Like many skills, the ability to meaningfully and productively communicate takes practice. Maribeth Kuzmeski tells parents how they can organically teach their kids to connect with others—so that when they do become teens they can do more than shrug, grunt, and send another text.

Teens and technology. These days they’re as inseparable as toddlers and their teddy bears. When your teens (and, increasingly, tweens) aren’t updating their Facebook pages they’re probably texting friends or blaring music through mp3 players. And here’s the irony: Today’s young people are more “connected” than any other generation in history, but they have a general inability to, well, connect. In fact, says Maribeth Kuzmeski, many can barely carry on the most basic conversations and have trouble articulating what they want or need.

“I’m not saying the digital world is the reason why young people struggle to function in the real one,” says Kuzmeski, author of the new book The Engaging Child: Raising Children to Speak, Write, and Have Relationship Skills Beyond Technology. “At least it’s not the only one. It’s more like a crutch. Because technology is so pervasive, teens use it as a substitute for real conversations. And so they don’t hone those critical skills.

“The ability to engage and collaborate with others in a meaningful way is critical in a global society,” she adds. “So when young people don’t learn how, they really do hurt their chances for a successful life.”

Learning to engage and connect, of course, begins long before the teen years. Kids learn by doing. And just as we must push kids to clean their rooms and do their homework, it’s up to us as parents to force them to interact with others in persuasive, polite, and engaging ways.

Technology is only part of the problem, Kuzmeski points out. The other part is that we tend to do things for our kids that we need to be teaching them to do for themselves. We set up their dental appointments, for example. We place their orders in restaurants. We talk to their teachers. We call in sick for them when they need to miss a day of school. We do these things because we’ve always done them—and in the process we squander what could be rich learning opportunities.

“The truth is, parents just don’t think about turning these tasks over to their kids,” says Kuzmeski. “It’s never occurred to them. But when they step back and let kids manage these kinds of everyday situations—and provide plenty of coaching along the way—they’re surprised by how quickly they begin to blossom.”

Giving parents the tools they’ll need to help their children develop a strong ability to connect with others is the focus of Kuzmeski’s latest book. As a bonus, the author’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Lizzie, wrote the last two chapters. They are meant to be read by Lizzie’s fellow teens and tweens in order to provide a peer’s perspective on the elements of building and maintaining real relationships in a wired and fast-paced world.

Read on to learn about six strategies that you can incorporate into your family’s life, as well as the skills they’ll help your kids develop naturally and organically:

Have them place a restaurant order. If you’re like many parents you’re eager to hurry things along in restaurants so you get in the habit of ordering for the whole family. The next time you’re dining out, though, use it as an opportunity for your child to interact with the server in a way that gets results. Instruct him to order his own meal, complete with requests to hold the pickles or bring extra ketchup or ranch for the fries. You can also prompt your child to thank the waitress when his meal is delivered and encourage him to engage with her in positive ways when she checks in throughout the meal.

“This is a good chance for your child to see firsthand which words and even which tone get results,” Kuzmeski explains. “During this type of interaction, kids learn to manage and impart several specific, personalized details. Be sure to explain to them how much more smoothly all transactions go when you, the customer, are clear and accurate. You can also point out that you get better treatment—more attentive service and maybe even free dessert—when you are polite and respectful as opposed to demanding or rude.”

Help them return an item to a store, especially at a busy time. At some point, your child is going to receive a birthday gift she already owns, a sweater from Aunt Grace that might have fit her two years ago, or a toy that’s damaged or missing a part. When you make the trip to the customer service desk, be sure to bring your daughter along. Ask her to explain why she is returning the item and to specify whether she’d like an exchange, cash, or store credit. And (as always) remind her to use “please” and “thank you.”

“Dealing with long lines, hassled employees, and confusing return policies can be a challenge even for adults!” Kuzmeski admits. “Having your child take the lead might take a bit more time, but it’ll be an invaluable lesson to her in negotiating using what she knows (the store’s return policy) for the outcome she wants (like a sweater that fits). Especially if the customer service rep is frazzled or if your child is in the wrong (for example, she lost the receipt), she’ll be able to see firsthand that politeness and understanding can—sometimes—smooth things over. Also, seeing positive results will teach her that it’s worth the effort to correct a problem rather than just ‘letting it go’ and absorbing the financial loss.”

Ask them to set up an appointment. Whenever he needs to visit the doctor, dentist, or hairstylist (or even when your dog needs to go to the vet!), ask him to call and book the appointment. Instruct him to be as detailed as possible when requesting a visit time, and help him to look at the calendar before confirming to make sure there’s not a conflict.

“Making his own appointments will help your child fine-tune his phone etiquette and ability to pay attention to details,” Kuzmeski points out. “He’ll also learn to make decisions and navigate his own schedule while working with someone else’s. As he gets older, you can begin to let him request specific services, relay insurance information, and more. Lastly, if you need to cancel an appointment for any reason, allow your child to make the call and reschedule. The lessons he learns about time management and dealing with uncomfortable conversations will be invaluable well into adulthood.”

Help them to decline invitations. Between friends’ birthday parties, cousins’ graduation celebrations, classmates’ bar mitzvahs, and more, your child is going to be invited to events that she is unable to attend. Once she has looked at the calendar and seen that she’s already busy (or in a more extreme instance, you’ve looked at plane tickets and decided they’re too expensive), go over polite refusals with her so that she knows what to say. Then ask her to call the event’s host and explain why she can’t attend.

“Even in adulthood, it can be difficult to say no, even when it’s in our best interests,” says Kuzmeski. “It’s uncomfortable to disappoint people. That’s why we so often ‘cop out’ and send an email or just don’t show up. We may even make up a reason we can’t go to spare people’s feelings. It’s smart to teach your kids early how to say no, and to do it without softening the blow with a lie. By learning to politely decline requests when they’re young, your kids will be more fully in control of their lives. Plus, by seeing the world didn’t come to an end when they said no, they’ll learn to tell the truth.”

Equip them to converse with a stranger. Most youngsters are very comfortable “LOLing,” “BRBing,” and “TTYLing.” But when it’s time to have a good old-fashioned verbal conversation, especially with someone they don’t know well, many kids tend to clam up. Whether your child is a chatterbox at home or not, opening up to strangers (in your presence, of course!) can be quite intimidating. The next time your family is in a larger-scale social setting (like a holiday party, family reunion, or worship service), give him a few ideas of how he can strike up a discussion with people he doesn’t see every day.

“Even before the days of smartphones and Facebook, it was completely normal for youngsters to feel reluctant to approach older adults,” Kuzmeski points out. “You’ll be doing your kids a big favor if you arm them with icebreakers that they can use to proactively connect. Before social events, discuss what some good topics of discussion might be and help them to make a list of strategies for drumming up conversation. They’ll also be able to power through any awkward lulls in conversation that might otherwise discourage them from taking the connecting initiative in the future. And they might also find a new friend or mentor!” NOTE to EDITOR: See attached tipsheet.

Make them do their own fundraising. At some point between kindergarten and high school graduation, most children will be asked to participate in fundraising. Whether she is selling cookies for her Girl Scout troop, magazine subscriptions to raise money for a band trip, or coupon books for her school, require that your child do all of the selling herself. Instead of taking her catalogue and order forms to work, let her come to the office—if only for thirty minutes during lunch—and make her pitch in person. You can also prompt her to approach people she knows at church and in your neighborhood, and to phone friends and relatives.

“I think that many parents avoid door-to-door fundraising in particular because they don’t want to annoy the neighbors or put them on the spot,” Kuzmeski points out. “No, it’s not my idea of an ideal Saturday either, but taking an hour to help your child fundraise is worth it. It’s a great coaching session. She’ll learn a lot about how to persuade others to help her, as well as build her confidence, assertiveness, and general conversation skills. She’ll learn how to accept ‘no’ gracefully. And she’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment when her order form is full.”

By the way, if your child is already a teen, don’t worry that he or she is a lost cause. While many of Kuzmeski’s tips are aimed at younger children, others are appropriate for teens as well—or easily adapted for them.

