meta-dad

Baby’s First Riot Helmet

Baby’s First D4-55 Riot Helmet; the model features an optically clear, UV resistant, polycarbonate face shield with an integrally molded liquid seal. My first riot helmet can be trusted to protect your baby in any riot situation.

(Via BulletProofBaby.Net)

The Spider And The Fly

Grade 1-6; Most people are familiar with Howitt’s poem, but DiTerlizzi’s art raises this hackneyed classic to a new level. Rendered in black-and-white gouache and pencil, then reproduced in silver-and-black duotone, the paintings have a spooky quality perfectly suited to retelling this melancholy tale. Ms. Fly, with her whimsical flower umbrella and Roaring ’20s attire, captures the flavor of an old-time Hollywood heroine. Her nemesis, seated on his Victorian chair, is dressed like a pasha in silk robe and slippers (six, of course) or resplendent in tails, top hat, and spats; he is clearly a dastardly fiend cloaked in splendid apparel to dazzle his victim. Wispy, transparent, ghostly shapes haunt the eerie mansion; the white print on the black pages stands out against the shadows creeping across each spread. All of these elements foreshadow the fly’s untimely demise.With its tragic ending, heavy moralizing, and sophisticated artwork, this book will appeal to older children as well as to adult fans of old horror movies. This title is worth purchasing for its valuable artwork alone.” ~ School Library Journal , Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA

(Via Amazon.Com)

Make a Baby, Win A Car

Russian Governor, Sergei Morozov is being forced to think outside the box. His problem is the population in the area is dwindling. Actually, the population throughout Russia is dwindling. Russia is the largest country in the world but also the sparsest populated country with 141 million citizens (compared to over 302 million in the U.S.).

Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, coupled with the growing emigration rates, low life-expectancy, bad health insurance and other quality of life issues the government has seen a steady decline in population. In an attempt to reconcile this decline they are starting new “incentives” to prop up their diminishing population.

They have declared September 12th, Procreation Day. Local employers are supporting this by giving them the day off. Nine-months later, the pay-off is if a lucky couple has a baby on the Russia’s National Day – June 12th – they will be eligible to win money, appliances or even an SUV. The grand prize (SUV), goes to the couple judged by a committee as “respectable and commendable” parents – so there seems to be an effort for both quality and quantity, clever. Now think about it, our OB/GYN says that only 5% of expecting mothers give birth on their due date; perhaps the government is privy to this and is banking on it.

Even if this is not absolutely true and we expand those numbers to 5-15% of expectant mothers, and you were planning on having another kid anyway — just plan on keeping yourself busy that week and you’ll probably up your odds a bit.

Sited Links;
CNN Europe | Russians Offered Cars For Babies
U.S. Population Clock

Links Of Interest;
CCCP | USSR Merchandise
Flckr | Russian Posters

County Fairs on Flckr

( Notley Hawkins [aka 10thavenue] Fairs Photoset Via Flckr)

Take the Family to Dume Point Beach

Always in search of the best beach, my wife and I with kids-in-tow recently rolled over to this wonderful state beach. It has a sharper than usual slope to the water but provides a fun and dramatic surf for the kids to play in. Boogie boards dash the horizon. You may see an occasional sea lion and if your lucky a starlet strolling the sands.

With a car full of all the necessary toys, food and equipment the paid parking is perfect. For eight dollars, we were able to park right up to the edge of the sand within fifty feet of our claimed spot in the sand (dads read: not too much schlepping for me!) and this was on a Saturday. You can park for free on the road leading up to the beach or back on the Pacific Coast Highway and hike it, but with kids and coolers and such, I highly advise the paid parking area.

The people watching is great, too – you have a wonderful cross-section of Angelenos enjoying the surf.

Related Links;
Overheard At The Beach
California Beaches | Dume State Beach

Quote of the Week

My father was very strong. I don’t agree with a lot of the ways he brought me up. I don’t agree with a lot of his values, but he did have a lot of integrity, and if he told us not to do something, he didn’t do it either. ~ Madonna