Radio Shack For the Holidays! #sponsored #MC

"I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for RadioShack. I received a gift card to facilitate a shopping trip and promotional item as a thank you for participating."

Holy Moly this year's holiday season has been a whirlwind!  I think that Thanksgiving being so late this year has made everything much more bunched up and hectic than usual.  I finally made it out tonight to do some Christmas shopping, and Radio Shack was my first trip of the season.  I actually went in with my oldest daughter Abby yesterday, but had to take notes and come back, because a lot of the things I saw were actually perfect for Abby.  Teenagers love electronics(so does their dad)!  I can't give away too much, because my family reads this blog, and I shopped for them!

 But I will give some vague hints.  For my oldest daughter I got her an all important Ipad accessory.  Abby actually has an Ipad program at her school.  They provide the Ipads, but we need to provide chargers, cases, etc.  There are so many cool products that help you become more productive on the Ipad, and Abby scored one of these.  That's as detailed as it gets!  My famous middle daughter Ailey is going to be the proud recipient of a cool new Bluetooth accessory for her Ipod (actually I think the whole family will be able to use this little beauty). Hint Hint - its electronic and you can use it in the shower!  Finally I picked up a creative electronic toy for my youngest Mia.  I can't wait to see her reaction to it!  I will share this since odds are she won't catch me (if she does I'll let you know!)

 http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102914&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032058ProjectKits

We were at a family gathering this past weekend, and one of the kids got one of these as a gift.  It was a total hit, and the kids were at it all night long with it!  Nothing like playing with batteries, motors, and horns!

As always I was struck by the level of personal assistance I got when I walked into the store.  I was immediately greeted by an employee.  I noticed right away that he had his coat and hat on - odd.  Turned out that the heat was on the fritz, but even though he was bone cold he was still cordial and knew his stuff about the stores products!  Another thing I noticed was that Radio Shack has gotten a facelift.  It has a new fresh product line that is very relevant to the times, and everything was displayed very nicely.  All in all I couldn't have been happier with my experience.  I was in and out quickly, I got two of the three items I bought at aggressive sale prices, and the customer service was tops.  I highly recommend that all of you last minute shoppers like me head on out to Radio Shack for all of those crowd pleasing electronic stocking stuffers and more!  Visit the Radio Shack Holiday Hub to research before you go out in the cold!

Happy Shopping!

Wacky Dad

Radio Shack - Old Fashioned Values On New Fangled Products! #sponsored #MC

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for RadioShack. I received a gift card to facilitate a shopping trip and promotional item as a thank you for participating.

     It's not often that you get an opportunity to write about a brand/company that you truly love.  As a kid I remember going into The local Radio Shack with my father, and remember being mind boggled by all of the transistors, capacitors, and every other manner of electrical gadget known to man.  My father was deep into electronics of all sorts, and Radio Shack was like a candy store to him.  Of course I thought it was all the coolest stuff as well (even though I had no clue what most of it did!).  Things haven't changed much over the years.  I still have trouble driving by a Radio Shack without stopping in to check out the latest gadgets, and when I bring my kids in to the store they're just as mesmerized as I am by all of the neat things in the store.  I bought my wife's Laptop at Radio Shack 2 years ago after striking out at all of the big box stores.  They had the best price and the most knowledge.  Radio Shack always seems to hire smart individuals who are truly passionate about electronics.  It refreshing when you go in the store and you don't get some bonehead that does't even know the difference between Android and IOS, or a transistor and a capacitor for that matter!

     This year Radio Shack left all of the fun up to the buyers to actually vote for, and ultimately pick all of the sale items for it's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales with their "Name Your Deal" promotion.  What an amazing idea.  Let the consumer decide what they want the deals on!  The nation has voted, and the scores are in!  Visit the following link to find some awesome deals!  http://www.radioshack.com/home/index.jsp Whether you're looking for a new tablet, headphones, or a new phone, Radio Shack has a deal that you'll love, and I know you'll totally dig the shopping experience!


