Hunger is one of those problems we try to shelter our children from knowing about, but as much as we can try to hide the truth about their peers going hungry, it is still happening to millions of children, across the United States, every day. With astronomically high unemployment rates, Ellerbee takes a look at the Hunger problem in America today and how it is affecting children in this nation.

Nickelodeon issued a press release about the upcoming show, which will air tomorrow, Sunday, December 4, 2011.

This holiday season, when you’re thinking about candy and cookies and cakes, turkeys and roasts and big family feasts, think about this: While millions of American kids fight a battle against obesity, other American kids don’t have enough to eat. According to the government, at least one in seven American families’ lacks consistent access to food. Nick News with Linda Ellerbee hears from these kids in the new half-hour special, “What’s For Dinner? Hungry Kids in America,” premiering Sunday, Dec. 4, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Beginning Monday, Dec. 5, the special will be available on Nick.com and at iTunes.com/Nick News as a free podcast.

“Imagine living in America and going hungry. Imagine feeling powerless to change that,” said Linda Ellerbee. “In this special, kids share their stories—often stories about the shame they feel in asking for help—and talk about places and programs that have helped their families.”

Shaykia (14) of Baltimore, Md. is the oldest of three. Her single mom works at a restaurant part-time, but the food starts running low during the last half of the month. Sometimes Shaykia gives her food to her little sisters. She also writes poems to express her feelings about the situation as she doesn’t want other kids to know what her family is going through.

Kristoffer (14) of Branford, Conn. is also one of three kids who often don’t have enough to eat. One of the programs his family takes advantage of now is the Tuesday night free dinner at the Community Dining Room, a program to help hungry people. His dream is to grow up, get a good job and make money so he never has to live this way again.

Clinton (15) from New Braunfels, Tex. has limited his own eating since his dad lost his job. His family has applied for food stamps and uses a food pantry two times a month. Despite their struggles, Clinton stays positive and says he is grateful for what they do have.

Cameron (15) of Lewiston, Maine and Joshua (10) of Miami Beach, Fla. are making efforts to do something about hunger. Cameron, whose dad lost his job, started working at Lots to Gardens, a youth-driven organization that converts empty lots to gardens. Once a week he’s able to take three pounds of vegetables home. His family is eating healthier now and the money he earns helps them financially. Joshua created Joshua’s Heart Foundation to help poor and hungry people in his community by giving them food. The organization has raised more than $150,000 and has helped over 7,200 families. “One person can make a difference but it’s easier with more than one,” said Joshua.

Nick News, produced by Lucky Duck Productions, is now in its 20th year and is the longest-running kids’ news show in television history. It has built its reputation on the respectful and direct way it speaks to kids about the important issues of the day. Over the years, Nick News has received more than 21 Emmy nominations and recently won its ninth Emmy Award for Under the Influence: Kids of Alcoholics in the category of Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program. Additional Emmy wins for outstanding children’s programming include: The Face of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer (2010); Coming Home: When Parents Return from War (2009); The Untouchable Kids of India (2008); Private Worlds: Kids and Autism (2007); Never Again: From the Holocaust to the Sudan (2005); Faces of Hope: The Kids of Afghanistan (2002) and What Are You Staring At? (1998). In addition, in 1995, the entire series won the Emmy. In 2009, Nick News was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for best Network News Documentary for Coming Home: When Parents Return from War — the first-ever kids’ television program to receive this prestigious award. Nick News has also received three Peabody Awards, including a personal award given to Ellerbee for explaining the impeachment of President Clinton to kids, as well as a Columbia duPont Award and more than a dozen Parents’ Choice Awards.

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd 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 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA – News, VIA.B – News).

