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Review: With ‘Lego Bricktales’ in VR, a classic toy explores a new frontier

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

In the age of video games, toys have faded in popularity as gadgets and screens become what children want. Teddy Ruxpin’s time has come and gone and the reign of Furby has passed, but Legos remain the eternal childhood toy.Aside from their timeless quality, a reason that the iconic Danish toy has continued to grow in popularity is that the Legos Group wasn’t afraid to dabble in video games. “Lego Star Wars,” “Lego Jurassic World” and other titles brought the concept of the toy to a new generation and turned them into fans.A WORLD YOU CAN PEEK INTONow, the toy is entering another new frontier — virtual reality — as Thunderful Group brings ClockStone Studio’s project to the Meta Quest series of devices. The work doesn’t ask players to become a minifigure and venture through block worlds, but rather, it lets them create a character and move them through intricate dioramas.It’s comparable to what Polyarc did with “M...

Judge blocks California law banning open carry in most public places

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

Associated PressSACRAMENTO — A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a California law that would have banned carrying firearms in most public places, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and deprives people of their ability to defend themselves and their loved ones.The law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September was set to take effect Jan. 1. It would have banned people from carrying concealed guns in 26 places including public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos. It would apply whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon or not. One exception would be for privately owned businesses that put up signs saying people are allowed to carry guns on their premises.U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law, which he wrote was “sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”The decision is a victory for the California Rifle and Pistol Associa...

Bob Melvin says SF Giants plan to lead off Jung Hoo Lee

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

With the six-year, $113 million deal earlier this month, the Giants made Korean center fielder Jung Hoo Lee their biggest free agent acquisition since Barry Zito.If that financial commitment doesn’t show how serious the Giants are about Lee’s ability to contribute at the MLB level, allow the manager to.Bob Melvin, joining The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami’s “TK Show” podcast, said the team expects to give Lee not just the everyday center field job, but also the leadoff spot in the lineup.“As of right now, I don’t see why not,” Melvin said when asked if Lee will lead off. “I’ve written some lineups down since we acquired him, and all of them have him leading off at this point in time. And that’s what he’s comfortable doing, that’s what he’s done before. So as of now, for sure.”The Giants used nine different leadoff hitters last year, most commonly switching between LaMonte Wade Jr. and Thairo Es...

Hawaii Bowl-bound San Jose State Spartans dial in on defense with 2024 recruiting class

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

San Jose State announced the start of the early signing period on Wednesday with a class the Spartans hope could produce sooner rather than later.Ten of the 18 players on SJSU’s list play defense, including five transfers, led by former University of Texas safety Larry Turner-Gooden and College of San Mateo defensive linemen Soane Kolokihakaufisi and Pau Reed.SJSU also added a pair of highly-rated prep defenders in safety Joseph Bay and linebacker Jabari Mann, who recently helped Serra to its fourth straight CCS title.San Jose State loses six starters from a defense that went a long way in helping the Spartans bounce back from a 1-5 start to tie for first place in the Mountain West and secure a spot in Saturday’s Hawaii Bowl.SJSU also added depth on offense, signing Grambling State transfer Floyd Chalk IV, a Southern California native who drew interest from Hawaii, Penn State, San Diego State and Washington coming out of high school after averaging 9.2 yards per carry.SJ...

Tips to avoid porch pirates during the holiday season

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

(KRON) -- The good part about doing your holiday shopping online is that you can get gifts for your loved ones without leaving your couch. The bad part is that when those gifts are sent to your home, a "porch pirate" could be lurking to steal them.These types of thefts tend to increase this time of year, according to the San Rafael Police Department. Serial Bay Area shoplifter arrested 90 times "Unfortunately, with the holiday season upon us, we, along with other jurisdictions, often see an increase in this type of theft activity," SRPD said. In Livermore, one resident saw a "Grinch" stealing a package from their porch using a security camera. That person called the Livermore Police Department, and the thief was arrested. LPD provided some tips on how you can dodge porch pirates this month:"Use package tracking: Most major retailers utilize delivery companies (including the US Postal Service) who will provide updates to you when a package is anticipated to arrive. This will help ...

PHOTOS: Car crashes into pet hospital, San Mateo police say

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

(KRON) -- A car crashed into a building at the Crystal Springs Shopping Center in Highlands-Baywood Park on Wednesday, the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) said. A gray Ford sedan crashed into the entrance of Crystal Springs Pet Hospital, located at 122 De Anza Blvd.No pet or person was injured from the crash, SMPD said. Although the crash is still under police investigation, the driver told police her foot slipped on the gas/brake pedal. 2 arrested after stealing $1K of clothing, USPS mail uniform: Sunnyvale police SMPD posted photos taken at the scene (below)."While most crashes into buildings happen due to pedal confusion, wet weather can definitely cause wet shoes, slick tires, and impair vision," SMPD said. "These types of incidents can be avoided with a little bit of patience and by taking into consideration your driving ability, your surroundings, and accounting for weather conditions."San Mateo County Fire Department crews also responded to the scene.

Seahawks get Geno Smith back fully on practice field but Jamal Adams, Devon Witherspoon still out

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Geno Smith is set to return at quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks this week.No one seems sure when, or if, Jamal Adams will return this season for the Seahawks.Smith was a full participant in practice for Seattle on Wednesday, the first step in likely returning to be the starter this Sunday at Tennessee after missing the past two games with a groin injury. Smith was close to starting on Monday night against Philadelphia, but the Seahawks opted to keep him out for one more game with the hope that he’ll be fully healthy for the final three weeks.The move decision appeared to work out in Seattle’s favor after backup Drew Lock led the Seahawks to a late touchdown and a 20-17 win over the Eagles that snapped a four-game losing streak and put them in the middle of a jumbled NFC playoff race.But it’s once again Smith’s job should he make it through the week without any setbacks.“He’s got to go through today, see how he is tomorrow and just do that like anybody else t...

Local broadcasts for 11 NHL teams will remain on Bally Sports after agreement

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

The NHL and Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, have reached an agreement that will keep local broadcasts for 11 teams on Bally Sports through the end of this season.The agreement, which was contained in a court filing made Wednesday, is subject to court approval. Diamond Sports has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the Southern District of Texas since it filed for protection in March. The company said in a financial filing last year that it had debt of $8.67 billion.While there will be a reduction in rights payments for some teams, the local rights for those 11 franchises will revert back to the NHL at the end of this season. The agreement provides stability for fans, networks and teams after Major League Baseball had to take over the broadcasts of San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks games last season after agreements could not be reached.The NHL teams that are currently on Bally are: Anaheim, Carolina, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Fl...

Raiders defense under coordinator Patrick Graham makes noticeable turnaround

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce called it the “less is more” approach that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has adopted this season, and so far it’s working.A year after Las Vegas had one of the NFL’s weakest defenses, the Raiders now are more of an asset than a liability, more of a reason why some games are won rather than lost.Players say Graham is a big reason for that turnaround.“He’s letting us play,” cornerback Amik Robertson said. “He’s confident in the plays he’s calling because he’s confident in the players. He’s letting us be us and he’s letting it loose. I think last season he was kind overthinking, but that was our first year with him. “So now he’s more comfortable with his guys, and as you can see, he’s calling some great plays and putting his playmakers in position to make plays.”The Raiders are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for ninth in the NFL in scoring defense, all...

Departamento de Justicia demanda a inmobiliaria por préstamos abusivos a compradores hispanos

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:20 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — El Departamento de Justicia abrió el miércoles su primer proceso por préstamos hipotecarios abusivos contra una inmobiliaria de Texas acusada de atraer a decenas de miles de compradores de vivienda hispanos hacia ventas engañosas.La demanda se centra en Colony Ridge, un desarrollo al noreste de Houston que promete la compra de viviendas con anuncios en español, pero luego enfila a los solicitantes a la compra de propiedades sin servicios básicos con préstamos que no siempre pueden pagar, alegó el Departamento de Justicia.Según la demanda, la inmobiliaria utiliza tácticas de venta de alta presión que explotan el limitado dominio del inglés. ¿Llegaría una nueva crisis inmobiliaria a EEUU? Expertos explican Gobierno de EEUU busca incautar propiedades de oligarca ruso, valoradas en $75 millones “El impacto de este plan ilegal, discriminatorio y fraudulento es devastador”, declaró la subsecretaria de Justicia Kristen C...