Attend a Virtual Book Club Event for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 27, 2020

Fans of The Hunger Games rejoice. Suzanne Collins’ highly anticipated prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, has been chosen as a special selection for the Barnes & Noble YA Book Club. Barnes & Noble is selling an exclusive Book Club edition that includes a reader’s group guide and Q&A with Suzanne Collins and Scholastic Publisher and Editorial Director, David Levithan as well as hosting a free virtual discussion to discuss the book on Fri., May, 29 at 7 p.m. ET.

This exclusive edition will be published on May 19 and can be preordered on the website.

“You would have to live under a stone to have missed the triumphant storytelling of the original Hunger Games trilogy,” said Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt. “Suzanne Collins has given us now the prequel, a publishing event of a magnitude and excitement that really only a new Harry Potter could rival. Most of our bookstores offer curb-side pickup and we are certain to have long, appropriately distanced queues on publication day, and record online orders. This publication could not come at a better time for booksellers.”

While Barnes & Noble can’t hold its usual Book Club meetups for readers in stores, the bookseller has been hosting virtual Book Club events with authors as a way for readers to connect, discuss, and comment online.

“Hunger Games fans are going to fly though this book, so we scheduled our virtual event with Scholastic Publisher and Editorial Director David Levithan just ten days after the release,” said Shannon DeVito, Barnes & Noble Buyer, Children and Young Adult. “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is going to be just as page-turning and addictive as its precursors. But readers should put aside any preconceived notions about what will happen because odds are in favor of Suzanne Collins surprising you.”

“When Scholastic announced the The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Suzanne Collins stated that she wanted ‘to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival,’” said David Levithan Vice President, Publisher, and Editorial Director for Scholastic. “I am thrilled to be able to host the Barnes & Noble Virtual book club with readers to discuss these concepts and more.”

The virtual event on May 29 will be hosted live on B&N’s Instagram at 7 p.m. ET. Before the virtual event, customers can also join in discussion at their convenience on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, using hashtag #BNYABookClub.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Barnes & Noble

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Katie Lee Announces She’s Expecting Her First Child

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 27, 2020

Congratulations, Katie Lee! On Wednesday, the Food Network Star announced on Instagram that she is expecting her first baby with husband, Ryan Biegel after a history with infertility. Lee, posted a photo of herself at a kitchen counter, holding up a heaping forkful of spaghetti with her shirt pulled up to reveal her baby bump.

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Eating for two 🍝 Baby Biegel is on the way!

A post shared by Katie Lee (@katieleekitchen) on Feb 26, 2020 at 6:10am PST

“Eating for two 🍝 Baby Biegel is on the way!” she captioned the post.

In an Instagram post last April, the co-host of The Kitchen chronicled her struggles with infertility. She wrote, “I get multiple messages a day asking me if I’m pregnant or why I am not pregnant yet. I get comments saying I look like I’ve gained weight, so I must be pregnant. After one said that I looked ‘thick in the waist’ I finally responded that it’s not ok to comment on a woman’s body and you never know what someone is going through.”

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I get multiple messages a day asking me if I’m pregnant or why I am not pregnant yet. I get comments saying I look like I’ve gained weight, so I must be pregnant. After one said that I looked “thick in the waist” I finally responded that it’s not ok to comment on a woman’s body and you never know what someone is going through. There is so much pressure on women to look a certain way and while most mean well with baby questions, it can be hurtful. Many of you sent me messages sharing your personal stories of fertility issues. You helped me, so now I want to share my story with you. When Ryan and I got married, our plan was to start a family right away. I couldn’t wait to get pregnant! I naively thought it would be easy. I’m a healthy woman, I eat a balanced diet, exercise, I don’t smoke. Ryan is the same. But reproductive health is an entirely different ballgame. We were trying, I had to have surgery to correct a problem, got an infection, then I was so run down I got shingles. My doctor advised us to try iVF. We just finished the intense process only to get zero healthy embryos. Not only is iVF physically exhausting, the emotional toll is unparalleled. We were filled with hope and excitement only to be crushed. It is really hard to put on a happy face. Fertility issues are supposed to be private so many of us are silently in pain. I hesitated to share this but I feel comfort when I hear others’ stories and I hope any of you in a similar situation know you are not alone. When people ask me when I’m getting pregnant, it hurts. It’s just a reminder that I’m not. When they say I look like I’ve gained weight, I have. I can’t exercise as much and the hormones have made me bloated. At church on Easter, the priest started his sermon with a story about a family struggling to have a baby and the happiness they are now experiencing that their prayers have been answered. He said it is a time of new beginnings. Tears streamed down my face. I know a family will happen for us, it is just going to be a different journey than we imagined. We will keep working towards it. Someday we will have our happy new beginning and I pray any of you experiencing the same will have yours too.

