Jun 14, 2014 | Articles
With Father’s Day on the horizon, let dad kick back and relax with some great TV shows on Netflix! We’ve got ten suggestions for you right here– check out our list below:
1. House of Cards: Three Emmy Award wins including David Fincher (“The Social Network”) for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and nine nominations including Outstanding Drama Series went to this acclaimed political thriller. Lead Actor nominee Kevin Spacey stars as ruthless, cunning Congressman Francis Underwood, who will stop at nothing to conquer the halls of power in Washington D.C. His secret weapon: his gorgeous, ambitious, and equally conniving wife Claire (Lead Actress nominee Robin Wright).
2. The Killing: Seattle homicide detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder are deeply affected by the murders they investigate in this dark, acclaimed crime series.
3. Mad Men: Set in 1960s New York City, this series takes a peek inside an ad agency during an era when the cutthroat business had a glamorous lure.
4. The Walking Dead: In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, survivors hold on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a fight for their own survival.
5. Breaking Bad: A high school chemistry teacher dying of cancer teams with a former student to manufacture and sell crystal meth to secure his family’s future.
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6. Louie: Louis C.K. plays a fictional version of himself in this series that follows the comedian through the lows of being an awkward single dad in New York.
7. Luther: A dedicated urban detective tries to keep a grip on his personal life while dealing with the psychological factors underlying the crimes he solves.
8. Freaks and Geeks: A group of high school students in 1980 faces various social struggles. Lindsay rebels and hangs out with a crowd of burnouts for starters.
9. Shameless: Unemployed Frank Gallagher — a single father of eight kids — attempts to keep sane, often with a little help from a bottle.
10. White Collar: To avoid jail, an ultra-suave con man signs on to help an FBI agent catch other white-collar thieves but he conceals an ulterior motive.
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Jun 13, 2014 | Articles
In celebration of Father’s Day this year, WWE Superstars are inspiring dads throughout the country to get more involved in their children’s lives. WWE is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Family Assistance, the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, and the Ad Council to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) that encourage dads to recognize their critical role and give them the tools to help get more involved. The ads, which feature stars like Roman Reigns, Alberto Del Rio, and Titus O’Neil, remind fathers across the country to “Take Time to Be A Dad Today” by showing these WWE stars sharing heartfelt moments with their own children. You can watch the videos below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G9FcjzjoEI]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBDy366oqNI]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXRdcLMKkSk]
In addition to these videos, WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil shared the following letter about the importance of being a father:
Fatherhood is the greatest responsibility and honor a man can have placed upon him. I never met my biological father, nor did I grow up with a male figure in my home. I didn’t grow up with money, a nice home or fancy clothes. In fact, I spent the majority of my childhood living in the projects or with family members. However, thanks to my mom, I had no shortage of love. Because of that I feel very strongly that love, faith, strength and courage are the most important elements of growing and learning at any stage of life. Now, as a father, I strive to demonstrate these in my home because the greatest lesson my kids have taught me is how to love people unconditionally.
Being a father has allowed me to keep things in perspective, for which I am extremely grateful. When a young fan asks for an autograph or picture or when I visit hospitals and schools, I always think, “What if these were my kids? What if my children were sick or didn’t have the resources to obtain a great education, live in a safe neighborhood or live a comfortable life?” I am very grateful when people go the extra mile for my kids, and I make it a point to always return that favor. Life as a WWE Superstar is hectic and stressful at times, but the ability to positively change lives on a daily basis motivates me to work hard. My kids could not care less if I win or lose a match or if I have a bad day at work. I’ve come to find not just my kids but WWE fans love and respect me regardless because beyond the lights, cameras and the action in the ring, they continue to see a real, genuine person. My philosophy with my kids is simple…I expect them to do their best and be the best people they can be and they expect the same of me.
To me, being a father is simple. I live for my kids, not through my kids. I’m not trying to force them into doing the things I did as a child in sports or extracurricular activities because they are who God made them to be. As their father, my job is to provide my children with the best positive guidance, motivation, discipline and resources possible to help them reach their greatness. I do this with plenty of love and try to be a living example instead of a telling example. I’ve learned kids respond more to what they see you do, as opposed what you tell them to do. I am their first role model, and I take that very seriously. They might not take the same path I did, but as long as they respect people, work hard, are positive about life and give their absolute best effort, I always will be proud of them.
