to be able to have the kind of epic first concert story that my parents denied me…… -
our night at the stadium.
2 May 2012 | 3:22 pmafter months of letting madeline teach me things i know nothing about (comic books, superheroes, star wars, etc), it was time for me to give her a bit of an education on something that i love (and so did liz). baseball. yes, maddy has been to a few games in her young life… 3 or 4 games at dodger stadium, one in san francisco, one in anaheim and one in minnesota (before the new stadium was built), but not since she looked like this: as i watched a game on tv with brooke, she suggested that i take maddy to a game while she was out of town for work. (great idea). so i bought some tickets… -
maddy’s 4th birthday party.
25 Apr 2012 | 2:54 pmtwo weekends ago we carried on a tradition that we’ve followed since 2009… we had a birthday party in our backyard for maddy, several weeks after her actual birthday.in the past, there were no problems or confusion because i don’t think maddy really understood what a birthday was, nor did she really know the date of her birthday. she just thought her birthday was a month-long party. but since her third birthday party, she has been looking forward to her fourth, (insisting that it must be a batman party) and sometime in between she learned (and committed to memory) that she… -
update.
18 Apr 2012 | 12:43 pmokay, so the random number generator finally got around to picking a winner, and that winner is commenter #114, amber l. a copy of two kisses for maddy will be in the mail as soon as i hear back from her. in other news, the cbs morning show will be doing a story about my family, my book, and the liz logelin foundation. as part of the story, they met us in minnesota, transforming liz’s parent’s house into a studio: and filmed the the liz logelin foundation’sfundraising event at the minnesota wild game. (maddy and i even got to ride the zamboni!) i’ll update you as soon… -
book news.
1 Apr 2012 | 10:22 pmas i may or may not have mentioned to you several times before, on tuesday april 3rd, the paperback version of my book, two kisses for maddy (with a new chapter, additional photos, and a reading group guide) hits book stores around the country (and can can be downloaded to your favorite futuristic, un-book reading device). (just learned that the ebook version does not include the new chapter…please leave me a comment if you bought the ebook version, hoping to get the new chapter. i’ll make it up to you somehow). okay. so it seems that the ebook version should include the new…
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Dad Street
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It’s About @Time To Stop The Shaming! Moms You Are Enough!
10 May 2012 | 4:04 pmUnless you’ve been completely offline today you’ve surely heard and/or seen the controversial cover on Time Magazine. There’s been plenty of talk about how old the child in this picture is – he’s 3 – and whether or not women should be breastfeeding a child this age. It seems all the controversy online today (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) has been around the topic of breastfeeding. Of course, this is an important topic and one that will be debated for years to come. I am very much in support of breastfeeding. Having said that, this post is actually going to talk… -
Mother’s Day @eBay!
30 Apr 2012 | 2:00 pmWith May already upon us it’s not hard to remember that Mom is on our mind! There are so many resources out there for us to turn to and I wanted to remind you about my friends at eBay. You might not think that eBay would have anything to do with your upcoming Mother’s Day but I’m going to invite you to see what they have in store. Since we’re all on some form of Social Media on a daily basis I thought I’d share about how they’re contributing. They are hosting a number of Social Media Giveaways including a Twitter Party for Moms on May 1st (from 12 – 2… -
Ain’t Nobody Stupid Here
5 Apr 2012 | 2:17 pmI can recall, not too long ago, a time when each and every word out of my daughter’s mouth was met with huge celebration. When she started talking it was such an amazing thing to watch. In the beginning we weren’t too concerned with what she was saying only so much that she was just speaking. Not too long after that she was starting to repeat words. We had to be really careful about what we would say around her or what would be on TV. Our daughter, O, will be 4 years old in just under two weeks. She’s got a great vocabulary and I know we’ve done a great job ensuring… -
Simple Tips For First Time eBay Sellers
1 Apr 2012 | 1:45 amBefore becoming a member of the eBay Parent Panel I hadn’t had much experience buying and/or selling on eBay. Since partnering with eBay I have definitely had some success selling nearly $800 worth of product. Not bad for things that were literally sitting around the house, right? Selling on eBay can be a great experience and it’s relatively easy. However, there are some things you want to make sure you’re aware of before you start your selling experience. Today I’m going to cover two mistakes I made that would have yielded me more money and I wound up learning the… -
Meet My Newest Baby @TinyChunks!
26 Mar 2012 | 6:57 pmAs you’ve probably been aware from some of my more recent posts I’ve been doing quite a bit of “self discovery” work. In fact, I’ve been working through a very formal program over the last 8+ months in which I’ve logged well in excess of 200 hours. My time has been spent in both group and individual settings in which I’ve worked through so many old hurts. In fact, I would say before I started my work I was an extreme co-dependent. I couldn’t identify very well with “who I was”, I had no boundaries, plenty of false beliefs about who I was and who I wasn’t and for the most…
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The Exceptional Man, Chicago
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Are You Ready to Life-Edit?
11 May 2012 | 2:40 pmJust stumbled across this great video featuring Graham Hill, the founder of Life Edited, that discusses their philosophy of “clearing the arteries of life.” Fascinating and eye-opening. Check it out, and let it motivate you to life-edit this weekend. [via PSFK] -
Thank You
7 May 2012 | 5:54 amThis past weekend, I attended SOBCon here in Chicago. It was such a great event, especially for those with entrepreneurial inklings such as myself. Regardless of what reasons people attended, the crowd there was so passionate about what they do, you couldn’t help but be inspired. One of the talks that really hit me was by leadership coach Steve Farber, who said that his mantra is that you should do what you love in the service of people who love what you do. He was talking to business leaders about the importance of loving their customers, but I think this could apply more broadly. And… -
Hemingway: Forget Your Personal Tragedy
1 May 2012 | 11:48 amIf you haven’t visited Letters of Note, you definitely should. It provides “fascinating letters” and correspondence from the famous and infamous. Yesterday I stumbled upon this letter from Ernest Hemingway (who, you’ll remember, I admire) to F. Scott Fitzgerald on the publication of his final book, Tender Is The Night. I’ve pulled out my favorite parts of the letter below for your enjoyment (the misspellings are genuine to the letter): For Christ sake write and don’t worry about what the boys will say nor whether it will be a masterpiece nor what. I write… -
The (Long) Path to Homeownership
30 Apr 2012 | 6:06 amLast week we had a semi-successful inspection on a house that we’re attempting to purchase. Which means that we’re mere weeks from being homeowners. (Crazy.) We’re pretty excited about it, as this has been a less-than-fun process thus far. Why? This house marks the fifth house we’ve put an offer on, and the third we’ve been under contract for. That’s right. Five offers. Three contracts. Which means we had two unsuccessful offers and two previous unsuccessful contracts. Not fun. The two unsuccessful offers were the result of very inflexible sellers not… -
Mansome | A Documentary That Tackles Being a Man
24 Apr 2012 | 6:02 pmWhen I first heard about Mansome, the new documentary from Morgan Spurlock – the creator of Super Size Me and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, etc. - I admit I was skeptical. People like Judd Apatow and others featured in the movie have historically not portrayed men in the greatest light. My qualms with Hollywood’s stereotyping of men being well documented, I pinned this as another journey down the aren’t-men-so-incompetent-they’re-funny rabbit hole. After seeing the trailer (above), I’m not so sure. Yes, funny people are involved. In fact some of my…
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Short Order Dad
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Shorthand
2 May 2012 | 9:19 am -
New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp
27 Apr 2012 | 10:30 amBBQ ShrimpI have somewhat of a photographic memory. At least when it comes to food. I certainly remember the Top 10 meals in my life, one of which I had in New Orleans at a place called Pascal’s Manale. It was Barbeque Shrimp. Strange as it may sound, it wasn’t actually barbequed. Rather, the shell-on shrimp were sauteed and served in a rich and piquant sauce. Glorious. I just came across this recipe today from Cook’s Country and I really look forward to making it myself. By the way, cooking time is about 3 minutes. -
French Food Rules
6 Apr 2012 | 2:37 pmGood to know. -
Avocado Toast
3 Apr 2012 | 9:20 amMade this for the kids’ breakfast the other day. Simple. Healthy. Tasty. Most important: they liked. Ripe avocado smeared on toasted multigrain bread and topped with pistachios, a touch of salt. The key is a ripe avocado. For my taste, a sprinkle of chili flakes wouldn’t hurt. In any case, the rich, smoothness of the avocado works very well on a crisp piece of toast with the crunchiness of the nuts. P.S. Don’t tell them it’s loaded with health. -
