This Week's 13under13 Poll

Visit the XMkids Fans blog and vote in the poll!

What's your favorite song this week?

1. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
2. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
3. Frances England - Don't Fly Away
4. Zev - El Quacko
5. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
6. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster
7. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J.
8. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper
9. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
10. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too
11. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE
12. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
13. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5

Robbie's On!

Well, not on XMKids, but on The Village XM15, now my second favorite XM channel. I have no idea why they hide it in Country. I would never have found it except for finding out Robbie was going to be hosting a show there.

Robbie Schaefer
On-Air Personality

Robbie Schaefer is the guitarist and songwriter for the acclaimed independent folk/rock band Eddie From Ohio. Although the indie model has become increasingly common in the music industry, Eddie From Ohio actually helped pave the way, building a fan base through relentless touring and grassroots marketing beginning in 1991. Having created a large and loyal following across the U.S. and Canada (the mailing list now tops 25,000 names), the band has also released 9 CDs, selling upwards of 150,000 copies, all on their own Virginia Soul Records.

In recent years Robbie has also turned his musical attention toward solo projects, (releasing In The Flesh, a live solo album, in 2003), composing and recording the theme song for the theatrical production Gulf View Drive (by New York playwright Arlene Hutton), which premiered at the Actor's Co-Op in Hollywood, CA in 2006, and releasing his first CD for kids and families, Songs For Kids Like Us on Rocket Pop Records in 2006. The success of Songs For Kids Like Us led to a wealth of opportunities for Robbie, culminating in his arrival as Music Director at XMKiDS on XM Satellite Radio.

Tune In:
Wednesdays at 6AM ET/3AM Pacific
Sundays at 12 Noon ET/9AM Pacific

Rumpus Room - Asylum Street Spankers

This week is Asylum Street Spankers in a Rumpus Room Rewind.

Play List:

Yessir That's My Baby

You Only Love Me for My Lunchbox

?

Boogers

?

See I Can Be Useful

Mommy Says No

Hokey Pokey

13 under 13 - 24Oct2008

Robbie hosted this week. He did a colors theme, but I missed why.

The Star Wars theme fell off the chart after not so many weeks on. Kat Kellos and "5 on 5" from her Musiplication CD debuted this week. You can read more about the CD and Kat in a recap of Mindy's interview with Kat Vellos.

1. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell (9 weeks)
2. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (8 weeks)
3. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (11 weeks)
4. Zev - El Quacko (12 weeks)
5. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music (6 weeks)
6. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (15 weeks)
7. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (13 weeks)
8. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper (7 weeks)
9. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (4 weeks)
10. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (12 weeks)
11. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE (2 weeks)
12. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow (3 weeks)
13. Kat Vellos - 5 on 5 (debut)

Past Freshness:
Star Wars theme - Cantina (4 weeks)

Some of the Colors Theme:
Laura Freeman - Red
Rosi Flores - Red, Red Robin
Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Keb' Mo' - Big Yellow Taxi

Book Hour - L is for Lollygag

Mindy interviewed Molly Glover editor of L is for Lollygag from Chronicle Books. For a lot of books, the editor is the team leader for the book. In this case, the editors came up the idea for an in-house project and hired a writer to shape the text. Molly keeps lots of lists and has a list of fun words. The book was born when Molly threw out her idea at a meeting and gave the list of words she had been collecting. The book is filled with words that are fun and quirky. The editors picked "endangered words" that would not appear in school or at home. One word they picked "snollygoster" (a shrewd or crooked person - a swindler), they noted that it is a disappearing word. They wanted the book to have more than just the words, so they put in some other tidbits. such as "Gifts of Gab."

Some of the illustrations are clip art that were collaged by the designers. Melinda Beck was the illustrator who drew the new, colored illustrations.

Some words:
A "rumpus" is a noisy commotion with a lot of loud noise or activity. Mindy asked about "23 Skidoo."

Start your own list of words by flipping through the dictionary, read older books, listen to some old-time radio shows, etc.

Fav words from callers:
Ballistic
Hogjowl
Rapscallion
Hootenanny
Fritter
Psychedelic
Flabbergasted
Macintosh
Qat
Microscopic

A New Poll

Visit the XMkids Fans blog and vote in the poll!

What's Your favorite Song this week?

1. Frances England - Don't Fly Away
2. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell
3. Zev - El Quacko
4. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues
5. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster
6. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper
7. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J.
8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music
9. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too
10. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl
11. Star Wars theme - Cantina
12. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow
13. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE

Halloween News

I say Mindy, Robbie and Kenny (and Jinx) need to share their Halloween costume photos with us!!!

From MarketWatch:

XM Kids XM channel 116 will serve as the official soundtrack for trick-or-treating. XM Kids' sixth annual Pumpkin Jam will air Halloween day from 3:00 pm until midnight. The entire family can enjoy music and spooky stories on everything Halloween. Hosts Robbie, Kenny and Mindy will also share some frightening stories of their own.

What Song Would You Erase?

First, I wouldn't have started this blog if my kids and I didn't enjoy listening to XMKids. We like a lot of the music, and really enjoy listening to the DJs and the kids calling in. So this is just in fun!

If you could get access to the XMKids music library, what song would you or your kids erase?

I have a few in mind, but the one that sticks out right now is "I've Got A Butt." (Uncle Jim, it's a good song -- I'm just TIRED of it.) So Dear Matthew in Michigan, can you think of a different song to request when you call Mindy tomorrow?

What song have you just heard enough of or wish you never heard?

If you don't want to comment publicly, you can send me a mail at gbkgwyneth@gmail.com. Let me know how much of your name (or kids' name) and locale I can post.

Book Hour - Kim Wayans

Well, I missed most of it because of car troubles (what else can you expect with driving 10K in two months - at least I was close to home), but Mindy interviewed Kim Wayans (yes from that multi-talented, many siblinged Wayans family) about her book series, co-authored with her husban Kevin Knotts, Amy Hodgepodge.

Kim will be at Politics and Prose in Washington, DC, tomorrow, signing books. Kim discussed some other things, including the non-profit Turning the Page.

