Did you know the Wright Brothers’ path to flight started with a toy?
Do you know when the first airplane was flown, and where? Known as the pioneers of modern flight, the Wright Brothers were inventors from a young age. In fact, their road to being the first to launch a controlled, engine-powered airplane began with a toy from their dad. Read on for 18 cool facts about the Wright Brothers you might not already know.
1. Yes, they were actually brothers. Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867, and Orville Wright was born on August 19, 1871.
2. They decided who would fly first with a coin toss. Wilbur won the toss, but his first attempt failed. Orville went second and managed to fly for 12 seconds.
3. Their mother, Sarah, was very mechanically inclined. Her own father was a carriage maker, and she spent a lot of time in his shop. She made her own appliances as well as toys for her children. The Wright brothers consulted their mother’s advice regularly as they designed their own machines.
4. In 1878, when Wilbur was 11 and Orville was 7, their father gave them a helicopter-like toy to share. It was based on an invention by Alphonse Pénaud and was made of paper, bamboo, and cork with a rubber band to twirl the motor. The brothers later said this toy was the beginning of an obsession with flying machines.
5. A little-known fact about the Wright Brothers was that neither brother ever married.
6. In 1889, Orville and Wilbur started a newspaper printing business. In 1892 they opened up a bicycle repair shop. They designed their own bicycle with custom features like an oil-retaining wheel hub and coaster brakes, things still used today in modern bikes.
7. One of the newspapers they printed, The Tattler, was for the African-American community in Dayton, Ohio.
8. The Wright Brothers made life-sized copies of their beloved helicopter toy with the intention of making an aircraft that would hold them both.
9. They also made gliders of increasing size, which they tested over several years and flights. These glider planes put to test theories about wing-warping. By twisting the wings in different directions, they began to see how an airplane could be controlled.
10. On Dec. 17, 1903, the brothers successfully launched the world’s first airplane. The Wright Flyer I. It was made of spruce and had propellers and a specially designed engine cast mainly from lightweight aluminum. It was the first controlled and powered flying machine that could fly with the weight of humans. From this design, the modern airplane was born.
12. They tossed a coin to see who would fly first, and Orville won.
13. The Wright Brothers only flew together once (though both piloted the planes individually): on May 25, 1910, they took a six-minute flight piloted by Orville with Wilbur as his passenger.
14. On that same day in May, Orville took his 82-year-old father, Milton, on a seven-minute flight. They flew at a height of about 350 feet.
15. The Wright Brothers established the world's first test flight facilities (which is now known as Wright Patterson Air Force Base) near Dayton, Ohio.
16. One fact about the Wright brothers is that neither brother attended college or even obtained a high school diploma.
When you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s a level up from tent camping, these are the best book-worthy spots in CA
Got a hankering to leave city life and go camping nearby, but not convinced that braving the elements and setting up your own sleeping quarters with just a piece of nylon between you and whatever wanders around outside is your idea of fun? Let us introduce you to the good old yurt. “What’s a yurt?” you ask? Well, unlike pitch-a-tent camping, yurts are already constructed structures, adorably, in the round. Yurt means “home” in Mongolian so for those that don’t want to give up some creature comforts (like a good set of walls and an off-the-floor bed) but also want to feel at one with the great outdoors (whether it’s beach camping or perhaps a touch of a luxe campsite), this could be the camping answer you’ve been looking for.
Cachuma Lake Yurts
You'll relax at the lake and roast marshmallows at your very own fire ring while little glampers will have fun at the playground and the swimming pool during the summer months. Add to that, there are guided nature walks, guided lake cruises, and junior ranger programs the kids can join.
Good to Know: The yurts named Lupine, Poppy, and Sage are on the western side of the campground and get a spectacular sunset on most evenings. Oak, Sycamore, Pine, and Redwood (ADA) are on the eastern side and get a beautiful morning sunrise over the lake and boating marina. PS: There's also a country store in case you need any essentials.
Yurt Features: Depending on the yurt, these yurts sleep 3-to-6 people. Expect to find indoor lighting, heating and screened windows. Outside you'll find a deck, picnic table (some are inside), that previously mentioned fire ring, a charcoal bbq and water spigot. Restrooms and showers are located close by while a portable lavatory is located adjacent to some yurts for convenience.
Camping is downright easy with this adventure yurt at El Capitan. We aren't sure if the best part is the domed skylight for easy stargazing at night or the multitude of deer, birds, trees and other nature-like things that surround you during your stay. Make sure to carve time out for the 30-minute hike to the beach or a walk to feed the llamas and the goats.
Good to Know: There's a heated swimming pool, along with a playground with a slide, swings and jungle gym adjacent to the pool. And for parents? There is an espresso bar as well as local wine and beer in the Canyon Market.
