List Price : $165.95Price : $85.35 as of 2012-11-05 11:59 AM
Product Description
00644 Features: -Annie, Clarabel coach with international style hook and loop couplers.-Bertie the bus, harold the helicopter.-Fit E-Z track with 12 pieces of curved track,3 pieces of straight track and 1 straight plug-in terminal.-Power pack and speed controller.-Illustrated Instruction manual. Includes: -Includes Thomas the Tank Engine with moving eyes. Specifications: -Sir Topham Hatt figure 56 x 38 oval of snap.
Thomas the Tank Engine with moving eyes
Annie and Clarabel coaches with international-style hook and loop couplers
Teaching your bird to talk can be highly enjoyable.It is similar to teaching your small children to say there first words.It is similar simply because it takes a lot of patience and love.The new skill your pet bird will learn is also similar to teaching a child in that it is best done at an early age.What you are actually doing is the first programing of the birds brain so it mimicks what you are saying by constantly listening to your words.Birds learn by mimicking their parents.The best time to start is weaning age no later than four to six months.This is when the parents usually teach their young the calls and whistles related to the species they belong to.The birds that can be taught to speak are the African Grey parrot who is one of the best to teach, the cockatiel, the green winged macaw, rose ringed parakeet, the amazon parrot, the peach fronted love bird, sulphur crested cockatoo which is very popular choice by bird lovers.There is also the crimsen rosella and eastern rosella, red-rumped parrot and budgies which will talk but are a little harder to teach.Interestingly enough the mynah birds from the starling family are very easy to teach.They have a large range of calls and whistles as you have probably heard them in your neighbour hood.When you have chosen the bird that you intend to teach don't start the training the first week let your pet bird get use to you building up it's trust.This will make it easier to teach.Have some interaction with your bird don't just feed it and clean its cage.Make sure the bird is in a safe place such as away from the heat and the cat if you have one.When you are about to do the training make sure you shut windows, turn off the radio or tv so there are no distractions.You want your bird to focus on you.So it does focus on you hold the bird in front of your face so it will get full on interaction.Start with a word or phrase and just keep repeating it.Say it clearly your word or phrase.You can record your voice and listen to how clearly you are saying it.Do this in another room so the bird cannot hear it.If you have a recording, you can improve so you can speak the clearest you possibly can, when training the bird.Birds find words with the letter r in them easy to say so you can start with these sort of words.Words like "cracker" "pretty bird".I used to have a pet shop with a talking corrella whose name was Percy.He use to say "Hello how are ya" with the letter r sounds at the end of the phrase.Some people believe that female birds can't be trained to talk this is not true.They are just harder to train.Male birds are definitely a lot easier to teach to talk.When you do start training your favourite bird only do it for 15 minutes several times a day.That way you both won't get bored and the bird will have a break to give it time to think about it has heard.Always give a special treat to the bird if it actually speaks even if it is not clear at first.When you think your bird has mastered the word or phrase you have so patiently taught it you can try another one.Sometimes they can be taught to react to a noise.My friend had a pink and grey parrot that said when the phone rang, "answer the phone".Make sure the bird is saying the word or phrase clearly before you move to another one.Don't teach your bird anything you don't want it to repeat such as foul language.Also some birds will take longer than others to speak so don't give up so easily.Remember patience and repetition just like you favourite child and also persistence.So have fun together whlie you are training your bird and you will have more success.Good luck.
Alnwick, which lies in the northeast of England, is in the county of Northumberland.Though in Castle Alnwick, it has a very profitable tourist attraction; it does not rely on this solely for its economy.Formerly, Alnwick has relied on agriculture, and the administration of it, to provide jobs for the town's populace.Agriculture was the original reason for the settlement which began in AD 600.The history of Alnwick though, is in effect, the history of the castle, which became a staging post for the Percy's battles with the Scots.Much of the town was actually burned to the ground, by a Scottish raiding party in 1424.It was also a staging post for the first Great North Road between London and Edinburgh.The population of Alnwick currently stands at 31,029.There has a big increase in population within the last ten years, largely thanks to housing and commercial estates prospering on the outskirts of the town.This has allowed both people escaping the bigger city of Newcastle, and in smaller towns where there is not much hope of economic prosperity, to become part of Alnwick.Country life magazine in 2004, stated in a review of Alnwick, "Most picturesque market town", and declared "Best place to live in Britain." A great advantage Alnwick has is its location.Situated 32 miles south of Berwick-upon Twee and the Scottish border, Newcastle, is well within the commuter belt by train.Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in Great Britain.The first is Windsor Castle.For six months of the year the castle is open to tourists and the surrounding gardens are open all year round.Due to its many historic and original features, Alnwick Castle has been used for many film locations, and featured as Hogwarts, in The Harry Potter films.
