Meeting Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens is one of the stars of High School Musical, and about as nice and charming a young actress as you could meet anywhere. For those of you who don't know--WHERE have you been?????-- Ms. Hudgens plays Gabriella Montez, a shy student who excels in math and science and who, through the redeeming power of Show BIZ not only comes out of her shell, she helps her team win the inter-school academic competition, scores the lead in the musical and gets the guy, Troy Bolton, played by junior heartthrob Zac Efron. Whew! Who could possibly compete with these kids?

Well, that's not the point. High School Musical since it first debuted January 20, 2006, has reached more than 100 million viewers all around the world. It is an entertainment phenomenon that's rarely been equaled, and in all our conversations with kits besotted with the show, what we've seen is a sense of empowerment, and a real ability to relate to these characters. So, for those of you who think that the musical is dead, think again! The power of music to enhance emotion and capture the sheer exuberance of these kids has resonated around the world. And, what's even better, these are all essentially very good kids. Even the "villains" of the piece aren't so bad, they just get their little ego bubbles popped and emerge much nicer for it.

And, you have to admit that Disney has done a masterful job with all of this. What's most impressive is that they've done it from the kids' perspective, and that's why kids everywhere relate to it so strongly. They see heightened version of themselves. That's one of the reasons that a version of the show that can be done in real-live high schools has been so popular, and why, heaven help us, High School Musical on Ice is likely to be a major hit as well. Chances are that for the next decade or so, HSM will supplant Bye Bye Birdie or Grease as the classic high school spring shows. That's actually a good thing. Those shows, charming and popular as they are (The new Grease on Broadway has a nearly $10 million pre-sale, thanks to its being featured in a reality show earlier this year.), are really written from an adult perspective. The kind of "aren't those kids kooky and crazy" subtext of those shows is absent from HSM, and that's why it really touches kids.

So, it should come as no surprise that when Ms. Hudgens appeared at Toys "R" Us Times Square last Saturday, our friend Faith D'Isa jumped at the chance to interview her for TheToyGuy.com. Ms. Hudgens was at the store to unveil a new toy Rubik's Revolution, and after all, who better than the reigning math and science role model for the entire world?

Ms. Hudgens signed photos for legions of fans and had lines around the block, so Faith was delighted to sit down with her and answer a couple of questions--a dream come true for the St. Stephen's School drama club member. Check back for a link to Faith's interview when it's posted.

Here's the best part of it, though, Ms. Hudgens couldn't have been nicer, more attentive and just plain cool with all the kids she met. She's exactly the kind of celebrity we should all want our kids looking up to.

- C. Byrne

More on the Geyser Tube

Seems like a lot of folks really enjoyed watching me get drenched in Diet Coke live on national TV. As always, Regis & Kelly was a total blast. They seemed to enjoy cutting loose a little bit, and I've finally gotten all of that stuff off me! And, we have to give a shout out to the amazing crew on that show. They worked so hard to make sure all the toys performed to their best, and it seemed like they had a good time as well.

Here's what I learned: There's a reason there are no spa treatments done with Diet Coke. Wow, does that stuff dry your skin out! Oh, and it stings your eyes pretty badly, too.

As my eighth grade science teacher, Mr. Tappan, said when he lit all the gas jets in the science lab for us goggle-eyed, rambunctious kids, "There. Now I've done it so you don't have to."

But for pure fun, this experiment is amazing. People have been calling and writing, trying to get more information. Check out Steve Spangler's site. He's the science teacher--and all-around good guy-- who invented it.

Hope a Geyser Tube is in your future. One tip: Stand Back!

-C. Byrne

Chris Byrne on Live With Regis & Kelly Tomorrow

If you ever wanted to see Chris Byrne, a.k.a. the Toy Guy, get completely drenched by fountains of soda, then tune into Live With Regis and Kelly tomorrow (Friday) on ABC.

The segment, which was taped today, will feature some of this summer's hottest toys, including Steve Spangler's Geyser Tube from Be Amazing Toys. Spangler is the mad scientist behind the Mentos & Diet Coke experiment, originally popularized online.

Chris doesn't just get soda soaked, Regis and Kelly also have a blast attacking Chris with a couple of Banzai Color Stream Blasters from ToyQuest. These water blasters feature a unique color infusion system that creates colorful water blasts.

There will also be plenty of indoor toys featured including several of Hasbro's Transformers toys, Mattel's Ratatouille Little Chef Remy and Polly Wheels Race To The Mall Playset, Technosource's Rubik's Revenge, and Uncle Milton's R/C Tarantula.

See these and more toys featured tomorrow morning on Live With Regis and Kelly and check out the ToyGuy.com for a full list of items with prices.

RC2 Recalls Various Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys

RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill, announced recalls of various Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toys. The recall involves wooden vehicles, buildings and other train set components for young children, whose packaging has the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” on the upper left-hand corner. A manufacturing code may be located on the bottom of the product or inside the battery cover. Toys marked with codes containing “WJ” or “AZ” are not included in this recall.

The recalled toys were sold at toy stores and various retailers nationwide from January 2005 through June 2007 for between $10 and $70.

Consumers should take the recalled toys away from young children immediately and contact RC2 Corp. for a replacement toy. For additional information, including a full list of recalled toys, contact RC2 Corp. toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at recalls.rc2.com

New Video Games Due This Week

As we first mentioned last week, the Transformers games continue to roll out this week with additional titles on additional platforms. Transformers: Decepticons arrives for the DS, while Transformers: The Game debuts on PC and PSP. War games appear very popular this week with Attack on Pearl Harbor, Brothers In Arms, and Call for Heroes: Pompolic War battling for your gaming dollar.

Title/Platform
Attack on Pearl Harbor/PC
Brothers In Arms/DS
Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars/PC
DiRT/PC, Xbox360
Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground/PSP
Escape from Bug Island/Wii
Hot Brain/PSP
Hot Wheels Ultimate Racing/PSP
Marvel Trading Card Game/PC
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient/PSP
Pro Cycling Manager/Tour de France 2007/PC, PSP
Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition/Wii
SimCity DS/DS
Time Ace/DS
Transformers: The Game/PC, PSP
Transformers: Decepticons/DS
Zendoku/DS

-J. McKinney

Cannondale Recalls Mountain Bicycles

Cannondale Bicycle Corp., of Bethel, Conn, has announced a voluntary recall of Mountain Bicycles with Lefty Speed SL and Lefty Speed DLR Forks.

The recalled bikes were sold at authorized Cannondale dealers from June 2006 through May 2007 for between $1,600 and $6,500.

Consumers should stop using these bicycles immediately. Cannondale dealers will repair these forks at no charge. For additional information, including a list of bikes with the defective forks, contact Cannondale’s toll free number: 800- BIKEUSA (245-3872) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cannondale.com

New Video Games Due This Week

The classic 1989 Prince of Persia game gets an extreme makeover for Xbox's Live Arcade. Look for new designs and enhancements to the original's stunning action. The popular Nintendo DS game, Big Brain Academy, gets a Wii-over in the new Wii Degree. This sequel includes three multiplayer modes for up to eight players of all ages. Also premiering this week is the first of two unique Transformers games for the DS, Transformers: Autobots. Look for Transformers: Decepticons as well as Transformers: The Game next week.

