count

Count!
$7.95
This book is a great way to teach even the very young about counting and number concepts! I bought this book for my daughter when she was 5 months old. Even then she was drawn to the very colorful and engaging illustrations. Now at 21 months old my daughter likes to count along with us as we read the book to her. I have also used this book in a first grade classroom. It's a great independent reading book for kids at that age, and as a bonus it helps them with math concepts.
Great, colorful, educational book!

The Count of Monte Cristo
$14.99
I realize that this movie is different than the book. I have read the book and I loved it.

However, that being said, this movie, standing alone, is AMAZING. I cannot complain. Every time I watch it, reading is the last thing from my mind. This has all the elements of a good action movie- a fantastic intrigue, believable and fun characters, lots of exciting twists and turns and action sequences, a solid and sweet romance, revenge, sword fights, smugglers, mercenaries... I could just go on and on.

I have seen this movie so many times and will watch it so many times again. I wish Hollywood could make more movies like THIS one. I rarely get to see a good old-fashioned historical epic that I love like this.

I refuse to dislike it because it's so different than the book. I think it's an interesting and modern take on a classic story of revenge. I feel the SPIRIT of the novel the entire time I watch the movie, and that's what matters to me.

I just want to say this movie had an EXCELLENT cast and I think that's what helped make the movie so amazing for me. It was the delivery of the lines and the timing of the actors that made it glide so smoothly. I felt like the ACTORS believed the story and were really committed.

In a small but much-needed part, Michael Wincott is perfect in his role as the prison overseer. I love him as an addition to any movie I've seen him in (this role reminded me of his part as Sir Guy in Robin Hood- another amazing part). Of course, Richard Harris as Priest was as perfect as over and very animated! Guy Peace has fun with his role as Fernand- he is so delightfully sarcastic, arrogant and manipulative. Though he played his vulnerable side so well. Luis Guzman and JB Blanc should also get recognized for making this actual revenge plot of this movie happen- they are involved as mercenaries and friends of the count in almost every revenge scene. They are both funny, interesting and believable in their roles. James Caviezel stole my heart away as Edmond... he really played the transition of the character SO well, both in emotions and in the age of the character. I could hardly recognize Edmond as the Count from Edmond the innocent youth. Also, Dagmara Dominczyk was fantastic, though admittedly, I know little about her. I must say, she was given a sappy part (she cries in most of her scenes) and she handled that demanding role well! She was beautiful and sweet. James Frain is one of my all-time favorite actors, though he is not a megastar. I simply adore his acting. He plays a gray villain in this movie- not quite a total bad guy but certainly has his share of bad deeds. It was fun to see him in this part for sure. At first I was surprised at him being casted for that role, but I just came to love the part.

Give this movie a try and just sit back and enjoy. The plot is solid and just complex enough. The acting is superb. It is not a perfect recreation of the original novel but it IS a perfect capture of the IDEA of the novel. Revenge was never so sweet!

Baby Einstein Count and Compose Piano
$14.99
This toy appeals to parents because the music isn't obnoxious, its marketing promises a brilliant (bilingual) baby, and it isn't very expensive. The reality is there are so many switches, settings, and keys on this thing that it's all but impossible for your child to learn cause and effect. My son seemed interested in the toy, but grew frustrated after a while because the effect of hitting the red key with the setting on Spanish with one knob turned to the picture of the metronome with the other knob turned to the picture of the violin was completely different from the day before when he hit the red key with the setting on French with one knob turned to the picture of the keyboard and the other knob set to the picture of the clarinet.

My mother gave this toy to my son envisioning a valedictorian or the reincarnation of Beethoven. I ended up lying to her, telling her the toy was great, and sending it to the thrift store. If you want your toddler or baby to learn about music and cause and effect, simply put them in front of a keyboard or piano. Overall, we've found that while they have a great marketing campaign, Baby Einstein makes pretty poorly designed baby toys.

Coromega Omega-3 Supplement, Orange Flavor, Squeeze Packets, 90-Count Box
$39.99
I think this is the best Omega-3 out there! It tastes good, there is no after taste (no repeating either) and has been a nice treat to have once a day. I highly recommend this product.