The Geek Dad's Guide to Weekend Fun

About the Book

It’s Friday! (Ok, not quite, but you know you want it to be!) Jump in the car, rush home, throw your briefcase behind the couch, and get out your science goggles! It is time for THE GEEK DAD’S GUIDE TO WEEKEND FUN: Cool Hacks, Cutting-Edge Games, and More Awesome Projects for the Whole Family (Gotham Books Paperback Original, May 3, 2011, $18.00) by Ken Denmead.

Ken Denmead continues his widely successful Geek Dad series with a second book guaranteed to add some jolt in your weekend (more the electric kind than the soda kind). Last year, DIY projects made a comeback. We were wood-crafting and coloring book making. This year, we get serious. How about a game of Pun Wars? Or creating a stop-motion movie?

Some projects include:

• A Nerf Dart Blowgun                                                                     
• Measuring the Speed of Light with Chocolate    
• Make Homemade Root Beer
• Make Your Own Mini Me
• 21^st Century Super Hero Cape

Here is a video of Ken (from the last book): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT-X7f4EcIs

And here is Ken’s blog: http://wired.com/geekdad

For those unfamiliar with Geek Dad and his friends, the ingenuity began as a blog on WIRED.com and quickly grew into a sensation. Soon, it had a massive following and a New York Times bestselling book Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share. In Geek Dad, Ken shared some of his favorite and most fun projects with dads and kids everywhere. Now, he has gathered some of his friends and geeky cohorts to do the same in an all -new book. THE GEEK DAD’S GUIDE TO WEEKEND FUN includes some guest appearances by Chris Anderson, editor of WIRED, Patrick Norton of Techzilla, and Ken Jennings of Jeopardy.

So join the fun.

Break out the glue gun.

Let’s get this party started!

My Take on the Book
Another awesome book from the Geek Dad. I loved his first book and this one continues on the same note, but focuses on weekend fun, and not on projects that will take huge amounts of time. This book is full of fun activities, gadgets and the like that will make your weekend go from fun to awesome!

There were so many great ideas, I loved the idea of Dry Ice Ice Cream as well as Making Your Own Ray Gun. All of the activities were ones that were easy to follow and most did not require huge amounts of money or supplies (Which was great)!

All-in-all this is a one of a kind book that will make any dad look like a mechanical genius as well as pretty cool himself. If you like to tinker and make fun stuff that you and your kids will have a blast with, look no further than this book!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review - A Father's Love

About the Book

In A FATHER’S LOVE, David Goldman recounts his extraordinary 5 year battle to bring his son Sean back home from Brazil after Sean was abducted by his mother, Bruna.  It is a riveting story full of peculiar ironies, unfathomable elements, threats and legal twists and turns.  Goldman describes in details the wrenching emotions he went through and how he relentlessly rallied support behind the scenes from both high-level U.S. government officials and national media organizations.  Father and son were finally reunited in December 2009, and Goldman writes about the challenges he is now facing as he works to rebuild his relationship with his son.  Goldman’s unusual story movingly celebrates an ordinary man’s incredible love for and loyalty to his son, and his ability to overcome the unimaginable to keep them together.  It is a testament to how connected any father and son can be and is coming out in perfect time for Father’s Day.

David Goldman wrote this book first and foremost to give back, and hopefully, to inspire others that it is possible to overcome the unimaginable. Love knows no boundaries when it comes to our children, the most innocent and vulnerable among us, and that love gives us the will and determination to do whatever is humanly possible to keep our children safe and stable. Goldman also wanted to shine a light on the pernicious issue of international child abduction. After six years of struggle Sean is safe and at home with his family, but in Brazil, and around the world, thousands of children remain trapped in the hell of international child abduction and they and their left behind families live in daily pain because of the loss of their loved ones. These families are in desperate need of assistance and advocacy, while trying to bring their abducted children back to their loving, waiting arms. 

About the Author

DAVID GOLDMAN grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey, the son of a charter boat captain.  A graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College, Goldman found a career modeling.  He now runs a charter boat business and does advocacy work on international child abduction.  Visit bringseanhome.org

My Take on the BookI cannot imagine the pain that I would go through if one of my daughters' had been abducted b their mother. I cannot even foresee what I would do if this was my reality, let alone the reality that I lived in day in and out for five years. This book was a testament to fatherhood and the amazing journey that allowed Mr. Goldman to be reunited with his son.

