Cackleberries? New Music Video for Young Children a Sign of the Times: Cybermanaged Team Collaborates on Educational Video

By: admin - April 26th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Vancouver, British Columbia (PRWEB) March 01, 2012

Cackleberries Entertainment in has just released its third story-based animated music video for children. From content to production, ?Secret Princess? is a sign of how corporations are both influenced by and influencing the definitions of work and family.

The video features the story of how Speckles?the un-hatched egg or ?dormi? of a queen monarch butterfly?became a Cackleberry that resides in the virtual world of Oville. The ?finding a place to belong? theme is central to both the video and to the philosophy behind Cackleberries virtual world. The Oville community is designed to reflect our modern society in which it is normal for children to shuffle between the two households of divorced parents, be cared for by a single parent, live with extended family members or be raised in foster care.

When asked about the company?s approach to crafting stories, CEO, Eronne Foster, said, ?The concept of families in all shapes and sizes is extremely important and we want our characters and stories to reflect that. No child-aged character like Speckles belongs to a particular family or parent. Belonging in Oville is more important. It?s an open arms community where everyone is accepted and cared for.?

Not only does this video reinforce the message that the definition of family is changing, it also highlights the fact that technology is changing the way projects such as this are executed. Ron Crown, Creative Director for this and all other Cackleberries animation, directed production of the video from what he calls a ?virtual studio.?

Crown?s team consisted of five animators, a storyboard artist, director, assistant director, singer/songwriter, and himself as creative producer. The group collaborated from their homes located across British Columbia and Alberta. They met online in Skype to share ideas and documents, as well as used Google Docs and an FTP site to share larger files.

?Everyone on the team was connected in a Skype group all day,? said Crown. ?Any questions were asked and answered by the group and it was actually more efficient than when we were working in a studio together and I?d have to call them all together to explain things.? Foster is also pleased with this new way of working. She said, ?The success of this project opens the door for us to hire people from around the world so we can truly make Cackleberries a global product.?

The company will be making the ?Secret Princess? music video available to anyone who signs up for a new, one-month membership free of charge. One month from now, when the new Oville Theatre opens, this video will also be made available to premium members. To sign up for a one-month membership, please go to http://www.cackleberries.com.

A sneak peek of the “Secret Princess” can also been seen on the Cackleberries Youtube Channel.

ABOUT CACKLEBERRIES

Cackleberries is a children?s edutainment (entertainment and education) company offering a website, animation, toys, games, music and more. Most importantly Cackleberries introduces young children, aged three to seven, to online education with a dedication to keeping them safe. Cackleberries protects children from the internet with the latest technology, provides family-friendly content, and never advertises to children. The living virtual world of Oville is a place for children to learn and play in a guaranteed safe environment.

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Goofygrinmonsters.com Announces Monstrously Fun Writing Contest for Children

By: admin - April 22nd, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

(PRWEB) February 24, 2012

Finding positive role models, in the form of toys, for young children is exceptionally difficult. Parents and teachers who desire their children to grow their creativity, cognitive function, social skills, and emotional well-being are overjoyed by the release of Goofy Grin Monsters by Z & Z Toy Corp. In hopes of inspiring these qualities in children across the country, goofygrinmonsters.com is holding a creative writing contest featuring the Goofy Grin Monster characters.

Goofygrinmonsters.com created these brightly colored, silly grinned, energy filled little monsters to be companions of the young (and young at heart). With fun names and personal stories for each Goofy Grin Monster, children grow a deep and loving relationship with these goofy monster toys. Wanting to give elementary school children nationwide the opportunity to get a Goofy Grins Monster of their own, Goofygrinmonsters.com is challenging elementary students to write a short story adventure featuring the Goofy Grin Monsters. Because of the principles on which the Goofy Grin Monsters were designed, stories that feature teamwork and saving the environment will receive bonus points. Winners will receive a Goofy Grin Monster and their story will be posted on goofygrinmonsters.com for everyone to enjoy.

Z & Z toys first developed the idea for these monsters after noticing most of their daughter?s stuffed animals were video game related which resulted in hours spent in front of a TV or computer screen. Wanting to create a fun and engaging stuffed animal that would encourage active and imaginative play, the Goofy Grin Monsters were born. Originating in Centreville, VA, the Goofy Grin Monsters have quickly come to life through the imaginations and natural goofiness of children across the country. For more information, visit http://www.goofygrinmonsters.com.

