Nickelodeon Releases App For Windows 8

Below is a Nickelodeon Press Release about Nickelodeon's brand new Windows 8 app called the "Nick App" from PRNewswire:

Nickelodeon Releases App For Windows 8

Network Introduces Kids' Entertainment Brand For Windows 8

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 /Nickelodeon Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon will reimagine Nick.com, the number-one kids entertainment website*, for Windows 8, tailoring it to the platform's fun and unique gesture-based interface. Providing a hub for all things Nick and available for free download in the Windows Store, fans can play more than 1500 games, view photos and watch videos featuring their favorite hit series including iCarly, Victorious, Big Time Rush, The Legend of Korra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, and more.

(Download image - Photo/screenshot of Nickelodeon's The Nick App: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121119/NY15976 )
"Nickelodeon strives to be everywhere kids are – with this multiscreen generation, it is especially important to offer companion experiences featuring their favorite content," said Steve Youngwood, Executive Vice President and General Manager Digital, Nickelodeon Group. "We are thrilled to bring Nickelodeon to Windows 8 as we further extend our offerings to platforms where our fans are."

Said John Richards, senior director of Windows App Marketing for Microsoft Corp., "Nickelodeon is one of the top brands for kids, and we are excited to bring the brand to Windows 8."

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).

*Source: comScore Media Metrix – Claim based on comScore US data, average monthly unique visitors for July 2012 – September 2012.

SOURCE Nickelodeon

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

Also, from Kidscreen:

Nickelodeon unveils Windows 8 app

Tapping into the needs of the multiscreen generation, Nickelodeon has relaunched its Nick.com kids website with a dedicated, customized Windows 8 app.

The new app is now available for free from the Windows Store allowing users to play more than 1500 games, access photos and watch videos on Windows 8 touchscreen devices featuring their hit Nick series including iCarly, Victorious, Big Time Rush, The Legend of Korra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Further expanding its mobile presence, the latest app release comes on the heels of Nickelodeon launching its Bubble Guppies: Animal School Day app for the iPad on November 1.

Tags: apps, Nickelodeon, Windows 8

Ne-Yo, Neon Trees, Nicole Richie, Lucy Hale, Jesse Williams, Heather Morris, Anthony Anderson, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr, Victoria Justice, Cast Of See Dad Run And Others Join Host Nick Cannon At The 2012 TeenNick Halo Awards

Below is a Nickelodeon Press Release about the 2012 "TeenNick HALO Awards" from PRNewswire:

Ne-Yo, Neon Trees, Nicole Richie, Lucy Hale, Jesse Williams, Heather Morris, Anthony Anderson, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr, Victoria Justice, Cast Of See Dad Run And Others Join Host Nick Cannon At TeenNick Halo Awards

Star-Studded Event Honoring Teens Committed To Service Set To Premiere Nov. 19 On Nick At Nite

Teen Surprised with HALO Award Onstage

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2012 /Nickelodeon Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Ne-Yo, Neon Trees, Nicole Richie, Lucy Hale, Jesse Williams, Heather Morris, Anthony Anderson, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr, Victoria Justice and the cast of See Dad Run were among the celebs who took to the Hollywood Palladium stage to join host Nick Cannon in honoring five extraordinary teens for the 2012 TeenNick HALO Awards live event. The fourth annual TeenNick HALO Awards was held today and will air as a 90-minute special premiering Monday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), on Nick at Nite, with an encore Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 10 p.m. (ET) on TeenNick. Conceived, hosted and executive-produced by Cannon, the awards show recognizes and celebrates real teens who are "Helping and Leading Others" (HALO).

(Download image - Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121118/NY15654; Caption: HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 17: (L-R) 2012 HALO Award Honorees Raymone George, Allyson Ahlstrom, Taylor Waters, TeenNick Chairman and HALO Awards host Nick Cannon, 2012 HALO Award Honorees Kylie Lan Tumiatti and Matt Ferguson attend Nickelodeon's 2012 TeenNick HALO Awards at Hollywood Palladium on November 17, 2012 in Hollywood, California. The show premieres on Monday, November 19th, 8:00p.m. (ET) on Nick at Nite. (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon,Charley Gallay))
During the star-studded evening, Neon Trees rocked the stage with their hit single "Everybody Talks" and Ne-Yo had the crowd singing along to "Let Me Love You." In a surprise moment onstage, Richie awarded 18-year-old Raymone George with a HALO Award in recognition of his work as a mentor and coach to a youth dance troupe. Ne-Yo, who is performing at MTV's New Year's Eve special, also invited George to be his VIP guest for the day. George and the four existing teen honorees each received a baton-shaped HALO Award and scholarship fund from superstar presenters including Richie (The Richie-Madden Children's Foundation), Hale (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Operation Smile), Morris (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Anderson (F.A.C.E Diabetes) and former school teacher Williams (supports education) along with other surprises.

Previously announced HALO Award honorees – Allyson Ahlstrom, Matt Ferguson, Kylie Lan Tumiatti and Taylor Waters – were surprised by a visit from Cannon, awarded a grant for their cause and given an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and connect with a mega-celebrity who shares a similar passion for their cause. Their celebrity matches are Tyra Banks, Emma Stone, Justin Bieber and Josh Duhamel, respectively, and their taped segments will be featured in the show.

Presenting sponsors of the fourth annual TeenNick HALO Awards are Chevrolet, COVERGIRL, Reese's Puffs® cereal and Target. During the live taping, each sponsor surprised their respective teen HALO Award honorees with the following:

* Chevrolet provided funding for gas and lodging for Ahlstrom as she takes her Threads for Teens boutique on the road this summer, traveling to 48 states with the goal of outfitting a total of 1,000 girls.

* In support of Ferguson, COVERGIRL donated product for Matt's Chemo Bags, which provide comfort packages to women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

* Reese's Puffs® cereal provided Waters with resources for disaster relief kits for her Hurricane Sandy outreach.

* Target made over one of Operation Hope Florida's listening rooms and outfitted it with new computers and listening stations to help Tumiatti teach the children of migrant workers how to read.

Nickelodeon's charitable live-action stars joined in the celebration of the extraordinary teens and their service contributions.

* Ahlstrom received racks of clothing from various Nickelodeon series from Justice.
Ferguson was given hand-packed care bags by the cast of See Dad Run that he can pass along to chemo patients.

* The presenters, performers and celebrity talent in attendance at the HALO Awards presented Waters with autographed custom shirts that she can auction off to raise funds for her Red Cross Club.

* Pena Jr. and Maslow recorded a digital reading of a book for Tumiatti's Operation Hope Florida.

* George was gifted brand-new audio and computer equipment for his dance troupe from TeenNick.

This year's HALO honorees are:

Raymone George, 18, Brooklyn, N.Y. (paired with Ne-Yo) – Raymone George discovered a passion for dancing at The Beacon Center, an afterschool program that provides a safe haven in neighborhoods where poverty and crime is prevalent. Dancing allowed George to work out his frustrations in a creative and healthy manner and he credits it for keeping him out of trouble. He currently spends time choreographing and coaching the center's 10-14 year old dance troupe and works one-on-one with kids who are struggling. George's HALO match, Ne-Yo, supports Boys & Girls Clubs of America and founded the Compound Foundation which is committed to increasing awareness about the status of children in the child welfare system. The organization also supports and partners with residential care facilities and independent group homes through programs aimed at teaching entrepreneurship and life skills that will empower them to become productive, successful, independent adults.

Allyson Ahlstrom, 17, Santa Rosa, Calif. (paired with Tyra Banks) – A bubbly and fashion forward self-starter, Allyson Ahlstrom was inspired to combine her love of fashion and community service to create Threads for Teens, an organization that collects and distributes clothing to disadvantaged (low income, foster care, etc.) teen girls. She provides one-on-one support to every one of the girls as they shop, bonding over fashion, talking about their lives and sharing motivational advice. In just two years Ahlstrom moved her organization into a fashionable pink boutique, raised over $130,000 in product donations and outfitted over 200 girls. Ahlstrom's HALO match, Tyra Banks, started TZONE at the Lower Eastside Girls Club, providing a rich mix of career development workshops, mentoring, experiential learning opportunities, financial literacy initiatives and community-wide events so hundreds of girls will build self-esteem and develop the tools they need to prepare for lives as entrepreneurs and change-makers in the world.

Matt Ferguson, 18, Hillsboro, Ore. (paired with Emma Stone) – Matt Ferguson was inspired to start Matt's Chemo Bags after finding out his mom had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. He began building bags of essential items (lotion, tissues, warm socks, a handmade blanket, a lap pillow, notebook) to distribute to women suffering from breast cancer in hopes that it would bring them the same comfort that a similar bag brought his own mother as she went through chemotherapy. His organization now services all of Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Northern California and has distributed over 7,500 bags. Ferguson's HALO match, Emma Stone, is an advocate for Stand Up To Cancer, an initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.

Kylie Lan Tumiatti, 16, West Melbourne, Fla. (paired with Justin Bieber) – Kylie Lan Tumiatti developed a passion for giving back to the community early on, after watching her younger sister struggle with learning English. Tumiatti decided to help others who faced similar obstacles and partnered with Operation Hope Florida, a non-profit facility that provides prekindergarten classes to children of migrant workers. Together they implemented a literacy program that enhances the language skills of young children while simultaneously instilling a love of stories and books. Tumiatti's HALO match, Justin Bieber, is big supporter of Pencils of Promise, which works to build schools and increase educational opportunities in the developing world.

Taylor Waters, 19, Sanford, N.C. (paired with Josh Duhamel) -- A compassionate leader and aspiring teacher, Taylor Waters belief in giving back to her community stems from her personal experiences with disaster. She continues to encourage youth involvement through her hometown American Red Cross and she is establishing her own Red Cross Club at East Carolina University. Waters' HALO match is Josh Duhamel, who supports the disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross, as well as his hometown's Minot Area Community Foundation in North Dakota which establishes permanently endowed funds to support both local and national charities and charitable causes.

The TeenNick HALO Awards is a Nickelodeon Original executive produced by Nick Cannon, Lauren Lazin, Alex Coletti and Sal Maniaci.

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 the Daily Mail:

Mariah Carey cheers on husband Nick Cannon at HALO Awards in Los Angeles... [...]

Mariah Carey's [...]

The Grammy-winning singer is as famous for [...] hitting the high notes, and the slinky black gown she wore to Nickelodeon's 2012 TeenNick HALO Awards on Saturday proved that point.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2234691/Mariah-Carey-cheers-husband-Nick-Cannon-HALO-Awards-Los-Angeles--cleavage-steals-show.html#ixzz2FFCe83zH
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[...]: Mariah Carey's gorgeous black gown - [...] - [...] at the HALO Awards on Saturday in Los Angeles

Supportive: Mariah cheered on husband Nick Cannon who hosted the event

Gorgeous: Mariah looked like a goddess in her slinky black gown with her wavy hair flowing
Upon arriving to the venue, Nick happily posed for photographers with Mariah, but then he let her have her few minutes alone in the spotlight.

Once inside the auditorium, Mariah was hands on the most devoted wife in the house, nuzzling Nick with her cheek and giving him kisses.

He, in turn, graciously stood by while Mariah, a newly appointed judge on American Idol, autographed T-shirts for fans.

Starry eyed: Mariah is a woman in love as she leans into Nick, cheek to cheek, during the formal event

Feeling woozy: Mariah looks like she's about swoon over her man
The couple has been blissfully happy since they wed on April 30, 2007, and then became a family of four last year after the birth of twins, a girl and a boy.

But speaking on Anderson Live, Nick, 31, told the host that he's usually the one stuck with changing Monroe and Moroccan's nappies.

'I mean we all do it but for some reason I get that duty a little bit more,' Nick said. 'I am not scared of it. I go in, I put the gloves on. Real men change diapers!'

[...]: Victoria Justice showed up in a little red number and bolero jacket, but ditched the wrap

Haley Strode went floral and Gracie Dzienny opted for dark and dramatic

Sister, sister: Jessica Newman and her actress sister Ryan Newman wore frocks that complimented each other perfectly
Other celebrities who hit the red carpet included Zoey 101 star Victoria Justice, who made a splashy appearance in a bright red mini-dress with bolero jacket. Seconds later the brunette ditched wrap and posed sleeveless.

Zeke and Luther star Ryan Newman brought her sister Jessica, and they both rocked the carpet in sandalwood and pastel pink.

Pretty Little Liars actress Lucy Hale wore a beige dress that featured an interesting pattern.

[...]: Nicole Richie was a beauty in blue; she stepped on stage to give a speech during the show
Nicole Richie was a vision in midnight blue as she stepped on the stage to give a speech. Her hair was loose and partly held back with a delicate wreath.

Nicole had the poise of a princess and who would have thought she ever starred in a reality show with Paris Hilton.

Other attendees to the event - which airs on Monday on Nick at Nite - included the likes of actresses Haley Strode and Gracie Dzienny as well as Lucas Cruikshank and Victory Van Tuyl, actor Nathan Kress and recording artists Swizz Beatz and Ne-Yo.

Edgy chic: Lucas Cruikshank pulled off the trendy T-shirt and blazer look while Victory Van Tuyl just looked lovely in her black dress

Back to basics: Actor Nathan Kress was elegant in a dress suit while Ne-Yo was casually chic in jacket, scarf and hat

Also, from StarPulse:

Photos: Mariah Carey, Victoria Justice, Lucy Hale & More Rock The TeenNick HALO Awards

On Saturday, Mariah Carey supported her husband Nick Cannon at his TeenNick HALO awards at the Hollywood Palladium. Stars such as Ne-Yo and Nicole Richie also helped recognize young volunteers at the fourth annual event.

Cannon launched the Nickelodeon bash in 2009 to honor teenagers who are making a difference in their communities by "helping and leading others."

"Pretty Little Liars" star Lucy Hale and and Nicklelodeon actress Victoria Justice presented awards, while Carey told reporters how proud she was of her husband for hosting and spearheading the event.

She explained, "I'm super proud of my hubby, Mr. Nick Cannon. I think this is amazing, that he conceptualised the whole thing. Really, he's so involved in this. It's all about... giving back... That's what the awards are all about."

Tyra Banks, Justin Bieber, Josh Duhamel and Emma Stone each met one of this year's four HALO Awards recipients to discuss their charity work, and footage of their visits will be shown when the special is broadcast in tonight.

See more photos from the event...

Lucy Hale

[Nickelodeon Star] Victoria Justice

Photo Credits: PR Photos

Also, from Digital Spy:

Celebrity pictures - Kristen Stewart, Katy Perry, One Direction, more

[...]

In the US, Katy Perry attended the Celebration of Dreams Gala and Mariah Carey was in town for Nickelodeon's TeenNick HALO Awards. Elsewhere, Rihanna continued her '777' tour in Paris.

For all of this weekend's pictures, scroll through our gallery [here on the official Digital Spy website, digitalspy.co.uk]:

[...]

Mariah Carey arrives for Nickelodeon's TeenNick HALO Awards.

Also, below is a Aol On streaming video from Fanlala via GossipCenter:

Nick HALO Awards With Marvin Marvin Cast, Nathan Kress & More!

Toy Industry Association Announces Nickelodeon's Brand New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Nominated For Two 2013 Toy of the Year Awards!

The Toy Industry Association Of North America has announced in the following press release that Nickelodeon's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" merchandise line has been nominated to win two awards at the upcoming prestigious 2013 Toy of the Year Awards! From PRNewswire:

Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2013 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Industry Association (TIA) kicked off the holiday shopping season today by announcing the 84 finalists for the prestigious 2013 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Between now and January 13, 2013, toy lovers of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite playthings in 12 categories – from e-Connected and Innovative to Educational and Outdoor toys – and sign up to win exclusive prize packages!

"Each year, TOTY celebrates the creative spirit of the toy industry and honors the joy that toys and games bring to kids of all walks of life," said Carter Keithley, TIA president, at a New York City press conference unveiling the nominees. "We are proud to announce that the TOTY Awards will once again support the inspiring work of the Toy Industry Foundation, which annually delivers one million toys and games to deserving children around the world."

This year's finalists – representing 69 unique products or properties from 46 companies – were selected from nearly 650 nominees submitted for consideration. Nomination committees comprised of academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers narrowed the field to the slate of finalists that were introduced today.

"The toys in the 2013 TOTY line-up emphasize play value, originality and innovation across all market sectors," said Stacy Leistner, TIA vice president of strategic communications. "To elevate the excitement surrounding the awards, this year we are introducing the 'People's Choice Award.' The winner in this category will be selected exclusively by votes received on our ToyAwards.org website. It will be the public's choice of the most popular plaything of the year!"

Five ballots – for consumers, mass retailers, specialty retailers, media, and TIA members – were launched during the press event and will remain open through January 13, 2013. These ballots will be weighted and used to determine each of the category winners. The overall "Toy of the Year" award will be selected based on votes received from journalists and bloggers, retailers and TIA members. [See the finalists in each category below]

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Saturday, February 9, 2013 as the kick-off to the 110th American International Toy Fair.

2013 Hall of Fame Inductees Join Toy Industry Icons

Also announced today were the next inductees into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Judith (Judy) Ellis, founder and chair of the nation's first baccalaureate program in Toy Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the late Russ Berrie, former chief executive and chairman of Russ Berrie & Company, will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and service to the toy industry during the TOTY Awards ceremony in February. [See related press release for more detail.]
More information about the TOTY Awards (including product images and descriptions), the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, the Toy Industry Association and the Toy Industry Foundation can be found in the online press room www.ToyAwards.org /Press. The TOTY Awards program is the annual Toy Industry Association-administered event in support of the inspiring work of the Toy Industry Foundation.

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages, representing more than 550 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including the development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. For more information, please visit www.toyassociation.org or www.toyinfo.org.

ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity

* Blingles™ Bling Studio by Moose Toys
* Cake Pops By Bakerella Ultimate Cake Pops Set by SRM Entertainment LTD.
* Digital Light Designer by Crayola
* LEGO® Friends by The LEGO Group
* LiteBrix™ by Cra-z-Art®
* Monster High® Create-A-Monster Design Lab by Mattel, Inc.
* Symphony in B.™ by B. toys by Battat

BOY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for boys of any age

* Air Hogs Battle Tracker™ by Spin Master Ltd.
* HEXBUG® Warriors Battling Robots Battle Stadium by Innovation First International
* Hot Wheels® Ballistiks™ by Mattel, Inc.
* LEGO® Ninjago by The LEGO Group
* Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire blaster by Hasbro, Inc.
* Skylanders Giants™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser by Playmates Toys

E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR
An app-cessory or other physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device

* Animal Planet Wildlands by Nukotoys
* Furby by Hasbro, Inc.
* Kurio7 by Techno Source, a division of LF Products (a Li & Fung Company)
* Life of George by The LEGO Group
* Skylanders Giants™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
* Sphero® by Orbotix
* StoryBots™ Starring You® StoryBooks by JibJab Media Inc.

EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play

* InnoTab® 2 by VTech Electronics North America, LLC
* LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* Leapster GS Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* LEGO® Architecture by The LEGO Group
* Roll & Play™ by ThinkFun Inc.
* Spectacular Science by Thames & Kosmos
* Zingo!® Sight Words by ThinkFun Inc.

GAME OF THE YEAR
Children's board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game formats. (NOTE: All electronic games must have an ESRB "Early Childhood" rating)

* Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates Never Land Challenge Game by Wonder Forge, Inc
* Don't Rock the Boat™ by Patch Products
* Fibber™ by Spin Master Ltd
* Perplexus Epic™ by PlaSmart Inc.
* Skylanders Giants™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
* Spot It Jr. Animals by Blue Orange Games
* The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game™ by Educational Insights

GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for girls of any age

* Disney Princess Cinderella Magic Lights Dress by Creative Designs International (CDI), a division of JAKKS Pacific
* Doc McStuffins "Time For Your Check-Up" Doll by Just Play
* Furby by Hasbro, Inc.
* Furreal Friends Baby Butterscotch, My Magical Show Pony by Hasbro, Inc.
* La Dee Da™ by Spin Master Ltd
* LEGO® Friends by The LEGO Group
* Monster High® High School by Mattel, Inc.

INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)

* Alphabet Activity Cube™ by VTech Electronics North America, LLC
* Cruise & Groove Ballapalooza™ by Fisher-Price, Inc.
* LEGO® Duplo Creative Sorter by The LEGO Group
* Rock*tivity walk 'n roll rider by PLAYSKOOL
* Roll & Play™ by ThinkFun Inc.
* Tranquil Turtle™ by Cloud b
* Woofer™ by B. toys by Battat

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value

* 4D Cityscape Time Puzzles by 4D Cityscape Puzzles Inc.
* Digital Light Designer by Crayola
* Furby by Hasbro, Inc.
* Illumivor Mecha-Shark by Skyrocket Toys
* LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* Nerf Firevision Sports Football set by Hasbro, Inc.
* Swish™ by ThinkFun Inc.

OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys designed for outdoor play

* Fuze Wheel Writer by Skyrocket Toys
* Little Tikes® Cozy Couple Go Bubbles by Imperial Toy
* Nat Geo WILD™ Anteater Bug Vac™ by Uncle Milton Industries
* Nerf Firevision Sports Football set by Hasbro, Inc.
* Razor® FlashRider™ 360 by Razor USA LLC
* The Original Big Wheel by JAKKS Pacific
* YBIKE Explorer by National Sporting Goods

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for preschool-aged children (aged 3-5)

* Chuggington Die-Cast Railway by Wilson and TOMY
* Disney Princess Songs Palace by Little People® by Fisher-Price, Inc.
* Doc McStuffins "Time For Your Check-Up" Doll by Just Play
* LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* Servin' Surprises™ Kitchen & Table by Fisher-Price, Inc.
* Switch & Go Dinos™ by VTech Electronics North America, LLC
* Symphony in B.™ by B. toys by Battat

PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry

* Barbie® (Mattel, Inc.)
* Disney Princess-Cinderella (Disney Consumer Products )
* LEGO® Ninjago (The LEGO Group / Ninjago)
* Marvel's The Avengers ™ (Disney Consumer Products)
* Monster High™ (Mattel, Inc.)
* Skylanders Giants™ (Activision Publishing, Inc.)
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)

SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers

* 4D Cityscape Time Puzzles by 4D Cityscape Puzzles Inc.
* All Duct Out by ALEX Toys
* Fashion Angels Color Rox Hair Chox™ by Fashion Angels Enterprises™
* Fastrack by Blue Orange Games
* LEGO® Architecture by The LEGO Group
* Loopdedoo® Kit by Ann Williams
* Playmobil E-Rangers Headquarters by Playmobil

Follow TOTY on Twitter at #TOTY13

SOURCE Toy Industry Association

RELATED LINKS
http://www.toyassociation.org.

Children's Social Website BinWeevils Brings In Comms Head For Brand Drive

From PR Week:

Children's social site BinWeevils brings in comms head for brand drive

Children's social gaming site BinWeevils has brought in a head of PR and comms to boost brand awareness in the competitive kids' online gaming market.

BinWeevils: Children's game and entertainment website
Yinka Akindele has been appointed head of PR and comms to build the BAFTA award-winning website’s profile with children aged from six to 12 and grow brand awareness among parents. The appointment comes ahead of plans to launch the site in the US by the end of next year.

Akindele joins BinWeevils from Turner Broadcasting, where she led trade comms for children's media brands Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito and CNToo. Previously, she worked on publicity for television shows such as Peppa Pig on Milkshake, Prove It! on CITV and Taggart on ITV while at Franklin Rae.

She will report to BinWeevils co-founder Amelia Johnson, who said: ‘Yinka has a wealth of experience to bring to the business and an excellent reputation among her trade and consumer press colleagues.

'We’re delighted that she's joining the strong team and are looking forward to seeing her implement her exciting comms strategy across all aspects of the growing BinWeevils business.’

BinWeevils won the children's BAFTA for best website in 2011, ahead of Moshi Monsters and Disney's Club Penguin. A comScore survey found BinWeevils [Bin Weevils] was the most popular children's online destination in the UK, attracting 972,000 unique visitors during June.

The site includes a video-on-demand service featuring popular Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon shows such as Ben10 and Spongebob Squarepants. Alongside the website, BinWeevils has a number of product licensing deals, including a monthly magazine, books, toys and clothes.

Starlings Toymaster In The Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, Among The First British Shops To Hold The UK Product Launch Of Nickelodeon, Flair And Playmates Toys' Brand New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Toy Line!

From Bury Free Press:

Toy shop in Bury St Edmunds is among the first for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Starlings Toymaster in The Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds is one of just ten retailers in the country [which also includes Kids Stuff in Eastbourne and Forbidden Planet's Birmingham store] that will be selling the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys on Saturday (24) ahead of their nationwide launch on December 1.

The shop opens at 7.30am and will have events throughout the day.

The show which originally started in 1987, has been revamped for Nickelodeon.

Now the toys are set for a big come back as well.

Any little ones dressed as turtle ninja will receive a special Starlings Toymaster goody bag throughout the day.

In addition, there will be a special early bird giveaway where the first three customers to purchase a turtles toy will receive a top toy prize, in addition to further great goodies up for grabs throughout the day.

Turtle-fanatics will also be able to snap-up an exclusive limited edition Night Shadow Leonardo action figure, which is hitting the shelves for one morning only.

Ian Pummel store manager of Starlings in Bury St Edmunds said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen as one of ten retailers around the UK to launch the Turtles toy range.

“We foresee the fantastic collection being a huge seller for us this Christmas. We’re incredibly excited about our exclusive event on Saturday November 24 and would like to see as many fans as possible Turtle-up as their favourite ninja and join in the fun while taking advantage of being able to buy the toys early.

“Doors will open at 7.30am and we expect lots of people to join the queue much earlier in a bid to get their hands on the exclusive Leo figure - quantities are very limited so we’d advise everybody to arrive early to avoid disappointment.”

For more information contact Starlings store on 01284 761646 or visit www.starlings.co.uk.

Nickelodeon UK Announces The Return Of "Anubis Unlocked" To Celebrate Third Season Of "House Of Anubis"; Commences Production In Liverpool, UK!

Breaking Nickelodeon UK News: Nickelodeon UK has announced in the following Nickelodeon UK Press Release the Nickelodeon News that, to celebrate the third brand new season of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis" ("House of Anubis Season 3"), which Nickelodeon channels around the world (Nickelodeon International / Planet Nickelodeon), including Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK, will start to premiere and show in 2013, the Nickelodeon UK Original Production Team have today (Monday 19th November 2012) started production on eight 11-minute episodes of "Anubis Unlocked", the UK-produced behind-the-scenes companion series to Nickelodeon's break-out hit "House of Anubis", which will feature the main "House of Anubis" actors and will provide Nickelodeon UK viewers with all the Anubis gossip, exclusive on set access and extra clues to the unfolding mystery in Season Three, in Liverpool. Nick UK's "Anubis Unlocked" is the show for ultimate "House of Anubis" superfan! SIBUNA!:

ANUBIS UNLOCKED RETURNS TO NICKELODEON UK

London, 19th November, 2012 – Anubis Unlocked, the UK-produced companion series to Nickelodeon's break-out hit House of Anubis, will return to screens in 2013. Production of eight weekly 11-minute behind-the-scenes shorts of Anubis Unlocked begins today in Liverpool.

