Current Events News

24
Jun
2011

Best and Worst Promotional Snacks for the Waistline…

People often claim that their “sweet tooth” causes them to pile on the pounds, but a recent diet study has proven that a salty tooth is actually the biggest contributor to unwanted weight gain. The results of the major study, which were featured in yesterday’s New England Journal of Medicine, identified potato chips as the most substantial source of weight gain over contenders like ice cream, sweets, soda and French fries.

Want to learn how your brand can earn brownie points (pun intended!) with end users by selecting nutritious promotional snacks?

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20
Jun
2011

Painting the Town Blue – “The Smurfs” Takes Film Promotion to a New Level

The blue pop culture icons adored by children of the 80s are coming to the big screen this summer in the appropriately named film, “The Smurfs.”

With a cast of stars including Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria and Katy Perry lending their voices to the fictional characters, one would think that some basic Hollywood advertising tactics (and perhaps some Smurf-shaped custom plush toys) would suffice to guarantee the film a box office success. But Sony Pictures, the studio producing “The Smurfs,” has taken its marketing campaign to new levels, and has painted the entire town of Juzcar in the south of Spain blue.

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16
Jun
2011

Is Your Sunscreen Protecting You?

comedy_noseHow many times have you found yourself in a drug store spending hours comparing each and every sunscreen product on the shelf? Well, by next summer, you’ll be able to reclaim those lost hours of blank staring. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration are forcing sunscreen producers to change their product labels. With the change in effect, consumers will know exactly what they are getting, no more false claims.

Currently, SPF ratings depict the amount of time the product protects the body against harmful UVB rays, the rays that cause sunburn, but your sunscreen should protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. However, only sunscreen labeled, “broad spectrum,” actually protects the body from both UVB and UVA rays; and both rays contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. What is really startling is, currently a sunscreen can be labeled “broad spectrum” but have minimal UVA protection. Under the current policies, consumers have no way of knowing how much full protection they are receiving from their “broad spectrum” sunscreens.

The new regulations target this issue. Sunscreens that do not offer adequate UVB and UVA protection will be required to prominently display a warning label stating, “these products have not been shown to prevent skin cancer.” Products that do meet the new “broad spectrum” qualifications and have a SPF rating of 15 or higher will have a label clearly affirming that the product reduces the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Continue reading →

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15
Jun
2011

Custom QR Code Apparel Takes the Stage at the Webby Awards

The 12th annual Webby Awards were held this past Monday night, honoring excellence on the Internet for everything from website and interactive advertising to online film and video. Awards are given in nearly 70 categories, with two winners for each, one selected by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and one voted by the public. Among this year’s winners was Jessica Stuart whose video, The Time to Eliminate Pediatric AIDS is Now, created for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation was awarded in the category of Public Service and Activism. Mrs. Stuart seems to be getting just as much attention now, however, for her wardrobe choice the evening of the awards as for the film itself.

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06
Jun
2011

Keep Data Safe from Email Hacking with Promotional USB Drives

Search giant Google made headlines again last week when they confirmed a cyber attack and accused Chinese hackers of instigation. Although this is not the first time Google has made such an announcement, there is concern that this latest attack may cause a security breach in the U.S. Government network, as the hacked accounts belonged to top government officials.

While there may not be a way to prevent cyber attacks altogether, both government officials and the general public can minimize the chances by sharing data via promotional USB drives when possible. However, if you only keeping data on promotional USB drives is unrealistic for you and you must keep digital copies of important information, there are a few precautions you can take in case of an attack.

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26
May
2011

Support “Don’t Fry Day” by Distributing Promotional Sunscreen

promotional sunscreenPeople often connect Memorial Day with trips to the beach, family barbecues, boat rides, and festivals. And, what do all of these events have in common? People are outside…all day!

As a way to promote National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and sun safety, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention created “Don’t Fry Day.” On Friday, May 27th, they hope to help consumers remember the importance of protecting their skin from the sun and sunless tanning booth’s harmful UV rays. And, by distributing promotional sunscreen you can do your part in spreading their message.

Before your co-workers part for the holiday weekend, consider handing out promotional sunscreen and an educational fact about sun protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, exposure to the sun’s UV radiation is associated with 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanomas. By simply distributing promotional sunscreen, you can help your colleagues significantly reduce their risk of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer. Continue reading →

Posted by Admin in Current Events News, Seasonal Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
16
May
2011

“Sitting is Killing You,” But Promotional Fitness Accessories Can Help

The Internet has been abuzz with a new infographic displaying statistics about how the more time we spend sitting the more likely we are to develop conditions that will quicken our demise. The information presented is not anything particularly new, it is just presented in perhaps a more threatening way care of MedicalBillingandCoding.org. And while, for many of us, our 9-5 places of employment require us to sit for the majority of our days, it is suggested that you interrupt this sitting as much as you can – and promotional fitness accessories can help remind you to do so. From exercise bands to yoga mats, these promotional fitness accessories can easily be stored at your desk and brought out for some brief sitting breaks throughout the workday.

Jaime
Manager – Content

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13
May
2011

The Oprah Winfrey Show: 25 Years of Promotional Giveaways

As of April 29th, Kate Middleton may officially be recognized as the Duchess of Cambridge, however Oprah Winfrey still remains the queen of talk show hosts around the world. For twenty five seasons, The Oprah Winfrey Show has aired spectacular episodes that have played host to numerous musicians, actors, celebrities, authors, doctors, and even politicians. However, none of these esteemed guests could compare to the popularity of the annual “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episodes, where Oprah surprises her audience with an abundance of promotional giveaways. Now, as the producers prepare for the highly secretive finale of her last season, fans throughout the world take a look at some of the memorable moments that brought Oprah 25 years of success.

Throughout the years, Oprah has managed to promote her brand while still spontaneously surprising her audience with a wide variety of promotional giveaways. Some of Oprah’s most famous promotional giveaways have included items such as: books, clothing, jewelry, candy in customized tins, Apple products, and of course, who could forget her 2004 episode in which she generously gave each of her 276 audience members a brand new Pontiac G-6 midsize 2005 sports sedan? In addition to the long list of promotional giveaways, Oprah’s website also boasts a section specifically dedicated to apparel and other items which fans can purchase in order to show their support and help promote the Oprah Winfrey brand.

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11
May
2011

The Urban Outfitters NPR Custom T-Shirt: A Story of Irony

NPR T-ShirtThe retail brand Urban Outfitters, popular among representatives of the so-called “hipster” culture for its sometimes satirical merchandise, including graphic T-shirts such as one printed with the classic American Uncle Sam portrait and “I Want You” propaganda message with the addition of “To Buy Me a Drink,” has a new custom T-shirt in its catalog displaying a different sort of mockery.

Currently, UO is selling a custom T-shirt printed with the logo of National Public Radio, the media organization that made headlines just last month when a GOP-backed measure to defund NPR passed in the House. (By the way, NPR does not currently receive any direct federal funding; 2% of its revenue comes from grants from federally funded agencies like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Department of Education; the largest share of its revenue comes from member stations, who in turn have about 10% of their revenue from the CPB and another 6% from the local, state and federal government.)

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