You 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 prepare to assume your identity and make good on a return that you were or weren’t expecting.
“Tax season is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for identity thieves,” said Todd Davis, Chairman and CEO of the industry-leading identity theft protection firm LifeLock. “Unfortunately, the current system is not built to protect consumers from tax fraud but rather is built on a first come-first served basis. Consumers need to understand the existing dangers and take immediate action to claim their rightful return before an identity thief can strike.”
There is no way to stop all identity theft, however, LifeLock offers the following tax filing tips for consumers to consider when preparing their income taxes in 2012:
FILE FAST – Your procrastination can turn into profit for an identity thief. The sooner you file, the less time an identity thief has to compromise your information and cash in on a fraudulent return.
SECURE YOURSELF – When using online tax preparation software, be certain that the Web site is secure and that you see an https:// in the URL. The “s” in the URL indicates that the server is secure and personal information is encrypted and can be transmitted safely from your computer to the end point.
SKIP THE PHISHING TRIP – Remember this: the IRS never initiates communications with taxpayers through email. Identity thieves can send fraudulently emails, posing as an employee of the IRS in an attempt to collect personally identifiable information to use in compromising your identity. This type of scam is commonly referred to as phishing. Do not respond if you should receive an email from the IRS, instead forward it to [email protected].
For additional information on how to protect your personal information and secure your identity, LifeLock offers a series of educational guidelines online.
Brooklyn-based kindie rocker Suzi Shelton will play a family show on Sunday, March 25th at 11am, showcasing tunes from her latest release “Tomboy in a Princess Dress”, written with her 7 year old daughter in mind. Suzi will be joined by guitarist Greg Mayo, bass and trombone player Albert Elias, and her children. “I love the interactive element of my performances,” says Suzi. There’s nothing like seeing a room full of kids pumping their fists shouting “Road Trip! That personal connection to the audience…it’s one of the main reasons why I do kids music.” Suzi will also feature songs from her two previous solo CD’s “Simply Suzi” and, “No Ordinary Day,” which include favorites like “Scooter Boy,” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.
Suzi has enjoyed rocking kids for over 10 years with her original songs and may look familiar as she is also the musical host of Gymboree Play & Music’s DVD series. She has also recently ventured into the online scene with her crowd-pleasing live webcasts where her young fans can hear her sing their favorite songs, interact with her and her family and/or special guests, and even win CD’s and T-shirts – all while remaining in the comfort of their own home. This can be a nice option if you can’t get out to see her live. www.suzishelton.com
The Z Brothers
Performance at 1:00 PM
Who can play the Wheels on the Bus and Sweet Home Alabama at the same sing-a-long and still pull it off: The Z Brothers! Paulie Z, David Z and Joey Cassata, three Brooklyn boys, have been performing for kids for over a decade now and their youthful brand of showmanship and high energy sing-a-longs have successfully made the one of the most sought after children’s entertainers in the country.
When attending a Z Brothers show, prepare yourself for an explosive performance filled with singing, shaking, clapping, jumping and a lot of dancing. Also, keep your ears open for some classic rock tunes that’ll have all the adults joining in the fun. The Z Brothers are probably best known for their ability to seamlessly intertwine songs from all different age groups into one sing-a-long. They’ll play everything from Barney to the Beatles to NSYNC so that kids, older siblings, parents and even nannies are guaranteed to have a great time. Paulie, David and Joey approach their sing-a-longs from a rock n’ roll perspective because they are both working musicians in that field. To date they have released three albums with their hard rock band ZO2 and have starred in two seasons of their own TV series on cable called Z Rock. www.thezbrothers.com
Jon Samson
Performance at 2:30PM
Jon Samson is a music therapist, performer and award winning producer of his original “Kids Albums.” As founder of CoCreative Music, Jon facilitates creativity, self esteem and expression for children and grown ups alike. He has worked alongside the founders of the Blue Man Group at the Blue School and has been interviewed on Doctor Radio Sirius XM about his approach to Autism and special needs.
As a performer, Jon and his band filled up BAM cafe for two live performances for the BAM kids film festival. He has also performed with Sesame Streets “Bob”, and produces music for best selling author and international teacher, Caroline Myss. He runs a private practice in Brooklyn, and does shows and parties throughout NYC.To hear songs and learn more about Jon’s approach, visit www.cocreativemusic.com
Can’t make it to the show?! Enjoy the music from where ever you are – with the J&R Jr. ustream.
If having 3 concerts weren’t enough The Cat In The Hat will be on hand to take photos with guests… And put a little note in the calendar that on March 31st and April 1st J&R Jr. will be hosting free photos with the Easter Bunny.
From the producers of 300, Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, and Relativity’s CEO
Ryan Kavanaugh, IMMORTALS explodes off the screen with action-packed battles,
mythological adventure and an all-star cast including: Henry Cavill (Superman: Man of
Steel), Luke Evans (Robin Hood), Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Isabel Lucas (Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen), Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Stephen Dorff (Public
Enemies), John Hurt (Hellboy) and Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2).
In this epic tale of vengeance and destiny, power-mad King Hyperion (Rourke) threatens
to destroy all of humanity on his maniacal quest to obtain the ultimate weapon – the
legendary Epirus Bow that gives the power to unleash war on both Heaven and Earth.
But Theseus (Cavill), a heroic young villager chosen by the gods, rises up to stop
Hyperion’s brutal rampage. With supernatural help from the beautiful oracle Phaedra
(Pinto), Theseus embraces his destiny and leads a fierce band of warriors in a desperate
fight for the future of mankind.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. March 11th, 2012.
You must comment telling us Which character in IMMORTALS is threatening to destroy all of humanity? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
• King Hyperion
• Theseus
• Poseidon
Finding clothes that are cool for a toddler isnt hard – finding cool clothes for kids is hard. Finding something that matches the style you want defined as cool is the goal. The trick is not to make it overly cool, you know you hit that point when people are looking at your child like he stepped off the runway.
Enter Little Trendstar a very cool line of clothes that integrates musical elements into the design. I say let the kids rock it to a special event or party.
The Old School design was totally my favorite now only if they made them in a XXL – but thats saying something about a kids clothing company that makes clothes that Dads want to wear too.
you might have noticed that there has been an utter lack of posting on dadarocks.com – I really wanted to make sure I was being fair to my readers and to myself. I wanted to wait to publish a piece that was a new truth in my life. That finding yourself in parenting is one incredible thing but then finding a similar a passion in the work you do is amazing. Since I stumbled onto social media – I was kicking and dragging my feet about myspace, but joined facebook with the masses, twitter – how about a year after the early birds, pinterest ok just a month or two late to that game… but I’m there… Social media is my passion and I have found great success around many aspects of it.
What started as a hobby, as turned into passion and what has turned from my passion is the next chapter of my new job. I’ll be handling Marketing and Social Media for J&R Jr. With that said – I’m still going to be blogging about the amazing products that I find and products that are dada approved. You’ll see more posts about social media, and technology trends, and I’m going to start to condense all those other ideas into one big DaDa Rocks! So I hope soon you’ll be listening to my DAD FM podcast… I’ll be doing a series of posts on TV commercials directed at Dads or about Fatherhood in something I’m calling DADVERTISE and best of all we have some great giveaways still 🙂
LifeLock is proud to partner with Relativity Media in the upcoming theatrical release of “Act of Valor,” one of most authentic action movies ever made. “Act of Valor” was filmed using actual Navy SEALs, weapons and tactics – giving you a glimpse into the fast-paced, adrenaline fueled world of America’s elite military. This is SUCH a guy movie… these are real SEALS!!!! I expect the line to see this movie will be a bunch of Dads and some single guys just looking for a great popcorn action flick!
DESCRIPTION OF THE FILM
An unprecedented blend of real-life heroism and original filmmaking, Act of Valor stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs in a powerful story of contemporary global anti-terrorism. Inspired by true events, the film combines stunning combat sequences, up-to-the minute battlefield technology and heart-pumping emotion for the ultimate action adventure.
