Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band Treat My Kids To A Behind The Scenes Tour at Paramount Studios

by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert

From the minute we drove through the iconic gates of Paramount Studios on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, we were treated like stars.  That's because last week we were invited to spend the afternoon here with just a handful of other bloggers and their families for a behind-the-scenes media event on the The Fresh Beat Band set.

No sooner had the cheerful and polite attendant valet parked our family-sized Ford Expedition, did the kids' eyes widen as if they'd walked into a fairytale.  Paramount, they realized immediately, was a self-sufficient mini city within the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles that even has its own Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store.  Important looking studio executives in suits milled around on the lot's trailer-lined narrow streets winding between the sound stages.  Actors and actresses could be seen roaming freely, without having to worry about fans hounding them for autographs while other talent and Hollywood types were eating lunch outside the famed studio commissary.

At the press check in table we were greeted warmly by the show's media relations team.  Inside the press kit mom found information about The Fresh Beat Band show, the cast and crew as well as details on the special FBB episode for Earth Day tomorrow .  Inside, too, was the 411 on the band's upcoming live free public musical performances at the Los Angeles Book Festival on the Target Children's Stage on Saturday and Sunday April 24 - 25.

Nickelodeon really does love children, BTW.  So I guess my kids shouldn't have been at all surprised to discover the show goodies just for them that were also tucked in the press folder, including an autographed picture of the cast for each of them, coloring pages & crayons, and stickers.  We also enjoyed an extremely healthy and delicious lunch of veggies, fresh fruit, and Mango Jamba Juice Slushies, courtesy of The Fresh Beat Band.  The biggest thrill of all, though, was when they saw the Nick CD among all the fun stuff we received.  It was the final cut of "Bubble Blast," the FBB episode that airs this week.  Since we've already seen it, I can simply tell you, that your kids are in for a treat. Luckily,  Nickelodeon gave me a few clips from this episode that they've permitted me to share in advance with all MommyBlogExpert's readers and their children.

Though The Fresh Beat Band series which airs on Nickelodeon is geared toward kids from 3 to 8 years old -- and my triplets almost 13, and big brother, 14 were by far the oldest kids there -- each of us felt captivated by something different during this visit.  Above is a picture of the Fresh Beat Band cast in a scene from the brand new April 22 episode for Earth Day. 

Our 14 year-old was absolutely fascinated with just about everything electronic and technical that is used to produce the show -- cameras, monitors, lights, cables, and all manner of set gadgets, while his triplet brother was taken in by the sets on the sound stage, their design and mechanics, and how they can be completely changed in 10 minutes or less for a new scene.  The older triplet girl just loved seeing the talent working and getting to meet them all, especially because her clarinet teacher Dave Wilson, a professional musician, is good friends with Yvette who plays "Kiki" on the show.  At the same time her middle triplet sister couldn't get enough of an eye-full of all the wonderfully colorful costumes, accessories, makeup, and hair styles --  she was particularly enamored by the hot pink high top sneakers that Kiki wears in every episode.

In my own words as a mom of triplets plus one more and as creator of MommyBlogExpert, the blog you are now reading, I think Fresh Beat Band can best be described as a High School Musical-type program for younger children that also has appeal for tweens, and possibly early teens.  In fact, I personally believe that the program's initial success can be attributed largely to its wholesome musical format featuring age-appropriate original pop songs and instruments along with an important message.

What makes Fresh Beat Band even more of a stand-out in children's programming is that it helps kids grasp the fundamentals of music while at the same time modeling positive character traits for kids to emulate.  This is a great way to teach children about friendship, working together, and respecting what makes each of us unique individuals.  I can't think of another program on any cable channel or the major networks that comes even close to filling that sort of niche.

You'll be hearing more about my kids' first-hand accounts about visiting the set when they've finished writing their own blogposts at a later date.  Please be patient though, since they're home schooled and enrolled in a gifted independent study program that is offered by our school district and they have a lot of classwork to catch up on.  I'll post their mini reports to MommyBlogExpert as soon as I possibly can.

So, stay tuned for these child eye-witness reports to The Fresh Beat Band set, as well as an online scrapbook filled with pictures mom took with her iPhone and each of the the kids took with their own digital cameras, too.