Book Hour - Nacho the Party Pup

Today, Mindy back from her trip, interviewed Emma J. Virjan (Ver Haan) author and illustrator of the board book Nacho the Party Puppy. Mindy explained that even though it is a board book, it really isn't "just for babies". Emma talked about "the Nacho ways" for celebrating birthdays, which include cakes, red dancing boots and more. Also, he has the "nachobility" to ride on pinatas.

Emma talked about how even when she was young she wanted to be an author and illustrator of children's books and encourages others to "Keep Drawing." She explained her "other" work as a graphic illustrator. Fascinating -- and I think Mindy could run with that and get people who know how to talk to (not down to) kids to explain their jobs.

There are millions of facets to Nacho's personality that I didn't get written down -- I took sparse notes while barreling down I85 -- but he is "Nacho average dog," has a cat friend named Chip, likes to cook, cleans up after his big parties in his dog castle, etc.

Emma Virjan is working on a new Nacho book about yoga. Nacho and Emma will be at a number of events around Austin, listed here.

Hey MINDY! Robbie's Shirt.

So, Chloe got through to Robbie and asked about his "special shirt". I have NO IDEA what he answered to her question except that she says it wasn't very nice about you...uh oh :)

Chloe didn't like Robbie's dessert suggestions -- spinach (saag paneer is good for dinner) and crackers with fish and chocolate (she told him that we're vegetarians). Hmmm, who can blame her?

She did tell him her three favorite songs - "Real Tall Tree", "Sally Can I Walk You Home", and "There's A Carp in the Tub".

Quiz on demand?

Chloe called in to Mindy today. I asked her what she was going to say if she got through, and she said she was going to do a quiz. huh? Mindy hadn't proposed a quiz, so I told Chloe that maybe that was not a great idea. Not to be disuaded, Chloe went on with her quest, got through and told Mindy that she was going to do a spelling quiz.

Mindy didn't miss a beat. Chloe interrupted Mindy's asking her how to spell something with her own word. Chloe's word was "qat". After the interview with Kat Vellos earlier, Mindy said "k-a-t". Chloe said no, "q-a-t, a tropical, evergreen shrub". (If you've listened to enough XMKids, you know where she got that word.) Mindy was gracious enough to offer a prize, but Chloe turned the choices down (new brake pads?) until Mindy got to the book that she really wanted. Ugh. My child.

Craft Time with Absolutely Mindy - Tater Toddler Dolls

Supplies:
Giant Russet Potato (or sweet potato)
Toothpicks
Baby Sock
2 small nails or thumbtacks (not red)
ABC Gun
Toothpaste cap
Milk jug cap
alfalfa sprouts/Easter grass


To do:
Blow off all the dirt.
Take the toothpicks, jam one in the left side, jam one in the right side, jam one underneath on the left, jam one underneath on the right.
Take a wad of gum, stick it on the bottom toothpick, then some on the other bottom toothpick.
Pull off the arms and legs. Oops.
Pull the baby sock up over the potato; leaving enough room for the "head" of the potato.
Shove the toothpick arms and legs back in the potato.
Take the two thumbtacks and shove them in the face where the eyes would be.
Take the toothpaste cap and find something sticky in the back of the refrigerator, scrape it out and smear it on the top of the head to make a tiny hat.

Suggestion:
Use a popsicle stick for arms and legs.

How do you suggest a mouth could be made?
- One caller suggested using a red leaf for a mouth.
- Macaroni for a mouth.
Other suggestions for improvements?
-

Artist Interview - Kat Vellos

Kat Vellos called in from Seattle, Washington to talk about her new CD Musiplication. She talked about how she tutored kids. Some kids couldn't learn from flash cards, but knew the words to every song. So she made the songs to help kids remember their times tables.

Kat herself used flashcards. She said 7*8 was her hardest to remember (mine too)!

The artwork was done by Tad Crowe, a friend of Kat's. He really tied the album art to the songs. Kat chose the breezy hip-hop because of how fun it is.

Nutricious Nine is about eating healthy; Kat loves to cook and eat well, so she combined the two here.

CDBaby.com carries Musiplication.

We really like the whole CD and are very glad that XMKids has been playing so much of it!

Rumpus Room - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

We enjoyed this week's Rumpus Room concert...Secret Agent 23 Skidoo! They performed songs from their CD Easy.

Mindy interviewed Secret Agent 23 Skidoo earlier this week; you can read some of the interview highlights here. We were lucky enough to get to be in the Rumpus Room for this concert; more pictures are on our recap page.

The Set List:

Have Fun

It's a New Day

Catch the Bug

Mysterious

Best Friend

The Last Dragon

Luck

The Blue Grasshopper

Hot Lava

Gotta Be Me

13 under 13 - 17Oct2008

Mindy hosted this week. I missed the first ten minutes, but it sounded like she played a "Wiggling" theme at the start. If it was time for Recess Monkey to fall off the top 13, then ScribbleMonster is a great addition. You can read more about "The Song of LIFE" in a recap of Mindy's interview with ScribbleJim.

1. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (10 weeks)
2. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell (8 weeks)
3. Zev - El Quacko (11 weeks)
4. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (7 weeks)
5. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (14 weeks)
6. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper (6 weeks)
7. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (12 weeks)
8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music (5 weeks)
9. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (11 weeks)
10. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (3 weeks)
11. Star Wars theme - Cantina (4 weeks)
12. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow (2 weeks)
13. ScribbleMonster - The Song of LIFE (debut) YEAH!

Past Freshness:
Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (13 weeks)

Some of the Wiggling Theme:
The Wiggles - Wigglemix
Kimya Dawson - Wiggle My Tooth
Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle

Book Hour - Alan Katz

In her third interview of the day (!), Mindy interviewed Alan Katz, author of The Flim Flam Fairies. His other recent books include Smelly Locker, On Top of The Potty, Where Did They Hide My Presents, and a poetry book Oops!. Alan is also the creator of the game That’s Right, That’s Wrong which will (we hope) be coming back LiVE to the Absolutely Mindy Show soon!

Alan's song books provide new lyrics to well-known songs, creating madness and magic. Alan's twin sons Nathan and David (age eight) were also part of the interview. Nathan sang "Stinky , Stinky Diaper Change" to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." David sang "If You Gotta Go To Poopy."