Yurt Features: Includes a queen bed and a twin day bed with twin trundle, bar-sized refrigerator, microwave, ceiling fan and space heater. Adjacent restroom facilities include private shower stalls with attached changing rooms. All yurts include a private picnic table and firepit with grill.
Located halfway between LA and SF (and makes a great pitstop if you're making the roadtrip between the two), this yurt, on 70 acres in the central coast, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream—whether you and your family are into hiking, fishing, boating, bird watching, horseback riding, cycling, horseshoes, swimming, or any number of other outdoor activities, there's (literally) something for everyone. And if just making it to the yurt is the adventure, there's plenty to entertain the kids onsite: There's a giant jumping pillow and the unheated pool is open May through Oct. Make sure to say hi to Kevin, the resident emu who loves being fed.
Good to Know:This spot is located within an hour drive of Hearst Castle, Cambria, Ocean Dunes, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, local wineries, and Pozo National Forest.
Yurt Features: This 20-foot, yurt comes with a queen bed, two full futons and two twin beds. There isn't a bathroom or kitchen inside and you need to bring your own linens. Fire pit and picnic table are located out front.
Located on 5-acres of land in Joshua Tree, expect a star-studded stargazing experience thanks to vast skies and little-to-no light pollution. This is a rustic experience so bring plenty of food and even more water.
Good to Know:Joshua Tree National Park is 20 minutes away and is a bucket-worthy spot for hikes for the half-pints.
Yurt Features: Sleeps up to four guests. There's no kitchen, the restroom is a porta potty, there's a shower stall with solar shower (bag of water heated by the sun) along with battery and solar-powered lamps. Additionally, there is a solar panel which charges battery packs and you can use them to charge phones and small devices but no more than 110V. If you need a power for anything else, this listing is not suitable. Bring prepared food and plenty of drinking water.
Nestled among 30 fruit trees on a half-acre lot, this yurt exemplifies classic bohemian California living. There are several hammocks hung around the yard, a firepit as well as fruit trees that you're welcome to help yourself to.
Yurt Features: This yurt is 16 feet in diameter and has a conical roof with a skylight directly over the bed. It sleeps four, with one queen bed, one single bed and an air mattress. Included is internet access, a toaster oven, coffee, and mini-fridge. There's an outdoor bathroom with a toilet, sink and an outdoor shower with a tankless water heater that allows infinitely long hot showers.
A glamping bohemian yurt in the neighborhood of Paradise Hill (a 10-minute drive from DTLA). Families will dig this yurt's location on an urban farm where you can visit (and help feed if you wish!) goats, chickens, and a pig next door.
Good to Know: There are steps, so for toddlers, this location may be a challenge.
Yurt Features: This 20-foot yurt comes with a king bed and two single mattresses. A full outside kitchen, hanging chair the kids will love, wifi, an indoor fireplace, a solar-powered clawfoot garden bathtub, plus a coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator and a bbq grill outside.
If your brood loves to have plenty of activities, then Lake Elsinore's Launch Pointe Recreation is a camping hot spot. With splash pads, a playground and a swimming pool, little campers have tons of choices on how to have fun. And if you love to jet ski, boat, or fish, you've got it all here. Even better? There's a restaurant on-site for when the crew gets hungry.
Yurt Features: There are six themed yurts (The Lodge, The BoraBora, The Boho, The Beach, The Rock & Roll, and The Elsinore) that vary in guest accommodations but all come with linens, in-room coffee and a refrigerator. Bathrooms are private while showers and additional restrooms are located within the yurt village.
There’s nothing that motivates a little one for a walk around the neighborhood like a scooter. We’ve scouted out all the best three-wheeled scooters for little ones, scooters that convert to a tricycle and even electric scooters for when you want to up the power. Which one will be your family’s favorite?
Best Scooter That Ages Well: Razor A Scooter
Razor was the first to market in 2000 (maybe you even had one back in the day) and they've managed to stay a step (or a scoot ahead) of the competition throughout the years. Why? The scooter is aluminum, which makes it lightweight, yet durable. Handlebars can be adjusted easily, and while there's no assembly required when you open the box, the scooter does fold down for quick and easy carry and storage.
For Blues Clues Fans: Blues Clues Swinging Blue Scooter
We love this too-cute scooter that comes with three wheels for extra stability. As the child leans in each direction, the scooter and Blue lean with the rider making the scooter a fun and interactive toy for children ages 3-7 years old.
Best Scooter for Toddlers and Beginners: Micro Kickboard Original
Erin Lem
For those first learning to balance and ride on wheels, we suggest the original Micro Kickboard (tried and tested by our Editorial Director's toddler son who picked it up after just a handful of outings). We were impressed with the scooter's engineering: it's stable and easy to balance on without feeling flimsy, simple to steer and tough as nails (or as Mico Kickboard says, they're "virtually indestructible" and we'd have to agree). The design and quality of the scooter mean it'll still be in great condition year after year, which is the type of product we love investing in.
