There are many content providers battling for victory in the mobile and traditional content delivery arena. Your options as a buyer are varied and seemingly more flexible today than in the past when cable companies had a strangle hold. In the past, unless you picked up a satellite dish there was possibly only a single choice in your town. Not any longer, the plans and packages available from content carriers are as plentiful as the screens we watch our favorite shows. Each has a slightly different approach and capabilities nested within their parental control settings.

On DirecTV, subscribers are able to dial in the parameters of their parental controls by remote right on the screen they are watching through the receiver that is present. The company has partnered with Common Sense Media to offer ratings for nearly every program. You can view this information on their website to find out the details of your favorite shows and the ones your kids are watching too. Learn about recommendations and content with violence, language, commercialism or sexual themes as well as determine the hours that your kids can watch. Additionally there are sites such as Saveontvdirect.com that offer sign up packages that help keep the cost down.

Apple TV is basically on or off. You will need to enter your Apple ID passcode often once it is on and this may conflict with settings down the pipeline. Each individual service on the other side of that code might be at a different setting complicating matters quite a bit. Seems tedious but then again you do not have to turn it on and could just rely on the individual service settings.

Recently Hulu launched an update to their features with an extension that includes a Kids Lock button. By clicking this option parents can restrict access on the Hulu network and app to only those programs deemed acceptable for children. This is a really simple addition that creates a clean and definitive line between content. In opposition to this simplicity are Netflix parental control functions. Though they have included a Just for Kids tab on the network it can be unclear to users how and where these settings are taking affect. It seems that controlling the flow of content on a Netflix account can become an arduous process that may require centralized access from a traditional style PC.

How you have your account set up and what kind of devices you are streaming videos onto from their database is a factor. According to this review by Mellisa Tolentino web based services such as those provided by Amazon Instant Video and Google TV can vary widely. She considered Amazon to be a great supporter of parental controls while Google was noted as “the worst service for parental control”. So consider that when making your choices.

Chris Pine plays a character whose origins have left him questioning the purpose for his existence.  He’s a good guy, but he’s also reckless and mischievous.  Then, when fate brings the world to the point of crisis, he rises to the occasion, discovers his true calling, and saves the world.

No, this character isn’t James T. Kirk from  2009′s Star Trek; it’s Jack Frost. The striking similarities between Pine’s Trek and Guardians roles, though, were too much for me to ignore.

Wrapped around the tried-but-true storyline, though, is a delightful movie filled with colorful characters.  My entire family sat down to watch Rise of the Guardians for a family movie night, and everyone — kids ages 7, 10, 12, and 14 and both parents — enjoyed it.  Common characters like Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin) and the Easter bunny (Hugh Jackman) were re-imagined in such a way that I was genuinely intrigued to get to know these characters over again. A tattooed, sword-wielding Santa with a Russian accent? This is something you have to see.

Guardians moved along at a good pace and spread plenty of humorous moments throughout to ease the tension created by the Boogeyman (Jude Law), the nemesis in this film.  Even my 7-year-old, who has trouble with some of the scarier scenes in films like Brave, was able to handle Guardians.  Yet, the story remained engaging for my older kids, too.  In all, directory Peter Ramsey achieved a well-balanced family film that everyone in my family liked well enough that we’ve already watched it multiple times and recommended it to family and friends.  That is no easy task to pull off.

If you haven’t seen it yet, grab a copy of Rise of the Guardians to watch on your next family movie night. You’ll be glad you did.

Worth it Or wasted? Worth it! 3.5 out of 5 stars

Photo credit: menswear-market.com

Think of your wardrobe as a well-stocked fridge: From it, you only need a few basic ingredients to throw together a great combo. In fact, there are only six articles of clothing that you really must own, because of their versatility. Mix and match and accessorize properly, and the same elements will work equally well at the beach and dog run as they do at the office or a funeral (or both if you’re having a bad day). Here, the list.

1. White Button-down Shirt

“The white shirt is the most flexible piece of clothing you will ever own,” says Massimo Bizzocchi, menswear importer and owner of the eponymous downtown Manhattan boutique. Wear it with shorts and jeans for a more casual look, with chinos and a tie for work attire and with a dark suit to a formal event. For a traditional look, stick to 100 percent cotton broadcloth; for modern, try stretch cotton with a slightly slimmer fit.

