Latest news with #Cary
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
BFDI: Online series continues to soar
While many children's series end up licensed to streaming platforms or cable channels, BFDI never left YouTube. It began with a maths assignment and a folded piece of printer paper with cartoons on it. This was how twin brothers Michael and Cary Huang from California set off on the path to creating Battle for Dream Island (BFDI). It's a YouTube animated series that has kept millions of kids, teenagers and even some grownups tapping to their screens for over a decade. It was an unlikely beginning. 'My brother Cary had to create a fake catalogue for an algebra class in 2009,' said Michael Huang. 'Inside it was a comic about how rock, paper and scissors, the hand gesture game, could be improved. He replaced them with water, sponge and fire.' The idea simmered, and eventually, characters became a cast. The cast became a story. And the story became a show. 'We were travelling when we decided to animate some of these comics,' Michael explained. 'I was really getting into digital animation at the time. It made sense to combine that with Cary's characters. That's how BFDI was born.' Unlikely beginnings In the early days, Cary was also drawing his own version of a Cartoon Network show called Total Drama Island on folded paper booklets. He called it Total Fiery Island. It was, in a way, pastimes that foreshadowed it all. Michael read film at the University of California Berkeley. Cary graduated from Stanford with a degree in computer science. The two share creative DNA as much as they do actual DNA. Watch BDFI's debut episode As the show debuted and episodes rolled out, audiences liked the silliness of BFDI, the unpredictability, and the unapologetic embrace of the somewhat bizarre. It was a game show parody, but also something a bit more whacky and smarter. An animated contest where characters like Leafy and Firey jostled for popularity, but where the humour teetered on slapstick of the Charlie Chaplin variety. A willingness to be totally goofy 'Cary is the heart of BFDI,' said Michael. 'He's always had this willingness to be completely goofy, and it stuck,' he shared. 'Even as we got older, through high school and college, we kept making episodes. That same tone became part of the show's identity. It's also been tricky to bring in additional writers because of that. But recently, we've hired two new writers who now also direct. They really understand it. One of the two even moved to Los Angeles to work with us.' Also Read: Mr Men Box Set's A Winner While many children's series end up licensed to streaming platforms or cable channels, BFDI never left YouTube. The twins embraced online distribution instead, long before media companies were betting on creators who recorded from their bedrooms. 'Some people compare us to shows like Cocomelon or Blippi, but I'd say our closest counterpart is creator channel LankyBox,' Michael said. The two channels recently agreed to work together and react, online, to one another's content. 'There's this whole ecosystem of creators doing things outside the traditional model. And it's working.' Old school animation appeal BFDI's animation is almost old-school in its appeal. There are no glossy Pixar finishes or ultra-detailed Disney characters here. The style is simple, colourful, and often deliberately rough around the edges. Michael isn't convinced that realism has anything to do with what makes animation good. 'I remember watching that Lion King remake a few years ago,' he said. 'It looked real but didn't feel like anything. What we've seen in the past few years, especially with Spider-Verse, is that people actually want more stylised, more imaginative animation. Something different.' And BFDI has become more than just a show. Fans are building games on Roblox and Fortnite based on the series. Some are even livestreaming play-throughs and remixing characters. 'There's a whole world of fan-made stuff on Roblox,' said Michael. 'That connection with the audience is something we haven't explored fully, but we want to.' For the first ten years, YouTube ad revenue funded the brothers. That changed in 2019. 'We started exploring merchandising. Plush toys, silicon lamps, the works,' Michael said. 'We didn't go through the agencies most creators use. We found our own manufacturers, did fulfilment ourselves. Also, we didn't even know people outsourced that kind of thing.' Now add live events to the mix, and BFDI is now running a tight and succesful media operation out of Los Angeles, with a full team and a growing audience of millions. From pause, to play again A pause caused by the brothers' respective studies is now back in play before expansion, Michael said, and there's some unfinished business. 'A lot of fans remind us that we haven't finished Season Two or Season Three,' he said. 'We made one episode of Season Three and then skipped to Four. Right now, we just want to finish what we started. No large-scale musicals, no other major spin-offs, not yet. Just wrapping up the story properly.' Once that's done, the sky's the limit for this popular show that's embedded itself into global popular culture. Now Read: Joburg's Forgotten Movie Empire
