Anyone who has been to Brazil for Carnival knows first-hand the powerful hypnotic rhythms of Samba and the explosion of colors so intense it's absolutely intoxicating (if not unbelievable) to the eyes.

From the makers of the hit ICE AGE series comes RIO, a comedy adventure about taking a walk on the wild side. Blu is a domesticated Macaw who never learned to fly, living a comfortable life with his owner and best friend Linda in the small town of Moose Lake, Minnesota. Blu and Linda think he’s the last of his kind, but when they learn about another Macaw who lives in Rio de Janeiro, they head to the faraway and exotic land to find Jewel, Blu’s female counterpart. Not long after they arrive, Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by a group of bungling animal smugglers.

You'll have to take the family to the movies to find out if and how Blu & Jewel escape and who they meet along the way.


If you're a parent, and even if you're not, you may have noticed in the last few years that soundtracks from animated movies are better than most of the music currently being spit out. And I do mean spit. Most of these albums include music the entire family can jam to. The soundtrack for Rio The Movie is no different. Especially if you can dig samba rhythms like I do.

In advance of the April 15th debut of Rio The Movie, Makes Me Wanna Holler.com readers will have the chance to enter to win the original motion picture soundtrack. This CD covers the range of Brazilian music featuring tracks by Bibel Gilberto and Carolinhos Brown, Jermaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), Latino sensation, Taio Cruz, Jamie Foxx and multi-platinum artist Will.i.am.

CONTEST RULES
One (1) winner will be selected at random from three (3) drawings held on Thursday, March 24, Tuesday, March 29, and Tuesday, April 5, 2011 beginning at 10 am EST. Only (1) "Like" per contestant will be allowed on each drawing day. Only one (1) CD will be allowed per winner. Winner will be selected within 24 hours of each drawing. Winner will be selected via Random.org. Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize after being selected. The RIO Official Movie Soundtrack will be distributed by Big Honcho Media after the conclusion of the final drawing and once the product becomes available to ship. Contestants must be over the age of 18 and have a valid Continental U.S. mailing address.

HOW TO ENTER
"Like" the above image on each day of the drawing on the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page. Contests will launch between 10 am and noon on each contest day. Valid entries can only be made within 24 hours of the posting of the drawing on each contest day as listed in the Contest Rules. In order to enter you must be a member of the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page.

Any entries not in compliance with the above will not be considered. This giveaway ends April 6, 2011 at 10:00am EST - the projected conclusion of the 24 hour time frame of the final April 5th contest.


E.Payne is the author of Investing In An Emotional Letdown and I Didn't Invented Sex. For the past 3 years he has posted 600+ articles about fatherhood, marriage and everything in between here at Makes Me Wanna Holler.com. To learn more, click here.

Near the end of 2010 I was asked to test a product that not only cleans but disinfects the touchscreens of electronic devices. At first I was skeptical wondering how it could be better than Windex or your standard eyeglass cleaning cloth. But after using Clens all of my handheld, touchscreen electronic devices are now as clean as they were the day I popped them out of their boxes as brand new toys.

I was so impressed I wanted to share my discovery with all of you and offer one lucky reader a free gift pack (pictured, right)!

Bausch Lomb introduces a new touch-screen cleaner, Clens, that not only removes those annoying smudges, but the germs and potential viruses that can be left behind along with them. Clens is a new, two-step cleaning system offering the most antibacterial protection for your devices - a perfect gift for gadget lovers and "germaphobes" alike.


GIVEAWAY RULES

1. To enter, you must be a fan of the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page (if you are not, click here and let me know here in the comments that you are either already a member or have joined).
2. You Must become a fan of Bausch + Lomb on Facebook and comment on this post. Five (5) winners will be chosen at random. Giveaway ends this January 28, 2011 at 11:59pm EST.

If you don’t win, you can always purchase Clens at your local retailer.

Thanks and good luck!

Official Giveaway Rules :

MakesMeWannaHoller.com is the official host of the giveaway and is sponsoring the giveaway, Bausch + Lomb is just providing the prizes to the eligible winners.

Winners will be chosen via random generator and then checked on Bausch + Lomb’s facebook fan page for eligibility. Only those who both comment & become a fan via Bausch + Lomb’s Facebook fan page are eligible to win.

Only those whom are in the domestic United States are eligible to win.

Contest ends January 28, 2011 at 11:59pm EST



Additional Product Information:

A series of recent studies highlight how touch-screen devices can easily harbor and transmit flu germs, with one showing mobile phones host 18 times more bacteria than a flush handle in a typical men's restroom. Clens results in a 90 percent reduction in surface germs when exposed to everyday usage, along with 13 varieties of bacteria, yeast and mold and is safely formulated for touch-screen devices and won't harm, scratch or discolor screens.

Clens is available in pre-moistened wipes and spray, and includes a microfiber cloth to gently buff and shine surfaces. The home and office kit comes complete with one 2oz bottle of spray, 6 pre-moistened wipes and 2 polishing cloths (RRP $19.95.) The convenient travel package contains 20 pre-moistened wipes and two polishing cloths (RRP $14.95).

