Category Archives: Featured

Playmobil’s New Hero Product

Posted on by

 

Duck on call? You heard correctly! For the first time, a duck is the main character in a brand new PLAYMOBIL theme world and animated series. Ducklas, a cheeky boy in a duck’s body, leads exciting missions together with his three young friends – a firefighter, policewoman, and emergency doctor. The new PLAYMOBIL sets are full of innovation and tons of fun for kids ages 3-5 years.

Welcome to Playmoville!

Playmoville is a unique place where kids are in charge and fabulous things happen. This is where the young rescue heroes Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic embark on exciting missions as they help the townspeople with their problems. But the team would not be complete without Ducklas, who was transformed into a duck by the mysterious Mr. Hans as a result of all his shenanigans! To become a boy again, he must complete a heartfelt act of kindness. The four friends work around the clock to help the people of Playmoville and Queen Mayor in all kinds of emergencies. If only Ducklas would stop accidentally messing things up…!

Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic are ready for action with their cool emergency vehicles whenever help is needed. The emergency vehicle play sets feature a new modular design that makes it easy to mix and match, creating new variations depending on the accessories and gadgets used – so they will suit any mission. Whether an unlucky racecar driver needs help, a cat needs rescuing or a thief is on the loose, the team (together with Ducklas) is always prepared. In their compact Mobile Operations Center, the young heroes are one call and ready to respond! The engaging DUCK ON CALL theme world will expand further with additional play sets launching this summer for more exciting, complex missions. In the large Headquarters with a freefall slide and elevator, Ducklas and his friends are ready to receive incoming emergency calls from all over Playmoville. The powerful fire, police and ambulance trucks, as well as two mini cars, ensure that the team is equipped for any mission.

An animated CGI series takes Ducklas’ fans on adventures throughout Playmoville, including lots of action and humour. The pilot episode will premiere in March, introducing Ducklas and the young rescue team to the world. Further episodes will be launched in June.

Child-friendly fun with the fire, police, and rescue services

Even when unpacking and assembling the sets, children’s ergonomics were taken into account so that younger children can start playing optimally. During the development of all DUCK ON CALL playsets, special focus was placed on children’s ergonomics and motor skills, so that also younger children (ages 3-5 years) will enjoy the experience. For example, the weight-shifting steering in the three emergency vehicles allows children to steer them using only one hand. Additionally, easy-to-use features such as the water cannon, rotating ladder, and slides, as well as interactive light and sound effects, provide tons of fun. Even young rescuers can master changing the modules of the emergency vehicles, too.

Built to the standard PLAYMOBIL quality, the playsets include only high-quality materials. Individual parts are packaged together in bags made of environmentally-friendly, recycled PCR film (post-consumer recycled material). With younger children in mind, the inclusion of small accessories was reduced or avoided entirely. Of course, all DUCK ON CALL sets can be combined and expanded with the figures and accessories of classic PLAYMOBIL toy sets.

With DUCK ON CALL, all kids can become real heroes. By following the adventures in Playmoville, they will learn about the meaning of friendship, helping others, team spirit, and self-confidence. After following the series’ stories, children can join the adventures first-hand with the extensive toy range.  These role-play experiences will stimulate social, cognitive, and motor skills, while also offering limitless fun. And in time for the holidays, kids can count down the days to Christmas with the DUCK ON CALL advent calendar, available beginning of September.

The DUCK ON CALL play theme from PLAYMOBIL at a glance:

Roleplay within the popular worlds of fire, police, and rescue services | great stories with four young rescue heroes | for the first time, a PLAYMOBIL theme world is centered around an animal, as well as kid characters  | headquarters with freefall slide, elevator, and helipad (L 58.5 x D 50 x H 18.5 cm) | modular emergency vehicles allow for mixing and matching | cool trucks and other playsets with age-appropriate play functions | adapted to children’s ergonomics | simple assembly experience | animated CGI series available |

recommended for ages 3-5 years.

Duck on Call is available at Playmobil.co.uk prices from £14.99

 

How to Protect Your Business

Posted on by

As a business owner, your main focus is probably succeeding. However, as important as making a profit, there are other factors that are equally important, including safeguarding your investment. Whether someone is injured on your property or someone wants to back out of a contract, lawsuits can happen. Lawsuits not only tarnish your reputation, but can also put you out of business. Thankfully, there are ways to protect both your reputation and business. Read on to learn some of the best ways to safeguard your business.