Technorati Tags: Nickelodeon, Hunger, Feeding Children, Kids, Starving, Nick News, Issues, Linda Ellerbee, television, news show

The following press release, was released by the Network, which provides additional details on the series:

LOS ANGELES – The Hub, a television network for kids and their families, will continue its fall rollout of new original programming with the five-part, live-action, miniseries event “CLUE,” based on the iconic family game brand. The television miniseries, premiering Monday, November 14, marks the first time the classic family game will appear on television in a version that re-imagines the brand for young audiences and introduces the iconic game characters as young modern-day sleuths. Produced by Hasbro Studios, “CLUE” will premiere two back-to-back, half-hour episodes Monday, November 14 (8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET). Additional new episodes will premiere daily through Thursday, November 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET, culminating in a five-episode, back-to-back marathon on Saturday, November 19 (1:30 p.m. ET). Encore marathons will run throughout the Thanksgiving holiday week. For a complete schedule go to http://www.Hubworld.com

The world’s most famous crime-solving game CLUE comes to television for the first time in the United States featuring the iconic characters, weapons, and locations from the classic family game. The new live-action, five-part miniseries event follows six young sleuths who stumble upon an adventure they never imagined after witnessing a crime. Along the way, the six very different kids discover they have a lot more in common than they thought as they uncover hidden treasures and decipher cryptic knowledge to reveal a secret society. The mystery they unravel, and the accusations they make, could very well define their own futures.

Executive Produced by Raven Metzner (ABC’s “Six Degrees”), the cast is comprised of top young talent including Sterling Beaumon (Mostly Ghostly, ABC’s “Lost”), Zach Mills (Super 8, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium), Stephan James (12 Dates of Christmas), Sarah Dejardins (Magic Beyond Words), Kendall Amyre Ferguson (BET’s “Black Girls Rock”) and Ana Golja (Family Channel’s “What’s Up Warthogs”).

“CLUE” will be supported by extensive marketing initiatives including The Hub’s “Get A CLUE” sweepstakes during which viewers watching live can win prize packages representing each of the six popular characters from the game. During each new episode of the five-part mini-series as well as the encore marathon on Saturday, November 19, Hub viewers will have the chance to call in and win one of six character-themed prize packages. More details, including a description of prizes, can be found at http://www.Hubworld.com beginning on Monday, November 7.

Additionally, the network’s website http://www.Hubworld.com will host a variety of interactive and engaging “CLUE” themed activities in the weeks leading up to and during the premiere of the miniseries event. Starting in November, visitors will be able to decipher clues to earn virtual rewards, unlock an interactive map, take quizzes and polls, get caught up on episodes they may have missed, and much more. Facebook and Twitter (@HubTVNetwork) followers will also be able to extend viewers’ experience online by participating in special mini-mysteries after each episode is televised.

Technorati Tags: Get a Clue, The Hub, Clue, Television, Board Game, Sleuth, Kids, Family, Teens

Like most seasons, this one appears to be a mixed bag. You have a couple people from the GLBT crowd, which should rile up the homophobes and conservative groups, some sports people, some has-been’s, and some still-are’s. Most of the people on this list aren’t too thrilling to me. There certainly isn’t anyone that could make me watch, but they would have to have a mind blowing cast for that to happen.

Needless to say the cast this year includes:

Carson Kressley – Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
Chaz Bono – Child of Cher
Chynna Phillips – Wilson Phillips pop trio
David Arquette – Scream (among other things)
Elisabetta Canalis – Former George Clooney eyecandy
Hope Solo – Soccer Player
JR Martinez – Soap Star/War Vet

Kristin Cavallari – Reality Shows (Laguna Beach)
Nancy Grace – TV Host
Ricki Lake – Hairspray/former daytime host
Rob Kardashian – He’s a Kardashian
Ron Artest – NBA

If I had to choose a person to cheer for, I guess I would go with either David Arquette (who should survive for awhile on name recognition alone) or Nancy Grace (who has a rabid fan base that will keep her around for a bit, too). As for the others, I am sure some will be better than others, but that is to be expected.

Will you be watching this season and if so, who will you be cheering on?

Technorati Tags: Ron Artest, Rob Kardashian, Chynna Phillips, Chaz Bono, Nancy Grace, David Arquette, Hope Solo, JR Martinez, Elisabetta Canalis, Dancing with the Stars, Cast, Announcement

Big Daddy’s House: Premieres Saturday, February 5th at 8am, “Taste the Romance”
Aaron cooks up Baked Chicken and Ciabatta Dressing, Weak in the Knees Sage Sausage Sautee and Valentine’s Day Cupcakes with Sweet Vanilla Frosting.

