- Considering how influential bloggers are (it’s no surprise that Tumblr wants to highlight users’ content, and will soon do so via an official Tumblr news site! A team of writers will cover the top stories from the Tumblr world, making it easier for readers to discover the latest trends and key interests among the site’s bloggers. In other social media news, check out this infographic that highlights how colleges and universities are using social media to enhance education and connect with students, as well as how they can improve their digital strategies) (NY Times, reg required) (Mashable)

- Many Millennials are disheartened to discover that having a college degree (doesn’t mean they’ll get a job with an annual salary or benefits. Instead, in today’s tough job market, they’re lucky to be paid $10 an hour. Major companies are even laying off full-time employees to hire temporary or hourly workers. College students are struggling financially too, and some are even making use of food-stamps if they work 20+ hours a week and meet the income limits) (Forbes) (Consumerist)

- We can’t wait for the Superbowl this Sunday (mostly because we’re excited to see all the creative ads that engage viewers. Speaking of which, here are five lessons from Frito-Lay’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ann Mukherjee, about how Doritos successfully turned over it’s whole marketing campaign to its young fans) (Co.Create)

- It’s a little troubling to see that today’s teens can’t answer basic questions about American history, politics, and geography (which isn’t a good sign for the next generation of leaders. However, in other ways, Millennials have proven that they’re ready to lead. They work together as they share and receive information with peers, valuing one another’s perspective, strangers’ opinions, and more) (Huffington Post) (MediaPost)

- Tween girls are a key consumer of makeup (and we’re not just talking about lip gloss. They’re too young for the grown up brands their moms and sisters use, but they want to experiment with style. Brands like GeoGirl and Material Girl are just right for them — and their budgets. Drug stores and mass merchandisers are also taking notice, selling more beauty lines specifically for young girls. Heck, there are even salons and spas just for tweens!) (MSNBC)

- Millennials have their own perspectives on the world, and industries are changing to be more Millennial-friendly — and now religion (might be the next to get the message. Jeff Bethke, a 22-year-old spoken word artist, made a YouTube video titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” and quickly garnered 17 million hits and thousands of comments. He presents a critical view on organized religion compared to the messages of Jesus and how churches have lost their authenticity, which is so important to his generation. As one person expressed in the comments, many other young people likely share his sentiment) (CBS) (Daily Beast)

- Yesterday we featured the best YA books of the year, and today, we give you the best children’s books (for younger, middle, and older kids. Did your favorites make the cut?) (ALSC)

- And now for a little Friday fun… (you’ve probably seen the new trailer for “The Hunger Games” but what about for “The Hunger Pains?” The parody video has us LOLing as we wait for the real movie to come out. And we can’t forget the hilarious parody video of Twilight’s “Breaking Dawn: Part 1” expressed entirely through song. Trust us, you’ll be laughing too, even if you’re not a Twi-hard!) (Entertainment Weekly) (Teen)

Editor, Homepage at MTV Digital
Industry: Online
Location: New York, NY
Description: MTV Digital is looking for an Editor/Producer to run the day-to-day production of the MTV.com homepage. The ideal candidate will have a strong editorial sense of the MTV brand and voice, possess top-notch copywriting skills, and love all things music and pop culture. The Homepage Editor/Producer is responsible for the daily curation and production of the MTV.com homepage and related digital “front doors.” The Editor/Producer produces all promotional assets, including image selection, copywriting, curation of content mix, and publishing of assets. The position collaborates very closely with the Design and Photography departments to execute promos, and relies on near-daily interfacing with site producers and editors to gather assets and determine appropriate messaging. (More via Mashable)

School & Library Marketing Manager at Penguin Young Readers
Industry: Publishing, Marketing
Location: New York, NY
Description: Penguin is currently seeking a School and Library Marketing Manager to be responsible for planning strategic marketing campaigns, overseeing print and online advertising, and managing the creation and distribution of the department’s promotional material. Responsibilities include: developing and executing creative marketing plans for key titles; overseeing strategic print and online advertising to reach the maximum number of librarians and educators; creating and managing promotional materials; planning and managing advertising and promotion budget; and supervising a department coordinator. (More via Bookjobs)

