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Masters of the Universe: Action Figures, Customization and Masculinity
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: ACTION FIGURES, CUSTOMIZATION AND MASCULINITY Eric Sobel A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS December 2018 Committee: Montana Miller, Advisor Esther Clinton Jeremy Wallach ii ABSTRACT Montana Miller, Advisor This thesis places action figures, as masculinely gendered playthings and rich intertexts, into a larger context that accounts for increased nostalgia and hyperacceleration. Employing an ethnographic approach, I turn my attention to the under-discussed adults who comprise the fandom. I examine ways that individuals interact with action figures creatively, divorced from children’s play, to produce subjective experiences, negotiate the inherently consumeristic nature of their fandom, and process the gender codes and social stigma associated with classic toylines. Toy customizers, for example, act as folk artists who value authenticity, but for many, mimicking mass-produced objects is a sign of one’s skill, as seen by those working in a style inspired by Masters of the Universe figures. However, while creativity is found in delicately manipulating familiar forms, the inherent toxic masculinity of the original action figures is explored to a degree that far exceeds that of the mass-produced toys of the 1980s. Collectors similarly complicate the use of action figures, as playfully created displays act as frames where fetishization is permissible. I argue that the fetishization of action figures is a stabilizing response to ever-changing trends, yet simultaneously operates within the complex web of intertexts of which action figures are invariably tied. To highlight the action figure’s evolving role in corporate hands, I examine retro-style Reaction figures as metacultural objects that evoke Star Wars figures of the late 1970s but, unlike Star Wars toys, discourage creativity, communicating through the familiar signs of pop culture to push the figure into a mental realm where official stories are narrowly interpreted. -
Toy Industry Product Categories
Definitions Document Toy Industry Product Categories Action Figures Action Figures, Playsets and Accessories Includes licensed and theme figures that have an action-based play pattern. Also includes clothing, vehicles, tools, weapons or play sets to be used with the action figure. Role Play (non-costume) Includes role play accessory items that are both action themed and generically themed. This category does not include dress-up or costume items, which have their own category. Arts and Crafts Chalk, Crayons, Markers Paints and Pencils Includes singles and sets of these items. (e.g., box of crayons, bucket of chalk). Reusable Compounds (e.g., Clay, Dough, Sand, etc.) and Kits Includes any reusable compound, or items that can be manipulated into creating an object. Some examples include dough, sand and clay. Also includes kits that are intended for use with reusable compounds. Design Kits and Supplies – Reusable Includes toys used for designing that have a reusable feature or extra accessories (e.g., extra paper). Examples include Etch-A-Sketch, Aquadoodle, Lite Brite, magnetic design boards, and electronic or digital design units. Includes items created on the toy themselves or toys that connect to a computer or tablet for designing / viewing. Design Kits and Supplies – Single Use Includes items used by a child to create art and sculpture projects. These items are all-inclusive kits and may contain supplies that are needed to create the project (e.g., crayons, paint, yarn). This category includes refills that are sold separately to coincide directly with the kits. Also includes children’s easels and paint-by-number sets. -
Dolltalk: a Computational Toy to Enhance Children's Creativity
Dolltalk: A computational toy to enhance children’s creativity Catherine Vaucelle Tristan Jehan MIT Media Laboratory MIT Media Laboratory Gesture and Narrative Language Group Hyperinstruments Group 20 Ames street, E15-320N 20 Ames street, E15- 445 Cambridge, MA 02139 USA Cambridge, MA 02139 USA +1 617 253 6096 +1 617 253 0095 [email protected] [email protected] ABSTRACT mat the child is playing and plays back related stories from This paper presents a novel approach and interface for peers, as appropriate. Research with Storymat has shown encouraging children to tell and act out original stories. that when children listened to and incorporated elements “Dolltalk” is a toy that simulates speech recognition by from their peer’s stories, their own became richer. Similar capturing the gestures and speech of a child. The toy then results were found with TellTale [5], a toy made of body plays back a child’s pretend-play speech in altered voices pieces of a caterpillar. Each body piece can record a representing the characters of the child’s story. Dolltalk’s sentence as well as an entire story. The child can put the tangible interface and ability to retell a child’s story may pieces together and hear the story organized in the order the enhance a child’s creativity in narrative elaboration. child has chosen. Keywords DESCRIPTION Tangible interface, toy, children, performance, perspective- Continuing in this vein of research, we have built Dolltalk taking, narrative elaboration, motion and speech detection to allow children to record their stories and hear them back with the same content but with different voices. -
Simulacra of Social Desire: Reflection on Collecting and the “Lost Toy Archive”
SIMON ORPANA siMulacrA oF soCiAl desire: reFleCtion on ColleCtinG And the “lost toy ArChive” In 2009, I started to construct an archive that records traces of the toys I collected and played with as a child. While most of these toys have been lost in various garage sales, moves and purges, I started to search out photographic records of my collections, and used these to evoke reflection regarding the role that toys have played in shaping my memories, identity and modes of relating to the world. Rather than simply amassing images, I started to make drawings of them in a sketchbook. This process was aided by my mother’s unearthing of a family photo album, spanning from the late seventies to the early eighties, which contained the originals of many of the images included in my archive. The act of re-drawing these images into my sketchbook expanded the microsecond of time captured in the photograph into a longer meditation through which details in the photos summoned memories and affect. This exercise challenged the abstract, spectacularized place the toys held in my adult imagination and placed the artifacts back into a context of 211 family, friends and personal history, offering a remedy to the “archive fever” SIMULACRA OF SOCIAL DESIRE that overtook me in early adulthood, when recollecting the physical toys I owned as a child became an obsessive preoccupation. The process by which the mass-produced toys of my youth were translated from mere simulacra into a meaningful personal narrative by employing the same logic of simulation is the general theme this paper explores. -
Designing a High-Resolution, LEGO-Based Microscope for an Educational Setting
bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.11.439311; this version posted April 11, 2021. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under aCC-BY 4.0 International license. Designing a high-resolution, LEGO-based microscope for an educational setting Bart E. Vos1,2, Emil Betz Blesa, Timo Betz1,2* 1: Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, Münster University, Münster, Germany 2: Third Institute of Physics - Biophysics, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany * [email protected] Abstract Microscopy is an essential tool in many fields of science. However, due to their costs and fragility, the usage of microscopes is limited in classroom settings and nearly absent at home. In this article we present the construction of a microscope using LEGO® bricks and low-cost, easily available lenses. We demonstrate that the obtained magnification and resolution are sufficient to resolve micrometer-sized objects and proposea series of experiments that explore various biophysical principles. Finally, a study with students in the age range of 9 to 13 shows that the understanding of microscopy increases significantly after working with the LEGO microscope. Introduction The invention of microscopy in the seventeenth century by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was the start of an era of research on the micro-world [1]. Although we know by now what the “little animals” are that he observed, the micro- and nano-world is an inexhaustible topic for biophysical research, and for that the (light) microscope is the instrument of choice. -
Christmas Bureau Distribution Toy Drive Wish List
CHRISTMAS BUREAU DISTRIBUTION TOY DRIVE WISH LIST Newborn - 2 Years VTech Pull and Sing Puppy Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball Nuby Octopus Hoopla Bathtime Fun Toys, Purple Mega Bloks Caterpillar Lil' Dump Truck Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack VTech Touch & Swipe Baby Phone VTech Baby Lil' Critters Moosical Beads Oball Shaker Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether, Yellow Fisher - Pri ce Rattle 'n Rock Maracas, Pink/Purple VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube VTech Musical Rhymes Book Bright Baby colors, abc, & numbers first words (First 100) Bright Starts Grab and Spin Rattle First 100 Words Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag, Classic Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center First 100 Numbers The First Years Stack Up Cups Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether - BPA Free Girls 2 - 5 Years Boys 2 - 5 Years Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes (125 ct) Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBox With Wooden Stylus Kids Bowling Play Set, Safe Foam Bowling Ball Toy LeapFrog Shapes And Sharing Picnic Basket Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and Baby's 1st Blocks Bundle Playkidz My First Purse Little Tikes T-Ball Set Play-Doh Sparkle Compound Collection Mega Bloks Block Scooping Wagon Building Set Red ALEX Toys Rub a Dub Princesses in the Tub VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube Lam Wooden Number Puzzle Board Toy Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set Puzzled Alphabet Raised Wooden Puzzle for Children Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag Aurora World Fancy Pals Plush Pink Pet Carrier Purse with VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker White Pony LEGO Juniors Batman & Superman vs. -
