Thursday, June 19, 2014

New Products Featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Hi Friends,

Have your kiddos been nagging about seeing the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film? It will be hitting the theaters around August 8th, and there are action figures, vehicles and role play gear, that reflect the personalities and distinctive look of the Turtles in the movie.

Below is a press release from Playmates Toys that will give you all the information, keeping you abreast of everything you need to know to converse with your children about these 'green' heroes.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES EMERGE FROM THE SHADOWS ONTO THE BIG SCREEN AND INTO FANS’ HANDS

Playmates Toys to Introduce New Toy Line Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Film

El Segundo, CA – June 18, 2014 – Playmates Toys, the creative force behind the successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line over the last three decades, is set to introduce a new product line inspired by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ summer blockbuster film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, directed by Jonathan Liebesman,written by Josh Appelbaum & AndrĂ© Nemec and Evan Daugherty and produced by Michael Bay, hitting theaters August 8. The movie line of toys will include an assortment of products for Turtles fans, including action figures, vehicles and role play gear.

“We are proud to introduce an all-new line of toys that reflect the personalities and distinctive look of the Turtles in the movie,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “The range of toys will provide kids and fans of all ages with a one-of-a-kind ninja play experience that brings their favorite characters from the film to life.”

“Playmates has outdone themselves yet again, with an incredible product offering for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie,” said Manuel Torres, SVP Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “These products – from action figures to role play toys – will provide hours of play, collectability and deepen our fans’ connection to the beloved brand.”

 The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie toy line from Playmates Toys will feature the following action figures, group vehicle and role-play gear:

Action Figures
The action figure collection will include basic action figures, 11-inch figures and deluxe feature figures. The action figures are highly detailed, fully articulated and uniquely sculpted to reflect the Turtles’ appearance in the movie. In addition, each figure comes equipped with unique accessories. The basic action figures vary in heights from 4.0 inches to 5.5 inches. The collection includes Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael, as well as Splinter, The Shredder, Foot Soldier, April O'Neil and Raphael in Disguise. The 11-inch figure collection includes the four Ninja Turtles.

The Combat Warrior Deluxe Figures are highly detailed, fully articulated and uniquely sculpted, with heights ranging from 5.25 inches to 6 inches. The Turtles’ legs can be squeezed to trigger battle actions. The collection includes Leonardo with quick cut katana action, Donatello with smack-down spinning staff action, Michelangelo with triple terror twist nunchuck action and Raphael with serious slashing sai action.

Vehicles
The Turtle Assault Van is packed with ninja action features, allowing kids to drive the Turtles into their next battle and recreate their favorite scenes from the movie. Features include a spring-powered Turtle torpedo, launching luge assault vehicle, pop top hatch and side attack ramp. The control cabin holds the basic Ninja Turtles action figures.

Role Play Gear
With the Ninja Combat Gear, kids can transform themselves into one of their favorite heroes in a half shell from the film. Each set includes the Turtles’ signature weapon and bandana, allowing kids to see if they have what it takes to become a Ninja Turtle. The collection includes Leonardo with katana sword, bandana and two hand guards, Michelangelo with Nunchuck, bandana and two hand guards, Raphael with two Sais and bandana and Donatello with Bo Staff and bandana.

About the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie
In this modern-day iteration of the popular franchise that has captivated audiences of all ages for decades, the Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox) and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett) to save New York City and unravel Shredder’s diabolical plan.  Based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, written by Josh Appelbaum & AndrĂ© Nemec and Evan Daugherty, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is produced by Michael Bay (director and executive producer of the blockbuster Transformers franchise),Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Galen Walker, Scott Mednick and Ian Bryce, and directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath of the Titans).

About Playmates Toys
With a history of over 40 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HEARTS FOR HEARTS GIRLS and WATERBABIES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com or http://facebook.com/playmatestoys

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com.  Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

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© 2014 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Information and photo courtesy of Playmates Toys

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Teaching Children About the World Cup Soccer With Toys

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The World Cup Soccer just began and already people all over the world are glued to the games. It's also a great time to teach the kiddos about soccer and the countries that partake in this event. Playmobil has a series of toys that emphasize soccer. Take a peek at this review about their soccer products in celebration of the World Cup. ~~~

Rio (Brazil), host of this year’s World Cup, is gearing up for one of the world’s most widely-viewed sporting events. As interest in the sport once again takes center stage, the focus will be on the teams, players and event sponsors. But did you know that toymaker PLAYMOBIL is actually the world’s largest soccer ball producer? Since 2006, they have manufactured more than 11.6 million soccer balls! The German-based company, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, first introduced soccer player figures that can kick in honor of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Berlin.

