What Happened To Former Barbie's Former Rival Bratz?

With the resurgence of Barbie dolls through Greta Gerwig's Barbie, the natural next pick would be a look into the world of the Bratz doll. After all, in many ways, Barbie and Bratz became opposing rivals in the toy world for years.

Girls on the playground would often debate the merits of their favorite dolls. Sometimes, though, they would mix the two together and use their imagination to bridge the gap. With a recent look into Barbie, it begs the question: What happened to Bratz?

What happened to Bratz dolls?

Bratz dolls were released long after Barbie, debuting in 2001. But, they were created by a former employee of Mattel, the company that owns Barbie, so the competition between the two was immediate. Over the years, they've faced public backlash and ridicule.

Bratz dolls are still somewhat available, although they've been discontinued a few times. Not shockingly, Mattel slammed them with a lawsuit due to some similarities and copyright issues. After Bratz's parent company, MGA Entertainment, won the case, they lifted a pause that had been put on the brand.

They even launched a 10 year anniversary line with some modifications. In 2014, the line of the time wasn't available in North America and, when the company came back in 2015, they only lasted for a year before being discontinued again.

Why do people hate Bratz dolls?

The issues in regards to Bratz dolls vary depending on the person. Staunch Barbie lovers weren't happy with the seemingly copy cat creation, but their anger was put to rest when the litigation settled.

A major issue that the Bratz dolls faced was red flags about unrealistic beauty standards. Bratz dolls were very glam in nature, often wearing full faces of makeup. Plus, many argued that the body proportions and facial features were pushing a certain type of standard on young girls.

In fact, the last line of Bratz dolls' main criticisms was that the dolls were marketed towards young girls rather than tween and teen markets which were believed to be better suited to the more 'sexy' look. The adult-like portrayal left parents uncertain about handing over the toy to their kids.

Of course, the body standard argument didn't only apply to Bratz dolls as Barbie has often received the same sort of feedback. However, Barbie supporters often argue that her design is typically more reserved in fashion and that her storyline includes aspirational jobs meant to inspire young women.

Issues with Bratz dolls stemmed beyond just the design. The manufacturer was slammed with allegations of paying its factory workers a very low rate, around $0.515 an hour, according to a report from China Labor Watch.

MGA denied the allegations. After that, the company became ensnared in a variety of legal issues. Lady Gaga even took the company to court at one point, alleging that the company purposefully delayed the release of a doll that was supposed to look like her.

Over all, Bratz dolls certainly had their moment in early 2000s culture, but they haven't stood the test of time as well as brands like Barbie. They're still an option for kids today, but not as widespread.

This was originally published by Distractify

Video: Afrikaans Voice Actors For Ramo

Cartoon Network Celebrates The Winners Of The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative

Cartoon Network has announced the winners of its CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative, a campaign that empowered children aged 6 to 12 across South Africa to combat climate change. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from 250 schools spanning all nine provinces.

The campaign was inspired by a recent Cartoon Network survey revealing that:

• 94% of South African children are concerned about climate change

• 95% want to take action to address it

• 90% are eager to learn more about the issue

 

“At Cartoon Network, we are passionate about the power of small, everyday actions to create significant global impact,” said Monika Oomen, VP of Brand, Communications, and Digital Content Strategy for Kids EMEA at Warner Bros. Discovery. “The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative has been instrumental in inspiring teachers and students to delve into, debate, and actively address climate change.”

 

The initiative provided schools with weekly themes on crucial environmental issues such as recycling, energy conservation, plant life, plastic pollution, and e-waste. Engaging content, including facts, videos, quizzes, and challenges, helped teachers integrate climate change topics into their classrooms.

 

Students actively participated in activities like rainwater harvesting, clothing recycling, and climate-focused presentations. Schools also submitted photos and videos of these activities for a chance to win weekly eco-friendly prizes.

 

A highlight of the initiative was the "creative upcycling" competition, challenging schools to create models or sculptures using recycled materials. The top ten schools received prizes, with the top three demonstrating exceptional innovation:

 

• Atholl Heights Primary School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, took home first place with their charismatic recycling mascot, Penelope the Penguin. This student-built creation, crafted from recycled materials, embodies the school's dedication to recycling and climate change education. Penelope serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact of climate change on vulnerable species like penguins. The project showcased the students' creativity, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact on their school community.

