ML Interest Tag: lab

Amazon’s List of Top 100 Toys & Games Has Arrived

by Karly Wood

Shoppers, at your mark! Amazon’s top 100 toys and games list is finally here and boasts the most popular picks for kids this year. Get ready for plenty of Amazon-exclusive items, in addition to classic games and toys that are bound to bring joy this holiday season. Here are some of our top picks.

Fisher Price Snacks for Two-Amazon Exclusive

Amazon

Mini foodies will love to sink their teeth into Fisher Price's Snacks for Two playset ($19). The pretend charcuterie snack set comes with faux salami, cheese, pull-apart grapes, crackers, two fabric napkins and "marble" plates, wood-accented cutting board and a kid-friendly knife.

Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab

Amazon

We may never understand the lure of slime for kids, but the people at National Geographic do! This Christmas, you can give the gift of a Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab ($30) that comes with eight varieties of slime and putty including premade magnetic, glow-in-the-dark, color-changing and bouncing putty, plus fluffy, liquid and snotty slime. Your little scientist will also receive one DIY glow-in-the-dark slime lab and a 16-page learning guide.

Blinger Deluxe Set-Amazon Exclusive

Amazon

You'll only find this Blinger Deluxe Set Radiance Collection ($25) on Amazon this year! Just load, click, and BLING your way to glitz and glamour. Each set come with 150 gems that are easy to apply to hair, clothing and just about anything.

Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet

Amazon

When you snag the all-new Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet ($99), you not only get access to over 20,000 apps, games, books and more but also 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, a 2-year worry-free guarantee and a kid-proof case. That means up to $89 in savings on an amazing tablet that lets kids have fun while keeping the parents in the driver seat with screen time limits and more. To save even more, don't forget to use code REDTRI for 20 percent off!

Furreal Plum Interactive Plush Toy-Amazon Exclusive

Amazon

Little animal lovers need this sweet Amazon exclusive Furreal Plum Curious Panda ($99). The bear-y cute plush responds with 100+ sound-and-motion combinations and comes with a 3-in-1 accessory.

Avengers Endgame Power Gauntlet Articulated Electronic Fist

Amazon

Save the universe with the Avengers Endgame Power Gauntlet ($88)! The articulated hand has a pulsating Infinity stone glow light effect that comes to life when activated and is just what your role player needs to complete in the Marvel world.

Playskool Poppin’ Pals Pop-up Activity Toy-Amazon Exclusive

Amazon

The perfect gift for baby's first Christmas, Playskool's classic Poppin' Pals Activity Toy ($23) is a can't miss classic. Designed for little fingers, the easy buttons and bright colors are sure to keep your little one happy.

LEGO Marvel Spider-Man: Spider-Man Bike Rescue

Amazon

Amazon's top toy list boasts several LEGO building kits, but this Marvel Spider-Man Bike Rescue ($20) set is quite the steal. Coming with 235 pieces and three minifigs, its perfect for young builders and packed full of fun.

Polly Pocket Pollyville Mega Mall Super Pack-Amazon Exclusive

Amazon

Micro Polly and Lila dolls will have plenty of shopping to do at the Pollyville Mega Mall (45)! Explore six floors the food court, boutique shopping, sports center, pet store and a fold-down theater with popcorn machine spins. Don't forget to take the elevator!

Funko Pop! Deluxe: Star Wars-Millennium Falcon with Han Solo-Amazon Exclusive

Amazon

Launching in October, the Funko Pop! Deluxe Star Wars–Millennium Falcon with Han Solo ($65) has already made the hot list for the holidays. The perfect addition to your existing collection, this funky take on the film classic comes with surprising detail and of course, an oversized Solo.

Want to see the rest of the 90 items? Head to Amazon to check out the entire list!

––Karly Wood

Editor note: All prices reflective of current market price at time of publication.

