Review: Soapsox

image credit: Soapsox
 

Today we here at O&G got a chance to check out a get new toy. The soapsox (wash cloth) is a innovative new toy for kids to enjoy bath time. Here is a little history on the toy and the company.

SoapSox® began when our founder and CEO Ray Phillips worked as a Program Director at a residential treatment facility with children who have experienced trauma. Ray found that one of the most difficult times of the day was bath time. Children would argue, cry, and even attempt to hide to avoid taking a bath. After repeated struggles with one child who could not part with his favorite stuffed animal to bathe, Ray came up with the idea of modifying it to hold soap – the child was presented with the then modified stuffed animal and agreed to bathe. Ray continued to use this strategy over the years with children until learning that no product like it existed on the market.

Through his network of friends, Phillips met Alvin Uy, who heads a creative agency that develops products for brands including Disney, Hasbro, and Mattel. Uy came on board to help develop SoapSox® as the co-founder and vice president. After nearly two years of development, SoapSox® was introduced to the world in 2013 after a successful KickStarter campaign. SoapSox® was then born!

You may remember us from our appearance on Shark Tank...Or you may remember us simply by our full line of adorable children's bath scrubs. And today we show you just how simple it is to use a SoapSox. SoapSox is the next generation of washcloths for kids!

REVIEW

My daughter absolutely loved this toy! From the moment I gave it to her she hugged Emma the Duck and wanted to play with it immediately. The toy is a fun way to get children to bathe especially my little one who love to just get in and out.  Each character is uniquely designed with a child in mind. Having an actual foam toy in the tub that in the shape of an animal makes the experience more realistic and interactive. They are really handy because all you have to do is feed the soapsox regular or liquid soap and just have fun washing! My only criticism of toy is that I'm not sure if the materiel will last through multiple laundry washes, but I will see in time how it holds up. Overall this is a great product and perfect for kids and I would definitely recommend this to parents.

How Do Quicksilver Listen To Music?

Super speeders are everywhere these days, they spend their time zipping around while fighting bad guys and LISTENING TO MUSIC? How is this possible? On today’s Because Science Kyle Hill of Nerdist explores how X-Men: Days of Future Past’s Quicksilver perceives sound in the latest edition of Because Science.  This was really cool and interesting check out the video below. Visit Nerdist.com for more Because Science from Kyle Hill.

CE Week 2015 Kicks Off June 23 With Spotlight on Five Key Technology Trends

Like fashion, the tech world has its fall lineup. CE Week is calling it a banner year for: Wearable Technology, Connected Cars, Next Gen TVs & Audio Equipment, Smart Home and Emerging Technologies including AR, robotics and 3D printing.

The CE industry's largest mid-year event, CE Week brings together media, analysts and technology thought leaders for product debuts, a robust conference program, workshops, and networking events all focused on innovative technology trends. CE Week 2015 is scheduled June 23-25 in New York City, with the CE Week Exhibits and Conference Program scheduled June 24-25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion/Altman Building.

"This is the year that a new ecosystem of products that communicate with other products, immersive entertainment systems and wearing your computing will really begin to take hold," said Martin Porter, executive producer, CE Week. "CE Week is a way for those most passionate about technology to see the future, now. New York City, with its burgeoning finance, fashion, media and high tech industries provides a great backdrop."

Technology trends expected at CE Week 2015 include:

Wearable Technology: The wearables market is forecast to grow from its current  $20 billion in 2015 to almost $70 billion in 2025. The exhibits re-enforce the data, as you'll see the latest fitness monitors, smart fabrics, embedded sensors, AR glasses and more. Additionally, FashionWare, a live runway show, hosted by Project Runway's Chris March, will feature the latest in wearable technology trends. (June 24)

