Financial and Legal

 

Schylling Inc. has acquired Big Wheel, the famous, low-riding trike that became a craze throughout the 1970s and ’80s. With its oversized front wheel, a pair of slick, fat back wheels, and a side-mounted handle to activate spin-out action, Big Wheel inspired countless imitators over the years and launched the drift trike movement.

 

TF1 and M6 groups, France’s top two commercial networks, have abandoned their plans to merge after being auditioned by France’s anti-trust board. “Following the debates with the Authority and despite the additional remedies proposed, it appears that only structural remedies involving at the very least the divestment of the TF1 TV channel or of the M6 TV channel would be sufficient to approve the proposed...

 

***The above posted after September 16th***

 

In a strategic expansion of its global consumer products and retail business, Universal Parks & Resorts has announced that it has merged two of its key businesses, Universal Brand Development and Universal Parks & Resorts Merchandise Group, to create a new division, Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E). The company says this will further deepen its connection to fans, consumers and guests with...

 

A recommended fine of €4.1B ($4.1B) has been imposed by the European Court of Justice on Google, upholding almost all of the European Commission’s recent ruling. In the past few minutes, the Court said it has confirmed the decision that Google imposed “unlawful restrictions on manufacturers of Android mobile devices and mobile network operators in order to consolidate the dominant position of its search engine.”

 

California sues Amazon for preventing third-party sellers offering cheaper prices elsewhere. The state's antitrust lawsuit could force Amazon to change its policies. Amazon still can't avoid lawsuits over third-party prices. The New York Times reports California has filed an antitrust lawsuit accusing Amazon of violating both the Cartwright Act and state competition law through its pricing rules.

 

Unite has advised the UK Port of Felixstowe that workers including crane drivers, machine operators and stevedores, who load and unload ships, are planning further strike action during ongoing disagreements over pay. The port has been embroiled in a dispute over pay for some weeks. Unite, on behalf of workers, has requested a pay rise to match the rate of inflation, which is currently around 10%.

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First US rail strike in 30 years averted with tentative deal - Biden. US freight rail companies and unions representing their workers have reached a "tentative agreement" to avert the first national rail strike in 30 years. The deal follows months of back and forth negotiations and 20 hours of overnight talks on working conditions. President Joe Biden hailed the outcome as "an important win for our economy and the...

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Twitter shareholders approve $44bn Musk deal. Twitter's shareholders have voted to approve a deal with Elon Musk to buy the company for $44bn (£38bn). The decision was made in a short conference call with investors from the company's San Francisco headquarters. It means Twitter will now try to force Elon Musk to buy the company in the courts.

 

Xbox's Activision Blizzard deal to get in-depth probe by UK regulators. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is launching a further investigation into the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Earlier in the month, the CMA expressed concerns that the merger would harm Microsoft's competition by locking off franchises like Call of Duty or Overwatch to Xbox. 

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TEXAS JUDGE ISSUES SCATHING ORDER IN TOYS ‘R’ US COMPLAINT AGAINST INDEPENDENT TOY STORE. In the filing, Judge Eskridge denies a motion by Tru Kids to amend its complaint against TOYZ, stating that “the motion itself evinces undue delay and dilatory motive,” and that “the motion could also be considered abusive.” “Toys ‘R’ Us is trying to shutter a family-owned toy store in an attempt to set a precedent for shutting...

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Toys R Us American operation comes under pressure to drop ‘frivolous’ lawsuit. Key figures within the US toy community have spoken out against the legal action taken by Toys R Us in the US.  Toyz, a family-owned toy store in Houston Texas, has been sued by Toys R Us for claims of trademark violations. Toyz has served Houston communities for almost 20 years, after its owner, Farida Afzal, immigrated there from Pakistan.

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People of Play​

 

ZAG has launched ZAG Stream, a new division established to drive forward the company’s direct to streaming content business to be led by Maria Doolan, ZAG’s SVP of TV Content. The first project from ZAG Stream is the animated superhero fantasy series, Fairyon, a reimagining of some of the world’s most famous fairy tale characters told with a superhero twist. Currently in pre-production, the project will be unveiled to ...

 

A toy industry veteran is taking the helm at Faber-Castell USA. Scott Flynn has joined the company as its new president and CEO, succeeding Jamie Gallagher, who recently retired after a 19-year run. Flynn joins Faber-Castell from PlayMonster, where he most recently served as its chief commercial officer. “This is a very exciting time for Faber-Castell USA,” Gallagher says. “I have known Scott for 35 years and have...

