‘The Chugger Championship’: New upcoming DVD from the popular ‘Chuggington’ series

'The Chugger Championship' set for release 10/11/11

Youngsters from coast-to-coast will get on the fast track to fun and learning with “The Chugger Championship,” the newest “Chuggington^™” DVD in the series from Anchor Bay Entertainment, which is set for release nationwide on October 11, 2011.

A worldwide television hit with children ages 2-7 and their families, the colorful and contemporary Chuggington CGI-animated series from Ludorum, follows the adventures of Wilson, Brewster and Koko, trainee (train) engines, each with their own unique personality and learning style.

The Chugginton television series is currently available on basic cable in more than 99 million U.S. homes on the Disney Channel.

In “The Chugger Championship,” the engaging junior train trio is ready to put their “wheels to the rails” for the biggest race in Chuggington. 

The six, action-packed adventures will have the whole family cheering. Young fans join Wilson, Brewster and Koko as they prepare for a test, invent a new contest and pick up a fun hobby, while learning about the importance of accountability and responsibility. 

Along the way, the three friends – and viewers at home – discover that a true champion isn’t always the one who finishes first.

“When preschoolers climb aboard with ‘Chuggington,’ they embark on positive adventures that teach them about interacting with the world around them,” said Julie Cartwright, SVP of Brand Marketing for Anchor Bay Entertainment.  She adds, “Our newest DVD release brings all the fun and gentle lessons of the series to fans to enjoy again and again.” 

“The Chugger Championship” joins earlier popular releases in the DVD series which includes: “Chuggers To The Rescue;” “It’s Training Time,” and “Let’s Ride The Rails.”  

The DVD has a 61-minute run time and carries a suggested retail price of $16.98, but is available for $15.49 by preordering though Amazon.com, which includes a release-day delivery option available at checkout for most continental U.S. addresses.

Below for your enjoyment is a clip from the “Chugger Championship.” And, for more fun with your child, be sure to checkout Chuggington’s fully-immersive interactive website at http://chuggington.com

‘Small Potatoes’ launches today on Disney Junior

'Small Potatoes' on Disney Channel's Disney Junior

From the fabulous creative team at Little Airplane Productions comes an adorable series of animated shorts, “Small Potatoes,” which debuted earlier today on the Disney Channel’s Disney Junior block at 9:25 a.m. ET / 8:25 a.m. CT.

Small Potatoes is set to air Monday through Friday, and is geared to the preschool set with its engaging characters (all junior singing spuds) named “Chip,” “Olaf,” “Nate,” and "Ruby."

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the Small Potatoes online site where you’ll have access to printable character coloring pages to share with your little one.

In addition, Small Potatoes is currently available as a cute $0.99 story app thru iTunes, and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Also, beginning September 13, 2011 iTunes will be featuring a downloadable album of music sung by the show’s characters.

According to Publishers Weekly, a series of printed picture books from Penguin USA is in the works for early 2013.

Be sure to stop by the Small Potatoes Facebook page, which has already received and impressive 99,000 “likes” from fans of all ages.

Below for your enjoyment, a video clip of Small Potatoes.

Starz Kids and Family channel to provide two-hour teen/tween block of programming

'The Wannabes' part of new programming block

Starz Entertainment announced today that its STARZ KIDS & FAMILY channel will air four, live-action shows for teen and pre-teen audiences beginning Monday, September 5, 2011.  Known as “Camp Block,” these 30-minute shows will kick off with the international hit, “The Wannabes” at 4:00 p.m. ET/PT.  Other shows include “Mortified,” “Conner Undercover,” and “The Latest Buzz.”

STARZ KIDS & FAMILY is “excited to offer a unique two hour block of programming specially designed for young audiences,” says Stephan Shelanski, EVP Programming, for Starz Entertainment. "With everyone going back to school, we wanted to offer programming that appeals specifically to the families of our subscribers."

“Camp Block” kicks off with “The Wannabes”- a show with proven success amongst teenagers. Airing in more than 92 territories around the world, “The Wannabes” is a comedy with original music and music videos, and follows six talented high school students at a classical arts academy as they sing and dance their way to making their dreams of becoming huge pop stars come true. 