Connected Car: With wireless entertainment systems, amazing navigation systems and the first generation of driver-less cars, The Connected Car will drive the conversation at CE Week. The third annual Connected Car Conference (C3) is co-produced by Doug Newcomb, car tech expert and contributor to Wired, Automobile Magazine and PCMag.com. C3 will examine how connected technologies are helping New York and other urban areas around the globe draft a blueprint for future mobility and discuss innovations that are occurring right now on the streets of our cities and roads throughout the country. Major companies in the automotive category will be featured at C3 including AAA, Hyundai, Nuance Communications, Pioneer Electronics and QNX. (1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on June 23)

Next Gen TV & Audio: 4K and Ultra HD are no longer buzzwords; Smart TVs and enhanced audio are top of mind as consumers buy a new generation of ultra-sharp devices. Tablets, cinema, cameras and TV are all moving to new standards of definition. Watch the future with products from top brands such as Seiki and Westinghouse Electronics. Hear the future at CE Week's Hi-res Audio Zone sponsored by The Digital Entertainment Group featuring demonstrations of the latest hi-res compatible products from Astell & Kern, dCS, Kimber Kable and Sony Electronics.  The CE Week conference program will highlight trends in next gen TV and audio technology with conferences including Your Next TV and Your Next Audio. (9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on June 23)

Emerging Technology: You'll get to try your hand at 3D printing, try on your virtual reality glasses, and program a robot -- and that's just for starters. There's an exhibit area devoted to new currencies, like bitcoin and you'll see new ways to gather and analyze big data systems for your business. Conference panels on augmented reality, robotics, 3D printing and digital money are all part of the agenda.

Home Automation: From the Flintstones to George Jetson, we've changed as our homes are being transformed by smart technologies.  Consumer adoption of smart home technologies is expected to grow from 1.9 billion devices in 2014 to more than 9 billion by the year 2018. With Apple Home Kit, mobile phone controlled appliances, and services that integrate the Internet of Things coming of age, we'll hear from companies including Chamberlain, OOMI, Schlage, iDevices, Core Brands, Piper and others with a vision of a tech-smart home.

DST’s Marvel Retro Wolverine Figure Expands the Original Mego Line!

The Marvel Retro line continues! So far, Diamond Select Toys and EMCE Toys have resurrected the classic Mego figures of Spider-Man and Captain America, neither of which have been produced since the early 1980s. Now, those two legendary toys are joined by a Mego-style figure that has never ever been made! Retro Wolverine is in stores now, and it marks Wolverine’s first appearance in the 8-inch scale!

Despite making his debut in 1974, and gaining popularity after joining the X-Men in 1975, Wolverine didn’t get an action figure until 1984, after Mego closed its doors. So in order to re-create what an 8-inch, cloth-costume Mego action figure of the mutant would look like, EMCE and DST looked at other toys of that era, and created their own! The 1970s-style Wolverine action figure wears his classic blue-and-yellow costume, which is fully removable, including a removable mask. Once you take off that costume, you can dress him up in his brown costume or his civilian togs!

Wolverine’s Logan accessories include a bomber jacket, jeans, tank-top, boots, clawed hands and a unique unmasked head sculpt. Wolverine’s brown costume comes with a sculpted masked head and open and closed claw hands. The set includes a vintage-style window box for the classic Wolverine figure, as well as a booklet about the history of Wolverine in comics and toys, all packaged in a displayable gift tray.

Each box set is limited to 3,000 pieces, and you can order today through your local comic shop, your favorite online retailer or diamondselecttoys.com. Wolverine is only the first all-new character planned for the line. The next to be released will be Thor, and you can look for a new figure to be unveiled at Comic-Con International in San Diego!

The Official Batman: Arkham Knight Trailer – “Be The Batman”

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today released a live action video from the upcoming Batman: Arkham Knight game.  Directed by Tim Cronenweth and Jeff Cronenweth (director of photography for Gone Girl, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Fight Club), with Trent Reznor serving as music consultant, the Official Batman: Arkham Knight Trailer – “Be The Batman” features “The Wretched” by Nine Inch Nails and showcases everyday people being determined, courageous and fearless as they rise to become the Batman. 

