Day in the Life of the First Day of School, NBA Top Shot Cool Cats Pack Drop, and Softball

Nothing like a nice, cold beer to end your day.

Hey there friends. My day job kept me busy today, but that didn't mean I didn't have an eventful day. Let's get into it.

Uqique Mini Digital Voice Recorder Review

The perfect voice recording device!

Hey there.  Imagine this...  You're in class (or in a meeting) and you're supposed to be paying attention.  No matter how hard you try, there is no way that you take notes on every single thing that was said.  Your hand can only write so fast.  This may not be too much of a problem, but when it's a hour and half long lecture or meeting... you're going to wish you were able to "catch that again."  ESPECIALLY for those of us that need to take minutes during a meeting.  There is so much dialog and so much back and forth that you'll wish you can replay the meeting so that you can write up accurate minutes.  I'm in meeting all the time having a replay of the meeting would be perfect when writing up those minutes!  Well, with the Uqique Mini Digital Voice Recorder, now I can!!!  The awesome people at Uqique provided me with a Mini Digital Voice Recorder so that I can try out and review and let me tell you... I am glad that they did.  Not only has it been extremely in a school/work setting, but it's been extremely useful at home as well.  Before I go into my experience with the Uqique Mini Digital Voice Recorder, let's talk specs.

Death's Messengers

Hey there.  When I was in high school, I would enjoy going to my AP Physics class.  Not so much because physics are thrilling, but because my teacher would start the class with a zen story.  These stories were meant to have the students think outside the box.  He deemed them, "thinking can't tales" and I looked forward to them.  They fascinated me.  They were indeed thought provoking and more often than not, I thought about the story well after class ended.  Well today, I came across a story that took me back to those days in class.  Let me tell you the story of Death's Messengers.

Improve Your Video Presentations with Video Editing Courses

Hey there.  If you want to make your presentation better than ever, it's time to brush up on your public speaking skills. Part of creating a top-notch presentation is how you present yourself and your ideas. After all, this will be the only and most important impression many people get of you and your company or idea. Taking the time to carefully prepare can make a huge difference in the reception of your presentation.

The Calculator Control

Math, you sly dog you.  You almost had me there.  

The Day I Became a Flute Player

Hey there.  This weekend, while I was relaxing at home, I decided to play some music.  Not on the iPod or radio, but play a musical instrument.  Most of you already know that I play guitar.  I have both an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar.  Both are pretty special to me.  The acoustic was given to me by wife (girlfriend at the time she gave it to me) and my electric is a Kirk Hammet "Skully" (KH-602) guitar.  But I'm not here to talk about guitar, I'm here to talk about my flute playing.  That's right, I play flute.  From time to time, I managed to eek out some time to play.  Last weekend was one of those times.  I grabbed the book that I would practice out of in JR. high and high school and test out my skills.  No doubt that they've diminshed some, but after 18 years of first picking up the instrument, they have yet to completely erode.

The Kids Showing Interest in Music and Sports

Great job, boy!

Hey there.  When I was in middle school (let's go Edison EAGLES!) I was introduced to a lot of extra curricular activities.  There was the ROTC team, music, running, basketball... It's one of those times in your life where you decide which path to take.  I could have done the sports thing.  I love sports and it would have been great to jump into that, but as many of you know, my love was invested in music.  I went the musical route and devoted my middle school life to that.  Yes, my friends.  I was a band geek.  But that doesn't mean I didn't participate in sports activities in school.  I also did some running for the school and did a few relay races and mile runs.  Nothing too fancy, mind you, but it was done.  With all things considered, it's pretty awesome to see that the kids are following suit.  Check it out.  The boy in his first cross country run (The Long Beach Middle School Cross Country Championship) and my oldest daughter in her first orchestra recital.

