P-Touch Test Kit EXTREME!

Notice the police tape?  Yup...  THAT EXTREME!

Hey there.  Are you always in need of better organizing your stuff?  Or you simply have the desire but marking your boxes with pens and markers are messy and the labels that you currently have seem to fall off the moment they were applied.  It's happened to me many times.  In a house with 4 kids, sibling territory runs rampant and the common phrases of "mine" or "where is it?" are constantly yelled out.  While organizing your room or garage may not draw borders around the kids, it will make things a lot easier for mom and dad and our good friends at P-Touch and Dad/Mom Central have teamed up and provided me with a test kit to show you just how durable P-Touch labels really are.

Family Movie Night! Game Time: Tackling the Past on NBC September 3rd

Hey there.  Here's another game winning movie to enjoy with your family courtesy of P&G!  Game Time: Tackling the Past is a great film to sit down and watch with your family and have that discussion with your kids that winning isn't everything.  We all grow up to be the best that we can but sometimes we all lose focus on the real meaning behind that phrase.  It doesn't mean that if you don't win, you're a loser.  It simply means that as long as you give it your all, you should be satisfied with your results.  If you feel as if you can do better next time, then go for it!!!  But what if you take that phrase and take it to heart.  What if winning is everything to you and you can't accept defeat?  What's left for you if winning is out of the equation?  These are some of the great questions that arise in Game Time: Tackling the Past.

Motivational Monday: Black Ops

I have friends!  Really... I do!  They're just not online right now, right now.

Backup Your Data Online with Carbonite

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carbonite for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey there.  Tell me if this hasn't happened to you.  After a long night of working on important documents, you save your files, you shut down your computer, and tell yourself that you'll finish it up tomorrow.  You get up, ready to tackle the task at hand when your computer starts making funny noises.  Beeps abound, you use all your tech knowledge to try and get the computer to start up.  And then....  nothing.   Lastly, you scream in frustration when you realize that not only are you losing all of last night's work, but pretty much all your data files on your computer.  You feel like crying.  Scary thought, no?  Well guess what.  It happens more often than not and it's heartbreaking when it does.  Years of stored pictures and years of stored music...  gone forever.  This is why it's important to have a quiality back up plan in case your computer decides to call it quits and our good friends at Carbonite have your back.

Introducing the "Thoughts on..." Series

Hey there.  I watch a lot of movies and I love catching some of the more under the radar type films.  I'm more inclined to watch Asian horror films (my favorite) but I also try to catch some American horror films... regardless of how bad they are.  My problem?  I want to tell you, my readers, about these films but you know what my problem is?  I give too much away.  I can't do a review of the film because it's less of a review and more of a synopsis.  So I decided that I'm no longer going to do review type posts but instead do a "Thoughts on..." post.  This way, I'll tell you guys, right off the bat, that there will be spoilers because I want to convey my thoughts on the film.  What worked, what didn't, was it awesome, was it awful, and anything else that came to mind while I was watching the film.

Benefit of Being in the Military - VA Loans

Hey there.  I have a few friends that recently finished their duty in the military.  It's been over 10 years since I've seen them in high school and I remember during that senior year how military personnel would go to the school and provide us with information about joining.  At the time, you tell yourself, the army, the best of the best are sent off to fight wars.  You really only get that message as a young adult.  You strive to better yourself.  For those young adults that struggled during high school, they see it as means to start over.  For those that are grateful for all the opportunities that they've had in this great country, they see it as a civil service to give back.  But as a young adult, you never really think about the long term benefits.  You're not thinking of buying a home or of a family.  One of the greatest benefits for being in the military is qualifying for a Military VA loan.

Keeping it Real e-Reader, Keeping it Real

Piccolo Pete's American Mexican Food Service

Hey there.  I'm a foodie.  I love food.  When the wife and I eat out, I tend to finish my plate and still eat about half of hers.  It's so much a mutual understanding now that the wife will order something from the menu considering my taste.  lol  Anyways, I told myself that I would start doing restaurant and food reviews.  Why?  Well, I say why not!  I started last week with my experience at the Palms Steakfood and Restaurant but I should have given you a heads up.  That's why, I'm letting you guys know that the next place I'm trying is...  PICCOLO PETE'S AMERICAN MEXICAN FOOD SERVICE!