I’m Juiced About Juice
21 Mar 2012 | 1:51 pmToday I had juice made with carrots, celery, apples, cucumber, beet, ginger and a little kale. Before you pass judgement, you should know that it was delicious. And that I made it myself. I have nothing to sell here, but simply to recommend, based on my experience over the last couple of months, since I have been putting my Jack LaLanne Power Juicer (purchased years ago at Costco) to work. Just yesterday I replicated a blend I enjoyed from a juice company called Blue Print Cleanse. It’s pineapple, apple and mint. Fantastic combo. Even gave some to the kid, who absolutely loved it. By…
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The Committed Parent
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Undoing the Neurobiology of Learned Helplessness
12 May 2012 | 8:40 pmWhen Bodhi the puppy was in the process of being house trained, he spent a lot of time penned up in the kitchen. His bed was there; his food was there, and any exocrine accidents could be easily cleaned up. Gradually Bodhi came to learn however, that most of the real action in the house was happening in the living room, dining room and bedroom, places where the kitties, Archie and Gracie had free rein. So, every chance he got, Bodhi would make a break for the action rooms. Each time he did, I would authoritatively call his name to get his attention, walk over and lead him firmly by the collar… -
Single Women: The 6th Uncommon Possibility
6 May 2012 | 6:23 amOne last time: this blog series is in no way intended as a negative judgment of unpartnered women. The central aim has been to offer uncommon possibilities that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that they wish they weren’t. They are all lovely, intelligent, spirited women, thus I found their struggle somewhat surprising. In contemplating their situation, I’ve come up with six possibilities you… -
Single Women: Why Many Remain Unpartnered – Possibility 5
28 Apr 2012 | 6:43 pmSo again, let me remind you that this blog series is in no way intended as a negative judgment of unpartnered women. Much of what I am offering can just as easily apply to men or women, partnered or unpartnered. The central aim here is to offer some uncommon possibilities that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that they wish they weren’t. They are all lovely, intelligent, spirited women, thus I… -
Single Women: Possibility 4 Why Many Remain Unpartnered
21 Apr 2012 | 7:57 pmSo again, let me say that this blog series is in no way intended as a negative judgment of unpartnered women. Much of what I am offering can just as easily apply to men or women, partnered or unpartnered. The central aim here is to offer some uncommon possibilities that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that they wish they weren’t. They are all lovely, intelligent, spirited women, thus I found… -
Single Women: Why Many Remain Unpartnered – Possibility 3
14 Apr 2012 | 8:26 pmOnce again, let me say that while it might seem the height of chutzpah for a married male to write on this topic, it is in no way intended as a negative judgment about unpartnered women. Much of what I am offering can just as easily apply to women or men of either circumstance. The central aim of these pieces is to offer some possibilities to consider that might provide food for thought leading to some kind of healing integration and the lessening of suffering. Over the last year or so, I have had contact with an increasing number of single women who have disclosed a preference to me that…
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Geekasms
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First Look at Valiant Entertainment’s BLOODSHOT #1
15 May 2012 | 4:33 pmOfficial Press Release Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot #1from acclaimed writer Duane Swierczynski and the lethal artistic tag team of Manuel Garcia and Arturo Lozzi! On July 11th, in the wake of X-O Manowar, find out why fans and critics agree – the Summer of Valiant simply can’t be stopped! Your name is Angelo Mortalli. Your brother is trapped behind enemy lines and on the verge of — no. That’s not right. Your name is Raymond Garrison. You’ve retired from the dangers of the field, but a desperate plea from your oldest friend plunges you into a… -
Valiant Entertainment Debuts ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1 Cover
14 May 2012 | 11:38 pmOfficial Press Release Valiant is proud to present Mico Suayan’s skull-smashing cover for Archer & Armstrong #1 – the Summer of Valiant’s next sensational series from the New York Times best-selling creative team of Fred Van Lente (Amazing Spider-Man) and Clayton Henry (Incredible Hercules)! Obadiah Archer was raised to uphold three things above all else: the values of his parents, the love of his 22 brothers and sisters, and his lifelong mission to defeat the ultimate evildoer. Now, after years of training, Archer has been dispatched to the heart of America’s… -
Enter to Win a VIP Package to the Derby City Comic Con!!
14 May 2012 | 10:21 pmWe are giving away a free VIP package to the Derby City Comic Con coming to Louisville June 30th, 2012. Click here to go to the page to be entered. All you have to do is give us your name and email address and you’ll be entered! BONUS: Listen to the Geekasms Podcast, Episode 6 (to be released May 16th) to hear about a way to gain bonus entries into the contest!! -
The 4-Minute Preview for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!!!
14 May 2012 | 9:33 pmHere is the 4 minute “super” preview to The Amazing Spider-Man, featuring a mix of new and already seen footage. I was excited about this film, and the more I see of it, the more I’m excited about it. Just something about Peter taking the mask off for the kid, and having him put it on. It shows that, while taking liberties with the mythos of Spider-Man, that they truly get who Peter Parker is at his core. So check it out, and feel free to share your thoughts below. The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters July 3rd, 2012. -
First Look at STAN LEE as a playable character in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Video Game
9 May 2012 | 1:47 pmFirst Look at STAN LEE as a playable character in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Video Game and how to unlock the character. Yep, you read that right! In the new The Amazing Spider-man game that is coming out this summer, which is based on the universe the movie is set in, and is said to be similar to the open environment that Batman Arkham City had, you will be able to play as Stan “The Man” Lee! The character will be unlocked for anyone that pre-orders the game through Amazon. Stan Lee will have his own special mission throughout Manhattan, which involves tracking down pages of a lost…
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BecomingMortal
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Sun & Stars
3 May 2012 | 4:50 amTrouble sleeping tonight. Always trouble sleeping. On my headboard I have two photos of G taped there that I have been staring at for awhile. One is of him on the swings. His last week here, I would spend hours with him at the playground. We’d watch the stars come up. I’d point them out to him and he would stare at them in amazement. All the while I pushed him back and forth on the swing. We’d stay until his bed time, sometimes after. The stars would truly shine in his eyes as he looked on as I pointed out the different constellations in the sky, and whether he truly… -
Anticipation
2 Jan 2012 | 6:44 amWell another year behind, one more to look forward to, hoping it doesn’t end… err. So what was your New Year’s resolution? Mine from last year was to never make any more New Year’s resolution and I’m sticking to it (or would that be in a resolution itself, contradicting my previous resolution… my world might just implode…) It’s either the anticipation of the new year, or my boundless energy I seem to have as late, as I woke up bright and early at 4am. Judging from the absence of other tracks in the snow, I’m the only fool walking… -
Thanksgiving
24 Nov 2011 | 1:10 pmGetting ready to sit down with the family and celebrate… although that in itself is partly a contradiction. Thoughts go to what ifs and buts, but that doesn’t really help anyone, does it? So, fewer place settings. Less food to make. A little less quiet. A little more reflective. I’m still surrounded by my family, and those who love me. And really, that’s all that matters. I hope G is having his fill today… Vis ta vie, elle est si belle Vis ta vie, c’est la tienne Vis ta vie, sans mensonge Vis ta vie, comme tu veux For now, we celebrate. -
Curious morning
20 Nov 2011 | 6:16 am…that it has been. Woke up just a few minutes ago from a dream, with such a sense of euphoria. Senses of love, hope and promise that I may have recently forgotten. It is, a welcomed changed from the moody dreams as of late that I have been having. In fact, I can’t remember the last time my dream wasn’t in darkness. The watch tells me I was only asleep for a mere three hours…. Liar. What is time in a dream? It felt like a whole lifetime went by. I now only have fading glimpses of faces… sensations… nostalgia that will be gone once the day is fully… -
Love & Hate
6 Nov 2011 | 9:23 amSo I’ve found myself smoking more these past few weeks. I decided to change brands, turn the activity into something less desirable. I’ve had problems with the patch before, and meds are quite costly. With development of the next project, I can only sense how much more stressful things will get (and how much worse my habit will become). Perhaps it will be easier to quit if I don’t enjoy it as much. I wonder if this is the same path people take when they decide to break up. Hmm.
