Friday, December 19, 2008

Fisher Price Elmo Live Rocks the Toy Market!

Fisher Price Elmo Live throws kisses, gives hugs and tells you he loves you! In today's impersonal world, this is a refreshing wholesome toy for your child. Elmo Live encourages behaviors that will promote the good qualities in your child.

Let Fisher Price Elmo Live be the kind of friend who is a good influence on your child, the kind of "friend" to occupy your child while you are busy about the house. This takes the worry out of that "alone" time your child might be spending with television or some other electronic impersonal toy. Animation gives Elmo Live a life-like personality that is almost like having the neighbor's little boy over to play. This promotes and encourages interpersonal interaction, which is vitally important for toddlers and children before school age.

Fisher Price Elmo Live makes a good companion, a teacher, a friend who will help little ones learn to share and express feelings in a natural way. Being a toy, there will be no resistance to the signs of love and affection. Elmo is bubbling over with it just waiting to share with any child who needs some positive reinforcement. Other animated or electronic toys may not be as fun and live-like as Elmo Live so this is definitely a toy for any child to bring a smile to his face and joy to the heart.

Big, bright red and fuzzy, Fisher Price Elmo Live represents all things soft and gentle. Unlike toys that promote violence and toys that are just machines, Elmo Live gives you the confidence that your child will have a gentle experience from a life-like character. Play time will become friend time with this toy. Elmo is so real, children will want to have conversations with him which continues to develop good interpersonal skills in young children.

The makers of Elmo Live created a dynamic breakthrough in the toy industry that will revolutionize the way toys are perceived. More like a robot than an electronic battery operated toy, Fisher Price Elmo Live is the key to the future in space age toy development. The term toy is insufficient somehow. Companion more aptly describes this lovable character. Aside from his lovable character, his talents, Elmo is polite. He can take a joke and laugh, too. What more could one ask for in a playmate?

Fisher Price Elmo Live rocks the toy market with his singing and dancing talent. Musical ability adds to the charm of this new toy character that compliments the traits of a well rounded playmate for your child. While sharing the acts of affection so important in a child's growth, Elmo will enliven the day with his singing. Watching your child sings along with Elmo Live will make you happy.


Friday, November 21, 2008

Movie Review - Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

It's been way too long for Indiana Jones to whiplash his way back to the silver screen and only Spielberg could bring alive the persona of Indiana Jones, hat, boots, bull whip and all. For the uninitiated let me first give a small history lesson. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, two of the hottest talents of the seventies decided to come together to make a movie which at the time was promoted as "the return of high adventure". The movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was directed by Spielberg & produced by Lucas, and went on to be one of the highest grosser of all time. Set in the time of 2nd World War, the pulsating story of the search for the Ark of the Covenant moved from US to Nepal and climaxed in Egypt.

It was followed by the not so good "Indiana Jones & the Temple of the Doom". Amrish Puri made a forgettable Hollywood debut but the romance of Indy's adventures remained alive. The third "Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade" is my second favorite because it had the unflappable Sean Connery who plays Indy's father. The search of the Holy Grail is one of my all time favorite yarns.
The common thread in all the above movies was the swash buckling, devil may care Indy Jones who got into and out of the most impossible situations with charm and panache. He plays a professor of archaeology who goes after the most difficult searches for old and forgotten relics, fights the bad guys, gets the girl and always has a happy ending.

The latest offering is all of the above but hey, Indy is twenty years older and yet hasn't seem to have lost his appetite of jumping over unjumpables and avoiding the million bullets that chase him. But then he has an illustrious contemporary in our own Rajnikant who can do all of this and more.
The movie is set in the mid fifties when US saw a commie behind every pole and the obsession of UFOs was coming of age. However Spielberg's obsession with aliens continues to be unrelenting as ever. So this time we have a sword brandishing Kate Blanchett, a protégé of Stalin, who with a little help of stoic faced hoodlums manages to get hold of Indy to guide them to the high security warehouse where the US Govt. stores all its rare, unexplainable artifacts. Those who have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark would remember the last scene where the Ark is being wheeled into this warehouse to its new and anonymous residence. The desired object this time is, well what else, a crystal skull which is the key to untold knowledge and unlimited power. Indy scores in round one and escapes, only to resume the chase later in the time honored tradition of the perennial adventurer.

Accompanying him this time is a John Dean look-alike teenager with an attitude. As it turns out he is Indy's son and from whom? Surprise, surprise, its Karen Allen, the vivacious, hard drinking, kick ass girl friend from the first edition of the series. Like Indy she has aged but the passion remains alive. It was great watching her all over again.