Act of Valor takes audiences deep into the secretive world of the most elite, highly trained group of warriors in the modern world. When the rescue of a kidnapped CIA operative leads to the discovery of a deadly terrorist plot against the U.S., a team of SEALs is dispatched on a worldwide manhunt. As the valiant men of the Bandito Platoon race to stop a coordinated attack that could kill and wound thousands of American civilians, they must balance their commitment to country, team and their families back home.
Each time they accomplish their mission, a new piece of intelligence reveals another shocking twist to the deadly terror plot, which stretches from Chechnya to the Philippines and from Ukraine to Somalia. The widening operation sends the SEALs across the globe as they track the terrorist ring to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they engage in an epic firefight with an outcome that has potentially unimaginable consequences for the future of America.
Just like there is no better protector of our country than the Navy SEALs, there is no better protector of your identity than LifeLock – which offers the most comprehensive identity theft protection service available. Armed with advanced technologies and world class member service, identity thieves don’t stand a chance.
WIN TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE
Does this sound like a movie for you? How about entering to win a trip to see the premiere and much much more? Visit the Act of Valor tab on the LifeLock Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LifeLock?sk=app_310177202326156 where you can enter to win 2 tickets to the world premiere of the film.
The prize includes one trip for two (winner plus guest) to Los Angeles for the premiere. (Included is round-trip air transportation, ground transportation between the airport-hotel and the hotel-premiere event, hotel accommodations for for two nights, and $1,000 spending money for the winner.) Approximate retail value of the grand prize is up to $3,500. Contest runs through February 3, 2012.
After entering to win, you can also write a note to a U.S. soldier and honor those who fight to protect our freedoms by sending them a message of thanks.
Additionally keep an eye out on the DaDa Rocks facebook wall – as I’ll be giving away some passes to see the movie (in your local movie hang).
As a Lifelock Ambassador, this is a sponsored post.
I love watching sports (and when I was younger I loved playing sports)… but when it comes to the big game – I really watch for the commercials – the ones that make me laugh or bring a tear to my eye (yah there have been some sappy ones) but those bud frogs will still get me to chuckle a bit. This year might be a bit different cause my Team is in it to WIN IT! Go New York Giants!
Now I loved Kia’s ad last year featuring the toys (yah you know my history with Muno) so I’m really hoping this year can top it!
This year Kia will be featuring their “Drive the Dream” commercial and I’m looking forward to seeing the traction it gets. Over the years their cars have really started to leave more of an imprint and I think this year is no exception to that rule. Kia’s actually so excited about the new release of their Optima Limited inspired commercial (airing during the 4th Quarter) that they’re hosting a Twitter Party!
The party will be held this coming Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 7 to 8pm EST. You wouldn’t necessarily think there would be this much excitement over a commercial but when you combine the Big Game, Mötley Crüe, Mr. Sandman, and the all new Optima Limited you’re at a whole new level! Plus, we’ll be hanging out with some cool guys including Josh of @dadstreet , Drew of @BenSpark, Daniel of @M_oa_SD, and Ryan of @daddyDigest.
If you’d like to participate please make sure that you follow those guys as well as myself @DadStreet, @Kia, and use the hashtag #KiaSandman. See you at the Party on Thursday!
Disclosure: I have accepted a prepaid gift card and potentially other compensation from Kia Motors America, Inc. in exchange for my services to promote Kia’s Twitter Party being held between 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. ET on February 2, 2012.
KIA MOTORS DREAMS UP SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL STARRING SUPERMODEL ADRIANA LIMA, ROCK LEGENDS MÖTLEY CRÜE AND MMA FIGHTER CHUCK LIDDELL
“Mr. Sandman” Brings a Dream to an Unsuspecting Couple in 60-Second Spot to Introduce New 2012 Optima Limited; Kia is First to Premiere Super Bowl Ad in Movie Theaters
“Drive the Dream” campaign’s soundtrack includes The Chordettes’ recording of “Mr. Sandman” and Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart”
Noam Murro, director of the upcoming Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures’ “300” prequel, helms fast-growing automaker’s Super Bowl ad for second consecutive year
IRVINE, Calif., January 25, 2012 – Dreams have been a topic of speculation and interest throughout history, and Kia Motors America (KMA) is tapping into the idea of dreams revealing true desires in a new 60-second commercial set to air during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI. In the spot, titled “Drive the Dream,” the new 2012 Optima Limited races through a Gen X couple’s wildest thoughts as they sleep, including: Victoria’s Secret® Angel Adriana Lima waving the checkered flag at a speedway; an in-your-face Mötley Crüe concert; mixed martial arts legend Chuck Liddell battling in the ring; a heroine and hunk on horseback in a romance novel setting; champion bull rider Judd Leffew taming a bucking rhinoceros; and a fairy tale ending.
Kia returns to the big game for the third straight year with a fully integrated marketing campaign incorporating TV, cinema, digital, print, social media and in-dealership components. In a Super Bowl advertising first, the complete “Drive the Dream” ad will premiere on February 2 on more than 18,000 movie screens nationwide in National CineMedia’s FirstLook pre-show program before airing in the game. Kia also will run 15-second teaser ads featuring Adriana Lima on TV and in cinema beginning on January 27, while also leveraging the Twitter and Facebook channels of the spot’s celebrity cast. A special expanded version of the ad will be available at YouTube.com/Kia beginning on February 2.
“With more than 100 million people watching the Super Bowl broadcast and millions more viewing content online around the world, Kia will once again deliver a memorable, one-of-a-kind campaign that entertains people before, during and after the game and leaves them wanting to see the Optima Limited fantasy again and again,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “We selected an eclectic group of celebrities and personalities for ‘Drive the Dream’ to enable us to tap into a diverse body of fan bases and leverage each talent’s expansive social media footprint.”
Created by David&Goliath, “Drive the Dream” opens with the familiar notes of The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman” as a real-life Mr. Sandman enters the bedroom of an unsuspecting young couple who are asleep. After being sprinkled with “Sweet Dreams” dust, the woman smiles and envisions herself on a horse with a romance novel-like hunk in a beautiful green meadow. Meanwhile, Mr. Sandman accidentally stumbles and spills his entire night’s dust supply on the man, launching an extreme dream sequence that begins with the roaring guitars of Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart” and Adriana Lima waving a checkered flag as he blasts around a race track at night in a Snow White Pearl Optima Limited with thousands of bikini-clad fans cheering him on from the stands.
As he circles the track with Lima looking on adoringly, the dreaming driver receives nods of approval from the band as bursts of flames and fireworks surround their stage as well as Chuck Liddell, champion bull rider Judd Leffew, and a pair of lumberjacks sawing a massive submarine sandwich.
“Mötley Crüe had a blast doing the Kia commercial,” said bassist Nikki Sixx. “A hot model, a fast car, a pro fighter, pyrotechnics and rock n’ roll…What’s not to love?”
Much to the disbelief of Lima and drummer Tommy Lee, the high-octane dream turns into a fairy tale when the husband makes a conscious decision to drive the Optima Limited off the race track and into his wife’s fantasy to win her back from Prince Charming.
“After working with Kia for the Super Bowl last year I was drawn to work with the fast-growing brand again by the idea of exploring people’s ultimate fantasies in a fun and lighthearted way, and I am certain we have created a spot people will be talking about after the game,” said director, Noam Murro.
As part of the “Drive the Dream” campaign, beginning on Thursday, February 2 consumers can download a $25 pre-paid test drive voucher (*1) at Kia.com that is redeemable after eligible consumers visit a Kia dealership and complete a test drive of any Optima model.
New for 2012 (*2), the Optima Limited adds a new level refinement to the premium technology, convenience and performance features found on Kia’s award-winning turbocharged Optima SX. In addition to head-turning design, class-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency and a class-exclusive panoramic sunroof, the Optima Limited offers elegant touches that modern drivers would expect to find in the car of their dreams, such as: unique design 18-inch wheels, high-grade Nappa leather seating, LED accent lights, chrome exterior accents and sporty red brake calipers.
Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality (*3) and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking (*4). Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan (*5). Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
1 – Test drive offer is valid from 2/1/12 to 3/31/12. To be eligible, test-driver must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license. This offer is non-negotiable and non-transferable. One $25 Kia pre-paid vouncher per household. See Kia.com for complete terms and conditions.
2 – Expected to be available in March 2012
3 – Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
Dr. Robert W. Sears, MD, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and nationally recognized co-author in the Sears Parenting Library. Dr. Sears will be joining us live from J&R jr. on Thursday, January 26th at 11:30am where he will discuss Babies First Weeks, Sleep Habits, Colic vs. Reflux, Lactose Intolerance, Feeding, and more. His written works include Happy Baby: The Organic Guide to Baby’s First 24 Months, Father’s First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know, and The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Sears Parenting Library). Thanks to Colief and Big City Moms!
Gotta love the simple things in life… like enjoying the game or enjoying a brew while enjoying the game.
Issue when you’re enjoying the game and forgot the opener to enjoy the brew. Solution The Clicker the universal remote that has a bottle opener. Whats next toilets with TVs? ehh..
The basics it works with a good long lists of devices – like programmed with over 800 factory pre-sets and works with almost all major cable and satellite dish boxes – it has a good amount of typical universal remote functions. Supports twin view and Picture-in-Picture functions for multiple game watching, and can be universally programmed for up to eight components, including your TV, DVD player, Cable box, DVR, Satellite, CD and AMP
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. January 31st, 2012.
You must comment telling us what bottles you’ll be opening with the remote, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
Since the holidays its time for my family to extend the warmest wishes to you and your family. Its been a crazy year when you think about it… lots of mixed emotions of highs and lows and I know that we all share these same trials in our lives.
The most recent trial has to be the stress of getting a good gift for my wife for the holidays.
Like a typical wife – she tells me not to worry it doesnt matter – yahhh theres a bear trap in there. Here my short list of springing your self from that trap and hopefully not end up giving her a vacuum cleaner (although I hear the Kenmore Intuition vacuum is amazing!) and not getting thrown out of the house or hit upside the head with a frying pan.
Studio based Family Portraits – its a solid A+ in any wife’s I want book. Add in some pampering time for her to get ready, maybe a haircut and color the day before for her and really hit a homerun.
As you know my wife is a family photographer really specializing in outdoor candids but you cant take pictures of yourself all that well and sometimes you need to go in to a studio add a backdrop and have a photo session like the one we did at PhotoOpNYC. You know they take good photos when the husband of a photographer is posting their images. The thing with PhotoOpNYC is not only do they take family shots you could easily just do a glamor session for your wife as well there.
A new handbag – its a B in the rating book – B is for bag 😛 now really its kind of done and over played. Also what did you get your own mother if the answer is a BAG then you cant be getting one for your wife too. Clearly the higher the price the better the bag. See what her friends are wearing during these weeks of holiday parties and events and try to notice if she drools over anyone bag or just what brand their wearing. Make sure your wife doesnt already have the same bag cause then you just get in trouble for not noticing her.
A romantic night out – its a A or a B or a C – this one is tricky it really depends – first giving night outs as a gift isnt all that great cause its a reward for both of you (kind of like a gift to yourself) but if the plan is to stay overnight at a hotel its in that A or B range if its just dinner its a B to C range. So any add on to dinner is a solid B depending on the event it could be an A. Dinner and a Movie is a C why cause its just casual. A night out to spark something…. getting dressed up, heading to the hottest place in town, heading out dancing or to a hard to get ticket/broadway show/concert — thats a A it is all smooth and places she wants to go.
New Clothes – its a B in terms of idea – but if you spring for the high end fashions you could easily warm her up to an A 🙂
Last quick tip the rock solid jewelry – its a B in concept and a C or a D if she doesnt like it but here price does matter – if its a diamond the bigger the better.
