Think Geek- Daddy’s Point Of View

Hello and welcome to Daddy’s Corner!  It’s my turn to tell you what I think about some of my favorite things.
SO It’s time for more awesome.
Ready for science?  You better be, ’cause there are mantis men and science to be done!  What? you have no idea what I’m talking about for shame, go play more Valve games.  Then come back here and enjoy this kick butt Portal 2 shirt.  The mantis men must be stopped, so says Cave Johnson.  Portal 2 is a great game and this is a great shirt, you will get noticed every time you wear it, promise.
 
Recently I have realized watches are awesome.  Not only do they look cool they also make you stop asking what time it is.  Now if only there was some way to get small messages across using them, lets say 10 characters long and still have a nifty looking mirror finish to it.  Check it out -Thinkgeek to the rescue!  This watch tells the time of day, date and scrolls a 10 character message across the screen.  
 
At first I loved this idea, but then I had to come to the realization I have no idea what to put, so much I can say, first of course there was an insult, but that didn’t make much sense.  I’m going to insult myself every time I look at my watch?  Nope.  Then came the brains storming, I thought of robot stuff, maybe something Bender from Futurama would say, maybe.  I want something deeper.  So I figured it out words of wisdom which we can all use hearing sometimes.  The immortal words inscribed on The Guide, “Don’t Panic”.  I smile every time  I check the time.  Its wonderful.  Also the very nice touch of this watch it is big.  When buying a watch I have to be careful to try it on before purchasing because most watches aren’t meant for monkey arms and just won’t fit.  But this watch fit like a charm with some room to spare.  Now I know why their mascot is a monkey. 
 
Ready bat-girls? or bat-women I guess.  You don’t have to feel left out in this dork fest.  Take a look at these cool Batman wallets.  Yes, they are out of stock but I have a funny feeling they will be back in stock very soon.  These wallets are made tough to survive the roughest purse or pocket.  Looks stylish and holds lots of cards, cash id’s etc.  It snaps close nicely and if even sparkles.  Let the world know that you are Geek Proud, or like my own wife- married to a Geek and proud of it!
Take a look add it to your wish-list and wait it out while  ThinkGeek gets some more in stock.
 

Disclaimer- we received the above products to provide a review.  All opinions are ours.
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Tomorrow I will hanging out at Lake Naomi, PA!

So!  I will be away tomorrow, dear bloggy buddies!
Where will we be hanging out?  At Lake Naomi, in the Poconos, PA.
Here is a little information about Lake Naomi- you can be sure I will give you lots more information, photos, and video when we get home.  Have a fun day!

Lake Naomi Club is a premiere Pennsylvania Recreational Community, located in the pristine Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  At the heart of our Resort Community is a 277-acre lake with Boating, Fishing, Swimming and Sailing, but that’s just the beginning. Lake Naomi Club also features two outdoor Olympic Sized Pools, including the largest heated outdoor pool in Pennsylvania, a 9-hole Executive and Private Golf Course, the #1 rated Tennis Center complex in Pennsylvania, a Clubhouse with Restaurant and Pub and a dedicated recreational staff offering activities for all ages. And the best just got better with the addition of a 48,000 square foot Community Center which boasts a myriad of amenities including an indoor pool, indoor tennis, fitness center and activities for the entire family.

Surrounded by nature and nestled in mountain serenity, Lake Naomi and Timber Trails offer Pennsylvania Vacation Homes and Rentals at a great value considering the unique mix of peaceful retreat and convenient shopping.