Myx TV Announces Program Slate For 2015

 Myx TV, the fastest growing English-language multicultural Asian American entertainment network in the United States, established its 2015 programming slate. The line-up includes new and returning original television series, original YouTube series, new acquisitions and a special Memorial Day weekend programming block.

New this season is, “The Doll Life,” a spinoff of last year’s hit docu-series, “I’m Asian American and …” This series delves into the Japanese “lolita/living doll” clothing brand, Dolldelight, and follows designer Cyril Lumboy and her team of House Dolls throughout their work and personal lives. “The Doll Life” premieres Tuesday, October 20th at 8/7c and is produced by Thirsty Tiger Television.

Returning for the second season are the Myx TV original series “Call to Cosplay,” “Bagged” and “Eat Your Words.” Each series will air a new episode every week.

Previously announced, “Call to Cosplay,” the ultimate cosplay costume design competition show, returned Tuesday, May 12. Host Keith Kawamura returns, along with DJ Wednesday, and judges this season include Miss Universe 1997, Brook Lee, author and stylist, Marissa Lynch and cosplay stars, Johnny Junkers and Lindsay Elyse. “Call to Cosplay” is produced by George Chung.

“Bagged,” the dating show where contestants don masks pitting personality against appearance, returns Thursday, June 25 at 8/7c. “Bagged” is produced by Aureus Grex. 

The award-winning “Eat Your Words,” which challenges amateur food bloggers to cook dishes better than the professional chefs they negatively reviewed online, returns Sunday, August 16 at 8/7c. “Eat Your Words” is hosted by Kara Birkenstock and produced by Thirsty Tiger Television.

"We’re bringing back our most well-received, out-of-the-box, original series and, for the new season, making them bigger and better," said Miguel Santos, General Manager of Myx TV. "Viewers can look forward to better costumes, crazier scenarios, bigger sets and more interesting characters.”

Additionally, Myx TV is beginning production on original series for its YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/user/MYXTV). The first of the series will be, “The Alternative,” featuring a spiritual, holistic host who offers insight on various common health conditions and ways to combat them using Eastern medicine and common household items. “The Alternative” is produced by Aureus Grex.

"We need to keep our audience engaged whenever and however they are choosing to tune-in to Myx programming," said Santos. "Developing original productions across platforms is a natural extension to our brand, and something we're looking forward to introducing to our unique and diverse fans.”

Myx TV also acquired Asian horror movies in a new programming block called “Shiver and Shake,” featuring the best films from all across Asia, including:Hide and Go Kill, Tokyo Gore School, Shirome, Karaoke Terror and The Guard Post. “Shiver and Shake” premieres Friday, July 17 at 8/7c.

Additionally, returning for the fifth season is the “Movie So Good” programming block, featuring cult classic martial arts movies all dubbed into English. These films will air Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25, with new movies airing every Monday at 8/7c. Films included in this block are:Undefeatable, Incredible Kids, Kung Fu Fighter, Lethal Combat, Karate Cops, Shaolin vs. Evil Dead, Kung Fu Chefs, Omega Cop and Kindergarten Ninja.

The Mantle #1 (Comic Review)

THE MANTLE follows Robbie—just your average, run-of-the-mill guy—as he drunkenly stumbles out of a punk show one evening. On his way home he’s hit with lightning and wakes to find that he’s been chosen as the new host for The Mantle, a power set of unimaginable scope. Despite his lack of interest, he’s forced into action. The Plague, a being who has spent 50 years killing every previous host of The Mantle, is already coming for him.

The Mantle written by ED Brisson and artwork by Brian Level, is a fun ride that immerses you into the world from the first page. The protagonist Robbie is not one you would qualify as a hero. In fact he is the least likely to be a hero. When we first meet Robbie he's at a party with his girlfriend Jen. The party is horrible so he takes mushroom to spice it up. Robbie doesn't seem to be motivated in anything. No real goals, dreams or aspirations. When he chosen by The Mantle, he changed a little but he acts like a child in a candy store.

The real interesting characters for me was the supporting cast. Robbie's girlfriend Jen, and the group of people who explain The Mantle to Robbie. The group all have powers, Necra can communicate with the dead, Kabrah has amazing strength and Shadow can teleport into any place given if he's in a dark area. Unfortunately the first issue doesn't explore the back story of each character, which was a bummer since I found myself more drawn to them than Robbie. The antagonist The Plague is also an interesting character. He reminded of Nemesis from Resident Evil 3 that has a one track mind. His goal is to destroy The Mantle. It's not fully explain why but the little seeds planted allude to a bigger story arc has my interest. 

Overall The Mantle is a good start to a whole new superhero story. The artwork os great, the characters are interesting. The twist ending shows its not about the person who has the power. 

Final Grade: B+/8.5

The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Trailer

20th Century Fox has released the first trailer for the upcoming film, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS! In this next chapter of the "Maze Runner" saga, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD. Check out the trailer below. The film will be released September 18, 2015. ​

Underrated Games: Sly Cooper Series

Underrated Games You Should Play: Sly Cooper Series

This week's underrated game or games is the Sly Cooper Series. I consider this series the kid version of Assassins Creed with a funnier and more lighthearted story than killing Templars. The series begins with three thieves; Sly, the master thief, Bently, the brains, and Murry the muscle. The game follows Sly and his band of thieves trying to steal items that belong to the Clockwork Gang from taking over the world through crime. Think of it as Robin Hood. There are three initial games made by Sucker Punch. It was then that the studio of Sanzaru Games brought the series back with Sly Cooper: Thieves of Time. The studio stayed true to the series and a movie about the infamous game is coming next year. Check out the trailer below.

VIZ Media Announces Home Media Release Of INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT on High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD on May 26th.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT is based on the bestselling fantasy adventure manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi. The Blu-ray and DVD editions each contain the final 26 episodes of the long running anime show along with select bonus features. Both formats feature English dubbed along with Japanese subtitled dialogue options.

The INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT Blu-ray Edition collects the entire season on 4 discs with episodes presented in full 1080p High Definition, 16x9 video. English and Japanese DTS-HD Audio options are available along with bonus features including production and storyboard art galleries and the original Japanese broadcast trailers. The MSRP is $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN.

The INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT DVD Edition offers series episodes on 4 discs, presented with 16x9 standard video resolution and English and Japanese 2.0 stereo audio. Bonus features include the original Japanese series trailers. The MSRP is $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

“INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT delivers the grand finale of Inuyasha and Kagome’s quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Longtime fans can complete their INUYASHA personal anime complete with the release of THE FINAL ACT on DVD and Blu-ray and witness the epic showdown with the evil demon, Naraku, and discover the long-awaited answer to the ultimate question of Kagome and Inuyasha’s future together!”

In the thrilling conclusion to this famed anime series, Kagome is an ordinary schoolgirl who finds her destiny linked to a hotheaded but brave half demon named Inuyasha and the powerful Shikon Jewel. In their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome face their ultimate enemy, the demon mastermind Naraku. Kagome finds herself pulled between two worlds as she struggles to fight alongside Inuyasha in the feudal era and study for her high school entrance exams in the present. As the battle enters its final stage, Inuyasha and his friends have their strength, loyalties and will to live pushed to the limit. The final key to Naraku's and the Jewel's destruction may lie in nothing more - and nothing less - than the trust between a half demon and a girl from the future. All roads have led here, to one last battle and one final act!

Fans also can explore an array of colorful INUYASHA art books as well as the complete manga series, which is published in North America by VIZ Media, along with the entire anime series and related INUYASHA animated feature films available on DVD.