Because trouble comes in all sizes.
The 2023 NY Toy Fair taking place was of historic significance in of itself. The last one was held in February 2020 right before COVID collectively wreaked havoc on the entire planet. What had been a highly anticipated annual Toy industry event at the Jacob Javits Convention Center had been canceled thereafter. That is, until this year.
Today I viewed a video of a driver-less vehicle navigating through the streets of Phoenix. It prompted an introspective look at my own future. As a child of the late 20th century, I imagined life in the digital era. Inspired by science fiction, I dreamed about countless wonders such as flying cars, intergalactic travel, and pizza-on-demand. As an adult, the reality of fully self-driving cars instills cautious optimism at best. In truth, I can’t shake the gnawing feeling that human beings are not ready for 21st century technology.
You can always tell the theme of the NY Auto Show. I couldn’t help notice the emphasis on electric and hybrid-powered vehicles. Huge banners as well as giant flying pigs boldly announced innovation. Despite the Trump administration’s recent reversal of environmental standards for the automotive industry, forward progress remained intact. We picked the best in show.
Apple released a powerful short film about an autistic teen’s use of technology to transform his life. Autism Acceptance Month focuses on telling stories about people like Dillan Barmache. Voices once mired in deafening silence now can be heard by all.
The New York Auto Show has always fascinated me. More so than any other indicator in the United States, the automobile reflects our aspirations for the future. After all, transportation is an integral part of American culture. What one drives represents a personal choice in lifestyle. Even if you’re driving a clunker today, you’re motivated to obtain your dream vehicle. Auto Shows provide the perfect venue to take a first hand look at what vehicles spark your imagination. From the practical to the exotic, your automotive dream machine awaits.
Another Toy Fair has come and gone. In taking the time to process what I’ve seen I couldn’t help feeling we’ve collectively lost our way. Let me preface by stating I love technology. I’ve been fascinated by innovation for as long as I can remember. I’m old enough to have experienced life without the internet, cellphones or personal computers. Yet we had books, newspapers, theater, television (broadcast only), and movies to spark our imaginations. In the late 20th century, young Americans often discussed the topic of living in the 21st century. We were obsessed with the future—a transformative leap into a remarkable world with infinite possibilities. Yet here we are in 2016, torn at the seams between the digital and analog fabric of our lives. The NY Toy Fair suddenly becomes a checkpoint for society—a snapshot of what lies ahead.
It’s been a busy week for tech toys and gadgets enthusiasts. The new Star Wars movie marketing push has begun in earnest and that includes merchandise and gizmos, namely the Sphero BB-8, beloved new droid in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Also announced were the latest and greatest from tech giant Apple. The timing of these notifications also signals the start of the holiday shopping season. Yes, it’s true, only 16 more weekends until Christmas [insert internal primal scream here].
Stumbling upon random fun web videos really makes scouring the internet a winning proposition week to week. Technology and music video mashups comprise our latest picks.
Toy car maker RIDEMAKERZ recently contacted me to review their Chevrolet Corvette C6RS – Special Edition – BCRF. Given that RIDEMAKERZ will be opening up a store within a store this Fall at FAO Schwarz in New York City, I was intrigued to get a first hand look at one of their toy cars. They have a similar business model to Build – it- Yourself stores in which a customer can choose different styles, parts, etc. in millions of combinations to create the cool car ride of their dreams. Factor in that RIDEMAKERZ generously offered to giveaway a Chevrolet Corvette C6RS – Special Edition – BCRF to one of our readers and that this limited edition car will support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, I welcomed the opportunity.