We all can save more of our drinking water, by doing little things that we take for granted, like flushing the toilet, washing the car, taking showers, watering grass, brushing your teeth and so on. This a list of things I did in the past 2 years and the things that are in progress or being planned at our home here in Raleigh NC.

1. We take shorter showers, about 7 minutes long or less.
2. All the water we use to rinse dishes in the sink is collected and use to water plants.
3. Old or dirty ice cubes that has fallen or gotten stall, we use to water plants.
4. We bought a new water saving toilet plus we got a rebate $100.00 for buying this water conserving toilet. The City Of Raleigh NC Watersense toilet rebate program.
The program runs from July, 01-2011 To June, 01-2012 or until funds are exhausted.
5. Rain barrels for watering garden and plants, you can find food grade barrels online for about $15.00 to $20.00 and buy the supplies to make your rain barrels at hardware, home improvement, farm and gardening stores all here in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas. This something you the homeowner can do or you can purchase at one of the stores above or online.
6. Water your garden and yard of grass early in the morning and late evenings water it deep, for you can get by with 1 inch of rain a week.
7. Invest in a soak er hose to save even more.
8. Use less dry fertilizer and more compost and also mulch where possible.
Using some or all these ideas not only conserve water but can even save you some money

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners who want the grass to grow greener on their side of the fence.

Throughout May, lawn, garden and equipment experts will provide free, one-on-one advice on everything from how to control pests and finally win the battle against weeds to troubleshooting a lawn mower that won’t start.

“We’ll help everyone who calls and take as long as necessary to get homeowners the answers they need,” says Trey Rogers, an internationally known expert on lawn and yard care and leader of the hotline, which is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

For example, if your grass is brown or dying where it should be green, he advises, there may be a simple solution.

1. Can you blame it on the dog? The nitrogen in dog urine can burn your lawn and cause a widespread brown patch problem. You can create a special gravel or mulch area and train Fido to go there.

2. Is your mower blade dull? Dull blades tear rather than cleanly cut the grass, which can weaken and damage the lawn. Have the blade sharpened once a year.

3. Did you spill fertilizer or overfeed your lawn? Too much fertilizer is a well-known grass-burning culprit. Always follow package instructions when applying fertilizer. If your spreader drops too much in one place, water that spot on the lawn generously.

4. What about too much water? If you overwater or if water pools in certain areas on your lawn, you can drown the grass roots, causing areas to die out. Survey your lawn for dips you want to avoid dousing.

5. How do I grow grass in the shade? In deep shade, put down mulch instead. In partial shade, seed the area in the spring and fall, when leaves don’t block the sunlight.

From May 1 to 31, anyone can get a free online or phone consultation with a lawn, garden or equipment expert on any problem by visiting www.YardSmarts.com or calling 1-866-YARD-TIPS (1-866-927-3847). Photo submissions are welcome if the problem is difficult to describe.

In addition, every Friday during the month of May, experts will be available for livechats to share information more broadly with homeowners. The top lawn and garden questions will be posted on the website, www.yardsmarts.com, where you can also find expert advice and information related to yard care and equipment.

The Yard Smarts Hotline is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of engines for outdoor power equipment.

If getting your yard in the best shape ever isn’t enough motivation to check out the hotline, the company will give away a $300 gift certificate each week to one homeowner to purchase a new lawn mower or other needed yard care equipment.

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(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.

(NAPSI)—If you’re part of the soon-to-be-senior generation, it’s a healthy idea to learn all you can about Medicare, the U.S. government?administered health insurance program for seniors, before you’re eligible.

Supplementing Your Coverage

Medicare is similar to a major medical plan, but like other health insurance programs, it doesn’t cover everything. Combined with rising health care costs, this can lead to a financial burden, but one that may be eased with supplemental coverage.

Medicare Supplement is add-on insurance coverage that can help pay expenses not covered or only partially covered by Medicare, such as deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses.

“Medicare Supplement plans generally work like major medical insurance,” says John Fauzey, national director of senior products for Combined Insurance, a leading supplemental insurance provider. “The supplemental policy helps make up the difference between what Medicare pays and what you are charged for care. For example, with hospitalization, Medicare will pay all but $1,132. A Medicare Supplement policy can be purchased to cover that $1,132.”

Finding The Right Protection

All Medicare Supplement policies are not created equal. It’s important to find the right coverage for your specific needs.

Fauzey offers these tips:

• Look for a policy that goes into effect the moment you qualify for Medicare.

• Be sure pre-existing conditions are covered immediately and that there is no waiting period or reduction in benefits.

• Find a policy that lets you choose your health care providers (as long as they accept Medicare).

• Look for an insurance provider that offers comprehensive customer service beyond a toll-free number.

• Take the time to assess your personal situation.

A knowledgeable professional can help you identify your needs and thoroughly explain what options are available to you. Once you understand your needs, finding the right policy is much easier. Visit www.combinedinsurance.com to get started.

(NAPSI)—To compete in the world economy, U.S. businesses will need millions of new college graduates for the next decade’s new jobs. Can today’s colleges and universities develop future workers with the skills they will need for tomorrow’s jobs?

A new book by Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti, “Society 3.0: How Technology Is Reshaping Education, Work and Society,” details how colleges and universities are still evolving ways to provide the workforce skills that companies will most need to innovate and grow in the 21st century.

