(NAPSI)—For barbecue lovers, the season can’t start too early. As daylight hours get longer, the action heats up and the season can last well into the frosty days of fall. But the standard fare of such traditionally warm-weather gatherings—grilled meat and veggies—deserves to be followed with a delicious chilled dessert.

One tasty way to kick off the outdoor season is with Strawberry Lemonade Pie, a light summer dessert with a nontraditional twist. Like many crowd-pleasing desserts, this recipe uses Karo Syrup to add just the right amount of sweetness.

Strawberry Lemonade Pie
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

¾ cup sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 eggs

½ cup Karo Light Corn Syrup

? cup lemon juice

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons Karo Light Corn Syrup

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel

3 cups thinly sliced strawberries

Sweetened whipped cream and thinly sliced lemon, optional

Fit pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom and trim the edge OR a 9-inch pie pan and flute the edge. Line the crust with a double sheet of foil. Bake in preheated 350ºF oven for 10 minutes. Remove foil and cool slightly.

Combine sugar and flour in a medium bowl. Add eggs, ½ cup corn syrup, ? cup lemon juice and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Pour into partially baked shell. Bake about 30 minutes until filling is golden brown. Cool. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons corn syrup, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and lemon peel. Cover and set aside. Just before serving, arrange sliced berries on top of baked filling and drizzle with lemon mixture. Top each serving with whipped cream and a lemon slice, if desired.

For more dessert recipes, visit www.KaroSyrup.com.

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(NewsUSA) – There’s no business like show business, so goes the saying, and Hollywood understands just how true that is.

In fact, the world of media is converging, as actors and actresses aspire to be rock stars, and rock starts seek to be in the movies.

Since a great deal of money can be made by cross marketing, Seven Arts Entertainment, Inc. has acquired Big Jake Music, an indie music label based in New York.

For the Los Angeles-based independent motion picture production and distribution company, the acquisition was simply the next logical step, according to Peter Hoffman, CEO of Seven Arts.

“Major record labels have signficantly higher overhead and record production costs than independent labels,” said Hoffman. “By combining our efforts, both Seven Arts and Big Jake can focus on increasing revenue share and profits in our respective areas of expertise.”

Currently, Seven Arts has produced 18 films and acquired 25 others, with its most recent endeavor a large-budget film titled “Neuromancer.” With its latest purchase of Big Jake Music, the company believes it has now fully rounded out its business model.

According to industry sources, integrating several media of entertainment has been around for several years and is certainly the wave of the future.

To this end, it appears likely that entertainment companies will continue to expand to other markets through acquisitions and alliances with what some might consider unlikely bed fellows.

Indeed, with the explosion of cable networks, digital distribution for music, movie and television content, and the existence of countless niches, it would seem that entertainment companies would be remiss if they didn’t take advantage of this potentially lucrative revenue stream.

“Through digital distribution, we can distribute movies and music directly to our fans and customers,” said Hoffman.

For more information, visit www.7artspictures.com and www.bigjakemusic.com.

(NewsUSA) – The film industry has the ability to adapt like no other, weaving social media and viral videos into marketing campaigns with ease and — more importantly — success by way of dollar signs.

Most of Hollywood’s social media marketing is meant to promote new films, new trailers and create overall hype, but viral media can go beyond that. Paramount Studio used Facebook and Eventful to determine what specific cities had an interest in “Paranormal Activity.” The horror flick had a budget of less than $15,000, yet it grossed more than $150 million in theaters because potential fans requested enough local screenings for it to be widely released.

Social media is viral in nature, and the added use of sites like YouTube and Reddit just means videos and clips infect more viewers.

“You can target interest, advertise new releases and start an Internet buzz to increase ticket sales. Disney, Pixar and Twentieth Century Fox have used viral video campaigns for ‘Toy Story 3′ and ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes.’ The ‘Ape With AK-47′ YouTube video was a part of a promotional series for the new film featuring ‘real apes.’ It got over 20 million views! Now talk about starting an online conversation,” says Peter Hoffman, CEO of Seven Arts Entertainment, another studio highlighting its latest release on Facebook.

Actresses Sheena Lee and Simona Fusco, from the hit-comedy, “The Pool Boys,” turned-up the heat on Facebook when they did an online Q&A session just before Valentine’s Day. Fans got to ask questions and the ladies answered in real-time and invited their fans to join in the conversation.

