Archive for the ‘Book Review’ Category

The Cool Talking Comic Book Cover

Check out this clever talking comic book cover for X-O Manowar.

They way it works is you use your smartphone to scan the QR Code, then place your phone on the dotted line and an animation begins that causes the illusion of the character speaking. Very clever and possibly one of the best uses I’ve seen for QR Codes.

 

 

Via BoingBoing

Google honors Mr Men and Roger Hargreaves

Google is celebrating Roger Hargreaves and Mr Men and Little Misses books
with an assortment of Google logos today to celebrate his birthday.

I’m sorry to say I’m not familiar with Roger Hargreaves, so I’ll have to check out his books the next time I’m at the Library. They seem to have been very popular in Britain, so I’m not certain how widespread they are in the U.S. There have been four animated TV series of his stories in Britain in 2008 and 2009.

He first drew the characters when his Son, Adam asked him what a tickle looked like. After Mr. Hargreaves death in 1988, his son continued writing and drawing the books until his wife sold the rights to Chorion entertainment group.

An animated move is in the works for release in 2014.

To see all the versions of the logo, go to Google and hit refresh to get a new version.

Family Fun in FamilyFun

Family Fun MagazineEvery month I sit in the waiting room of the orthodontist’s office waiting for one, or both, of my kids. In the pile of magazines on the table the first thing I look for is FamilyFun Magazine. Every month this Disney-owned magazine is full of great activities, crafts, food, tips and ideas, travel information, and much more. The craft and food ideas are easy to do and not very costly. Many of them are very simple, but extremely clever. I have to admit that several times I’ve been tempted to tear out a page and bring it home (I have not).

My boys are getting older now and FamilyFun is geared more towards families with smaller children, although some of the ideas are still good for older kids, or could be adjusted slightly for their age. It’s also a great gift idea for friends with smaller kids. Or maybe I’ll subscribe now and save the best articles for gandchildren. (Yikes! did I just say that?)

The price is right too. A 12-month (10 issue) subscription from Amazon is only $9.95. I don’t want to sound like Billy Mays, but that’s only 99 cents each! If you order before June 30, there is also an additional $3.00 discount. Worth every penny.

I’ve seen some critisizm that FamilyFun lacks some diversity in its travel destinations and activities. I suppose I would have to basically agree with that. But it doesn’t negate it’s strong points, which are clever and inspiring ideas for all families to do together.

Dave’s Cool Toys

Dave’s Cool Toys Blog
We post news about new toys on our site, new toys in the market, general toy information, or stuff we just thought was cool (usually toys).

We welcome your feedback and comments.

Be sure to check out our toys at Dave's Cool Toys. We work hard to find toys you won't find at the big box stores. Now go out and play!

Dave Ference

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