 

Mary Wood promoted to MD of Tomy’s UK & GAS businesses.  Following a review of the ongoing and future needs of the business, Mary Wood has been appointed as managing director of Tomy’s UK & GAS businesses with immediate effect. With over three decades of experience in the toy industry, including roles at Mattel, Zapf Creation, Halsall Toys International and Vivid Imaginations, Mary Wood’s new role at Tomy includes...

 

There’s another new monster joining Beloit, Wisconsin-based PlayMonster. The company hired Steve Adolph to serve as president while Sharon Fosbery has been promoted to chief brands and strategy officer. Adolph will report to and work alongside CEO Tim Kilpin with a focus on global operations and crafting strategic initiatives to fuel growth for the company.

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Meet the photographer behind the 'I Spy' books that captured millions of readers' imaginations. Since 1992, the "I Spy" riddle-book series has captured the imagination of millions of readers. Part of what made these books so magical is that all of the images were created with real objects. Photographer Walter Wick carefully arranged each scene and hid the objects. Then author Jean Marzollo wrote the rhymes.

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GAMA hires Julie Yeager as new Exhibitor Manager. The Game Manufacturers Association has hired Julie Yeager to become their new Exhibitor Manager. Yeager is a longtime games industry veteran with a decade of experience. She started in the industry at Mayfair Games where she managed their Game Shepherd Volunteer Program and then, went on to become their Director of Marketing & Community Engagement. 

 

After spending 30 yrs at Paramount Advertising, Jo Ann Ross has stepped into a new advisory role as chairman while John Halley will succeed her as president. “As the world of entertainment has evolved, Jo Ann has been on the forefront of advertising innovations that have been instrumental to establishing Paramount as a trusted partner and must-buy for advertisers everywhere,” says Bob Bakish, president and CEO.

 

Jazwares announced that Sam Ferguson has been elevated to SVP of Global Licensing. In his newly expanded role, Ferguson will oversee the company’s global inbound and outbound licensing efforts reporting to Judd Karofsky, EVP, Jazwares. Since joining Jazwares in 2016, Ferguson has been instrumental in growing the company’s vast licensed portfolio and homegrown intellectual properties (IP) consisting of the world’s hottest...

 

Zigazoo is making a push into consumer products. The kid-focused social network and NFT education platform hired Ashley Mady to serve as its president of consumer products. In her new role, Mady will lead physical and digital consumer product initiatives, including NFTs and other digital assets, physical merchandise, and products that are a blend of the two. 

 

In an effort to support social emotional learning (SEL), including mindful play, active listening, and encouraging reading, PlayMonster tapped parenting influencer Desiree Fortin to share her expertise with other parents as the company’s chief parenting officer. Fortin joins PlayMonster as the company launches Playskool Glo Friends, a new product line created in partnership with Hasbro.

 

Fun In Motion Toys welcomes Kenneth Morrell to the crew in the newly created position of vice president of operations. Morrell joins Fun In Motion Toys from the Seminole Tribe of Florida where he served as general manager and director of operations. He previously held roles at the Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch, Unilever, and others.

 

Interview with Karri Bean! It’s an exciting time for the inventor community, the 2022 People of Play Inventor Conference is not only back in person but has had a total overhaul in location.  Karri Bean, a Senior Licensing Manager for Disney and People of Play Advisory Board Member was kind enough to answer some questions about the upcoming event.

 

The National Book Foundation (NBF) will award its 2022 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (DCAL) to Maus creator Art Spiegelman. This is the first time the foundation has recognized a comics creator with the medal. Neil Gaiman will present the award to Spiegelman at the National Book Awards ceremony on Nov. 16.

 

NY’s Trustbridge Global Media has recruited former Boat Rocker EVP of kids & family content Bob Higgins to head up a new children’s entertainment company it’s launching. Run by Shanghai-based parentco and private equity firm Trustbridge Partners, TGM was founded in 2016 and manages approximately US$8 billion in investment capital. Starting immediately and reporting to TGM MD John String, Higgins will...