List Price : $25.99Price : $129.90 as of 2012-09-26 11:47 PM
Product Description
Percy has had a busy day rolling down the tracks! Now it's time to relax in the shade at Tidmouth Sheds. Duplo pieces are colorful, sturdy and safe for young hands.?Includes Percy, shed?and signal.?Percy measures over 4"L?x ?4"H.?
Percy has had another busy day! Good thing he gets to relax in the shade at Tidmouth Sheds.
Use the loader to transport cement bags to the cement blender. Set includes Percy, signal light, clock tower and Shed
DUPLO pieces are colorful, sturdy and safe for young hands
Percy measures over 4" (10cm) long and 4" (10cm) high
For ages 2 to 5 Years
Help the construction workers build a new house in LEGO Ville by unloading the truck with the large crane
Children's Writers.Captain Marryat, who wrote the children's classic "The Children of the New Forest", was born in London but lived at and is buried at Langham, Norfolk.Anna Sewell is one of the few well-known writers who was born in Norfolk.She was born in Yarmouth but wrote "Black Beauty" whilst living in Old Catton; the horse that inspired her famous book was said to have been stabled in Sewell Barn, Norwich.Sir Henry Rider Haggard, who was born in Bradenham, wrote "King Solomon's Mines", which inspired a "lost world" genre of fiction.Arthur Ransome was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, but set "Coot Club" and "The Big Six" on Norfolk's Broads."Biggles" creator, W.E.Johns, was a sanitary inspector in Swaffham.Novelists.In "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe, Crusoe anchored in Yarmouth Roads and was then shipwrecked in the sea outside Winterton.Defoe is thought to have named his hero after seeing the grave of a Robinson Cruso in King's Lynn.P.G.Wodehouse wrote "Money For Nothing" whilst relaxing at Hunstanton Hall.Hunstanton Hall was the inspiration for Rudge Hall in "Very Good, Jeeves".In "Emma", Jane Austen writes that "Percy was a week at Cromer once".Charles Dickens visited Yarmouth in 1949 and used it as a setting for "David Copperfield".Poets.William Wordsworth is associated with his beloved Lake District but his sister, Dorothy, moved to live with her uncle at Forncett St Peter rectory in 1788.Wordsworth visited her in Norfolk and his uncle was going to find him a local parish; his uncle then discovered that Wordsworth had fathered an illegitimate child in France and Wordsworth's chances of religious life in Norfolk ended although his career as a romantic poet took off.Lord Byron's famous poem, "Don Juan", was influenced by the experiments with Italian ottava rima narrative form by John Hookham Frere, whose family home was Roydon, Norfolk.A very early writer, Geoffrey Chaucer, mentions the "Holy Cross of Bromholm" in "The Canterbury Tales".Two poet laureates have Norfolk connections.John Skelton, who is thought to have been born in Diss in the 15th century, styled himself as a poet laureate; in the 20th century, John Betjeman visited Diss in 1963, became fond of the town, and later wrote "Dear Mary, Yes, it will be bliss, To go with you by train to Diss" to Mary Wilson, wife of the former prime minister.