“Teens can take the lead in planning and hosting their own parties,” says Kuzmeski. “They can pet sit and baby-sit for friends and neighbors. You can even conduct mock interviews with them to prepare for future jobs, and suggest that they work part-time in the summer if they’re old enough. All of these activities—and many more—will accustom them to interacting and collaborating effectively.

“Regardless of your child’s age, making these connections might not be easy at first,” she adds. “Depending on your kids’ ages and personalities, they may balk at being asked to get into the proverbial driver’s seat (and in fact, that might be one reason you’ve always spoken for them!). But be insistent and consistent. Your children’s comfort levels will increase, and especially as they begin to experience positive connecting outcomes, they’ll become more and more proactive.”

Small Talk Made Simple:
Five Ways to Help Your Kids Feel Comfortable Connecting

Small talk is an important skill for any connector, regardless of age, to master. From the check-out line at the grocery store to the person sitting next to you on a flight, you just never know which connection can result in something big or wonderful. When you look at it that way, every connection you don’t make is a potential opportunity missed, so engaging meaningfully is a skill that’s best learned early. Maribeth Kuzmeski, author of The Engaging Child: Raising Children to Speak, Write, and Have Relationship Skills Beyond Technology (Red Zone Publishing, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-9717780-3-0, $18.95), shares five strategies your kids can use to connect with people in any scenario.

• Share something extra about themselves. When adults meet a new child, they’ll often ask easy-to-answer stock questions like, “What’s your name? How old are you?” In addition to providing the “bare bones” answer, help your children think of something extra they can offer. For instance, your son might say, “Hi, I’m Billy. I’m five years old and I love to play baseball!” Voilà! What might have been a standard teeth-pulling session has just been transformed into a bona fide conversation.

• Be complimentary. Whether you’re seven or seventy-seven, a compliment is always a great way to break the conversational ice. To get started, teach your kids to comment on something interesting the other person is wearing. For example, “I love that necklace you’re wearing. It’s so pretty!” Or, “Wow, your shirt is my very favorite color.”

• Talk about the weather. Sure, commenting on the weather has a rather “blah” reputation, but the fact is, it works, and it’s a great way to ease into a conversation with someone you don’t know very well. Teach kids to pay attention to their surroundings so they can comment on them during small talk. For example, “Have you been enjoying the nice weather?” Or, “I hope it doesn’t rain next week, because my Girl Scout troop is supposed to march in the parade.”

• Find things in common. If you can find a common interest with the person to whom you’re speaking, small talk can turn from mediocre to meaningful in an instant. Teach your kids to be aware of conversational and external cues. If your daughter notices that someone is wearing a Braves jersey and she’s also a fan, she can strike up a conversation about the latest game. Or if your son hears someone say that she’s from Columbus, Ohio, he might say, “My grandparents live near Columbus. Don’t you love the zoo there?” (Hint: If you are going into a situation and think of some common interests ahead of time, go ahead and arm your kids with them!)

• Wrap it up well. One of the trickiest parts of small talk is the conclusion. Give kids a few lines they can use to wrap up a conversation before it veers into awkward silence. “It was great to meet you. I hope to see you again soon! Have a nice vacation!”

# # #

About the Authors:
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA, CSP, is the author of six books including …And the Clients Went Wild! and The Connectors (Wiley), and is a frequent national media contributor and international speaker. Maribeth and her firm, Red Zone Marketing, Inc., consult and train businesses from financial services firms to Fortune 500 corporations on strategic marketing planning and business growth. She has personally consulted with some of the world’s most successful CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Maribeth lives in the Chicago, IL, area with her husband and two teenagers.

Lizzie Kuzmeski is a teenager and a natural connector. She enjoys theatre, horseback riding, and, yes, Facebook.

Unlike everyone else, I prefer my Dell desktop.  Having a computer desk and desk top computer may take up a small hunk of space in my home, but I would not trade it for the world.  I am not a fan of small keyboards and rolling my finger around the pad on a laptop to get where I want to go.  I need lots of space to work and the physical features of the desk top give me the opportunity to do just that.  My computer is my life line.

But all good things have their flaws.  My lovely Dell is getting slower as it gets older and I continue filling it up with thousands of files.   And while I do not understand an awful lot about computers, I know that I need to do some upgrades (courtesy of my Papaw) before she will be like new again.  My computer and I have been together for five years now and I love it.

What are your thoughts on desktop vs. laptop?  Do you prefer one over the other?

Are Your Kids Ready for Tech Toys this Year?

Tips to ensure your kids are staying safe in the Cyber-World…

From Lynette Owens, founder and director of outreach for Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids and Families program

As this holiday season officially kicks off, shopping is in full force for most of us parents. This is the right time to ask ourselves, “Are my kids ready for the latest tech toys that they will undoubtedly be asking for this year?” While most kids know the fun side of tech toys, they are not always aware of the responsibilities and risks associated with them.

As a high-tech mom of two and the head of Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids & Families program, I’ve put together some tips to help you make sure your kids are using these tech toys wisely and safely. Along with their new technical abilities, we need to teach them how to be responsible, gadget-owning citizens.

Some ways to approach the basic question, “are they ready?”

If your kid wants a cell phone or a smartphone, consider this:

• Determine first what they will use it for and when, where and with whom. If this is their first phone, it might be best to limit calls to you as parents, only. There are phones that are designed only to call select numbers – mom and dad buttons but nobody else.

• For older kids who want more freedom, think about whether you want them to receive and make calls to anyone they want. One way to limit open access it to consider family plans that offer number limits.

• Ask yourself honestly, “do your kids need Internet access or text messaging on their phone?” These extras can not only be costly, but can also open up opportunities to come across things they may not be ready for online. Consider phone plans that exclude or limit these offerings.

• If you allow your kids to have Internet access on their phone, consider adding a filtering service that blocks inappropriate content.

• Many phones have cameras. While fun to have, there are risks. Talk to your kid about what is and isn’t appropriate when using their camera phone. Let them know that if they take pictures they’d be embarrassed to show you or their teachers, then the pictures should NOT be taken.  Inform them that some pictures could even be illegal (child pornography is a felony, after all). Also, be sure to tell them that if they receive inappropriate images on their phone, they should tell you immediately so you can report it to other parents or teachers, depending on the situation.

If your kid wants a video game console, remember:

• Keep it in a common area where you can supervise what is on the screen and set usage time limits.
• Be sure to check recommended age-ratings on the box as a guide to whether a child, kid or teen should be playing certain games. Like movies, video games have age-ratings. Also, the consoles have settings to prevent age-inappropriate games on the device, so be sure to take advantage of those and turn them on!
• If the game consoles in your home can connect to the Internet, consider either blocking Internet access, or turn on the filtering setting.
• If your kids are into social networking gaming, again keep it where you can see it. Let your child or teen know that while their use of it is harmless, other players can lie about who they are, their age, gender and where they live. Therefore, you need to remind them to NEVER to meet a stranger in person.

If your kid wants a new computer or any other gadget that connects to the Internet, some tips to remember:

• If you allow your kids to get online, supervise their online time.  Keep the PC, gaming device, or mobile device in a place where you can check in on them and set limits on their time online.
• Get to know the sites your kids are using or want to use on the Internet. If they are old enough to be using it, ask yourself who else might be using the site. Some sites require registration, which requires personal information. Therefore, it is important to know what the sites your kids are visiting and what each site’s security and privacy policies are.
• The rules for being a good citizen offline also apply online:  Talk to your kids about treating people with respect and the importance of keeping private information private. Remind them not to talk to strangers and that they should always report any odd or suspicious behavior to you, whether online or offline.  I’ve found that a great way for us as parents to teach our kids safe online habits is to model these habits ourselves as an example to our children.
• Some of the most reputable security software can help block websites based on kids ages. However, even with filters, kids may still innocently click on or download something they never intended to, such as a virus or spyware.  Bottom line: use security software and keep it up-to-date.

Most important, stay involved and stay educated!

Internet safety topics and issues change with new websites and new laws. New issues will continue to grow as new technologies arrive and as kids grow up.  Making Internet safety a priority for the family means being an active participant in it.

