Kanter said, “We know that Disney Junior reaches moms as well as our core audience. Our new ‘Disney Junior Night Light’ programming is a nod to those moms, and dads too, who find themselves watching with their child during the later nighttime hours.” Kanter continued, “We partnered with Disney Interactive Family to provide content that parents will appreciate, yet will also feel organic to our young Disney Junior viewers.”

In keeping with Disney’s heritage of storytelling, the emotional connection kids and parents have to Disney characters and stories and Disney’s commitment to healthy lifestyles, the Disney Junior short-form series include: “DJ Tales,” featuring cleverly costumed finger puppets acting out kids’ versions of classic fairytales and storybook favorites; “Picture This!,” a fast-paced series featuring artists and animators creating images of classic and contemporary Disney characters; and “That’s Fresh,” a cooking show hosted by chef Helen Cavallo who shares inspirational stories of cooking and eating with her own family and simple, healthy recipe ideas for kids and families. “Disney Junior Night Light” shorts in development include a series starring child and family photographer Me Ra Koh sharing her tips and tricks for taking professional-quality photographs, charming vignettes featuring parents sharing the story of the first day they brought their child home and a series that puts stay-at-home dads front and center.

“Babble leverages the power of storytelling to inform, entertain and empower parents everywhere,” said Brooke Chaffin, Senior Vice President, Disney Interactive Family. “Based on the insights we’ve gleaned from Babble’s vibrant community of bloggers, we’ve created short form video content for parents and kids to view together, offering them quick bursts of entertainment and inspiration in between some of their favorite Disney Junior shows.”

For the second quarter 2012, the Disney Junior preschool block on Disney Channel delivered the top three preschool cable TV series among Women 18-49 with “Doc McStuffins,” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” Additionally, the March 23, 2012 premiere of “Doc McStuffins” is the #1 preschool series launch in cable TV history with adults 18-49.

Acquired by Disney in 2011, Babble is part of the Disney Interactive Family portfolio of online content and tools for today’s connected parents. Babble offers a vibrant online community of real moms and dads who support, encourage and celebrate the highs and lows of raising a family. Babble’s network of more than 300 influential bloggers contributes to the site daily, writing about a variety of parenting topics including pregnancy, child care, health, food and family activities, as well as lifestyle topics such as home, fashion and family products.

Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network’s biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S. bringing the total number of channels to 30 worldwide.

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The Show

Comedian and author, Jeff Foxworthy hosts this studio-based game in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible.  Utilizing current as well as historical references, questions will be drawn from the rich, dense narrative found in the world’s best-selling book.  The contestants will share their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a charitable organization. “The American Bible Challenge” is produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies (“The Newlywed Game,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”) serving as Executive Producers on the project.  Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks are Consulting Producers.

The Host

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and the best-selling author of 11 books. Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature.

My Thoughts

I had the opportunity to watch a preview of the show called “The Making of The American Bible Challenge” and I was truly touched. The teams competing on this show aren’t competing for themselves, they are playing for a charity or ministry of their choosing-they are giving back to their communities, not taking for themselves. During the show you will get to know the teams and their charity so you can form a bit of a bond as you choose which team to cheer for. Jordan, My 17yo son is one of the coaches for our church’s Junior Bible Quiz Team so this show is a great fit for our household. I think Jeff Foxworthy is a great choice for host of this show. His comedy is clean and funny, and he is a committed Christian who leads a Bible Study for homeless people on Tuesdays and has met with the same group of guys every Thursday for 15 years to study the Bible and do life together. The producers and host have worked hard to rightfully respect the Bible as God’s Holy Word while also sharing the contents of the Bible with a national television audience. This is a feat never attempted before and I can’t wait to watch. “The American Bible Challenge” premieres August 23 at 8/7c on Game Show Network.

The Buzz

You can catch the buzz on Facebook and on Twitter using #TheAmericanBibleChallenge. The show’s creators would love if we all used that hashtag especially on 8/23/12 and try to get it to be a trending topic before and during the show’s airing. If you’ve missed the buzz about this show all summer you can watch “The American Bible Challenge” trailer on the GSN site.

The Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a “The American Bible Challenge” t-shirt and a copy of Zondervan’s Quest Bible! The giveaway is open to US residents only and the winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and verified before the winner is announced. The giveaway ends at 12:01am on 9/4/12.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Celebrating family and friendship, the story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams) and his best friend Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson) reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews (Coco Jones), whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writesmusic under the name “Truth,” crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics, but ultimately begins to win Roxie’s heart too. Now, it’s up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self, and pursue his dreams. At the same time, Cyrus must convince his preacher father (Courtney B. Vance) that hip-hop music can convey a positive message.

Will your family be watching, leave me a comment and let me know? I’ll be watching and recording it on the DVR for my kids since they will be out of town.

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Have you and your kids watched the Disney Junior Channel today? Are they already fans of the Disney Junior programming block on the Disney Channel? What is their favorite Disney Junior program? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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There are days or even seasons when I have felt there is too much television in our house. Currently, we are not in one of those seasons. hubby and I watch Chuck, Body of Proof, Last Man Standing and Switched at Birth regularly and we are fans of The Amazing Race, The Sing-Off, Dancing with the Stars and Survivor when they are on. My guilty pleasure is My fair Wedding with David Tutera.

My 18yr old son watches Chuck, Body of Proof, Burn Notice and NCIS with the occasional American Pickers thrown in for good measure. My 16yo son watches Chuck, Tanked, Pawn Stars, American Pickers, Top Gear and The Amazing Race.

Thankfully, the invention of the DVR has allowed us to plan our TV time around our lives instead of our lives around the TV schedule. Almost all of our television watching is done via the DVR when school work and chores are complete. I don’t think we watch too much television and we seldom watch alone so we dialog what is going on while we fast forward through the commercials.

I didn’t list any sports…we are fans of NASCAR, Tampa Bay Rays baseball and college and pro football but watching sports doesn’t take precedent over other family plans.

I think we have come to a comfortable balance with our television watching and with our kids being older we no longer set limits on screen time for them. How about you? Is there too much television in your house? What shows are must watch television for your family? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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If you follow me on Twitter you’ve seen me comment on how I LOVE The Sing-Off because it showcases real vocal talent. It is impossible to be in a successful a cappella group and not be able to sing. There are no instruments or electronic devices to hide behind. Honestly, I turn off music whenever I hear more auto-tune than vocal talent-it just makes me sick. Another reason I love The Sing-Off is the judges. This season’s judging panel is made up of Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles and Shawn Stockman. I don’t always agree with the judges but I love that the judging panel offers positive input and well-crafted constructive criticism. Their aim is to help the groups improve not to kill their hopes, dreams and self-esteem like some other vocal competition television shows.

Last week I had the opportunity to take part in a conference call with Nick Lachey, the host of The Sing-Off. Nick’s background in a cappella music makes him a great fit for The Sing-Off because he knows the genre and what kind of work and dedication it takes to excel. We asked Nick a myriad of questions and I’m going to share a few of them here.

If you weren’t the host would you rather be a judge or a competitor on The Sing-Off?  Boy you know what it’d be, I mean it’d obviously to be fun to be a contestant and then be a part of a group competing but, you know, at the same time I know how hard they have to work. I mean this competition is a lot of singing in a very short amount of time and the competition is really stiff. And I can’t imagine how much pressure, you know, those groups are under. But at the same time it’s neat to see the kind of family bond that they all share together. I mean they really do get a chance to bond together. And they really do pull for one another so it’s a neat dynamic.Oh gosh that’s a tough one. I guess I’d want to be a contestant.Judging’s not my thing.

I’m just wondering have you ever been really disappointed or maybe had a problem with any of the decisions the judges have made, like anybody that you really would’ve liked to have stay on the show or you believe should have been given another chance? Interesting question. I mean I think there is certainly situations where, you know, my opinion differed from what the judges ultimately decided.

But that’s, you know, that’s kind of the beauty of my role. I don’t get a voice that I don’t have to make those tough decisions. So, you know, but I think I’m probably not unlike anyone, you know, else watching at home who thinks oh man I can’t believe they went, you know, were sent home. I was expecting, you know, some other group. As I’m sitting backstage waiting for the judge’s decision, you know, sometimes when I ultimately, you know, see it and see who’s been sent home it’s, you know, it’s the same reaction.