Happily Shopping!

Wacky Dad        

Keep It Cool and Dry With Gold Bond Powder Spray

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Gold Bond. I received product samples and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

I was totally pumped when I recently got asked to try out a new Gold Bond product.  You see I grew up with Gold Bond in the house.  Dad was an active guy, and he always had a bottle of Gold Bond hanging around.  Whether it was for riding the bike, running, or just plain trying to stay dry on a hot day, he almost always had a bottle on hand.  In turn I have used it as an adult, and have always love the product.  In my mind, Gold Bond is truly a "Man's Man" product.  I am often ribbed by my father Leo for writing posts about products that don't measure up on his "Manliness Scale".  Of course I ignore the meat head, but sometimes it does make me wonder!  I know that won't happen this time.

Quite simply, the new product that Gold Bond has out now is a spray powder.  What I love about it, is that when you apply it, it goes on a little wet.  It allows it to stick right where you need it, and then it dries out and is just like the regular powder product.  For most of us that need this type of product, you need it to stick "where the sun don't shine"!  Most of my readers know that I'm an avid cyclist.  If you're a rider you know what I mean, but if you're not a rider, you can probably appreciate what goes on inside the cycling shorts after 100 miles on the bike.  Heck, maybe the thought of it is why you're not a rider!  As an aside, I'll be riding 200 miles in one day in less than a month.  This ride is to honor my friend Karen Petty who passed away from Pancreatic Cancer.  All proceeds from the Karen Petty Double Century  will support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll have a can of the new No Mess Gold Bond Spray along in the support vehicle on ride day, just imagine how nice that cooling spray will feel after being in the saddle for 14 hours!

I've been using the Gold Bond spray for 2 reasons.  Keeping my feet dry while at work is first.  I'm a project manager for a construction company, and I always where boots to work. That coupled with driving around in my old beat up 1996 Chevy Truck with no air conditioning is a recipe for stanky feet and athletes foot.  Since I've starting using the Gold Bond Spray, there has been an incredible decrease in the gag factor from my wife and three daughters, when I take off the boots at the end of the day. Also my feet are starting to approach something that I can present in a public setting, for example flip flops.  I could clear a path in a crowded room when people used to see my "dogs" headed their way - before the Gold Bond Spray worked it's magic on my feet for the last 2 weeks. Secondly I've been using the spray pre and post ride for all of my cycling outings.  I have noticed a marked improvement in chafing that normally occurs, and an improved heal time between riding efforts.  As a rider this is important when you end you're summer a little plumper and more out of shape then you should be, and you really need to squeeze extra rides in to make up for it!  200 miles in a day is no joke!  The beauty of the spray can is that you can direct that cooling and sweat absorbing spray where the sun shines least, and it is darned easy to do!  

The short story is, if you ever sweat, then this stuff is for you.  Whether you're a man or a woman, this product deserves a place in the medicine cabinet.  I highly recommend this new innovative product from a company that has been the "Gold" standard in keeping us cool and dry for over 100 years! Well done Gold Bond!

High and Dry!

Wacky Dad   

A Teenage Daughter.

     I can't believe that my "baby" Abigail celebrated her 13th birthday yesterday. Where have all of those years gone? I remember taking Abby out hiking in a backpack carrier when she was about one or so. She used to fall asleep back there all of the time, and the way she was situated her head used to lean on top of my head somehow. I miss those days.
     I'm a father of three daughters, and each of them are so special to me, but there is just something about the first daughter that is just different. I think that part of it is the fact that we just have so much history together. 13 years worth! Even more actually. I used to read to my wife Cathy's belly before Abigail was born. I also used to torture the kid by using a Mag-Lite flashlight and shining it directly through Cathy's belly. You can actually chase the little sucker around in there. Probably why Abby is still afraid of fireworks. Who knows, but it was fun. Anyway I have always felt super close to Abby.
    Next to my wife and parents she probably knows me as well as anyone. When we spend time together we don't always have to talk, we just understand each other. She makes it so easy for her socially challenged father! She is wise beyond her years. I am so proud of her, and am looking so forward to seeing her grow into a young adult. I have no doubt that my first born will conquer the world in her own fashion. Truly I just pray for her to be a happy person, and to follow her dreams. If I can help her make those dreams come to fruition then I will bury myself to do it.