 

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Recall Alert: More Than 24,000 Pounds of Raw Beef Recalled

by Erica Loop

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Safety Inspection Service recently announced a recall of 24,428 pounds of raw beef products. The beef, produced by American Beef Packers, Inc. of Chino, California, was recalled after a carcass was, “Erroneously released and further processed into raw intact and non-intact beef products, which were distributed in commerce,” according to the FSIS.

If you think you may have the recalled beef, read on for important information.

Recalled Product Description: American Beef Packers Raw Beef

The affected beef was produced and packaged on Aug. 21, 2019 and bears the establishment number “EST. 34741” in the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled products were shipped to federal establishments in California and Oregon. Click here for a full list of recalled products.

Why the Beef Was Recalled

The recall was issued after American Beef Packers, Inc. notified the FSIS that a carcass pending lab inspection results was erroneously released. The carcass was then processed into other raw beef products.

According to the FSIS, there are no confirmed reports of illnesses or adverse reactions to the beef.

How To Tell If Your Beef Was Recalled

Look for the establishment number “EST. 34741” inside the USDA mark of inspection. For product names, lot numbers, dates and other label information, visit the USDA’s website here.

What Consumers Can Do

If you have the recalled beef in  your fridge or your freezer do not eat it. Throw the beef away or return it the place of purchase. Consumers with questions can contact Kari Godbey Houchens, Regulatory Manager, American Beef Packers, Inc. at 909-628-4888 ext. 123.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Rawpixel via Pexels

 

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Calling All Groms: Local Skateparks Perfect for Newbies

by Sonia Gandiaga

If your little one dreams of kick flips, mastering the 50-50 grind and dropping in to a massive bowl, then you likely have a skater on your hands. While this distinctly California hobby has been around since our childhood, these days there are more sweet spots than ever to practice sick tricks. We’ve narrowed down our favorites below. So gear up your grom with a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards and say L8TR SK8TR!

photo: Chris Goldberg via flickr

San Francisco

Playland at 43rd Ave. 
This teeny community-built skatepark is the perfect spot for little ones, and also features a community garden and play space. It’s maintained by neighbors who pitch in to perform everything from routine maintenace to paint new murals, making it a real gem.

1360 43rd Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: groundplaysf.org

SoMa West Skate Park
Skateboard legend Tony Hawk helped to build this park (score!), with plenty of opps for (literally) dropping in, or just hanging out to watch.

Beneath the Central Freeway, Valencia and Duboce Streets
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfrecpark.org

Hilltop Park
When you’ve reached the giant 70-foot sundial, you’ll know you’re there. This is the city’s first public skateboard park, with a large skating bowl, hilltop views, and even cement slides (so bring the cardboard).

La Salle & Whitney Young Cir.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: latteda via flickr

Balboa Skatepark
This newer, all wooden skate park in Mission Terrace is calling all kiddos to get off the screens and skate into full-action mode.

San Jose Ave and Ocean Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: balboaskate.org

La Raza Park /Potrero del Sol
As San Francisco’s largest skate park, this is the place to be. It has a Greek-style temple and colorful murals, and the weekend mornings draws lots of parents and younger kids.

Utah Streets
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfparksalliance.org

photo: Thomas Park via flickr

East Bay

City View Skate Park
This park has the coolest setting of the old Alameda Navy Base—plus miles of beautiful water views.  Big bonus (more for you than them): lots of antique flea market shopping nearby.

1177 W Redline Ave.
Alameda, CA
Online: alamedaskate.ca.us

Braille House and Skatepark 
On weekdays, the Braille House functions as a studio for filming YouTube videos but come spring, summer and winter break they open the doors for skate camps. Private lessons are also available on select weekends and occasionally the crew opens the door for open skate.

14684 Washington Ave, San Leandro
Online: brailleskateboarding.com

Fremont Skate Park
A spacious park means there’s everything from stairs to rails to benches. Lots of options here for kids to practice popping those ollies.