Bausch Lomb tested Clens by simulating everyday use. Researchers handled mobile devices a minimum of 10 times in typical situations, such as during lunch and after using a computer. The devices were also deliberately exposed to 13 varieties of bacteria, yeast and mold. The surfaces treated with the Clens cleaning system yielded at least a 90 percent reduction in surface germs.

This is a sponsored post. Only one product to review was received in consideration of hosting this contest.

Have You Subscribed Yet? * Are You On Facebook? * Do You Tweet?

This Black Friday, November 26, Sports Authority is giving away a total of $10,000 to Foursquare users who Check-In to Cash In.

On Friday, 11/26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST, Sports Authority will give away 20 $500 Gift Cards to lucky shoppers nationwide. To enter to win, shoppers simply check-in on Foursquare to any Sports Authority store nationwide and publish that check-in to Twitter. Winners will be randomly selected and notified over the in-store PA system while they are shopping, after which they will have 10 minutes to claim their prize.

To learn more about the Check-In to Cash In promotion, click on the Sports Authority promotion at the top of the right-hand column of this blog.

This Press Post is sponsored by Sports Authority.

Have You Subscribed Yet? * Are You On Facebook? * Do You Tweet?

It has been some kind of week!

• I left hot as bacon grease Chicago this past Saturday only to land in hot as a fish fry NYC. Then it rained like we were in South America for almost 2 days this week only for it to get fried egg hot again as if we were in the middle of a drought. But oh, how the summer brings out the beauty. You can figure that last one out for yourselves.


• The LeBron-a-thon has come and gone and other than sports buffs who troll message boards to unload or fight against racist rants, no one really seems to care anymore. THANK GOD!


• Other than moving my fingers to type this post I am sitting perfectly still, air conditioner on full blast, doused with baby powder (corn starch) trying to stay cool. I had a great workout this morning, but considering the weather and my being improperly hydrated before going...I'm not feeling too good right now.


• It looks like BP may have finally gotten that cap doohickey right. We'll know by Monday, or not if they keep the results from the media.


• Life is beautiful and I hope that no matter what woe or drama you might be facing you think so too. If we all carried around a little bit more positivity then maybe we'd all be a little nicer to one another.


• Don't forget to enter the Despicable Me Contest/Giveaway up on the site. There's some really cool/cute stuff for the kiddies and you yourself get to have fun with the contest rather than tweeting and facebooking and backlinking.


• If you haven't already (and even if you have) please nominate Makes Me Wanna Holler - Man, Dad, Husband for Best Personal Blog and Best Writing in a Blog over at the 2010 Black Weblog Awards Nominations Page.


• Going forward, please check the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page on Wednesdays for a new Discussion topic. So far we've got two up on the board and their going well. If you are logged on to Facebook right now all you have to do is click the "CONVERSATIONS" link at the top of this page to go there.


• Oh, one more thing: before you Thank God it's Friday and curse your job for being your job remember there are a lot of people out there who can't find work, can't put food on the table and are running out of options and running into desperation. If you have a family, even if you have friends, be thankful that that job you wish you didn't have is providing the means for you to enjoy your life after the hours of 9-5 or whenever you work.


• Enjoy the weekend. Drink plenty of water and fluids. Stay cool. And dry.

Peace,

E.Payne




Want to enrich your Makes Me Wanna Holler experience with discussions, current events and interacting with people just like you? Then please "Like" the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page and join the movement. You won't be disappointed.

CONTEST IS CLOSED!

If you're on this site, I presume it's because you are Superbad, whether you're a dad or a mom. And if you're not a parent, well you're just Superbad anyway. (That is my compliment for the day).

I've posted the movie review and now I've got something for you!

That rhymed.

I am pleased to present what I am calling the Superbad, Superdad. Dispicable Me Prize Pack Giveaway.

What's Up For Grabs, You Ask?
Two (2) winners will receive a pack consisting of the following:

• T-Shirt
• Hat
• Moo-Can (it really moos!)
• Pencil with Minion Topper
• Balloon
• Minion Ink Stamp

What Are The Rules?

Mandatory Requirement for Entry:

You MUST be one (1) of the following:

• A RSS Subscriber
• An Email Subscriber
• A Friend of this blog on Google Friend Connect
• A Facebook Page Fan
• A Follower On Twitter

Anyone entering who is not one of the above, your entry will be discarded and not considered.

Additionally, you must be a U.S. resident or have a U.S. mailing address to enter and be 18 years of age or older.

The Rules Are Simple:

State your above status (Facebook Fan, Google Friend, Subscriber, etc.) & answer the following in the comments section of this post (1 Entry Per Person) :

If you could be a Supervillian parent what kind would you be? What is your power that makes you Superbad and what would you do with it? For example: Steve Carrell is a criminal mastermind with a variety of inventions (including his minions) and is plotting to steal the moon.

The 2 commenters with the most creative (and non-offensive) answers will win the prize packs! (Prize packs will be distributed by Big Honcho Media)

My son will be our judge on this one. Who better to judge than a wily teen who lives to see the bad guy win?

The Contest will Run from Today July 14, 2010 at 4pm EST and end at 11:59pm EST on Friday, July 23, 2010.

