Multi-Platinum Pop Sensation Katy Perry to Perform Live at Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, Saturday, March 31, at 8 p.m.

Star-Studded Presenter Lineup Joining Host Will Smith in Celebrating 25th Anniversary Milestone Includes Chris Rock, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Zac Efron, Heidi Klum, Victoria Justice, Miranda Cosgrove, Big Time Rush, Chris Colfer and Cee Lo Green

LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2012 -- Multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Katy Perry will break the sound barrier at USC's Galen Center with her first live performance at Nickelodeon's 2012 Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday, March 31, at 8 p.m. (ET/tape delayed for West Coast).

Perry, topping the number of Kids' Choice Award nominations by an individual this year, will join host Will Smith and a powerhouse roster of celebrity presenters, including Chris Rock (What to Expect When You're Expecting), Emma Stone (The Amazing Spider-Man), Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man), Zac Efron (The Lucky One), Heidi Klum (Project Runway), Victoria Justice (Victorious), Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly), Big Time Rush, Chris Colfer (Glee) and Cee Lo Green (The Voice) as well as recently announced performers, UK pop sensation One Direction.

Kids can cast their votes until March 31 in 20 total categories across all of Nickelodeon's digital outlets, including Nick.com, Nick Mobile app as well as Nickelodeon's Facebook page and Twitter feed.

"Katy Perry has doubly earned her position as kid favorite -- through her music of course -- but also for reveling in an outrageous sliming on the show two years ago," said Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming and Development, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group and Executive Producer of the show. "She works hard and plays hard and that's what makes her performance on the KCA's one to look forward to."

A global superstar whose two albums have generated a record-breaking string of #1 hit singles and multiplatinum sales during the past four years, Katy Perry has just concluded her sold-out "California Dreams Tour" with124 arena performances internationally. The special edition Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection will be in stores March 27th and features three new songs, including "Part Of Me," which debuted at #1 on iTunes, with over 400,000 downloads in its first week, after an electrifying performance at this year's Grammy Awards.

Perry is nominated for three Kids' Choice Awards this year, including Favorite Female Singer, Favorite Song ("Firework") and Favorite Voice in an Animated Movie for her role on The Smurfs.

Fans can now vote for their favorite stars on Nick.com and via a Facebook application that will live on the Nickelodeon Facebook page. Users will be able to vote from a tab on the page and, for the first time ever, the entire voting experience can be embedded directly into Facebook wall posts. Also new this year, fans will be able to vote for their favorite nominees on Twitter through the use of custom hash tags.

This year, kids not only pick the winners, but they get to help host Will Smith pull off the greatest celebratory silver anniversary slime moment. Through a brand-new iPad, iPhone and iPod app, and the KCA website , kids need to find slime hidden throughout the photo galleries, news, and videos. If kids collect enough slime, Will Smith will pull off the biggest slime event ever in this year's show. Aided by weekly mission videos featuring iCarly's Jennette McCurdy, Jerry Trainor, and Nathan Kress, kids will have the chance to earn digital rewards and move up the slime operative ranks.

Leading up to the show, the apps and website will also feature daily KCA news, video updates, photo galleries and videos from past KCAs, behind the scenes video of this year's preparations, and dedicated information pages on the host and nominees. In addition, the entire Orange Carpet pre-show will be streamed live through the apps and website, followed by a live backstage companion stream during the main show.

Last year, Nickelodeon's 2011 Kids' Choice Awards, hosted by actor/comedian Jack Black, ranked as basic cable's top telecast for the week (March 28, 2011–April 3, 2011) with 7.3 million total viewers. The show also ranked as the week's top telecast with kids and tweens on all TV, averaging a 9.8/3.5 million K2-11, 12.7/2.7 million K6-11 and 11.7/2.5 million T9-14.

