Latest news with #UNO
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Fun and learning: the best kids' books and games for 2025
Luna is about to start school for the new year, but she's not feeling well. Image: Loot Description: Luna's journey Luna is about to start school for the new year, but she's not feeling well. She is scared anddoes not know what awaits her. Luckily, her mom's wise words comfort and guide her. Hermom says: be good, be kind, but always speak your mind. This is why Luna knows how to answer the girl who is mean to her. And this is how Luna faces all the obstacles on her journey. In the process she learns what it means to have grit and courage. Price: R139 Visit: The laughter never ends with Oi Frog and Friends! Image: Loot Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Description: Oi Dinosaurs! The laughter never ends with Oi Frog and Friends. Get your hands on this roaring, stomping, dino-packed new title in the award-winning, bestselling Oi Frog and Friends series. Price: R210 Visit: This Exit Puzzle for kids mixes a richly-illustrated 368-piece jigsaw, an exciting storyline and 6 mathematical riddles hidden within the jigsaw image. Image: Loot Description: Ravensburger Exit Puzzle Kids Jigsaw Puzzle - Jungle Expedition (368 Pieces) Imagine you and your family have won a night at the natural history museum. On reachingthe home of the Brachiosaurus you suddenly hear a loud crunching noise. What is it? Can you discover what's making that strange and scary sound and then exit? This Exit Puzzle for kids mixes a richly-illustrated 368-piece jigsaw, an exciting storyline and 6 mathematicalriddles hidden within the jigsaw image. Price: R339 Visit: Get into the fast fun for everyone with UNO - America's #1 Brand of Card Game. Image: Loot
Mint
14-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Barbie, UNO to get tech makeover? Mattel partners with Sam Altman's OpenAI to bring AI-powered products
AI-based services, Studio Ghibli images, and now AI-powered toys, games including the childhood staples like Barbie and UNO? Barbie-maker Mattel has teamed up with Sam Altman led company OpenAI to develop toys and games with artificial intelligence. The first of the AI-powered products is slated to hit the shelves later this year, the company announced on Thursday. Mattel, which is also known for their iconic Hot Wheels and UNO cards, plans to 'bring the magic of AI to age-appropriate play experiences with an emphasis on innovation, privacy, and safety,' the company said in a statement. The Mattel-OpenAI partnership comes as toy manufacturers face sluggish demand, with consumers tightening their budgets amid the economic uncertainty triggered by US President Trump's evolving trade policies. Over the last year, Mattel has relied on producing films, TV shows and mobile games based on its products such as Hot Wheels and Barbie to offset a slowdown in its core toy business, reported Reuters. Additionally, several toy manufacturers in the US have slowed innovation and faced rising production costs due to the tariffs, with many postponing launches, laying off employees to navigate the uncertain times, reported AP. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Trump's raising of tariffs on China to 145% in April 2025 also triggered a crisis for doll makers—many halted production or raised prices, with authorities granting a temporary reprieve. Consumers are expected to see fewer and more expensive dolls this Christmas, as most dolls sold in the US are made in China. As part of the partnership, Mattel will also use tools like ChatGPT Enterprise to boost creativity and streamline operations across the company. By tapping into OpenAI's AI capabilities, Mattel aims to reimagine how fans can experience and interact with its cherished brands, with careful consideration to ensure positive, enriching experiences, the Sam Altman led company said. 'With OpenAI, we're unlocking tools that will transform how we create, imagine, and innovate—both for kids and behind the scenes,' said OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap. Last month, Mattel withdrew its annual forecast and said it would raise prices on some products sold domestically in a bid to mitigate higher supply chain costs.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ikano Centres and Mattel Invites Families to 'Play Without Limits' This School Holiday
Klippa Shopping Centre, Toppen Shopping Centre, and IPC Shopping Centre brings play to life through a variety of immersive and hands-on experiences tailored for children and families KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This mid-year school holiday, Ikano Centres and Mattel invites Malaysians to embark on a journey of imagination, creativity, and excitement with the Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure cross-centre family activation. Following its debut at Klippa Shopping Centre from 17 to 25 May, the fun will continue across the Southern and Central region at Toppen Shopping Centre from 31 May to 15 June and IPC Shopping Centre from 5 to 15 June, welcoming families with children to explore various activities, workshops, and challenges with iconic Mattel brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO, and Scrabble. School holidays are a time that children look forward to the most. It is a time where they get a break from their routines, and have the chance to explore, imagine, and have fun. It is also a perfect opportunity for families to slow down and create meaningful memories together. Low Kiu Fung, Head of Brand Experience and Communications, Ikano Centres said, "At Ikano Centres, we believe in going beyond transactional shopping to create vibrant destinations that inspire and connect communities. We are excited to partner with Mattel to bring the 'Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure' to live across our shopping centres in Malaysia, offering a space where families can build meaningful memories and explore the wonder of childhood. Through