Alan credits his kids with helping to inspire his creativity. He reminds everyone to "Never say I don't do that; try something new!" He also says that he loves hearing from people about his books, so send him an email at alankatzbooks@aol.com.

Alan read some poems from his poetry book Oops!. He has a second collection out poems coming out in 2010. He then read his book "The Flim-Flam Fairy," which was quite amusing!

Artist Interview - Sippy Rudy

Today, Mindy interviewed Rudy Trubitt, the guitar player from The Sippy Cups. The band has a new EP called One Day Soon (available from iTunes) which has five songs. (EP means "extended play".) Their new CD "The Time Machine" is due out in the spring, but they wanted to get some new songs out sooner. "One Day Soon" is the first song, and it is about things that kids can almost do, but can't quite do yet, but will be able to do soon. (Like us getting the new full length CD...) Rudy penned "Ladybug Beat," about aphids tasting so sweet. "Effervescing Elephant" was written by Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett.

Rudy described their shows with a circus-like feel on top of the rock-n-roll party. The Sippy Cups are all about color -- so Rudy has never worn his cow suit on stage.

Rudy also discussed their new video "The Day After Halloween." Sippy Henry's bedroom is the bedroom in the video, and Henry is the ghost.

Rudy was a great interviewee (even if his phone was not behaving well making it hard to hear some of what he said) and seemed to enjoy talking about the new CD and how they came up with the ideas for the various songs. Thanks, Mindy and Sippy Rudy!




Mindy also played an interview she had done with Diana DiGarmo from American Idol talked about "American Idol Rewind" -- Behind the scenes. (Never having seen American Idol, I didn't get it.)

Artist Interview - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

In preparation for this weekend's Rumpus Room, Mindy had a nice interview with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, a great "Kid Hop" artist. We were lucky enough to be in the Rumpus Room when the show was recorded -- it was so much fun! We love their cd Easy - the lyrics are inspiring without being over the top. Very fun and imaginative.

He didn't quite answer the question of the origin of his name "23 Skidoo" but gave the answer that it was the first slang used in the 1920's and that everyone should figure out what it means for themselves. "Life is a beautiful thing, you are going to have some bad days, but you can deal with it."

Some of his words of wisdom:
Balance "Dream thinking" and "pay the mortgage" thinking and keep your mind open. Kids can believe two things at the same time. Adults should stop being afraid of looking stupid. Life doesn't make sense; stop trying to make it make sense. The "daydream world" of kiddie-idiosynchrocies is "Easy". He doesn't like to coddle children and talk down to them.

His song "The Bluegrasshopper" tells the Aesop's Fable from the grasshopper point of view and shows the power of music and the worth of being a musician. She also interviewed his daughter "Saki" who appears on the CD. Saki tried to teach Mindy how to beat box....

He's working on a DVD to come out soon and some new kids' books. Stay tuned!

Thanks Mindy and Cactus!



Mindy also spoke with Cicely Gray Women's Sports Foundation about healthy eating and bone growth for girls.

We heard from girls about what activities they do and what foods they eat to get calcium for strong bones.

Go Girl Go!

GoGirlGo! is the primary programming focus of the Women’s Sports Foundation designed to combat the alarming physical and psychological health hazards affecting America’s young girls. GoGirlGo! uses sport and physical activity as an educational intervention that supports girls’ health and wellness in childhood and early womanhood.

Other links:

Girls' Health

Go Girl Go!

813 Mile Road Trip

As seems to be normal these days, my kids and I drove 600+ miles. While we did not listen to XMKids the entire time, we did listen in a lot. Chloe called Mindy to talk more about the tooth fairy (and toilet seats that play music, though Mindy didn't air that part). We enjoyed listening to what all the other kids had to say about the tooth fairy, dolls that pee and more.

Mindy promised to discuss a tater toddler doll, but never told us more. Both girls tried to call in for the "Spell Check" but didn't get through. I was a bit shocked by the word that was the choice of the caller.

Robbie never told us about his shirt; wonder what made Mindy get all worked up about it? Chloe called Robbie and told him about the card she had made for him.

XMKids sure helps keep me and the girls entertained on our long car trips!

Artist Interview - ScribbleJim

Mindy interviewed ScribbleJim from ScribbleMonster this afternoon. Oh, how we love hearing ScribbleJim on the radio! Thank you so much Mindy and Jim for taking the time to do this for us!

XMKids has been playing two tracks from the new CD (available today) called Songs with No Character, "I'm A Utility Pole" and "The Song of LIFE". My kids both love "The Song of LIFE", and each kid has a number of favs on the new CD. I particularly like "Doing the Right Thing Isn't Always Easy" and "It Could Have Been Worse" (after The Song of LIFE), but every song is growing on me. A GREAT CD!

ScribbleJim took the time to explain the difference between the live band (ScribbleMonster) and the character band that has been on the past CDs, which of course explains the name of the new CD.

While we have heard the story of the origin of "The Song of LIFE" before, it was wonderful to hear it again and shared with a much wider audience.

Mindy asked what ScribbleMonster was going to be for Halloween and suggested that he dress up as ScribbleJim. Can't wait to see the photo!

Songs with No Character will be available TODAY at ScribbleBooks.com.

Mindy's Back! - Tooth Fairy

Mindy's back - Yeah!

Chloe called in to giver her lost tooth news. Along in the story, Chloe mentioned that the tooth fairy can make herself look and sound like mom or dad. Chloe wondered where the tooth fairy lives.

Kids called in with the news:
The tooth fairy probably lives in a gold castle in the clouds, or a castle made of teeth or under a pillow. Another report is that there are really more than one tooth fairy; that's why different kids get different gifts from the tooth fairy.

Chloe's tooth fairy knowledge comes from the book The Real Tooth Fairy by Marilyn Kaye and Helen Cogancherry.

More information about the history of the tooth fairy:

• ToothFairys.Net
  
• Tooth Fairy on Wikipedia: Reading here, it seems that many cultures have a tooth rat or mouse instead of a tooth fairy!

