This 12-Year-Old’s Letter to the Editor Shows True Girl Power

by Erica LoopJuly 17, 2019

Julianne Speyer showed kids (and adults) everywhere the power of the pen. Last summer the 12-year-old got major attention following a totally necessary letter to the editor of her local Ohio paper.

So what would prompt a 12-year-old to write a letter to the editor? During Geauga County’s Fourth of July parade, Speyer noticed an announcement that was less than inspiring.

While marching with her Girl Scout troupe, Speyer heard the parade announcer refer to the boys (who were marching with the Boy Scouts) as, “future leaders.” But when it came time to announce the girls, the announcer introduced the Scouts as, “just having fun.”

Frustrated over the sexist comment, Speyer knew she had to do something. After a friend suggested she write a letter to the editor of the local Geauga County Maple Leaf newspaper, the 12-year-old put her thoughts on paper and sent them off. According to CBS News, Speyer said, “It’s not OK that they did this, this kind of thing happens way too often.” She also added, “I needed help getting the word out and I asked the news to help me.”

In response to Speyer’s letter, parade organizers issued a statement saying, “There was an unfortunate misunderstanding of two unrelated comments. The announcer is a volunteer and made an observation that participants were enjoying the parade, with no disrespect intended.”

Ohio @girlscouts who wrote viral letter to editor 'ecstatic' to get letter from @HillaryClinton. READ here: https://t.co/AQ7TvJyDsq WATCH here: https://t.co/2IekbbV64x #HillaryClinton #JulianneSpeyer #LetterToTheEditor #GirlScout #SayItLouder pic.twitter.com/aKzxLdqVFu

— Sia Nyorkor🌟🎥🎞🎙📺 (@TVNewsLady) August 14, 2018

If you’re wondering whether this year’s parade inspired another letter to the editor—it looks like Speyer’s awesome action did the trick. Not only did the parade organizers take note, but after reading the Speyer’s letter, Hilary Clinton send the 12-year-old a letter of her own!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: TODAY via YouTube

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Here Are the Nominees for the Nick Kids’ Choice Awards, Including a New Category

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 4, 2019

The Oscars might be over, but the most important award show of the year for the playground set is still around the corner. The 2019 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards nominees have just been announced and your kids will want to vote soon before those orange blimps are given out.

The 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards will air live on Mar. 23 at 8 p.m. ET on Nickelodeon, hosted by music producer and dad DJ Khaled. Here are some of the top nominees, including a new addition to the categories lineup this year. The “How Do You Want to Help?” category that asks kids how they want to improve the world.

Favorite Funny TV Show

Fuller House via Instagram

The Big Bang Theory

BUNK'D

Fuller House

Henry Danger

Modern Family

Raven's Home

Favorite TV Drama

https://www.netflix.com/title/80050008

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

The Flash

Riverdale

Stranger Things

The Walking Dead

Favorite Cartoon

Nickelodeon via YouTube

ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks

The Boss Baby: Back in Business

The Loud House

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

SpongeBob SquarePants

Teen Titans Go!

Favorite Movie

Aquaman

Avengers: Infinity War

Black Panther

Mary Poppins Returns

The Kissing Booth

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Favorite Animated Movie

Courtesy Sony Pictures Animation

The Grinch

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Incredibles 2

Peter Rabbit

Ralph Breaks the Internet

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Favorite Song

Taylor Swift via Instagram

"Delicate," Taylor Swift

"In My Blood," Shawn Mendes

"In My Feelings," Drake

"Natural," Imagine Dragons

"thank u, next," Ariana Grande

"Youngblood," 5 Seconds of Summer

Favorite Video Game

SuperMario via Facebook

Just Dance 2019

LEGO® The Incredibles

Marvel's Spider-Man

Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate

Super Mario Party™

How Do You Want to Help?

Fort Meade via Flickr

Help People in Need (homes, food, & more)

Help Schools (supplies, STEM, & more)

Help the Environment (clean water, recycling, & more)

Help Animals (rescue, wildlife, & more)

Help Prevent Bullying (positivity, respect, & more)

You can check out the full list of nominees here and cast your vote until Mar. 22 at 12 p.m. ET.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Nickelodeon via Instagram

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All the Kids Shows & Movies Coming to Netflix in January 2019

by Karly WoodDecember 31, 2018

A new year, a new batch of kids shows and movies coming to Netflix in January 2019! The streaming provider will release several new seasons of its favorite shows, along with two brand new Netflix Originals we are dying to watch in the coming month.

While you may shed a tear over some of the departures, there are plenty of new shows and movies to get excited about. Here are our top kids and family streaming picks for January!

Carmen Sandiego Season 1

Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? The super thief has arrived on Netflix after tons of excitement. The series will follow all her international escapades and thrilling adventures. The spy who put the "Miss" in misdemeanor will steal your remote starting Jan. 18.