Director of Business Development at TRU
Industry: Market research
Location: Chicago, IL
Description: TRU is looking for a Director of Business Development for its Custom Group, which specializes in research among tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings across sectors including tech, fashion/retail, CPG, media, and social/ government. Custom-research opportunities emanate from existing clients of TRU’s syndicated and custom research offerings, as well as through pure new business development approaches. This role will require a mix of “hunter” and “gatherer” practices with a skew towards a gathering approach. (More via LinkedIn)

Copywriter at Uproar!
Industry: Marketing
Location: New York, NY
Description: Uproar! is the kid-centered marketing agency that ignites the youth market with inspired creative fueled by passion, enthusiasm, and insight, and it is hiring a mid-level copywriter to work on a national blue chip toy account. The Copywriter’s primary responsibilities are creating copy solutions for his or her clients while maintaining the integrity of the overall strategy. Additional responsibilities include: actively participating in concept development sessions with Art Director partner; taking complete ownership in developing and producing innovative concepts that solve clients’ problems; writing distinctive copy as required, with close attention to strategic accuracy and original style; assisting with the production of printed materials, including rewriting or re-paragraphing copy as required for photographic sessions to assure continuing creative excellence and accuracy; and more. (More via Ad Age, reg required)

Director, Corporate Partnerships at Save the Children
Industry: Non-Profit
Location: Westport, CT
Description: The primary purpose of this position is to increase revenue by developing new corporate partnerships and overseeing the development and stewardship of corporate partners to maximize value from these companies in support of Save the Children’s domestic, international and Alliancemember programs. In concert with the Associate Vice President, the Director will position Save the Children as the global leader in corporate sector engagement and deliver on revenue goals through engagement with external partners and internal stakeholders. The Director will lead development of partnership plans that will consist of marketing, communications, cause-related marketing, employee engagement, and other key strategies and tactics. The Director will be responsible for maximizing a portfolio of corporate relationships through the development of strategic engagement plans. He or she leads a team that is committed to significant revenue growth per annum. (More via Idealist)

- We got chills watching the latest trailer for ‘Hunger Games’ (which is far more action-packed — including a few scenes from the arena — than what we’ve seen so far. The trailer will run during the Super Bowl pre-game show. As if the movie release couldn’t get any bigger, we also learned that the film is being remastered for a super-sized one-week limited run in Imax theaters) (BuzzSugar) (THR)

- Millennials’ paths to careers aren’t anything like the direction previous generations have taken, which is why Millennials are ignoring the advice of their parents, redefining what it means to go to work, and measuring personal happiness in unique ways. They’re even trying to reinvent how they pay for college coming up with tithing programs and other ideas. Whatever criticism older generations have for Millennials, they can’t say they lack creativity) (Forbes) (Time)

- We’re even more excited to watch MTV’s new series, ‘I Just Want My Pants Back,’ (after reading this interview with director Doug Liman about his passion for youth culture, picking the right New York neighborhood for broke 20-somethings, and his view of young people as being “at a crossroads that has an infinite number of pathways.” Speaking of MTV programs to look forward to, the network will debut an It Gets Better special with Dan Savage and, in the spirit of the project, special messages from Vinnie Guadagnino, Zachary Quinto, Chaz Bono, and more) (NY Observer) (MTV)

- Disney is targeting moms and families with young children (with its new cell phone being released in Japan in partnership with DoCoMo. The Disney Mobile phones feature favorite characters and come stocked with exclusive extras, including original wallpapers, special apps and games, and access to Disney Cinema, which streams Disney movies to the phone for free. Phone owners are also reported to get some benefits at Disney parks. We know a few fans in the U.S. who would love this phone…) (Japan Times)