About The Fresh Beat Band

A new FBB episode called "Bubble Blast" will be broadcast tomorrow that was created for Nickelodeon's green-themed Earth Day programming.  This special edition of the show can be viewed on Thursday, April 22 at 12 noon ET/PT on Nickelodeon.

The Fresh Beat Band, airs weekdays on Nickelodeon, regularly at 1:30 p.m. ET/PT
This kids' program is the brain-child of co-creators Nadine Van Der Velde and Scott Kraft, a husband-wife team raising two daughters of their own: Bea and Gabi.  This duo, two parents who sincerely advocate for appropriate programming for youngsters, also serve as the project's executive producers.

Filmed on the lot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California, this show features a brilliant cast including:  Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Twist (Jon Beavers), Marina (Shayna Rose), and fall guy Shout (Thomas Hobson), all who do comedy, acting, dancing, singing and playing of musical instruments in each episode.  FBB, which brings a different but important message to kids in each week's episode, is presently in production on their second season. The band's first two singles -- "Great Day" and "The Fresh Beat Band Theme Song" -- are currently on iTunes.

Stop by the show's official website on NickJr.com 24/7 for lots of fun activities you and your kids can do online together, like desktop wall paper downloads, arts & craft ideas, coloring pages, themed recipes, videos and more.

FTC Disclosure:  For this story and several other related posts, MommyBlogExpert and family were invited to a behind-the-scenes tour event at Paramount Studios where The Fresh Beat Band is filmed as well as received the opportunity to view an advanced copy of the final cut of FBB's "Bubble Blast" episode.  We further disclose that we received autographed pictures of the cast, coloring pages, and stickers on set.  However, MommyBlogExpert and family did not receive any payment or other compensation to write this review.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.  
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Nature Rocks FREE National Spring Activity Guide for Families to Get Outside & Explore - BOOK REVIEW

by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert


The picture below of my triplets some years back shows that enjoying nature can bring real joy to a family's life.  Here, the kids are quite delighted to discover a neighbor's flower garden, just footsteps beyond our front door! 


Nature Rocks is a national program to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature. Their mission is to make it easy for families, parents, and kids to have fun in nature, and connect with others to do the same and to see for themselves how much Nature Rocks. As the organization espouses on their website, "Kids will be happier, healthier and smarter, and besides, it is generally free and a rockin’ way to create and share fun quality family time."
With all the suggestions in this down loadable Nature Rocks FREE Spring Activity Guide (look for the PDF download in the upper right hand corner of Nature Rock's site), the whole family can get back to nature.  Ideas provided include a variety of things young and old can do in the great outdoors together that are close by with many activities and short trips of 30 minutes, one hour, half day and full day suggested.  Here you will literally find something to do in any kind of weather -- whether it's foggy, windy, raining, hailing, sunny, warm, or roasting hot.

Nature Rocks was founded by the Children & Nature Network and ecoAmerica, and has been brought to life through partnerships with The Nature Conservancy, REI, the Flora Family Foundation, and American Camp Association, all of whom provide funding and/or in-kind support.

Nature Rocks is just one of the many eco-friendly ways parents can see nature through your child's eyes.  Look for other good to the Earth blogposts on this blog wherever you see the MommyBlogExpert Eco-Friendly Blogpost icon.

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.  
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Facebook Guide for Parents - Today's Internet Safety Must-Have Reference - BOOK REVIEW

By Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert

The Facebook Guide for Parents that just was released is exactly what the title implies.  This is a straight-talking advice guide for parents which speaks to moms, dads, and legal guardians whether they are tech savvy themselves or not.

In simple and short chapters of the book, in language that parents will understand, adult readers will learn what Facebook is, how it works, and how to monitor your child's activity on this network.  If I had been responsible for giving this book its title, though, I think I would have called it the "Must-Have Facebook Guide for Parents" because everyone who has kids living at home -- from pre-school age through high school -- should be required to read this.

In case you're wondering, the reason why I feel so strongly about this new book it's because I am a concerned and very involved parent of four kids: triplets who are almost 13, and big brother 14.  I am also Internet safety for children advocate and a Certified Online Mom in The Online Mom Network Facebook and other social networks such as MySpace and Twitter are very much a part of your kids' and my kids' lives today. 

The Internet used properly is a blessing for many of us.  But, it is also potentially problematic, especially when talking about the very young, if parents don't stay current with the technological advances of today.  Plain and simple: These Internet forces are not going to go away anytime soon.  So, as care givers of children 18 years and younger, we need to empower ourselves by taking advantage of the resources such as this new book to better understand all the ins and outs of social networking to protect our youth.  BTW (by the way), I also witnessed the common practice among any kids of having multiple Facebook accounts -- 1 that the parent knows about and 1 or more others that the child is holding secretly without mom or dad's knowledge.

Along with reading Facebook Guide for Parents from cover to cover several times, but prior to writing this review, I took a quick look at my own children's newly-set up Facebook pages as well as some of their friends.  What I saw there really caught me off guard, especially when I noticed how many of my kids' friends have disregarded Facebook's minimum of age 13 to sign-up.  In fact, I'd guess that many of these youngsters, some who signed up at age 7 or 8, have been on Facebook for years and their parents may not even know that they have existing accounts.

Even among those moms and dads who are aware of their child's Facebook page, I seriously doubt many of them have actually visited their own kid's page to take a look at who they have friended and what kinds of things they (and their friends) are posting on each other's walls.  And, that's not even to mention parents -- of which I'd bet there are few -- who are vigilant about checking their kid's Facebook page not just once, but regularly, and then actually talking to their child if the adult notices something that just doesn't look right.

After thumbing through this down loadable, well-written e-book which includes views of exactly what you will see on your computer screen when clicking on various Facebook pages and functions (as well as watching the 12 companion videos that came with the book), I came to the conclusion that even I, one who considers herself somewhat tech-savvy,  didn't know half what I should know about Facebook as a mom.  This was truly a wake-up call for me as a parent.

This title is logically organized, starting in Chapter 1 which covers the basics.  Here you'll be tutored on things such as setting up your own Facebook account (as well as how to work with your child on his or her own), creating a profile, uploading photos, and finding friends.  Jumping forward to Chapter 8, you'll learn how to identify and report abuse, such as cyber bullying.  And, in Chapter 12,  you will learn about -- OMG (that's the acronym for oh my G-d, just in case you didn't know) -- "Unfriending," something that has been and continues to be at hotly debated topic particularly among teenagers.  Finally, at the end of the book there is even a sample safe-use parent-child agreement contract form you can fill out with your son or daughter.

Though overall I'd say this book is quite good and useful, there are just a few things I think it may be lacking.  For example, a detailed index in the back with all the key words and page numbers where parents can look things up quickly might make it easier to manage their kid's Facebook participation. Second,  I think that it would be particularly useful for parents to have access to a resource section in a book like this with website links where parents/guardians can go to connect with organizations that might help to deal with things such as stalking and cyber-bullying or to find groups of caregivers that parents can meet and network with to get support for the problems they're dealing with.  Lastly, having a glossary of terms and definitions for buzz words such as "wall," "friend," "unfriend," and "tagging" -- not to mention a list of at least the top 100 acronyms that kids currently use (BFF, BF, etc.) and what they stand for -- listed alphabetically, would no doubt, be another aid parents really would appreciate when navigating the murky waters of Facebook.

Facebook Guide for Parents is an essential parenting reference guide for the fast-paced cyber world we live in, a book that no household with any kids ages 3 - 18 who should be without.  If my own experience with this publication so far is any indication -- one that you will constantly be referring back to again and again.

This title is available both as an Internet book download and as a soft cover spiral bound book which  features more than 100 pages of step-by-step "how tos" for parents.   Two of the three buying options available also come complete with 12 short videos to complement the reading materials. 

Facebook Guide for Parents available exclusively from the publisher in three different format options
Order Facebook Guide for Parents here
    FTC Disclosure:  For this book review MommyBlogExpert received access to a down loadable copy of Facebook Guide for Parents as well as the 12 companion videos from Supreme Social Media but did not receive any payment or other compensation to write this book review.  However, MommyBlogExpert discloses that this blog is a member of the Supreme Social Media Affiliate Program, and that Supreme Social Media publishes the book that was reviewed.   See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.   
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      Eco Friendly GIVEAWAY - Multi FULLSIZE 6-Pack PawSafe Household Cleaners - Contest ENDS 5/20/2010

      WIN a $36 PawSafe Prize Package
      Eco, Child & Pet Friendly
      Household Cleaning Supplies for Every Room in Your Home
      Hurry -- CONTEST ENDS May 20, 2010

      Entering is E-A-S-Y

      To be eligible to win the ultimate package that includes the entire line of PawSafe household cleaning solutions, that will be reviewed shortly on MommyBlogExpert, just complete the 2 simple required steps below.  