Best Convertible Scooter: Swagtron 4-In-1 Scooter & Trike
Swagtron
It's a scooter! It's a bike! It's . . . both! Swagtron's K6 4-in-1 scooter has a simple-to-use modular design capable of switching between two- and three-wheeled versions of both a balance bike and stand-up kick scooter. It's perfect for growing with kids as their balance and skills increase. With the simple click of a button, the seat of the balance bike rotates to become the deck of a stand-up scooter. Use two rear wheels in either mode for greater stability or swap out for a single wheel. The single wheel features a heel brake for use in scooter mode, just like the big kids.
We love this two-wheeled option from Globber as it is easy to bring along to adventures. The handlebars easily fold down to pack in the trunk and they also extend to four different heights to grow with your child.
The Amazon reviews speak for themselves but the key element to this scooter is the big air-filled tires which provide some natural suspension to ride over multiple terrain options. The scooter also comes standard with hand brakes which are an added convenience not typically seen on standard kick scooters.
Kids ages 9 and up will love the sleek styling of this upgraded scooter that doesn't have any little kid vibes at all. You can fold it in half for easy transportation and the kickstand helps it stay upright when you need a break. We especially appreciated the suspension system when going over bumps on the sidewalk.
When SVOLTA designed their scooters, they essentially made scooters they (adults) wanted to ride, but in kid sizes. They opted for premium materials, so the construction is solid and sturdy. The scooters ride smoothly and have a variety of added style details like matte satin finishes, champagne gold accents and lightning bolt patterns. They've got different scooters for little ones (the 2-in-1 sit and stand convertible), toddlers (3-wheel kick scooter) and bigger kids (2-wheel kick scooter) so you'll be able to find something that works for you.
Tired of having to upgrade your kid's scooter as they grow? The ULTIMUM scooter from Globber solves this problem. Designed to be used from age 5 all the way up to adults, the scooter has a 6-height adjustable T-bar and adjustable steering angle control system. The extra-wide scooter deck supports up to 220 lbs. and comes with an anti-slip deck design. You'll love that the scooter folds down for easy carrying.
Lots of kids are getting into this two-footed style that moves when they wiggle. This one was the first on the market and we love its ability to drift and have a controlled ride.
Your kids will love zipping around in this fun electric scooter with rainbow lights. You can feel good knowing that the speed is controllable by you. It folds up for easy transport and storage, and you can adjust the handlebar height as your kid grows.
Best Powered Scooter: Segway Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8
Segway
If you are looking to add a little power to your scooter, check out this option from Segway. The Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8 has a max speed of 8 mph with 4 hours of charge time. There's a hand-operated brake plus a foot brake for easy stopping. It also comes in 10 mph and 12 mph models.
From our friends over at Radio Flyer comes this new eScooter on the block. With a top speed of 16mph and a 15.5 mile range, you can cruise to the grocery store and back. Designed for adults, the Flyer is available in gray, white and red. It even folds down for easy portability.
Best Powered Scooter for Tweens/Adults: Segway Ninebot KickScooter ES1L
Segway
You'll love the smooth ride from this Segway scooter that has won design awards and is a favorite of tweens, teens and grown ups. Whether you use it to commute or just to tool around the neighborhood, you'll love the front electronic, and rear foot brakes to keep you safe. Headlights make you stand out when the sun goes down and the max speed of 12.4 mph gets you where you need to go.
Halsey’s long awaited addition is here! The singer announced the arrival of her first child with boyfriend Alev Aydin today on Instagram. Ender Ridley Aydin was born on July 14 and the duo shared two sweet black and white snapshots to welcome him.
Captioned, “Gratitude. For the most ‘rare’ and euphoric birth. Powered by love” the announcement followed Halsey’s recent album news, a concept album on “the joys and horrors of pregnancy and childbirth.” The cover image fittingly celebrates the beauty of pregnant and postpartum bodies.
A healthy baby is welcome news for the 26-year-old new mom, who’s publicly shared her struggle with endometriosis as well a miscarriage while touring. She announced the pregnancy in late January on Instagram and has documented her growing bump throughout the process.
Halsey’s boyfriend, Aydin, is a producer, director and screenwriter. He’s praised her as “the baddest woman on the planet” when the couple made their baby news public earlier this year. Congratulations to the happy family!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Featureflash Photo Agency via Shutterstock
No plans for a vacation in 2022 yet? Now you have some!
Crystal Lagoons Island Resort has announced that the first Mattel Adventure Park is planning to open late 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. Kiddos will be able to get up close and personal with a Hot Wheels roller coaster, go-karting, a Thomas & Friends indoor theme park with a Thomas the Tank Engine electric-battery powered passenger train, tons of retail and special dining experiences.
Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel shares “By partnering with Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, we will be offering new and immersive ways for families to experience classic brands like Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and more.”