Shaylen Carson (Shaylen Carroll), Sarah Moody (Gabrielle "GiGi" LeMaire), Mariah Pettigrew (Mariah Parks), Drew Robinson (Drew Rojas Reinartz), Alan Taskin (Alan Shaw), and Andrew Stark (Andrew Bowen Stern) learn to balance their high school studies with their secret lives as musical group Savvy, getting into outrageous adventures along the way. “The Wannabes” is produced by Showcase Entertainment and Stern-LeMaire Productions, Inc.

'Mortified' starring Taylor Fry

Following “The Wannabes” at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/PT, “Camp Block” also features “Mortified”, starring Marny Kennedy, Dajana Cahill, and Rachel Blakely. 

“Mortified” spotlights Taylor Fry, an eleven year old with an ordinary life and an extraordinary imagination. She copes with the daily pressures of school, parents and friends by making embarrassing situations a bit more hilarious. “Mortified” is produced by Australian Children's Television Foundation.

'Connor Undercover'

“Connor Undercover” is next up on the block and centers around Connor, a typical fifteen year old, whose world is suddenly more precarious when the president’s daughter comes to live with his family. Max Morrow, Gavin Fox, Lola Tash, Jordan Francis, Dylan Authors star in this series filled with suspense and intrigue. “Connor Undercover” is produced by Shaftesbury Films.

'The Latest Buzz'

Rounding out “Camp Block” is “The Latest Buzz” starring Zoe Belkin, Vanessa Morgan, Justin Kelly. It revolves around five, 14-old writers who work at a youth magazine during 8th period at school. They learn about the fast-paced world of publishing, all the while living the fast-paced life of a teenager. “The Latest Buzz” is produced by DHX Media.

The video featured below is an excerpt from “The Wannabes.”

‘Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’ saves the day in DVD release ‘Wubbzy and the Fire Engine’

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubbzy and the Fire Engine new DVD

Sound the alarm, as everyone’s favorite bendy-tailed hero comes to the rescue in “WOW! WOW! WUBBZY!: WUBBZY AND THE FIRE ENGINE,” the latest “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment.  Featuring Wubbzy and his pals from the Emmy Award^®-winning Nick Jr.^® TV series. The new “red hot” release pulls up at retailers nationwide on September 13, 2011 – just in time for National Fire Prevention Week, which starts on October 9.

“Fire engines and firefighters have long captured the imagination and won the hearts of children,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing, Anchor Bay Entertainment.  “And, when paired with Wubbzy, another favorite among preschoolers, these universally-popular elements take on a whole new level of appeal."

Wubbzy and his best buddies, Widget, Walden and Daizy, suit up for six memorable stories in “Wubbzy And The Fire Engine” (suggested retail price $16.98). 

Each of the new title’s engaging episodes feature gentle lessons about helping out, working together and getting the job done that will resonate with kids everywhere. 

This latest release whisks preschoolers along as Wubbzy has a fire engine adventure with Widget in “Wubbzy And The Fire Engine”; delivers Daizy’s doodleberry treats – the Wubbzy way – in “What Would Wubbzy Do?” and helps rebuild a neighbor’s house with a little help from a pro in “Ty Ty The Tool Guy,” featuring the voice of Ty Pennington, host of the popular TV series “Extreme Home Makeover.”

Additional episodes include “Mr. Unlucky,” in which Wubbzy realizes he’s a pretty lucky guy after all; “Wuzzleburg Express,” where Walden uses quick-thinking to save the day from a runaway train; and “Hangin’ With Mr. Gummy,” which reminds preschoolers that fun comes in many different forms!

Pre-orders for WOW! WOW! WUBBZY!: WUBBZY AND THE FIRE ENGINE are available through Amazon.com at a discounted price of $13.99. The 70-minute DVD will be released on September 13, 2011.

Below for your enjoyment is a snippet of the “Wuzzleburg Express” episode.

Disney’s D23 Expo ‘Ultimate Fan Event’ comes to Anaheim August 19-21

Courtesy Walt Disney Studios

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and Families—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 19-21, providing guests with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks.

The name "D23" pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney's 88-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.Disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the upcoming D23 Expo.

Disney film fans will go behind the scenes to explore the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks and exhibits.

On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful and more.

With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers and other surprise guests.

In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

* A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave) and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).

* The Characters of Monsters University – Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.

* Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar – In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.

* The Art of Brave – Production Designer Steve Pilcher and Shading Art Director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.

 * Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

* Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets and art exhibits.

* Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D^™ and more.

* Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Tickets to the D23 Expo are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests.

Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow "DisneyD23" on Twitter, Facebook and the YouTube link below.

All-new ‘Expedition Week’ and ‘Shark Men’ on NAT GEO TV

Seven nights and 13 different exploration adventures are part of another extraordinary week of programming on the National Geographic Channel, as they present Expedition Week, beginning Sunday April 3, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s critically acclaimed, “must see TV,” NAT GEO has upped the anti even further this year with an exceptionally diverse lineup of programming filled with outstanding film footage, computer-generated imagery, well-documented interviews, reenactments and narration.

Topics on thought provoking subjects such as the existence of rain forest tribes that practice cannibalism, to following the trail of the abominable snowman - all presented with excellent production values.

The entire Expedition Week is hosted by the “Shark Men,” as they prepare for their return with all-new episodes of Shark Men on April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

By connecting to the links provided below you’ll explore each of the upcoming Expedition Week episodes in depth, which includes: Program overviews; additional photos; facts; production journals, and video previews.

You may wish to bookmark this page to explore at your leisure.

 Some programs may be more suitable for older children and teens - parental caution is advised, and for your convenience, each episode has been given a TV Parental Guideline Rating.

All of the hour-long episodes of Expedition Week will be repeated throughout the month during various day parts, which can be tracked from National Geographic’s viewing guide.

The Expeditions

Sunday, April 3

Eating with Cannibals

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV14

Finding Jack the Ripper

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-14DV

 

Monday, April 4

Hunt for the Abominable Snowman

9:00 p.m. ET/PT –TVPG

Last Stand of the Templars

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-14V

 

Tuesday, April 5

Gladiators Back from the Dead

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-14V

Egypt’s Lost Rival

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGV

 

 

Wednesday, April 6

Return of the Ghost Ship

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-G

 

Ben Franklin’s Pirate Fleet

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-G

 

 

Thursday, April 7

Into Iceland’s Volcano

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PG

 

Man vs. Volcano

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGL

 

Friday, April 8

Lost Land of the Tiger

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-G

 

Tiger Man of Africa

10:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGL

 

Saturday, April 9

Death of a Sea Monster

9:00 p.m. ET/PT – TV-PGV

 

Nat Geo Wild three-hour special tonight: 'Blue-Collar Dogs'

At the Bergin University of Canine Studies, experts are training dogs how to read.  Dr. Bergin developed a system of teaching the dogs complex tasks, starting as early as three and a half weeks of age. (Photo credit:  © Adina Pliskin)

 

The Nat Geo WILD channel offers a fascinating three-hour block of back-to-back programming on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, as they present episodes of BLUE COLLAR DOGS, covering man’s best friend as a working partner in the fields of medicine, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue.

Tonight’s broadcast shows how K-9’s, with their intelligence and incredible sense of smell, (100,000 times more powerful than a humans) sniff out everything from cancer to keeping our borders safe, and  being first responders at crime scenes and natural disasters. 

Below are video previews of tonight’s episodes that introduce our four-legged friends and their trainers, as they take us on surprising journeys of discovery and compassion.

Blue-Collar Dogs: Canine MD 8 PM ET/PT

Blue-Collar Dogs: Border Hounds 9 PM ET/PT

Blue-Collar Dogs: New York Police at 10 PM ET/PT

Super Grover 2.0: Special theme this week on Sesame Street

Sesame Street's Super Grover 2.0

It’s never too early to introduce young children to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and this week Sesame Street offers an all encompassing television/online and social media experience with Super Grover 2.0, as the beloved blue furry figure actively encourages preschoolers to engage in the world around them through the process of scientific inquiry by observing, questioning and investigating. These concepts provide the foundation of STEM learning.

Each day on Sesame Street (check local listings), a new segment will be playfully provided by Grover covering these important concepts.

To gently reinforce the televised segment, Sesamestreet.org online provides a game, playlists, printable activity sheets, a home-page movie as well as Super Grover 2.0 video clips.

And, to further enhance the learning experience, Grover will be posting his favorite super hero tips on Facebook as well as web exclusive videos such as the one below.

“Super Grover 2.0,’ is a perfect age-appropriate way to engage children as active participants in figuring out how to solve problems using scientific inquiry skills.  By modeling these behaviors, preschoolers learn vocabulary and STEM concepts that enhances their knowledge about how the world around them works,” says Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Vice President of Education and Research, Sesame Workshop. “We are very excited to have an entire week devoted to STEM learning across different media platforms that help encourage young children’s curiosity in science as they explore their world.” 

 

Take a look at the YouTube video as Super Grover handles the concept of “Questioning.”

Choo-choo animated fun with Chuggington: 'Let’s Ride the Rails' DVD released

From Anchor Bay Entertainment, the home entertainment division of Starz Media, LLC is a brand new DVD release, CHUGGINGTON: LET’S RIDE THE RAILS, featuring those three brightly colored “trains-in-training,” Brewster, Wilson and Koko who appear daily on the popular preschool series, Chuggington, on the Disney Channel.

Now children will enjoy six beautifully animated stories, and learn how these charming chuggers “ride the rails of life” in each positive fun-filled episode that is designed to reinforce all-important social skills such as teamwork, trust, humility and respect.

The six episodes include: “Clunky Wilson,” “Braking Brewster,” “Can’t Catch Koko,” “Old Puffer Pete’s Tour,” “Koko On Call” and “Hodge And The Magnet.”

This 62-minute, DVD also comes with coloring pages and activity sheet. 

CHUGGINGTON: LET’S RIDE THE RAILS carries a suggested retail price of $16.98 and best available pricing is currently available through Amazon.com for $9.99, where you’ll also view a sample of the DVD.

If you’re not familiar with “Chuggington,” plan a visit with your little one to their wonderful interactive website.

Also, for your enjoyment, the video clip below will give you a good idea of why this show has become so popular with children, parents and caregivers.

PBS Kids Design Squad Nation: Inspiring kids to dream big and change the world

Design Squad Nation co-hosts Judy Lee and Adam Vollmer (c Anthony Tieuli)

If kids have a dream, they can learn how to make it a reality with the help of the new PBS Kids program DESIGN SQUAD NATION, which premieres Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011.

Geared toward tweens and teens, DESIGN SQUAD NATION takes co-hosts and engineers Judy Lee and Adam Vollmer from coast-to-coast and around the world inspiring kids to dream big, and then build upon their ideas using creativity while incorporating all-important educational concepts using science, technology, engineering and math.

“Kids will see DESIGN SQUAD NATION and be absolutely amazed at all of the different ways that engineering can be part of their world,” says Vollmer.

A spin-off from the highly successful DESIGN SQUAD series, NATION helps kids create engineering feats that include such creations as: a pedal-powered bike organ; a human-powered flying machine; fashion designs; a skateboard park and more.

DESIGN SQUAD NATION also has a cool interactive website for having fun and encouraging additional dream-making inspiration.

Lee says, “We hope the show and website will get kids thinking about what sorts of problems and challenges they would like to solve, and to see engineering as a way to have fun while innovating for the future.”

The show’s Executive Producer Marisa Wolsky says, “More than a TV show and more than a website, DESIGN SQUAD NATION is a growing community built around the belief that with creative problem solving and engineering, any kid can make a difference.”

The video below gives you a glimpse of what’s in store during the 10-plus episodes of DESIGN SQUAD NATION. Be sure to check your local television listings for exact times and air dates on PBS.

New Unlikely Animal Friends special on Nat Geo TV

Polar Bear and husky play

© courtesy of National Geographic Channel

Charles Darwin would be amazed to see predators becoming friends, but that’s just what happened and was captured on film for tonight’s hour-long special presentation of Nat Geo’s UNLIKELY ANIMAL FRIENDS 2 that features some of the most astounding pairings of animals living peacefully together.

You’ll see Eskimo dogs frolicking with polar bears; a hippopotamus that makes daily visits to the human home of a South African couple; a golden retriever and leopard growing up together; “Themba” the orphaned baby elephant who forms friendship bonds with “Albert” the sheep; two dogs and a goat become traveling companions, and a lion, tiger and bear that became inseparable playmates.

This hour-long television special, rated TV-G for all-family viewing, airs Friday, January 7, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. with encore presentations on Saturday, January 8 at 12:00 a.m. and Friday January 14 at 5:00 p.m.

Immediately following UNLIKELY ANIMAL FRIENDS 2, is a repeat of the original hour-long special, UNLIKELY ANIMAL FRIENDS, which is also rated TV-G.

For your viewing pleasure below, a video preview of tonight’s program, and once you see the “Lion and Tiger and Bear Oh My!” you’ll be amazed at the transformative bond of friendship between these cross-species, which literally defies the laws of nature.

