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Crayola And Ms. Rachel Team Up For Color Wonder Creative Play

Eric Alper
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Crayola And Ms. Rachel Team Up For Color Wonder Creative Play

For the first time, Crayola, the iconic brand that powers imagination through color and creative moments, has teamed up with early childhood education sensation Ms. Rachel to bring kids the perfect blend of creative expression, fun and education.

Kids can now experience the beloved educator’s world through fan-favorite Crayola Color Wonder products that combine screen-free fun with mess-free magic. As part of this partnership, Crayola also is introducing two new formats into the Color Wonder portfolio.

Geared toward preschoolers and toddlers, Crayola has paired its safe, non-toxic, mess-free Color Wonder technology with Ms. Rachel’s trusted educational approach for unique content that captures her nurturing spirit and joyful personality. And with inks that appear only on special Color Wonder paper, kids can explore their creativity and color freely without making a mess on skin, clothing, furniture or walls.

“Creative play helps children build confidence, curiosity and connection,” said Rachel Accurso, co-creator of Ms. Rachel. “I love that Color Wonder lets the little ones explore color and creativity freely, while supporting playful learning families can share together.”

“This collaboration creates a powerful synergy between two trusted names in early childhood—Crayola and Ms. Rachel—both dedicated to sparking creativity and connection,” said Kimberly Rompilla, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing for Crayola. “By blending Ms. Rachel’s imaginative stories and characters with Crayola’s innovative art tools, we’re inspiring creative moments that nurture and encourage exploration, confidence, and joyful self-expression through the magic of color and play.”

Available now at major retailers, Crayola Color Wonder Ms. Rachel Coloring Pages & Markers features fun, educational coloring pages inspired by Ms. Rachel’s world of songs and kindness. The folder-style packaging keeps everything organized and travel-ready, encouraging hands-on play for home or travel.

Crayola will introduce a new Color Wonder format early this spring with the Color Wonder Ms. Rachel Paint & Create. With a brush and ‘magic’ ink, this mess-free product will allow kids to enjoy a creative painting experience coloring some of their favorite Ms. Rachel characters.

Kids can keep pushing the boundaries of their creative play with the new Color Wonder Ms. Rachel Magic Light & Sound Brush—which for the first time adds sound to the Magic Light Brush design. Available this summer, the brush lights up to indicate the color of the specially formulated Color Wonder paints as Ms. Rachel’s songs and educational elements create a multi-sensory experience that encourages creativity and early learning. Kids will be inspired by the more than 12 minutes of Ms. Rachel music and educational sounds as they color and create. The music mode features five of Ms. Rachel’s most beloved songs. In the educational mode, as children hover over a color to begin creating, Ms. Rachel will teach some fun facts about that color—unique soundbites only available in this Crayola product.

Also available this summer will be Crayola x Ms. Rachel activity sets—including coloring pages, stickers, and markers or crayons—that can help kids learn about their emotions and colorful habits.

Fleetwood Mac, Clairo, Zara Larsson Lead Urban Outfitters’ “Love Me, Love Me Not” Vinyl Drop

Eric Alper
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Fleetwood Mac, Clairo, Zara Larsson Lead Urban Outfitters’ “Love Me, Love Me Not” Vinyl Drop

This Valentine’s Day, Urban Outfitters curates the soundtrack for every shade of romance with “Love Me, Love Me Not,” a limited-edition collection of exclusive 7-inch vinyl singles. Launching Friday, February 13, the drop continues the retailer’s Singles Day tradition, first introduced in 2020, with a multigenerational lineup pressed in collectible, eye-catching formats.

Anchoring the release is Fleetwood Mac’s viral live rendition of “Silver Springs,” paired with “Go Your Own Way” on translucent sea blue vinyl. Sixpence None The Richer contribute a newly re-recorded version of “Kiss Me,” exclusive to UO, backed with “Perfect Day” on transparent pink vinyl. The collection bridges eras, pairing enduring anthems with modern favorites and fresh voices.

The lineup stretches across indie pop, alt-rock, and contemporary chart hits. Clairo appears with “Add Up My Love” and “Slow Dance” on pink vinyl, while Zara Larsson delivers “Crush” and “Hot & Sexy.” Emerging artists including sombr, Isabel LaRosa, Audrey Hobert, Remy Bond, Geese, and Wisp round out the selection, each pressed in distinctive colors, from baby pink to heart-shaped dark red.

“‘Love Me, Love Me Not’ reflects how our community experiences music – as something emotional, nostalgic, and connected,” said Marybeth Cahill, Chief Merchandising Officer at Urban Outfitters. “This collection is a love letter to a generation that celebrates every kind of love, turning favorite songs into keepsakes meant to be collected, gifted, and shared.” Each single ranges from $17.98 to $24.98, reinforcing the brand’s focus on meaningful, collectible releases.

LEGO Group Debuts LEGO SMART Play And Star Wars Sets At Toy Fair

Eric Alper
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LEGO Group Debuts LEGO SMART Play And Star Wars Sets At Toy Fair

Today, the LEGO Group arrives at Toy Fair to further demonstrate the future of play — LEGO SMART Play. The interactive brick-based platform brings LEGO sets to life using cutting-edge technology supercharged by kid imagination, making inventive storytelling even more engaging—no phone, app or screens required.

Further, the brand unveils four new sets including the LEGO Ideas Peanuts: Snoopy’s Doghouse set, LEGO DUPLO 3in1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles set, LEGO NINJAGO X-1 Ninja Charger 15th Anniversary set and LEGO Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) set.

“LEGO SMART Play is a giant leap forward in our 90+ year history and the start of an incredible new chapter for the LEGO brand,” said Jared Carr, President, Americas Market Group, the LEGO Group. “The development of LEGO SMART Play represents years of listening to kids and families, inspiring us to develop a responsive platform activated by their imagination and creativity. In 2026, we’re sharing an exciting vision for the future of play and it’s awesome to finally put LEGO SMART Play in people’s hands.”

LEGO SMART Play: Interactive Building Comes to Life

At Toy Fair 2026, the complete collection of LEGO Star Wars sets with LEGO SMART Play technology are being shown for the first time in the US. LEGO SMART Play delivers open-ended physical play through responsive technology that reacts in real time—letting kids build, interact and create their own stories as their creations play back. At the heart of this innovation is the LEGO SMART Brick, powered by a custom-made chip smaller than a standard LEGO stud and featuring more than 20 patented world firsts. Combined with LEGO SMART Tags and LEGO SMART Minifigures, these elements create responsive play experiences, all while remaining compatible with the existing LEGO System in Play. 

The eight LEGO Star Wars sets compatible with LEGO SMART Play technology are available for purchase on March 1, 2026 at LEGO.com, LEGO Stores and select retailers, and are now available for pre-order on LEGO.com/smart-play.

All-In-One (SMART Brick included):

SMART Play Compatible (SMART Brick not included):

Reveals Showcase the Breadth of the 2026 Portfolio

The four new sets that the LEGO Group is also debuting are geared towards toddlers, kids and adult builders and span beloved characters, creative play experiences and milestone anniversaries:

  • LEGO Ideas Peanuts: Snoopy’s Doghouse set ($89.99)
    • The newest LEGO Ideas set is the ultimate tribute to Snoopy and offers fans a new way to show their love for the iconic dog who has been capturing hearts for over 75 years. Paying tribute to the world-famous beagle, the buildable display model captures the timeless charm of Snoopy in multiple ways. This 964-piece set allows builders to create a heart-warming Snoopy campfire scene, with Snoopy and Woodstock toasting marshmallows together on an open campfire and under a starry sky. Available for pre-order from February 14 and to purchase from June 1 from LEGO.com and LEGO stores.
  • LEGO DUPLO 3in1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles set ($69.99)
    • For the first time, the LEGO DUPLO product line presents an action-packed play proposition with ramps for vehicles. This innovative 111-piece set includes two race cars and bricks that rebuild into three different sets of ramps, helping develop fine motor skills, color recognition, problem solving, emotional intelligence and perseverance. The set aligns with the LEGO DUPLO system in play, working with multiple LEGO DUPLO cars from the assortment for extended play value. Available to purchase on June 1 from LEGO.com and LEGO stores.
  • LEGO NINJAGO X-1 Ninja Charger 15th Anniversary set ($89.99)
    • Revealed in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the LEGO NINJAGO TV show, the 2in1 X-1 Ninja Charger is a remake of the original X-1 Ninja Charger (70727), tapping into nostalgia for fans ages 14 and up. The set is perfect for recreating action-packed show scenes; lift the car’s hood to shoot out a motorcycle complete with moving wheels. It comes with three LEGO Minifigures, including an exclusive 15th anniversary Elemental Master of Shadow Minifigure — the final LEGO NINJAGO Minifigure to collect from the 15th anniversary collection. Available to purchase on August 1 from LEGO.com and LEGO stores.
  • LEGO Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) set ($129.99)
    • Inspired by the upcoming theatrical release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, this redesigned brick-built model of the beloved Grogu features beskar armor, a satchel and a training gauntlet weapon as seen in the movie. The highly detailed character has a lever operated head, poseable ears and arms and includes a printed information plaque and a figure of Grogu with a new body element. The set launches April 26, 2026 at LEGO and Walmart stores (available for pre-order on Walmart.com beginning February 14), and joins five additional sets from The Mandalorian & Grogu theatrical collection that were revealed on February 12 at the Star Wars Most Wanted event in New York City.
      • LEGO Star Wars AT-RT Attack set ($44.99)
      • LEGO Star Wars Anzellan Starship set ($74.99)
        • Available for pre-order on LEGO.com beginning February 13
      • LEGO Star Wars The Razor Crest set ($149.99)
        • Available for pre-order on LEGO.com beginning February 13
      • LEGO Star Wars New Republic X-Wing Starfighter set ($69.99)
        • Available for pre-order on LEGO.com beginning February 13
  • LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains set ($39.99)

Rounding out the LEGO Group’s on-site portfolio, the company will also display new building sets across themes including new LEGO Friends sets with a focus on animals as well as LEGO Botanicals Collection, LEGO Disney, LEGO Technic, LEGO Icons, LEGO Creator 3in1 and more.

Leicester Indie Four-Piece The Harbours Drop “Wide Awake” Amid Guitar Revival

Eric Alper
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Leicester Indie Four-Piece The Harbours Drop “Wide Awake” Amid Guitar Revival

Leicester, UK indie four-piece The Harbours return with their new single “Wide Awake,” released February 11, as guitar-driven pop surges back into the spotlight. Recently named in BBC Introducing’s Top 30 of 2025 and earning Radio Wythenshawe’s Song of the Summer, the band continue to build momentum with what CLASH called “sunshine indie pop” and EARMILK praised as “timeless indie pop.”

Songwriting has come naturally to The Harbours since their 2025 debut EP, a release that established their knack for bright hooks and high-gloss guitar lines. Their sound blends youthful energy with a nostalgic shimmer, nodding to indie’s golden eras while staying locked into the present. It’s a balance that keeps them firmly on the radar at BBC Introducing and beyond.

“Wide Awake” captures the band in full stride. Blended indie guitars, buoyant vocals, and feel-good hooks drive the track forward with restless momentum. The chorus lands with immediate lift, tapping directly into the current revival of chiming riffs and euphoric singalongs. It radiates confidence and refuses to fade quietly.

That energy carries to the stage. The Harbours have performed in front of 15,000 at Trent Bridge, played to thousands at Y NOT Festival, supported US indie favourites Smallpools in London, and sold out their debut UK tour in December 2025. “We loved creating and touring our debut EP last year,” the band shared. “We can’t wait to release new music this year and we chose this little banger to kick start 2026. You’ll be wanting more, you’ll be wanting more, you’ll be wanting more!”

Wisp Reimagines Green Day’s “Last Night On Earth” For triple j’s “Like A Version”

Eric Alper
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Wisp Reimagines Green Day’s “Last Night On Earth” For triple j’s “Like A Version”

Wisp stepped into triple j’s studio and delivered a striking take on Green Day’s “Last Night On Earth” for the long-running “Like A Version” series, as part of the Australian radio station’s weekly segment where artists perform an original track and a cover of a song they love. Wisp’s version leans into atmosphere and restraint, reshaping the emotional core of the song while honoring its melody. The result is intimate, expressive, and beautifully measured, a fresh perspective on a modern rock favorite.

How Music Helps Build Atmosphere in Live Gaming

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

When people think about live gaming, they usually focus on what they can see. The dealers, the cards, the spinning reels, the interfaces. But the atmosphere isn’t built only on the visuals. Sound is a big part of the experience.

Even in an online live casino, the soundtrack plays a role in shaping how everything feels from the moment you log in. The background music, the ambient layers, the game cues, they all work together to make the space feel alive.

Setting the Mood

In a physical casino, sound separates areas naturally. High-stakes sections feel quieter and more composed. Main floors are more vibrant. Music is part of all these different atmospheres.

Walk into a poker room with smooth jazz in the background and the tone feels calm, focused, maybe even a little sophisticated. Switch that to upbeat electronic music and suddenly the space feels lively and energetic.

Online platforms do their best to recreate this. They use music to make gameplay immersive. Even though players aren’t physically moving through rooms, the changes in sound create the same effect.

Psychology and Atmosphere

There’s also a psychological layer to all of this.

Music can influence mood. Faster tracks feel energizing. Slower ones feel calming. This balance helps create environments that feel lively without being overwhelming, calm without being dull.

It can even influence memory. A well-designed soundscape makes the experience more memorable. When the visuals, gameplay, and audio work together, they leave a stronger impression.

Casinos understand this. That’s why music is part of the game development process, not something randomly added at the end.

Matching Tempo to Game Style

Different games need different energy. That’s where tempo comes in.

Slower, steady tracks usually go with more strategic games like poker or blackjack. They don’t distract. They give players space to think. Jazz creates a smoother atmosphere. Classical music has often been linked to focus, which makes sense in games that require patience and attention. Faster-paced games go in the opposite direction. Electronic beats and pop music bring energy into the room.

The music shapes the experience before the game even begins.

Slots and Sound Design

Slot games probably show this best because of how their soundtracks are connected to their themes. A tropical game will include island music and effects. Futuristic slots usually feature electronic sounds. The music tells you what kind of world you’re in. Without it, the theme would be missing something.

And the small audio cues matter just as much. The quick chime after a win. The shift in tone after a round ends. These sounds give feedback without interrupting the game. Players don’t need to read everything on screen to understand what just happened. They hear it.

Final Thoughts

With advancing sound technology, live gaming environments can now adapt music in real time. Playlists can shift depending on the time of day. They can respond to gaming activity levels.

Live gaming is always changing visually and technically, but music stays at the core of the experience. It connects gameplay, themes, and emotions into one environment. The atmosphere isn’t built by graphics alone. Sound is what makes it feel complete.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

50 Times Brian Wilson Appeared On Other Artists’ Songs

Eric Alper
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50 Times Brian Wilson Appeared On Other Artists’ Songs

When people think of Brian Wilson, they think of harmonies, California sun, and studio genius. But beyond his work with The Beach Boys, Wilson has quietly appeared on dozens of records across six decades. From surf singles to orchestral pop, country duets to indie collaborations, these 50 guest spots show just how far his voice and songwriting traveled.

Below are 50 notable guest appearances, listed by song, primary artist, year, and release.

  1. “Barbie” – Kenny & The Cadets (1962, single)
  2. “What Is a Young Girl Made Of?” – Kenny & The Cadets (1962, single)
  3. “Surfin’ Down the Swannee River” – The Honeys (1963, b-side single)
  4. “Surf City” – Jan and Dean (1963, single)
  5. “Drag City” – Jan and Dean (1963, single)
  6. “The One You Can’t Have” – The Honeys (1963, single)
  7. “Little Deuce Coupe” – Jan and Dean (1964, Drag City)
  8. “Dead Man’s Curve” – Jan and Dean (1964, Drag City)
  9. “Pamela Jean” – The Survivors (1964, single)
  10. “She Rides with Me” – Paul Peterson (1964, single)
  11. “He’s a Doll” – The Honeys (1964, single)
  12. “Rockin’ Little Roadster” – Jan and Dean (1964, Dead Man’s Curve/The New Girl in School)
  13. “Ride the Wild Surf” – Jan and Dean (1964, single)
  14. “My Buddy Seat” – The Hondells (1964, single)
  15. “Guess I’m Dumb” – Glen Campbell (1965, single)
  16. “Gonna Hustle You” – Jan and Dean (1966, Filet Of Soul – A “Live” One)
  17. “Other Four Letter Word” – solo appearance (1968, Rock And Other Four Letter Words)
  18. “Goodnight My Love” – The Honeys (1969, b-side single)
  19. “All Life Is One” – Charles Lloyd (1971, Warm Waters)
  20. “Vegetables” – Laughing Gravey (1972, single)
  21. “Good Time” – American Spring (1972, Spring)
  22. “Tennessee Waltz” – American Spring (1972, Spring)
  23. “Forever” – American Spring (1972, Spring)
  24. “Don’t You Just Know It” – Jan Berry (1973, single)
  25. “Help Me, Rhonda” – Johnny Rivers (1975, single)
  26. “Boat to Sail” – Jackie DeShannon (1975, New Arrangement)
  27. “She Did It” – Eric Carmen (1977, Boats Against The Current)
  28. “Hey Deanie” – Eric Carmen (1978, Change Of Heart)
  29. “Surfin’ Pirates” – Pink Lady with Carl Wilson and Mike Love (1979, Surfin’ Pirates)
  30. “Be My Baby” – Mike Love (1981, Looking Back with Love)
  31. “Metal Beach” – Paul Shaffer (1989, Coast to Coast)
  32. “We Love You” – Ryuichi Sakamoto (1989, Beauty)
  33. “Adios” – Linda Ronstadt (1989, Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind)
  34. “In a Heartbeat” – Ringo Starr (1992, Time Takes Time)
  35. “California” – Belinda Carlisle (1996, A Woman & a Man)
  36. “Without Understanding” – Ringo Starr (1998, Vertical Man)
  37. “Hand on My Shoulder” – Anton Fig and Blondie Chaplin (2002, Figments)
  38. “California Girls” – Nancy Sinatra (2002, California Girls)
  39. “Nature Is the Law” – Richard Ashcroft (2002, Human Conditions)
  40. “Fooling Yourself (Palm of Your Hands)” – Styx (2003, Cyclorama)
  41. “In My Room” – Wilson Phillips (2004, California)
  42. “Delirious Love” – Neil Diamond (2005, 12 Songs, special edition)
  43. “You Are So Beautiful” – Carnie Wilson (2006, A Mother’s Gift: Lullabies from the Heart)
  44. “In My Room” – Bill Medley (2007, Damn Near Righteous)
  45. “When Love Is Dying” – Elton John and Leon Russell (2010, The Union)
  46. “Don’t Fight the Sea” – Al Jardine (2010, A Postcard from California)
  47. “Boomerang” – The Paley Brothers (2013, The Complete Recordings)
  48. “Dirty Computer” – Janelle Monáe (2018, Dirty Computer)
  49. “Resentment” – Kesha with Sturgill Simpson and Wrabel (2020, High Road)
  50. “Do It Again” – She & Him (2022, Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson)

