Latest news with #Kidd
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Musician and Entrepreneur Kelly Kidd is Revolutionizing the Immersive Family Entertainment Space
Musician and Entrepreneur Kelly Kidd is Revolutionizing the Immersive Family Entertainment Space originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Six years ago, when my daughter Ayla turned 10 years-old, we held a birthday party for her at Kidd's Jewelry Heist in South Pasadena. Back then, the immersive jewelry-making experience was housed in the rear of beloved children's toy store Dinosaur Farm on Mission Street. It was a dimly-lit space, moody and romantic, and exploding with a bounty of glimmering gems, bright-colored beads and golden baubles. My daughter and her friends spend two hours stringing together bracelets and necklaces adorned with unicorn and heart charms, decorating each keepsake with unfettered girlish glee. (Even the boys had fun; my son made himself a silver-chain necklace with a dangling skull charm). At the end of the birthday party, after a round of singing 'Happy Birthday' and eating slices of pink, buttercream-frosted cake, Aylas's friends presented to her a necklace they had custom-made for her, each charm representing one of Ayla's qualities they cherished: friendship, loyalty, her sense of humor. It was one of the most beautiful birthday parties I can ever remember attending. Not just because it was my kid–but because it was at Kidd's Jewelry Heist. Kidd's Jewelry Heist is the brainchild of Texas-born musician-cum-entrepreneur, Kelly Kidd. Kidd–a vocalist who, years ago, inked a deal with record producer Glen Ballard and will be touring with Katy Perry this summer as the face of her VIP concert experience–got his start in the business sector at 19 years old working as a district trainer at Discovery Zone, a popular but since-shuttered American chain of 'fun center." Think: ball pits, climbing walls, trampolines. Kidd's experience at Discovery Zone informed what he calls, 'the bigger picture.' 'No one had revolutionized the family entertainment business outside of theme parks in over 40 years,' he says. 'We've got Chuck E. Cheese, Build-A-Bear, American Girl, David & Buster's. Why can't we have immersive experiences for kids and adults outside of theme parks?' In 2012, Kidd's Jewelry Heist was born. In 2023, Kidd expanded, relocating to a new, bigger and brighter space on Huntington Drive in San Marino. Stepping inside the updated digs is like wandering into a real-life simulation of the pirate ship scene in "The Goonies". Comprising several rooms, each one centered on a different theme, Kidd's Jewelry Heist is an eclectic fusion of antique relics and fantastical artifacts, with lush, velvet-upholstered sofas, gold-trimmed ottomans, ornate lamps and gilded lighting fixtures recalling Louis XIV and the Palace of Versaille. A long wooden dining table is lined with glass trays and porcelain tea cups filled with beads and trinkets of every imaginable color. The day I visit, several birthday parties are booked (Kidd's Jewelry Heist is available via reservation only). Soon, the place will be crawling with kids–and parents–stacking beads for bracelets and dashing from room to room on a themed scavenger hunt searching for treasure and trinkets hidden amongst the furniture and decor. There's a stage, a grand piano, a library. It is a fairytale sprung to life. 'I tried to imagine what it would be like to have a little hideout in San Marino,' says Kidd of the space's design elements. 'We have a mural of Hercules on the ceiling. We've hand-selected all the beads. They're in tea cups and saucers on the grand dining room table. We have mummies in our library. We have a Medusa head. I got most of this stuff from San Marino and Pasadena estate sales. I definitely benefited from the idea that everyone is doing mid-century and modern right now in the community. They just wanted to get rid of stuff. I got these cool trunks and tables. I have a $20,000 hand-carved oak buffet to put your cake on that I paid $500 for. I was able to find these monstrously cool pieces. The feel is very Night at the Museum.' Kidd's current mission is to expand his business even further. In particular, he is eyeing potential locations on the westside of Los Angeles and in the San Fernando Valley. Kidd's Jewelry Heist is also available to come to you–they've created custom parties and events poolside at hotels and at people's private homes. 'We have such a unique space and concept,' says Kidd. 'Moms, kids, grandparents–they all go absolutely crazy for it.' This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Senior National doesn't know what universal service is, forgets core policy
A senior Nationals MP has admitted she doesn't know the meaning of universal service obligation, which promises phone services to all Australians, and couldn't remember the four key policies that prompted the Coalition split. On the day the Liberals and its junior bush partner decided to get back together after an eight day break, Nationals chief whip Michelle Landry was quizzed on Queensland radio. When asked whether the universal service obligation - crucial to rural and remote Australians being connected to the rest of the country for medical emergencies, livelihood and education - should be extended to mobile phones, Ms Landry stumbled. "Would you support the universal service obligation being expanded to include mobile service?" ABC Tropical North breakfast host Rob Kidd asked her in a live interview on May 28. "Um, what is the universal service obligation?" the federal MP for Capricornia said. Mr Kidd: "And you're the chief whip?" Ms Landry: "Yeah." Mr Kidd: "You don't