“Traditional classroom learning no longer matches the way today’s students learn and complete coursework,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti, a former Silicon Valley executive who is the vice president and managing director of Apollo Research Institute. Major societal trends, such as degree acquisition later in life, social mobility and greater need for intercultural awareness, will dictate the content and delivery of higher education.

Yet many colleges and universities struggle to keep pace with these trends and enrollment rates over the past decade have been stagnant. As one solution, Dr. Wilen-Daugenti proposes greater use of distance learning programs, where online coursework and class participation supplement or replace face-to-face learning. “Distance learning helps brick-and-mortar universities add learning capacity while allowing working students to take courses on their own schedule,” she says.

Producing millions of new graduates will require multiple stakeholders for success. “Individuals must become lifelong learners to keep their skill sets current with marketplace demands across longer careers,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti. Educational institutions need to keep pace with technological and social developments in the skills they promote, the way they deliver instruction and the range of students they serve.

According to Dr. Wilen-Daugenti, businesses must adapt their workforce planning and development strategies and collaborate with higher education institutions to ensure that future skill requirements are aligned with relevant curricula and instructional delivery systems. Likewise, she says, the federal government must make education a national priority, to provide citizens with the skills most suited to building a sustainable future.

“The future of higher education is tied to innovation, technology and an adaptive knowledge of society’s emerging trends,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti of the teamwork needed to produce tomorrow’s resilient, skilled workforce. “The importance of education to career longevity and success has never been greater.”

For more information about Society 3.0, visit www.apolloresearchinstitute.org.

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(NAPSI)—Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. live with Type 1 diabetes.

Typically diagnosed in childhood, people with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose. Therefore, they must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump. Most people understand that having diabetes means carefully monitoring food intake and taking insulin to prevent the long-term complications associated with high blood glucose. But people with diabetes and their families will tell you it’s actually low glucose, called hypoglycemia, that keeps them up at night—literally.

Parents of children with diabetes spend a lot of time monitoring glucose levels and adjusting insulin dosages and carbohydrate intake (because carbohydrates turn into sugar when processed by the body). Most parents get up several times a night to check their child’s glucose because it’s terrifying to face the possibility that, in severe cases, their child could die in the middle of the night from hypoglycemia.

KK Kessel is an 11-year-old with Type 1 diabetes who’s had two seizures as a result of nighttime hypoglycemia. His mother, Britta Bushnell, says, “The constant vigilance required to care for a child with Type 1 diabetes is beyond what most people can know.”

Technology available to help these families manage diabetes includes insulin pumps—small external devices that deliver insulin around the clock—and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems that measure glucose levels every five minutes and deliver alerts based on those levels.

In addition, the most recent innovation is the first-of-its-kind mySentry™ Remote Glucose Monitor, which could dramatically change nights for parents of children with diabetes. When used with an integrated insulin pump and CGM system, mySentry allows parents to see real-time insulin pump status and glucose trends—and hear alerts and alarms at their bedside—while their child sleeps in his or her own room.

For example, an alarm could alert parents in the middle of the night if their sleeping child’s glucose levels are falling, allowing them to take necessary action to prevent hypoglycemia. With mySentry, Britta says, “We don’t have to worry about him sleeping through lows and not treating them in the middle of the night, like we worried about for a long time.”

For more information, visit www.medtronicdiabetes.com/mysentry1.

For important safety information, please visit medtronicdiabetes.com/importantsafetyinformation.

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(NAPSI)—The next time you start up your lawn mower, string trimmer or other equipment powered by a gas engine, think about adding a fuel preservative to protect your investment from the harmful effects of ethanol fuel blends.

According to engine experts, ethanol fuels begin to deteriorate almost the moment they are pumped, and can break down in the fuel tank causing rust, corrosion, buildup and even significant engine damage. This is particularly an issue in engines only used occasionally—like those on lawn mowers, generators and snow throwers, as well as engines powering sporting equipment such as boats, snowmobiles and ATVs.

A potent new fuel preservative developed by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of gas engines for outdoor power equipment, provides an easy and inexpensive way to prevent damage caused by ethanol-blended gas while also keeping the fuel fresh for up to three years.

The Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer protects any gas engine, including 2-cycle engines like those on trimmers, which use a blend of oil and gasoline. This protection may be more important than ever?ethanol-blended fuels now account for nearly 90 percent of all fuel sold in the U.S., according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The longer these blends sit in the fuel tank, the more damage they can do, resulting in starting issues, rough running and even severe engine damage.

“Ethanol-based fuels attract moisture, which eventually separates from the fuel, forming a layer of ethanol-enriched water at the bottom of the tank where it does its damage,” explains Eric Risse, fuel systems engineer at Briggs & Stratton.

A Solution

Briggs & Stratton’s Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer combines a proprietary “triple antioxidant” formula with other ingredients to fight water separation and protect the entire fuel system. Corrosion inhibitors form a protective barrier on metal parts while detergent ingredients help prevent gum and varnish buildup.

A metal deactivator works to stop the aggressive chemical reactions caused by dissolved metal ions in the fuel. The net result: extreme protection against fuel-related problems.

The company cautions consumers to avoid certain fuels altogether in small gas engines because of their damaging effects. These include fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol (such as E15 or E85 gasoline) and gasoline containing other alcohol blends.

Learn More

For more information on products for outdoor power equipment, visit www.briggsandstratton.com or call (800) 444-7774.

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