Important Announcement

Due to a family crisis, Ms. Slade regretfully announces that she must temporarily suspend publication of her blogs. She is grateful to her readers, and hopes they will check back in a few weeks. Thank you.

If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.” Like our sister columns, Wednesday’s “Book Report,,”Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on books,  music and movies, this weekly post highlights the best in product offerings in the world of toys, games, puzzles, crafts, sporting goods and vacation specials for children and teens, as well as industry news and up-to-date product recalls from United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Be sure to check back each Tuesday.

Last week we focused on a variety of unique puzzles for children and teens, which were introduced to the public at Toy Fair 2011 from Ravensburger, a quality-driven toy, game and craft manufacturer/distributor that has been serving the children’s market for the last 125 years.

The Ravensburger product line is extensive, and today we will be covering one of their signature products, Labyrinth, which is now available in a special edition, along with various line extensions of this incredibly popular board game.

We’ll also take a look at current product recalls from the last seven days that you may have missed.

GAMES

Labyrinth Anniversary Edition

It’s not often that a toy or game remains popular for a quarter of a century, but this year marks the silver anniversary of Labyrinth the shifting maze board game, perfect for ages seven and up.

Labyrinth is geared for two to four players and is very easy to learn. It’s an engrossing game that is ever changing during the course of play, and children benefit by learning to strategically think their advance moves in order to obtain their “treasures.”

This 25^th Anniversary Edition of Labyrinth is a limited run that is packaged in a special collector’s tin, and comes with an added twist – 12 maze cards with encrypted messages on the back.

Labyritnth 25^th Anniversary Edition carries an SRP of $29.99. Best available pricing is from online retailer, Fun and Games, where it is selling for $23.99.

There are several other versions of Labyrinth, each slightly different, and each carrying different pricing. The Duel, based on the original game is available through Amazon.com for $15.99 and where you will be able to view a video of the game in action.

There also is the Labyrinth Card Game for $9.40 through Amazon.com, and Labyrinth Jr., a version that is perfect for children under the age of seven.

This Jr. version is available through Amazon Marketplace for $9.89.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS


The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last 7 days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

 
TOYS

No new toy product recalls in the last seven days.

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

March 23, 2011 - Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Combo Axe Due to Laceration Hazard

CPSC NEWS

March 23, 2011- CPSC Warns: As Button Battery Use Increases, So Do Battery-Related Injuries and Deaths Toddlers and Seniors Most Often Injured in Battery-Swallowing Incidents

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.