Lost Tooth and Tooth Fairy Songs:

• The Jimmies - Teeth - Make Your Own Someday
  
• Roger Day - My First Loose Tooth - Rock 'n' Roll Rodeo
  
• Monty Harper - Loose Tooth - The Great Green Squishy Mean Concert CD
  
• Sparkles 'n' Bubbles - Has Anyone Seen My Tooth? - The Big Happy Album
  
• Recess Monkey - Dr Wiggle - Tabby Road
  
• Eric Ode - Loretta Lost A Tooth At Lunch - When You Smile
  
• Maureen Conlin - Lost Tooth Blues - Achoo! Achoo!
  
• Justin Roberts - I Lost the Tooth I Lost - Way Out
  
• Johnette Downing - Tooth Fairy - Fins and Grins
  
• Mary Kaye - Tooth Fairy - Mouse Jamboree
  

Absolutely Anybody

is on this afternoon. As Mindy was looking for ways to fight illness on Friday, I think we can assume that the suggestions didn't help, and she's out sick.

We hope that she'll be feeling better tomorrow and be back on the air.

Chloe called in and chatted with someone, but she didn't know who he was. Chloe broke her big news, but she didn't get on the air. Her requested song "The Song of LIFE" from ScribbleMonster was found and played, however.

(Chloe also called in and talked to Kenny this morning, giving him the scoop on her big news and speaking about homeschooling.)

Rumpus Room - The Sippy Cups

(Updated from the post here.)

We enjoyed this week's Rumpus Room concert...The Sippy Cups! They performed songs from their CDs Kids Rock for Peas and Electric Storyland. Electric Storyland was named in the Top 10 CDs of 2006 in the Fids and Kamily Poll.

We were lucky enough to get to see this SF Bay Area group perform at Austin Kiddie Limits in September 2007. They put on a fantastic show, complete with circus acts and psychedelic props. But best was getting to hear Springtime Fantastic live!

The Sippy Cups this week released a new EP One Day Soon available on iTunes.


The Set List:

Drinking from the Sky

Little House of Jello

Meet Major Minor

Move Your Pants

Bike

Hair Professor and the Jellyfish

The Jellyfish

Springtime Fantastic

Superguy Returns

Use Your Words

I Am A Robot

Flower Tower

Magic Toast

13 under 13 - 10Oct2008

I'm quite impressed with the 13under13 this week; it's a great set of songs! (Though I don't think the Folsom track really does a good job of representing The Rhyming Circus...I'd rather see "King of the Alphabet" on there.) One thing that strikes me as funny is that three of the thirteen don't have lyrics to speak of.

Robbie hosted this week and added a "Boats and Ships" cluster to go along with Columbus Day. With "Christopher Columbus" from Fats Waller.

1. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (9 weeks)
2. Zev - El Quacko (10 weeks)
3. The Real Tuesday Weld - Bathtime in Clerkenwell (7 weeks)
4. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (13 weeks)
5. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper (5 weeks)
6. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (11 weeks)
7. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (6 weeks)
8. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (10 weeks)
9. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Where's the Music (4 weeks)
10. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (13 weeks)
11. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (2 weeks)
12. Star Wars theme song (3 weeks)
13. Laurie Berkner - Fast and Slow (debut)

Past Freshness:
Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (17 weeks)

Video - Bathtime in Clerkenwell:

Couch Potato Stew - Food Boy

Today on Couch Potato Stew, Mindy interviewed Lucas Grabeel and Brittany Curran, stars of the new DVD movie The Adventures of Food Boy.

Lucas made a comment that he had to stop eating mustard for a while after being covered in 8 gallons of it for days on end. I wonder how well the smell and yellow washes off? Yuck.

There are tons of videos about the making of the movie on YouTube.

Listen to Couch Potato Stew:
Fridays at 7PM ET/4PM PT
Sundays at 8AM & 10PM ET/5AM & 7PM PT



(Maybe I just don't understand actors and their senses of humor, but it seemed to me that Lucas was not a great interviewee. I really didn't get the sense that he was being friendly and cooperative with Mindy or that he was really focused on the interview. It seemed he didn't get it was an interview for a kids' radio station. Too bad. Because as an actor, I think he would have read his audience better and gained a few additional fans in the process. This hasn't made me want to go see other movies he has made.)

Book Hour and More

Whoa - I thought I was busy today!! We did manage to catch some of Mindy's show, though not as much as we wanted. We forgot to take Robbie (our XM receiver) with us, so no XM while driving around. Too bad XM doesn't have an iPhone client yet (as far as I know). Other things we forgot today -- Chloe's goggles (left in DC last weekend), a top to Chloe's swimsuit (grabbed two bottoms by accident -- but we were early enough to have time to run home to fix the problem), my phone (left at gymnastics).

Enough about my "mommy had a virus yesterday brain" ... Back to Mindy's guests today.

First up was Drew Lachey and the Magical Veggie Challenge:

Help us right this musical wrong. Gather family and friends to record a video performance of your rewritten bean chant that conveys beans are a vegetable.

Submit your video for a chance to win $5,000 and a trip to New York to meet Drew Lachey and perform your chant!

Next up was Savannah Outen, who is about to go on tour with The Naked Brothers Band. For more information:

Savannah's website with links to her YouTube and MySpcae sites.

The final official guest was the one I most wanted to hear, but missed all but the first two minutes of... Mindy interviewed the author of what sounds like a book just up my alley, Eco-Friendly Families by Helen Coronato. I wonder if it could help us and our stuff problem. More info is on the author's website Helen Coronato: The Next (Kinda) Big Thing. (Addendum: Her book reportedly lists a bunch of websites that support greener living and a lot of specifics which is something that is often hard to find in these kinds of books.)

We spent the afternoon weeding out stuff. I wish there was a solution to the stuff. Everyone gives kids stuff. Kids find stuff on the playground, in the woods. I can't keep stuff out of my house. But then I have to deal with it.

Chloe called in to chat with Mindy and announced to everyone that we were going crazy cleaning the house. Mindy joked about putting people into the "free pile" that we put a lot of our stuff into. Chloe went on to tell Mindy that I always talk about putting Chloe into the trash cans. Oh great. A family joke, of course. Chloe asked for "The Song of LIFE" by ScribbleMonster, which was the song that managed to help us through the craziness of the day.

