Taboo – The game of unspeakable fun! (Giveaway)

One of our favorite games to play has got to be Taboo by Hasbro. I still remember the first time my sister introduced me to this hilarious game. We couldn’t stop playing and I’ve even taken it with me on layover to play with the crew. We would stay up until the early morning hours just laughing and playing this addictive game.

Well, Taboo has gotten a brand new makeover including a new look and some new twists that will have everyone scrambling for just the right words. Playing the game is simple. First divide the group into 2 teams then put a stack of cards (colors facing the same way) into the card holder. Each team decides who will be the first “clue-giver” while the rest of the team has to guess the specific word on the card. But it’s not as easy as it seems. On the card is also a list of 5 words that you cannot use to describe the specific word. For example, if the word was NEEDLE you are not able to use the words – SEW, THREAD, EYE, SHARP, PINE. Each correct guess gets your team a point. The team with the most points wins!

While playing there’s also a buzzer (requires 2 AAA batteries – not included)  that the opposing team can press if they see that you’ve used an illegal word, gesture, or sound. The former buzzer made your traditional “buzz” noise but this new hilarious buzzer says, “Uh Oh!” Pressing that buzzer was almost as much fun as playing the actual game! There’s also a sand timer to make sure that game play progresses along at a steady pace.

However, for those of you who are familiar with Taboo you’ll appreciate a brand new element to the game. It’s called the Game-Changer Die. If you choose to include it in your game the clue-giver rolls the die during their turn to reveal one of the possible game changer elements:

• One Guesser – Choose only one teammate to be the guesser on your turn (instead of having the whole team shouting out guesses)
• Double the Time – Play through two timer cycles. However, the opposing team also gets to play through 2 cycles on their turn as well.
• Statue – The clue-giver has to sit perfectly while giving out clues.
• All Play – Both teams get to guess at the word. Whichever team guesses first gets the point.
• Classic Play – Play using the original Taboo rules.

This game is aimed for adults but Kacie (9) actually did very well and got more points than I did. Even Kiana (6) was able to guess some of the words (we picked out easy ones for her).

However, the best was when I played with a group of my co-workers. We had such a blast and we were laughing so hard that we kept running out of time! It’s surprising to see how your mind automatically thinks of the common words when describing something. Taboo forces you to think outside the box and see things from a different perspective.

Taboo – The game of unspeakable fun!

You can purchase Taboo at Amazon.com for $33.99.

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February is Black History Month ($25 VISA Giveaway)

Throughout the month of February, digital cable customers are poised just a “click away” from unlocking some of the history, struggles and beauty that are an integral part of the African-American experience as part of cable’s Diversity On Demand initiative. With the advent of advanced digital cable platforms like On Demand, viewers can learn more about African-American history at their convenience during Black History Month. Diversity On Demand kicks off February 1 focusing on Black History Month and wraps following Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct. 15), and is an expansion of cable’s on-going support of and commitment to multicultural programming.

Individuals, who “like” cable’s Diversity on Demand Facebook page will see Black History programming updates and links to trailers and be alerted to various entertainment and blogger giveaways during the promotion. This will be an online destination where anyone interested in multicultural shows and movies can join to engage with others in the community, and learn more about what Diversity on Demand has to offer. Cable will celebrate multicultural programming throughout the year with contests, polls, trivia, trailers and more.

“The cable industry recognizes its responsibility and privilege to use the reach and influence of television, the Internet and mobile apps to spotlight important issues,” said Char Beales, president and CEO, Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM). “Cable companies and content providers are uniting to provide customers with the opportunity to experience multiculturalism through history, drama, comedy, and even the joy of food. This February, Black History Month comes alive in the home instantly with a click of the remote, and cable looks forward to sharing the Hispanic experience with customers later this fall.”

