5 Book Series to Give Your Teenager This Christmas

December 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Literacy is a precious gift that should be encouraged and reinforced at every opportunity. But what if you aren’t sure which books are “in” right now? Which series do you need to buy to ensure that your gift doesn’t wind up forgotten behind the couch cushions? If you’re looking for popular and memorable young adult (YA) titles, here are just five ideas.

1. Percy Jackson

If your child loved the magic and adventure of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the next logical step in their literary journey. It’s about a young boy who discovers his true heritage as a half-human, half-demigod, and he embarks on a series of quests to prove himself to the Greek pantheon with the help of trusted friends and strange new powers. Not only is it a fun series filled with excitement and intrigue, but it will teach your teen about Greek mythology, too.

2. Animorphs

Though originally conceived as a series for middle schoolers, Animorphs quickly became a must-have for teenagers of all ages as it expanded and developed into a serious story of war, freedom and sacrifice. It follows the struggles of six young friends as they try to stop an alien invasion with the power to shape-shift into animals. Please note that this series might not be appropriate for anyone under the age of 13 due to violence and intense themes.

3. Pretty Little Liars

If you have a daughter, she’s probably already seen the Pretty Little Liars television show that set new trends in everything from lingo to fashion. Why not give her the book series that started it all? It follows the twisted and ultra-dramatic lives of four clique members who start receiving mysterious texts after the death of their leader, Allison. The texts contain secrets that they only told Allison, and they all come from someone named “A.” Could it be…?

4. A Series of Unfortunate Events

A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the adventures of three siblings trying to thwart their villainous uncle, Count Olaf, who wants their inheritance for himself. The author’s name is Daniel Handler, though you’ll probably recognize him better by his pseudonym Lemony Snicket. Handler is also involved with the TV adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events that’s coming to Netflix, so these books are perfect Christmas gifts for readers and television watchers alike.

5. Graceling

Graceling was published around the same time as The Hunger Games, so many people missed out on this intriguing world of powers, beasts and struggles for justice. The main character is a teenage girl with a supernatural gift for combat, and it becomes her destiny to fight evil kings and protect those weaker than herself. Best of all, once your teen has devoured this book, there are two more set in this universe that they can enjoy. Graceling is a gift that will keep on giving!

It can be tricky to navigate the world of young adult books, but you can’t go wrong with these five titles. Whether your teen enjoys fantastic worlds or everyday dramas, there’s something on this list that they’re sure to love, so get to shopping!

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Dragon Quest Builders for the Playstation 4

December 16, 2016 by 5 Comments

What is an interesting way to get your whole family into the role playing game genre while still keeping the little ones excited about open world sand box style gaming, in the same vein as Minecraft?  The answer is the new Dragon Quest Builders game where you play a hero who must rebuild a destroyed kingdom, block by block castle by castle, city by city.  This may sound like a daunting task, but for those of us with a creative mind and a builder’s spirit, it is within reach.

The story is that there was a great battle generations ago, and after such, a hero was tricked into joining forces with a great evil.  The evil Dragon lord took away mankind’s ability to build and imagine, scattering the remains of humanity across the planet.  Your job to rekindle this builder’s spirit and imagination with the help of the Goddess at your side, as well as your own imagination.  The game itself is huge and wide open, able to be explored and built or broken down at will.  There are familiar characters from the Dragon Quest series including Slimes and Dragons, and a familiar art style similar to previous iterations of the Dragon Quest series, with an anime feel instead of the block-y computer graphics of Minecraft.

What is most fun about this game in my opinion is its ability to bring video game players of various genres together into one game.  Those who enjoy a more story and plot driven games will enjoy the ability to rebuild the world to its former glory, completing quests for other characters and defeating enemies.  While those who love open world sand box games will enjoy the building of places itself.  From humble beginnings of one bedroom homes, to kitchens and blacksmiths, to full size castles, the world is literally yours to play in.  The interface itself is easy and the controls are simple to master.  You have a set inventory of materials which can be used to build new places and materials.  Dragon Quest Builders is available now and retails for $59.99.

Filed Under: gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2016, technology Tagged With: ,

JOHN GLENN’S CONTRIBUTION TO NASA’S SPACE PROGRAM HONORED AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX

December 16, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Remembrance held in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

 A ceremony was held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this afternoon to honor NASA astronaut and Ohio Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, who passed away on Dec. 8, at the age of 95.  Held in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the ceremony included remarks by space shuttle astronaut Jon McBride; Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; and Robert Cabana, director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and space shuttle astronaut. The ceremony was attended by Apollo astronaut Al Worden and space shuttle astronaut Winston Scott.

