meta-dad

A trustworthy GPS tracking device

Via Blaugh.Com

Dads Can Learn Something From This Little Kit

Sure deep down we like to think we Dads have MacGyver potential but honestly, we fall flat most of the time. Think about it, to really pull it off you would have to have a sundry of supplies tucked away in every nook and cranny of your person.

Some Dads may already be on top of this, occasionally I have a moment of brilliance but most of the time it is pure luck. What is he talking about? I’m talking about having stuff on hand to entertain the kids on the drop of a dime.

Say, you grab one of the tikes to tag along with you while you make that visit to the post office only to find there’s only one window open and the line that bending around the corner conjures images of everlasting purgatory and your kid looks up at you and says with tender innocence, “Dad, this is going to take a long long time. Do we really have to mail these?” And most of the time (unfortunately), the answer is yes.

Well, the folks at Wire + Twine have a little sack of fun that may ease the pain for the little ones. What’s in it?

• Instructions for 20 activities
• Balloon
• Bandage
• Binder clip
• Birthday candle
• Carabiner
• Cotton swabs
• Dice
• Emery boards
• Flashlight
• Glue stick
• Googly eyes
• Latex gloves
• Measuring Tape
• Mirror
• Needle and thread
• Paper clips
• Permanent marker
• Plastic zipper bags
• Safety pins
• Sanitizing wipe
• Scissors
• Rubber bands
• Whistle (I save this for last because if the kid makes it this far, either you’ve fallen asleep in line or you need to make a ruckus and get the blood flowing in that line)

If you are cheap or just inspired, you could easily fashion you own kit. Regardless, consider getting one for the wife or perhaps a friend or family member, a portion of the proceeds go to Heifer International.

$25 [+shipping] at Wire + Twine

And Now For Your Moment of Zen…

Photographer Joshua Hoffline has breathed life into all of the classic childrens’ nightmares in our culture. His work licks sweet like candy and has all the production value of Disneyland, enjoy.

Via Joshua Hoffine

Parent Meetup Groups

Yes, there are a ton of online parent chat groups available to every imaginable parent type (gay, lesbian, single, incarcerated, pagan, et al.) and they all aim to serve their purpose. Heck, you can find them on CraigsList these days. I think that’s great, as they say, “it takes a village…”. On the dad-side of things, there seems to be a growing trend on Stay-at-Home-Dads (S.A.H.D.’s), which is kind of a sad anachronism (pun – intended) but a earnest group nonetheless.

Of all the outlets available online, I have stumbled on to Meetup.Com. According to their site, they’re the world’s largest network of local groups. More than 2,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.

What I like about the concept is Meetups are real people, with real connections, forming real
communities making a real impact. In other words, you are using the internet to get off the internet and talk with people! Meetup is not about virtual relationships, but face-to-face, honest-to-goodness interaction between neighbors.

If you are the more voyeuristic type, stick to the parenting chat groups, there is plenty of drama to be had (I know from experience), but if you want to throw yourself out there and meet up with people going through it just like you, check out MeetUp.

Related Links:
MeetUp.Com
Yahoo Parenting Groups

Dad Hack – PowerPocket

PowerPockets use the latest in “Thin-Film” solar energy technology to quickly and efficiently turn sunshine into electricity. Great for charging mobile phones, games, PDA’s and any other 12 Volt electronic device – and when you’re done, hide it away easily!

Keep a PowerPocket in your boat’s ditch bag for emergencies, or use it to trickle charge your motorbike or snowmobile battery. Take it on those long hikes or bike rides in case of emergency, or keep one in your home in case of a power outage due to natural disaster, put it on your vehicle dashboard, plug it into your dash and keep your electrical system fresh while your car or truck is parked for long periods.

You get the idea, it’s a solid “Plan B” when you need some juice and an electrical outlet is miles away.

Between $150 (6.5W kit) and $275 (12W kit) plus shipping at Reware.Com

And Now For A Moment of Zen