40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy.
Fremont, CA
Online: fremontskate.gov

Kennelly Skate Park
From ramps to classes, this park can take the kiddos from newbie to full-fledged skater. Even BMX riders can use the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3–4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1–2:30 p.m.

898 Red Rock Rd.
Piedmont, CA
Online: kennellyskate.ca.us

photo: Kelly O. via yelp

Berkeley Skate Park
Get ready for massive: 18,000-square-feet, complete with beginner-friendly areas plus classes, a skate club—and even scholarships. Park closed during events and rainy days.

Harrison St. (skatepark is located at Harrison Park)
Berkeley, CA
Online: berkeleyskate.ca.us

Joseph Emery Skate Spot
Located behind a CVS between Park and 45th Street, this park is also famously situated just outside Pixar Studios. The park is narrow, but spans the length of two city blocks and features plenty of skateable paths for little ones, mini ramps and a bowl for advanced skaters.

Off of San Pablo Avenue between 45th Street and Park Avenue
Emeryville, CA

Jack Holland Skate Park
This skate park may be small but it’s varying ramps and rails offer tons of potential, espeically for beginners. The park features shaded, stadium seating and a restroom. Bonus: It’s located right next to a playground just incase every little member of your family isn’t into allies (yet).

16301 E 14th St.
San Leandro, CA

San Ramon Central Park
This park is especially perfect for the youngest skaters. On weekends the priority usage is reserved for kids 11 and under. There’s also 40 more acres surrounding the skate park to explore, including a maze of water features, lots of trails, and picnicking galore.

12501 Alcosta Blvd.
San Ramon, CA
Online: sanramonpark.ca.us

photo: Victor Salanoy via flickr

Peninsula/South Bay

Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park
This one wins the award for largest skate park in California with some of the biggest and bestest features in the world (read: world’s biggest cradle, tallest vert wall, and largest full pipe . . . how cool is that?!). Also check out their birthday packages, lessons, rentals, camps and live music in the summer.

2305 S. White Rd.
San Jose, CA
Online: sjactionsports.com

Greer Skate Park
Greer is a 70’s style bowl park with fast flowing lines and a rounded lip that allows for fast and easy rollins/outs. The volcano in the center of the medium bowl has rough grindable lip.

1098 Armarillo Ave.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: cityofpaloalto.org

photo: Mae Respicio

Marin

Mill Valley Skate Park
Recently totally renovated in Spring 2019 and sitting adjacent to the Bay Trail and Mill Valley Middle School, this pristine new skatepark already has a loyal following amongst Mill Valley’s young skaters. The upgraded park features smooth, new concrete and plenty of ramps for beginners to advanced (though local residents urge parents to limit use to actual skateboarders and not little tikes on scooters). Most weekends you’ll find Hot Diggity food cart serving up snacks, drinks and hot dogs.

425 Sycamore Avenue (Mill Valley Middle School)
Mill Valley, CA

McInnis County Skate Park
You haven’t experienced a skate park until you’ve seen this gigantic sea of bowls, ramps, and half-pipes, and all surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills. Scooters are allowed in the park each day until 1 p.m. and there are lots of hiking trails for before and after.

10 Smith Ranch Rd.
San Rafael, CA
Online: mcinnisskate.org

Proof Lab
Easy means one-stop shop! They have gear, indoor ramp time, art, and even a cool cafe. Here’s their list of local instructors (check with Proof Lab for the most updated indoor ramp hours): prooflab.com/surf-skate-lessons

54/244 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley, CA
415-380-8900
Online: prooflab.com

Corte Madera Skatepark
This one’s not the biggest, baddest of the bunch, but because of its sweet size it’s for the mini-shredders in your life. Bonus: ice cream truck on hot days, and a huge playground right next door.

Tamalpais Dr. and Pixley Ave.
Corte Madera, CA
Online: cortemaderaskatepark.com

—Chantal Lamers, Sonia Gandiaga and Mae Respicio

Featured photo: Bob_Dmyt via pixabay

 

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LEGO Just Got More Accessible with a Brand New Way to Build

by Shahrzad Warkentin

LEGO believes brick building should be inclusive for everyone, which is why LEGO Audio and Braille instructions are being introduced.