Title/Platform
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree/Wii
Call of Juarez/PC
Chicken Shoot/Wii
Crash Bandicoot Action Pack/PS2
Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer/Xbox360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS
Frisbee, Frisbee Golf/GBA
Ingenious/PC
Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia/PC, Xbox360
Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek/PC
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2/PS2
Prince of Persia Classic/Xbox360
Raw Danger/PS2
The Sims 2: Pets/Wii
Scarface: The World Is Yours/Wii
Tenchu Z/Xbox360
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas/PSP
Touchmaster/DS
Transformers: Autobots/DS
Zendoku/DS, PSP

-J. McKinney

Hot Off The Presses!

Warner Bros. Studios will let the Thundercats loose on the big screen!

The studio announced it has optioned a script by Paul Sopocy to turn the popular 1980s animated series and toy line into a CGI animated film. The script deals with the background storey of the Thundercats, with a focus on team leader, Lion-O's coming of age.

The Thundercats was originally developed and produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, and debuted in 1983 and told the story of the Thunderians, who were forced to flee their dying home world of Thundera. The Thundercats franchise went on to spawn several animated series, including the most recent airing on Cartoon Network in 1997.

Production and release dates have yet to be announced for the new CGI movie. Stay tuned to theToyGuy blog for more information as it becomes available.

-J. McKinney

New Video Games Due This Week

No offense to the games coming out this week but the big news in gaming is the Wii's recent sales performance in Japan. According to Bloomberg, reporting on data from Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, the Wii outsold the PS3 5 to 1 in May. That breaks down to Nintendo selling 251,794 Wii consoles while Sony sold 50,000 PS3s.

As for this week's games, Tomb Raider: Anniversary is receiving a lot of positive buzz around the web. This remake of the original Tomb Raider, released in 1996 for the PS1, applies today's technology to everything that made the original the classic it is today.

Title/Platform
Biker Mice From Mars/DS, PS2
Call of Juarez/Xbox360, PC
Chicken Shoot/DS
Circus Empire/PC
Deal or No Deal /DS
Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu/DS
Dream Day Wedding/PC
Hospital Tycoon/PC
Planet Puzzle League/DS
Puzzle Scape PSP
Shrek the Third/PSP
The Sims 2: H&M Stuff/PC
Space Force: Rogue Universe/PC
Tomb Raider: Anniversary/PC, PS2, PSP
UFO: Afterlight PC

Transformers Toys Roll Out

One day last week, I arrived at theToyGuy HQ to find a giant cube full of Transformers goodies waiting for me on my desk. Thank you, Hasbro and my new best friends at Hunter PR! The box was filled with all sorts of Transformers toys and goodies from the upcoming film due in theaters July 4.

Sure this box included, among other items, the Mr. Potato Head Optimus, Robot Fighters Game, Arm Blaster, a comic book, and cool T-shirt that I donned over the weekend, but what I dove into instantly were the figures! As a nearly life-long fan of these robots in disguise I was eager to put the new toys to the test and I can say without doubt they pass.

I took a crack at Optimus Prime, and have to be honest, it took me nearly 30 minutes to transform him from vehicle to robot and back (I must be getting rusty at this). The Optimus figure features lights and sounds and many of the new figures, including Optimus, come with "Automorph Technology", a simple automatic movement during the transformation. Personally, I find the Automorph feature to be a bit unnecessary as the figures are impressive enough on their own. After Optimus, with a level 4 conversion rating, I checked out two of the smaller level 3s, Barricade and Bonecrusher. Both were much easier and quicker to transform but no less rewarding. One thing I've noticed with these three figures is that they have been given extra stability in their feet, which makes them much easier to stand and display - a touch that collectors will appreciate.

All of the Transformers toys, games and products arrived in stores over the weekend. Look for the video game due closer to the film's release.

-J. McKinney

Hot Off The Presses!

LOS ANGELES - Call it magic or marketting mayhem but either way, Warner Bros., announcement that this summer's Harry Potter movie will open two days earlier is great news for fans. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth movie based on the best-selling books by J.K. Rowling, will open in U.S. theaters July 11, two days earlier than previously announced.

Warner gave no explanation for the new date of the David Yates directed film's premier, which was originally scheduled to be released July 13. The world premiere of the movie will be held June 28 in Tokyo, followed by a London premiere July 3.

Fisher-Price Recalls Rainforest Infant Swings

Fisher-Price, in cooperation with The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced a voluntary recall of the Rainforest Open Top Take-Along Swings.

This recall involves Portable Rainforest Take Along Swings with a palm tree mobile and two hanging plush toys. The swings are approximately 23-inches-high and have two carry handles on the left and right sides. Model numbers K7203, K7192 and K7195 are included in the recall. Model numbers are located under the right handle on the swing. No other collection of Rainforest swings or products are included in this recall. The recalled items were sold at discount department stores and toy stores nationwide from November 2006 to May 2007 for about $65.

Consumers should immediately stop using the swing and contact Fisher-Price for instructions on how to return it to receive a voucher for a replacement product. For additional information, call Fisher-Price toll-free at (888) 303-5631 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

New Video Games Due This Week

This is one of those weeks when I'm praying for a rainy weekend so that I won't feel bad about spending it indoors playing games. With Mortal Kombat debuting on the Wii, I know there will be plenty of flawless victories to strive for. It's also no secret that I am a huge Mario Party fan. If you have been with us for a while, you may recall my disappointment back in March, when I discovered the game had been pushed back to this week. Well, as soon as I publish this entry, I'll be heading up to Nintendo World to finally secure my party!

Title/Platform
Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm/PS2
Crush/PSP
Forza Motorsport 2/Xbox360
Halo 2/PC
Legend of the Dragon/PSP
Mario Party 8/Wii
Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia/Xbox360, PC
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon/Wii
Pony Friends/DS
Shadowrun/Xbox360, PC
Surf's Up/PS3, PSP, Xbox360, GC, Wii, DS, GBA, PS2, PC
Tamagotchi Party On!/Wii
Tank Beat/DS

-J. McKinney

Hot Off The Presses!

New Line Cinema unveiled the highly anticipated holiday film, The Golden Compass, this week at the Cannes Film Festival by screening an exclusive sneak peek to audiences. This viewing marks the debut of the upcoming movie and sets the stage for a whirlwind campaign leading to the worldwide premiere of the theatrical release.

SEGA and New Line Cinema have partnered to create a one-of-kind interactive experience brimming with all the locations, characters and story threads that fans of the book have come to cherish. The partnership between New Line Cinema and SEGA created a flow of costumes, scripts, special effects and more to ensure the most authentic and dynamic videogame possible. Longtime fans will finally see the mysterious world of The Golden Compass come to life on the silver screen and on television sets across the globe.

In the videogame, players will assume the role of Lyra, the rebellious protagonist, or Iorek, the ferocious armoured-bear, as they embark on a perilous journey to rescue her best friend and Uncle. Joining Lyra on her travels through the frozen North is Pan, her animal-shaped spirit daemon, and the mysterious truth-telling device known as the Golden Compass.

The Golden Compass originates from the successful book trilogy called His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. More than 14 million copies of the books were sold worldwide and each book held position on the prestigious New York Times best-seller list. The upcoming film is directed by Chris Weitz (About a Boy) and boasts an all-star cast including Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green. The film also introduces newcomer Dakota Blue Richards as Lyra.

Click here for more information about The Golden Compass videogame. You can also view the newly released The Golden Compass movie teaser trailer here.

Playful Perspectives: Age Appropriate Play

Playful Perspectives is our co-blog with Ty's Toybox. Today, we're taking on the issue of what's age appropriate. It's an important issue as we head into the summer, so read on. And be sure to read what Ty's Toy Box Mommy has to say. The link is at the end of this document.

Ah, little Throckmorton! Talking at 7 months, reading at just over a year, quoting Shakespeare at 18 months. So why is he playing with the box of of the Little Giant Cold Fusion Machine you bought him and not slicing atoms on the play room floor?

Probably because it wasn't appropriate for his age. Don't be mad at us for saying that!

Of course, we're being silly to make a point. However, if there's one thing we find that's consistent with parents around the nation, and the world for that matter, it's that for the most part they think their kids are the smartest who've ever been born. And, for all we know, they could be right.

But just because a child is a budding genius, that doesn't necessarily mean that at 3 or 4 he or she is going to be able to handle toys that are graded for kids 6 or 7. Why? Biology.

Kids develop at different speeds and different times. The child who walks early or talks early may not be more advanced than the child who talks a little later when it comes to things like fine motor coordination. That's why a lot of companies invest a lot of time and money doing research and studying child development to ensure that when they put an age grading on a package it's developmentally sound as well as graded for safety.

In recent years, we've found a lot of confusion among parents about this. And that's not surprising because there are two ways that companies put age grading on packages. The first, and most important for preschoolers, is for safety. Anything that has a small part has to be clearly marked that it is not for children under 3 years old. Moreover, parents should take care that in homes with multiple children that toys with small parts are never within reach of children under 3.

The second reason is based on ability to use the toy. Companies like Playskool, Fisher-Price, LeapFrog, VTECH and most others try to mark their packages very clearly to see what age a toy is best suited for. Here's a good idea: Listen to them. They've invested a ton of money in making sure all this stuff works and is satisfying for children, delivering a full play experience. Playskool has some helpful information about this on their web site.

Now, it's not that a child can't play with a toy that stretches him or her a little, but as with so many things, it's a good idea to take your cue from the child. We've seen children who were accomplished readers at a young age but whose physical abilities were not as developed as some of their peers. So, while they were reading well above their grade level, they might have had trouble and been frustrated by things with small pieces like models.

So why do kids play with the box? Well, especially with infants, it's because the toy appears too complex, and they can make the box work. When you watch a child playing with something--stacking rings for example--if their fine motor skills aren't developed sufficiently, they aren't going to be able to work the toy and will sit and chomp on the rings. Or they'll manipulate the flap of the box. That is actually a satisfying play experience at that age because the child is making something happen, observing the results and then doing it again. What may look like repetitive activity to an untrained adult is actually anything but. With each repetition, the child is learning and discovering something new. And, just like adults, when they stop learning something new, they'll stop being engaged. By that point they may be ready to pick up the toy.

Physical play is something that parents should be espeically watchful about. For example, children may all be in first grade, but depending on the cut off date for your school, there may be kids who have just turned 7 and some who are about to turn 8. There is a world of difference between these kids when it comes to things like Little League. Over and above natural ability, which will vary from child to child, there is the biological fact that children develop a lot in a year, and what was impossible at one point is suddenly possible not because the kid has learned but because he or she has grown into the ability.

The important thing is to watch your child and see what he or she is ready for. Allow them to naturally pick things up and always be supportive. A child who moves quickly and acquires skills will take the lead, and then you can provide all the help and materials you can. On the other hand, a child who becomes frustrated may give up on something and resist trying again.

We'll grant that your kid is special. (We'll grant that all kids are special.) Help him or her become even more so by making sure they're ready for the play experiences you offer. Learning mastery is one of the key elements of play and sets the stage for so many other accomplishments. Being supportive, rather than directive and taking the advice of people who do this for a living may serve you well in the long run...even if you still secretly think that Throckmorton could pilot the Space Shuttle at 5. (We'll wholeheartedly support you in thinking your kids are the best!)

That's what we're thinking on the topic. Check out the perpsective from Ty's Toy Box Mommy. And, hey, we'd always love to hear what you have to say on this, or any subject!

New Video Games Due This Week

Looking over this week's major game releases it is apparent that there is something for everyone... as long as you have a system other than the PS3. This week's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, the game based on the upcoming sure-to-be-a-hit movie, is an enjoyable action title that immerses the player in some of the films most memorable settings and locations. The hit Cartoon Network series, Naruto, makes its DS premier with Naruto: Ninja Council 3 - a fighting game that follows the storyline of the animated series.

Brooktown High: Senior Year/PSP
Chicken Shoot/DS
Dawn of Mana/PS2
Death, Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom/DS
Diner Dash/DS, PSP
Dreamfall: Game of the Year Edition/PC
Halo 2/PC
Legend of the Dragon/PSP
Major League Baseball 2K7/GBA
Marvel Trading Card Game/DS
Naruto: Ninja Council 3/DS
The New York Times Crosswords/DS
Odin Sphere/PS2
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End/X360, PC, PS2, WII, PS3, DS, PSP
Rush 'N Attack/Xbox360
Surf's Up/GameCube, GBA
UFO: Extraterrestrials/PC
WarTech: Senko no Ronde/Xbox360

-J. McKinney

All Hail King Shrek

Who would have guessed that an animated ogre would have the power to topple the web slinger? That's exactly what happened at the box office this past weekend as Shrek the Third, opened to a record breaking $122 million.

The third film in the wildly popular and successful CGI series, Shrek the Third posted the biggest animated opening of all time and the third-biggest opening weekend of all time according to box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. Shrek the Third, which finds Shrek scrambling to find the next king or be forced into the job himself, also bested the opening figures for the previous two Shrek movies, Shrek and Shrek 2, which took in $42.3 million and $108 million (respectively).

Here's a rundown of the top 10 films based on Friday-Sunday estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations:

1. Shrek the Third, $122 million
2. Spider-Man 3, $28.5 million
3. 28 Weeks Later, $5.2 million
4. Disturbia, $3.7 million
5. Georgia Rule, $3.5 million
6. Fracture, $2.4 million
7. Delta Farce, $1.8 million
8. The Invisible, $1.3 million
9. Hot Fuzz, $1.26 million
10. Waitress, $1.135 million

American Idol Update

Apparently possessing an incredible voice just isn't enough to be chosen American Idol. Melinda Doolittle was eliminated from the contest Wednesday night and shut out of next week's finale despite the constant praise from all three judges. According to host, Ryan Seacrest, close to 60 million people voted in this week's contest.