This book was well written and was a compelling read. So much so that I did not want to put it down. This is a book that I would recommend to any father or any parent or person who wants to witness the amazing love that a father can have for his child.

I also have to commend the author for his willingness to give back and support other cases like his in regards to child abduction. His story and journey is one that others can learn from as well!

A very good book and one that I would highly recommend!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Thomas PR Father's Day Techie Gift Ideas

Thomas Public Relations www.thomaspr.com announced today Father’s Day techie gift ideas from Vogel’s, Soundmatters, iBike, iGrill, ArtRage, Sensosolutions, OWC, Kidz Gear, NewerTech, and The Great Kat for Father’s Day TV shows, magazine/newspaper articles, internet news, blogs and radio shows.  Please contact Thomas PR if you’d like review copies of any of these products or need more info.

• FOR DADS THAT LOVE NEW IPADS – RingO Elegant Universal Mounting System for Car/Home/Office

The Vogel’s RingO Universal iPad Mounting System keeps your iPad 2, iPad, Galaxy Tab and other tablets safe by securely mounting it everywhere you go:  at home, work and in the car.  It lets you use your iPad to the fullest to watch movies in the car; as a home media control system; to listen to music or display a modern themed alarm clock; view holiday photos on your coffee table; watch the news or view recipes in the kitchen; and show office presentations on the wall or desk at work.  RingO is the one system that does it all in a sleek European designed package.

Pricing:  69.99 - $119.99

Website:  www.ipadonthewall.com/usa

Release: http://www.thomas-pr.com/vogels/vogelsringorelease.html

Photos:

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/vogelsringobox.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/vogelsringokitchen.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/vogelscarside.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/vogelsipadbedroom.html

• FOR MUSIC/AUDIO PURIST DADS THAT TRAVEL – foxL Portable Bluetooth Speaker for iPhone/Ipad & Other Bluetooth Devices

foxL is the world’s best sounding tiny hi-fi portable Bluetooth speaker for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android or other Bluetooth devices.  Created by former NASA engineer/audio legend Dr. Godehard Guenther, Soundmatters foxLv2 Bluetooth is the first pocket-sized wireless speaker that audio purists will love, with a range of unique sound features. The perfect travel companion, you can bring foxL with you wherever you go on the road to listen to high quality music in your hotel room, for presentations, as well as listen to music in every room in the house without a stereo.

Pricing:  $199

Website:  www.soundmatters.com

Release:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/soundmatters/soundmattersipadrelease.html

Photos:

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/soundmattersfoxlv2bluetooth.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/soundmattersfoxlback.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/soundmattersfoxlboth.html

• FOR BICYCLE/EXERCISE DADS – iBike Dash CC Cycling Computer

The iBike Dash CC cycling computer from Velocomp is a light-weight wireless bicycle computer system that turns any iPhone or iPod touch into your own personal fitness trainer.  It creates an entirely new category of interactive cycling devices, enhancing the cycling experience in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before to help you finally keep that New Year’s resolution to get in shape!

Pricing: $199

Website: www.ibikesports.com

Release: http://www.thomas-pr.com/ibike/ibikedashccrelease.html

Photos:

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/velocompibikedash.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/velocompibikephone.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/velocompibikecalendar.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/velocompibikemap.html

• FOR TECHIE BBQ LOVER DADS – iGrill Bluetooth Meat Thermometer

iGrill is the world’s first wireless cooking thermometer for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch via long-range Bluetooth (over 200 feet) and App-enabled connection.  iGrill from iDevices turns your iPhone, iPad, or  iPod touch into your own personal sous-chef, enabling you to multitask between your grill or oven and guests with the peace of mind that your food is perfectly cooked, at target temperature and safe for consumption.

Pricing: $99.99

Website:  www.igrillinc.com

Release: http://www.thomas-pr.com/idevices/igrillomahasteaksfrontgaterelease.html http://www.thomas-pr.com/idevices/igrillces2011release.html

Photos:

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/idevicesigrill.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/idevicesigrilllapp.html

• FOR ARTISTIC TECH DADS:  ArtRage for iPad - Art Software on the Go

ArtRage for iPad lets you become a digital artist with your iPad.  Ambient Design’s ArtRage lets you actually paint on the iPad or Mac/Windows desktop computer canvas with oil painting effects that smear and blend and watercolor strokes that merge to create soft, wet gradations.