Phone Lost or Stolen? Sprint has your Back with the Total Equipment Protection App

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sprint for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hey there.  Many moons ago, I was a Sprint customer.  I was happy at first, but then I needed to contact their customer service and the relationship between me and Sprint went downhill.  Sprint has been on my blacklist for quite some time, they were that bad.  The key word there is "were".  Recently, Sprint has stepped up thier game and have since improved their customer service and their overall image.  How serious is Sprint in satisfying their customers?  They have now rolled out an app that use your phone's GPS to locate lost and stolen phones!  Not just that, but if the phone was stolen, you can sync your contacts to another phone or computer and you can remotely wipe clean the phone.  That will eliminate your photos and personal data from being used maliciously AND you you won't lose vital contact information.  How awesome is that?

Motivational Monday - Stressed Out

This works wonders

UPromise Wants to Hear Your Dream

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPromise for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

UPromise is celebrating it's 10th anniversary!  Can you believe it's been 10 years already?  I've been a fan of UPromise for many years now and if you haven't signed up to earn cash back for college, you definitely should. UPromise members have already received over $600 million in college savings and now it's time to celebrate with a sweepstakes.  UPromise is having a sweepstakes that will grant $1,000 to 10 winners and a grand prize winner will score the $10,000 prize.  How do you participate?  By daring to support a child's dream by sharing your experience.

Go to www.upromisetodream.com and share your experience of a parent that has supported a child's dream.  Whether it be a single mother working 2 jobs to help pay for college or a parent trading in a cherished possession to obtain a musical instrument for their child.  There are many good deeds done everyday to help spark an interest in education in children.  Whether it be arts, music, or language, a child's eagerness to learn starts at home and when parents go beyond the call of duty for thier kids, they must be praised.  Once you have shared your story, you can vote for winners by "liking" their stories.  You can check out the dream wall official rules to make sure you qualify to enter.

So what's my story?  My experience?  Coming from the inner city, it was tough to get school without some obstacles.  It would have been easy lose focus on school and fall into "temptations" and it didn't help that my mother, being a single mother at that, worked most of the day to help support out family.  I was into music.  I needed an instrument and I stayed long hours in school.  My brother was into basketball.  He needed money for tournaments and equipment.  My music instructor/his basketball coach/our family pushed and supported us in any way that they could.  We struggled.  We learned.  We managed.  We thrived.  These are the people that helped shape our lives.

So what's your experience?  Who in your life sparked that special interest in school.  A teacher?  A coach?  A family member?  Share that experience on the UPromise dream wall and you may end up being a winner!  Remember that these are real life experiences and we need to spread the word of good deeds.  Share the most awesome stories and let's spread the word that the UPromise dream wall is here!  Best of luck, friends.  Later!

Guitar Center 50% Discount! Today only!

Hey there guys.  I'm a music lover and when Living Social popped this Email on my phone, I just had to jump on it.  You can get $30 off for $15, $50 off for $25 and $100 off for $50!!!  Get the gear that you've been eyeballing!  I've been wanting the Boss Metal Zone pedal since forever so I'm going to jump on this deal so I can get it on the cheap!  Check it out friends, here's the link for today's deal!  Deal is available for today only but you can use your coupon online and in the store and it expires in November.  Here's the link.  Later!

Introducing the Pillow Pet

Hulk, Ultimate Warrior, and The Million Dollar Man, Oh yeaaaaah!

Hey there.  I know these things have been hanging around for quite some time but I've never really jumped on the craze.  Turns out that pillow pets are pillows in the shape of animals.  I guess the pillow pets of my era where the WWF (or WWE now a days...) Pillow Buddies.  Those were pretty cool.  They were pillows that looked like your favorite wrestlers and well... you would wrestle with them.  I guess kids these days would prefer hugable pillows instead of bear hugable pillows.  lol

Net 10 Cell Phone Plans are Perfect for Those Strapped for Cash

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.


Hey there.  It's tough being tied down to a monthly contract.  Sometimes you simply don't have the money to pay for all the luxuries of having an awesome phone.  A tire needed replacing, home repairs, family emergency, whatever the case may be, sometimes you simply don't have the money.  Wouldn't it be great if you can switch your cell phone plan depending on what's going on in your life?  With Net 10 you can!  What? You haven't heard of Net 10?  Check out this Cute NET10 commercial that was recently released.

