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Macy’s wants to be the department store for Millennials (and it’s hoping to make that happen through a series of initiatives it’s launching over the next three years to bring its Impulse and mstylelab departments in line with... Read the rest of this post

Disney has debuted a new social media initiative called Disney Reads (spanning Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. We love that they’re posting sweepstakes, contests, quizzes, and other exclusive content, but we’re a little perplexed at... Read the rest of this post

Black Friday’s move to midnight or earlier (may have been largely driven by Millennial shoppers, who, unlike their older peers, are quite comfortable shopping in the wee hours of the morning. With their in-store shopping out of the way,... Read the rest of this post

Codenamed ‘Buffy,’ the fabled Facebook phone (is going to be a reality in a year or so, and like its vampire-slayer namesake, it’s out to slay the smartphone competition. The phone will be manufactured by HTC and reportedly will... Read the rest of this post

Last night, Google announced that its Music service (is out of beta and open to the world at large. So far, the Web has been unimpressed by the service, claiming it’s just a copy of iTunes with its exclusive tracks and free songs of the week.... Read the rest of this post

In case you need yet another social network to keep up with (Microsoft has just launched Socl. We think this one’s gonna go a lot like Google+, though with fewer people signing up for accounts because it’s the cool thing to do. Can you... Read the rest of this post

Apple, the hottest brand among Millennials, is changing hands (Steve Jobs — one of the most visionary leaders in marketing and technology — has stepped down as the company’s CEO, and Tom Cook, the former COO, will take his place. We have Jobs... Read the rest of this post

The teaser trailer for “The Amazing Spider-Man” is here, and we can’t help but wonder if this’ll be a bigger flop than the Broadway musical. Also, we miss Tobey McGuire. Over at Batman franchise headquarters, the trailer for... Read the rest of this post

MTV partners with IntoNow (to promote new episodes Jersey Shore. IntoNow is an app much like Shazam, except it tags TV shows instead of songs. Viewers who tag six or more original broadcast airings will have a chance to win a trip to the next... Read the rest of this post

Last year was known as “the worst back-to-school since World War II." This time around recovery talk is in the air, but a recent survey shows that spending is expected to decrease 10% for kids 7-12 and 12% for teenagers 13-17. Yikes. Sales have... Read the rest of this post

This is what I'm working on. My Christmas card. A skiing nutcracker.

Right now he looks like he's standing on two striped ties though (they're supposed to be candy cane striped skis). I think I'll have to make them rounded or something.

And not sure what to do with the background. I could make him a stand alone image, or vignette him on a snowflake, or show him in a "scene". I'm leaning toward a more graphic thing I think.

And I'm going to paint him, and maybe do some pencil as well, not sure.
But he's fun, no?

Yesterday was nice and quiet, and I still have too much pumpkin pie leftover. But its yummy, so I'm not complaining.
I happily avoided all the shopping madness today. Those people are NUTS. My mom and I used to 'do' Union Square in SF every Black Friday, and would always get kind of overheated and ill, usually going up the escalator at Macy's. So we'd get out in the fresh air and either go have a sit in the lobby of the St. Francis Hotel, or we'd have lunch at Lefty O'Doul's and then feel better. Good times ... (mostly).

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I'm waiting until Dec 1 to put the Christmas wreath on the door or even THINK about decorating. I drove by several houses today with people putting up the outdoor Christmas lights. Some people are already in full swing. I'm more of a "tastefully restrained and subtle" kind of holiday decorator - no inflatable snowmen on the lawn or zillion watt light shows. But I digress.

It will be a painting weekend I think, plus I have a knitting commission for a gift that I'd better get going on. So see you all in a few days!

Everybody Wins
A spotlight on Everybody Wins, a reading program during lunch hour based in DC.

The History of the Book
In today’s world, technology seems to have infiltrated every aspect of our lives, even our books. So really, what is a book and where did it come from?

The Glory of Golden Books
Remember Golden Books? This article delves into the history of these accessible and lovable classics, from “The Poky Little Puppy” to “Laddie and the Little Rabbit.”

Laying a Good Foundation for Literacy
Learn some great ways to interact with your child to increase their literacy. Small changes to their routine and environment can strongly enhance their ability to learn.

An Old Favorite with a New Glow
Random House released “What Was I Scared Of?: A Glow-in-the-Dark Encounter” this week on August 11.This Seuss favorite was originally published in “The Sneetches and Other Stories,” and can now be enjoyed with new glow-in-the-dark features.

Boeing Announces Donation to Benefit Literacy
Boeing is deepening its impact, donating $25,000 to Trident United Way.

Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC)
The Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a comprehensive resource for children’s literature.

Book A Brighter Future
Macy’s is collaborating with Reading Is Fundamental to get more books to children in need. Visit http://www.bookabrighterfuture.com/ to find out how you can participate.

Just keeping you informed...