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LGI Homes Introduces Five New Floor Plans at Knights Bridge in Richburg, SC
The Carolina floor plan at Knights Bridge RICHBURG, S.C., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LGI Homes, Inc. (NASDAQ: LGIH) is excited to announce the release of five brand-new floor plans at Knights Bridge, its thriving new-home community located off I-77 just south of Rock Hill in Richburg, South Carolina. 'We're excited to unveil our enhanced floor plans at Knights Bridge, now offering five brand-new designs filled with premium upgrades - all in the same exceptional location our buyers already love. We are confident that Knights Bridge will continue to be a top choice for homebuyers seeking both quality and convenience,' stated Chris Cositore, Vice President of Sales at LGI Homes. The expansion of home offerings at Knights Bridge include diverse new layouts to meet the growing demand of buyers in the area. The newly introduced floor plans offer a range of options to suit varying needs and lifestyles. The Blanco is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home spanning 1,316 square feet, featuring a cozy, open-concept design perfect for families or first-time buyers. Pricing starts at $313,900. The Cary, a spacious one-story home with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and 1,552 square feet, offers an open-concept layout perfect for hosting. The Cary floor plans start at $321,900. The Carolina offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms across 1,700 square feet, with a spacious two-story layout and a covered back patio, perfect for enjoying evenings in the back yard. The Carolina is priced starting at $329,900 For those seeking additional room, the Avery delivers 1,800 square feet of bright, open living space with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The Avery floor plan starts at $338,900. Finally, coming soon, the Graham is the most expansive of the new offerings, featuring four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and 2,218 square feet, providing generous living areas and a game room, ideal for larger households. Pricing for the Graham will be announced later this summer. Homes at Knights Bridge include LGI's CompleteHome™ package, offering style, efficiency, and convenience. Each home features stainless steel Whirlpool® appliances, granite countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and upper wood cabinets with crown molding. The package also includes front yard landscaping, designer lighting, and a stylish front door for added curb appeal. Energy-saving features like LED lighting, double-pane Low-E windows, and a programmable thermostat are built in, along with smart-home touches such as USB outlets and a Wi-Fi-enabled garage door opener. Knights Bridge offers fantastic amenities such as a children's playground, dog park, and covered picnic pavilion. Located near shopping, dining, and the Catawba River, Knights Bridge provides a quiet, wooded setting with easy access to Charlotte and Rock Hill, making it a peaceful and convenient place to call home. To learn more about the new floor plans or to schedule a private tour of Knights Bridge, interested homebuyers are encouraged to call (866) 888-6764 ext. 295 or visit About LGI Homes Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, LGI Homes, Inc. is a pioneer in the homebuilding industry, successfully applying an innovative and systematic approach to the design, construction and sale of homes across 36 markets in 21 states. As one of America's fastest growing companies, LGI Homes has closed over 75,000 homes since its founding in 2003 and has delivered profitable financial results every year. Nationally recognized for its quality construction and exceptional customer service, LGI Homes was named to Newsweek's list of the World's Most Trustworthy Companies. LGI Homes' commitment to excellence extends to its more than 1,000 employees, earning the Company numerous workplace awards at the local, state and national level, including the Top Workplaces USA 2025 Award. For more information about LGI Homes and its unique operating model focused on making the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the nation, please visit the Company's website at MEDIA CONTACT:Rachel Eaton(281) 362-8998 ext. 2560 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ballet Director Mariaelena Ruiz of Cary Ballet Conservatory Shares Insights on Ballet Training Mindset in HelloNation Magazine