The star-studded telecast also scored the most votes in the show's history—a record 200 million (+70%, over 2010) votes were cast across Nick.com, Nick's mobile site, an iPhone application, an iPad-optimized site, TeenNick.com and Nick's Facebook page. Nick.com celebrated its highest trafficked day ever on April 2, earning 42 million page views (+9%) and reaching over 2.2 million visitors across its website, mobile and tablet sites (+14%). Additionally, the audience for the live simulcast of Countdown to Kids' Choice across these digital platforms posted double-digit increases (+39%) over the previous year.

Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards is more global than ever in 2012, seen in over 300 million households around the world. Within hours of airing live in the United States and Canada, the show will roll out in additional international markets, providing kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show faster than ever.

In many international markets, the 2012 KCAs will feature country-specific award categories and nominees, such as Nickelodeon Italia's Favorite Star and Nickelodeon UK's Favorite Show. Voting for the 2012 KCAs will span over six continents across 13 localized voting sites in 10 different languages, giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.

Presenting sponsors of Nickelodeon's 2012 Kids' Choice Awards are General Mills, Hasbro, Honda and Target. Associate sponsors are Bounty™, McDonald's, Nintendo and Skechers.

Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards is being produced by Nickelodeon Productions in association with Bob Bain Productions. Bob Bain, Marjorie Cohn and Paula Kaplan are Executive Producers.

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

Netflix "Just for Kids" Now Available on PlayStation® 3

Unlimited Instant Access To Large Variety Of Streaming TV Shows And Movies Picked Especially For Kids 12 And Under Now on PlayStation 3

LOS GATOS, Calif., March 12, 2012 -- Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) today announced the availability of "Just for Kids" on the PlayStation® 3 (PS3) game console, further expanding the availability of the section popular with kids and caregivers.

Netflix "Just for Kids" makes it easier and more fun for kids and families to browse and instantly watch a large selection of kid-friendly TV shows and movies. Since introducing the section in August 2011, Netflix members have watched more than one billion hours of kids titles.

Now Netflix members who use a PS3 can select "Just for Kids" to enter an experience designed for children 12 and under. Kids can click and instantly watch their favorite characters, including "Kick Buttowski," "Bob The Builder," "Thomas the Tank Engine," "Backyardigans," "Caillou," "Curious George," "Power Rangers" and "Arthur."

In addition to the character-based selection, "Just for Kids" displays rows of titles organized by easy-to-understand genres such as superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs and girl power, featuring clear and simple descriptions of the plot of each title. Unique Netflix technology provides each member with a personalized "Just for Kids" experience based on taste and favorites.

Parents can feel comfortable letting their children browse and watch titles in the "Just for Kids" section. As always, there are never any commercials displayed on Netflix and independent ratings and reviews from Common Sense Media were used to make the selections. Common Sense Media is a leading non-profit that provides independent, trustworthy ratings, reviews, and information to help parents make great media choices.

In addition to PS3, Netflix "Just for Kids" is available on the PC and Mac, Nintendo Wii and Apple TV. Other devices including Xbox 360 and tablets are scheduled to follow this year.

Some of the titles available in the Netflix section "Just for Kids" in the US include:

Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie (Lions Gate)	Ballet Shoes (ITV Global)
Good Luck Charlie (Disney)	Shine of Rainbows (Turtle's Crossing)
Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (Aardman Animation)	Fraggle Rock (Lions Gate)
Angelina Ballerina: Love To Dance (Lions Gate)	The Little Engine That Could (Universal City Studios)
Inspector Gadget (Universal Music Group)	Metajets (Cookie Jar)
Thomas & Friends: Calling All Engines (Lions Gate)	Babe: Pig in the City (Universal City Studios)
Spy Kids (Miramax)	The Care Bears Movie (MGM)
A Wrinkle In Time (Miramax)

About Netflix:

With more than 23 million streaming members in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Netflix, Inc. [NASDAQ: NFLX] is the world's leading internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV programs. For about US$7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV programs streamed over the internet to PCs, Macs and TVs.

Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, internet-connected TVs, home theatre systems, digital video recorders and internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 700 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, visit www.netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Netflix, Inc.

