Long Delay? Nintendo Now Offers Pop-Up Lounges at Select Airports

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 14, 2020

Travelers have something to look forward to the next time they are at the airport. Now they won’t mind if theirr flight gets delayed. Beginning February 13, Nintendo will be providing Nintendo Switch On The Go pop-up airport lounges featuring Nintendo products and opportunities for hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems.

Featuring comfortable seating, charging ports and Nintendo Switch game demos playable in both Handheld mode and TV mode, these lounges demonstrate the convenience and joy that the Nintendo Switch family of systems can add to everyone’s on-the-go adventures. Some of the games that will be featured at the demo areas include popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Party and Tetris 99, among others.

“With a vast library of exciting entertainment to launch into, we hope travelers discover that Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite make great companions for their trips,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Spending time with Nintendo games at our On The Go lounges will give people the opportunity to begin or end their journeys with a smile.”

In addition to spending time enjoying the latest Nintendo games, while visiting the Nintendo Switch On The Go experience, travelers can order Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems and receive a free carrying case with their order. Travelers can also order select Nintendo Switch games and Nintendo merchandise. Just for stopping by, visitors will also receive a free Nintendo Switch branded luggage handle wrap and a $10 coupon from Target to use on any Nintendo purchase of $75 or more (available while supplies last, terms apply).

The Nintendo Switch pop-up lounges and gateway experiences are currently scheduled to appear at the following airports, located beyond passenger screening:

Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.

Concourse B near west entrance/exit, next to Gate B62

Feb. 17 – March 29

Seattle – Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, WA

Concourse C, next to Gate C10

Feb. 17 – March 29th

O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL

Terminal 1, Concourse B, between Gates B12 and B14

Feb. 17 – March 29th

Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, TX

West Terminal, near Gates 14 and 16

Feb. 13 – March 29th

Passengers with flights booked at these airports are encouraged to swing by after passing TSA security to spend some time enjoying Nintendo Switch games while waiting for their flights. They’re also encouraged to wave hello if they spot Lakitu above the clouds!

Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access.

For more information about this and other features, visit Nintendo.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Amazon

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This New Ergobaby Sustainability Program Is a Game Changer

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 7, 2020

You love your baby carrier, but what use does it have after your baby outgrows it? Now you can extend the life of your Ergobaby with Everlove by Ergobaby. Through this program you can sell your carrier back to allow another family to purchase a gently used carrier for years of enjoyment.

Everlove by Ergobaby, is a program for buying back, inspecting, repairing, deep cleaning and reselling quality Ergobaby carriers. Everlove provides the opportunity for customers to buy and sell preloved certified Ergobaby carriers. This sustainability initiative benefits both families and the planet creating a circular economy. With Everlove, Ergobaby can take immediate responsibility for up to 96% of the carriers they have manufactured.

“Ergobaby has always been committed to making the highest quality carriers. Today, we see an opportunity to start our sustainability journey of reducing and reusing because of the quality built into our products from the start,” says Margaret Hardin, CEO of Ergobaby. “Through the launch of Everlove, we’re extending the life of these pre-loved carriers so they can provide many more years of comfort – from everyday adventures through nap time. For us, love carries on by passing Ergobaby carriers along.”

The consumer buy-back program was launched on February 6, 2020. Starting in Spring 2020, pre-loved Ergobaby carriers that have been inspected, cleaned and repaired by Ergobaby will be available for purchase at Ergobaby.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Photos courtesy of Ergobaby

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Iconic “Sesame Street” Puppeteer Caroll Spinney Dies

by Erica LoopDecember 11, 2019

Legendary puppeteer Caroll Spinney passed away on Dec. 8 after a long battle with Dystonia. Best known as the creative force behind the iconic Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Spinney was 85.

The talented puppeteer joined Sesame Street in 1969, creating beloved characters that would impact children and adults for decades. Along with five Daytime Emmy awards and a Grammy award nomination, Spinney also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2006.

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Named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, Spinney and his character creations visited China with Bob Hope, danced with the Rockettes, got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and so much more.

Caroll Spinney, the legendary puppeteer behind beloved Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, died today, December 8th 2019, at age 85 at his home in Connecticut, after living with Dystonia for some time. https://t.co/q7FVDul5WT pic.twitter.com/CvWBD0NQyp

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) December 8, 2019

Sesame Street co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney said, in a press release, “Caroll Spinney’s contributions to Sesame Street are countless. He not only gave us Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, he gave so much of himself as well.” Cooney continued, “We at Sesame Workshop mourn his passing and feel an immense gratitude for all he has given to Sesame Street and to children around the world.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sesame Street via YouTube

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The Boy Who Gave His Savings to Dorian Evacuees Just Scored a Free Trip to Disney World

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 10, 2019

As Hurricane Dorian pounded the East Coast, one boy gave up his dream vacation to Disney World in order to help evacuees and now Disney is rewarding his amazing act of kindness.

