Woven is a great “app”, whether they want to relive old memories with friends, look back at your child’s baby pics, or brag to others about your kids. This app aims to make photo viewing easier for parents in general: with personal photo collections increasingly spread across multiple hard drives, phones, tablets and online storage services, just organizing them for viewing is normally a headache.
Woven, a one-of-a-kind, free, mobile solution that aggregates and organizes users’ photos from multiple online services like Facebook, Instagram and Shutterfly.
Usually you hear about these wonderful apps only on Apple products — buts here’s an app thats built to work on anything – including a kindle fire [Amazon | J&R]… and to that point Woven is giving away a kindle fire to one lucky fan!
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 16th, 2012.
You must comment why Daddy needs a new Kindle Fire? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
There is a place – in Manhattan — where life seems (God forbid!) suburban. And my good friend lives there.
Is this a good thing? Yes.
Why? Because he has two young children. Peter Cooper Village is a fascinating place. Oversized apartments set in an 80-acre grassy park with abundant amenities and activities — and no guilt for he and his wife about raising children in the city.
Over the past month, he and his family have attended the annual Spring Carnival (total blast), the Dan Zanes concert (thanks, Dan: now Catch That Train has replaced Wheels on the Bus on permanent replay at his home) and outdoor screenings on The Oval Lawn with dozens of other children and their parents of baseball games (MLB Yankees & Mets) and movies like The Muppets Movie. They play basketball, tennis and ping pong there. Ride their bikes, hang out at the greenmarket and visit the numerous playgrounds as well as the children’s playroom. The list goes on. The bottom line is even if they were in the suburbs I can’t imagine such a complete family life as they have at Peter Cooper Village.
PS: Since a picture tells a thousand words, here’s a short video of this Spring Carnival that pretty well sums it all up: youtube.com/pcvstliving
Hilton HHonors is recognizing the best Little League coaches around the country with its “HHonors Outstanding Coach” contest and sweepstakes. Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide, is the official hotel sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball which really helps get the kids out and play. Little League’s mission is to promote discipline, fair play, character and teamwork both on and off the field (also helps to give Dad & Mom a break for an hour or two :P).
The “HHonors Outstanding Coach” contest and sweepstakes gives parents the chance to share stories and experiences of the influential coach in their children’s lives. Having a good coach for any team can make the difference of a fun time no matter what or just in it to win it. Which is why Hilton HHonors recognizes the important role coaches play in their players’ lives – both on and off the field.
Check out facebook.com/HiltonHHonors now through June 13 to nominate your favorite coach and become an HHonors member, You have to be a Hilton HHonors member to nominate a coach – it’s free and takes less than a minute to join.
On June 28 Five finalists will be announced – Finalists and their nominators will receive a two-night stay at any hotel in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio. Grand prize winning coach receives a trip for two to the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. in August where he or she will be announced as the winner before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Game. Winning coach also receives a five-night stay at any hotel in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, which is a nice bonus for anyone.
While thats a great giveaway for the coaches – we’ve got one or two you could win at home…
The prize pack includes an official Little League Sports Bag, Little League Aluminum Water Bottle, Rawlings MLB Official Baseball, DVD of Moneyball, The Art of Fielding novel, David’s Sunflower Seeds and a pack of Topps 2012 baseball cards.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 12th, 2012.
Tell us who is your favorite coach is in your children’s life and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email). We’ll randomly pick two people to win.
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @HiltonHHonors @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/Mhg06m and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win the @HiltonHHonors #LittleLeague giveaway from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/Mhg06m
“BURN NOTICE”Season 5 [JR.com | Amazon.com] and “WHITE COLLAR” Season 3 [JR.com | Amazon.com] explode on DVD June 5th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Take home two of TV’s sexiest special agents and experience the action, adventure and danger all over again with never-before-seen footage and special features.
“BURN NOTICE”
The Season 5 DVD is loaded with exclusive content including an extended episode, deleted scenes, a gag reel and a thrilling featurette on the villains of “BURN NOTICE.” Fans will celebrate the best of the “worst,” by exploring the “BURN NOTICE” bad guys and get unique insights from the actors who play them along with a snarky rebuttal on their deeds from “BURN NOTICE” star, Bruce Campbell!
The suspense, betrayal and intense action make Season 5 of “BURN NOTICE” a must-see! Master-spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) has just rejoined the CIA as consultant but after being framed for the murder of a close friend, partners with Kim Pearce (Lauren Stamile) to clear his name. After increasingly dangerous and criminal missions, Michael comes face to face with the man who burned him and the one closest to him who knew about it all along.
“WHITE COLLAR”
The Season 3 DVD features never-before-seen bonus footage including deleted scenes, a gag reel, commentary on “Judgment Day,” a “WHITE COLLAR” trivia challenge for fans and a hilarious intervention caught on tape by the cast and crew with showrunner Jeff Eastin who’s overzealous tweeting gets out of hand!
“WHITE COLLAR” focuses on the unlikely partnership between charming con artist Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) and straightman FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay). Caffrey provides his expertise to help Burke catch other elusive criminals in exchange for his freedom, and together they prove that in order to solve the hardest crimes, you must hire the smartest criminal.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 10th, 2012.
Tell us who is your favorite character from either show and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email). We’ll randomly pick someone to win both sets of DVDs
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @FoxHomeEnt @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/JVljgg and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win the @FoxHomeEnt DVDs of #BurnNotice & #WhiteCollar from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/JVljgg
Oh the things I do in the name of being a blogger… like the painful task of having a 55″ inch LG Cinema 3D TV for only 30 days as a review unit, but one lucky reader will get to win one of these AMAZING TVs!
You might comment like 1 in 100 movies and there are no TV shows in 3D but thats one great feature the LG 55LM7600 has is the ability to take 2D shows and make them 3D (some shows work better then others).
This is not just a TV but its a work of art… I can only wish to hang one of these sets from my wall instead of having it on the table top. Using the wifi connection for updates to the firmware is cool but having access to netflix, youtube, and its skype-ready.
Since this was the hunt for content – I started looking at the blurays I’ve collected and never had use for since I didnt have a 3D tv till now, but really made it a breeze was the time warner on demand channels like HBO 3D on-demand.
The tip for parents is if I owned a TV like this with the glasses, I would have to pick up a container to store the glasses in out of the reach of the kids. These glasses are pretty slick looking – which also means I fear that they’ll break too but oh well… I believe you can also use the same glasses you get at the movie theater (but thats just internet rumors).
For those that need the geek specs
Features
Cinema 3D – Comfortable 3D Glasses (6 Pairs Included), 3D Depth Control, 3D Sound Zooming, 2D to 3D Conversion, Dual Play Gaming (requires Optionalhardware), 3D Zone
Smart TV – Premium Content Providers, Home Dashboard 2.0, Magic Remote, AppStore, 3D World (3D Content Streaming), Smart Share, WiDi, Skype Ready, Smart Phone Remote Support, Network File Browser & Wi-FiScreen Share
Picture Quality – Edge LED Plus, Micro Pixel Control, Full HD 1080p, Triple XD Engine, TruMotion 240Hz &Resolution Upscaler
3D Features: FPR 3D Type, 3D to 2D & 2D to 3D Convert Source, 3D Depth Control & Viewpoint, 3D Sound Zooming, Dual Play Capable (AG-F3100DP optional glasses required)
Smart Energy Saving: Backlight Control + Intelligent Sensor
Camera: Ready
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Built-in, WiFi Direct, Media Link, DLNA, WiDi, SIMPLINK (HDMI CEC), Windows 7 Certified
A/V Inputs/Outputs: 1 x RF In, 1 x AV In, 1 x Component In + Audio, 1 x Digital Audio Out (Optical), 4 x HDMI/HDCP in, 1 x RGB (D-Sub PC), 3 x USB 2.0, LAN
VESA Compatible: 400 mm x 400 mm
Swivel (Right/Left): 10/10 degree
Power: 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Parts & Labor
Dimensions (WxHxD): 48.5″ x 31.3″ x 13.0″ with Stand / 48.5″ x 28.8″ x 1.3″ without Stand
Weight: 55.1 lbs. with Stand / 47.0 lbs. without Stand
Disclosure: I was provided with this television to trial for 30 days by LG Electronics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:
” win an LG 55 inch LED 3D Smart TV from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/KzIOMq #thehuntfor3dcontent ” and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win an @LGus 55 inch LED 3D Smart TV from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/KzIOMq #thehuntfor3dcontent
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan
You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Limited to the USA.
Disclaimer: LG is providing the prize for the raffle.
Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people around the globe every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Many scammers insist that you wire money, or pressure you to make an important decision on the spot. Don’t fall for such tactics. Use these tips to help you avoid common scams. If you get unsolicited email offers or spam, send the messages to [email protected].
What To Do
Know who you’re dealing with.