Metallman: The Committed Blogger

Hey there.  I'm ready to declare myself back!  I have been MIA for the last couple of weeks and I have been doing some on and off blog work while I was off but I am on step 1 of getting back into blogging form!  It's been a rough, few weeks and I think that the rough patch is now in the rear view mirror and I'm ready to devote more time to my blog and other commitments that I have made online.  I've slowly been inching my way back into Twitter and Facebook and now I'm ready to continue with my daily posts.  I've been a while since I've done a personal post and I have a few lined up.  I have my son's B day post, my wife's b day post, my dad's B day post, and several others that I have started and hope to have up in the coming days but first I want to discuss getting back into writing form.

Boosting the Kids' Immune System with Emergen-C

The breakfast of champions!

Hey there.  You know, as a parent, it's tough to make sure that your kids get the right nutrients in their body.  Especially when you have younger kids.  You make the healthy foods for them, but something is always wrong with it.  Phrases like, "I don't like this.",  "Was is that?", or "It's nasty, Mom." seem to be the norm whenever we decide to make a healthy dinner.  You would figure that after awhile, the kids will get accustomed to eating healthy and will soon stop complaining.  I guess kid DNA is configured to detest healthy foods.  lol  Anyways, I know that the kids are healthy and active, but that doesn't mean that they are getting the right nutrients or at least sufficient amount of nutrients in their system.  So when I received 3 boxes of Emergen-C Vitamin Supplement drinks, I was excited.

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.

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!

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.

Southern California! Help Women in Need with The Cinderella Fund by MeatHead Movers

Hey there.  I appreciate the aspect of getting things done on your own.  I came from a single parent home and it was tough to come by some extra cash for school and what not so when the student athlete brothers needed some cash for school, they did what their bodies could do best, move stuff around.  They decided to start a small moving company and named it MeatHead Movers, a comical name taken from the moniker for big athletes that love to hit the gym.  They didn't think that it would be as big as it is today.

My Experience with an Online School

Hey there. You know, many years ago, I attempted to complete my degree in business with an online school. I figured that I wouldn't have time to go to a brick and mortar building for school so online studies would be perfect. Especially since I'm a night owl and I stay up late anyways. Win-win situation for me, right?  In theory, yes.  In practicality, no...  My problem was that I didn't have the drive to finish school.  Not at that time, at least. I always told myself that I would go back to school when I am good and ready.  To not only get that degree but to set an example to the kids that higher learning can be achieved at any age.  Now, I believe that I am ready.

The Joys of Knuffle Bunny

Hey there. You know, children are funny, little creatures. lol The most mundane of things will keep them entertained and happy. Me, being "funny daddy" and all, take advantage of that knowledge all the time by doing quirky little things around the house. With my youngest daughter, we have mini dance offs. We do the robot together all the time. With my oldest daughter, we've been having a "flinch contest" for the last week or so where we try to make each other flinch (I'm winning because I have awesome ninja focus!). lol With my oldest, well... he's kinda a preteen now and little quirky moments don't affect him as much as much as the younger kids. He does, however like it when I create absurd movie trailers and they usually begin with, "In a world..." lol Yeah, they definitely like that those.

Anyways, I bring up those little quirks because yesterday, I was reading a book to my daughter.  You know, they (or you) need to read a book every night for homework?  Yeah, that.  So I pulled out the book that was chosen and it's this book:

I recognized it from when my oldest daughter brought it for her "read at home" homework and she claims it's one of her favorite books.  I've read it a few times this year already since they keep sending it home to read so I decided to have a little fun with the reading.  It's an awesome little story of a young one that can't speak words yet and travels with her favorite stuffed toy, Knuffle Bunny.  The toy gets lost and the adventure begins.  It's definitely for the younger readers and the book has few words, as well as some baby babble.  When I read the book, I did voices for the characters.  The young one in the book had a "monster" voice, I did Bean's voice, from KROQ Kevin & Bean fame, and I just did a regular "mommy" voice for the mom.  The kids loved the Bean and monster voices.  lol  But I think it's because I ad lib some of the lines.  lol  Yeah, I'm cool like that.  The oldest, which was in his room watching Dragon Ball Z or something, came out and chuckled and said, "Dad, what are you doing?"  lol  So even my voices got his attention and the girls asked me to read it again cause he wasn't there from the beginning.  Kids...  lol

So, do you guys do anything of that sort with your kids?  Am I the only doofus that will change a story and make it their own for a few innocent laughs out of the kids?  Do you have any stare contest with the kids?  Dance offs?  Or any crazy, quirky things for a laugh.  Kids are awesome.  lol  I love my munchkins, cupcakes, and goofballs.  lmao!  Later!

