Latest news with #Nerf
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Packed programme of summer activities across Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire County Council is supporting families with a wide range of events, entertainment and days out as schools prepare to break up. Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: "The county council is proud to lead and support a full and diverse programme of events this summer to help families make the most of the school holidays. "Through the council's own efforts, alongside the dedication of local organisations, venues and community groups, there truly is something for everyone, whether it's affordable days out, outdoor adventures, creative workshops or cultural experiences. "Carmarthenshire is bursting with activities, events and places to explore." The Discover Carmarthenshire website is the main hub for up-to-date listings, covering everything from community festivals to family-friendly attractions. Many events are centred around county council venues and country parks. Pembrey Country Park will host a Junior Ski Camp from July 18 to 23, ranger-led cycle tours on July 21 and August 29, a Junior Summer Camp from August 4 to 9, and the EPIC Family Funday on July 26. A new addition this year is the Cwtchalla Festival on August 16, a family-friendly music event featuring tribute acts, street food, rides and entertainment by the sea. Llyn Llech Owain will offer pond dipping on July 22, survival skills on August 28, and an evening bat and nature walk on August 22. In Pendine, families can visit the Museum of Land Speed and try the nearby Caban Crazy Golf, a new 12-hole adventure course. Actif Leisure Centres will offer pool inflatables, Aqua Boards, Nerf battles, themed activity days and creative sessions throughout the holidays. The popular Actif Club holiday club returns, with half-day and full-day options for working parents. Free swimming sessions for under-16s will be available on selected weekends at Llanelli, Amman Valley and Llandovery Leisure Centres. Libraries across Carmarthenshire will run free, hands-on activities including storytime, LEGO play, crafts and coding clubs. Families can enjoy cycling along Sustrans Routes 4, 437 and 47, or explore historic sites like Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr and Kidwelly Castles.
Global News
4 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Shine Foundation makes dream come true for Halifax teen
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook It was a dream come true in Halifax as the Shine Foundation helped make a teen's wish a reality. For Malcom Rainey, being active and playing sports has always been one of his favourite things. But after surgery last year for hip dysplasia, his physical abilities have declined. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The 16-year-old has another hip surgery scheduled for later this year. The Shine Foundation, which fulfils the dreams of young people with severe physical disabilities, gave Rainey the opportunity to film his very own spy ninja 24-hour YouTube challenge video. 'The challenge day is about re-engaging excitement for activity and the things that he loves and getting him active again,' said Marissa Izma, the foundation's national programs manager. The 24-hour ninja challenge involves spy-like Nerf gun obstacle courses, dancing and fun mini-games. Rainey's parents say it's heartwarming to see him having fun and living his dream. Story continues below advertisement 'He's a pretty happy-go-lucky guy and I think that's reflected today,' said his father, Jan Rainey. For more on this story, watch the video above.
Atlantic
11-07-2025
- Business
- Atlantic
‘The Tariffs Are Going to Be the Tariffs'
You might have forgotten about the trade war, but the trade war has not forgotten about you. This week, Donald Trump reignited the global financial conflict he started in January, sending letters threatening new tariff rates to nearly two dozen countries. Starting in August, American importers will pay a 25 percent tax on goods from South Korea and Japan, a 35 percent tax on goods from Canada and Bangladesh, and a 50 percent tax on goods from Brazil unless those countries agree to bilateral deals. Additionally, Trump warned he would slap tariffs on goods from any country 'aligned' with the ' Anti-American policies ' of China, India, and other industrial powerhouses—no further details given—and put a 50 percent levy on imported copper, used to build homes, electronics, and utility systems. The summer tariff announcement was characteristic of all the White House's tariff announcements this year: draconian, nonsensical, and hard to take seriously. In his first weeks in office, Trump trashed the North American trade agreement that he had negotiated during his first term before exempting most goods coming from Canada and Mexico from border taxes. In April, the White House put high levies on goods from scores of American trading partners, only to announce a three-month 'pause' on those levies shortly after. During the 90-day pause, American negotiators would craft 90 new trade deals, the White House promised. This time, Trump did not make a formal trade announcement, opting instead to send error-laden form letters to foreign capitals (one addressed the female leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina as ' Mr. President '). In a Cabinet meeting, he argued that 'a letter means a deal,' adding that 'we can't meet with 200 countries. We have a few trusted people that know what they're doing, that are doing a good job, but you can't—you have to do it in a more general way, but it's a very good way, it's a better way. It's a more powerful way.' (Even if a letter was a deal, which it isn't, the Trump administration is more than 60 letters short of 90.) The stock market shrugged at the letters; investors are now used to the president