Alnwick, which lies in the northeast of England, is in the county of Northumberland.Though in Castle Alnwick, it has a very profitable tourist attraction; it does not rely on this solely for its economy.Formerly, Alnwick has relied on agriculture, and the administration of it, to provide jobs for the town's populace.Agriculture was the original reason for the settlement which began in AD 600.The history of Alnwick though, is in effect, the history of the castle, which became a staging post for the Percy's battles with the Scots.Much of the town was actually burned to the ground, by a Scottish raiding party in 1424.It was also a staging post for the first Great North Road between London and Edinburgh.The population of Alnwick currently stands at 31,029.There has a big increase in population within the last ten years, largely thanks to housing and commercial estates prospering on the outskirts of the town.This has allowed both people escaping the bigger city of Newcastle, and in smaller towns where there is not much hope of economic prosperity, to become part of Alnwick.Country life magazine in 2004, stated in a review of Alnwick, "Most picturesque market town", and declared "Best place to live in Britain." A great advantage Alnwick has is its location.Situated 32 miles south of Berwick-upon Twee and the Scottish border, Newcastle, is well within the commuter belt by train.Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in Great Britain.The first is Windsor Castle.For six months of the year the castle is open to tourists and the surrounding gardens are open all year round.Due to its many historic and original features, Alnwick Castle has been used for many film locations, and featured as Hogwarts, in The Harry Potter films.
List Price : Price : $59.99 as of 2012-09-26 11:45 AM
Product Description
Hey Kids! My name is Conductor Carl and I am the conductor of this train. I love to travel and explore the world around me. I play and learn new things each and every day. Come along and join me on my next exciting adventure! All Aboard...
Our 2-in-1 Conductor Carl play table with board is a fun gift idea for children of all ages. The play board is compatible with all Conductor Carl train sets as well as Thomas the tank engine sets and Brio train sets. Parents are sure to love how the sturdy table keeps playtime off the floor. The illustrations on the board add more fun and imagination when putting the train tracks on top.
Our Conductor Carl play table measures 48 inches long by 25 inches wide by 16 inches high and is sure to look great in any kid's bedroom!
Conductor Carl play table has passed CPSIA compliance testing. We ensure that all of our train sets meet government standards for lead and phthalates to ensure a safe playing environment. Copies of our test results are available upon request.
Includes stand alone table and themed play board.
100% CPSIA compliant. Certified lead and phthaltes free. Safe.
Compatible with all Thomas Wooden Railway items.
Measures 48 inches long by 25 inches wide by 16 inches high.
If you are looking for a Train video for your children, there are over 19 years of videos to choose from.In 1985, there were three videos produced, "A Big Day for Thomas", "Thomas Comes to Breakfast & Other his Adventures" and "Thomas Gets Tricked & Other Stories" all with seven episodes each.In 1986, three videos were produced which were "Thomas Gets Bumped & Other Adventures", "Percy's Ghostly Trick & Other his Stories" and "A Big Day for Thomas" each with has seven episodes.There were no more videos was produced until 1990 when two more were released including "Tenders & Turntables & Other Stories" and "Thomas Breaks the Rules & Other Stories" each of them with has seven episodes.From 1990 till 2006, there were new works and reissued videos released each year.In 2006, there were twelve different videos released.This was the biggest release of any year with "Thomas & The Really Brave Engines & Other Adventures", "Track Stars", "Tales from the Track", "Come Ride the Rails", "Thomas, Percy, and the Dragon & Other Stories", a re-release of "Thomas Comes to Breakfast & Other Thomas Adventures", "On Site with Thomas & Other Adventures", the music videos "The Work Song & Engine Roll Call", "Thomas Halloween Adventures", "Boo! Boo! Choo Choo & Engine Roll Call", "Sing Along & Stories" and another re-release of "Thomas Gets Bumped & Other Adventures".The year 2007 was the beginning of the DVD's that were released and up to date the last episode on Train video had already been produced and changed to the new form of media technology.
