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Yo-Yo as a Lifesaver

The Yo-Yo first showed up in the U.S. in 1928, brought here by Philippine immigrant Pedro Flores. Flores opened a business in California making hand carved wooden yo-yo’s, eventually selling the company to Donald Duncan, who started Duncan Toys, located in Middlefield, Ohio. Today, Duncan yo-yo's are made from lightweight durable metals, allowing players to do elaborate tricks and turning yo-yoing into a competitive sport. For one former champ, Steve Brown, this simple toy has meant much more. Brown says the yo-yo saved his life!

From a toy that spins, we turn to new technology that's taken off - drones! On this episode of Applause America, an architectural photographer shows us how he's using these devices to capture spectacular views of his home town, Houston, Texas.

There are three recently opened northeast businesses that feature board games, The Side Quest in Lakewood, Malted Meeple in Hudson and Tabletop Board Game Café in Ohio City. Up next, we bring you an Applause America report from our sister station WOSU in Columbus about an establishment called Kingmakers that’s also banking on the popularity of board games to make their business a success.

Another game that’s seen its share of ups and downs in terms of popularity is pinball. Once video games arrived on the scene, many thought pinball machines would end up on the scrap heap of history. But thanks to a group of passionate players here in Northeast Ohio, folks are starting to flip out again at places like the Superelectric Pinball Parlor, which began in a small space on West 65 th Street, and now has larger new home as well as Kid-force Collectibles in Berea, and, The Happy Dog in Gordon Square.

Steve Brown, World 2016 Yo-Yo Contest

Mike Burke, Duncan Toys

2016 World Yo Yo Contest