If you and your child are Muggles and are headed to England, there are must-do walking or taxie tours for the sites made famous in the Harry Potter films by Warner Brothers. These tours are not to be confused with “The Making of Harry Potter” walking tour at Leavesden, England, which is currently being developed by Warner Brothers and will be available in 2012, these are tours that will take you to the actual sites that were captured in the Harry Potter films. Along the way you will discover everything you ever wanted to know about London and the environs. Operated by one of the best-guided tour companies in the United Kingdom, London Walks, provides special affordable memories that last a lifetime. The three different Harry Potter Walking Tours that are available need not be booked in advance and conveniently meet up as designated tube stations. The video below, just one example of the many tours London Walks offers, will give you a good idea about how a typical tour works. For further information and current pricing please visit the London Walks website. Hundreds of tours are operated each year by London Walks, the three Harry Potter location tour   the guides are a wealth of engaging informationare run by one of the best special film set tours that are currently being constructed  being constructed avaiable plural because the film locations are too spread out for just one walk.) 1) A Harry Potter Film Locations Walk 2) The Harry Potter Film Locations Taxi Safari. Harry Potter Film Locations in the City Okay, this is a big 'un. A big 'un because there's two different kinds of Harry Potter Film Locations Tours. 1) A Harry Potter Film Locations Walk (well, three different walking tours – see below); and 2) The Harry Potter Film Locations Taxi Safari. The walking tours are described first – let's call that Part One. Part Two is the description (and other particulars) of the Taxi Safari.  A line across the page, like this: divides Part One from Part Two. So if you want to go directly to the information about the Harry Potter Film Locations Taxi Safari just scroll down to the dividing line and go from there. Okay, here we go... Harry Potter: "Can we find all this in London?" Hagrid: "If yeh know where to go." Where to go on these three completely different tours. (Tours plural because the film locations are too spread out for just one walk.) Betwixt and between the film locations we hit the sweet spots – the very best of quirky, peculiar, curious, lost old London. It's all very Harry Potter and Co. For a detailed description of each of the two different tours, see below. But first a word about the guide. Because with this one you've got to get the guide right. You've got to have a guide who's part Lumos, part Mirror of Eristed. Who's got his O.W.L.s and then some. Cornish Pixies* won't do. *Let alone pizza delivery boys, parking lot attendants and security guards. And that's by way of saying, it takes a very special guide to get this one right. It's a question of range. A gifted actor – like Richard – has got that range. He's instantly likable. But he can also do high-beam intensity. He's got the goblet of fire voice. Got the dynamic personality. Got the past: Himalayas and a raft on the Pacific (London Walks' Action Man, he's earned that nickname of his – "Kontiki"). He's got those actor "gifts" that can't be taught, let alone faked. He's pitch perfect. He's got timing. He's got presence. He's just got it. All of it. Harry Potter Film Locations in the City takes place on Sundays from BankTube, exit 3. Here's guide Richard taking you through the menu for this one: "This walk 'Potters' through the old City of London. You’ll see most of the great buildings of the ancient City: the Bank of England, Mansion House, the wonderful Leadenhall Market, a close up view of the ‘Gherkin’, magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, etc. You’ll cross the river by way of London Bridge – natch! You’ll see film locations where Hagrid and Harry make their way to Diagon Alley in the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. You’ll see where Harry, Mad-Eye Moody, Nymphadora Tonks and their friends fly in The Order of the Phoenix. And you’ll see the locations used for the Leaky Cauldron and the Third Hand Book Emporium in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And lots more. What's not to like about a London Walk packed with history and Harry Potter. So come on muggles, it's time to enter the maze. Yes, that time – Portkey time, warp-across-London time! N.B. There's a 3 galleon* charge for kids as this one's for all ages! *Oh, okay – if you must put it that way – £3. But not for tinies – under 8s – they go free. And Harry Potter on Location in Londontown takes place on Saturdays from WestminsterTube, exit 4. Here's Guide Richard again, taking you this time through the menu for the Harry Potter on Location in Londontown tour: "The walk takes in many of the grand sights of London including a terrific view of the river, Big Ben, Whitehall, Downing Street, Scotland Yard, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. And – this should go without saying – you'll get to see some brilliant Harry Potter film locations, including the entrance to the Ministry of Magic, the flight path of Death-Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince as well as the flight path taken by Harry, Mad-Eye Moody, Nymphadora Tonks and Co. in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It's a treat for Harry Potter fans and indeed for the benighted few who aren't Harry Potter fans. (Works for them because of "the sweet spots – the very best of quirky, peculiar, curious, lost old London.") And if you're not a Harry Potter fan or a London fan – this is the wrong walk for you; and for that matter, the wrong town. N.B. There's a 3 galleon* charge for kids as this one's for all ages!    *Oh, okay – if you must put it that way – £3. But not for tinies – under 8s – they go free. And Deathly Hallows – The Quest Very definitely Harry Potter for grown-ups! takes place every Monday evening at 6.30 pm from TempleTube. Heeeeeeeeeeeere's the blurb: Celebrate the release of the thrilling seventh film with London Walks' very own Harry Potter expert, let alone uber fan! Kontiki Richard leads you through the most magical bits of old London. The wizard's bank. A fantastical mansion where we'll relive the last tortured moments of Charity Burbage. A gas-lit courtyard packed with Potter atmosphere and twice used by the Harry Potter production team. It's a walk laced with tales of good and evil, magic and legend. all of it wovenround the elder Wand, the Cloak of Invisibility, the Resurrection Stone and, of course, the Horcruxes. Where will it end? At the home of the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Naturally. N.B. this one's for grown-ups so any and all kids go free – if they're accompanied by their parent(s)! "Nothing like a...stroll to give you ideas" The Harry Potter Film Locations Tours take place every Monday evening at 6.30 pm from TempleTube every Saturday afternoon at 2 pm from WestminsterTube, exit 4  and every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm from BankTube, exit 3.   YOU'VE SEEN THE FILMS, NOW VISIT THE SET! Ok, the London [and Oxford, etc.] Film Locations Okay, now let's turn the page. Turn the page because London's by no means the whole story. Which is by way of saying, if you really want to amp it up, there are some outriding combinations Richard's put together that'll knock your socks off. For example: 1) The London stuff and Lacock, Lacock Abbey & Hog-' inthingies'; 2) Or the London stuff and Blenheim Palace & Oxford(for Hog-'thingie's' Hospital, the Great Hall and Library)

