Time to take the kiddo to a ball game – Win a pair of tickets to Sunday’s Mets vs Yankees Game!

Time to take the kiddo to a ball game – Win a pair of tickets to Sunday’s Mets vs Yankees Game!

Father’s day is rolling up and I was doing this BBQ thing but seems thats not happening well good thing in New York City there is always something to do… so this Father’s day will be the first time we’re taking kiddo to the ball game!

It’ll be a great family outing on top of wifey, kiddo and I, we’ll be adding papa (my father).  This will be the first time for any of us to the new Yankees Stadium, it’ll be the first ball game for the kiddo and I couldnt be more excited.

I’m pretty pumped to be able to offer this next part… Win 2 tickets to the game!This is going to be a very short contest and will require you to be sitting next to us at the game (I’ll apologize now for kiddo tossing anything at you [just be glad your not the person sitting in front of kiddo]) on top of the tickets you’ll also get a Father/Kid sized Yankees Jersey. Overall how could this not be the best father’s day ever… if you dont have a lil kid and want to take a big one thats fine too – when it cames to baseball we’re all kids at heart.

How to win it… Contest ends 08:59am EST. June 19, 2010.

You must comment telling us your favorite baseball player (playing today), please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dada_rocks

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

#Mets_vs_Yankees @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/aePopA  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #Mets_vs_Yankees tickets from @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/aePopA

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dada_rocks 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 get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 6 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Once again you will be sitting next to DaDa Rocks! and you will have to meet me to get the tickets on Saturday at some point in NYC.

Disclaimer: Pampers is providing the prize for the raffle.

Date Night Giveaway: SOFIA REI KOUTSOVITIS at Joe’s Pub

Date Night Giveaway: SOFIA REI KOUTSOVITIS at Joe’s Pub

SOFIA REI KOUTSOVITIS

Saturday, June 19 at 7:00 PM

As the Argentine singer Sofia Rei Koutsovitis led her multinational band… the passion and clarity with which she assayed a tricky mix of South American rhythms and jazz-inflected harmonies made clear why she has been embraced by New York City audiences from Carnegie Hall to the hippest downtown haunts.” – Phil Lutz, New York Times

“…one of the most versatile and in-demand singers on the New York music scene.” – Simon Calle,  All About Jazz

“…a potent combination that’s like nothing else around” – Kevin Convey, Boston Herald


Sofia Rei Koutsovitis is one of New York’s most passionate, charismatic and inventive vocalists, who brings depth and fullness of a riveting voice to her second album, “Sube Azul” (World Village/Harmonia Mundi). She also serves as the album’s composer, arranger, lyricist and — with bassist Jorge Roeder — producer. Following up on “Ojalá,” her polyglot and multilingual debut, she offers this time a collection of mostly original Spanish-language songs, building on a new set of growth experiences since moving to New York in 2005.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the album is grounded in traditional South American rhythms such as chacarera, zamba and vidala from Argentina, Afro-peruvian festejo and lando, Afro-Uruguayan candombe, Colombian cumbia and bullerengue and other genres that merge involving jazz harmonies, electronic sounds and rich improvisations. Singing in Spanish, Portuguese or English, Sofia’s voice is graceful as well as sophisticated, tying together diverse influences in a program full of rhythmic complexity, melody and romance.

Sofia is a restless artist, one of the most versatile and in-demand singers on the New York music scene. She has recorded, performed and collaborated with renowned musicians and groups such as Maria Schneider, John Zorn, Bobby McFerrin, Folklore Urbano, John Scofield, Lionel Loueke, Pavel Urkiza (Gema y Pavel), Russ Ferrante (Yellow Jackets), Bob Moses, Aquiles Baez, Samuel Torres Group,  Pedrito Martinez, and Avantango. She is also the vocalist of Geoffrey Keezer’s “Aurea,” whose self-titled 2009 release received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.  $15 in advance [Link] / $20 at the door


How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 17, 2010.

You get 1 entry for placing a comment your favorite lullabies song is and please use some method for us to contact you in the comment
(twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dada_rocks

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:
@joespubnyc @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/at0lg9  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: Would love to win a Date Night at @joespubnyc from @dada_rocks –http://bit.ly/at0lg9

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 becoming a Fan on facebook of Joe’s Pub – facebook.com/joespub 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 12 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: Joe’s Pub is providing these tickets for the raffle.

Father’s Day Gift Giveaway: Jabra Wireless Gear!

Father’s Day Gift Giveaway: Jabra Wireless Gear!

Jabra HALO [Amazon]

The Jabra HALO is a wireless Bluetooth stereo headset that allows users to enjoy wireless music and answer phone calls in crystal clear stereo sound.  Featuring A2DP technology, the Jabra HALO gives users the ability to seamlessly connect to any Bluetooth music-playing device – and all 3.5 mm music playing devices – including mobile phones, Mp3 players, laptops, and TVs.  In addition, ensuring that users won’t miss phone calls while listening to music, the HALO fades out music to allow for incoming calls. The HALO features a lightweight (only 3 ounces!) over-the-head design with a foldable headband – small enough to take it wherever you go.  The HALO also has the versatility to switch between wireless and wired connectivity if a device doesn’t support Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) technology.  The device also features Zirene® Power Bass for audio enhancement.


