Dadbloggers Archives - CuteMonster.com

Brad Meltzer writes Awesome Children’s Books Too

May 14, 2016April 29, 2016 by Vincent Daly

Prior to February 2016, I was unaware of author Brad Meltzer. Yet after listening to the man deliver the Dad 2.0 Summit keynote, I became a diehard fan. He spoke in great detail about the importance of legacy and gratitude in one’s life. In addition, he provided an overview of his prolific work which included writing several novels, comic books, and most recently, children’s literature. I was particularly intrigued by his biography series for kids. The stories are based on the lives of real life historical icons during their childhood.

Kickstarter Spotlight: The Edge Desk System

March 15, 2016 by Vincent Daly

One of the trickiest parts of assembling a home office is choosing a desk. The choices can be overwhelming. Yet for the most part, the standard desk is a stationary, non-adjustable piece of furniture. Specialized desks do offer customizable options yet they command high prices for the convenience. And you still have to search for a suitable chair. Enter the Edge Desk System.

Toys and Gadgets: Dyson Small Ball Multi-Floor Upright Vacuum

April 17, 2016February 29, 2016 by Vincent Daly

I was asked if I’d like to review a Dyson Small Ball Multi-Floor Upright Vacuum. Normally I’ve never taken any interest in household appliances. Yet Dyson vacuums always seemed to be the exotic sports car of the vacuum industry. They’re packed with innovation as well as a unique exterior design. Indeed, they’ve achieved the level of status symbol even outside the stereotypically smug home and garden crowd. Naturally I couldn’t resist the opportunity to test one out.

It’s Cold Outside but I Can Take It

April 17, 2016February 25, 2016 by Vincent Daly

During my childhood, growing up in New York meant a love/hate relationship with cold weather. Basically, I wasn’t fond of the snow. Yet when Mother Nature blanketed our neighborhood with the cold white stuff, I’d venture outside for Winter fun with my friends. Still, once a mere sliver of snow made contact with my skin and slid down the back of my neck, I was done for the day. Besides, hot chocolate with marshmallows awaited and who was I to deny myself a superior experience? Now as a Dad, the paradigm has shifted. Once cold weather hits, I’m officially on the job.

Toys and Gadgets: Human Starts the Robot Wars

February 24, 2016 by Vincent Daly

The idea of a Robot as a mortal enemy to humanity has been featured in numerous works of science fiction. Yet with ground-breaking technological advances in the 21st century, science fiction has begun the transformation to reality. Boston Dynamics, a cutting edge robotics research company, creates a variety of robot prototypes. They range from big to small in size as well as animal-like or humanoid in design. A recently released video features ~~our original robot overlord~~ Atlas, the next generation humanoid robot. Atlas endures harsh physical treatment by its human handler. This does not bode well for the existence of humanity. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence could produce sentient robots capable of revenge. Indeed, historians may recognize this video as the moment humans started the robot wars.

NY Toy Fair 2016: The Battle between Tech and Non-Tech Toys

February 17, 2016 by Vincent Daly

Another Toy Fair has come and gone. In taking the time to process what I’ve seen I couldn’t help feeling we’ve collectively lost our way. Let me preface by stating I love technology. I’ve been fascinated by innovation for as long as I can remember. I’m old enough to have experienced life without the internet, cellphones or personal computers. Yet we had books, newspapers, theater, television (broadcast only), and movies to spark our imaginations. In the late 20th century, young Americans often discussed the topic of living in the 21st century. We were obsessed with the future—a transformative leap into a remarkable world with infinite possibilities. Yet here we are in 2016, torn at the seams between the digital and analog fabric of our lives. The NY Toy Fair suddenly becomes a checkpoint for society—a snapshot of what lies ahead.

Yo-kai Watch Me Now

April 17, 2016February 15, 2016 by Vincent Daly

Captivated yet deeply bewildered. That was my initial impression upon watching the first few scenes of Yo-Kai Watch. Based on a video game of the same name developed by Level-5, Yo-kai Watch is an extremely popular kid’s anime style animated series. Just how popular you might ask? The movie version of Yo-kai Watch beat out Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the top movie in Japan. The good folks at Hasbro sent me a set of Yo-kai Watch based toys and a dvd featuring episodes from season 1 of the anime style animated series. Myself, along with my in-house toy expert staff aka my children, couldn’t wait to find out if Yo-kai Watch lived up to the hype.

Fun Videos from the Web: Toddler Hide and Seek

February 8, 2016 by CuteMonster Staff

Toddlers take their play time seriously. As such, parents can’t afford to be slackers. Kids love to think on their feet. Literally. Watch the brilliant power of deduction displayed by a toddler searching for his parents in a game of Hide and Seek. Coupled with a fisheye perspective courtesy of the child wearing a GoPro video camera, the results are truly awesome.

First Look: video game based movie Ratchet and Clank

February 5, 2016 by CuteMonster Staff

If you’ve ever owned a Sony PlayStation, then Ratchet and Clank was part of your experience. For over 15 years, Ratchet and Clank has been known as a somewhat under the radar science fiction, action-oriented video game platformer. Unexpectedly, an animated feature film adaptation based on the video game series is slated for release April 29, 2016. Produced by Rainmaker Entertainment and Blockade Entertainment and distributed by Focus Features and Gramercy Pictures, Ratchet and Clank was initially scheduled to debut in 2015. Two quirky TV spots have just been unleashed to the masses. Not sure what to think yet, but they’ve certainly stoked our curiosity.