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“Daniel X: Watch the Skies” by James Patterson & Ned Rust
If you're looking for a teenage friendly alien hunter, you're not going to find any better than Daniel X. Daniel returns in this sequel to the first alien hunting book, on the hunt for Space Alien #5. His journey is not your typical Star Wars-ish adventure.
Set in "Holliswood" and reeking of aliens and society's current craze with reality television, Patterson and Rust have created yet another enjoyable and adolescent friendly novel that both boys and girls will enjoy. The best thing about these books is that there is no shortage of aliens, which means the series will surely continue on for quite a while.
What's great about Daniel X books is that they are smart, entertaining, and seem to relate well to younger generations without seeming contrived. Patterson and Rust are good at nailing the sarcasm of a teenager without sounding mouthy. And what parent can resist a main character who conjures up his parents for advice whenever necessary?
An added joy in this book, at least for me, was the mention of martial arts several times. Although it only stayed on the surface and didn't delve any deeper than that, the mere mention of Daniel X using martial arts techniques to defeat evil aliens made me happy.
My only potential criticism or more of a concern actually, is that over time, the books and Daniel X's adventures could become a bit formulaic. But for now, it works so read away.
Although in the first book, Daniel X only has an imaginary girlfriend, in this book we have a bit of a love story that is super sweet, but not over the top. With electric eels, electric first kisses, and electri-charged aliens, this book is one you'll want to put on the list for your kids. With manageable chapters and a fast-paced story, Daniel X: Watch the Skies is another Patterson success. Thanks to Mothertalk.com for the opportunity to review this book!
BBM gives Daniel X: Watch the Skies. . .
Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning Blend
A little over seven months, my father suffered two massive strokes. By the grace of God, he received medical help within the needed time frame, and we are blessed to have him with us today, with very little long-term damage. DUring the recovery, diet became a huge concern. Low-fat, low sugar, low cholesterol, low sodium-ugh! If you do low-fat, the sodium is high. If you do all of the above, there's not taste. I spent hours in the grocery store, reading labels, hoping I wasn't adding to my father's health issues.
That's when I checked out Mrs. Dash. We always had Mrs. Dash growing up, but what I didn't know was that many varieties of Mrs. Dash that were out there (over fifteen!!!). Mrs. Dash is introducing two new seasoning blends, Fiesta Lime and Caribbean Citrus, and Mom Central asked me to play around with one of the seasonings and let you know what I thought. They sent me the FIesta Lime blend and yum! It popped with flavor and I wasn't dying of thirst afterward.
There are recipes at Mrs. Dash, but I decided to make something up. My friend's garden is plentiful, so I steamed up some yellow zucchini and some fresh green beans, mixed it with a little olive oil, sprinkled on the Fiesta Lime seasoning blend and served over a bed of brown rice, black beans and a touch of salsa. Fresh and yummy! The husband even enjoyed it!
I can't wait to try the Caribbean Citrus blend soon. Both new flavors would be great on fish or in a salsa…hmmmm, now I know what I'm having for dinner tonight!
TKDDaughter gives the new Fiesta Lime seasoning blend by Mrs. Dash a
McAfee Family Protection
In the world we live in, danger is all around us. In the "good ol' days," you could shut out the bad things when you closed your front door…now, danger follows us right in and makes itself at home. This poses an extra problem for parents whose children use the computer. McAfee Family Protection software aims to help curb some of a parent's fears on keeping their kids safe.
What I like about the software is the many features that focus on monitoring computer usage…I have found that you can filter all you want, some sites still get through the cracks…this way, I can see who has been where in case one of those sites sneaks through. (Although, I have to tell you, nothing bad has gotten through!)
For you, BBM Review readers, McAfee is offering a discount through August 31, 2009 to save $5 off the McAfee Family Protection. The promo code is: 5familyprotection. Take advantage of this great savings while protecting your family!
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of McAfee and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, McAfee sent me a blanket and care package to thank me for taking the time to participate.
For giving parents some peace of mind while their kids surf the web, TKDDaughter gives McAfee Family Protection:
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