Each stand alone piece will be broadcast on-air and online at nick.co.uk/anubis The series will feature the main House of Anubis actors and will provide Nick UK viewers with all the Anubis gossip, exclusive on set access and extra clues to the unfolding mystery in Season Three. Anubis Unlocked is the show for the ultimate Anubis fan.

"We know that Anubis fans are hungry for extra content and Anubis Unlocked is the perfect show to deliver this to our UK viewers “said Peter Drake, VP, Creative Director, Nickelodeon UK. “With unprecedented access on set in Liverpool, the Nickelodeon UK Original Production Team will be in the midst of all the Anubis action."

Anubis Unlocked will provide unrivalled access to the cast, as viewers get the chance to hang out with them behind-the-scenes and learn all there is to know about the world of Anubis. There will be interviews with the cast and crew, as well as an insight into life on set from the show's directors, script writers and wardrobe department, plus the hair and make-up teams. And not forgetting the fans at home - viewers will contribute to the show with their thoughts and predictions on the mystery, as well as the ever-changing dynamics between the characters.

Nickelodeon has been bringing audiences in the UK and Ireland hit international and locally-produced kid’s content since 1993. Reaching 14 million homes, Nickelodeon offers a schedule packed with innovative, playful and heartfelt programming featuring top shows such as House of Anubis, SpongeBob SquarePants and iCarly. Viewers can also catch Nickelodeon in high definition through Nickelodeon HD and have the opportunity to catch up with the schedule through Nick +1. Exclusive games, behind the scenes clips, show information and more are available on nick.co.uk. Nickelodeon is on Sky 604, Virgin 712, through BT Vision and TalkTalk channel 315.

Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media and BSkyB Networks. Launched in 1993, the Nickelodeon Network is a top-performing commercial kids TV network in the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 14 million cable and satellite homes.

It is currently unknown whether the brand new series of Nickelodeon UK's "The House of Anubis" companion show, "Anubis Unlocked", will be presented by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland presenters Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers.

Also, from Broadcast:

Nickelodeon goes behind-the-scenes at House Of Anubis

Nickelodeon is to produce a second series of behind-the-scenes shorts to support drama series House Of Anubis.

The broadcaster will air the 8 x 11 minute series, dubbed Anubis Unlocked, on TV as well as online to support the third series of the Lime Pictures-produced kids drama.

Anubis Unlocked will feature exclusive on set access, cast interviews and insight about the show from its directors, script writers and wardrobe department. Viewer will also be offered the opportunity to contribute towards each episode.

The show is to be produced in-house by Nickelodeon, led by its creative director Peter Drake.

“We know that Anubis fans are hungry for extra content and Anubis Unlocked is the perfect show to deliver this to our UK viewers,” said Drake.

Also, from Licensing.biz:

Anubis Unlocked returns to Nickelodeon UK

Hits the small screen in 2013; eight weekly shorts will tease the series.

Teen drama TV show Anubis Unlocked will return to Nickelodeon UK next year.

It's the UK-produced companion series to House of Anubis. And eight Anubis Unlocked 11-minute behind-the-scenes weekly shorts will begin production this week in Liverpool. These will eventually run online and on TV.

The Anubis Unlocked series – targeted at 'the ultimate Anubis fan' – will feature House of Anubis actors and will provide Nick UK viewers with Anubis gossip, on-set access and clues to the unfolding mystery in series three.

"We know that Anubis fans are hungry for extra content and Anubis Unlocked is the perfect show to deliver this to our UK viewers," said Peter Drake, VP, Creative Director, Nickelodeon UK.

"With unprecedented access on set in Liverpool, the Nickelodeon UK Original Production Team will be in the midst of all the Anubis action."

Anubis Unlocked will provide interviews with the cast and crew, as well as an insight into life on set from the show’s directors, script writers and wardrobe department, plus the hair and make-up teams.

Viewers will contribute to the show with their thoughts and predictions on the mystery, as well as the ever-changing dynamics between the characters.

Tags: anubis unlocked, nickelodeon