2. Dark Rinse Jeans

“Dark denim jeans are considered the new standby,” says Bizzocchi. You can wear them with everything from a tailored jacket to a T-shirt and sneakers. “I like APC New Standard,” says Steven Taffel, owner and proprietor of Leffot, a high-end men’s clothing store in Manhattan. “They’re a crisp denim, and they don’t have any stitching on the back pockets. Paired with a white shirt, you have a blank canvas that you can accessorize with pretty much anything.”

3. Cashmere V-neck Sweater

You can wear this classic under a suit, with a pair of jeans — with pretty much anything. “And if it gets too warm,” says Bizzocchi, “just take it off and wear it draped around your neck on top of your blazer.” If you’re only going to buy one, choose a neutral color like black, brown or charcoal. If you invest in a second, pick a bright color like green or pink that highlights one of your best traits (i.e., If you have blue eyes, go for bright blue).

4. Navy Blazer

This jacket always looks great, whether you wear it with jeans or dress slacks. “Just lose the brass buttons,” says Taffel. “The buttons should always be dark.” And make sure to get the right fit — you don’t want a lot of extra fabric through the body. The general rule is that if you can fit your arm in between the jacket and your chest, you have too much fabric and need to get it taken in.

5. Solid Dark Suit

“You need to have one of these regardless if you wear it to work or not,” says Taffel. “These days you could need it for a job interview, a wedding or a funeral.” A solid dark color (black, navy or charcoal gray) offers more flexibility in dressing up and down. Wear it on its own for a formal event and dress it down by pairing the jacket with jeans and a T-shirt. If you buy more than one, Bizzocchi recommends experimenting with browns. “A dark charcoal brown suit in a lightweight fabric has a lot of personality,” he says, “and it shows you have confidence.”

6. Stylish Sneakers

If you’d wear them to the gym or the basketball court, they do not go with jeans and a nice shirt on a Saturday night. Instead, go for something plain and simple that doesn’t read “gym.” Guess, Bally, Coach and Puma all make classic shoes that bridge the divide between athletic and fashion, and they read casual or dressy depending on the rest of your outfit (shorts, jeans or dark suit pants). “If I’m not in my boat shoes I wear a pair of Adidas white and blue Rod Laver sneakers,” says Taffel. “Sneakers have a life of their own.”

Jessica Lothstein is a former fashion journalist at Best Life magazine. She has written profiles on such designers as Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani and Michael Bastian.

Any true man cave should be suitable for a king. But what are the essential elements of the most tricked-out guy space? Betsy Helmuth, a New York City-based interior designer and owner of Affordable Interior Design, shares her pro tips and finds.

1. Comfortable Seating

Hunt for a sectional that’s 38- to 42-inches deep (the average is 36 inches). A nice, deep couch will give you plenty of space to fit all your friends, with high-fiving elbow room to spare.

Our Pick:

Axis 2-Piece Right Arm Chaise Sectional from Crate & Barrel

2. Plug-In Light Dimmers

A plug-in dimmer attaches to the base of any floor or table light fixture you have, and you can usually snag them for around $10 each. The remote lets you control exactly how much light your fixtures put off, whether you want the room extra dark for a movie or more illuminated to play darts.

Our Pick:

Lutron TT-300H-WH Electronics Plug-In Lamp Dimmer at The Home Depot

3. Mounting-Friendly Entertainment Center

Your flat screen will look so much better mounted — but not every wall is mount-friendly. Some consoles allow you to attach your TV directly to the back panel, concealing your cords without ruining your wall. Added perk? Extra storage for your gaming consoles.

Our Pick:

Sauder Large Entertainment Center at Amazon.com

4. Thermal Drapes

Not only do thermal drapes give a great blackout effect — upping the cozy, cave-like factor of the room — but these curtains are also sound-dampening. That means less white noise comes in and gets out, so no more loud neighbors mowing the lawn or significant others telling you to turn the TV down.

Our Pick:

Grommet Top Thermal Insulated 84-inch Blackout Curtain Panels at Overstock.com

5. A Pop of Color

Spice up all that neutral furniture by throwing some accent pillows on your couch. Opt for picks in jewel tones such as burgundy, navy and forest green, which amp up the room without venturing into girly territory.