A post shared by Katie Lee (@katieleekitchen) on Apr 24, 2019 at 12:31pm PDT

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Katie Lee via Instagram

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Jennifer Garner Playing with Her “Friends” LEGO Set Is the Best Thing Ever

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 17, 2019

Friends star Jennifer Aniston just joined Instagram and her pal, and clearly biggest fan, Jennifer Garner welcomed her with an awesome LEGO Friends re-creation.

The actress had previously shared the addition of her new Friends LEGO set in an Instagram post and in a new video she used that set, which features all of the characters in Central Perk, to recreate one of the show’s famous episodes.

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A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner)

In the video posted to Instagram Garner voices every cast member in a hilarious recreation of the Friends episode titled “The One With the Embryos” which is more famously known as the episode featuring the big quiz game. It’s packed with some of the best moments and lines of the show and Garner nails them all in her fitting tribute complete with a laugh track.

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A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner)

The post received plenty of well-deserved praise including a comment from the Instagram newbie herself, Aniston who wrote “Genius,” followed by a handful of applause emojis. If only you could get a Emmy nod for an Insta video.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Karin Liu via Flickr

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Recall Alert: General Motors Is Recalling More Than 3.4 Million Trucks and SUVs

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 13, 2019

General Motors is recalling more than 3.4 million pickup trucks and SUVs in the United States due to problems with the brakes that could cause increased risk of collision. Representatives for General Motors did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

Keep reading to find out if your vehicle is part of the massive recall.

photo: General Motors

Recalled Product Description: General Motors Trucks and SUVs

There are several makes and models of General Motors vehicles involved in the recall including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from the 2014 through 2018 model years. The recall also covers the Cadillac Escalade from 2015 to 2017, and the GMC Yukon and Chevy Suburban and Tahoe from 2015 through 2018.

Why the Vehicles Were Recalled

According to General Motors, as the vehicles age the pump in the power-assist brakes can put out less vacuum power than needed, increasing stopping distance and the risk of a crash. According to GM the problems occur rarely and mostly at low speeds. So far only nine crashes have been reported, two of which caused injuries. The recalled vehicles will need to have their electronic brake control modules recalibrated to repair the issue.

How to Tell If Your Vehicle Was Recalled

Vehicle owners are being notified directly by General Motors, but you can also check to see if yours is part of the recall by entering your VIN number on the GM website here.

What Consumers Can Do

Check your VIN number on the GM site and contact your local dealer for more information on completing the required repair. The repairs will be completed with cost to customers.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Recall Alert: Toyota Corolla and Toyota Matrix Airbags

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 29, 2019

Toyota is recalling 191,000 airbags in Corolla and Matrix models which were installed to replace defective Takata airbags, but may have been damage themselves. Representatives for Toyota did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

Keep reading to find out if your vehicle is part of the massive recall.

photo: DanielCTW via Flickr

Recalled Product Description: Toyota Corolla and Toyota Matrix Airbags

Front passenger airbags installed in certain 2003 through 2008 model-year Corolla cars and 2005 through 2008 model-year Matrix cars as replacements for the recalled Takata airbags.

Why the Airbags Were Recalled

Toyota says that the airbags which were installed to replace the faulty Takata airbags may not unfold as designed under high temperatures, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

How to Tell If Your Airbag Was Recalled

If you have a Toyota Corolla or a Toyota Matrix that was part of the Takata airbag recall and you had the airbag replaced, you might have a damaged airbag that is part of the recall.

What Consumers Can Do

To determine if your airbag is part of the new recall, enter your vehicle information at this link provided by Toyota.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Recall Alert: Crate and Barrel Push Walker

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Recall Alert: Crate and Barrel Push Walker

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 21, 2019

Crate and Barrel has issued a voluntary recall for activity push walkers due to potential choking and laceration hazards to children caused by damage over time. Representatives for Crate and Barrel did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you have this product at home, read on for more important information on the recall.

photo: CPSC

Recalled Product Description: Crate and Barrel Activity Push Walker

The item under recall is a Crate and Barrel Activity Push Walker, also known as a Baby Push Walker, which is used to help babies learn to walk. The items were sold exclusively online at http://www.crateandbarrel.com from Jan. 2019 through Apr. 2019 for about $100. The wooden recalled walkers are approximately 17 inches high on four wheels and feature child development activities on the front.

Why the Push Walkers Were Recalled

The push walkers were recalled due to the potential to cause choking or lacerations in children. Over time the walkers can become damaged exposing sharp corners and losing small parts. While no injuries have been reported, Crate and Barrel has received three reports of small parts becoming exposed.

How to Tell If Your Walker Was Recalled

All of the walkers under recall were sold exclusively online and feature the SKU Number 124-248, which can be found on a white 1-square-inch sticker on the bottom.

What Parents Can Do

Stop using the product immediately and contact Crate and Barrel for a refund at 800-451-8217 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday or online at www.crateandbarrel.com and click on “Product Recall” for more information.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Here’s Why New Mom Danielle Fishel Won’t Show Son Adler’s Face On IG

by Erica LoopAugust 19, 2019

Actress and new mom Danielle Fishel doesn’t want to “sharent.” The Boy Meets World star recently announced the decision to shield her two-month-old son Adler’s face in social media posts, and here’s why.

In a recent Instagram post, Fishel explained her and hubby Jensen Karp’s decision, “We are two people who made a conscious choice to be in the public eye and share what would normally be private moments with the public. Adler isn’t capable of making that choice for himself and until he is, we’ve decided to shield him from places where strangers can comment on him.”

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A post shared by Danielle Fishel Karp (@daniellefishel)

Fishel isn’t exactly the first person in the spotlight to keep their kiddo’s identity private. The actress pointed out two notable celeb parents, writing, “But then I see Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd and I respect and understand their decision too!”

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A post shared by Danielle Fishel Karp (@daniellefishel)

So, for now, don’t expect to see baby Adler’s cute little noggin online. In the future, when he’s old enough to decide for himself, maybe you will. Fishel explains, “I’d like for him to be able to curate his own footprint on the internet in the future without being mortified we posted about his fear of swimming or his first crush.” And we totally get it.

—Erica Loop

Photo: Danielle Fishel via Instagram

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Recall Alert: Boppy Recalls 14,000 Infant Head & Neck Support Accessories

by Erica LoopJuly 24, 2019

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recently announced a recall for 14,000 Boppy Infant Head and Neck Support Accessories due to a suffocation hazard. Representatives from Boppy did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you have this infant support accessory, read on for more information on the recall.

photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission

Product Description: Boppy Infant Head and Neck Support Accessory

The current recall includes Boppy Infant Head and Neck Support Accessories in the Ebony Floral and Heathered Gray styles. These accessories are used in infant swings, strollers and bouncers. The model numbers include 4150114 and 4150117.

Why the Boppy Accessories Were Recalled

While there are no reported injuries as of now, Boppy did receive three reports of the product pushing infants’ heads towards their chests while in use. This poses a possible suffocation hazard.

How To Tell If Your Accessory Was Recalled

Parents should look for the model numbers 4150114 and 4150117, which are printed on the back of the head support’s fabric label. The recalled products were sold for $20 at Target, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon and other retailers from March through May 2019.

What Parents Can Do

If you have this product, stop using it immediately. Contact Boppy at 1-888-772-6779 or email the company at info@boppy.com for a refund.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Boppy

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Recall Alert: “Toy Story 4” Forky Toys Pose Choking Hazard

Recall Alert: “Toy Story 4” Forky Toys Pose Choking Hazard

by Erica LoopJuly 9, 2019

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released a recall alert for 80,000 Disney Forky 11″ Plush Toys due to a potential choking hazard. ShopDisney did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If your child has this toy, read on for more information on this recall.

Product Description: Forky Plush Toys

The recent recall includes Disney’s Forky 11″ Plush Toys from Toy Story 4 with poseable arms, rainbow screen art on one foot and plastic rolling googly eyes. The toys were sold between April 2019 and June 2019 for around $20 at Disney Stores, on Amazon Marketplace, online at shopDisney.com and in Disney Theme Parks.

Why the Toys Were Recalled

While there are no reported injuries or incidents, the googly eyes can detach. This poses a potential choking hazard.

How to Tell If Your Plush Toy Was Recalled

The current recall includes toys with the tracking numbers FAC-024868-18338, FAC-024868-18338, FAC-024868-19060 and FAC-024868-19091 and the UPC codes 412301033890, 412301033975 and 400021132238.

What Parents Can Do

Don’t let your child play with this toy. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions can contact Disney at 866-537-7649 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Recall Alert: Older MacBook Pro’s Battery May Overheat

Recall Alert: Older MacBook Pro’s Battery May Overheat

by Erica LoopJune 28, 2019

Apple recently announced a voluntary recall of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pros. The battery can overheat, posing a possible safety and fire risk. Representatives from Apple did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you have a MacBook Pro, read on for important recall information.

photo: Courtesy of Apple

Recalled Product Description: Apple MacBook Pro

The current recall includes 15-inch MacBook Pro units. The majority of the MacBooks recalled were sold between September 2015 and February 2017.

Why the MacBooks Were Recalled

According to Apple, the battery in the recalled MacBooks can overheat, leading to a serious safety risk.

How to Tell If Your MacBook Was Recalled

This recall only applies to older model 15-inch MacBook Pros. Along with the date of purchase (between September 2015 and February 2017) you can also confirm that your MacBook is part of the recall by choosing “About This Mac” from the Apple menu (upper left corner of the screen). MacBook Pro Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015 owners can enter the serial number on the program page as well.

What MacBook Owners Can Do

If you have the affected unit stop using it immediately. Apple will replace the battery, free of charge. To get your replacement visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple retail store or contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service. All options require service via an Apple Repair Center. According to Apple’s website, this may take one to two weeks.

—Erica Loop

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