That leaves 17-year-old Jordin Sparks going up against 25-year-old Blake Lewis for the title of the next American Idol. Who do you think deserves that title? Vote now in our poll located on the top right side of the page.

Halo 3 Release Announced

With the release of Spider-Man 3 earlier this month, blockbuster season is officially open. This summer is packed with big budget Hollywood films including the Transformers movie, the third installment in the tremendously successful Pirates of the Caribbean series, the next Harry Potter, the first Simpsons movie, The Fantastic Four sequel etcetera, etcetera. So it may come as a surprise to hear that many people in the industry are estimating that the highest grossing entertainment vehicle of 2007 won't even be a movie.

If past performance is any indication, Halo 3, the final chapter in the groundbreaking Halo trilogy, is poised to shatter any records set over the next few months for first day sales. Developed by Bungie Studios and exclusive to the Xbox 360, Halo 3 will set a new standard for gaming and entertainment by engaging consumers in an epic battle to save humankind when it is released on September 25.

Yesterday, Microsoft unveiled the multiplayer beta at a star-studded event in Hollywood. Beginning today (May 16), Microsoft Game Studios will kick off the Halo 3 multiplayer beta, which provides audiences around the world with an exclusive, early look at some of the multiplayer elements of Halo 3 on Xbox Live. Gamers who are interested in experiencing the multiplayer beta of Halo 3 can still participate until the Beta ends on June 6, by purchasing specially marked copies of the Xbox 360-exclusive title, Crackdown.

Halo 2 changed the way the world looked at video games when it was released in November of 2004, and generated a record-setting $125 million in sales within the first 24 hours. Three years later, it remains the most-played game on Microsoft’s Xbox Live online gaming and entertainment network, with nearly 1 billion hours of online gaming logged to date. Today, the Halo franchise has expanded beyond video games into The New York Times’ best-selling books, graphic novels, collectible merchandise and now a new, special edition Zune digital media player.

-J. McKinney

New Video Games Due This Week

It's Shrek week with 'Shrek the Third', the video game in stores today and the movie arriving in theaters this Friday. If wasting zombies is a little more your speed, you might want to check out Resident Evil 4 for the PC. Although the main creatures are no longer zombies, they are now parasite-afflicted humans, the action is still top notch. Baseball fans have two new titles to root for this week with Major League Baseball 2K7 for the DS and MLB 07: The Show now playing on the PS3.

Title/Platform
Aegis Wing/Xbox360
Code Lyoko/DS
Etrian Odyssey/DS
FreeStyle Street Basketball /PC
Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon/PSP
Major League Baseball 2K7/GBA
MLB 07: The Show/PS3
Nanny Mania/PC
Resident Evil 4/PC
Shrek the Third/PS2, Xbox360, Wii
SpellForce 2: Dragon Storm/PC
Soltrio Solitare/Xbox360
Taito Legends 2/PS2
Touch the Dead/DS

American Idol Update

And then there were three!

It was Lakisha Jones' time to go last night as America voted and collectively agreed that Lakisha does not have what it takes to be the next American Idol. Once again, here on the ToyGuy blog we ran our own poll and asked you to vote. The results are in and you sent Lakisha packing. Proving once again, that our readers have their fingers on the pulse of what's happening.

The new poll is up so vote now!

Darth Vader on Line 1

The Darth Vader phone has got to be the coolest/geekiest of the Star Wars licensed products I have seen yet to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first film. Of course I want one!

Don't expect the Ewok celebration to play when this phone rings. Instead, you will be treated to the infamous Imperial March, while Vader turns his head seeking you out. The Darth Vader phone also features three different sound effects including a Lightsaber swing noise and Vader's mechanical breathing.

The Darth Vader phone is currently available in the UK and retails for approximately $36.00 (US).

-J. McKinney

Battat Recalls Parents Magazine Toy Cell Phones

Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, N.Y., announced a voluntary recall of the Parents Magazine Record-A-Voice Toy Cell Phones (pictured below).

Sold at Target stores nationwide from September 2006 to January 2007 for about $8, the toy cell phone plays different songs, sound effects and user recorded messages. They were sold in polka dot, swirl, floral and stripe patterns, and the Parents logo is visible inside the flip-top and on the battery compartment cover. Only items bearing date codes 090106 through 101206 are involved in this recall. The date code can be located on the bottom of the product packaging and in the battery compartment.

Consumers should take these toy cell phones away from young children immediately and contact Battat to receive a replacement product or refund. For additional information, call Battat, Inc. at (800) 247-6144 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at cellrecall@battatco.com.

Game Preview: The Bigs

Last week I met with 2K Sports for a preview of The Bigs, the larger-than-life Major League Baseball licensed title due next month.

In The Bigs, MLB players, stadiums, backgrounds and the action are raised to exaggerated proportions allowing players of the game to play a fantasy-like game of baseball. Each MLB player has been individualized to emphasize their athletic attributes while great attention to detail has been used to portray a player’s face and physical characteristics. Real life stadium landmarks and elements of the surrounding cities have been stylized to highlight the unique architecture of each MLB ballpark.

In game features such as button combination moves, the Big Player Meter and Turbo abilities introduce min-game elements to the traditional play pattern. There are also additional modes including Homerun Pinball, which places you in New York's Times Square where you use the surrounding lights and signs for pinball style targets in a homerun derby.

The Bigs, due in stores June 25, 2007, will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PS2, PSP and the Wii.



-J. McKinney

American Idol Update

After last week's charity themed episode, American Idol returned to the usual elimination format but with a twist - two wannabe superstars were given the boot. Last week's votes were combined with those from Tuesday night's show and when the smoke settled, Chris Richardson, and bottom-three veteran Phil Stacey were sent packing.

We've been holding our own American Idol vote here on the ToyGuy blog (see poll in right hand column) and our results jive with those of the show. We asked you, who do you want to win American Idol? And, as of last night, Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey were tied for last place with both receiving just 6% of your votes.

Our poll has been updated and we are now down to the final four. So make you selection and feel free to come back and vote again tomorrow.

Target Recalls Anima Bamboo Collection Games

Target announced a voluntary recall of Anima – Bamboo Collection Games manufactured by HaPe International Ltd., of Ningbo, China.

This recall involves the games that contain 38 bamboo pads, four ghosts, and one dice. The product’s packaging is an orange box with the words “Anima” and “BAMBOO Collection Games” printed on each side (pictured below). The recalled games were sold at Target stores nationwide from December 2006 through April 2007 for $10.

Consumers should immediately take the game away from children and return them to the nearest Target store for full refund, including applicable sales tax. For additional information, call Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com.

Still Trying To Catch Them All

After a week of fully immersing myself in Pokémon Pearl and Pokémon Diamond, I've left the Sinnoh region long enough to review these two new Nintendo games. Pearl and Diamond, the first Pokémon titles for the Nintendo DS, introduce some new elements and pocket monsters to the Pokémon world while sticking with the formula that has made Pokémon one of the most successful game franchises on the market.

Check out the review now at www.theToyGuy.com.

-J. McKinney

Barbie 2.0

Mattel's iconic Barbie doll has a new home and it's not in Malibu. You will find her and her friends at BarbieGirls.com, just one piece of a new brand puzzle for the Barbie line. At the site, kids can create their own virtual character, design their own "room," shop at the mall, play games, hang out and chat live with other members.



In July, Barbie Girls will go from 2D to 3D with a new doll-inspired MP3 player. The Barbie Girl device (pictured) will feature a real MP3 player with a range of customizable fashions and accessories, plus an impressive 512 MB of memory to hold up to 120 MP3 or 240 WMA-file songs. The player will also possess an expandable miniSD slot that holds a memory card up to 2 GB (sold separately) and will play any non-DRM-encrypted MP3 or WMA files.

The Barbie Girl device will be available at major retailers across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand for an average retail price of $59.99. Included with each device are a belt clip, adjustable-sized earbuds and durable storage case. Accessory Packs will be sold separately for $9.99 and include various fashions, accessories and pets. All devices and accessories will also act as a "key" to unlock additional new pets, games, hangout spots, fashions, furniture and more on BarbieGirls.com.
-J. McKinney

Lucas And Hamill To Spoof Star Wars

George Lucas and Mark Hamill will reunite for an upcoming episode of Robot Chicken. The episode, Robot Chicken: Star Wars, is a 30-minute stop-motion animation special for Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late-night programming block.

Robot Chicken: Star Wars spoofs popular scenes and characters from the "Star Wars" movies and was done in collaboration with Lucas' production company Lucasfilm. Lucas, the creator of the "Star Wars" universe, will voice a cartoon version of himself, and Hamill will resurrect the character of Luke Skywalker.

The special, set to premiere at 10 p.m. on June 17, comes from "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, with Green directing. The voice cast also includes Conan O'Brien, Seth MacFarlane, Robert Smigel, Malcolm McDowell, Hulk Hogan, James Van Der Beek, Donald Faison, Abraham Benrubi, Breckin Meyer and Joey Fatone.

Everyone's Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

The reviews are in and aside from a few exceptions, Spider-Man 3 is the toast of the town. Amid the clamor and praise for the third film of this Spider-Man franchise, in theatres next Friday (May 4), arrived an interesting tidbit regarding a fourth film. So far the Spider-Man 4 rumor appears to have evolved from a comment Kirsten Dunst gave to reporters at the London premier of Spider-Man 3, stating that she would return as long as Toby Maguire (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) and Sam Raimi (Director) did as well.

-J. McKinney

New Video Games Due This Week

The big news in new game releases this week is Pokemon! Two new titles fro the DS hit the stores Sunday and we've got them in our hot little DS. Check theToyGuy.com later this week for the review. Another new game making headlines this week is the hotly anticipated, The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar for PC. This is the first and only massively-multiplayer online game based on the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. In development for over four years, the game opens up the mystical world of Middle-earth and creates the opportunity for endless adventure.

Title/Platform
Ancient Wars: Sparta/PC
Bionicle Heroes /Wi
Classic Action: Devilish/DS
Cube /PSP
Eureka Seven Vol. 2/PS2
The Fast and the Furious/PSP
F.E.A.R./PS3
The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar/PC
Made Man/PC
Pokemon Diamond/DS
Pokemon Pearl/DS
Rayman Raving Rabbids/Xbox 360
The Red Star/PS2
UFO: Extraterrestrials/PC

Edward Norton To Star In "The Incredible Hulk"

Despite the relatively lackluster box office performance and less than enthusiastic reception by audience members, a sequel to 2003's "Hulk" is in the works.

According to Variety.com, Edward Norton has signed on to play the gamma-gorged Bruce Banner in "The Incredible Hulk." Distributed by Universal Pictures, "The Incredible Hulk" is to be directed by Louis Leterrier with an opening set for June 13, 2008. The film will attempt to return to a style that is more in keeping with the comic series and TV show as compared to the Ang Lee-directed "Hulk", which took many liberties and departures from previous versions. Since first taking on the role as director, Leterrier has referred to the movie as more of a "reboot" rather than sequel.

Stay tuned for more casting announcements in the coming months.

-J. McKinney

Get The Party Started

The latest word from Nintendo regarding the release of Mario Party 8, the first in this series for the Wii, has the game slated for a late May premier. But why wait when you can get the party started now by inviting these Mario Party figures to your fiesta de casa. These miniature, PVC figures of iconic Nintendo party animals, such as Donkey Kong, as well as the slightly more obscure fungi like Toad, are part of a limited run and available now for $3.95 at Kidrobot.

Mega Brands Recalls Magnetix Magnetic Building Set

Mega Brands America, Inc. (“Mega Brands”) (the owner of Rose Art Industries, Inc.) announced an expanded recall of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets.

The recall includes all sets, except newer Magnetix sets sold since March 31, 2006, that are age-labeled 6+ and sets that contain the following caution label:

“CAUTION: Do not ingest or inhale magnets.
Attraction of magnets in the body may cause
serious injury and require immediate medical care.”

These older sets, which were manufactured in China, contain up to 250 plastic building pieces and 1/2-inch diameter steel balls. The building pieces include 1 1/2-inch squares, 1-inch triangles, cylinder rods, flexors, connectors, x-tenders, and curves and come in an assortment of colors such as metallic, primary, translucent, and glow in the dark.

Mass merchants and other toy and arts and crafts stores sold the sets nationwide for between $20 and $60, depending on the size of the set.

Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy. If consumers are uncertain as to whether their product is being recalled, they can contact Mega Brands at (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.megabrands.com

Oeuf Recalls Infant Bouncer Seats

Oeuf LLC, of Brooklyn, N.Y, announced a voluntary recall of the Infant Bouncer Seats.

This recall involves Oeuf infant bouncer seats with padded canvas supported by a tubular steel frame. The canvas seat is brown with white, blue or pink stripes. A three-point safety belt is attached to the canvas. Model number 2005 is printed on the label. The Bouncer Seats were sold at Juvenile specialty stores and Web retailers nationwide from September 2006 through March 2007 for about $100.

Consumers should stop using the infant seat immediately and contact Oeuf LLC to receive a repair kit. For additional information, contact Oeuf at (800) 691-8810 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.oeufnyc.com.

This Just In!

It's official! Guitar Hero III is coming to Wii!

In an interview with GameSpot, Kai Huang,
founder and president of RedOctane, confirmed that the next volume in the Guitar Hero line will be released on all platforms, including Wii.

Guitar Hero III, due at the end of this year, is the follow up to the current hit and incredibly fun, Guitar Hero II. In addition to the Wii news, Huang also mentioned the third installment will include much more online components including the ability to download new songs.

-J. McKinney

New Video Games Due This Week

The big news in new games this week is Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl both due in stores on Sunday (April 22). Check theToyGuy.com for a special early review on Friday. Wii owners also have cause to celebrate as everyone's favorite bubble-busting game, Bust-A-Move, makes it's Wii premier with Bust-A-Move Bash!

Title/Platform
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures/Xbox360
Bust-A-Move Bash!/Wii
Legend of the Dragon/PS2
Classic Action: Devilish/DS
Eureka Seven Vol. 2: The New Vision/PS2
Made Man/PC
Pocket Pool/PSP
Pokemon Diamond/DS
Pokemon Pearl/DS
Raiden III/PS2
Sudokuro/DS
Toondoku/DS
Th3 Plan/PS2
UFO: Extraterrestrials/PC
Valhalla Knights/PSP
Super Rub-A-Dub/PS3
Theater of War/PC

Playful Perspectives: Summer Secrets

Playful Perspectives is a new feature where we join forces with Ty's Toy Box to talk about things that are important to encouraging healthy play for your kids. The Toy Box Mommy and I share our views on specific topics, giving you twice the food for play-full thought. Today, we've been talking about summer toys.

When I was a kid, my mother had one response when my brothers and I said, "We're bored."

It was a simple, "No, you're not."

When we would try to argue, she would say, "You have a room full of books and toys, there's all of outdoors. You'll think of something."

We always did, and it didn't always involve blowing things up, though that was a favorite pastime. More importantly, what it involved was getting up and moving, and once we did that, the imagination started to flow. We had a puppet theater that we had fashioned in the basement where we acted out Tales from Shakespeare , created our own music and invited the neighborhood kids in. Or we would play games, read under a tree, or that classic of all time that we talked about previously, "riding bikes."

Even though down here in the mountains of Georgia today we're bracing for a Nor'Easter and have been without power since last night till just a bit ago, it's starting to look like summer. Even when the flurries are dancing around on the mountain, the light is saying, "Get out and play."

It can't get warm soon enough for the people who sell toys, as the warm days are a great time to inspire open-ended play, creative play social play. While we love our video games, this is a time of year to save those for a rainy day and get out and play.

One of the most remarkable things about play is that while the props may change from generation to generation, the essential play patterns don't. Today's kids still love drawing on the driveway with chalk, and the more recent innovation, Sidewalk Paint. They have all kinds of cool things to do it with. When we were kids it was rare to have colored chalk, and most of what we had were ends of chalk my parents brought home from the school where they taught. In 2007, Crayola's chalk line is diverse, full of new ways to inspire creativity and really satisfying to use.

Water battles are another part of the summer excitement. I can remember being taken to the emergency room because my foot got caught in the sprinkler that, at least with the melodrama of childhood memory, was like a rotating blade. No such worries today. Sprinklers for playtime are more advanced than ever before, nice soft plastic and even featuring favorite characters. And the Super Soaker, a miraculous invention when I was a kid, are now a full-fledged line of ingenious stuff that we love. (We probably have one of the only offices where tyring out water guns inside is considered work.)

Speaking of water toys, one of the biggest innovations of the past few years have been the inflatable water parks that go in the backyard. The Banzai line from Toy Quest is about as good as it gets. Now these can be on the pricey side, but you'll get years of use out of them, and we've found that families in a neighborhood will pitch in to buy one of these.

A couple of things to remember about water toys: It's axiomatic that the smaller the kid the larger the water gun they want. Remember, water is heavy. ("A pint's a pound, the world around.") and some of those Super Soakers can hold a lot. Also, you'll want to make sure that any time kids are playing with water or there's a hose on, there's an adult supervising.

These are just a few ideas, but no matter what you choose, it's really important for kids to have control of their time, within your guidelines. For instance, you might set rules about TV or video game watching, but beyond that, let kids choose what they want to do. Free time is so important to kids and in such short supply. Try not to overbook summer with activities, and, as several parents we know do, plan time to be open-ended.

And remember something my mother knew only too well. Being bored isn't a tragedy, and it wasn't her responsibility to solve it. Instead, she trusted our creativity and imaginations to come up with things that would engage us and fill the time--and that we would be all the more invovled because it was our idea. For instance, my mother never thought that reading us Tales from Shakespeare as a bedtime story would inspire our puppet shows, (No Goodnight Moon for mom, she thought it was "inane.") but she was glad the did, even if our adaptations were long on battles and short on poetry.

We were always supervised and always safe, but our imaginations were encouraged, and that's a gift you can give your kids.

I expect that we would have had a little less encouragement regarding the time we showed up with kittens, but she came to love them about the most.

Keep a weather eye for warmer days, and enjoy the spring!

And don't forget to read what the Toy Box Mommy has to say on this subject!

Small World Toys Recalls Children’s Wooden Sound Puzzles

Small World Toys, of Culver City, CA, has voluntarily recalled “Sounds on the Farm” Puzzle and “Sounds on the Go” Puzzle.

The recall involves two separate wooden-knobbed puzzles that make sounds. “Sounds on the Farm” and “Sounds on the Go” puzzles were sold under the Puzzibilities and Ryan’s Room brands. The wooden puzzles have four pieces in farm animal or vehicle shapes that make animal or motor sounds when the pieces are lifted by their knobs from the puzzle boards. “Sounds on the Farm” or “Sounds on the Go” is printed on the top left of the puzzle boards. “2003 Small World Toys” and the number 24101 or 24102 are printed at the bottom of the puzzles boards.

Consumers should immediately take this toy away from children and contact Small World Toys to obtain a free replacement toy. For additional information, contact Small World Toys at (800) 421-4153 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, visit www.smallworldtoys.com, or email the firm at puzzlerecall@smallworldtoys.com.

You Go, Girls!!

What does your car say about you?

That was one of the topics at the New York Auto Show last week as all kinds of people speculated about what cars said about their owners. Even sexuality was up for grabs as the New York Times reported this morning. Though, that truly has to be in the eyes of the beholder.

But that's true with any branding effort. Things say about us what we think they say and the only hope we've got is that other people know what we're talking about. (In the wonderful new musical Grey Gardens, the character Edith Bouvier Beale says of Westhampton, "It's a mean, nasty Republican town. Did you know they can get you for wearing red shoes on Thursdsays? They can, you know. Did you know that?) We didn't know that, but we laughed anyway.

Sometimes self-branding can be only slightly less clear than semaphore . But I digress.

But one thing that's more than clear is that girls love cars. They do. We've observed countless homes and play times when Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars became integral to the play. We've even seen Polly Pocket dolls shoved into traditionally boys' cars.

Now here's a big surprise: Mattel, which makes all these brands, saw that too.

So, they have introduced a new line of cars called Polly Wheels.

These are the first die-cast cars that have been made for girls, and they've done a lot more than paint them pink. They invested more than two years in researching how girls interact with cars, gender differences with play patterns and have come up with a line that's much more than Hot Wheels painted pink. They've developed more than 50 different cars, a jewel-inspired color palette and enough room so Polly can go riding. The line is beautiful, and with tongue-in-cheek, Mattel officially unveiled it at the Auto Show.

All indications are that this is going to be one of the big hits of the season, and the excitement expressed by the Polly Team at Mattel in Hong Kong and New York seems more than justified. (You've got to love these guys. They are so into this!

We've been handing them out to girls we encounter in our travels, and the response has been that all-too-recognizable wide-eyed stare and looks of joyous disbelief. Score one for Mattel.