Good Luck, Let Your Creativity Flow, But Don't Get Too Crazy (please)!

Disclosure: E.Payne the author of Makes Me Wanna Holler was provided with a Despicable Me Prize Pack for the purpose of reviewing it.



Want to enrich your Makes Me Wanna Holler experience with discussions, current events and interacting with people just like you? Then please "Like" the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page and join the movement. You won't be disappointed.

...Is...

Contestant Tafari!

Please use the Contact link at the top of the page and provide me with your mailing address. You've got seven (7) days from today's date to do so before the next winner is selected.

Congratulations and Happy Father's Day!

Remember this? I wouldn't be surprised if you don't. It lived and died on the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page. You can check it out below:



This contest didn't go so well, in fact, it made about as much of a splash as a pebble does in the Atlantic Ocean.

Oh well, things don't always go as planned. You move on and try, try, again.

• Do you need to get in shape?


• Does the Dad in your life need to get in shape?


• Do you need a kick in that place just beneath your beltline, directly opposite your front side to get you jump started?


• Can you even see your beltline anymore?


• Or, would you simply like to try something different other than the usual humdrum of lifting weights or running on a treadmill at your local gym?

Then, please, have a week on me (LA Boxing, actually):


THE FATHER'S DAY 1-WEEK WORKOUT JUMPSTART GIVEAWAY

The good folks over at LA BOXING are offering one (1) One-Week Trial Membership at one of their gyms in YOUR neighborhood. It's a great opportunity for you to get it together and take the first step to getting, or staying in shape. Take it from me. I'm a believer. If this is your first time here, you can follow my weight-loss/get in shape travels at To The Test: Real Words, Real People, Real Results.

The winner will be chosen via Random.org.


This is a little taste of what you'll face, if you win:



This giveaway IS NOT the Fresno gym (unless you win and you live in Fresno). It's actually for the LA Boxing Gym in your hood. So before you decide to enter you have to find out if LA Boxing is actually in your neighborhood or the neighborhood of the Dad in your life. The easiest way to find out is to visit www.LABOXING.com, click on the GYM LOCATOR link near the top of the page and enter your Zip Code. If you're there's one nearby then you're in luck! Keep reading, enter to win and do something besides coming up with some last-minute As Seen On TV $10 gift for Dear old Dad, the man who has let himself go to keep everyone else's wheels greased and running properly.


CONTEST RULES:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

• You MUST leave a comment here as to why you would like to win this 1-week trial membership. If you're a Dad then speak for yourself. If you want it for the Dad in your life then state why you would like the membership for him.

Additional Entries (You can do any or all of the following, BUT each are invalid without the Mandatory Entry above):

• Comment on any post on this blog (1 additional entry per post) - please state in the comments section of this post which additional post(s) you commented on.


• Create a video/webcast stating why you want this prize or who you want it for. Once you've created your video please Contact Me with the link for the video. (10 additional entries)


• Join the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Page (2 additional entries) - let me know here in the comments section that you've joined.


• Become a friend on Google Friend Connect (see the right column of this page) - let me know here in the comments section of this post, that you've joined (2 additional entries).


• Tweet (the red text): Enter @MakesMeHoller to win a 1-week membership at LA Boxing in your neighborhood for the father you love. http://bit.ly/chMtIK #giveaway (1 entry per tweet)

Contest Duration:

The contest will run from 9:30am (PST), Monday, June 14, 2010 to 8:00 am (PST), Friday, June 18, 2010.


Eligibility:

All entrants in this contest must be a resident of the United States and have a working email address.


Official Product Info:

Please visit the LA BOXING website.


Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Neither E.Payne nor MakesMeWannaHoller.com has been compensated in any way for this post or contest prize.

It's no secret that there is a dearth of active and committed African American fathers in the African American families. One out of every two children in the United States will live in a single-parent family at some time before they reach age 18. According the United States Census Bureau, in 2002 about 20 million children lived in a household with only their mother or their father. 16.5 million or 23 percent of all children were living with their single mother. This group included 48 percent of all African-American children, 16 percent of all non-Hispanic white children, 13 percent of Asian/Pacific Islander children, and 25 percent of children of Hispanic origin.

Wow!

Of course these figures can be broken down further to explain that some of these households are homes that contain two unmarried adults, but this is only a some. On it's face, 48% of all African-American children were living with their single mom's in 2002. We won't know what the final tally is for the coming census numbers, but if the negative is trending as positively as it has been for the past several years, things don't look good.

Or do they? In the midst of miserable statistics there are always champions fighting to reverse the tide.

One such person is author, activist, psychotherapist and film producer, Dwayne L. Buckingham. He has released a new film, "A Black Man’s Worth! Conqueror and Head of Household.”

In his film, Buckingham captures the most thought-provoking and heart-felt stories ever told by Black males who have experienced the negative and disheartening consequences of growing up in fatherless households. As a Black male who grew up in a fatherless household, Buckingham personally experienced the psychological, social and economic hardships most commonly experienced by Black males who are forced to cope with this harsh phenomenon and has dedicated his life to preventing the vicious fatherless cycle from reoccurring. Buckingham strives to provide Black males with the knowledge and skills essential to establishing and maintaining a positive and productive household.