The idea was inspired by Matthew Shifrin who was born blind and loved to play with LEGO bricks. As a child, he had a friend, Lilya who would painstakingly write down all of the LEGO building steps so that he could upload the written directions into a system that translated them in a Braille reader. For the first time in his life, he was able to build LEGO sets entirely on his own.

“This is extremely important for blind children because there aren’t a lot of places where we can say, ‘Look, Mom and Dad! I built this on my own… I did this,’“ says Shifrin. “For blind children, we don’t have access to what sighted kids are used to. LEGO bricks enable us to learn about our environment, to see the world.”

When Lilya sadly passed away Shifrin decided he wanted to share his experience with others like him. A friend from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced him to the Creative Play Lab at LEGO Group and his wonderful idea was developed into the LEGO Audio and Braille instructions that are being rolled out today.

Available as a free service via the LEGO Audio Instructions website, LEGO builders can now access building directions either by audio instructions on a screen reader or by using a Braille reader. The program is currently in a pilot stage with four LEGO set instructions available including the following sets:

  • 11001 LEGO® Bricks and Ideas LEGO® Classic
  • 41365 LEGO® Friends Emma’s Art Shop
  • 60207 LEGO® City Sky Police Drone Chase
  • 70821 The LEGO® Movie 2™ Emmet and Benny’s ‘Build and Fix’ Workshop!

The pilot phase will last from Aug. 28 to Dec. 31 with plans to roll out additional audio and Braille instructions next year.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO Group

 

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Camp: The Store and Experience You Need to Visit Now!

by Mimi O'Connor

Have you heard about CAMP? Billed as a “retail experience for families” (i.e., a store) this permanent Flatiron spot is not only stocked to the max with some of the best toys ever, it’s a place where kids are encouraged to be kids, cool workshops and events happen, and even tons of free fun! You enter via a secret door, and that’s just how the journey starts! Read on for the full scoop on CAMP! (Note: CAMP’s latest theme—it changes every few months—is “ToyLab CAMP.”)

CAMP's 2019 Holiday Season Makeover

ToyLab CAMP

CAMP—the magical store/experience that's always changing—has morphed into ToyLab CAMP, an immersive shopping experience (with free fun, too) for the holidays. 

ToyLab CAMP is a store/playspace where kids explore the world of toys through play and toy testing. Visitors enter through a “fun-o-vator” from the hustle and bustle of the NYC streets into an immersive world of toys!  ToyLab CAMP features a Surprise Room, Game Room, Character Lab, Santa’s Workshop, a RaceTrack and Play Structure, and more. 

The Basics of CAMP: More Than Meets the Eye

Located at 110 Fifth Avenue on the Flatiron District, CAMP is brought to you by the people at Buzzfeed (yes, that Buzzfeed). On the "surface", CAMP looks like a corner storefront, packed with tons of cool merch that appeals to kids and adults alike. 

Open Sesame!

You could visit CAMP, pick up a fun toy or gift, and have a perfectly nice visit, but you'd really be missing out. Hang out by the bookcase just opposite the entrance and wait for it to swing open to reveal a secret passageway to the 10,000 square feet of fun beyond. So cool! 

You're Not in Kansas Anymore

Visitors pass through a corridor with a woodsy, starlit vibe, enhanced by a magical light mist. 

Fun in All Directions

As if you hadn't figured it out at that point, it becomes instantly clear something out of the ordinary is happening. A signpost points in numerous directions, showing the way to destinations deeper in the space: "Camp Bunk", "Dance Hall", "Mail Room", etc. As you're getting oriented, it is likely you child will have zipped off in excitement. 

One place you might find them is the old-school station wagon, immediately to the right of the entrance, where kids can climb in and (of course) hang out in the "way way back." 