To me, the most important part of being a father is being present. Kids really remember the moments and time you spend with them more than the things you buy them. The smallest moments make the biggest impact on a child’s life. I often am asked what I like most about being a father and my answer is always that I love everything about being a father – the challenges, the responsibility, the discipline, the laughter, the school functions…you name it, I love it. Father’s Day is really a special day, but for me, every day is Father’s Day because I get another day to enjoy all of the wonderful characteristics my two sons display. I also get to be part of a very great fraternity….FATHERHOOD! I am honored, humbled and proud to be a father.
-Titus O’Neil-
Jun 12, 2014 | Articles
In the spirit of Father’s Day this weekend, here’s a look at some books that deal with the many facets of fatherhood. We recommend these not only as gifts any dad would enjoy for Father’s Day, but also just as good reads for dads anytime!
“Good Talk, Dad: The Birds and the Bees… And Other Conversations We Forgot to Have”
This book, by CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Bill Geist and his son, Today Show host Willie Geist, tackles father-son conversations in a unique way. Told in a conversational, back-and-forth style between the father/son duo, the book showcases the pair riffing on fatherhood, religion, music, sports, summer camp disasters, driving lessons gone horribly wrong, being on TV, and their wonderfully odd family life. Good Talk, Dad: The Birds and the Bees… And Other Conversations We Forgot to Have is an excellent look at the relationship between fathers and sons, and perfect for Father’s Day.
The Parents’ Phrase Book: Hundreds of Easy, Useful Phrases, Scripts, and Techniques for Every Situation
Have you ever needed just the right answer when your child asks you something, but you just can’t quite put the answer into the right words? With The Parents’ Phrase Book, you no longer have to worry about coming up with the right response on the spot. The Parents’ Phrase Book gives you an inside track to all the things you’ll need to know so your kids never catch you off guard with a question or concern ever again. Author and parenting expert Whit Honea offers perfect examples in this handy guide that will prove invaluable for any dad.
From Dude to Dad: The Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy
Written by Diaper Dude creator Chris Pegula, From Dude to Dad is a fantastic guide to new fatherhood. It gives you the need-to-know essentials on pregnancy, birthing, and parenthood, and how it’s okay to be scared out of your mind. You’ll learn what the expecting mom is going through during each trimester, how you can be the best partner and dad-to-be, and how to immediately start bonding with baby. This one’s perfect for all the new dads out there!
Dad’s Book of Awesome Projects: From Stilts and Superhero Capes to Tinker Boxes and Seesaws, 25+ Do-It Yourself Projects for Families
Dads are certainly a crafty bunch, in the best of ways– and Dad’s Book of Awesome Projects helps you indulge that tinkering side by teaching you how to build all kinds of things with your kids! From wooden “swords” to slay the most vicious of dragons to circus stilts that will send you soaring to new heights, these projects are sure to spark everyone’s creative spirit. And the fun doesn’t stop there! This book shows you and your kids how to build:
- Comic book shoes
- Rope swings
- Homemade goo slime
- Eggshell cupcakes
- Ol’-fashioned fruit crate scooter
Perfect for inspiring endless hours of summertime (and anytime!) fun, giving a dad this book also offers tons of valuable family time together with his children.
The Guide to Baby Sleep Positions: Survival Tips for Co-Sleeping Parents
Written by Andy Herald and Charlie Capen of HowToBeADad.com, The Guide to Baby Sleep Positions offers hilarious infographics, descriptions, and more about the trials and tribulations of sleeping with a baby in the bed. The Guide to Baby Sleep Positions features some of the most popular posts from their site (we can’t leave out “H is for Hell” or “Jazz Hands”), but two-thirds of the content will be unique to the book, and ALL of the positions will be accompanied by new text. These two Dads NAIL IT! If you’ve ever had a need to co-sleep with your baby/toddler/child, you know that this stuff happens, but whether you’ve experienced these bedtime contortions or not yet, you’ll find some humor and fun in this book!