Lynette T. Owens is Director of Corporate Outreach for Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids and Families (ISKF) program. Lynette founded the ISKF program to help deliver on the company’s vision of making a world safe for the exchange of digital information.  Lynette spends most her time helping to raise awareness and educate the public on the issues of internet safety for kids, recruiting employee volunteers to get involved or volunteering her own time in her community.  She devotes the rest of the time to her own kids and husband, and with any remaining minutes, loves to travel with her husband, discover new music, and spend time with friends and family around the world.

www.firedog.com

We are participating in a competition among other blogs to win exclusive Cyber Monday discounts! Firedog, a national technology services company offering services on home electronics, is giving away a customized discount code to our readers (see simple contest rules below to participate):

It’s simple: whichever blog network drives the most traffic to the Firedog site (tracked via Google Analytics) during the 24-hour period on Nov. 22 will receive half off any Firedog service for all of their readers, including home theater installation, PC optimization and TV mounting, among others.

1. Visit theFiredog website through the link above during the 24-hour period from 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Nov. 22 to 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Nov. 23.

2. Tell your friends to visit our blog to check out Firedog.

3. Whichever blog traffics the most activity to the Firedog website will receive the top discount code for readers to purchase half off a Firedog service. Firedog services include setup and installation and support on holiday technology purchases like home theater installation, PC optimization and parental controls and TV mounting among others.

3. Every blog that brings traffic to the Firedog website will receive a discount ranging from 20-40 percent off a service.

5. The discount code will go live and last for 24 hours on Cyber Monday.

6. Help our blog win, visit the Firedog website (through the link above) often!

The CellSafety mobile application is going to help you to keep your children safe. If there are any instances of cyber-bullying or sexting, you will be notified. Your child will not be able to keep this secret from you. This is a good thing even though many of our teens and tweens would rather not have their parents get involved, it gives us the opportunity to talk to our children about these important matters.

In addition, the CellSafety mobile application keeps out children safe by shutting off the texting feature if the phone is moving at more than 10 miles per hour. This puts a damper on texting while driving. It also shuts down the texting feature in “No Texting” zones such as schools.

As parents, we need to do whatever we can to keep our children safe. Monitoring their cell phone use is a necessity and CellSafety makes it easy to do.

If you’ve decided you like the idea of taking the internet with you and not having to rely on free or paid wifi from businesses and other places, it may be time to compare mobile internet deals. A variety of options are available, with varying prices, speeds, connection limits (the amount of data you can transfer per month before you are either cut off or have to pay extra), and contract periods. Some plans have introductory prices that go up after a certain number of months.

The best mobile broadband for our friends in the UK is out there, it’s just a matter of knowing what you need, and doing your research before choosing a provider can save a lot of money and frustration. Checking into an option that includes a free laptop is definitely worth the time, in my opinion.

I was able to check out the Speck shown, and it is so cool and a must have for you iPad!

Speck is going to give three of our readers the chance to win an iPad Speck! Just follow the rules below and good luck to all who enter.  **Speck is doing the giveaway as a “grab bag” so you will have no choice of colors, it will be a random selection for the three winners!

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.  –

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your

comment.

- MAKE SURE YOU CONFIRM IT.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Speck iPad Case give away over @pjmommy

4. You may write about our contest on your blog!

5. Join Our Google Connect

6. Join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: September 15, 2010, MIDNIGHT EST.

Predicto Mobile has shared these tips with our Pajama Mommy readers so you can stay in touch with your children without coming off as a complete dork. Be the cool parent. Follow these tips.

1)    Learn the lingo: There are pre-established acronyms like LOL, TTYL and BRB. Not every sentence is meant to be written using only the first letter of every word.

2)    Don’t invade their tech space: Don’t text your kids until they text you, otherwise your kids will think you’re a poseur.

3)    Use but don’t abuse: Don’t be the next of victim of text addiction.

4)    Make it all inclusive: Make sure you have an all inclusive rate plan so you aren’t like “OMG” when your cell phone bill arrives.

5)    Just Say No: “Sexting” is inappropriate at any age.

6)    Don’t text and drive:  Texting accidents are becoming increasingly common. Recent studies have shown that drivers who text are four times as likely to crash.

Follow these rules and you and your kids could share communication otherwise reserved for their friends only!

Want to keep your child’s schedule in one handy location? Need to keep track of records such as birth certificates or immunizations? Want to keep your child’s social security number nearby? All of this information can be stored in this easy to use app made by Moms Made Easy.

This app is great for Dad and caretakers too! Each child can have their own individual settings so you can keep track of all of your children whether you have 2 or 12.

This application launches in just a week so be the first one of your Mommy friends to get this app and be the coolest Mommy on the block!

Through Wednesday, June 30, aspiring photographers can visit http:/www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. Whether you are a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a long-time photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter.

“You don’t have to be an expert or have professional equipment to capture A magnificent shot,” said 20-year http://www.nationalgeographic.com /lithium

National Geographic photographer and contest judge Jim Richardson. “One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera. Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you’re prepared to capture the moment when it happens.”

After the entry period closes, Richardson will review all of the entries And select two finalists in each category. Then, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 15, Americans will be asked to go online and review each of the Category Finalists and vote for their favorite in each category. Once the Category

Winners are determined, Richardson will help choose a Grand Prize Winner, To be announced on or about Nov. 4.

The  http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Web site also serves as a valuable resource for photo enthusiasts. Visitors can check out photos and tips from Richardson, enjoy a gallery of past winners as well as view a weekly gallery that will be updated with new submissions. Photo buffs can even participate in a Q&A with Richardson, asking about anything from his 20 years with National Geographic to questions on gear and equipment.

“I love fielding questions related to the gear we use,” said Richardson. “One of photographers’ biggest complaints is coming across a great image And realizing your equipment has run out of juice. When you’re out in the field, it’s the last thing you want to worry about. Keeping  http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium EnergizerR Ultimate  Lithium batteries on hand gives me peace of mind, so I can concentrate on getting the perfect shot.”

EnergizerR Ultimate Lithium batteries are the world’s longest-lasting AA And AAA batteries in high-tech devices. They last up to 8x longer* in digital cameras and up to 2x longer* in flash units than EnergizerR MAXR, the company’s flagship alkaline brand. The batteries also last longer in portable GPS units, LED flashlights and handheld games.

Along with a storage life of 15 years, EnergizerR Ultimate Lithium Batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform well in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees Celsius), making them ideal for photographers who are on-the-go.

“Energizer sets a world standard for reliability and long-lasting power, So it made perfect sense for us to partner with the world’s premier Publication honoring photojournalism,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “Both Energizer and National Geographic share the goal of celebrating the work of photographers from all skill levels. We can’t wait to see the incredible submissions the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest receives this year.”

Entry into the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest begins April 15, 2010, at 12 a.m. and ends June 30, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Photos must be submitted online. No print or film submissions will be accepted.

Richardson will select the 12 Category Finalists based on the following criteria: extent to which photo captures the essence of the theme selected (25 percent); impact and creativity (50 percent); and composition, clarity and technical quality (25 percent). The 12 photos designated a Category Finalist will be posted online at nationalgeographic.com/lithium on Aug. 17, and voting for the winning photo in each category will extend through Sept. 15. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected by Richardson and announced on or about Nov. 4.

Each of the Category Winners will receive a prize pack comprised of an EPIC Action Video Cam, a Nikon COOLPIX L110 digital camera, a Litepanels MicroR camera light, an EnergizerR UltimateR Lithium 1AA Handheld flashlight, an EnergizerR UltimateR Lithium Headlight, an assortment of EnergizerR Ultimate Lithium batteries and two books from the National Geographic Collection: “Journeys of a Lifetime” and “National Geographic: The Image Collection.”

The Grand Prize Winner will receive all of the items listed above as well As a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles, accompanied By a National Geographic expert.

Well when I discovered this website, I realized we had so many American equivalents that no one bothers tracking down to see if there are any European ones, or even highlighting the few that they find. This website is nifty it highlights reviews, along with tracking the last price of the item. I chose MP3′s as just an option but you can search up anything in their website and I’m sure you’ll find some great options. They had several pages for MP3 results imagine how many pages they will have if you’re looking up a new monitor, or printer? You’ll never know unless you check them out!

