In the News

From Stay in...With SIRIUS XM Radio on New Year's Eve:

SIRIUS XM's Kids Place Live SIRIUS and XM channel 116 will celebrate New Year's Eve with exclusive concerts from its series Kids Place Live Rumpus Room. Listeners will hear performances by Trout Fishing in America, The Jimmies, Father Goose, Ralph's World, Justin Roberts, Recess Monkey, Bill Harley, Billy Jonas, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, the Asylum Street Spankers and SteveSongs. Additionally, beginning at 12:00 am ET the channel will offer kid friendly party music with Automatik, a jukebox show of the greatest hits of children's music. At 2:00 am ET Dreamcatchers, a menu of lullabies and softer songs, will serve as a nightlight for kids and parents.

13under13 Poll for 29Dec2008

Visit the KiDS Place LiVE Fans blog and vote in the poll!

What's your favorite song this week?
1. SteveSongs - Giant
2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
3. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
4. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
5. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
6. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
7. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
8. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon
9. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
10. Johnny Bregar - Dragonfly
11. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
12. Imagination Movers - It's Christmas
13. Robbie Schaefer - The Resolutions Song

Two week ago's results:
0% 1. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
52% 2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
0% 3. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
5% 4. SteveSongs - Giant
0% 5. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
17% 6. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
5% 7. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
5% 8. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
0% 9. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
5% 10. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
0% 11. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon
5% 12. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
0% 13. Imagination Movers - It's Christmas

Advertising

Ugh. I really don't like that ads are being run that market to kids. We don't have tv to reduce the marketing that comes into our house. I hope that the ads to kids on KPL will be few and far between.

The Orbitz ad, while I didn't like it, at least it was marketed to adults.

13 under 13 - 26Dec2008

Robbie hosted this week, starting off some new music from Billy Jonas and a song from Randy Kaplan's "Loquat Rooftop."

No surprise that "Where's the Music?" fell off the chart; it had a nice run! "The Resolutions Song" from Robbie is a fun one for this time of year (I think it was on the chart last December as well.).

Nice to see SteveSongs in the top spot and that "The Song of LIFE" is hanging on close to it.

1. SteveSongs - Giant (8 weeks)
2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE (11 weeks)
3. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It (7 weeks)
4. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5 (10 weeks)
5. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family (6 weeks)
6. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (13 weeks)
7. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow (12 weeks)
8. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon (4 weeks)
9. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat (5 weeks)
10. Johnny Bregar - Dragonfly (2 weeks)
11. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell (18 weeks)
12. Imagination Movers - It's Christmas (3 weeks)
13. Robbie Schaefer - The Resolutions Song (debut)

Past Freshness:
Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music (14 weeks)

KPL in the News

SIRIUS XM Radio's Kids Place Live Launches New Show - 'Kids Stuff' - Geared Toward the Sandbox Set:

NEW YORK, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today the debut of Kids Stuff, a three-hour daily show inspired by SIRIUS' Kids Stuff channel. The show, dedicated to the sandbox set, will feature a mix of pre-kindergarten themed music with old-school storytelling of classic folk and fairytales by renowned children's artists and celebrities. Kids Stuff will air Monday through Friday at 12 pm ET on Kids Place Live, SIRIUS and XM channels 116.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/NYTU044LOGO )

Kids Stuff will premiere on December 24th with an exclusive performance from renowned children's recording artist Laurie Berkner. Berkner, joined by an audience of Kids Place Live families, will perform songs from her new album Rocketship Run.

(The article is much longer than that ...)

Tree House Jam - Peter Yarrow

Robbie kicked of the new series, call Tree House Jam this weekend. His guest this week was Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Yarrow. Joining them was also Peter's daughter Bethany and Rufus Cappadocia, a cellist.

They played a number of songs together and chatted. Peter talked about Operation Respect and embracing each other for where they are. If we respect each other, we will live in a more peaceful world.

Robbie talked to Peter about the two new songbooks he has published as well.

13under13 for 19Dec2008

Oops. I missed every playing of it. I'll see if I can come up with the listing. Otherwise, no poll this week!

Absolutely Zooglobble

This evening, Mindy talked with Stefan Shepard, author of the great kids' music blog Zooglobble. We are regular readers of his site and have actually been honored to meet him a few times -- he's a wonderfully knowledgeable, friendly guy!