DadLabs (TM) Guide to Fatherhood
Stuck in a rough situation parenting-wise and not sure who to ask? We’ve got the perfect book for you. Full of hilarious and practical information inspired by their award-winning Web site, DadLabs Guide to Fatherhood will teach you:
• Why sex is overrated (and other lies new fathers tell themselves)
• The incredibly disgusting varieties of baby poop
• Why washing bottles will not make your balls fall off
• Essential OB/GYN office survival tips
• Things you should never ever say during labor
• Why other parents’ children are inferior to yours
• And much, much more!
Bobblehead Dad: 25 Life Lessons I Forgot I Knew
Bobblehead Dad tells the story of how author Jim Higley went from being a bobblehead who just put on a smiling face and bobbled through his hectic, overflowing days to reanalyzing and living his life in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Written in an informal but eloquent style, Bobblehead Dad keeps you laughing, crying and–most importantly–thinking. Higley’s distinctive storytelling rhythm, combined with a knack for handling heavy topics with an embraceable voice, quickly draws you into his experiences–while launching you on your own journey of self-discovery and reflection. It’s a great read that reaffirms the importance of fatherhood and dads taking care of their families even in today’s crazy world.
Jun 12, 2014 | Articles
Still on the lookout for Father’s Day gifts? We’ve got some great suggestions for you and the fathers and grandfathers in your life!
TRAVELZOO FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
Pick out a gift for Dad that he’ll remember forever from Travelzoo which is chock full of adrenaline-fueled adventures, steak house dinners, golf at top rated courses, tickets to the big game and much more. Pick out your favorite experience and have it delivered via email or a printed certificate printed on premium color stock which describes the experience and how to use it. It is packaged with your personal message and mailed directly. Or, have the certificate emailed. To see Travelzoo’s Father’s Day Gift Guide visit: www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/gifts
WHITE CHOCOLATE AND COCONUT GOLF BALLS – NORMAN LOVE CONFECTIONS $18.00
Suiting golfers to a tee, this box from features six white chocolate golf balls filled with a delicious coconut cream ganache. Norman Love, an internationally recognized chocolatier whose artisanal chocolates bare his namesake, masterfully blends the purest ingredients to create edible works of art that are nothing less than perfect and leave a lasting impression on all. To purchase please visit: www.normanloveconfections.com.
UNISEX COURAGE BACKPACK- TWELVElittle – $210
TWELVElittle’s unisex Courage backpack is designed for men and women who are both fashionable and always on-the-go. With an exclusive hidden zipper pocket, parents can store dirty items like diapers and shoes, and an interior padded tech sleeve protects all handheld gadgets and even laptops up to 14 inches. Sold in a variety of other colors, this backpack can be purchased at www.twelvelittle.com
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Product of the Year is the largest consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Product of the Year currently operates in 40 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. For more information please visit: www.productoftheyearusa.com.
2014 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR WINNERS INCLUDE:
XBOX ONE – $499.99
Xbox One is the all-in-one entertainment system that gives you instant access to TV, games, music, movies, sports and apps. It plugs into your set-top box and the improved Kinect lets you control all your connected entertainment devices with voice-no need for a remote or to change inputs. Xbox One also supports more immersive, enhanced titles like “Forza 5,” “Ryse: Son of Rome” and “Titanfall,” making it the best place to play games.
SODASTREAM SOURCE – $99.99
SodaStream partners with Yves Béhar, world-renowned designers and social entrepreneur- the result is the new Source, an elegantly-designed soda maker that combines beauty, functionality and efficiency. Powered by a CO2 canister, the refined mechanics of SodaStream make the entire top surface responsive to touch. A new Snap-Lock mechanism makes the process quick, easy and intuitive, while an LED display provides instant visual feedback on the level of carbonation.
Jun 12, 2014 | Articles
If you’re like me, then you know all too well how everyday purchases can add up. Groceries, gas, MetroCards… seemingly small transactions come together over time, and before you know it, they’ve piled up into a pretty substantial bill. Parenting is not without its costs–a fact that’s especially on my mind with Harper having just turned one. It wasn’t too long ago that we had to baby-proof the apartment in anticipation of the arrival of our little girl and her first steps, and between outlet protectors, corner covers and the like, we ended up spending quite a bit more than expected fixing the place up.