The end is predictable. The special effects from Lucas's factory Industrial Light & Magic are awesome, especially the aliens sequence at the end. And Indy decides to settle down with his old lady love and the new found progeny. I loved his reply when asked by Karen if there were other women in his life and why he didn't marry them. The man says"Yes there were some but all of them had the same problem. None of them was you". Here's a toast to old love and fairy tale endings. Cheers !

Book Review - Red Sky Morning by Andrew J Rafkin

Fast Moving True Life Non Stop Adventure

Andrew Rafkin has a tremendous respect for the ocean and a love for sports fishing. In his new book "Red Sky Morning" Rafkin relives the summer he turned 17 in this coming of age fast moving true to life adventure story of life on a commercial tuna fishing expedition.

Andrew relates his story in a first person narrative. A gifted story teller, Andy drew me into the story taking me back to my own teen years, as a younger Andy relates the adventure from his viewpoint. Interwoven throughout the story are interludes with Rosa, Lauren, Nicole, and Erin. These liaisons add an element of romance to Andy's 17th summer. The climax of the story is set two years later in a sports fishing incident that turned a dream opportunity into a recurring nightmare.

Rich in information on the back ground of sports fishing and the history of commercial fishing Andrew takes the reader From Monterey to San Diego on the West Coast all along the East Coast from Florida to Massachusetts. He describes the Western Ace as a "Navy seagoing tug that was converted to a modern day purse seiner. She was 176 feet long and cruised at 11 to 12 knots...she had the capacity of 800 tons of fish."

I experienced a kinship with the fourteen members of the crew as Andy described their reaction to the delays in port, the thrill of the catch, the tropical rain storms, the hurricane force winds, and the crashing waves battering against the ship. I learned that the life of a commercial fisherman is death-defying and is the most dangerous of all professions with more fatalities per year than any other vocation.

I was especially touched as Andy told of the importance of the summer as a bonding experience with his father. "...one of the best things was the time I spend, with my father, who, prior to this summer, I only saw a few days between fishing trips. Spending the whole summer with him gave me the opportunity to get to know him in his domain...I gained a tremendous amount of respect for my father, and came to understand what an awesome amount of responsibility he had being captain."

"Red Sky Morning" is a compelling seafaring adventure story that will be enjoyed by sports fishermen, by anyone who loves the ocean, and those who own or have dreams of owning their own catamaran, yacht, or boat.

Outskirts Press, 978-1432719425

As review by Richard R. Blake for Midwest Book Review

Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant, Book Store Owner

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Top 10 Most Wanted Toys For Christmas 2008 - Put These Under Your Tree

Figuring out what the top 10 most wanted toys for Christmas are is very important if you want to make sure that Santa gets things right this year. These toys are flying off the shelves with increasing fervor, so it's definitely best to act sooner rather than later so your shopping cart doesn't look sadly empty.

Toy #1 - Elmo Live

The first toy you need to make sure you have is Elmo Live. Elmo is a beloved character for the young and old alike. This Elmo is so lifelike you won't believe your eyes. For such a lifelike toy you'll be surprised at how low the cost is!

Toy #2 - Bakugan Starter Pack

The next toy you need to have on your list for the Christmas 2008 season is the Bakugan starter pack. Children love the anime series Bakugan, so you definitely can't go wrong when you decide to pick up these packs. They are also incredibly inexpensive, and make great stocking stuffers.

Toy #3 - Kidizoom Digital Camera

For that little photographer in your life, you'll want to buy the Kidizoom Digital Camera. This camera is incredibly tough and durable for even the most carefree of children. It also contains features you'd expect on an adult- and much more expensive- camera. This one is probably less than you think.

Toy #4 - Flip Video Camera

The Flip Video Camera. Okay, so this one is technically not a toy. Still, this is a great first video camera for kids because it's inexpensive, small, and very easy to use.

Toy #5 - Busy Ball Popper

For that baby or toddler in your life you'll definitely want to look for the Busy Ball Popper Toy. This one is great because it has colorful balls that go through a tube and pop into the air! Tons of fun for your little one.

Toy #6 - Furreal Friends Biscuit

Furreal Friends Biscuit Dog is a real winner for this holiday season. You can't help but fall in love with this little pup because he is so lifelike. This one is on the expensive side, but the expense is well worth it to see the look of happiness your little one has on his face.