The chat session is in advance of the upcoming release of “The Pool Boys” on HBO this spring. The actresses created their own YouTube video clips of them hanging by their pool and on the way to the gym, and had so much fun. In fact, lucky winners who joined the chat and answered trivia questions about “The Pool Boys” won autographed DVDs of the movie, courtesy of Seven Arts Entertainment, Entertainment One, and RGM. Look for the video clips on www.youtube.com/7artspictures and learn more about the movie at www.thepoolboysmovie.com.

“The Pool Boys” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD. To see examples of viral videos in two separate marketing efforts, check out YouTube’s “Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear Commercial (circa 1983)” or “Ape With AK-47.”

How to brand your business and position it for success

(ARA) – For small businesses, having a well-established brand with a loyal customer base is critical to both immediate and long-term success. While investing money in brand developing tools may be costly, building a suite of business cards, postcards, signs, banners, brochures and other products that give your business a professional look can be easily and inexpensively accomplished. When your brand acts as your identity, anything you can do to increase public awareness will only help your company.

Here are some tips on what to consider as you’re developing your business suite from Staples, which offers a broad assortment of customizable Copy & Print marketing collateral.

First and foremost, it is important that your company map out exactly what it stands for, who your target customer is, how you would like to be represented, and how you want your message to be delivered. Once that has been decided, define your brand – how you are going to help a customer identify your business with a given product, promotion or piece of advertising. Will it be with a logo, color scheme or a slogan? To make this as effective as possible work with focus groups made up of current and potential clients, as well as peers within your industry so you can come to an educated decision on which vehicles will work best to accomplish your goals and objectives. Also, remember to always keep your marketing tools up to date.

Next, focus on which marketing tools your company is going to use to deliver your message. If you’re not in a position to develop a complete set of marketing materials, then focus your efforts on one piece at a time. For instance, one of the most valuable tools in today’s market is a simple business card. With a business card in hand, an ambassador of your brand is effectively able to provide your contact info and exposure to the corporate brand.

Business cards are most impactful when the logo is prominently featured and includes your associate’s contact information, title, website URL and Twitter handle, among other things, and the font is easily readable. It’s also important to develop a consistent message to deliver across all channels at all times. This assists in building a recognizable brand that consumers will automatically associate with your company.

It’s also important that you consider your geographic location. If your company is located in a bustling community with a large amount of foot traffic, it may be a good idea to create a large banner to place on your store front which features a special offer or promotion. Using this type of tool assists in generating awareness and not only helps to attract new customers but retains existing ones by providing additional incentives to keep them coming back for more. Alternatively, if you have a business specializing in lawn care or real estate, then perhaps creating a lawn sign to place on your client’s property may be beneficial as the property serves as a testament to your services.

Another low-cost promotional tactic is a well-crafted brochure to feature within the office or give to potential customers/clients. A high-quality brochure enables your company to relay in-depth information, such as the company’s mission statement, pricing, services, accreditations, certifications and more. Additionally, they give your organization an extra level of credibility since consumers have come to expect printed material from companies with whom they are doing business. Also if you truly want to make your brochure buzz-worthy, try to integrate an offer or coupon into the copy of the brochure itself.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that creating an effective marketing strategy will take a considerable level of effort to organize and execute. However, having an assortment of customized marketing materials will attract your desired target customer and leave them with the information and incentive they need to revisit your company in the future.

Energy Tips

(NAPSI)—There’s a new resource to help keep older adults safe and warm during the cold weather months.

A new brochure, “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” provides tips about preparing a home for winter weather and saving money on energy expenses, including:

• Make sure your home is energy efficient by installing a programmable thermostat and sealing and insulating ducts. More advice is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

• Take advantage of special heating assistance funds and utility no-cutoff programs.

Learn More

For a free copy of the brochure, call (800) 677-1116 or download it at www.eldercare.gov.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, July 15, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ — Bayer CropScience (http://www.bayercropscience.us), one of the world’s top innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and traits, has announced that it is a presenting/season sponsor of the North Carolina Theatre. Bayer is donating more than $25,000 to the theatre this season. The North Carolina Theatre’s mission is to strengthen the cultural vitality of North Carolina by cultivating musical theatre appreciation. It strives to produce outstanding professional Broadway musicals and to develop the next generation of artists through youth training, performance and outreach programs.

