FamilyEducationNews

June 28, 2007—Coinciding with Internet Safety Month, imbee.com (www.imbee.com), the first parent-approved social networking destination for tweens, today announced enhanced media features which enable the most comprehensive and authentic user generated experience for their target demographic (kids from 8-14). Expanding far beyond its public beta incarnation, these new offerings establish the network as the premier destination to help foster creativity and build a more purposeful relationship between tweens and the Internet.

Unlike the majority of tween oriented destinations which are either fantasy based virtual worlds or branded game and entertainment portals, imbee.com supports user generated content that is not corporate defined, allowing its members to personalize their own online user experience. All of imbee.com’s members can upload graphics and audio files, listen to music, watch exclusive video clips or customize their blog spots with artwork and more. Read more

May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple today announced the launch of iTunes U, a dedicated area within the iTunes Store (http://www.itunes.com) featuring free content such as course lectures, language lessons, lab demonstrations, sports highlights and campus tours provided by top US colleges and universities including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Duke University and MIT.

"iTunes U makes it easy for anyone to access amazing educational material from many of the country's most respected colleges and universities," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "Education is a lifelong pursuit and we're pleased to give everyone the ability to download lectures, speeches and other academic content for free." Read more

May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According to an independent survey commissioned by Microsoft Corp., 77 percent of teachers and 73 percent of parents claim math and science are the most difficult homework subjects for students, yet only 36 percent of parents feel capable to help their children. While parents and teachers struggle to find the time or knowledge to provide their kids with adequate assistance in math and science, students can grow frustrated by the lack of resources and the amount time it may take to find relevant guidance in these difficult subjects. To address these issues, Microsoft has developed a low-cost, comprehensive resource for middle school, high school and entry-level college students. Read more

April 2007 – Love your pen but need to multitask while you write? For those of us who don't happen to have eight arms, Pilot Pen has just introduced the next generation of America's #1 selling rolling ball pen. With a bold, new ergonomically designed, retractable style, the Precise V5 RT and Precise V7 RT are CLICK-TASTIC! Everyone from students to secretaries can pound away on the keyboard, pick up the clickable Precise Retractable and sign on the dotted line without missing a beat.

A patented, one-click retracting mechanism keeps ink from drying out and offers a smoother, more convenient writing experience than ever before, making the Precise RT incredibly easy and comfortable to use. In addition to the new retractable design, the pens feature a super smooth liquid ink formula that ensures clean, crisp writing, and a comfortable rubber grip with traction pockets for ultimate precision control. Patented needle point technology makes the Precise RT "Airplane Safe," eliminating leaks, making it a favorite among business travelers and writers. Read more

March 22, 2007– Americans share a passion for celebrations, from new beginnings and seasonal events to birthday parties. With the introduction of Posh Party Box (www.poshpartybox.com), celebration planning just got easier! More than a party supplier, Posh Party Box takes the guesswork and the legwork out of arranging the perfect party by compiling stylish supplies into one themed box.

There are numerous online party suppliers but there is a shortfall of upscale themed party supplies bundled for one-click shopping. At Posh Party Box, each themed box features carefully selected, tasteful items for elegant parties such as baby and wedding showers, child and adult birthdays, sleepovers, anniversaries, child and adult tea parties, and seasonal celebrations such as Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Box prices range from $125 to $259. Read more

February 2007 – Mabel’s Labels, a Canadian company that makes fun and durable labels for the stuff kids lose, introduces Tag-Mates™, the iron-free alternative for labeling clothes.

Tag-Mates are designed to stick to clothing care tags and withstand countless runs through the washer and dryer. The new labels are tiny, measuring just 7/8” x 1/2”, yet they still contain a personalized icon and a name with up to 20 characters. The cost is $18 USD for a pack of 75 labels, and all labels are white with purple writing. Read more

Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. today announced its 2007 line of educational products, including innovative new platforms and engaging updates to award-winning products-all designed to make learning fun.

This year, LeapFrog takes learning to the next level by fusing the paper and digital worlds with the FLY Fusion Pentop Computer -- the ultimate high-speed homework tool for teens. For the preschool set, LeapFrog unveils ClickStart My First Computer, a clever interactive system that turns the TV into a kid-friendly PC and introduces basic computing and early school skills. Read more

Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The weather stations are measuring snowfall in feet, you haven't left your house in days, and the kids aren't the only ones with cabin fever. But with Avery Dennison's new line of craft and scrapbooking products, kids will look forward to the hibernation time with their family.

In late 2006, Avery Dennison Office Products Company launched a new line of scrapbooking products that can be used to create unique and personalized scrapbook pages. "Wintertime scrapbooking lets you relive those summer picnics and pool parties by recording the memories," said Terese White, Senior Product Manager for Avery Dennison. Read more

December 2006 -- Famundo, LLC, recently announces Famundo for Families, a web-based tool that allows families to manage everyday schedules and activities. Famundo for Families, www.famundo.com, is an online calendar and family hub that manages families’ schedules, activities, lists, personal information, and much more.

“Famundo for Families replaces your wall calendar, address book, filing cabinet, fridge magnets and yellow sticky notes,” said Richard Kuhlenschmidt, CEO of Famundo, LLC. “Famundo for Families will make life easier for families and organizations by allowing users to share schedules, messages, documents, and much more with other members of their family.” Read more

November 16, 2006 – Whether you’re expecting, a new mom, or know someone special who fits the bill, the pace of motherhood never slows down. In answer to every pregnant and new mom’s prayers, Bella Mama is excited to announce THEIR newest arrival: the bella bundle. Stocked with all the Bella Mama favorites in travel size portions, the bella bundle lets you grab your goodies and go, conveniently packaged in a purse-friendly travel bag. Read more