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Gifts for Teens

This Intermediate Reader Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer: The Castle by Omid Olfet

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Intermediate Reader: The Castle

Devon was a five-year-old when he learned that those headaches he was having were the result of a cancerous tumor behind his eye. But thanks to his family and good doctors, he survived. Or did he? The Castle is the story of his reminiscences, especially of the crystal chess set he got as a gift after his surgery. But then one of the pieces fell to the floor and shattered. Which piece? The castle, or rook as some call it. Suddenly, Devon awakens in a strange land where he finds a real castle – and some of the same people he knew in his childhood. What is real and what is not? Is he alive or dead? It’s a story that will keep you wondering.
 

Intermediate Reader: The Castle

This Intermediate Reader is a Great Book for Teens and Pre-teens about Survival, Love, and Hope

Just finished this short and very entertaining tale from the mind of Omid Olfet, a truly creative writer. I found the subject matter of this story to be very insightful and heartfelt. Touching the real emotion of love and sorrow through the eyes of Devin, a young boy I could really relate to. I have a feeling all men and boys can. I really like how the main character, Devin, shares his scary childhood moments of life and the death of those he dearly loves. A confusing and sometimes uncertain journey most of us experience during our childhood. The emotions that make us who we are as adults. 
 
I felt the incorporation of life after death and its many mysteries created hope and curiosity throughout this great story. The Castle is the second book that I have read by this author. Once again my expectations were pleasantly surpassed as I read a story that I really enjoyed. Thanks for another well written, proofed, and edited story. I did not understand the cover art at first. However, now I appreciate the correlation to the story within. I recommend this book to everyone. Especially young readers and those who are children at heart. I am looking forward to more creative stories from this skilled author.
 

Just in time for Christmas the Bugs 2 Drone (Force1 F200W Shadow) is here!

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Force1 F200W Shadow Bugs 2 w

BUGS 2 IS THIS YEAR’S TOP-SHELF TECH GIFT

Buckle up when you give this quadcopter drone away; you’ll wish you kept one for yourself!

Bugs 2 Product description:

  • FULLY LOADED FPV DRONE KIT W/ CAMERA + SMARTPHONE HOLDER: Go farther faster with the MJX Bugs 2 Wi-Fi drone that features built-in GPS and a 1080p camera that puts you right in the cockpit with more FPV drone control than ever before!
  • ALTITUDE HOLD, 1-KEY TAKEOFF/LANDING + INTELLIGENT ORIENTATION CONTROL (IOC): Take control quickly and easily with 1-key takeoff and landings, altitude hold for easy hover and IOC (aka “headless mode”) for more stable flight. 
  • ADVANCED BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: Get more efficiency, durability, and power with the latest in brushless quadcopter design.
  • HIGH-SPEED FPV DRONE ACTION RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX: Connect the Bugs 2 Wi-Fi quadcopter to your mobile device via the drone app (see user manual for QR code), attach it using the included smartphone mount and enjoy real-time image transmission from your new eye in the sky.
  • 3 RETURN-HOME (RTH) FUNCTIONS: Watch in wonder as your Bug returns on its own at the touch of a button, or if it loses a signal or gets low on power.
  • NIGHT FLIGHT LED LIGHTS: Your Bug isn’t scared of the dark! Fly it at night and enjoy the show.

Your remote control’s LCD screen tracks all these events and more, and provides a strong signal via a two-way 2.4Ghz connection. BONUS: And, with the extra battery, you can fly your new Bugs 2 drone for twice as long! 

CONTENTS 
• Bugs 2 Wi-Fi Drone 
• 2.4Ghz Remote Controller 
• 7.4V 1800mAh LIPO Battery (2) 
• UL-Certified Balance Charger 
• Smartphone Mount 
• User Manual 
• Extra Propellers (4) 
• Propeller Changing Tool

Bugs 2 released by Force1 - F200W Shadow is here Just in time for Christmas!

He loves Bugs & I Love Bugs 2!

Lately, we have been testing a new drone that we recently received from USA Toyz. We have ordered from USA Toyz in the past and have had many positive experiences, including this one, with them. This time we ordered the MJX B2W Bugs 2, which offers WiFi capability and so much more.

