Tuesday, November 20, 2012

WAT-AAH! Organizes The "1 Act, Give Back, Feel Good" Event With DoSomething.org Benefiting Food Bank For New York City Featuring Special Performances By Singing Sensation Ryan Beatty And Teen Pop Stars Angelique Sabrina And Jordan Newt; Nickelodeon To Provide Games And Prizes For Event

Below is a WAT-AAH! Press Release from PRNewswire:
WAT-AAH! Organizes The "1 Act, Give Back, Feel Good" Event With DoSomething.org Benefiting Food Bank For New York City Featuring Special Performances By Singing Sensation Ryan Beatty And Teen Pop Stars Angelique Sabrina And Jordan Newt

SPECIAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE EVENT NOVEMBER 28TH FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY

WAT-AAH! UNVEILS ITS NEW LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE INSPIRED BY SAMMI, AN 11-YEAR-OLD NEW YORK CITY STUDENT SELECTED AS WAT-AAH!'S #1 FAN, EXTENDING ITS LINE OF FUNCTIONAL WATER FOR KIDS

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WAT-AAH!, the first premium line of functional sugar, calorie and additive free bottled water for kids by kids, is spearheading WAT-AAH!'s "1 Act, Give Back, Feel Good" with DoSomething.org, one of the largest U.S. organizations for teens and social change, benefiting Food Bank For New York City, the city's major hunger-relief organization. Featuring special performances by singing sensation Ryan Beatty and teen pop stars Angelique Sabrina and Jordan Newt and games provided by Nickelodeon, WAT-AAH! leads the organization of this special healthy canned food and donation drive to inspire kids to give to those who are less fortunate and affected by Hurricane Sandy. The New York-based company with the mission to encourage healthy hydration among kids and teens and lead the fight against childhood obesity, will also showcase their new limited edition bottle, inspired by Sammi, a talented 11-year-old sixth grader and WAT-AAH!'s #1 fan. For more information on how to donate, follow WAT-AAH!'s Twitter handle (@wataah) and their Facebook.

(Download image - Photo of WAT-AAH!'s "1 Act, Give Back, Feel Good" event poster: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121119/NY16255 )

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, "1 Act, Give Back, Feel Good" asks kids to contribute canned goods for event entry; the items will be sent to the Food Bank For New York City for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Donations are also being collected HERE [direct link] through the Food Bank's Virtual Food Drive, that uses their wholesale purchasing power and efficient distribution model nearly tripling the amount of food a dollar can provide at the grocery store. DoSomething.org is also asking teens to collect donations through their Pantry Prep Campaign, which mobilizes teens across the U.S. to help stock their local food pantries against future crises. The party with a purpose will also feature games and prizes by Nickelodeon including D3 Publisher "Victorious: Taking the Lead", "Big Time Rush: Dance Party" for Nintendo's Wii™ system by Game Mill, as well as photo booths, live music by DJ Filthy RichTaj and special performances by 17-year-old singing sensation Ryan Beatty [direct link], emerging popstar singer from the Bahamas, Angelique Sabrina [direct link] and teen hip hop phenom Jordan Newt [direct link] to reward and inspire the kids to continue their generous efforts.

Since its inception, WAT-AAH!'s products, events and marketing have always been inspired by kids, from the first bottle designed in 2008 by Jack, 13-year-old son of WAT-AAH!'s Founder/CEO Rose Cameron, to their latest limited edition bottle which was designed by Sammi, an 11-year-old, sixth grader from New York City who was chosen as WAT-AAH!'s #1 fan.

"We are very happy to help in the Hurricane Sandy relief effort through the partnership with DoSomething.org, and the Food Bank For New York City, and to assist these kids to help those less fortunate," says Founder/CEO Rose Cameron. "As a brand we empower kids to participate in our health initiative, express their creativity, and contribute to their communities. Through our partnership with teens such as Sammi, Ryan, Angelique, Jordan and DJ Filthy RichTaj, we hope to inspire other kids and teens to do the same."