Learn the Legal Requirements

One of the easiest ways to protect your business is by setting up the right legal entity. How you register your company is crucial to your longevity. You can choose to register as sole provider, LLC, or corporation. As a sole proprietor, you aren’t protected from legal liability claims. Your personal assets will not be protected if you’re sued. If you register as a corporation, you can separate your business and personal finances, which safeguards your personal property and finances. As an LLC, you can protect your personal assets and investments. Most new startups usually choose this entity and if the time arises, then go on to become a corporation or partnership.

Protect Your Equipment

If your company involves heavy equipment or a fleet, you need to ensure you protect those as well. You can install AI video dash cams in all of your trucks for an extra layer of protection. AI dash cameras monitor drivers’ behavior in real time. If they’re involved in an accident, you’ll be able to see the exact actions they took prior to the incident.

Get it in Writing

Whether it’s between you and a customer or you and your vendors, all business matters should be in writing. Although some verbal agreements can stand up in court, not all do. Oftentimes, it becomes a battle of what you said and what the other party claims you said. Save yourself the stress and put everything in writing. Especially in business where there is constant evolution and you are striving to make positive changes, it is best to have everything written down to minimize confusion and maximize protection.

Understand Your Rights

As a business owner, you need to understand your rights. Each legal entity has its own set of rights, so it’s important to research what they are in your specific state.

Pay Your Taxes

Always pay taxes on time and in full. If you owe money and can’t pay it all at one time, you still need to file and request a payment arrangement. The worst thing you can do is avoid filing and then end up owing money. At least with a payment arrangement, you can create a budget to pay it off in monthly increments. If you can’t file on your own, hire an experienced tax accountant to do them for you.

Hire a Lawyer

Regardless of niche, you should have a lawyer on retainer. Even if you never need their help, you’ll feel better knowing you have one on board, just in case something happens. Even having one to answer questions about your business can help protect your investments.

collaborative post with our brand partner.

PARADIGM-SHIFTING NEW FILM ON MOTHERHOOD, CHILDFREE WOMEN AND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, ‘MY SO-CALLED SELFISH LIFE’, TO BE STREAMED WORLDWIDE THIS MAY

Posted on by

Trixie Films is delighted to announce that its paradigm-shifting new documentary feature film about childfree women, My So-Called Selfish Life, will be released worldwide for the first time and streamed from 6 – 16May.

 Child free,

Directed by the award-winning feminist writer/directorTherese Shechter, the film is a journey through one of our society’s greatest social taboos: choosing not to become a mother, and is the third in a trilogy of documentaries by Shechter dismantling our most sacred ideas about womanhood: from power and 21st century feminism, to sex and virginity, and now motherhood. The film premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2021 to critical acclaim.

 

My So-Called Selfish Life is unique in the childfree conversation for its intersectional approach to its subject matter, as well as the ways it ties women’s personal stories of choosing not to have children to the deeper cultural and political forces that tell us that a woman’s greatest value lies in her ability to reproduce. It also incorporates a lot of humour – weaving together everything from Grey’s Anatomy clips to speeches from Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

Film Threat said: “My So-Called Selfish Life is a timely documentary on an issue as pressing as ever. Women’s bodies and fertility are continuing areas of concern for those in power — again, usually men,” andMs Magazine described it as a “striking and imaginative documentary, which addresses [an] oft-overlooked facet of reproductive justice.”

 

Director Therese Shechter said: “Humour is a huge part of my work, creating an engaging documentary style that makes room for some very thorny conversations. I’m excited to take on my most controversial subject yet: the assumption that motherhood is a biological imperative and the defining measure of womanhood. There’s no one right way to be a woman, and a woman’s value in society should never lie in her ability to reproduce.”

 

My So-Called Selfish Life, will stream worldwide for the first time from 6 – 16 May

via the Show & Tell platform:

https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/my-so-called-selfish-life

 

For more info visit:

myselfishlife.com

trixiefilms.com

Deadly Cure by Mari Cheshire Book Review

Posted on by

Deadly Cure is Grey’s Anatomy gone very wrong, and that is why this bumper of a book is to be devoured. Who doesn’t love a good friends turn frenemies story? Using her medical knowledge, Dr Mari Cheshire has written a book which takes medicine and rivalry, added in a dollop of a love story, and turned it all into a brilliant book that is impossible to put down. I loved this book and I read it as quickly as I could. I loved the characters. This thriller is pacy and fun. A dazzling and unique debut.

Deadly Cure Mahi Cheshire

THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH: FIRST, DO NO HARM…

Dr Rea Dharmasena is devastated when she loses out on her dream research job to her med-school rival and best friend, Dr Julia Stone.