Thankfully, American Express just launched the Amex EveryDay, a no-fee card that rewards you with points for everyday purchases like these. With double points on groceries, and extra rewards for using the card often, it’s perfect for getting something back from those simple buys that you don’t even think about. It’s a must-have for dads who like to save, and get rewarded not just for the big buys, but for the everyday moments as well. And who doesn’t love that? What #EveryDayMoments could you use an Amex EveryDay card for? Share them on Twitter with the hashtag #EveryDayMoments on Father’s Day Weekend (June 12-13) for a chance to win a $4,000 worth of Home Depot gift cards!
Disclaimer: I was compensated by Amex EveryDay, the new credit card from American Express that celebrates #EveryDayMoments and everyday purchases. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jun 11, 2014 | Articles
Father’s Day is this Sunday, so there’s only a few days left to grab up some gifts for your dad! If you’re looking for something to get for dads on the go, we’ve got the perfect pick! Check out TWELVElittle’s Companion backpack and Courage backpack (which is great for keeping all your gadgets organized!) Take a look below for more info on both bags:
UNISEX COMPANION BACKPACK – $195.00 http://shop.twelvelittle.com/products/companion-backpack-black
Made with soft and lightweight water resistant nylon, the Companion Backpack is a must have for dads who seek fashion forward style and maximum comfort. The spacious main compartment allows room for all baby items, and with multiple exterior and interior pockets, organization is simply effortless. Snooki and Kelly Clarkson just snagged this one.
UNISEX COURAGE BACKPACK – $210.00 http://shop.twelvelittle.com/products/unisex-courage-backpack-grey
Durable, spacious and comfortable, the unisex backpack is designed for dads that are style conscious and frequently on-the-go. Our exclusive bottom hidden zipper pocket allows parents to quickly take care of dirty diapers and clothes. The interior padded tech sleeve provides protection for all handheld gadgets and up to 14″ laptop for the most techy dads.
Either of these bags would be a great choice for any dad this Father’s Day– and they’re available at Amazon, Giggle, and TWELVElittle’s online shop.
Jun 11, 2014 | Articles
Ionix bricks are like no other. They can shapeshift from brick to hero in a matter of seconds. Unassuming walls become armies and dropships become interdimensional portals. The possibilities are limitless, so what are you waiting for? Shapeshift. Build. Unleash!
On Thursday June 12th join us for a twitter party that celebrates the transforming bricks. We have over $1000 in prizes with prizes to be won every 10 minutes!
Jump on twitter tomorrow at 1pm EST join the conversation around #IONIXDragons
We’ll be having fun and talking about different building sets, talk about How to train your dragon 2 and the new line of Ionix Dragon building sets.
Plus we’ll have some great Tenkai Knights prizes as well!
Jun 10, 2014 | Giveaways, Reviews
We love seeing family both near and far… one thing that sometime has stopped us from traveling is the idea of do we have a crib there… is it a drop side crib of death (DO NOT USE Drop Side Cribs)… is it a pack and play from the 90’s did we loose the instructions to that pack and play will it take me longer to put it together then the visit itself… Thats been the thought process but then came along 4moms (I wish it was called 2dads or something more parent friendly) but no matter the name their products are AWESOME! I’ve been a big fan of the breeze since I first saw it at ABC baby and kids Expo years ago.
There is no silly locks and buttons and angles which you need to open it at… its just works. So Its made visiting Grandpa’s much easier this summer. After driving for hours to the end of long island you know you wont have a happy baby. Harper was actually pretty upset and cranky (can you blame her? I’d be pissed being in a car for 2 hours too). We dash into the house and within minutes we have the Breeze playard setup and ready to go… its perfect for naps and great for me to have a few moments to have piece of mind that she’s not going to walk into my legs, while I carry in the bags.
It takes me 3 minutes to make sure the breeze is all setup and it takes harper about 4 minutes to go to sleep once I got it setup. Now that is a Breeze #DadJoke.
We look forward to more roadtrip with the breeze and know that what harper is sleep is our own and its clean (so my wife doesnt have to worry).
Now no worries if you dont win my giveaway – if you check out 4mom’s facebook page you’ll see theyve got a bunch to giveaway there and we’re just 1/3 the way into the blog tour!