The limited edition bottle features Sammi's personal favorite SKU- WAT-AAH! Body- pure spring water with a neon pink label. While the label retains all of its existing elements, the new design adds motifs reflecting Sammi's vibrant, outgoing, and creative personality. Specifically, the label incorporates some of her favorites such as neon colors, flowers to swirls, hearts and even high heel shoes!

The new limited edition bottle is available through the end of the year and is currently sold in stores and schools nationwide such as Kroger, Shop Rite, Shaw's, Bi-Lo, Whole Foods Markets and many others.

After being nominated for a Teen Choice Awards for "Choice Web Star" talented recording artist, Ryan Beatty released his debut EP "Because of You" with the hit single "Hey L.A." [direct link] exclusively on iTunes on July 24th. In less than 24 hours, Ryan hit #1 Pop Album US Charts, while hitting #7 on the Top Album US Charts on iTunes overall – all without being signed to a label! Fourteen-year-old-singing sensation from the Bahamas, Angelique Sabrina, has been tabbed as the next Rihanna by MTV, Ryan Seacrest, and several other industry notables. Recently receiving a People's Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year, Angelique just released her newest video, which is a radio remix to Pull-Up [direct link], which saw her joined by 400 of the top NFL, NBA, and MLS Cheerleaders dancing to her original choreography. Jordan Newt, Los Angeles-based artist, is poised to ascend to the top of the entertainment scene with his smash hits "Fresh Down 2 My Socks," and "iPhone" [direct link] both of which have over 1 million views on VEVO.

About WAT-AAH!:

WAT-AAH! is a line of functional water free of sugar or sweeteners of any kind and tastes like pure and unadulterated water. It was created by Rose Cameron in 2008, after learning an alarming fact that the current generation of kids are predicted to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to childhood obesity. Inspired by her two boys, and Cameron's 20+ years experience developing successful national marketing campaigns for automotive, beverage and health companies health, they worked to create the iconic screaming boy logo, and a brand was born. WAT-AAH! which is for kids, by kids, has been successfully spoken to kids through advertising, events and exciting sponsorship programs. Some of WAT-AAH!'s major partnerships have included Nick Cannon and his Celebrity High Magazine, Beyonce Knowles for the nationwide Move Your Body Flash Workout Event, and NFL players Marques Colston and Pat Peterson. A natural fight to childhood obesity, WAT-AAH!'s partnerships have focused on promoting healthy lifestyles in over 10,000 stores/supermarket chains such as Kroger, Shop Rite, Shaw's, Ralph's, Fred Meyer, Bi-Lo, Food Lion and many others as well as 3,500 schools/school districts nationwide. To learn more, visit WAT-AAH.com.

About DoSomething.org:

We love teens. They are creative, active, wired... and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn't require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.

About Food Bank For New York City:

Food Bank For New York City is recognized as the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs. As the city's hub for integrated food poverty assistance, the Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts - food distribution, income support and nutrition education - all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of 1,000 community-based member programs citywide, the Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need. The Food Bank's hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools more than 40,000 children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. Ninety-four percent of donations go directly toward programs in all five boroughs. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.

For more information please contact:

Sherlen Archibald
The Chamber Group
212-366-5801
Sherlen@thechambergroup.com

Dezmon Gilmore
The Chamber Group
212-366-5801
Dezmon@thechambergroup.com

SOURCE WAT-AAH!

RELATED LINKS
http://www.WAT-AAH.com.

LeapFrog Tops Kids' Wish Lists In 2012; Adds New Nickelodeon Preschool Videos And Games To LeapFrog App Center

Below is a LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Press Release from PRNewswire:
LeapFrog Tops Kids' Wish Lists In 2012

Demand for award-winning LeapFrog learning products will keep Santa's workshop busy this season

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: LF), the leader in educational entertainment, today unveiled its 2012 top toy wish list. This year's list features the most sought-after, award-winning toys for every age and every interest. Whether gift-givers are seeking a kid-tough tablet, educational handheld video game system, interactive map or learning toy, LeapFrog has something for every child.

(Download image - LeapFrog Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090219/LFLOGO)

"Every year there are a select few hot products that make every child's wish list and this year LeapFrog learning solutions are topping those lists," said John Barbour, chief executive officer at LeapFrog. "Our products are kid favorites and consistently receive numerous parenting and industry awards – we are recognized for providing safe, age appropriate and engaging entertainment experiences for children. Our team of educational experts has been involved in the development of every LeapFrog learning solution to ensure they are packed with just the right balance of learning and fun."

"Must-have" Kid's Tablet
Children will anxiously await Santa's delivery of their LeapPad2™ this holiday. Offering endless hours of play and learning, the hot new LeapPad2 includes front-and-back cameras and video recorders, a faster LF 2000 processor and double the on-board memory (4GB). Launched less than three months ago, LeapPad2 has already been named a top item among major retailers, included on multiple holiday toy lists and received more than a dozen 2012 accolades from prestigious organizations such as Dr. Toy, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and National Association of Parenting Publications. LeapPad2 comes with extensive high quality content that is free with purchase: a music player with five LeapFrog Learning Songs, a new Cartoon Director creativity app, an Art Studio, the popular Pet Pad writing game and choice of an additional app from the LeapFrog App Center (MSRP $99.99, ages 3 to 9 years).

Ultimate Learning Video Game System
LeapsterGS™ is a revolutionary handheld video game system filled with fast-action gameplay. LeapsterGS puts kids in charge of their learning fun with new motion-sensor play, built-in camera, kid-friendly multi-button controls, a touch screen and stylus. LeapsterGS was honored on Time to Play's "Most Wanted" list and received awards from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Parents' Choice Foundation and Dr. Toy, and was included on Amazon's Holiday Toy list. LeapsterGS comes with the new Escape of the Sillies game, the popular onboard Pet Pad writing game and choice of a free additional app from the LeapFrog App Center (MSRP $69.99, ages 4 to 9 years).

A Library Full of Stocking Stuffers
The LeapFrog learning library offers an extensive selection of learning games, eBooks, videos, music and more that provide hours of learning fun on award-winning learning tablets, LeapPad1 and LeapPad2, and best learning video game handhelds, Leapster Explorer and LeapsterGS. The library includes a combination of LeapFrog's top-quality educational entertainment created in house, and engaging content from the biggest names in children's entertainment all reviewed and approved by LeapFrog's highly experienced learning experts (downloadable apps are MSRP $5.00 and up and game cartridges at MSRP $24.99).

Unique to LeapPad tablets, Ultra eBooks are interactive stories that automatically adjust the reading level to challenge kids at just the right pace. Each story is written at three different reading levels, progressing from simple to more complex words and sentences when kids are ready. This year, LeapFrog introduced a new line of Learn to Read Ultra eBooks including Learn to Read: Fairy Tales and Learn to Read: Adventure Builders.

Because younger preschoolers engage in ways that are different than their older siblings, LeapFrog developed content experiences to meet the specific interests and learning needs of children three years and older. Olivia and Jake and the Never Land Pirates are two new games designed to be visually engaging and simple to navigate for a younger audience.

LeapFrog offers a wide variety of action-packed games that get kids in the action. With quick button play or a twist and turn using the built-in accelerometer, Disney Phineas & Ferb and Team Umizoomi: Street Fair Fix-Up are two new learning games that keep kids having fun as they build math skills.

Available just in time for the holidays, LeapFrog has added new holiday-themed videos to the LeapFrog App Center including Arthur's Perfect Christmas, Barbie™ in The Nutcracker, Merry Christmas Dora, Nickelodeon Holiday Playdates and The New Adventures of Madeline: Madeline Holidays.

Books and More
Using the #1 selling Tag™ Learn to Read System, kids will bring books and more to life with just a touch using a small, sophisticated infrared camera that "reads" letters, words and pictures printed on special dot-patterned surfaces of products in the Tag library. The Tag library features more than 80 interactive books, puzzles, maps and more, organized by series: Get Ready to Read, Early Reading, Read on Your Own and Learn Through Reading. The new Tag™ Human Body Discovery Pack from LeapFrog is an interactive, jumbo two-sided chart and game board that helps children learn about the human body through play. Kids will encounter more than 300 interactive responses and 40 learning activities that bring the chart and game board to life and teach them about the human body, body systems and health and nutrition. Tag The Tag Human Body Discovery Pack is part of the Learn Through Reading series which is designed to help kids apply critical reading skills to explore topics like science, geography, writing and more. Tag Human Body Discovery Pack received 2012 awards from Dr. Toy and the Parents' Choice Foundation (MSRP $24.99, ages four to eight years).

Tech-Savvy Toys
Touch Magic™, a line of award-winning interactive toys from LeapFrog, is the perfect holiday solution for tech-savvy toddlers recognized by Dr. Toy and The Parents' Choice Foundation. This new line encourages learning and exploration through intuitive touch technology and gives younger kids the immediate response they have come to expect from every swipe or tap of their finger. Touch Magic was developed with LeapFrog's learning experts to ensure the curriculum is age-appropriate for preschoolers. These unique touch-enabled toys bring colorful graphics and popular kid themes together to deliver a fun, interactive experience. The Touch Magic line introduces early literacy, musical creativity, numbers and early vocabulary. The launch portfolio includes Touch Magic™ Learning Bus, Touch Magic™ Counting Train, Touch Magic™ Rockin' Guitar and Touch Magic™ Discovery Town. Touch Magic toys are 2012 recipients of Dr. Toy's "Best Picks" and the National Association of Parenting Publications Awards Silver seal (MSRP $21.99, ages two years and up).

About LeapFrog
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in educational entertainment for children. LeapFrog's award-winning product portfolio helps millions of children achieve their potential by delivering best-in-class curriculum through engaging content, fun multimedia learning platforms and toys. The Learning Path, LeapFrog's proprietary online destination for parents and extended family, provides personalized feedback on a child's learning progress and offers recommendations to enhance each child's learning experience. Through the power of play, LeapFrog's products and curriculum help children of all ages prepare for school and life success. LeapFrog's products are available in more than 45 countries and have been used by teachers in more than 100,000 U.S. classrooms. LeapFrog is based in Emeryville, California, and was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Come see the learning at leapfrog.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Monica Ma
LeapFrog PR
510-596-3437
mma@leapfrog.com

Kathryn Green
LeapFrog PR
510-596-3405
kgreen@leapfrog.com

SOURCE LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.leapfrog.com.

Former Nickelodeon, "Clarissa Explains it All" And "Sabrina The Teenage Witch" Star And Actress Melissa Joan Hart Stars As Co-Owner of "Yowza!!"

Below is a Yowza!! Press Release from PRNewswire:
Actress Melissa Joan Hart Stars as Co-Owner of Yowza!!

Iconic Television Actress Joins Mobile Coupon App's All Star Cast of Partners in Time for Small Business Saturday

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic television actress Melissa Joan Hart accepts a new role as Co-Owner of location-based mobile coupon app, Yowza!!, alongside Heroes star Greg Grunberg and actor Wayne Brady. The announcement comes just in time to coincide with this year's Small Business Saturday taking place on November 24, 2012. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting local, independently owned small businesses.

(Download image - Yowza!! Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120316/LA71754LOGO)

The free to download iPhone & Android app works by displaying mobile coupons to be redeemed at relevant restaurants and retailers in the immediate area. Hart, a mother of three, loved Yowza!!'s green, high-tech approach to couponing so much she decided to sign on as partner, beginning November 20, 2012.

Yowza!! is changing the way consumers and businesses think about coupons. Shoppers no longer have to waste time (and resources) clipping and driving out of the way in order to get a deal. Conversely, businesses using Yowza!! are receiving better return on investment, as they are now actually advertising to relevant consumers in their area. Given the current economic times, it was this symbiotic relationship between consumer and business that attracted Hart to Yowza!!.

"As a mom in charge of the household shopping and a small business owner, I immediately saw the value of what Greg was doing with Yowza!!," says Hart. "After he showed me the app and what Yowza!! could do, I knew I had to be a part of it. And the fact that over a million people are already using it for free everyday, how could I not jump onboard."

Melissa Joan Hart is most well-known for her roles as Clarissa [Darling] on Nickelodeon's "Clarissa Explains it All" and Sabrina on ABC's "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." Currently, Hart finds continued success, starring in the People's Choice Award nominated television series "Melissa and Joey," which will air its third season on ABC Family in spring 2013.

"Yowza!! is something I am super passionate about. I know firsthand how it can help increase store sales and also how convenient and easy it is to use for folks looking to save money," says Yowza!! Founder and actor Greg Grunberg. "Because of this, I have been incredibly selective when it comes to new partners. I didn't want to team with any person who would not truly understand the value of Yowza!!. However, when I showed the app to Melissa, I knew she got it. This is a partner who won't hesitate to tell every shopper and business owner in the country how lucrative the app can be."
With over a million users and coupons available for over 50,000 retail locations in the United States, Yowza!! is already the best couponing app in the country, and given its all-star lineup of owners, it is no wonder the breakthrough app is making major headlines.

For more information or to download Yowza!!, visit www.getyowza.com.

For media inquiries and/or to arrange an interview, please contact Tyler Barnett at 323.937.1951 or tyler@tylerbarnettpr.com

SOURCE Yowza!!

RELATED LINKS
http://www.getyowza.com.

Nick Jr.'s Preschool Series "Yo Gabba Gabba!" Nominated To Win A 2013 Kidscreen Award; TeenNick's Keith Dawkins Appointed As 2013 Kidscreen Awards Judge

From Kidscreen:
2013 Kidscreen Awards nominees announced

The first-round results are in, as the following entries for the 2013 Kidscreen Awards have been shortlisted as finalists for the Programming categories. The winners will be announced and at a special presentation event hosted by The Daily Show's Samantha Bee that's taking place during Kidscreen Summit on the evening of Wednesday, February 6 at the Hilton New York.

The winners of the Programming categories will be determined by a panel of second-round judges. And the finalists are:

PRESCHOOL

Best Animated Series
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (The Fred Rogers Company/9 Story Entertainment/Out of the Blue Enterprises)
Guess How Much I Love You (SLR Productions/KI.KA/Scrawl Studios/Hessicher Rundfunk/TFO)
Tree Fu Tom (CBBC and FremantleMedia Enterprises, in association with Blue Zoo)

Best Non-Animated or Mixed Series
Big and Small (Kindle Entertainment/Sixteen South)
Sesame Street (Sesame Workshop)
Yo Gabba Gabba! (Wildbrain Entertainment [, Nickelodeon Productions])

Best One-Off, Special or TV Movie
Driver Dan's Story Train (3Line Media in association with TwoFour54)
Sesame Street: Growing Hope Against Hunger (Sesame Workshop/documentary films by Cynthia Wade)
Y Raplyfr Coll: The Lost Rap Book (Fflic)

Best Companion Website
Cyw (S4C)
Dinosaur Train (The Jim Henson Company)
Jake's World (Kanoti)

KIDS

Best Animated Series
Adventure Time (Cartoon Network Studios)
Regular Show (Cartoon Network Studios)
The Amazing World of Gumball (Cartoon Network Studio Europe)

Best Non-Animated or Mixed Series
Four O'Clock Club (CBBC In-House)
Waffle Heart (NRK)
The Aquabats! Super Show! (FremantleMedia Enterprises/The Magic Store)

Best One-Off, Special or TV Movie
Same But Different (Libra Television/Two Sugars)
The Jungle Bunch — Back to the Ice Floe (TAT Productions/Master Films/Vanilla Seed)
WordGirl (Scholastic Media)

Best Companion Website
Giver (Sinking Ship Entertainment)
Leonardo (Kindle Entertainment, Plug-in Media)
Wild Kratts (Kratt Brothers Company, 9 Story Entertainment)

TWEENS/TEENS

Best Animated Series
Bob's Burgers (Bento Box Entertainment/Twentieth Century Fox Television)
Dan Vs. (Film Roman/The Hatchery)
Horace in Slow Motion Series 2 (Bombada Productions)

Best Non-Animated or Mixed Series
Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge (The Foundation)
In Real Life 3 (Apartment 11 Productions)
R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series (The Hatchery)

Best One-Off, Special or TV Movie
Cyberbully (Muse Entertainment)
Treasure Island (Kindle Entertainment/MNG Films/Parallel Film Productions)
Up and Away: A Newsround Special (CBBC In-House)

Best Companion Website
Dance Academy (Werner Film Productions/ABC/ZDF/ZDFE/ACTF)
My Babysitter's A Vampire (Secret Location)
Splatalot (marblemedia)

Judges determining the award winners include: Andrew Beecham (Sprout), Kay Benbow (CBeebies), Michael Carrington (Turner Broadcasting Europe), Lana Castleman (Kidscreen), Joe D’Ambrosia (Disney Junior), Keith Dawkins (TeenNick), Tiphaine de Raguenel (France Télévisions), Donna Dos Reis (Astral Media), David Levine (Disney XD Worldwide), Cheryl Taylor (CBBC) and Kim Wilson (Kids’ CBC).

All registered Kidscreen Summit delegates are invited to attend the awards ceremony and cocktail party, while tickets for just the Kidscreen Awards evening can be purchased for US$150 by contacting Kidscreen Events Sales Manager Joel Pinto (416-408-2300 x650 or jpinto@brunico.com).

Additional details about the Kidscreen Awards can be found at http://awards.kidscreen.com.

Tags: Kidscreen Awards, Kidscreen Summit, New York

Former Nickelodeon And "Kenan And Kel" Star Kenan Thompson Developing New Family Sitcom For NBC

From Digital Spy:
Kenan Thompson developing new NBC sitcom

The Saturday Night Live star is working on a new family comedy.

[Image/photograph of Kenan Thompson] © WENN

Kenan Thompson is developing a new sitcom for NBC.

The Kenan & Kel star - who currently features on Saturday Night Live - would play a man who moves in with his in-laws, according to TV Guide.

Saturday Night Live writer Bryan Tucker is penning the script for the pilot and will also executive produce alongside Thompson, SNL's Lorne Michaels and 30 Rock's Andrew Singer.

Prior to joining Saturday Night Live in 2003, Thompson starred in Nickelodeon's teen sitcom Kenan & Kel from 1996 to 2008 and also appeared with co-star Kel Mitchell in the 1997 film Good Burger.

His additional credits include 2004 movie Fat Albert and 2006's Snakes on a Plane.

Last year [2011], Thompson told Digital Spy that he was eager to begin writing and producing his own projects.

"I want to get into producing and writing more for myself," said the 34-year-old. "Setting up my own films and seeing what kind of personal touch I can put on movies, as opposed to just being in them - that's always a goal of mine."

> Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson marries Christina Evangeline

Watch a clip of Kenan Thompson on Saturday Night Live [here on the official Digital Spy website, DigitalSpy.co.uk]
Also, from E! UK:
TV Scoop NEWS / Kenan Thompson May Leave Saturday Night Live, Has New Comedy Series in Development

Is Saturday Night Live losing another veteran castmember?

Kenan Thompson, who has been with the NBC staple series since 2003, is teaming up with Lorne Michaels to write, executive producer and star in a comedy series, a source confirms to E! News.

Those duties would surely take him away from the rigorous schedule of SNL, but the insider tells us that while Thompson and Lorne's script has been picked up, no other plans have been made regarding his departure.

[...]

The comedy series in development, which is untitled at the moment, will have Thompson playing a guy who leaves New York City to move in with his in-law's in the suburbs.

Thompson would end a 10-year run on SNL if he excited, leaving behind such memorable sketches as "What's Up With That?", and his impersonations of Rev. Al Sharpton, Whoopi Goldberg and Charles Barkley. Other SNL vets who have recently exited the show for other projects include Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg, and it's rumored that Jason Sudekis is on his way out come the new year.

Now that Kenan is possibly free of SNL, someone get Kel Mitchell on the phone.

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)

Remember some of these Saturday Night Live alumni?

Toy Planet Toy Shop In Derbyshire Among The First British Shops To Hold The UK Product Launch Of Nickelodeon, Flair And Playmates Toys' Brand New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Toy Line!

From the Derby Telegraph:
Revivals of old favourites are on kids' wish lists for Santa this Christmas

AFTER delivering millions of them during the 1990s, Santa Claus probably thought he'd seen the back of the Furby.

But the popular toy has made a comeback – and is more hi-tech than before.

This year, the Furby – of which 40 million were sold between 1996 and 1999 – is the hottest toy on the top of children's Christmas lists.

The new generation of the Furby – priced £59.99 – looks pretty much the same as it did 15 years ago. It is still a robotic pet which speaks "furbish" and needs feeding.

But this time round, it has in-built technology allowing it to be linked to iPods and iPads, so owners can feed their Furby remotely.

David Middleton, managing director of Toy Planet, which has stores in Westfield Derby and Burton, said the revived toys are a big hit this year.

He said: "There are a lot of returns this year – a lot more than usual. They are big business.

"We can't get the Furby in quick enough. As soon as they come in, they fly out again."

The Furby is not the only old favourite making a comeback. Toys parents used to play with, including Lego, Cabbage Patch Kids and Subbuteo, are also popular this year.

Mr Middleton said: "These are all things parents might have had when they were young, so they're reliving their childhoods through their own children.

"Parents want to see the modern twist on the toys they enjoyed as a kid."

Lego sets are flying off the shelves, with a new Lord of the Rings version launching just in time for the new Hobbit film.

The Mines of Moria (£59.99) and the Battle of Helm's Deep (£99.99) are popular choices with children of all ages.

David said that the launch of a girls' range of Lego was also proving to be a "move in the right direction".

He said: "There has been a need for girly Lego for many years.

"This Christmas has seen the launch of the 'Friends' range, with houses, bakeries and stables appealing to the young ladies.

"Lego and Cabbage Patch Kids are timeless and will never go out of fashion.

"Children and parents alike will always recognise them."

The Entertainer, another toy store in Westfield, said parents were buying brands that they knew and could rely on.

Alex Austen, the store's manager, said the V-Tech Innotab (£84.99) – a children's tablet computer – was in big demand, along with Leapfrog LeapPad 2 (£89.99).

He said: "While some of these items are quite expensive, they are well-known brands that people know they can trust, so they are willing to spend the extra money."

Nerf Elite Hail-Fire (£44.99) – a foam dart game – is popular with the boys, as are the super hero-themed toys which are always popular after a big blockbuster hit – like the Spiderman dual web blaster (£23).

The Moshi Monsters – toys that go along with an online game that allows children to adopt their own monster – have been selling well all year round.

And Mr Austen said its winter range, which has recently been launched, is popular.

He said: "The My Moshi Home (£39.99), a house where children can have all their monsters living, is very popular. They appeal to boys and girls and everyone's got them in the playground. Kids always want what their friends already have."

Jake and the Neverland Pirates – Pirate Ship Bucky, (£39.99) and Mike the Knight's Deluxe Glendragon (£29.99) play sets are spin-offs from popular children's television shows.

Mr Austen said: "Toys that are available from shows that children recognise are always very popular."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are also going to be a big hit, according to Toy Planet. The Christmas range will be launched in the store a week ahead of other toy shops in Derbyshire on Saturday.

Mr Middleton said: "Only ten stores in the country are having the launch early [other UK toy shops include Kids Stuff in Eastbourne, Forbidden Planet's Birmingham store and Starlings Toymaster in The Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds]. The turtles are massive at the moment with a new show on Nickelodeon. On launch day, we are holding a costume competition where kids can come dressed up as their favourite turtle. The winner will receive an exclusive action figure for their efforts."