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DaddybyDefault.com - A Dad Blog with articles, apps for kids, videos, and humor
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Gifts for Your Mother that She Wants…and Needs!
13 May 2012 | 11:12 pmThe following guest post, and I wholeheartedly agree with the advice contained therein. It’s sound advice – believe me. I bought a similar birthday gift for my wife one year, and no nookie long time. This just in: Police report a normally mild-mannered mother snapped today and attacked her family with a brand-new frying pan. Police sources said the woman had received the pan as a birthday gift only moments earlier. OK, that’s a little far-fetched, but it’s easy to imagine how such a utilitarian gift might make a mother feel: not only does it fail to celebrate her as an… -
Zone Defense Babysitting
4 Feb 2012 | 12:35 pmIf you are one of the millions of families throwing a Superbowl party this year, but are worried about keeping your babies safe with so many people in your home, it’s time you learn about Zone Defense Babysitting. If you are a fan of football (and basketball too) you are familiar with the concept of Zone Defense, along with its advantages and disadvantages. For the uninitiated, this explanation may help: In coverage, one can choose to play “man-to-man” which means you cover your opponent as close as possible, sticking to him like white on rice, and following his every move. -
Advertisers, Please Leave Me Alone
3 Feb 2012 | 11:36 pmI read somewhere about how blogs are quickly becoming a more trusted source for consumers than traditional media, and how more people prefer recommendations from their blogger friends than from some random company advertisement. On the surface, that all sounds like great news for bloggers, but unfortunately, most advertisers don’t want to actually pay for promotions on blogs. They just try to offer us in-kind donations, random promotions, and worthless giveaways in exchange for links and advertisements that would normally cost them thousands of dollars in the traditional media streams. -
Rev. Dr. King’s Dream is Every Father’s Dream…
1 Feb 2012 | 11:47 amIn February we celebrate Black History Month in our country. I’ve always been a student of history, particularly American history. I am not black, nor do I pretend to understand the dynamics of the civil rights movement which seems to be tied so closely to this month long celebration. But I appreciate the reason for the season, so to say. As a kid, I remember learning about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. At the time, it meant little more to me than getting a day off school in January. But as I grew older and learned more about the man, what he stood for, and how he mobilized a nation… -
Five Tips for Going Back to School as a Parent
25 Jan 2012 | 2:15 pmThis is a guest post from Lori Hutchison, who teaches high school English and owns the site Masters in Teaching. In her spare time, she enjoys writing on various topics of interest; especially teaching! It’s a common thing these days; more people than ever are taking classes while also taking care of their children. Going to school is not easy, and doing it as a parent is even more difficult. Still, if you have your sights set on that dream job which required more schooling, nothing should impede you from obtaining that goal. Let’s face it, though. Back-to-school parents are not typical…
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The JackB
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There is No Relationship Between Your Bank Account & Your IQ
16 May 2012 | 3:16 amThis is the sort of post that I thought twice about writing. Not because I am afraid to speak my mind but because it is possible that my words could have a negative impact upon my children. I don’t really expect that to happen, but it would be foolish of me not to take a… [Continue Reading] No related posts. -
Do You Ever Delete Posts You Have Published?
15 May 2012 | 10:05 pmlisten to ‘Do You Ever Delete Posts You Have Published?’ on Audioboo Related posts: The Best Way To Blog Is…Your Way Do You Have An Accent? Will People Read/Remember Your Posts? Related posts: The Best Way To Blog Is…Your Way Do You Have An Accent? Will People Read/Remember Your Posts? -
The Rules Of The Game
15 May 2012 | 3:13 am“There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his… [Continue Reading] Related posts: Will People Read/Remember Your Posts? The Most Frustrating Part Of Blogging The Rules Of Blogging -
The Dark Knight & Blog Etiquette
14 May 2012 | 12:36 pmBruce Wayne: Targeting me won’t get their money back. I knew the mob wouldn’t go down without a fight, but this is different. They crossed the line. Alfred Pennyworth: You crossed the line first, sir. You squeezed them, you hammered them to the point of desperation. And in their desperation, they turned to a man… [Continue Reading] Related posts: My Review Of The Dark Knight The Hobbit & The Dark Knight Rises Dark Knight Meets Toy Story -
Some Posts Make You Cry
14 May 2012 | 2:47 amI know the words to a tale that will break your heart and make your eyes water. This is not link bait nor a clever attempt to gain your attention or capture your heart. This is merely me exposing part of the shadow that lies across my heart. This is just me trying to make… [Continue Reading] Related posts: Men who cry It Made My Grandfather and I cry My Son Makes Me Laugh So Hard I Cry
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The Papa Post
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CSI For Kids (Forensic Science Mystery) By Science From Scientists
14 May 2012 | 10:18 pmWhat better way to promote science and technology than to create a forensic science mystery (CSI for kids). This weekend, Science from Scientists a local non profit group, hosted a forensic science experience for kids at the iRobot headquarters. It was a well planned and thought out immersive experience to engage kids in solving a murder mystery and at the same time learning science from scientists. This is a murder mystery about a bakery owner named Agnes. Her (fake) body was at display for kids to examine. The investigators had collected four pieces of evidence near the crime scence… -
The Three Stooges Coming On April 13th
30 Mar 2012 | 4:00 amThe Three Stooges -
Physics Of Roller Coaster 07/15
28 Mar 2012 | 10:53 amAfter the sold out event, Math Is Fun (partnered with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Dads Do Good is back with more fun. This time it is Physics of Roller Coaster with Six Flags, New England on July 15th, 2012. Program Details are here. Program Details > -
Speaking Awesome Metrics At Blog Better Boston
24 Mar 2012 | 10:59 pmAwesome Metrics View more presentations from Ramesh Kumar. As many of you requested for the presentation, here it is: download the deck now. We can do many more awesome things with your creativity, just let me know how I can help. Feel free to reach out on twitter if you have questions. Thanks to the hosts (Amy & Alana), the volunteers and the speakers for the awesome Blog Better Boston Conference. -
Delete Google (& YouTube) Browsing History In Just 1 Click
29 Feb 2012 | 1:29 pmBefore the new Google privacy policy kicks in, it’s time to delete your browsing history in just a single click. 1) Go to Google Web History (and sign in, if you are not already signed in) 2) Click on “Remove all Web History” to completely remove your search history as it relates to this account. This will also pause Google to track search history to your individual account, however Google may still track your history anonymously. Similarly, you can visit Google Dashboard to manage your history with other Google products like YouTube (Remove History), AdWords, Google…
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The Daddy Files » The Daddy Files-
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A Good Day
14 May 2012 | 8:58 pmI hate shopping. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking clothes shopping, food shopping or — perhaps worst of all — simply window shopping, I despise it. I’d rather have my fingernails torn off with pliers. I’d sooner watch 24 full hours of Lifetime TV movies whilst chained to my basement floor. If I had a choice between shopping and being sexually assaulted by a well-endowed rhinoceros, I’d gladly take my chances with the beast. Which is why I was more than a little surprised that Mother’s Day consisted of shopping at Home Depot, Bed, Bath &… -
Star Wars, My Son & The Force
