Category Archives: sets Kits

Educational Toy Companies

September 27, 2011

The demand for children’s educational toys is rising. this is because more and more parents are appreciating the value these products bring to their kids – who wouldn’t want something that has learning and play combined into one fantastic product?

In fact, in 2005 alone, while the sales of traditional toys like Hot Wheels and Barbie dolls declined, sales of educational toys skyrocketed, with popular children’s educational toy manufacturer LeapFrog seeing its figures increase by a whopping 120 percent.

LeapFrog’s most popular educational toy to date is the Leapster L-Max Learning Game System. it is created especially for elementary level children and preschoolers. it carries a variety of games and can easily be plugged into any monitor or television set to play on the large screen. it is a kiddie alternative to the PlayStation.

It is for this reason that toy manufacturers all over the world are upping their ante on children’s educational toys and have begun making their own product lines to try to emulate the success experienced by LeapFrog.

Chicago-based toy manufacturer PIL has also come up with toys that are based on popular family movies for its Story Reader electronic book. some of the films that have been adapted include the Lion King, the Incredibles, and Chicken little. the product has long term value because children only need to buy the device one time and just purchase story cartridges, thereafter.

Walt Disney Co’s Disney Consumer Products, for instance, came up with a new educational game titled Finding Nemo: Learning with Nemo, which features an underwater adventure that teaches children number and letter recognition in the preschool level. the company has also partnered with V-Tech to manufacture a device that teaches children how to use the phone properly and instills correct telephone etiquette, called the Call ‘N Learn Phone.

Another toy company, Warner Bros Consumer Products also teamed up with major toy manufacturers to create educational toys and games based on its popular animated series’, like Batman and Looney Tunes. Even Scooby-Doo was not spared from having a Vtech smartridge created in its name; where children are being taught math, logic and spelling, all while going through a haunted adventure at an amusement park.

Toy manufacturers are increasingly realizing the gains that educational toys can bring to their revenues. Thus, their researchers constantly try to develop new products that tickle parents’ and children’s hunger for so-called combination toys.

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Imparting something deeper

September 25, 2011

His father is a pastor. But Brian Blades found a different calling — music. the drummer/composer moves the congregated with his inspired beats. He has provided the inventive rhythms for such artists as Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Wayne Shorter, bill Frisell, Seal, Herbie Hancock and Emmylou Harris.

On Sunday, he’ll front his Fellowship Band at Half Moon Bay’s Douglas Beach House. They’ll perform material from their latest jazz release, “Season of changes,” as well as material from their upcoming studio album. A live CD is also due in the coming year. Blade formed the band in 1998.

“It’s great being in a band where the bonds are so strong, as friends,” Blade said. “All the talent aside, we already have, just as people, a real thread. It allows the music to take the foreground. We submit ourselves to the wholeness of what the band is and who we are together. Hopefully that foundation of our union touches other people through the music we create.”

That group dynamic encourages an adventurous spirit. “The trust that’s there gives you the ability to constantly take chances and know that, even if, in your eyes, you might have missed it, they’re your net. You can kind of stumble on the wire a little bit, but you know that they’re going to catch you,” Blade said, laughing, “and perhaps make something better out of it.”

Blade, 41, wants his music to contribute something positive to people’s lives. “With Fellowship, we would like to impart something deeper. That’s something my Dad is so great at, in his ministry. He tries to walk the walk and believes in the power of that love as a foundation.

“I do believe that there’s a universal language in the sound that can speak to the hearts of people as we listen. I know the endless inspiration I get from listening to John Coltrane’s music or Joni Mitchell’s music or Blind Willie Johnson. And what they impart to you just seems to keep getting deeper and deeper as the years go on. It truly has staying power and value.”

Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Blade recognized the spiritual power of music. He played violin as a child. At 13, he switched to drums, taking his older brother’s spot behind the kit at church.

“The church provided a bedrock for learning to play. there was a grace there, without a pressure to perform or to do anything but serve. To bring the best of what you have and give that. That gave me a confidence.”

At 18, Blade moved to new Orleans to attend Loyola University, where his teachers included Ellis Marsalis (father of musicians Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason).

