Copyright Free Content

Digital Streaming Versus DVD Market

NewsUSA — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – Ask any movie studio executive if the DVD gravy train is dead, and they will unequivocally tell you, "No." But, they will also grudgingly admit that DVD popularity is slowing down.One only has to look at the demise of retail giant Blockbuster to see that it’s true.Taking its place, of course, is digital entertainment — the downloading and streaming of movies and television shows to consumers’ computers, Internet-enabled televisions and mobile devices.While some in Hollywood may be uncomfortable with this new direction, others are looking at it as an opportunity and potential boon for growth, marketing and, yes, the almighty and important bottom line."Whether studios like it or not, business currents and consumer interests have clearly shifted," said Peter Hoffman, CEO of Seven Arts Pictures. "We can either capitalize on this trend or stick our head in the sand and hope everything will remain business as usual," he added.And Seven Arts, Hoffman stated, has never been one to shy away from the future.Which is why the Los Angeles-based studio released its latest movie, "The Pool Boys," on DVD, Blu-Ray, iTunes, and streaming digital distribution. This way, Hoffman said, we can better promote "The Pool Boys," and all of our upcoming releases.So, what of those small plastic discs that most consumers have come to know and, if not exactly love, have certainly grown accustomed to?According to the movie studio industry, DVDs will continue to play a role, albeit a supporting one to digital."DVDs are going to continue to be a viable part of a studio’s revenue," predicted Hoffman. "But there is clearly a strong consumer interest in digital viewing as well."To this end, it would seem that studios would do well to embrace the age-old adage of "give the customer what they want." As is the case with Seven Arts’ "The Pool Boys" release, it’s DVD, Blu-Ray, streaming and digital download. This gives consumers an array of choices, making it a win-win for movie viewers.Learn more about the "The Pool Boys" at www.ThePoolBoysMovie.com, then see the movie "On Demand" from your local cable provider. This movie can also be seen on computers, mobile phones, tablet computers and DVD.

Digital Streaming Versus DVD Market was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

How Small Businesses Can Make a Big Splash Without Getting Wet

NewsUSA — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – It’s usually better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond, or so the saying goes. Many of today’s small and medium-sized companies are trying to figure out how to make a big splash when launching or renovating their presence on the web.
How crowded is the web? Well, according to Royal Pingdom, a global Internet tracking and statistics company, there are over 234 million unique websites. Many of these sites are expensive to create and costly to maintain while only being mediocre and containing no consistent theme or message.
According to web design experts, there are several critical components of leveraging a website as a successful business tool. These tips will help ensure that your website attracts the right visitors, encourages them to browse and entices customers to buy:
1. Aesthetic Design. Your website represents you — it’s your ambassador on the World Wide Web. Therefore, it needs to be clean and professional and generate the right vibe and reaction to your visitors.
2. Message and Branding. The purpose of a website is to broadcast your company’s brand and messages to a wide audience of consumers, businesses, employees and other stakeholders.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is the process that seeks to ensure that your website ranks high in search engines for its relevant key phrases. This process improves the volume and the quality of hits (traffic) to your website from the search engines. The higher a website ranks in the results of a search, the greater the chance that it will be visited by users, which helps companies to build brand awareness and grow revenue.
4. Interactive Capabilities and E-commerce. Whether you want people to purchase goods and services directly through the website via e-commerce, or have someone from your company contact them, make sure the website is intuitive. Encouraging visitors to participate in some form helps develop a stronger bond with your company.
Finding the right firm that can combine web design with branding, marketing, business consulting and a tight budget can be a tall order. One such firm that has generated tremendous success with this combination is Northeast Web Design (www.northeastwebdesign.com). It has developed a client-friendly process and platform that treats every minnow-sized customer as if it were a whale. “We provide a full suite of services, ranging from aesthetic design and branding to website construction and E-commerce integration to Search Engine Optimization,” stated the company’s Project Manager David Landon. Regardless of whether the company is small or large, Northeast Web Design works closely to achieve that company’s goals.
It’s nice to know that in today’s challenging economic environment, with the help of web designers such as Northeast Web Design, companies can become big fish in a big pond without spending a lot.

