Posts tagged with "toys"

Marine Toys for Tots 75th Anniversary

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

Celebrates 75 Years of Providing Hope to Children in Need!

Marine Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s premiere Community Action Program, announces its 75^th Anniversary of supporting children in need across the Nation and the kick-off of the Program’s 2022 holiday campaign.

U.S. Marines and volunteers will be conducting over 830 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands. This year, Toys for Tots will highlight our extraordinary Reserve Marines, past and present, as well as showcase the incredible effort from communities across the Nation that has enabled Toys for Tots to support over 281 million less fortunate children.

Who: U.S. Marines and 55,000 volunteers, millions of local supporters, hundreds of corporate partners of Toys for Tots.

What: Marines and volunteers engaging with local businesses, media and individuals within their communities collecting new, unwrapped toys and distributing those gifts to less fortunate children allowing them to experience the joy of Christmas or any celebrated holiday.

When: November 1, 2022 – December 25, 2022

Where: Toys for Tots is conducting more than 830 local campaigns in communities throughout the U.S. Find a local TFT campaign near you by visiting our website at www.toysfortots.org.

Why: Across the Nation, 1 in 6 million children are living in poverty. The mission of Marine Toys for Tots is to bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children with the goal of delivering a message of hope that will inspire youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Now, in Toys for Tots’ 75^th year, we are asking our supporters to make this important milestone another record-breaking year. It is our goal to deliver the magic of the holidays to every family seeking holiday help from Toys for Tots.

The idea of the Marine Toys for Tots Program began in 1947 at the helm of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. Major Hendricks’ wife, Diane, was the inspiration behind the Program after she asked Major Hendricks to deliver some handcrafted dolls to an agency that supported children in need. When Major Hendricks reported back to his wife that he could not find an agency for the handcrafted dolls, Diane encouraged her husband to “start one”!

The Marine Toys for Tots Program began as just one campaign in 1947 with Major Hendricks and the Marines in his Reserve unit collecting over 5,000 toys and delivering them to children in need in the Los Angeles area. The following year, under the direction of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Clifton B. Cates, every Marine Corps Reserve unit implemented a Toys for Tots campaign—which transformed Toys for Tots into a National Community Action Program.

In recent years, Marine Toys for Tots has distributed millions of educational toys, books, games, and sporting equipment to children in need during the spring and summer months. These children and their families were facing adversity and exceptional circumstances including pandemic related challenges, natural disaster recovery, and other extenuating events. “Toys for Tots is more than a Christmas charity—that is why we wanted to DoGoodNOW and continue to expand our partnerships with other non-profit partners,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With the assistance of various non-profit organizations throughout the country, Toys for Tots has the ability to extend our reach and provide support to families who are facing tremendous year-round challenges.”

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program has also expanded since its inception in 2008 by providing books to non-profits to distribute books to Title I funded schools across the Nation. Over 47 million books have been distributed, and with each and every book provided, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program hopes to break the cycle of poverty. Another Program that has allowed Toys for Tots to reach even more children in need is the Toys for Tots Native American Program. Each year, 180,000+ Native American children living on remote Reservations across the United States receive toys and books leaving a positive impact and assisting in the development of these children.

As our Nation has faced the many challenges and national crises over the past 75 year, the American public has never let Toys for Tots down. Our Marines and volunteers have been able to support millions of children in need year after year. Marine Toys for Tots had a record-breaking year in 2021 and distributed an unprecedented 22.4 million toys to 8.7 million underprivileged children.

Since Marine Toys for Tots Program’s inception in 1947 with a single hand-crafted doll, we have distributed 627 million toys to over 281 million children in need over seven decades. We’ve adapted and overcome many challenges, but always accomplished the mission.

Today’s children are tomorrow’s future, and Marine Toys for Tots is dedicated to ensuring it’s as bright as possible for children living in challenging circumstances. Because of the support we have received over the last seven decades from the American public, our wonderful Corporate Sponsors, and our dedicated local Coordinators and volunteers – we are 75 years strong! Now, in our 75^th year, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dreams of millions of children in need Nationwide at Christmastime – and beyond. Help Marine Toys for Tots fulfill the Christmas Holiday dreams of millions of impoverished children who otherwise may be forgotten, after all – every child deserves a little Christmas.