Metallman's Reverie: Blog Income July 2011

Hey there.  July is in the the books and it's time to report on how well on (or off) pace we are in reaching my $1700 goal for the year. Let's take a look at the numbers:


Squishy Cash - $19.37
DragonBlogger - $23.67
Dad Central - $75.00
Blogsvertise - $64.00
Reach Network - $18.51
Total for July - $200.55
YTD Total - $1471.91 (+$480.24 ahead of pace)

ampm's Too Much Good Stuff Giveaway

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ampm for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey there.  I am a winner!  Whoo hoo!  ampm has an awesome promotional giveaway going on right now and I just had to jump on it.  I've always been a fan of ampm.  The wife and I have even had a few ampm dinners where we just go and grab some of their good stuff and just have ourselves a good time.  We don't do it anymore, but every now and then, we'll get that urge and grab a few burgers, hot dogs, and ponder which of the 24 fountain drink flavors from the Thirst Oasis we want.  Good times, my friends.  Good times.

Review: The Palms Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Downey, CA

Hey there.  For those of you that know me well, you'll know that I love food.  I've been eating my fair share of meals since as far back as I can remember so when it dawned on me that I could be eating at different places and voicing my opinion on them, I just had to jump on it.  I mean why not?!  It's a great way to help local businesses and I get to share that experience with you.  So to start off my first of many restaurant reviews, here's my experience at The Palms Steak and Seafood Restaurant.  Hope you guys enjoy!

August 2011 Game Giveaway: Portal 2 (PS3)

Hey there friends. The fans of Metallman's Reverie have spoken! Here is the game that you guys chose for this month's giveaway:

So how do you win this awesome game for the PS3?  Here are the rules:

Dan: Our Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Winner

Hey there.  I recently received this from my recent winner, Dan.  He was the lucky one that scored the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood game for the Xbox 360.

Awesome pic, Dan.  Hope you enjoy the game.  It's one of the best in the Assassin's Creed series and it should get you ready for the new one coming out, Assassin's Creed: Revelations!  Thanks again for participating and once again...  CONGRATS!

Stay tuned, friends.  The new game giveaway will be announced sometime today!

Let's Get Stuff Done

Why internet!?!  WHY!!!!

Dance Central for the Xbox Kincet

Hey there.  When the Xbox Kinect first came out, I was a little skeptical of it's use and it's longevity.  I figured that petting animals and pretending to kick a ball would not have the lasting appeal that many hardcore gamers are looking for.  Nevertheless, when I offered a Kinect at a bargain price, I picked it up.  I figured that I would use it as a means of exercise.  I even picked up the Zumba dance game for it in hopes to increase my dancing stats. lol

Ex Warrent Singer Jani Lane Found Dead in his Motel Room

Hey there. Another celebrity has been found dead this year. Earlier this month, singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London apartment and now ex Warrant singer Jani Lane was found dead in his motel room in Los Angeles. He was 47.

Jani Lane was an on and off singer for Warrant since their start up back in the 80s. The band's most well recognized tune is Cherry Pie and it propelled them into fame. There still is no certain cause of death, but like most glam rock celebrities, Jani had his issues with alcohol and drugs so it would not surprise me if the LA coroners find some sort of killer cocktail of drugs and alcohol in his system.

It's a sad day, friends. A small piece of 80s rock has passed on. Later.

Are You Ready for Some Football?! NFL PreSeason Starts Tonight

Hey there.  Finally, after almost 6 grueling months since the last meaningful football game took place, the NFL is back and the players are eager to get on the gridiron.  The spring brought about the NFL lockout when the owners and the NFLPA could not agree on a collective bargaining agreement and the summer brought about some nervous jitters.  But after all is said and done, we are ready to play some games and the fan could not be happier!

Luz: Our Epic Mickey Winner

Hey there.  I received this from my recent winner, Luz.   She was the lucky one who won the Epic Mickey Wii game.

Thank you for the awesome pic!  How awesome is that?  I think the little one is planking with their game in their arms.  lmao!  It just comes to show that all not all our winners are in it for themselves but are hoping to score free stuff for their loved ones!  Thanks again for sharing!

Stay tuned for the next game giveaway which will be announced on August 15th!  It will be a PS3 game so PS3 owners, get ready!  Later!

Looking for a Great College? Don't Pass Up on Walden University

Hey there.  Believe it or not, one of the books that I enjoyed reading during high school was Walden by Henry David Thoreau.  I just thought that the idea of man removing himself from society to gain perspective was intriguing.  Young minds need perspective and what better place to gain that perspective than through the university named after the man that went out to seek it, Walden University.