      Don't forget to leave a single comment below this post
      Telling us if you've ever caught your
      Cat or Dog drinking from the toilet bowl ! 

      For Required (MAIN) Entry:
      1. Follow @MommyBlogExpert on Twitter
      2. Tell us something in the comment section below what you learned on the PawSafeCleaners site.  In that comment post, don't forget to also tell if you've ever caught your cat or dog drinking from the toilet bowl and also be sure to include contact info (email, Twitter, and/or Facebook) in the event that you are one of the winners.
      Note: Limit of one main entry per contestant.

      For EXTRA CHANCES to Win:
      Do any or all of the following as often as you'd like.  You will receive an extra entry for following each of first three types of extra entries. PLUS you can earn an additional entry each and every time you retweet the message below about the contest.

      • Subscribe to the MommyBlogExpert Blog 
      • Fan @MommyBlogExpert on Facebook
      • RT the following message (after the colon) in its entirety:    Eco Friendly GIVEAWAY $36 package of home PawSafe Cleaners http://tinyurl.com/y7ljwon #PawSafeCleans #contest #eco RT to ENTER & WIN
      Note:  If you do any or all of the extra optional entries, remember that you have already left a comment for the required main entry, so please don't leave additional comments for each extra entry you do.

      Additional Contest Rules:  Only U.S. legal residents eligible to win.  Three PawSafe Prize Packages to be awarded valued at approximately $36 each.  Each prize includes the full PawSafe line -- six full size bottles (one each) of PawSafe Toy Cleaner, PawSafe Window Cleaner, PawSafe Tub & Tile Cleaner,  PawSafe Floor Cleaner, PawSafe Multi-Surface Cleaner, and PawSafe Toilet Cleaner.  Limit of one main contest entry (required), however optional extra entries are unlimited.  In either case, each giveaway entrant is limited to one comment on this blogpost.  Contest runs now through May 20, 2010 at 11:59 pm PST.  The winners will be chosen at random and the winner's names will be posted here shortly after the giveaway has ended.

      PawSafe Cleaners are safe not only for pets and your children, but for the environment too, because they are all biodegradable and formulated only from deionized water, vegetable derived surfactants, citric acid, emulsifiers, fragrance and organic pigment.

      FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received a set of the full PawSafe Household Cleaners line to test. Watch for this separate product review post soon.  For this MommyBlogExpert giveaway contest PawSafeCleaners  is also providing all prizes.  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post or giveaway contest.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.   
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      Special Earth Day Fresh Beat Band TV Show on Nickelodeon Teaches Kids About Recycling

      by Janis Brett Elspas
      MommyBlogExpert


      Right in time for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day this Thursday, The Fresh Beat Band brings kids a fun and entertaining lesson about the hows and whys to recycling.   The upcoming FBB episode is part of Nickelodeon's full day of eco-friendly kid programming specials tomorrow.

      After your kids watch "Bubble Blast," the brand new FBB episode that airs on Nickelodeon on April 22 at 12 noon ET/PT, they'll likely be dancing to the same drumming beat as this talented foursome, well on their way to helping to make our world a little more greener.  One of the most memorable scenes from that show is pictured above.
      I can say this with some certainty because my kids and I were treated to a behind-the-scenes Fresh Beat Band kid-friendly tour at the studio in Hollywood, California last week.  Where we not only witnessed their working set, but also got to meet the cast and crew, and to see a sneak peek of the entire episode's final cut that Nickelodeon viewers everywhere will view on this Thursday.  If my own kids' (triplets plus one more born within a year) reactions are any indication -- I'm betting that your children will enjoy this week's show at least as much, if not more, than we did.
      The Fresh Beat Band, pictured above left to right: Twist (in yellow, Jon Beavers), Kiki (on guitar, Yvette Gonzalez), Shout (orange sweater, Thomas Hobson), Marina (drums, Shayna Rose) Photo: Randee St. Nicholas/Nickelodeon

      This wholesome program's target audience ranges from ages 3 to 8 years old, nevertheless my almost 13 year-olds and their 14 year-old big brother loved this episode.  BTW, This mom sheepishly admits that she thought it was kinda fun to watch too!  That should tell you that this is something your little ones and possibly the older kids -- maybe even you kid-at-heart parents -- might really enjoy watching together as a family.

      In this week's performance it's Clean & Green Day on Main Street in The Fresh Beat Band's  hometown.  Shout, the group's resident class clown, is rumbling and bumbling around as he always seems to be doing.  At the start of the show Shout is a tad bit too eager to finish cleaning so the band can play some music together instead.  Here, in this Nickelodeon photo of actor Thomas Hobson, you see Shout in his trademark orange sweater at the keyboard.  Trivia: Thomas attended Yale University, performing in the lead roles of several of Ivy's undergrad and grad productions.

      As the opening scene progresses, Shout and the other members of the band and the townspeople begin to sing, dance and clean up as they cheerfully toss about the familiar white and blue logo bins that are used to recycle paper.  Things are going unbelievably smoothly at first.  But, one thing leads to another and after Shout over stuffs the giant paper recycling bin, it explodes scattering a ticker tape parade kind of mess everywhere.  Then, things go really, hilariously haywire.

      If you don't believe me, take a look at this rip-roaring street-cleaning FBB sequence


      The
      Fresh Beat Band       "Bubble Blast"       from NickPress on Vimeo.

      Just in the nick (pun intended) of time, Twist, the band member who always seems to be the one coming up with bright ideas, has another flashing light bulb moment.  In the blink of an eye, the girls and guys in the band build a magical cleaning machine that also plays music.  Mind you, this is no ordinary tune-tooting street sweeper -- this is the biggest bubble-blowing, music-playing cleaning contraption ever, made from flute, clarinet, horn, and other spare instrument parts.  It's amazing ... Until that behemoth of an invention goes out of control, too.

      Now, this, you really have to see. Watch this clip.  I dare you not to laugh.

      Clip from The Fresh Beat Band "Bubble
      Blast"       from NickPress on
      Vimeo.
      This Fresh Beat Band episode is eco edutainment at its finest.  You and your kids are going to be amused when you see this particular show, to put it mildly, as well as launch into your own song and dance as your family gets into the groove about saving our planet by actively pitching in and recycling.

      Have your kids watch The Fresh Beat Band's April 22 broadcast on Nickelodeon at 12 noon ET/PT -- this is the kind of fun show with a message that moms and dads will approve of.

      The Fresh Beat Band, LIVE in a Kids Concert This Weekend - FREE
      If your family is lucky enough to be in Southern California this weekend, definitely consider coming out to see the FBB's free live performances Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, at the 2010 L.A. Times Festival of Books - Target Children's Stage at UCLA.

      About The Fresh Beat Band
      The Fresh Beat Band, airs weekdays on Nickelodeon, regularly at 1:30 p.m. ET/PT
      This kids' program is the brain-child of co-creators Nadine Van Der Velde and Scott Kraft, a husband-wife team raising two daughters of their own: Bea and Gabi.  This duo, two parents who sincerely advocate for appropriate programming for youngsters, also serve as the project's executive producers.

      Filmed on the lot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California, this show features a brilliant cast including:  Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Twist (Jon Beavers), Marina (Shayna Rose), and fall guy Shout (Thomas Hobson), all who do comedy, acting, dancing, singing and playing of musical instruments in each episode.  FBB, which brings a different but important message to kids in each week's episode, is presently in production on their second season. The band's first two singles -- "Great Day" and "The Fresh Beat Band Theme Song" -- are currently on iTunes.

      Stop by the show's official website on NickJr.com 24/7 for lots of fun activities you and your kids can do online together, like desktop wall paper downloads, arts & craft ideas, coloring pages, themed recipes, videos and more.

      FTC Disclosure:  For this story and several other related posts, MommyBlogExpert and family were invited to a behind-the-scenes tour event at Paramount Studios where The Fresh Beat Band is filmed as well as received the opportunity to view an advanced copy of the final cut of FBB's "Bubble Blast" episode.  We further disclose that we received autographed pictures of the cast, coloring pages, and stickers on set.  However, MommyBlogExpert and family did not receive any payment or other compensation to write this review.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.    
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