• Rosehill Primary School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, clinched second place with their multifaceted approach to sustainability. Already known for their environmental stewardship, the school created a vibrant garden oasis built entirely from recycled materials. Students crafted functional items like a water-saving irrigation system from recycled bottles and earbuds, demonstrating resourcefulness and ingenuity. The project extended beyond the garden, inspiring students to create practical items like pencil holders from recycled materials and fostering a school-wide culture of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

 

• Alipore Primary School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, earned third place by tackling both food insecurity and sustainability with their innovative "Alipore Primary Big Build" project. Inspired by the Climate Champions Challenge, students constructed a vertical vegetable garden using recycled 5-litre bottles. This initiative not only provided a sustainable source of fresh produce for the school and community but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility and community spirit among the students.

 

"We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by students across South Africa," said Oomen. "The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative proves the power of education and engagement in fostering environmental stewardship from a young age. Congratulations to all the winners and participants—your dedication to sustainability inspires us all."

 

The competition showcased the remarkable creativity and passion of young minds dedicated to eco-friendly innovations. Cartoon Network congratulates all participants for their commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

The Story Of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

Kentucky Fried Chicken, the national fried chicken chain known as KFC, is synonymous with Colonel Sanders, its mascot that appears in the logo and advertisements. In fact, Colonel Sanders is more than a mascot because he's actually based on the fast food chain's founder, Harland Sanders, who started the company and later opened the first KFC franchise restaurant near Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952.

So, it might come as a surprise that Sanders had a falling out with the chain after he sold its 600-plus locations to former Kentucky governor John Y. Brown Jr. and another investor in 1964 for $2 million and an annual salary of $40,000. He seemingly had a good relationship with the company for a while because he continued to appear in ads and visit KFC locations as the chain grew in the U.S. and Canada. Despite that relationship, Sanders was unhappy with changes in the recipes and opened a new restaurant called Claudia Sanders, The Colonel's Lady Dinner House with his wife Claudia Sanders in 1968.

In 1971, KFC was absorbed by Heublein, and the company wasn't happy about the Colonel using his image with his new restaurant venture. Heublein took Sanders to court, but he ended up countersuing the conglomerate for more than $122 million in 1974. The lawsuit claimed that Heublein prevented Sanders from franchising his new restaurant and that it was unlawfully using his image for products he didn't develop. The lawsuit was eventually settled for $1 million and the couple was allowed to keep their eatery. 

KFC and Colonel Sanders' troubled history

However, that wasn't the only lawsuit between the two parties. During many of his appearances at KFC restaurants, Colonel Harland Sanders made it clear that he wasn't happy with how the chain had changed up its recipes for gravy and fried chicken. According to The New York Times, he allegedly referred to the gravy as "sludge." He even went on record in an interview with The Courier-Journal newspaper (via The Day) describing the chain's chicken breading as "a damn fried dough ball stuck on some chicken" among other insults. He further criticized how KFC made its gravy, referring to it as "wallpaper paste." 

The remarks led the company to sue Sanders in 1975 for libel and defamation. However, the lawsuit was unsuccessful because a judge ruled that his criticism came via newspapers and could not be regarded as direct libel. By then, Sanders and his wife had opened their own eatery under a new name called Claudia Sanders Dinner House, in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

The pair eventually sold the restaurant, though it still operates in its new location where you can enjoy dishes like fried chicken, catfish, and fried green tomatoes. Sanders died in 1980, but if you want to take a bite of his historic fried chicken made with KFC's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices still used today, there are over 25,000 KFC restaurants operating in more than 145 countries as of 2023.

The Origin Story Of DreamWorks' Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron

An inspiring story of survival, strength, friendship, and freedom, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is an all-time favorite movie for horse lovers of all ages. It follows a wild mustang as he fights for his freedom and that of his herd. The artistry, story line, and killer soundtrack work together to make a horse movie worth watching over and over.

It’s been 18 years since the original animated movie made its debut. You might have every line memorized, but did you know there is a real-life Spirit that inspired the fictional character?

Unlike other animated movies, Spirit is based on reality as much as possible. The horses don’t talk, and generalized events including the expansion of the railroad are based on fact, not fiction. Producers thought it was important to deliver a film that inspired viewers while melding the worlds of animation and real life. Achieving that goal would take more than clever animation. They needed artistry that could tell a story without dialogue and evoke emotions with each movement.