Our Pick:

Studded Velvet Pillow Covers from West Elm

6. A Soft-to-the-Step Rug

Contrary to popular belief, hardwood is not the way to go in your man cave. It’s cold to the touch and can create an echo effect throughout the room. Instead, choose a soft rug, which will make your place feel more plush and comfortable. But be prepared for spills: Opt for an easy-to-clean rug or (better yet) carpet tiles that can be swapped out for new ones when stains prove too stubborn to come clean.

Our Pick:

Made You Look Olive Flor tiles from Flor

7. Guy-Friendly Art

No matter how much of a minimalist you may be, you need something on the walls or your cave will look like a dorm room. Our top recommendations: Movie posters or paraphernalia from your favorite sports teams. Plus, infusing your own interests will help distinguish your man cave from Bob’s down the street.

Our Pick:

Scarface poster at MoviePoster.com

8. Something Leather

Whether it’s a recliner or a cowhide rug, adding a leather element automatically ups the macho factor of any room tenfold.

Our Pick:

Safari Cowhide Rug from Wayfair.com

9. Games

We’re talking anything from billiards to darts — something that makes your abode a magnet for guy’s night. If you’re short on space, snag a fold-up poker table that you can stash in the corner, or just hook up your tried-and-true PS3. The important thing is to establish your place as the go-to for entertainment.

Our Pick:

Poker Table with Foldable Legs at DiscountPokerShop.com

10. A Well-Stocked Mini-Fridge

Do you really want to trek all the way upstairs to grab another beer? Didn’t think so.

Compact Refrigerator from Kenmore

Kelly Thore is a freelance writer and magazine editor whose work has been featured in various publications and blogs, including Cosmopolitan. You can follow her at @thorekelly.

My Nokia Lumia 900

The Nokia Lumia 900 was named “Best of CES” by C-NET, but that was waaaay back in January.  In the fast-paced world of mobile phone releases, that doesn’t count for much today.  Still, when I had the opportunity to give the Lumia 900 a thorough test-drive in July of this year, I was intrigued.  Since the Lumia is also a Windows Phone 7 device, that meant I would be testing out the OS as much as I was the phone.  I’d heard good things about WP7 from family members who had used it, so I took the opportunity to make a temporary switch from my aging Android phone and put the Nokia through its paces.

When the Lumia 900 arrived, I was immediately taken by the form factor; this was unlike any mobile phone I’d held before.  In a world where every touch-screen phone seems to be a variation on the same theme, the Lumia 900 was strikingly different.  The solid metal body had corners like no other, and the screen itself was slightly raised from the rest of the body.  The uniform metal body gave it a very solid, sturdy feel.  I was impressed as well to see an 8 MP camera packed inside, as well as a lower-res front-facing camera.

Looks are important, but what I really wanted to test out was the functionality.  Was WP7 really as good as I had heard?  How would this stack up to my Android experience?  Could I get this phone to do what I really wanted it to do?  I dove right in, adding accounts and setting up apps.  I quickly discovered that Microsoft could play nicely with Gmail and Google Calendar — important details, since that’s where I primarily organize my communication and my life.  An even bigger detail: I could interface with the contacts from my Google account.  This was critical, because it meant all of the contacts on my Android device were instantly available on the WP7 device.  And it wasn’t an import; WP7 actually allows me to maintain my contact list at Google, and I can edit it from the phone.  That tight integration with Google made the transition extremely easy and won major brownie points for Microsoft.

A few more ease of use items caught my attention early on.  The phone has a camera button, making snapping photos very fast and easy.  The camera is quick and responsive.  The LED flash is ok in dark light situations, but not much help in more common low-light conditions.  Photos in low light without the flash don’t fair much better.  Give this camera plenty of light, though, and the pictures are beautiful.  So… better than the 3 MP camera on my older Android, but still needs work to be a perfect solution.  Sharing photos, though was very easy, which leads me to my next point: social media integration.

Windows Phone 7 has Facebook and Twitter integrated right into the OS.  This makes photo sharing very easy; you can snap a photo and have it posted on Facebook in a matter of seconds, with very few steps in the process.  Posting a status update or checking into a location can all be accomplished directly through the OS, and I found it easiest to do it that way.  There are independent Facebook and Twitter apps available for the platform, but for the most part I ignored them.  WP7 loads status updates from the people you follow right into the address book.  It also lets you create groups of contacts, which I found extremely useful for following social media posts from the people I am closest too.  I put them in a group, and from one icon (live tile in WP7 terms) on my home screen, I can see their latest updates and photos.