New Orleans had a tremendous effect on Blade’s musical sensibility. “What I learned there became such a part of what I write and how I approach drumming. sometimes I forget how deeply rooted it is. in hindsight, after I hear a piece, sometimes years go by and I think, ‘Wow, that’s so new Orleans!’ It might not be obvious to someone else, but I’ll hear, like, those parades in it, or the dirge of that funereal sound, or just the uniqueness of that place filtering through.”

Blade has done session work for a diverse list of artists. “I don’t change my approach at all. That’s not to say I play the same in every situation. I try to come without any preconception or a bag that I’m coming from, but try to really be open to what’s being played in the moment. I enjoy the challenge.

“In the studio, you can put things under the microscope, but you don’t want to ignore that initial spark. You don’t want to lose the feeling by over-thinking it, trying to craft it too much. I try to be quick with the action and reaction to things, so hopefully we don’t have to do a lot of takes.”

Playing in Wayne Shorter’s band has been another learning experience. “He has really imparted such a chance-taking spirit. He’s such a genius, one of the greatest composers of any time. when he brings something to the quartet, it’s perfect, as far as I’m concerned and, for me, we don’t have to depart from what’s on the page. But he is already so far beyond. He wants the process to continue. He’s looking for us to deconstruct it or to find some other way to interpret it as a group. He’s such a deep dude. I’ve learned to bring a little of that to the Fellowship Band, as well. He always says, ‘It’s never finished.’”

In 2009, Blade released “Mama Rosa,” his first album as a singer/songwriter/guitarist. “I felt like it was much more private than anything I’d done before with the Fellowship Band or with anyone else. It was a little bit like putting the diary entries, in song form, out there. But those transmissions needed to be released, regardless of what anyone else felt about the songs, whether they saw it as a drummer making a lyric song record. For me, it just had to come out because I had to express it.”

Blade was married in December. his passion for music has never waned. “It’s such a part of me. It occupies so much of my time and thoughts. And if you feel like you’ve been given a gift, it’s important to be attentive to it. It is what I do. But love in life just fortifies the music, makes it that much deeper. My wife and family, they know, this is what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s great, when there’s that understanding there.”

Email Paul Freeman at paul@popcultureclassics.com.

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My parents not "putting the dog to sleep", I'm very suspicious! Help!!!?

September 4, 2011

I have a boarder collie for 4 years and it is a very active and an agressive dog. Yesterday we had a big argumnt whether to put the dog to sleep or not. I love my dog and my parents decided to put him to sleep and I'm extremely upset.
My mother is the seed of the problem, she's a person who can't control her tempation, she always desire for things and ended up throws it away. so 4 years ago she bought a puppy border collie and eventually, she got bored and dumped it to me to take care of it. she left the mess to me. It was her mess and I had to cleaned it up and I was very angry to her. I was attched to the dog, took care of it, fed it and play with it. If the dog barks, or causes trouble, my mother would blame me, hey, she wanted the dog in the first the place, she's the seed of the issue. she for all the trouble the dog caused.

Her excuse wasn't be able to spend the time with the dog, because she's too busy with the housework. yes, I agree to the fact, and I can accept that excuse. but this is her attitude, she can't control her temptation, she wasted her money on useless things, used it once and the next day she forgets all about it. she once bought a violin, never played it. she bought set of punching bag, never punched it again. she bought a microscope kit set, never used it again. she wasted her money on a lot of crap and never used it. I hate her attitude! This included the dog she bought, which i had to take care of it at the end. If a dog barks or causes trouble she would harass me and I become the victim to handle the problem.

Yesterday, my dog storms out of the house accidentally by my brother. My dog ran and bit another dog. The dog owner yelled at my dad. My dog has caused a lot of trouble and for 4 years me and my dad put up with it. This time he wants to put the dog to sleep. I'm very sad caused I loved my dog so much. I spent a lot of time with the dog so much that I get so sick and tired, including my mother blamed me for everyting if the dog causes trouble. For this issue I blamed my father as well. He never wants to walk with dog. He has poor lifestyle, all he does is eat, drink, sleep, watch TV, play with his iphone and play piano. He refused to walk with the dog no matter what.

Today my parents taking the dog to the VET to put him to sleep. Alternatively, my mom got a called from the VET, and say the VET said they're not going to put him to sleep. instead, they're going to assess the dog to measure its agressivness and also to see if other people is interested in the dog. I'm VERY SKEPTICAL and SUSPICIOUS, when my parents said. they just said that to make me feel better. but, when I wanted to follow them to the VET, they won't let me.
So they are going to put the dog to sleep! I can't see my dog for the last time! not even a last good bye! help me!!!

