Vincent Daly, Author at CuteMonster.com

X-Files, Barbie and a Gluten-Free Cheerios

January 30, 2016January 30, 2016 by Vincent Daly

2016 continues to be an unusual year. Recycling has extended to television shows such as The X-Files. Mattel, after 57 years of producing an iconic yet laughably proportioned female body type for Barbie, decides to release 3 realistic ones. And General Mills’ stalwart Cheerios cereal has succumbed to pressure joining the gluten-free bandwagon. To the outside observer, these developments seem reactionary and frankly, quite trivial in scope. Yet I see it as glaring microcosm of a growing cultural shift. Namely, the internet shaping society rather than organic human interaction.

Changes

January 16, 2016 by Vincent Daly

Changes. Barely 16 days into 2016 and the world finds itself mourning over the passing of two beloved artists—David Bowie and Alan Rickman. Both men were struck down by a merciless monster known as cancer. Most of us personally didn’t know these men yet their creative work touched us deeply. The Arts—inseparably intertwined with our daily existence—affirms the nature of life including our fragile mortal coils. The unexpected plot twists give us pause. The need for a collective deep breath arises anew.

Toys and Gadgets: 2016 CES Tech for New Parents

January 8, 2016 by Vincent Daly

Becoming a new parent in tech terms could be described as leveling up. Yet the actual tools available for new parents to succeed in their life-changing roles have historically been poorly designed. Little things possess the potential to become a daily nuisance such as installing a car seat or preparing baby formula. Advances in technology aim to alleviate much of the new parent guesswork. A couple of highlights from the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) point to a bright future.

Best and Worst Parenting Websites of 2015

January 2, 2016January 1, 2016 by Vincent Daly

Parenting really can be surreal. A newborn baby—a precious and seemingly innocuous little life form—becomes the catalyst of life altering change. New Moms and Dads remind me of the blissfully naive dinosaurs unaware of the impact the gigantic glowing rock descending from the sky would inflict upon them. It must have been one captivatingly beautiful light show.

A Hero in Pink

April 17, 2016December 27, 2015 by Vincent Daly

My experience with Pepto-Bismol’s #PinkRelief all began almost 20 years ago. We were state university kids seeking one last all night adventure before the Fall semester ended. Our destination?…New York City. Little did I know I would also discover a lifelong hero.

Watch the Independence Day: Resurgence Trailer

December 13, 2015 by Vincent Daly

How could it be nearly 20 years since the original Independence Day movie hit the big screens? It was the epitome of a summer blockbuster popcorn movie—the kind of film you attended for the fun factor rather then artistic merit. And the world collectively loved it as seen by the impressive box office numbers. In 2016, we’ll get to find out what happens next in 20th Century FOX’s Independence Day: Resurgence.

Celebrating Acts of Kindness is Kind of Awesome

December 4, 2015 by Vincent Daly

The world’s problems can seem overwhelming to us at times. But how about helping people on an individual basis? That’s something anyone can do. Plus there’s the added benefit of feeling good after the fact. It’s the secret sauce of kindness and an important lesson for kids. Arguably, one of the most important life hacks they’ll ever learn.

New Batman v Superman Trailer Debuts Villain

December 7, 2015December 3, 2015 by Vincent Daly

Can a movie trailer reveal too much? That seems to be the consensus among DC fans and mainstream fans alike after watching the recently released trailer for Batman v Superman. To be fair, this is only a movie trailer and not the complete film. Yet it seems major movie plot points have been disclosed which inadvertently deflate the tension built up in previous trailers.

Captain America: Civil War trailer arrives for Thanksgiving

November 26, 2015 by Vincent Daly

A new Marvel movie trailer for Captain America: Civil War arrived to kick off Thanksgiving Day in 2015. The timing of the release couldn’t be better. Every year millions of Americans endure internal family strife in one form or another during the holiday season. Still, hope springs eternal. Movie fans can’t help feeling that despite the differences their onscreen heroes may have, they’ll emerge a more unified bunch in the end.