PLAYPER CURIOUS KINGDOM CASTLE

Does it bother you that a lot of the toys we get for our kids aren't very environmentally friendly based upon issues with the plastics they are made of and the amount of them that end up in landfills? With that in mind and today being EARTH DAY, I wanted to give a shout out to a fantastic new line of eco-friendly, sustainable toys for preschoolers and kindergartners from Playper that won this year's NAPPA [National Parenting Product Awards] Sustainability Award. Playper toys encourage children to explore a Curious Kingdom and engage in imaginative play both hands-on and through augmented reality. 

Playper Curious Kingdom Castle is a buildable DIY castle playset with moving parts that sparks imagination and creativity. It includes a multi-level castle with locking drawbridge and secret trap door, 6 colorful characters (featuring a royal family, knight in shining armor, galloping horse, and a goofy dragon) props & accessories and reusable “magic stickers." Aimed for children three to six years, Playper Curious Kingdom Castle is plastic free made from a durable, high quality recycled material decorated in vibrant colors with soy-based ink. 

I appreciate this toy has both a traditional physical play aspect as well as a tech angle to it too. Watch as characters like King Ketchup and Snuffles the Dragon come to life when scanned using AR-enhanced features via Playper's free app. This fun, whimsical playset is currently available on Amazon for $34.99.

Here are some nice pros for picking up a Playper Curious Kingdom Castle for a youngster in your life:

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Playper toys are made from recycled gray board and chipboard, ensuring that no new trees are cut down for production. Each toy holds an FSC certification, guaranteeing responsible forest management. 
• Biodegradable and Recyclable: After providing hours of creative play, these toys can be responsibly disposed of, reducing landfill waste and teaching children about environmental responsibility. 
• Non-Toxic Ink: The vibrant colors of PlayperBoard® playsets come from soy and vegetable-based inks, which are safe for children and the environment. These sustainable inks are a great alternative to petroleum-based inks. 
• Durable and Spill-proof: All pieces are coated with a water-based, spill-resistant finish, making the toys durable enough for rough play and multiple assemblies. Plus, it makes recycling easier!
• Tool-Free Building: Each Playset comes with picture-based instructions that require no reading, making them easy for young kids. The assembly is fun, colorful, and doesn't require scissors, glue, or tape.

For more information about Curious Kingdom toys, please visit playper.com

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VOICE OF SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS ATTENDING MOTOR CITY COMIC CON

Voice actor Tom Kenny will be attending the upcoming Spring edition of the bi-annual Motor City Comic Con on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19, 2024 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Kenny who voices SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as other characters from the hit Nickelodeon animated show, will also be hosting a special Q&A event with Michigan native and SpongeBob SquarePants illustrator, Dave Aikins on Sunday, May 19. Motor City Comic Con, one of the largest pop culture conventions in the Midwest, takes place yearly in both the Spring and the Fall at the Suburban Collection Showplace.

In addition to paid admission to the convention, there are separate costs to interact with Kenny during the event. Tom Kenny and Dave Aikins will be holding a panel discussion and Q&A event that will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 9:00am. Attendees at this Q&A event will learn insider details about Tom Kenny, the voice actor extraordinaire, and SpongeBob artist Dave Aikins during the event. There is an additional cost for participating in this ticketed event beyond the Motor City Comic Con admission fee.

To attend this SpongeBob SquarePants Q&A event in addition to Motor City Comic Con admission, participants for the Tom Kenny and Dave Aikins discussion must purchase standard or VIP stand-alone tickets. Standard Tickets (Includes Q&A event, a limited print poster created by Dave Aikins, one autograph from Tom Kenny, and one autograph from Dave Aikins) are $130 per person. VIP Tickets (Includes seating in the first 6 rows for the Q&A event, a limited print poster created by Dave Aikins, one autograph from Tom Kenny, and one autograph from Dave Aikins) are $150 per person. If you are SpongeBob SquarePants fan getting this limited print poster signed by these two would be a very nice display piece! 

Additionally, Tom Kenny will be available to interact with fans providing autographs, selfies and professionally taken photographs for a fee during normal show hours May 18 - 19. Kenny's rates are: autographs ($80), selfies ($80), autograph and selfie combos ($120), and professional photo ops ($120).

For more information, visit motorcitycomiccon.com

BUY 1 GET 3 FREE T-SHIRTS

T-shirt nerds should head over to TV STORE ONLINE because they are having a great Spring Clearance sale featuring a Buy 1 Get 3 Free! Hundreds of Items! Use code BUY1GET3FREE at Checkout Free Shipping Available promotion going on right now! Looking for a t-shirt that with imagery that will have you pop out in a crowd? They have shirts with themes based on some of your favorite cartoons, tv shows, movies, toys and video games. 

In order to make room for new products, it is time to clear out some inventory. So don't miss out on this chance to Buy 1 Get 3 Free! Hundreds of Items! Use code BUY1GET3FREE at Checkout Free Shipping Available. Here are a couple of my favorites that are included in this TV STORE ONLINE promo:

PAWNWEE CITY SEAL 

FLASH SUPERHERO LOGO

NERDS CANDY

Don't miss out on this deal because it won't be lasting long!

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TEANIE TOTS

Fans of Moosh-Moosh plush toys and travel pillows should check out Teanie Tots a new line of collectible vinyl figures from MMG Brands. Teanie Tots are cute 1.5 inch figures inspired by Moosh-Moosh characters that sit within tiny tea cups. While this toy line embraces its roots with Moosh-Moosh, MMG Brands plans on developing Teanie Tots as becoming distinct filled with unique characters and stories.

The 2024 Teanie Tots Collection includes the following characters:

BOBA

Whether it's tea parties with friends or embarking on epic quests in a child's imagination, Boba the bear is ready for every adventure.

CANOLLI

Out digging dirt or running in the grass, Cannoli the dog is a wonderful companion for every backyard playtime. Made in durable high-quality vinyl, Cannoli is ready for any game of fetch-the-teaspoon.

CHICKPEA

Chickpea the bird is eternally excited to host tea parties and welcomes every new friend with graceful ease. Always eager to meet new people and make them smile, Chickpea is an excellent friend for any child.

FRITTER 

Friendly, a little silly, but always focused: Fritter the frog will jump as high as needed to get any job done! No mountain too high and problem too small, Fritter will tackle it with a can-do attitude.

TRUFFLE

If there is something Truffle the pig loves more than cooking, it’s being neat and tidy. Whether making finger sandwiches for the tea party, or cleaning up what’s left, Truffle is always happy to help.

PISTACHIO 

Pistachio the rabbit is always on the move. Whether in the garden growing all sorts of beautiful plants, or hopping around from one friend to the next, Pistachio is eternally excited and ready for anything.

PANNINI

There’s never a boring moment after Panini the cat sashays into the room. Mischievous and quick, trouble is soon to follow wherever the little cat goes.

AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER CONCERT IN DETROIT

Get ready for an unparalleled musical odyssey as Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert comes to Detroit! Immerse yourself in an over two-hour show with a live orchestra bringing the show’s iconic musical score to life, in perfect harmony with highlights and favorite moments from the series. Tickets start at $29.00 (includes parking & facility fee) for the one day only appearance on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm and are available now online via BroadwayInDetroit.com and in-person at the Fisher Theatre box office.

The creative mastermind behind the original music for the Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series, Emmy Award-winning composer and musician Jeremy Zuckerman, has teamed up with show co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko as well as Jeff Adams (the show's original editor) to expand the series original compositions for the concert series. This spectacular production not only magnifies the epic scope and high drama of the series, but also marks a thrilling first for fans offering an opportunity to experience the captivating world of Avatar: The Last Airbender through this live orchestra concert.

Honored with a Peabody Award and Primetime Emmy, along with multiple Annie Awards and Genesis Awards Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender emerged from its three-season run (61 episodes -- February 2005 to July 2008) as one of the most beloved animated properties in the cable network's history. In 2021 Nickelodeon announced the launch of Avatar Studios, a new division designed to create original content spanning animated series and movies based on the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The animated series’ success has also spawned a companion podcast Avatar: Braving the Elements, currently in its season third season, a remastered soundtrack from series (and tour) composer, Jeremy Zuckerman, now out on digital and vinyl. The property has also been translated into several bestselling book series, which continue to roll out new original stories. The graphic novel series has sold over three million copies, and the young adult novels have spent 25 total weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and have over 700,000 copies in print.

MOTOR CITY COMIC CON AND EMAGINE THEATRES HOST HELEN HUNT APPEARANCE

1996's TWISTER is one of those movies that no matter how many times I've seen it if it pops up on television while channel surfing I'll find myself watching it one more time. This action adventure about tornado chasers that has a personable cast and decent musical soundtrack my not be one of the best movies produced by Hollywood yet it has established itself as one of my favorites. So, I was geeked to discover that Motor City Comic Con and Imagine Theatres are hosting a special TWISTER experience featuring one of the stars of the movie, Helen Hunt, making a Detroit area experience.

Helen Hunt will be appearing at the pop-culture convention for one day only, Saturday May 18th from 10am-7pm at the Suburban Collection Showplace. As part of her appearance Hunt will also host a Q&A panel at 8 pm before a screening of Twister at Emagine Novi. Tickets to attend Motor City Comic Con and the special Q&A movie event can be purchased now at MotorCityComicCon.com. Admission to the convention as well as the purchase of a Twister experience package are required to participate in this Helen Hunt appearance.

HELEN HUNT TWISTER EXPERIENCE PACKAGES: 

Standard Package ($40): Includes Exclusive Movie Poster, Pre-Movie Q&A Panel and Admission to see a special showing of Twister at Emagine Novi. 

Silver Package ($115): Includes One (1) Autograph (redeemed during convention show hours on Saturday, May 18 at the Suburban Collection Showplace), Exclusive Movie Poster, Pre-Movie Q&A Panel and Admission to see a special showing of Twister at Emagine Novi. 

Gold Package ($220): Includes One (1) Autograph and One (1) Professional Photo Opportunity (redeemed during convention show hours on Saturday, May 18, at Suburban Collection Showplace), Exclusive Movie Poster, Pre-Movie Q&A Panel and Admission to see a special showing of Twister at Emagine Novi.

MOTOR CITY COMIC CON ADMISSION:

Adult admission tickets (ages 13 and up): Friday pass $30* - online purchase $40 – at the door (if available) Saturday pass $45* - online purchase $50 – at the door (if available) Sunday pass $40* - online purchase $45 – at the door (if available) Adult Weekend Pass $90* - online purchase $95 – at the door (if available)

Children admission tickets (ages 6-12) Kids 5 and under are FREE all weekend with a paid adult Friday and Saturday: Child pass (ages 6-12) $10* each day – online purchase $20 each day – at the door (if available) Child Weekend pass (ages 6-12) $20* - online purchase $30 – at the door (if available).  Sunday is Kid’s Day, all children under 12 are FREE with a paid adult.

HELEN HUNT AUTOGRAPHS & PHOTO OPS:

For those interested in a Helen Hunt autograph or picture with her but don't want to go to the Emagine Novi for the Twister Q&A and showing; here is a fee schedule for her one day only appearance at Motor City Comic Con on Saturday, May18:

Autographs:  $80

Professional Photo Op: $105

The 1990’s was a time of incredible success for Helen Hunt. From 1992-1999 she starred in the sitcom Mad About You, alongside co-star Paul Reiser, where she won four Emmy Awards for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She also starred in the film Twister alongside Bill Paxton, which released in 1996 and then she went on to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in the 1997 film, As Good As It Gets. She continues to act and expanded her accolades to include film director with her directorial debut of the movie, Then She Found Me.

In Twister, Bill (Bill Paxton) and Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) are advance storm chasers on the brink of divorce, and they must join together to create an advanced weather alert system by putting themselves in the crosshairs of extremely violent tornadoes. Twister was the second highest grossing movie in 1996.

Michigan’s largest pop-culture event since 1989, Motor City Comic Con gathers comic book and multimedia dealers from across the country, offering a vast variety of pop-culture merchandise, including comics, art, t-shirts, movie memorabilia, posters and more. Over 250 comic book creators, writers and artists are featured at Motor City Comic Con each year, as well as actors from the television and movie industry. Motor City Comic Con offers fun for kids young and old.

Motor City Comic Con will be taking place Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19, 2024 At the Suburban Collection Showplace located at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, Michigan: 

Friday, May 17, 2024 – 12:00pm – 7:00pm 

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – 10:00am – 7:00pm 

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – 10:00am – 5:00pm

KEITH URBAN AND SNOOP DOGG COLLABORATE ON SONG FOR THE GARFIELD MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

That wise-cracking, lasagna loving, fat cat known as Garfield is making his show biz return in a new animated movie from Sony Pictures arriving at theaters May 24, 2024. Rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for action/peril and mild thematic elements, this film's characters are voiced by some big names in Hollywood including Chris Pratt and Samuel L Jackson. Additionally, The Garfield Movie's soundtrack includes an impressive list of vocal talents including a song collaboration that is a Garfield and Odie style musical team up having Keith Urban and Snoop Dogg perform the movie's signature song "Let It Roll" together. 

This original single featuring Keith Urban and Snoop Dogg is produced by GRAMMY® nominated writer/producer and the film’s executive music producer Michael Hodges. It notably marks the first collaboration between the four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning country icon and West Coast hip-hop legend. With a sunny melody and upbeat bounce, the track evokes the easygoing spirit of the title character with Urban’s carefree chorus, “I let it roll, I let it slide right by,” and breezy bars courtesy of Snoop.

Keith Urban commented about the collaboration with Snoop Dogg to ageekdaddy.com saying “Out of the blue, I get this call from Garfield asking me if I’d sing and play on a song he wanted in his movie. He told me he had Snoop Dogg locked in and I thought that was the coolest thing. The only thing cooler would be to get Garfield in the studio with us, so I asked. Huge bummer. He said no. Apparently, Garfield hates Mondays.”

ASG Records and Republic Records: Kids & Family have announced The Garfield Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) featuring "Let It Roll" and nine other songs will be available to purchase on May 17, 2024. CLICK HERE to order the album from Republic Records. The full soundtrack for The Garfield Movie is as follows:

1. "Good Life" - Jon Batiste 

2. "Let It Roll" - Keith Urban and Snoop Dogg 

3. “Then There Was You” - Calum Scott 

4. “Bring It” - Granville [feat. Will Champlin] 

5. “Let’s Get It On” - Marvin Gaye 

6. “Meet Garfield” - John Debney 

7. “I’m Back” - Hannah Waddingham 

8. “Flashback” - John Debney 

9. “That’s Amore”- Dean Martin 

10. “The Pinecone”- John Debney

In The Garfield Movie, Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist. The film is directed by Mark Dindal with a screenplay by Paul A. Kaplan & Mark Torgove and David Reynolds based on the Garfield characters created by Jim Davis.