I was not familiar with Percy Jackson and the Olympians until I saw a movie trailer for this film over Christmas.This trailer really caught my attention.I've always loved Greek mythology and this looked like it could be a lot of fun and teach people a little something about the Greek gods of old.I was also unaware that this is also a book series and "The Lightning Thief" is the first book.It seems that studios are looking to find their own version of a Harry Potter type book series to turn into a multi-picture event and possibly use the same actors throughout the entire film series.From what I saw in this film, I see great potential for more films and it even got me curious to read the books now.I went into seeing this film not really knowing anything about it other than what I had seen in a few trailers and commercials.So, I didn't have any expectations really other than the fact that I like Greek myths and thought that this seemed an interesting premise.I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw.This movie introduces us to Percy Jackson, play by Logan Lerman, a regular teenage guy who lives with his mom and her good for nothing boyfriend that Percy can't stand.He's a regular student that seems to have difficulty reading thinking he's dyslexic.What he doesn't know is that he is actually the son of the Greek god Poseidon and he's not dyslexic at all but he can actually read Greek and has the power of the ocean.It seems that all of the children of the gods and mortals, known as demigods, live at a camp on Earth where they can train their skills and be around other kids like themselves.This is the basic premise of the film and the book series I would assume.With the basic outline set, an adventure ensues looking for Zeus' lightning bolt that has been stolen.I really wish they would have delved a little deeper into the back ground story of Percy.I would have loved to get to know him better and the world that he lives in to give me a better sense of what there is and what might come in future films.I hate to compare this to the Harry Potter series, but there are too many similarities to ignore.The first film of Harry Potter was by far the longest because they took the time to introduce everyone to that world and the history of Harry Potter himself.I wish they would have done the same here.I'm one of those that have no problem with long movies as long as the extra time is spent wisely and not just filler.So, having said that, the part I liked best about this movie was the adventure itself.I loved Percy's guardian Grover, played perfectly by Brandon Jackson, and his fellow demigod Anna Beth, played by Alexandra Daddario.This trio worked perfectly together and the adventure they go on is worth the price of admission.I look forward to future films in this series, assuming that the studio will continue making them.I'm also very tempted to go out and begin reading this series to see what happens next.If any of you are like me, if you know a story continues and you can extend your journey in a fantastic world, you go and seek it out.I look forward to seeing what else awaits Mr.Jackson and friends!
In County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland is the little town of Arklow, a bustling commuter center with a population of about 12,000.Founded by Vikings in the 800s, Arklow has a complex and violent history, with its fiercest battle occurring in 1798.Because the town is located so close to the River Avoca and to Dublin, it is very popular among commuters, and tourists have begun to see its charm as well.While not as much shipping is being done in Arklow now as there was in years past, it remains a major port due to Arklow Shipping, which has a fleet of 37 ships and is Ireland's biggest shipping company.The Avoca River is no longer a fishing hotspot because of pollution, though the town does try to offset environmental issues with its recycling plant.Arklow boasts many sporting clubs, with its residents active in boxing, golf, tennis, hurling, rowing, rugby, football and sailing.In addition to physical activities, the town is home to a number of major cultural events, including the three-day-long Seabreeze festival, which takes place every July.Many notable artists and writers have hailed from the area, including the artists Arthur and George Campbell and the poet Percy French.The most famous landmark in Arklow is the Nineteen Arches Bridge, which traverses the Avoca River.Made entirely of stone, the Nineteen Arches Bridge is the longest handmade bridge of its kind in all of Ireland, and many visitors come to Arklow specifically hoping to see it.An even bigger draw is the town of Avoca just near Arklow, which is where the television show "Ballykissangel" was filmed.Fans of this show about a bucolic town and its colorful residents flock to the Arklow area in order to see the various landmarks from the television series and discover whether it holds the same magic in person that it seemed to on television.Arklow is reachable by car, bus and train, and accommodations are available for visitors.Those who are interested in relocating there might like to know that the town has eight primary schools and four secondary schools serving the educational needs of the youths who live there.Another educational opportunity exists in the form of a twinned town; Arklow is twinned with Chateaudun, a town in France, allowing residents a natural chance to interact with those who live in France.Arklow's famous residents include singer-songwriter Roisin Murphy, track and field Olympian Ron Delany and Irish nationalist Garrett Byrne.The town has also gained popularity via a Van Morrison song entitled "Streets of Arklow," one of the songs that resulted from the singer-songwriter's three-week-long trip to Ireland in 1974.Those who enjoy traditional Irish music, particularly instrumental dances, may also be familiar with "Battle of Arklow," which is generally played with hornpipes.With its abundance of culture and music and its beautiful landscapes, Arklow is a lovely town for visitors and residents alike.While it is large enough to have a thriving industry, it retains a small-town feel, and those who come to Arklow should quickly feel at home.
