Nickelodeon's "The Big Help" Prosocial Campaign And First Lady Michelle Obama Team Up And Get Into The Olympic Spirit With A Special "Let's Move!" Event In London, UK

Below is a Nickelodeon Press Release from PRNewswire:

Nickelodeon's The Big Help Prosocial Campaign And First Lady Michelle Obama Team Up And Get Into The Olympic Spirit With A Special Let's Move! Event In London

NEW YORK, July 26, 2012 /Nickelodeon Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon's The Big Help prosocial campaign for kids is teaming up with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative to host Let's Move! London, an event for more than 1,000 American military children and American and British students. The event, which is taking place on Friday, July 27, in London is being co-sponsored by Let's Move!, Nickelodeon's The Big Help, and the Department of State, and will include sports stations, musical performances and appearances by Olympic and Paralympic legends including members of the U.S. delegation along with David Beckham, Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci, Teresa Edwards, Emily Hughes, Sarah Hughes, Shawn Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Dara Torres, members of the 2012 US Track and Field Team and Manchester United legends, among others.

"First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative has been invaluable in raising awareness about the importance of kids and families living healthier and more active lifestyles," said Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Nickelodeon Group. "We are proud to work with the initiative as we ourselves continue to spread the message of health and wellness and inspire action through our Big Help campaign."

During Let's Move! London kids will have an opportunity to get into the Olympic spirit and get active with the NBA and USA Basketball, U.S. Tennis Association, Manchester United, USA Field Hockey, USA Track and Field and Right to Play, which will all be providing activity stations. The event will also feature performances from The Wanted, Mark Ronson, Katy B., the University of Florida Gator Marching Band, the Power Rangers and specials appearances from Nickelodeon's Jeff Sutphen ["U-Pick Live", 'Pick Boy', and presenter/host of "My Family's Got Guts", "BrainSurge", "Figure It Out"], DJ J Boogie, and SpongeBob SquarePants.

This event is part of the First Lady's work to turn the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games into action by getting more kids healthy and active. In May, the First Lady joined U.S. Olympians, Paralympians and London hopefuls to announce a nationwide commitment to get more than 1.7 million American children active as part of her Let's Move! initiative to solve the problem of childhood obesity in a generation.

In March, Mrs. Obama welcomed Mrs. Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, to the United States by hosting a mini-Olympic event for local school children and in April, Mrs. Obama spoke at the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Warrior Games. Mrs. Obama also invited Americans to start or join Let's Move! Olympic Fun Day Meetups on July 28th, the first day of competition in London. In cities and towns all across the country, friends, family and neighbors will come together to participate in Olympic-inspired games and activities to not just cheer on Team USA, but to live up to the example they set.

Last year, Nickelodeon teamed up with Let's Move! to celebrate its 8th annual Worldwide Day of Play, when the network once again suspended programming for three hours to encourage kids and families to get up and get active. Joined by Let's Move! and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Nickelodeon brought its flagship Worldwide Day of Play (WWDOP) event to the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., for the biggest celebration of active play in the initiative's history. The event drew more than 50,000 kids and families, who spent the day celebrating active play.

The Big Help is Nickelodeon's prosocial commitment to engage kids to take action and make a difference in their world. The initiative allows kids to connect to their passions by participating in Big Help Actions, which are service opportunities designed to engage kids in specific real world activities that affect the world around them. The campaign focuses on issues that are important to and affect kids, including health and wellness, the environment, education, and community service.

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com.

Also, from CBS News:

Michelle Obama says Olympics can promote health and fitness

(CBS News) First Lady Michelle Obama is preparing to lead the presidential delegation at the kick-off of the 2012 Olympic Games Friday and, she said, this is an opportunity to encourage kids to improve their health and fitness.

"Leading our nation's delegation and traveling to London is truly a dream come true," Obama said on a conference call with reporters Monday. "Some of my fondest memories when I was young and not so young involved watching the Olympics on TV and cheering on Team USA."

Obama will lead a delegation that includes past U.S. Olympians such as Brandi Chastain, Dominique Dawes, Grant Hill and Summer Sanders.

The first lady, who has made fighting childhood obesity a priority with her "Let's Move" initiative, said the games are an opportunity to promote health and fitness.

"I decided I wanted to turn that Olympic spirit and inspiration into action by using these games as a way to get more kids up and moving."

Obama said she is excited to host a "Let's Move!" event for 1,000 American military children and American and British students Friday. The event, co-sponsored by the State Department and by Nickelodeon, will include sports stations, entertainment and appearances by Olympic and Paralympic legends.

She also declared July 28 "Let's Move! Olympic Fun Day," encouraging children and communities to cheer on Team USA and participate in athletic events across the country. At least 200 communities have signed up, and the number is expected to grow throughout the week.

