Let’s start with this: I’m a minivan guy. Not only that, I’m an old minivan guy.

Wait.

What I mean to say is that I’m a guy with an old minivan. Okay, I’m old, too. But the point here is that I have always loved and appreciated minivans — the practicality of a vehicle that’s low to the ground with sliding doors. To this day, I fail to see how a slightly more boxy vehicle riding slightly higher off the ground makes me slightly more of a man.

So, a real man is one that falls for image marketing that leads him away from his own self-interest? A real man is easily duped?

But I’ll leave the “aesthetics vs being actually good” debate for another time.

What I want to focus on here is age. I appreciate age more and more for obvious reasons, and it’s one of the things I love about my minivan. We’ve had it for a decade now, and as a result of my (much complained about) fussiness, and our walk-to-school-and-work lifestyle, the thing is in great shape with incredibly low miles.

With any luck, the kid we brought home from the hospital in that minivan will learn to drive in it.

There’s only one thing that’s been nagging me about my ride. The foggy, yellowed headlights. I’ve never been self-conscious about pulling into the carpool drop-off at the tony elementary school, or parking next to the luxury SUVs at the soccer fields. My van has a kind of timeless quality about it.

Except for the headlights. The dingy headlights said clearly “aging vehicle, teachers aboard.” It bugged me so much that I even priced replacing them. That boggled my mind — a non-starter if there ever was one. Then I remembered that I had been sent the Quixx Headlight Restorer system to try out about a year ago (okay, that’s embarrassing to admit, but that happens sometimes here at the labs).

I dug out the box and went to work.

The directions were simple. I cleaned the lights, I applied the polish, then used the rubberized “sanding” block with a lot of elbow grease. A lot of elbow grease. The cleaned it again, applied the sealant, and the lights were transformed. Crystal clear. No hazing or yellowing left in evidence.

The pictures speak for themselves:

So if you’ve got an older car with glazed looking headlights, Quixx has a solution that works.

Disclosure: I was sent a free sample of the product to test about a year ago that languished on a shelf until my headlights were sufficiently cloudy to offer a fair test. Hem.

After

Before

So, when asked if I wanted to review some new Iron Man 3 toys from Hasbro, do you really think I hesitated, even for a second? I did not. For TheBoy’s sake, of course.

First up, the iconic mask. The ARC FX Mission Mask is made for kids, but it fits my skull perfectly. (Of course I checked. As if you wouldn’t.) TheBoy being built like he is, did not at all look like a bobble head, which is often the case with masks like this. There are 4 missiles that shoot out, 2  at a time, from each temple, but we didn’t mess with those too much, knowing they are destined to end up in an a/c grate or under the fridge. They will shoot across the room, and yea, they do pose a bit of an eye threat if you have a lil’ bugger that won’t listen when you say, “Don’t shoot these at anyone.” TheBoy was more enamored with the eyes and targeting lights that come on at the touch of the missile launch buttons. I know we’ll be setting up some paper cups for target practice in the not so distant future. The red targeting light shows cross hairs on the wall (if it’s dark enough). I thought that was a nice detail. And even if it didn’t light up, or talk, or make missile shooting sounds, it simply LOOKS cool. Stark would be proud.

The perfect companion to the mask, is the Motorized ARC FX Gauntlet. This forearm gauntlet shoots lil’ foam discs with the squeeze of a fist trigger. We(okay, I) played with this one a lot! The discs are very soft. You’re not gonna put an eye out with them, and only the smallest of knick knacks are in any danger of a wayward shot. Also, you can load five at a time, so when shooting at targets (Perhaps an AngryBirdsStarWars AT-AT?), you don’t have to reload after only 2 shots like the mask. The ‘glove’ comes with 10 discs, and yes, these too are destined to disappear under the couch. But I do have a complaint, the same complaint I’ve read from other reviews… The whir of the motor is LOUD. Not ear piercing, I wouldn’t even say intolerable, but you won’t be sneaking up on any bad guys, that’s for sure. It’s not clear to me what the motor is even for, because I know I’ve seen disc shooters without one. Again, the sound is not a deal breaker for playing with this thing. Fun, fun, fun.