29 Apr 2012 | 8:03 pmThere are two things I hate telling people because copping to either one seems to elicit scorn, distrust and general angst: I don’t drink coffee yet I’m a total morning person I’ve never seen Star Wars The latter is especially egregious because I’m a guy. And in case you haven’t heard, guys love Star Wars. A lot. And not just the sci-fi geeks either. Hell, even if I find someone who doesn’t like Star Wars, at least they’ve seen it. But not me. I don’t really have a good reason, other than my parents weren’t sci-fi people so I never got… -
A ConTEXTual Misunderstanding
14 Apr 2012 | 7:42 amMy wife and I are different in almost every single way. Seriously. I’m not just blowing smoke or trotting out tired cliches for the hell of it. We’re polar opposites. I’m a hard news guy, she gets her news from Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. I like country music and Irish tunes, she’d rather listen to Nickelback and Creed. We take separate vacations because she needs to go someplace sunny, warm and near the ocean, but I melt and become miserable after 5 minutes on the sand. But the biggest difference between us is the general, fundamental way our minds… -
“Dad, I Know You’re Just Pretending”
6 Apr 2012 | 11:12 amI am Dad. The purveyor of piggybacks, the high septon of shoulder rides and the sultan of all things sports-related. I am a giver of bear hugs and my stubble makes you playfully squirm away from my kisses. I am the fetcher of your morning milk, the go-to guy for backyard baseball and your secret high-five partner when we both see hot chicks on TV (and mom isn’t looking). I’m a lot of things, as a dad (and all parents) should be. But above all, I consider myself Protector of the Realm (can you tell I’ve been watching too much Game of Thrones) and I consider it my sworn oath… -
What You Say to Your Kids Isn’t Always What They Hear
28 Mar 2012 | 9:08 pmI write for a living. All day long I wrestle with words, carefully and meticulously deciphering which ones I want to use to convey the right message to my audience. And then, when my workday is done, I come home and tend to Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and these very blog pages to do more of the same. In short, words are my life. Which is why I’m having a difficult time figuring out why I have so much trouble refraining from saying stupid and potentially harmful things in front of Will. It’s not like I’m swearing in front of him or verbally abusing him. But at least…
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CuteMonster.com
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Review of ThinkFun’s Roll & Play
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amReview and Giveaway of ThinkFun's Roll & Play, a game designed for Toddlers. -
When Mommy’s Out of Town
7 May 2012 | 1:16 pmHow to survive and thrive as a Dad when your significant other is working out of town. -
Movie Review: The Avengers
1 May 2012 | 11:17 pmReview of the Disney Marvel major motion picture The Avengers (2012) written and directed by Joss Whedon. -
Monster Factory: Meet Rosco
22 Apr 2012 | 12:49 pmMonster Factory debuts their latest monster character plush doll Rosco. Enter for a chance to win your very own. -
3D Glasses for HDTV: Active vs. Passive
19 Apr 2012 | 1:14 pmTaking a closer look at the differences in Active and Passive 3D Glasses being used by 3D HDTV manufacturers.
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Mad Dadz Blog
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Sleep
15 May 2012 | 9:13 amI stopped listening to people a long time ago. This often happens when you’re a super genius who knows everything there is to know. I certainly would never listen to an attorney because they can barely say “good morning” without lying through their teeth. I don’t listen to doctors either since I’ve now had five [...] -
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar
14 May 2012 | 11:05 pmWhile it’s true that my testosterone levels are gradually being overtaken by my estrogen tank, my wife swears that I’m still a man. “Look at all the home runs you hit in softball,” she says. Then I remind her that it’s Jew softball so all I have to do is get the ball past the [...] -
I’m On Facebook
12 May 2012 | 1:14 am“I’m not on Facebook” is the new “I don’t have a TV in my house.” 20 or 25 years ago (when I was around 40), if you wanted to be cool, you just kept getting a bigger TV for your living room. My friend from law school got a 36” TV; screw him, that bastard, [...]
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Fashion Dad
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Diptic: Tell the Story Contest
15 May 2012 | 9:07 pmI love Diptic and I’ve been using the app on my iPhone for some time now. It’s really intuitive actually and it can help put all of your photos from one event together in a really cool story-like way. For those that don’t know, here’s what Diptic isn’t: It’s NOT an app that’s meant to replace Instagram or your iPhone’s in-built camera app. It’s meant to compliment it. It’s NOT just for hipsters. It’s for everyone. Put any images you take together in series of two, three, five, etc. Fancy filters need not be present in your… -
Nick Wooster Named Creative Director of Men’s Clothing at JCPenney
30 Apr 2012 | 4:11 pmNick Wooster is JCPenny’s most recent power play at attempting to revive the once iconic retailer’s now stale image. Fans of the tattooed and mustachioed Wooster should be excited to know that he’s been named as the new Creative Director of Men’s Clothing. Wooster previously held fashion director title at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus and has done consulting for the likes of THom Browne, Mac Cosmetics, Chaiken Clothing and Gilt Groupe. This comes at a time when JCPenny is in the midst of a major rebrand with a new logo, new internal store designs and a couple of… -
Mansome: A Documentary About Being A Man
24 Apr 2012 | 6:55 pmMetrosexual men – Jason Bateman and Will Arnett Morgan Spurlock, the director who’s best known for documentaries Super Size Me and Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? is exploring hairy new territory in his newest project. This time around, Spurlock finds himself with the likes of Hollywood’s most elite leading funnymen like Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Zach Galifianakis to learn about the evolving laws of attraction to the modern man. Or more specifically, what it takes to be “mansome” — both manly and handsome. The documentary is produced by Arnett and… -
OBEY THE GIANT – The First Narrative Film About OBEY
19 Apr 2012 | 3:27 pmNote: This is a Narrative Film, not a Documentary Julian Marshall was staring at his OBEY poster that Shepard Fairey had given him one morning and thought to himself: “Why hasn’t anyone written a movie about the Shepard Fairey-Buddy Cianci billboard incident in 1990?” Apparently it was this incident that would help elevated Shepard Fairey’s status to new levels among the street artist culture at the time. The trailer below for the film also doubles as a solicitation of $30,000 via Kickstarter to help them finish the film. Enjoy. -
Short Film on Sebastian Cox, Furniture Maker
17 Apr 2012 | 8:57 amUK furniture maker Sebastian Cox is very interested in environmental sustainability. He grew up in the countryside and developed a passion for working with wood early on in his childhood. “Timber is a very engaging material because wood will always do what it wants to do,” says Cox. Coppiced hazel plants are capable of growing nearly five feet tall in a single season. According to him, one can have an inexhaustible supply of resources for production if it’s cultivated properly. This short film explores his work with the Coppiced Hazel Woodlands and gives you a look into…
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Daddy on the Edge
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Daddy on the Edge of The Man of The Hour
9 May 2012 | 6:32 pmMr. President - today you are a Rock Star.Well Done, Sir.Daddy -
Daddy on the Edge of the Highs and Lows
22 Mar 2012 | 6:44 pmIt's easy to forget, but despite all the ups and downs in the economy, we're still one of the wealthiest countries on the planet.I know, I know - we're supposed to forget about that - "we totally can't afford social programs because we simply don't have the money." Which is just pure horseshit, but it's an election year, so that's what we're expected to swallow.A lot of the horseshit revolves around what they've decided to call "entitlement programs" - Social Security, Medicare - what you and I call FICA tax. Daddy's been paying the FICA since 16 years of age - that's over 30 years of paying… -
For the Girls...