Costco Tightens Returns Starting Now

Eric Alper
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Costco Tightens Returns Starting Now

Costco Wholesale Corporation is making two notable shifts in 2026, tightening enforcement around returns while accelerating its push into digital ordering.

The company’s “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” remains in place, but warehouses are reportedly monitoring return patterns more closely. Enhanced membership verification and digital tracking allow managers to flag frequent or high-value returns. Electronics continue under the established 90-day window, yet enforcement appears more consistent.

At the same time, Costco is phasing out paper order slips for custom cakes and deli trays. An integrated system inside the Costco app will allow members to select sizes, flavors, designs, and inscriptions digitally. CEO Ron Vachris described the initiative as part of a broader shift toward a more streamlined, digital-first experience.

Lunar New Year 2026 Welcomes The Rare Year Of The Fire Horse

Eric Alper
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Lunar New Year 2026 Welcomes The Rare Year Of The Fire Horse

Lunar New Year 2026 begins on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse and launching the 15-day Spring Festival. Marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar, the holiday is widely celebrated across China and Chinese communities worldwide, with traditions rooted in family, symbolism, and renewal.

The Fire Horse appears only once every 60 years. In the Chinese zodiac cycle, each year pairs one of 12 animals with one of five elements. In 2026, the heavenly stem “Bing” aligns with the earthly branch “Wu,” creating a year associated with passion, independence, and forward momentum. Many see it as a time charged with drive and bold energy.

Preparations begin days before New Year’s Day. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away lingering bad luck, red banners are hung to invite good fortune, and festive cakes are made to symbolize growth in the year ahead. Lunar New Year’s Eve, February 16, centers on a reunion dinner featuring symbolic dishes such as fish for surplus and dumplings shaped like gold ingots for prosperity.

The celebration continues through visits with family and friends, red envelopes filled with money for children and unmarried relatives, and temple trips to offer prayers for the year ahead. It concludes on March 3 with the Lantern Festival, when glowing displays mark the first full moon of the lunar year and signal the close of the holiday season.

What Is Ramadan 2026 And Why Muslims Fast During The Holy Month

Eric Alper
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What Is Ramadan 2026 And Why Muslims Fast During The Holy Month

Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims, a time centered on prayer, reflection, charity, and community. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 17 or 18, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, and will last through March 19. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri system, the month shifts about 10 to 12 days earlier each year.

Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset each day. On the first full day of fasting, Muslims abstain from all food and drink, including water, from sunup to sundown. The fast is broken each evening with a meal known as iftar, while a pre dawn meal called suhoor prepares those observing for the day ahead.

Muslims believe Ramadan marks the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. It is practiced to deepen faith, cultivate self restraint, grow closer to God, and develop empathy for those in need.

Fasting hours vary depending on where a person lives. In the Northern Hemisphere, daily fasts this year range from about 12 to 13 hours at the start of the month, increasing as the days lengthen. In parts of the Southern Hemisphere, fasting can last 14 to 15 hours at the beginning. The month concludes with communal prayers and celebrations marking the end of the fast.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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