CARY, N.C., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What do most people get wrong about ballet training? That question is addressed in What Most People Get Wrong About Ballet Training, a feature article in HelloNation Magazine, offering perspective from Mariaelena Ruiz of Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, North Carolina. The article reveals how ballet is far more than graceful movements—it is an in-depth training in discipline, mental resilience, and personal growth. Often misunderstood as merely a performance art focused on physical form, ballet is shown to be a system that teaches focus, patience, and critical thinking. Students begin learning from their very first plié that progress comes slowly and only through consistent effort. Each technical correction, repetition, and rehearsal sharpens not just performance skills but also emotional strength and self-awareness. Ruiz emphasizes that the true value of ballet lies in the mindset it cultivates. From managing stage pressure to processing feedback, dancers are continually building traits such as composure, coachability, and persistence. These qualities translate into high achievement across academic and professional environments, making ballet an education in character as much as in choreography. The article, What Most People Get Wrong About Ballet Training, highlights how ballet shapes young people into thoughtful, driven individuals. Read the full article at What Most People Get Wrong About Ballet Training. About HelloNationHelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabeinfo@ photo accompanying this announcement is available at l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ballet Director Mariaelena Ruiz of Cary Ballet Conservatory Shares Insights on Ballet Training Mindset in HelloNation Magazine
CARY, N.C., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What do most people get wrong about ballet training? That question is addressed in What Most People Get Wrong About Ballet Training, a feature article in HelloNation Magazine, offering perspective from Mariaelena Ruiz of Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, North Carolina. The article reveals how ballet is far more than graceful movements—it is an in-depth training in discipline, mental resilience, and personal growth. Often misunderstood as merely a performance art focused on physical form, ballet is shown to be a system that teaches focus, patience, and critical thinking. Students begin learning from their very first plié that progress comes slowly and only through consistent effort. Each technical correction, repetition, and rehearsal sharpens not just performance skills but also emotional strength and self-awareness. Ruiz emphasizes that the true value of ballet lies in the mindset it cultivates. From managing stage pressure to processing feedback, dancers are continually building traits such as composure, coachability, and persistence. These qualities translate into high achievement across academic and professional environments, making ballet an education in character as much as in choreography. The article, What Most People Get Wrong About Ballet Training, highlights how ballet shapes young people into thoughtful, driven individuals. Read the full article at What Most People Get Wrong About Ballet Training. About HelloNationHelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabeinfo@ photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
The Nature Nurse Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Women Through Nature-Based Healing
In honor of blending holistic health and nature, The Nature Nurse, PLLC launches SoulFull Summer - a transformative spiritual experience inviting women to reconnect with the natural world, align with the divine, and embrace a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Founded by Registered Nurse Susan Allison-Dean, the initiative continues a proud tradition of nature-centered health promotion. Cary, NC - June 16th, 2025 - It's no longer Woo-Woo, it's WOW-WOW! Connecting with nature is no longer just a passing trend—it's a transformational experience! This summer marks a major milestone for The Nature Nurse, PLLC, as the organization celebrates 10 years of championing nature's vital role in holistic health and healing. Founded by visionary Registered Nurse Susan Allison-Dean, The Nature Nurse has spent the last decade empowering women to embrace nature's restorative power, helping them cultivate joy, vitality, and live awe-inspiring lives in harmony with the natural world. To honor this milestone, The Nature Nurse invites women to embark on a new journey—one that rejuvenates the spirit and awakens the divine feminine within through deeper connections with nature. Nature has long been integral to nursing. Pioneering nurse leaders Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale understood and harnessed nature's profound impact in their healing practices. Today, The Nature Nurse continues this tradition, blending scientific research with holistic health principles to explore how nature not only supports physical and mental well-being but also nourishes the soul. Launching June 20th, The Nature Nurse will introduce SoulFull Summer—a transformative experience designed for women to share, reflect, explore, and learn. Participants will engage in inspiring conversations, immerse themselves in nature's wisdom, and discover the latest scientific insights on its healing properties—all while connecting with a like-minded community. To be part of this enriching journey, visit sign up for the free e-newsletter, and follow along on Instagram or Facebook @TheNatureNurse.