About Marine Toys for Tots

Marine Toys for Tots, a 75-year National charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness, and hope to children in need. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year, the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 8.7 million less fortunate children in over 830 communities Nationwide. Since 1947, over 281 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Toys for Tots

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Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere community action program, distributed an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need in 2021.

While the affects of the pandemic continued to create challenges, Toys for Tots provided record breaking support to families and children in times of need. Toys for Tots is more than a Flagship Children’s Christmastime charity – our goal is to provide year-round hope to families in need.

On April 19, 2021, Toys for Tots announced the expansion of their year-round efforts to provide hope to those less fortunate with plans for ANOTHER special gift distribution to children in need. During the summer of 2021, we provided ONE MILLION educational toys, books, and games to the children of COVID-19 impacted families. While we all hoped the pandemic would be in our rearview mirrors soon, we also recognized that the emotional and educational impact it’s had on children will be long lasting. Less fortunate children likely suffered the greatest learning loss by not being able to attend in-person classroom instruction, so Toys for Tots provided toys and books that teach to help them overcome a growing educational gap and stimulate their young minds.

“Toys for Tots is more than a Christmas charity,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We have the ability to extend our reach and provide support to families who are facing tremendous year-round challenges, and Toys for Tots stands ready to assist when children and families need help the most.”

Toys for Tots’ initiatives in 2021 also included providing comfort and relief to families in need during uncertain and unstable times outside of the holiday season. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program provided toys, books, and other gifts to nearly 17,000 children on the Afghanistan refugee families who have been granted asylum in the United States. As these families adjusted to their new lives in America, Toys for Tots provided hope and comfort to their children. As our mission continues to expand, we also stood ready to respond in emergency situations. Toys for Tots provided compassionate support with the distribution of toys, books, and other gifts to the families of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee who were impacted by devastating tornados in 2021.

Despite the ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the Marines and local campaign Coordinators of the Marine Toys for Tots Program rose to the occasion and established over 830 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Our Coordinators were, once again, very innovative about how they collected and distributed toys, and they achieved tremendous milestones in 2021. The American public, as well as a record number of organizations serving as National Corporate Sponsors, answered our call to action and made significant donations allowing the Foundation to augment local toy drives with over 10 million toys valued at over $82 million.

The tremendous support we received from the American public and our Corporate Sponsors enabled us to distribute an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need. But your support did more than provide gifts – you also sent messages of hope and restored self-worth to those less fortunate.

2021 Accomplishments

Distributed over 22.4 million toys to nearly 8.8 million less fortunate children from 832 local campaigns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Distributed 1 million toys, books, and games to COVID-impacted families outside of the holiday season.
Distributed 3.1 million books to children in need through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
Distributed toys and books to over 186,000 Native American children living on remote Reservations.
With support from Toys for Tots Sponsors, augmented local toy drives with over 10 million toys valued at over $82 million.
Met all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.

About Marine Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 75-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness, and hope to less fortunate children. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year, the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of nearly 8.8 million less fortunate children in over 830 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 281 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Noisy Toys List Released

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The American Academy of Audiology is warning parents about the dangers of noisy toys as the Sight & Hearing Association releases its annual Noisy Toys List for 2021. The American Academy of Audiology is a national association representing audiologists across the U.S. The Sight & Hearing Association is based in St. Paul, Minnesota with a goal to work towards the prevention of vision and hearing loss. Both organizations are urging parents to be cautious this holiday season when selecting toys. Recognizing that tiny ears are particularly susceptible to hearing damage, it is important to check noise levels before purchase.

“Many parents don’t realize the permanent damage a simple toy can inflict on a child’s hearing,” said Sarah Sydlowski, Au.D., Ph.D., MBA, president of the American Academy of Audiology; and associate chief improvement officer and audiology director of the Hearing Implant Program at Cleveland Clinic. “When we fail to protect a child’s hearing, the result can be irreversible hearing loss.” The inner ear contains delicate hair cells which do not regrow. Once these are damaged by noise, the result can be permanent hearing loss.

The Sight & Hearing Association has produced an annual list of noisy toys prior to the holidays for the past 24 years. Since 1939, SHA has been identifying and preventing vision and hearing loss, in partnership with other professional and community organizations, by providing screenings, education and research. “During the holiday season, we look for the most popular sound-producing toys on the market and, with a sound level meter, we measure the decibel level to raise awareness regarding how dangerously loud and potentially damaging toys can be to children. Toys are tested based on how a child would play with them, first at arm’s length (10 inches) and then next to the ear, which is how a child often listens to a noisy toy,” explained Kathy Webb, executive director of SHA.

“It’s very important that parents pay attention to this list as well as any toy they purchase. Hearing damage can be from a one-time exposure or multiple exposures over time,” explained Sydlowski. “The louder a sound is, the shorter the amount of time you can safely be around it. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends sounds at 85 dB can be safe for up to eight hours. But for every 3 dB louder the sound is, the safe listening time reduces by half. Anyone buying toys for children needs to be aware of loud noises, particularly toys that have loud bursts—cap guns, popping balloons, air horns, etc. which are loud enough to damage hearing permanently with one short exposure.”

A study released in January 2017 by researchers with the University of Alberta in Canada, determined the noise levels of popping balloons. They studied popping them with a pin, blowing them up until they ruptured and crushing them until they burst. The ruptured balloons clocked in at 168 decibels, four decibels louder than a 12-gauge shotgun.

Sydlowski advises parents to use phone apps to test the sound levels of toys before buying them. “Toys that make noise at or above 85 dBA can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. If they come in at 85 decibels or higher when holding your phone microphone near them, like your child would hold the toy near their own ear, don’t buy them. It isn’t worth the risk. Remember, the louder the sound, the faster the damage and damage continues with exposure.”

While hearing loss numbers are rising in adults in the U.S., the total number of children with some type of hearing loss is unknown and many cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

“A child with just minimal hearing loss can be missing 50 percent of classroom discussion,” Sydlowski explained. These children will need to use extra effort in order to hear what is being said and they often become distracted and exhausted by the end of the day. These characteristics can be mistaken for learning disabilities when what the child needs is management of the hearing loss, typically in the form of hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

Reduced hearing can lead to behavioral issues, lack of focus, even depression in children. Children with hearing loss often don’t recognize that they can’t hear and parents don’t always know the signs.

Sydlowski cautioned, “Loud toys aren’t just annoying to parents, they can be a danger to children. Parents should exercise caution when buying toys with sound, including video games. With toys and games where you can turn the sound down, set the sound at an acceptable, non-harmful level and teach children to keep them at that level. Also, be vigilant about any signs that may indicate your child is having difficulty with their hearing. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, have a comprehensive hearing test with an audiologist.”

The American Academy of Audiology provides a list of licensed audiologists on its website. Click on “Find an Audiologist.”

Where to Find Inspiration for Your Daughter’s Birthday Gifts

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Why is buying gifts for the people we love (and know the best) so difficult? Perhaps it’s the pressure or maybe we’re worried about buying something that they won’t like? Finding the right present for your daughter is one of those times where we seem to lose focus of what they like and dislike and wonder how we’re going to find the right gift in time.

In reality, the perfect gift for your little one is easy to determine, once you know where to get your inspiration. Whether you need toys for 8 year old girls, or something cool and quirky for your tween, in this post we’ll explore where you can find inspiration for your daughter’s birthday gifts. Read on to find out more.

Take a Look at Their Hobbies

You don’t have to look far to find the perfect gift when you consider the topics that they’re passionate about. Whether they’re into horses and visit a pony club at the weekends, or they’re an avid dancer, wannabe actress, bookworm or gamer ask yourself if there is something you can treat them with that will enhance their skills and make their hobbies much more interesting, such as singing lessons, a dance event or a short story writing class. Or maybe you could spoil them with new equipment or attire for their hobbies? A new bag, shoes or boots, sports equipment, or a new gaming platform? The possibilities are endless!

Take A Look At Their Personal Style

If your child is a little older and already making their own fashion choices and choosing what to wear by themselves, then it might be time to use this as inspiration for their next birthday gift. Maybe they’re into hair accessories and bags right now, or they’re into jewellery and want to get their ears pierced? Skating apparel, sports logos, or something bright and colourful – take a look at their personal wardrobe favourites and use it as gift inspiration!

Remember Their Dislikes!

While it’s important to recognise your child’s favourite hobbies, interests and the things that they love, it’s just as important to focus on their dislikes! Maybe they hate a specific colour or material or perhaps they’re not particularly interested in technology, or they prefer graphic novels over traditional printed books. This information can help you steer clear of any gifts that won’t be well received and save you from making some expensive mistakes!

Do They Need Something?

A gift doesn’t have to be something novel or something they’ll find interesting for a short period. It could be something that they actually need! Ask yourself if they have enough dolls and soft toys and maybe something different might be better. Perhaps they’re having sleepovers with friends and they need a new sleeping bag, or maybe they’re heading up to secondary school and a laptop or tablet would help them with their school work?

Final Thoughts…

You’ll find the inspiration you need for gifts everywhere – if you know where to look! Consider these points above to get it right for your daughter.

Tenacious Toys Releases Best Day Ever

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Tenacious Toys is thrilled to continue their support of independent creators and manufacturers with a pair of exclusive releases at the end of this week.

This first drop is “Best Day Ever,” a large scale 10-inch-tall vinyl art toy designed and self-produced by artist Ezra Brown. Best Day Ever depicts Ezra’s character Happy the Clown as he’s walking down the street… about to step on a nail.

Best Day Ever is limited to just 100 pieces as a co-exclusive between Tenacious Toys and Ezra Brown. Packaged in a fun, retro style art box, Best Day Ever will debut on the Tenacious homepage on Thursday August 12th at noon EST for $160 each, which includes free US shipping and a free Tenacious Toys enamel pin.

About Best Day Ever

Brown came up with the Happy character right before the pandemic. At first he was just going to be an ordinary character… nothing special. But as time went on and we entered into a global pandemic, he took on a totally different role. Happy came to symbolize what we all wanted in a time of despair. People wanted to make sense of what was going on around them, and Brown felt that this character could have a much deeper meaning. So that’s how he evolved from just an ordinary character to a whole mood.

He’ll be in everyday situations that any of us could go through, but sometimes we just don’t know how to make sense of them. Happiness is our emotions translated into cartoon form. That’s how Brown came up with the idea for the vinyl toy. Happy is their first vinyl art toy and they felt really good about the whole thing so that’s why I decided to name it Best Day Ever. Yeah he’s happy-go-lucky, whistling, etc, but if you notice he’s about to step on a nail. So “Best Day Ever” is also Brown’s sarcastic play on words… like when you’re having a bad day and you say “Best day ever!”

About Ezra Brown

Ezra Brown’s art is a mixture of pop surrealism and vintage-style lowbrow. He’s a painter, illustrator and dabbles in wood cuts as well. And he is now a toy designer and manufacturer!

About Tenacious Toys

Tenacious Toys has been buying, selling & producing art toys in vinyl, resin, PVC and plush since 2004. The primary mission of Tenacious is to lift up and empower new creators by offering them a retail platform to showcase, promote and sell their artwork in the 3D collectibles space. The Tenacious website is an ever-changing and vibrant selection of limited-edition collectibles that is unmatched anywhere else.

Kidrobot Releases Bucket of Fried Chicken Plush Set

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Kidrobot invites you to get ready for some real comfort food in the form of the new Yummy World Bertha Bucket of Fried Chicken interactive plush pack, featuring the Bucket Brothers and the Saucy Sisters!

The talented Big Bertha is 10 inches of plush packed to the brim with soul and Yummy World Fried Chicken goodness. Pop the top for the 8-piece breaded fried chicken band, The Bucket Brothers, and the sultry stylings of The Saucy Sisters – Betty BBQ, Harriet Honey Mustard, and Frida Fire Sauce. Feathered friends rejoice and recommend the artery-friendly Yummy World Fried Chicken plush!

Retails for $49.99 and shipping now. Available online at Kidrobot and in select retail stores.

The Bertha Bucket of Fried Chicken Interactive Plush is just the latest addition to the universe of Yummy World – check out the full Yummy World plush collection here!

About Yummy World

Yummy World is the softer side of the iconic Kidrobot brand, featuring a selection of deliciously unique and trendy Yummy World plush toys, soft plush food pillows, collectible vinyl keychains, food plushies and more. Yummy World is loved by everyone from celebrities to fashionistas to kids and parents. Jump into Yummy World and start collecting today!

About Kidrobot

Founded in 2002, Kidrobot is acknowledged worldwide as the premier creator and dealer of limited-edition art toys, signature apparel and lifestyle accessories. An innovative cross between sculpture and conceptual art Kidrobot offers not only a powerful medium for today’s international designers, illustrators and artists, but also the creative canvas for emerging street trends and pop art. Our products can be found online at Kidrobot.com and in select retailers worldwide.

Looking to Try Something New in the Bedroom? Tips to Help

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Sometimes we all need a helping hand when it comes to our relationships, and this is often in terms of the physical side of things. As time goes on, the spark can out of the physical relationship between couples, and this can be for many different reasons. The good news is that you can get it back – in fact, you can make it even more exciting than it was before by trying new things in the bedroom. This is a great way to add some spice and enjoy the thrills of new experiences.

There are lots of different ways in which you can spice things up and try something new in the bedroom, so it is well worth considering these if you want to take things up a notch or two! From using adult toys to enjoy new experiences to getting into character and fulfilling those deepest fantasies, you will find many different options. All you need is the confidence and willingness to try out something a little different.

What You Can Do

There are various ways in which you can switch things up in the bedroom and add more excitement to your sex life. Some of these are:

Use Adults Toys for New Pleasures

You can shop the best strap-on dildos, invest in couples’ toys, and even buy products for sensual massages, so there is no end of choice when it comes to adults toys. Many couples turn to these toys in order to add some excitement to their love lives, and there are many different products that you can choose from. You can browse the selections together from the comfort and privacy of your own home and choose ones that you both feel comfortable and confidence about using.

Live Out Your Fantasies

You may have various fantasies about what you would love to do in the bedroom, but you may not have had the confidence to talk to your partner about this. Well, the chances are that your partner also has fantasies, and by opening up, you can both fulfil these in the comfort and privacy of your own home. So, speak to your partner and do things such as dressing up, getting involved in roleplay, and creating scenarios that will enable both of you to indulge in your fantasies and try out something completely new and different.

Get into the Mood

Some couples have issues because they always try and rush moments of intimacy, and this is often because they lead rushed lifestyles. So, try to take some time out that will enable you to set the scene, get into the mood, and relax beforehand. You could even book a night away at some romantic hotel and enjoy complete privacy without disruptions. This will make it easier for you to enjoy some excitement and the thrills of a naughty night or weekend away.

These are just a few of the different options you can try in order to give your physical relationship a new lease of life.

TENACIOUS TOYS × PLAYFUL GORILLA

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Tenacious Toys is GOING APE this week! Their next shop exclusive is a Playful Gorilla black and green colorway of the awesome Master9Eyes figure by Daytoner and PureArts!

After collaborating for nearly a decade, this is the first official vinyl toy exclusive that Playful Gorilla (Alex) has created for Tenacious Toys. There will be more!

The Master9Eyes figure is a 5.5″ tall, 7″ wide vinyl figure in scale with other 1/12-scale action figures. Designed by Daytoner and produced by PureArts, the M9E features six (!!) swords that can fit into its backpack as well as in the hands, plus a handy base that plugs into the foot.

The Tenacious Exclusive R177A colorway by Playful Gorilla further fleshes out his overarching storyline of the characters that inhabit his world:

The Tactical Urban Fighting Force (T.U.F.F.) has been compromised. A new dark faction has taken control. Those few that rebel against the new regime are being taken out one by one. The last of the rebellion needs your help. Agent P.Rilla is about to take his last stand – to stand up for what’s right. He won’t quit even tho the odds are against him. The battle cry can be heard for miles…Don the colors! Fight for what’s right and LEAD!! Who will come to his aid… who amongst us can fight the war that’s coming. Master 9 Eyes has heard the call… Master 9 Eyes has donned the colors… M9E-R177A is on his way!!

The M9E R177A edition is limited to just 160 units at $105 each. They will drop on the Tenacious Toys PureArts page (and homepage) at noon sharp on Friday July 16th.