Outstanding lineup of new programming on National Geographic Channel

Naica, Chihuahua, MEXICO: Cavers exploring Naica's Los Crystales cave where more than a hundred giant crystals have grown. (Photo Credit: © Speleoresearch & Films/ Oscar Necoechea)

During the month of October, the National Geographic Channel provides several excellent television choices for the entire family, starting with the launch of the series, Making History, followed by the new season premier of Dog Whisperer, and then an extraordinary two-hour special, Into the Lost Crystal Caves.

Making History, which debuts on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 9 PM ET/PT is a definitive ‘how to’ for building meticulous historical reenactments that utilize the latest advances in digital technology, extensive research and the expertise of a team of seasoned graphic-designers, to give you an inside look into the techniques for re-creating some of the most crucial events and figures in the history of mankind.

In this week’s first episode of Making History, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at one of humanity’s most hated dictators, Hitler, and are provided pivotal moments in his life, everything from his infamous speech hailing 150,000 soldiers at the Nuremburg rally, to what might have been on Hitler’s mind moments before his death.

Making History then continues during the month with episodes about Nostradamus on Tuesday, October 12, Stonehenge on Tuesday, October 19, and Gangsters on Tuesday, October 26, all at 9 PM ET/PT.

The video below, “Making Plague Victims,” is excerpted from the Nostradamus episode and shows the design team’s magic in re-creating a plague pit from the 1500’s, using lots of ingenuity, on a tiny production budget and with a handful of actors. The results are amazing.



Later this week, a National Geographic audience family-favorite, as season seven of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan debuts.

The series kicks off with Millan being joined by comedian and television personality, Howie Mandel and his wife Terry, as they deal with their chomping Chihuahua, “Lola,” and her very aggressive behavior.

The Dog Whisperer: Lola and Bebe & Sadie airs Friday, October 8, 2010, at 8 PM ET/PT.

Then, on Sunday, October 10, 2010, the National Geographic Channel presents a high-definition special at its best, Into the Lost Crystal Caves.

Billed as possibly, “one of the greatest natural marvels ever found,” the Lost Crystal Caves of Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico are hidden 1,000 feet beneath the earth’s surface. They are about the size of a football field, as high as a two-story building and contain gigantic razor sharp gypsum formations never before seen by man.

You’ll journey with a group of international scientists below the surface of the earth, where temperatures hover at a life-threatening 113 degrees with 90 percent humidity, and see first-hand this “devastatingly beautiful hell-on- earth.”

Into the Lost Crystal Caves airs Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 8 PM ET/PT.

Below, a video excerpt from Into the Lost Crystal Caves: “Exploring a Deadly Cave” – See the exceptional measures it takes to explore and film in the cave’s hostile environment.

NAT GEO's EXPEDITION WILD new season premiere tonight

Casey Anderson takes families on a springtime trip to view some of the cutest baby animals in their habitats for the premiere episode of Expedition Wild: Yellowstone Spring on NAT GEO WILD-TV, Monday, September 27, 2010, 9 PM ET/PT.

It’s a suspenseful world in the wild as animals protect their young from predators and babies learn new survival skills.

Below are two sneak peek videos from tonight’s episode as Casey witnesses a newborn bighorn sheep traversing treacherous cliffs under its mother’s watchful eyes, and then turns his attention to help relocate an orphaned baby owl.

Future episodes of Expedition Wild will feature more animal drama with “Inside the Wolf Pack” on Monday, October 4 and “Inside a Grizzly Attack” on Monday October 11 at 9 PM ET/PT.

“Yellowstone’s Baby Animals”

“Orphaned Owls”

Greetings and Welcome

In today’s fast-paced technology driven world, many parents and caregivers have found it increasingly difficult to stay abreast evaluating appropriate entertainment for children and teens.

It is my sincere hope that the information offered here will provide insights into entertainment that makes a positive difference for today’s youth while assisting you in making informed choices and suggestions to your family.

In the coming days, weeks, months and beyond there will be regular columns to look forward to such as this Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” plus spotlight features covering the best in art, books, hobbies, Internet, movies, music, television, technology, travel and toys for age groups birth to 18 years.

I want to personally thank you for stopping by, and I sincerely look forward to staying in touch through your comments.

If you want something researched and featured, always feel free to drop a note to me at paulaslae1@gmail.com.

Best wishes to you and your family!

Paula