For awhile it's been known that Google was about to consolidate its privacy policies into one large, all-encompassing policy.On 1st March 2012 these changes went into effect.In a nutshell, what do the changes mean? Basically it means that Google will now share the data it stores for you between all their services.They won't be sharing anything new with outside parties; just among Google's many services.Google has been adamant these changes are only being made to make their products better than ever and display even more relevant content and advertising to each personal user.Alma Whitten, Google's Director of Privacy, wrote in a blog post recently."As you use our products one thing will be clear. it's the same Google experience that you're used to, with the same controls," "And because we're making these changes, over time we'll be able to improve our products in ways that help our users get the most from the web.".Alma outlined out 3 important points to keep in mind regarding these changes.• Google's Privacy Policy is now much easier to understand.• Google's Privacy Policy will enable them to build a better, more intuitive user experience across Google for signed-in users.• Google's privacy controls aren't changing.Pablo Chavez, Google's Director of Public Policy also discussed in a January post five things that aren't changing.• Google will still keep your private information private -- they're not changing the visibility of any information you have stored with Google.• Google will still allow you to do searches, watch videos on YouTube, get driving directions on Google Maps, and perform other tasks without signing into a Google Account.• Google are still offering you choice and control through privacy tools like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager that help you understand and manage your data.• Google still won't sell your personal information to advertisers.• Google are still offering data liberation if you'd prefer to close your Google Account and take your data elsewhere.It must be said that Google did a fantastic job on trying to usher this in quietly.They hammered home that these changes are being made to simplify things.For most people this is good enough to satisfy them.The average person on the street might not know (or care) but there is no question that many people are concerned.The changes have drawn the attention of many privacy watchdogs.The Japanese and EU governments have also expressed concerns.A member the FairSearch Coalition (which made up of Google competitors), sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General expressing concerns with the changes.Privacy issues around Google's past are only fuelling the fire of controversy and adding strength to claims this is a huge deal.Stuff-ups like the recent story around Safari and the launch of Google Buzz a couple years ago have tended to stick in people's heads.But despite the warnings will the changes really affect you? Is it really as big an issue as some media are suggesting?What you need to know Google is not collecting more information, just using it in a different way.There is a huge misconception that Google will suddenly have access to information it didn't have before.That is incorrect.In reality Google have always collected your data for all of its services.They've been using that data to personalize your experience already, and isn't it a great service?All that changes now is that data collected from your activity across their services, say between YouTube and Google Search, will be used to provide a further personalized experience across all of their products.You will be tracked.No matter what you do.Up to today many tech experts have suggested you should clear your Google Web History to increase your privacy.But it's become clear now that this is not going to stop Google from collecting your personal data.You can clear and stop the tracking of your activity, but you'll only prevent Google using that collected data with your Google account, it won't stop Google from tracking your web activity.Your searches will still be followed and stored on their servers, even if you're not signed in.The information can still be used to build a profile about you will allow Google to sell ads that are specifically tailored to you.Is it really a big deal?Some privacy experts are outraged while others exclaim, "Who Cares?" Both are right.A lot think that this isn't a big deal, Google is collecting the same information that it always has and it's just being used now to improve the users' experience.Who cares if the data is used for advertisements? You will always see ads, but now the advertisements will be closer to your interests.Google need to make money from advertisements, so from my point of view they might as well be accurate.On the other hand, privacy experts and lawmakers are up in arms about the policy.It is a grey area as The United States has very few laws about the collection, use, and distribution of user's data.The US Government has proposed a consumers 'privacy bill of rights' that will protect people, allowing them to decide what information is collected about them, and how this information is used.But as it stands no current laws can stop Google's unified privacy policy.Can I do anything?Well you can just stop using Google services.Good luck, in today's world this would be almost impossible!You can however, follow some simple tips to minimize how much data is collected about you, such as performing searches on Google without signing in.
List Price : $149.99Price : $123.00 as of 2012-09-25 11:44 AM
Product Description
Part of the Thomas Wooden Railway System by Learning Curve Bring your Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway collection to life with this incredible Talking Railway Series Knapford Station train set. All aboard for trainloads of fun with Thomas & Friends! Come and join Thomas and his engine friends for an exciting stop at Knapford Station. This complete set is a full layout destination pack that features exclusive engine recognition technology that allows Sir Topham Hatt to greet Talking Railway engines by name for hours of interactive fun! Talking Railway Series engines unlock special personalized greetings as they pass by Talking Railway Series destinations. Hear Thomas, Percy and James (included) talk at Knapford Station. Thomas Wooden Railway vehicles, track and destinations are not compatible with Take Along Thomas items. Dimensions: 16.75 x 13.88 x 7.75 inches Says over 200 phrases Includes over 27 pieces Requires 3 AAA batteries, demo batteries included For ages 3 and up
Let's face it.For many thousands of people the dream of working from home and making a good income is just that - a dream.Others think it has gone past being a dream and is now just one of history's great scams.This doesn't have to be the case when it comes to affiliate marketing.Not easy, it's true, but possible if you know how.What Is This Affiliate Marketing?1.While there are thousands of affiliate marketers out there, and the numbers just keep increasing, you may not be entirely sure what this kind of marketing consists of.2.It comes down to this.Many companies wish to get your help in selling their products.The better you can do it, the better off the company is, and of course, the better off you are.Win, win, as they say.3.There are hundreds and perhaps even thousands of companies who will let you sign up as their 'sales assistant' or affiliate.You canvass for sales, and for every sale you refer to the company you get paid a commission.What is the payment process? .1.The sales are traced by means of an affiliate link.Unique affiliate links are assigned to each affiliate person so that you can be paid commissions you earn.2.There are as many ways of promoting the product as there are businesses in the world, but in general today this is done by you having your own website, your own blog, or any other manner you can find of promoting your links online (or 'on the web', as is commonly said).Skeptical?These facts seem simple enough, but you might still be saying to yourself, "That's all very well, but I couldn't do that." Well, you almost certainly will have heard of some huge companies that have steady and strong affiliate programs such as Amazon and eBay.You can become an affiliate of each one of them, though I suggest you tackle one at a time and become successful there.If you do well enough you may well decide just to stick with the one you become expert on - then you can sell your services to other would-be affiliates and help them become successful also!What do the companies get out of it? .1.Advertising.As you know, when a friend says 'buy product X' you are far more likely to go ahead than if you have seen perhaps even a very expensively produced advertisement.Quite simply, this is probably the most effective form of advertising for companies - word of mouth.2.Internet banner ads, TV commercials, Newspapers, Magazines, Google AdWords, and many other methods - big companies use them all.But what is probably most effective? Armies of people such as yourself (affiliates) working to make a better life for themselves and their families.It's win-win for you and the companies.But What About Me?"Great, but can I do it?" I hear you ask?You can if you know how to go about it the right way (as with most things in life).The choice is yours.A.Struggle and perhaps get absolutely nowhere (except disillusioned).B.Learn how to do it right.If you wish to learn more, check out my resource box below.Happy affiliate marketing!
List Price : $59.99Price : $149.00 as of 2012-09-24 10:35 PM
Product Description
Product Description
Thomas and Percy are ready for fun and excitement at the Sodor Carnival. They want to race down the big hill. Can they make it through the bullseye and the funhouse? Push the button at the top of the spiral to hear carnival and train sounds and to launch Thomas down the spiral. Add more vehicles from your Thomas & Friends Take Along collection for even more fun.
Complete set.
Includes a die-cast Percy engine, Thomas engine, a spiral track, two accessories, and a full track layout.
Electronic sounds trigger as Percy races from the top of the spiral!
Spiral has handle and engine storage for fun on the run!
Since their introduction, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends have chugged their way into the hearts of young fans and their parents worldwide.While learning railroading terms and laughing at the antics of mischievous freight cars, kids learn many positive character traits.Every engine in the yard aims to be "a really useful engine".It is some of the highest praise they can earn, and it teaches children to value hard work and pulling their fair share in a job.When they rejoice with Thomas and friends when they finally earn this praise from Sir Topham Hatt, children get excited and want to try for themselves.They look for their own ways to be "really useful engines." Wise parents nurture this tendency by giving them child-size tasks that really make a difference about the house and telling them so when they've completed the job.Obeying common sense and listening to others' advice is another trait highlighted in Thomas the Tank Engine stories.Small children reenact these stories with Thomas and friends, repeating to themselves, "Silly Thomas, he should have listened," and very painlessly internalize a lesson every parent wants their children to take to heart. Listen to good advice! It will save you a lot of pain and trouble.Good manners and a good attitude are also modeled by these cheerful little engines and the people who work with them.Thomas and friends tell one another good morning, thank one another for help, and are respectful of their drivers and Sir Topham Hatt.The lessons in politeness are all the stronger because it's just a "given" on the island of Sodor.If you are an upstanding engine, you speak politely to others.And punctuality! Each engine strives to be "right on time" and works very hard to avoid being late.This is such an important character trait for children to develop.Whether it's getting ready for school or piano practice, punctuality is important and is reinforced by the knowledge that every little engine strives to be "right on time.".The response of the engines to newcomers helps children understand the importance of kindness in welcoming others and being glad for the "new kid" and his contributions.Having watched Thomas and friends work through initial uncertainties and misunderstandings and become good friends with new engines, children see how they should respond in friendship to newcomers in their peer group.Friendliness is a character trait you will see children practicing in their role play with Thomas play toys.Another lesson, too, is dealing with difficult personalities.Even the best of engines have fits of petulancy, and some trucks and diesels in particular seem always to have a chip on their shoulder.For Thomas the Tank Engine and for his friends, this poses the lesson of how to deal with difficult people.Percy for instance, finds a creative way to teach mischievous trucks a lesson, modeling resourcefulness and a willingness to stand up for him.Children need to learn this too, that there are some difficult people in the world and it sometimes takes creativity and determination to work with them, and to thwart the trouble they may cause.Thomas the Tank engine stories and play toys stand out as very popular children's series that actually teaches many positive character traits in a completely wholesome environment.Parents appreciate that Thomas and friends are both hardworking AND polite.They are resourceful and even heroic, and at the same time they're respectful.They stand up for themselves when faced with difficult peers, but they learn to listen to sensible advice from those in authority.Sometimes this can be a rare combination of character traits in a children's series these days! If you're looking to build character, with toys and stories that small children love, check out Thomas and friends! You're sure to be impressed.
Last night, I went to watch "Avatar's" Sam Worthington's new movie "Clash of the Titans." Overall the movie experience was out of this world! This was a remake of the original 1981 film in which Ray Harryhausen played the demi-god Perseus.I wasn't a HUGE fan of the original, but the new one was definitely a delight to watch! Especially since it is in 3D!!!.-).The story line is quite entertaining, hinging on a threat made by Hades (played by Ralph Fiennes)to send the Kraken to destroy the island of Argos if the beautiful princess is not sacrificed.Perseus, a demi-god (half god, half human) son of Zeus swears to kill the Kraken.This oath takes him into the wilderness to find 3 witches that will let him know how to kill the nearly invincible monster.On the road to see the witches, he and his group of men run into enormous scorpions, a race of.Things that are humanoid, but not quite human, and also a henchman of Hades, who happened to be his mother's husband.Not his father.Confused yet?.-).After their run in with the witches, they find that the key to kill the Kraken in to decapitate Medusa and turn the Kraken into stone with her fateful gaze.Needless to say, Perseus is the lone survivor of the encounter with Medusa and he takes the head of Medusa back to Argos, just in time to stop the Kraken from killing the Princess, and destroying Argos.The movie is very good.I give it, out of ten stars, I give it a 7.But overall.A good movie.It's not on DVD yet but if you like science fiction thrillers, you may also like Sam Worthington's other big film "Avatar.".
List Price : $49.99Price : $62.00 as of 2012-09-24 10:35 AM
Product Description
Thomas & Friends Table & Chair Set: Table: 23.75 in. L x 22.5 in. W x 18.5 in. H; Chair: 10.25 in. L x 11.25 in. W x 17.5 in. H
Complete your Thomas & Friends theme room with this fun table and chairs set.
Features: Raised lip around tables edge helps keep small items from rolling off. Seating for two encourages social play. Easy to clean, stain resistant plastic. Ages 2 - 6 years.