So they certainly have their criteria and their, you know, their method if you well and even I am not privy to that. So it’s for me I’m almost a spectator in that sense.

Why do you think that The Sing-Off is so popular? You know what I think it’s just people understand and appreciate and enjoy watching real talent. And I think that The Sing-Off certainly, you know, maybe showcases that better than any other show. With acapella music there’s just nowhere to hide. So you really get a feel for how talented these groups are. And there’s, you know, just great performances. I think people gravitate to hearing great music and great music done well. And I think that we certainly do that on The Sing-Off so just appreciate everyone out there who supported the show and continues to watch it and continues to support what we’re doing.

I wanted to ask since all the judges music styles are very different how do you think that that adds to the show and their chemistry? Yes I think that’s a great point and it’s a great reason why our judging panel is in my opinion the best on television is they all come from such accomplished careers but very different careers.

You know, certainly Sean is the most accomplished R&B group ever. Sara as a solo artist, you know, who is I think one of the best songwriters I’ve ever
had the pleasure of meeting and an incredible performer. And then Ben who’s, you know, done the solo thing and the group thing. And everyone comes from a different place but it’s a very successful and established place. And I think that that’s why they bring so much knowledge and so much expertise to every comment they make.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this peek into The Sing-Off and its host Nick Lachey. Are you a fan of The Sing-Off? Let me know your thoughts. If you’re watching this season-which group id your favorite and why? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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As you can see in the picture today’s release includes the DVD, music CD and a pirate eye patch!! I’m a huge fan of Jake and the Neverland Pirates and I have enjoyed watching the episodes on the DVD and listening to the pirate music of Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band.

Here are some clips from the series:

Head on out to your favorite retailer and pick this up for your little pirate…or I’ll make you walk the plank!

Disclosure: I received a copy of the DVD/CD combo pack for the purpose of this post. I will be giving the product to my 5 year old friend. All opinions are 100% mine,

The post Jake and the Neverland Pirates on DVD and CD Today appeared first on The Mom Maven.

In addition, DisneyJunior.com has launched a new “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Space Adventure” micro-site featuring space-themed recipes and crafts and “Mickey’s Out of This World Treasure Hunt,” where players can assist Mickey and his Clubhouse pals on their journey through space. A Talk Like A Never Land Pirate Day micro-site will also debut Friday, September 9, that allows fans to create and share their own animated videos of their favorite “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” characters using different pirate sayings, sound effects and backdrops. These pirate videos will be showcased in an online gallery.

New Disney Junior on-air programming for September includes:

Specials:

“MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE SPACE ADVENTURE” – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 (9:00 – 9:55 a.m., ET/PT)  A new 45-minute special, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Space Adventure,” finds Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto blasting off to outer space in the Clubhouse rocket on an intergalactic treasure hunt that takes the gang to the Moon, Mars and the Rings of Saturn.

“JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES” – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 (6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., ET/PT) In celebration of National Talk Like A Pirate Day, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” takes over Disney Junior with a marathon and the debut of a brand new episode, “Captain Hook’s Parrot/Skybird Island Is Falling” (8:30 – 9:00 a.m., ET/PT). In the new episode, Jake and his crew use teamwork and quick thinking to rescue Skully from the clutches of Captain Hook and save Skybird Island from falling when Captain Hook tries to take all the leaves from the island’s Golden Tree.

New Series:

“SMALL POTATOES” – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (9:25 a.m., ET/PT) A new short-form series from Emmy Award-winning Little Airplane Productions, “Small Potatoes” introduces a rocking quartet of musical spuds who sing, dance and rock their way through entertaining music videos and comedy sketches. The members of the band are Ruby, the diva; Nate, the artist; Olaf, the caretaker; and Chip, a quirky little spud. The band’s songs cover every popular musical genre, from Motown to reggae and rock & roll.

“3^RD & BIRD!” – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (12:00 – 12:30 p.m., ET/PT)  A new series from the BBC and Emmy Award-winning Little Airplane Productions, “3^rd & Bird” follows the adventures of three young birds – Muffin Lovebird, Samuel and their friend, Rudy, as they learn all about their vibrant treetop community. Stories focus on diversity, tolerance, perseverance and social skills. Produced in Little Airplane’s unique style of bold and colorful photo-puppetry animation, the series features music by Ziggy Marley and bird sounds and music by world champion music whistler, Michael Barimo.

New Episodes:

“SPECIAL AGENT OSO” – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 (7:30-8:00 a.m., ET/PT) In the back-to-school themed episode, “Best Friends Are Forever/For School Days Only,” Oso helps some pals learn an important lesson in friendship and get ready for the first day of school.

“HANDY MANNY” – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (7:00-7:30 a.m., ET/PT) In the episode “Doggie Door/Rocking Chair,” Manny and the tools install a doggie door for Mrs. Portillo’s dog and help build a rocking chair for the Alvarez family to rock their new baby to sleep.

“JUNGLE JUNCTION” – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (1:00-1:30 p.m., ET/PT) In “Where’s Ellyvan?/Bobby Loses his Hat,” Ellyvan is scared of going to her tire check-up and tries to get out of it, and Bobby’s friends help him realize that it is who he is and not what he wears that counts after his hat goes missing.

“HANDY MANNY” – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 (7:00-7:30 a.m., ET/PT) In “Table for Too Many/Bunk Bed,” Manny and the tools build an extra large table for Mr. Bouffant’s dinner party and bunk beds for brothers, Kevin and Nelson.

“HANDY MANNY” – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (7:00-7:30 a.m., ET/PT) In “Flicker the Kicker/The Sheet Rocks Hills Strikers,” Manny and the tools help Mr. Ayala set up a soccer goal in time for his son’s first practice. Then, Manny leads his bowling team to a tournament victory and builds a trophy case to display the award.

“MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE” – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., ET/PT) In “The Go-Getters,” Detective Minnie, Secret Spy Daisy and Captain Clarabelle band together to form the Go-Getters in order to help stop a group of giant baby chicks who are running loose in Mickey Park.

“JUNGLE JUNCTION” – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (1:00 – 1:30 p.m., ET/PT) In “Cadet Zooter/Jungle Job Swap,” Zooter gets promoted to delivery cadet and Bungo swaps jobs with some of his pals.

Don’t forget to tune in…or set your DVR so your littles don’t miss any of this fall’s excitement on Disney Junior!

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On FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 in the Disney Channel booth, fans of all ages are invited to join Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist Dave Barry and noted New York Times best-selling author Ridley Pearson, Disney Publishing Worldwide co-authors of prequels to the classic Peter Pan, the “Peter and the Starcatchers” book series, along with beloved “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” characters Jake, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, for a celebration of the power of imagination and the magic of Disney storytelling. This event also includes an appearance by actor David Arquette (the voice of Skully in the hit Disney Junior series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) and a special announcement from The Walt Disney Company Corporate Citizenship team. There will also be a performance and meet & greet with The Never Land Pirate Band.

On SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, there will be appearances by the Handy Manny character along with the voice of Manny, Wilmer Valderrama (10:00 – 11:15 a.m.) and the Special Agent Oso character along with the voice of Oso, Sean Astin (11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) in the Disney Channel booth.

For more information and tickets to the D23 Expo, go to http://www.D23Expo.com. For schedules, live updates, interactive features and tools, polls and much more, check out the D23 Expo mobile app at www.D23mobile.com!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 is “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” Day at Dodger Stadium! During the game against the Colorado Rockies, there will be special appearances by Jake and The Never Land Pirate Band. The first 10,000 kids 14 & under will receive a free pirate bandana. Game starts at 1:10 p.m. For more info and tickets, please visit http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com.

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I’ve loved this show from the first episode. Hot in Cleveland revolves around three fabulous L.A. women of a certain age who are best friends (Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick). Their lives are changed forever when their plane — headed to Paris for a girls-only celebration — unexpectedly lands in Cleveland and they soon rediscover themselves in a new ‘promised land’. Loving their new home, the women find themselves living under one roof and battling the sassy caretaker (Betty White) of the property they have rented.

In case you’ve never seen the show check out the video here. if you love funny women then make sure you watch Hot in Cleveland!

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