Breaking Out of This Writing Lull

Hey there. One of the worst things that can happen to a blogger is taking a few days off from writing. I did just that. I try to post something every day just to keep it fresh but I have not written a post since Saturday.  Blame it on the DTK loss, blame it on laziness, blame it on Final Fantasy XIII, or blame it on whatever you want.  I made it clear to myself that I needed to get on the ball and create more quality articles as opposed to small snippets of stuff because I don't have time.  I used to be able to get work done at night with the laptop, but since that's out of commission at the time, I'm regulated to work on the desktop computer and I'm not really feeling that.  Well, it's time to snap out of it.  I have plenty of great ideas that I'm working on and I have a few awesome reviews that are coming this way.  The giveaways are also a huge success and I have a few winners posts that need to go live.  I've been invited to events and would like to get those up as well.  Things are happening, people, and I need to let you guys know what's up!!!

It's happening, friends.  I'm evolving.  It's time to shed this skin and break out into bigger better things.  Stay tuned!  Later!

Review the Web Host Before Buying

Hey there.  Some of you already know that I've been looking for a fair price web hosting agent for quite sometime now.  The only thing holding me back is change.  It's the same reason why I haven't really pressed for a new blog lay out, a new blog logo, or a new blog host.  I'm comfortable with what I have but I know that I need an upgrade.  I have many blog friends with several different web hosting agents and each has their pros and cons about them.  I don't ask for much, I just need to make sure it works.  I don't want to deal with outages and interruptions in service because my web host is having issues.  I need to make sure that what I go with I am comfortable with.  This is why I strongly suggest you review the services thoroughly.

The Secret to a Long Marriage

Family Movie Night: Who is Simon Miller? on NBC August 6th

Hey there.  I love Family Movie Night on NBC.  Not only the movies kid friendly, but they offer the opportunity to watch a film with a strong, moral life lesson that you can elaborate on with the kids once the movie is over.  It makes that "talk" with the kids much more easier since the movie provides a common point of reference.  This week's film is Who is Simon Miller? 

Spending a Day at the San Gabriel River

Hey there friends.  You know what the tough part of having a birthday on a holiday is?  It has to be better than just a regular birthday.  My daughter's birthday is July 4th, the same as America's birthday, and every year we try to make it just a little more interesting for her.  This year, we decided to take her and the kids to the San Gabriel River.  Just a short drive away from downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel River runs though the Los Angeles Forest.  The wife and I both went there as kids and thought that it would be great to go and take the kids to a spot that we visited back in the day.

July 2011 Game Giveaway: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (Xbox 360) Winner

Hey there friends.  We have 53 friends that all want this game and they registered 257 entries.  Thank you contest gods!  lol  I created a spread sheet to keep tabs of everyone who entered and how many entries they received.  Here's a small snippet of that:

Babies, Babies Everywhere! Time to Stock up on Awesome Baby Gear!

Rockin' the skulls and the mummy

Hey there.  You know, when the wife and I found out that we were having a little one a few years back, one of the first things we decided to do is look for awesome baby hats and baby beanies.  You need to keep your baby warm and we didn't want to settle on a blah looking hat for our son.  Why mention this?  Well, because a few of our friends recently had babies and I'm hoping that they managed to grab some awesome cool baby hats!  For our son, we manage to find a black and red stripped hat and a black one with a skull on it.  They were definitely out of the norm but the hats were an extension of my wife's and I's personality and if you had great hats like that, it would definitely make your baby look cool!  Just take a look at my boy and I dare you to tell me he doesn't look awesome.  lol

Rocking Some Comfortable Jeans from Express

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey there.  You know, I've always had a problem finding some high quality jeans.  I've been one of those guys that always had the mentality of, "if it fits, it's good" but that's not the case anymore.  I've put a conscience effort to improve my look, with the help of my wife of course, and now I'm in the market for some quality jeans.  A pair of men's jeans that are comfortable, looks good, and are a great value.  That's when we stumbled across some Express jeans.

Motivational Monday - Food Fight

Let the food war begin!

Wouldn't it be Great to Live in Hawaii

Hey there. I'm jealous of my cousin.  Through hard work and perseverance, he has managed to land residency in the island state of Hawaii.  Yup, the place that many call paradise.  I've seen some of the pictures that have been posted on his Facebook page and the scenery is just breathtaking.  I'm a sucker for good scenery and from the stories that I have heard, Hawaii is the place to go.  Especially when you hear that the sunsets are to die for.  I still owe my wife a honeymoon (married 7 years now) and I want to take her there to make it up to her.  Who knows, maybe we'll love it so much that we'll start looking to take residence there too.  I'm sure that real estate in Hawaii is prime real estate and be tough to land, but a guy can dream, no?