Anyway, Stefan and Mindy had a nice chat. First, Mindy asked Stefan what he looked like (hey I know!). Then they chatted about music. Stefan is still having fun with the kids' music.

His thee most favorite albums of the year were "Let's Go Everywhere", "Here Come the 123s" and "Snacktime". WHAT??? No "Pop Fly"?? He also likes Recess Monkey, The Terrible Twos, and Dan Zanes (three weeks of shows in NYC -- we're going on Saturday). All grown-up bands who put out kids' music. TMBG is almost a kids' band now. More and more adult artists are deciding it is okay to make music for kids (like Peter Himmelman).

A big part of the music is enjoying the music as a family. House parties, caroling, singing, dancing and playing music together is wonderful. Oatmeal canisters is great.

Stefan's wife helped him get into writing about kids' music.

Finally he mentioned "Pop Fly". Yeah, Justin.

Can't wait to here more from Stefan.

Santa and Coliflordia

The Weirdo called in last week to say that he had heard that Santa Claus doesn't believe in Coliflordia.

Kids have called in with suggestions of alternative celebrations. One girl called in about how her family does a theme day and that sounds like so much fun!

An elf called in to say that they listen to KiDS Place LiVE while they make the toys in the North Pole, never fear.

Will Anna be a news reporter for the Absolutely Mindy show? For the Great State of Coliflordia?

Interview - Miss Piggy

There's no way that I can recap that interview except to say that it was funny....

13under13 Poll for 15Dec2008

Visit the KiDS Place LiVE Fans blog and vote in the poll!

What's your favorite song this week?
1. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
3. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
4. SteveSongs - Giant
5. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
6. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
7. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
8. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
9. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
10. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
11. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon
12. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
13. Imagination Movers - It's Christmas

Last week's results:
12% 1. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
2% 2. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
2% 3. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
0% 4. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
8% 5. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
11% 6. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
2% 7. SteveSongs - Giant
5% 8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
0% 9. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
14% 10. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
0% 11. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
11% 12. Zev - El Quacko
5% 13. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon

13 under 13 - 12Dec2008

Mindy hosted this week, starting off with a "Duckies theme". TFiA, RW

No surprise that El Quacko fell off the chart; it had a nice run!

I was very surprised by the entry, the Imagination Movers with a seasonal song -- I can only guess that it will have a short run.

So sad to see that "The Song of LIFE" had to give up its number one spot...but we like Kat's Musiplication CD too, so ... glad her song has made it to #1.

1. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5 (8 weeks)
2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE (9 weeks)
3. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (11 weeks)
4. SteveSongs - Giant (6 weeks)
5. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow (10 weeks)
6. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It (5 weeks)
7. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell (16 weeks)
8. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family (4 weeks)
9. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat (3 weeks)
10. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music (13 weeks)
11. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon (2 weeks)
12. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (15 weeks)
13. Imagination Movers - It's Christmas (debut)

Past Freshness:
Zev - El Quacko (18 weeks)

Recap of Mindy's Party

Apologies if I forget your favorite part, so much went on! Please leave a comment with your favorite part.

After a vote here ont he website, it was decided that the party should be held inside of a pinata. Since Mindy ws inside what sounded to be a very crowded pinata, she couldn't tell what kind it was. Quincy called in to report that it looked like a sleeve of french fries, which went along with the giant potato and tater toddler doll theme. At some points during the party, Mindy reported that the pinata was spinning and bumping, so batman and Robin were on the lookout outside for anyone holding bats or sticks.

ScribbleJim from ScribbleMonster called in from inside the pinata to wish Mindy a Happy Birthday and say that while having all the candy was great, it was the bottom of the barrel candy -- too much Bit o Honey and not enough Hershey's. He sang the "Half-Hearted Birthday Song" to Mindy right there.

Other kids called in to report people in costumes were there, such as a bunny and a twinkie?

Gavin the Magical Birthday Genie (why did you keep calling him a fairy, Mindy? And he sounded like The Weirdo to me, but I could be wrong.) came out for the first time in 500 years to offer Mindy three wishes. She asked for a tater toddler doll with tapeworm accessory, a taco bed and people to be nice to each other.

The kids played pin the tail on the donkey and helped Mindy blow out the candles on the cake. I missed a bit of that, but it sounded like they blew the cake away?

Great party everyone! Happy Birthday Mindy!

Mindy's Birthday

Wow, tomorrow is Mindy's birthday!!! What will she wish for?