Original content created by Madwire Media http://www.madwirewebdesign.com

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Hot Holiday Toys ? How to Keep Your Children Safe this Holiday Season

By: admin - December 28th, 2011  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Mechanicsburg, PA (PRWEB) December 14, 2011

Parents have scanned the hot holiday toys lists, located those perfect classic toys with a new twist, and stood in line for hours to purchase gifts that will bring laughter and joy to their home this year. Before filling the stockings and wraping the gifts the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind wants to make sure parents consider the safety of each toy.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries related to toys created close to 186,000 injuries that required emergency room treatment for those ages 15 and younger in 2009. The majority of the injuries were to the head and face, including the eyes.

The following tips will help keep children safe this holiday season;

TIP # 1 ? Consider the Size of the Toy

For toddlers and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small, or sharp parts. These parts could be swallowed and could pose a fatal choking hazard. As a test, if any part of the toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is considered a hazard and not appropriate for children under the age of 3.

TIP#2 ? Consider the Shape of the Toy

Make sure a toy doesn?t have any blunt edges that have points. These toys could puncture the skin or eyes. Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. BB Guns and air guns should not even be considered toys!

TIP#3 ? Check the Label

Look for labels that give age recommendations and warnings. Look for any toxic substances that may be painted on the toy and check instructions for clarity.

TIP#4 ? Discard Plastic Wrapping and Strings

Immediately discard plastic wrapping on toys and avoid all toys with strings. Plastic wrapping may have sharp edges and could cause suffocation, while strings can be very dangerous if the string gets wrapped around your child?s neck.

TIP#5 ? Protect Your Child with Gear

Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear. 90% of all sports-related eye injuries could have been prevented simple by using appropriate eye protection.

For additional helpful tips on choosing toys for children with special needs, visit http://www.pablind.org.

Contact: Katie Schock – PA Assn. f/t Blind Phone: 717-766-2020 Email: Katie(dot)schock(at)pablind(dot)org

Beaver Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Berks Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Blair/Clearfield Assn. f/t Blind, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, Bucks Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Butler Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Cambria Co. Assn. f/t Blind & Handicapped, Center f/t Blind & Visually Impaired, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Center for Vision Loss, Chester Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Fayette Co. Assn. f/t Blind, ForSight Vision, Greater Wilkes-Barre Assn. f/t Blind, Hazleton Blind Assn., Indiana Co. Blind Assn., Keystone Blind Assn., Lackawanna Branch ?PAB, Lawrence Co. Assn. f/t Blind, Montgomery Co. Assn. f/t Blind, North Central Sight Services, Nu Visions Center, South Central Blind Assn., Susquehanna Association f/t Blind & Vision Impaired, Tri-County Assn. f/t Blind, Venango Co. Assn. f/t Blind, The Sight Center of Northwest PA, Washington-Greene Assn. f/t Blind, Westmoreland Co. Blind Assn.

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World Synergy Creates a Social Media Campaign to Help Children During the Holiday Season

By: admin - December 21st, 2011  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

Solon, Ohio (PRWEB) December 11, 2011

World Synergy, eager to get toys in the hands of more needy children this Christmas, has launched a social media campaign that matches Facebook Likes with gifts.

Every time 20 people ?Like? World Synergy through Facebook, the online marketing firm will donate a brand new toy to the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots.

?It couldn?t be a better time to reach out to our network of people to help us spread the spirit of giving,? said Glenn Smith, president and CEO of World Synergy. ?We created this campaign to ensure that more children get to enjoy gifts over the holidays. But we are also hoping our initiative inspires other companies and individuals to leverage social media and their personal connections to help others in some way.?

Help World Synergy spread the holiday spirit and visit company?s Facebook page and ?like? it:

https://www.facebook.com/WorldSynergy

The campaign will continue through Friday, December 16.

With the weak economy, many businesses and families are hurting. We believe it?s our responsibility to extend a hand and let others know someone cares, Smith said. For some, that may mean visiting people in nursing homes. Others may volunteer at a charitable event, donate food or reach out in some other manner, he said.

With the power and influence of real-time social media, we have more opportunities than ever to involve others and not just do something on our own, Smith said.

About World Synergy

http://worldsynergy.com

An eBusiness Partner from thought to thrive, World Synergy is a leading Strategic eBusiness Services company located in Solon near Cleveland, Ohio. For over 25 years, we have shaped integrated online marketing and technology strategies to increase clients’ sales and improve their ROI.