How Small Businesses Can Make a Big Splash Without Getting Wet was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

New Career Opportunities Abound as Dependency on Computer Technology Grows

NewsUSA — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

New Career Opportunities Abound as Dependency on Computer Technology Grows was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

How a Telecom Audit Can Save Your Business Money

NewsUSA — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – In today’s age of technology, voice and data systems are crucial to the success or failure of most businesses. Many companies provide laptops, cell phones and Internet connections that require expensive maintenance by internal IT departments. But paying for full-time IT services and multiple telecom providers may be an overlooked and unnecessary expense.
IT professionals agree that a no-cost analysis of these expenses can save companies big dollars. Recognizing this need, such companies as Geeks On Call have announced new professional telecom audit services designed to save money for businesses of all sizes. In addition to their on-site technical support, the national provider of on-site computer support now represents all of the major telecom companies that offer voice and data services.
Such telecom audits include cell phone, broadband, DSL, local, long-distance, teleconferencing and video conferencing services. The major telecom vendors represented compensate Geeks On Call, allowing them to provide the audits at no cost to the customer. This new professional telecom audit service helps businesses maximize the use of their existing technology while negotiating the best prices on their voice and data contracts.
Many business owners don’t realize that they can save money through a proper audit of their telecom expenses, but Geeks On Call typically saves their clients 10 to 30 percent on their voice and data solutions. Questions about this new cost-saving service can be answered by an expert at 1-800-905-GEEK (4335).
To find out more information, visit www.GeeksOnCall.com.

How a Telecom Audit Can Save Your Business Money was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Your Budget: Creating Control Now

NewsUSA — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – The last couple years have been tough for consumers. Worries about the economy, employment, and political issues can make personal cash management frustrating.
But there is a way to get back in the driver’s seat with your finances. And while the tough economy may make a robust savings plan hard to achieve right now, there is one area of your wallet you can manage smartly: bill payments.
Yes, those bills need to be paid. However, understanding your options in managing those payments, and ways to help avoid unplanned budget-busters, can give you a measure of control over both your credit rating and your bottom line.
To keep things simple, here are two quick bill payment tips:

Tip No. 1: Time your bill payments.
When money’s tight, it’s tempting to pretend those bills don’t exist. That’s a bad idea, as ignoring bills means extra costs in late fees and the cost of credit. Instead, prioritize your bills around their due dates, and educate yourself on the bill payment options available to maximize your cash flow and help make payments on time. Consider using a mix of payment methods. If you are mobile-savvy, text reminders and bill-pay are a perfect choice. If you want someone else to stay on top of due dates, schedule recurring payments with your biller or bank.
When you’re out of time, or simply want the convenience of paying bills while out shopping or running errands, look for a walk-in payment Agent location. Walk in Agent locations are typically located in neighborhoods where you work or reside and offer extended hours and same-day bill payments to many billers.

Tip No. 2: Do what works.
There are plenty of ways to pay your bills. The best way is your way. Organize your bill paying around what feels most comfortable for you, and staying on top of payments will be (almost) painless. Some like to sit in front of their computer, while others want to pay that utility bill in the store when they’re doing their grocery shopping. Whatever works for you is the best way to handle those bill payments.
So, as much as possible, try and ignore those bad news headlines. But do pay attention to your bill due dates, and put a payment strategy in place that works for you and your good credit standing.
Tips provided by Western Union. For more information, visit WesternUnionPaysMyBills.com.

Your Budget: Creating Control Now was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Tips to Breeze Through Spring Cleaning

NewsUSA — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – Spring heralds a season of fresh starts and growth — and what better way to start anew than with a little spring cleaning?
Taking the time to get organized can make all the difference — and it can make the most cluttered closets and dirtiest corners a breeze to clean. With the right tools in hand, organizing any messy space becomes a mangeable task. You can save time and money by getting cleaning supplies, like dusters, sponges and automated air fresheners, at places like Dollar General.
Still don’t know where to start? Try these spring-cleaning tips:
* Cover the basics. Take inventory of your cleaning supplies. Some must-haves are mops, brooms, sponges, paper towels, trash bags, disinfectant wipes and bathroom-specific supplies. Make a list of what you need so you can get it all in one shopping trip. Many basic and speciality cleaning products are now available online. For the ultimate in convenience, shop online at www.dollargeneral.com.
* Tackle the clutter in steps. Spring cleaning can be daunting, so take small steps and approach spaces one at a time. Strive to find everything a permanent home. Create “donate” and “trash” piles for items you no longer use or need.
* Use organizing tools. Over-the-door mesh shoe racks are great for storing all kinds of winter accessories — hats, gloves, scarves and coats. Get some sturdy hooks for purses, backpacks and other accessories, and relish the feeling of a clean closet.
* Revitalize your laundry room. Put a stop to the mountain of dirty clothes that grows every week by getting each family member a laundry basket. If clothing doesn’t make it into their bin, it’s not getting washed. Keep your laundry room stocked with detergent, bleach and stain remover.
* Store items in plastic storage containers. Some winter items will be used until the early days of summer, others won’t make an appearance until next year. A variety of belongings can be stored in plastic containers to keep them organized and out of the way.