Toy #7 - Eyeclops Night Vision Stealth Goggles

Eyeclops Night Vision Stealth Goggles are next on the list because they are fun for everyone. It's hard to believe, but this toy delivers in a big way by offering real night vision.

Toy #8 - Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii is perhaps an obvious choice, but it's a great one! The Wii has been out for a couple of years now, but it's still hard to find. The interactivity and excitement is something your whole family will love.

Toy #9 - Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer

Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer is another great option. This toy allows your child to change their voice just like in the movies! It's great fun, and sure to bring some laughs.

Toy #10 - Little Big Planet

Last but not least, one of the top 10 most wanted toys for 2008 is Little Big Planet for the Playstation 3 console. This is one of the most innovative, interesting and fun games that has come out in years. You can't go wrong with this title.

Figuring out which toys are hot is half the battle! Now you've got to narrow down your list and choose the best Christmas toys for your own child this year. It also helps to learn about the best pricing deals so you can save money this year. Visit http://bestchristmasgiftsonline.com for more details.

Elmo Live Vs Hasbro's Fur Real Biscuit Doll - Which is the Better Gift

There are two top 'robot dolls' fighting for the spot of Top Christmas Gift in 2008. These two battling it out are Elmo Live on one side, and Fur Real Friend's Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup on the other. But both of them represent a decent investment of money... so which one should you get? The answer of course lies in each doll's features and how they relate to you and your child personally.

First of all, both Elmo Live and Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup react to their owner's actions, but in different ways. Elmo Live will do things like sneeze when you pinch his nose, or laugh and shake and go 'That tickles!' when you tickle him in the stomach. Biscuit, on the other hand, will do things like lie down in you pat him on the back, or some to you when you call him. So Elmo Live's reactions are just a little bit more tender and personal than Biscuit's, whose main strength lie in doing things like interacting with his bone and learning tricks.

So speaking of tricks, Biscuit can recognize and react to a variety of commands, like speak, sit, and lay down. He does this to imitate and act like an actual real live puppy dog, which he succeeds at. Meanwhile, Elmo Live doesn't react to spoken commands, but he does do another kind of trick; mainly he tells stories and jokes, just like the real Elmo character does on his TV show. The stories are pretty funny, and are based an fairy tales and stuff that appeals to young children.

Of course, we would be amiss if we didn't take into account Elmo's attraction and fame from Sesame Street. For many very young children, this is bound to be the make-it-or-break it factor, as meeting Elmo in person is going to be a huge thing for them. Obviously the same child would be much less impressed by meeting Biscuit, although he might still like it. The puppy doll doesn't fall too far behind though, since slightly older kids who wouldn't be as impressed with Elmo Live are often at the age where they would be very impressed indeed with the idea of owning a puppy.

So all in all, we can say that if your child is on the slightly younger side, you're really best advised in going with Elmo Live, while if your kid is a bit older or he's never watched Sesame Street, your better choice is definitely Fur Real Friend's Biscuit. Whichever gift you choose from these two is bound to make a huge impression anyway, so don't sweat it too much.

Have a safe and happy Christmas by becoming informed on every gift you buy this year! Simon Schwartz advises on every worthwhile Christmas toy in 2008, including Elmo Live at Fisher Price Elmo Live and Biscuit the animatronic puppy at Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pup.

Friday, October 31, 2008

10 Best Christmas Gifts For 2008

Looking for the best Christmas gifts for 2008 is a common experience as the year advances and we start to approach the holiday season. There are some easy buys that readily spring to mind, such as Christmas decorations, gift baskets, and Christmas cards. However, to really stir your imagination, here is a list of best selling gifts that has been researched with some of the largest retail stores.

1. Bakugan Battle Pack.

A strategic game that is based on the TV series "Bakugan Battle Brawlers". For kids 4 and above, they pit a variety of warriors against each other and score points. The plastic spheres used burst open to disclose warrior apparatus that is truly fearsome.

2. Fisher-Price Elmo Live.

A cuddly version of the Sesame Street character, Elmo. He's been designed to entertain kiddies from the age of 18 mths with his antics. These include singing, talking, telling jokes, moving his mouth as he talks, sitting, and more. Easy to activate, such as squeezing a toe or tickling his tummy. The little ones love it!

3. Wild Planet Hyperdash.

Combines simple maths with physical exercise and uses a race-course game that moves along quickly. It's an exciting and fun way of helping kids to improve their listening and math skills, as well as their coordination. It's easy to set up and suits children aged six and above.

4. Lego City Advent Calendar.

There are 196 pieces, including accessories and figures (such as a fireman), for building fun as your child creatively develops structures. See how the fire fighter manages to rescue the cat from a tree! For ages five upwards.

5. Vtech - Kidizoom Digital Camera.

Designed for children 3 years old or more, this camera takes real pictures and is easy for little hands to use. There is also child level software included for simple photo-editing. It is rugged, has special grips and allows two-eye viewing. Encourages creative play.

6. Blokus Classic.

Although designed for kids aged five or more, this strategy board game (using special tiles) will also appeal to older children and adults as it calls upon spatial thinking and invites you to block your opponent's moves. On the other hand, the bright colors and simple rules will easily attract the little ones.

7. Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel.

Encourages the Picasso within and offers freedom of expression with a large chalkboard, a paper roller that is easy to load, and a dry-erase board. Invites endless hours of doodling, sketching, and drawing as well as painting. has an adjustable height and suits ages 4-10 years.

8. Bakugan Battle Arena.

This is an accessory for the strategic game listed above that is based on the "Bakugan Battle Brawlers" TV series. Children aged four and above earn points in a black "Battle Arena" as they roll their plastic Bakugan onto magnetic cards. This addition helps to make the game feel more "professional" and offers extra fun to those who love to play this game.

9. Leapfrog Leapster.

A hand held gaming system that uses a video game format as a teaching tool. There are different game templates which are not only entertaining - they also have a learning component. The toy offers recognizable movie and TV characters who engage users in a game as they learn language skills as well as math and reading.

10. Playskool Tonka.

This is both an r/c vehicle and a racing car which is "driven" by youngsters handling a wireless controller. The vehicle goes over obstacles, flips, and rushes forwards and backwards. With a soft body and over-sized tires, floors, walls and feet are safe! The remote control is friendly to toddlers (up to the size of dads!).

This list is based on actual sales and demonstrated demand for products in stock during the period leading up to Christmas.

Children are probably the driving force behind the demand for much of the shopping which is done at Christmas. Our desire to please, entertain and educate the young is a key reason we empty our wallets and purses so readily at this time. The list above of possibly the 10 best Christmas gifts for 2008 will help considerably to make your shopping expedition less of a task and more joyful.

Elmo Live Toy
Cheap Toys

For a more detailed guide to Christmas shopping for all ages, including mums and dads, as well as the best deals available, check out Christmas Gifts or see the list available at: http://www.ElmoLive4U.info

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Fisher Price Toys For Boys and Girls

This holiday season, you'll want to purchase the perfect toys for the little one on your list. You can't get better than Fisher Price when it comes to high quality toys that will stand the test of time with children. There are several toys you'll want to consider for your toddler from Fisher Price's line - especially when it comes to buying presents for the Christmas 2008 season.

Fisher Price Elmo is one of the hottest toy lines for 2008. There's a wide variety of Elmo toys to choose from. You can get plush dolls and animated plush dolls like Elmo Live. You can also find educational toys that use the popular Elmo character to teach important concepts such as number, shapes, and letters to your preschooler. Elmo also comes in musical versions with which your child will enjoy singing and dancing.

If Elmo isn't for you, Fisher Price Little People is a great option. Little People have been around for decades and children of all ages enjoy playing with them. They are the perfect size for toddler and preschool hands and they help to teach children about real life play. You'll find all kinds of little people from firefighters, police offers, veterinarians, and construction workers. These characters teach about careers and about real life situations.

The Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is a great option for your budding photographer. What's even better is that it can handle the wear and tear kids put on toys - such as dropping and exposure to water. This digital camera is constructed so that your child will be able to use it again and again - even if it gets treated roughly.

If you want to help your child get more physical activity with play, you'll want to purchase the Fisher Price Smart Cycle. This is a stationary bicycle that connects to your television to become an arcade style video game system. Your child can play driving and racing games, but can also play learning games. The system also comes with some of your child's favorite characters such as Dora, Barbie, and Thomas the Tank Engine.

When it comes to very small children, Fisher Price makes the Rainforest Jumperoo. This is a toy that allows your little one to jump and bounce while playing with rainforest animals such as an elephant, monkey, and lizard. It also has flashing lights and rainforest sounds that are sure to please your toddler.

Whether you're shopping for a boy or girl that is just learning to walk or is in the last days of his or her preschool years, Fisher Price has the perfect toy for you. If you're looking for quality toys, you can't beat this line - stop by http://www.squidoo.com/elmolivesesame to see the #1 best selling toddler toy for Christmas 2008.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Elmo Party Games

Elmo Party Games can be fun and friendly for all the kids at the party. Here are a couple of ideas for you to try out.

The first game is called, ‘Do as you would be done by.’ This is a game that even Elmo would have to endorse. Before the party starts make up several 3 by 5 index cards each with the name of one of the guests on it. Then mix them up in a hat or bag. As the kids arrive have them pick one index card from the bag. If anyone picks their own name they should put the card back and pick another.

Then later on at the party put a pile of goodies in the center of the group and tell everyone to right what type of treat each should get on back of their index card. Now the kids will think that they are deciding what goodies go to the person on the card, but you won’t actually say that, and when they are all done have each kid read out loud the amount and type they chose and tell them that they must pick out that much for themselves. So the kids who gave their fellows a healthy amount of candy get that in return and those that didn’t, don’t.
The next Elmo party game is a fun word definition game that can be quite educational for the kids. Before the party starts make up a list of unusual words from the dictionary and for each make multiple choice definitions with the one correct definition along with three false definitions. So for example if you chose the word, ‘Scolex’. You could create an index card with the following: A) a small branch used for gathering stuff, B) head of a tapeworm, C) hair on a bee’s leg, D) a type of watch.

Have everyone at the Elmo party break up into groups. Then have one of the groups guess the answer, which in the case of the word ‘Scolex’ is letter B. If the group gets it wrong you move onto the next group. If all groups get it wrong reveal the answer and move to another word. Each group gets one point for each correct answer.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for Elmo birthday party supplies and fun free educational party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Shop has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Buy Elmo Live - You Won't Regret It

For many parents, it's quite a simple decision to buy Elmo Live for their children during this year's holiday season. Lots of parents may have had a child young enough for the Tickle Me Elmo craze back in the late 1990's and now they have another young child, or they have nieces and nephews who are also young enough for the Elmo dolls. Whether it's a holiday gift or a birthday present, when you buy Elmo Live you are not simply buying another stuffed monster or another doll. For many kids, when they tear into the gift wrap and see Elmo, they don't see an inanimate object. They see their best friend, and sometimes, they see a family member. Oh yes, kids taken Elmo seriously, and when you buy Elmo Live, you'll see just how serious they are about it.

Pre-orders to buy Elmo Live has already begun, and many parents have theirs already reserved in preparation for the 2008 holiday season. The ascension and rise to stardom and popularity of the Muppet Elmo character is simply nothing short of amazing. When he was "born" back in 1971, the producers of Sesame Street didn't really care much about him. He wasn't even one of the prominent characters and was often only given a small amount of screen time - if any at all. To look at his popularity and fame today you wouldn't have guessed that he had such humble beginnings.
There are many reasons to buy Elmo Live. Obviously you can cite the advanced technological aspects such as sophisticated software that operates the animated motors, gears and sensors that are all within this doll's body. Elmo Live is a significant upgrade form the previous Tickle Me Elmo. As good as Tickle Me Elmo was, Elmo Live is arguably 10 times better. The Elmo Live doll truly makes you believe that he is in fact, alive. However, this lifelike behavior from what is essentially a toy only adds to a child's enjoyment.

Young children of around preschool age connect and relate to Elmo in ways that adults simply cannot fully understand. This emotional attachment is part of the reason why he has become so popular over the last few decades. Making the decision to buy Elmo Live means that you are in fact bringing home one of your child's most beloved friends. Elmo Live can laugh, tell jokes, and even sing, but even more impressive is his ability to stand up. Although his legs technically do not move, there are gears and motors in his torso that make it appear as though he is moving his legs in order to stand up. The illusion is amazing. His interactive abilities include being able to respond to having his tummy squeezed, or his hand, or even his foot. More than any other Elmo doll, and more than most dolls on the market today, Elmo Live truly brings Elmo alive.

It is difficult to truly convey the look of sheer joy that comes upon a child's face when you buy Elmo Live. That mixture of uncontrollable excitement, anticipation, and happiness in your child's eyes cannot possibly be forgotten. While there are impressively sophisticated components present beneath that layer of red fur, they are hardly the reason why Elmo Live is such a great gift. The reason Elmo Live is such a great gift is because children love him and often times they already see him as their best friend or even a member of the family. So when you are trying to make a decision between buying a normal stuffed toy or an Elmo Live doll, you shouldn't have to spend too much time. The choice really is simple.