Bayer CropScience is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live and work. Over the years, it has sponsored a variety of cultural and educational events as part of its commitment to valuing people and their different perspectives and cultures

Read More:24-7 Pressrelease

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As a small business owner, you know that any moment could be your next business opportunity. Therefore, you would never want to lose an opportunity because you were missing one of the key tools in your marketing arsenal.

Whether it’s checking in with the email marketing company you work with to make sure you’re staying in contact with your customers , or revamping your website, now is as good of time as any to take inventory of your marketing efforts. If you’re looking for a place to start, here are 10 marketing tools – some old-school and some new technologies – that you don’t want to be caught without.

1. Business cards: No matter what type of business you own, you need to be able to pass on your information so those you come in contact with will know where to find you.

2. Customized business forms: Whether it’s invoices and statements or sales transaction forms, including your logo on documents is an easy way to make a professional impression on the people you do business with.

3. Brochures: They provide an easy way to let those you meet know what you’re all about when time is short to explain.

4. Promotional items: Putting your logo on useful items given to your potential clients will keep your business front and center.

5. Special events: There’s no better way to introduce new people to your business or promote interaction with loyal customers than hosting a special event.

6. Websites: Make sure your website is up to date and accurate. Your business domain name should accurately reflect the name of your company. It may also be worth it to purchase similar domain names that you could envision your customers using to ensure they’ll be headed to the right place when they search for you on the Web.

7. Social media: Facebook and Twitter are free to use, and are an increasingly effective way to interact with customers and spread news about your company.

8. Email marketing: Keep your clients aware of new developments at your business by sending out a weekly or monthly newsletter.

9. Search engine marketing: Tailor your message to specific demographics using marketing directly related to where your clients are searching from and what they are searching for.

10. Marketing analytics: Analytics programs can tell you what type of marketing works best for you.

By taking stock of all the tools in your marketing arsenal, you can figure out how to improve your message and make sure you aren’t missing any opportunities to attract new business.

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Insurance industry catching the eye of job-seeking African-Americans

(ARA) – Americans are more interested than ever in identifying new job opportunities in growing industries. While emerging opportunities in technology and health care industries have won a lot of attention, another long-established industry is poised for growth – insurance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for insurance will continue to rise, and the industry will experience “significant growth” over the long term. As baby boomers age, their need for different types of insurance products will likely increase.  This is also likely to be the case for their adult children and their families.

The growth in the industry should be of particular interest to African-Americans seeking a high-growth profession, some industry watchers say. That’s because demand for insurance products and services that meet the needs of the African-American population is expected to rise, and with it the need for insurance professionals who know how to serve the market.

“There is a greater need in the insurance industry for professionals educated and experienced in African-American culture,” says Jodi Webster, a district manager for Farmers Insurance Group in northern California. “The industry is realizing — and responding to — the need to provide education to the African-American community on the importance of having the proper insurance in place, especially in the life insurance arena.”

In addition to the opportunity to fill a high-demand role that will help educate their community, African-Americans might find a career as an insurance agent interesting for several other reasons, says Webster. A Farmers agent for five years and district manager for eight, Webster feels an insurance career as an agent offers the opportunity to be self-employed, in control of one’s own professional destiny and provides an unlimited income potential.

“As an agent, I was an independent contractor, not an employee,” she says. “For agents, there’s a huge opportunity to serve an evolving, growing African-American marketplace. Plus, you get to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The investment required to start an agency is affordable and you gain the benefit of corporate branding and support.”

Major insurance providers are also realizing the value of agents who can culturally connect with the African-American community. Farmers, for example, recently launched its African-American Market Expansion, which aims to provide products and services to a growing market segment. As part of that initiative, the company has focused recruitment efforts in the African-American community to expand awareness of career opportunities with the company.

“This initiative will help Farmers better serve the African-American community’s insurance and financial needs,” says Faye W. McClure, Farmers vice president of strategic marketing. “The campaign aims to increase Farmers’ exposure to the second largest minority group in the nation.” Farmers African-American Market Expansion will initially focus on eight states; California, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Alabama and Tennessee.

As a people person, Webster says, the opportunity to serve the African-American community has been professionally and personally rewarding. “I like the opportunity to coach and mentor people to develop successful agencies,” she says. “It’s rewarding to help them develop their ability to realize their dreams and provide themselves and their families with a comfortable lifestyle.”

“Need for insurance knowledge and education continues to grow in the African-American community, and so will opportunities for agents adept at serving this community,” she adds.