This movie promises to be an eye-opener and something that can be discussed for days and weeks to come long after Father's Day 2010 has been forgotten.


ENTER TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN COPY OF A BLACK MAN'S WORTH!

Just in time for Father's Day, I'm pleased to be able to give away one (1) A Black Man’s Worth! Conqueror and Head of Household package which includes one (1) DVD, (1) accompanying book and one (1) A Black Man's Worth t-shirt. The Winner will be selected using Random.org.



CONTEST RULES:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

• You MUST leave a comment here as to why you want this DVD package or to whom you'd like to give it to as a gift.

Additional Entries (each count as an individual entry):

• You can "LIKE" the A Black Man's Worth Facebook Page. (You MUST let me know here in the comments section of THIS post in order for this additional entry to be counted.)
• You can leave a comment (of your choosing) on the A Black Man's Worth Facebook Page. (You MUST let me know here in the comments section of THIS post in order for this additional entry to be counted.)
• You can follow Subscbribe via RSS or Email to this log. Make sure you let me know in the comments section below.
• Join the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Fan Page (there is an additional perk for the 250th fan of my Facebook Fan Page) Make sure you let me know in the comments section below.
• Become a Follower of this blog on Google Friend Connect (see the right hand column of this page). Make sure you let me know in the comments section below.

Contest Duration:

The contest will run from 1:00pm (PST), Thursday, June 10, 2010 to 11:59 am, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (PST).


Eligibility:

All entrants in this contest must be a resident of the United States or have a valid United States mailing address.

Official Product Info:

Please visit R.E.A.L. Horizons Consulting Services, LLC

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Neither E.Payne nor MakesMeWannaHoller.com has been compensated in any way for this post or giveaway.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED...THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!!!

Jawbone?

"What the [expletive] is a Jawbone?" was what I said aloud to myself when the good folks at OutCast Communications reached out to me. Then I clicked on the supplied links and I thought to myself, That [expletive] is ugly!

At the time I didn't know the Jawbone ICON was CNET's highest rated headset. Ever. Personally, I'm not that much of a Bluetooth guy although I completely understand and admire the technology. But most folks walking down the street looking like Trekkies with their communicators in their ears look, in a word, ridiculous. What's even more ridiculous is how this same set of people think they look so on point with their earpiece. I could see if they were FBI or CIA but usually they're talking to someone they saw a few minutes ago. I'm a fan of understated tech. That is technology you can't see, is wireless, and/or is super-thin and has battery life. Battery life is and always will be critical to me. I'm not a fan of skinny with 1 hour's worth of battery-life.

I've had various earpieces for my cellphones over the years and can't say I truly felt hands-free until I discovered Bluetooth connectivity. Once I experienced in-dash Bluetooth connectivity in a vehicle I was 100% hooked and 100% hands-free, but I was only test-driving that car, so the euphoria was fleeting.

I say all this to say that my last headset, made by Jabbra disappeared somewhere in my daughter's room and I haven't seen it in months. Knowing that I needed something to use while driving (sadly, I am a cellphone-driving and occasional email-reading offender), I responded to the good folks at OutCast and in a matter of days my Jawbone Icon, Hero model was delivered to my door.

I opened the box and was...AMAZED. By far it has to be the sexiest headset I've ever seen. I has a couple of different configurations that allow you to wear either looped over your ear or in it like in-ear headphones. If you have hair (unlike me) you can completely conceal it if necessary. It is affordable-understated, meaning it's about as small as it can get without reaching an absurd price-point. The sound is crystal clear and with their patented Noise-Assassin (military grade noise canceling technology) I can drive with the windows down and the person on the other end of the call is none the wiser.




And it doesn't end there. They have apps! Yeah, just like everyone else these days. Instead of a random computerized voice that provides you with battery-life stats, incoming call info and so on you can pick and choose the voice you want in your ear. I opted for The Ace, a British woman that reminds me of Tony Stark's Jarvis. She's quite snarky too. If I choose to ignore a call she let's me know "We don't have time for that." Cools...

Additional capabilities include being able to dial 411, receiving turn-by-turn directions, voice activated dialing, and listening to music (which includes any videos you have on your phone) all through your headset. It even has the capability for you to voice update social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. However keep in mind, you are limited by the services your actual carrier provides. So if you don't have voice activated on your phone don't expect any miracles from the Jawbone.

I still won't be outside walking the streets wearing this neat little Bluetooth headset because that's not who I am, but anywhere where I need it --- in my home cooking, writing or whatever, behind the wheel or even as a passenger, outside watering my plants --- I'll definitely have my Jawbone ICON Hero stuck in my ear.



GET DAD THE HOTTEST TECH-CESSORY FOR FATHER'S DAY!

I'm giving away one (1) Jawbone ICON Hero Bluetooth Headset to one (1) individual just in time for Father's Day. The Winner will be selected using Random.org.


CONTEST RULES:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Leave a comment on this post stating why you want this for Father's Day, or why you want it for the Father in your life.

Additional Entries (each count as an individual entry):

• Subscbribe via RSS or Email to this log. Make sure you let me know in the comments section below.
  