30 Minute Meals: Premieres Saturday, February 5th at 10am, “Holey Moley”
Rachael prepares her Beer Poached Chicken in Mole with Red Chard and Rice.

5 Ingredient Fix: Premieres Saturday, February 5th at 10:30am, “My Fave Classics”
Claire creates recipes for some of her favorite classics – Blue Cheese and Tomato Salad, Steak Au Poivre, Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Fried Shallots and Chocolate Soufflé.

Paula’s Best Dishes: Premieres Saturday, February 5th at 11am, “Always Room for Chocolate”
Paula tempts her sweet tooth with plenty of chocolate – Milk Chocolate and Almond Brickle, Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake and Chocolate Cream Puffs with Hazelnut Filling.

Secrets of a Restaurant Chef: Premieres Saturday, February 5th at 12pm, “Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya”
Anne cooks Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya, followed by Fluffy Beignets and Super Thick Hot Chocolate for dessert.

Barefoot Contessa: Premieres Saturday, February 5th at 1pm, “Old School Retro Mix”
Ina whips up classic recipes like Meatloaf, Smoked Salmon Devilled Eggs and Mocha Chocolate Ice Box Cake.

Giada at Home: Premieres Sunday, February 6th at 10am, “Valentine’s Day”
Giada prepares sweet treats like Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon Pizzelles, Chocolate and Coconut Lace Cookies and Peanut Butter-Caramel Pound Cake.

Aarti Party: Premieres Sunday, February 6th at 11:30am, “Warm Me Up”
Aarti warms up the house with Sweet Corn and Chicken Soup, followed by her Hoisin Ham ‘n’ Cheese Sandwich. She completes the meal with her comforting Spiced Hot Chocolate.

Sandra’s Money Saving Meals: Premieres Sunday, February 6th at 12pm, “Chocolate Feast”
Sandra creates a chocolate-filled menu including Savory Pear Bites with White Chocolate, Pan Roasted Rib Eye Steaks with Chocolate Savory Sauce served with Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions, and Milk Chocolate Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Icing and a Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini.

Ten Dollar Dinners: Premieres Sunday, February 6th at 12:30pm, “Melissa’s 4-Step Finish”
Melissa uses her signature 4-step method to cook up Fish Piccata, Tossed Angel Hair Pasta, Simple and Satisfying Broccoli, and Chocolate Sponge Puddings.

Down Home with the Neelys: Premieres Sunday, February 6th at 1pm, “Snack Attack!”
The Neelys prepare Bacon & Asparagus Pizza, Spicy Peach Hot Wings, Spinach Dip, Chocolate “Chips” and Death by Chocolate Martinis.

Make sure to tune in this weekend and if you try anything let us know how it turned out!

Technorati Tags: Food Network, Celebrity Chefs, The Neelys, Giada, Sandra Lee, Ten Dollar Dinners, Valentine’s Day, Food, TV Programming

So, it is with every bit of delight I can muster that I announce that the stop motion animation tradition is alive and well! This year, Community will be carrying the torch and airing a stop motion animation episode of their own. Wait. What? Community?

I know. That’s what I was thinking, too. I will admit I have watched the show all but one time before checking out this episode. One lowly time and to make matters worse, I cannot even tell you why I stopped watching it, because I just don’t know. I love Chevy Chase and found the rest of the cast to be equally as competent and funny. I even like Joel McHale in his role (who’s Twitter Page will show you that he thinks he’s funnier than he probably is). So, why I quit watching, I am not sure, but when I heard those three magic words – Stop Motion Animation – you can bet I picked up watching again, real quick!

So what’s it all about, you ask?

The Show:

It’s Community College at its…not so finest! Jeff Winger (Joel McHale – The Informant!) is a lawyer that recently lost his degree. Through a series of events, this leads him back to Community College, where he meets a band of misfits and forms the ultimate study group. Sure, these people don’t learn a whole lot about their school work, but they do learn some things about each other. The group includes Pierce (Chevy Chase – National Lampoon’s Vacation) – the oldest and certainly…wisest member of the group, Britta (Gillian Jacobs – The Book of Daniel) – the dropout that has something to prove, Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown – Tropic Thunder) – the middle-aged divorcee, Abed (Danny Pudi – Greek) – an optimistic pop culture junkie, Annie (Alison Brie – Mad Men) – a perfectionist, Troy (Donald Glover – 30 Rock) – a high school football star, and Senor Chang (Ken Jeong – The Hangover).