Six-year-old Jermaine Bell’s family had been saving up for a special trip to Disney World to celebrate his seventh birthday, but instead the generous, young boy decided that they should use that money to help evacuees in South Carolina. His family spent Labor Day weekend passing out food and water to those evacuating from the coast. Disney Parks got wind of his generosity and decided to gift him with his dream vacation.

As Jermaine appeared on Good Morning America on his birthday, Disney employees accompanied by Mickey Mouse himself, showed up to surprise him and deliver his birthday gift, passes for his entire family to visit the Magic Kingdom. “When Mickey came out I was just really happy,” Jermaine said in the video created by Disney Parks. “Be strong and if you do good things you will be rewarded,” he added.

This is definitely a well-deserved reward. Jermaine and his family plan to visit Disney World later this month.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Disney Parks via YouTube

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This 6-Year-Old Used the Money He Saved for Disney World to Help Hurricane Dorian Evacuees

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 8, 2019

A trip to Disney World is an excellent way to spend your birthday, which is exactly what six-year-old Jermaine Bell’s family had planned to do. That is, until he decided to donate his birthday savings to help Hurricane Dorian evacuees.

Bell’s family had been saving up for a special trip to Disney World for his seventh birthday on Sep. 8, but instead this incredibly generous little boy decided to use the money to feed those evacuating from Dorian in South Carolina. Over Labor Day weekend, mandatory evacuations were given to South Carolina residents along the state’s 190-mile coast.

Jermaine Bell was supposed to spend his seventh birthday at Disney World. He'd saved up money, but after Hurricane Dorian, he emptied his piggy bank to buy hundreds of hot dogs and serve them for free to evacuees passing through his South Carolina town. https://t.co/Mbqc5QdW3U

— CNN (@CNN) September 4, 2019

“The people that are traveling to go to places, I wanted them to have some food to eat, so they can enjoy the ride to the place that they’re going to stay at,” Bell told WJBF.

As evacuees travelled along Highway 125 in Allendale, South Carolina Bell and his family stood on the side of the road with handmade signs passing out hot dogs, chips and water. They ended up serving almost 100 evacuees. “I wanted to be generous and live to give,” Bell said.

Bell still hopes to make it to Disney World to celebrate his birthday and clearly that would be a well-deserved celebration. His mom Lauren plans to make that wish come true. “He has a very big heart and all-around caring spirit. It definitely makes it a birthday to remember for him,” she shared on Facebook.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: ChasinDatPaperMedia via YouTube

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This Is Where You Can See the Best Fall Foliage

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 28, 2019

There’s nothing quite like the breathtaking sight of blazing red and orange leaves to get you in the fall spirit. Thanks to this amazing interactive fall foliage map you can figure out the best times and places to see those beautiful colors from now through November.

The fall foliage season varies across the country and the peak changes from year to year based on the annual temperatures and rainfall, which means knowing when and where to visit is the key to enjoying an incredible view. Each year SmokyMountains.com creates a predictive map of the fall foliage season by using a complex algorithm that carefully analyzes several million data points, like historical temperatures and precipitation, which is used to forecast county-by-county the precise moment when peak fall will occur.

“The predictive fall leaf map helps potential travelers, photographers and leaf peepers determine the precise future date that the leaves will peak in each area of the continental United States,” explains the creator of the map data scientist and CTO Wes Melton. “By utilizing the date selector at the bottom of the map, the user can visually understand how fall will progress over a region. We believe this interactive tool will enable travelers to take more meaningful fall vacations, capture beautiful fall photos and enjoy the natural beauty of autumn. Our nationwide fall foliage prediction map is unique––it is one of the only fall leaf tools that provides accurate predictions for the entire continental United States.”

While no prediction is 100 percent accurate, the map is an excellent guideline if you’re making travel plans around the peak foliage times. According to this year’s map, the first peak will begin at the end of September with most of the country passing the peak by the beginning of November.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Boudewijn Huysmans via Unsplash

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This State Just Approved 12-Week Paid Family Leave

by Erica LoopJune 4, 2019

It’s no big secret that the United States lags behind most other countries when it comes to paid family leave. But with the recent addition of Connecticut’s paid leave bill, there are now seven states giving workers the option to take time off after having a baby—and much more!

After passing the state senate and house last week, Connecticut governor, Ned Lamont, has plans to sign the bill into law, “ASAP.” So what does this new law mean for parents who live in the Northeastern state?

photo: Wayne Evans via Pexels

Under the new act Connecticut workers will get up to 12 weeks of paid family leave. And this doesn’t just include leave for parents with new babies. It also includes paid time off for workers who need to care for grandparents, older children and siblings. The law, which goes into effect in 2022, will provide 95 percent of low-wage employees’ pay (capped at $900 per week).

Non-low-wage earners may receive weekly paid leave up to 60 times the state minimum wage, according to the National Law Review. The law also allows employees to collect a paid intermittent leave entitlement—if they don’t need to take 12 weeks in a row off.

Previous family leave laws in Connecticut required employees to work at a company for a minimum of 12 months and at least 1,000 hours before getting the then-unpaid benefit. The new family leave act removes this requirement, setting a three-month employment minimum. Employees must also have already earned $2,325 in this period to qualify.

—Erica Loop

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This Big Change Is Coming to More Airports Across the Country

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 7, 2019

Nearly every rom-com of the early ‘90s has that airport scene where the lead rushes past security to stop their true love from flying away forever. For years that moment has only been a reality in movies, but that is starting to change as more airports are relaxing their security.

Airports around the country are beginning to change their policies to allow non-ticketed visitors through security. Tampa International Airport just announced that it will join two other major airports, Pittsburgh International Airport and Seattle Tacoma, in allowing visitors to pass through airport security even if they won’t be boarding an airplane.

You asked and we delivered! Our airsides are now open to the public! Every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. we’re inviting the public to enjoy our post-security shops and restaurants. Choose an airside, book for free online and you’re all set! #TPAallaccess
https://t.co/05CVCa4Mjy pic.twitter.com/do3M5GGSqA

— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) April 30, 2019

“Now families, foodies or even couples looking for a unique date experience can come try our chargrilled oysters at Ulele, sample locally brewed beer at Cigar City and shop for unique gifts and items at our duty-free and fine retail stores without having to buy a ticket,” the airport’s CEO, Joe Lopano, said in a statement.

Of course there are still safety restrictions in place. Visitors wishing to enter the terminal must register online at least 24 hours in advance. If approved, they are able to visit any time from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., after passing through security with a valid photo ID. Currently the All Access program is only available on Saturdays, but if it’s successful the airport plans to expand it to additional days.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Rawpixel

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Don’t Let Germs Stack Up Thanks to This Genius LEGO Cleaning Hack

by Erica LoopApril 13, 2019

Forget about hand-washing each teeny tiny plastic LEGO brick and minifigure. This LEGO cleaning hack will save you time—and might just save your sanity, too!

You know the cold that your toddler and preschooler keep passing back and forth? Those germ-covered toys definitely aren’t helping the situation. Read on for the deets on a quick and re-brick-ulously easy way to scrub down all your kid’s LEGO collection.

photo: Semevent via Pixabay

All you need to get those LEGO bricks clean is a mesh laundry bag and a dishwasher. Place the plastic bricks into the bag, seal it tight and put the whole thing onto the top rack of your dishwasher. Turn the dishwasher on and let it do the work to wash those nasty germs away.

To avoid damage or melting issues, remove the LEGO bricks before your dishwasher gets to the drying cycle. While this might take an extra step, the work is pretty minimal. Empty the laundry bag of LEGO bricks onto a clean towel and blot, or simply let the bricks air dry. Germs, be gone!

—Erica Loop

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Lemonade Stands Are Now Legal in This State & It’s a Big Win for Budding Entrepreneurs

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 26, 2019

The news that Texas has just passed a law legalizing lemonade stands might have you asking, are lemonade stands illegal? The answer, apparently, is yes, they are—but at least they aren’t in Texas anymore!

A new bill just passed in the Lone Star state making it legal for kids under 18 to sell lemonade (or any other non-alcoholic beverages) in their front yard. Prior to the bill’s passing, those lemonade stands were actually violated state law.

photo: iStock

Texas isn’t the only state where the legality of lemonade has been in question. Earlier this month, a similar bill was adopted in Colorado and just last summer lemonade manufacturer Country Time ran a campaign offering legal protection to kids across the country running lemonade stands.

As it turns out, many states and cities have laws against selling food and beverages without a license. While those laws are in place to protect the health of consumers, they also put a dampener on the pure childhood fun—as well as the entrepreneurial skills—that come with running a lemonade stand. Here’s hoping more states follow suit to let their kids have their lemonade and sell it, too!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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ML Interest Tag: passing

Long Delay? Nintendo Now Offers Pop-Up Lounges at Select Airports

Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.

Seattle – Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, WA

O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL

Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas, TX

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