So one of the things I suggested to my boss besides getting each vehicle its own cellphone that has the two-way walkie talkie, was to get each vehicle a GPS Tracking system installed. LandAirSea is an extremely reputable company. They offer a variety of tracking devices which will best suit your need and budget. If you were like my old boss which was a small business with only a few trucks you didn’t need the absolute top of the line one, you just needed to make sure you can find where your truck is so you can monitor your workers speed, destination arrival etc. The bonus is he felt more comfortable taking jobs located towards and in NYC for the simple fact that now if anything happened the police would be able to locate the truck in no time. It really did save us a lot of worry. At least in the end we could track the workers and make sure they arrived at their destination if for whatever reason the phone did not connect. Since I also did the scheduling it helped in the grand scheme of things with being able to properly schedule time allotting the distance since I could reference the history on the tracking device.

The website description is as follows:
“The Victoria Tracking System embraces the best qualities of both active and passive GPS tracking systems. A vehicle’s location is noted every 10 seconds, with latitude, longitude (convertible to street address), direction and speed. The frequent position updates means a viewer can tell if the driver has paused at a stoplight! An added feature is the 90-day “Historical Playback.” Any trip – or section of it – can be reviewed up to three months after it occurs.

For fleet management, up to 500 vehicles can be viewed on a single map field. There are several map viewing choices. Special features of the program include geo-fencing, speeding alert and report templates.

This real-time tracking system runs on a lithium-ion battery for about eight to 10 hours on a single battery charge. Recharge by plugging into a standard wall plug or a USB port. Cables are included. Alternative power sources such as a cigarette lighter adapter are also available (sold separately).”

Possible Uses for the Victoria Tracking System

* Commercial vehicles: to curtail wasted time, trips and fuel.
* Newly-licensed teen drivers.
* Costly or large assets such as boats, motorcycles, antiques, artwork.
* Children or grandchildren who are attending school far away from home.
* Someone who has memory problems or whose driving abilities have become questionable.
* Sportsmen (hiking, hunting, bicycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling).

My parents agreed that security (especially when it came to the kids) was the best measure.  For Christmas, we are receiving a GPS tracking system.  You see, the reason for wanting the said device is this.  As a truck drivers wife, I am usually stuck doing things on my own.  After a long day of running errands, both children usually fall asleep in the vehicle by the time we pull into the driveway.  I am always scared to pieces about leaving my children in the car, but during these occasions, I am guilty of carrying them in one by one and delivering them to their beds.

I take the precaution of locking the vehicle before leaving a child in there by themselves for the two-three minutes they are in there, but it does not always give me the peace of mind.  Having the Victoria GPS Tracking System will give me a certain piece of mind because should someone steal my vehicle in that two-three minutes I am running one child into the house. Some of the details about this particular device are:

• Vehicle tracking by time and distance: every 10 seconds if the vehicle is moving at least 10 miles an hour; Every 20 feet if unit is moving less than 10 miles an hour.
• Alternative power options: Battery, or cigarette lighter adapter.
• Live (real-time) vehicle tracking as well as 90-day Historic Playback.
• International coverage
• Live technical support
• Clip for attaching to sun visor, pocket, purse.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
• Automatic alerts for violations of speed or geographic limits.
• Motion sensor
• Month-to-month billing; NO ANNUAL CONTRACT

System includes:

• Victoria Tracking System unit
• USB cable
• Wall charger

Although my husband and I do not “own” a GPS tracking system, we have had the opportunity to witness the device at work first hand.  One of the devices I would most like to see up close and maybe even test out someday is LandAirSea’s newest GPS system, The GPS TracKing®.  From what I understand about this little contraption is that it is not much larger than the two AA batteries that power it, it operates up to 80 hours on a battery cycle and can be connected to your vehicle’s main power supply.  And most importantly, it does all of this at no monthly service fee.

You’re probably wondering how all of this actually works, so please let me explain.  The data is committed to flash memory in the GPS TracKing®. You then download via USB port to personal computer using the LAS Past-Track software package (included free with the GPS TracKing® purchase). There are three data viewing options: a daily text log; route display over animated digital street map; or route display on satellite imagery with Google Earth interface.

While this may all sound a bit “high-tech”  for some, I assure you that anyone can use this device to their advantage.

For busy women who need to get their life organized there are new, easy-to-use tools for your iPhone. Bento, a personal database for the Mac and iPhone from FileMaker (a division of Apple), comes with 25+ colorful templates to get your family, home and life in order. Plus, newly-launched Bento Template Exchange (BTX) lets women swap customized templates online so there’s never a shortage of new ideas, including:

Summer Trip Planning – Track itineraries, things to remember, contacts and photos – even key phrases to keep in mind when in town.
Cocktail Recipes – So many fun summer cocktails, so little time to search for the right one when your favorite fruit is in season.
Shopping Lists – Track routine purchases, take inventory and then print your list before heading out – or carry it with you on your iPhone.
Medical Records – Never forget an appointment, address or pharmacy, and track medical notes and expenses all year around – accessible anytime, anywhere.
Pet Care – Tracking family medical needs is tough enough, but don’t forget Fido!
Soccer Team – If family and pets aren’t enough, this team organizer will let you track the entire team’s emails, addresses, uniforms and more. You can even create player cards or a photo team roster.
Home Inventory – Take stock of the things around you, complete with images,
date purchased, item descriptions — and even a copy of the receipt!
Baby Book – Track your baby’s milestones from Year One — their “firsts”
(tooth, smile, steps), stats (height, weight), important events – even copies of key documents. And of course, photos and videos!
Wine Collection – Never forget a vineyard, vintage or varietal – complete with iTunes-style
searching.
Vacation Diary – Gather photos, journals and memories from your favorite destinations.
Recipes – Keep it simple – and easy to find what you need, when you need it!
Yarn Projects – Ever wonder what yarn you used, how much, how long a project took? Now you’ll know.

Toshiba recently announced it latest models in its top-selling line of Satellite consumer laptops offering maximum value for students to study and stay in touch. Toshiba focused on incorporating premium new features and style elements at price points that make sense for students.

• Satellite L Series – designed for budget-smart consumers and back-to-school shoppers, starting at just $549.99

• Satellite M Series – for the more mobile student, the line offers students a perfect balance of performance, mobility, size and cost starting at just $699.99.

Next Class is Best Buy’s series of customized laptops designed directly from student insight. Toshiba partnered with Best Buy to design a laptop with the student in mind. The students shared with Best Buy what they wanted in a laptop and Toshiba made it happen. Toshiba’s exclusive Next Class student laptop is the M505-S4940.

Below are a few helpful tips from Predicto Mobile, the leading online and text message based survey company, for parents looking to successfully integrate into the texting community:

1) Learn the lingo: There are pre-established acronyms like LOL, TTYL and BRB. Not every sentence is meant to be written using only the first letter of every word.

2) Don’t invade their tech space: Don’t text your kids until they text you, otherwise your kids will think you’re a poseur.

3) Use but don’t abuse: Don’t be the next of victim of text addiction.

4) Make it all inclusive: Make sure you have an all inclusive rate plan so you aren’t like “OMG” when your cell phone bill arrives

5) Just Say No: “Sexting” is inappropriate at any age

6) Don’t text and drive: Texting accidents are becoming increasingly common. Recent studies have shown that drivers who text are four times as likely to crash.

“Texting is an appealing way for parents to reach their kids while simultaneously boosting their “coolness” factor,” says Eyal Yechazkell, CEO of Predicto Mobile. “But parents also need to be careful they don’t over do it. Kids are pretty astute and can sense when their parents are trying too hard.”

Imagine reviewing an important work presentation or looking through family photos from last year’s vacation in Hawaii — only to have the computer screen suddenly go blank. Shutting down the computer, turning it back on – nothing is working – the computer has crashed and everything saved on it, photos, work documents, music and more … is gone. As panic sets in, you realize that you don’t have a backup. In a single moment, all your files have disappeared. Unfortunately, this scenario happens all too often to consumers who are generating exponential amounts of personal digital content.