As a result of the ease of use with social media, I found myself more engaged with the people I actually care about — filtering out a lot of the junk that crowds social platforms — and more likely to participate.  Over the course of my first three months with the phone, I almost completely abandoned desktop access to Twitter and Facebook, preferring instead the Lumia 900 as my primary means of social media interaction.  To be fair, my Android device did try to accomplish the same thing, but it never worked well and ultimately was more frustrating than helpful.  Not so with WP7; it has social interaction under control.

Those are the highlights.  There are some challenges with the platform, too.  Some of the biggest problems with WP7, in my opinion, are not likely to be changed because of the Microsoft factor: Internet Explorer and Bing.  The only browser available for the phone is Internet Explorer, and it doesn’t do a great job of rendering web pages, especially the mobile versions of those pages.  My experience with the Android browser was that is was quite intuitive; Internet Explorer is not.  I looked for alternatives — Opera, which I had way back on WP6, or Firefox — but no alternatives were available.  As a result, I find that I will put off web-browsing tasks until I can be at an actual computer, which defeats the purpose of having a browser on your mobile anyway.

Bing is the search provider that’s built-in to WP7, but the results of the “decision engine” are no better on the phone than they are on a desktop, which is not good.  More often than not, I found myself opening up Google in the browser to find what I was looking for.  And Bing maps, while serviceable, are no comparison for Google.

In the middle — neither a highlight nor a challenge — is the app selection on WP7.  There are some essentials here — Netflix, Crackle, and iHeartRadio provide entertainment, Microsoft Office and Evernote are there for productivity, there are the required social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare, and you’ll find other mainstays like Amazon Kindle, Spotify, IMDb, and Skype.  Missing are Instagram and Google+, among others.  Microsoft and Nokia have actually stepped in to develop some of the missing apps themselves: the YouTube app was written by Microsoft, while Nokia has submitted a number of apps, including The Weather Channel and ESPN Fantasy Football.  Relying on your OS developer or handset manufacturer to develop the third-party apps people are looking for is not necessarily an ideal situation, but I’m glad to see both partners stepping up to make sure the phone meets customer expectations.  In the case that you don’t find the iOS or Android app you’re used to, you can almost always find a functional alternative in the Windows Marketplace.

Sticking to the app front for a moment, Nokia deserves some attention for the apps they’ve developed to extend the platform.  Many of these are exclusive to Nokia devices, so I lucked out that my WP7 test was on the Lumia 900.  Nokia Drive is a GPS/Navigation app that actually downloads the maps to your phone permanently, enabling you to still navigate even when you’ve driven beyond the limits of data coverage.  Google Maps, as good as they are, don’t offer this feature.  Camera Extras brings panorama and group shot functionality to the phone, Nokia Music provides free streaming music sans commercials, and Nokia City Lens is a fun augmented reality app.  In all, Nokia has developed 23 exclusive apps for WP7 devices, and they make a difference.

In the end, I’d have to say I’ve enjoyed my three months with the Nokia Lumia 900.  As a phone, it works well.  Call quality is ok, and dropped calls aren’t an issue.  The WP7 interface is a refreshing departure from Android and iOS, and the Lumia 900 was quick and responsive — something that was helped by the 4G data service.  I enjoyed using the phone to monitor and interact with social networks, so much so that I moved my social networking interaction almost exclusively to the device.  Taking and sharing photos was also quick and easy.  It should also be noted that my kids loved this phone — everyone from my 14-year-old to my 7-year-old ask to use it on a daily basis.  Would I recommend it?  Yes, with this proviso: if you rely on a specific app, make sure it’s available on the WP7 platform first.  Otherwise, I have no reservations about the platform, and the Lumia 900 is a great piece of hardware to enjoy it on.

TFL: Steven, you’ve performed at some of the highest levels, from serving in the Marines to pulling off physically demanding roles as a stunt double in blockbuster action movies.  At some point you must have realized that you can’t get by on what nature gave you alone; you have to take care of yourself if you want to continue to perform at your peak.  When did that realization hit?  What impact did it have on you?