And Polly shows no signs of diminishing. I was recently talking to a little girl on a flight from New York to Atlanta. She was in the seat in front of me and popped up to engage me in conversation. She asked me what I do, and I said, "I work with toys."

She disappeared for a moment. Then a Webkinz appeared at the top of the seat, followed by a little head. "Do you know what this is?" she asked.

"It's your Webkinz," I responded. Which was all I needed to say. I got a long story about her toy, and her friend who had 20 of them. This went on till her mother pulled her back down in the seat.

The ride was quiet for a while until my new friend appeared over the top of the seat again. She had that scowling look of "never trust a grown-up" on her face. She looked straight at me and said, as accusingly as she could muster, "Do you know who Polly Pocket is?"

"Yes, I said, and she's got a whole line of new cars. I've got one I can give you if it's okay with your mom."

There are very few times in life one gets to feel like a rock star.

- C. Byrne

Hasbro’s Celebration Exclusive Figure Announced

Hasbro has announced that this year's Star Wars Celebration exclusive figure will be the Ralph McQuarrie Signature Series Luke Skywalker with venue-exclusive collector coin!

"McQuarrie’s early illustration of Darth Vader battling a Rebel hero – a figure who would ultimately evolve into the character of Luke Skywalker -- remains a powerful image that many fans count among McQuarrie’s best. In commemoration of Star Wars’ 30th anniversary, and to acknowledge the vision and talent of one of the saga’s most influential architects, Hasbro will be offering this figure at two events that Star Wars fans won’t want to miss this summer – Celebration IV and Celebration Europe!"

Star Wars fans will have their first opportunity to buy this figure at the Hasbro Toy Shop booth at Celebration IV, May 24 -- 28, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This figure will be packaged with an exclusive commemorative coin featuring the Celebration IV logo. An additional version will be available at Celebration Europe with it's own unique coin. These figures are produced in a limited number and only made available at the two Star Wars Celebration events.

Star Wars Celebration is the annual official gathering of fans, which also brings cast and crew of the movies together, for a giant celebration like the one at the end of 'Return of the Jedi'.

-J. McKinney

New Video Games Due This Week

It looks like another great week for video game variety. Two games that have already received a lot of chatter include Super Paper Mario entering the Wii market and Cake Mania for the DS. Sudoku fans will love Sudokuro for the DS, which features an unlimited number of auto generated puzzles plus 1,500 unique hand crafted puzzles.

Title, Platform

Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer, PS2
Cake Mania, DS
Calling All Cars!, PS3
Eureka Seven Vol. 2: The New Vision, PS2
Fairy Godmother Tycoon, PC
Frontline: Fields of Thunder, PC
Hot Dog King A Fast Food Empire, PC
Nancy Drew: Double Dare 4, PC
Pocket Pool, PSP
ProStroke Golf: World Tour 2007, PSP
Raiden III, PS2
Rapala Tournament Fishing, Xbox360
Red Star, PS2
Sudokuro, DS
Super Paper Mario, Wii
Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2, PS2
Valhalla Knights, PSP
Voyage Century Online, PC

Sticks and Stones...

During the family Easter dinner, the conversation turned to bad language. And how it was never permitted in our home. The memory of the taste of Fels Naptha soap one time was enough to scare some people into a life of proper speaking. (For those who observed the literal mouth cleansing, the threat alone was enough.) Given that the holiday was celebrated with the Georgia branch of the family, there were many more memories of saying "Yes, sir." and "Yes, ma'am," than our Yankee side experienced--though "sir" and "ma'am" were preferred forms of address to be sure.

Bad language, disrespectful language and certainly anything racist was met with swift and memorable punishment. Bad words (mostly referring to bodily functions) were just that, bad words. Hoarded and whispered among children, the risk of saying them within earshot of an adult--any adult--were just too great. It wasn't just the words, there was--actually in my lifetime--a time when certain subjects were still taboo, largely because they were disrespectful, unkind or hateful.

Now, it's wonderful that we are a more open culture. There was a time when things like cancer were taboo subjects because people were scared of them, out of ignorance of course. We should talk openly and honestly about the things that we care about and that are important to us. Children should be encouraged not to keep secrets but rather to have open dialogue with the parents and caregivers in their lives.

Yet, when something like the current Don Imus fiasco happens, in which he used racial epithets to talk about the Rutgers basketball team, we are reminded of how hurtful and destructive speech can be. Imus a very wealthy man who has made his money pandering to the hatreds of his audience, finally went too far. But given that his comments were only a more extreme example of his daily screed, what does it say about our culture that there is a segment of the population--a large and profitable one--that confuses hostility and anger with humor.

More importantly, and most relevant for this particular blog, what does it model for our kids? If we as a culture value wealth and fame and are willing to condone any means to get it, then are we not complicit in teaching this kind of behavior? If companies like CBS, MSNBC and Westwood One who distribute this program only pull the plug (with a mild two-week suspension that won't have a signfiicant impact on revenue) when the public outrage is too great, are they not also supporting this behavior? Of course they are. It largely makes them a great deal of money, and companies only change when they are forced to. Controversy sells, and so we are teaching our children to be controversial irregardless of substance. Is that what we really want?

So I ask, again, what about the kids? The clear lesson they are learning is that you get away with what you can get away with until you can't get away with it any more. You get a slap on the wrist and then go right back to doing what you did before. Al Sharpton comes in voices his special brand of outrage, makes a lot of noise and makes quasi-entertaining media, gets a great deal of bonus attention and will likely stage an event with a newly chastened Imus--and then it will be business as usual. There is nothing you can do about that other than turn it all off.

I realize that this sounds somewhat cynical, but we've seen it play out too often in our culture. Mel Gibson and Jason Wahler are just two celebrities whose anger and frustration have been expressed in hate speech, for which they get more attention--including, unfortunately, here, and for which there are no real long-term consequences. As a culture we have become so desensitized from the anger and hurtful speech that we collectively shrug our (metaphoric) shoulders and go on.

Nonetheless, this is the reality of our culture. And as parents and caregivers we may have smaller spheres of influence, but they are the important ones for the kids in our lives. We can't change the culture, but we can demand that the kids in our lives be respectful and avoid both using and listening to this kind of behavior. Since we can't change what's out there, it is our obligation to provide a context for it and communicate our values. And there need to be consequences for actions that are deemed inappropriate. Enforced ingestion on laundry soap may not be an option today, but the deterrents need to be as memorable and effective for changing behavior. Would it be so bad if 30 years from now kids were talking about how they learned to be positive forces in the culture--and, as we did, have a sense of humor about that and the ways in which we learned in no uncertain terms what was acceptable behavior?

This need not all be dire and bleak, either. The wonderful musical, Avenue Q pokes fun at our natural tendencies to indulge in stereotypes. The song Everyone's a Little Bit Racist is perhaps one of the most honest evocations of our all-too-human proclivities, and they get away with it because it's puppets doing the singing. However, the song also asks us to examine the damage that we can potentially do if we indulge these negative impulses. Because it asks us to poke fun at ourselves and overcome our own negative behaviors, that is funny.