Last, we have what served as our(my) victim of the above mentioned target practice more than the Angry Birds. The ARC Strike Iron Man action figure. This was actually a disappointment and I use the term action figure loosely here. It’s 10″, or Barbie doll size, though it’s not a doll (HUSH! It’s ALL plastic and it’s IRON MAN dammit!), but action figure IS generally reserved for 4″ figures. With a push of a hip button, Iron Man lights up, in all the appropriate places. This actually looks REALLY rad. He also speaks several battle appropriate statements, Jarvis even chimes in. (But without the correct voices from the movie actors, they both sound weird.) When you tilt him horizontal, for flight, his head tilts just right and “take off” sounds are automatic. And when brought back to a standing position, there’s that familiar metal *clank* of an Iron Man arrival. His wrists do twist, so you can see the Arc palm pulsars (sorry, I don’t know the proper term, I only speak a lil’ bit of geek), and you can raise his arms up and down at the shoulders. Unfortunately, that is all the articulation this guy can muster. And there in lies the big disappointment. No elbow movement, no waist twist, no knee or foot bending. Hell, he can’t even turn his head. The only ‘personality’ I could get out of him is the “‘Sup” head nod. This makes the “action” part of action figure a bit of a stretch. But hey, kids ARE supposed to use their imaginations during play, right? Right.

I’d rather see a lot more moveable joints and zero talking. But the lights are great. And even with all of the let down of such little articulation and wrong voices, I still dig it. (And TheBoy doesn’t seem to mind at all.) I just can’t help it. It just LOOKS so freakin’ cool! Especially lit up. IF this ARC Strike Iron Man lives through TheBoy, I absolutely see it having a new life as a lamp fixture on my desk, in my yet to be constructed Cretin Cave. And a kickass lamp(and cave) it shall be.

Micro Bonus: Hasbro also threw in a couple of the Micro Muggs. Itty bitty Iron Man figures. TheBoy loves these as well. And see, told ya the lights were cool!

Disclosure: DadLabs was not compensated for this post, but I did receive the toys to review free of charge. These are MY opinions. Your mileage may vary. Thank you Hasbro!

Note: I was recently invited by The Motherhood Team to be part of a group of bloggers invited to learn more about the Microsoft Store. We received a briefing from company execs, were encouraged to visit a store and to write up a post on our impressions. Mine follow.

I didn’t feel like I was imposing on anyone.
I didn’t feel like my playlists were lame.
I didn’t feel like there was a clock ticking in the background.
I didn’t feel like my tattoos weren’t ironic enough.
I didn’t feel like it was a problem that my jeans are “relaxed fit.”
I didn’t feel like an idiot with an insatiable desire for expensive products so unquenchable that I would take any attitude that service personnel dished out, endure lines or waits or whatever herd management was on offer, or need to wander around desperately trying to make eye contact with someone wearing the latest in square rimmed spectacles in order to get my questions answered.

I did feel welcomed. I did feel like Scott and Meg and the rest of the Microsoft Store team I spoke with had a clear mastery of the technology they introduced me to. I felt like their enthusiasm for the products and the brand was genuine.

This was never more evident than during my walk-through with the Surface tablet. The Surface is clearly not a “Me, Too” device. This is a complete rethink of tablet software and user experience. I was impressed by the power, flexibility and professional applications the device offered. It’s a legit possibility for laptop replacement.

I had fun with Smartglass, pairing the Surface with an Xbox 360. That might help me with my hopeless gaming skills in father/son Madden scrimmages. And I thought the on-site skinning available for Xboxes could also win me some much needed cred with the teen ones in my house.

The store itself lays out like others in the same market — an open space with products organized on flat tables by type. Phones here, tablets there, desktops over there. The color scheme is different, the vibe is different, but I can see how some might cry “copy cat” at first glance.

But first glance fails to capture the theatre area in the back of the store. This is where things get interesting, and quite differentiated from the competition. The 100” touchscreen dominates an open space which also features about half a dozen high tables and chairs. It’s an ideal presentation/teaching space.

And it’s being used for just that. The store offers seminars and classes, even free summer camps for kids. Free. Summer. Camps. Day long, activity filled, tech oriented experiences for children in the dog days. Can you beat that?

Not only that, the space can be reserved for community events, even birthday parties.

The events, classes and community events availability makes the location more than a store. It’s a crossroads where a brand and a community of users, young and old, can come together.

Have you visited a Microsoft Store? Leave a comment with your reactions, or other thoughts about tech stores in general, and you will be registered to win a $100 Microsoft gift card!

You can also join me for a #GoMicrosoft Twitter party tomorrow!

What: Microsoft stores across the country have more to offer than just tech products. Many Microsoft locations offer an Answer Desk, in-store events, personal computer training and much more!

During this Twitter chat we’ll be exploring all of the ways that the experts at Microsoft can help make your life easier. Your Microsoft store isn’t just a place to shop, but a fun place to visit – for both you and your kids!

When: Thursday, May 14, at 1 p.m. ET (the party will last one hour)

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #GoMicrosoft hashtag to track the conversation.

Hashtag: #GoMicrosoft

Prizes: We will be giving away six prizes to randomly selected winners. Five winners who answer trivia questions during the party will receive $25 Microsoft retail store gift cards, and one grand prize winner will be chosen for a $500 Microsoft retail store gift card!

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in this program. I did not, however, get any of the cool gadgets that they have in the Microsoft Store, even thought I whined about it a little bit.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is love their mother.” – Theodore Hesburgh

This gave us* the idea for a collective Mother’s day card from a group of Dad Bloggers* to the moms in our lives.

Mother’s Day has new meaning these days. For me, it’s not about MY Mother any more. She’s got Grandparent’s Day now. But today is for that woman who made me the man I am today. A Father. She is quite simply amazing. I mean, TheBoy LIVED IN HER! All that I am, all that he is, I owe to her. (I’d also like to personally thank these and the many other Dad Bloggers of the world for their continued inspiration to be not only a better blogger, but a better Dad. When you have a spare moment, check out their sites and you’ll see what I mean.)  ~Nik

The Cretin Family

Please feel free to add your sentiments to the Mothers in your life in the comments.

Concretin Nik, DadLabs. www.DadLabs.com

“Mother is the word for God on the lips and hearts of all children.”

From Eric Draven(The Crow), those are the first words I spoke to HisMother after the birth of TheBoy. I make a point to repeat them on his birthday.

The greatest thing that’s ever happened to me is a direct result of the (now) second greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. I love you both. Happy Mother’s Day!

Scott Behson, Fathers, Work and Family. www.fathersworkandfamily.com

You know how revved up Nick gets on nights you come home late and he gets out of bed, hides/jumps out to surprise you, runs around like a loony, and can’t get enough of cuddling and laughing with you? I feel that way too.

Happy Mother’s Day to the best wife and mom I could imagine. You have given me the gifts of true love, the amazing life we’re building together, and of fatherhood. I can never repay what you have given me. But I’ll spend every day trying.

James W., Naturally Daddy. http://naturallydaddy.blogspot.com/

“Who ran to help me when I fell,

And would some pretty story tell,

Or kiss the place to make it well?

My mother.”

~Ann Taylor

Mom, you taught me too much to explain all of the happiness that you brought into my life. To my wife, you are a very special woman and I could never imagine being in your shoes and our daughter could never have a more loving mother.

-James

Jeff T., Ay yo, Be a Father http://ayyobeafather.wordpress.com

Happy Mother’s Day to four special women: To my mother, for unconditional love always, no matter what I ever did or said. To my mother in law, Nana, for the love and support. Seeing RJ with his Nana warms my heart. To my grandmother, matriarch of our family four generations strong, and enough love in her heart for many more. And lastly to my wife. RJ and I are so blessed to have you in our life.

Scotty Schrier, Dads Who Change Diapers. http://dadswhochangediapers.com/blog

There are only 26 paltry letters to describe the most important women in my life:

The one who gave birth to me and left this plane before meeting my sons.

The one who married me and gave birth to the two most amazing little miracles I have ever seen.

And the one who took my mother’s place and made me one of her own.

There are no words that can describe the debt I owe these women. I only hope that my actions can show them how much I truly care. For without them, I would be but a pale image of the man I am today. I love each and every one of you with all of the ferocity of a thousand suns. Thank you for putting up with me and loving me back. Especially when I didn’t deserve it.