Also nearby is a train table particularly good for little ones, but fun for any kids loco for locomotives. 

A little deeper into the space, you'll find "Camp Bunk", a room with a bunk bed-like structure that also happens to be a slide.

Get Down in the Dance Hall

That empties out into the "Dance Hall", a room with an illuminated dance floor, disco ball, and walls made entirely out of that omnipresent sequin flip stuff all the kids are wearing these days. (Our six year old visitor's mind was blown: "IT'S A FLIP WALL!") This room is a big hit with the kids. 

Further back in the space—past the musical bridge and a giant canoe filled with quirky stuffed animals and things—is the Radio Lab, where kids can experiment mixing sounds, music and beats, and banging out their own rhythm on electronic drums. 

Gather Round for Signings, Singalongs, and More!

At the very rear of the space, there's a small theater with stage and seating. CAMP hosts both free and ticketed events such as performances and readings here (regardless of cost, you need to register in advance). On the day we visited, author Steve Light, pictured here, did a book signing and drawing workshop with kids. Other guests have included popular improv group The Story Pirates, and author Eva Chen. 

Get Your Licks In

A stone's throw from the stage area is a Lick-a-Bubble bar, where Willy Wonka-style, elixirs of edible bubbles in a wide range of flavors (from fruity to toasted marshmallow and beyond) are prepared. Grab a bottle, blow, and consume! (We did it, they're actually not bad!)

Get Crafty at CAMP

A sizable area of CAMP is given over to a crafting space, where workshops (again, both free and tickets) take place throughout the day. Camp-themed activities have included Popsicle Stick God's Eye Class with Kid Made Modern, Make Your Own Merit Badge, Marshmallow Animals Sculpture, and Classic Camp Lanyard Weaving. Fees for paid classes are about $25-$35, and appropriate for a range or ages.(Some are a bit more complicated.) Registration online in advance is required. 

The Goods

As mentioned, amid all this free fun are lots and lots of toys for all ages, all for sale.At the end of the day, it is a store, but it's one where it's really fun to hang out! CAMP is well-curated, stocked with fun, engaging, and offbeat finds, as well as major crowd-pleasers. We're talking everything from Notorious B.I.G. alphabet books and active play toys (snowball maker, magic kits galore, cool crafts and games) to early childhood toys for little ones, and some Harry Potter, LOL and LEGO thrown in. 

Plus: A New Milk Bar

CAMP

And, P.S., CAMP is home to NYC's newest Milk Bar location, "Milk for CAMP" so you can drop by on your way in, or out. Naturally, the menu features and exclusive CAMP-themed S'more Sundae, as well as the usual delicious treats from Christina Tosi. 

Go to Camp!

Sound overwhelming? It kind of is, but in a good way. A handy map at the entrance will orient you and post what's happening for the day, but we recommend going online and checking out what's scheduled on a day you'd like to visit and signing up as directed (and required). It's possible to swing by and just hang out, but if you want to do an activity, plan ahead. 

CAMP helps parents out with some nice, family restroom facilities and a coat and stroller check so you aren't weighed down.

Perhaps the best news? CAMP will change themes every few months, so you can come back with the kids next season for more indoor fun! Whether you need to escape a cold and snowy day, are in search of some great gifts, or just want to experience some magic on Fifth Ave., CAMP is a must-do for NYC families! 

CAMP
Mon.-Fri.- 8 a.m.-8p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
110 Fifth Ave. 
Flatiron District
Online: camp.com

—Mimi O’Connor

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The Getty Invites Families to Fantastic Free Cultural Events All Summer

by Beth Shea
Partner Content

Ready to take your kids on a journey to experience a world of culture without leaving town or breaking the bank? All summer long at the Getty, families can enjoy a cultural free-for-all that’s free for all by attending incredible events from joyous garden concerts to exciting art workshops. Read on for your passport to a wealth of free discoveries right here in your own backyard.