Try to find a seller’s physical address (not just a P.O. Box) and phone number. With internet phone services and other web-based technologies, it’s tough to tell where someone is calling from. Do an internet search for the company name and website, and look for negative reviews. If you find them, you’ll have to decide if the offer is worth the risk. After all, it’s only a good deal if you actually get a product that works.
Understand that wiring money is like sending cash.
Con artists often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don’t wire money to strangers, to sellers who insist on wire transfers for payment, or to anyone who claims to be a relative or family friend in an emergency who wants to keep the request a secret.
Read your monthly statements.
Scammers steal account information and then run up charges or commit crimes in your name. Dishonest merchants bill you for monthly “membership fees” and other goods or services without your authorization. If you see charges you don’t recognize or didn’t okay, contact your bank, card issuer, or other creditor immediately.
Give only to established charities after a disaster.
In the aftermath of a disaster, give to established charities, rather than one that has sprung up overnight. Pop-up charities probably don’t have the infrastructure to get help to the affected areas or people, and they could be collecting the money to finance illegal activity. For more donating tips, check out ftc.gov/charityfraud.
Talk to your doctor before you buy health products or treatments.
Ask about research that supports a product’s claims — and possible risks or side effects. Buy prescription drugs only from licensed U.S. pharmacies. Otherwise, you could end up with products that are fake, expired, or mislabeled — in short, products that could be dangerous to your health. Learn more about buying health products online.
When investing, remember there’s no sure thing.
If someone contacts you with low-risk, high-return investment opportunities, stay away. When you hear pitches that insist you act now, that guarantee big profits, that promise little or no financial risk, or that demand that you send cash immediately, report them at ftc.gov.
What Not To Do
Don’t send money to someone you don’t know.
Not an online seller you’ve never heard of — nor an online love interest who asks for money. It’s best to do business with sites you know and trust. If you buy items through an online auction, consider using an option that provides protection, like a credit card.
If you think you’ve found a good deal, but you aren’t familiar with the company, do some research. Type the company or product name into your favorite search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” See what comes up – on the first page of results as well as on the later pages.
Never pay fees now for the promise of a big pay-off later — whether it’s for a loan, a job, or a so-called prize.
Don’t agree to deposit a check and wire money back.
No matter how convincing the story. By law, banks have to make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. You’re responsible for the checks you deposit: If a check turns out to be a fake, you’re responsible for paying back the bank.
Don’t reply to messages asking for personal or financial information.
That goes whether the message comes as an email, a phone call, a text message, or an ad. Don’t click on links or call phone numbers included in the message, either. It’s called phishing. The crooks behind these messages are trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information. If you got a message like this and you are concerned about your account status, call the number on your credit or debit card — or your statement — and check on it.
Don’t play a foreign lottery.
It’s illegal to play a foreign lottery. And yet messages that tout your chances of winning a foreign lottery, or messages that claim you’ve already won can be so tempting. Inevitably, you’re asked to pay “taxes,” “fees,” or “customs duties” to collect your prize. If you send money to collect, you haven’t won anything. Indeed, you’ve lost whatever money you sent. You won’t get any money back, either, regardless of the promises.
Where to Learn More
U.S. Federal Trade Commission — The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center – IC3 was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) to serve as a means to receive Internet related criminal complaints and to further research, develop, and refer the criminal complaints to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement and/or regulatory agencies for any investigation they deem to be appropriate. Visit www.ic3.gov.
U.S. Department of State — The Department of State’s mission is to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community. As part of that mission, the Department of State seeks to minimize the impact of international crime, including cross-border internet scams, on the United States and its citizens. To get free information, visit www.state.gov.
what is Phishing: These days, that email from your bank in your inbox could be real—or a phishing attempt. Today’s thieves are busy impersonating legitimate businesses via email and websites in order to acquire your personal information like PINs, credit card or bank account numbers, or Social Security number information.
what is SMSishing: Thieves are employing a sneaky new trend to get your personal info—sending text messages to your mobile device that impersonate a reputable contact and then direct you to a dangerous website with the goal of stealing your identity.
what is Vishing: Email, texting, and websites are not the only way thieves are phishing for personal information. Vishing—voice calls made to your landline or mobile phone—is an effective way for thieves to get your personal information.
Love 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).
Oatmeal cookies are the second most popular cookie.
Oatmeal cookies have heart health benefits [from oats]. More than 37 studies have shown that eating oatmealdaily as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Americans consume roughly 2 billion cookies a year although some reports will say about 300 cookies per person a year.
After more than 100 years after the first Quaker Oatmeal Cookie recipe appears on packaging, Quaker finally makes two new and delicious kinds of oatmeal cookies. (see this post about that)
For those that love to cook – try this on for size.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups quaker oats
1 ½ cups chocolate chips or raisins
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl put the flour, baking soda, baking powder & kosher salt. Set aside. Step 2: Beat together on low speed, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs & vanilla. Raise the beating speed & beat together until fluffy. Step 3: Stir in the flour mixture into the butter mixture until no flour is visible. Stir in oats and chocolate chips/raisins. Step 4: Fill a cookie scoop or a tablespoon with dough. Drop one by one onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden but still moist inside. Remove from the oven and let sit.
Eat when cooled.
Sooo go on a celebrate a national heart healthy snack day!
This post was sponsored by Quaker Oats – but no matter – I still love oatmeal cookies.
Moms 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 interaction more accurate and responsive while enhancing her viewing experience on the 20-inch, full high-definition widescreen. Plus, the new TouchSmart 5.0 “Magic Canvas” software means she can jot notes, open apps and view content all at once. Available on HP Home & Home Office. Starts at $599.99.
HP Pavilion dm1 Measuring less than 1-inch thin and sporting AMD’s dual-core Fusion processor, the HP Pavilion dm1 blends portability with power and performance. With its compact size, 8GB of memory and Beats Audio™, the dm1 is ideal for those moms that do-it-all and are always on the go. Available on HP Home & Home Office. Starts at $399.99.
HP X4000 Wireless Laser Mouse Not only is the HP X4000 Wireless Laser Mouse ambidextrous, but it also comes in three attractive colors (ruby red, winter blue and black). This high performance wireless mouse also operates from up to 30 feet away and can be used on almost any surface. Available on HP Home & Home Office. Starts at $29.99.
That’s right its a prize pack with…
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. May 8th, 2012.
You must comment why your mom needs a tech-over? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
Here’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 washable.
While the bedding is awesome – I’m really waiting for Season 4 of YGG to get off the ground – releasing today is a DVD with a new episode from season 4 with Jason Bateman guest starring as a spy in a brand-new season four episode of Yo Gabba Gabba!: “Super Spies,”debuting onDVD on April 17, 2012. See it before it airs on TV! In the Yo Gabba Gabba!: Super Spies DVD, kids and kids at heart are invited to join DJ Lance Rock, the Gabba gang, and special celebrity guest stars on music-filled adventures. The DVD also features a bonus interactive spy game.
Yo Gabba Gabba: Super Spies Episode Synopses Super Spies When a bad spy named Bateman makes off with the Gabba Land gang’s balloon art, it’s time for a musical spy recovery mission, full of gadgets, robot guards, and great beats. Jason Bateman guest stars and musical guests Peter Bjorn and John perform.
Mystery Toodee and Plex go searching for Foofa who has disappeared. Toodee finds clues to solve the mystery. Toodee and Plex find Foofa at the beach and meet her cool brother Foofle. Ladytron performs, Jack McBrayer and Paul Scheer tell a knock-knock joke and Biz Markie is featured in the recurring “Biz’s Beat of the Day” segment.
Space The Gabba gang goes on a space adventure in a flying saucer. They look through a telescope at the stars and planets. In space they meet new friends and discover a new planet. Musical guests Electrocute perform and Mark Mothersbaugh is featured in the recurring “Mark’s Magic Pictures” segment.
Big Brobee gets frustrated about being the little one, and he wants to know what it’s like to be big like DJ Lance. He accidentally switches places with DJ Lance and grows big, but Brobee has a hard time being like DJ Lance. DJ Lance and Brobee switch places again and everything is back to normal in Gabbaland. Musical guest Jem performs and Mark Mothersbaugh is featured in the recurring “Mark’s Magic Pictures” segment.
Yo Gabba Gabba: Super Spy! Fast Facts: Catalogue: 823034
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 96 minutes
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 22nd, 2012.
You must comment if you have a bedtime ritual that you share with your toddler or a tip to help other parents experience treasured moments at bedtime? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
For 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 totally soft and tasty.
I love how they’re wrapped as singles which is great for anyone on a diet where you need to know the carb counts. It also means its super kid friendly as you can take just one for the road. Available in soft baked & crunchy oat variety – available in several flavors (would they make just one?!) are 170-180 calories each, ofcourse made with whole grains and contain 6-8 grams of fiber and 0 trans fats.
Our friends at Quaker is giving away a $75 gift card and a few boxes of cookies to snack on…
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 20th, 2012.
You must comment telling us what your favorite type of cookie is? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