To do that, artists needed a model. They needed a real-life horse that would serve as inspiration and example. After a search, they found a Kiger mustang with beautiful conformation, coloring, and strength. His name was Donner, but these days, that real-life mustang goes by a different name: Spirit.

DreamWorks selected the now-named Spirit when he was a colt. Born to a stallion and mare that had been captured by the BLM in Oregon, Spirit was (and still is) a beautiful example of the Kiger mustang breed. His wide-set eyes and thick, wavy, multi-colored tail and mane became the inspiration for the animated horse that is still stealing hearts all these years later.

Before the 2002 movie made it to the big screen, animators spent countless hours observing Spirit. They watched how his muscles moved when he ran and how his face changed with his mood. With Spirit’s help, animators created an accurate equine character that looks and moves just like their live model.

When the movie was finished, DreamWorks chose Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary to be Spirit’s permanent home. It’s been almost two decades since Spirit posed for animators, but the beautiful mustang we all love still serves as an advocate for Kiger mustangs and all of America’s wild horses. In fact, he recently celebrated his 25th birthday!

Like his animated character, the real-life Spirit is part of the fight to help wild horses maintain their natural habitats and freedom. While he lives at the sanctuary and loves interacting with people, Spirit is a prominent ambassador for wild horses. He engages youth around the world to learn more about America’s mustangs and every horse’s need for freedom and protection.

He lives on Return to Freedom’s headquarter facility in Santa Barbara County on 300 acres of pristine California pasture. From a young age he learned to be comfortable around people, but those who know him best say he has spunk and spirit similar to that of his fictional character. He’s grown to be an important part of the wild horse sanctuary, and he’s helping educate the public about his breed and ways humans can protect all of America’s wild horses.

With Spirit’s claim to fame, he attracts crowds of fans to his sanctuary home. During these visits, the real-life Spirit helps the sanctuary spread an important message about what’s currently happening to the country’s wild horses and what the public can do to help.

Spirit’s work in inspiring others has been recognized not only by the countless people he has met, but also by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Foundation. The organizations inducted Spirit into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2018, and he continues to influence the sanctuary’s mission even decades after Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron was released.

Now 25 years old, the real-life Spirit is busy enjoying life at the sanctuary. He spends his days interacting with a few of his equine friends and enjoying attention and care from his favorite humans. He was born in captivity, but the spirit of independence and the wild west lives in his veins. And thanks to Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, his image will continue to show others that freedom is always worth fighting for.

Cartoonito And CBC To Debut Upcoming Spin-Off To Hit Animated Series 'Dino Ranch' In 2026

Boat Rocker, an independent, integrated global entertainment company, today announced that it has greenlit Dino Ranch: Island Explorers, a spin-off of its hit preschool animated series Dino Ranch, with CBC/Radio-Canada and Warner Bros. Discovery onboard as broadcast partners. The new animated series (52 x 11 mins) will air on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Kids YouTube, ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV and Radio-Canada.ca in Canada and Warner Bros Discovery's Cartoonito across Europe, Middle East, and Africa in 2026.

Dino Ranch: Island Explorers sees the Cassidy Clan getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime, filled with humour, peril, and fun. It's time to trade their cowboy hats for explorer hats and head to the mysterious and exotic Dino Island. Uncle Jack Cassidy lives on the island which is teeming with brand new dinosaur species, humongous insects and prehistoric amphibians. Join Jon, Min, Miguel and their trusty dinos, as they explore the Island's dino filled jungle, active volcano, and the previously undiscovered world under the water. 

"We're thrilled to be producing Dino Ranch: Island Explorers, a premium animated preschool spin-off series that builds off the global success of Dino Ranch, continues our valued relationship with CBC/Radio-Canada in Canada, and adds a wonderful new partner for EMEA in Warner Bros. Discovery," said Jon Rutherford, President, Global Rights, Franchise, and Content Strategy, Boat Rocker Studios. "As a key franchise for Boat Rocker we're focused on continued worldwide expansion for the Dino Ranch brand across content sales, consumer products and digital."

"Working with our partners at Boat Rocker, we look forward to sharing the Cassidy Clan's new adventure with kids and families across Canada, as they explore life outside of the ranch," said Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children's Content, CBC Kids. "We know kids have dino-sized imaginations and will be totally inspired by the jaw-dropping underwater world created by Matt Fernandes and his amazing team."