- Even little kids can ‘Be Big’ by learning how to help others (as part of Scholastic’s “Be Big In Your Community” Contest that encourages kids to learn about Clifford’s Big Ideas — share, play fair, have respect, work together, be responsible, be a good friend, help others, be truthful, be kind, and believe in yourself. Along with the fourth annual contest, Scholastic also researched how kids and teens think about volunteering, how often they get involved, and what they think of Clifford’s Big Ideas) (HandsOnNetwork) (Scholastic)

- This video of a five-year-old girl talking about brands and trademarks (says a lot about kids’ impressions of brands: the Starbucks logo = coffee, McDonald’s logo = french fries, and the Apple logo = the awesome Apple store. Even preschoolers know a lot about brands) (Trendera)

- We’re one of Google+’s 1 million users! (Add us to your circles for all the latest Ypulse news…)

GET READY for the Millennial Mega Mashup presented by Ypulse and IIR, May 7-9, 2011 in Miami, Florida! More details below…

Featured Events

February

Online Marketing Summit
Date: February 6-10
Location: San Diego, CA
Cost: $2195 for an all-access pass; $795 for a one-day pass
Description: Online Marketing Summit is the premier global educational event for marketing professionals. Join over 1,500 of your marketing peers as they share ideas, hear from expert practitioners, and learn best practices in the areas of: Social Media, Demand Generation, Search, Email, Analytics, Mobile, Integrated Marketing and more. Events include hands-on training workshops, one-on-one personalized labs with experts, thought-leadership presentations, and peer-to-peer collaboration. More

Intelligence Group Trend School
Date: February 7
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $2,500
Description: Every quarter, the Intelligence Group brings its industry-leading Cassandra Report to life in this intimate, interactive, daylong immersion into youth culture and social trends. We go beyond what’s happening with young consumers by delving into why they’re acting, and reacting, the way they are. Our Los Angeles and New York Trend Schools will take aim at Digital Media and Technology, the uncommon and unpredictable force that is driving so much of Gen Y’s ever-changing consumption behavior. More

Social Media Strategies Summit
Date: February 7-9
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Cost: $1,795 and up for the full conference; $495 and up for workshops
Description: Social Media Strategies Summit has six tracks, each outlined to focus on a particular industry. Each track includes sessions focused on the following categories: Corporate Case Studies; Community Engagement and Customer Service; Measurements, including analytics, ROI and tools; Sales Approach; Legal Risks & Strategies; and Marketing Strategies & Tactics. If you or your team are responsible for your company’s branding, marketing, strategy development, monitoring, customer relations, community engagement, public relations, media sales, business development, or legal, or you are the Chief Executive, Chief Marketing or Chief Branding Officer this summit was designed with you in mind. More

Kidscreen Summit 
Date: February 7-10
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $1,395
Description: A key event in the kids’ entertainment industry for executives, producers, creators, distributors, retailers, licensors, marketers, digital media content creators, and distributions to learn about issues relevant to the field. Moreover, attendees will learn about current market needs, opportunities, and challenges, interact with other leaders, and build their businesses. More

Media That Matters Summit
Date: February 10-11
Location: Washington, DC
Cost: Contact Media That Matters Summit
Description: This year’s theme, “Storytelling across Platforms,” focuses on today’s evolving media world in which publics can engage with creative projects across platforms such as radio, the web and mobile devices, as well as film and TV. More

Toy Fair
Date: February 12-14
Location: New York, NY
Cost: n/a
Description: The 109th annual American International Toy Fair is the largest toy and youth product marketplace in the Western Hemisphere, bringing together more than 1,100 exhibiting manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sales agents from around the globe to showcase their toy and entertainment products. From classic toys to interactive entertainment and everything in between, the Toy Fair playground includes: action figures and dolls, games and puzzles, construction toys, arts and creative activities, earth-friendly products, bicycles, tricycles and ride-ons, radio-controlled vehicles, infant and preschool toys, cars, trucks, and trains, puppets and plush, audio and video cassettes, computer software and video games, playground and sporting equipment, Halloween, Christmas, books, stationary, party supplies, and much more. More

