Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:37:31 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articlesNewsUSA Syndicated News5en-ushttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/digital-streaming-versus-dvd-market.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/digital-streaming-versus-dvd-market.aspx(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.]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337817767Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/how-small-businesses-can-make-a-big-splash-without-getting-wet.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/how-small-businesses-can-make-a-big-splash-without-getting-wet.aspx(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. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337797709Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/your-budget-creating-control-now.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/your-budget-creating-control-now.aspx(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. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337787628Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/su-presupuesto-estableciendo-el-control-ahora.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/su-presupuesto-estableciendo-el-control-ahora.aspx(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. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337767628Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/dead-sara-enlivens-rock-with-debut-album.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/dead-sara-enlivens-rock-with-debut-album.aspx(NewsUSA) - Discovering a new favorite band is as satisfying as devouring the newest Tarantino film, or finding that pair of pants that makes you stand out just about anywhere. But only one new band is guaranteed to headline 2012 new CD releases with their first-ever album. This assertion isn't made lightly -- the female-fronted rock quartet from Los Angeles called Dead Sara had almost every major label fighting over it. That's right, even before the release of an LP or a hit single. "Dead Sara's grunge-rock-like sound with a modern splash is exactly what radio stations everywhere have been waiting for," says Campus Circle, an L.A.-based film and music publication. The four-piece ensemble pairs the powerful vocals of Emily Armstrong -- who is consistently dubbed "the best female vocalist since Janis Joplin" -- with the monster guitar skills of Siouxsie Medley. The dynamic duo is backed by Chris Null on bass and Sean Friday on drums. The self-titled LP will debut April 10, on Pocket Kid Records, a label started by Medley and Armstrong, and distributed by Fontana/Universal, making Armstrong's electric voice and Medley's ferocious riffs available to the masses. Armstrong has received accolades from far and wide, including Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick and music authority ArtistDirect.com, who said, "Dead Sara sound like Nirvana fronted by Stevie Nicks." Other heavily anticipated 2012 albums consist mostly of tried-and-true artists -- including the rock-esque groups Muse, Tool, Linkin Park and long-time-no-see, The Killers. Hip-hop and R&B lovers are still waiting for the John Legend/Kanye West collaboration, and they'll probably give Kid Cudi's new alternative band WZRD a listen or two. But other than Lana Del Ray and "Born to Die" -- and frankly, the vote is still out on her after the SNL faceplant -- Dead Sara is one of few emerging bands to release such a sought-after CD in 2012. Whether the appeal stems from Armstrong's addictive voice or the band's collective sound, it brings a revival to rock 'n' roll that both refreshes and reinvents the genre. "Diversity is what's honest and real to us," says Medley. "We love classic rock, blues, folk, metal, punk, gospel, all of it, so we didn't want to put restrictions on ourselves genre-wise. We just knew we wanted the music to sound really raw and primal, even a bit unsettling." Well, it hit the mark. Dead Sara is unsettling -- unsettlingly good. To hear the single "Weatherman" or learn more about the upcoming album, visit www.deadsara.com. Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter, too. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337757829Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/use-family-favorites-to-inspire-new-cornbread-recipes.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/use-family-favorites-to-inspire-new-cornbread-recipes.aspx(NewsUSA) - Down-home favorites made with cornbread create hearty meals that warm bellies and satisfy the most selective taste buds. What's more, your creative cornbread recipe could put some cash in your pocket. "Look to your own dinner table for the perfect source of inspiration for original recipe ideas," 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." Martha White and Lodge® Cast Iron Cookware are holding a national cornbread cook-off, in which the top 10 finalists will also compete at the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tenn. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. MONTE CRISTO CORNBREAD SKILLET Servings: 6 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 degreeF. 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. Find more details and Official Rules by visiting www.marthawhite.com. 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. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337707745Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/chefs-feed-thyself-with-hearty-breakfast-recipes.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/chefs-feed-thyself-with-hearty-breakfast-recipes.aspx(NewsUSA) - 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! "Hunger can lead to overeating, so breakfast is important. 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," says Walhood. The gratin recipe can be prepped the night before and the frittata version -- found at www.vikingsoulfood.com -- wrapped in pita or flatbread for a delicious on-the-go breakfast treat. 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. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337737803Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/how-to-overcome-adversity-in-your-daily-life.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/how-to-overcome-adversity-in-your-daily-life.aspx(NewsUSA) - While professional athletes face their opponents on game day, everyone faces adversity in their everyday lives. Just ask noted sports psychologist and author Dr. Jack Llewellyn, who in January 2004 received news that would change his outlook forever: He was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common form of MS. Dr. Llewellyn built his career on helping professional athletes overcome adversity by leveraging life's obstacles to achieve success -- if you've been following sports headlines lately, you know how much energy that can take -- and suddenly he found himself applying those same techniques to get himself through his own challenge of living with MS. "There are no guarantees in life, but a positive attitude keeps the probability of success on your side," says the author of the newly released book "Get the Mud out of the Water." "The week I was diagnosed was a tough one. However, I worked with my doctor to get on therapy right away, and I've been able to maintain the life that I love in the eight years since." "I tell my players all the time, 'Everyone faces adversity in their lives.' What you can control is the time it takes to overcome it by learning how to focus on your assets -- not your liabilities." The book by Dr. Llewellyn outlines strategies designed to help anyone recover from adversity and lead their best life each day. Among his tips: * Assess your assets and your liabilities. Ask yourself: "What makes you strong enough to overcome life's challenges?" * Achieve something positive every day. Take stock of your accomplishments -- small and large -- and fill your mind with things that are positive and affirming. * Surround yourself with a team of people committed to helping you. You need a support system that's both committed to your health and you. * Use stress as an incentive. Find a way to use the energy from things that put a strain on you in a productive way. * Create a positive environment. Make a conscious choice to live every day with a confident mindset. To learn more about MS and Dr. Jack Llewellyn, visit www.sharedsolutions.com. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337807808Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/tips-to-halt-spring-termite-infestations.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/tips-to-halt-spring-termite-infestations.aspx(NewsUSA) - While you're trying to find every available reason to be outside this spring, termites are doing the exact opposite -- trying to worm their way indoors and devour your walls and floors. And they certainly aren't feasting for free. "Termites have an insatiable appetite for cellulose found in wood, eating 24-hours a day, seven days a week. They cause serious and costly damage and can compromise the structural stability of a home," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). "NPMA advises homeowners to have their homes inspected annually, especially if they've noticed swarmers." Swarmers are winged termites that arrive in early spring, eagerly looking to set up a new colony. Although they appear similar to flying ants, it's important that homeowners do not mistake the two species, since termite infestations that are left untreated can quickly damage the structural integrity homes. To make matters worse, damages caused by wood-destroying insects, such as termites, are typically not covered by homeowners' insurance policies -- leaving you to foot the bill. The "silent destroyers" and their saw-toothed jaws can significantly reduce the long-term property value and financial investment of a house. The NPMA estimates that termites cause at least $5 billion in property losses each year in the U.S. Termite season usually begins in early March and lasts through June. The NPMA recommends these tips to prevent termite infestations: * Inspect the perimeter of a home for rotting wood, mud tubes or a visible termite presence. Pay particular attention to doors and windowsills, looking for shed wings. * Avoid water accumulation near a home's foundation by diverting water away with downspouts and gutters. * Never bury wood scraps in the yard. If your home is newly built, remove any remaining grade stakes or tree stumps on your property. * Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of a building. * Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. * Do not stack firewood or lumber near home, and inspect it carefully before bringing indoors. * If you suspect you have an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional. Termites cannot be controlled on your own. Learn more about choosing a qualified pest professional at www.pestworld.org. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337667304Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/brush-up-on-dental-care-for-a-timeless-smile.aspxhttp://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/brush-up-on-dental-care-for-a-timeless-smile.aspx(NewsUSA) - It is well known that taking care of your body, including your teeth and gums, is an important part of healthy aging. Yet, despite recognizing the importance of oral health, many individuals are not taking the essential steps to maintain their smile. According to a 2008 study by the American Dental Association, Crest and Oral-B, "The Public Speaks Up on Oral Health Care: An ADA and Crest/Oral-B Survey," more than eight of 10 adults aged 50 to 64 believe maintaining healthy teeth and gums are essential to overall good health, yet only a third say they're taking the proper steps to do so. That's exactly the kind of statistic that has health experts worried. "Many adults believe they're doing everything they can to protect their mouth and don't realize that red gums or minor bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by plaque bacteria at the gum line that can cause gums to swell. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, an infection that can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults," says Ann Benson, RDH, Mobile Dentistry of Arizona. "Some research suggests there may be a link between periodontitis and other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes." Now that you know more about gingivitis, here are some tips to help you identify the symptoms and keep your timeless smile. * Know the signs. If your gums are swollen or bleed easily while brushing or flossing, you could be among the 50 percent of American adults estimated to have gingivitis. * Give your mouth the attention it deserves. Help prevent gingivitis by brushing and flossing daily. When you brush, make sure it is for at least two minutes, including 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. * Create a routine. A regular oral care routine using products that protect against plaque and gingivitis is essential. "I recommend that my patients use Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection toothpaste," says Benson. "It provides Crest's highest level of protection against plaque bacteria and is clinically proven to help reverse gingivitis in four weeks." * Eat wisely. Avoiding sugars and starches applies to adults and children. * Visit your dentist. Schedule dental appointments every six months for a check-up and cleaning. For more information, visit www.crestprohealth.com. ]]>NewsUSA@NewsUSA.com (NewsUSA)337607795Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST