BusyDad's Favorite Things (that PR firms gave me)
Sunday, December 5, 2010 If you know me at all, you know that I am not a review blogger. I don't often do giveaways either. However, if you wave something cool in front of my face for free, and also tell me that I can break something off for my readers, well then I start humming "it ain't no fun, if the homies can't haaaaave none..."
Are you allowed to sample Snoop Dogg in an FTC disclaimer? Guess I'll find out soon enough.
Without further ado, here are the coolest things that PR firms gave me this holiday season:
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Tony Hawk Crashing Into a Fountain!
Tony Hawk Shred for Wii ($99.99 for bundle; $59.99 software only)
Last year, Tony Hawk revolutionized virtual skateboarding with Ride. Featuring a controller that was pretty much a skateboard deck with wicked advanced technology inside, the game allowed you to control your character by literally riding the skateboard controller. This year's follow up to that game is called Shred. And it rocks. Whereas Ride strove for ultra realism in its venues and tricks, Shred is more like how you would ride a skateboard while lucid dreaming. You launch yourself off buildings, perform 4 kick flips while sailing from one rooftop to another, and crash in spectacular immortal fashion into landmarks and fountains and stuff. Kind of like if they skateboarded in the Matrix. Graphics-wise, they went with more of a comic book feel. They also added snowboarding to the mix.
What does this ex-skate punk like best about Tony Hawk Shred? I can tear it up with baby on board. What does Fury like about it? Bigger air, less effort. What did the neighborhood kids like about it? They got to be "on the internet" as part of my Tony Hawk Shred review. They all gave this game a big "rock on" as well.
So real, you gotta wear a helmet.
So, you want to win your own copy of Tony Hawk Shred for Wii? Watch the video at the bottom of this post. You'll receive instructions on how to enter, as well as earn extra entries for individual items featured in this post.
It's Like Mad Max's Quest for Gas. Except It Runs on Batteries
Battle Machines Laser Tag RC cars ($64.99)
About a year ago, I introduced Fury to the Mad Max trilogy. As a kid who takes all his toys apart to "customize," Fury loved the idea of taking random vehicles and bolting weapons of conventional destruction onto them. So that's what we did with some of his RC cars. But since we were limited to masking tape, tin foil and whatever Star Wars weapons he had lying around, this is the best we could do:
Luckily, we're good at making sound effects, so we engaged our RC cars in driveway death matches, complete with all the "pchew! pchew!" action you could ever ask for.
This year, things are different, thanks to Battle Machines, by Jada Toys. I wish I invented these, because then I would have the hottest toy of the holiday season under my belt. Combining laser tag with Radio Control, Battle Machines are pretty much my childhood dream, manufactured.
It works like this. You each get one truck and one controller. You can control the movement of the truck just like you would a standard RC vehicle. But then each controller also has a trigger. If you maneuver your truck behind your opponent's and fire, your opponent's truck will suffer 1 hit. When you've hit your opponent 3 times (indicated by all 3 hit lights being lit), their car dies. For one player action, you can make the other car go on autopilot, so you can chase it around and shoot it. Seriously, how cool is that?
So, you want to win your own Battle Machines 2-pack (2 trucks, 2 controllers)? Watch the video at the bottom of this post. You'll receive instructions on how to enter, as well as earn extra entries for individual items featured in this post.
The BusyDad LEGO Worship Continues
Creationary by LEGO Games ($34.99)
You can beat me at a lot of things. But never at Pictionary. That's why when I learned about Creationary, I had to try it. Yup, you guessed it. Pictionary, but with LEGO pieces instead. I know, right? Crazy awesome. Fury and I have been LEGOing since he was about 4 years old. His skills are impressive. But how would he hold up under pressure? We put him to the test:
The game is real easy to play. And in fact, the instructions are merely suggestions, as they encourage you to make up your own rules. It's like anarchy with colorful interlocking blocks. Here are some of the highlights of tonight's game:
I personally love Fury's rendition of "game console" - it totally captures the essence of a Wii. Also, the knife was genius due to the use of contextual clues.
Sorry, no giveaway available for this item. However, you can download the free app version here.
How to Make Your Kid Too Hip for his Age
Atari Greatest Hits, volume 1 for Nintendo DS ($29.99)
Aerial7 Sound Disk Beanie ($60.00)
1) Go retro.
"Hey dad, how come all the games in your day were made up of squares??"
That was Fury's first reaction to Atari Greatest Hits. And then it was laughter. Kids. What do they know?
Eventually, once he got over the fact that you kind of have to use your imagination when playing a classic 80s video game, he enjoyed this. For a few minutes. Which is fine, because I will play Missile Command, Asteroids, Tempest and Centipede all day long.
Atari Greatest Hits has everything you thought was cutting edge amazing 25 years ago. I really wish it had Combat, though. That was my all-time favorite.
2) Wear a beanie
This isn't your everyday beanie. Notice the wires going to his Nintendo DS? That is a Sound Disk Beanie by Aerial7. It has headsets sewn right into them. Man, back in our day, we had to work hard to look cool. And our Walkman headsets didn't help the cause at all. Aerial7, you are spoiling our kids. Let this be my official complaint in writing.
So, you want to win a copy of Atari Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 or a pair of Aerial7 headphones? Watch the video at the bottom of this post. You'll receive instructions on how to enter, as well as earn extra entries for individual items featured in this post.
Boring Cereal Killer
Me & Goji custom cereal (cost varies)
I know this is totally random for a holiday gift idea, but hear me out. These two guys decided one day that it would be cool to start a company that sold custom healthy cereal. So they did. And it was.
You go to their website, select the ingredients, name your mix, upload a photo if you want, and order. There's not much more I can say about it. But for some reason it struck me as pretty awesome. Here's the cereal Fury ordered:
See how he named it "The Furious Mix" and uploaded a picture of himself driving an Aston Martin (see the rest of our photoset from the LA Auto Show here)? The kid's got class I tell ya. The cereal is pretty good too. Just remember that it's healthy, so don't expect it to taste like Capt. Crunch. Also, the shape of the cereal tube makes this an excellent stocking stuffer. See? I knew I could find the relevant tie-in, given enough time.
So, you want to win your own custom cereal? Watch the video at the bottom of this post. You'll receive instructions on how to enter, as well as earn extra entries for individual items featured in this post.
Don't Ever Say I Don't Reach Across the Aisle
Burger King, baby.
I will talk about whole grain cereal in one sentence and then switch up on you and talk about a juicy flame broiled Whopper the next. Why? Because there's a time and place for everything, and now seems like a great time. I loves me a Whopper or 3. In fact, I love Whoppers so much, that when my parents used to take us to Burger King when we were kids, I'd challenge my sister (who wasn't a vegetarian yet) to a race to see who could finish their Whopper first. Then I'd eat slow and let her win. Why? Because I hated finishing my Whopper first and watching her enjoy hers while I had none left. True story. I confessed that to her a few years ago and she called me a dork.
Anyway, just wanted to remind you that when you're all frazzled from shopping for the holidays and have no desire to put something on the stove, a Whopper will never judge you. And it's flame broiled. Oh, also, Burger King wants to give one lucky Busy Dad Blog reader an Xbox Kinect prize pack.
WHAT?
Yup. An Xbox Kinect prize pack, complete with an Xbox 360 4GB console, Kinect Sensor, and two games (Kinect ADVENTURES and Kinect SPORTS). Plus a $10 BK gift card.
And no, I did not even get one. This is just for you. Because I want you to be happy, and also tell everyone what a nice guy I am. But I reserve the right to come over sometime and try it out.
So how do you win this Xbox? Watch the video at the bottom of this post. You'll receive instructions on how to enter, as well as earn extra entries for individual items featured in this post.
* * * * *
Before you watch this video, remember. Honor is a very important thing to me. Your first quest is based upon the honor system. You may try to game the quest, but that would make me sad. And you wouldn't like me when I'm sad. You have until Wed, December 15, 9pm PST to enter.
Reader Comments (82)
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! *jumps up and down* *flips over table* *pulls hair out*
Oh wait, I can't win an Xbox Kinect? Hmph!
Voted for City City at Jansport
Got carried away watching videos, but love this Tony Hawk one, shows that you don't get to where you are without hard work and failure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vInHTvNX6Q
Wow, headphones look awesome! I like the DJ stlyle Tank2 Midnight
http://www.aerial7.com/product/TANK/MIDNIGHT/
Burger rules for many reasons, but my number 1 is the freaking Frozen Coke....without fail i always get a brain freeze...but those 5 seconds of pain and misery won't stop me from doing it next time!
102 Blowing Rock Blvd.
Lenoir, NC 28645-4402
(828) 754-2558
Voted.
Tony Hawk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3NNNWGhjf4
You can buy Battle Machines at Auto Zone in Zanesville Ohio
Centipede is my favorite classic Atari game.
Ariel 7
SOUND DISK BEANIE MAMMOTH BLACK
Favorite recipe
The Swedish moosley
BK is awesome because when you say extra tomatoes,mayo,cheese,and pickles on that whopper.They make it your way.
2565 Maple Avenue North
Zanesville, OH 43701-1883
Dork! Haha I had to suffer and see you in makeup with no cute fury cameo? So glad the kiddos all got to play shred! And glad lessi got to shred before she can walk. She looked pleased :) Good of you to have your entries be votes!
oh. and I voted for City City just for the hell of it.
oh yea -- Mei's right. absolutely no Fury in the video -- BOOOO!
Voted for City City @ Jansport.sonicbids.com
You can buy Battle Machine at:
Name: Toys"R"Us
Address: 660 W Huntington Dr. Monrovia, Ca 91016
Sound Disk Beanie mammoth Black
Im starting to pray and wish.... this is way better than Santa Clause Letter on the tree.... LOve love it!!!!
I voted with my Yahoo email address.
I chose this video because this was my son's first time seeing Tony Hawk skate live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHb5MQkbvWo
You can buy Battle Machines at Target
3150 Business Park Dr
Vista, CA 92081
My favorite Atari game is Centipede. I could have used the Aerial 7 during the 3 day when it was freezing rain!
Because breast cancer awareness is an important cause to me, I'd choose the [pink] Goji
Burger King rules because the breakfast platter just made me drool (and the cini-mini's) 2325 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054-5663
I voted for City City
Here's a cool video of Tony Hawk's backyard skate park. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqFiEIJMo5I
My favorite classic Atari game is centipede. The music is intoxicating to me. lol
If I win the beanie, think my 14 year old would like the Sound Disk Beanie Perisher in black.
I like the San Marino sunrise cereal- what a great concept!
Burger King rules because no matter what, I can always feel like a kid again when eating their onion rings- which haven't changed in 30 years...except for the addition of the yummy sauce. Here's a Burger King that is close to me. If I win this package, I will die....just die!!!
I gave up my email and voted for City City.
weaselmomma@yahoo.com
Favorite Atari game is Space Invaders, FTW!
Burger King rules because it was my first job ever (when I turned 14) and the first place (actually the only one) where anybody ever held me up at gunpoint! Well that and the Chicken Parm sandwich. Location = 107 North Batavia Avenue
Batavia, IL 60510-1901
I voted. mcfallsk8er@aim.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_-tuTgRaKA
You can buy Battle Machines at Toys R Us at 303 Maine Mall Road South Portland, ME 04106.
My favorite classic atari game is Space Invaders because my dad owns the arcade machine and I used to play it when I was a kid.
I'd want the Tank Blizzard headphones from Aerial7.
The adam's apple recipe sounds pretty good.
Burger King rules because they have the best fast food chain around. Way better tasting food than Mcdonalds and Wendys and all the other competitors.
Just voted for City City. Off to do your other tasks...!
You my friend are insane. LOVED the Saw homage. Those movies kill me (no pun intended)
I voted for their band!
Tony Hawk video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9waSNwkur4
My favorite classic Atari game was a tie between Asteroids and Centipede.
Burger King rocks because they were kind enough to give me my first job! As for a location, there's one located right up the street from me here on Fort Meade.
Ft. Meade BK
Ft Meade, MD 20755
(410) 674-7908
BK rules because they don't think some freaky, scary, crazy-looking clown would be a good mascot!
2 Clay Street
Newark, NJ 07104-3706
Totally voted and gave my REAL email! How's that for dedication!
Tony Hawk vid : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVo02ycrLE0
Love the concept of earphones in a beanie: SOUND DISK BEANIE MAMMOTH BLACK
My favorite Atari Game is Centipede ... sooo addicting!
After all these years I still think the Whopper is the best burger hands down! The "king" scares me a bit though :\
Here's a location in my state...
273 Canal Street
New York, NY 10013-3515
(212) 219-2516
I voted. They are really good so thanks for putting it out there.
Tony Hawk is still pretty awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1XVudXfNTU&feature=fvw
You can buy Battle Machines at Toy R Us is Colorado.
My favorite Atari game is centipede. I still periodically get out the old Atari just so I can crush my husband playing it. ;o)
BK Chicken Sandwish. MMMMMMMMMMM!
You on the Wii skateboard with the baby in your hands is the best! haha.
WORN THIN?
I am going to have to sleep in my mom's bed with the lights on FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
I wasn't going to enter, since I work for you and shit, but fuck it. I'm cussing in your comments and I watched that entire damn thing.
I AM ENTERED.
Good thing I never saw Saw, or I'd probably freak out like everyone else. A Rosemary's Baby parody probably would have been a bit dated.
Heh - "saw saw".
Okay, enough rum cookies for me.
Oh, and for good measure? (I'm just mad at you now)
Burger King rules because their mascot used to the the freakiest masked thing ever, but he just got p0wned. Also, extra mayo comes standard. I will not post one near me, but I'll tell you that the one I ate at growing up is on
2911 Philadelphia Pike
Claymont, DE 19703-2507
(302) 798-0328
I see your video of Tony Hawk skating and I raise you a picture of us taking a video of Tony Hawk skating. http://www.flickr.com/photos/heymrlady/4007264893/in/set-72157622540518761/
George Bush Sr could buy Battle Machines at 9730 KATY FREEWAY HOUSTON TX 77024. If he had a soul. Which, I'm not 100% sure on.
Voted!!
I had to. Tony Hawk- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3NNNWGhjf4
Xbox- BK rocks cause their slogan speaks to me. and there is one in Encinitas.
Atari Game? Pac Man.
Voted for City City. I'll try to remember to vote daily, as long as I can vote. But I can't make any promises. I'm a mom with three little kids, for cryin' out loud. And for the record, I peruse my reader to see when you post again, since they are so few and far between. Off to work on the other tasks.
For the Aerial7 Headphones, I'd probably pick the Sound Disk Perisher Beanie in Yellow or Turquoise (because these headphones would probably be a lot easier to keep track of than regular ones for my kids' Christmas presents - ipod touches).
I VOTED, DAMMIT! I sold my soul to the debil, and submitted my email address to vote for City City.
HERE'S MY BK, DAMMIT!
375 S. Avalon Park Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32828-6781
I voted for City City.
Favorite classic Atari game: Burger Time!!
Aerial7 headphones: the black beanie is just way too cool
Burger King rules cuz they used to make me King when I was a kid. 2751 W. Orangethorpe Blvd, Fullerton, CA
Also: you're awesome. this was fun!!
"Contrived admiration" High-larity at its finest.
But my line has to be: "Win cool stuff or don't."
Hand-clap... no. Imma stand up and go old school with an Arsenio dog pound call. Good stuff, Busy Dad. Good. Stuff.
I am new to your neck of the woods {I saw a tweet that brought me here}. I voted for City City seeing all the trouble you went through for them, I can only imagine that they must be a really great band! Besides, look at all that loot...who woulldn't vote?!
For the Xbox Kinect prize:
The closest BK to me is 2.2 miles. I actually preferred BK burgers over McDonald's when I was a kid. Something about the charbroiling? Maybe because the BK near my childhood home had a play place and the McDonald's did not. I don't know. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was craving a BK burger. As I was going through the drive through, I tried to look at the door to see if that particular location took credit cards because I didn't have any cash. Because I wasn't paying attention, I ran into the curb and flattened my tire. After a nice gentlemen put the spare on for me, I was so mad at myself that I didn't let myself get a burger, even though I still wanted one. True story. ANYWAY - I think BK rules because they are practically on every military base I've ever been to, which means our armed forces can pretty much enjoy a Whopper whenever they want (and based on how busy the BK was at the last based we lived on, that's all the time).
Anyway - here's a location in my state (though most certainly not the closest to me):
817 West 5th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43212-2632
And just to add to this seriously long comment, tell d Wife that I'm sorry she can't win one. Boo.
I voted for City City.
Tony Hawk video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVgL5wFOKMs
You can by Battle Machines at Toys R Us at 4135 TRANSIT ROAD WILLIAMSVILLE NY 14221.
I always loved Space Invaders.
BK rules because they have chicken nuggets shaped like crowns. You can find them at: 5391 Transit Road Depew, NY 14043-3234.
With all the good karma swirling around me these days, I'd probably win everything if I entered. So I won't.
For the Me and Goji Custom Cereal, The Swedish Moosley sounds AWESOME. Really, mostly because I love chocolate, strawberries, blueberries and quinoa. But I've never had them all together.
P.S. Now I'm going to have to go and buy some. You are way too convincing. Just an FYI after you did the Kikkoman post, I went and bought two boxes of the Panko bread crumbs. However, we ran out of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving to make your loaded mashed potato yumminess. So now I have to make some more. I'm trying to come up with other ways to use them . . . I foresee many kitchen experiments in my future.
Voted for City City (they're actually really good)
Tony Hawk video link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vInHTvNX6Q
you can buy battle machines at Walmart 1436 Dogwood Dr. Conyers Ga. 30013
Burger King rules simply because of the Whopper. It's the only thing I get when I go there.
Thanks,
T.
Tony Hawk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVgL5wFOKMs&feature=related
Atari = Pac-Man!
Burger King rules because I can have it my way! 1121 South Broadway Boise, ID 83706
Ha! I used my spam gathering email address over on the Battle of the Bands to vote for City City.
See: cause Ereacher
Burger King rules because they've always let me have it my way. I've never been to this one but it's the most northern BK in my state: 326 Meadow St, Littleton, NH 03561
All time favorite Atari game: Centipede
Gotta go with Tank or for winterwear Mammothe Antique Beanie.
First of all, seriously creeped out by this video. I watched it last night on my iPhone. Can you imagine how it looks when you are watching it in the dark? I've never seen Saw, I have enough horror in my life.
I will figure out how to do the rest of the entries in a bit...I am not good at multi-tasking today.
Dearest Busy Dad / Creepy saw dude-
I totally voted for City City over at jansport.sonicbids.com because they are indeed cool.
now as you will see I have continued on to complete all of the tasks you ask of me, so please don't put me in that brain drill machine thing because already have a headache. Also I would like to win anything for a change. Thanks.
Tony Hawk- shred or die ( best EVER - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjw-CVchUr4 ( everything would be covered in pee if I were there because I have such a huge fear of heights after the bunji push incident. )
"You can buy Battle Machines at Target 3867 Promenade Pkwy
D'iberville, MS 39540 (228) 233-330 or Walmart Supercenter Store #1346
3911 Bienville Blvd Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (228) 875-4036 or I could drive back to my beloved Florida where I lived and went to school and go here to get them B & M Trading LLC 660 Maguire Blvd. Orlando,FL 32803 Phone:407-894-7203
www.bmtradingllc.com
Atari was my savior. I started out with Pong and when Astroid came out lets just say I was addicted. By the time Centipede came out. I got my own atari and was able to stop sneaking into the neighbors place to play theirs.So Centipede.
For the Aerial7 headphones they all rock so hard I would love ANY of them but if I had to pick one for "thePrince" I would go for SOUND DISK BEANIE PERISHER BLACK
ON the Me and Goji Custom Cereal- It was super tough, I like the Adams Apple. But if forced to pick 1- it would be San Marino Sunrise- because it says "Alexanders Favorite" ( which is totally the Princes actual name so duh have to pick that)
My Burger King is 1005 Bienville Blvd Ocean Springs, MS 39564-2828
(228) 875-8324
You ask why they rock, well darling it would be easier to list why they don't but I don't want to break your rules and knock myself out of the contest so here is a quick break down of they are THE KING- ( besides the entire xbox thing)
What cave dwelling misfit hasn't been privy spending hours laughing to the genius of The Subservient chicken by the rulers of Burger King ! http://www.bk.com/en/us/campaigns/subservient-chicken.html
also did you know if you go there and tell him to play xbox he's clearly playing ROCK BAND !!!!! That my friend is an awesome chicken.
( he also dances a mean tango and the electric slide )
There... now please don't make me jump in a pit of hypodermic needles.. I still have nightmares about that.
xo
ThePeachy1
or
I'm trying to vote but it keeps telling me something about not being able to captcha something or other. Anyways .. will continue to try. And umm.. lipstick makes you freakishly scary, dude. like really.