Eric, Dad on The Run. dad-on-the-run.blogspot.com

My Mother looked life’s greatest obstacles in the eye and kept on trucking while I grew up with little understanding of that. Over the years Mom’s physical abilities have deteriorated due to her ongoing battle with MS. However, her mental steadfastness and unconditional love have remained unchanged. Her love is an anchor during any storm and it taught me what love could be and what I could find in a wife, which brings me to another great mother in my life. The love and encouragement my wife can deliver to another human amazes me and when she focuses those gifts on our children they light up in very special ways. Of course, I also have to thank my wife’s mother for raising not one, but two, fantastic Mom’s and I look on with pride and great expectations to my own sister who is a new Mom this year!  Thank you to these mothers, and all great mothers, for what you do for your children and the world every day.

-Eric

Victor Aragon Jr., FanDads. Fandads.com

This Mother’s Day is going to be a special one, because it will be our first one with our new addition.  Last year, my wife worked and our plans with family members fell apart, so it wasn’t a good one for my wife.  This year, I am hoping to erase that memory and hopefully have a great one.  My wife and I have known each other for over sixteen years.  In those years it seems like even with our ups and downs, we are constantly getting to know each other and our love keeps getting stronger.  I am thankful for having her in my life and for all the hard work that she does for me and the little ones.  Thank you for all you do babe, I love you.

There is another great woman in my life that if wasn’t for her I wouldn’t exist; my mother.  My mom is a strong woman and I am very thankful for all that she does for my family.  Even though I am not her little boy anymore, my mother still insists on giving me money for gas or to get something for my little girl.  My mom and dad have always gone above and beyond for my sisters and me and I feel that I am trying the best that I can to repay them for everything they did.  I would like to thank my mother for all her sacrifices and to tell her how much I love her.  Thanks Mom.

As always, thanks for reading.

Victor

DorkDad, DorkDaddy.com. www.DorkDaddy.com

Because of the way you move through the room. Because of the way your smile sounds on your voice. Because every single curve on your body is in exactly the right place. Because of the way your hair smells and the way it tickles my face.  Because of the twinkle in your eyes when you’re making mischief, and the look on your face when you’re asleep. Because of the feel of your heart and the warmth of your skin when you’re holding me. Because of the magic you made with our children, and the magic you make with our family. Because everything I love about my life I can trace directly back to you.

Thank you.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Dave Lesser, Amateur Idiot / Professional Dad. www.amateuridiotprofessionaldad.com

A Mother’s Day Haiku:

Mother’s Day is here

I forgot a card again

Glad I’ve got a blog!

Mom, I love you. I don’t say it often enough, but you’re awesome. You did an outstanding job raising me (and those two other dudes who kind of look like me).

Allie, what can I say? You’re an unbelievable mother and an amazing wife. This whole family would be lost without you. Literally. I just cannot follow the turn-by-turn directions on my phone without you in the passenger’s seat. Again, this is not a metaphor. Well, maybe it is a little. I’m an idiot. But I’m your idiot and you’re stuck with me. You and the kids are my world. Thank you for everything, everything you do. I love you a super friggin’ jillion much!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Neal Call, Raised by my daughter. http://raisedbymydaughter.blogspot.com/

I just want to say a humble thank you to my mother, my wife, and to all women who bear or nurture these little seeds that bring purity and wonder into the world. The “bearing” part is pretty awesome and mind-boggling, but at least as important is the part involving raising these creatures; of sacrificing what you want for what they need; of protecting them so desperately and then encouraging them to spread their wings. These are things that anybody can do, male or female, but I’ve learned the most about them from the women in my life. So, thanks.

Jeff Bogle, OutWithTheKids.  OutWithTheKids.com

My ability to find the perfect set of curtains for the dining room and my knowledge of how to wash them and hang them damp to dry without creases. My need to vacuum my way out of a room. And my dry humor that has served me, mostly well.  Most of what people like about me, I am because of you. And to this day I enjoy talking with you on the phone almost daily, even when it is you calling me because you, once again, cannot figure out how to properly interact with technological devices. I love you, Mom, more than I’ll ever be able to write down, because even though I string sentences together every day, for some kind of living, I have yet to be able to find the correct combination of letters and words to form the single sentence that does you justice. Thank you for everything, Mom.

James Rohl, Stay at Home Dad PDX. http://sahdpdx.com

Thank you mom for showing me how to be radically hospitable, fiercely loyal, and emotionally available. I am thankful to call you my mom, and proud to call you my friend. Happy Mother’s Day.