“We at Delaware North join NASA and all Americans in mourning the loss of John Glenn, a legendary American hero who made invaluable contributions to the space program and to the country,” said Rick Abramson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North, which operates Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA.

The ceremony took place at 1:30 this afternoon and highlighted Glenn’s illustrious career as an astronaut pioneer as well as a national hero. Born in Ohio, Glenn flew combat missions in both World War II and the Korean War as a Marine aviator. As one of NASA’s original Mercury 7 astronauts, Glenn’s flight aboard Friendship 7 on February 20, 1962, launched America to the forefront of the space race. He continued to serve his country as a four-term Senator from Ohio. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1998, at the age of 77, he flew on the STS-95 Discovery space shuttle flight, becoming the oldest human in space.

“The impact of John Glenn’s legacy will always be present for our visitors,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “He will be forever a pioneer who inspired the world. We are privileged to honor him and his invaluable contributions to his country and space exploration.”

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Foodie Fun and More in Papa’s Sushiria

December 14, 2016 by Leave a Comment

free apps

Certain games get everything right. Papa’s Sushiria is one of those special titles, representing a winning combination of multiple genres. In Papa’s Sushiria, players will work every job at a sushi restaurant. Taking orders, cooking rice, and preparing desserts has never been this exciting.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Papa’s Sushiria is the latest installment in a decade-spanning series of restaurant management games. First, there was Papa’s Pizzeria, followed by a dozen other highly specific diners. Where Papa’s Pancakeria and Papa’s Wingeria might’ve struggled, Papa’s Sushiria shines. That’s because there are very many ways to make sushi. And as the head chef, we get to discover all of them.

Playing Papa’s Sushiria on Poki is about so much more than making food. Upon starting a new adventure, players can create their own character. Surprisingly, this game offers more customization than I’ve ever seen. There are literally trillions of possibilities, thanks to hundreds of different hairstyles, facial hair options, glasses, and colours galore. Players can even adjust the eye spacing and mouth height, among other facial features, to create themselves in the game. Earning money opens up a whole new world of outfit possibilities, with different shirts, pants, shoes, hats, belts, and jackets. Basically, there’s an extremely detailed dress-up game within Papa’s Sushiria from POKI!

Once our character is created, it’s time to get to work. There are multiple stations in the restaurant, each of which has its own challenges. Taking orders is the first step in the process, and it’s the simplest. All we have to do is listen to the customer and send their order to the kitchen. Then, we can start the cooking process. As the chef, we’ll start by pouring rice into the rice cooker. Green and yellow markers on the cooker indicate when the rice is half-finished and fully done. If our timing is wrong, the customer won’t be happy!

The build station is where we can complete most of our chef duties. During our first day at the restaurant, we have somewhat limited access to fillings and toppings. There are carrots, salmon, and tuna, among other fresh ingredients. When adding ingredients onto the rice, we must spread them carefully. Real chefs take pride in their work, and we should, too. It takes a steady hand to perform this task perfectly. As such, younger gamers might have a tough time drizzling sauces and slicing the rolls evenly.

After the sushi is made, we’ll craft a drink for our customer. The beverage must include milk, a type of tea, and flavored bubbles. When the drink is complete, our full meal will be ready for the customer.

Each well-prepared meal results in tip money. At the end of each day, players can spend their cash on new items and decorate the restaurant. With so many unlockable items, the end of each workday offers a whole new experience. We can play Foodini’s mini-games for special prizes, collect stickers, and watch a parade with everyone we meet at the restaurant. Let’s make food and much more in Papa’s Sushiria!

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Mincraft at Best Buy @BestBuy @Minecraft #ad

December 14, 2016 by 7 Comments

Minecraft is one of the my son’s favorite games.  My husband, not as much, but he is learning (and also learning how much of an old man he is sometimes).  You can build and explore exciting new worlds with Best Buy’s assortment of Minecraft games and collectibles.

Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures.  Where players can use their imagination, they can bring anything their digital heart desires to life. This translates into a robust level of online shared works to explore.  Visit randomly generated worlds as well as build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles.  Minecraft is less of a game and more of a digital revolution.  Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources, or mine deep in Survival Mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off dangerous mobs. Do all this alone, or with friends.  Co-Op mode is a blast with a family member or a friend.  My husband honestly didn’t see the point in Minecraft until he sat down and played Co-Op with the kiddo. The games are very family-friendly, and great for kids and adults of any age.  The toys and collectibles make great gifts for anyone already into the game or just getting their feet wet.

Best Buy carries a large assortment the assortment of Minecraft products – this includes an Xbox One S console bundle, additional Minecraft games, and Minecraft toys and collectibles.  The coolest being (of course) the Xbox One S console bundle, which includes not only the Xbox One S 500GB console, but also Xbox Wireless Controller, Minecraft: Xbox One Edition Favorites Pack, Minecraft Builder’s Pack, Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta,  and also 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial.  The Xbox One S is the same as an Xbox One but is now powered up with 4K Blu-ray, 4k video streaming and HDR all this while being 40% smaller.

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U.S. Environment Body EPA Says Fracking May Be Contaminating Groundwater After All #BluewaterPure

December 14, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The following is via the Bluewater Group. It is not an ad, nor is it a paid message.

bluewater

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA today said activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle ‘can impact—and have impacted—drinking water resources’. The EPA’s latest findings are worrying in a world where the planet’s water resources are already under threat of contamination from multiple sources, according to Bluewater, a world leader in residential water purification.

“The EPA has reversed course on fracking since issuing a version of its study a year ago and appears to have backed away from a conclusion that there was no evidence that fracking contaminates water supplies,” said Bluewater spokesperson David Noble. He noted how the latest EPA report says it has found evidence that fracking does indeed cause contamination of drinking water due in part to the use of chemicals during the hydraulic fracturing process.

Dr. Thomas A. Burke, EPA’s Science Advisor and Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development, described the report as “most complete compilation to date of national scientific data on the relationship of drinking water resources and hydraulic fracturing.”

Dr Burke added: “The value of high quality science has never been more important in helping to guide decisions around our nation’s fragile water resources. EPA’s assessment provides the scientific foundation for local decision makers, industry, and communities that are looking to protect public health and drinking water resources and make more informed decisions about hydraulic fracturing activities,” said Dr. Thomas A. Burke.

The EPA study, called ‘Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States’, identified cases of impacts on drinking water at each stage in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle. Impacts cited in the report generally occurred near hydraulically fractured oil and gas production wells and ranged in severity, from temporary changes in water quality, to contamination that made private drinking water wells unusable.

EPA’s final assessment benefited from extensive stakeholder engagement with states, tribes, industry, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, and the public. This broad engagement helped to ensure that the final assessment report reflects current practices in hydraulic fracturing and uses all data and information available to the agency.

EPA said its new report advances the science. The understanding of the potential impacts from hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources will continue to improve over time as new information becomes available, according to EPA.

“The EPA study identified certain conditions under which impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities can be more frequent or severe, such as water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing in areas with limited or declining groundwater resources, and spills of hydraulic fracturing fluids and chemicals that result in large volumes or high concentrations of chemicals reaching groundwater resources,” said David Noble.

For a copy of the study, visit www.epa.gov/hfstudy.

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Robotic Pets and No Tech Huggables #HolidayGiftGuide

December 14, 2016 by 1 Comment

Is your child begging for a new pet this year, but you don’t want something else to clean up after? Look no further- we’ve found an array of low-maintenance pets for your holiday gift giving.

robot chimp

Zoomer Chimp is one of the latest in the line of Zoomer robotic pet toys. He has a lot of ?moves” to him, and can move on all fours as well as standing up on two legs. He can be taught to follow you, to “Chimp Talk” (repeat what you say), can be taught new words as you play with and train him, knows 10 commands (watch what happens when you tell him to “go bananas!) and will let you know how he is feeling by the color of his eyes and facial features.  Zoomer Chimp makes a lot of sounds as well, and has “progressive play” built in so he doesn’t always move the same way. His wiggles and dances are adorable and funny, which will make him a hit with kids (and dad, too). He needs 3 AAA batteries and 1 LiPo battery, and requires wall adapter to charge (not included). Prices vary – I’ve seen everything from $69-$110, so look around before you make a purchase.