8 Mar 2012 | 8:49 pmBe the Change,Daddy -
An Open Letter to the Kids
23 Feb 2012 | 5:34 pmIt Gets Better.Dan Savage, Ke$ha, Kathy Griffin, Perez Hilton, Hillary Clinton, Jason Derulo, Neil Patrick Harris, President Obama and countless others have made videos telling you this; you've been hearing it all year, from people older than you who have already arrived at that magical, mystical land of "Better", but maybe you're not there yet. And this is about Now, right?I know - it's not "Better" right now. Sometimes "right now" just sucks.I don't know you - you could be gay, bi, lesbian - you could be trans trying to figure out where you fit on that whole spectrum, you could be… -
Send Out The Clowns
23 Feb 2012 | 6:56 amFirst, they came for the Muppets, and I didn't speak out, because I was not a Muppet...Then they came for the Girl Scouts, and I didn't speak out, because I was not a Girl Scout...But then they came for THE LORAX -
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Fatherhood Channel
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A Long Road to Justice for Daniel Wultz
16 May 2012 | 7:49 amThe long road to justice for Daniel Wultz reached a milestone on precisely the sixth anniversary of the Weston teenager's death when a D.C. judge issued a judgment Monday against the Islamic Republic of Iran and Syria for $330 million. -
PAIRS Teams Up with VA to Offer Marriage Retreats for Visually-Impaired Veterans
24 Feb 2012 | 6:12 amAfter becoming trained as Marriage Education Instructors by the nonprofit PAIRS Foundation in 2011, Deborah and Todd Lovell today lead marriage retreats for visually-impaired Veterans and their spouses at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. -
PAIRS VA Marriage Retreats Helping Veteran Couples Restore Love, Intimacy, Trust
24 Feb 2012 | 4:53 amPAIRS VA Marriage Retreats are today helping thousands of Veteran couples restore love, intimacy and trust through programs offered by many of the 300 VA Chaplains and Behavioral Health professionals trained by the nonprofit PAIRS Foundation. -
The Priceless Gift of Fatherhood
1 Jan 2012 | 6:36 amWithout a doubt, the greatest gift of 2011 has been the gift of each other – loved ones who cheer, support, encourage, and bring out the best in each other through good times and challenging ones too. -
Rest in Peace, Milton Eisenberg
23 Dec 2011 | 5:18 amMilton Eisenberg, a highly respected Washington, D.C. attorney who helped build the litigation department for the Fried Frank law firm, died yesterday at his home in Washington, D.C. A son says goodbye to his father and longtime hopes for the conversations they never had.
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Daddy Dazed » Dad Blog Parenting Fatherhood
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Holiday with toddler
14 May 2012 | 2:11 amWent on holiday with wifey and toddler last week. It was exhausting. I am now looking forward to a nice week of rest in the office. Tweet This Post -
The problems of being a hot dad
16 Apr 2012 | 8:10 amSamantha Brick thinks she has it bad being an attractive woman. Try being a hot dad. I took my baby girl to the local café on Saturday. We had barely sat down when a waitress came over and gave me a banana for baby and a cup of tea for me. “On the house” she said with a big smile. I smiled back and as she sashayed away she gave me a wink. You’re probably thinking ‘what a lovely surprise’. But while it was lovely, it wasn’t a surprise. At least, not for me. This kind of thing happens all the time. Throughout my life as a dad, I’ve regularly had women hit upon me. Once, a… -
Why being a dad is great
15 Apr 2012 | 12:11 pmOne of the best things about being a dad is that it gives you the licence to be a kid again. You can play with trains, jump on the bed, and make funny noises. All things my wife would never let me do before we had Baby. You can also watch kids tv all day and not feel guilty about it. Its like being a student all over again. And you can fart with immunity when in restaurants, shops, or other people’s houses because you always have someone else to blame. Tweet This Post -
The average dog is smarter than my toddler
14 Apr 2012 | 11:55 amBaby M is growing up quickly but she is still not as as smart as the average dog. According to research the average dog can understand about 165 words, including signs, signals and gestures. They can also count to about 5. Stanley Coren, a professor at the University of British Columbia and leading researcher on dog behaviour is so smart he has letters before and after his name. He has been doing doggy tests, and says the average dog can count, reason and recognise words and gestures on par with a human 2 -year-old. “They may not be Einsteins, but are sure closer to humans than we… -
Father and Son bonding amongst the ballcocks
13 Apr 2012 | 12:47 pmLast weekend we visited my parents. While wifey and mum went shopping with baby I decided to spend some man time with dad. I asked him what he wanted to do? Go fishing? Go down the pub? Watch some football? Anything you want dad, my treat. But I knew what his answer would be – “Visit Wickes.” Wickes, the DIY superstore. I hate DIY. When I was 10, dad said to me that he didn’t want me to grow up like him and have a manual job (he used to be a welder, he is retired now). He urged me to read and educate myself and take my studies seriously. He wanted me to be white collar not…
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About.com Fatherhood
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Attachment Parenting and Time's Provocative Cover
15 May 2012 | 4:44 amThe parenting world is all abuzz about the most recent issue of Time Magazine. It is partly about the article on attachment parenting but mostly about the cover which features a toddler standing up, nursing at his mother's breast, with the evocative title, "Are You Mom Enough?"...Read Full Post -
Drop Dead Healthy - An Entertaining and Inspiring Book
12 May 2012 | 12:43 pmEvery now and again I take the time to read a book that both entertains and makes me want to be better. A.J. Jacobs has done it again for me with his latest book Drop Dead Healthy - One Man's Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection....Read Full Post -
Check out Tykoon - A New Financial Tool for Families
8 May 2012 | 12:43 pmI love seeing entrepreneurs embracing the need to help families with some of their toughest tasks. Folks who have created online calendars, iPhone apps, allowance programs and more can bring important tools to families....Read Full Post -
How to be an Active Listener
5 May 2012 | 12:36 pmOne of the important skills I learned early in my parenting years was the skill of active listening. I will be the first to admit I don't do it as well or as often as I should. I tend to be easily distracted and my efforts at multitasking often leave me trying to focus in too many areas at once than I should....Read Full Post -
How A Dad Can Tell When To Change Babysitters
30 Apr 2012 | 3:19 amBabysitters can be life savers, especially for single dads who find themselves needing an occasional night out, date, or having a late meeting at work. Choosing the right babysitter is a big deal, but just as important, a single dad needs to know when it is time to make a change. What are the warning signs for a single dad to know when his babysitter needs to be replaced?...Read Full Post
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Digital Dads
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“I’m Having An Orgasm”
14 May 2012 | 8:44 am“I’m having an orgasm,” came the shout heard around the quad. It was clear. It was unmistakable. It was unavoidably audible. And timed perfectly to cause maximum shock value. My teen-aged daughter and I were on our sixth and final college campus tour. By now, the routine had become familiar. After an admissions counselor dutifully presented the college’s credentials and outlined the admissions requirements, a hyper-enthusiastic student, as well-practiced in the school story as in walking backwards while telling it, gave us a tour of the campus. If… -
Mac and Cheese Pot Pie
12 May 2012 | 9:19 amThere are hundreds of ways to make mac and cheese. My mother’s mac and cheese was pretty straightforward – pasta, grated cheddar cheese and hot dogs. Combine and bake until golden brown. So simple, yet so good. As I expanded my skills in the kitchen I started making a version of mac and cheese that, by pure accident, resembled a dish my wife’s mother used to make when she was growing up. I would make a quick béchamel, add different cheeses to it to transform it into a cheese sauce and then would mix that with an egg, pasta, and diced ham before topping it off with a mixture… -
Digital Dads Watch for May 11,2012
11 May 2012 | 8:58 amEvery week it amazes me how many great videos we come across. People are getting more creative, telling better stories and just down right entertaining us on whole new levels. It is hard to narrow down the videos some week and when I miss one it is even harder, but I hope you’ll enjoy this weeks mix of movie trailers, music and down right fun. Have a great weekend! 001. Noah Cover of “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO 002. The $100 Startup Book Trailer 003. Assassin’s Creed III – First Extended Gameplay 004. Lacrosse Inside Out 005. Gangster Squad Trailer 006. Inside… -
Digital Dads on Fox 25
10 May 2012 | 9:53 amThis morning I went down to Boston’s Fox 25 to be part of their morning news program. You can watch and share my appearance here. It is always fun to go in there and serve as an expert on whatever topic they are discussing that morning and I’ve done it a few times now, but never to focus directly on parenting so it was extra fun. They wanted me to chime in on a couple of recent current events that involved Dads and I was more than happy to give my opinion on the recent happenings with Huggies, Bobby Brown and Ryan O’Neill. Wonder if we can talk them into make this a regular… -
Thai Style Meatballs
5 May 2012 | 7:30 amI love meatballs. Being part Italian I heavily favor the meatballs of my youth, piled on top of a mass of spaghetti and covered in grated cheese. While over the years I’ve taken the ones my mother and grandmother made for me growing up and added my own twist to them, they are essentially the same thing. More recently I’ve started going beyond what I grew up with and started experimenting with other flavors, imagining what a meatball might be like in different ethnic and regional cuisines. I’ve mixed flavors and proteins, whether it was adding a gyro seasoning mix to lamb for…
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Memoirs of a Single Dad
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Strange Online Dating Behaviors & A Little Detective Work
14 May 2012 | 7:00 amThis post is actually going to be about two of my favorite topics all rolled up into one – online dating and Google search. This is a tale of how I came to discover online dating plagiarists through a few advanced searching techniques I use on a regular basis. I want your thoughts on this! [...] -
Man-Made Review: Resort on Mount Charleston (Las Vegas)
7 May 2012 | 7:00 amAn Overview of Mount Charleston Resort The Mount Charleston Resort is a smaller mountain hotel just west of the Las Vegas metro area. It’s literally and figuratively miles away from the hustle and bustle of what’s happening on the strip. In addition to a slower pace, the resort area is also at an elevation of [...] -
Scariest How-To Video Ever?