The Synopsis:

Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas – In this special Stop Motion Animation episode, the meaning of Christmas is lost and Abed’s intense fixation on Christmas concerns the group.

When Abed (Danny Pudi) wakes up in stop-motion animation, he takes it as a sign that he and the group must re-discover the meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) become growingly concerned about Abed’s mental health and enlist the help of Professor Duncan (John Oliver). The group undergoes hypnosis to explore Abed’s winter wonderland and soon unravel the truth behind Abed’s madness. Chevy Chase, Yvette Nicole Brown, Donald Glover, and Ken Jeong also star.

Without giving too much away, the thing that makes this episode is the animation. The concept would have been funny if it were just Abed being obsessed with rediscovering Christmas for the group, but having him wake up animated and that being a sign, made this episode all the sweeter.

If you have not seen Community you need to check it out. If you have, you know how special it is and you know why this episode is going to go down as one of the coolest the series has to offer!

You can check out Community on NBC (or NBC.com), Thursday’s at 8PM EST.

Disclosure: I was able to view this episode of Community before it aired thanks to the One2One Network. I was not compensated for my post, though I was entered into a contest offering prizes, for my time.

Technorati Tags: Community, Stop Motion Animation, Christmas Episode, Joel McHale, Abed, Community College, NBC, Sitcom, Chevy Chase

“Nickelodeon has a long history of successful collaborations with Macy’s and we’re very excited to bring so many of our incredible characters and talent to the Parade this year,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. “Watching the Parade is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for millions of families across the country and it’s the perfect event for our iconic characters and young stars who appeal to the entire family – from preschoolers, to tweens and teens, to their parents who enjoy the Nickelodeon shows with them.”

Nickelodeon’s participation in the 84th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade includes:

-Star of Nickelodeon’s iCarly and teen sensation Miranda Cosgrove will be riding aboard the Statue of Liberty float accompanied by the endearingly mischievous Minions, in support of Despicable Me’s Blu-ray/DVD release on Dec. 14. The mega-hit series, iCarly, follows Carly Shay (Cosgrove) and her two best friends as they create a webcast for and about kids their age while grappling with everyday tween problems and adventures. iCarly ranks as Nickelodeon’s number-one show with K6-11 and T9-14 and is the number-one live-action series with kids 2-11 in 2010. Cosgrove is signed to Columbia Records, as part of the partnership between Nickelodeon and Sony Music, and her first solo CD, Sparks Fly, debuted at #8 on the Billboard chart in April 2010. In Universal’s animated feature Despicable Me, Cosgrove voiced the character of Margo, opposite Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig.

-Nickelodeon/Columbia Records group Big Time Rush — Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos Pena, Logan Henderson — will perform their current hit “Til I Forget About You” on the Bridge to the Future float. The song is off their newly released debut album, BTR, which entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #3 with over 66,000 units sold and features original songs from the hit Nickelodeon comedy series, Big Time Rush. Produced in partnership with Sony Music, the series follows four best friends from Minnesota as they trade in their hockey sticks and parkas for a chance at music superstardom in Los Angeles. Big Time Rush had the highest-rated and most-watched live-action series premiere with kids, tweens and total viewers (6.8 million) in the history of the network.

-Nickelodeon’s newest rising teen star, Victoria Justice, will perform “Freak the Freak Out,” an original song from her hit comedy Victorious, on the Build-A-Bear Workshop®’s float. On the series, Justice plays the musically-talented “Tori Vega” who unexpectedly finds herself navigating life as a student at an elite performing arts high school. Currently in production on its second season, Victorious—a co-production with Nickelodeon and Sony Music—is created and exec-produced by TV hitmaker Dan Schneider (iCarly, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101). Justice first joined Nickelodeon in 2005 when she was cast as a series regular on the network’s Emmy-nominated hit Zoey 101. A triple threat, Justice acted, sang and danced in the 2009 Nickelodeon movie-musical Spectacular! and most recently, headlined her first-ever television movie, The Boy Who Cried Werewolf.