know?" Ms Landry: "No." Earlier in the interview, Ms Landry also forgot one of the four key policies her party leader and fellow Queenslander David Littleproud put forward as the reason for splitting up the Coalition just two weeks after a brutal election loss. "What are those four issues?" Mr Kidd asked. "Nuclear was one of them, telecommunications was another one of them, um, ah .. sorry, off the top of my head, I've just forgotten what the other two were," Ms Landry said. "Anyway we - oh um, the regional growth fund was one and um, ah, I can't think of the fourth one off the top of my head." Later in the interview Mr Kidd said "it's one of those things that the chief whip should know about". Ms Landry responded: "Yeah, I know. I know. But I've been on the road and I've been talking about it quite a lot." The policy she forgot was divestiture laws to break up the dominance of the big supermarkets. Mr Landry was first elected to parliament in 2013 more than a decade ago. She was re-elected at the May 3 poll with 36 per cent of the primary vote in her rural Queensland seat. Ms Landry was contacted for comment. A senior Nationals MP has admitted she doesn't know the meaning of universal service obligation, which promises phone services to all Australians, and couldn't remember the four key policies that prompted the Coalition split. On the day the Liberals and its junior bush partner decided to get back together after an eight day break, Nationals chief whip Michelle Landry was quizzed on Queensland radio. When asked whether the universal service obligation - crucial to rural and remote Australians being connected to the rest of the country for medical emergencies, livelihood and education - should be extended to mobile phones, Ms Landry stumbled. "Would you support the universal service obligation being expanded to include mobile service?" ABC Tropical North breakfast host Rob Kidd asked her in a live interview on May 28. "Um, what is the universal service obligation?" the federal MP for Capricornia said. Mr Kidd: "And you're the chief whip?" Ms Landry: "Yeah." Mr Kidd: "You don't know?" Ms Landry: "No." Earlier in the interview, Ms Landry also forgot one of the four key policies her party leader and fellow Queenslander David Littleproud put forward as the reason for splitting up the Coalition just two weeks after a brutal election loss. "What are those four issues?" Mr Kidd asked. "Nuclear was one of them, telecommunications was another one of them, um, ah .. sorry, off the top of my head, I've just forgotten what the other two were," Ms Landry said. "Anyway we - oh um, the regional growth fund was one and um, ah, I can't think of the fourth one off the top of my head." Later in the interview Mr Kidd said "it's one of those things that the chief whip should know about". Ms Landry responded: "Yeah, I know. I know. But I've been on the road and I've been talking about it quite a lot." The policy she forgot was divestiture laws to break up the dominance of the big supermarkets. Mr Landry was first elected to parliament in 2013 more than a decade ago. She was re-elected at the May 3 poll with 36 per cent of the primary vote in her rural Queensland seat. Ms Landry was contacted for comment. A senior Nationals MP has admitted she doesn't know the meaning of universal service obligation, which promises phone services to all Australians, and couldn't remember the four key policies that prompted the Coalition split. On the day the Liberals and its junior bush partner decided to get back together after an eight day break, Nationals chief whip Michelle Landry was quizzed on Queensland radio. When asked whether the universal service obligation - crucial to rural and remote Australians being connected to the rest of the country for medical emergencies, livelihood and education - should be extended to mobile phones, Ms Landry stumbled. "Would you support the universal service obligation being expanded to include mobile service?" ABC Tropical North breakfast host Rob Kidd asked her in a live interview on May 28. "Um, what is the universal service obligation?" the federal MP for Capricornia said. Mr Kidd: "And you're the chief whip?" Ms Landry: "Yeah." Mr Kidd: "You don't know?" Ms Landry: "No." Earlier in the interview, Ms Landry also forgot one of the four key policies her party leader and fellow Queenslander David Littleproud put forward as the reason for splitting up the Coalition just two weeks after a brutal election loss. "What are those four issues?" Mr Kidd asked. "Nuclear was one of them, telecommunications was another one of them, um, ah .. sorry, off the top of my head, I've just forgotten what the other two were," Ms Landry said. "Anyway we - oh um, the regional growth fund was one and um, ah, I can't think of the fourth one off the top of my head." Later in the interview Mr Kidd said "it's one of those things that the chief whip should know about". Ms Landry responded: "Yeah, I know. I know. But I've been on the road and I've been talking about it quite a lot." The policy she forgot was divestiture laws to break up the dominance of the big supermarkets. Mr Landry was first elected to parliament in 2013 more than a decade ago. She was re-elected at the May 3 poll with 36 per cent of the primary vote in her rural Queensland seat. Ms Landry was contacted for comment. A senior Nationals MP has admitted she doesn't know the meaning of universal service obligation, which promises phone services to all Australians, and couldn't remember the four key policies that prompted the Coalition split. On the day the Liberals and its junior bush partner decided to get back together after an eight day break, Nationals chief whip Michelle