5 May 2012 | 7:00 amOk, I’ll be honest. I’m a man (that’s not the honest part) and I hate heights (that is). Actually, I don’t mind being up high, as in airplanes, tall buildings, etc. What I hate about heights is being unstable up in the air. Therefore, the video you’re about to watch could be the most scary [...] -
Five Things You Should Consider When Buying an LCD TV
1 May 2012 | 7:00 amWith the prices of LCD TVs going down, this is the best time to shop for your next big screen TV. It is not unusual to see LCD TV deals on the market that offers big discounts on different brands and screen sizes. It is best to know what you are getting when shopping for [...] -
Get Your Man Card Stamped With DIY Appliance Repairs
30 Apr 2012 | 11:00 amI don’t know if you’re like me, but I never was much of a handy guy. Still, when I got married in my 20’s I felt it was my job to take care of all the minor breakdowns around the house – or at least take a stab at them. Sure I could re-nail baseboards [...]
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Authentic Dads
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6 solutions to achieving a parent/teen relationship
14 May 2012 | 1:00 pmI am noticing as my two sons approached their teenage years some changes in their emotional growth towards adulthood. As a parent, the one thing that concerns me the most is to not let my two sons isolate themselves . I realize that as they get older that they need their privacy and I respect that. Although they keep connected with their peers whether it be with the iPhone, iPad, online video gaming, or socializing via the Internet, they tend isolate themselves physically from what’s going on around them and within the household. Many parents in the world find the same troubles… -
A Mother’s Day Tribute to Four Special Moms
6 May 2012 | 11:24 pmThis year I would like to make a Mother’s Day tribute to four special women in my life. Each woman-unique in her own way, is actively living out virtues that hold true to the nature of motherhood. Although their family settings may be different, their parenting styles serve one main goal. The four special women are my mom (Mary Ann), stepmom (Cindy), my sister Kim who is married and has four beautiful daughters, and last but not least Joy, who is a single-parent mom raising her 10-year-old son. In their own unrivaled ways, their character and principles have inspired me to be a better… -
Parenting Strategies in a Pinch for Busy Dads
9 Mar 2012 | 10:57 amParenting strategies designed for a busy working father might sound like a joke. The term “busy dad” today is an understatement-and that’s no surprise. Recent statistics show that dads are finding it difficult to find common ground between providing for their families financially and spending quality time with their families. With the adult-related drudgery such as daily commutes, business travel, and over time due to accelerated work demands, it’s no wonder dad may forget about a soccer practice or dance recital. Just because a working father schedule is toxic… -
The Huddle, Dad Coaching the Fundamentals of Life
5 Dec 2011 | 11:55 amThere are a lot of great coaches who make sure that coaching their athletes remain good learners while building a positive growth mindset. These coaches express by their words and actions what they believe and what they value. Promoting a positive mindset by praising good effort, persistence in overcoming obstacles, focus, learning, are the same fundamentals that many of us dads can promote in own families. Preparing our youngsters for the big game or adulthood can seem like a challenging task, but if we focus on the big picture of the program with implementing important values-we can put… -
Sometimes I feel like Captain Chameleon
27 Nov 2011 | 12:00 amI remember some years back, when spending quality time with my two sons meant playing Legos, afternoons at the local park, or just helping dad work around the house. But now they are 11 and 14, and it seems that I have sub consciously adapted to a whole new stage of parenting. It seems as the boys have grown older their likes and interest had shifted apart. Not to say that they don’t still help me around the house or break the Legos out once in a while-they do (but we’ll keep the Legos secret). My older son has discovered a huge interest in special effects and editing action videos,…
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Souvenirs of Fatherhood
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First Time Wearing Make-Up
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amNo not me. Um…I’ve worn make-up before (hey I was in drama in high school…lay off) My little girl had pictures taken for her ballet recital coming up. Can’t wait to see her do her routine!