• Join the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Fan Page (there is an additional perk for the 250th fan of my Facebook Fan Page) Make sure you let me know in the comments section below.
  

• Become a Follower on Google Friend Connect. Make sure you let me know in the comments section below.

• Tweet the following (red text and included link only): Win A Jawbone Icon for Father's Day! RT @MakesMeHoller & Enter to win! http://tinyurl.com/2553c36 #giveaway Make sure you let me know here in the comments of this post that you tweeted so your entry can be counted. 3 tweets per day max during contest duration. (1 additional entry per day of tweeting).
  

• Update Your Facebook Status (red text and included link only): Win A Jawbone Icon for Father's Day! @Makes Me Wanna Holler - Man, Dad, Husband Enter to win! http://tinyurl.com/2553c36 #giveaway Make sure you let me know here in the comments of this post that you updated your status so your entry can be counted. 3 updates per day max during contest duration. (1 additional entry per day of updating).

Contest Duration:

The contest will run from 1:00pm (PST), Wednesday, June 9, 2010 to 11:59 am (PST), Tuesday, June 15, 2010.


Eligibility:

All entrants in this contest must be a resident of the United States or have a valid United States mailing address.


Official Product Info:

As a parent, there are never enough hours in the day but Jawbone ICON, the world's most intelligent and stylish hands-free device, brings new meaning to productivity. This Bluetooth headset helps busy dads multi-task by letting them talk hands-free wherever they are: driving kids to sports practice, talking to a client or packing for a vacation or business trip.

The award winning Jawbone ICON also lets dad listen to music, podcasts or audio books wire-free, along with turn-by-turn GPS driving directions whispered into his ear, all while keeping his hands on the wheel.

Jawbone ICON comes in six striking designs - each with unique names that reflect the personas they embody. So, you can tell Dad he's your HERO!



Disclosure: I did receive a Jawbone Icon Hero strictly for review purposes. This is not a sponsored post. Neither E.Payne nor MakesMeWannaHoller.com is being compensated in any way for this review or giveaway.

As promised, I've got goodies for the Month of the Dad --- the thirty days that lead up to Father's Day.

First on my list is the Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers video game:



A little over a month ago I had the absolute pleasure to visit Atari's Manhattan offices where I got to test out Sandlot Sluggers with the developer who created it.

First off the game is highly intuitive and on my platform of choice, Wii, intuitive goes without saying. Who doesn't want an opportunity to knock it out of the park and not be labored with a whole bunch of commands?

Secondly, meeting a game developer and listening to his passion for creating video games was no different than me listening to a master photographer, musician or celebrated author discuss their motivation and workflow. I know these guys have reputations for being uber geeky, but the guy I met was a master of his craft, plain and simple.

Check out these powerups:



And characters:



This is definitely something to do with the entire family on a rainy day, to set up as an "always-on" activity when hosting a barbecue at your home, or to do when whittling away the day when your games aren't on and the wife is gone for the day with the kids.

Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers offers hours of entertainment with laugh out loud comedic commentary and exaggerated animations for a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. The game is packed with loads of surprises to keep kids coming back for more and stars a neighborhood full of fun and diverse kids – both fan favorite characters and new friends. New features like Power-ups, Mini Games, and Family Co-op allow for a fun-filled experience for the whole family—young and old!


THE GIVEAWAY:

Two (2) copies of the Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers for the Wii will be given away to two (2) individual contestants. Winners will be selected using Random.org.


CONTEST RULES:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Leave a comment on any post on this blog and let me know in the comments section of this post.

Additional Entries:

• Subscbribe via RSS or Email to this log (counts for 5 additional entries).

• Join the Makes Me Wanna Holler Facebook Fan Page (there is an additional perk for the 250th fan of my Facebook Fan Page) (counts for 5 additional entries).

• Become a Follower on Google Friend Connect (see right hand column of this blog) (counts for 5 additional entries).

• Tweet the following: Fun for the whole family! Check @MakesMeHoller & Enter to win a copy of Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers http://tinyurl.com/2do4de2 #giveaway Remember to let me know you tweeted in the comments below. 3 tweets per day during contest duration. (1 additional entry per day of tweeting).
  

• Update Your Facebook Status: Just in time for Father's Day and the whole family: enter to win a copy of Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers for the Wii http://www.makesmewannaholler.com/2010/05/backyard-sports-sandlot-sluggers-for.html Be sure to let me know in the comments below that you've updated your status so that your entries can be counted. 3 status updates per day during contest duration (1 additional entry per day of status updates).

Contest Duration:

The contest will run from 12:00pm, Monday, May 24, 2010 to 11:59 pm, Friday, June 4, 2010.


Eligibility:

You must be a resident of the United States or have a valid U.S. mailing address.


Good luck!


Official Product Information:
In time for the 2010 season, eager young baseball fans can play rain or shine with Atari’s all-new Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers video game for Xbox360, Wii™, and Nintendo DS™ shipping out May 25, 2010. Based on one of the best selling kids’ sports videogame series, Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers allows players to join their favorite neighborhood friends and play ball in fun and exciting arcade style sports action. Sandlot Sluggers, developed by HB Studios, is a completely new take on a longtime favorite franchise with all-new features, updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and extensive options that will keep players and gamers alike enthusiastically entertained.


Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Neither E.Payne nor MakesMeWannaHoller.com is being compensated in any way for this review or giveaway.

The contest I promised you in my last video is here. I hope you're game. I hope you qualify, and I hope to see you there.

Check out the details right now on my Facebook Page.

If you're not a fan yet, now you have a reason to be.


Follow Me On Twitter

Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler

Congratulations to the following winners of the Princess & The Frog DVD Giveaway:

#5 - Michelle @MrsMChappelle

#70 - Audrey @mrsbynoe

#62 - Nicole Lynn Lewis @NicoleLynnLewis

Please Contact Me no later than Friday, April 2 with your US mailing information. Responses received after 11:59pm, April 2, 2010 will not be considered and a new drawing will be conducted for a winner(s). Winners are selected via Random.org.

Congratulations to the winners! And thanks to everyone who participated!

Stay tuned for future contests and giveaways on my Facebook Page.


Follow Me On Twitter

Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler

I remember Daddy told me
Fairy tales can come true
But you gotta make ’em happen
It all depends on you
So I work real hard each and every day
Now things for sure are goin’ my way
Just doin’ what I do
Look out boys, I’m comin’ through...

-Princess Tiana

My passing fairy tale, better stated, passing want (not without some work on my part) has come true. I'm very happy and proud to announce the Makes Me Wanna Holler Disney's The Princess & the Frog DVD Giveaway.

Anyone who keeps up with this blog knows how much I love this movie and why. In December 2009, I wrote The Princess & The Frog - NYC Style! to chronicle my sheer jubilation in watching my daughter connect with a movie that I believe has since shaped the course of her childhood imagination and definitely cemented for her that a princess can be of any complexion and any pedigree, and being helpless and in need of saving is no longer a prerequisite. The soundtrack is the first (of many I'm sure) that's she's learned word for word. I created a musical slideshow to commemorate the experience.

And now you have the chance to bring the experience home for your little princesses (or simply enjoy it yourself). Because this is so near and dear to me I'm not tying any "sign up for my site" requirements to this contest. (It's your choice whether or not you want to follow this blog, I have no desire to rope you in temporarily with a giveaway).

The Prize:


Three (3) copies of the Princess & The Frog DVD will be given away to three (3) individual contestants. Winners will be selected using Random.org.



Contest Rules:

To enter you must do one or all of the following:

• Add a comment to this post about your favorite childhood full feature cartoon movie.

• Add a comment to this post about why you want Disney's Princess & The Frog DVD pack.

• Tweet the following: Check out @MakesMeHoller - enter to win (for real this time) a copy of Disney's The Princess And The Frog DVD http://bit.ly/9hLOHY #giveaway Make sure to let me know here in the comment section so your tweet(s) will be counted as an entry/entries.

That's it. Enter as many times as you like. The more times you enter the more chances you have to win!

Contest Duration:

The contest will run from Thursday, March 18, 2010 to 11:59 pm, Friday, March 26th, 2010.

Eligibility:

You must be a resident of the United States or have a valid U.S. mailing address.


Good luck! And I'd like to thank fellow Dad Blogger and great man, MochaDad, for facilitating the relationship that allowed me to host this contest.


Please Click Here For Official Movie & Product Information.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Neither E.Payne nor MakesMeWannaHoller.com is being compensated in any way.



Follow Me On Twitter

Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler

Many thanks to those of you who participated. I am glad I was able to give a little something in honor of my 2md full year blogging at Makes Me Wanna Holler. Next year I hope to be able to give back even more.

The Winners of the Soldier of Love CD Giveaway are:

1. Candice
2. Cafe7202..., and last, but definitely not least,
3. Mocha Dad

Winners have until 11:59pm, Monday, March 1, 2010 to submit your correct U.S. mailing information to MakesMeWannaHoller.com via the CONTACT tab beneath the header at the top of this page. After the above mentioned date a new winner will be drawn to replace those who do not redeem this prize.

Thanks for participating!


Follow Me On Twitter

Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler

Before Halle,
before Salli,
before Paula (Patton),
before Alicia (Keys),
before Jill (Scott),
before Erykah (Badu),
before anyone that I could list here,

...there was Sade Adu...

and boy did I love her music and lust after her beauty. Many a teen and college age night was spent sitting in the dark listening to her music, either lamenting alone over some stupid and immature love lost or with company doing my best to make it last forever (even though I can't say I can remember any of those moments now).

If you haven't heard her very radio-compliant track and title of the album, Soldier of Love, please listen and look below.



The first time I heard this I was driving and I swerved in my car. "Was that Sade?!" I screamed to myself, gasping as all the ridiculous lust I once had for her bubbled back to the surface. Several people I know don't like the cut or haven't made up their mind about it yet. In truth, it's a bit light for those of us who hold Sade and company to a higher standard. But the music business is just that, a business, she had to get the attention of the mainstream and get into the rotation on stations such as New York City's Hot97. This is the perfect song to do it.

