Smithsonian Channel’s SciQ series is now available on DVD for convenient replays whenever desired. This entertaining and incredibly informative science show explores a wide variety of topics for hands-on exploration. Teenage hosts Andrew, Paula, and Pemma tackle a general topic and dig in on-site to bring to light processes, facts, and inventions that are new and exciting for both children and parents.

Andrew and Paula approach each topic from a competitive perspective. Filled with rivalry, each seeks to out-do the other. Paula is the “smart girl” whereas Andrew takes on the “goofy guy” role with relish. The acting is a bit cheesy, and reminds me of teen-hosted TV from my own childhood, but glimpses of authentic exuberance and the joy of discovery break through from time to time.

My six-year-old thinks Andrew’s goofball antics are hilarious – he’s the hands-down favorite around here. Paula is a bubbly, keener type – while Andrew is wandering around cracking jokes, Paula is vigorously scribbling notes. Pemma stands outside of the competition, providing educational asides in her “Food for Thought” that add detail and differing perspectives. Her segments are included on all of the episodes in this volume except the first – “CSI.”

The four 25-minute episodes contained in Volume 1 are: “CSI,” “Spies,” “Movie Magic,” and “Sound.” These relatively simple titles belie the wealth of intriguing detail packed into each episode. In “CSI” Andrew and Paula learn about fingerprinting, DNA testing, footprint and fingerprint lifting, dog detectives, and the scientific concepts surrounding each hands-on learning opportunity they undertake. The show culminates in their independent examination of a mock crime scene.

“Spies” examines the way we see and surveillance technology. Spy robots, police helicopters armed with infrared cameras, a polygraph demonstration, gait analysis are just the beginning of the learning explorations in this episode. Andrew gets to take part in the CT examination of a mummy to examine its bones and determine its gender. Paula visits a Navy training facility to learn how dolphins and sea lions as part of underwater observation programs.

In “Movie Magic” the realm of Hollywood special effects is delved into through stunt-man training for Andrew, an exploration of creating film weather by Pemma, and Paula digs into some pyrotechnics. Extreme makeup is explored as Andrew is transformed into a zombie through the use of face molds, masks, makeup, and more. He also steps into the studio of a foley artist and tries his hand at a short filmed sequence.

Andrew’s voice training and failed mock audition for a rock band form the central focus for “Sound.” Paula spends some time with the Blue Man Group learning the basics of sound waves and plays with a sound spotlight, while Andrew takes the world’s loudest vehicle out for a spin.

This debut collection of SciQ episodes is an excellent fit for unit studies, as a supplement to science courses, or extra-curricular viewing for fun. My six-year-old asks for SciQ: Volume 1 on a regular basis; it’s engaging in its own right, even outside of a formal educational context. The average viewer will undoubtedly find some new tidbit of knowledge that will “feed your brain” – the series slogan. Appealing to all ages, SciQ will make a fun, informative addition to the DVD collections of educators and families.

CLICK HERE TO BUT NOW AT AMAZON.COM!

One of the down-sides of living in a near-arctic climate is..well the -40 C temperatures at night!  Sadly, our sink drains have frozen up, and we can no longer drain water down the sink.  Today is a day off of dish-washing, but if the drain doesn’t defrost or thaw by tomorrow I’ll have to dig out my dishpan and start scrubbing up the way we did here before we had a sink installed.

Sinks sure are nice .  Saves the trip outside to toss the dirty water!

There’s a allure and mystique surrounding grandfather clocks in our culture that comes (I think) from the European roots of our civilization.  Big, dignified clocks that tick, tock, and chime loudly on the hour.  Tall, proud figures standing in hallways, parlors, and great rooms both here and on the continent.

Apparently, it was a song written in 1875 by Henry Work Clay entitled “My Grandfather’s Clock Song” that popularized the term – making long case, and tall case clocks known as Grandfather clocks .  Learn something new every day – file that one in your clock trivia mental compartment!

Now these majestic clocks are available not only in traditional designs, but also in modern reinterpretations, curio clocks you can keep your trinkets in, clocks that look like lamposts, and even a “Ridgeway Christian grandfather clock”.  It features a traditional Westminster chime pattern, and a mural of a peaceful meadow.  Perhaps that’s where it received it’s Christian designation from?  Some sort of artistic reference to Psalm 23?  In all honesty, I’m not sure we have room for a large clock in our small home, we’d definitely need to do rearranging to find space for one!  That could be why, in addition to grandfather clock‘s, they also offer mantel clocks, cuckoo clocks and wall clocks.

Thanks to all who entered our Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil contest!  Our winner is laurhd who is also interested in trying Tropical traditions Red Palm Oil!  Congratulations!

I’ll be sending you an email shortly, please let me know your shipping details within 72 hours.

And stay tuned for more great contest to come!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

When Ebay hit the online world, it was like nothing we’d ever seen before, took off like wildfire, and the rest is history.  It’s a rare individual who hasn’t made a purchase from the ubiquitous auction website, and basic Ebay know-how is fairly common place.