zoomer hedgehog

Zoomer also put out the adorable and fluffy Hedgiez this year. They come in several colors, including blue (so boys won’t feel left out- my son adores his).  He (or she) does tricks, rolls around, and likes to play with you, as well as cuddles up and giggles. It’s a quieter toy then some robot pets, since hedgehogs are not known for wild parties, I assume. Mom and dad will love that. The fur is soft, not plastic, and can be brushed or styled with the included comb.  It will curl up when tickled (very cute) and blow you kisses. It comes with stickers as well, which is always a bonus. Hedgiez requires four AAA batteries (not included).  Prices seem to vary pretty wildly here as well- from $18-$40, depending on retailer and what sale is going on- do your homework when you buy (’tis the season!).

robot dogs

Chubby Puppies and Friends are very cute and affordable. They have been around for a little while, but they just keep getting better. They have added all sorts of animals to the original dogs (and there are a lot of dogs to pick from as well), such as bunnies, horses, pandas, all kinds of cats, and more. Some even have their own babies in the same pack (Mommy or Daddy and baby animal of choice sets) which delights my son and all children who like cute things or to play “baby” or house or….play. So, you know. All kids. Some sets come with “fashion sets” like a carrying bag for the pup and accessories like sunglasses, bows, etc, and there are playsets available as well (dog park, fashion runway, etc). The pets walk, hop, waddle by battery operated power. Each pet needs it’s (included) 1 AAA battery. Prices start at around $7.99 per pet, more for fashion sets and play sets.

home toy making kits

Want to build your own pet? Now you can create your own stuffed toys at home with the Build A Bear Stuffing Station.  Just like in the stores, these new furry friends will have their own adoption/birth certificates for you to name them and make them your own. Each kit contains 1 Build-A-Bear Stuffing Station (where you make your bears) 2 Build-A-Bear Furry Friends (1 bear, 1 bunny) 2 shirts, 2 hearts, 2 bags of stuffing for your friends, an instruction guide, accessories, and 2 birth certificates. Yes, you can get refills/more animals to stuff (additional purchases). Even better? Batteries not required! Runs on kid power. The price is $29.99 on https://shop.spinmaster.com

walking toy dog

Peppy Pups has the sweetest face, is no tech, and will get your kids outside and moving. What’s not to love about this toy? This doggie will follow you everywhere. Take him for a walk (indoor or out) and he will walk alongside, run, and even give bouncy “jumps”  since he literally has a spring in his step. It’s plush fur is soft, and s/he has springs in her feet to give it that “puppy prance” when you take her for a walk. No baggies required! You can get yours at Toys “R” Us nationwide and Amazon for $19.99 (standard retail price).

real baby dolls

When a pet won’t do, and they are begging for a little brother or sister, take a look at the new Cabbage Patch Kids Baby So Real. For the first time, CPK is giving children an interactive doll experience.  While they still have those classic Cabbage Patch looks, these life-like baby dolls have traditional play patterns kids love and are full of the latest technology. Baby coos, burps, sleeps, even runs a fever- and your child gets to play mommy or daddy in a fairly authentic way (for a doll). There is a “magic” spoon with medicine, your child feeds it and changes the baby doll, and more. Eyes open, close, and look around the room. It has random reactions, just like a “real” baby would. Of course, as with all Cabbage Patch Kids, Baby So Real is soft and snuggely, and comes with removable clothes (other outfits available for purchase). In case you were wondering, yes Virginia- there’s an app for that.The online mode allows you to see the virtual nursery where you can play with your baby, feed, diaper burp and administer TLC. You can also play games, watch video clips and earn baby points for additional virtual accessories and new features. Baby So Real is available in Blonde, Brunette, and African American babies, comes with a fully removable outfit and diaper, a special interactive bottle and medicine spoon, birth certificate, adoption papers and a free baby monitor style app for additional virtual play.  Retail price is $99.99

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2016, review, toys Tagged With: , ,

7 Benefits of Taking a Cruise

December 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment

If you are planning to take some time off of work, but are not sure where you are headed, a cruise is always an option you should consider. You might wonder why everyone who is returning from a cruise is so happy and there’s a reason for it. It’s an amazing experience that comes at a great value and something that your whole family can enjoy. They can truly be the perfect vacation.

Is there a better way to relax than to lay under the sun, with a cocktail in your hand, while you sail away? We believe there’s not. However, it’s are not only a great leisure activity. In fact there are numerous benefits of taking a cruise. Here are just seven of them.