While in London, in addition to her fitness campaign, Obama will also attend a reception for heads of state and hold a private meeting with Samantha Cameron, the wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes said the trip is an important way for the first lady to continue building the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.

"While this visit is about the Olympics, its also about advancing the close ties between the U.S. and the United Kingdom," Rhodes said.

Obama will conclude her trip Sunday with a visit to Mildenhall Air Force Base in England to visit American military families.

Also, from PolicyMic:

Michelle Obama Fights Obesity Crisis By Bringing Lets Move Campaign to London 2012

Obesity is a problem much larger than all the puns frequently used to describe its epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control estimates 35.7 percent of all adults and 17 percent of all children in the United States are obese. Medical costs attributed to obesity in the US reached $147 billion in 2008. Nearly 600 million people worldwide are obese. The sobering fact is that each of these statistical feats have grown largely in the last 35 years, before which most were blips on the radar compared to other public health concerns. Having been obese until college, researched obesity, and worked in obesity policy, I was pleased to learn of the First Lady's "Let's Move!" Campaign to prevent childhood obesity when it was launched in 2010. This week, I was happy to learn that she's taking the message overseas to the London Olympics.

Mrs. Obama is leading the Presidential Delegation to the UK, where she will cheer on American Olympians, meet with the Queen and wife of Prime Minister David Cameron, and most notably, lead a "Let's Move!" event for 1,000 British and American children. Of course, there are those skeptical of her efforts, including a post on this site wary that linking the Olympics to obesity prevention will discourage children for whom the dream of becoming the world-class athletes they see on television is likely “unattainable.”

But the promise of bringing "Let's Move!" to the world's stage is not limited to getting children to mimic athletes as they watch the Olympics (as I did). The First Lady's efforts abroad go for the gold in a couple of ways.

1. Bringing Awareness to a Global Stage: Where epidemiologists are tracking the rise of obesity and its effects worldwide, the problem is largely one that is epitomized by America. Deserved or not, this is a setback. To associate obesity with America is to ignore its rise and delay its solutions elsewhere. While Michelle Obama enjoys an iconic status across the globe, it's difficult for her efforts on childhood obesity to get notice in the international press when the United States is a constant and multifaceted player in the world arena. The Olympics ally her global presence to a topical stage, a venue in which it is more than appropriate to hold discourse on obesity everywhere.

2. Fighting Brands With Brands: It's puzzling and ironic and frustrating all at once that major junk food brands Coca Cola and McDonald's are official sponsors of the Olympic Games. Associating paragons of athletic prowess to French fries and high-fructose corn syrup soft drinks if confusing to children, to say the least. Where children are seeing one set of celebrity and brand to athleticism, Let's Move! Offers another. Earlier this year the initiative joined forces with the Walt Disney Company to reduce junk food advertisement and label healthier foods. The Let's Move! “bash” with 1,000 British and American children expands on this move, bringing in Nickelodeon, Olympic legends and sports icons like David Beckham to children and cameras.

A short-term trip to London won't put an end to obesity, but it's not supposed to either. The Let's Move! component to Mrs. Obama's delegation is both emblematic of efforts thus far, and amplifying of those to come.

Correction: A previous version of this article erroneously stated that 600 billion people worldwide were obese.

Also, from the Daily Mail:

David Beckham, Nickelodeon's Spongebob Squarepants, Brandi Chastain and First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama celebrate Nickelodeon joins Let's Move for 'Let's Move London' on Friday 27th July; Photograph Copyright Getty Images for Nickelodeon

Tina McCann, the Managing Director of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, has Tweeted (posted) a few exclusive photographs from Nickelodeon's "The Big Help" prosocial event in London on her official Twitter profile page (@TinaMcCannMD):

Kids grooving to The Wanted at Nick's Let's Move event! Rain is not dampening our spirits! pic.twitter.com/It3Kd2Gw - 2.51am Friday 27th July 2012

David Beckham being interviewed by NBC's Al Roker at Nick's Let's Move event - he's such a star! - 3.06am Friday 27th July 2012

The Gator marching band [from the University of Florida, USA] arriving at Nick's Let's Move event there's A LOT of them!! pic.twitter.com/oCZFOnu0 - 3.18am Friday 27th July 2012

Far off in distance on that stage is FLOTUS Michelle Obama at Nick' Let's Move event - exciting! - 3.46am Friday 27th July 2012

Closer pic of FLOTUS Michelle Obama running past Gater marching band! pic.twitter.com/tFIngo2D - 3.51am Friday 27th July 2012

Also, from The Huffington Post:

Michelle Obama Hangs Out With LeBron James (PHOTOS)

Michelle Obama went from sporty to sophisticated on Saturday, starting the day with Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play.

A typical Nickelodeon event, Worldwide Day of Play featured plenty of gack as well as the requisite Nick star guest appearance, this time in the form of Victoria Justice. But there was a special surprise: LeBron James! The Miami Heat star joined the First Lady to teach the kiddies about the importance of fitness.

But by night FLOTUS ditched her yoga pants and zip-up and donned a black glittering ensemble for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards dinner in Washington, D.C.

With her husband in black tie, Michelle wore a long sequin skirt by Michael Kors and a black tee cinched with a Peter Soronen corset belt, accessorized with chunky black bracelets and a sparkling necklace.

While we don't love Obama's very "mommy" off-duty attire (flared sweatpants, Michelle? Really?) we adore this creative black tie look.

We also, for the record, adore the super cute pic of LeBron hugging the First Lady. Truly adorbz.

Check out Michelle on- and off-duty looks [here on HuffingtonPost.com]!

Tags: LeBron James, Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama Style, Video, Peter Soronen, Flotus, Slideadbigshot, Worldwide Day Of Play, Style News

Also, from Access Hollywood:

Caption - Michelle Obama and David Beckham celebrate Nickelodeon joins Let’s Move for ‘Let’s Move London’ event at the American Ambassadors Residence in London on July 27, 2012

Also, from The Gossip Girls:

David Beckham & Michelle Obama: Let's Move London Duo

Just hours before the 2012 London Olympic Games commence, David Beckham and First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with Nickelodeon for the 'Let's Move London' event at the American Ambassadors Residence, Winfield House in London, England on Friday (July 27).

The Los Angeles Galaxy soccer stud cleaned up nicely for the outing, wearing a gray suit jacket and dark slacks, while Mrs. Obama went for a more casual look in white capri pants with a color block blue tee-shirt and sparkly silver shoes.

Proving she just might be able to join the ranks of Beckham on the field, the First Lady booted a Nike soccer ball effortlessly into a nearby net and after doing a little victory dance she turned to David for a playful high-five.

The event marked Michelle's second outing for the day. Earlier she welcomed USA team members in East London while David kept busy tending to promotions as he prepares for his involvement in the Olympics opening ceremonies tonight.

Letting his hometown pride shine, Mr. Beckham told The Sun today, "I have been lucky enough to have been involved in some amazing sporting moments in my career, but nothing can compare with what is about to take place in London. . . . It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. I know I am biased but, what the rest of the world will see, I don’t think any other country in the world could do it better."

Enjoy the pictures of David Beckham and Michelle Obama at the 'Let's Move London' Event (July 27) [here on the official 'The Gossip Girls' website, celebrity-gossip.net]

Nickelodeon Hires Former Starz Executive As Senior Vice President Of production At Nickelodeon Animation Studios; Promotes Jamie Drew To SVP Of Strategy And Business Development For Nickelodeon Group

From C21Media:

Nick looks up to Starz exec

US children's cable channel Nickelodeon has appointed the former head of Starz Animation to take control of its cartoon studio in California.

As senior VP of production at Nickelodeon Animation Studios, David Steinberg will handle operations and preside over all animation and digital projects at the studio, located in Burbank. He will report to Alison Dexter, executive VP of production for the Nickelodeon Group.

Steinberg left his role as head of Starz Animation in Toronto last year after the studio was sold to a Canadian investment group and renamed Arc Productions.

During his five years at Starz, Steinberg oversaw the animation on feature films such as Tim Burton’s 9 and Gnomeo & Juliet for Miramax Films. The veteran animation exec also spent 10 years as director of production at Disney, before leaving in 2006 to head Starz Animation.

Nico Franks
27-07-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Appointments
GENRES: Animation, Children's
PEOPLE: Alison Dexter, David Steinberg
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon, Viacom Media Networks International
SECTIONS: C21 Kids
COUNTRIES: Canada, US

Also, from Kidscreen:

Nickelodeon hires David Steinberg and ups Jamie Drew

Nick Animation Studios and Nickelodeon Group each have a new face in an SVP role with the hiring of animation industry veteran David Steinberg and the promotion of nine-year Nick veteran Jamie Drew [...] respectively.

As Nick Animation Studios' new SVP of production, Steinberg (former studio head at Toronto’s Starz Animation) will be responsible for overseeing all physical production and daily operations at the 600-person studio in Burbank, California.

Steinberg will lead all animation series production (from pilot to post) and digital initiatives as well as oversee studio operations such as legal, production planning, budgeting, staffing and artist development and relations.

During his five year-stint at Starz, he helped grow the company's reputation in visual effects and CG animation working on features including Gnomeo and Juliet and 9.

Prior to this, he held executive positions with Disney and Turner Feature Animation, and has also penned 15 children’s books published by Penguin Young Readers.

Meanwhile, Drew has been promoted to SVP of strategy and business development for Nickelodeon Group. She will be tasked with supporting senior management in the development of long-range strategies for Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, TeenNick, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, and Nick’s consumer products, digital and recreation businesses.

She will also serve as the primary liaison to Nick parent companyViacom in analyzing mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and investment opportunities.

Drew, who joined Nick in 2003, moves into her new role from her most recent position as VP of strategy and business development, where she helped secure deals for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Winx Club, AddictingGames and Shockwave.

Tags: David Steinberg, Jamie Drew, Nick Animation Studios, Nickelodeon Group

Five-Time Olympic Medal Gymnast And Role Model Nastia Liukin Hits The Gymnastics Mat With Dora The Explorer and Friends For Fisher-Price's Brand New "Fantastic Gymnastics Dora" Doll

Below is a Fisher-Price, Inc. press release via Business Wire:

Nastia Liukin Helps Fisher-Price Introduce New, Interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora Doll to Adventure-Seeking Dora Fans

Five-Time Olympic Medal Gymnast and Role Model Hits Gymnastics Mat with Dora and Friends

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just in time for the excitement in London this summer, five-time Olympic medalist and role model, Nastia Liukin, is teaming up with Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT), to help introduce the new, interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll to adventure-seeking children everywhere. The popular gymnast was right at home where she trains at the World Olympics Gymnastics Academy in Plano, Texas as she hit the mats to support young gymnasts through routines inspired by Fantastic Gymnastics Dora. As girls tumbled alongside Dora, Liukin reminded them that one small somersault could lead somewhere big!

“Fantastic Gymnastics Dora from Fisher-Price captures the adventurous spirit of Dora and is sure to motivate active children with her moves and words of encouragement.”

“I’ve always been a true believer in setting goals and dreaming big,” said Liukin. “Building self-confidence at an early age is so important and a doll like Fantastic Gymnastics Dora is designed to inspire kids and show them that there are endless possibilities to what they can achieve – I love that!”

Fantastic Gymnastics Dora, based off of the Nickelodeon show Dora the Explorer™, performs two gymnastics routines, features seven unique moves – including splits, handstands and back-bends – and enhances imaginative role-play for kids ages three and older. Children can coach their friend Dora through her practice and performance routines and learn the value of teamwork by cheering her on.
Fantastic Gymnastics Dora also features more than 40 phrases in English and Spanish and a special song celebrating teamwork.

This August, consumers can download the free, Fantastic Gymnastics Dora augmented reality app on retail shelves to watch Fantastic Gymnastics Dora come to life. They can also download the free app directly from the App Store.

As with all Fisher-Price products, Fantastic Gymnastics Dora was developed through the brand’s Joy of Learning lens to ensure skill-building benefits for children, while keeping play fun and interactive.

“Fantastic Gymnastics Dora features multiple ways of play to encourage children’s imagination and creativity skills, as well as self-expression and confidence,” said Susie Lecker, Senior Vice President of Fisher-Price Friends. “Nastia is the perfect partner to help launch Fantastic Gymnastics Dora because she strives to reach her full-potential each day and is a true champion. She continues to be a wonderful role model for young girls everywhere, just like Dora!”

“We know that young girls will be following gymnastics closely this summer, sparking excitement; who better to share that adventure with them, than Dora?” said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “Fantastic Gymnastics Dora from Fisher-Price captures the adventurous spirit of Dora and is sure to motivate active children with her moves and words of encouragement.”

Fantastic Gymnastics Dora will be available for $49.99 in August at retailers nationwide including Toys ‘R’ Us, Target, Walmart and Kmart, as well as on FisherPrice.com. Visit www.FisherPrice.com for additional information.

About Fisher-Price:

Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) located in East Aurora, N.Y., is the leading brand of infant and preschool toys in the world. The company's legacy of high quality toys has enhanced early childhood development for more than 81 years. Some of the Company’s best-known “classic” brands include Little People®, Power Wheels®, View-Master® and Imaginext®. Fisher-Price is also a leading developer of baby gear products (infant swings, bouncers, high chairs), as well as a wide array of character-based toys inspired by high quality children’s programming such as Dora the Explorer™, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Thomas & Friends®. The Company’s website, www.fisher-price.com, as well as its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/fisherprice provide valuable information and resources to parents and grandparents around the world.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

This press release has an accompanying Smart Marketing Page providing further details about the organization, products and services introduced above. You can access the Smart Marketing Page via the following link:

https://smp.newshq.businesswire.com/pages/nastia-liukin-helps-fisher-price-introduce-new-interactive-fantastic-gymnastics-dora-doll-adve

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50350352&lang=en

Contacts

Fisher-Price, Inc.
Juliette Reashor, 716-687-3354
Juliette.reashor@mattel.com

or

Weber Shandwick
Stephanie Brodsky, 212.445.8221
sbrodsky@webershandwick.com.

Also, from Kidscreen:

Olympian teams up with Fisher-Price and Dora

In conjunction with the summer Olympics in London, five-time US Olympic gymnastics medalist Nastia Liukin has partnered with Fisher-Price to help launch a new interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll.

The doll, based on Nickelodeon’s hit Dora the Explorer property, can perform two gymnastics routines featuring seven unique moves, speak more than 40 phrases in English and Spanish and sing a song about teamwork.

Fantastic Gymnastics Dora will be available in August at US retail locations including Toys ‘R’ Us, Target, Walmart, Kmart, and on FisherPrice.com.

In addition, a Fantastic Gymnastics Dora free augmented reality app will also be available in August at the App Store.

Tags: Dora the Explorer, Fantastic Gymnastics Dora, Fisher-Price, Nastia Liukin

Also, from Brand Channel - always branding. always on.:

London 2012 Watch: Dora the Gymnast Gets Girls in the Games

That's Team USA gymnast (and five-time Olympic medalist) Nastia Liukin, above, doing the splits with the special London 2012 Summer Olympics edition Dora the Explorer doll. Mattel's Fisher-Price will sell the interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll starting in August for $50. What makes the latest doll from the Nickelodeon hit series interactive? Consumers can download the free, Fantastic Gymnastics Dora augmented reality app on retail shelves or download from Apple's App Store.

Also, from the Saudi Gazette:

Tech is child's play

Technology doesn’t intimidate children. The smallest tot will reach out for a ringing smartphone. For children, expensive iPads are fascinating entertainment windows. So it’s only natural that toy companies will look for ways to merge age-appropriate technologies and traditional play patterns.

Timed with the Olympics in London this summer, Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. has introduced the interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll. The doll leverages the popularity of the Nickelodeon show, “Dora the Explorer.” She performs two gymnastics routines, has seven unique moves – including splits, handstands and back-bends – and enhances imaginative role-play for kids ages three and older.

Children can coach their friend Dora through her practice and performance routines and learn the value of teamwork by cheering her on. Fantastic Gymnastics Dora also features more than 40 phrases in English and Spanish and a special song celebrating teamwork. Play with the doll is enhanced by the addition of the Fantastic Gymnastics Dora Augmented Reality app from the App Store, which brings Dora to “life.”

Recently Mattel also introduced, “Apptivity,” which allows children to safely play with a physical toy on the screen of an iPad. The game series was launched with Hot Wheels Apptivity, which lets kids take a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels car and race through three exciting game modes. Next came the Laugh & Learn Apptivity Monkey. This is a plush stuffed monkey. When toddlers squeeze the monkey’s hands and feet they interact with the app, which has been downloaded to an iPhone or iPod touch device. The most recent Apptivity toy is the Apptivity Batman game. Just lunch the app on the iPad and place the base of the Apptivity Batman figure on the iPad screen. Special contact points on the bottom of each base allow the app to identify the toy figurine and then the player battles the criminals in familiar Gotham City locations.

When kids get together for some face-to-face interaction, from the first moment technology can be a part of the interaction. Rubber wristbands are popular with children as a means of self-expression. Now, Hallmark has created Text Bands which are interactive wristbands. Text Bands starter kits feature a purple or charcoal-colored Text Band, complete with a texting module and style band. Kid enter up to a 10-characters message into the screen. When they see a friend wearing a Text Band, they connect by bumping fists or shaking hands. The bands light up, and the message transfers from band to band. A bad-word filter built into the Text Band helps ensure kids send positive messages. Text Bands hold up to 24 messages at a time – the newest messages push out the oldest – giving kids the perfect excuse to connect with their friends again and again. The wireless technology in the bands works from about 12-inches distance so actual contact between the bands isn’t required. They retail for $15 each with optional style bands priced at an additional $5. Once school starts it’s certain that teachers will be horrified if Text Bands catch on. With cell phones banned in many schools, Text Bands will be a new way to share “secret” messages, such as the answer to the fourth question on a math exam.

The last toy to mention today, which has gone high tech in a big way, is the storybook. Parents are getting over their fear of giving an expensive digital device to a small child. Research from the UK’s literary advocate, The Reading Agency, found that 48 percent of parents of primary school-aged children believe electronic devices encourage children to read more. With that in mind, over 40 percent of those parents surveyed have made available a digital device that allows their children to read eBooks. Children who have access to digital storybooks may have a much richer personal library. That’s because eBooks are economical. Bowker Market Research found that the average children’s eBook is $5.65 cheaper than the average hardcover and $3.72 less than the average paperback. Entertaining, educational and economical — eBooks are wonderful tech playthings!

Also, from Toy News:

Olympic star promotes Dora doll in gyms

Russia's Nastia Liukin teaches kids routines inspired by Fisher-Price's Fantastic Gymnastics Dora.

Five-time Olympic medallist Nastia Liukin has teamed up with Mattel’s Fisher-Price brand to help get children active.

The Russian athlete headed to the World Olympics Gymnastics Academy in Texas to run young gymnasts through routines inspired by the Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll.

The toy is based on the Nickelodeon show Dora the Explorer. It can perform two gymnastics routines, has seven unique moves including handstands and the splits, and it has 40 phrases in English and Spanish.

Children can coach Dora by cheering her on and can download an augmented reality app on retail shelves to watch the doll come to life. The product is priced $49.99 in the US and arrives in August.

“I've always been a true believer in setting goals and dreaming big,” said Liukin. “Building self-confidence at an early age is so important and a doll like Fantastic Gymnastics Dora is designed to inspire kids and show them that there are endless possibilities to what they can achieve – I love that.”

Susie Lecker, senior VP of Fisher-Price Friends, added: “Fantastic Gymnastics Dora features multiple ways of play to encourage children's imagination and creativity skills, as well as self-expression and confidence.

"Nastia is the perfect partner to help launch Fantastic Gymnastics Dora because she strives to reach her full potential each day and is a true champion. She continues to be a wonderful role model for young girls everywhere, just like Dora.”

Google Adds Viacom Channels, Including Nickelodeon USA, To Their Brand New 'Google Fiber' Television Service

From ITProPortal:

Meet Google Fiber, the new 1Gbps broadband service now on offer in the US

Google has officially become a service provider with the launch of Google Fiber, which will provide 1Gbps Internet access and a TV service.

"Google Fiber is 100 times faster than today's average broadband. No more buffering. No more loading. No more waiting. Gigabit speeds will get rid of these pesky, archaic problems and open up new opportunities for the web," Google said in a blog post.

Initially, Google Fiber will only be available in the US, rolling out to parts of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area - which straddles two states, Kansas and Missouri - after enough people in given neighborhoods sign up for the service.

Google today encouraged residents in those areas to pre-register and get their neighbours to sign up, too. Pre-registration is $10 (about £6.40) and is open until 9 September, at which point Google will see how many people have signed up and decide exactly where Google Fiber will roll out. Neighbourhoods need between five and 25 per cent of homes to sign on in order for it to be cost effective, Google said.

Google expects to have fiber connections built to the top 50 per cent of the "fiberhoods" by mid-2013. After 9 September, the company will publish a calendar with an estimated construction order and look to roll out to other American states thereafter.

Is Google Fiber likely to come to Blighty any time soon? Maybe, and maybe not. Kansas City looks like a good testing ground given its manageable size, and fans of high-speed broadband from all corners of the globe will no doubt be rooting for the Midwestern barbecue hub.

But until a megatropolis like New York is on the receiving end of the network, it seems unlikely a London rollout would be considered, with most other UK cities probably too small to be of commercial interest to Google until it's Fiber programme is a proven entity and scalability is established. Having said that, it doesn't mean Brits shouldn't clamour at the Internet giant, as incumbent UK broadband providers like Virgin Media and BT are still trying to master 300Mbps FTTC connections.

Google is offering three service packages.

The web-only Gigabit Internet plan is $70 per month (about £45) and includes a network box with advanced Wi-Fi and 1TB of cloud storage. The selection includes a one-year service agreement, though you can waive that by paying a $300 (£191) installation fee.

With the 'Gigabit + TV' plan, Google promises hundreds of channels and on-demand shows, as well as 2TB of DVR storage and eight tuners. Subscribers will get a new Nexus 7 tablet, which will serve as a remote control. The package will cost $120 per month (roughly £75) and include a two-year contract unless you pay the more expensive $300 set-up fee.

A list of available TV channels is on the Google Fiber website and includes premium channels like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, which are also available on UK cable and satellite telly plans.

"This channel line-up is only a representative line-up and is subject to change," Google said in the fine print.

Google is also offering free Internet service to those who pay the $300 construction fee. Subscribers will get 5Mbps Internet access at no monthly cost, though they can spread the $300 fee out over 12 months. Google promised that the free Internet option will be available for at least seven years.

None of the plans include data caps, Google said.

What if you have a service issue? Google said its customer support line will be open for 15 hours on weekdays and eight hours on weekends. The company also has established a 'Fiber Space' in Kansas City, Missouri, where customers can speak with a Google Fiber team member, but it's unclear if Google Fiber technicians would be on call like most cable providers.

Google first announced that it would develop ultra high-speed broadband networks back in 2010. At the time, it promised fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections that are "100 times faster than what most have access to today." By March 2011, Google selected Kansas City for its first network, and earlier this year there were rumours that the search giant would also be offering TV service.

In a statement, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski championed Google Fiber.

"Abundance in broadband speeds and capacity – moving from megabits to gigabits – will unleash breakthrough innovations in health care, education, business services, and more," he said.

The next chapter of the Internet starts here.

Google Fiber starts with Internet speeds 100 times faster than what most Americans have today. In this video, we see the evolution of the Internet represented in three different stages. It started with Dial-Up, grew with Broadband -- and with Google Fiber, the possibilities are endless. Pre-register now at http://www.google.com/fiber

About the Video:
The cars and model installation were built by hand, and filmed at Agua Dolce airport in Santa Clarita, CA. The installation now resides in the Fiber Space in Kansas City. For more info about the Fiber Space, please visit http://google.com/fiber/fiberspace.

Also, from World Internet TV on PC (blog):

Google Fiber Offers Fastest TV Download Speeds On Earth

Google have now unveiled their mega speed broadband and TV service in Kansas, offering blistering one gig per second download speeds that are the fastest on earth.

The new service means that Google will, within the next month or so, be supplying live and on-demand TV to Kansas City residents via optical fiber, with the service rolling out to other cities later.

The Google Fiber offering will make residents pay for the speed advantage though, costing an eye watering $120 per month for TV services, 1 gigabit per second Internet speeds and 1 terabyte of cloud based storage.

Included in the deal will be TV channels from companies that include NBC, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Bravo and Viacom, but will exclude networks such as HBO, AMC, CNN and ESPN. Although Google say they are negotiating for more content as we speak.

For people that just want the basic internet service, which is roughly 100 times faster than standard cable, the charge will be $70 per month.

The set-up will include a Google Nexus 7 tablet, and a 2Tb DVR running on a Google TV interface that allows 8 simultaneous recordings.

As would be expected with a new internet TV service, Fiber TV will be controllable using a range of mobile devices and apps on both iOS and Android and a Bluetooth remote control.

Also, from C21Media:

Google preps premium TV service

Google will offer a wide range of local and national US TV channels, including pay bundles from Showtime and Starz, as part of its Google Fibre experiment in Kansas.

The service, which rolls out in the US state next month, will offer internet speeds of 1GB – 100 times the US average. It will use Google’s custom-built infrastructure, with web access to be complemented by a comprehensive TV service, in a direct challenge to established US cable TV operators.

Google has detailed around 160 channels that will be available through its Gigabit+ TV package to date, including 126 local and national networks – such as A&E, Bloomberg, Comedy Central, Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon and Telemundo. However, it is yet to secure content from the likes of ESPN, HBO or Fox.

For an extra US$10 per month, Google Fibre users can subscribe to 17 Starz channels, including Starz, Encore and MoviePlex. A Showtime package is priced the same and includes 11 networks such as Showtime, Sho 2 and The Movie Channel. For US$5 per month, an Hispanic option includes networks such as Univision Tlnovelas.

Google said its Gigabit internet and TV service would cost US$120 per month, while internet alone will be priced at US$70.

For both packages, Google said it would waive a US$300 installation fee. The TV package will include a free Nexus 7 tablet, which can be used as a remote control, and a DVR box capable of recording up to eight shows at once and which also offers on-demand access to internet content.

Andrew McDonald
14-08-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Cable, Channel distribution, vod
SECTIONS: FutureMedia
COUNTRIES: A&E, Bloomberg, Comedy Central, Discovery, Google, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Starz, Telemundo, Univision, US

Nickelodeon UK Presenter Anna Williamson To Give A Five Star Performance In Milton Keynes Theatre's 2012 Pantomime "Cinderella"

From MK News:

Denise Pearson will give a Five Star performance in Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre

Denise Pearson of Five Star will be appearing in Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre

Audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre this winter can look forward to a glittering star-filled show as 80s pop icon Denise Pearson of Five Star fame joins TV personality Louie Spence in this years family Panto Cinderella.

Denise is a Grammy nominee and lead singer with the pop super-group Five Star, who had an unprecedented chart run of more than 20, top 30 UK singles and were the youngest group ever to win a Brit Award, the youngest black British group to have a number one album and the first group to achieve seven consecutive hit singles from one album in the UK.

This success was mirrored not only in Europe but also in the US pop, r 'n' b and dance charts.

Denise also writes and produces for other artists.

She could recently be seen in a show-stopping run in the West End in new hit musical Thriller Live, stage show Respect La Diva, and has just released her stunning debut solo single, the self-penned ballad Here I Am.

In March 2012 she appeared on BBC talent show The Voice UK as a contestant joining Tom Jones’ team.

Playing Cinderella to Denise's Fairy Godmother is the beautiful Anna Williamson (Daybreak and Nickelodeon) while lovable sidekick Buttons will be played by comedy star Kev Orkian. John Barr will return to MK after a triumphant turn last year as Widow Twankey alongside Paul Burnham to provide a belly full of boos as the Ugly Sisters.

Cinderella features a glittering combination of everything a traditional pantomime could wish for. With a sprinkling of magic from the Fairy Godmother, will Cinderella beat the clock and find the happy ending she deserves? You’ll have to wait until the clock strikes midnight to find out!

Book your tickets now at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (booking fee) or visit www.atgtickets/miltonkeynes.com (booking fee).

Nickelodeon UK To Premiere Brand New "Power Rangers Super Samurai" On 12th August 2012 As Part Of Summer On Nick UK

According to the official Sky Media UK websites 'Sky TV's Children's Television Highlights In August 2012' webpage, to celebrate the summer school holidays, Nickelodeon UK will be premiering and showing the first brand new episodes from the second season of "Power Rangers Samurai", called "Power Rangers Super Samurai", on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK on Sunday 12th August 2012 from 08.30am (repeated from 9.30am on Nick UK's plus one (+1) timeshift channel, Nick Replay UK) as part of "Summer on Nickelodeon":

Power Rangers Super Samurai
Nickelodeon
Sunday 12 August, 08.30

Join the Super Samurai gang for more action packed Power Rangers adventures, brand new and only on Nickelodeon.

"Power Rangers Super Samurai" is the second season of "Power Rangers Samurai", and is considered the nineteenth season of the "Power Rangers" franchise.

Below is a streaming Nickelodeon UK video clip (with transcript) of Nick UK's brand new "Now it's time to Power Up with the Power Rangers Super Samurai!" teaser trailer/promo:

You've seen the Power Rangers.

You've seen the Power Rangers Samurai.

Now it's time to Power Up with the Power Rangers Super Samurai!

Brand new Power Rangers Super Samurai, coming soon, to Nickelodeon!

Brand New Series

Power Rangers Super Samurai

Coming Soon

Nick.co.uk

NickToons UK To Show Brand New Episodes Of The Animated Series "Monsuno" From Monday 20th August 2012 As Part Of "Summer On NickToons"

According to the official Sky Media UK websites 'Sky TV's Children's Television Highlights In August 2012' webpage, to celebrate the summer school holidays, Nickelodeon UK's animation channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, will be premiering brand new episodes of the animated show "Monsuno" every weekday at 6.00pm from Monday 20th August 2012 as part of "Summer on NickToons 2012":

Monsuno
NickToons
Monday 20 August, 18.00

A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between a group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the Earth. Built around powerful, action-driven animation, dynamic characters and a deeply woven original story mythology.

British Children's Television Channel 'Kix' To Show "Saban's Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation" From August 2012

According to the official Sky Media UK websites 'Sky TV's Children's Television Highlights In August 2012' webpage, to celebrate the summer school holidays, Kix, a free-to-air children's and teen's television channel in the UK, will start to show "Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation", a live-action 1990's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series that was produced by Saban Entertainment ("Power Rangers"), every weekday at 08.30, providing a great opportunity for British and Irish television viewers to familiarise themselves with the Heroes in a Half-Shell and to get ready and prepared for when Nickelodeon UK premieres Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series in October 2012!:

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation
Kix
Weekdays, 08.30

Summer is kicking off with the Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation this summer on Kix. Catch them weekdays at 8:30am and 3:30pm. The channel also have some sporty themed interstitials which includes basketball tips and tricks to keep the boys entertained!

British Children's Television Channel 'PopGirl' To Show Classic Nickelodeon UK Movies In August 2012 As Part Of 'Blockbuster Summer'

According to the official Sky Media UK websites 'Sky TV's Children's Television Highlights In August 2012' webpage, to celebrate the summer school holidays, Pop Girl, a free-to-air children's and teen's television channel in the UK, will be hosting a 'Blockbuster Summer' movie programming stunt throughout August, where every day at 11am and 3pm in August, PopGirl will be showing kids' movies featuring the channel's current stars, and includes a slate of Classic Nickelodeon UK movies, including a selection of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movies and "Sabrina The Teenage Witch" movies!:

Blockbuster Summer
PopGirl
Throughout August

It's a blockbuster summer on PopGirl with movies every day at 11am and 3pm. Along with favourites like the Olsen movies, the channel have added two Sabrina the Teenage Witch movies and Vacation With Derek to the roster. Tune in!