I don't like her cake idea, though I do admit that when I was pregnant, I craved a steak covered with peanut butter (I had been a vegetarian for over 15 years at that point).

We here in the Gooney Bird house of course wish her a very, very happy birthday. I hope she comes up with a great set of songs, not just that Ting Timgs song, bah. There are lots of great birthday songs out there that deserve to be played. (Brady Rymer has some very nice birthday tunes, hint, hint).

But, as it is Mindy's birthday, I think she should do as she pleases. And we will help her blow out the candles.

Luuuuuuv, the Gooney Bird Kids

Interview - The Naked Brothers Band

I missed most of the interview this afternoon as the girls and I were running around. The kids and I found the guys funny, but a little too wacky. Mindy tried to get them to answer real questions, but all that came up was first grade experiences. Oh well. I missed the end, so I hope that it went better and more good info was forthcoming....

I admit that the NBB is not one of the bands we follow closely, so I probably have no clue how great it was that Mindy got the chance to chat with them. I'd much rather hear her talk to Ralph, Johnny Bregar, or ScribbleMonster, really.

Interview - Animal Trainer

Mindy interviewed Bill Berloni today. He trains animals for Broadway, including the dogs in "Annie", "Wizard of OZ" and "Legally Blonde." He also trains animals for Sesame Street. Bert's pigeon Bernice lives with Bill when she's not filming.

Bill started his career at age 2 when he told his mom he didn't want a brother or sister, but that he wanted a dog. When he was nineteen, he wanted to be in a play and was told that he could have a part if he would train the dog for free. So he trained the dog Sandy for the original production of Annie. He thought if he could make the animal think that the theater was the animal's home and the cast is the animal's family, then they couldd get the dog into a "routine."

Bill's motto is "Be Kind to Animals." You make the animal want to work with you. Animals do have feelings.

Callers asked questions about their animals. His advice is to treat the animals when they do good things and to treat them with respect. He suggested that you could apply this to kids as well (But I personally would NEVER withhold affection from my child because they have misbehaved. That sounds terrible to me. My kids know that I love them unconditionally.)

His wife takes care of the birds -- he doesn't train birds. He trains animals from shelters and rescues animals. At his house he has tons of animals that he has rescued, such as 21 dogs, a pony, and more. He also said that he wouldn't want to work in the circus since wild animals belong in the wild, not in the circus.

An animal has to be able to deal with stress and not be aggressive in order to be in showbiz.

He has also written a book Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars.

He suggests petfinder.com if you are looking for a rescue pet.

Mindy's Birthday Party?

Where do you think she should hold her birthday party on Thursday?

Outer space

A car wash

The dump

A giant pineapple

A shark tank

The jungle

Inside a pinata

The Real Tall Tree: This was Chloe's idea (but she wasn't home to call) so Chloe'd get to sit next to both MiNDY and Robbie

Leave your suggestion in the comments.

13under13 Poll for 8Dec2008

Visit the KiDS Place LiVE Fans blog and vote in the poll!

What's your favorite song this week?
1. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
2. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
3. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
4. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
5. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
6. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
7. SteveSongs - Giant
8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
9. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
10. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
11. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
12. Zev - El Quacko
13. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon

Last week's results:
0% 1. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
43% 2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
12% 3. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
6% 4. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
0% 5. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
0% 6. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
18% 7. SteveSongs - Giant
6% 8. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
6% 9. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
0% 10. Zev - El Quacko
0% 11. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
6% 12. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
0% 13. Frances England - Don't Fly Away

13 under 13 - 5Dec2008

Mindy hosted this week, starting off with a "Flying theme". (I think she should have done a birthday one....)

No surprise that Don't Fly Away fell off; it had a nice run!

I was a little bit surprised that "Barking At the Moon" entered the 13under13 this week. We saw the movie last week, and it was the only song that really stuck with me, so I'm not too disappointed to see it enter.

I am super happy that "The Song of LIFE" made it back to the number one spot!!!!

1. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE (8 weeks)
2. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5 (7 weeks)
3. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (10 weeks)
4. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow (9 weeks)
5. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell (15 weeks)
6. SteveSongs - Giant (5 weeks)
7. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It (4 weeks)
8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music (12 weeks)
9. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family (3 weeks)
10. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (14 weeks)
11. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat (2 weeks)
12. Zev - El Quacko (18 weeks)
13. Jenny Lewis - Barking at the Moon (debut)

Past Freshness:
13. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (16 weeks)

Interview - Game Creator

Mindy interviewed the creator of Repeat or You're Obsolete, Zack Levins. He is only 14 and this is the first time on the radio. A memory game with six categories. By Kids, For Kids helped him a lot. It is a company that helps kids. He created the game when he was 12.