Kids can be really awful to one another, particularly with name calling. Many kids subjected to this painful experience were told to counter with, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." That's a neat response and a way to show the name caller their words don't have the power they think they do. Think about it, though: when you were called names, did that phrase ever really work? It might have been a Band-Aid, but the hurt was real. In all the conversations I've had with kids and parents over the years about this, it does hurt. And the hurt lingers for years.

So as you may be tempted laugh at (or, worse, ignore) people who are getting richer by the day making a career out of schoolyard name-calling, ask yourself: What in the world is really fun about that and why on earth would I subject my children to that or encourage them to think that willfully and consciously hurting other people is entertainment?

- C. Byrne

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg from Avenue Q

Spider-Man Week in NYC

Celebrate the release of Spider-Man 3 NYC-style, April 30-May 6

The City of New York and Columbia Pictures announced today that the week of April 30 through May 6 will be "Spider-Man Week In NYC." A variety of festivities are planned for all five boroughs, involving New York City landmarks such as the Central Park and Bronx Zoos, the American Museum of Natural History and the Apollo Theater. A highlight of the week will be the Tribeca Film Festival's premiere of Spider- Man 3 in Queens, Peter Parker's hometown, with additional screenings in all boroughs.

"Movies like Spider-Man 3 generate a lot of interest and excitement in the city, and events like Spider-Man Week are a great way to give all New Yorkers and visitors a chance to join in the festivities," Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said. "Cultural, charitable and educational events in every borough will also be a lot of fun for fans of all ages. Just as important, it provides our shops, restaurants and cultural organizations the opportunity to benefit from a weeklong celebration which is sure to attract residents and tourists alike."

New York City's very own Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) will return home later this month after a seven-city international tour that launches in Japan on April 16. Keeping with the spirit of his comic book origins, Spider-Man Week in NYC includes themed events, talent appearances and giveaways in all five boroughs. Details of the Tribeca Film Festival premiere and screenings of Spider-Man 3 will be announced on Wednesday. Spider-Man 3 opens worldwide on May 4.

"Because New York City is Spider-Man's hometown, we wanted to find a way to make the launch of the summer movie-going season and Spider-Man 3 really special for the city and its people," said Jeff Blake, Vice Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment. The studio's Columbia Pictures is releasing Spider-Man 3 in theaters worldwide on May 4. "We're so excited about the range of events that celebrate so much of what this city has to offer. We want residents, businesses and visitors in every borough to enjoy Spider-Man's homecoming in a very special way."

Spider-Man Week in NYC is the result of a partnership between Columbia Pictures and NYC & Company, the City's tourism, marketing and events organization. The week kicks off Monday, April 30, with a cast appearance and street festival in the Today plaza in Rockefeller Center. The week continues with Spider-Man-themed programs offered through partnerships with the Tribeca Film Festival, and dozens of the city's cultural institutions and tourist attractions, including a special volunteer day for children through the Little Apple Heroes program (http://www.littleappleheroes.com), "spidery" tales for kids at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, "Spidey Chats" at the Central Park and Bronx Zoos, Green Goblin mask-making at the Children's Museum of Manhattan and a spider exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. Original Spider-Man comic books will be on display at the New York Public Library, and the Apollo Theater in Harlem will host the closing day celebration with performances of Spider-Man inspired raps.

Spider-Man Week in NYC is one of the first integrated, citywide initiatives spearheaded by NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism arm of the City of New York. "We are pleased to join forces with Columbia Pictures to coordinate and promote this large-scale event, which will benefit families, businesses and everyone who participates. We are also thrilled to be working on the U.S. premiere with the Tribeca Film Festival, which contributes so much to the cultural and economic life of our great city," said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. "This is the kind of creative alliance we hope to do more of in the future."

For a complete Spider-Man Week in NYC calendar of events, go to spider-manweeknyc.com

The Early Show and Webkinz

This morning on CBS's The Early Show, CBS News correspondent Joie Chen, reported on the latest must-have, super-hot toy craze - Webkinz.

Webkinz are plush pets that come with unique Secret Codes. Kids can use the codes online at Webkinz World, where they answer trivia, earn KinzCash, and play games while caring for the virtual pet versions of their plush dolls.

Our own Chris Byrne was interviewed for the segment right here at ToyGuy HQ. Don't worry if you missed the show this morning, you can watch it online now at CBS News.com.

Gemmy Recalls Disney Plush Easter Baskets

Gemmy Industries Corp., of Coppell, Texas, has voluntarily recalled Disney Princesses Easter Baskets sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from February 2007 through March 2007 for about $10.

The recalled baskets are pink and purple plush Easter baskets decorated with silver beads and ribbons. “Disney Princesses” is written on top of the basket. Pictures of the princesses are on the front of the basket. The basket measures about 10-inches high by 8-inches wide.

Consumers should take the Easter basket away from young children immediately and remove the beads and ribbons to prevent the choking hazard. Consumers also can return the item to the nearest Wal-Mart store for a full refund. For additional information, please contact Gemmy Industries at (800) 231-6879 between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s Web site at www.gemmy.com.

Hello Ridiculous

Looking for something a little flashier than the standard Hello Kitty eraser and pencil set? Well how about a Hello Kitty Pave Diamond Ring?

This 18-karat yellow gold Pavé diamond Hello Kitty ring includes pink pavé sapphire bow, yellow citrine nose and onyx eyes. The 1.0 total carat weight ring can be yours for just $4,250.00. What a bargain!

Free Comic Book Day 2007

On May 5, 2007, nearly 2,000 comic book stores around the world are taking part in Free Comic Book day. Millions of comic books will be given out absolutely free of charge to customers of all ages.

Many of the retailers participating in Free Comic Book Day will make it an even bigger event by holding complimentary events in their stores, including signings by many of comics’ top writers and artists that allow readers to meet the talents behind some of the medium’s most popular titles.

For more information, including a list of the free comic books and where to find a participating store in your area, visit the official website for the event at www.FreeComicBookDay.com.

-J. McKinney

New Video Games Due This Week

There is something for everyone this week. From consoles to handhelds, last generation to latest there is a game to be played.
Bionicle makes it's Wii debut with Heroes and Aspiring bakers can find out if they have what it takes to run a bakery with Cake Mania.

Title (Platform)
Bionicle Heroes (Wii)
Cake Mania (DS)
Enchanted Arms (PS3)
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales (DS)
Guitar Hero II (Xbox360)
Made Man (PS2)
Pimp My Ride (PSP)
Prince of Persia Rival Swords (Wii, PSP)
Rapala Trophies (Xbox360)
The Sims 2: Celebration Stuff (PC)
SingStar Pop (PS2)
Th3 Plan (PS2)

New Transformers Movie Trailer Online

If you've been following along with theToyGuy blog, you've probably picked up on the fact that some of us here are very excited about the upcoming Transformers movie.

Here is some interesting info for you fellow fans - the new movie trailer is now online. The latest trailer features new footage including some of Optimus Prime transforming. You can view the trailer at IGN by clicking here.
-J. McKinney