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How To Be A Dad
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Horribly DESPERATE Ways to Nudge Your Lover (The Last of the 50)
16 May 2012 | 5:18 amWARNING: Use these desperate measures with extreme caution! They’ve got more likelihood of bad side-effects and total backfire than any of the previous suggestions and are used at your own risk. You’ve tried nearly everything to drop an entire bag of clues on your special someone that you need lovies. NEARLY everything. This is the “Break in Case of Emergency” list of things to try. Few in their right mind would have actually tried the forty previous suggestion, but for those still in their wrong mind who also still have a strong, aching need for some next-level… -
Breastfeeding Debate Multiplication Chart
15 May 2012 | 2:01 am[ click the image to enlarge ] Maybe the debate scores on this chart will help people to gauge how crazy the conversation at the group picnic is going to get when breastfeeding comes up. Maybe not. Maybe it’ll only be useful to news channels and magazine editors interested in maximizing the number of people who will boost visibility with the light of the torches they carry and the rattle of their pitchforks. Whichever side of the many breastfeeding fences you’re on, we can all agree that there’s a lot of disagreement in the “discussion” out there. -
Muhver Day: My Kid Just Said… #4
14 May 2012 | 2:00 pm“Say Happy Muhver Day!” -Lucas (2012, almost 3 years old) Being literal is not the same as being literate, but it’s funny. Facepalm. He repeated exactly what I just whispered to him. His smile was sooooo big tho! So was hers. Precious. Even though he chewed it up a bit, I was proud he got out the word “Mother’s” because he calls her Mommy. And his inclusion of my instruction to “Say” was quite simply hilarious and reminded me of all the amazing verbatim FAILs I’ve seen on the interwebs. Happy day after Mother’s Day,… -
On Mother’s Day, My Wife Just Said… #59
14 May 2012 | 2:01 amMy wife just said everything without needing to say anything. She gave me the Mother’s Day Look. The one that says, “Um. It’s Mother’s Day. Please rephrase what you just said.” -Elizabeth Previous “My Wife Just Said…” -
Childproofing Level: EPIC
11 May 2012 | 2:19 amYou think you’re doing a good job as a parent, and then you see THIS… I want to find the person responsible for this architectural masterpiece, stuff his pockets with all of my money and then pray to him every day for making my life better. It’s not often you can find a house that is: A. Stylish - These colors are post-modern, shabby chic AWESOME. B. Nostalgic - Imagine living inside your favorite play activity. And then bounce in it. C. Sturdy - I dare the elements to try to kick this house in its metaphorical junk. D. Safe - It’s totally childproofed from top to…
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The Dad Thing
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Time to walk out the door and into a new one
14 May 2012 | 2:49 pmIt is always odd having a date on a major life event. I think I have expressed my love of Timehop before, it shows what you did this day one year ago through social networks. As a highly socially connected person it is a fun thing. Yesterday I was starring down another major life event with a date when I came across this post from last year about scheduling Ava’s induction. I knew that in less than a week I would be a father, it was almost a certain thing. Suddenly everything became the last. Our last night out, our last full night sleep for a while, our last night as a family of… -
The dad’s 5 tips for raising a healthy and intelligent child
30 Apr 2012 | 10:17 amWhen I started this little blog over 2 years ago I had one key rule about the content. No parenting advice. There are thousands of those things out there, and quite frankly most of them are garbage. I instead chose to focus on seeing things through my point of view and sharing with you a bit of imagination that runs through my head daily on this journey. So for 2 years I’ve stuck to this rule. I’ve been asked, begged, and held hostage for 48 hours in a third world bunker to give my parenting advice. I always say no, what do I have to offer, I am seriously just making this up as I go. The… -
Giving my daughter the most fabulous birthday present ever
25 Apr 2012 | 11:03 amThe girl’s first birthday is just a little more than 3 weeks away. In the middle of planning a party we have to find the perfect gift for our girl. This is one of the harder birthdays to buy for I hear because you are torn between something practical and something she may or may not consider fun. In trying to balance these two options I have decided on the perfect present. I am going to get my daughter false teeth. A week or so ago I was talking with a fellow dad friend about the runt not having any teeth. In an attempt to ease my fears he said “Don’t worry, our child was… -
The story of the car seat photos
19 Apr 2012 | 2:57 pmAva is almost a year old. 11 months today actually. Over the last year you all who are connected to the mom and me have loved pretty much anything we have put out about the girl. Which, let’s be honest, we make amazingly beautiful babies together. We actually have been told that by complete strangers, which is as completely awkward as you can imagine. One thing that everyone has loved above all is our growth pictures of Ava in her car seat. It has been a fun project because you can clearly see how our itty bitty baby has grown to an ever so slightly larger (but still little) girl. The… -
Short and sports do not usually mix.
16 Apr 2012 | 2:13 pmI believe, at least in the south, every dad dreams to some extent of their kids growing up to be sports stars. I have no clue why this is, most truly exceptional athletes I have met in my life are complete a-holes**, which is not something I want any kid of mine to be known as. **there are noticable exceptions to this rule, in his heyday Corliss Williamson was quite nice, Clif Lee is a good guy, and I met Reggie White while he was still playing and is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met. Growing up I played basketball to the best of my ability. I was asked to play running back for…
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Daddyplace
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5 Surprising Household Items with Processing Power
9 May 2012 | 8:34 amYou’re well aware by now of the pace at which processors have grown in power over the past three decades. A personal computer you bring home today will run circles around a model from three years ago, and both are light years ahead of the models from the late 1990s. Along with that increase in power has come a decrease in size. Processors are small, and fit into all sorts of devices. You’ve probably been told that today’s scientific calculators have more raw computing power than the first generation of personal computers, for example. Smartphones remind us constantly just how far… -
First Time Dad, Long Time Feelings
8 May 2012 | 7:10 amI’ll become a father for the first time. Now, it’s fair to say that I’ve gone through a wide range of feelings and emotions regarding this. Being a bloke, you’d expect us to only have two emotional ranges – hungry and sleepy. But there’s more to us than that. I genuinely am excited about becoming a father. I’ve gone through the wringer thinking about the overall change it’s going to make to my life. -
A Daddies First Miscarriage and the Feelings that came with it
30 Apr 2012 | 7:02 pmA Daddies First Miscarriage and the Feelings that came with it -
Dad Bloggers Unite!
25 Apr 2012 | 10:05 amAs a dad and a blogger I love seeing comments on my blog post and my site. Problem is, there just isn't much commenting going on around dad blog sites. So, how do we fix this because I KNOW that all dads want comments on their blogs even if it's just a simple comment like "You go Dad!". -
How Do Stay At Home Dads Shop for Furniture and Appliances?
24 Apr 2012 | 5:49 pmDo you, as a dad, get to help choosing furniture and appliances in your home? I mean, my wife and I both live in the home so dads should be able to help choose what styles of furniture and appliances are in the home. Now most dads just let the wife decide because if most men are like me, we just want our wives to be happy, so we let them choose.
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Daddyplace.com - Dads Helping Stay At Home Dads, New Dads, Single Dads and Divorced Dads with Fatherly Advice
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Mrs is lovely, kid is...
16 May 2012 | 3:55 amI just joined this Forum to ask your advice; I'm Robby and I'm 39, live in the UK where I work as a Freelance Web Designer from home. I never had any kids of my own as I didn't fancy all the nappy stuff; I get on fantastically well with my sister's kids who I have a good laugh with and love beyond the stars. So maybe I am a great Uncle but a shit step-dad? Either way, please read on and I'd app... -
RIP Maurice Sendak
8 May 2012 | 7:47 amMaurice Sendak author of Where The Wild Things are and several other childrens books has passed away. That book was one of my all time favorites as a child.RIPhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Sendak -
April Fails
30 Apr 2012 | 9:06 amNot sure why people wiping out is so funny but it always ishttp://hypervocal.com/vids/2012/april-fails-compilation-of-wipeouts-crotch-shots-faceplants-idiocy/ -
Happy Birthday Bill
30 Apr 2012 | 6:12 amHappy birthday to our fellow dad in the North. Have a great day Bill! -
Happy Birthday z-Randy
29 Apr 2012 | 6:56 amHappy Birthday Randy. Hope it is a great day for you!
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Megstar
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Untitled
2 Jan 2013 | 2:00 amThis site is for my daughter. It's a collection of memories, thoughts, stories, ideas, suggestions and fun. Permalink -
Untitled
1 Jan 2013 | 4:22 amPermalink -
You know how I feel about this....
11 May 2012 | 8:28 amHow you'll feel is up to you. But allow me to remind you during my time on this planet I have come to know that it is both vast and tiny. And everything - even the ugly stuff - is worth experiencing. Why? Well, because we are actually here, and only around for a limited amount of time. A time that has been 'given' to us as some sort of cosmic gift. So why not embrace as much of it as you can? (Still, if you choose to spend your life within a few miles of where you are born, that's cool too - as long as you live each moment as richly as you can. And I'm not talking about 'money'.) Permalink -
The biggest highlight of our trip...
5 May 2012 | 7:01 pm...traveling with Nonna. This is one tough old bird. Just a shade south of ninety, her adventures this year have included driving 4000 kilometers across the arid and daunting Nullabor Plain, a 'quick' day's drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles for a slap-up meal with us, and then on the plane for a short 14 hour jaunt across the Pacific and home to Oz. Not to mention having to 'put up with us'... You know what keeps her so 'young'...? It's her endless enjoyment in everything around her and her fortitute to set small (some not so small) goals to which she looks forward to. Each and every… -
Another trip highlight...
5 May 2012 | 6:45 pmPismo Beach. California. Permalink
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The Adventures of Jaydon and Daddy
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Jaydon and the nurse
16 May 2012 | 7:00 amDaddy had a doctor’s appointment last week. With mommy at work Jaydon got to go with daddy. Keeping himself occupied Jaydon played on a rocking horse, but then a nurse walked in and right away Jaydon’s attention turned to her. Jaydon gave the nurse a suave look and started flirting with her. The nurse was [...] -
Jaydon loves to read
10 May 2012 | 10:16 amJaydon is always coming up to us with a book for us to read to him. With the book in his hand extended towards us he mumbles the word book. Jaydon’s favorite book is called “Learning My Colors.” He is always looking through the book, at the different colors and pictures. We must read the [...] -
Jaydon at the North Charleston Arts Festival
8 May 2012 | 7:12 amEvery year artist display photos and paintings at the North Charleston Convention Center during the Arts Festival. Children are some of the biggest contributors. The art is judged and prizes are awarded. Visitors can also enjoy dancing from different cultures, children shows, arts and crafts, food and several live bands. Jaydon had a great time looking at all the art [...] -
Jaydon at the Biker Rally
7 May 2012 | 7:12 amThe Roaming Toddler Jaydon checks out a lowrider called the Rat Rod at American Biker during the 2012 Spring Bash. Filed under: The Roaming Toddler -
It finally happened, Children’s music in the car!
6 May 2012 | 6:37 pmNoooooooo! Please, make it STOP! Filed under: Adventures
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Papaverse
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Sabotage (with kids)
16 May 2012 | 10:57 amA remake of the classic Beastie Boy video, with kids. Papaverse | Follow us on Twitter or Facebook. -
Episode 10: Mother’s Day Edition
15 May 2012 | 11:42 amIn a special Mother’s Day 2012 episode of the Papaverse Podcast, Joe and Saren discuss NurtureShock chapter 2, The Lost Hour, and they both wish their moms, and their baby mamas, a happy Mother’s Day by admitting to something embarrassing. Saren’s Show Notes Segment 1: NurtureShock, Chapter 2: The Lost Hour NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman In chapter 2, NurtureShock explores in depth and with significant research the effects of sleep loss on children’s and teenagers’ academic performance, cognitive abilities, and overall mood… -
Episode 9 : Gen X Dads
8 May 2012 | 4:57 pmJoe and Saren talk about being Gen X Dads, the week in Sports, and what’s been hot for dads on twitter. Saren’s Show Notes Gen X Dads Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069, published in 1991, is the first book by William Strauss and Neil Howe that describes a cyclical theory of history based on repeating generational archetypes. It examines Anglo-American history by dividing it into saecula, or seasonal cycles of history. A saeculum is about 90 years long – the length of a long human life – and is further divided into four… -
Episode 8: Japanese Mamas
1 May 2012 | 3:32 amJoe and Saren put their lives on the line as they discuss what’s it like to be married to Japanese women, their NBA playoff picks, and what iPhone apps are best for busy dads. Show Notes Segment 1: Japanese Mamas The Japanese diaspora, or Japanese people who live outside of Japan, are called nikkeijin. In 1999 Saren enrolled in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and lived for two years in Miyagi Prefecture. This is not the model that Genji used, but it’s the same principal. Japanese kids shoes in the shape of a bullet train. This is not a bento box created by… -
Episode 7: Naming a Baby
24 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmOf all the decisions surrounding the birth of a new baby, picking a name is one of the most important. This Weeks Sponsor: GoToMeeting with HD Faces makes it easy to collaborate online anytime. Try it Free! Show Notes Segment 1: Naming a Baby “Names, once they are in common use, quickly become mere sounds, their etymology being buried, like so many of the earth’s marvels, beneath the dust of habit.” – Salman Rushdie There are a few good resources for looking up the most popular names for a given year or decade, like this information from the Social Security…
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Bobblehead Dad
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OK Parents, What’s Your Position on Teen Drinking?
15 May 2012 | 7:55 pmThe Chicago Tribune TribLocal asked me to put some thoughts together pertaining to teenage drug and alcohol use. It’s a tough subject to write about – I desperately want to get it “right.” But I don’t know all the right answers. So I’m going to go with what’s in my heart… Teenage drug and alcohol use. Just writing those words brings me a sense of unrest. Maybe it’s because the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. I’ve raised one child to legal age. I have one who is within months of being 21. And I still have… -
So You Think You Can Be a World Champion Pit Master?
14 May 2012 | 7:35 pmI’ve found myself in a bit of a pickle this week. Make that a jar of barbecue sauce. Or whatever it is a world champion pit master has in his or her pantry. This is my official shout out (“Help!”) to any and all of my grilling friends for love and support. I’m heading to Memphis in May this Wednesday to compete in the World Championship Barbecue Contest – thanks to the nice folks at Kingsford Charcoal. I’m actually on a four-person team with editors from Playboy, Men’s Health and Better Homes and Gardens. Part one of this journey is to put us through… -
My Newest Father-Son Bonding Experience
8 May 2012 | 7:52 amI consider myself to be a connoisseur of father-son bonding experiences. Hiking, fishing, road trips, camping? Check those off the list. Reading, swimming, skating, skiing? There are not many things I’ve missed. But my most recent father-son bonding memory happened quite by surprise. In fact, when I went to bed last night, I never dreamed of the special experience waiting before I even hit my REM sleep. It started at 1:43 this morning. Exactly. I know this because I remember glancing at the digital alarm clock as I jumped out of bed, awakened by my teenage son screaming out for… -
Why Huggies New “Spaghetti Night” Commerical Works
1 May 2012 | 5:07 pmThere’s one reason why the new Huggies Spaghetti Night Challenge commercial works. And that reason – at least for me – can be found in the photo above. More about that later. The new commercial depicts a group of dads (real ones – not actors) with their kids (also real – not actors!) enjoying a spaghetti meal. And, as one would imagine, the kids make a splendid mess of themselves, their high-chairs, and their dads along the way. But thanks to the commercial’s hero – Huggies Wipes – the kids and their dads are left clean as a whistle,… -
You Can Help Save 1.7 Million Children
25 Apr 2012 | 10:29 pmThe new United Nations Foundation shot@life program is calling all Americans to action to save the lives of children in developing countries. I recently took my teenage son to the pediatrician for an annual check-up. Driving to the doctor’s office, my son asked, “Do I have to get a shot? I hate shots.” “Deal with it,” I told him. “You’re lucky.” He had no idea what was really going through my mind. A couple of facts I recently learned: 1 in 5 children around the world do no have access to the vaccines they need to survive A child dies every 20…
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The Crazy Daddy
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Here comes Ben 10!
25 Apr 2012 | 5:04 amThursday, 12 April 2012 at 5 pm, Home, Singapore. 小 tz: "Daddy, can I call you Ben 10?" (Jumping around, excited and happy) My daughter is naming me Ben 10, her favourite superhero! Me: "小 tz are you saying Ben 10, the boy with superpowers in the cartoon?" 小 tz: "No daddy. I say Ben Ben the nobody. Can I call you Ben Ben forever?" Noooo... ... Daddy still sounds better than Ben Ben. Did you guys saw the blood flowing out of my body? :'( -
Were they thinking about me?
10 Apr 2012 | 8:56 amWere they bored? Were they thinking about me? Err... more like they were thinking about the fishballs noodles selling in the coffee shop near grandma's house. Sigh... Well, that's what I was thinking when I mirrored their postures sitting opposite them, listening to grandma talking about it. Interesting right? Like daddy, like mummy, like 小tz. -
Colourful koi by 小tz.
8 Apr 2012 | 3:56 am8 April 2012 at 10am, Our home, Singapore. -
What is love?
5 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmLove is having the opportunity to hold your hands till our hair turns grey. Going through moments when we laugh, smile, giggles, quarrel, cries, get bored and stares at each other. Love is going through our daily routine of waking up, preparing breakfast, entertaining and teaching our kid. Love is screaming at each other, insisting our views, having cold wars till the kid pulls us together. Love is seating in an empty unit, staring at each other from the day break till night’s falls when our kid have her own life. Love is having you at my side from the day I say "I do" till I… -
Mummy, any other places you need me to vacuum?
4 Apr 2012 | 5:09 am1 April 2012 at 3pm, Our home, Singapore. We have the most efficient housekeeper in town. Forever ready and excited to vacuum.