Steven McMichael: I had the mentality that I was invincible for the first 10 years of stunt performing. It wasn’t until I started getting injuries that I realized that I have to figure out how to minimize injury. Stuntwork has such a broad scope that it’s impossible to train for everything. In addition, stretching and warm-up time is often not possible due to the circumstances such as SPFX make-up, prosthesics, costume, and erratic on-set scheduling changes. A good example of this was when I was performing one of the biggest stunts of my career doubling for Tom Welling (Clark Kent) on the pilot of the TV series Smallville. Those who have seen the show may remember the scene – I was posing as Clark Kent when he was hit by Lex Luthor in a Porsche going 30 mph. Both the Porsche and I went flying off the bridge. That one really hurt!

TFL: We can probably all make a pretty good guess at some of the things you do to stay on top of your game – weight training, aerobic exercise, etc.  Are there any elements of taking care of yourself that came as a surprise to you?  How important is skin care in terms of keeping you in shape and ready for your unique line of work?

SM: Appearance is very important in the film industry, so caring for my skin is vital to maintaining the best mindset to perform and choreograph fight scenes and design stunts.  Additionally, wearing prosthetics can really take a toll on your skin, which came as a surprise to me. The glue and the materials used can not only cause irritation, they can be toxic. To help keep my skin healthy and fight irritation, I use Dove Men+Care products, specifically Fresh Awake Body and Face Wash and Aqua Impact Deo/AP. Not only do these products fight skin irritation and moisturize my skin, but they also keep me smelling fresh (Aqua Impact deo/AP fights odor and wetness for 48 hours), which is crucial as I am often in close contact with A-list actors!

TFL: A quick read of your IMDB profile shows you’ve worked on an amazing collection of productions, including some movies with pretty big names attached to them.  What’s that been like for you?  Do you have a “famous celebrity” story you can share?

SM: I am not someone who turns to jelly when I’m working with name talent. My job is to make them look good, and we all put our pants on the same way in the morning. However, I have been in awe of the physical performances of people such as Hugh Jackman, Will Smith, and Milla Jovovich. On the set of I Robot, waiting between action sequences we (group of stunt performers) were talking with Will Smith at the Craft Service table (green room) and he told us a hilarious story about how when he was a kid, he shocked his dad with the utility box when their basement flooded. He was so down-to-earth, and I love that he felt comfortable enough to tell us childhood stories.

TFL: You career has always included a fair share of travel.  Do you have any fitness and workout tips for guys who are always on the go?

SM: Strength bands. They’re lightweight, storable, and portable. Isometric exercise is great for strength and cardio conditioning at all levels. There’s a great deal of workout ideas available on YouTube. I would work out with these in my hotel room in the morning and again when I got back in the evening. I would also recommend downloading iFitness if you have an iPhone; this app provides exercises, stretches, demos and also tracks your fitness progress.

TFL: As a husband and father, how have you tackled the work-life balance issue?

SM: First of all, my wife was a stunt performer, so she understands the unique aspects of this business. I commonly would leave before the kids got up and came home when they were in bed. No matter what kind of day I had, watching the kids sleep always made me feel lucky to be a dad. I really made the time count with my family when I was home on days off or on the weekends. When out of the country, I don’t know what I would do without Skype. During The Hobbit I would Skype with my family at least twice a day and text whenever I could to stay in touch. 

TFL: What is one indispensable parenting tip for dads who are just starting out?

SM: Make sure you give your wife a break whenever you can so she can recharge and take care of herself as well. It’s important for you, because you need that precious alone time with your baby. When my kids were infants, I enjoyed taking them for walks in the baby walker or front carrier; it was a great way to interact with my kids and develop that personal connection. I would also go biking with a baby chariot; that is a special experience to share.

It can also be seen in the world of alcohol. An overwhelming shift into the world of retro can be seen in the popular speakeasies that seem to be popping up all over the place. They’re so hip and retro that when you’re there you are expected to pretend that the Volstead act was never repealed.

What’s more fun than pretending that the “fuzz” could show up any minute and take an ax to all of your hooch while you’re busy doing the Charleston? There’s a speakeasy in my city calledCheshire. I’ve never been there and I don’t know where it is, but hopefully someone will take me and show me the secret knock. Oh no, I’ve said too much.