Thomas & Friends themed table and chairs
Raised lip around table's edge to keep small items from rolling off
Being the largest city in the north-east of England, Newcastle is easy to travel to and from.Within Newcastle, there is a Metro railway service alongside the usual public bus services and road links.Getting to and from Newcastle..Newcastle airport, Newcastle is served by its own airport located about 7 miles north-east of the city centre - by road the airport is just off the A696 near Ponteland.The airport can also be travelled to and from using public service buses and the Metro rail service which also links it to the national rail network.Local taxi companies also offer services to and from the airport.Flights to and from major UK and Europe cities and holiday destinations are available.Inter-continental flights also connect with Toronto (Canada), Sanford (Florida, USA), Puerto Plata (Puerto Rica, USA), Sharm El Sheik (Egypt, Africa), Monastir (Tunisia, Africa) and Agadir (Morocco, Africa).Major roads routes for Newcastle are maintained by the Highways Agency.The main road route into Newcastle from the south or north is the A1, a major trunk road that runs from London in the south to Edinburgh (Scotland) in the north.From the west, the A69 from Carlisle is the main road into Newcastle.As the conurbation of Newcastle reaches the east coast, there is no single major road route from the east.With the city being on the direct railway route between London and Edinburgh Newcastle Central is the city's mainline railway station and is located in the heart of Newcastle.The main London to Newcastle train operator is GNER and has a minimum journey time between Newcastle and London (Kings Cross) of 2 hours and 50 minutes.Another major railway operator into and out of Newcastle is Virgin Trains, who operate services connecting North East and South West cities and towns.Newcastle is famed for its port which rose to prominence during the industrial revolution.Today it is an important port for ferries operating to and from Scandinavia.DFDS Seaways operate ferries between Newcastle and; Stavangar, Kristiansand and Bergen (all in Norway) and Gothenburg in Sweden.There is also a ferry to Ijmuiden, near Amsterdam in Holland.The city's main bus/coach depot, Gallowgate coach station, is located off St James Boulevard.It is convenient for the city centre and close to the St James Metro station.It also has a bus service linking it to other local buses at the Haymarket bus station.Gallowgate is the main stop for National Express coach services into and out of Newcastle.Travel in and around Newcastle..Newcastle has an excellent local railway network providing visitors, shoppers and commuters with efficient travel between 59 stations in and around the city.The Metro is also integrated into the other transport systems for Newcastle ie the airport, ferry port, main railway station, bus and coach stations.The Metro network extends as far as Whitely Bay, Tynemouth, Gateshead, South Shields, Jarrow and Sunderland.Telephone enquiries about the Metro should be made to 0191 203 3333.Newcastle has an extensive local bus service network.Key features of this are the CityLink Busway (bus only routes) linking the city centre and Metro trains with the Metro shopping centre.Superoute is a rapid and high-quality service that operates along the main arterial routes in and out of the city.There is a special QuayLink bus service, which operates between the city centre and the expanding Quayside developments in Newcastle and Gateshead.It is especially useful for those wishing to visit the Baltic Centre, Millennium Bridge or the 'Sage' in Gateshead.LinkUp is the city's 'demand/response' service for those who have difficulty accessing normal public transport systems.Finally, Route19 links the Metro system, at Percy main station, with the ferry service between North and South Shields.Being situated on a major river, the Tyne, Newcastle has always had a ferry service linking the North and South banks of the river.The Shields Ferry takes about 7 minutes to travel between North and South Shields.Two boats are used on the Shields Ferry, the Shieldsman and the Pride of the Tyne.In 2007, the Shieldsman is to be replaced with a new/modern ferry.Like any major British city in the early twenty first century, Newcastle's roads, with their network of bridges and one-way systems, can become congested.However, once in the city, there are plenty of car parks to use.Some roads have dedicated cycle lanes and there are cycle tracks separate to the road network.Bulletins regarding congestion etc on Newcastle's roads are regularly broadcast by local radio stations.There are many taxi ranks in the city centre for Hackney Carriage taxis.Numerous MiniCab/Private hire taxis are also available.Telephone enquiries regarding city centre taxi ranks can be made at 0191 277 8965.For general enquiries about Metro, Bus and Ferry services you can telephone 0191 203 3333.