If the loyalists aren't ruled by unrealistic expectations, few will be disappointed with Soldier of Love, barring it's title track and interesting video.

The group, best known for their mellow, melodic hits like "By Your Side" and "No Ordinary Love," will release their first album of new material since 2000, Soldier of Love, on Feb. 9.

Among the new tunes is "Babyfather," "about how great it is to be a parent, what a great honor and privilege that is, and what a terrible thing that is to waste," frontwoman Sade Adu recently told PEOPLE. "As long as you feel good about yourself, you can be a good parent, and then it becomes an endless fruitful cycle," she says.

The somber tracks of love, unrequited, unwanted and survived featured in The Moon And The SKy, Morning Bird and Skin will quickly assure you that time has taken nothing from SADE. Like R&B crooner Maxwell, the time off should only make her return that much sweeter.

But I'd rather let you find this out for yourselves...for free!

Presenting my first giveaway for 2010 -

I'll be giving away three (3) copies of Sade's Soldier of Love CD just in time to celebrate the afterglow of a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Contest Rules:

The contest will run from Monday, February 8th to Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at 11:59pm PST. Only 3 winners will be randomly selected.


How to Enter:

• You can either tweet, blog about, or mention this contest on Facebook. Each will serve as a valid entry that you MUST mention here in the Comments Section of this post with the representative links back to your mention. There is no limit to the number of tweets, blogs or Facebook mentions you can make. Winners will be selected using Random.org. And,
  

• Leave any comment love here about Sade. That way no matter what, you have at the very least two (2) eligible entries.
  

Who Is Eligible:

You MUST be either a verified subscriber, a MakesMeWannaHoller Facebook Fan, MakesMeWannaHoller Networked Blogs Follower or a Google Friend of this blog to be eligible for this contest. No other entries will be taken into consideration. If you currently are not and want to play, then sign up and enjoy the blog, why don't you?

You must be a resident of the United States or have a valid U.S. mailing address.


Winners will be announced by the end of the week beginning Sunday, February, 21st, 2010.


Good luck!


Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post nor is E.Payne or MakesMeWannaHoller.com being compensated in any way for the above review. Though I received an advance copy of the Soldier of Love CD free of charge, there was no request for the above review nor any persuasion to make the above comments as they have been stated.

Follow Me On Twitter

Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler

Thank you to those of you who participated in the Testing the Ice Storybook Contest. The following 4 winners have been selected at random by Random.org:

• Corey @ Watching the Waters
• Harlem Minded
• ShotgunDaddy
• K.Rock @ Don't Get Excited...It's Just Me

Each winner must do the following within 48 hours of this posting or risk forfeiture of your very own copy of Testing the Ice:

Send me an email via my Contact tab at the top of this page and include your name and U.S. mailing address.

Thanks for participating and congratulations!



Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler Follow Me On Twitter

In the early 1950s, legendary baseball hero Jackie Robinson literally “tested the ice” for his kids who so eagerly wanted to skate on the frozen lake near their home. Testing the Ice is a stunning metaphor for Robinson’s remarkable racial breakthrough.

This book review is based on a promotional copy provided to me thanks to Scholastic. I was immediately drawn in by Kadir Nelson's compelling illustrations and found myself imagining the rural descriptions contained in the book. Through this storybook I was able to relive moments of Jackie Robinson's life and piece together tidbits and anecdotes I've been told over the years by people who personally crossed paths with this sports pioneer. As my sports-enthusiast son is in high school I had the less than enviable task of testing the book out of my princess, fairy, Dora and Diego loving daughter. Although at the age of three, she wasn't able to grasp the full content of the story but she sat attentive as I read to her and waiting eagerly for me to turn each page to see what picture was coming next. By story's end she understood the overarching theme of not being afraid to do things that need to be done.

The Giveaway:

In conjunction with Big Honcho Media, Makes Me Wanna Holler will be giving away four (4) beautiful hardcover copies of Testing The Ice. This is just in time for the holidays and will make a great gift for a young one who loves to read.

Entries can be one or all of the following:

1. Leave a comment about why you would like a copy of Testing The Ice for your child(ren). (This doesn't have to be long and drawn out. The simpler, the better.)
2. Leave a comment about your love of baseball or Jackie Robinson or a Jackie Robinson anecdote.
3. Tweet about this contest and include my handle, @MakesMeHoller, in your tweet (please leave a comment here to let me know you've tweeted).

You can do any or all of the above as many times as you like. And of course I'm always open to you, my loyal readers, spreading the word about Makes Me Wanna Holler (but this isn't a requirement for this giveaway).

Winners will be chosen by Random.org.

This contest will begins today Friday, November 13, 2009 at the time of this posting, 12:15 p.m. (EST) and ends at 12:15 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2009. You must be either: a US citizen or have a US mailing address to enter. No purchase necessary to enter.

This contest is now CLOSED. The winners will be mentioned in a blog post on Monday, November 23, 2009.





Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler Follow Me On Twitter

Every so often I get the opportunity to step out and treat myself to a good dose of grown up fun.