A Review of InkGrabber.com

Hey there.  You know, it's kind of tough to find quality printer ink without paying a lot of money for it.  This is one of the reasons why I've been out of a printer for so long.  I simply refused to pay so much money for ink.  But you know what... I have realized that I need a printer.  Especially now that my oldest son is in JR High and there will be a need to print out reports and essays.  So I'm on a mission to check out websites that sell printer ink to see where I can find the lowest price.  I'm not looking for cheap ink, I'm looking for ink that's cheap.  First stop:  InkGrabber.com

Right off the bat, I'm liking this site.  They have a listing of ink by brand on the left hand side while showcasing major brands right in the middle.  And to make it even better, they proudly display a coupon code on the right hand side to save me money on printer ink.  If a store is willing to give discounts right off the bat, I'm  definitely interested.  Upon clicking on a brand, a whole slew of printer models come up.  If they don't have what you're looking for, I'd be extremely surprised.  They seem to have a vast array of inkjet cartridges available for all kinds of printers.  That is a huge plus.  I distinctly remember having to buy ink cartridges at a store for my mother's printer and it was hit or miss on whether or not the store carried it. 

After browsing around, I like how the site is organized.  You can clearly point and click on what you need and most importantly, the prices are more than fair.  And again, they offer discounts, not only through their ongoing promotions, but through Facebook as well.  Ordering is fairly simple and I like that there's a toll free number to call if you need assistance or looking for an update on your order.  All in all, a very decent online store for ink.  I definitely recommend you guys check it out for all your printing needs.  Later!

I Think I'm Ready to Branch Out

Hey there.  I picked up the game for the monthly give a way last night (which will be posted shortly!) and my son was pretty excited about the game that I'm giving away.  He was hoping that it was for us to keep until I told him that it wasn't.  That's when he decided that he was going to enter the contest himself in order to win it for himself.  lol  After I explained to him that he can't win cause he lives in our house, he went on to say that he's going to get his friends to enter so that if they win, he can play the game there.  lol  Kids.  I told him to go for it, and that's when it hit me...  His friends love games and I like to give stuff away so I think I'm going to get some personalized pens to give out.  It would be awesome to have small tokens to give out that will have the Metallman name on it.  I think something like this would be awesome.  It matches my logo colors and it looks pretty cool.

It's been a long time coming.  I want to have t shirts made too, but I still need a logo.  Something a little more modern and something a little more catchy.  I'm still in the market for a good one so if you know anyone that can create one for me, send em my way.  Once I get that done, I was thinking of making some custom envelopes so especially made for the winners of the monthly give a ways.  It would be awesome to be able to send out prizes with style.  I was able to find good prices at Amsterdam Printing so I'm thinking of going with that.

What are your experiences in having your name out there in real world?  Did you provide pens, pencils, business cards, etc. etc.?  I would love to get the name out there but I know it would be foolish to do something grand without a grand following.  What do you think?  Suggestions are definitely welcomed.  Thanks!

Using ActivityTree.com to Get Kids Active

Hey there.  You know, I've been on a mission to better myself and as I browse the internet to find ways to be more active, I realized that I should get the kids to be a little more active too.  My wife and I have noticed that the kids are not playing outside as much as they should be.  The oldest is sitting in front of the XBOX, the girls are too busy looking at themselves in the mirror, and the baby... well... he's a toddler now, but you know they're like a walking tornado at times so they get their exercise.  lmao

Anyways, I looking to see if maybe I could find some kind of classes and camps where the kids can be more productive with their time.  Whether it be a sport, music lessons, or overall confidence boosting experiences.  That's when I stumbled across ActivityTree.com.  They have a huge listing of activity providers, camps, or preschools to get young ones more involved in better themselves.  You simply enter your zip code and the site will search your area for nearby activity providers such as a YMCA.  It's perfect to get the kids up and learning a new sport or skill.