Black History Month programming for Diversity On Demand includes:

• Milestones in Black History: A look at the history of the struggles and strife, the tragedies and the triumphs of African-Americans in the U.S., including programming on the Civil Rights era. Everyone in the family can learn with documentaries like “The Black List” examining some of the reasons for Black History Month. And children young and old can take a trip back in time understanding the importance of historical events with “Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4,” “On the Shoulders of Giants” and “Birds of a Feather: Tuskegee Airmen.”

• Profiles in Courage: The biographies of influential African-Americans come to life with dramatic profiles and stories of acclaimed leaders and others who are not so well known—but perhaps should be, such as that of Lena Baker in “Hope & Redemption: The Lena Baker Story.”

• Dramas: Programs and movies like “Independence Day” showcasing award-worthy performances from notable African-American actors such as Will Smith. You can also explore and share real-life family relationship dramas like “Braxton Family Values.”

• Hearth & Home: Savor shows like “Down Home with the Neelys” that provide a look at food and other aspects of modern African-American culture and society.

• Of the People: These programs exemplify the contributions made by multicultural talent, shows written by, starring, directed or produced by African-Americans, like Morgan Freeman in “Million Dollar Baby.”

• Powerful Portrayals: Storytelling has always been an important part of African-American culture. Drama fans can enjoy Black cinema offerings, which chronicle the challenges of African-American protagonists in a variety of ways.

• That’s Entertainment: Laugh along with comedy specials such as “Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker,” while romantic comedies warm the heart. If music is your thing, there are shows and movies such as “Ray,” the remarkable story of one of America’s true musical geniuses, Ray Charles, that look into the past, present music-making of African-American artists.

So celebrate Black History Month with On Demand today!

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“Big Miracle” Coming to Theaters February 3rd (Giveaway)

Inspired by the true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and an animal-loving volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.

Local newsman Adam Carlson (Krasinski) can’t wait to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a bigger market. But just when the story of his career breaks, the world comes chasing it, too. With an oil tycoon, heads of state and hungry journalists descending upon the frigid outpost, the one who worries Adam the most is Rachel Kramer (Barrymore). Not only is she an outspoken environmentalist, she’s also his ex-girlfriend.

With time running out, Rachel and Adam must rally an unlikely coalition of Inuit natives, oil companies and Russian and American military to set aside their differences and free the whales. As the world’s attention turns to the top of the globe, saving these endangered animals becomes a shared cause for nations entrenched against one another and leads to a momentary thaw in the Cold War.

For more information about “Big Miracle” check out these sites:

• Website: http://www.everybodyloveswhales.com
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/bigmiraclemovie
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bigmiraclemovie

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Transformers Prime: Darkness Rising DVD (Giveaway)

I grew up with the Transformers.  I spent many an hour watching Optimus Prime and his Autobots fighting against the evil Decepticons (often while playing with my Transformer toys).  Therefore, it was with great anticipation that I sat the boys down to watch Transformers Prime: Darkness Rising.

The movie (actually, a mini-series that begins the Transformers: Prime animated series) introduces us to Optimus Prime and his Autobots. They have been stranded on Earth for many years and are trying to stay hidden.  Meanwhile, the Decepticons – having not been seen for some time – make a resurgence.  Megatron is back and he has a plan to rule the Earth.

In addition, three humans find out about the Transformers and become Decepticon targets.  The Autobots have to protect the humans, figure out Megatron’s plan, survive being shot at by a Decepticon army, and save the entire world.  Oh, and did I mention the zombie robots?  Yes, there are zombie robots!

NHL (8) and JSL (4) loved this as did I.  They cheered on Optimus’ team as they battled the evil Megatron.  They gasped in horror as Megatron seemed to get the upper hand – as he seemed poised to destroy Optimus Prime for good.  At one point, JSL ran off to get one of his Transformer toys.  He sat through the rest of the movie transforming his toy from car to robot and back again.  The cycle is now complete.

I grew up a Transformers fan and now my kids are fans too.  It looks like I might have to DVR Transformers: Prime on The Hub for the boys and I to watch.

Purchase your copy of Transformers Prime: Darkness Rising DVD at Amazon.com for $10.99.

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