He had lots of ideas, but this was the first game he created. He suggests that you "Brainstorm first. Get feedback from the people that are close to you." He got help from relatives as he went along, and they helped him out to develop the rules.

Mindy and Zack played the game a little bit, and it sound pretty cool. I called in for Camille to play along with the "Baby Noise" challenge. But then I missed the rest. Because Camille was on the phone, we turned off the radio. Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to call in.

Interview - The Wonder Pets

This is the third time that The Wonder Pets have been on the Absolutely Mindy Show. They are actually girls, who play The Wonder Pets. Their new DVD is called "The Wonder Pets Save the Nutcracker" and the show will air next week on Nickelodeon.

They do one episode at a time and seem to really love doing the show. Their day is that they get picked up from school and go to record for four hours in the studio. The Wonder Pets sang Happy Birthday to Mindy; how sweet is that!!! What a great gift :)

Chloe called in to talk to talk to the Wonder Pets and wonder if they looked like the characters they play (no they don't). She went on to talk about our turtle and the fact that she wants a guinea pig. (I personally was confused because we kept the radio on and the time delay was weird. Usually we turn it off, but I missed so much of the conversation yesterday that I couldn't do it.)

The person who plays the voice of the boy turtle is really a girl -- I love these girls. They are so fun and happy and wonderful with the kid callers. They have been doing the Wonder Pets for SIX years!!!! The duckling was 4.5 years old (OMG).

Their voices are distinct and they are so enthusiastic and excited. It almost makes me want to watch their show. We have never seen the show, but I love the interviews that they do with Mindy.

They sang the finale live on the air. Thanks guys!!!!

Interview - Parents' Choice Awards

Mindy was joined by Claire Greene from the Parents' Choice Awards today. She talked about lots of great toys, games, CDs and more. The people at the Parents' Choice Foundation test, play, read and listen to all of the new products for kids that come out each year. Based on their experiences and the judging families' experiences, they award Gold, Silver, Recommended, Approved and Classic Awards. They look for toys that can be used in numerous ways and at numerous levels too, so that kids are in charge of play and can imagine, run around and learn. The foundation started in 1978 (the same year that Mindy was born), and they put a lot of thought into their criteria for judging and the awards.

Their Holiday Guide has a great breakdown of gifts by price, age, and type. Be vareful and do some thinking. Consider the person you are giving a gift to. The gift doesn't have to be big and expensive, but try to make, find or buy things that are meaningful and will last.

On the air, Mindy, Claire and various callers talked about what kids like to play (play is learning!), and they gave away lots and lots of toys, CDs and games!

We tried hard to get through, and this was the first time that we were greeted with lots of busy signals. I think lots and lots of people were trying to get through!!!

Mindy's Birthday Wish List

Yes, Mindy's (30th) birthday is next Thursday. Here's her birthday wish list, but I bet even just a card would be appreciated.

1. Tater Toddler Doll
2. Another Hot Dog (Pet Frankfurter destroyed)
3. Tapeworm
4. Little Monster baby (to blame stuff on)
5. Sparkly Acorn Costume
6. Bed that looks like a taco
7. Inside Voice
8. Teeth that look like yellow corn
9. Remote controlled mouth
10.People to be nice to each other

13under13 Poll for 1Dec2008

Visit the KiDS Place LiVE Fans blog and vote in the poll!

What's your favorite song this week?
1. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
2. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
3. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
4. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
5. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
6. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
7. SteveSongs - Giant
8. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
9. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
10. Zev - El Quacko
11. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
12. The Sippy Cups - Ladybug Beat
13. Frances England - Don't Fly Away

Last week's results:
36% 1. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
0% 2. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
3% 3. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
0% 4. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5
0% 5. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
0% 6. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
9% 7. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
36% 8. SteveSongs - Giant
6% 9. Madagascar Escape 2 Africa - I Like To Move It
9% 10. Zev - El Quacko
0% 11. Frances England - Don't Fly Away
0% 12. The Roots - Lovely, Love My Family
0% 13. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster