Review

Here’s the American Standard Stratocaster electric guitar by Fender. This beauty had the privilege of spending some time in my studio for a little routine check. And what a ride it was! For some rock chords, blues riffs, funky rhythms and lots of modern jazz, this Strat is a versatile, high-end guitar. The American Standard I personally tried is equipped with three single coil pickups, features a black body finish with a classic white pickguard. The sexy curves of this solid body (it has contours that fit the musician’s arms) makes this guitar a gem of modern electric instrument manufacturing. The Stratocaster model, with its two asymmetrical horns continues to be the most imitated guitar body amongst all lesser brands of electric guitars. Thousands of timeless albums feature the tones of this american musical giant. Hendrix, Clapton, Stevie (and many more) used the Strat as their main instrument. We shouldn’t take this lightly!

As a big sister to two brothers, then an Auntie to a nephew, then a mom to two boys, I have my fair share of experience with building blocks and sets. I am a huge National Geographic fan as well, from their magazine to their shows on t.v. So when I was given the chance to review National Geographic Laser Pegs I was pretty excited.    

A few toy lines out there have kept the same basics for the last half century. LEGO’s one of them, and LEGO has been encouraging people of all ages (especially kids) to build whatever they could imagine creating. With new lines like Elves and Friends, the characters may look different, but the stories and the fun are still all yours. 

When it comes to guitar effects pedals, or “stomp boxes” as they are often referred, the Boss brand pedals are certainly among the most ubiquitous on a guitarist’s pedal board. The BOSS OD-1X—BOSS’ newest Overdrive offering—The BOSS BD-2w Blues driver, and the BOSS TE-2 Tera Echo are among the newest effect pedal offering from the revered company. The 3 pedals on review here all have their own little nuances and tones to offer and it ultimately will depend on what you are looking for in your pedal that will determine which you will want to purchase and add to your pedal board.

  I can’t remember when I last watched a 32” TV. I think it was my old CRT Display TV, which was a big screen in its day and weighed a ton making it impossible to move. But the new 32” flat screens, which now seem small, have come a long way and there are a lots of reasons to get one. The size is perfect for a kitchen, wall mounted in the kids room, or in the guest room or den. The Sony R500C 32” Bravia that I recently tested out is ideal for those rooms. It is a smart TV with an extremely good picture and is at a very reasonable price.

For the first time, Samsung has split its flagship Galaxy S line into two distinct models. There is the regular flat version following in the footsteps of its predecessors, and the Edge, which curves on both sides for unique functionality. Under the hood, there is little that sets these two apart, so your choice is going to be mostly about which look you prefer.

Did you know you can add a fitness tracker to your pet's collar? Your dog can rack up the Bark Points by being active when he or she has the FitBark.

Harvest Moon, the best-selling series is reborn as Story of Seasons. The farming and life-simulation game improves upon the farming and relationship-building that the series is known for, while adding the theme of “Connecting”—both with other lands across the game world or with other players online.  

  Today I examine the Philips Airfryer Viva Deep Fryer, which is a very unique appliance that I was particularly interested in testing when recently given the opportunity. If you’d like to achieve the same delicious effect of deep frying your food, but without all the oil (and generally producing an overall healthier meal), then this counter top cooker may well be for you! Simply click on through for the full results of the extensive tests that my wife and I put this machine through, along with my ultimate recommendation of whether or not this particular appliance is worthy of a purchase!

If you’ve followed Mario Party since the first one some-16 years ago, you know just how much has changed. You’re no longer competing head to head on the game boards. You’re not collecting coins, and you’re not racing each other to buy stars anymore. Still, Mario Party 10 shows us that growth isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and changing our traditions, while subtle, can still make a fun game.  Let’s take a look.