The first and most important feature, in our opinion, is the GPS that is incorporated into the drone. All I can say is WOW! All the other drones we fly, including the two that flew away, unfortunately, do not have GPS technology. Which could have saved us from experiencing the disappointment of the flyaways. Plus, the emotional trauma of losing two expensive drones that came along with the losses. This drone is equipped with 3 (RTH) return to home features, smart, failsafe, and low-battery.

Smart RTH: When pressing the RTH button located on the transmitter, the drone returns to your last recorded home point GPS position. In this mode of RTH, you have the ability to guide the drone around obstacles. Failsafe RTH: Automatically engages when the drone loses transmitter signal for more than six seconds returning the drone to the last recorded home point. Low-Battery RTH: Your drone will automatically return if a low battery is detected when the drone is flying at an altitude of 100+ meters or is 300 or more meters away from the home point. Considering our past loss, we have tested all three RTH modes and are happy to report they all functioned flawlessly. Now we can fly high and fast without the anxiety of fly aways. Another feature that I must mention is that while hovering the GPS will hold the drone in a stationary position for sweet video and photography Personally this gives me time to identify possible obstacles and reorientate myself with my surroundings.

Bugs 2 released by Force1 - F200W Shadow is here Just in time for Christmas!

Next, we would like to brag about the new transmitter design. The MJX Bugs 2 comes with a very competent and easy to use controller. We both love when simplicity and technology are coupled together, no extra unneeded distractions. On the transmitter you will find (on the left) a red lock and unlock button, the one key take off and land button, and a GPS/gesture button;  the power switch is located in the center, and (on the  top right) the camera button is situated just below the RTH button, and at the bottom you’ll find the headless mode button. The camera button does two functions. By pressing the camera button a short time you enter photo mode and a long press of the button enters video mode. The default left joystick is throttle and left/right rotation. The default right joystick is your directional control and moves the drone forward, backward, leftward, and rightward.

Bugs 2 released by Force1 - F200W Shadow is here Just in time for Christmas!

Another part of this transmitter is the built-in LCD screen. This screen displays the transmitter battery level, camera mode (photo or video), headless mode status, drone battery level. Marc really likes this feature as none of the other drones in our hangar offer this sweet luxury. He especially appreciates knowing the drone battery level since he can adjust his flight path and maximize battery life by returning home without completely discharging the battery. Also located on the screen is the word “Model” and then a number. This indicates the transmitter throttle mode that you have selected to use. A few more features indicated on the LCD screen are GPS or Gesture mode. When in GPS mode a satellite image appears with the number of satellites being utilized for navigation. Remember to fly in GPS only when connected to a minimum of seven satellites. Next to the number of satellites are a series of vertical bars that indicate the signal strength. Finally at the bottom of the LCD screen is your real-time altitude and distance from the home point. Indicated by large H followed by three digits and a large D followed by three digits.

Bugs 2 released by Force1 - F200W Shadow is here Just in time for Christmas!

In summation, this drone is designed and built to perfection. The Bugs  2 is hands down the fastest and best-equipped drone in our fleet. The brushless motors are strong and fast, coupled with a transmitter that functioned flawlessly. The only downside is the five hour charge time but Force1 foresaw the desire to stay in the air and included a second battery. Now I get to fly twice as long before being grounded. We are looking with great anticipation to many hours of flying this beautiful, fun drone!

Check out more drones for kids, beginners, and pros that we’ve reviewed HERE.

FunSlides Carpet Skates – Have your very own indoor skating rink!

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FunSlides Carpet Skates - a whole new indoor toy and game trend!

Just strap on the carpet skates and let the fun begin!

FunSlides Carpet Skates started a whole new indoor toy and game trend. Like sliding in socks on a hardwood floor. FunSlides Carpet Skates give you that fun-powered glide on the carpet! Woooosh! Strap ’em on and away you go!

  • This pair comes in sleek silver color.
  • They work on any type of carpet and they are carpet friendly.
  • One size fits all.
  • FunSlides Carpet Skates have won the following awards: The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; Dr. toy 10 Best Active Products Winner; Dr. Toy 100 Best Children’s Products Winner; Creative Child Magazine – Creative Toy Awards Seal of Excellence; Major FUN Award.

FunSlides Carpet Skates - a whole new indoor toy and game trend!

Have your very own indoor skating rink!

Just like socks allowed Tom Cruise to deftly glide into the frame on Joel’s hardwood floors when his parents have left him home alone in Risky Business these fun carpet skates allow you to glide across the carpet. When our pair arrived we took a few minutes to check out their design and materials. The plastic slide portion is thin yet thick enough to remain rigid and the straps are robust enough to securely keep your feet attached to the skates. We followed the few easy steps and put each skate together. We just peeled the backing off the adhesive and attached the padding to the skate and secured the straps through the loops. The adhesive and velcro both seem more than strong enough to do their job. Then we simply strapped the friction-resistant plastic bases over your athletic shoes and we were sliding around the family room. See this product on Walmart.com!

FunSlides Carpet Skates - a whole new indoor toy and game trend!

As you can see even with my monster size 9 1/2 W foot these skates fit me. After gliding around the room with these FunSlides Carpet Skates on for about five minutes I felt like I had a mini-workout. So they are not only a great way to entertain the grandchildren on days when they can’t go outside, they are a great exercise tool for me, too. A great feature that each one has is a toe grip that makes them easy to push off and safe to walk in. 

Overall, we found this to be a well-designed and manufactured product. I believe that these FunSlides Carpet Skates would make a great gift for elementary to middle school age group. Especially when paired with a few carpet pucks or other fun carpet game.

Nothing Lights Up the Sky Quite Like the Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone

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Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone Close Up View

Watch Live Video While You’re Doing Amazing Things with the Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone

Nothing lights up the sky quite like a Thunderbolt! Quicker than a flash of lightning, the new Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone is a force to be reckoned with. With all of the latest features and upgrades, the possibilities are endless with this camera drone.

  • TAKE AMAZING PICS & WATCH LIVE VIDEO with THE THUNDERBOLT WIFI FPV DRONE with CAMERA: Capture intense HD pics and video from an incredible aerial perspective. WiFi transmission allows you to instantly sync your flight to your phone and watch in real time.
  • THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER DRONE with APP CONTROL, HEADLESS MODE & FLIGHT PLAN: This camera drone is super easy to control with just the tilt of your phone. Headless mode means you’ll never have to adjust the position of the drone and flight plan makes it simple to map out and execute your desired flight path.
  • ENJOY PRECISION & STABILITY with ALTITUDE HOLD: Enter hover mode to help steady your flight and stabilize aerial photos and video.
  • ULTRA BRIGHT, FLASHING LED LIGHTS LET YOU FLY EVEN AT NIGHT: This LED drone can be flown any time of day. Bright LED lights make it easy to spot even in a night sky
  • PERFORM COOL, 360º FLIPS & STUNTS: Impress your friends and family with this powerful, stunt drone. With just the push of a button, swoop through the sky while doing awesome tricks.

Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone Box Contents:

Drone, 2 Complete Sets of Propellers, Propeller Guards, Cell Phone Mount, Controller, Screw Driver, SD Card Adapter, Charging Cable, Three Batteries, and Camera

Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone Side View

This Little Guy Caught My Eye!

My review of this WiFi FPV Drone:

Being avid hobbyist flyers, we have a half dozen or so drones in our closet at all times. Often when a new drone arrives it is quickly claimed by my hubby or one of the many children and grandchildren that we have as theirs. This time was different as I laid claim to this one. It will be my personal drone. The one that grandma flies. Now, that I had staked my claim it was time to learn all I could about what this power-packed Thunderbolt could do and master the controls. To get started, we plugged the batteries in to charge while we read the manual…

While I read Marcus unboxed the Force1 X5UW Thunderbolt Drone that we received from USA Toyz. He had to investigate! This little beauty has a very attractive gold colored body accented by black propellers, propeller guards, and landing gear creating an aesthetically pleasing airship. The next feature that caught his eye was the sleek gold colored WiFi camera that was mounted on its underbelly. This compact unit operates in 720p HD giving a clear, vivid image when watching in real-time and on playback. This fast little drone is a lot of fun to fly and gets even faster with the ability to remove the camera.

Thunderbolt WiFi FPV Drone Close Up

A couple of other features we both really like are the quick clip removable propeller guards and the positioning of the drone power switch, located on the top of the drone body. So, after charging the not one, not two, but three enclosed 3.7v 500 mAh Lipo batteries it was time to frequency pair the drone and transmitter. This process was extremely easy following the simple steps I found in the user manual. For safety purposes, we decided that Marcus should be the first to pilot this drone.

Placing the drone on a level surface and powering on first the transmitter and then the drone, it was time to kiss the sky. Yes, with level surfaces few and far between around our home that’s the Helo Pad that Marcus built especially for drone takeoffs and landings that you see in the pictures. With the motors fired up, Marcus pressed the Take-Off/Landing button and up, up, and away the Thunderbolt went. We found that the altitude hold feature works great for flying and camera operation. After testing the low-speed/high-speed option, by pressing down the right stick it occurred to me, this drone is as quick as it looks! I must mention that we like the included smartphone holder as well as the grips located on the transmitter control stick ends which minimize slippage. We are really enjoying flying this well designed and constructed drone. At this point, Marcus must regretfully surrender the golden drone to its rightful owner and pilot. He is being dedroned by his girl.

Check out more drones for kids, beginners, and pros that we’ve reviewed HERE.

Warner Bros Announces “Max” – Best Friend, Hero, Marine

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Warner Bros. Home Ent Announces Max - Best Friend, Hero, Marine
Are you looking for a special gift for someone on your list?
This heart touching DVD that I have added to my 2015 Gift Guide will please movie buff on your list!
 
“A coming-of-age story that’s downright stirring.”
— Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal
 
A HERO COMES HOME WHEN

MAX

ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAYÔ COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD FROM
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES AND
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
 
Blu-ray Combo Pack debuts on October 27
Own it early on Digital HD on October 13
 
Burbank, CA, August 11, 2015 – Discover a friendship that is one of a kind when Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ (MGM) family-action adventure “Max” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Packand DVD on October 27. “Max,” an incredible journey about the unbreakable bond between one kid and his heroic best friend, stars Josh Wiggins (“Hellion”) as Justin Wincott, with Lauren Graham (TV’s “Parenthood”) as his mom, Pamela, and Oscar® nominee Thomas Haden Church (“Sideways”) as his dad, Ray. The film will be available early on Digital HD on October 13.
 
Co-writer/director Boaz Yakin (“Remember the Titans,” “Fresh”) directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Sheldon Lettich. Karen Rosenfelt and Ken Blancato produced the film alongside executive producers Ben Ormand and Yakin.
 
“Max” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99, and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, a DVD, and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “Max” via purchase from digital retailers.
 
SYNOPSIS
 
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service. Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations, and he isn’t interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog. However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front, and with the help of Carmen, a tough-talking young teen who has a way with dogs, Justin begins to appreciate his canine companion. Justin’s growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self, and as the pair race to unravel the mystery, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. But they each might also find an unlikely new best friend…in each other.


BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
 
“Max” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:
  • Working with Max: Meet the dogs that play “Max” and see inside tricks of the trade!
  • Hero Dogs: A Journey – Get a behind-the-scenes look at amazing military trained K9s. 
“Max” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:
  • Working with Max: Meet the dogs that play “Max” and see inside tricks of the trade!
 
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
 
On October 13, “Max” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. “Max” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
 
ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET
 
*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.
 
BASICS
 
PRODUCT                                                                            SRP
Blu-ray Combo Pack                                                               $35.99
DVD Amaray (WS)                                                                $28.98
 
Standard Street Date: October 27, 2015
Digital HD Street Date: October 13, 2015
 
DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French
BD Subtitles: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
Running Time: 111 minutes
Rating Rated PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements
DLBY/SURR   DLBY/DGTL   [CC]
 

Get Your Copy of Max on Amazon Today!
THE CREDITS
 
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content.  In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels and is the majority owner of and distributor for United Artists Media Group (UAMG). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
 
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.


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