Savannah's video:

Book Hour - Constitution Translated for Kids

On Wednesday, Mindy's guest was Cathy Travis, author of Constitution Translated for Kids. I really enjoyed the way Mindy tied the book into current events and had Cathy explain some of the points of the Constitution. Their conversation got Camille thinking about the Constitution and wanting to learn more. So, for us, it was a success.

The quiz at the end of the interview was perhaps a little intimidating for the audience. Even Camille didn't want to call in to take it. Mindy gave the first question in a simplified form (ie, answer is part of the question) and people started calling in. Unfortunately, not all kids were expecting to get the answer in the question and some were still a little bit stumped!

Looking over the reviews, this looks like a great book for kids (and adults) wanting to learn more about the Constitution, put not intended as a primer. As we are spending more time in DC this year and it is a year filled with politics and government, I would consider this book for my 5th grader.

Constitution Translated for Kids website

On amazon.com

Book Hour - Pennybaker for President

I love how Mindy is tying the books that she features on the show into the current events (Halloween, election, National Hard Boiled Egg Day -- well, maybe not -- or wait, a quick google search shows that World Egg Day IS October 10th!).

On Monday, Mindy interviewed Kate Feiffer, the author of the new children's book President Pennybaker. Kate read the story on the air, and I really wish we could have seen the book too, as the illustrations look lovely.

There are lots of reviews on amazon.com. Worth checking out, especially in this election season.

Book Hour - Humpty Dumpty JR

Last Thursday, Mindy's guest was Vince Evans, the illustrator of the series Humpty Dumpty JR: The Hardboiled Detective. My girls both said that the books sounded really interesting. The puns are fast and flowing, and we really enjoyed hearing Mindy speak with Vince about the process of illustrating the books and of working with a sibling.



Searching for more information about this very intriguing series, I came across this video.

In the Broadcast Booth

While we were at XM on Friday, Mindy kindly gave us a tour of XM! It was amazing! We got to see where everyone on XMKids has their desks and even got to go into their broadcast booth and sit in the broadcasting chair! Both my kids really got a kick out of it, even though Chloe was too scared to touch anything on the mixing board.



How fun! Thanks, Mindy!

Live in the Rumpus Room - Ralph's World

We were so excited to get the chance to see Ralph's World perform in the XMKids Rumpus Room! Everyone had a great time; it felt like a large house party!



Photos and Recap

Thanks, Mindy and XMKids for hosting a great party! We cannot wait to hear the show air on our channel 116.

13 under 13 - 3Oct2008

Robbie hosted this week.

1. Zev - El Quacko (9 weeks)
2. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (12 weeks)
3. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (8 weeks)
4. The Real Tuesday - Bathtime in Clerenwell (6 weeks)
5. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (10 weeks)
6. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (9 weeks)
7. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper (4 weeks)
8. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (12 weeks)
9. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (5 weeks)
10. Medeski, Martin and Wood - where's the Music (3 weeks)
11. Star Wars theme song (2 weeks) - I HAD NO IDEA!
12. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (17 weeks)
13. Trout Fishing in America - Pearl (debut)

Past Freshness:
Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (25 weeks)

Book Hour - Halloween Tricks and Treats

If I can find the time, I will try to publish information about the authors that Mindy interviews on the air. But we'll see.

Wednesday, Mindy talked to Matthew Mead about his book Halloween Tricks and Treats, which can be found here at amazon.com, and other places.

We are huge Halloween fans at our house. The decorations have already been up for a few weeks!! My kids really enjoyed many of the different snacks and decorating ideas that he discussed with Mindy. They keep asking if we can go to the bookstore and buy it ... could happen.

13 under 13 - 20Sept2008

Robbie hosted this week.

1. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (8 weeks)
2. Zev - El Quacko (7 weeks)
3. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (10 weeks)
4. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (7 weeks)
5. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (10 weeks)
6. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (6 weeks)
7. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (15 weeks)
8. The Real Tuesday - Bathtime in Clerenwell (4 weeks)
9. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (24 weeks)
10. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (3 weeks)
11. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (15 Weeks)
12. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper (2 weeks)
13. Medeski, Martin and Wood - where's the Music (debut)

Past Freshness:
Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (18 weeks)

Thanks Mindy

As Chloe started to get bored on our ten hour trip home, she decided to call Absolutely Mindy at XMKids.

Wel,, she and Chloe chatted for what must have been ten minutes. (Coincidentally, we were in Gastonia when they chatted...we had once been in Gastonia with Mindy for an XMKids Traveling Roadshow!) They talked about Chloe's trip to DC and about Chloe's two loose teeth. Mindy then posed a question to the XMKids listeners "What should Chloe do with the tooth that she wants to keep instead of putting it under her pillow?" Listening to the listener responses kept us occupied for quite a long time! Thanks, Mindy, for keeping us entertained on our trip home!

And we were sad that Robbie was unstuck last night. Chloe had wanted to call and talk to him as well....poor Robbie, missing the chance to chat with Chloe (ha!).

Live in the Rumpus Room - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Yesterday we were thrilled to get to see Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. in the Rumpus Room! To make it even better, we got to meet Mindy's "baby brother" while there!



To see more, click here on Photos and Recap.

13 under 13 - 13Sept2008

Kenny hosted this week.

1. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (8 weeks)
2. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (9 weeks)
3. Zev - El Quacko (7 weeks)
4. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (10 weeks)
5. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (6 weeks)
6. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (14 weeks)
7. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (5 weeks)
8. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (23 weeks)
9. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (14 Weeks)
10. The Real Tuesday Welds - Bathtime in Clerenwell (3 weeks)
11. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (2 weeks)
12. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Blue Grasshopper (debut)
13. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (18 weeks)

rumpus room this weekend

looks like it is supposed to be Trout Fishing!!!! Oh how I wished we had been invited to that one! We love those guys, and were even in DC that weekend.

We will have to remember to bring Robbie (our name for our XM receiver) with us as we head to DC this weekend, so we can catch the show even if we are out and about.

13 under 13 - 5Sep2008

Robbie hosted this week.

1. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (8 weeks)
2. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (9 weeks)
3. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (7 weeks)
4. Zev - El Quacko (6 weeks)
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (13 weeks)
6. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (5 weeks)
7. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (22 weeks)
8. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (13 Weeks)
9. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (4 weeks)
10. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (17 weeks)
11. The Real Tuesday - Bathtime in Clerenwell (2 weeks)
12. Ralph's World - Folsom Daycare Blues (debut)
13. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (17 weeks)

Past Freshness:
Pirate Don't Take Baths

Rumpus Room - Recess Monkey

Hey Recess Monkey!! Those guys are GREAT!! And even better, we were there in the Rumpus Room for the show!

Our review....

13 under 13 - 29Aug2008

Mindy hosted this week...it seemed to me that Mindy may have missed what Robbie did last week based on what she said about "last week's" 13 under 13. Hmmm.

1. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (8 weeks)
2. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (7 weeks)
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (8 weeks)
4. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (22 weeks)
5. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (12 Weeks)
6. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (6 weeks)
7. Zev - El Quacko (5 weeks)
8. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (18 weeks)
9. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (4 weeks)
10. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (3 weeks)
11. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (17 weeks)
12. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (16 weeks)
13. The Real Tuesday - Bathtime in Clerenwell (debut)??

(Week counts may be approximate...)

Rumpus Room - Joe McDermott

Wierd. Looks like they are replaying the one they replayed last month ..

Rumpus Room - Joe McDermott

We love Joe, but we were hoping for something that we haven't heard so recently.

13 under 13 - 22 Aug 2008

Robbie hosted this week.

1. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (7 weeks)
2. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (6 weeks)
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (7 weeks)
4. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (5 weeks)
5. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (11 Weeks)
6. Zev - El Quacko (4 weeks)
7. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (21 weeks)
8. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (17 weeks)
9. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (16 weeks)
10. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (3 weeks)
11. Frances England - Don't Fly Away (2 weeks)
12. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (15 weeks)
13. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - The Bluegrasshopper (debut)

Past Freshness Date:
Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (19 weeks)

(Week counts may be approximate...)

13 under 13 - 8Aug2008

Mindy hosted this week.

1. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (5 weeks?)
2. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (9 Weeks)
3. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (5 weeks)
4. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (19 weeks)
5. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (14 weeks)
6. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (4 weeks)
7. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (13 weeks)
8. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (13 weeks)
9. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (3 weeks)
19. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (18 weeks)
11. Zev - El Quacko (2 weeks)
12. Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too (debut) (WOO-HOO)
13. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (16 weeks)

Past Freshness Date:
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (30 weeks)

We're Diggin'

Robbie just played a new song from Danielle Sansone called "Too Much Coffee."

Love the fiddle sounds in that one. Keep it coming!

13 under 13 - 1Aug2008

Robbie hosted this week.

1. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (8 Weeks)
2. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (4 weeks?)
3. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (13 weeks)
4. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (4 weeks)
5. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (18 weeks)
6. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (12 weeks)
7. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (12 weeks)
8. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (3 weeks)
9. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (17 weeks)
10. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (2 weeks)
11. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (15 weeks)
12. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (30 weeks)
13. Zev - El Quacko (debut)

Past Freshness Date:
The Jonas Brothers band - Play My Music (4 weeks)

New stuff:

Live in the Rumpus Room - Recess Monkey

On Tuesday, we went to a fabulous afternoon concert in the XMKids Rumpus Room, featuring Recess Monkey! What fun it was to be back at XM and seeing both Robbie and a really cool band!



Photos and Recap are here.

Rumpus Room - Joe McDermott

This weekend's Rumpus Room concert featuring Joe McDermott was recorded in July 2006, before Joe's latest CD, Everyone Plays Air Guitar, was released. I hope XMKids will be inviting him back soon so he can play more of the new songs live!

We have seen Joe perform live a couple of times, most recently a little less than a year ago in Austin. I hope we'll get to see him again soon!

Playlist:

If You're Happy And You Know It

What's Not To Love About A Skunk

Way Out West

Thank You Mud

Flying Saucer

Stand Up/Sit Down

I Got Stuck In An Elevator

Ride, Ride, Ride

Our Family Car is a Helicopter

Don't Drop A Brick On Your Foot

Baby Kangaroo

Extra tracks:

Transportation Vacation

Let The Dog Go Out

Thank You Mud

Come to Hawaii

Patience and Time

Spider Detective

13 under 13 - 25Jul2008

Mindy hosted this week.

1. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (? Weeks)
2. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (12 weeks)
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (3 weeks?)
4. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (11 weeks)
5. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (16 weeks)
(Mindy alsoplayed Henrietta's Hair)
6. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (10 weeks)
7. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (3 weeks)
8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (16 weeks)
9. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (14 weeks)
10. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (32 weeks)
11. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (2 weeks)
12. The Jonas Brothers band - Play My Music (4 weeks)
13. The Terrible Twos - Big Baby J. (debut)

Past Freshness Date:
The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (19 weeks)

New stuff:

Rumpus Room - Joe McDermott

Yes, we are loving it.... more to come.

XM Kids At Kidzapalooza

We are diggin' this:

<<
XM Kids will be live in Chicago broadcasting direct from the world famous Kidzapalooza! In case you didn't already know, Kidzapalooza is THE concert event of the Summer for rock friendly families. They've got performances by everyone from The Dream Jam Band & The Jimmies to special kid's performances by Jeff Tweedy and G Love! XM Kid's Kenny Curtis will bring all of the excitement to you!

Broadcast Schedule:
Saturday, August 2 from 10AM ET - 2PM ET
Sunday, August 3 from 1-5PM ET
>>

13 under 13 - 18Jul2008

Robbie hosted this week.

1. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (11 weeks)
2. Jack Black / Cee Lo - Kung-Fu Fighting (? Weeks)
3. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (10 weeks)
4. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (15 weeks)
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Bad Day (2 weeks?)
6. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (14 weeks)
7. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (9 weeks)
8. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (13 weeks)
9. Recess Monkey - Dr. Wiggle (2 weeks)
10. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (31 weeks)
11. The Jonas Brothers band - Playing My Music (3 weeks)
12. Joe McDermott - Rollercoaster (debut)
13. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (19 weeks)

Past Freshness Date:
Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym

New stuff:
Zev - El Quacko Ride
Bill Harley - Is Not Is Too
The Terrible Twos - Big Baby

Wow!