saying something nuts and then doing nothing. Traders have figured out how to make money from the short-lived dips that Trump periodically causes, calling it the 'TACO trade,' for 'Trump always chickens out.' But Trump is not doing nothing. Businesses are struggling to negotiate the uncertainty created by the White House. Trump's tariffs are forcing up consumer costs and damaging firms. And the latest renewal of the trade war will make the economy worse. Small businesses and companies reliant on imported goods from high-rate countries are struggling the most. A few weeks ago, I spoke with Jonathan Silva, the chief executive officer of WS Game Company. On our Zoom call, he sat in front of a howitzer-size, rainbow-colored Nerf gun, sporting a five-o'clock shadow and emanating a heavy-lidded weltschmerz. His 22-person business produces upscale versions of classic Hasbro board games: a pastel, tempered-glass Monopoly board; a turquoise-and-white Scrabble set reminiscent of Portuguese azulejo tile work; and a three-dimensional wooden Clue game that looks like a billiards table. The idea is to make board games 'part of your lifestyle,' he told me, instead of stuffing them 'in a cardboard box with tattered corners, falling apart at the top of your coat closet.' The company produces its games in China, meaning that the fee it pays to import its goods has changed several times in the past six months, going as high as 145 percent. The time around Trump's April 'Liberation Day' tariffs was the 'worst 45-plus days of our company's history,' Silva told me. His company put in place a spending freeze: halting bonuses, barring new hires, and cutting all unnecessary business expenses. 'The main goal was to keep every employee that we have employed,' Silva told me. Then the company raised prices. 'We tried to sell whatever we had domestically in our warehouses to free up cash and give us as long of a runway as possible,' he said. Even so, the company lost $16 million in purchase commitments from its sticker-shocked retailers. The disruption from the spring will affect the rest of the business's year, and, in particular, its crucial holiday-sales season, Silva told me. 'It's about 150 days from when I place an order to when it might hit the shelves,' he explained. 'When the supply chain gets put on pause for four to six weeks, getting back on schedule takes a year.' That happened in a more extreme fashion during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, 'the shelves might be filled with products for the holiday, but they might not be filled with the products that the retailers really want to put on the shelf,' Silva said. 'The consumer might not notice, but the businesses do.' Businesses thus far have sheltered American consumers from tariffs by eating some of the cost themselves and relying on stockpiled goods. As a result, inflation has remained subdued and economic growth strong enough through the first half of the year. But firms can keep only so much stock in warehouses. Analysts at BNP Paribas, a banking group, estimate that inventories will 'clear' by the end of the summer, and prices will rise in turn. Right now, American consumers are facing an 18 percent effective tariff rate, the highest since 1934, the Yale Budget Lab estimates. Households will pay an average of $2,400 more for goods this calendar year, thanks to Trump's policies. Thousands of businesses are again negotiating extremely high and haphazardly implemented rates on goods from any number of crucial trading partners. South Korea sends billions of dollars of heavy machinery to the United States each year. Bangladesh ships billions of dollars of clothing. (Clothes and shoes will see the biggest price increases because of the trade war, the Yale analysts found; prices on these goods are expected to rise roughly 40 percent.) Canada is the United States's second-largest trading partner, an important source of farm equipment, auto parts, minerals, and crops. And companies will have to negotiate whether to work in the cost of the new tariffs or to make their own TACO trades, assuming that the Trump administration will fold and cut rates again. History suggests that this is exactly what Trump will do, especially if the market tanks. But who knows? This week, a reporter asked the president whether new tariff rates would take effect on July 9, the end of the 90-day pause, or on August 1, the date indicated in the letters. 'What are you talking about?' Trump asked. The tariff rates, the reporter said.
Global News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Best Amazon Prime toy deals: LEGO, Melissa & Doug, Nerf and more!
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Whether you're looking for some inspiration to keep the kids busy this summer, need to stash away a few evergreen birthday party presents, or want to get a head start on your holiday shopping list—Amazon Prime Day is your chance to score big brands at great prices. From Melissa & Doug to PLAYMOBIL and Nerf—even a Ms. Rachel doll—there's something for every age group. And yes, a few are going in my own cart too! Not a Prime member? Sign up to get exclusive access to all the deals, plus enjoy fast, free shipping, streaming entertainment, and more. And with Giftmania returning, members also have a chance to win amazing prizes just for participating. Read on for our top picks from this year's epic sale. Story continues below advertisement 25% off Nerf Fortnite Blue Shock Blaster Your Fortnite fan will love this one. This Nerf blaster is inspired by in-game equipment and features the iconic blue wrap. It comes with ten darts and a clip—perfect for action-packed backyard battles. $42.93 on amazon (was $57.35) 15% off Little Tikes Bluey Beach Day Sandbox Make the most of summer with this backyard staple—a sandbox big enough for four kids. Each corner has a molded seat and umbrella slot for shade. Bonus: it comes with