A new, charity-inspired auctioning site Bidazzled for entertainment items has newly hit the web as of early November.  The items up for grabs are incredibly cheap, and the proceeds of the site go towards The Ruch Foundation (a lung cancer charity).  Bids are purchased in advance (you get 5 free for signing up) – and that’s where the charity side comes in.

Winners are able to purchase merchandise at 80% off retail prices (generally speaking).  If you don’t win you receive 50 bonus bids.

And, if you sign up before the 15th, you’ll receive 15 additional free bids if you use this code – BBP1202A.  Bids normally cost $1 each with a minimum purchase of 25 bids.  Combined with free bids, and bonus bids this price comes down to around $0.67/bid on average.

So, have you heard of this site, or won anything through it?  It almost seems too good to be true!  If you check out the prices, they are incredibly low.  Let me know if you’ve tried it out!

After a long, fairly mild start to winter (and snow free too!), it’s here, the coldness!  The past couple of days we’ve had -40 degree C temperatures at nighttime and in the early morning.  The wood stove is blaring as we try to keep the house warm (we’re fairly successful actually!) and we’re staying in!

Larry headed out to pick up a few supplies (and the mail) today , but we stayed home.  Our family policy?  No traveling with the children when the temperature is -2o below.  Kaelynn’s asthma also is aggravated by cold weather, so she can’t go out when it’s -15 below or more.  We’re very thankful for our Wii in this weather as it helps the kids stay active and ‘shake their sillies out’.

The yearly question, “Why do we live here, again?” is raising it’s head.

Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop
Ages: 10 and up

Also available: Visits to Terrestria , $5.99

A Study Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Students

Matthew Christian Harding is a man who’s boldly treading into new territory in the young adult fiction marketplace. His debut novel is nearly impossible to pigeon-hold into conventionally established genres. As a result he’s been looking for a descriptive term for his work. Leviathan literature, behemoth books, young earth dragon fiction, creation literature, and speculative historical fiction are some of the labels you’ll find tentatively attached to Foundlings, the first installment in The Peleg Chronicles.

Set at an unspecified date during the biblical days of Peleg — sometime after Noah’s flood, the tower of Babel and the dispersion —Foundlings has little in common with the small selection of historical fiction written that focuses on this time period from a young earth, Bible-believing perspective. Harding blends a thriving feudal society complete with knights, counts, and princesses with the dragons (think dinosaurs), giants, and a cave-dwelling group of men called dwarves with the ongoing attempts of darkness to smother the light. Perhaps the fastest way I can describe it is to say that Foundlings is something akin go Lord of the Rings meets biblical fiction, with no magic, evolution, or humanism thrown into the mix.

If that idea excites you – you’re not alone. As a devoted Christian father, his four young children no doubt inspire Harding; wanting them to have access to noble, God-honoring literature that supports a biblical worldview, he put his own pen to the task. As I share his goals I was almost jumping up and down with excitement when I learned of this new series. Unfortunately, it was some time until I could read it – my husband made off with my copy and wouldn’t relinquish it until he was finished. Then it was passed on to me to read with my little ones at bedtimes.

Lord McDougall is certainly the centerpiece of the series. He’s such a curious character, rather eccentric really, and his shenanigans have left my six-year-old laughing on many occasions. Honorable, God-loving, and noble of character, McDougall is always eager to share his faith with seekers, and lives out a walk with God that will be familiar to many New Testament believers despite its Old Testament setting.

Accompanied by his faithful shield-bearer Fergus Leatherhead, McDougall — a cursed Lord — is swept into one adventure after another. Unable to resist the call to aid those who are in distress, he plunges willy-nilly into the fray, collecting a rag-tag band of followers who have thrown their stakes in with his. Together they rescue maidens, defeat giants, and more – all with McDougall’s seemingly contrary blend of savvy and naiveté.

Much like McDougall’s ambling, awkward frame, Harding’s prose may require some adjustments on the reader’s part. At times it seems almost disjointed or oddly composed, though I can’t quite put my finger on what makes it read differently. Still, we found it to be an enjoyable pleasure read. My husband read it in record time, my six-year-old daughter finding it to be “very, very interesting.”

I, on the other hand, was somewhat puzzled by the lack of a concrete chronology – perhaps I’m simply too analytical. While taking place in the days of Peleg scripture from the Psalms and other books of the Bible which were written at later dates is included in the dialogue of various characters. Job is referred to as a contemporary, and while I’m no expert on Bible chronology, this surprised me. On my personal, internal timeline I have Job slated in at a later date. To be honest, I still haven’t shaken a vague feeling of unease that this somewhat mixed-up setting that comes to mind when I think of the story. I simply can’t set aside my desire for a concrete date and setting to enjoy the story without such details being firmly in place.

Still, I must applaud Harding’s work. It’s rare to find an author so dedicated to folding biblical truth within the pages of a good, clean story that honors God and promotes Godly character. Harding left us with a dramatic cliffhanger at Foundling’s end, and our entire family is now eagerly awaiting a new set of adventures for Lord McDougal and his band of motley, faithful comrades. As soon as we turned the last page my daughter asked me when we can find out what happens next. Good question!