All-new ‘Expedition Week’ and ‘Shark Men’ on NAT GEO TV

Seven nights and 13 different exploration adventures are part of another extraordinary week of programming on the National Geographic Channel, as they present Expedition Week, beginning Sunday April 3, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s critically acclaimed, “must see TV,” NAT GEO has upped the anti even further this year with an exceptionally diverse lineup of programming filled with outstanding film footage, computer-generated imagery, well-documented interviews, reenactments and narration.

Topics on thought provoking subjects such as the existence of rain forest tribes that practice cannibalism, to following the trail of the abominable snowman - all presented with excellent production values.

The entire Expedition Week is hosted by the “Shark Men,” as they prepare for their return with all-new episodes of Shark Men on April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

By connecting to the links provided below you’ll explore each of the upcoming Expedition Week episodes in depth, which includes: Program overviews; additional photos; facts; production journals, and video previews.

You may wish to bookmark this page to explore at your leisure.

 Some programs may be more suitable for older children and teens - parental caution is advised, and for your convenience, each episode has been given a TV Parental Guideline Rating.

All of the hour-long episodes of Expedition Week will be repeated throughout the month during various day parts, which can be tracked from National Geographic’s viewing guide.

The Expeditions

Sunday, April 3

Eating with Cannibals

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV14

Finding Jack the Ripper

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-14DV

 

Monday, April 4

Hunt for the Abominable Snowman

9:00 p.m. ET/PT –TVPG

Last Stand of the Templars

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-14V

 

Tuesday, April 5

Gladiators Back from the Dead

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-14V

Egypt’s Lost Rival

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGV

 

 

Wednesday, April 6

Return of the Ghost Ship

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-G

 

Ben Franklin’s Pirate Fleet

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-G

 

 

Thursday, April 7

Into Iceland’s Volcano

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PG

 

Man vs. Volcano

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGL

 

Friday, April 8

Lost Land of the Tiger

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-G

 

Tiger Man of Africa

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGL

 

Saturday, April 9

Death of a Sea Monster

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGV

 

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

Popcorn’ photo by Petr Kratochvil

It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, March 25, 2011.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

Opened March 25, 2011 The 5th Quarter – Sport- PG-13- because of “some thematic elements.”

Opened March 25, 2011 Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules- Comedy- PG- because of “some mild rude humor and mischief.”

Opened March 25, 2011 Miral – Drama- PG-13 – because of “thematic material, and some violent content including a sexual assault.” NOTE: In limited release.

Opened March 25, 2011 Peep World– Comedy – NOT RATED- NOTE: In limited release.

Opened March 25, 2011 Potiche – Comedy–R- because of “some sexuality.” NOTE: New York City and Los Angeles only.

Opened March 25, 2011 Sucker Punch – Action, Fantasy, Thriller-  PG-13- because of “thematic material involving sexuality, violence and combat sequences, and for language.”

Opened March 25, 2011 White Irish Drinkers– Drama – R- because of “pervasive language, some sexuality and violence.” NOTE: Los Angeles and New York City only.

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, March 18, 2011, which included:   The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman;   Cracks (I);   Limitless;   The Lincoln Lawyer;   Lord of the Dance in 3-D;   The Music Never Stopped;   Paul;   Win Win and Winter in Wartime, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, March 11, 2011, which included:   Battle: Los Angeles;   Bill Cunningham New York;   Black Death;   Certified Copy;   Jane Eyre;   Kill the Irishman;   Mars Needs Moms and Red Riding Hood, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, March 4, 2011, which included:   Abel;   The Adjustment Bureau;   Beastly;   Happythankyoumoreplease;   I Saw the Devil;   Rango;   Red State;   Take Me Home Tonight and Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,  please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, February 25, 2011, which included:   Drive Angry 3-D;   The Grace Card;   Hall Pass;   Heartbeats;   Of Gods and Men and Rat Scratch Fever, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

.For information on films that opened the week of Friday, February 18, 2011, which included:   Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son;   Brotherhood;   Even in the Rain;   I Am;   I Am Number Four;   Immigration Tango;   Unknown and Vanishing on 7^th Street, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, February 11, 2011, which included:   Cedar Rapids;   The Eagle;   Gnomeo & Juliet;   Just Go With It;   Justin Bieber: Never Say Never and Lavoe, please click on the following link:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened the week of Friday, February 4, 2011, which included:  Cold Weather;   The Other Woman;   The Roommate;   Sanctum; and Waiting for Forever, please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Musical Notes: Music industry news and releases for children and teens

‘PlayingGuitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

Welcome to “Musical Notes,” this weekly column is dedicated solely to music. Like our Friday “Popcorn Report,” which features the latest information on movies, this post highlights current news and announcements in the music industry, and introduces you to the best of everything in CDs, music videos, games, instruments and upcoming performances for children, teens and families. Be sure to check back each Thursday.

This week’s edition of Musical Notes focuses on a number of upcoming live performances from a diverse lineup of children’s music performers.  We’ll also introduce you to a CD that is making a physical difference in the lives of children, and take a look at a unique musical instrument, plus share something free and fun from the popular award-winning children’s entertainer Aaron Nigel Smith.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Saturday, March 26, 2011 10:30 a.m.

DVD Release Concert -Debbie and Friends with special guest star Bob McGrath of "Sesame Street" fame!

Performing at the Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, Massachusetts.

Bob Mc Grath

Show Details from Regent Theatre: “Join Debbie Cavalier and her band for “Story Songs and Sing Alongs” and get ready for sing-along, dance-along and laugh-along family fun in this rockin’ musical journey through classic kids’ tales and original songs as this Boston based kindie pop band celebrate the release of their first DVD. 

The celebration will include interactive songs and stories, plus giveaways and special prices on the new DVD. Debbie and Friends popular cartoons will be rolling on the Regent’s big screen and as a special treat, Bob McGrath, of “Sesame Street” fame, will guest star in the show.

This full-band performance will include both Debbie and Friends songs and some classic favorites, with a cast of top-shelf musicians from Berklee College of Music, including Debbie Cavalier on vocals and keyboard, Rory McKenzie on bass, Eric Salt on guitar, Bill D’Agostino on drums, Mike Carrera on vocals… and surprise guest performers! Debbie and Friends will also perform with some of their own animated music videos—a real favorite with audiences of all ages! And, everyone goes home with a colorful Debbie and Friends tattoos!”

Debbie and Friends

For lots more information about Debbie and Friends: Story Songs and Sing Alongs along with excerpts from the newly released DVD, please follow this link to last week’s edition of 'Musical Notes'.

Ticket Prices (general admission):
$8.00 – Kids (12 and under)
$8.00 – Seniors
$10.00 – Adults

Regent Theatre members save $2.

Tickets may be ordered online through this link, or by calling Phone: {781} 646-4849
Fax: {781} 643-4747 NOTE: phone/online orders include additional $1 service charge

Saturday, March 26, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Climb Aboard the “Jungle Gym” with Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Performing at Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York City.

Show Details from Symphony Space Just Kidding series: “Hailed by The New York Times as "a rising star in the world of children's music," and The Chicago Tribune as "among the kid-rock royalty," Justin Roberts' vocal style has been compared to James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Loudon Wainwright III , and even Green Day! With clever, funny songs dealing with important issues a young child might face (the horrors of school picture day, making friends with the monster under the bed) Roberts' lyrics are rich with sharp, comedic insight that make his shows a Symphony Space favorite year after year.
"Comic and soulful songs with creative, unique twists and turns that parents will enjoy as much as children." -LA Times.”

Ticket Prices
$13.00 to $27.00 and are available to purchase online at this link or by calling the box office at (212) 864-5400.

For your viewing enjoyment, below is a video of “Willy Was a Whale,” which is one of the musical selections being performed on Saturday at Symphony Space.

Saturday, March 26, 2011 – Doors open at 11:00 am performance at 11:30 a.m.

Peanut Butter and Jams Series welcomes Moona Luna a Family Concert

Performing at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Show Details from the Peanut Butter and Jams series: “Moona Luna is the new musical project from the Latin-Alternative group Pistolera. Inspired by the birth of her first child during the making of the last album, lead singer and songwriter Sandra Velasquez now brings family-friendly songs in Spanish and English that continue the band’s tradition of positive messages and accordion driven toe-tapping beats."

Ticket Prices
Adults $10, Children $7 Ages 1-12, Free for children under the age of one – ($2 off each adult ticket when you purchase with CASH at our box office BEFORE day of show.). Plus a kid-friendly lunch buffet is available for purchase before and during every Peanut Butter and Jams show. Kids pay $7 and adults pay $10, all you can eat.

Advance tickets are available online by following this link.

Moona Luna will also be performing on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, Virginia 22180 (703) 255-1566 All tickets are $8 for everyone one year and older. For further information and tickets please follow this link.

For your viewing enjoyment, below is a video of “Todas Las Comidas (All The Foods)” from Moona Luna’s newly released album Piñata Party.

 

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Have you ever heard of a Hapi Drum? It’s a “hand activated percussion instrument” with a “unique tone” that is “created by a tuned vibrating steel tongue.”

The Hapi is played by lightly striking the instrument with fingers or a mallet. The video below gives a fine demonstration of this easy to play instrument. This particular model is tuned to e minor.

For more information on the Hapi and to test drive the instrument, which is available in numerous keys, visit http://www.hapitones.com/

Prices for the instrument range from $345.00 to $675.00 depending on the size and musical range of the instrument.

CD

Singer/songwriter Amy Otey, might easily be dubbed the ‘First Lady of Musical Fitness,’ with her newest CD release, Fitness Rock and Roll.

She has performed at such varied venues as the Kimmel Center to the White House for the Easter Egg Roll.

Otey, who is an official advocate of the President’s Challenge Program, has dedicated this fifth album release to helping children become fit by embracing a healthier active lifestyle. Her award-winning body of musical work and her background as a physical fitness educator has placed her in a unique position to get kids engaged and moving with music.

Fitness Rock and Role is a fun energizing mix of tunes that beckons youngsters to get up off the couch to dance and move along while getting in shape.

All of Amy Otey’s CD’s are available through CD Baby, where you can sound sample the 12 song tracks from Fitness Rock and Roll as well as all of her other albums.

Fitness Rock and Roll is available in CD format for $13.99 and MP3 download for $0.99 per track, or $10.00 for the entire MP3 album.

Be sure to check out Otey’s free downloadable lesson plans that accompany this and her other CDs.

FUN STUFF

Here’s something absolutely delightful from that kid-friendly and charismatic award-winning children's musical artist, Aaron Nigel Smith, who is the featured musical guest on Between the lions.

Smith works tirelessly with the NEA Read Across America program to promote literacy through music.  Recently, he went into the studio to record a brand new song and music video called "In A Book," featuring his furry friend and co-star, Lionel the lion from the Emmy® Award Winning PBS Kids' program Between The Lions. Please enjoy and share the video featured below with your child, along with the FREE down-loadable MP3 featuring Aaron's son, Zion.

Smith, whose program, FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, serves thousands of children in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and Boston, and over 3,000 schools, centers and daycares in his network; this program is vitally needed by the today’s young people. 

"In A Book," features Aaron's signature "islandy vibe" (as described by People Magazine) and his engaging teaching style is also available in his award-winning, entertaining CDs. Be sure to check these musical hits out at Music for Little People.