Latest news with #ErikThompson
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Bigfoot Joins the Next Emoji Lineup Arriving in 2026
On World Emoji Day, the Unicode Consortium has given emoji fans something to look forward to with a sneak peek at new designs coming next year in Unicode 17.0. Among the standout additions? Bigfoot — officially called the 'hairy creature.' The fresh batch includes fun new icons like an apple core, ballet dancers, a distorted face, a fight cloud, an orca, a treasure chest, and a trombone. Unicode's Erik Thompson confirmed the new emoji will 'likely' land on devices by spring 2026. Though that seems far off, designing and approving emoji is a surprisingly complex process. To celebrate World Emoji Day, Apple has launched an exclusive emoji word game for Apple News Plus subscribers. Emojipedia has also relaunched letting users track real-time emoji trends around the globe. This new set is bound to add extra fun to everyday messages — and Bigfoot might just become everyone's new favourite.
The Verge
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
The next batch of emoji includes Bigfoot
Today is World Emoji Day, and the Unicode Consortium is sharing a preview of some of the new emoji that should hit your devices early next year as part of Unicode 17.0. If you ask me, it's a promising batch, especially the Bigfoot emoji — sorry, 'hairy creature.' The list includes these emoji, according to the Consortium: I can think of some great uses of all of them – I feel like this is going to be a popular set. They'll 'likely' show up on devices in the spring of 2026, Unicode's Erik Thompson says in an email. Yes, that's a long ways away, but the process of making an emoji is actually pretty involved, as I've written about. As part of World Emoji Day, Apple has also launched a new emoji word game that's available with an Apple News Plus subscription. And Emojipedia has relaunched the website to track real-time emoji use.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mercury Insurance and LA Kings Celebrate Ordinary People with Extraordinary Impact
Hockeywood Wall of Fame Inductees Feted at Kings Season Finale LOS ANGELES, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "Not all heroes wear capes" is a time-honored cliché for a reason — the sentiment rests in truth. Mercury Insurance and the Los Angeles Kings honored 13 of these everyday heroes over the course of the 2024-25 season with a spot in the Mercury Insurance Hockeywood Wall of Fame. The program was created to honor community heroes who do amazing things for their neighbors, often doing so without being recognized for their efforts. "Every community is home to heroes who don't get the recognition they deserve," said Erik Thompson, VP and CMO for Mercury Insurance. "They are what make our communities great, and we wanted to say thank you for everything they do to help make Los Angeles a better place to live." The first class of Hockeywood Wall of Fame inductees — who were brought together at the Kings' final game of the regular season — include a teen who has recycled more than 105 tons of trash found on LA beaches; multiple entrepreneurs giving back through humanitarian deeds; several educators and volunteers; and a pair of first responders who made a sizable impact during the LA fires. The group shared their experiences with one another during a recent game at Arena. The event included visits with Kings legend and team president, Luc Robitaille, and beloved mascot, Bailey. "Induction into the Hockeywood Wall of Fame isn't about hockey; it's about resilience, purpose, and staying rooted in the belief that one person can spark change," said Kendal Troutman, Hockeywood Inductee and Founder of Thru Guidance Ministries. "Being in a room with so many others who are also deeply committed to their communities was both humbling and energizing. Each person carried a story of impact, sacrifice and heart — and it reminded me that while our paths may be different, our purpose is shared." Honorees were nominated for induction by other Kings fans through the Hockeywood website, and were chosen for the nature of their contributions. Those selected were rewarded with a pair of Kings tickets, a jersey and an engraved memento to memorialize the honor. The Hockeywood Wall of Fame, located at the Toyota Performance Center, is a multimedia display that showcases the honorees' community work. Visitors can learn about all of the inductees, as well as nominate their own community hero, at the venue or by visiting "We will continue to add new inductees throughout the year, even in the offseason," added Thompson. "I encourage everyone to nominate their heroes so we can continue to honor and recognize those who make LA great." Here's a brief recap of this season's honorees. Fans can also watch the Hockeywood Wall of Fame sizzle video to learn more. Ryan HickmanFounder of Ryan's Recycling, Ryan collaborates with the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks in beach cleanup initiatives, emphasizing environmental sustainability. Khloe ThompsonFounder of Khloe Kares, Khloe is a young philanthropist recognized for her efforts in aiding the homeless community. Kathey HaasJoining spcaLA as a volunteer in 2001, Kathey has been fostering cats since the day she completed her orientation. Over the years, Kathey has opened her home to nearly 600 spcaLA cats and kittens, taking care of them until they were ready to be adopted. Helen WangHelen is an author and speaker focusing on China's middle class, contributing insights into global economic shifts. Jean MendozaJean is an advocate for indigenous education, working to integrate accurate Native American histories into early learning. Kendal TroutmanKendal is Founder of the 24 Degrees of Color program and was the first honoree inducted into the Hockeywood Wall of Fame for promoting diversity in hockey. Nancy AlcarezNancy serves as Director of the Mi Casa after school program director + Little Tokyo Service Center. Chris SweeneyChris owns and operates Right Mealz, a meal prep company and brick and mortar in Long Beach. Nick RoseNick is a LAFD captain who is stationed at station 9 in LA. LA Station 9 is the skid row fire station and happens to be the busiest fire station in the entire country. Justine VargasJustine is a dispatcher for Los Angeles County Fire who worked throughout the Palisades and Eaton Fires, helping to direct sending units and water drops. Erin MaxickErin is the founder of The Little Zoo in Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that offers low- to no-cost visits with their animal family for specific communities. Lisa Monie-PeraltaA longtime teacher at Griffith Middle School in Downey, Lisa is responsible for the school adopting the STEAM curriculum, creating its gifted program and making the school a safe place for all students. Maxine SealeyMaxine is the founder of Sharing Love With Others, a nonprofit that serves warm meals, water, medical supplies and clothing to the homeless community of Skid Row. Fans interested in learning more about the Mercury Insurance Hockeywood Wall of Fame can visit the site at where they can read about the inductees and nominate their own heroes. About Mercury Insurance Headquartered in Los Angeles, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance directly to consumers and through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also writes business owners, business auto, landlord, commercial multi-peril and mechanical protection insurance in various states. Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through nearly 4,100 employees and a network of more than 6,500 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and For more information visit or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mercury Insurance Sign in to access your portfolio