Pricing:  $6.99 for iPad or $40/ $80 for ArtRage 3 Studio/ArtRage 3 Studio Pro for Mac/Windows

Website:  www.artrage.com

Release:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/ambientdesign/ambientdesignartrage105release.html

Photos:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/ambientdesignipadstarwar.html

        http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/ambientdesignipad.html

        Youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtRagetv?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/lLitikCoea4

http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtRagetv?feature=mhum#p/a/u/1/RJEnUmWAVUQ

• FOR TECHIE GOLFER DADS:  SensoGlove Digital Golf Glove

SensoGlove, the world’s first digital golf glove, has built-in digital sensors that continuously read the user’s grip pressure to ensure a consistently accurate, smooth and powerful golf swing.  Made of the highest quality cabretta leather, SensoGlove is the perfect gift for fathers that love golf from beginners to advanced.  With SensoGlove, golfers can quickly learn how to hold the club, avoiding bad habits and improving every part of their game, from backswing, downswing, impact, follow-through, to driving, putting, and chipping. 

Pricing:  $89

Website:  www.sensoglove.com

Release:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/sensosolutions/sensosolutionsfathersday2011release.html

Photos:

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/sensosolutionssensoglovephoto2.html

http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/sensosolutionssensoglovegolf.html

• FOR TECHIE DO-IT-YOURSELF DADS –OWC “DIY” SSD Storage Upgrade Kit

Dads will love saving money and speeding up their laptops with the OWC “DIY” SSD Storage Upgrade Kit.  It lets them make their Mac or Windows laptop faster by upgrading to the industry’s fastest solid state drives (SSDs) to 480GB for performance that is up to 47X faster.  By purchasing the OWC DIY SSD Kit, dads will also save up to 40% versus buying all the included components separately.  They can then continue to use their ‘old’ drive by installing it into the provided OWC enclosure for a ‘new’ pocket-sized portable external drive, saving even more money and the environment at the same time by re-using their ‘old’ hard drive.

Pricing: starting at $109.99

Website: www.macsales.com

Release: http://www.thomas-pr.com/owc/owcdiyssdrelease.html

Photo:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/owcdiyssdkit.html 

• FOR DADS THAT LOVE ROAD TRIPS BUT KIDS THAT DON’T:  Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids

Dads appreciate the Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids that keep fussy children quiet on long car trips.  These wireless IR headphones are designed specifically for the largest user market of built-in auto DVD and video systems – children.  With 100% IR Compatibility Guaranteed and manufactured with the highest quality wireless technology components available, the Kidz Gear wireless headphones deliver extremely rich sound quality for a variety of video and audio content – DVDs, video players, radio and more.  Available at many fine retailers as well as the Kidz Gear website.

Pricing: $34.99

Website: www.gearforkidz.com

Release: http://www.thomas-pr.com/pr/kidzgearwireless.html

Photo:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/kidzgearwirelesscarheadphones.html

·        FOR IPHONE & IPAD FANS:  NewerTech Line of  NuGuard Cases & Covers – Keep your iPhone Virus-Free and Protected

The NewerTech line of NuGuard™  iPhone 4 and iPad protective cases and NuVue anti-glare covers add protection, style and functionality to the most popular gadgets sold this year.  OWC makes it easy to buy affordable iPhone 4 and iPad accessory gifts that dads will love, without breaking the bank. Fashionable Colors in Blue, Purple, Frost, Green, Black, Orange, Red, Pink & Clear.

Pricing:  $12.99 - $24.99

Website: www.macsales.com

Release:  http://www.thomaspr.com/pr/owciphoneipadrelease.html

Photos:

NewerTech iPad Accessory Line: http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/owcipadaccessory.html

NewerTech iPhone Case Line: http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/owciphonecase.html

• FOR TECHIE MUSICIANS:  The Great Kat World’s Fastest Guitarist

The Great Kat “Beethoven’s Guitar Shred” DVD is followed in the tech community as the ultimate music for creativity.  The upcoming new CD, “Beethoven Shreds,” features songs from The Great Kat’s highly-acclaimed, ground-breaking “Beethoven’s Guitar Shred” Music Video DVD.  The Great Kat, named “Top 10 Fastest Shredders of All Time”-Guitar One Magazine, is the world’s fastest guitarist.  A Juilliard graduate violinist, The Great Kat combines metal and classical music for a speed thrill unchallenged in the music industry.  She has been featured in the Jimmy Fallon site, NBC-Weekend Today in NY, Rolling Stone Magazine (Italy),  Entertainment Weekly, Spin Magazine, New York Times, NewsBlaze and much more. 