Stay tuned to the @TenaciousToys IG this week for a live unboxing video!

About Playful Gorilla:

Alex Rivera aka Playful Gorilla is a multitalented 2D and 3D artist based out of Philadelphia. His signature black and green livery can be found on toys, pins, shirts, prints, and many other pieces of swag. He has designed toys for companies large and small and is a trusted friend of the Tenacious Toys shop and crew.

About Master9eyes:

This original character design of a futuristic, chunky samurai is the perfect blend of both a badass character with perfectly designed shapes. His overall look is completed by his puffed jacket and stylish katana backpack. His opponents usually underestimated him due to his chunky appearance… but he always had a better stance. There are rumors about the ninth eye. Some say it’s his MK II combat sensor others say it’s instinct.

About Tenacious Toys:

Tenacious Toys has been buying, selling & producing art toys in vinyl, resin, PVC and plush since 2004. The primary mission of Tenacious is to lift up and empower new creators by offering them a retail platform to showcase, promote and sell their artwork in the 3D collectibles space. Tenacious Toys accepts many different forms of payment, including cryptocurrencies!

GOONBOX by Chris Murray

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Tenacious Toys is pumped to announce their next exclusive toy drop: the Rap Kings GOONBOX Gold Edition 7-inch vinyl art toy designed by Chris B. Murray and produced with care by Clutter Studios.

This is the first vinyl art toy by Philly artist Chris B. Murray who is best known for his illustrations and prints.

Chris grew up studying hip hop culture, which has driven his design sensibility as well as his work as a professional artist. His ongoing Rap Kings illustrated series highlights the groups he grew up listening to as well as current day artists. It started as a poster series, extended into other merchandise, and then ultimately led him to create the series first vinyl toy, GOONBOX!

The concept for the GOONBOX character is an intentionally vague mashup born out of the hip hop era—a gritty street character that incorporates pieces of some of Chris’ favorite rappers, groups and various elements of hip hop culture. Many references can be found all over this figure: the camo pants, the bees, the pigeons, the backpack, the manhole cover, the flower.

The Tenacious exclusive Gold Edition GOONBOX ES are limited to just 50 pieces and priced at $149.99. They will drop on the Clutter page at noon EST on Tuesday, July 13th.

About Chris B. Murray

Chris B. Murray is a fine artist/commercial illustrator living and working out of Philadelphia, PA (originally from upstate NY). From an early age, Chris immersed himself in everything that dealt with pop culture. His most favorite being hip-hop and everything surrounding the culture including graffiti art, sneaker hoarding/streetwear fashion and most importantly, the attitude. Every aspect of it was so very inspiring to Chris. He even goes as far to say that hip hop and the culture revolving it played a major role in raising him through his formative years. Those very same influences are deeply rooted in the work he is still making today from the vast array of color usage and character treatment, the inventive narratives to the meticulous compositions and concepts. Chris has been disciplined in using a variety of media on various surfaces to create his imagery.

About Tenacious Toys

Cicadas Take Over LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester

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New York City has avoided a major Cicada invasion – until now.

The large insects, which are 1-2 inches long, are part of the largest brood of periodical cicadas in the nation. The last time they came to New York in 2004, they arrived around May 13.

Dozens of LEGO Cicadas have overtaken iconic NYC attractions like the Statue of Liberty in LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester‘s MINILAND attraction, a LEGO replica of New York City. Matthew Graham, Master Model Builder of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, was able to replicate these intriguing insects with 22 LEGO bricks including bricks like bucket handles for legs. These LEGO creatures will be on display until mid-July for guests to spot.

Also at LEGOLAND Westchester, you can enjoy the ultimate two-story indoor LEGO playground and escape the summer heat! Surround yourself with millions of LEGO Bricks, take flight on Merlin’s Apprentice, blast skeletons on Kingdom Quest ride adventure, see your favorite characters on LEGO 4D Theater, and build epic LEGO creations alongside master builders! More information on LEGOLAND Westchester activities can be found on the official website.

LEGOLAND Westchester is consistent with updated guidance from the state of New York and the CDC, following all COVID protocols. Face coverings for guests who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required, but still recommended.

Hours are 12pm-5:30pm, last entry at 3:30pm. Limited capacity, tickets available here.