Beach Toy Library: Borrow a sand toy, leave a sand toy

Rusty Blazenhoff 6:30 am Tue Jun 26, 2018

There have been all kinds of neat alt-libraries, places where you can check out things other than books. There are ones for tools, American Girl dolls, and musical instruments (and undoubtedly lots more).

Here in Alameda, at the entrance of a charming estuary on the west end of town called Crab Cove, there's a Beach Toy Library. You can "check out" a sand-friendly toy to play with out of the wooden box, or leave one that you found. I love the spirit of this but given the condition of the toys in the box, I suggest people leave some new toys they "find" at the store.

photos by Rusty Blazenhoff

(I Love Alameda)

Remote learning memory techniques for kids

More likely than not, your kids are going to be doing a lot of learning from home this school year. What better time to have your children learn some super simply and effective memory techniques to help them remember more of what they learn, right? About ten years ago, my grandmother passed away from Alzheimer's… READ THE REST
'Shoot/Don't Shoot,' the groovy 70s hunting safety film

The North American Association of Hunter Safety Coordinators created Shoot/Don't Shoot, a series of vignettes that pause and ask viewers if it's safe to shoot a hunting rifle in that situation. This was part of our middle school hunting safety class, and the look and vibe of this film feels very much like the rural… READ THE REST
Lovely tribute to the inventor of the phenakistoscope, an early animated art form

Joseph Plateau invented the phenakistoscope in 1832 and revolutionized visual media by paving the way to modern animation. This lovely tribute repurposes some of his most famous works. Here's how to make your own, which kids can do with a little help. Image: YouTube / kleshaproduction READ THE REST
Check out 10 of the Boing Boing Store's most popular CBD products at up to 60% off

If you suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders or even something as insidious as cancer, you've undoubtedly heard of the effects of CBD. Or maybe you're a regular CBD user already who's often experimenting with better, more efficient means of receiving your dosage. Either way, the soothing effects of CBD may end up changing… READ THE REST
Learn how to effectively invest in stocks and cryptocurrency with these online classes

If you thought the fear and instability that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed on world financial markets would send investors scurrying for the sidelines, think again. In fact, the individual investor has jumped into this new economic landscape with both feet in 2020. Retail investors — everyday, non-professional stock traders — now account… READ THE REST
This field-tested light brings big illumination to your work site — along with a few surprises

Fix-it projects don't always fit to your schedule. In fact, it often feels like projects or even emergencies that require your attention often come at the worst possible moments. That's why it feels like every time there's a leaky pipe or a problem underneath a vehicle or a wild animal stuck underneath your house, it… READ THE REST