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Help conserve water through your gardening and lawn care practices

(ARA) – As temperatures rise this summer, so do the risks of droughts. Water shortages can be a threat to your home and community. That’s why it makes sense for Americans to conserve water as a matter of course. The best place to start is right in your own backyard.

What can you do to conserve water? Here are a few important tips:

* Capture rainfall – Make the most of the rainwater that Mother Nature provides. Rain barrels are effective in capturing the rain that falls on your roof; reuse the water for your plants. Other rain capture techniques, such as rain gardens, can help capture rainfall and keep precious water on your property to replenish the ground water.

* Water wisely – When rainfall is insufficient and supplemental watering is needed, do so effectively by:
- Aiming water at the base of the plant
- Watering in the morning to limit evaporation
- Using a moisture meter to ensure that roots have received enough moisture
- Allowing established grass to go dormant during periods of drought

* Landscape by local climate – Choose drought-tolerant plants that are native to your area. These will require less water under normal circumstances and be able to survive during parched times.

* Feed your grass and other plants – Well-fed plants will grow deep roots that capture and store water. A 10,000-square foot healthy lawn, for example, can absorb 6,000 gallons of water from a single rainfall. That’s a month’s supply of water for a household of two.

* Mulch is a must – A two- to three-inch layer of mulch around your plants will hold moisture in the soil and control storm water runoff. Mulching has other benefits, including preventing weeds and adding nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company recognizes the important need for nationwide water conservation and, through water management technologies, the company has developed grass seeds, lawn fertilizers, potting mixes, soils and mulches to help consumers use less water when gardening and caring for their lawns.

Making these water conservation practices part of your backyard routine will help your area’s water supply, particularly if everyone does their part.

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Keep your home pet-friendly and fresh

(ARA) – Of course you love your pets, but let’s face it: Sometimes they smell. And whether you are hosting guests or trying to sell your home, the last thing you want visitors to remember is an offensive odor. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate those less-than-pleasant pet odors and let your home’s personality shine.

Refreshing walls
Paint is one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to give your home’s interior a new look, and now it can also give your home a new fresh scent. Dutch Boy’s Refresh paint features odor-eliminating technology from Arm & Hammer. It reduces odors caused by pets and other sources, keeping your home smelling as good as it looks. Proven to reduce household smells, a coat of Refresh paint will prevent bad odors from lingering for months. By trapping and neutralizing odor molecules, this paint doesn’t cover up unappealing smells, but actually reduces them. And Refresh paint is available in Dutch Boy’s broad range of colors, so you can reduce unpleasant smells without compromising your decorating taste.

Clean with steam
Even if your pet isn’t allowed on the furniture, your home furnishing fabrics are holding onto  unpleasant scents. Though you may vacuum regularly, animal hair and dander are trapped in the fibers of your cushions, curtains, sofa and other decor. Using a steam cleaner is the best way to eliminate bad smells in upholstered furniture and other items that cannot be laundered. Hire a professional service to treat the common areas in your home, or purchase a steam cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal. Deep-clean common area fabrics several times each year, and to help maintain a fresh smell day to day, use an odor-neutralizing fabric spray regularly.

Hit the floor
The biggest source of your home’s objectionable smell could be right under your feet. As anyone who has house-trained a pet knows, they don’t always get it right, and sometimes those accidents go unnoticed and cause stains to inevitably set in. To remove odors of any age, scrub bare floors with white vinegar and water or an odor-neutralizing cleaner, and thoroughly wash carpets and rugs using an odor-neutralizing shampoo. You can also hire a professional to clean the carpets and provide extra deodorizing treatments. If stains or smells remain, you’ll likely need to replace the carpet and padding. If this is the case, be sure to scrub the floor beneath before laying new carpet down. After the carpet has been thoroughly cleaned or replaced, regularly use carpet deodorizer formulated for pet odors when vacuuming.

Scented accessories
Tie a ribbon on your odor-free home with strategically placed candles and air fresheners. Choose classic scents that complement your decor, and use a variety throughout the home to avoid an overpowering result. Many candles and fresheners offer odor-neutralizing technology as well as pleasant scents, ensuring unfavorable smells are not only covered up but eliminated. Jars of potpourri or scented crystals add touches of personality to any room decor as well.

No matter what types or the number of pets that share your home, these tips will help keep it smelling fresh all year round.

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