I love you Abby,

Your Wacky Dad

5 Eternal Truths Of Parenting 3 Daughters

1. Poop stinks. There just ain't no doubt about it. Little, big, short, tall, wide, skinny, it's all poop.  The days you stop wiping asses is one of the finest days of your life -  bar none.

2. All "boy" friends are evil. They are the devil incarnate. Their sole purpose in life is to give me acid reflux. That specific indigestion makes me want to castrate them. Hey boys, if your reading by chance... I will kill you if you screw up.

3. Having four women in my house is a free ticket to saintdom. Men,  If you qualify, I'll have a cold beer waiting for you.

4. Math homework sucks. Unequivocally sucks. Even thinking about it makes me want to yuke.

5. Brushing your 5 year old daughters hair is bound to shorten your life by 30 days every time you attempt it. Every time. I'm down about 18 years by now. My to ticket to saintdom is coming soon!

All kidding aside, I just couldn't live without all of my beautiful girls. I love you all!

Loving Dad Hood!

Wacky Dad

Riding Down Pancreatic Cancer On Two Wheels

4th Annual Karen Petty Memorial Double Century Bike Ride Against Pancreatic Cancer

September 28th, 2013

Karen Petty - The reason we ride!

I hope this note finds you all well. Many of you who I write to today are dear friends of mine and some of you who support my ride are only bound to me by a common cause. That cause is our desire to end Pancreatic Cancer. I started the Karen Petty Double Century in 2010 in an effort to honor my lifelong friend Karen Petty, and to raise funds to defeat the disease that took her from us. For those of you who know Karen, you understand why I ride in her memory. Karen was loved by all who knew her. Her family adored her. I adore all of Karen’s family as brothers, sisters, and aunts, and uncles even though we share no blood relations. I grew up calling Karen “Auntie” and her husband “Uncle” Joe. As an only child, I didn’t have siblings. Karen’s own kids, Jason and Kerri, and her Nephew Billy were my brothers and sisters, and they are as important to me as if we were related by blood. I grew up with all of them, and always felt a part of their family. It only felt natural to do something “big” upon Karen’s passing, not only to honor Karen’s memory, but to show her family how much they all mean to me. This 200 mile, one day bike ride, which starts at Karen’s house in West Warwick, RI, to her Cabin in Thornton, NH, started as a deed I thought was honorable enough to memorialize Karen. I believe it has proven so over the past three years.

Since Karen’s passing I have become very involved in the Pancreatic Cancer community in Rhode Island, and on a national level. I have been part of a team that raised over $550,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Rhode Island since 2010. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only organization out there that is attacking this disease comprehensively, and that is why they have my wholehearted support. This ride’s supporters have been a key component of that fundraising success. I feel we are making true progress in fighting this disease. This year Congress passed important legislation that will move Pancreatic Cancer research forward, and that is a direct result of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s work in Washington. Our continued support of this great organization will be the keystone of driving a stake in the heart of this disease.

Myself and Pete Washburn at the start of the 2011 ride

Through my affiliation with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, I have lost another close friend to this disease. Pete Washburn and I became quick friends when he was fighting pancreatic cancer. I never thought the disease would beat his fighting spirit, but even the strong succumb to this scourge. Losing Pete has only renewed my resolve to defeat this disease. Pete was a great supporter of my ride, and I have enjoyed meeting many of his family members, and fighting this disease side by side with them. I ride with his memory near to my heart at all times.