Another awesome aspect of ActivityTree.com is their Kids Scholarship program.  Every 3 months, they provide $100 to a lucky winner to keep their kids active.  You can earn an entry to win by filling out a small and simple form and stating how you would use the money to keep your kids active.  Piano lessons, swimming lessons, basketball fees... you can use the money for whatever it takes to keep kids active.

Check out the site, friends.  It's good to know where you can stop by for some fun activities with the kids.  Especially if you're a stay at home mom or dad.  Once the kids are off from school (or don't attend school yet), you can check out the website and schedule a fun day.  You can also be a part of the Get Kids Active!  Facebook Campaign and get tips on how to get kids active via their facebook page.  It's an awesome site and one that you should definitely bookmark.  Have fun!  Later!

Where Can I Get Cheap Printer Ink?

Hey there.  You know what the problem with printers are?  The ink.  Yup, the ink.  You can get a pretty good printer for about $40 now a days but high ink cost can definitely make it a high priced investment.  I remember having a printer where the inkjet cartridges were more than the printer price itself.  And this was just the standard black ink!  And it sucks because I've been contemplating going back to school but knowing that there is heavy duty printing involved, I think twice about the costs.  There are definitely high quality printers out there, it's just a mission to find printer ink in the cheap.

And it's not so much school work that worries me when it comes to printing.  We have thousands of pictures that need to be printed.  Going to our local store can cost a pretty penny when printing pictures from SD cards.  So the printer I get will definitely be one that would have great picture quality printing.  And if I'm going to print thousands of pictures, I'm definitely going to need some cheap ink. 

So what do you guys recommend?  Is there a quality printer that you guys use and how much do you usually end up spending on ink cartridges?  Or what should I expect to pay in ink per year?  Having a family, I'm sure that video game cheats, coloring pages, recipes, guitar tabs, etc. etc. would be printed on a constant basis so I assume that my ink usage will be a little on the higher side.  You thoughts, my friends.  Later!

I need a Vacation

Hey there.  I didn't come in to work yesterday.  And no, friends, it wasn't a kick back, I'm not going to do anything, kind of day.  lol  Both of my daughters were going to perform in their school's annual Christmas Program and I wanted to be there.  And... the school was going to honor both of my daughters for making honor roll.  Yay for my girls!  So the schedule looked something like this... 

7:00   Take girls to school
8:30   Have breakfast
10:30 Christmas Performance
12:30 After school party
2:30   Get son from JR High
4:00   Honor Roll Assembly
5:30   Honor Roll Assembly
6:00   Go home

As you can see, school related activities were nothing but planned that day and you know how well things turn out when you plan out your day.  Here's what really went down.

7:00   Take girls to school
8:30   Have breakfast
10:00 Go to Target to get MiniDV recording tape
10:35 Run to school auditorium
10:40 Realize that stupid camcorder is not working
10:50 Said screw it and took video with my phone
12:30 Made it to after school party
2:15   Take my youngest to get her hair cut
3:05   Speed off to get my son from JR High
3:35   Experience LA traffic jam
4:10   Run to school auditrium
4:30   Get text invitation to my cuz's b day thing for that night
5:00   Have small "lunch"
5:30   Honor Roll Assembly
6:15   Go to my aunt's for b day thing
10:00 Go home

Yeah...  that' didn't go as originally planned.  lmao  Needless to say, I need a vacation...  But like a real one.  Where the day is not used for home projects, shopping expeditions, or school related activities.  But like, a real vacation.  Yeah... that would be nice.  lol 

I came into work and for being out for a single day, it seems as if hell on Earth rained down on me.  More than 250 Emails sitting in my inbox, more than 10 voice mails waiting to be answered, boss saying there were complaints because I wasn't there...  It's like... man, can't have a day to myself without my work world going down in chaos???  *sigh*