Bluey accessories the kids will love! $96.04 on amazon (was $112.99) 29% off Reusable Water Balloons If your kids are a bit older, this set of 12 water balloons will spark some epic backyard battles. They're easy to fill, pool-friendly, and made from non-toxic, soft material—so play stays fun and safe. 19.99 on amazon (was $27.99) Story continues below advertisement 38% off Wooden Ice Cream Counter Playset. The combinations are endless with this ice cream counter set. It includes everything for your kid's new 'shop'—menus, cash, takeaway cups, and even popsicles. Perfect for preschoolers aged 3+, especially those who love hands-on play. $34.90 on amazon (was $55.99) 20% off Rubik's Cube 5X5 A classic stocking stuffer — with a twist. The 4×4 Rubik's Cube is bigger, bolder, and easier to manipulate than the traditional 3×3. It's great for building STEM skills, improving hand-eye coordination, and makes for some solid family competition nights. $32.09 on amazon (was $39.99) 30% off allobebe Baby Balance Bike Whether your toddler has bike envy or you're planning ahead for next year, this balance bike keeps them happy and on the move. With no sharp edges and safe-limit steering, it's perfect for little riders aged 12–36 months. $55.99 on amazon (was $79.99) Story continues below advertisement 37% off Rainbow Loom Loomi-Pal If your kids keep asking about Rainbow Loom, now's the time. This starter kit offers endless bracelet-making fun with easy, step-by-step instructions (my five-year-old picked it up quickly). $23.17 on amazon (was $36.72) 24% off Crayola Imagination Art Set This Crayola set includes 70+ pieces and a sturdy carrying case—great for creative kids and long car rides. A little bit of everything for your budding artist, all in one place. $22.69 on amazon (was $29.99) You may also like: LEGO Minecraft The Baby Pig House – $18.98 Story continues below advertisement Peppa Pig Caravan Playset – $28.67 Rubble & Crew, Rubble's Workshop Playset – $16.24 Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar – $17.61 Spin Master Games, Would You Rather – $16.32 15% off Gabby's Dollhouse Purrfect Dollhouse The Purrfect Dollhouse looks just like the one from their favourite show! Standing over two feet tall, it features 12 play areas, a working cat-a-vator, and a tower for delivering packages. A must-have for kids aged 3+. $67.99 on amazon (was $79.99) 14% off Sloosh Bubbe Lawn Mower If your toddler loves to help out around the house, this bubble lawn mower is a big win. Great for early walkers, it's sturdy, battery-powered, and made from shatterproof plastic—so it's built to last through more than one season. $49.99 on amazon (was $57.99) Story continues below advertisement 42% off PLAYMOBILE Fire Station If you've got an aspiring firefighter, this set will keep them busy and exploring. Kids can monitor emergencies, sound the alarm, slide down the pole, and dispatch the helicopter when it's 'go' time! $93.49 on amazon (was $159.99) 15% off Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor's Kit Is there a more classic toy than the doctor's kit? My kids still play with this 25-piece set years later. With tools like a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, and hearing tester, it's ideal for preschoolers aged 3+. $33.99 on amazon (was $39.99) 32% off Ms. Rachel Official Speak & Sing Doll I apologize in advance for all the songs you'll have stuck in your head! This touch-activated Ms. Rachel features 20 songs and phrases from the hit show. Recommended for kids 6 months and up $27.04 on amazon (was $39.97) Story continues below advertisement 20% off Marble Run We love our Marble Run. So many possibilities and hours of entertainment. It comes apart easily, too, so when you can sense the kids have had their fill, put it away for a few weeks and then bring it back out again. $34.99 on amazon (was $43.98) 33% off LEGO NINJAGO Egalt The Master Dragon If you've got a NINJAGO lover (like I do), this is one to save for a birthday or special occasion. Kids can recreate their favourite scenes or start a whole new battle. $59.86 on amazon (was $89.99) You may also like: Little Tikes Easy Store Jr. Picnic Table with Umbrella – $113.96 Story continues below advertisement Radio Flyer Pedal & Push – $125.13 Melissa & Doug Standing Art Easel – $116.1o Fisher-Price Baby Musical Toy Set Glow and Grow – $52.49 Hatchimals Alive – $22.94
Axios
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
We tried Tampa's new indoor Nerf arena
The heat is unbearable in Tampa Bay and just about everywhere else. But summer's too short to spend at home, so I've been on the hunt for places to chill — pun intended. That's how I discovered Laser Ops Xtreme Fun Center and its new indoor Nerf arena. Flashback: Growing up, I spent countless summer nights running across manicured lawns and over concrete driveways with friends, firing foam darts at each other until we were out of breath and out of ammo. So, the idea of picking up an oversized, plastic gun again with the added benefit of air conditioning seemed like a no-brainer. State of play: Laser Ops offers a deal that includes arcade games, an hour of laser tag, and a half-hour at the Nerf arena for $37 a person. I can only take so much nostalgia. So, I skipped the arcade games, which, aside from some VR options, gave off a Chuck E. Cheese vibe. Zoom in: I ambled into the laser tag room and braced for a horde of children. Instead, I found a group of six adults. And for the next hour, we chased each other in a fluorescent room that soon felt like a sauna. Just a note — having the hit sensor on the gun, as Laser Ops does, instead of the vest makes you an easier target and the game much less fun. Add weak A/C, and I was ready to leave halfway through. I found the Nerf arena to be much more fun (and ventilated). The 30-minute free-for-all with unlimited foam darts made for a chaotic yet delightfully concise time.