this partnership, we are proud to spark creativity, imagination, and joy for our communities under one roof." "2025 marks 80 years of Mattel redefining play through creativity, innovation, and cultural relevance. As we evolve into a global leader at the intersection of toys and family entertainment, strategic partnerships with brands that share the same value becomes more valuable than ever. At Mattel, we believe in the power of play to inspire, educate the kids, and bring families closer together. Our partnership with Ikano Centres brings this vision to life by transforming everyday spaces into dynamic destinations where children can imagine limitless possibilities with our beloved brands. Together, we are committed to creating joyful, enriching experiences that align with our global mission to empower the next generation through purposeful play." said Murat Ariksoy, General Manager, Mattel South Asia. Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure at Toppen Shopping Centre At Toppen Shopping Centre, families can look forward to a school holiday celebration filled with creativity, discovery, and endless fun from 31 May to 15 June. Throughout this campaign period, visitors can dive into a series of thrilling activities, from racing cars at the Hot Wheels Loop Challenge and digital action in the Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged racing video game challenge, to magical moments at the Barbie Tea Party and the inspiring Barbie 'You Can Be Anything' Talent Show where young talents can showcase their Dream Career line with Barbie's thematic this year, 'Limitless Possibilities'. Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure at IPC Shopping Centre From 5 to 15 June 2025, IPC Shopping Centre will buzz with hands-on play and creativity with exciting workshops, games, and themed activities. Highlights include the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Challenge and Hot Wheels Loop Challenge where visitors can race their favourite vehicles on the Hot Wheel tracks; 'Barbie Accessorise Yourself' Workshop where children can design their own accessories; Barbie Tea Party; and Barbie 'You can be Anything' Fashion Show Competition where aspiring young fashionistas can dress up and walk the runway in their favourite look. To make the experience even more memorable, visitors can bring home a piece of adventure through exclusive Mattel gift-with-purchase redemptions. From collectible Hot Wheels Monster Trucks 1:70 vehicles or Hot Wheels Monster Trucks 2-pack Asst to other merchandises such as Hot Wheels Monster Trucks lunch bags, Barbie colouring sets, and limited-edition UNO pouches, these specially curated items serve as the perfect keepsakes for children and the child at heart. Adding to the excitement, the Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure activation will also be hosting the 5th Scrabble Tournament for Beginners 2025, held in collaboration with the Malaysian Scrabble Association. Regional qualifying rounds will take place at each participating Ikano Centre, with top players earning a spot in the Scrabble Championship - National Finals at IPC Shopping Centre this July. Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure is more than just a holiday event, it is a celebration of imagination, learning, and community. Through this exciting collaboration, Ikano Centres and Mattel are turning school holidays into meaningful moments for families across Malaysia. Whether you are racing cars, building dreams, or making new memories, the adventure is just getting started. For more information about the Play Without Limits: A Mattel Adventure, visit Klippa Shopping Centre on Facebook or Instagram; Toppen Shopping Centre at its website, Facebook, or Instagram; IPC Shopping Centre at its website, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok or Mattel's Official Facebook page. ABOUT IKANO CENTRES Our portfolio of shopping centres are the hearts and hubs of our communities, creating a better everyday life for the 100 million visitors who visit us every year. Together with our IKEA stores, we create meeting places for friends and families to have a safe and fun day out. We also develop land and invest in residential, office and other types of real estate to create vibrant destinations where people can live, work and play. With strong ambitions to grow our portfolio, we currently operate five meeting places in Malaysia and Thailand. These include IPC and MyTOWN in Kuala Lumpur, Toppen in Johor Bahru, the first phase of Klippa in Batu Kawan, and Megabangna in Bangkok. We are part of Ikano Retail, one of 12 IKEA franchisees and the only one owned by the family of Ingvar Kamprad, who founded IKEA in 1943. To learn more, visit our Ikano Centres website or LinkedIn page. ABOUT HOT WHEELS® Hot Wheels cars revolutionized boys' toys in 1968 with an original line of super-fast, customized cars built for speed, power, performance and attitude. Now, more than 55 years later, Hot Wheels is a global lifestyle brand that represents the coolest cars imaginable in scales from miniature to full-size. Hot Wheels cars are also popular collectibles for adults and each year, introduces a new line-up of innovative vehicles, track sets and playsets. ABOUT BARBIE™ Barbie was founded in 1959 by Ruth Handler, a mother and visionary entrepreneur, whose inspiration for Barbie came from watching her daughter project her dreams and aspirations onto paper dolls. Recognizing a gap in the market, which only offered baby dolls for girls to imagine themselves as caregivers, Ruth invented the fashion doll category with a three-dimensional doll that girls could use to imagine their future selves. Ruth's philosophy behind Barbie was that through the doll a little girl could be anything she wanted to be and that she has choices. Over the brand's 60 years, Barbie has empowered girls to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president. ABOUT MATTEL Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE IKANO group