Tom's of Maine to Host National Story Hour with Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi and Her New Children's Book

Free Anticavity Silly Strawberry Toothpaste Samples and Book Giveaway During Live Event

KENNEBUNK, Maine, March 6, 2012 -- As nature begins to bloom this spring, Tom's of Maine is inviting parents to think about what's in their children's toothpaste and to enjoy a natural bedtime routine. On March 14 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, families can join the Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry Story Hour on Facebook for a reading of the new children's book It's A Big World, Little Pig by author and Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi.

 

 

Tom's of Maine Anticavity Silly Strawberry toothpaste is the first and only natural kids' toothpaste to earn the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance for cavity prevention. Free Anticavity Silly Strawberry samples will be provided during the live story hour while supplies last. Additionally, the first 50 people to respond to the offer will receive a copy of Kristi's new book. To receive a free sample or the book, parents will be provided an email address during the story hour.

"As the daughter of a dentist, I grew up in a household that put a major emphasis on the impact of a beautiful, natural smile," said Kristi Yamaguchi. "The theme of my new book is about how smiles make everyone feel happy and are universal around the world. I love to read aloud to my two daughters, so I'm excited to share the story with families across the country."

"After a lively day, bedtime rituals can be comforting and meaningful for kids," said Susan Dewhirst, PR and Goodness manager at Tom's of Maine. "We hope the story hour adds some natural fun, and we encourage families to swap sparkles for the taste of real strawberries when they brush. It can be rewarding to try new things as children grow and develop healthy habits."

With no artificial dyes or sweeteners, Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry Toothpaste has real strawberry flavor derived from strawberry extract and other natural extracts. It's perfectly paired with a good book before bedtime. Available in Fluoride and Fluoride-Free varieties, Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry toothpaste can be found at www.tomsofmainestore.com or in the children's toothpaste section at retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price is $3.79. As with all of its products, Tom's of Maine donates 10% of its profits back to the community.

Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. TOMs sells high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, bar soap, and body wash products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet.

For over 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business.

Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine

Dribble, Dunk and Dazzle on the Basketball Court, Without Injury

ROSEMONT, Ill., March 5, 2012 -- The basketball season is in full swing, and while players and spectators love the on-court action, all that fancy foot and hand movement can cause a wide range of injuries – from sprained ankles and knees, to jammed fingers and stress fractures.

STATISTICS
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, nearly 1.5 million basketball injuries, in children and adults, were reported in 2010.

EXPERT ADVICE
"Basketball is a fast moving, intensely competitive sport, with a significant potential for injury," said J.R. Rudzki, MD, a Washington D.C. orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Dressing appropriately, ensuring a safe play environment, and maintaining consistent flexibility and strength training can help avoid injury."

AAOS BASKETBALL SAFETY TIPS
The AAOS has recommendations to help you enjoy the game of basketball, without injury:

• Wear appropriate equipment. Shoes should fit snugly and offer support. Ankle supports can reduce the incidence of ankle sprains in patients with a history of injury (this should be discussed with your doctor); protective knee and elbow pads can protect players from bruises and abrasions. Consider wearing a mouth guard. Do not wear jewelry or chew gum while playing. Other helpful equipment may include eye protection, ankle braces or sports tape.
• Ensure a safe play environment. Outdoor courts should be free of rocks, holes and other hazards. Players should avoid playing on outdoor courts that do not have appropriate lighting. Indoor courts should be clean, free of debris and have good traction. Baskets and boundary lines should not be too close to walls, bleachers, fountains or other structures. Basket goal posts, and the walls behind them, should be padded.
• Maintain fitness throughout the year. Ideally, players should maintain an exercise and training regimen during the basketball season, and throughout the year.
• Warm up before play. Consistent warm up and stretching exercises may reduce injuries. Initially stretch the spine and legs in a relaxed but thorough fashion. Warm up with jumping jacks, stationary cycling, or running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. This should be followed by slow and gentle stretching, holding each stretch for 15-20 seconds.
• Stay hydrated. Even mild levels of dehydration can hurt athletic performance. Ideally, players should drink 24 ounces of non-caffeinated fluid two hours before exercise, and an additional 8 ounces of fluid or sports drink immediately before play. While playing, break for an 8 ounce cup of water every 20 minutes.
• Use proper passing and play techniques. Practice good technique. For example, when you jump for the ball, land on a bent knee rather than a straight knee. Play only your position and know where other players are on the court to reduce the chance of collisions. Do not hold, block, push, charge, or trip opponents. Use proper techniques for passing and scoring, and most importantly, don't forget sportsmanship!
• Prevent overuse injuries. Because many young athletes focus on just one sport and train year-round, doctors are seeing an increase in overuse injuries. The AAOS has partnered with STOP Sports Injuries to help educate parents, coaches, and athletes on how to prevent sports injuries. STOP Sports Injuries recommends:
  • limiting the number of teams in which your child is playing on in one season
  • not letting your child play one sport year round, and
  • taking regular breaks and playing other sports to improve skill development and prevent injury.