To add insult to injury, Julia used Rea’s own cutting-edge research to get it.

But just as Rea finds it in her to forgive the betrayal, Julia, after a life-changing medical discovery, is found dead.

Despite finding herself caught up in a murder investigation and a complicated new romance, Rea is finally happy; she has the dream job she’s always wanted.

But at what cost?

Perfect for fans of The Silent Patient and The Holiday, this is a heart-stopping thriller of betrayal, secrets and ruthless ambition that will leave you breathless.

The Wonder of Play Brought to Life Through Geomagworld

Posted on by

Geomag’s popular Magicube Full Color line has added to their range. Magicube building blocks are made from 100% recycled materials and provide hours of endless magnetic fun.

We love Geomag at Frost. They are brilliantly made toys with endless possibilities. They are perfect for children of all ages.  A must buy.
Swiss toy brand Geomagworld has provided educational and fun toys since1998. Their award-winning and STEM-enriched toys help children’s playtime become full of educational elements. Geomag’s range of Magicube toys is the perfect addition to children’s playtime. Magicube is a unique building block systemmade up of magnetic cubes that attach on all six sides and is made entirely from 100% recycled plastics, ensuring the construction toy world is even more respectful of our planet.

100% Compatible, 100% Fun

The Magicube system quickly evolved into a whole new world of magnetic building blocks and Full-Color lines have proved popular with children, parents, teachers, and retailers.  All Magicube lines have been made from 100% recycled plastic since 2021.  Importantly all are fully compatible with all other cubes within the Magicube platform. The newest addition, fresh for 2022 is the Geomag Magicube Full Color Recycled Try 8 Piece Set (062), is a low-cost starter pack and a perfect introduction into the world of Geomag. The set allows children to explore the world of construction made with easy-to-use magnetic cubes. The new 8-piece set is fully compatible with all other Magicube sets. The Geomag Magicube Full Color Try Me 8-piece set joins the current Full. Color range, which includes 16-, 24- & 64-Piece Sets.


Continue reading →

T. Orr Munro: My Writing Process

Posted on by


My Writing Routine

I write Mondays to Wednesdays from 9am until around 4 or 5pm. Occasionally I’ll write at other times but I find the distance of just a few days useful for honing ideas.

 

A bit about you.

I live in North Devon where I also grew up. I’m a freelance journalist, specializing in writing about policing, but, a long time ago, I was a CSI or Scenes of Crime Officer as they are also called.

 

What you have written, past and present.

I’ve a rather eclectic back catalogue! I’ve written a YA novel, ghostwritten the memoirs of a Battle of Britain pilot and a children’s history of Devon. I also have around five unpublished novels in my bottom drawer! I’m currently writing my second crime novel.

 

What you are promoting now.

Breakneck Point is my debut crime novel out in April about CSI Ally Dymond who is redeployed to a Devon backwater after blowing the whistle on police corruption, but the sleepy coastal town of Bidecombe doesn’t turn out to be quite as quiet as she anticipated.

 

A bit about your process of writing.

I’m quite disciplined about writing. I think it comes from being a journalist and having to sit down and write even when I don’t always feel like it. I’m a ‘reviser’ rather than someone who aims to get it right first time which means that it is sometimes hard to know when to stop.

 

Do you plan or just write?

I’m a planner. I try to plot the entire book out before I start although it invariably changes. However, it means that I tend to know what I’m going to write before I switch my laptop on. I don’t write linearly either. I’ll often write a scene in a different part of the book because I’ve had a particular idea or I’m in the mood to do it. My head has to be in the right place to write difficult scenes, usually 3.00am in the morning when I can’t sleep.

 

What about word count?

I don’t set myself daily word counts. It’s too much pressure! I’m also one of those writers who underwrites and struggles to get enough words down on the page rather than one that writes too many and has to cut back. I dream of writing too many words! It’s a constant challenge for me. I blame starting out as a print journalist where I would constantly look to strip out words so the story would fit the page. Old habits die hard.

 

How do you do your structure?

My books often just start with an image which I then work into a story. For instance, I’m writing book two in the CSI Ally Dymond series and that began life as a single scene which happens towards the end of the book. I do use various reference books. I’m a bit of a magpie, taking the bits that work for me, but I find them helpful for getting me over a plotting blip. I regularly dip into Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland. Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is good for checking that I’m on the right track and I quite like the approach taken in Book Architecture by Stuart Horwitz.

 

What do you find hard about writing?

Finding myself hurtling down a blind alley! It’s that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know something isn’t working, but you can’t work out what and you’ve already written thousands of words that you also know are probably going to wind up in the trash. It’s when I come closest to giving up altogether.

 

What do you love about writing?

As soon as I learnt to read I was utterly enthralled by words and how they could be used to transport me to other worlds. When I learnt to write, I realized I too could use words, but to create my own worlds. I get to play god, basically!

 

What is the “Don’t Tread On Me” Flag?

Posted on by

Flags have long existed and everyone loves to own one. The design and symbol give a flag its meaning and history, and its bearers get a sense of pride. 

There are many types of flags designed each year, and each one holds its significance. For instance, the “don’t tread on me flag”, also known as the Gadsden Flag, is a famous American flag. It gives tremendous pride to its bearers because the flag stands for a celebration of rights, privileges, and liberties. The snake especially reflects strength, courge, assertiveness and vigilance.

What is the history of the Gadsden flag?

The Gadsden flag, often known as the Dont Tread On Me flag or the flag with the coiled rattlesnake, has a rich and fascinating history attached to it. The flag is one of the earliest flags in the United States of America. It is based on the timber rattlesnake, which is usually found in the eastern region of the United States. The serpent that became the Gadsden flag’s focal point was initially a motif on the drums of the first five businesses of United States Marines. 

The earliest documented usage of the Gadsden flag was during the American Navy’s first expedition, sometime in December 1775. Just before the navy sailed, South Carolina businessman and veteran Christopher Gadsden made the flag during the American Revolution and presented it to the captain of the fleet, Esek Hopkins. The flag was the motto and a personalized flag of his ship.

Later, Gadsden had gained inspiration from Hopkins’ last post’s banner, the Providence Train of Artillery. On a gold backdrop, their version of the flag contained a curled rattlesnake and the inscription “Do Not Tread on Me,” as well as an anchor, artillery, and the phrase “In God We Hope.”

Gadsden provided Hopkins with a simpler version of the Don’t Tread On Me flag. Despite its usage by the emerging US navy, Congress adopted the rattlesnake sign as the War Office’s authorized signatory in 1778.

The Gadsden flag had existed since the beginning of dissatisfaction. The inscription “Don’t Tread On Me” was co-opted by Tea Party demonstrators in the early 2000s. The flag had flown everything from the midst of Iraq to Riverdale, New Jersey’s town hall.

Where to get the Gadsden flag?

The Gadsden or the don’t tread on me flag can be purchased through any online store where you can see many buying options and variants of the flags. Apart from designs, the online stores can give you the best quality flags with no compromise on the delivery of the product. 

When you get the finest Gadsden flag online, you can proudly display this flag in front of your house or apartment for everyone to see. Because of the robust polyester material, these flags will survive a lot longer, even when exhibited outside. Thanks to the knitted polyester material, adverse weather will not damage or spoil the flag. After first being acclimated to changing conditions, the paint will stay in good condition. High-quality dye-sublimation technology produces vibrant colors that will not peel or tear off the flag easily.

Interestingly, the graphics of the flag are imprinted solely on the single side of the flag. But due to the reverse design that is flowing to the other side because of the material used, the graphic will be seen through both sides without incurring any issue. 

You can purchase the flag in the usual 3×5 size or add components to your order to assemble the flag. Select a hand-held flagpole, a wall mounting, a pole mount, or a huge in-ground metal pole. Just remember to buy a tear-resistant flag and use it anywhere.

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin Book Review

Posted on by

rebel skies by Ann sei linn 

Origami comes to life in this stunning teen fantasy novel. With excellent world building and a superb grasp of tension and pace, Rebel Skies grabs you by the throat and does not let go. Rebel Skies is beautifully written and leaves you in completely awe. Ann Sei Linn has an incredible imagination and we are all lucky that she is sharing it with us. Even better, this book is the first in a trilogy. I cannot wait for the others. Adults can love this book too.
The characters are great and there are many funny moments on top of the awesome and exciting world-building. I don’t give stars with reviews but if I did I would give Rebel Skies five stars.

 

A beautifully written and pacy teen fantasy adventure, set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits. Inspired by Asian cultures and exploring themes of empire, slavery and freedom.

Kurara has never known any other life than being a servant on board the Midori, but when her party trick of making paper come to life turns out to be a power treasured across the empire, she joins a skyship and its motley crew to become a Crafter. Taught by the gruff but wise Himura, Kurara learns to hunt shikigami – wild paper spirits who are sought after by the Princess.

But are these creatures just powerful slaves, or are they beings with their own souls? And can a teenage girl be the one to help them find their voice – and change the course of an empire?

Out May 5th.