Want to see a great video review on the 4mom breeze – my friend Holly from BabyGizmo posted this one…
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 17th, 2014.
Leave a comment why you want to win a brand new 4Moms Breeze! and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @4moms @dadarocks –http://dad.am/1iiGGVG and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want to win a @4moms Breeze from @dadarocks –http://dad.am/1iiGGVG #giveaway
You get 1 extra entry for following @dadarocks on twitter – www.twitter.com/DaDaRocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook – www.facebook.com/DaDaRocks You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook – www.facebook.com/4moms Leave a note on their wall you’ve come from the DaDa Rocks giveaway! You must also comment here that you’re their fan.
You get 1 extra entry for liking this page on facebook (like button at the top of the post NOTE: you must be signed into facebook for it to work!)
You get 1 extra entry for G+ this page on plus.google.com (click on the little G+ icon below) You must comment that you have G+ it.
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: 4moms supplied a sample breeze for me to demo and the prizes for this contest (no other compensation was provided) and this giveaway is limited to the USA and Canada only.
Jun 9, 2014 | Articles
With Father’s Day just around the corner, mothers, fathers and kids alike are looking for creative ways to celebrate on the greatest accomplishment of any man …being a dad.
Fathers are traditionally defined as the strong, stable provider for their children, but the reality is father’s also play a key role in the development of their kids’ social and emotional resilience.
Here are some tips from Devereux (one of the largest not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organizations in the country) for the perfect Father’s Day celebration that combines fun, fanfare and family.
Below are 5 activities for this Father’s Day that Dad and the kids can do together to strengthen their bond and build their child’s social and emotional resilience.
- That’s My Name (Infants) – Make some daddy-baby time to read some stories, or make up your own. Be sure to incorporate your baby’s name and of course the man of honor, daddy, into the story!
- Still as Statues (Toddlers) – Top the day off with a dance party – we know you have it in you, Dad – put on some of Dad’s favorite songs and encourage your toddler to dance-it-out and freeze when the music stops!
- Walking on my Knees for You– (Pre-School ) – Dad and child can spend some time getting on the same level…literally! Take some time to talk about your favorite childhood activities and then show them how it’s done!
- Let’s Get Physical-(Pre-School) A catch with Dad is as iconic as ice cream and apple pie, bond with your child through traditional outdoor games and make some memories of your own!
- All About My Feelings Book (school age 6-10) – What better gift than finding out all the amazing ways your child loves and cares for you as a Daddy?! Start with how time spent with dad makes them feel, and you’ll be amazed where it can go!
Devereux Center for Resilient Children
Jun 7, 2014 | Articles
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZodX7oPFYbc]
On the heels of the E3 gaming conference in California, Disney Interactive Studios and Harmonix have announced that the highly-anticipated game Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved will be released on October 21, 2014. in the above trailer, you can get a look at the new game, including a peek at a new area called “The Neighborhood.”
In “The Neighborhood,” players will work their way through a restrained 2D urban cityscape, using music and magic to unleash a vibrant and magical 3D environment by interacting with billboards, rooftops, trains and other surprises hidden within the city landscape. Through this mind-bending experience, players will watch and listen as their movements create bold colors and whimsical music that make “The Neighborhood” a fantastical adventure.
The latest announced tracks from a range of award-winning artists that will appear in-game include:
- Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”
- Drake – “Take Care” (ft. Rihanna)
- Tchaikovsky – “The Nutcracker Medley”
- Police – “Message in a Bottle”
- MIA – “Galang”
- The Who – “The Real Me”
These tracks are the latest additions to an already-impressive list of music that will be featured in the game, including the following:
- AVICII – “Levels”
- David Bowie – “Ziggy Stardust”
- Antonin Dvorak – “Symphony No. 9 from the New World”
- Fun. – “Some Nights”
- Peter Gabriel – “In Your Eyes”
- Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”
- Cee Lo Green – “Forget You”
- Elton John – “Rocket Man”
- Kimbra – “Settle Down”
- Lorde – “Royals”
- Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”
- Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”
- Modest Mussorgsky – “Night on Bald Mountain”
- Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
- White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”
- Antonio Vivaldi – “The Four Seasons: Winter, 1st Movement”
Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved will be available this fall for Microsoft’s Xbox One and Xbox 360.