I don't know what's happened, but we are hearing some great stuff again today! Roger Day, Seth Decker, The RTTS. Excellent. The variety is fantastic!

I don't care much for the Shushybye show. Puts me to sleep. But I guess that's its point?

Awesome - Justin Roberts's 98.8

I haven't yet looked to see what CD this was from, but I loved it! I'm always very excited when XM Kids plays something really different from the regular line up.

Next up was Blue Grasshopper -- liked that one too. XM Kids introduced us to Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, whom we really love too!

13 under 13 - 6Jun2008

Robbie started out with a summer set...

1. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (8 weeks)
2. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (11 weeks)
3. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (9 weeks)
4. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (21 weeks)
5. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (15 weeks)
6. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (5 weeks)
7. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (17 weeks)
8. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (4 weeks)
9. Anita Renfroe - Momisms (6 weeks)
10. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (7 weeks)
11. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (3 weeks)
12. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (20 weeks)
13. Dan Zanes and Friends - Colas (debuth)

Past Freshness Date:
Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly) (9 weeks?)

13 under 13 - 30May2008

Robbie started out with a pool set including songs from, I think, Dire Straits, Recess Monkey, Carl Williams, Trout Fishing in America.

1. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (10 weeks)
2. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (7 weeks)
3. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (8 weeks)
4. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (14 weeks)
5. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (16 weeks)
6. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (20 weeks)
7. Anita Renfroe - Momisms (5 weeks)
8. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (19 weeks)
9. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (4 weeks)
10. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go (3 weeks)
11. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (6 weeks)
12. Father Goose/Dan Zanes - Flying Machine (debut?)
13. Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly) (9 weeks?)

Past Freshness Date:
Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (after 9 weeks)

13 under 13 - 16May2008

1. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (8 weeks)
2. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (17 weeks)
3. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (12 weeks)
4. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (6 weeks)
5. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (5 weeks)
6. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (14 weeks)
7. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (18 weeks)
8. Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly) (7 weeks?)
9. Anita Renfroe - Mom Song (3 weeks)
10. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (4 weeks)
11. Gunnar Madsen - Always On The Bottom (11 weeks)
12. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC (2 weeks)
13. Ali Dee and the Deekompressors - Go Speed Racer Go

Past Freshness Date:
Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (after 9 weeks)

13 under 13 - 9May2008

1. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (16 weeks)
2. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (7 weeks)
3. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (11 weeks)
4. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (13 weeks)
5. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (17 weeks)
6. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (5 weeks)
7. Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly) (6 weeks?)
8. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (4 weeks)
9. Gunnar Madsen - Always On The Bottom (10 weeks)
10. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (3 weeks)
11. Anita Renfroe - Mom Song (2 weeks)
12. Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (8 weeks)
13. Barenaked Ladies - Crazy ABC

Past Freshness Date:
Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (after 16 weeks)

Rumpus Room - Imagination Movers

This week is Imagination Movers in the Rumpus Room. I think the concert was from a year ago, maybe just around the time that we got to see them in concert. It was a bizarre concert. The rain poured down on the outdoor ampitheatre, so The Movers invited the audience up on the stage with them. We had a great time, even with the strange circumstances. We loved that the show went on despite the weather! Their new CD Juice Box Heroes is getting some nice playtime on XMKids and "Can You Do It?" has been in the 13 under 13 for a while now. We can't wait to get to see them again soon!


Play List:

Imagination Movers

Shakeable You

Take Your Medicine

Can You Do It?

What's In the Fridge?

My Favorite Snacks

I Want My Mommy

Seven Days a Week

Good Ideas

Wanna Be Like You

We're Going to Have Fun Today

Mover Music

Old McDonald in a Leisure Suit

Big Hola

13 under 13 - 25Apr2008

Yeah! The Ryhming Circus is on the list!

1. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (9 weeks)
2. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (14 weeks)
3. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (15 weeks)
4. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (5 weeks)
5. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (11 weeks)
6. Gunnar Madsen - Always On The Bottom (8 weeks)
7. Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (6 weeks)
8. Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly) (4 weeks?)
(Sneak Peak Justin Roberts - Henrietta's Hair)
9. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (3 weeks)
10. Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (15 weeks)
11. Medeski, Martin and Wood - Pirates Don't Take Baths (2 weeks)
12. Ralph's World - The Rhyming Circus (debut) HOOORAY!
13. Alvin & The Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (26 weeks)

Past Freshness Date:
Transformers Soundtrack - Transformers (8 weeks)

We're Diggin'

It should come as no surprise that we are diggin' the new Ralph's World CD The Rhyming Circus, due out May 20th. Mindy just played Abby's Alphabet Soup; awesome! I hope that XMKids will be playing more tracks from this very terrific CD.

Whew!

Chloe got through to Robbie and requested Pop Fly. We love the whole CD (I guess it is released tomorrow?), but the title track is our favorite so far. I can see that almost every other track is growing on us. Chloe says that this CD is her favorite Justin Roberts CD, so there's a glowing recommendation for you, since she loves both "Meltdown" and "Way Out".

Frustrated

Chloe's been trying to get through to Mindy, but hasn't succeeded. She wanted to tell her that opening the fridge and standing there for ten minutes trying to decide what to eat was one way to waste electricity.

Her request was, not surprisingly, "Pop Fly", but Mindy just played it; cool.

We're waiting to hear her apology to Robbie for calling him names.

13 under 13 - 11Apr2008

Yeah! Pop Fly is on the list!

1. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (13 weeks)
2. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (7 weeks)
3. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (9 weeks)
4. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (12 weeks)
5. Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (13 weeks)
6. Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (4 weeks)
7. Alvin & The Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (24 weeks)
8. I Don't Want To Go To School (3 weeks)


Should this have been the Naked Brothers Band??