More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks about Mattel Adventure Park and the associated hotels, restaurants and other brands that will come together to make it a world class destination.
Heads up parents and parents-to-be: Fisher-Price is recalling two popular infant swings, the 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders. This is due to four deaths in the 4-in-1 product and approximately 175,000 of the two products combined are under recall in the U.S.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, affecting model numbers CHP56, CHP55 and CBT81 in the 4-in-1 and GDD28, GDD39, GDD41, GGW85, GNX43, GVG43, HBD26 and HBD27 in the 2-in-1. Both products have a powered glider seat and an infant rocker feature, which move head-to-toe or side-to-side. You can find the model number on the underside of the base.
The tragic accidents occurred when the infants were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained and were later found on their stomachs. All four occurred in the 4-in-1 product, with no fatalities reported in the 2-in-1 at this time.
The gliders were sold at popular retailers including Walmart, Target and Amazon. The 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were sold from January 2014 through December 2020, for about $108. The 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold from November 2018 through May 2021, for about $125.
If you have one of these gliders, immediately stop using it and contact Fisher Price for a refund. The CPSC emphasizes that babies should be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard.
––Sarah Shebek
Images courtesy of the Consumer Products Safety Commission
Ree Drummond has done it again. The Pioneer Woman is launching her first even ice cream collection!
Available exclusively at Walmart and just in time for warm weather, the Ice Cream Maker Collection has everything you need to whip up sweet treats at home. You’ll be able to snag a four quart Ice Cream Maker ($34.94), a variety of ice cream mixes ($3.68), rock salt $13.30), ice cream scoop and bowls ($14.96).
While the ice cream maker make look pretty old-timey, its actually powered by an electric motor-driven paddle so you won’t have to wait long for homemade ice cream. It features a real wood exterior, heavy-duty freezing canister, churn paddle, see-through lid and interior plastic liner.
You may recognize some of the flavors when it comes to shopping. Birthday Cake, Salted Carmel, Toffee Caramel and Mint Chip are all fan favorites of Charlie’s Sweet Shop located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
You can find the entire lineup of new products at Walmart.com.
Disney+ recently revealed a new addition to the Monsters At Work cast. Actress Mindy Kaling will voice the character of Val Little in the soon-to-be streaming service series.
Monsters At Work chronicles the the change over from screams to laughter as a way to generate kid-powered energy. Along with Kaling’s character, the animated series brings back fan faves such as Mike (voiced by Billy Crystal), Sulley (John Goodman) and Celia Mae (Jennifer Tilly).
Rounding out the series’ cast are John Ratzenberger (as Bernard), Bonnie Hunt (as Ms. Flint), Bob Peterson (as Roze), Stephen Stanton (as Smitty and Needleman), Aisha Tyler (as Millie Tuskmon), Lucas Neff (as Duncan) and Henry Winkler (as Fritz).
The series follows a young, eager, new grad from Monsters University—Tylor Tuskmon. With the changeover from screams to laughter, Tylor’s dream of becoming a Scarer is suddenly an impossibility. Instead, he’s assigned to the MIFT (Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team) as he learns to become a Jokester.
Kaling and the rest of the Monsters At Work crew start streaming on Disney+ Friday, Jul. 2.
Parenting, not to mention parenting in a pandemic, can be lonely. But what if there was a safe, parent-powered place to connect? And what if that place was also already loved by millions of parents as a trusted place to share and store your favorite family milestones? Well, we’ve got some great news for you!
Red Tricycle’s sister company, Tinybeans, is that place! Tinybeans hosts families from around the world with a space to upload, store and safely share memories and photos. And now, we’re about to debut a cool new feature in the Tinybeans app, and we want you to join us!
We’re launching a brand new feature called Community, within the app. It’s a Parent-Powered Place for cool products, activites, time-saving hacks, and more. And right now, Red Tricycle users can get priority access to the beta testing of this new feature. You can sign up now to join the waitlist and be among the first to get a look at what this community is all about.
Family game night is always a fun time, but why settle for the basics when you can go big? Literally. A giant inflatable Twister exists and it looks like tons of fun.
Just imagine playing a game of Twister on top of a bouncy house without walls and you’ll get a pretty good idea of how awesome this inflatable Twister looks. Instead of trying to keep your self steady on the traditional plastic mat, you have to contend with the wobbly movement of a giant inflatable board.
photo: Hammacher Schlemmer & Company
Of course all of this massive fun comes at a pretty massive price tag. The Hammacher Schlemmer & Company Inflatable Outdoor Color Dot game is priced at a whopping $2,000. However, that price includes an AC-powered, 1-hp air blower that keeps the playing surface inflated for play. The inflatable also supports up to 1,500 pounds so the entire family can join in the fun.
The game is available to order online here and usually ships in three to four weeks.
