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2 weeks ago | 
gaycitynews.com | Christopher Byrne
The aptly named “Old Friends,” now on Broadway by way of Manhattan Theater Club, is a glorious celebration of the songs of Stephen Sondheim. The “Old Friends” are not just Broadway mega-star headliners Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, but the 41 beloved songs that the show is built around. Created by producer Cameron Mackintosh as a gala in the UK, then transferring to the West End and Los Angeles before landing at the Friedman, this is more than a traditional revue.
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3 weeks ago | 
gaycitynews.com | Christopher Byrne
The cabaret scene in Manhattan has a storied history stretching back nearly 125 years. From tiny boites to large hotel venues, from Café Society to The Carlyle, this enduring entertainment form has launched careers, given a chance for intimate connection to stars (think Elaine Stritch at The Carlyle for many years), and been a defining feature of the city’s entertainment landscape.
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3 weeks ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
After pausing pricing for pre-orders right after the launch of Nintendo Switch 2, the company has announced that it will hold the previously announced price of $449 for the basic unit and $499 for the game unit and Mario Kart World bundle for $499. Availability will still be on the previously announced date of June 5. The announcement was made via press release from the company. The move comes after speculation that tariffs would significantly increase the cost of the console.
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4 weeks ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
Popdarts Pro Set. Photo from PopdartsLooking for an uplifting, classic toy story in these, shall we say, unsettled times? Listen in as Chris talks to Josh Carman creator of Popdarts and his journey from the kitchen table to creating a brand new sport…and a best-selling product. Check it out here. Related
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4 weeks ago | 
peopleofplay.com | Christopher Byrne |Scott Traylor
Scott Traylor: Honoring Mike Wood: Tributes to the LeapFrog Founder and Toy Industry Visionary
Mike Wood, Rest in Play
September 1st 1952 - April 10th, 2025
Scott Traylor reached out to me following Mike’s passing, and I asked if he would consider putting together a tribute in Mike’s honor. He graciously and immediately agreed.
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4 weeks ago | 
nature.com | Giovanni Targher |Christopher Byrne |Kaijun Niu
AbstractA skeletal muscle strength (SMS) decline is associated with metabolic diseases, but whether SMS also declines with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is uncertain. This study examined the associations between SMS and the risk of CKD in MASLD population.
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1 month ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
Walking the aisles of China Toy & Hobby last week, there was one constant feature–live streamers selling products from booths. Fair organizers estimated that more than 90 influencers and live streamers were invited to the fair, and, wow, were they going at it. This is no surprise, as the streaming e-commerce market in China last year topped $350 billion dollars according to Statista, and executives who commented said that streaming live from the show floor added both drama and appeal.
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1 month ago | 
tandfonline.com | Christopher Byrne |Philip Newall |Ty Hayes |Leonardo Weiss-Cohen
ABSTRACTPrevious research has indicated that several gambling product features, such as slot games’ fast potential speed of play, are potentially harmful ‘structural characteristics’. However, we know of little empirical research exploring whether the provision of multiple themes for slot games could be considered another relevant structural characteristic. We therefore explored this game feature in a simulated online experiment (N = 990).
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1 month ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
One of Richard Gottlieb’s constant, and heartfelt, messages was that the toy industry ought to be considered as a viable–and attractive–career choice for young people. Richard, like many others in the biz, found his way here indirectly. At Toy Fair New York, eight students attended thanks to the Richard Gottlieb Toy Entrepreneurship Grant, which was presented with the Toy Foundation.
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1 month ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
One of the most important components of any toy program inthis highly competitive and crowded market is a strategic media program. Given the proliferation of platforms, changes in demographics and emerging product categories, it can be a challenge. Well, listen in because I sat down during New York Toy Fair with three people who are at the forefront of this changing market and whose track record of success is truly impressive.