Jabra STONE [Amazon]

The Jabra STONE, the most sleek and stylish Bluetooth on the market allows busy moms to look good on the go. The STONE elegantly wraps behind the ear eliminating the on-face microphone look, combining style and function. Make play dates, speak to colleagues, or make dinner plans for a girl’s night out – all without anyone even knowing you are wearing a Bluetooth device! New noise cancelling technology ensures every phone call will be clear and uninterrupted by whatever noise surrounds you throughout your day.  In addition, the STONE comes with a portable charger so it is always easy to re-charge.


Jabra CRUISER [Amazon]

The Jabra CRUISER is the first Bluetooth wireless speakerphone to feature noise cancelling technology, allowing it to block out background noise from traffic or other passengers while enhancing the quality of your voice. In addition, the CRUISER can play music from the radio and your phone or portable music players (iPod/MP3 players) through your cars stereo system, so you’ll never miss a call because you couldn’t hear your phone. The CRUISER allows you to speak on the phone when you drive in compliance to hands free driving laws, making it extremely useful for moms on the go whether you are driving to soccer practice or going to work.  Never again will you have a frustrating phone call where you have to repeat everything you say because no one can hear you over the kids singing along in the backseat!

Jabra’s Website [Link]

I’ve had all three of these devices for a few weeks now and I can tell you how cool they are until you’ve got them in your hands – the sound is amazing! Best part is if your using these to speak with someone, they can actually hear you! I had these devices synced to my iPhone 3G in less then 2 minutes.

It was that easy!

The Halo works as wireless headphones and also a headset mic. The sound that comes out of these speakers is amazing and crystal clear.

The Stone is a typical bluetooth headset expect the base part of it will recharge the wireless piece this is great for the always on the phone executive or just on the go dad.

It frees up your hands when pushing a stroller too!

The Cruiser is a speaker phone (designed for the car) but will work anyplace – the speaker is at least 5 times louder then the speaker built into the iPhone (meaning you can actually use a speaker phone call).

I love these products so much I wanted to give everyone a shot at winning.  There will be 3 – yes THREE winners 1 prize per person.

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59am EST. June 16, 2010.

You get 1 entry for placing a comment if you could turn something wireless what would it be & why, which of the 3 devices you’d like to win and please use some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dada_rocks

You get 1 extra entry for following Jabra on twitter – twitter.com/Jabra_US

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:
@Jabra_US @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/du4gk0  and you must also leave a comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win a @Jabra_US [device’s name] from @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/du4gk0

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a FAN on facebook –facebook.com/DaDaRocks you must a comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook of Jabra – facebook.com/Jabra.US you must a 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 12 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: Jabra is providing these devices for the raffle.

Hey its Mothers Day – Did you completely forget?!

Hey its Mothers Day – Did you completely forget?!

Here is your quick recovery list

1) Get a card ASAP! cant get out of the house check out below for the “just print one at home” It is at the bottom of the post, just print it out sign your name (and your kids name too).

2) Get a gift ASAP! price isn’t the object here its the idea and thought that counts right? Maybe for you – for me I need to have something insightful and then something useful… Starbucks giftcard (useful) and an new iPhone Case (useful since she needs one that glows in the dark at this point :P).

Can you say your gift is in the mail? Sure, but it better be a damn fine gift… Here are some quick suggestions Jewelry from Tali Gillette [Link] she’s got an amazing MAMA necklace. What about photography setup a session with Suzanne Cohen Photography [Link] she’ll capture this moment in time for your family. Gift Cards to a Spa – you know she’s working 24/7 to keep the family happy the best gift is a few hours off and someone pampering her! Let her shop – retail therapy is a real thing! Drop a gift card to her favorite shop – cant pick just one try getting a gift card to an entire mall or try a prepaid AMEX or VISA.

3) Its her day give her whatever she wants/needs/deserves most of all remember what you do today will come back to you in a month when all you’ll want is a 12 pack of cold beers and a ball game on TV (maybe a BBQ with the family at the end).

4) Break out of the routine – while keeps everything moving forward it – it also makes it feel same old/same old – try something new – try something different. If nothing else is a story, but you might just find that you get a little glimmer back in her eyes that there is life post kids.

That’s it! Here’s the card that you can print out in case you’re really locked up at home!

My toddler is really a Ninja

My toddler is really a Ninja

On Saturday night we put Marc to sleep – usually he cries for a moment then lays down and goes to sleep.  When someone says usually it means that not what happen and that is the case here too.  He cried for a minute or two and then I started hearing the crying getting closer, which I thought was odd.  In to the living room walks Marc, no longer crying but still catching his breathe… he waddles around and pulls himself up onto the couch as if we were watching his TV show (Yo Gabba Gabba or Jack’s Big Music show or Dora) and not mine.

He did it again on Sunday and Monday so it wasnt a fluke thing and that gives us a few less options.  The options we’ve come up with is to convert his crib into a toddler bed, leave his crib as is and try a crib tent, try to reason with him to stay in the crib (good luck with that one), and try to bribe him into staying in his crib (once again good luck with that one).

My wife and I have been talking it over but we’re not really sure which direction is the right way to go here.  If we go with the toddler bed there are chances he’ll up in bed with us (which I hear is a whole horror story in itself). I also read on some Doctors blog that sometime crib tents can make the child fearful of confined spaces (sounds pretty horrible to me too). The discussion is on going and we both know you cant pause time to figure it out. We’ve been letting him get to the point of almost climbing out before we get him.  Then he ends up staying a couple of hours with us.

No matter how much we love Marc he’s still a bed hog! Who usually ends up sleeping horizontal when we’re both vertical. I’m not sure which direction we’ll go in  but it’ll be a fun ride – right??  What do you think we should do? Do you have another suggestion for us to try?