March

Media Summit
Date: March 7-8
Location: New York, NY
Cost: n/a
Description: The international conference on media, advertising, television, broadband, social media, mobile, cable & satellite, publishing & magazines, radio, news media, motion pictures, and marketing. More

SXSW Interactive
Date: March 9-13
Location: Austin, TX
Cost: $950 (early bird discounts available)
Description: An incubator of cutting-edge technologies, SXSW Interactive features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders, and an unbeatable line up of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games, and startup ideas the community has to offer. From hands-on training to big-picture analysis of the future, SXSW Interactive has become the place to experience a preview of what is unfolding in the world of technology. Join us for the panels, the parties, the 15th Annual Interactive Awards, Startup Village, ScreenBurn at SXSW, the SXSW Trade Show and, of course, the inspirational experience that only SXSW can deliver. More

Mobile Marketing Conference
Date: March 19-21
Location: Miami, FL
Cost: $2,495 – $3,490 (plus early bird registration discounts)
Description: The Mobile Marketing Conference will unite today’s pioneering marketers on a quest to uncover the value of the mobile medium as an “always on” channel to engage consumers and convert mobile interactions to transactions. Featuring a robust agenda of real world case studies shared by clients themselves, this program has co-created by practitioners, mobile experts and visionaries in order to be truly reflective of the industry’s immediate learning goals. Best in class case studies will be presented by Intercontinental Hotels Group, Gap Inc, Pandora, Taco Bell, Google, The Wharton School, Intuit, Time Inc, Allergan Pharmaceuticals and more! More

Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Date: March 19-22
Location: Bologna, Italy
Cost: €25 – €60
Description: The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the most important international event dedicated to the children’s publishing and multimedia industry. In Bologna, authors, illustrators, literary agents, licensors and licensees, packagers, distributors, printers, booksellers, and librarians meet to sell and buy copyright, find the very best of children’s publishing and multimedia production, generate and gather new contacts while strengthening professional relationships, discover new business opportunities, and discuss and debate the latest sector trends. More

Multicultural Media Forum
Date: March 21
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $425 (early bird registration discounts available); $49 for students
Description: For over 10 years, the Forum has attracted an audience of about 300 executives in television programming and distribution, marketing and advertising, and technology, as well as advertisers and the trade press. The 2012 Multicultural Media Forum explores the word “community” from various perspectives including: The Multicultural Community, as the general market shifts to become a multicultural market and how business models must adapt to remain relevant to all consumers; Communities Within Communities across all industries as companies are looking to multicultural communities for growth, not just in America’s major metro areas, but across the country; Virtual Communities and how social media—driven is by broadband and digital technologies to reshape the concept and power of community locally, nationally, and internationally; and Research Communities and how major media brands are harnessing the power of online research communities to listen to, engage with, and learn from their consumers. More

Re:Think 2012
Date: March 25-28
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $1,745 and up
Description: Continuing to explore the possibilities and opportunities afforded by dynamic technologies and new research methods, Re:think 2012 will again convene over 3,000 executives from around the globe to examine the state of advertising research — where is it now, and where is it heading? What game-changing techniques, approaches and components are on the precipice? More

PSFK Conference
Date: March 30
Location: New York, NY
Cost: $395
Description: PSFK will host its sixth annual conference celebrating new ideas. An audience of creative professionals from across advertising, design, marketing, and technology industries will listen to a mix of inspirational speakers curated by the PSFK editorial team. A diverse program of speakers bring backgrounds in art, technology, design, marketing, and media, creating an environment where disparate ideas can come together in new ways to fuel work that changes the world for the better. The conference agenda allows participants to meet and discuss with one another, together sharing and building upon the ideas brought forth from the stage. More

