Scrapping Your Camera

Scrapbookers are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. October, November and December are prime months for documenting holiday-related events. Memory book makers’ cameras will be getting a major workout as 2012 comes to an end. Consequently, you’ll want to make sure your camera is in tip-top shape in order to capture all of those special holiday moments. Now is also an ideal time to upgrade your digital camera if you are looking to improve your scrapbook pictures. When shopping for a new camera it’s important to conduct some research prior to purchasing. Fortunately, the Internet is teeming … Continue reading

A Tale of Two Moms

Help me out here… Have you seen the TV commercial that features the ultimate helicopter parent? The ad stars a mom who follows her kid around all day trying to protect him from the big, bad world. In one scene, helicopter mom is at her son’s school answering a question posed to the class by a teacher. She raises her hand, provides the correct response, and then gives the credit to her son. In another scene, the mom uses her body as a human shield when it’s her son’s turn to be the target during a dodge ball game. Next, … Continue reading

New Ways Technology is Helping With Autism

There are many different forms of technology that can be used to help children who have autism. Some can be used to help a child who is on the autism spectrum to communicate with others. Some can be used to detect signs of autism in children. Others help parents learn more about their child. Right now, there are many public schools that are using iPads with students who have autism. The touch screen makes it very easy for kids to use it. Teachers can load it with apps like iPrompt which uses pictures and icons to help a child who … Continue reading

Disney Website for New and Expecting Parents

Remember Our365? I don’t expect you do. Almost a year ago I posted about how Disney had teamed up with the organization that helps companies market to expectant parents. Our365 can actually get its partner companies’ representatives into maternity wards to try to sell their wares. For all I know either the company or its partnership is now defunct. But Disney hasn’t stopped sniffing around its coveted new market. On Monday January 17 the House of Mouse launched disneybaby.com. Disney Baby works just like other sites in the Disney Go family, although strangely its URL doesn’t contain the word “go” … Continue reading

Know Your Camera

I got a new camera for Christmas, but I’ve yet to experiment with all of its features. According to the owner’s manual, I won’t be able to snap the “best” images possible if I don’t utilize the camera’s advanced options. Whereas I agree that it’s easy to hit the “auto” function instead of experimenting with different modes, I don’t believe a camera alone makes or breaks a photo. For starters, a stunning image includes a balance of colors, shapes, and lighting. If you don’t feature contrasting colors in a shot, you won’t get that “pop” which draws attention to an … Continue reading

Fun and Festive New Year’s Layouts

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it can also translate into a room full of belly laughs if displayed just right. If you are looking to create a unique New Year’s layout for your holiday scrapbook, focus on the funny. For example, if your family members and friends tend to get a bit wild and wacky ringing in the New Year, be sure you capture the craziness with your camera. Then, continue snapping shots the morning after. By recording the recovery process in a series of photos, you will have ample material to craft an amusing scrapbook … Continue reading

SidebySide: An Innovative New Projection Technology

When watching the Marvel film “Iron Man 2,” I was struck by something interesting. The portrayal of Tony Stark’s father Howard Stark, played by “Man Men” actor John Slatterly, reminded me of someone: Walt Disney. Within the movie Howard Stark is only seen in promotional films he made in the 1960s. He sports a sleek suit and trimmed mustache, and he addresses the audience from his private office. He leans against a large table containing a miniature model display of his latest project, which he describes to the audience. It’s all Walt Disney making his little filmed announcements about pioneering … Continue reading

Mom Turns in Teen Children for Crimes Caught on Tape

Every June the city I live in, Milwaukee, hosts its annual 11 day music festival, “Summerfest.” It takes place along the lakefront at Maier Festival Park. With sometimes hundreds of thousands of people attending, there is always the chance of some kind of incident that involves the police. For the most part however, major problems are avoided. Well, that was until this past week. The big news story didn’t involve a bunch of drunken adults. No, it was about a group of 22 teenagers who looted a gas station and assaulted a number of victims. I should be fair and … Continue reading

Mommy Manicures

When was the last time you received a manicure? A real manicure. Not streaks of Plum Passion painted on by your 5-year-old. I’m talking about the real deal; professional nail treatment courtesy of a hired hand. I’m pretty sure the last time I paid someone to push back my cuticles and buff my nails was the day before I got married. That was more than eight years ago. I remember thinking how nice it would be to enjoy a day at the spa following the birth of our daughter. That was more than six years ago. Back then I would … Continue reading

A New Little Model

I’ve taken an unusually large amount of photos recently. You see, I have a brand new model to photograph, and I can’t help but want to capture her in all her newborn glory. And with all the funny little faces she’s pulling, it’s hard to stop taking photos even when you’ve got some good ones. Part of what makes taking these baby photos so satisfying is the nuances in her facial expressions. They change so quickly, and I don’t know that she even knows what emotions go with what faces, but as she learns to use the muscles in her … Continue reading