According to research by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), adults online create an average of 1,800 digital files a year, for a total of 310 billion files created annually in the United States alone. Yet nearly half of all digital content creators do not have a second copy of these valued digital files. Without a backup solution, cherished family photos, critical financial documents, work presentations and countless other digital data files are at risk for loss. A single computer crash could destroy everything. Portable hard drives can help protect your important files and ensure your work is safe and secure.

The following outlines ten easy steps to give peace of mind in this digital age:

1. Buy a portable hard disk drive (HDD) unit – they can range from $100 to $500 depending on the storage size and bells and whistles
2. Connect HDD to your computer – most use the USB drive, so you don’t need an extra power outlet or more wires
3. Install software – usually requires you to agree to sign your life away or at least not pirate the software
4. Re-start – some software requires you to restart your computer and ensure everything is properly loaded
5. Run the backup software – once you are up and running you’ll need to open the HDD software and get it ready to backup your computer
6. How many clicks does it take? All software is different, so ideally you can find one that offers an easy back up solution, such as the Toshiba Portable Hard Drive that allows you to press an “OK” button, so you can set it and forget it, and know that it is running in the background.
7. Ensure you have complete system backup – When selecting a HDD be sure to find one that offers complete system coverage, as this will help restore your entire computer if your system goes down
8. Are you Techno-savvy? – For those of you who like to fiddle, most drives let you change the settings to personalize your storage preferences, such as timing for back up, security, etc.
9. Install security – Password-protection security is always good, as you never want a burglar to come in and have access to all your tax returns, bank info, etc., so find software that enables some sort of security (and don’t leave the password lying next to your computer!)
10. Sleep easy – Once you have set the software in motion, you can rest easy and HOPE you never have to use it, knowing that if/when your computer dies, you are prepared and protected against loss

One example of a portable HDD that has it all is the new Toshiba Portable Hard Drive, which offers a myriad of features to help protect and preserve your precious digital memories and important files. The Toshiba personal storage products are designed to meet the needs of any digital enthusiast – from novices to tech-savvy users – offering an easy-to-use solution for backup of important photos, video, music and data files for the growing digital home and home office. Each portable hard drive includes NTI® software for both Mac and Windows to make computer backup easier and more efficient, providing consumers with added insurance that important digital files and photo/video memories are preserved for years to come.

2. VIDEO COMMENTS
Now your family and friends can make comments on any of your video creations. You’ll be notified each time they do, so it’s time to get sharing.

3. FASTER UPLOADS
Our server bandwidth DSL bit T1 speed 1200 baud configuration settings have been realigned with Stargate Enterprise and the result is that you now have faster uploads. Give it a try! [Ed. note: this may not be exactly how it happened.]

4. TWEET YOUR VIDEOS
Are you an avid Twitter user? Or are you just a follower?? Ha-ha. Ok seriously, you can now click one button and post your video links straight to Twitter. (Follow us @animoto!)

That’s it. Time to make a video to try all of these out: http://animoto.com/create.

Capture More of the Life You Live
Shooting spontaneous images of your daily life usually means snapping small, grainy images with your cell phone or using a point-and-shoot if it’s handy. A DSLR delivers incredible image quality, but most aren’t compact enough to roam with you. Now, the E-P1 changes the game with a compact body that delivers the professional quality images of a DSLR without the bulk. Moreover, its sharp HD video capture and stereo audio helps you live a better-documented life because you’re carrying one portable camera rather than a DSLR, an HD camcorder and a high-end audio device.

You can share more of your life with the world when the E-P1 travels with you. Make your Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter and personal blog postings unique by capturing and sharing more videos and photos. You can chronicle more of the life you actually lead, rather than just special occasions you prepare for, like weddings, holidays and birthday parties. Since it’s the only camera to offer in-camera art filters for both still photography and videos with high-end audio, even your everyday activities will look and sound amazing!

“The E-P1 is designed for the mobile, visual generation that lives active lives online and off, and its portability ensures that it will go with you wherever life takes you,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “As someone who has shot with an SLR most of my life, I’m excited that SLR-quality images can be captured with a camera this compact and portable. The E-P1 truly allows you to capture it all with the highest still photo image quality blended with HD video, high-end audio, multiple exposure and creative art filters in one small, stylish camera.”

Innovation since 1959: The Olympus PEN
They say that the pen is mightier than the sword, and now the E-P1 takes self-expression to a whole new, powerful level. Olympus has a long history of miniaturizing camera technology. The first-generation Olympus PEN appeared in 1959 and led the way to high-quality images in a small package, matching SLR cameras’ performance of the era.

Today, Olympus utilized its miniaturizing and engineering expertise to create a slimmer body, removing the optical viewfinder and mirror box found inside a traditional DSLR, to create a small but high-quality interchangeable lens camera. By reducing its lens mount diameter, Olympus also enabled the production of smaller and lighter lenses to match the
E-P1′s body size.

Beautifully Designed Stainless-Steel Body
The new camera’s high-end, stainless-steel body is easy to handle and carry, and has the styling and refinement of a precision watch. Its retro-chic look turns heads, from tech aficionados and camera buffs to the fashion-conscious and everyday point-and-shooter. Built to be solid, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or a handbag for a night on the town, or to take on any spontaneous adventure. The E-P1 lets you do more and go more places while capturing your life, thanks to its compact size – 4.75″(W) x 2.75″ (H) x 1.43″ (D) – and light 11.8-ounce body. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the camera’s retro-style metal body design, available in either silver or white with accompanying new small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) and 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent).

The new E-P1 offers many great features derived from the E-System, as well

as many breakthrough innovations, including:

• Superior DSLR Image Quality
• In-body Image Stabilization
• Amazing 3-inch LCD
• Proven Dust Reduction System
• 12 megapixels with next-generation TruePic(tm) V
• HD video with high-quality stereo audio
• In-camera creative features (for still images and video)
• Multiple exposures
• Multi-aspect shooting
• Multimedia slideshows
• Digital leveler
• Magnified focus assist
• 18×18 metering modes
• Small accessories for small camera

Ultra-Compact Body Delivers Superior DSLR Image Quality

The E-P1 erases all doubts about whether a compact camera can take images that are equal to those taken by a DSLR, because it has everything you need to produce vibrant DSLR-quality images: a large 12.3-megapixel imager, In-body Image Stabilization, fast Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the new TruePic(tm) V Image Processor.

As the first Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus, the E-P1 provides the same image quality as current Four Thirds format E-System cameras because it has the same image sensor size as the E-30 and E-620 DSLR models, but in a much smaller body. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

Be a Mover, Not a Shaker

Any lens attached to the E-P1 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image Stabilization that compensate for up to four steps EV (exposure value). Mechanical Image Stabilization works to automatically compensate for camera shake in low light or when using a telephoto lens. And because the E-P1 is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with built-in Image Stabilization, you’ll feel comfortable taking it on the road with you to capture the action.

Small Real Estate with an Amazing 3-Inch LCD View

What you see on the new camera’s 100 percent accurate, 3-inch full color HyperCrystal LCD is what you get. Consumers accustomed to composing and focusing using a point-and-shoot camera’s LCD will appreciate that the E-P1 offers the same easy, seamless experience when shooting still images or videos. With the new Live Control function, icons appear on the LCD, making it easy to compose, edit and shoot pictures or videos without stopping to access various menus. The E-P1′s fast Imager Autofocus in Live View also enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the large LCD.

The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust

You don’t have to waste precious time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image; instead, spend more of that time shooting with the E-P1. The proven Olympus Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter(tm), a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

Unleash 12 Million Pixels on Your Canvas

The E-P1′s Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ next-generation TruePic(tm) V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The new image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to an incredible ISO 6400), enabling great results in low-light situations.

What Will You Create with In-Camera Creativity in HD?

Olympus pioneered easy-to-use Art Filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs, and now those same In-Camera Creative Features are built into the E-P1 with a fresh twist – they can also be applied to High Definition video recordings to take your videos to a new level of creative expression and put you in the director’s chair.