TEDxTeen
Date: March 31
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free
Description: TEDxTeen has curated a lineup of international youth (sprinkled with some compelling adults) who are tackling the big questions and big problems with passion and action. What are teens across the globe doing to make a difference? You might be surprised! More

April

Sex::Tech
Date: April 1-3
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: $185 – $375 for professionals; $30 for students
Description: Sex::Tech 2012 brings health and technology professionals together with youth, parents, and community leaders to advance the sexual health of youth in the U.S. and abroad. Sex::Tech is the only conference event that showcases high-tech educational content (mobile, social media, Internet) developed by professionals, highlights national and local program successes, and puts youth leadership at the forefront. Conference tracks for 2012 include: Healthy Sexuality, Field Insights That Advance Sexual Health, and Grassroots Advocacy. More

Digital Kids Conference
Date: April 25-26
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $795 – $1,195 (early bird discounts available)
Description: DigitalKids promises to deliver a robust experience to participants and conference goers alike, as growth in the digital youth market continues to skyrocket. Its goal is to continue bringing to light the best practices in digital product development, marketing and business strategies to reach and engage kids and youth. Digital Kids provides companies the critical information they need to reach digital kids and connected youth through online and mobile technologies. Coverage will include social games, mobile and tablet apps, virtual worlds, social media and marketing, and more. With the participation from industry leaders worldwide, this year’s conference includes dedicated tracks on operations, safety, business, production, and market research. More

May

Digital Hollywood
Date: May 2-5
Location: Marina del Rey, CA
Cost: $735
Description: Digital Hollywood debuted in 1990 and has from its start been among the leading trade conferences in its field with over 15,000 top executives in the film, television, music, home video, cable, telecommunications and computer industries attending the various events each year. More

Millennial Mega Mashup
Date: May 7-9
Location: Miami, FL
Cost: $2,595 – $3,595 (early bird discounts available)
Description: Join IIRUSA and Ypulse for the sixth annual Millennial Mega Mashup! It’s the only event that explores Millennial culture, how youth habits and attitudes are evolving, and what this means for your brand and business. Millennials are the largest American generation ever, wielding enormous spending power, and they’re still figuring our their brand preferences and opinions. Unlike their predecessors, this group entered the world as tech smart, media-savvy kids, and they’ve grown up expecting more from the companies and brands vying for their attention. An All-Star team of speakers from the biggest names in youth culture will fill you in on what matters most to Millennials. More

June

Book Expo America
Date: June 5-7
Location: New York, NY
Cost: See site for details
Description: BEA is the leading event in North American publishing, and it returns in 2012 with even more new and exciting features to keep pace with the industry, including a totally revamped and expanded IDPF Digital Zone, live streaming of favorite BEA events, totally refreshed BEA Education Program, and favorite and up-and-coming authors. More

American Library Association Annual Conference
Date: June 21-26
Location: Anaheim, CA
Cost: Price varies based on membership status
Description: The ALA Annual Conference is the world’s largest event for the library community. Bringing together more than 25,000 librarians, educators, authors, publishers, literacy experts, illustrators and the leading suppliers to the market, the Annual Conference gives you a once-a-year opportunity to advance your career and improve your library. More

For more coverage of youth marketing, go to the Ypulse Youth Marketing Channel.

- The Super Bowl isn’t just the ultimate sporting event, it’s the ultimate advertising (competition! This year, Google’s businesses are helping us experience it to the max with a YouTube channel created just for the occasion called Ad Blitz 2012 — blitz! get it? — and a Google+ hangout the following day to discuss all this hits and misses. Speaking of Google+, the site has reportedly just hit 100 million users) (Pocket Lint) (Mashable)

- Millennial women are social shoppers (broadcasting their opinions to help friends, family, and perfect strangers make smarter purchase decisions. They also take others’ advice, buying items they’ve heard about via social media and asking their social media friends about what to buy) (eMarketer)