-Dora the Explorer is returning to the parade on a brand new float themed to the holiday special, Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure. Joining Dora will be three-time Grammy Award-winning artist India.Arie, who will perform the Emmy-nominated song, “Nochebuena.” The float will feature Dora and a 12-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with dazzling ornaments and very special gifts. Dora and her friends will showcase their most recent adventure, where they teach their friend Swiper the true spirit of the holidays.

-Pop-culture icon and eternal optimist SpongeBob SquarePants will make his sixth appearance when he takes a special holiday trip to soak up the sights and sounds of the New York City. Based on the number-one animated kids’ show on TV, the SpongeBob balloon will absorb more than 16,200 cubic feet of helium to fly down the route. Although it may appear square, the SpongeBob balloon isn’t square at all; it is actually a single chamber sphere, made intricately square-shaped by more than 600 internal tie-lines. Looking dapper as always, SpongeBob stands at 62-feet high, 38-feet wide and 28-feet long.

-The most successful kids’ action series returns with a bang when the Samurai Power Rangers descend upon the streets of New York. Utilizing their Samurai powers, which give them control over the elements of Fire, Water, Sky, Forest, and Earth, the Rangers will embark on their first journey together as they escort the Planet Earth balloon through the streets of Manhattan. The parade marks the first-ever U.S. appearance of the five Samurai Power Rangers as they get ready for the premiere of their new series, Power Rangers Samurai, which will air on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons in North America, premiering in early 2011. After the Parade, fans can tune in to Nickelodeon for a special first look at the new series.

-In the fall of 2011, Nickelodeon will premiere Kung Fu Panda: The Series, based on DreamWorks Animation’s hit feature film, Kung Fu Panda, which has grossed more than $630 million at the worldwide box office. The new TV series will chronicle the further adventures of Po, who is aided by his mentor Shifu and the Furious Five: Tigress, Mantis, Crane, Monkey and Viper. At more than 16,000 cubic feet of helium, Po the Panda is truly a larger-than-life master of the ancient Chinese art of Kung Fu. Designed by the magicians at Macy’s Parade Studio, Po was created with the help of more than half a mile of fabric and is covered in 17 gallons of paint. For his Parade debut, Po the Panda measures 42-feet tall, 46-feet long, and 34-feet wide, giving him the scale to take giant leaps down the route, poised to deliver his signature martial arts moves along the way. DreamWorks Animation plans to release Kung Fu Panda 2 in theaters on May 27, 2011.

About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 80 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade proudly marches down a more than 2-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy’s employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The Parade also features America’s best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy’s signature giant helium character balloons. For more information on the Macy’s Parade please visit www.macys.com/parade or call the Parade hotline at (212) 494-4495.

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 31st 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 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA – News, VIA.B – News).

Technorati Tags: Nickelodeon, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Miranda Cosgrove, Big Time Rush, Victoria Justice, Dora, Spongebob, Macy’s, Parade

Nick also to Air Specially Commissioned 10th Anniversary Dora Documentary, Executive-Produced By Academy Award®-Nominated Brett Morgen and Featuring Anderson Cooper, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Salma Hayek Pinault, Shakira, Soledad O’Brien and Sherri Shepherd

NEW YORK – July 27, 2010 – She did it! She did it! Nickelodeon celebrates the landmark 10th anniversary of the world’s most beloved Latina heroine, Dora the Explorer, with a brand-new, hour-long primetime TV movie, “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure,” premiering Sunday, Aug. 15, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. The TV movie, which follows Dora and Boots on a whirlwind journey through Magic Storybook Land and guest stars Rosie Perez as La Bruja (the witch), John Leguizamo as the Flying Monkeys and Hector Elizondo as the Wishing Wizzle.

Following the TV movie, at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), Nickelodeon will premiere the first-ever Dora 10th Anniversary documentary, a special 12-minute tribute executive-produced by Academy Award®- nominated Brett Morgen (The Kid Stays in the Picture) and directed by Debra Eisenstadt. The documentary explores the series’ cultural and educational impact and features appearances by Dora and her friends, commentary from creators Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes and Eric Weiner, industry experts, real-life kids and celebrities including Anderson Cooper, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rosie Perez, Salma Hayek Pinault, Shakira, Soledad O’Brien, Sherri Shepherd and more.