Zia Sands, Director Content Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions, Warner Bros. Discovery, Kids, EMEA, said: "Cartoonito provides a safe and trusted space for pre-schoolers and their family to engage with the characters they love, fun filled stories and a host of exciting new adventures. The spin-off series of Dino Ranch, complements the values and expectation of our preschool audience and we're very excited to be partnering with Boat Rocker on what we are sure will be a high-end production that will entertain and delight our Cartoonito audiences."

Previous seasons of Dino Ranch are airing globally now, including on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Kids YouTube, ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV and Radio-Canada.ca in Canada. The series has seen international sales in more than 170 countries and 15 languages worldwide, including the U.S (Disney Junior and Disney+), Latin America (Disney Junior), UK (Tiny Pop), France (Gulli), Germany (Super RTL), Spain (Clan), and Italy (Cartoonito). The series boasts global licensing deals across a range of categories and consumer products, including publishing and apparel.  

Dino Ranch: Island Explorers is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker.

Boat Rocker manages global franchise development, including content distribution and consumer products. Animation services for the spin-off series will be provided by Jam Filled Entertainment.

This greenlight is part of Boat Rocker's content first strategy which sees the company focused on making targeted investments in the sourcing, production, and distribution of premium scripted, unscripted, and kids & family projects. Other upcoming series include Bet for Netflix and the recently announced international scripted co-productions, Video Nasty for BBC3 and WDR and Mix Tape for Foxtel's Binge.

The Controversial Life Of American Actor Mark Salling

Mark Salling was an American actor and musician who is best known for appearing on hit TV series Glee. The star died at the age of 35, weeks before he was due to be jailed after pleading guilty to two child pornography charges.

Who is Mark Salling?

Mark Salling was born in Dallas, Texas, on August 17, 1982, and was raised in a "strict Christian home".

He graduated from high school in 2001, before attending the Los Angeles Academy College of Music, where he gave guitar lessons to make a living.

After roles in films Children Of The Corn IV and The Graveyard, Salling was cast in the TV show Glee in 2008, playing American football star Noah "Puck" Puckerman.

During his six seasons on the show, his performances led to Salling being nominated for a Teen Choice Award for male Breakout Star.

What were the child porn charges faced by Mark Salling?

On October 4, 2017, Salling pleaded guilty to two counts of child pornography.

Police found 50,000 "sexually charged" images on the 35-year-old's computer, including pictures containing a pre-pubescent child.

While he was initially facing 20 years jail time, TMZ reported that prosecutors were looking for a sentence of between four and seven years with 20 years of supervised release.

Salling agreed to compensate the children in the photos to the tune of $50,000 each.

He was also required to enter a sex offender treatment programme as part of his plea deal.

The actor was initially caught after police were reportedly tipped off by one of the star's ex-girlfriends and he was arrested on December 29, 2015, but later released on $20,000 bail.

He was charged with receiving and possessing child pornography on May 27, 2016.

The case was referred to federal authorities after investigators realised the scope of the collection.

Lieutenant Andrea Grossman, commander of the LAPD Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, said: "It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you hurt a child you will be held accountable."

She added: "These images are more than photographs, they are child abuse."

What was Mark Salling's cause of death?

On January 30, 2018, TMZ reported that Salling had taken his own life, just weeks before he was due to be jailed over child pornography charges.

His lawyer confirmed the death of the actor, who was found dead in a field close to where he lived and near a baseball field after a "welfare check" 911 call at 8.50am.

TMZ reported that a family member reported Salling missing at 3am on Tuesday, January 30.

According to the website, he was found hanged, with a coroner confirming in February 2018 his death was due to "asphyxia by hanging, suicide".

In a statement given to The Blast his family said: "Mark was a gentle and loving person, a person of great creativity, who was doing his best to atone for some serious mistake and errors of judgement.

"He is survived by his mother and father, and brother. The Salling family appreciates the support they have been receiving and asks for their privacy to be respected."

TMZ also reported that the actor had cut both his wrists in a suicide attempt weeks before his guilty plea.

He reportedly "freaked out" and called for his roommate, who contacted the emergency services.

Salling was rushed to hospital and taken to a rehab facility a few days later.

What did Mark Salling's ex girlfriend say about his death?

Actress Georgie Leahy was with Mark right up until his arrest for child-pornography.

She said she was having a manicure when the news broke.

"I collapsed in the nail salon," Leahy told The NY Post.

"What happened with Mark evoked so many complex feelings," she said.

"I didn't feel like I had permission to hurt because of everything he was accused of."

This was originally published by The Sun