- While the TV industry is struggling with young viewers, some cable companies get Millennials (and what matters to them — justice, authenticity, and connection & community — and focus network decisions based on those principles. Speaking of making moves that would excite a Millennial audience, Viacom might be willing to unbundle its cable channels, including MTV, for a la carte consumption. Such a move might stem the tide of cord cutting among Millennials who don’t see a value in paying a huge cable bill when they don’t watch most of the channels) (CableFAX) (Bloomberg)

- Nothing quite replaces a live show, but a 3D concert film (comes close. According to the rumor mill, Katy Perry is the latest pop star to embrace the big screen. Why not — we’ve seen how lucrative the genre can be with Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never” and Miley Cyrus’s “Best Of Both Worlds”) (NY Mag)

- Another rumor caught our attention — that Barack Obama and Jay-Z (are going to do a town hall and live interview event on Vevo. All three of those (brand)names spell “Millennial coup.” After floundering a bit in Millennials’ esteem, it looks like the president is making an effort to win back their votes) (ClickZ)

- We’re looking forward to the next show from the Teen Art Gallery (which features work from talented 12-19 year olds. The project is curated and organized by a group of teen artists as well. Mark your calendars for March 29 for the Unseen Artists event) (Art Fag City)

- Millennials are spilling their innermost thought (on a University of Maryland Tumblr called TerpSecrets. Much like the Twitter hashtag #IMissThe90sBecause gave us a glimpse at Millennials’ nostalgia, this Tumblr lets us peer into what’s on their minds, from life to love to family to school) (WaPo) (Twitter) (TerpSecrets)

According to stats released last week from Pew Research, tablet ownership more than doubled among Millennials between December 2011 and January 2012. At the same time, e-reader ownership also more than doubled, but tablets are outpacing e-readers. Nearly a quarter of Millennials (24%) have tablets, compared to 18% who have e-readers. We think that divide will continue to grow. The iPad is still the most coveted tech device among Millennials. And what’s more, why buy an e-reader when reasonably priced tablets like the Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Nook Tablet are just a little more expensive and have far greater capabilities?

With the number of tablet-toting Millennials on the rise, marketers have a new challenge to break through the clutter. Now, when Millennials sit down in front of the TV, for example, they not only have their phones within arm’s reach, many also have a tablet within reach. Tablets, with their robust apps and big screens for surfing the Web and watching video, offer a new distraction for those bored with whatever they’re watching or doing. It’s yet another fracture in an already crowded media environment, making it harder for marketers to secure Millennials’ attention.

On the bright side, tablets, like their smaller smartphone cousins, can also be an advantage to marketers. With the rise of social TV, tablets make it easier for viewers to engage with other fans online while watching a show. During commercials, if a product interests them, they can comfortably look it up online without having to squint at a small phone screen or pull out their laptop. They can also share their thoughts on Twitter and other social nets. (During the Super Bowl, expect just as many tweets about the ads as the game.)

The other benefit is that tablets go where their owners go. They have constant access to a sizeable screen to engage with any media they want. Tablet owners can watch TV shows online, play games online and via apps, listen to music and find out what song is playing wherever they are, and engage with brands whenever the mood strikes them. They are always active, and always just a click away.

Marketers won’t convince Millennials to put down their devices and pay attention when they don’t want to, so it’s time to embrace tablets and find ways to use them to reach out to young consumers.

- The holidays made a big difference in the tablet market (thanks to the Kindle Fire’s introduction in November. It’s quickly taken a huge share of market from the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Even more likely to raise eyebrows: the Fire drives 2.5 times as many paid downloads as the Galaxy Tab) (Giga Om)

- The teen Twitter-verse has been steadily growing (as more and more young people flock to the network. They’re finding that Facebook is crowded with their parents, grandparents, brands, and just about every other person they know, and are using Twitter as a sort of filter to connect with their friends away from the prying eyes of their family. Twitter also gives them some anonymity because it doesn’t require real names. They’re not leaving Facebook just yet, but they’re making more use of other social networks) (HuffPo) (ReadWriteWeb)

- There’s no denying Millennials’ influence on culture (even foodie culture. Their heightened interest in ecological issues is pushing the “ethical eating” trend; their global awareness and cultural diversity leads them into the international food aisles of the supermarket, and their attention to the effect of food choices on health has them paying attention to nutritional claims and superfoods when grocery shopping) (PolicyMic)

- In Detroit where the economy is particularly tough, Walmart is giving students the opportunity (to begin a career with the store at an early age. The program has ruffled some feathers with organizations claiming that a cashier at Walmart is hardly the education parents want for their children, while others defend the program citing Walmart’s history of promoting from within. What’s your take? In other education-related news, following Obama’s suggestion of a report card for colleges success in training the next generation of employees, some are starting to question if college students really learn anything during their four — or more — years of study) (Neatorama) (LA Times)

- We didn’t think that ‘male polish’ would catch on (but if celebrity guys are any indication, we’ll be seeing more guys painting their fingers and toes. It’s not just eccentrics like Johnny Depp painting their nails, so are “manly men” like hockey player Sean Avery, MMA fighter Chuck Liddell, and a whole host of rock stars. They’re even getting into the nail art trend! And there are a few lines of polishes just for guys…) (TMZ) (Refinery29)

- Millennials are plenty worried about the economy, but are the becoming ‘Generation Cheap’? (This trend is more about the pleasure of gaming the system in some cases — the student who takes advantage of free food events on campus to avoid buying dinner — and in other cases its representative of the latest version of hippie — the student who decides to give up technology and modern comforts to live in a tent without utilities. It’s probably less of a movement and more of a youthful experiment) (Jezebel)

It’s no surprise the franchise has grown rapidly in its short existence — tween girls have been invading adult spas for a few years now. They come in for mother-daughter days, as well as for parties with friends. Now they have a salon that gets them. I’ve seen many a tween girl struggle to pick out her polish color at grown-up salons, staring at a sea of dark burgundies and plain pinks when she really wants neon or iridescent sparkle.

The tween years are tough, and girls in particular feel rushed to grow up and look like the celebrities they admire. But as Britney put it, you’re not a girl, not yet a woman. They try to act older, dress older, and look older, but they meet with a lot of resistance and mixed messages along the way. Wearing sexy clothes, heels, and strong makeup isn’t allowed, but a grown up salon experience that leaves them looking like a beauty pageant contestant is okay, if only for a day.

One reason for the shift is the changing nature of family relationships. Kids are full-fledged members from an early age, being given a say in family decisions and bearing some responsibility. Considering this parent-child relationship, it makes sense that a mom would take her young daughter to a spa to show her the ropes at an early age. But remembering that a kid is a kid, the mom doesn’t want her daughter to take growing up too far too fast.

Salons and spas like Sweet & Sassy are a compromise. They give tween girls the semblance of a grown up experience in a playful environment. They can dress up and be princesses for a day, but once they change back into their regular clothes and wash off the glitter, they can go right back to being students and soccer players and school band members. After all, a major part of growing up for tweens is the opportunity to try on a few personas and styles to find themselves, hopefully with the guidance of the parents and with the support of their friends.

- The days of young people writing daily entries in their diaries are long gone (but for today’s teens, keeping a blog is even more therapeutic than a physical journal. Recent research reveals that writing on an online platform lets teens share their distresses while feeling like they’re part of a community, and in turn, they experience greater changes in moods. Sure, posting to a public platform opens writers up to cyberbullying, but also also to supportive commenters. But youth shouldn’t be too dependent on technology; a separate study reveals that tween girls who spend too much time online or on digital devices are more likely to develop social problems, such as learning learning less about emotions and failing to make eye contact, which impact their communication skills) (NY Times, reg required) (CNN)