Tips to Breeze Through Spring Cleaning was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Looking for Chef-Inspired Recipes in Your Kitchen? Start With Breakfast

ChadJohnson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:55:26 +0000

Restaurant owners spend countless hours fretting over food stock and prices, catering to customers, negotiating with suppliers and supervising staff. How does a super-busy food entrepreneur stay on top of business and make time for a healthy meal? We asked Megan Walhood and Jeremy Daniels, co-owners of the popular, Portland, Oregon-based Viking Soul Food, and the answer was: Plan ahead and eat a good breakfast!

“One of the things we try to do as busy business owners is plan ahead when it comes to our food,” says Walhood. “Making big batches of soup can sustain a family throughout the week. Even a big batch of beans combined with different veggies, cheese, chicken, fish, etc., will create a variety of healthy, satisfying meals.”

Walhood adds, “Hunger can lead to overeating, so breakfast is an important meal that will often get us through lunch. We’ll prepare a vegetable and cheese gratin or frittata, using eggs from pasture-raised chickens. This makes a tremendous difference in taste, not to mention nutritional value. We shop daily at a local farm stand and buy seasonal, another way to ensure robust flavor.”

This gratin recipe can be prepped the night before. Walhood and Daniels suggest seasonal veggies, but you can substitute any variety. The frittata—found at www.vikingsoulfood.com—can be wrapped in a pita or flatbread for an on-the-go breakfast treat. When sautéing the vegetables, bear in mind that any tubers (potato, parsnip, carrot or celery root) require longer cooking than the softer greens and veggies.

Viking Soul Food Gratin

1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped into thumb-size pieces
1-2 parsnips (or carrots), peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
1 bunch EACH kale and chard, stems and leaves separated and roughly chopped
1/2 head garlic, about 5-6 cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
Kosher salt, ground black pepper
1 cup grated Jarlsberg cheese
Dash of vinegar
4 farm eggs, preferably from pasture-raised chickens

Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add onion and parsnip and cook, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Add kale/chard stems to pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring. Add garlic slices and stir until they become aromatic. Add kale/chard leaves. Season with salt and pepper, stir well, and cover; cook about 4-5 minutes. Lay veggies in a roasting pan and top with grated Jarlsberg. You can stop here, cover and refrigerate, to finish the next morning.

Preheat broiler to medium. Heat a pot of water to just below a simmer; add a dash of vinegar. Gently crack 4 eggs into hot water and poach about 3-4 minutes. Do not let water boil. While eggs are poaching, heat vegetable dish in broiler until cheese is melty and golden.

Remove gratin from broiler. Using a slotted spoon, gently remove eggs from water and place atop the gratin. Season with coarse grating of salt and black pepper. Serves 4.

Looking for Chef-Inspired Recipes in Your Kitchen? Start With Breakfast was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Family Favorites Inspire New Cornbread Recipes

ChadJohnson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:18:33 +0000

The winter months are a great time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious, cherished recipes. Family favorites made with cornbread now have a new way to shine with the 16th Annual Martha White® and Lodge Cast® Iron National Cornbread Cook-Off.

“Look to your own dinner table for the perfect source of inspiration for an original cook-off entry,” said the Martha White baking expert, Linda Carman. “Everyone is impressed by traditional recipes with a twist, like our 2006 winner Monte Cristo Cornbread Skillet, but ideas for your own original recipe can come from anywhere.”

Enter your original main dish cornbread creation by Feb. 29, 2012, and you could be one of the top 10 finalists who compete at the National Cornbread Festival on April 28, 2012, in South Pittsburg, Tenn. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Entries must be prepared with at least one package of Martha White Cornbread Mix using Lodge Cast Iron Cookware. Visit www.marthawhite.com for Official Rules and details.

MONTE CRISTO CORNBREAD SKILLET

1 (6 oz.) package Martha White Cotton Country™ Cornbread Mix
Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1/2 cup chopped cooked ham
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey mustard, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup Smucker’s® Currant Jelly
Powdered sugar

1. Prepare cornbread mix according to package directions, except bake in a 10 1/2-inch Lodge cast iron skillet (cornbread will be thin). Remove cornbread from skillet; cool and cut into cubes. Wipe out skillet with paper towels; spray generously with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Heat oven to 350°F. Place cornbread cubes in skillet. Top with turkey, ham and cheese. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey mustard, salt and pepper until well blended. Pour evenly over ingredients in skillet. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set and lightly browned.

3. Melt currant jelly by warming slightly. Add 1 tablespoon honey mustard; whisk to blend.

4. Remove skillet from oven. Cut in wedges, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with currant jelly and mustard sauce. It makes 6 servings.

