Dec
23
2011

Lego Launches 'Girly' Blocks

A Bakery and A Hot Tub?

Lego Launches 'Girly' Blocks

As a girl I never really got into Lego, did you? Manufacturers are trying to change all that, by making the toy blocks more 'girl friendly' by adding a lot of pink and Bratz-styled dolls.
 
Set to launch in 2012, the “Friends” line will feature settings which are said to be more feminine, such as a bakery and, oddly enough, a hot tub.
 

“We understand that girls really want a Lego offering that mirrors what the boys experience but in a way that fulfills their unique desire for remodelling and redesign, combined with realistic themes in community and friendship,” says Lego senior creative director Nanna Ulrich.

According to Australia’s Herald Sun, the changes come after "years of research" into why girls don't really dig the popular building toy.

The question is: will buying into gender stereotypes help entice girls or further pigeonhole them?

“Girls have already been conditioned to want pink and sparkly toys about ponies and princesses," wrote Jezebel's Margaret Hartmann. "…we've reached the point where girls see blocks in primary colours and think they're not for them.”

Personally I just wasn't 'into' building, though I did own (male) figurines like Transformers. I don't think the colour of the blocks would have made any difference. Having said that, today's Legos sets do appear to be very macho-themed and I wouldn't even deem them suitable for my young son. I much prefer Playmobil's sets and figures, which seem to less gender-oriented.
 
Should certain Legos be geared toward boys or girls, or should the blocks be genderless?
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Dec
21
2011

RECALL: Princess The White Collection Velvet Necklace

Contains High Levels of Lead

RECALL: Princess The White Collection Velvet Necklace

Health Canada has recalled a Shalom girls' necklace, as it contains lead exceeding the allowable limit. The item (# 76583 UPC # 062823765832) has a white velvet ribbon with a metal clasp and heart-shaped jewel pendant.

Under the Children's Jewellery Regulations of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, it is illegal to import, advertise or sell jewellery items containing more than 600 mg/kg lead to children under the age of 15.

Even at low levels, lead is very toxic to children who may ingest lead by chewing or sucking swallow jewellery containing lead. Exposure to lead can have serious health effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death.

Although neither Health Canada nor CTG Brands Inc. received any reports of incidents or illnesses, when tested the metal pendant contained 50% lead, well above legal limits.

Customers should immediately remove the necklace from children and dispose of it. They should contact their municipality for instructions on how to safely dispose of items containing lead.

For further information, customers may contact Customer Service, CTG Brands Inc. at 1-905-761-3330.

Between May 2007 and December 2011, an estimated 7,865 recalled necklaces were sold at various dollar and discount stores across Canada.

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Dec
21
2011

The Grinch Who Stole the Christmas Ornament

Family Names and Shames Thief

The Grinch Who Stole the Christmas Ornament

'Tis the season to... steal lawn ornaments. You know it's a sorry state of affairs when people have to go around nicking Santa and Frosty blow-up dolls and other festive decos before the holidays.
 
But the Windsor, Ont., family is getting back at the grinch who stole a Christmas ornament from their their front yard: by naming and shaming the culprit.
 
"To the loser: You helped yourself to our snow globe. We hope that you have little ones to enjoy it since ours won't! Happy Holidays!" reads the sign posted on the lawn of their home on Howard Avenue where an inflatable once stood.

According to the report by CBC News, the homeowner placed the five-foot ornament on their lawn a few weeks ago, for his wife's birthday. It went missing some time around Nov. 22.

The family hopes the grinch who stole the ornament will find it in his too-small heart to return the ornament in time for Christmas.
 
Does naming and shaming actually work? Will the ornament find its way back to Howard Avenue? Time will tell.
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