There's no way you can get any help from an online answer board. It is true, though, that most veterinarians do not want to put a healthy animal down just because the owner no longer wants it. they may indeed try to evaluate its temperament and try to find a better home for it. It's possible your parents are telling you the truth.

I am going to assume that you are a minor, and were put in charge of your mom's dog.
Owning and caring for a dog is a big job with a lot of responsibility, and depending on your age, probably not a good idea for mom to leave you in complete charge of the dog.
Part of the responsibility of caring for a dog is training it so it isn't tempted to charge out the door at it's first opportunity-and further to not be aggressive with other dogs.
It isn't easy, and since this training clearly hasn't been done it is the right thing to have the dog assessed on it's aggressiveness and put up for adoption. It is the very thing that is called for in this instance.
Whatever your issues with your parents, I would believe that the Vet wouldn't put the dog to sleep without going through the extra measures, out of compassion for the dog.

no vet would put a healthy animal to sleep so you dont really have to worry about that but i really dont understand why your mom really hates the dog because it's agressive… my shih tzu bit my face 3 TIMES!!! and i didnt care because i loved him anyways and gave him alot of love and he never bit me once again and he's the one who follows me around the house and waits for me to come home when im not there and when my mom gets mad at him he starts running to me because sometimes she blames him when its not even his fault so i keep him comfortable with me and and i were you i would have a serious talk with your parents and say you dont take care of this dog and i dont want you to give him away or do anything to him unless you want me to cry 24/7 and tell your dad what you say he does like eat, drink, sleep, watch TV, play with his iphone, and play piano tell him that and make him understand how he lives and he will be upset at himself and tell your mom that you are pretty much wanting to abuse the poor doggie and say im coming to the vet whether you like it or NOT! this is my dog too and i want to come! you have to step up to your parents!

i'm sorry to hear that your parents are no more responsible than that.
although you don't respect their actions, it's good to hear that you do respect –them–because they are your parents.

i'm sure the vet did call and that is what he was going to do.
what i'm not so sure of is this–where your parents are actually taking the dog.

if i were you, i would ask them to please, please take the dog to the vet and let him be evaluated. tell them that the vet's office would find a good home for him being that there are plenty of people who would rather adopt him rather than seeing him put down.

but YOU HAVE TO KEEP THIS IN MIND–1–even you know he is aggressive. and now he has actually bitten. 2–it's just a matter of time before he eventually bites a person. 3–if all the man did was yell, then your family got off lightly. and that's really somewhat lightly because now i'm sure there are bad feelings toward your family by the owner of the other dog. 4–i don't know the laws where you are, but i would think that your family could be sued if there are any vet bills.

5–what if he does bite someone? sooner or later he will escape again. what if there's children playing, and he gets upset/overly excited by all the screaming, yelling and running around?
what if he attacks? what if he just wants 'to play' but plays 'too hard', hurting some of them? because he sounds like that type of dog.

i know you love him. just try to find out if, or, convince your parents to, take him where he could be adopted.

Actually, none of the vets I've brought my pets to will kill a healthy animal.

Instead of killing the dog, your parents should have contacted Border Collie rescue and tried to release the dog to them.

Let's be honest here, this is not "your dog". your mother bought it and no one gave a damn about "it" (not once have you called the dog anything other than "the dog" or "my dog"), so it's either going to end up dead because of the laziness in your family, or someone else is going to have to clean up your (your family's) mess..

If you are an adult, then why didn't *you* properly care for this dog instead of deciding to kill it because you couldn't be bothered? Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?

It is extremely likely that the vet did call your mom. I have done the same thing many times because there are solutions and answers to aggression issues that can be fixed by making easy changes that some people don't want to make. I am not going to euthanize or ask my staff members to euthanize a perfectly healthy animal that is being euthanized as a way to get rid of a problem. as his legal owners, your parents decision to surrender him to the vet, for assessment and rehoming or for euthanasia is their's to make. I think they made the right decision. NOT for EUTHANASIA but In realizing that they do not want to have the responsibility of owning a dog. He deserves an owner that wants him.

I hope that when getting a dog of your own you think it out more clearly than your parents did when getting this one. they are a tremendous amount of responsibility. You should pick a breed that is agreeable with your lifestyle. Dogs can live to be 18 – 19 years old. all dogs being kept as a pet should be neutered and should be provided obedience training and proper socialization. I wish you all the best and I really hope that you will see that now he has a chance at being a part of someones family and not anyones problem anymore.

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Lakeville: Delta pilot dies in KC air show crash

August 29, 2011

Bryan Jensen’s entire life revolved around flying.

A Delta Airlines pilot, the 50-year-old Lakeville resident spent his summers on the national air-show circuit performing stunts in his aerobatic plane, “The Beast.”

But something went tragically wrong Saturday afternoon when the biplane failed to pull out of a dive and crashed during the annual Kansas City Aviation Expo Air show.

The sight of the fiery fatal wreckage at the edge of a runway at Wheeler Downtown Airport stunned spectators, many of whom can be heard in YouTube videos gasping and screaming in horror.

Members of the local aviation community were left to wonder how things went awry and remember a friend for his passion for flying.

“Terrible tragedy,” said Dan Pichelman, president of the local chapter of the International Aerobatic Club. “We lost one of our family with this one.”

Jensen was a member of the small aviation club for at least 15 years, competing in several of its sponsored contests.

“He was the consummate professional and was very, very good at what he did,” said Pichelman, of Burnsville. “He paid attention to the smallest details.”

Friend Chuck Doyle Jr. said he communicated with Jensen via Facebook just a few hours before the crash. because they hadn’t spoken in a while, they agreed to get together for a barbecue Monday night at Doyle’s house in Webster, Wis.

“He said he’d call me as soon as he got back into town,” Doyle said, then paused and began to choke up. “We were planning on burning a steak and having a beer and laughing. Bryan always had a smile on his face. a very positive guy.”

Jensen, who also had a home in Florida, had logged more than 23,000 hours of flight time and had been flying aerobatics for 15 years, according to his website, beastairshows.com.

“He was one the better air-show performers, I think, right up there with John Klatt and Sean Tucker and others,” said Doyle, a Sun Country Airlines pilot. “It was something he always wanted to do, and he worked extremely hard at doing it.”

Jensen, who grew up on a farm in rural Iowa, took his first flying lesson at age 13. he soloed three different aircraft the morning of his 16th birthday – even before receiving his driver’s license.

He acquired his commercial pilot’s certificate, later graduating from the University of North Dakota’s aviation college.

He started work as a pilot with Northwest Airlines in 1985 and moved to Delta after the companies merged, said Delta spokesman Anthony Black.

“Bryan obviously was very passionate about his career at Northwest and Delta,” Doyle said.

But Jensen got a different type of thrill in his aerobatic aircraft, Doyle said.

“He started out with a small home-built aerobatic biplane 30 years ago and upgraded to a better one and then upgraded to a better one,” Doyle said. “I think he’s had maybe five different airplanes since I’ve known him.”

The thought of having an aircraft with a 1:1 or greater thrust-to-weight ratio was intriguing to Jensen, according to his online profile. before long, he had developed “The Beast” – a one-of-kind plane on the air-show circuit.

“It was a very, very powerful, very maneuverable plane and was very well designed,” Pichelman said. “It’s a good plane. I cannot speculate as to what happened to Bryan – I wasn’t there – so we’ll have to wait and see and let the authorities figure that out.”

Doyle said the plane helped Jensen pull off the “more difficult maneuvers – like the launch a box, outside snap rolls and inside snap rolls.”

The Kansas City show shut down following the crash, but the event resumed Sunday.

Jensen often participated in air shows with his girlfriend, C.C. Gerner, who also is a stunt pilot. According to Gerner’s website, she also was scheduled to be at the Kansas City air show over the weekend.

Gerner’s sister answered Gerner’s phone Monday and told the Pioneer Press her sister wasn’t ready to talk about Jensen’s crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash, but show director Ed Novallis said there’s nothing to indicate weather or other outside factors contributed.

Officials said the crash was the first ever recorded at the Kansas City air show.

Air show officials announced Monday that a scholarship in Jensen’s honor will be established through the Mid-American Youth Aviation Association. Details will be announced later.

This report contains information from the Associated Press.

Nick Ferraro can be reached at 651-228-2173.

ON THE WEB

To see a video of the crash, go to bit.ly/airshowcrash. Images may be disturbing.

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Planning An N Gauge Model Railway

July 14, 2011

When you’re making your first N gauge model railway, or indeed a brand new one, you’ll need to take a lot into consideration when it comes to planning it all out before you begin buying your kit or building anything. the first thing you need to decide is what kind of layout you’ll be having: a shelf layout, or a loop layout. the shelf layout incorporates a lot of straight track and is better for those who want a more realistic effect with their model railway, it’s also a lot better for those who don’t have much room. However, if you want a model railway with more features, then you’ll be looking at a loop circuit with lots of turns and space for extra features like countryside.

You’ll then need to think about the era you’re wanting to set your model in. Do you want a very modern style with lots of diesel engines or a more Victorian style with steam engines? this is all down to personal choice, but it’s a good idea to check out your local railway shop and what’s available online to check if you can complete your project with all the correct accessories. maybe you want to base it on a real location that you’ve been to like Haworth, or you want to make Hogsmeade station from Harry Potter or something Thomas the Tank Engine based. once you know the style you want you can begin to think about what special features you want to include to add to this like certain buildings or a coal shunting yard.

Now you know what you’re looking for and what you want, you have the next two points to consider- where you’re going to operate it from, and how you’re going to afford it. Being able to operate your carefully planned and designed model railway from a comfortable vantage point that connects to everything properly is key and it will make the experience much more fun than if you’re having to sit at an awkward angle. Cost, of course, needs to be considered early on as there’s nothing worse than planning your perfect railway and then running out of money when you’re only half done.

For tips and ideas why not go to your local model railway club or store to look at what other people have made? You can also find lots of inspiration and ideas online or in Railway Modeller magazine to give you some hints about different styles you could try. just remember that if it’s your first project with an N gauge layout try to start on something small to get you into it and allow you to learn all about the different aspects before you jump into anything big. Remember N Gauge track and kit is a lot smaller than other track, so it might take some time to get to grips with handling it and designing things if you’re used to larger sizes.

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How to Grow Crystals Bigger Than Ever With a Science Kit

June 24, 2011

Growing crystals is a fun, hands-on way to study chemistry and look at basic principles of geology and mineralogy. while some simple crystals can be made at home without special assistance, a science kit can provide a valuable starting point for getting larger and purer crystals. many students grow crystals as part of a science fair project, examining different factors and conditions.

Every time you grow crystals, a chemical reaction takes place. two or more chemicals are combined to create a new product. Typically, these initial chemicals are dissolved in a solvent. once they combine to form a new substance, the saturated solution is allowed to cool. Crystals form slowly as the temperature drops. as individual particles touch, they join to form a crystal and fall out of solution. the solid product settles to the bottom – a process known as precipitation. This chemical reaction can be performed at home, but it mimics the same conditions that take place whenever crystals form – including during geological formation.

A crystal is made up of repeating molecules held in a solid structure known as a lattice. Even common household crystals, such as sugar and salt, form by precipitating out of a chemical solution. under optimal cooling conditions, the resulting crystals have increased size and clarity. another important factor is the purity of the solution, as any unwanted impurities will affect crystal formation. for this reason, students wishing to grow crystals for a science fair or other project may prefer to start with a science kit and the provided chemicals.

Providing an initial seed crystal helps grow crystals larger. One simple method involves suspending a string into the solution and letting small crystals form. another option is pouring a small amount of solution onto a plate and letting it evaporate to leave crystals. these small crystals are the seed crystals. next, suspend a seed crystal on a piece of fine nylon string or dental floss. Dangle it into a clean container of saturated solution and allow the crystal to grow. if additional crystals form inside a container, transfer the seed crystal and solution into a new container. Otherwise there will be several smaller crystals rather than a single large one.

It takes time to grow crystals, since the solution must evaporate. for some solutions, stirring or heating can speed the process. if a crystal appears to be shrinking, more liquid should be added to the solution. Water is the most common liquid, but other solvents are possible. Experimental manipulations include changing the rate of evaporation, changing the rate of cooling, adding impurities, or using different solvents. Students can test the effects of humidity, vibration, container type, string type, and light.

A science kit provides any necessary chemical reagents which are required to grow crystals. Some science kits include chemicals to make multiple types of crystals, so that kids can compare crystal structures and types. See if the molecular structure helps predict the final crystal shape. Keep formed crystals in dry closed containers to prevent dissolution or dust accumulation.

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