Quality Free-Time With the Fam

The Getty has taken the guesswork out of what to do with downtime this summer by hosting an array of engaging family-friendly activities at their two locations in Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades. Kids will be inspired and enlightened by thoughtfully curated, hands-on artistic workshops, feel-good concerts and guided exhibition tours.

Artistic Explorations for the Young & Young at Heart

There’s something for everyone and to suit every schedule at the Getty’s cultural-free-for-all.

Inventive art activities include the Book of Beasts photo booth where kids can pose for a snapshot next to their favorite mythical beast and picture themselves in an illuminated manuscript. Additionally, Build-a-Beast is a pop-up print lab that invites kids to explore screen and block printing to create real or imaginary animals that roam and soar across the page.

Book of Beasts Photo Booth: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Jul. 5–Aug. 18; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Build-a-Beast Pop-Up Print Lab: Sundays, Tuesdays & Saturdays, Jul. 14–20 & Aug. 11–17; 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Piece together even more good times at the Getty Villa’s mosaic workshop: Making Mosaics Brick by Brick, wherein families can fashion their own mosaics inspired by the Getty Villa’s collection alongside artist Andy Bauch.

Making Mosaics Brick by Brick: Saturdays, Jul. 13 & 20, Aug. 3, 10, & 17; 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Immersive Family Tours

Percy Jackson fans, don’t miss ‘The Demigods,’ an audio tour from the world of Percy Jackson at the Getty Villa. This family tour is inspired by the book series and it takes you on a quest to meet heroes, dodge monsters and avoid an unfriendly god before claiming your reward at the end. You can take the audio tour and stay for more themed fun to interact with mythological creatures and get to know the gods and goddesses of ancient antiquity.

‘The Demigods’ tour is available daily except Tuesdays when the Getty Villa is closed.

The Getty Center offers three audio tours as well: ‘Highlights of the Collection,’ ‘Straight From the Horse’s Mouth’ and ‘Demons, Angels, and Monsters.’ Rent an iPod touch for free in the Museum Entrance Hall to embark on one of these fascinating jaunts into the Getty’s collections and galleries.

Tours listed above are available daily except Mondays when the Getty Center is closed.

Good to know: You’ll find kid-friendly food and snacks at both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa and you’re also welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy a picnic on the grass in the Central Garden at the Getty Center.

Groove to Garden Concerts in a Beautiful Setting

Relax, unwind and let someone else entertain your kiddos at a Garden Concert in the Getty Center’s stunning Central Garden, which offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles. This free outdoor concert music series features some of the best kid’s musical artists from across the U.S. The lively line-up includes Elena Moon Park and Friends, the Okee Dokee Brothers and The Lucky Band, all poised to fill the air with kid-friendly, toe-tapping tunes parents will dig too.

Good to know: Be sure to bring a picnic blanket to perch on or dance upon, but lawn chairs aren’t allowed.

Garden Concerts for Kids are held: Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 3 & 4, 10 & 11, and 17 & 18 from 4–5:30 p.m.

Plan a family trip or two to the Getty this summer. It’s easily the best way to immerse your kids in culture, minus the travel!

The Getty
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-440-7300
Online: getty.edu

The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-440-7300
Online: getty.edu/visit/villa

––Beth Shea

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Celebrate DNA Day with a Deal on Ancestry DNA Kits

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Teaching your kids about your family history and ancestry is important, but what if you’re unsure about your own family tree? Ancestry DNA kits have grown in popularity over recent years and there’s never been a better time to buy one than this big sale.

Just in time for DNA Day, Ancestry.com is offering a deep discount on its AncestryDNA kits. While the kits usually sell for $99, for a limited time you can get one for just $69.

So what do you get with that kit? You’ll be sent a small test tube to collect your saliva and send it back to a lab for testing. Within six to eight weeks your results will be viewable online. The results include a genealogical map of each of the ethnicities that make up your DNA, as well the approximate percentage of each.

This special sale is only available until Apr. 25, however, so if you’re hoping to learn more about your family history, act fast.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: iStock

 

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Netflix Announces Its First African All-Girl Superhero Animated Series

by Shahrzad Warkentin

There might be an abundance of on-screen superheroes, but if there’s one thing we could use more of, it’s female heroes. Netflix just paved the way for many more with the first all-girl superhero animated series from Africa Mama K’s Team 4.

Netflix’s newly announced series Mama K’s Team 4 follows the adventures of four teenage girls recruited by an ex-secret agent to save the world. The story takes place in a futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.

The Netflix Original series was written by Zambian writer, Malenga Mulendema who was one of the eight winners of the 2015 Triggerfish Story Lab initiative, a talent competition for African storytellers. Having grown up watching animated shows and wondering why none of the characters resembled her, Mulendema wanted to create a series full of characters that looked more like her.

“In creating a superhero show set in Lusaka, I hope to introduce the world to four strong African girls who save the day in their own fun and crazy way. Most importantly, I want to illustrate that anyone from anywhere can be a superhero,” she said in the Netflix statement.

Netflix and Triggerfish are also recruiting local female writers from Africa to join the creative team behind the new series. No word yet on when the show will launch on Netflix.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Netflix

 

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Is Bed Bath & Beyond Closing in 2019?

by Erica Loop

Changes are coming to Bed Bath & Beyond. The retailer recently released the results from its fiscal fourth quarter 2018 report and it looks like the company’s future includes both beginnings and endings.

According to an earnings call, following the release of the 2018 report, chief financial officer and treasurer, Robyn D’Elia, the company plans on opening 15 new stores in 2019 and closing 40. But, D’Elia noted, the number of closures may increase if the company is unable to negotiate “favorable lease terms” with its retailers’ landlords.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwAkVGUHFUE/

The openings and closures may affect more than just the company’s Bed Bath & Beyond properties. Even though the home product giant will take the brunt of the closings, the company may also shutter some of its other properties, including Buy Buy Baby, Harmon Face Values and World Market. As of now there’s no word on which stores will close and when. Likewise, the company is yet to reveal details on retail openings.

Along with opening/closing stores, Bed Bath & Beyond also announced goals to enhance in-store customer experiences by using lessons learned from its Next Generation Lab stores, enhancing online shopping experiences and helping customers to get the right values for their most-needed products.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

 

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This Viral Photo Isn’t an Art Project—It’s All the Bacteria on Your Kid’s Hand

by Karly Wood

It doesn’t take long once you become a parent to realize how dirty kids can be. When fellow mom and microbiology lab tech Tasha Sturm decided to test how germ-y her own kiddos hands were in 2015, she was in for a surprise.

The picture you’re about to see may look like a sweet, Pinterest-worthy craft but in reality, it’s a depiction of all the bacteria on your kid’s hand! After a romp in the backyard and a few pets of the family dog, Sturm had her son place his hand in a sterile Petri dish—and results are downright horrifying and yet, still kind of pretty, too.

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Sturm allowed the Petri dish to sit at body temperature for 24 hours, then set it out at room temperature for a week before taking the photo you see above. The result is a conglomeration of various types of bacteria, which could be bacillus, staph or yeast.

So why is this photo from four years ago making the rounds? Well, now that spring is here it’s highly likely the entire family will be spending ample time outdoors—and coming into contact with all sorts of substances. This is a perfect reminder that proper hand-washing technique never goes out of style

In addition to keeping hands clean before things like eating and after using the restroom, Sturm also takes the time to remind us that the skin does a wonderful job of serving as a natural barrier. Despite the importance of practicing good hygiene, being exposed to certain types of bacteria is actually a good thing for the body, because it helps improve your immune system.

The final takeaway? Let your kids play in the dirt all they want—and just make sure those adorable hands and fingers are squeaky clean before sitting down for dinner.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Pexels

 

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