Cleveland POPS Brings in the New Year with Melinda Doolittle at Severance Hall (Dec
Cleveland POPS brings in the New Year with Melinda Doolittle at Severance Hall (Dec. 31) by Mario Buchanan, Special to ClevelandClassical.com On December 31 the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Carl Topilow, performed their annual New Year’s Eve concert at Severance Hall. Above the partygoers’ heads in the Grand Foyer were two nets filled with blue and white balloons waiting to welcome the new year, and attendees were required to grab a party horn from the table for the concert. In the auditorium, “2017” was spelled out with balloons above the stage. Clearly, this was going to be a night to remember. As Topilow came on stage, the lights dimmed and all that could be seen were stand lights and the first three digits of ‘2017’ lit up. The concert started with two famous “crowd-warming” tunes: the opening of Richard Strauss’ Thus Sprach Zarathustra, which segued into “O Fortuna” from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana — a rather interesting way to start the evening. Then Melinda Doolittle, the guest vocalist for the occasion, greeted the audience, wearing a gorgeous, elegant dress and immediately stunning the crowd with her beautiful, wide-ranging voice. By her own admission, Doolittle was tone deaf as a child, but determined to prove herself, she eventually earned a bachelor’s in music. She became famous while competing on American Idol, where Simon Cowell called her his “personal favorite.” Since then, Doolittle has performed all over the nation. The vocalist described her song selections as being like her personality: “romance and sass.” She sang some old, romantic classics, including Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Home from “The Wiz”, and Over the Rainbow. -
Active Learning Through Toy Design and Development
Active Learning Through Toy Design and Development 14 Arif Sirinterlikci, Linda Zane, and Aleea L. Sirinterlikci Abstract results in limited retention of knowledge by stu- This article presents an initiative that is dents (Prince, 2004). Active learning is an based on active learning pedagogy by engaging instructional methodology that engages students elementary and middle school students in the toy in the learning process to improve the results of design and development field. The case study the process (Bruner, 1961). Active learning is a presented in this article is about student learning multifaceted and directional approach where var- experiences during their participation in the ious interactions are welcomed (e.g., teacher-to- The Journal of Technology Studies TOYchallenge National Toy Design Competition. student, student-to-teacher, and student-to-stu- Students followed the product development dent) (Grabinger & Dunlap, 2000). process to design and realize toys. They started with marketing surveys and conception, and then In The Seven Principles in Action: followed through by making prototypes to realize Improving Undergraduate Education, Hatfield these designs. The experience generated an (1995) stated that active learning is not solely a engaging and fun learning environment that pro- set of learning activities, but rather it is more of moted higher level, divergent, and creative an attitude-altering approach on the part of both thought processes—an effort that is needed in students and faculty. According to the author, today’s climate of increased attention on STEM the goal is to channel the students to think about education. Collection of two years of student how and what they are learning, and thus having work is included within this study to depict both them take responsibility for their own education. -
The Musical Misadventures of a Girl Named Alice Book by JAMES DEVITA Music and Lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR Based on the Novel Through the Looking Glass by LEWIS CARROLL
The Musical Misadventures of a Girl Named Alice based on the novel Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll Book by JAMES DEVITA Music and Lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR © Copyright 2002, JAMES DeVITA PERFORMANCE LICENSE The amateur acting rights to this play are controlled exclusively by PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC., P.O. Box 4267, Englewood, Colorado 80155, without whose permission no performance, reading or presentation of any kind may be given. On all programs and advertising this notice must appear: “Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado.” COPYING OR REPRODUCING ALL OR ANY PART OF THIS BOOK IN ANY MANNER IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN BY LAW. All other rights in this play, including those of professional production, radio broadcasting and motion picture rights, are controlled by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., to whom all inquiries should be addressed. WONDERLAN D! The Musical Misadventures of a Girl Named Alice Book by JAMES DEVITA Music and Lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR based on the novel Through the Looking Glass by LEWIS CARROLL CAST OF CHARACTERS ALICE .............................................. the same one that chased the rabbit down the hole TROUBADOUR* .............................. quite the singer MOTHER’S VOICE .......................... offstage RED KING ....................................... soporific monarch WHITE KING .................................... defender of the crown RED QUEEN .................................... vicious, nasty temper WHITE QUEEN ............................... -
Silent Thunder
SILENT THUNDER Loren D. Estleman To Irene Estleman and to the memory of Randolph “Red” Estleman, my aunt and uncle CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Preview: Sweet Women Lie A Biography of Loren D. Estleman Copyright Page 1 ERNEST KRELL LOATHED WINDOWS. The warehouse on the Detroit River that he had converted into offices with his wife’s money didn’t have any, and the house the Krells shared in Bloomfield Hills, a large brick splitlevel with an acre of slick lawn and decorative shrubbery masking the broken glass atop the brick wall that encircled it, was equipped with those tricky amber panels that allow light in but won’t let you see inside or out. Every journalist who had ever written him up in Detroit Monthly and Guns and Ammo had hauled out his vest-pocket Freud to explain the aversion, but the plain fact was Krell had been with the United States Secret Service for seventeen years and had grown tired of warning people away from windows. I rang his doorbell on the first lush day of summer. You know the one: You go to bed with rain rattling against the siding and when you get up, the trees are fat with leaves and the sky is so blue it hurts your eyes. The birds are in good voice, the breeze is like a lover’s breath on your cheek, and even in the city, under the soft asphalt and sweet auto exhaust, you can smell fresh-cut grass. -
WOLF 359 "BRAVE NEW WORLD" by Gabriel Urbina Story By: Sarah Shachat & Gabriel Urbina
WOLF 359 "BRAVE NEW WORLD" by Gabriel Urbina Story by: Sarah Shachat & Gabriel Urbina Writer's Note: This episode takes place starting on Day 1220 of the Hephaestus Mission. FADE IN: On HERA. Speaking directly to us. HERA So here's a story. Once upon a time, there lived a broken little girl. She was born with clouded eyes, and a weak heart, not destined to beat through an entire lifetime. But instead of being wretched or afraid, the little girl decided to be clever. She got very, very good at fixing things. First she fixed toys, and clocks, and old machines that no one thought would ever run again. Then, she fixed bigger things. She fixed the cold and drafty orphanage where she grew up; when she went to school, she fixed equations to make them more useful; everything around her, she made better... and sharper... and stronger. She had no friends, of course, except for the ones she made. The little girl had a talent for making dolls - beautiful, wonderful mechanical dolls - and she thought they were better friends than anyone in the world. They could be whatever she wanted them to be - and as real as she wanted them to be - and they never left her behind... and they never talked back... and they were never afraid of her. Except when she wanted them to be. But if there was one thing the girl never felt like she could fix, it was herself. Until... one day a strange thing happened. The broken girl met an old man - older than anyone she had ever met, but still tricky and clever, almost as clever as the girl. -
Free Words Book
FREE WORDS FREE WORDS SAL RANDOLPH 2001 UNCOPYRIGHTED BY SAL RANDOLPH THE TEXT IS PLACED IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN* NO RIGHTS ARE RESERVED FREE MEDIA WWW.HIGHLALA.COM PRINTED & BOUND IN CANADA BY HIGNELL BOOK PRINTING *with the exception of quoted sections, see acknowledgments on page 112 THIS BOOK BELONGS TO WHOEVER FINDS IT SUMMER HEAT DISTRACTIONS PINE-NEEDLES NEEDLES SLEEP IN THE AFTERNOON NEEDLESS WANDERINGS OF PIGSTIES I DON’T KNOW YOU KNOW WHY OH YEAH OY DON’T THINK TOO MUCH LOOSEN THE MIND WITH DISTRACTIONS A BLUE DRESS A GREEN DOOR GREEDY AND INSUBSTANTIAL INFINITE AND STARRY BLACK HOLES OF ASTRONOMICAL INTENTION FINE-GRADE SAND PAPER SHOOT SWIM CARRY HOLD SEARCH UNSHACKLED CANARY BRAID PORTRAIT VIRGIN GIRL YOU ARE WERE WILL BE WADING ON THE RIVER BANK PLYING PLAITING WHERE DO WE FIND LANGUAGE WHERE DO WE FIND LOVE SILVER OAK LEAVES COMPOST GARDEN SQUASH BLOSSOMS SINGULARITY FISSION A VOCABULARY OF FRUIT AND STARS OK WHAT NOW SURPRISING OURSELVES BUT BEING OURSELVES NOTICING THE DIFFERENCES THE FAR- FLUNG AND QUIET EXPAND AND GO FIND NOT THE OLD BUT THE FRESH CIRROCUMULUS INFINITE CLOUD BANK SEA BANK FEEDING WHALES OR SPINNERS WAIT GO SILENT SLEEP IT WILL TAKE YEARS LIKE THIS BRANCH TREE 1 NEEDY EYES SIMMERING LIKE COMPOTE FOR THE BOWL GOES TOGETHER FITS REALLY SO WE CAN FORGET THE ORIGINS OBLITERATE THE WATCHFUL EYE STRUGGLE ENTER AT WILL LEAVE LISTEN SHEEP A BIRD TAKES OFF OH YEAH LISTEN FOG HORN SIGH FLAT LIGHT ON THE WATER SIGHING SIGHTING LAND SAIL TRIGGER THE FALLOUT MY OWN LANGUAGE BUT NOT MY OWN LANGUAGE THE TENSION BETWEEN