Sonic Maker Android
Cecelia Seiner
A sonic device is seen (at top right) at Barrett Playground in Philadelphia. Thirty parks in the city have the devices, which emit a constant, high-pitched noise that only teenagers and young adults can hear. Kimberly Paynter/WHYY hide caption
And it's not the only U.S. city to do so. Mosquito's Vancouver-based manufacturer Moving Sound Technologies works with roughly 20 parks departments around the country to implement the youth-repellent devices, says president Michael Gibson.
"In a city that is trying to address gun violence and safe spaces for young people," Gym said, "how dare we come up with ideas that are funded by taxpayer dollars to turn young people away from the very places that were created for them?"
"It does feel a little [discriminatory] against teens," agreed 17-year-old Philadelphia resident Lamar Reed. "It makes us feel like animals. Not all teens are bad, just because we want to go outside for a breath of fresh air at night."
Despite the intended 13-to-25-year-old target range, 27-year-old Mary Kate Riecks said she can hear the Mosquito installed a few blocks from her Fishtown home. It gives her headaches when she strolls the neighborhood, she said.
"It almost is more like a feeling than a sound. It's kind of in the back of your head," Riecks said. "At least for me, it gives me a headache if I'm near it for too long. So I usually skip around this block or walk very quickly down it."
Washington, D.C., officials installed the anti-kid noisemakers at the Gallery Place Metro station in 2010. The National Youth Rights Association took issue with the effort almost immediately, and members filed a complaint alleging age discrimination. The city eventually asked the manufacturer to remove the devices.
"By calling attention to it, we were able to make it into a big deal," said NYRA President Brian Conner, 20. "We were able to make it clear that they'd be in a lot of trouble if they kept using this device."
In 2008, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child implored the United Kingdom to "reconsider ... the Mosquito devices insofar as they may violate the rights of children." Since then, several counties in England have followed suit and banned the device from certain public spaces.
But in Philadelphia, Parks & Recreation defends its use of the Mosquito, saying the devices are operational from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. only, and they're just one part of an overall anti-vandalism strategy that includes fences and gates, security cameras and night watch staff.
SEGA and Uncanny Brands have officially released a retail version of the Sonic The Hedgehog Mini Waffle Maker, which you can pick up today. Originally, this product was made a couple of months ago for Dave & Busters as an exclusive item you could only get from their prize wall. Now they have created this retail version, which is being sold for $28, giving you the chance to own a slightly smaller version of the one you could snag at the restaurant. The waffle maker is available right now through Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other major stores, as well as via Uncanny Brands' website. We have more info on the item below along with a couple of quotes from both companies.
"The Sonic the Hedgehog Waffle Maker is a Sonic fan and breakfast enthusiast's dream. The supersonic gadget features a bright Sonic the Hedgehog graphic on the front and a highly detailed plate inside to imprint the Blue Blur on waffle varieties of all flavors. The nonstick coating on the plates makes it a breeze to clean, so Sonic chefs can quickly speed out the door and around the Chemical Plant Zone to battle injustice. When it's not in use, it is lightweight and easy to store, making it the ideal kitchen item for any Sonic the Hedgehog super fan. The diminutive non-stick waffle maker is lightweight and easy to store when not in use, making it an ideal kitchen or dorm room item. Its cute and colorful design is also a great way to bring the liveliness of the Blue Blur to breakfast."
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