“For the past 10 years, Dora the Explorer has been a pioneer – a symbol of empowerment, diversity and education,” said Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon. “She has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world and will continue to inspire and entertain preschoolers for many years to come.”

Since launching on Nickelodeon Aug. 14, 2000, Dora the Explorer has emerged as a pop culture phenomenon and is currently the number-one rated preschool show on commercial television year-to-date. (Source: NMR, Live+7 Blended with Live+SD from 12/28/09-7/20/10). Dora the Explorer, which can be seen in 151 markets and is translated into 30 languages, has been honored with awards including the Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Imagen, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, Parents’ Choice Award, the Television Critics Association Award and has received 16 Daytime Emmy nominations.

In “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure,” a twisting wind has blown Dora and Boots into Wizzle World, a land located in the Magic Storybook. Dora and Boots can’t jump out of the Magic Storybook without first taking Dora’s crystal to the Wishing Wizzle (Hector Elizondo) so he can wish them back home in time for Dora’s birthday party with all her family and friends. They set off an adventure to Wishing Mountain, but they better watch out for La Bruja (Rosie Perez) and her Flying Monkeys (John Leguizamo) who don’t like wishes and try to stop Dora and Boots. In order to overcome the obstacles, Dora and Boots reflect back on past adventures to guide them along the way.

The premiere of “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure” will simulcast on Nick Mobile on Sunday, Aug. 15. Additionally in August, a selection of fan-favorite Dora the Explorer episodes will be available on Nick on Demand and celebratory-themed episodes of Dora will be released across Nickelodeon’s Download-to-Own partners. Fans can also visit www.nickjr.com for a sneak peek of “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure” on Monday, Aug. 2. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, the “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure” DVD will be available on Aug. 3, 2010. New Dora the Explorer content will be updated monthly for preschoolers and their parents at www.doratheexplorer.com.

Nickelodeon also is marking the 10th anniversary of Dora the Explorer, with a multi-year, multi-platform pro-social campaign titled “Beyond the Backpack.” Named for Dora’s iconic backpack, “Beyond the Backpack,” champions overall school readiness for preschoolers as they prepare for the important adventure of starting school.

In partnership with National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and other experts and leaders in school readiness, “Beyond the Backpack” provides parents with tools and resources that can help kids prepare for a well-rounded, positive experience as they enter kindergarten. The components of “Beyond the Backpack,” include dedicated PSAs; a web site (www.dora.beyondthebackpack.com) with customized resources and learning activities including a curriculum-focused checklist for parents to determine if their child is ready for kindergarten, links to partner organizations, financial resources and grants; fundraising activities; and community events.

Also, in support of “Beyond the Backpack,” Salma Hayek Pinault along with other celebrities will be featured in PSAs alongside Dora speaking about the campaign. Hayek Pinault, Shakira, and Slash along with other celebrities are designing one-of-a-kind, Dora-inspired backpacks to be auctioned globally this summer. One hundred percent of the U.S. proceeds will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund and international proceeds will go toward childhood education.

Dora the Explorer, created by Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes and Eric Weiner, is a play-along, animated adventure series starring Dora (Caitlin Sanchez). Dora is a seven-year-old Latina heroine whose adventures take place in an imaginative, tropical world filled with jungles, beaches and rainforests. She explores her world just as preschoolers do everyday, and the show is designed to actively engage its audience in an interactive quest using a variety of learning techniques.

Technorati Tags: Dora the Explorer, Press Release, Kids, TV, Television Show, Anderson Cooper, Birthday Party, Dora’s Tenth Anniversary

DVD Available on July 13, 2010

New York, NY – June 18, 2010 – Get ready for the first day of school with your preschool pals from Nickelodeon! Dora the Explorer leads the way in this adventure-filled DVD, which also includes episodes from Go, Diego, Go!; Blue’s Clues; The Wonder Pets!; and Ni Hao, Kai-lan! Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Nickelodeon: The First Day of School comes to DVD on July 13, 2010 and contains over two hours of educational entertainment for preschoolers.