The finish line in New Hampshire on year two

This will be my fourth time riding this annual ride. For the entire 200 miles this year, I will be accompanied by two great friends, Greg Anderson, who has ridden the ride with me twice, and Ed Hernaez who has completed the ride once in 2012. We also have a contingent of 100 mile riders. Newcomer Billy Fitts, Karen’s nephew and my lifelong friend will be tackling the ride. Billy is taking this challenge on after being off a bike for 20+ years. John Braica, a close friend of mine and Karen’s will ride the last 100 miles with us. Also my buddy Bill Fontaine and my father Leo Costantino (69 years young) will ride those last 100 miles with us as well. This diverse group of riders is a testament to how Karen positively influenced everyone she knew. Her positive attitude lives on in her friends and family’s drive to destroy the disease that took her. We are welcoming other riders, but bear in mind that this is a one way, unsupported ride, so if you do choose to make the trek, you will have to provide your own personal support vehicle. Thank you to all of the amazing people in advance for joining this fight with me. They are all true warriors, and I know we can ride this disease down to the ground together, all in Karen’s name. To support this year’s ride please follow the instructions below.

Please visit: 

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/karenpettydoublecentury/bikeride




Sincerely Determined,


Eric Costantino
AKA Wacky Dad

My Singing, Superstar Daughter!

I just can't get enough of my daughter Abigail singing.  I found out today that she did a cover of the Adele song "Someone Like You" on SingWho.Com.  I am always blown away by Abby's ability to sing.  I can say undeniably that she did NOT get this from her father or mother (Mom might contest this, but don't let her fool you)! Here is Abby in action.  we don't have any fancy recording equipment, but Abby makes it sound great anyway!

http://singwho.com/watch/4943#!id=4943

Enjoy watching my beautiful and talented daughter, and please share on Facebook and Twitter.  Abby would love to go to the top of the charts!

A Proud Dad,

Wacky Dad

Welfare Drug Testing - Yea or Nay?

I'm wondering what some of my readers thoughts might be on the subject of welfare drug testing.  Do you think this is the answer to an over burdened welfare system, or is it a sure way to starve the children of this country's drug using welfare recipients.

I can lean toward the conservative side on some subjects, and that side of me likes this idea.  As a father I think about the children who will be affected by this law, and it scares me.  I'd love everyone to weigh in with a comment on this one!

Thanks!

Wacky Dad

Death By Burger!

What a great 4th of July!  We were lucky enough to head up to New Hampshire this past holiday weekend and do some camping with our neighbors and close friends, Jen and Ed and their kids.  We also met my old buddy Billy, and my "Uncle Joe" up there and had a fantastic time hanging with all of them.  I don't want to say too much about the trip itself, because that will be another blog post. Gotta reserve my stories!  What I do want to talk about now is last night's dinner.  

Road Trip!

Now over the years I believe that anyone who comes to this blog on a regular basis wants to read about the Jackass named Eric Costantino, AKA Wacky Dad.  When I first started my blog it was easy to come up with a Jackass story every day, but as the years go by, it isn't easy to pull a "wacky" stunt every few days for a blog post.  Sometimes I have to write about the mundane.  I appreciate you all sticking through the lean times, but I have a true Costantino moment to write home about this time.

As many of my readers, family, and friends know I am a big eater.  I derive serious happiness from a great dinner and a glass of wine or a beer.  Last night we decided to head out to the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, NH for dinner.  With kids and all, we had a party of 19 people.  Just a little background on the Woodstock Inn.  We've been going there for an awful long time at this point, and we love the site brewed Ales and Lagers that they showcase.  I went there with the intention of getting a light dinner and 2 or 3 beers.    I almost made it!  I sat down and initially picked out a Chicken Cobb salad and ordered a nice hoppy IPA.  All was well until the waitress lingered for a couple of milliseconds too long.  I re-opened the menu.  That is when I saw this.

Yup, The Double Death By Burger!

