Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts

Monday, November 28, 2011

Click, Vote, Support the Canadian Toy Testing Council Aviva Fund application

Can you please help an important cause with the click of a mouse?
 
The Canadian Toy Testing Council is in critical need for funding. It is participating in the Aviva Fund challenge and needs to get as many votes (mouse clicks) as possible from now till Nov. 30 (inclusive) to make the semi-finals and qualify for funding.
 
 
Please vote today, tomorrow and Wednesday. You can register separately to vote or through Facebook.
 
Thanks,
Janet
 
The Canadian Toy Testing Council needs your help!
 
"Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child."  -- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Convention on the Rights of the Child. General Assembly Resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989.
 

Every year dedicated volunteers at the Canadian Toy Testing Council test hundreds of toys and books to help you, the Canadian public, choose toys to promote healthy development.  We give the experts - our kids - the opportunity to tell you what toys have lasting play and what does not.  Our award winning toys point Canadians directly to a short list of toys that have been winners with our kid testers, who have played with these toys in their own homes, for several weeks.  There's something for everybody in our Children's Choice and Best Bet toys!  www.toy-testing.org
 
The CTTC also provides invaluable feedback to manufacturers.  We tell the manufacturers what kids and parents want and don't want.  At the CTTC we believe we can affect POSITIVE CHANGE in the marketplace.
 
Due to funding constraints, the CTTC is dangerously close to closing its doors, just one year shy of its 60 year anniversary!  We are appealing to the Aviva Community Fund to give the CTTC a boost to get us through the next year and give us precious time to secure a long-term funding partner to continue with the important work we do.
 
Now we need your help!  In order to be considered for this fund, we need your VOTES!  Only the top 30 ideas will move on to the semi-finals!

Here's what we need you to do:
 
1)  Register on the Aviva Community Fund web site
Go to:  http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/search/list
Click on "Register" on the right hand side of the page, you can either register through Facebook or provide your email and a password.  You will get an email almost immediately with a link.
Click on the link in your email and sign in.
 
2)   VOTE, VOTE, VOTE for the CTTC:
Do a search for CTTC (on the right of the page)
And click "VOTE NOW".
 
You get one vote per day per idea and voting closes on Wednesday, November 30.  So, make your vote count - vote EACH DAY!
To make it to the top 30 ideas in this round, we need to appeal to as many people as possible, so please reach out to others.  The more people you reach, the more your voice counts!
 
A Giant Thanks to you for helping the Canadian Toy Testing Council celebrate its 60th anniversary!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Toys! Canadian Toy Testing Council Fall Sale November 20

Shop for great bargains on toys November 20
From my friends at the Canadian Toy Testing Council:

TOY SALE!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The Canadian Toy Testing Council is holding its annual fall Toy Sale on Sunday, November 20, 2011, from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Innovation Room, 3045 Baseline Road.
Entrance just beside Emergency at Tim Hortons.

Toys for children ranging from 0 months to 16 years. Up to 50% off, plus a chance to purchase this year’s award-winning toys. 

Free parking located at the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre.

CASH & CARRY – CASH, VISA & MASTERCARD ONLY (NO INTERAC).

You are responsible to transport all toys purchased.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN. You can surprise them later!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Canadian Toy Testing Council announces 2012 award-winning toys

On November 8, 2011, the Canadian Toy Testing Council announced its 2012 Children's Choice and Best Bet award-winning toys. These award winners are selected from the best of the top-rated three-star toys that the Council has tested. Each toy is evaluated in a home environment by volunteer families -- kids -- and they know what they like!

The CTTC is a non-profit, charitable organization. Make a donation today to keep the toy program running. You can visit the website at http://www.toy-testing.org/ or send directly via PayPal to: toyappeal@gmail.com.

Children's Choice (presented by age):
  • Play ’n Scoot Pirate Ship, Little Tikes, 1.5-3 years
  • Dr. Seuss – What’s in the Cat’s Hat, I Can Do That! Games, 3+ years
  • Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel, Educational Insights, 3+ years
  • LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet, LeapFrog, 4-9 years
  • Saila, Maplelea Girl & accessories, Avonlea Traditions, 6+ years
  • Jewelry Boutique, Crayola, 6+ years
  • Glow Book, Crayola, 6+ years
  • Snap Circuits Jr., Elenco Electronics, 8+ years
  • Nerf DART TAG Swarmfire, Hasbro, 8+ years
  • Mythbusters Hit the Target! Trivia Game, ZimZala Games, 10+ years
Best Bet (presented by age):
  • Northern Lights Soother, Lamaze, 0+ years
  • Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo, Fisher-Price, 18 months – 5 years
  • Wheelies Play ’n Go Construction Site (Little People), Fisher-Price, 1.5–3.5 years
  • Count & Scan Shopper, LeapFrog, 2+ years
  • Remote Racer Smart Car, VTech, 2-5 years
  • Chuggington Double Decker Roundhouse plus two trains, Learning Curve, 3+ years
  • Chuggington Over & Under Starter Set (with Clock Tower), Learning Curve, 3+ years
  • Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy, Busy Airport, I Can Do That! Games, 4+ years
  • KidiZoom Camera, VTech, 3-8 years
  • Brilliant Creations Genius Junior, VTech, 4-7 years
  • Leapster Explorer, LeapFrog, 4–9 years
  • Littlest Pet Shop Magic Motion Tree House, Hasbro Canada, 4+ years
  • Buck, Buck, Moose! Educational Insights, 4+ years
  • uKloo Early Reader Treasure Hunt Game, uKloo Kids Inc., 4+ years
  • Perplexus Rookie, Perplexus, LLC (PlaSmart Inc), 5+ years
  • Galapa Go! MJgames, 5+ years
  • Golden Gate, Blue Orange Games, 7+ years 
  • Rock Fashion Studio, SmartLab, 7+ years
  • Interior Design Light Box Studio Set, Fashion Angels, 8+ years
  • Totally Gross! The Game of Science, University Games, 8+ years
  • Alien Mothership, Lego, 8-14 years
  • Star Wars Bounty Hunter Assault Gunship, Lego, 8–14 years
  • Sketch It! Blue Orange Games, 9+ years
  • Perplexus Epic, Busy Life LLC, 10+ years
  • PathWords, ThinkFun, 12+ years
Now go and play!

Friday, June 10, 2011

First look at Walking Dead season 2 photo, season 1 toys

Photo by Gene Page and Greg Nicotero © TWD Productions LLC. All rights reserved
This week AMC released a "first look" photo from season 2 of its critically acclaimed original drama, The Walking Dead, based on the popular comic book series created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore.

The TV show is currently in production in the greater Atlanta area. The hit TV series' second season includes 13 episodes, and premieres this fall. 
 
Executive Producer/Writer/Director Frank Darabont says, "At this moment, I'm standing on a stretch of post-apocalypse interstate in Georgia, littered with abandoned cars and blessing my good luck to be reunited with our amazing cast, and our fantastic directors and crew. Across the board, there are none better. It's great to be shooting again. I think we've embarked on a great season."
 
For additional information and photos on The Walking Dead season two, visit www.amctv.com.

The AMC website also offers a "first look"at McFarlane Toys' Daryl, Zombie Walker and Zombie Biter action figures. McFarlane Toys is creating four action figures from season 1 of The Walking Dead, which will go on sale this November.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Big Bang Theory and channelling the inner geek

Okay, I admit it. I've fallen under the spell of The Big Bang Theory.

I thought at first that it made fun of people who were like, well, me. The kids in school who raise their hands in class. The kids who collect comic books. The kids who dig Star Trek -- classic, Next Generation and J. J. Abrams-style.

Now  I'm embracing my inner geek. And thanks to CTV, I can "Big Bang Myself." You can see the results on the contest website. Visit and help me get lotsa points. The scary part is, I already have a Supergirl costume. Go figure.

And to keep the geek-fest going, the folks at Entertainment Earth have passed along their top ten geek gifts for the holidays: 

1.    Star Wars Slave Leia in Metal Bikini Bust, $60 
Star Wars gets sexy with a hand-numbered collectible resin bust from Gentle Giant.  Inspired by Carrie Fisher's riveting (and rivet-full) outfit from Return of the Jedi, the captivating work stands 10" tall, including her Vibro Ax weapon. Limited edition of 4,200 pieces.

2.    Doctor Who 11th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver Flashlight, $12 
Based on the latest incarnation of The Doctor's handy tool in the hit BBC series, this unique light replica from Underground Toys is set to get fans out of darkness-related jams on Earth or any other planet from here to Gallifrey. Measures about 6" long.

3.    Star Wars Boba Fett Jet Pack Backpack, $35
Every kid imagines getting a rocket pack, and here's your chance to own one.  Sadly, it doesn't fly, but the intergalactic bounty hunter's jet pack can store your gear while you're at Comic-Con, school, or out hiking.  The soft plush replica from Comic Images measures about 26-inches tall.

4.    Star Trek Original Series Exclusive Geological Tricorder, $45 
This a low-cost replica of a prop in the original series. Detailed, the 1:1 scale instrument measures 7 3/4" long and features lights, sounds, and the voice of the computer. 

5.    The Venture Bros. Henchman 21 and 24 Action Figure 2-Pack, $40 
Who would win in a fight between Anne Frank and Lizzie Borden?  That's the kind of thing these two guys discuss on the Adult Swim series The Venture Bros.  Featuring Bif Bang Pow!'s retro, vintage-style sculpting and real fabric clothing, The Monarch's longest-living henchmen, Number 21 and Number 24, stand about 8" tall in this San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive set.

6.    Cthulhu Bobble Head, $13 
The works of H.P. Lovecraft have inspired a generation of SF and horror writers, and a bunch of toymakers.  Straight from Funko and the sunken city of R'lyeh, the terrifying beast known as Cthulhu is now a bobble-head. He stands about 6" tall.

7.    Back to the Future II Exclusive DeLorean, $45
Doc Brown built a time machine out of a DeLorean, and now fans can have one.  Measuring 13" long and compatible with many 3 3/4" action figures, this limited-edition Entertainment Earth Exclusive celebrates 25 years of the series in style, complete with lights, sounds, opening gull-wing doors and pivoting "hover mode" wheels.  Figures not included.

8.    Ghostbusters ECTO-1 License Plate Prop Replica, $30 
"Who ya gonna call?"  The awesome ambulance from 1984's Ghostbusters movie is one of the most memorable vehicles of the decade. Its famous license plate has been crafted in 6" tall x 12" wide detail.

9.    LEGO 6177 Builders of Tomorrow Set, $35 
Just bricks!  The LEGO Builders of Tomorrow Set is a box of 650 bricks in a multitude of bright colors.  No figures, no windows, no tires, no nothing to get between the recipient of your gift and creating something really fun. The only limit is their imagination.

10.    Ultimate Geek Pen, $10 

The Ultimate Geek Pen delivers on its name. A UV light, laser pointer, flashlight, ballpoint pen, and stylus tip are all integrated into this nifty silver pocket-sized contraption from Accoutrements.  What a great stocking stuffer!

For more cheeky, geeky gifts from Entertainment Earth, visit entertainmentearth.com.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

CTTC announces award-winning toys on November 19

The children of the Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC) will present the top toys of the year awards on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Brookstreet Hotel’s Ballroom, Ottawa.

With 58 years’ experience dedicated to enhancing the design, manufacture and play value of toys and books that meet children’s needs, the CTTC is Canada’s leading authority on learning through play.

Each year, over 1,000 children test hundreds of toys to ensure the reliability, quality and fun of toys in the marketplace. Similarly, the Council’s Literacy Program, offers children the opportunity to read a wide array of Canadian children’s books to support a love of reading.

CTTC's young toy testing experts will announce the CTTC/ENERGIZER BATTERY-OPERATED TOY OF THE YEAR, the CHILDREN’S CHOICE and BEST BET AWARDS as well as the GREAT BOOKS for Children.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Stuff I Got at Comic-Con in San Diego

With Comic-Con 2010 over, time to recover and enjoy the cool stuff I got at San Diego. Most of these things I bought and are gifts and others are cool freebies.

Oversized and collectable bags:
  • Batman: Brave & Bold
  • Mythbusters
  • Showtime's Dexter
  • Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter
Comics:
  • Wonder Woman #600
  • deciBell #1
  • Red Faction #0
  • Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule #1-3
  • Buzzboy: The Buzz & The Boy #0
  • Archie Freshman Year Book One (signed by Batton Lash)
  • The Building by Will Eisner
Action Figures & Toys:
  • Dark Shadows Barnabus Collins
  • Dark Shadows Angelique
  • Dexter
  • WWE Shawn Michaels
  • Hello Kitty
  • Koala plush (from the San Diego zoo)
Limited Editions & Sketchbooks:
  • Mark Shultz Blue Book (750 of 1000)
  • World War Tucci by Billy Tucci
  • Robert E. Howard & Two-Gun Bob by Jim & Ruth Keegan
Books:
  • Rand Holmes: The Artist Himself
  • Comic Artist's Photo Reference: Women & Girls
Music:
  • True Blood CD signed by composer Nathan Barr
T-Shirts:
  • Star Trek Captain Gold Shirt
  • The Walking Dead shirt
  • Wolff & Byrd: Supernatural Law shirt
  • Legendary Pictures shirt
  • Bob's Burger shirt
Magazines & Catalogues:
  • Comic-Con International Souvenir Book
  • Bachelor Pad
  • Incorrigible Catalog
  • Entertainment Earth
  • Age DVD
  • Perspective: The Journal of the Art Director's Guild
  • The Costume Designer (Fall 2008, Summer & Fall2009, Winter 2010)
Buttons, etc.:
  • Dexter
  • A Contract With God
  • Get Flipped! 3D magnet photo souvenir
  • Clash of the Titans paper fan
  • Clash of the Titans paper Medusa crown
Be sure to read my Comic-Con reports at Confessions of a Pop Culture Addict (http://www.popcultureaddict.com/)!