Nickelodeon: First Day of School Synopses:

Dora the Explorer – First Day of School
Boots and Tico are really excited because it’s their first day of school and they’re going to learn in English and Spanish! Dora leads the way, teaching Boots Spanish and Tico English as they head out to school. At the river, their Guatemalan friend Camila shows them how to find turtles to ride across, then they go through the Forest where Swiper swipes Tico and Boots’ lunches and they have to find them.

Go, Diego, Go! –“ Linda the Librarian”
Alicia is opening a new library on the mountain top. Linda the Llama was supposed to bring the books for the library — but she’s late and it’s almost time to open the library. Diego finds Linda the Llama and they set off for the library. But first they’ve got to go up and down the rocky mountains by saying “arriba/abajo,” then a big wind blows away the library books and it’s up to the viewer to find them.

Blue’s Clues – “Blue Takes You To School”
It’s Periwinkle’s first day at preschool, and everyone needs to help Periwinkle make it through his first day. From finding his cubby and getting through circle time, to reading the job chart and understanding how to take turns and respect others, Periwinkle has a lot to learn.

The Wonder Pets! – “Off to School / Save the Pangaroo”
• Off to School — The Wonder Pets help our old friend the Baby Blowfish overcome her separation anxiety on her first day of Fish Preschool.
• Save the Pangaroo — The Wonder Pets help a kid-art Pangaroo, a fictional animal that is part kangaroo and part parrot, who has been thrown away in the trash.

Ni Hao, Kai-lan –“Lulu Day”
Today, Kai-lan is having a playdate with her best girl friend, Lulu the rhino. Kai-lan has all sorts of games to play with Lulu, but Lulu wants to play with different things than Kai-lan. Kai-lan and Lulu need the viewers’ help to figure out a way to compromise and play things that make them both happy.

Nickelodeon: The First Day of School Fast Facts:
Street Date: July 13, 2010
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 122 Minutes

Technorati Tags: Nickelodeon, First Day of School, DVD, Blues Clues, Ni Hao Kai Lan, Go Diego Go, Dora the Explorer, Wonder Pets

NEW YORK, June 21, 2010 – What happens when three text-happy, techie tweens take a challenge to unplug for a week? Nick News with Linda Ellerbee finds out in Middle School Unplugged, premiering Sunday, June 27, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon. Nick News asked kids across the country to go online and nominate a tech-obsessed friend or sibling who needed an intervention. Three offenders were chosen and challenged to abstain from using any form of technology for one week. The half-hour special follows their journey as they go seven days without smartphones, iPods, computers, MP3 players, video games, TV or radio. Yep. No texts, tweets or tunes.

“They are definitely the most connected generation ever, but should we worry about that?” asks Ellerbee. “If you’re becoming a tool of your tools, worry. If you’re confusing technology with (or substituting it for) real life, worry. This was an experiment. Did the experiment change these kids? See what you think.”

Michaela, 12, and Maddey, 12, nominated their friend Mary Catherine, 12, from St. Louis, Mo., for a tech intervention because, they say, she pays more attention to her cell phone than to her friends. Mary Catherine says, “I’m most definitely addicted to my phone and my computer and my iPod…in a day, I send over 200 texts.” And when her family goes out to eat? “My mom and dad, they just usually talk to each other, and I’m just in my own little world.” How was her week unplugged? Partly: “I learned I didn’t need technology all the time.” Partly: “They tried to teach me how to fish, but it didn’t work.”

Wade, 14, from Half Moon Bay, Calif, agreed to take the week-long challenge when his friend Eric, 14, nominated him. On a typical day, Wade watches at least an hour of online videos; he also video chats, tweets, instant messages, goes on Facebook, plays games on the iPad and reviews tech products for his blog, Teencastic. “I agreed to take this one week without technology,” says Wade, “but I felt like I wanted to call and cancel because I don’t think I’m fully prepared…technology is sort of part of my identity.” Sure enough, without technology, Wade got lost. Literally.