- Still not sure why Millennials are nostalgic (for the 90s? This morning’s Twitter trending topic #IMissThe90sBecause explains why twenty-somethings are pining for the past. Tweets like “my decisions were so much easier — instead of career and future, I just had to choose between Spongebob and Rugrats” and “my biggest worry was whether my tamagochi would still be alive after school” reaffirm that Gen Y misses simpler times and the 90s really were all that. Hmmm, we wonder how many of the items they’re mentioning today will make a comeback…) (USA Today)

-  Millennials have grown up during tough financial times (and despite the difficulties this has caused, including an ultra-competitive job market, they are influential in improving the economy. As Millennials settle down in the next few years, buy their own home or apartment, and have children, their increased spending will be critical to the turn-around) (Ad Age, reg required)

- As if there weren’t enough music competition reality shows already (we’re about to get another backed by none other than Simon Cowell. This time, however, Cowell is teaming up with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith to find the next big DJ since he feels “DJs are the next rock stars” — or at least they will be after appearing on his show! Speaking of the spotlight, we aren’t surprised there’s a surplus of talent competition shows since preteens want fame more than anything else, which is undoubtedly an effect of the YouTube culture in which they’ve grown up) (Billboard) (Huff Po)

- ‘Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menance’ is returning to theaters in 3D this fall (and this time around, its being positioned specifically as a kids movie in an attempt to secure the next generation as lifelong fans. As part of this tactic, Fox has arranged a kids focused junket where interviewers are asked to bring their children to ask the questions! We’re curious to hear their thoughts) (Badass Digest)

- Jimmy Kimmel is producing a Borat-esque comedy show (that is a blend of reality show and scripted comedy, featuring fictional characters in a non-fiction world. The producers are the same as those bringing us “Famous Yard Sale,” a show dreamt up by ’N Sync’s Lance Bass in which celebs take a walk down memory lane in the process of auctioning off their memorabilia) (Hollywood Reporter)

- Ypulse is finally on Google+! (Come join our circle of professional friends)

Gregg Taylor is named Head of Development for DreamWorks Animation SKG. Taylor had been a senior development and production executive with DreamWorks Animation. (Via Cynopsis)

Dan Fletcher is named as Facebook‘s Managing Editor, a new position at the social networking site. Fletcher was previously social media director at Bloomberg News. (Via Medialife)

Adam Hirsch is named Chief Digital Officer at DoSomething.org. Hirsch will oversee all member engagement for the teen social-change group, including social media, product development, and mobile. He was previously COO of Mashable and one of its early employees, and he will continue to serve as an adviser to the tech site. (Via Ad Age)

Sandra Dewey has been promoted to EVP and Head of Business Affairs for Turner Entertainment Networks and Cartoon Network Originals. Dewey has been with Turner and Warner Bros. since 1993. (Via Variety, reg required)

Jenni Maier has been named Editor-In-Chief at Crushable. She had been Executive Director at COED Media Group. (Via Mediabistro, reg required)

Nina Lassam is leaving the Marketing Department at Wattpad to serve as a consultant on digital publishing. (Via email)

Emily Williams has joined Barnes & Noble as International Content Manager for Digital Products. She was most recently Digital Content Producer for Publishers Marketplace. (Via Publishers Lunch)

Jon Paul Buchmeyer is named VP of Digital Engagement at Metaverse Mod Squad. Prior to joining Metaverse, Buchmeyer developed social media expertise through his popular blog Poptimistic.com, working with clients that included Wells Fargo and Loews Hotels. (Via Socialmedia.org)

Chelsea Eberly is promoted to Associate Editor at Random House Children’s. She had been Assistant Editor there. (Via Publishers Lunch)

Dawn Woods has joined B&H Publishing Group as Editor, Acquisitions and Development. She will help to lead efforts in the Christian Living and Children’s publishing areas. Woods was previously director of product development for the specialty division at Thomas Nelson. (Via Publishers Weekly)