Pinky Malinky Season 1

Join Netflix's newest buddies for season one of Pinky Malinky. Pinky was born a hot dog and likes to find the bright side of everything with his pals. Sounds cute! Feast your eyes on this new show starting Jan. 1.

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 3

The Netflix Original A Series of Unfortunate Events is back with season three! Count Olaf is still going head to head with the Baudelaire orphans as they try to reveal their long lost family secrets. The new season drops on New Year's Day.

Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Season 5

The last scene of season four of Trolls: The Beat Goes On! left us with quite the cliffhanger. Now, the gang is back for a new round of wormholes, snow and a journey to the Fountain of Glitter! The beat continues on Jan. 18.

...And Even More Kids Movies!

Aside from Netflix's lineup of original content, some classic family movies and shows new to the steaming provider are hopping into rotation in the New Year.

In the family and kids genre, dance along to Happy Feet starting Jan. 1. Get ready to do your best Kessel Run with Solo: A Star Wars Story on Jan. 9. Take a trip to Hotel Transylvania: Summer Vacation on Jan. 24. Get ready for plenty of super-heroic adventures with Marvel Studios' Ant-Man and the Wasp on Jan. 29 and Disney•Pixar's The Incredibles 2 starting Jan. 31.

What's Leaving Netflix in January

Get ready to say goodbye to several kid favorites in January, too, as these titles will blast off on the following dates:

Leaving Jan. 1:

Beethoven's Christmas Adventure
Kung Fu Panda
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
The Iron Giant
The Princess Diaries

Leaving Jan. 4:

Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World

Leaving Jan. 18:

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Even as we say goodbye to these titles, with new shows like Carmen Sandiego and Pinky Malinky, the kiddos will have plenty to watch Netflix on those cold winter days. Happy streaming!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Netflix

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Here’s The Best Kids’ Movies & Shows Coming To Netflix This Month

by Red TricycleNovember 3, 2016

Photo: Netflix US & Canada

From classic films to original television shows, Netflix is debuting some fresh picks to get the new year started. Check the list below of the best children’s movies and shows coming to Netflix this month.

Kids’ movies on Netflix in January:

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) (Available 1/1)

Hugo (2011) (Available 1/1)

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011) (Available 1/1)

Nancy Drew (2007) (Available 1/1)

Superman II (1980) (Available 1/1)

Superman III (1983) (Available 1/1)

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) (Available 1/1)

Superman: The Movie (1978) (Available 1/1)

The Parent Trap (1961) (Available 1/1)

Rat Race (2012) (Available 1/1)

Ratchet and Clank (2016) (Available 1/9)

Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) (Available 1/11)

Kids’ television shows on Netflix in January:

Degrassi: Next Class: Season 3 (Netflix Original) (Available 1/6)

We’re Lalaloopsy; Season 1 (Netflix Original) (Available 1/10)

A Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 1 – (Netflix Original) (Available 1/13)

Kazoops!: Season 2 –(Netflix Original) (Available 1/27)

Which are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!

“Sympathetic Vomiter” Dad Can’t Handle Toddler, Cops Called

by Red TricycleMarch 16, 2016

Kids vomit, we clean it up. We’ve all been there, done that, right? Apparently not. Dad Ben Patterson posted a screenshot of the text messages he sent to his wife when their son, Declan, barfed all over himself in the car. Read the text message chain to get the full story of the unfortunate hilarity that ensued.

All photos: Ben Patterson via Facebook

Crazy, Right? Have a funny barf story? Tell us in the comments below!

Nosey Facts About Smell Your Kids Will Love

by Christal Y.February 1, 2016

You know that smile that goes hand in hand with smelling a fresh batch of cookies from the oven? It’s science! Sort of. It’s because good smells make you happier, which explains why new babies make us grin from ear to ear. Want to know other fun facts about smell and scent? Read our list below!

1. Smell is the first sense babies use after they are born.

2. Until the age of 4, all smells are never gross, only interesting. Well that explains the fascination with a certain type of gas…

3. Smells can help with memories! For example: Crayons tend to trigger childhood memories. With this fact in mind, you now have the power to provoke your future-teenager’s memory at will.

4. We can detect at least 10,000 distinct smells. But… let’s skip the counting lesson this time around.

5. Each person has their own distinct smell, kind of like a fingerprint. We have an inkling your little one will get the giggles calling it a “smellprint.”

6. Good smells make you happier. That explains why we always smile after a load of clean laundry, doesn’t it?

7. Our ability to smell actually turns off when we are in deep sleep.

8. We can actually smell the best during the spring and summer due to extra moisture in the air.

9. Anosmia is the inability to smell, which is unfortunate for those who have it because 75-95% of taste relies on smell. Try plugging your nose next time to see how well you can taste your food.

10. It’s not just a turn of phrase: You can smell fear! Do what you wish with this fun fact… like telling your kiddo you can smell when they are lying.

photo: Philippe Put via flickr

Was there a surprising fact that your kid loved? Tell us in the Comments below!

10 Adorable English Bulldogs That Will Love You Forever

by Tinybeans TeamDecember 7, 2013

What’s not to love about these unfortunate-looking creatures? Yes, English Bulldogs will snore, drool, and stink up every room in your house, but that’s just a small price to pay for the their unconditional love. So this holiday season, give one of these chubby cuddle-monsters a chance (and maybe a forever home). Here are 10 adorable bullies to help convince you.

10) Georgia Bulldog

Weather it’s swimming, rock climbing, or slogging through the snow, there’s nothing too daunting for this adventurous pup.

Twitter: twitter.com/GeorgiaLynneBC

9) Giggsy

Giggsy is a gentle giant, who loves kids, especially his new baby brother.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/giggsypop

8) Ser Harry Winston of Barkingham

Ser Harry Winston of Barkingham loves to cuddle. Check out some of his more active videos on his youtube channel.

7) Rocky

Speaking of cuddling, it doesn’t get much cozier than this melty, pillow-dog.

6) Eggnog AKA Noggin’

Don’t forget to enjoy some sweet Eggnog this holiday season (the drink or the Instagram sensation).

Instagram: instagram.com/eggnogthebulldog

5) Sergeant

Every day is an adventure for Sergeant, the outdoor-loving Instagram celeb.

Instagram: instagram.com/sgt_bulldog

4) Jack

Just look at the rolls on this little lump!

3) Indiana

This little guy is always getting into mischief. He hates baths and loud noises but loves to snuggle.

Twitter: twitter.com/IndianaBulldog

2) Lord Roscoe

Lord Roscoe Stanley Cuppington is always ready for an adventure, after nap time of course.

Twitter: twitter.com/lord_roscoe

1) jelly_pp

jelly_pp is arguably the most adorable, hilarious, share-worthy bulldog channel on the Internet. We can’t get enough of these 4 chubby bullies and we bet you won’t be able to either.

Instagram: instagram.com/jelly_pp

See SeaTac from Another Angle: Jet Over to Angle Lake Park

by Erin CranstonAugust 19, 2013

It’s an unfortunate fact for most of us urbanites–hear the name SeaTac and you’re envisioning impossible check-in lines, incessant jet noise and whiny kids after a long flight. But what if we told you SeaTac also equals hours of water fun, picnicking on rolling green hills and breathing in cool lake breezes? Literally a five-minute car ride from the airport, the city named after its biggest commodity also hosts a park complete with a scenic, swimmable lake, a shaded playground, green space ready for spreading a blanket, and the biggest, splashiest, most totally awesome spray park south of the Ship Canal. Grandma’s flight delayed? Forget the cellphone lot–check out Angle Lake Park for a kid-tastic new angle on SeaTac!

Park it at the Gate

From the road (International Boulevard to be exact), you can hardly tell there’s a park, much less a tree lined 102-acre lake, surrounded as it is by office parks and hotel chains. Angle Lake Park sits at the west end of the lake and has 10 acres of green grass and lots of room to kick a soccer ball, spread a picnic blanket, or relax (at least the parent version of it) in the shade of the many towering evergreen trees that dot the landscape. As you walk east towards the lake, don’t miss the view of Mount Rainier, popping unexpectedly out of the trees.

Insider Parking Tip: The parking lot fills quickly on nice days, but don’t despair! There is an overflow lot three driveways south of the park, a very short walk away. Just turn left out of the lot and look for the signs immediately to your left.

Angle Lake Park
19408 International Boulevard (at South 195th Street)
SeaTac, Wa 98148
206-973-4680
Online: ci.seatac.wa.us/index.aspx?page=144

Park hours: 8:00 am – dusk
Spray park hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily (closing date dependent on weather)
Lifeguard hours: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm daily through Labor Day

Do you plan to visit Angle Lake Park this summer? Already visited? Let us know about your experience in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston, words and photos

ML Interest Tag: unfortunate

All the Kids Shows & Movies Coming to Netflix in January 2019

Carmen Sandiego Season 1

Pinky Malinky Season 1

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 3

Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Season 5

...And Even More Kids Movies!

What's Leaving Netflix in January

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Here’s The Best Kids’ Movies & Shows Coming To Netflix This Month

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10 Adorable English Bulldogs That Will Love You Forever

10) Georgia Bulldog

9) Giggsy

8) Ser Harry Winston of Barkingham

7) Rocky

6) Eggnog AKA Noggin’

5) Sergeant

4) Jack

3) Indiana

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1) jelly_pp

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