Noodad Product Review: Digital Reader Book from Sony

Review of the Digital Reader Book from Sony

Quickly Children!

The Best Present for Father’s Day

Some dads like gadgets and others like the Father’s Day tie. I am more the former, but this year I got something that beat any possible gift I could have dreamed up.  My kids made me a poster called “Things I Love About Dad”.

My son busted into my bedroom this morning, like the Incredible Hulk through a wall. “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!” he said, clutching the poster.  I was still pretty sleepy as I was in the middle of exercising Father’s Day executive privilege also known as sleeping in.

Here’s how it’s done. Moms, get your kid or kids together. Next, ask them what they like about dad. If there is a baby, ask the bigger kids what the baby would say.  Next, you write these on the poster, then you let the kids decorate.  That’s it. My kids all like when I play with them, especially when we play ball. I learned that my son really thinks it’s awesome when we play slot cars together.  My daughter likes it when I help her with things when she is afraid.  She also thinks I look very handsome in my work clothes.

How can you beat that noodads? What did you get for Father’s Day?

Word of Advice: Don’t Tase Yourself

A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Taser for their anniversary submitted this:

Last weekend I saw something at Larry’s Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety….??

WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! Read the rest of this entry »

Why Dads Get Screwed

This post was originally published May 10, 2007. With father’s Day approaching it’s good to reflect on how Mom’s score with Mother’s Day.

The following rant is an irrational, straight-from-the-heart rambling by a sleep-deprived overworked and stressed-out father. You have been warned.

The big day for moms is coming up this sunday: Mother’s Day. It’s a time for celebrating the best thing to ever happen to you and your kids: the mom. And even though it is all nice and cheery, deep down inside, us dads who are really honest about are feelings, feel like we get the royal screwjob. There is no question that moms deserve everything they get, but dads wants some action too. Here’s why:
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The 3 Main Sources of Crappy Toys and How to Get Rid of Them

Let’s face it, your kids have way too many things to play with. If you are like my family, besides the standard toys that play with from birthday gifts, etc, they have a whole sea of useless crappy toys.

If toys are like drugs, your kids grandparents are most likely the biggest dealers. But at least grandma and grandpa give the good quality stuff. Dealing with toy overflow from grandparents is an entirely different topic and one that warrants its own article.

Today, we are going to concentrate n the other stuff. To continue the metaphor, the toys you need to watch out for are from outside suppliers. They have lots of appeal but their poor quality only gives your kid a quick fix. I’m talking about the big 3: fast food places, birthday parties, and carnivals. Read the rest of this entry »

Sky Guy Teaches Kids About Astronomy

I discovered the beginnings of a great website for kids. The guy calls himself Sky Guy and he talks to kids about astronomy. I met Tom the “Sky Guy” through Seesmic and he is a very knowledgeable and friendly guy. He currently only has 2 videos so far, but by the looks of the following video, he has a good start to a great show for your kids.

Check out Sky Guy here.

The Great Kids Star Wars Debate

Where do you weigh in? Leave a comment here on Noodad or a video comment at Seesmic here.

Wax On. Wax Off. Assume an Enlightened Identity Defense Posture

Being a dad means an increasingly complex web of finances - multiple bank accounts, life insurance, IRAs, 529 accounts, credit cards in the hands of kids, and with all of that comes all of the financial paperwork and transactions to support it. Cause and effect being at play here, that means you’re also increasingly vulnerable to account abuse and identity theft. Being Noodads, you of course are smart enough to know you don’t write down internet passwords and you shred your sensitive mail…but does that go far enough? Security experts would say no.

I know that so I was doing some research online about credit checks and credit monitoring services…specifically interested in Life Lock. Life Lock is the company founded by that guy who plasters his Social Security Number on TV and buses. Turns out that his life wasn’t “locked” - some dude in TX was able to open a bank account using his SSN. Little piece of advice…don’t dare cheats - they have the time and the wherewithal to %^$# you. Life Lock is also being sued by several states. You can read all about it in this New York Times article.

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