Lake Naomi and Timber Trails are two communities that comprise the Lake Naomi Club. Here you will find Pennsylvania Vacation Homes and Rentals to meet any budget or style. Lake Naomi Club is located within two hours driving time of Philadelphia, North Jersey, and New York and is easily accessible any season of the year. The short drive encourages weekend use. It is also within minutes of three ski resorts. Lake Naomi Club surrounds one of the largest private lakes in the Pennsylvania Mountains and it is recognized as one of the leading vacation communities in the country.
But it is not just a Pennsylvania Recreational Community. It is also a safe, family oriented luxury retreat committed to providing exceptional recreation for the whole family. Lake Naomi Club is a place where lifelong friendships are born. Second generation children are already returning with their own families. This is more than a weekend retreat…it’s a way of life.
Oh did we mention the Kids Clubs???
Kids Klub
Each week during the summer season Kids Klub themes provide a different focus for games, crafts and trips, and coincide with the Tuesday Night Cookouts and other community events. Activities are planned for each age group. It’s a bit like summer camp filled with sports, crafts, and just plain fun. There are even field trips planned to amusement parks, local theaters, overnight camping and sport facilities. Kids Klub is available to children 4 – 13.
KUB Klub
Kub Klub is Lake Naomi‘s latest addition to its summer recreation programming. Kub Klub is available to those members and guests who are 3 years of age and potty-trained (no pull-ups or diapers will be accepted).
If you’ve ever wished for one of those perfect Pennsylvania Family Vacations, the kind where you could be like a kid again and go to summer camp, or join your kids at summer camp, you’ll love Lake Naomi. It’s a place to unwind, find recreation and experience life the way it’s meant to be.


Disclosure- Tomorrow we will be visiting this location in order to provide a review. 
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Win Tickets to PPAC Gazillion Bubble Show- Live Theater- RI Theater

One of my lucky readers will win a family 4 pack  to see the Gazillion Bubble Show in Providence, Rhode Island!  (This will be for the Sept 30 show.)
Please see my Recent Post for all the info on this great show!

If you would like to win these great tickets, please enter to win below.
Good Luck!

Mandatory entry

You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win.  In  your comment, please.

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like PPAC on Facebook.  This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest. 
– Follow PPAC on Twitter, and please tweet-
#Win Tickets to see Gazillion Bubbles #LiveShow @PPAC  http://tinyurl.com/3d83639 #theater  #Giveaway #kids @HaveSippy
-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love!  🙂  This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway. 
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription  or via RSS
+3 entries

Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Tickets to see Gazillion Bubbles #LiveShow @PPAC  http://tinyurl.com/3d83639 #theater  #Giveaway #kids @HaveSippy
 
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Back To School event Bloggers’ sites! 

3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, and The Thrifty Things.  You can Follow GFC, Twitter, or Facebook- each is worth an entry. 

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at  kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

 -Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!”  (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!)   *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button  (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!


DISCLOSURE: I received the above product for review.  All opinions are mine, yours may differ.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law.  Open to US shipping addresses only.  Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above.  Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends Aug 25, 2011.

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PPAC HOSTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW!

Something entirely new in family entertainment! From Tony Award® -winning producer Jon B. Platt, (Wicked) this dazzling one-of-a-kind show stars bubble artist Fan Yang performing many of the astounding feats that earned him a whopping 17 Guinness World Records.

In addition to giant bubbles, bouncing, floating, smoke-filled, tiny and massive bubbles, the spectacular production features jaw-dropping special effects, state of the art special lighting and never before seen laser effects.

An off-Broadway hit now entering its 5th amazing year, this internationally acclaimed attraction will unveil a multi-million dollar production for its first ever North American tour at PPAC.
Tour Begins Sept 30th!  Get your seats now! 

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Kiddie Academy- Opportunity Knocks

 Kiddie Academy can lead to some wonderful opportunities, for couples, friends, and classmates.  That is definitely do-able; who hasn’t thought that they would love to spend more time with that best friend in their life?  Well how about someone closer then best friend?  But how about family members, not just cousins- I mean very close family members. 