STOP Sports Injuries

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

New App for Teaching Language to Children with Autism is Now Available!

NEW YORK, March 5, 2012 -- Different Roads to Learning, Inc., a global retailer of educational products for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, today announced the launch of Tell Me About It! Learning Language by Receptive Function, Feature & Category , an iPhone/iPad app for developing early language skills.

This app uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a systematic teaching approach that involves breaking down skills into small, easy-to-learn steps. ABA is the only evidence-based effective intervention treatment for Autism endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Surgeon General. The Tell Me About It! App is now available for $9.99 at iTunes.

"A new wave of educational apps has been on the rise since the iPad first launched; now, they are more efficient and visually stimulating than ever. These apps are especially pertinent in the early education of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We are pleased to develop the Tell Me About It! App, which covers the basic foundations of language for children diagnosed with Autism. Our Tell Me About It! App for the iPhone and iPad allows parents and professionals to apply ABA in any setting," said Julie Azuma, CEO of Different Roads to Learning, Inc., which she founded in 1995 after her daughter was diagnosed with Autism.

"Mimicking an actual one-on-one instructional session with a therapist, the app utilizes Discrete Trial Teaching, a method of teaching students with Autism and other language or developmental delays by breaking skills into the smallest possible steps, teaching each step intensively until its mastered, providing repetition, prompting incorrect responses, and using positive reinforcement. It's like having a personal tutor at your fingertips," said Abigail Schlaifer, VP Sales & Marketing. She added, "Teachers, parents, and psychologists can delve into the Teacher's Console to control the difficulty settings for each student, and will appreciate the Student Report Card, which displays data for each student with an option to email results."

About the Development of the Tell Me About It! App
The concept for this app was developed by Stacy Asay, LMSW, and Abigail Schlaifer for Different Roads to Learning and created by Infusion, which combines expert software engineering with appealing user experiences.

Different Roads to Learning was one of ten small businesses selected for the CEO-UBS Small Business Advisory Program, a philanthropic partnership between UBS Wealth Management Americas and the William J. Clinton Foundation. As a participant in the Program's New York Metro Area pilot, Different Roads to Learning received six months of pro-bono strategic financial and business advice from a UBS Financial Advisor and a dedicated client. The app is a product of this mentorship program. For more information, visit iTunes.

Here are the reviews on the app:

• Best Apps for Kids (editor's choice!)
• I Heart This App
• Special Apps, Special Kids

About Different Roads to Learning
Founded 17 years ago by the mother of a child diagnosed with Autism, Different Roads to Learning understands and embraces the unique needs of every child on the spectrum and strives to enable parents and professionals to help children grow to their full potential by offering over 500 of the most progressive and carefully researched quality products in support of the Autism Community. Visit www.difflearn.com. Read our blog. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

For more information, please contact:
Product: Abigail Schlaifer, (212) 604-9637 or abigail@difflearn.com .

Media: Julie Huang, Kaimen Company for Different Roads to Learning, (888) 989-8808 x703 or (917) 807-0718 or julie@kaimenco.com .

SOURCE Different Roads to Learning, Inc.