World Synergy delivers world class service combined with a synergistic client business relationship. A full service eBusiness consulting firm, we?re focused on clients’ top line growth. Our breadth of services includes a unique combination of business strategy, creative marketing, communications and design, application development and computing infrastructure architecture expertise to deliver eBusiness solutions that get results.

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Photographer Thomas Balsamo Creates ?Express Yourself?: A Book Celebrating the Photographic Vision of Special Needs Children

By: admin - December 7th, 2011  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Barrington, IL (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

Thomas Balsamo is a nationally recognized portrait photographer, and has photographed countless special needs children through the years. He has learned that each and every one of them has a voice a perspective on life that is valuable and interesting. He created Express Yourself to give these special children an opportunity to show the world how they see from their unique perspective.

?Everyone on the planet has something to contribute. We all have gifts, talents, passions, and the ability to affect others ? although some of us communicate differently than the rest of us. Express Yourself is to inspire special people to begin the discovery process of finding and using their gifts, passions, and talents to enhance their lives and the lives of others.? ?Thomas Balsamo

For the book, Thomas taught 28 special needs children the basics of photography, then sent them out to do a photo assignment: Photograph something that makes you laugh, something that makes you cry, something you love, something beautiful, and something you can?t live without. Mentored by a team of professional photographers as ?Photo Buddies?, the 28 budding photographers were able to surmount the technical challenges of digital photography and express their unique vision.

The results of this assignment and comments from each of the participants became the book Express Yourself, and for the opening reception, an exhibit of the final prints were produced by the printers at Parrot Digigraphic, continuing a long collaboration between photographer and printmaker.

?We were delighted when our long-time friend approached us to help with this project?? said John Lorusso, for Parrot Digigraphic, who prepared the exhibit prints for the opening reception. ?Thomas is an inspiration through his work and his belief in the power of photography as a way to heal, help and express the uniqueness of each individual. We are proud to have made a contribution.?

Photographer and ?Photo Buddy? Sally Roeckell adds: ?I was honored to be one of the photographers asked to be a ?Photo Buddy?- essentially a mentor for a small group of participants to help, guide and instruct. My favorite part was that the kids were seated at a long table at the reception for a book signing, and delighted in putting their signature on their image in the book.

?The pride on their faces and their exuberance was humbling. I wish we could bottle it for the days that we forget to find beauty in what we see.?

To order Express Yourself, the world through their eyes, go to http://booksthattouch.com/Express_Yourself.html

The book is $ 25, and 100% of the profits of the first 300 copies go directly to Barrington Area Special Voices (20%, after that point.)

For more information on the Barrington Area Special Voices organization, see this link: http://basv.info

Parrot Digigraphic LTD, who provided the printing services for the exhibit prints hosted at the opening reception, is a full-service Fine Art digital services provider, including large-format digital scanning and fine Gicl?e printmaking. Parrot also provides a full line of digital imaging products, as well as training and consulting. For more information, see http://www.parrotcolor.com.

Other major sponsors included Michael Miller, Greg Tehle DDS Ltd and Zina Jaque, joined by dozens of supporters, the team of ten professional photographer ?Photo Buddies?, and the Express Yourself Committee: Jeanine Stark, Bob Lee, Sheri Valskis and Andy Valskis.

About Thomas Balsamo:

Thomas Balsamo?s work was featured on CNN, CBS, WGN and WLS television, has been published in Professional Photographer, RangeFinder, Time, Quintessential Barrington and Parent magazines to name a few, and is on display nationally and internationally.

He is sought after to teach seminars revealing his unique and special approach to portraiture. He has been involved in numerous philanthropic projects he is co-creator and photographer of the book Souls: Beneath and Beyond Autism which was awarded The Autism Society of America?s ?Literary Work of the Year? for 2003. Since 2007 every April Thomas has partnered with Toys R Us, the Faces of Autism campaign to benefit Autism Speaks.

Thomas? images of Autistic individuals have been have been displayed in 800 Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores, across the country, to date raise 4.5 million dollars have been raised.

Learn more at http://www.thomasbalsamo.com

Contact information:

PORTRAITS BY THOMAS BALSAMO

25920 Tara Drive

Barrington, Illinois 60010

847-487-7710

thomas(at)portraitsbythomas(dot)com

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The ELIJA School’s Holiday Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Autism

By: admin - November 28th, 2011  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


(PRWEB) November 20, 2011

?Tis almost the season! The time for holidays, traveling, family get-togethers and gift giving is right around the corner. Though the holidays are a hectic time for everyone, they are especially stressful for family and friends of children with Autism. The holiday season should be spent creating memories, celebrating tradition and spreading the love among family and friends. However, for families of children with Autism, these three months can be exhausting. Aside from the common stressors that the holidays may bring, parents find that traveling with children with Autism can be the biggest stress of all. The ELIJA School has recognized the need for holiday travel tips for parents, friends and families of children with Autism. With the help of the ELIJA Foundation Founder and ELIJA School Director, Debora Harris, ELIJA has provided the following holiday travel tips in the hopes of creating a more enjoyable holiday experience. Happy holidays!

1. Destination Preparation

Start preparing your child early on by showing them images of the destination you will be traveling to and the home/hotel you will be staying at. Walk through the itinerary with your child ahead of time ? where you will be going, what you will be doing and who will be in attendance. Building up the excitement for the departure date will help prepare your child ? create a countdown on the refrigerator and get your child involved by allowing him/her to mark off a number each day.

2. Pleasant Plane

If traveling by plane, think about doing a trial run first. Some airports will allow you to come in before your departure date and walk through the security line while explaining each step to your child. Contact your local airport and explain your situation to see what they can do to best accommodate you and your child. Also, notifying the flight attendants of your child?s needs could be useful. Be sure to have snacks, books, a DVD player, building blocks, etc. to help pass the time and keep your child entertained during the flight. ELIJA parent, Jennica Nill whose son Dustin attends The ELIJA School, suggests meeting with your family pediatrician or a psychiatrist before your travel date to discuss possible emergency medication options. Be sure to do a test run on the medication before the day of travel incase of any bad reactions. Jennica also suggests booking your seats toward the back of the plane to ensure easier access to the restroom.

3. Long Car Rides

For car rides that may be three hours or longer, it?s best to travel early in the morning or late at night so that your child is more likely to sleep for a majority of your travel time. Be sure to dress your child comfortably and bring along familiar items like their favorite snacks, a blanket/pillow from their room, coloring books, etc. If possible, a portable DVD player could be great entertainment and an easy way to pass the time.

4. Hotel

Baby steps are key in changing up your regular nightly routines in an unfamiliar hotel room. Start out by renting a room nearby before your actual vacation date or have them sleep in a different room in your home. Having adjoining rooms and taking along familiar items like your child?s pillow and blanket may make for a smoother transition. The more you keep to your normal routines, the easier the adjustment will be. Like most children, Jennica?s son Dustin loves to swim. When looking for hotels, she suggests making sure that there is an indoor pool or hot tub that will be open during your stay. This is a fun activity that will make your child see how fun hotels can actually be and will create a positive experience.

5. Family/Friends House

If your holiday celebrations are taking place at a family or friends house, no need to stress! There are many easy ways to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. Preparation is key. Showing your child pictures of the home, the room they will be staying in and the relatives they will be visiting is a great way to mentally prepare your child. Also, if a sit-down formal holiday dinner is going to take place, try setting your kitchen table for a nice dinner and walk your child through what they should expect. A few days ahead of time, make sure that you prepare a list of toys, games, food and snacks that your child will eat. For example, Jennica?s son Dustin loves playing on his laptop computer. If your child loves the computer, she suggests that you make sure Internet connection is accessible. If not, Jennica says to consider getting a pay-per-use Internet plan. Also, be sure to call your friends and family members ahead of time and provide them with useful tips. Most parents of children with Autism may need to sit alongside their child. For holiday dinners, many families set up a ?kids? table and an ?adults? table. You may have to let the host/hostess know in advance that you may want to sit with your child. Let the other guests know that they should not feel offended if you have to leave the table often and to put your child as close to the ?adults? table as possible.

For those not enrolled in The ELIJA School, ELIJA has launched an outreach program, which provides support, education, and training to parents, family members, caregivers and professionals. ELIJA conducts private consultations within and outside of the school?s community. ELIJA also hosts a regular workshop series at the school in the evenings. For a current schedule or to register, please visit http://www.ELIJA.org If you are interested in scheduling a private consultation, contact Jane Kaplan at JKaplan(at)elijaschool(dot)org.

To read more about ELIJA please visit http://www.ELIJA.org, or visit Facebook and Twitter.