Contest open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. Crisco and Smucker’s are trademarks of The J.M. Smucker Company.National Cornbread Festival is a trademark of National Cornbread Festival, Inc. Lodge is a trademark of Lodge Manufacturing Company.

Family Favorites Inspire New Cornbread Recipes was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Su presupuesto: Estableciendo el control ahora

NewsUSA — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – Los pasados años han sido difíciles para los consumidores. Las preocupaciones por la economía, el empleo y los asuntos políticos pueden hacer del manejo del efectivo algo frustrante.
Pero hay una forma de volver a tomar el control de sus finanzas. Y, si bien la crisis económica puede hacer que sea difícil lograr un plan de ahorros sólido en este momento, hay UN área de su billetera que puede administrar inteligentemente: el pago de las cuentas.
Sí, esas cuentas hay que pagarlas. Sin embargo, entender sus opciones para manejar esos pagos, y las maneras para ayudar a evitar situaciones no planeadas que arruinen su presupuesto, puede brindarle una medida de control sobre su calificación crediticia y sobre su estado financiero.
Para no complicar las cosas, aquí están dos consejos rápidos para el pago de cuentas:

Consejo N.º 1: Planee sus pagos con tiempo
Cuando cada dólar cuenta, es tentador pretender que esas facturas no existen. Esa es una mala idea, pues ignorar la cuentas se traduce en costos adicionales por pagos atrasados y el costo del crédito. Más bien, planee sus pagos de acuerdo con sus fechas de vencimiento y conozca las opciones disponibles para pagar sus cuentas para maximizar el flujo de efectivo y poder hacer los pagos a tiempo. Considere combinar varios métodos de pago. Si es diestro con el celular, los mensajes de texto de recordatorio para el pago de cuentas son una opción ideal. Si desea que alguien más se encargue de tener pendiente las fechas de vencimiento, programe pagos recurrentes con su compañía o banco.
Cuando no tiene tiempo, o simplemente quiere la conveniencia de pagar las cuentas mientras va de compras o realiza gestiones, busque una localidad de Agente para pagos en persona. Las localidades de Agente para pagos en persona suelen encontrarse en vecindarios donde trabaja o reside, y ofrecen horarios extendidos y el servicio de envíos de pagos de cuentas el mismo día a muchas compañías.

Consejo N.º 2: haga lo que funcione
Hay muchas maneras de pagar sus cuentas. La mejor manera es su manera. Organice el pago de sus cuentas alrededor de lo que le resulte más cómodo, y así podrá controlar sus pagos (casi) sin problemas .
A algunos les gusta sentarse frente a la computadora, y otros prefieren pagar esas cuentas del agua o la electricidad mientras hacen sus compras. Lo que funcione mejor para usted es la mejor manera de manejar esos pagos de cuentas.
Por lo tanto, hasta donde sea posible, trate de ignorar esos titulares con malas noticias. Pero S? preste atención a las fechas de vencimiento de sus cuentas, y ponga a funcionar una estrategia de pagos que funcione para usted y para una buena calificación crediticia.

Consejos proporcionados por Western Union. Para más información, visite WesternUnionPagaMisCuentas.com.

Su presupuesto: Estableciendo el control ahora was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

It’s Not Too Late: A Resolution That Can Save Money and So Much More

ChadJohnson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:01:01 +0000

The New Year has just begun, and already people are ditching their New Year’s resolutions and revisiting their old ways. But what if you had picked a resolution that could help save you money or even your life? Maybe then you wouldn’t be so quick to break it.

Maintaining your vehicle could do both: save money and keep you safer on the road. All you need to do is follow — and keep following — these important steps from Firestone Complete Auto Care:

• Keep your engine properly tuned — a vehicle that has a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can decrease gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. And a single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by up to 4 percent.

• Change the engine oil — use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle, and change it according to your vehicle owner’s manual, usually every three months or 3,000 miles. Prolonged driving without an oil change may cause severe engine damage.

• Check and replace air filter regularly — air filters keep impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a partially clogged filter improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, it will protect your engine.

• Maintain your tires — check inflation pressure monthly, make sure your tires are properly balanced, rotate tires according to the maintenance schedule and have the alignment checked at least once a year. Not only can properly inflated tires increase gas mileage up to 3 percent, but they are also safer and last longer.

• Check your vehicle’s fluid levels, including transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant to make sure they’re properly filled. Have your Firestone Complete Auto Care automotive technician regularly check your vehicle’s brake fluid level and condition.

It’s not too late to promise yourself — and others on the road — this: that you’ll do your part to make sure your vehicle is road-ready. And let this be the year you follow through on your promise!

It’s Not Too Late: A Resolution That Can Save Money and So Much More was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com