Landry was quizzed on Queensland radio. When asked whether the universal service obligation - crucial to rural and remote Australians being connected to the rest of the country for medical emergencies, livelihood and education - should be extended to mobile phones, Ms Landry stumbled. "Would you support the universal service obligation being expanded to include mobile service?" ABC Tropical North breakfast host Rob Kidd asked her in a live interview on May 28. "Um, what is the universal service obligation?" the federal MP for Capricornia said. Mr Kidd: "And you're the chief whip?" Ms Landry: "Yeah." Mr Kidd: "You don't know?" Ms Landry: "No." Earlier in the interview, Ms Landry also forgot one of the four key policies her party leader and fellow Queenslander David Littleproud put forward as the reason for splitting up the Coalition just two weeks after a brutal election loss. "What are those four issues?" Mr Kidd asked. "Nuclear was one of them, telecommunications was another one of them, um, ah .. sorry, off the top of my head, I've just forgotten what the other two were," Ms Landry said. "Anyway we - oh um, the regional growth fund was one and um, ah, I can't think of the fourth one off the top of my head." Later in the interview Mr Kidd said "it's one of those things that the chief whip should know about". Ms Landry responded: "Yeah, I know. I know. But I've been on the road and I've been talking about it quite a lot." The policy she forgot was divestiture laws to break up the dominance of the big supermarkets. Mr Landry was first elected to parliament in 2013 more than a decade ago. She was re-elected at the May 3 poll with 36 per cent of the primary vote in her rural Queensland seat. Ms Landry was contacted for comment.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Social care focus as Lib Dems control council
A council has been formally handed over to the Liberal Democrats after 16 years of Conservative control. Shropshire Council held its first full council meeting on Thursday at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury and the Lib Dems took charge as they have 42 councillors following victory in the local elections. The Conservative group, which was previously in control ever since the council became a unitary authority in 2009, now only has seven councillors. Two-thirds of the councillors elected are new to their roles, including the 15 representing Reform UK which is the main opposition group. Heather Kidd is the council's new leader, with Alex Wagner as deputy. "We've got to have the enthusiasm and the innovation to use our offices to find ways through," Ms Kidd said. She added that the council must "not be afraid to shout at government when we need help." "That is not a [Section] 114 notice - the help we need is around funding social care." Such notices are admissions by councils that they can no longer balance the books, for example in Birmingham. Shropshire Council was given extra support earlier this year after the previous administration declared itself "unbelievably close" to bankruptcy. For the council, social care funding takes nearly four in every five pounds which the local authority spends. The care includes things like fostering children, residential care placements, homelessness and special educational needs. "It really is the big issue for the Labour government," Ms Kidd said. Duncan Borrowman, who won the Llanymynech seat, was elected chairman of the council in Thursday's meeting. He is known for being the landlord of the Bailey Head in Oswestry, which was named the Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra)'s UK pub of the year in January. "I moved to Shropshire just under 10 years ago and had given up this local government lark and now all of a sudden I find myself chairing Shropshire Council," he said. Mr Borrowman added that, as chairman, he had to be "fairly neutral" and "ensure all voices are heard". "I'm very keen that the council operates as a centre for a debating forum about the policies and not like some sort of reality TV show where people are trying to score points off each other," he added. Meanwhile, a coalition of climate and nature and anti-racism groups welcomed the councillors to their first meeting. The groups called for the new administration to use its power to tackle the climate crisis and build a more sustainable future. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Council looks for way out of relief road scheme Five takeaways from Shropshire Council elections Lib Dems choose leadership team for authority Shropshire Council
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jason Kidd Reveals Potential Mavericks Lineup With Cooper Flagg That Can Scare Rest Of The NBA
The Dallas Mavericks were staring down a grim future after being bounced in the Play-In Tournament and trading away franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. With Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL and limited cap flexibility, the Mavericks' outlook for 2025-26 seemed uncertain. That all changed when they defied the odds and landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With that pick comes the opportunity to draft Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, a transformational talent and the kind of player that can alter the course of a franchise. Advertisement Head coach Jason Kidd has wasted no time envisioning how Flagg fits into his system, and his recent comments on the DLLS Mavs Podcast have fans and analysts buzzing. Kidd hinted at deploying Flagg in a freakishly versatile lineup that could make life miserable for opposing offenses. The proposed lineup? Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II, a monstrous blend of size, switchability, and defensive upside. Kidd specifically floated the idea of playing the 6'10' Flagg at shooting guard in certain sets. While unconventional, it underlines Flagg's unique skill set: elite court vision, high basketball IQ, and the length and agility to guard multiple positions. His freshman season at Duke showcased his versatility, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals. He's been compared to a hybrid of Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Paul George. And now, Kidd is ready to give him the keys to unlock chaos. Advertisement Slotting Flagg in the backcourt with Irving allows the Mavericks to trot out a super-sized lineup without sacrificing playmaking. Washington remains at the three where he thrives, while Davis and Lively II patrol the paint. The defensive potential of this unit is terrifying, they could switch one through five, shrink the floor, and dominate the boards. Opposing guards would struggle to create separation with Flagg's length in their face, and big men would have to contend with two elite shot blockers in Davis and Lively. While there are questions, particularly around three-point shooting and floor spacing, this lineup isn't built to trade buckets. It's built to smother teams, slow the game down, and let elite two-way talent take over. It also allows Kidd to preserve Washington's role amid rumors he could be traded due to overlapping skills with Flagg. Flagg's presence will also accelerate the Mavericks' long-term development. Kidd acknowledged that playing him at the two will help speed up his growth as a secondary ball handler and initiator. It's a gamble worth taking for a player being touted as a generational talent. Advertisement With Davis healthy, Flagg ready to make his mark, and Irving set to return in 2026, the Mavericks may have found their next great core. If this lineup hits its ceiling, Jason Kidd may have just built the NBA's next defensive juggernaut. Related: Shocking Trade Idea: Boston Celtics Could Land Cooper Flagg For A Huge Package Amid Ongoing Rumors
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jason Kidd: Mavericks are a 'great situation' for Cooper Flagg
Jason Kidd: Mavericks are a 'great situation' for Cooper Flagg Jason Kidd believes the Dallas Mavericks are a good landing spot for potential No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg should the organization select him in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg is the overwhelming favorite to be the top pick after establishing himself as the National College Player of the Year at Duke. He is expected to begin his career with the Mavericks after the team won the lottery on Monday, despite just a 1.8% chance of doing so. With established players on the roster, such as Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, along with promising center Dereck Lively II and others, Kidd believes the Mavericks have a good balance of veterans who can help Flagg with the transition to the next level. "I think this is a great situation for him," Kidd said on the "Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday. "I think when you talk about the different guys that we have already on the team, the pressure of living up to No. 1 will be a lot easier with the talent around him. When you talk about the other clubs (who are rebuilding), he would have to produce right away at a high, high level. I think this is a great situation for him to grow his game, where the pressure isn't as high, but we're playing for a championship. It'll be a lot of fun." Flagg led the Blue Devils to the Final Four, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks on 38.5% shooting from 3-point range. He became the 22nd player in program history to be named a consensus first-team All-American. The 18-year-old entered the season with tremendous expectations as the consensus top recruit in the class of 2024. He was highly touted as the likely top pick in the draft and lived up to the hype after becoming the face of the sport this past season. Flagg was among several prospects who attended the draft lottery at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. He was, like most, surprised the Mavericks catapulted up from 11th to claim the top pick, but is eager about likely joining the franchise. "As far as Dallas goes, (they) have a lot of really good pieces," Flagg said this week. "D-Live (being) from Duke is pretty cool. I think it would be a really cool opportunity." The Mavericks have the first pick in the draft for only the second time in franchise history. They previously had the pick in 1981, when they selected Mark Aguirre in only their second draft, and will likely be adding Flagg to that short list on June 25. After trading cornerstone Luka Dončić, the Mavericks can add another potential franchise-changing prospect in Flagg. Kidd admitted the final decision to draft him ultimately falls to general manager Nico Harrison, but the Hall of Famer said the team is "focused on" taking Flagg. Just one year removed from advancing to the NBA Finals, the team believes it is still in a position to make another deep playoff run with a healthy roster and some minor tweaks. Kidd is confident the group can help Flagg get up to speed once he joins the organization. "He doesn't turn 19 until December, so just understanding that he is young and very talented, can play both ends," Kidd said. "Being able to have older players, and when I say that out of respect, they're not dinosaurs, but when you look at the age of 30: Ky, A.D. Guys that are here -- Klay (Thompson) -- can definitely help with the process of going through a rookie season."