Pricing: CD $7.95, DVD $9.95

Website: www.greatkat.com

DVD Release:  http://www.thomas-pr.com/pressreleases/beethovensguitarshredrelease.html

Photos: http://www.greatkat.com/beethovensguitarshreddvd.jpg http://www.greatkat.com/08/dvd/Beethoven5thSymphony7.jpg

DVD Trailer: http://www.greatkat.com/BeethovensGuitarShredVideosMenuMED.wmv

“The Flight Of The Bumble-Bee” MP3 Clip: http://www.greatkat.com/bumblebee1NEW.mp3  

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review - Time With God for Fathers

About the Book
A Scripture-led devotion to encourage time between fathers and the Lord.

Time with God for Fathers contains ninety devotions that encourage fathers to spend time on their relationship with the Lord in prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Devotions are topical and include: forgiveness, wisdom, comfort, guidance, and strength. A Quick Scripture Reference Guide is included to help fathers in their day-to-day walk with God and fatherhood. Subjects consist of "Father's Prayers", "God's Promises for Fathers", "God's Blessings for Fathers", "Responsibilities for Fathers", and "God's Dynamic Examples of Fathers".




My Take on the Book

Time with God for Fathers is a short but powerful book that is written as a devotional and offers insights for fathers into developing a relationship with God, as well as his family and children. What I liked about the book was the fact that each devotional (there were 90 of them) made you truly think deeply about your day and about your true beliefs.

This book is definitely a great gift for any father who is trying to grow in his faith! I can see myself using this over and over, as I truly did grow in my own reading and interaction with the text and devotionals within.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: A Complete Guide for Single Dads

About the Book
Raising a child alone whether you are a father or mother can be the most trying experience in anyone s life. Learning to handle all the many duties that two people would normally deal with and adjusting to the overwhelming demands of a child on a daily basis is a trying experience. Yet, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated in 2006 that more than 12.9 million single parents raise their children alone. While a small percentage of that was single fathers (2.5 million), the hard reality of raising a child alone remains the same for either parent. 


Through hours of meticulous research and interviews, this book was compiled to show exactly how a single father can raise a child alone to be happy and healthy without the help of a second parent. You will learn, as a single father, how to reassure your children and maintain the feeling of a family. You will learn how to help them feel better regardless of whether you are a single father through death or divorce. You will learn how to treat your children and how to communicate with them. The basics of discipline and rules will be outlined for a single-parent household, along with tips on how you can have fun with your children the right and healthy way. You will learn the differences between having daughters versus sons as a father, and how to handle the myriad issues that the mother would normally handle. 


Dozens of hours of interviews with experts in child psychology and child raising were conducted, and have been included in this book to provide a complete outline of what you can expect throughout raising your children. You will learn how to turn your house into a home, divvying up space, having pets, and how to handle chores. You will learn how to find reliable child care and how to juggle your time among your work, your children, and yourself. You will learn how to deal with school and ensure that your children get the attention they need to succeed. The basics of cooking and health care for children and how to handle their emotional issues as they grow older will all be outlined for you. For every father alone for the first time or unsure of how to raise a child alone, this book will provide the detailed instruction you need to be the best possible single father.


My Take on the Book
While I am not a single dad, I know many that are and no matter the situation that led to this situation, these fathers have to deal with a lot of issues that many times they are not prepared for. This book is a complete resource for the single father that deals with everything from dealing with a daughter to health issues of a child, to dealing with depression in children (as kids are also dealing with the loss of a two family home as well). One part of the book that I liked was the chapter on cooking as it is full of great ideas and tips on healthy eating for the entire family. Also, whether this situation is divorce or widowhood the first few chapters explore these issues in depth for families to great extent, and any father that is in this situation will find these chapters to be very useful! 




All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
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