Just one of these occasions took place yesterday evening when I attended the launch party for Volkswagen's 2010 GTI (Twitter Hashtag #gti2010) held in lower Manhattan at the uber-sexy Classic Car Club Manhattan. With G4TV’s Olivia Munn hosting, ?uestlove of The Roots DJing and surrounded by shiny 200-horsepower vehicles, my testosterone level returned to it's appropriate mark. And did I mention the iPods? VW has become the first automaker to launch a vehicle exclusively on a mobile device by providing the new Firemint Real Racing GTI game available now for free for iPhone and iPod Touch at the iTunes App Store. It solely features the brand-new 2010 GTI (in multiple trims and configurations, course). For those of you who follow this blog, you know my fondness obsession for the iPod touch, so I was immediately sold. At the event there were plenty of iPod Touches on hand for game play. I spent most of my time on the game hugging the wall with the 4-door GTI I drove (couldn't go with the coupe for the simple reason that I have to stuff 2 kids into the back).


But I intend to play until I'm a master and I would highly advise anyone who loves this car to do the same. Six U.S. players will each win one of six customized limited-edition GTI MkVI (Mark 6) Vehicles now through December 2! For the exact rules and regulations please visit www.VW.com/RealRacingGTI.


Pictures from the event:


Peace...

[DISCLAIMER: No goods or services were exchanged as payment for this event, product and contest description.]


Subscribe to Makes Me Wanna Holler    Follow Me On Twitter

For my first giveaway: The Makes Me Wanna Holler Happy Mother's Day Giveaway (phew, that was a lot).

The drawing consisted of the mother in my house, my wife, placing her hand into the vacuum-sealed (not really) Gladware container filled with contestant entries and withdrawing the following name:

Nerd Girl

Nerd Girl needs to respond to this post, via the button directly beneath this paragraph, within the next 24hours (approximately Tuesday, April 28th at 12:30 pm, EST) in order to redeem the prize: A $50 Amazon.com Gift Card! Please include a WORKING EMAIL ADDRESS in your response.





Congratulations, Nerd Girl! And thank you to all who participated!

PS - I'm working on something for Father's Day with a couple of different partners, if something gels you'll definitely hear about here at MakesMeWannaHoller.com!

Peace. Thanks for supporting. And please, keep reading.

Subscribe To Makes Me Wanna Holler

That was a mouthful wasn't it?





I've never had a problem giving gifts to my mother on Mother's Day, but I've always struggled with the mother who sleeps beside me. During my first Mother's Day with her, when we were just girlfriend and boyfriend, she asked me what I'd be getting her for Mother's Day.

I blankly replied, "You're not my mother."

She was speechless. It actually took me a minute to realize that mother's who didn't birth you expect gifts from you (not the kids) for the children they birth because of you. I haven't done so well in this department during the years I've known my wife. And just like they say about those who can't being great teachers, I'd like to make the life of one lucky person a little easier.

Announcing the MakesMeWannaHoller Happy Mother's Day $50 Gift Card Giveaway. I've decided to throw my hat into the blogger-contest bandwagon (something I swore I would never do) and offer a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card to one (1) winner for use towards your gift the moms you love: the one that made you and/or the one that made your kids, or whatever you want. Amazon.com gift cards can be used at Amazon.com (obviously) and at Endless.com (not so obvious), their online shoe source. Endless.com is a place where you can buy shoes, bags, and all other kids of accessories women like.

So how does someone enter this contest?

The Rules (you can do any one or all of the following):

1. Subscribe to this blog. Then let me know by leaving a comment on this post.
   
2. Add me to your blogroll. Then let me know here in the comments section of this post.
   
3. Grab my badge or the contest button (a smaller version of the graphic above) and place it on your site. Then let me know your website in the comments section of this post. Remember, your comment is your entry. Here's the code for the contest button:
   
   <a href="http://www.makesmewannaholler.com/2009/04/mmwh-mothers-day-50-gift-card-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/aesop927/MMWHContests2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>
   
4. Follow me via Google FriendConnect in the far right hand column of this page. Let me know in the comments section of this post. Remember, your comment is your entry.
5. If you've already done 1-6 or even if you haven't, you can Tweet Me! Follow me on Twitter and/or Twitter about this post (up to 4 times max on separate days during the duration of the contest). Let me know by leaving your Twitter URL in the comments section below (if you follow or each time you Tweet). Remember, your comment is your entry.

At the very least you can submit one (1) entry to this contest and at the max, nine (9) entries. The more the merrier!

This contest begins April 13, 2009 and will end April 24, 2009 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be drawn at random and announced on Monday, April 27, 2009. Please make sure to visit MakesMeWannaHoller on this date. You will have exactly 24 hours to redeem your prize. Should this not occur, I'll have another drawing and will announce a new winner (who will also have 24 hours to respond) and so on.

The MMWH Happy Mother's Day $50 Giftcard Giveaway is open to US residents 18 years and older. Must have a valid, working email address to participate. Promotion is void where prohibited.

Good Luck!



PS - Please limit your comments on this post to entries only, thank you. All others will be deleted at the discretion of the administrator (me).


PPS - This contest is OVER. No more entries are being taken. Thanks to all who participated. Check back on Monday, 4/27 for the winner.

Subscribe To Makes Me Wanna Holler