 

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Companies and Brands​

 

TIME for Kids launched Your 🔥Job, a free digital platform that introduces kids ages 8 to 14 to the ever-expanding world of careers. Produced by the editors of TIME for Kids, Your Hot Job aims to inspire and immerse young people in 21st-century career pathways, while building confidence and leadership skills.

 

Next year, Wham-O has major plans to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary, in addition to three major milestones for some of its most iconic brands. Wham-O is behind some of the most recognizable toy properties of all time, including Frisbee, Slip ‘N Slide, Hula Hoop, Hacky Sack, Superball, Trac-Ball, and Boogie Body Boards. Plus, the company’s legacy lives on with several licensees that will introduce products...

 

Toy design company Everplay Labs has been awarded the prestigious IDEA by IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) design award for their innovative play space set, Superspace. Superspace won a GOLD award, the top prize in the Children’s Product Category which was announced during their annual awards Ceremony, which took place on September 13, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

 

The Pokémon Company International announced that the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): Pokémon GO Elite Trainer Box has been awarded Game of the Year at The Toy Foundation’s September 2022 Toy of the Year Awards. The globally popular Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO Elite Trainer Box is a special collaboration based on the Pokémon GO app, featuring cards with photorealistic artwork and unique gameplay...

 

Moose Toys, an innovative leader in the toy industry, announced that it won Creative Toy of the Year for Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball at The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards. The TOTY Award winners were announced this evening at an awards ceremony at the Dallas Market Center, opening day of The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market.  

 

Jazwares, a leading global toy company, announced that the wildly successful Squishmallows plush brand secured the coveted License of the Year Award and the 16-inch Squishmallows nabbed Plush Toy of the Year at The Toy Foundation’s 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards ceremony, held on September 20, 2022.

 

Mattel Reveals Reimagined Monster High Dolls and Playsets. The Monster High doll line is getting a makeover — or at least a little update to expand representation in the line and inspire kids to be themselves, just like the Monster High crew. The new line begins hitting retail this fall. The reimagined dolls include Draculaura, Clawdeen, Frankie, Cleo, Lagoona, Ghoulia, Deuce, and Torelai.

 

TTPM, the leader in video product reviews for toys, baby, and pet gear, has released their Holiday Most Wanted 2022 List. The list features the items they believe will be in highest demand this season across three categories: Activities & Active Play, Entertainment, and Imaginative Play & Roleplay. The 2022 TTPM Most Wanted List was on display at the TTPM Holiday Showcase held on September 20, in New York City.

 

For the first time in Milan Fashion Week history, iconic and globally acclaimed MGA fashion doll lines, L.O.L. Surprise! and Rainbow High, will inspire the latest fashions set to hit the catwalk during an exclusive show scheduled for the evening of September 23, 2022 at the Spazio Antologico. The show promises amazing and elevated looks inspired by the most glam fashions in the toybox, as well as ...

 

Making its debut at Dallas Toy Fair, the re-launch of My Fairy Garden from PlayMonster makes a bold statement with new style, added play value and a focus on planting and nurturing with each of the unique fairies and their homes! Located at Booth #12-1001 on the Dallas Market Center’s show floor, visitors will get a first look into this enchanting fairy world from September 20th to September 22nd! 

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As Brand Licensing Europe 2022 (BLE) kicks off, Hasbro is highlighting a comprehensive licensing line-up of new fashion partnerships across some of its biggest brands including My Little Pony, Peppa Pig, Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons and more. With the theme of BLE 2022 being Fashion, Hasbro plans to showcase some of its biggest fashion licensing deals for these brands in key Eurasia markets.

 

Roblox is collaborating with Mattel’s iconic characters Barbie and Polly Pocket to bring the popular doll brands to the game. The franchises have already appeared in games such as Sims 4 and Animal Crossing and, as reported by Screen Rant, they will now both be brought directly to the game, with new special events and environments for players to enjoy.

 

BLE attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Squishmallows team and collaborate with Jazwares to create meaningful product extensions for UK fans and collectors. As Squishmallows continues its evolution into a powerhouse lifestyle brand, UK Squishmallows sales have doubled in 2022. Sales are set to double again moving into 2023 with over 250 new Squishmallows entering the UK market

 

Some of Trefl’s most popular games will hit shelves in the U.S. in the fall of next year. The European game and puzzle company is expanding its U.S. footprint beyond puzzles, starting with nine titles that were revealed today at the 2023 Preview and 2022 Holiday Market in Dallas.

The games include Hot Pot, a dexterous game in which players must pick out the right ingredients using only chopsticks. 

 

The Crayola Experience is about to expand. The co. behind the iconic crayons inked a new licensing agreement with family entertainment attraction developer BrightColors LLC to double its number of Crayola Experience venues over the next 5 years. The Crayola Experience has been around for more than 25 years and currently operates five venues across the country in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. 

 

Ahead of the Brand Licensing Europe keynote, Richard Dickson of Mattel shares the global impact of the Barbie brand. “Barbiecore, as it’s being defined, is more than a trend,” says Dickson. “It’s what we believe – it’s a movement. It stems from what Barbie signifies. The term Barbiecore is synonymous with the brand’s empowerment and certainly is the honor of her keepsake name. In just weeks, people are wearing head-to-toe pink outfits with embellishment in tribute to the doll and uploading their pics to social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag has more than 19 million views.

 

***The above posted after September 16th***

 

MGA Entertainment expands the fashion doll property Rainbow High portfolio to include music contest Rainbowvision. Rainbowvision is the world-famous music competition featured on the Rainbow High animated content series on YouTube, which showcases the new range of Rainbowvision dolls – Rainbow High and Shadow High fashion dolls. .

 

The LEGO Group is going green with its new factory in southern Vietnam. Construction of the factory begins in Binh Duong province this November, and 25,000 trees will be cleared in the process. In response to the trees that will be removed. The LEGO Group is planting 50,000 trees over a period of three years. In addition to the newly planted trees, the factory is set to be the company’s first carbon-neutral site.

 

Last year, Funko hit a major milestone as the company hit $1 billion in annual sales. Now, the Washington-based purveyor of products for every fandom is setting its sights on doubling that organically by 2026.  This week, Funko held its first-ever investor event in New York City where it outlined plans to double its business by growing its collectibles assortment, expanding into new categories, growing its direct...

 

Baker & Taylor Publisher Services is pleased to announce the signing of a full-service sales and distribution agreement with Brain Tree Games, effective immediately. this Agreement between BTPS and Brain Tree Games pertains to US sales and fulfillment only. Brain Tree Games is one of the leading jigsaw puzzle manufacturers worldwide.

 

In honor of National Afro Day, DeeDee Wright-Ward, creator of viral Naturalistas Fashion Doll line and CEO of one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, Purpose Toys, announced the expansion of the Naturalistas brand with the release of the Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Natural Hair Styling-Head set. A celebration of coils and curls, the popular Naturalistas fashion doll line features 7 unique ...

 

Atari Reveals Sunnyvale, A Massive New Experience in The Sandbox. Atari — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — has announced the launch of Atari Sunnyvale, a massive social and gaming experience in The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming virtual world and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands.

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NERF Unveils All-New LMTD Star Trek and Retro Blasters at NERF Fest, Launches NERF Island on Roblox. Following this week’s exciting NERF collaboration announcement with mega sci-fi franchise Star Trek, fans were treated to an in-depth look at the NERF LMTD Star Trek Starfleet Type 3 Phaser and Starfleet Type 2 Phaser. The NERF team also revealed the all-new NERF LMTD SHARP92 Blaster, a retro throwback...

 

New Gigantosaurus Toy Line Gets the Magic Touch from Toy Designer Darren Lee Phillipson. Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated programs for kids and families, best known for its award-winning preschool show Gigantosaurus, will introduce a new line of series-inspired toys from master toy licensee United Smile that is being created by multi-award-winning toy designer Darren Lee Phillipson of... 

 

Funko Games has unveiled a new line of Pop!-inspired puzzles, in time for the holidays. Featuring Funko’s iconic Pop! style, the first three puzzles feature Elf, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. “The Funko Pop! is legendary, with millions of fans and millions of Pop! figures sold worldwide,” said Deirdre Cross, general manager of Funko Games. “Over the years, more than 16,000 Pop! figures have...

 

Zuru is celebrating X-Shot being ranked as the No.1 UK property in the range of blasters and shooter toys YTD July by NPD. X-Shot was launched as a competitor in the largely unchallenged blaster category and has made no secret of its desires to overtake the brand-leader. New results from July show that X-Shot property is now number one in volume in the blaster/shooter subclass in year-to-date July. 

 

This Clever App Tells You What to Build With Your LEGO Pile. LEGO appeals to every kind of builder. Type-A architects may like to purchase sets and follow the instructions to the letter, while more free-form designers may prefer to amass random pieces and see what inspires them. If you fall somewhere between these two categories, Brickit may be the app for you. As Fast Company reports, Brickit is a free app that tells you...

 

Panini enters world of NFTs with Megacracks de LaLiga collection.  The Megacracks de LaLiga Santander 2022-23 trading card collection welcomes added value in the form of 9,460 cards from the Elite NFT series. Megacracks de LaLigaOne of the most iconic card collections in Spain, the Megacracks de LaLiga Santander 2022-23, enters the world of NFTs with very limited cards.

 

The Power of Peppa Pig Comes to the Fore as Hasbro Begins 24-Month Brand Campaign. The first phase, beginning in the UK, features children's drawings of the character. The long-running preschool children’s TV series Peppa Pig has become a cultural phenomenon in the two decades since the first episode aired. The titular Peppa, along with her family and friends, go beyond the expected young audience however...

 

Hasbro Campaign Explains Why Monopoly Is Good for Kids' Anger Issues. The poster and online campaign has been developed for the Dutch and Belgian markets. According to research run by games maker Hasbro, eight out of 10 people fight while playing the board game Monopoly, an insight which has led to the creation of a brand campaign in Belgium. After commissioning research, manufacturer Hasbro’s Benelux...

 

Holiday toy list season continues with Amazon checking in with its annual Toys We Love list. This year, Amazon’s Toys We Love list features more than 200 toys and games, including 100 priced under $50, and more than 60 that are exclusive to Amazon. Small businesses and growing toymakers on the list this year include Thames & Kosmos, Orijin Bees, Magna-Tiles, MEandMine, and TeeTurtle, among others.

 

CLASSIC TOY BRANDS COLLIDE AS RADIO FLYER WAGON ROADSTER ROLLS INTO VICTORY LANE AT THE HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR. At the Phoenix stop this weekend, builder Mitchell Elsberry of San Tan Valley, Arizona scored a local win with his 2017 Radio Flyer Wagon Roadster. The street legal, steel-bodied roadster features a custom-built chassis and LS-1 engine with 700R4 transmission. Elsberry is a plumber by trade...

 

The most popular YouTube channel in the United States is embarking on a massive tour of its home country. This fall, CoComelon will travel to 62 cities across the U.S. to put on CoComelon Live! JJ’s Journey, a show that features the cartoonish characters from the brand’s kid-friendly content empire. The fun begins in Baltimore, Maryland on September 16. 

 

TARGET, FAO SCHWARZ INK MULTIYEAR PARTNERSHIP DEAL, UNVEIL BULLSEYE’S TOP TOY LIST. Beginning in mid-Oct., FAO Schwarz toys will be available exclusively at Target stores, Target.com, and FAO Schwarz stores. The news arrives alongside the 10th annual edition of Bullseye’s Top Toys List, now presented by FAO Schwarz. As part of the arrangement, visitors to the FAO Schwarz flagship store in NYC’s Rockefeller Center...

 

Moonbug has enjoyed a meteroic rise to fame with some of its properties quickly becoming among the biggest and most successful in the world.Moonbug Entertainment‘s Simon Philips, MD Global Consumer Products, and Francesca Romana Gianesin, head of Consumer Products EMEA/ANZ, spoke to Toy World’s Rachael Simpson-Jones ahead of Moonbug’s debut BLE appearance, about the company’s CP strategy, growth...

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Chicago-area sixth grader is the face of America’s new girl. On a recent visit to New York City, 11-year-old Rio Lewis walked into the American Girl doll store with her family and was shocked to see her face on the brand’s newest character banners throughout the store. “A mom and a girl, they’re like, ‘Hey, you know what? You look like Claudie. And I was like, ‘I’m Claudie!'” Lewis told the Tribune.

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Catan Studios unveils 'Catan Scenario: The Helpers'. CATAN Studios unveiled CATAN Scenario: The Helpers for release in Q4 2022. This new scenario pack adds 12 Helper characters to games of CATAN. These Helpers each have specialized skills that can aid settlements in tasks such as driving off Robbers, adding makeshift roads, or choosing development cards. 

 

Redevelop the cityscape of 'San Francisco'. New City-Building Game Designed by Reiner Knizia. Asmodee will release San Francisco, a new city-building game designed by Reiner Knizia, into retail on October 7, 2022. In this game, players take on the roles of urban planners looking to redevelop the cityscape of this iconic coastal city. 

 

Lead Middle-Earth's high elf forces with 'Elrond, Master Of Rivendell'. Games Workshop will release Elrond, Master of Rivendell, a new miniatures set, into retail September 17, 2022. This miniatures set for Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game allows players to add the legendary elf commander Elrond to battles. It includes two different versions of Elrond, one mounted and one on foot. 

 

Games Workshop reveals 'Warhammer 40,000: Leagues of Votann Army Set'. New miniatures boxed set coming soon to preorder. Games Workshop has revealed Warhammer 40,000: Leagues of Votann Army Set, a new miniatures boxed set, which is coming to preorder on September 17, 2022. The Leagues of Votann armies are finally on their way, after being first teased at Adepticon 2022 in March. 

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Lighting strikes in 'Marvel Champions: The Card Game'. Fantasy Flight Games will release Storm Hero Pack, for Marvel Champions: The Card Game, into retail in fall 2022. Storm Hero Pack brings the full wrath of the weather goddess down upon X-Men villains. Storm's deck contains powerful support and event cards in her own special secondary Weather deck.

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RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed

If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our colleagues. Archives can be found HERE.

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Arnold Thaler, former Chairman of Viewmaster-Ideal, passed away on September 12th, 2022. He was 99 years. Here is an old video of Arnold Thaler talking about View-Master International old.   

 

Michael John Lyden, of Greendale, Wisconsin passed away Friday, August 26, 2022 peacefully at the age of 80. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts he spent his youth along the eastern corridor from Rhode Island to Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The toy industry was his heart and soul, along with the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle (done proudly only in pen) and endless books loaned from the library. He adored visiting zoos around the world, fascinated by Snowflake, the albino gorilla at the Barcelona zoo and Tandi & Khanya, the rare white lion cubs (along with generally most animals).
He adored long evenings at restaurants, discos, bars around the world, making new friends wherever he frequented. From Carlos & Charlie's in Hollywood to TJ's Piano Bar in Westport Connecticut, to most recently his daughter's wine bar in Greendale, Wisconsin, he was one to charm the socks off of anyone he met. Given the opportunity he'd gladly take you up on a well-made steak tartare with the perfect frites. He adored gushing stories about the golf courses he'd played or flying the Concord all while extending the evening with a sambuca and coffee, with exactly three beans for good fortune in life.
He loved regaling new friends and old with stories of his time spent in the toy industry, starting as a teenager as a stock clerk in the first Toys "R" Us in Virginia. From there he worked tirelessly and steadfastly to rise the ranks at Toys R Us, then to Mattel. At Mattel he led the development of Hot Wheels as Vice President of Boys Brands in El Segundo, California. At Tyco Toys in Mount Laurel, New Jersey he rose to President of Tyco US where along his journey he was instrumental in the creation of the legendary Garfield telephone of the 80s, and Tickle me Elmo of the 90s. His favorite times were spent at Toy Fair every year in New York City, and with his many dear colleagues he made over 50+ years in the industry.
He was the ultimate perfectionist, with a lust for life that is rarely encountered. He endeared himself to many throughout his broad and unique life around the world.

He was the proud father of daughters Kelly (Jeff), Megan and Jennifer (Jason); Grandfather of Russell, Jessica (Steve), Rachel (Brett), Elle, Sadie and Uma; Great-Grandfather of Zachary, Emilie, Madelyn, Nikolai, Hazel and Theo. He is survived by his sisters Frances (George) and Colleen. He is preceeded by his parents Francis and Evelyn (nee Lassonde) Lyden. 

 

Ralph Eggleston,  Longtime Pixar animator  and the Oscar-winning director behind the 2000 short film For the Birds who also worked in the art departments of films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles — has died. Eggleston died in San Rafael, Calif., on Monday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56, according to Variety. Pixar Animation Studios confirmed Eggleston's death in a statement released on Twitter Monday. "In memory of Ralph Eggleston — animator, director, art director, storyboard artist, writer, production designer, and our dear friend. Pixar and the world will be forever grateful," the studio tweeted. Among his colleagues, Jorge R. Gutierrez, director of The Book of Life, also honored the moviemaker with a tribute.

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