Deisha, 13, from Boston, Mass., was nominated by her friend Tara, 13, who feels that Deisha puts her “on hold” in order to text other people while they’re hanging out. Part way through the week, Deisha hit a wall. “I thought I was gonna be able to take it, handle it and I can’t. I might as well just go to bed and be sleeping right now.” But then she began to strum the guitar, to cook, to really be with her friends. And Deisha saw a way to be a different kind of kid. “I haven’t played like this since I was seven!”

Nick News, produced by Lucky Duck Productions, is now in its 19th year and is the longest-running kids’ news show in television history. It has built its reputation on the respectful and direct way it speaks to kids about the important issues of the day. Nick News recently was honored with its first ever Edward R. Murrow Award for “Network News Documentary” for the documentary special, “Coming Home: When Parents Return from War,” marking the first-ever kids television program to receive the prestigious award. Over the years, Nick News has received more than 20 Emmy nominations and recently won its seventh Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program for “Coming Home: When Parents Return from War.” Additional Emmy wins for Outstanding Children’s Programming include: “The Untouchable Kids of India” (2008); “Private Worlds: Kids and Autism” (2007); “Never Again: From the Holocaust to the Sudan” (2005); “Faces of Hope: The Kids of Afghanistan” (2002); “What Are You Staring At?” (1998). In addition, in 1994, the entire series won the Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Programming. Nick News has also received three Peabody Awards, including a personal award given to Ellerbee for explaining the impeachment of President Clinton to kids, as well as a Columbia duPont Award and more than a dozen Parents’ Choice Awards.

Technorati Tags: Nick News, Linda Ellerbee, Middle School Unplugged, Television Show, Technology, Tech, Wired

SPECIAL INCLUDES CELEBRITY GUEST VOICES – VICTORIA BECKHAM, JOHN O’HURLEY AND SEBASTIAN BACH

Available on DVD July 13, 2010

New York, NY – June 22, 2010 –Join SpongeBob and your favorite underwater friends as they try to make King Triton’s birthday extra special, only to have the arrival of a surprise guest backfire, leaving SpongeBob to save the day – and the party! The Clash of Triton features celebrity guest stars Victoria Beckham as Queen Amphitrite; John O’Hurley as her husband, King Neptune; and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) as their rebellious son, Triton. Catch this hilarious special, along with six other silly, quirky and outrageously funny episodes and never-before-seen special features when the DVD hits shelves on July 13, 2010.

Triton’s Revenge Episode Synopses:

The Clash of Triton
King Neptune wants to celebrate his 5,000th birthday at the hottest spot in town – none other than the Krusty Krab! SpongeBob and crew spare no expense for the gala, rolling out the red carpet to welcome the royal family. Despite their best efforts, the absence of Neptune’s son, Triton, brings down the king’s spirits and spoils the festivities for everyone, especially his wife, Queen Amphitrite. The gang soon learns that Neptune banished his son to a deserted island until Triton is ready to follow in his father’s footsteps. Determined to make this the king’s happiest birthday ever and save the day, SpongeBob sets out to find Triton and bring him back to the party. Unfortunately no one anticipated Triton’s wrath and now Bikini Bottom may get caught in the net of revenge meant for his father.

Sand Castles in the Sand
A friendly day of building sand castles soon turns into all out war when SpongeBob and Patrick use their sand creations to battle each other.

Shell Shocked
When Gary’s shell breaks, SpongeBob tries to find him a replacement.

Chum Bucket Supreme
Plankton hires Patrick to create advertising slogans for the Chum Bucket.

Single Cell Anniversary
SpongeBob helps Plankton find the perfect anniversary gift for Karen.

Tentacle-vision
Squidward becomes the star of his own public access TV show.

I Heart Dancing
Squidward tries to sabotage SpongeBob’s big dance audition.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Triton’s Revenge Fast Facts:
Street Date: July 13, 2010
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 89 Minutes

DVD Special Features:
• The Clash of Triton Shorts
o SpongeGod
o Neptunes Origins
• Fan Boy & Chum Chum Wizboy/Pick A Nose

Technorati Tags: DVD Details, Spongebob Squarepants, Triton’s Revenge, July 13, Upcoming Release, Nickelodeon, Sebastian Bach, Victoria Beckham