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1 week ago | 
cardinalnewmansociety.org | Christopher Byrne
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadDr. Bill Thierfelder’s path to Belmont Abbey was anything but predictable — from NCAA Division I athlete and Olympic-level sports psychologist to business executive and devoted father of ten children, his journey ultimately led him to a small Catholic college in crisis. But what followed was nothing short of providential.
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2 weeks ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
It’s axiomatic that in the toy industry new technologies prompt toymakers to scramble for applications. In 1959, Mattel developed an encased phonograph unit that could sit in the tummy of a doll, and voilà—Chatty Cathy was born. That same technology powered the See ‘N Say, which taught a generation of kids to imitate cows…among other things. Computer chips took interaction to the next level, starting with Simon in 1978, and the industry was off to the races, as it were.
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2 weeks ago | 
awn.com | Christopher Byrne |L'Wren Alexa
It's less than a month away! Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for Foundation Season 3. Based on Isaac Asimov’s epic, seminal sci-fi stories and starring Jared Harris, Lee Pace, and Lou Llobell, the upcoming season will debut globally with one episode on July 11 on Apple TV+, followed by episodes every Friday through September 12.
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2 weeks ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
Matt Brown is one of the coolest and most thoughtful guys inthe toy business. His dedication to play and kids is always inspiring. Over the years, since he entered our industry with Zoob,Matt and Chris have had many conversations about the role of play in children’s lives and why play is so critical to all of us.
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3 weeks ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
In March 2024, the United Nations General Assembly named June 11as the International Day of Play. An outgrowth of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the day is set aside for countries around the world to celebrate what the UN identified as a basic right for children to engage in play. The second annual event is this year.
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3 weeks ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
Walmart has been in the news this week as the impact of tariffs begins to be felt more sharply at checkout. The company said in various reports that the prices increases were due to a “range of factors,” but the impact of tariffs is likely at the top of that range.
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3 weeks ago | 
gaycitynews.com | Christopher Byrne
Queer Show Finally Makes NYC BowBY CHRISTOPHER BYRNEIn 2024, there were big plans for queer, Olivier-nominated writer and performer Rob Madge to bring their hit show “My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)” to Broadway. Well, anyone who has ever tried to get a show to Broadway knows that the road is anything but smooth, and that planned premiere was postponed. Fortunately, this is a tale with a happy ending, as Madge is bringing the show to New York City Center for a Pride Month run June 12-15.
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1 month ago | 
gaycitynews.com | Christopher Byrne
“Bowl EP,” now at The Vineyard, is a triumph of queer art, performance, and theatricality that manages to be daring, provocative and heartwarming all at once. Written and directed by Nazareth Hassan, the piece is set “in a skateboard park, in the middle of a wasteland, at the edge of the galaxy,” as noted by the program.
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1 month ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
With a population topping 17 million and an average age of 32, Shenzhen is singular in its demographics when it comes to consumerism and shopping. The city is dotted with shopping malls appealing to different sectors–high end and higher end it looked like to me on a recent trip. Shopping is a major form of entertainment for residents of the city, and the malls are showcases of international brands, many of them luxury brands.
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1 month ago | 
globaltoynews.com | Christopher Byrne
Kip’s Toyland in the Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is feeling the heat. The store, which has been in operation since 1947 was founded after World War II by Don Kipper after seeing the devastation of the war in Europe. He wanted to spend the rest of his life spreading joy. The store is currently run by Don Jr., and his daughter Lily is taking the reins, making this a three-generation family business. The store and its current situation was recently profiled by CNN.
