
2016 continues to be an unusual year. Recycling has extended to television shows such as The X-Files. Mattel, after 57 years of producing an iconic yet laughably proportioned female body type for Barbie, decides to release 3 realistic ones. And General Mills’ stalwart Cheerios cereal has succumbed to pressure joining the gluten-free bandwagon. To the outside observer, these developments seem reactionary and frankly, quite trivial in scope. Yet I see it as glaring microcosm of a growing cultural shift. Namely, the internet shaping society rather than organic human interaction.
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Changes

Changes. Barely 16 days into 2016 and the world finds itself mourning over the passing of two beloved artists—David Bowie and Alan Rickman. Both men were struck down by a merciless monster known as cancer. Most of us personally didn’t know these men yet their creative work touched us deeply. The Arts—inseparably intertwined with our daily existence—affirms the nature of life including our fragile mortal coils. The unexpected plot twists give us pause. The need for a collective deep breath arises anew.
Holy Building Blocks! Classic Batman is coming to LEGO

LEGO has listened to Batman fans. 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of the beloved 1966 Batman TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. On March 1, 2016, LEGO is releasing an elaborate 2500 piece set centered on Batman, the Batcave, his vehicles and mansion.
Toys and Gadgets: 2016 CES Tech for New Parents

Becoming a new parent in tech terms could be described as leveling up. Yet the actual tools available for new parents to succeed in their life-changing roles have historically been poorly designed. Little things possess the potential to become a daily nuisance such as installing a car seat or preparing baby formula. Advances in technology aim to alleviate much of the new parent guesswork. A couple of highlights from the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) point to a bright future.
Best and Worst Parenting Websites of 2015

Parenting really can be surreal. A newborn baby—a precious and seemingly innocuous little life form—becomes the catalyst of life altering change. New Moms and Dads remind me of the blissfully naive dinosaurs unaware of the impact the gigantic glowing rock descending from the sky would inflict upon them. It must have been one captivatingly beautiful light show.
A Hero in Pink

My experience with Pepto-Bismol’s #PinkRelief all began almost 20 years ago. We were state university kids seeking one last all night adventure before the Fall semester ended. Our destination?…New York City. Little did I know I would also discover a lifelong hero.
Celebrating Acts of Kindness is Kind of Awesome

The world’s problems can seem overwhelming to us at times. But how about helping people on an individual basis? That’s something anyone can do. Plus there’s the added benefit of feeling good after the fact. It’s the secret sauce of kindness and an important lesson for kids. Arguably, one of the most important life hacks they’ll ever learn.
New Batman v Superman Trailer Debuts Villain

Can a movie trailer reveal too much? That seems to be the consensus among DC fans and mainstream fans alike after watching the recently released trailer for Batman v Superman. To be fair, this is only a movie trailer and not the complete film. Yet it seems major movie plot points have been disclosed which inadvertently deflate the tension built up in previous trailers.
Toys and Gadgets: 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

The busiest time of year for holiday toys and gadgets shopping has arrived. Our Toys and Gadgets: 2015 Holiday Gift Guide takes the guesswork out of your toy purchases. We’ve picked toys that offer innovation, value, and most importantly fun.