It’s not just trendy clubs getting on the retro bandwagon though. It’s also cool to grab a classic drink at your local watering hole.

Sailor Jerry Rum: Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins was a Tattoo artist inHawaii. He is often referred to as the “father of old school tattooing”. After he died in the 70’s his spiced rum recipe was unearthed. The bottle is adorned with the work of Sailor Jerry while the rum is the essence of who the man was.

Jack Daniels: JD might not seem very retro. It’s pretty much been the most popular bourbon in theUS for as long as I can remember. What you might not know is that one of the coolest crooners of all time was famous for imbibing it. The chairman of the board, Frank Sinatra claimed to drink at least a bottle per day. He was even buried with his beloved Jack along with a pack of smokes and a stack of dimes so he could call all his friends in the after life.

Martini: If it was cool enough for James Bond, then it’s cool enough to be called retro. I’ve never ordered a martini at a bar. But, if I did, I would do it while speaking with a British accent while wearing a tuxedo.

Moonshine: It’s rumored that while vacationing inGeorgia, FDR purchased and drank moonshine during prohibition. There’s nothing more retro than drinking the same thing that the president illegally acquired while it was banned. You can go the underground route and buy stuff that could make you go blind or you could buy some from one of the many distilleries that make legal moonshine. Personally, I suggest you grab a bottle of Ole Smoky Cherry moonshine.

If you order these other drinks you will seem more hip than your friends:Manhattan, Zombie, White Russian, Tom Collins, Sidecar, Gimlet and Cuba Libre.

I put out an APB to all my Facebook friends for their favorite retro drinks. This is the message I received from my friend Alyssa Belasco:

“Stormy Morning Cocktail: St. Germain + Creme De Violette + Cava + Lime Juice = Alyssa feels classy, even when she’s being a sloppy sally. And it’s delicious. I go to Chesire onSouth Ave(inRochester,NY) for this, above Solera Wine Bar. I feel like I’m at a speakeasy from back in the day, sometimes the bartenders wear bowties. I just might show up there soon in a red flapper dress.”

What retro drinks did I leave off my list? Throw me a message @chrisosburn on twitter orcosburn@thefatherlife.com 

*This article originally appeared on DrinkingMadeEasy.com. Chris writes an article for the site every other week.

Welcome to Browsing the Bins, my new music and pop culture review column.  This name refers to one of my all-time favorite activities, spending countless hours at record shops combing meticulously through the bins in search of new artists, out of print CDs and other musical goodies.  Similarly, I hope that this column allows readers to make some new musical discoveries of their own.

To get it started, I am profiling two recent albums from the Belgian band K’s Choice – the American release of both 2010’s Echo Mountain and its 2011 successor Little Echoes.

Formed in the early ‘90s by siblings Sarah and Gert Bettens, K’s Choice became known for combining the dynamics of alternative rock with catchy pop hooks to create a sound that successfully straddled the two genres.  Although the band never enjoyed mainstream popularity in the U.S., its “Not An Addict” video from the Paradise In Me album did manage some decent airplay in 1996.  K’s Choice released two more studio albums, 1998’s Cocoon Crash and 2002’s Almost Happy, before taking an extended hiatus.

A few years ago, Sarah and Gert began swapping demos and songs by email which sparked new interest in recording and performing together again and which ultimately culminated in the 2010 release of the band’s fifth studio album, Echo Mountain.

Containing 14 tracks spread over 2 CDs, Echo Mountain finds K’s Choice trolling familiar musical waters with plenty of songs that build dynamically before releasing to an emotional finish.  The set-starting “Come Live The Life,” “Perfect” and the title track are all excellent examples of this slow-crescendo style.

Although the old formula is present throughout, Echo Mountain’s overall tone is a bit mellower than past offerings.  This is as much a reflection of maturity as it is a statement of new intentions and the quieter approach allows Sarah’s voice to shine on standout tracks like “Say A Prayer,” “16,” “Along For The Ride” and “When I Lay Beside You,” a beautiful love song that is easily the first disc’s highlight.

Sarah’s unique and memorable voice is showcased further on Little Echoes, the follow-up release to Echo Mountain.  This 12-song set is the band’s first all-acoustic recording and features a mix of new originals, covers, and bare-bones takes on songs from the K’s Choice catalog.