I don't know how I missed it the first time, but it definitely had my attention riveted now.  I yelled over to my buddy Ed who was at another table.  "Did you see the Death By Burger?"  He nodded yes.  Long story short we both ended up ordering the thing.  I often underestimate things.  This was one of those times.  I kind of poo-pooed the whole thing.  How bad can it be?  It might be 36 oz of beef, but that's before they cook it.  All manner of bullshit to convince myself that this thing was gonna be a cake walk.  Hell I thought I'd down the thing, score my t-shirt, and walk away with a full tummy and a smiley face.  I just never considered the consequences of what I was doing.  I should know better, Ed had taken me to a place called Luxe Burger for my birthday this past January.  Ed, Myself, and my old buddy Billy plowed through Luxe Burger's challenge, and we all finished it. Admittedly it was very tough, but we all brought home the t-shirt and were able to conquer.

Luxe Burger!

Maybe I was cocky.  I don't know.  I decided to take a walk down to Woodstock's wall of shame where they post the photos of all the other idiots who take on the challenge.  It took my breath away.  The first thing I noticed was the sheer size of the burger.  It was truly MONUMENTAL!  Then I noticed how many folks were on the wall of shame as opposed to the wall of fame.  It wasn't pretty.  There were at least 3 failures to one success.  Oh shit I thought.  What did I get myself into?  I waited with bated breath.  Here is what I got myself into!

That is a full sized plate.  Look at my wife's expression in the background!

It was gigantic.  The bread was extremely heavy, and the burgers were very dense.  This was serious stuff.  I was scared to be honest with you.  I was with 18 of the people that I love most, and I considered the fact that I might fail.  I really didn't think I was going to make it, and I was going to fail in front of all of these people I love.  I know this sounds stupid to all of you.  I hate to lose and I love a challenge.  It doesn't matter what the challenge is.  If I'm in it, I'm in it to win, or to conquer.  In my little mind this burger challenge was no different.  I was going to be pissed if I couldn't get through it.  I started.  I plowed through as fast as I could taking small sips of my drink as I went.  I got through half.  Ed was eating his at the same time.  He was moving along well too, but I could tell he was hurting.  I was too.  I just continued to eat, even after it hurt.  The burger was charred a little, and it started to really make me feel kind of sick after a while.  I kept going.  I had doubts at about 2/3rd's of the way through, but I just said F*&% it and kept going.  Ed threw in the towel, but he didn't have as much at stake here.  I had all of these friends and family watching me.  My daughters were standing over my shoulder cheering me on.  Next thing I knew the WHOLE restaurant was cheering me on!  It really would have been a fun moment if I hadn't felt like yacking on my plate!  I actually finished the damned thing.  I didn't yack it up, and I actually went for a swim after we finished, and didn't sink, or get a cramp!

The T-Shirt Back

What's the moral of the story?  Well there really isn't one.  I'm still an idiot, capable of sincerely idiotic acts.  I'm still "Wacky Dad".  I've still got it!  That's it.  I have reaffirmed my status as one of the premier morons in the dad blogger world, and I'm damned proud of it.  To all of my fellow dad bloggers out there I'd like to throw down the gauntlet.  Head up to the Woodstock Inn and take the challenge.  If you win, you might be able to enter the Wacky Club!

Bon Appetit!


Wacky Dad

Summer Vacation With Goldfish Puffs!

With the kids home for summer vacation it seems like they eat about twice as much as normal.  Maybe it's all of the pool parties, and summer activities, but I swear that these kids are like little piranha's! 

Mia, Half Child, Half Piranha!

On a recent shopping trip we ran across a new product, Goldfish Puffs at Target. They sounded interesting so we grabbed a couple of bags, as well as a couple of the traditional Goldfish that my kids love.  For all of you that need gluten free snacks, it is good to know that these are a great go-to snack for your kids.  I happened to have all of my daughters with me when we were at the store, so we ended up getting two bags of the Goldfish Puffs and two bags of the regular Goldfish Snacks.  I never get out of the store easy when shopping with all of the girls!