Your movies and YouTube videos will have the incredible clarity of HD whether Art Filters are applied or not. Just imagine how dramatic and unique your videos will appear with any one of the six in-camera Art Filters applied as effects: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film or Pin Hole. Whether you’re a videographer, documentarian or established director – or just want to shoot like one – Art Filters set your images and videos apart from the pack. Since they’re built into the camera, you can achieve dramatic results on the go without needing a computer or editing software.

Because the E-P1 is an interchangable lens system camera you have more creative options in composition for video capture, to add to your visual palette. You can attach any one of the new super-compact Micro Four Thirds lenses or, because the camera can accept many of the other Four Thirds Format lenses with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter, you can add anything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options. All the while you will have more DSLR-like control over depth of field, focus, white balance and ISO.

What You See Is What You Get

When viewing the LCD in Live View, Art Filter effects and settings like white balance and exposure are viewable right on the LCD, and their impact is seen instantly on the display. This real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control, and users who apply a setting have
instant gratification because what they see on the camera’s LCD is what they’ve captured. For musicians used to applying audio effects like reverb to their instruments before recording them, the concept of setting the E-P1 to capture precisely the kind of image they want before they press the shutter makes perfect sense. For imaging purists who want to shoot without filters, and apply them to unfiltered images inside the camera later, or just edit images back at their computers, the E-P1 provides these options and opens more in-the-field creative possibilities.

Mix It Up with Multiple Exposures

With the E-P1′s Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture you are free to tell a visual story your way, whether in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options allow you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them in the camera later. Overlay your face on top of your pet’s face. Create an “identical twin” of yourself. Put the moon in the sky at noon. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

Frame Your Works of Art Inside the E-P1

You can often achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-P1 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including: the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is perfectly suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with Art Filters and multiple exposures.

Stereo Audio Sounds As Good As the E-P1 Images Look

Like the innovative Olympus LS-10 portable audio recording device that puts the power of a recording studio in your pocket, the E-P1 features uncompressed 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM recording capability to capture the rich sound quality of your scene. When you shoot with the E-P1, it’s like having a sound technician built into your camera to capture the nuances of the audio happening all around you. It has the versatility to record and play back in the WAV format and can record with its built-in stereo microphone. Whether recording audio while shooting a video or adding audio by recording a narration to your still images, the E-P1′s audio sounds as great as its images look.

Create Your Own Multimedia Slideshows with Stills, Video and Audio Inside E-P1

Content is king, and with the E-P1 you have your own portable kingdom of still images, HD video, and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow and dub in one of five built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. Plug the E-P1 into any HD television with an HDMI cable and show off your masterpieces to your audience before the DVD arrives in stores.

As Easy to Use As a Point-and-Shoot with SLR-Quality Technologies

The E-P1 is equipped with 19 automatic scene modes for effortless picture taking. Standard scene modes like Night-Scene, Portrait and Landscape are easy-to-use solutions for everyday shooting. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the new ePortrait Mode. It enables you to smooth your subject’s face – all in the camera and before capture! Additionally, edits can be made post-capture using the ePortrait Fix mode.

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can often be dicey because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-P1 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

The E-P1′s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight people’s faces and the background, tracking the faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures (ideal for large family or party group photos).

If you don’t want to change camera settings every time you’re shooting something different, then the E-P1′s Intelligent Auto Mode is for you. It automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best result depending on the situation. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

The New Super Control Panel with Live Control technology, along with the camera’s intuitive button layout, enables you to see both the image and the controls on the 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD, making the camera simple to use. The E-P1 records to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files including videos with In-Camera Creative Features and uncompressed audio.

Digital Leveler

The E-P1 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll and indicates it on the control panel. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit when capturing landscapes. Level the perfect coastline shot on your next tropical vacation without being tethered to a computer and editing software.

Magnified Focus Assist

To enable accurate manual focusing the E-P1 provides MF Assist Function and Magnification Display. In S-AF + MF or MF, the MF assist enables you to zoom up the central part of the image by up to 5 times by turning the focus ring. The Magnification Display lets you magnify the image on the LCD by up to 7X at the touch of a button. Additionally, if you use the dial, you can boost magnification all the way up to 10X for more precise manual focusing.

18×18 Metering Modes

This mode divides the image area into an 18 x 18 grid, metering each of the 324 separate cells to obtain optimum exposure. In addition to 324-division ESP metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering modes are also available.

Smaller Accessories for Small Camera

In addition to the new Micro Four Thirds lenses, Olympus also offers an optional Clip-on Optical Viewfinder for use with the Micro Four Thirds 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent) lens. The MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter enables all Olympus ZUIKO Digital lenses as well as Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica lenses to attach to the E-P1. If you have Olympus OM lenses and want to attach them to the E-P1, that is possible with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter. Additionally, an optional FL-14 flash unit, suitably small for the camera, adds more lighting versatility to your shots.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

Use the included Olympus Master 2 software (Mac and PC) to easily download images from the camera or other external device, such as a USB drive, and automatically organize them into albums and groups and by date. Develop high-quality RAW images, apply Art Filter effects, edit and print images. Update camera and lens firmware through the software and download additional menu languages. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube(tm) easier than ever.

OLYMPUS Studio 2 (Trial Edition Included)

Extend the capability of Olympus Master 2 with Olympus Studio 2. In addition to the functions of OLYMPUS Master 2, this software includes a lightbox mode and selection marks for comparing and sorting multiple images. RAW processing is enhanced with additional controls for finer adjustments. The trial edition can be used for 30 days after installation. After the trial period has expired, a license key is required for further use.

Availability

The Olympus E-P1 will be available in July 2009. It includes E-P1 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

E-P1 Body Estimated Street Price: $749.99

E-P1 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street
Price: $799.99

E-P1 Body with ED 17mm f2.8 with optical viewfinder Estimated Street Price:
$899.99

“In this new economy, consumers are demanding more choice,” said Ron Smith, vice president of marketing of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “We’ve expanded our entry level laptop line, adding more screen size options, new features and brought in our Fusion Finish to give the line a fantastic new look. It’s a great example of Toshiba’s ability to meet the market’s demands with solid, high-quality products that exemplify our commitment to value and innovation.”

The Satellite L Series consists of four model classes: the lightweight 14-inch Satellite L510/L515, the versatile 15.6- and 16-inch Satellite L500/L505 and the larger 17.3-inch Satellite L550/L555 desktop replacement. Each laptop is equipped with the latest processors and standout features like HD TruBrite™ widescreen displays, USB Sleep-and-Charge and hard drives ranging from 250GB to 500GB. Well-equipped with built-in high-speed wireless connectivity, lots of expansion ports and a choice of either Intel or AMD processor, Satellite L Series laptops are ideal for students, home users and anyone looking to enjoy digital media, staying productive, connecting online or casual gaming.

New features of Satellite L Series laptops include:

· New High Definition Displays: The new HD TruBrite widescreen displays feature stunning 16:9 aspect ratios and native 720p resolution, well-suited for enjoying digital entertainment, powering through spreadsheets or managing home finances.

· Fusion™ Finish: Proving that great style is available at any price, the Satellite L Series laptops now come dressed in Toshiba’s Fusion Finish with Breeze pattern in a Graphite color. A color-coordinated interior continues the Breeze pattern and completes the look.

· Toshiba PC Health Monitor: All Satellite models now feature this system utility that proactively checks the laptop’s critical components for problematic conditions, such as battery performance, heat and hard drive movement. The software helps users diagnose potential problems before they occur in order to protect from data loss.

· Toshiba Power-Saving Eco Utility: A utility that allows users to monitor and adjust their power consumption and settings in real-time. The utility also provides daily, weekly and monthly analysis reports that show accumulated power savings.

· Ten-key Keypad: Models with 15.6-inch and larger displays feature a built-in numeric 10-key keypad, making data entry or casual gaming a breeze.

· Discrete Graphics: Select models also include discrete ATI Radeon™ 3100 graphics.

Greener than Ever

All new Toshiba laptops are RoHS-compatible, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. In addition, all of Toshiba’s new laptops are boxed in packing made of 90 percent recyclable materials. All models of the Satellite L510/L515 and Satellite L550/L555 also include mercury-free LED displays.

Toshiba also offers a computer trade-in and recycling program to reduce environmental impact and promote efficient utilization of resources. All Toshiba computers qualify for free recycling, while non-Toshiba computers and other consumer electronic products can be recycled for a small fee. For more information please visit: laptops.toshiba.com/green.

Pricing & Availability

The new Satellite L Series laptop models are available today in both Intel and AMD CPU configurations and can be purchased at a variety of major consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide or directly from Toshiba at toshibadirect.com.

The Satellite L500/L505 starts at an MSRP of $549.991, the Satellite L510/L515 starts at $649.991 and the Satellite L550/L555 starts at $649.991.

Detailed product specifications and feature information can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/satellite.

Ideal for digitally-active consumers who need a compact companion PC that’s easy to carry, the Toshiba mini NB205 series incorporates key usability, durability and style features that have yet to be seen in other mini notebooks at a competitive price point.

“We’re raising the bar in the mini notebook category with a premium brand that truly delivers on the portability promise these companion PCs were originally designed for,” said Jeff Barney, vice president and general manager of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “The addition of the mini NB205 expands our product line to meet the ever-increasing demands of consumers and exemplifies Toshiba’s reputation for quality that they expect and reflects the company’s long history of building mobility platforms.”

“U.S. consumers are rapidly realizing the benefits of mini notebooks. They are figuring out that this evolving category of PCs fits well into their lives, their budgets and their backpacks -the record growth in retail volume is a testament to that,” said Bob O’Donnell, vice president of Clients and Displays research at IDC.

Comfort without Compromise
The super-compact mini NB205 features a bright and vivid 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen LED backlit display, a full-size QWERTY raised-tile keyboard and a generous laptop-sized touchpad, making typing and navigating the Web easy and comfortable. The mini notebook also runs Windows(r) XP, a familiar operating system with broad application
compatibility.

Common-sense Portability
The mini NB205 is packed with common-sense usability features that address real-world consumer portability demands. It comes equipped with a Hard Drive Impact Sensor that guards data from the daily bumps of mobile life and a USB port with Sleep-and-Charge that enables users to charge various consumer electronics devices even when the unit is turned off.

The mini NB205 delivers peace of mind around the world – it is one of the few mini notebooks available that comes standard with a one-year international limited warranty, giving Toshiba customers access to over 271 service providers worldwide.

A Stylish and Eco-chic Companion
There are two available configurations of the Toshiba mini NB205 series.

The mini NB205-N310 features a unique and stylish textured finish, an accenting chrome hinge and will be available in four metallic color finishes – Sable Brown, Frost White, Indigo Blue and Posh Pink – to fit the most discerning consumer’s style and fashion needs.

The mini NB205-N210 features a Fusion Finish in Black Onyx cover and a sleek, flat keyboard with Black Matte finish.

In addition, continuing Toshiba’s commitment to help consumers and businesses reduce their carbon footprint, the mini NB205 is power efficient and meets the rigorous requirements of the upcoming EnergyStar(r) 5.0 standard, is RoHS compatible and achieved industry-leading Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Gold status.

Features available on the Toshiba mini NB205 include:

* 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite(tm) backlit LED display (WSVGA)

* Windows(r) XP Home operating system

* Intel Atom N280 processor[ii] (1.66GHz)

* 1GB DDR2 800MHz RAM[iii], upgradeable to 2GB

* Spacious storage with a 160GB HDD[iv]

* 802.11b/g wireless[v] and 10/100 Ethernet

* Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR (only available in mini NB205-N310)

* TOSHIBA Hard Drive Impact Sensor

* Lightweight and very portable at only 2.9 lbs.

* Long-life 6-cell battery delivering up to 9 hours of productivityError! Bookmark not defined.

* One USB port with Sleep-and-Charge and two USB 2.0 ports

* Built-in Webcam, speaker and microphone

* Toshiba PC Health Monitor

* RGB port for connecting to external displays

* Memory Card Reader Slot

* Security Lock Slot

* One-year international limited warranty and award-winning Toshiba service and support

Accessories Available
The company will offer several Toshiba-branded accessories for the mini NB205 series, including a Portable DVD SuperMulti Drive, available today at an MSRP[vi] of $99.99, a USB Mini Retractable Mouse available later this month at an MSRP6 of $14.99 as well as 12-inch Envoy Fabric or Leather Carrying Cases available today. A 10-inch Dual Function Hardside Case and a 10.1-inch Neoprene Sleeve will also be available this month direct from Toshiba on toshibadirect.com.

Pricing and Availability
The Toshiba mini NB205-N310 ($399.00 MSRP6) and mini NB205-N210 ($349.00 MSRP6) will both be available in late June at major retailers, e-tailers and direct from Toshiba on toshibadirect.com. Additionally, the mini NB205-N210 can be purchased through select Toshiba Preferred Partner Program resellers.

More information about the Toshiba mini NB205 can be found at
laptops.toshiba.com/nb200.

“ZulaWorld.com is an amazing virtual environment that’s a perfect blend of adventure and discovery,” says Dr. Deborah M. Manchester, creator of The Zula Patrol. “Since we first began developing our television series, our goal has been to inspire young kids’ natural curiosity about science so they become inquisitive lifelong learners and critical thinkers.”

This wonderful world is a safe, captivating, and rewarding destination. It was developed in conjunction with IBM, and it’s already identifiable with children as a result of The Zula Patrol TV series.
What a fun, fun, fun site! My grandkids Jaden age nine, Jordon age 7 and Chloe age 2 were hooked from the first try! Chloe had so much fun with her mom as they sat together and created an avatar that was a cute Martian, and then had fun flying to different areas in the Zula world! Jordon was able to create his own, but had fun exploring on his own! The best part was they were totally safe, and that is priceless when it come to kids and the internet. I loved this site, but most important, the kids love it!

Since its debut, Safe Eyes has been among the most recommended Internet safety products on the market. The number of recent “Best Choice” awards, however, have underscored the product’s appeal, including.

• PC Magazine: After giving Safe Eyes its Editor’s Choice Award for the second straight year, the magazine said “Safe Eyes 5 does everything you’d expect a parental control utility to do and more.”
• About.com: Five out of five stars. “If you’re concerned about your kids’ online activities, Safe Eyes provides excellent protection,” said the review, adding that the product is “easy to manage” and “user-friendly.”
• LAPTOP: Winner of LAPTOP magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award. “Safe Eyes 5.0 covers more bases than any other parental control program…Safe Eyes’ easy-to-control interface and powerful controls, especially for social networking protection, will leave parents anxiety-free.”
• Parents’ Choice Foundation: The highly respected organization gave Safe Eyes its Parents’ Choice Award, saying “…if you think your family’s safety requires Internet filtering and monitoring, whatever level, this program provides an array of options to get it done.”
• TopTenREVIEWS™: Safe Eyes earned the online technology reviewer’s “TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award”. “Safe Eyes is one of the best programs we’ve seen for offering coverage on multiple computers,” said the publication. “It’s also easy to customize and use from anywhere.”
“Most breakthrough software products tend to lose momentum in the marketplace over time, as competitors catch up. Safe Eyes has been fortunate enough to have actually increased its favorable reputation,” said Forrest Collier, CEO of InternetSafety.com. “Through our commitment to continual improvement, Safe Eyes is more complete, easier to use, and more in step with the needs of parents than ever before.”
Reviewers cited a number of unique advantages to Safe Eyes, led by the product’s flexibility in handling multiple users as well as working on both Windows and Mac computers. “More than one computer in your home? No problem—Safe Eyes can be installed on up to 3 computers,” said About.com. “As with its predecessor [Safe Eyes 2006], you can install it on three computers—Mac or PC—but now it supports ten user profiles, up from four,” said PC Magazine.

Another plus is Safe Eyes’ ability to store profiles and records on a local hard drive, or on InternetSafety.com’s remote servers. Said TopTenREVIEWS, “[By housing] the profiles on [their servers]…you can access them from different computers. Your filtering settings need not be confined to one particular software installation like many of the other filtering programs.”

Finally, Safe Eyes was cited for its ability to send instant alerts to multiple locations if children attempt to use the Web counter to the parents’ settings. “You can choose three levels of sensitivity and set the software to notify you via e-mail, text message or phone call,” notes PC Magazine. “You associate a specific time period with each alert—you don’t want Safe Eyes e-mailing your work account when you’re at home or phoning your cell when you’re in bed.”

Safe Eyes 5.0 is offered under a $49.95 annual subscription, which covers up to three Mac and/or PC computers. Supplemented via the Internet, the product’s blacklist of objectionable Web sites are updated automatically every day, eliminating the need for manual updates. To download the product or for more information, go to www.SafeEyes.com.

About InternetSafety.com
Established in 1999, InternetSafety.com specializes in providing Internet safety solutions. Its flagship software, Safe Eyes, is the two-time recipient of the PC Magazine Editors’ Choice Award, earned a separate Editor’s Choice from LAPTOP Magazine and was rated as the #1 parental control solution by America’s leading consumer advocacy publication. The company’s Safe Eyes and EtherShield products are providing online protection for PCs and Macs in homes, businesses and schools across more than 140 countries.

We asked Dr. Carl Arinoldo, New York based child psychologist and author of Essentials of Smart Parenting: Learning the Fine Art of Managing Your Children, to evaluate the games. According to Dr. Arinoldo, “Games such as Mystery P.I. and Amazing Adventures Around the World could certainly help improve concentration and focus. But perhaps the most significant benefit would be the potential to develop or strengthen a child’s observation skills. By searching for specific objects on a screen filled with hundreds of images, the mind is forced to pay close attention to detail. This skill is too often lacking in the classroom and may frequently make the difference between success and failure in pretty much all school subjects.”   We were so excited by Dr. Arinoldo’s comments that we felt compelled to get the word out to parents eager to find new…and fun…ways to help their kids succeed in school.

The games involve finding clues to solve a mystery…they alternate between hidden object challenges and a variety of puzzles and matching games that strengthen memory.

You can try the free trial version by visiting:
http://popcap.com/games/amazing-adventures-around-the-world

Matrix PRO – The next evolution in our popular line of dual-sliding handsets, and perfect for professional Dads, this dual-sliding 3G smartphone lets the men in your life stay productive when away from the office. Spend more time with the family by having access to Email, Word, Excel and PPT documents, and also music, video, TV and full Internet on your handset! This sleek design will make any Dad happy to phone home!!

* Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, Email,

* Internet, Video Share, etc.

* GPS

* Facebook

* Music

Breeze (in black) – This new version of the Breeze is ideal for aging
fathers who need a simple way to stay in touch with family members,
caregivers and loved ones. Complete with oversized display and
streamlined features, this affordable phone lets Dads quickly connect
with everyone in their life.
* Simplified menu

* Three Quick-Call Keys

* Oversized fonts

* Bright screen

With these two new phones it’s a no wonder Dad no longer wants a tie!! Give him what he really needs, a way to stay connected in style!
You can view these phones at www.pantechusa.com

I will be using Snapily’s online pot service for my Christmas cards this year. Making cards my family and friends will smile about and cherish forever. Snapily has an incredible service that I hope all of you will love and use!

Visit their website: www.snapily.com and browse around and be amazed at what you can now do with your photos! It is a fun family project that you will come back to use for all your photo needs. The adults as well as the kids will have fun creating their favorite pictures into greeting cards, invitations, notebooks, business cards, and yes just pictures! You can have the 3D effect; you can morph pictures and flip them. Browse the Snapily site to find the perfect product and design, then you can add pictures, special effects, text and so much more with the online tools, and you can get as creative as you like. This is a fun get creative for the whole family. I love this one!

SAN FRANCISCO — Safe Eyes™, the award-winning parental control software from InternetSafety.com, today announced a new Mac version that adds key child protection powers for parents as well as new enhancements designed specifically for Mac users. The new Safe Eyes 3.0 for Mac is currently available for download at www.internetsafety.com.

Safe Eyes is the only program of its kind that can be used in mixed Mac/PC households, with a single annual subscription covering up to three Mac and/or PC computers. The software provides broader controls than those available from any other filtering product or the Mac OS itself, including the ability to define which websites will be blocked by category, URL and keyword; receive instant alerts about inappropriate online behavior by email, text message or phone call; and remotely change program settings or view reports from any Internet-enabled computer.

Safe Eyes 3.0 for Mac adds a number of features previously available only in the PC version, including:

• Time Limits — Limit time spent online, allocate specific blocks of time for Internet access, and/or grant permission to connect by the day of the week.
• Instant Messaging Blocking — Block all IM chats, or block select IM programs at your discretion, to help protect against predators.
• Program Blocking — Block objectionable games, peer-to-peer file sharing programs that may expose children to dangerous media files, or any other unwanted program by name.

Other new features include:

• At-a-Glance Reports — See which websites and pages children have visited, which blocked sites they have tried to access, and which programs they have used with a new easy-use viewer.
• Mac-Style User Interface — A new Mac look and feel simplifies use for Mac owners. If you have PCs in the house, you can download the Windows version at no extra cost.
• Leopard OS Support — Safe Eyes for Mac now works on OS X Tiger 10.4, Leopard 10.5 or later.

“More and more parents are recognizing the need to manage how their children use the Internet, but the choices are limited for Mac users and particularly those who have both Macs and PCs in the house,” said InternetSafety.com CTO Aaron Kenny. “Our new Mac edition offers more robust controls than any other Mac solution and continues to be the only parental control software that combines Mac and PC support. That’s important because over one-third of our Mac customers use Safe Eyes on both platforms.”

A $49.95 annual subscription to Safe Eyes 3.0 for Mac can be used on up to three Mac and/or PC computers, with the ability to create individual user profiles that can be enforced on any machine. A subscription includes an online user manual plus daily updates to the product’s website blacklist, eliminating the need for parents to continually update a local database.

About InternetSafety.com
Established in 1999, InternetSafety.com specializes in providing Internet safety solutions. Its flagship software, Safe Eyes, is the two-time recipient of the PC Magazine Editors’ Choice Award and was rated as the #1 parental control solution by America’s leading consumer advocacy publication. Safe Eyes and EtherShield – the suite of Internet filtering solutions developed by InternetSafety.com – are providing online protection for PCs and Macs in homes, businesses and schools across more than 125 countries.

1.) Upload your favorite photos, pick a song, and Animoto will create your video.

2.) You can add text to your video, whether it be a sweet note, significant dates, or special memories to make your video even more personal!

3.) Lastly, you can enhance your video with stock images, courtesy of iStockPhoto.

Thirty second Animoto videos are free to create and a full length video is only $3.00. This is a wonderful alternative to flowers and candy. I sent the video I made to family members and they were impressed. I recommend Animoto to everyone who wants to create something personalized and special, not only for their mothers, but for everyone!

With all of the passwords I have to remember day in and day out, this is a lifesaver.  My daughter all but wrestled this book out of my hands when she saw it, as she has lost her spiral notebook containing all of her passwords and account numbers from work, home, credit cards and personal account numbers- so she was virtually lost.  All of the hassles she had to go through to reset and make up new passwords and list them all, as well as call all of the companies about her personal accounts and credit card accounts nearly left her in tears.

Internet Password Organizer Mate is literally a lifesaver as it takes the hassle out of all that.  Needless to say she has confiscated this book and here I am waiting for my  copy to arrive.  Luckily I have been able to help her list all her passwords, accounts and is now in organization Heaven!  We both love this and will let everyone we know it is a MUST have!

Pj Mommy is happy to be able to offer a copy of Internet Password Organizer Mate to one lucky Pj Mommy reader!  For your chance, please see the rules below.

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. You may join our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed.

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

3. Tweet about this contest and comment here to tell us!

CONTEST ENDS:  May 23rd, 2009 MIDNIGHT EST.