“Killing Dragons” from Echo Mountain showcases the beautiful Bettens family harmonies and thrives is this stark and haunting new environment, while the aforementioned “Come Live The Life” manages to maintain its original form when stripped of electric instrumentation.

The covers emerge as the most compelling tracks on this album, especially the true-to-original “Cannonball” by singer/songwriter Damien Rice and Radiohead’s sublime “No Surprises.”  The band even takes a stab at The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited,” but I haven’t quite made up my mind on this one yet.  The unexpected harmonica solo is a nice touch, but I’m having trouble shaking the original from my mind.

Echo Mountain and Little Echoes are both very good releases from a vastly underappreciated band.  K’s Choice fans will no doubt enjoy both albums, but if you are just discovering the band th]e 2003 compilation 10: 1993-2003 Ten Years of K’s Choice is a great jump-off point.

Ah… but somewhere along the path, people started figuring out that a financial and societal success doesn’t necessarily mean happiness. You see it in movies and read about it in books all the time. The super rich or super smart guy who is driven to the edge of his life because he’s not satisfied with the choices he’s made in life.

This book, The Happy Student, written by Daniel Wong, is different in the sense that he speaks about the happy student. That was the first thing that attracted me to this book. The title focused on happiness rather than success. Although the subtitle does say, “5 Steps to Academic Fulfillment and Success” (you gotta sell books somehow, right?).

All joking aside, the book really isn’t about becoming the next millionaire or the best surgeon, it’s about figuring out what makes you happy and helping you be successful in that. Believe it or not, there is a formula for being a happy student, and when you’re a happy student,  you’re a successful one. Maybe not to society, but to yourself. Ultimately, that’s what we live life for and that’s what I want for my kids.

The author of this post was provided with a complimentary copy of the book reviewed, but the opinions expressed are his own.

“Everyone has an origin story, even though it’s most likely without a planet blowing up, parents murdered, or a radioactive spider bite,” says Uslan, the Originator and Executive Producer of the The Dark Knight Rises, the third and newest in the Dark Knight movie trilogy. He wrote about his comic book obsession – and his childhood dream of showing the world Batman as he saw him – in his memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman.

“My origin story – what formed my character – is entrenched in comic books,” he says. “When I was 8 years old, I wanted to see if I could get my name in print, next to Bruce Wayne and the rest of Gotham’s characters.”

It wasn’t luck, fortune or an accident that Uslan grew up to produce the most successful comic book-based movie franchise of all time, he says. Now, his goal is to inspire kids and adults to pursue their own dreams with focus and dedication, “because you can make them come true.”

Here’s how:

• Know your passion: Uslan wasn’t the only kid on his block who loved comics – but most of the others probably never dared to dream that they could have a hand in influencing their favorite character, he says. It’s important to ask yourself, “What do I really, really care about?” The answer to this question will be the seed from which dreams sprout.
• Don’t be a passive bystander – participate: His passion for comics blossomed through several steps, including a general interest in reading and writing and active participation with the world’s first ComicCon in New York City in 1964, when he befriended comic writing legend Otto Binder. These days, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to be proactive, he says, citing blogs, websites and social networking. “A teen raised with today’s technology can create a video, for example, that rivals those created by professionals,” he says.
• Identify objectives that will take you to your goal: In high school, Uslan became essential to the yearbook staff, developing media skills that would benefit him later. In 1972, as a junior at Indiana University, he created and taught the first college level course on comic books. After graduating law school, he had the legal knowledge and Hollywood credentials necessary to purchase the film rights to Batman and start repairing the super hero’s image. He wanted to get away from the campy sitcom version of the crusader and reintroduce the Dark Knight to his roots for a movie-going audience. “You don’t have to bend to the expectations of everyone else,” he says. “If you love something enough and are willing to create favorable circumstances, others will bend to you.”
• Learn from problems instead of allowing them to distract: Most people never realize their dreams because life gets in the way. Problems and new priorities arise and detract you from your course. The trick is to figure out how to respond to these in ways that help you reach your goal. For instance, learning how to negotiate, how to efficiently manage your time or how to become very self-disciplined are skills you can apply in pursuing your dream.

Article courtesy News & Experts of Wesley Chapel, FL.