We grabbed 2 flavors, Mega Cheese and Cheddar Bacon

We didn't waste any time digging into our new snacks.  It was lunchtime when we got home.  We decided to do a little taste test, comparing the old to the new.  The puffs were definitely a welcome change for my two older girls Abby and Ailey, Mia on the other hand is smitten with the pizza flavored traditional Goldfish Snacks.

A minding numbing array of Goldfish Snacks!

We ate our Goldfish out of hand, but also implanted them in our turkey wraps.  Definitely happy bellies all around, including Dad!

That's something you don't see every day!

After lunch we headed over to the neighbors pool for a fun afternoon of swimming and relaxing.  I'm not sure if all of those Goldfish we took with us swam into the pool filter, but most of them disappeared by the end of the day!  There were even some adult hands in the snack bag.

I'm glad we found this new snack before the summer!  Click Here for more info on this new Goldfish product!

Happy Summer and Happy Snacking,


Wacky Dad

Gone too Soon!

I was sad to hear the other day that James Gandolfini aka Tony Soprano passed away of a heart attack while traveling with his son. He was only fifty-one. Too young for-sure and sadly, he leaves behind a wife, son and very young daughter. A sad lose indeed.

All the tributes and conversations I was hearing about his acting talent and his off-screen, general good guy-ness got me thinking (yup, I do that sometimes). I knew I had watched quite a few of the Sopranos shows over the years but never the whole series from beginning to end. It was such a great show and I started to wonder what I might have missed in the episodes I hadn't seen. The other night I started watching the show again but this time from the very beginning. I plan to watch them each night until I get through them all.

Red wine in a little wine glass...
always on the table of a traditional Italian home

So I lie in bed each night with my earplugs in and my kindle fire on my chest, cracking up at all the crazy characters (who, by the way remind me of half the people I grew up around when with my Italian grandparents and their friends). The actors are awesome and the story lines are totally captivating. I love every minute of them.

My poor wife though, lying next to me in bed, can't be too thrilled about this new nightly routine of mine. I regularly wake her up when cackling away at whatever lunacy is happening on my little screen. And when I laugh, I howl like a bear and shake the whole freakin' bed in my fit of hysterics. She is definitely not enjoying this walk-down-memory-lane as much as me but sorry hon, Tony must live on!

On a side note, I found an article recently examining how the business people of the world could learn a thing or two about management skills from the ultimate Boss himself (Of course Tony's managing skills included using death threats to get things done but the article has some funny points). Check out the link below -http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2013/06/27/tony-soprano-james-gandolfini/

Tony's weekly "Board Meeting"

Here's to you James.   RIP

From this Wacky Italian Dad to you!

ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE DOING A SOPRANO MARATHON IN HONOR OF TONY TOO?

My Dancing Daughters!

This post is really a week overdue, but I wanted to get some photos up of my daughters at their most recent dance recital.  I can't believe how talented my daughter Abby has become on stage.

Here's Abby at the center of the photo.

It seems like yesterday she was three years old on the stage.  She is now in her 10th season as a dancer!  Unbelievable how time flies!  And my little Mia is just so damned cute up there.  I luckily got one of the best photos of my life as she finished one of her dances.

Mia at the end of her performance - They were dressed up as clouds. I think she pulled it off!

To my daughters I'd like to say well done!  Enjoy your summer off and get ready to put those dancing shoes on again for next year!  Congrats on a job well done!

Aristokat!

Well Deserved Bouquets!

Love,

Wacky Dad

The Taming Of The Beard

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Dad Central Consulting for AVEENO. I received product samples and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

As many of you know, I am one hairy dude.  I was recently asked to try a trio of Aveeno shaving products, and I figured why not.  Anything that might help to get through this mess is worth a shot.  Also the women in my family have used Aveeno products for years and have always been happy with them, so I had a sense that the products would be good.