About The ELIJA School

The ELIJA School is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with Autism, their families and the Autism community at large with science-based treatments utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Today 1 in 91 children are diagnosed with Autism making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. The school opened its doors in order to improve the quality of education for children with Autism from the Long Island and New York City areas who cannot be served in their available public school settings. The ELIJA School also provides extensive training programs, advocacy and outreach services for professionals, individuals, their families, teachers and caregivers.

The ELIJA School currently has academic openings and is accepting applications. Please visit http://www.ELIJA.com to download an application.

For media interviews, tours, and further information, please contact:

Jeanine Pepler???????????? ????????

917.797.0676???????????????? ????

Jeanine(at)aka-pr(dot)com????

Laura Nicolassy

917-417-9783

Laura(at)aka-pr(dot)com

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Engage and Educate Children through Play with Toys from PlayDateKidz.com

By: admin - October 28th, 2011  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

Magnolia, Texas (PRWEB) September 29, 2011

Web entrepreneurs Brenda Wiedrich and Kelsey Camp are pleased to debut their latest business venture, http://www.PlayDateKidz.com. The site, recently launched by the mother and daughter duo, is a treasure-trove of affordable, engaging children?s toys.

?Having raised a child, I feel that I?m in tune with what makes a toy good and what engages children,? said Brenda. ?I refuse to sell junk. All of our toys are built to last, safe, educational, and most of all, fun.?

Imaginative play is integral to healthy child development. Each and every toy in the comprehensive inventory has value. Choose from construction blocks, dress up clothes and wardrobes, stuffed animals, and toy figures. Outdoor toys like play vehicles and all different sized balls are a popular choice. As young kids age, they will flourish with exposure to educational electronic games, such as those from LeapFrog.

The crowning jewel of the site is its extensive collection of Melissa and Doug toys. For over 20 years Melissa and Doug toys have delighted children and parents. The site carries the Blossom Bright Tote Set, Bollie Kickball, and the Froggy Toss & Grip. Scoop up oversized stuffed animals and classic wooden toys like the Abacus and building blocks. All Melissa and Doug toys are compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance at PlayDateKidz.com. Orders are filled, shipped, and delivered promptly. In the event that a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with their order, the purchase can be refunded in accordance with the return policy. Customer feedback is always welcome, and all questions and comments are responded to in a timely manner by a friendly, knowledgeable staff member.

?We?re not outsourced; all customers can reach us directly,? emphasized Kelsey.

For additional information about featured toys, please visit the site?s brand new blog, http://www.PlayDateKidzBlog.com. The interactive platform is a space for parents and child care takers to share their stories, as well as learn more about the connections between imaginative play and healthy child development.

About the Company:

PlayDateKidz.com ? a division of Kelsey C, Inc. ? is owned and operated by web entrepreneurs Brenda Wiedrich and Kelsey Camp.

Brenda Wiedrich and Kelsey Camp

http://www.PlayDateKidz.com

(713) 459-0428

iePlexus, Inc.

http://www.iePlexus.com

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New Toy Company Discovers What Children Really Want

By: admin - October 17th, 2011  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

(PRWEB) July 2, 2007

TheSillyGooseToyStore.com, a new toy company, has discovered the secret to what children really want ? to be kids and play. Not an original thought but these days with so many high tech interactive toys, The Silly Goose Toy store gets back to basics by offering back to the classic themed toys.

?Children today lead extraordinary lives with many outside stimulations. But every child needs solid blocks of time in their schedule to just play with toys that both stimulate but encourage learning and growth,? says Jeanette McMahon, http://www.TheSillyGooseToyStore.com founder.

Toys are made for maximum stimulation and today?s children?s toys come in so many unique and fun varieties that just about every child can find toys that match their personality and mood. Is your child a chef in the making? Don a new pretend kitchen by KidKraft. Have a budding artist? Test out their art skills on a new easel by Alex Toys. Try a classic wood truck or wood blocks. Is your child ready to step up their gross motor skills? Try out a super cool pedal bike by Skool Plus or Rolli-Rider.

Combine the large selection of toys with the incredible high-quality of their products and http://www.TheSillyGooseToyStore.com is poised to be the premier online store for quality educational toys for preschoolers.

?Children deserve to play. Here at TheSillyGooseToyStore.com, we offer a wide range of types of toys from classic toys to large pretend kitchens,? says Jeanette McMahon.

http://www.TheSillyGooseToyStore.com is dedicated to providing toys that offer children the opportunity to have fun and just play.

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