It Can Save you a Lot of Money

At first, when looking at the price of a cruise, you might think that they are an expensive treat. However, when you consider the value you are getting, you will actually realize that cruises can save you a lot of money. In fact, some of the best packages come at great prices. In most cases, you‘ll be paying under $100 per night, which is extremely affordable, especially considering that you‘ll be getting a hotel, a dinner, a show and an overall unforgettable experience. Furthermore, if you are traveling to a cheap place, you‘ll be able to save even more. Have kids? On some cruise lines your kids will be able to sail either completely for free or at discount rates, if they are sharing a cabin with you. What’s more, even if you are looking for luxury, you can find the best value on a cruise as well, all with the best alcoholic beverages, shore tours and more.

There is Little to No Planning Involved

Most people dread going on a vacation, simply because of the time it takes to plan one. However, you won’t need to go through the tedious process of planning. Forget about booking different hotels or plane tickets. With a cruise, you‘ll be able to travel the world, while having the comfort you need and there’s isn’t any planning involved. Everything you need to do is simply pick your ship, pack your bags and you‘re good to go. If your family is big, or you are planning a trip for a group, with a cruise you won’t experience any additional hassle in planning. Most cruise lines provide group offers that will not only give you further discounts on your travel, but will help you with the booking of cabins and more.

Getting Out of Your Own Head

One of the hardest things to do in our busy everyday lives is to get out of our own heads. Even when we are on vacation, we often think about the different issues that are currently on our mind. What about my project? What about my work? These are all questions that are on the minds of students and adults who are about to take a vacation. Nevertheless, on a ship you‘ll get a chance to stay away from your work and study life for a while and completely enjoy your free time.

Meeting New People

Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, the scientific benefit of meeting new people is a proven fact. On a ship you will be able to meet a lot of new faces. What’s more you can easily find great talking points and things in common, because after all you are all enjoying a nice cruise. Nevertheless, make sure to make the most out of your new interactions. Cruising is also one of the most romantic travel experiences. Whether you are with your other half or are a single who would like to meet someone new, there’s no better place for you than a cruise. What’s more, most lines have special packages for weddings and honeymoons, as well as vow renewals.

Take the Whole Family With You

There aren’t a lot of vacations where you can take your family and be certain that everyone will enjoy their time. With the multitude of activities and the uniqueness of the experience they offer, cruises are fun for each member of the family. What’s more with everything located on a single ship, you‘ll be able to go and do different stuff, without worrying where all of you are. You will all be on the same ship.

Having Fun

We all like to relax, but having fun is also something you need to do. On a cruise you will be able to join in over a dozen of new and exciting activities that will make your vacation even better. In fact, most ships have a bar and a restaurant, where you‘ll be able to enjoy life music and a few drinks. Depending on the ship of your choice, the list of onboard activities may include everything from pottery classes, to yoga, comedy routines, dance workshops, basketball and more. Ships are much like floating cities in the middle of the oceans and have Wi-Fi, cell service and satellite TV, so you won’t need to worry about leaving behind your comfort as well. If scrolling down your smartphone is something you often do, on a cruise you‘ll be able to do so as well, all while enjoying the nice hot sun and the ocean breeze. On a cruise you will also be able to forget all of your cares, as there are always enough lifeboats and doctors aboard to help in an emergency situation and everything you need is always there.

Learning About New Cultures

If you are taking an international cruise, you‘re getting a chance to learn more about new cultures. They are a bit more expensive, but at the end of the day, they can be an unforgettable experience. What’s more you’ll be able to do visit a dozen of new locations and you‘ll need to unpack only once. You won’t have to deal with the hassle of changing hotels, and yet you will be able to wake up on a new location every single day. That’s perfect. Some of the best cruises will let you visit all of the cities that you’ve wanted to visit your entire life and you‘ll be able to do so on a great value price and for a week or a month of your time. There certainly isn’t a better vacation than a cruise, as it lets you enjoy multiple cultures and visit over a dozen of new locations without much hassle or planning.

In a world polluted by productivity and stress, it’s hard to forget the importance of taking a break. Whether you are single or have a family, your lack of energy can not only harm your relationship with others and yourself, but can be relatively unhealthy. Make sure to plan your break and book a cruise, because there’s no better way to relax than to enjoy a nice sea travel.

About author:

Robert Everett: I am a freelance writer currently based in Chicago. Solving students career and university problems. Having interest in marketing and business.
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