Mindy Played the the Barry Louis Polisar one?
9. Gunnar Madsen - Always On The Bottom (4 weeks)
10. Transformers Soundtrack - Transformers (7 weeks)
11. Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly) (2 weeks?)
12. Justin Roberts - Pop Fly (debut) YEEEEAHHHH
13. Amy Adams - Happy Working Song (20 weeks)

Past Freshness Date:
Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want is You (13 weeks)

The Jimmies - What's That Sound? (23 weeks)

Rumpus Room News

This weekend will be SteveSongs. We will definitely tune in!

We're Diggin'

The girls and I are loving the song "Pop Fly" from Justin Roberts's new CD Pop Fly that has been playing recently on XMKids. There are lots of other great tracks on the forthcoming CD, but so far that's our favorite one.

Rumpus Room - The Jimmies

This week is The Jimmies in the Rumpus Room. The Jimmies have a great sound, and we look forward to seeing them in concert (I think we will get to see them a couple of times this year!) Their Rumpus Room concert was great fun!





Play List:

Ever Day's A Holiday With You

Cool to Be Uncool

What's On Your Shirt?

The Peanut Butter Polka

Bed Head - Freeze Quack

Punxsutawney Phil

Soaper The Scaredy-Bot

Do The Elephant

Taddy

Tea Party in the Sun

We Got the Beat Mix

Tuesday Blues

(Missed it)

Kids Wanna Rock

What's that Sound

Somebody's Birthday

13 under 13 - 28Mar2008

It's been a while since I've been home and have been able to listen, so here goes.

1. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (7 weeks)
2. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (11 weeks)
3. Alvin & The Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (22 weeks)
4. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (5 weeks)
5. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (10 weeks)
6. Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (11 weeks)
7. Transformers Soundtrack - Transformers (5 weeks)
8. Amy Adams - Happy Working Song (18 weeks)
9. Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want is You (11 weeks)
10. Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (2 weeks)
11. Gunnar Madsen - Always On The Bottom (2 weeks)
12. The Jimmies - What's That Sound? (23 weeks)
13. The Naked Brothers Band - I Don't Want To Go To School (debut)

Past Freshness Date:
The Naked Brothers Band - If That's Not Love (26 weeks)

New Music:
Alo - Mashed Potatoes

Traveling Roadshow

Looks like the cities on the tour have been announced, and they won't be coming to the southeast. Oh well. There is a link to an album of photos from last year. The girls and I enjoyed going to the show in North Carolina, even though the storm clouds rolled in.

Traveling Roadshow

Mindy's Back!

I wonder when she got back? I've been out of town for a couple weeks, so it could have been a while ago!

Today she's got the Imagination Movers on the air, answering questions from listeners. We're really enjoying the show! They have a new CD out (Juice Box Heroes), and Chloe was thrilled to hear that they had been at the White House today.

Look forward to hearing more! Welcome back, Mindy.

Rumpus Room - Asylum Street Spankers

After having been out of town for the better art of the last four weeks, I am struggling to catch up. The interesting news is that we may be spending a lot more time in DC next year; I'm hoping that we will get to go to more Rumpus Room concerts and Jammin' Java shows while there.

This week is Asylum Street Spankers in the Rumpus Room. I know I missed a bunch of songs as we were coloring Easter Eggs while listening.

Play List:

Yessir That's My Baby

You Only Love Me for My Lunchbox

Don't Pick You Friend's Nose

all I want to do is be useful

Mommy Says No.

Hokey Pokey

13 under 13 - 21Mar2008

It's been a while since I've been home and have been able to listen, so here goes.

1. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (6 weeks)
2. Alvin & The Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (21 weeks)
3. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (10 weeks)
4. Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (10 weeks)
5. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (4 weeks)
6. Transformers Soundtrack - Transformers (4 weeks)
7. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (9 weeks)
8. Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want is You (11 weeks)
9. Amy Adams - Happy Working Song (17 weeks)
10. Gunnar Madsen - Always On The Bottom (YEAHHHHHHH! We are loving Gunnar!!)
11. The Naked Brothers Band - If That's Not Love (26 weeks)
12. The Jimmies - What's That Sound? (22 weeks)
13. Imagination Movers - Can You Do It? (debut)

Rumpus Room - Father Goose

This week is Father Goose in the Rumpus Room. We've seen him perform with Dan Zanes and Friends a couple of times.



Play List:

The Rattling Bog

Flying Machine

Down in the Valley

Jig Jog Gee

But now we have to go sell GS Cookies. Maybe I'll catch the rest tonight.

13 under 13 - 8Mar2008

1. Alvin & The Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (19 weeks)
2. Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (8 weeks)
3. Transformers Soundtrack - Transformers (2 weeks)
4. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (8 weeks)
5. Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want is You (9 weeks)
6. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (7 weeks)
7. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (4 weeks)
8. The Naked Brothers Band - If That's Not Love (24 weeks)
9. Amy Adams - Happy Working Song (15 weeks)
10. Father Goose/Coolie Ranx - Bam Bam (25 weeks)
11. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (2 weeks)
12. Fraggle Rock - Fraggle Rock Theme
13. The Jimmies - What's That Sound? (20 weeks)


New Music:
Imagination Movers - Can You Do It?
Anita Renfroe - Mom's Overture

13 under 13 - 29Feb2008

1. Alvin & The Chipmunks - Witch Doctor (18 weeks)
2. Reliant K - We Are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (7 weeks)
3. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Luck (7 weeks)
4. Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want is You (8 weeks)
5. The Doo-Dads - Mama Be Right Back (6 weeks)
6. The Naked Brothers Band - If That's Not Love (23 weeks)
7. TMBG - Seven Days Of the Week (3 weeks)
8. Amy Adams - Happy Working Song (14 weeks)
9. Fraggle Rock - Fraggle Rock Theme
10. Transformers Soundtrack - Transformers (2 weeks)
11. Father Goose/Coolie Ranx - Bam Bam (24 weeks)
12. The Jimmies - What's That Sound? (19 weeks)
13. Mr. Saxophone - Welcome to the Jungle Gym (debut)

New Music:
Shaun the Sheep - Life's A Treat
Miranda Cosgrove - Leave it All To Me (iCarly)

2007 Hit:
Lucas Miller - I'm Looking Fine

"Past Freshness Date":
Dar Williams - The Babysitter's Here