Below are some of the toy sets Playmobil has to offer:

Take Along Soccer Match (#4725): With the Playmobil Take Along Soccer Match you can dribble your way across the field to victory! With six athlete figures primed and ready to play, this set comes fully equipped with everything kids need to have a complete game experience. Goalie figures connect to an included goal joystick that allows kids to control the goalies' movements from behind the goal net. This compactable and travel-ready set also includes a 22 x 33 inch field, soccer ball and other accessories. Recommended for ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $67.99. Warning: Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Soccer Shoot Out (#4726): Score the tie-breaking goal with the Playmobil Soccer Shoot Out. Two figures compete to see who can score the most goals and win the match. The working digital scoreboard with timer keeps track of points and ensures a fair match. Set also includes goal area, two orange cones and soccer ball. Recommended for ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $24.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Referees (#4728): The referee and 2 linesmen are ready for action. Warn the players with the cards to prevent misbehaving. Set includes whistle, flags and yellow and red cards. Recommended for ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $8.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Germany (#4729): Share your team pride with the soccer player from Germany. Set includes one figure with leg that kicks and soccer ball. Recommended ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Spain (#4730): Support your national team with the soccer player from Spain. Set includes one figure with leg that kicks and soccer ball. Recommended ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

England (#4732): Display your team spirit with the soccer player from England. Set includes one figure with leg that kicks and soccer ball. Recommended ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

France (#4733): Cheer on the French team with the soccer player from France. Set includes one figure with leg that kicks and soccer ball. Recommended ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Netherlands (#4735): Root for your favorite athlete with the soccer player from the Netherlands. Set includes one figure with leg that kicks and soccer ball. Recommended ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Brazil (#4799): Score a goal with the soccer player from Brazil. Set includes one figure with leg that kicks and soccer ball. Recommended ages five to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Look for these sets at your local toy store or on Playmobil's website.

Information and photos courtesy of PLAYMOBIL


Sunday, June 8, 2014

Father's Day Activities


A big thanks to Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, for the idea of Father's Day first introduced it in 1909. Through the years it became more and more popular until finally in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
Each of us have our ideas of how Father's Day should be celebrated and in our society the cards and gifts will continue to help build those memories. But Dad deserves more than just one more striped tie-he needs the gift of time and/or something homemade. Let's appreciate all the things he brings to our lives by sharing these experiences and bonding with Dad on his special day.

SWEET CHILD OF MINE: (Baby and Toddler)
Early in a child's life, it's important that fathers get involved with daily care activities-feeding, dressing and changing diapers. Bonding is an important lifetime experience between a father and child.

Play this game anytime you dress your little one. Massage, kiss, cuddle and blow air on the child's body. Tell your youngster you love him/her. Daddy can recite the following poem as he dresses his bundle of joy on Father's Day.

DADDY LOVES YOU SO, SWEET CHILD OF MINE.
YOU ARE SO SOFT AND WARM TO HOLD.
I'LL WIGGLE YOUR NOSE AND TICKLE YOUR TOES,
THEN GO ROUND AND ROUND ON YOUR NICE LITTLE TUMMY.
NOW FOR A KISS, SWEET CHILD OF MINE.
YOU ARE A JOY TO LOVE AND CUDDLE.

PUT YOUR HAND IN MINE: (Preschool)
As you child gets a little older, comparing handprints is a lifelong lesson. Have your child place his/her hand on a sheet of paper and trace around it. Place your hand over the tracing of your child's hand and help your child trace around it. Ask your youngster to compare the sizes of the two sets of hands. Tell your child a story about something you liked to do when your hands were small. Let your child tell you what he/she would like to do when his or her hands are the size of yours. As an extended activity, take a walk together holding hands.

THINGS DAD AND THE KIDS CAN DO TOGETHER: (School Age)
Go to the local nursery together to buy a few plants. At home, spend fun time in the yard planting your new foliage. Continue gardening together as much as possible.

Go for an afternoon drive. See how many muscle (sports) cars you can identify together.
Set up the sprinkler in the yard and have fun splish-splashing through the water. Brings back Dad's childhood.

Have a "mini family reunion." Invite relatives over for an afternoon of food and games. Help Dad with the all time favorite BBQ.

Snuggle away a few hours together on the couch talking about your child's dreams, hobbies, etc. Today, read a story to Dad.

Most of all, tell Dad you love him. That will really make him smile!!!


I hope all the dads and father figures enjoy their special day on June 15th.
Until next time,
Tania

This article was originally posted on Yahoo Voices
Photos courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved