TresSugar

Do You Try to Keep Characters and Logos Out of Baby's Sight?

LilSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:30:37 -0700

Elmo, Dora, Mickey and Pooh – the characters that appear on our boob tubes are often found running around the playground too. Try as we might to shield our innocent children from the images available on cable television, network TV commercials and online media, just take a walk outside and you are sure to be bombarded by characters and logos that look like they jumped right off the screen.

According to the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, marketing directly to children has increased from $100 million in 1983 to more than $17 billion today. By the age of six months, a baby can form a mental image of a corporate logo or mascot, making them able to request those brands by the time they can speak. While wooden toys have increased in popularity due to their safer manufacturing processes, they have not outweighed the popularity of character-driven choices that flood the market. Do you try to shield your lil ones from commercial characters and logos?

Elmo to Face Consequences of Economic Downturn

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:25 -0700

Even the businesses lining Sesame Street aren't immune from the effects of a sinking economy. To help kids better understand the recession, Sesame Street will air a one hour special next week called Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times. The show stars Al Roker and Deborah Roberts, as well as personal finance and parenting experts to discuss strategies for maintaining children's well-being during hardships. When his mother loses her job, Elmo is forced to work through his family's issues. Targeting two to eight-year-olds, the show also features real life families and their tips to surviving the obstacles they have overcome.

10 Hot Summer Movies For Tots

babysugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Parents of tiny tots may not dare go on a long adventure without bringing along their trusty DVD player. A lengthy airplane ride or a prolonged road trip can go from disastrous to delightful with a simple push of a button. Families flying the friendly skies or cruising the roads should stock up on this Summer's newest releases for wee ones. Some of them may even have mom looking for an extra headset outlet!

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Outtakes of Ricky Gervais and Elmo Are Genius

babysugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:00:31 -0700

Fans of the original The Office series know the British comedic genius of Ricky Gervais. Creator of the hit series, Ricky has taken his act to other shows including Sesame Street. We love to see familiar faces hanging with Elmo and Big Bird, but this clip is outtakes from the popular kid's show. Instead of discussing the alphabet or Mr. Noodle, these two are giving high fours and cracking up with the camera crew. Known to self deprecate for a laugh, Ricky says to the interviewer, "You can't even control a Muppet and a fat guy." Get a good start to the day with a hearty laugh.

The Five Funniest Things We Saw at Toy Fair

LilSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:00:28 -0800

Yesterday we showed you the top five trends from Toy Fair, but amid the great Eco-conscience toys and educational games, there were a number of items that kept us laughing throughout the day. From edible play dough to people posing with Lego men, there was a fair share of funny items. Check out our slideshow to see our favorites. Source

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The Gifted Baby: 18-Month-Old

LilSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:06 -0800

Ready. Set. Go! Just try to stop a curious 18-month-old. Finding toys that capture their attention is quite a task so look for items that help develop their fine motor skills.

The Fropper is sure to bring out the giggles as tots hop and bounce their way around the room.
One of the hottest toys of the holiday season, Elmo Live is as close to the real thing as you can get. This version tells jokes, sings songs and perfectly imitates one of our favorite Muppets.
Get your lil one cooking with a tabletop kitchen. This Countertop Stove is part of Pottery Barn Kids' line of Eco-friendly wooden products.
Introduce toddlers to the world of arts and crafts with Crayola's TaDoodles Crayon Buddies, which are designed to fit right into the palms of their hands.
Encourage building and fine motor skill development with the Clipo Creativity Table that offers countless ways to create new things.
Take a page from your childhood and introduce your tot to the current version of the sit-n-spin with the Spin Around.

Source

Wee TV: Feist on Sesame Street

babysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:30:10 -0700

The 39th season of Sesame Street is set to debut on August 11, so the Children's Television Workshop has provided us with a sneak peek at one of the celebrity acts to join Elmo and friends on set. Popular Canadian singer Feist will kick off the season with a special rendition of her “1 2 3 4” song.

The new season will feature a host of guest celebrity appearances, including Will Arnett, Jessica Alba, David Beckham, Heidi Klum, Neil Patrick Harris, Sandra Oh, Jenny McCarthy, Jason Taylor, and Jack Black. The show will also introduce parodies of several popular shows, such as 30 Rock, High School Musical, and Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?. With a lineup like this, I may be setting up the Tivo more for myself than my daughter!

Elmo and De Niro in Casino?

GiggleSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:14:00 -0700

We know that Elmo isn't the angel he pretends to be. He can be something of a psychopath, which makes perfect sense after you look at him in this audition for the Martin Scorcese mob movie Casino. His part? Conniving wackadoodle Joe "Am I a clown? Am I here to make you laugh?!" Pesci's character of course.

Cute Alert: Puppy Loves Elmo

GiggleSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Oh, look - it's Tickle Me Elmo's littlest and furriest fan! Now, this little freako has a big fan...me, of course. (Seriously, though, what the heck is on this puppy's mind?)

Thanks, College Humor!

Elmo Has Officially Lost It

GiggleSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

This two-year-old's favorite talking Elmo toy had a change of heart after getting a change of batteries. This particular toy is creepily called the "Elmo Knows Your Name" doll and can be hooked up to a computer and programmed to say certain phrases and a child's name. After getting re-juiced, this little Elmo had some choice words for his best bud James. . .