DadJack.com Blog

Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. It was extorted away from me in my divorce negotiations, so I never have the kids for turkey on Thursday.  It puts a little bit more of a damper on it when I’m unemployed, and not just because of not having an income.  There is excitement and anticipation that I miss not being at work the day before a holiday.  It was kind of fun to go to work on those half days, when everyone kind of half-assed their work, talking about plans and counting the minutes til we were out the door. Although, I don’t miss the dread of returning on those Monday’s after a long weekend!

I thought I’d give you some Jack Friday updates (OK, I know it’s Black Friday and it’s actually Wednesday today, but I thought I’d try and steal some of their thunder!) that have been sent to me this last week via press release:

- Dog Cruise!!!

WINNETKA, CA: Dog Lovers will make tracks for Alaska next year for the most fun doggie event of the decade: a Dog Lovers Cruise – September 8-15, 2012. World famous dog trainer Uncle Matty, aka Matthew Margolis, will be on board to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about dogs but were afraid to ask. Find out why dogs do what they do and learn how you can build and nurture your loving relationship with them.

The Dog Lovers Events will include: Swapping Doggie Tales – a chance to brag about your dog to an audience who actually wants to hear about him or her; Owner/Doggie Look-alike Contest – if you’ve ever been told you look like your dog, this could be a very good thing because you might have a shot at winning Best in Show; “Dogtail” Party – for everyone from young pups to old hounds mix it up with others who love their dogs as much as you do; Film Festival – showing classic doggie flicks (tissues provided); Vendors Room – buy something extra special to bring back to your little darlings who you’ve left behind to go on the cruise it just might help you get out of the doghouse when you get home.

Holland America’s classically beautiful Westerdam sails from Seattle, Washington and will visit Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria. Dog Lovers can take an optional journey inland to visit the Alaskan Sled Dogs in their natural habitat. Afterwards, we’ll be heading to the Red Dog Saloon to lap up Alaska’s finest brews and howl along with the honky-tonk piano.

A dog-gone great time will be had by all!

This is a private event and must be booked through Cruises Cruises Cruises, Inc. Cruise fares start at $849 per person, based on double occupancy. Dog Lovers Event Fee is $100.

For more information contact Linda Wolf at Cruises Cruises Cruises, Inc.

Email: cruises3@pacbell.netPhone: 818.346.7003 www.TicketToCruise.com

Facebook: Dog Lovers Cruise

www.UncleMatty.com

- Upper Playgound, a cool street art/clothing site out of San Francisco is having a Black Friday Sale exclusively for fans of their Facebook page, you click here and like them for the skinny!

- Dr. Renee has picked some smart toy choices for the holidays.

Dr. Renee Clauselle, Founder and Head Psychologist of New York based Child and Family Psychology, providing mental health to adults and families regularly appears as an expert on TV and is often quoted in the media. The clear explanations, intelligence, sparkling personality and humor of “Doctor Renee” are making her the go-to expert for family and relationship issues. She says, ”There are a number of fabulous toys for kids of all ages, those that enhance learning social and emotional skills, which are also fabulous tools for promoting family communication and interaction in a fun, healthy way. Toys that delight, teach important skills, engage kids’ imaginations, and have that “wow” factor are not as difficult to find as you might think.”

Here are Doctor Renee’s picks for “Smart Toys” for children of all ages, she is available for interview and she can put together an assortment themed perfectly for your audience.

9 mos. to 2 years: “The reason I love Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light, Turtle
full night sky projection for ceiling and walls is because it really plays at the sensory development that is happening in babies.  Muscular development and eye tracking development are enhanced. I also love that as a stuffed toy, it can grow with kids as they get older as a cuddle friend for bed time.”

10 years to 12 years. “For middle schoolers and teen tweens it is all about reading skills and vocabulary because SAT’s are right around the corner. Konexi -Deluxe
is a word-building game of skill and chance in 3D. Great for family game nights.  It’s a game that keeps everyone stimulated and on the edge of their seats playing it, while reading and writing skills improve!”

-  Free Shipping is a great excuse to skip the malls and shop from the comfort of your own home… Free Shipping.org lists codes for a bunch of sites! Here are some sites offering free shipping deals for Black Friday:

1. Best Buy
Free shipping on all orders.

2. American Eagle
Free shipping plus 40% off with code 7242983.

3. Shoes.com
Free shipping plus 25% off Sale and Clearance items with code YAMS.

4. Coldwater Creek
Enjoy Coldwater Creek free shipping on all orders with code AFLC924.

5. Bloomingdale’s
Free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP11.

6. Yves Saint Laurent
Free shipping plus 20% off all orders.

7. Lands’ End
Enjoy free shipping from Lands’ End plus 30% off your entire order.

8. Urban Outfitters
Free shipping on all orders.

9. Target
Free shipping plus $7 off orders of $70 or more on select items.

10. Kohl’s
Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

OK, that’s the info I found kind of interesting from this past week!

HAVE A GREAT/SAFE THANKSGIVING!!!

Rock on, Jack

These are things that have been important in my life this week.  Lucy’s school ended their candy bar sales drive today.  On my end we did pretty good (I’m not sure how many her Mom moved), thanks to Angela and My Mom we sold 100… I don’t think I ever sold that many when I was a kid. I remember going door to door, by myself, trying to sell my candy bars… I wouldn’t let my kid do that in a million years!

Lucy had her “progress report” yesterday, her Mom and I attended, she did great.  It’s always great to hear good stuff about your kid… But I already knew she’s a super star!

We always have baked goods at our house, I whipped up a batch of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies before the kids came over… Lucy declared them better than McDonald’s cookies, I almost cried, It is quite a honor in kid world to be better than Mc Donald’s!

I am kidless for half this weekend, I’m going to stop by Carey and Teresa’s going away party… For those of you who don’t know them, they are long time pod supporters, great people and resident’s of the porn capital of the U.S., and they are moving to Texas.  They will be missed, I wish them the best on their new adventure’s!

The Pod in my opinion has been rocking lately… We are really having fun doing it!  The new two-level system is in the works, there have just been some technical issues… But Angela Channel is all over it!  Her dog, Edison,  has been ill, so she’s been busy with that… Luckily her good dog, Emma, is doing fine! Feel better Edison.

Speaking of Angela, she would totally do this.  Pitcher thrown curve ball.  Less than 10 ladies loved him.  At least he tried!  Bing will fight him! It’s OK with me if they kill this guy! I happy he got a star, sad that he’s sick… he’s one of my favorites.  Ladies love Iceland.  Scary!

Rock On, Jack