Mother/daughter team Shanie and Judy did just that.  They opened a Kiddie Academy on Gainesville, Florida.  This was soon after a move to the area and an unwillingness to accept sub par child care.  Shanie had a background in education and both had experience in in home day care.  After some deliberation and a few suggestions from their husbands, they decided to open up a franchise for Kiddie Academy.  Their franchise has done well, but of course has had its rough spots.  One of which is dedication of staff, which is a problem in most child care businesses.  Without trustworthy, caring staff the parents aren’t comfortable and most importantly the kids aren’t comfortable.  So with training, positive reinforcement and work role modeling they have been able to get a better handle on this issue.  As a teacher, I can tell you that proper management is key- no teacher wants to work in a poorly run or disorganized school, and they won’t stay. 

Take a look at Kiddie Academy, you never know what could happen.

Disclosure- this is a sponsored post by me on behalf of Kiddie Academy.  All opinions are my own. 
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The Butterfly Cabinet- Book Review

I absolutely adored The Butterfly Cabinet– it was a real page-turner, and I could not put it down!  Set in Ireland about 100 years ago, this book is loosely based on real facts and a true crime that was committed. 
A mother kills her child- but was it an act of cold blood, or a mother trying her best to raise her child?  This is
abuse in the eyes of today- but in a different time…it’s so hard not to be judgmental!  Not being from that age or culture, it is impossible to see it with any eyes but my own- but I can try.  I empathize most with the maid and nanny (later on), whose views are most like my own, and whom I feel kindred with.

The book alternates between the mother of the child, and the maid who is telling the story.  One begins to understand the mother a bit more, about her life, as we read from her journal.  The maid is an enchanting character, one I was happy to hear from and get to know.  Haunting, sad- yet hopeful for the future- it broke my heart, and made me want to hug my own kids.  I loved the storytelling, the historical details of Ireland and the setting.  Fans of history, or lovers of all things Irish will say this is a “must read“.

I would buy this book in a heartbeat.  Well written, from the heart, and full of history drama, and suspense- even a happy ending, though tinged with sadness.  It is all we can ask for from a book, really. 

“Vivid, mysterious and unforgettable, The Butterfly Cabinet is Bernie McGill‘s engrossing portrayal of the dark history that intertwines two lives. Inspired by a true story of the death of the daughter of an aristocratic Irish family at the end of the nineteenth century, McGill powerfully tells this tale of two women whose lives will become upended by a newly told secret.”
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Sight Words- Learn with Rock ‘N Learn! Contest

Rock ‘n Learn teaches kids using music.
“Rock ‘N Learn began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound — the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, we have sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Rock ‘N Learn programs helps students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. Our DVDs incorporate music with exciting, colorful imagery.”

The kids really enjoy it, and it is really cute when they start singing along.  When kids are enjoying what they are learning, they are more likely to retain the information being presented- not to mention that they are more likely to pay attention!  My Pre-K class does our own sight words several times a week, and it was interesting to see how they responded to “other” sight words.  We use the local Kindergarten’s list to go on.  These words were a bit different, and were certainly presented to them in a different way then I do.  They loved it from the first few minutes.

The kids thought it was fun, and they got upset when I turned it off before it was over.  (Hey- it was lunchtime!)  I told them I would let them watch the rest later- and they were asking for it as soon as they woke up from nap.  They even said they would watch it instead of going outside!  I said no, they had to go outside- it’s important for kids to be active- but that I would skip doing OUR afternoon sight words and finish the DVD that day, as a special treat.  (OOOOh, how nice of me- letting them learn sight words instead of sight words!  LOL)

We have done these sight words in addition to our sight words since seeing the video that day.  They are so excited to learn more words, it makes me feel good.  And they sing along, and are learning the new words very quickly.  We only do the Rock ‘n Learn sight words if we do our weekly ones well- so it is motivation for the kids to try their best.

Here is a little more information about Sight Words
“Sight words are the most frequently used words in the English language, and this DVD helps students learn to read them automatically. As a supplement to phonics-based strategies, Rock ‘N Learn Sight Words boosts reading and spelling skills. Children learn over 60 sight words through engaging characters, entertaining songs, and fun practice. Words are presented in context to help build reading comprehension. Includes all pre-primer Dolch words, the top 20 from Fry’s, and more. A bonus section helps kids with word shapes and spelling skills. “

You can buy a DVD here, or enter to win below!

Mandatory entry

You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win.  In  your comment, please.

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like Rock ‘N Learn on Facebook.  This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.
-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love!  🙂  This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway. 
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription  or via RSS
+3 entries

Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Sight Words- Learn with Rock ‘N Learn!  Contest http://t.co/V5t066I #education #B2S #Giveaway #kids @HaveSippy
 
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Back To School event Bloggers’ sites! 

3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, and The Thrifty Things.  You can Follow GFC, Twitter, or Facebook- each is worth an entry. 

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at  kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

 -Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!”  (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!)   *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button  (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!


DISCLOSURE: I received the above product for review.  All opinions are mine, yours may differ.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law.  Open to US shipping addresses only.  Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above.  Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends Aug 29, 2011.

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Dinosaur World- a MUST SEE when traveling!

Those are my kids near the feet!!!

What child doesn’t love dinosaurs?  There is just something about them that appeals to almost every child that I know.  Dinosaur World is something a bit out of the ordinary- part museum, part dino-shopping-center, but mostly- a fun activity-based adventure to have with your little ones.  Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky, is a great way to spend the day.  The idea of spending the whole day with all sorts of pre-historic beasts was just too exciting for my Little Man. Walking amongst dinosaurs?  Not just bones?  Well, that seemed almost too good to be true for a little boy, the day before he turned four years old!  (We even got to dig for our own fossils, which all children get to keep!  How is that for fun?)

Check out who is INSIDE the dino’s mouth!  🙂

There are true-to-life sized dinosaur re-creation statues, each made by an employee of Dinosaur World and based on the most current scientific information available.  They are made of fiberglass, steel, and concrete.  Dinosaur World Park officials consulted with European open-air Dinosaur Museum owner, as well as experts on prehistoric life to create these models.
Dreamed up by a European businessman, and first opened in Plant City, Florida, there are now three Dinosaur World locations you can visit.  (The third is in Glen Rose, Texas.)  Not just any other day in the park- here you will be face to face (or at times, knee to face!) with your favorites dinosaurs, mammoths, and prehistoric eggs, nests, and more!

Dinosaur World has over 150 life sized dinosaur creations, placed in a natural and wooded setting.  This was quite appreciated by yours truly during that Kentucky heat wave!  You will see both well known and favorite species, such as the most famous dinosaur of all (the mighty T-rex!)  as well as the lesser known varieties, and mammoths, too.  I was thrilled that they included less familiar species, it gave us more to read about when we got home.  This has already inspired more then one library trip, and many art projects.  Not just coloring, either!  Shadow boxes, models, you name it, my children are very excited.  We wrote down names of dinosaurs we didn’t know at all or very well, and the expedition to learn about them has continued.

With my Pre-School class’ graduation theme being “dinosaurs”, this came at a great time for my children, because dinosaurs are fresh in their minds, and they were excited to see the dinosaurs we had been learning about.  As fans of educational TV shows like “Dino Dan” and “Dinosaur Train”, like so many other children their age, it was great for them to see the “real” version of the dinosaurs they love to watch on the television.  “Buddy” is a little scary in reality!  LOL
Traditional Museums are wonderful for showing dinosaurs, but they only show pictures and bones.  I highly suggest that if you get the chance, take a trip to the Dinosaur World nearest you.  It will be an adventure your children will talk about for a long time to come, and none of you will forget.

Special note for teachers and parents!  You can have your child’s birthday at Dinosaur World for only 6$ a child, and all educational trips are only 5$ per person.  You sure can’t shake a stick at that!  If we had one of these in my area, I sure know where I would have been having Little Man’s birthday.  Not to mention, what a great day trip for my Pre-K class!

 Don’t forget to follow on Twitter and Facebook and keep up with all the fun  🙂

Happy exploring!

Disclosure- I visited Dinosaur World free of charge in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own. 
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