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UNO to rejoin LSU system after 14 years in a major Louisiana higher ed shift
University of New Orleans In a significant restructuring of the Louisiana higher education landscape, legislators have approved the transfer of the University of New Orleans ( UNO ) from the University of Louisiana (UL) System back to the Louisiana State University (LSU) System. This decision marks a major development in US public higher education, with implications for governance, funding, and institutional identity. The move, approved by both the Louisiana House and Senate, is part of a broader effort to address UNO's worsening financial crisis. Senate Bill 202, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Harris of New Orleans, now awaits the signature of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to take effect, as reported by the LA Illuminator. A return to LSU roots amid financial strain UNO was originally part of the LSU System from its founding in 1958 until 2011, when it was transferred to the UL System. At the time, the move was welcomed by alumni and boosters who felt the university had been overshadowed by LSU. However, a prolonged budget crisis has since placed UNO in a precarious financial position, prompting this reversal. The university currently faces a $30 million shortfall and has already implemented a spending freeze, layoffs, and furloughs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experts Tested 17 Hearing Aids. Their #1 Pick Will Shock You Undo According to the LA Illuminator, the proposed state budget includes $20 million to settle UNO's outstanding debts and an additional $450,000 for a comprehensive academic and financial audit to inform the transition. Enrollment decline and shifting system dynamics UNO's fiscal challenges are closely tied to a significant decline in student enrollment. Prior to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the university enrolled approximately 17,000 students. That number plummeted to around 6,000 post-storm and has remained stagnant. As of the Fall 2024 semester, enrollment stood at just 6,488 students. In contrast, all institutions within the LSU System have reported enrollment growth in recent years, defying national trends of declining college attendance. This contrast reinforces the state's hope that aligning UNO with the LSU System could revitalize its appeal and performance. Oversight and transition steps outlined As detailed by the LA Illuminator, the legislation mandates a step-by-step transition. By August 1, UNO President Kathy Johnson must notify the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the accrediting body, of the planned governance change. The LSU System Board of Supervisors is required to form a transition committee composed of legislators and stakeholders from the greater New Orleans area. This committee must operate under the state's open meetings law and submit its findings to the state Board of Regents and legislative education committees no later than April 1. Academic standing and athletic alignment The move will also shift the academic and athletic positioning of UNO. Within the LSU System, UNO would be the only undergraduate R2 research institution—classified as having high research activity—second only to LSU's flagship R1 campus. It would also be the only other LSU System school with an NCAA Division I athletics program. The legislation instructs both the UL and LSU boards to work cooperatively during the transition. Even before SACSCOC gives final approval, administrative and supervisory responsibilities are to be gradually transferred, ensuring UNO's budget is balanced in collaboration with the LSU board. As quoted by the LA Illuminator, Sen. Harris emphasized that 'this is about saving an institution that means a great deal to New Orleans' and steering it toward a sustainable and competitive future. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
NDTV
10-06-2025
- NDTV
"New York Living In India": Internet Reacts To Viral Video Of India Square In Jersey City
Not far away from New York City, there lies a place where every Indian will feel at home. It's India Square in Jersey City, situated in the northeastern part of the United States. Here, every other person you meet is likely to be Indian. But that's just the beginning. When you walk through the bustling lanes of India Square, a commercial and restaurant district, don't be surprised by the myriad Indian shops and outlets on either side of the street. Recently, a travel vlogger from South Delhi shared his experience of visiting India Square, also known as Little India, by posting a video on Instagram. The video begins with the vlogger explaining how India Square feels like a mini India. Some of the shops can remind you of Delhi's iconic market street, Chandni Chowk. One restaurant is named Vatan Hot Bread, another is called Rasoi Indian. We also spotted Biryani Pot, an outlet serving delicious and aromatic biryani, a staple comfort food for many Indians. But it was Bikanervala - India's famous sweets and snack chain - that came as a "cultural shock" to the vlogger. A few other stores were Atul Bakery, Ganpathi Jewellers, and Laxmi Pan Center. On his casual stroll through the busy lanes, the vlogger also stumbled across a West Delhi man and instantly became friends with him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Love Rudraksh Solanki (@delhi_youtuber) The internet had a lot to say about the video. A Jersey City resident wrote, "I go here every week; the food is top-tier." "New York living in India," commented another humorously. "Bhai, paan kaise aur kahaan se laate hain udhar? Supplier to hum hain India mein paan ke (Brother, how and from where do they get paan here? I am the paan supplier here in India)," joked a user. "UNO reverse ho gaya (This is UNO reverse)," read a remark. "This is the best place in Jersey for Indians," pointed out one person. So far, the video has received more than 3.4 million views.