Read the first two chapters online for free at Matthew Christian Harding’s website.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW AT AMAZON.COM!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Whirlwind
Thomas Nelson (December 29, 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo

My Note: My copy hasn’t arrived yet – but I can’t wait until it does!  I’ve reviewed the first four titles in this addictive series, and I intend to see it through!  I normally read these books the first night after they arrive in the mail, so be watching for a review soon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January, and number four, Timescape, in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo’s Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans

ABOUT THE BOOK

Which door do you go through to save the world?

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them: past, present, or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They’ve also seen the stark future that awaits if they can’t do something to change it–a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they’ve still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Taksidian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind . . . but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Whirlwind, go HERE

CONTEST CLOSED!

Thanks so much for your patience in learning the winner of this contest!

Our new winner (no contact from Dawn, email bounced) is Stephanie N! Congratulations Stephanie!

I’m very happy to announce that our winner is Dawn, who looks forward to reading this title with her little boy!

Please get in touch (I’ve sent an email) within the next 72 hours to claim your book!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and please check back for more contests!

Not only is Jesus’ birth one of the most amazing events in all of history, but the story of the nativity is also one of the most beloved and oft-related tales from the past that we share with our children. With this in mind, and with the countless picture books already available on the market that recall and recount His birth, one might wonder if there’s a need for another story focused upon the nativity.

It’s true that Dandi Daley Mackall’s Tiny Baby Jesus may have been repetitive if it were a straight-forward retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth, but, thankfully, this title has even more to offer us. Mackall’s text alternates sweet descriptions of the infant God that correspond to parallel descriptions of His adult life. For instance, one page reads, “Tiny baby Jesus, eyes so clear and bright. Wise men seek the newborn King on this starry night.” While the next page responds with, “Tender eyes of Jesus see the needs of man. Jesus offers peace on earth as only Jesus can. These scenes drawing connections between Jesus’ life as a baby and his ministry as an adult, culminate in His ultimate act of redemption (no illustrations of the crucifixion are included).

Mackall’s rhyming text is accompanied by soft, classic illustrations from accomplished illustration Julia Noonan that play a vital role in providing the supporting framework for the chronology of the story. From the two-page spread on the interior cover that shows a bright star over a distant Bethlehem, the next spread which shows Joseph leading Mary on a donkey, to the dedication page which shows Mary with swaddling clothes in-hand to wrap her new child – the stage is set. The illustrations continue to move us through Jesus’ life as an infant, culminating with His departure from the stable with Mary and Joseph. The parallel illustrations move from the beginning of Jesus’ adult ministry beginning with a depiction of Him as a young carpenter and ending with an image of His vigil in the garden of Gethsemane.

This all sounds more awkward in print than it appears in execution, the result is natural, lovely, and easy to comprehend once the book is held in your hands. My little girls gather around when I read this title to them, and even my tiny toddler coos at the adorable depictions of Jesus as an infant. Working in watercolor and pencils, Noonan’s muted palette lends a classical, gentle tone to the illustrations, which is calm and hope-filled throughout.

Parents looking for a picture book that doesn’t include the appearance of the magi at Jesus’ birthplace will be thrilled to find that Mackall brings only the shepherds to visit the newborn King. Families looking for a great nativity story that isn’t focused around Christmas terminology will also be pleased to find that the word is only mentioned once near the end, and can be easily substituted while reading aloud if so desired.

Tiny Baby Jesus is the perfect choice for including in family traditions. With thoughts naturally turning toward Jesus’ birth at this time of year, this heirloom quality title will find a place in yearly holiday rituals for families who seek to connect Jesus’ infancy with His work as Savior.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW AT CHRISTIANBOOK.COM OR AMAZON.COM!

CONTEST DETAILS:

I have 1 copy of Tiny Baby Jesus to give away to one blessed winner in the U.S. or Canada!  To enter, simply leave a comment and let me know why you’d like to win!

For additional entries:

1. Subscribe to this blog for updates – see the left hand sidebar. Leave an additional comment letting me know you’ve subscribed (or if you already subscribe).

2. Write a post on your blog promoting and linking to this contest. Leave an additional comment with a link to your post.

3. Add the Quiverfull Family button (see the code box in the right hand sidebar under BUTTON UP!) to your blog’s sidebar, or let me know if you already have the button displayed. Leave an additional comment with a link to your post.

4. Digg, Stumble, Tweet, Facebook or otherwise share this post on a social networking site. Leave an additional comment indicating how you shared this post.

5. Follow me on Twitter or let me know if you are an existing follower.

Each additional step taken counts for 1 additional entry. A total of 6 entries are available if you complete all of these steps. Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

The contest will close at 12 a.m. MST on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009. One (1) winner will be randomly drawn for Tiny Baby Jesus on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 and notified by email. Please fill your email address in the comment form when you are completing your comment so that I can contact you. The winners must respond with a mailing address within 72 hours of my email, or a new winner will be chosen. This contest is open to those living in the US/Canada.

I look forward to seeing God bless a reader with this beautiful picture book!