Ok, so I'm fat, I had a few drinks, and I'm ugly.
BUT, this IS proof that I have one heck of a thick
beard.  This thing grew in in 2 weeks.

Here's what I tried out.  The Face Wash, Shave Gel, and After Shave Lotion.

Even though I might be able to get away with it, as a former Marine, I never go to work without a shave in the morning.  It just doesn't feel right.  I always take a shower to soften up the mess, and jump right out of the shower with a wet face and jump right into shaving with my usual shaving cream and favorite razor.  I've been using the same products for my whole life, like father like son I guess when it comes to shaving habits.  Since I've started using the Aveeno products I have been following the same routine, except I have been using the Face Wash before I jump out of the shower.  This stuff is pretty cool.  It has an Active Naturals Oat Formula that acts to deep clean and strip away some of the dead skin on your face.  But the thing that I like most about the Face Wash, is it leaves a slippery layer on my face.  This really helps create a smooth shave when I actually apply the Shave Gel (which also has Active Naturals Oat Formula - just not the exfoliating component) and take a razor to my beard.  It definitely seems to make shaving a little less harsh, and by the end of the week my face is not in quite as tough of shape as it can be after a week of regular shaving.  Don't get me wrong, my beard is still tough, and I don't think anything short of my facial hair falling off is going to change that, but I am definitely happy with the results I'm getting from this product.  Here are a couple of before and after mugshots.  I know these photos will bring a lot of ridicule.  My huge nose, and ugly mug don't lend themselves well to photos at 6:00 in the morning, or 6:00 at night either, but here goes anyway!  

             

That's really hard to look at, but you can see, I actually did get a pretty good shave out of it.  I did try the aftershave lotion once, and I can see if you have dry skin that it would work great.  I have anything but dry skin. To the contrary, I think my Italian face emits its own natural olive oil moisturizer, and I have never used any kind of aftershave throughout my life. All in all I really like these products, and the pricing is pretty much in line with other products out there. I would categorize this as "definitely worth a try"!

Happy Shaving!

Wacky Dad

Wacky Dad's friends doing good - The National Call-In Day to Support Pancreatic Cancer Research

More info at www.pancan.org/nationalcallin.

Hundreds of of my PanCan friends who are Advocacy Leaders for PanCan.org are in Washington, D.C. today meeting with their members of Congress to ask them to protect #pancreaticcancer research.

I am hoping that you will help me support these hard working volunteers by participating in today's National Call-In.

Will you help this Wacky dad out and take 5 minutes today to call your members of congress in order to ask them for their support for Pancreatic Cancer research?

Just head to www.pancan.org/nationalcallin for your congress members' names and phone numbers.

A sincere thanks from this Wacky PanCan Fighter 

Wacky Dad

Dishwasher Torture Test With Cascade Platinum

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Dad Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a gift card to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.” www.dadcentralconsulting.com

Hey Wackys!  For the past couple of weeks I have been using the new Cascade Platinum dishwashing pacs for my dishes.  I am the eternal skeptic, and am always resistant to buy brand names because I often think I am overpaying. We have used Cascade products in the past, and I have always recognized their products as high quality, but this new Platinum product is really a step up from any dishwasher detergent I have used in the past.  I have been on a mission to defeat this stuff! I have introduced some pretty gnarly looking stuff to my dishwasher in the past 2 weeks, and without fail Cascade Platinum has come out on top. My three daughters and I haven't been able to best this stuff! 

A before and after shot of an guacamole encrusted bowl that I put through the Platinum torture test.  I couldn't believe there wasn't one speck of guacamole left on the bowl!

We haven't been pre-washing, or re-washing any dishes since I have started using Cascade Platinum.  That has been a welcome change since we eat in the house almost all of the time, and our dirty dish load is always heavy.  We do at least one load of dishes a day just to keep up with the demand.  I am often disappointed by some of the other products I use, and have to do a considerable amount of pre-washing and post washing to get my dishes and glasses clean.  Any money I am saving on cheap detergent goes down the drain. I'm sure I am wasting an inordinate amount of hot water, which isn't cheap by any means when you burn oil, and pay dearly for public water.  I believe that my cheapskate self has actually been sold on this product.  Not to mention that I know my family is eating off a clean and sterilized surface when I see the quality of what is coming out of the dishwasher.  Another thing I have noticed is that my dishwasher is sparkling inside since I started using Platinum.  It looks and smells fresh, you can really tell that this stuff is doing it's job. Here's how the magic happens. Cascade Platinum Pacs feature an advanced triple action recipe that is specially designed to leave dishware virtually spot-free and help prevent the build-up of hard-water film on dishwasher walls. Here is a short video by Bravo's Gail Simmons explaining how clean plates can really make your meal presentation pop.  I'm happy to have a any meal on any plate in general, but she brings up some great points for all of you non-heathens out there!

Visit the following website to enter to win a new Whirlpool Dishwasher Courtesy of Cascade! http://tinyurl.com/PlatBlog. I am happy to say that Cascade Platinum gets a big nod of approval from this dad!

Happy Clean Dishes!

Wacky Dad

10 Reasons My Father Is Still Cool!

Happy Fathers Day to all of the dads out there!  I'm writing tonight about my own father.  As any of my readers know, I am very close to my father.  We share many of the same interests, and we really have a special relationship, that is more of a friendship, than a typical father/son relationship.  I have tried over the years to emulate my father, with varying success.  There is only one Leo Costantino, that is for sure!  Ok here goes, here are 10 reasons that my father is still cool!

He is pushing 70 and can still ski the moguls like a 25 year old, and he can do it all day long!

Like my old Friend Billy to the left he is always there when I need him.  This photo is at this year's Purple Stride Rhode Island which is a run/walk I have been the event coordinator for since it's inception.  My Father never shies away from helping out when he can.

Even when I have a stupid idea he still listens.  Hell he loves stupid ideas too!  This is me, and a water wheel contraption that I built out of an old heater blower.  Notice the beer bottles in hand.

When I rode my first 200 double century to honor my friend Karen Petty and to fight against pancreatic cancer he was there to support me in the support car for 14 hours straight, and then jumped on his bike for the last 10 miles to ride in with me.  Last year he rode 100 grueling miles of the ride at 68 years old to honor our friend Karen, and to support a cause that he knows is so important to me.  He has an iron will, and spirit that won't quit.  This morning while we were all laying in bed he was out busting out 50 miles on his bike.  He's 69 and he still does that like it's cool!

The man is the most mechanically talented person I've ever met.  Here he is flying in a plane that he built from scratch.  It was literally a pile of lumber when he started working on it.  Last Christmas he built me a miniature working steam engine out of scrap metal, and it's beautiful!

He's still an awesome teacher.  Where I sometimes lack the patience to teach my kids about the things I love, he calmly teaches them about things that he thinks might interest them.  Whether its sewing with Abby or cutting foam with a homemade hot knife with Ailey, he is always thinking of cool ways to show the kids about the things we love, and he passes those interests on so well!

After all of these years he can still take a joke!

He's always there right at the opportune moments to make a complete jack ass out of me.  Here I am after snaking a 6" flue pipe down my chimney.  Actually I couldn't have gotten that thing in without dad's muscle that day!

He's always there for my kids.  Here he is at an event my daughters ran to help raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.  This was a proud day for this Father/Son Marine duo!

He's an eternal jackass!  Here he is goofing off with his buddy Frank.  He's always up for a good time.  Always!

What can I say.  I've been blessed to have such a great father.  Almost all of my hobbies and interests that I love today were learned from my father.  Those interests have led me to an active lifestyle that has been awesome for me and my family.  I am truly honored to be called Leo Costantino's son.

Good God.  This is all going to go right to his head.  I'm almost afraid to press the publish button, but what the hell, it is Fathers Day after all!

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

You're Wacky Son - Eric