Monthly Archives: July 2012

Think Fast: The Olympic Games

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Back in college, I took a few fun classes to expand my knowledge on random subjects. These classes focused on everything from the history of terrorism to the farfetched theories of evolution.

But by far one of my favorite classes was entitled “Olympics & Media” – a class that not only focused on the history of the Olympic Games but also how the opening ceremonies have evolved, how the media portrays certain athletes/events and even how world history has affected the Games.

Although I had watched the Olympics prior taking this class, it was only since the class that I started avidly watching the sports and opening ceremonies.

Unfortunately, my timing is sometimes way off with the events. Many of the events are posted online with the local time of the region the Olympics are being held in – not the time coverage starts in this region.

To prevent myself from missing part of an event or to miss something altogether, I purchased the custom imprinted Leeds Traveler – World Time Travel Clock. This is truly the best clock, allowing you to see the times in 24 international cities. Best of all, it has speedy ground shipping and 1 day production – perfect if you want to use this item during these Olympic Games.

Which sport are you looking forward to? Will you be rooting for the USA?

AIDS Conference Gives Rise to National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

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This week in Washington, D.C., approximately 25,000 delegates from around the globe are gathering for the International AIDS Conference. The 19th annual conference, which began on Sunday at the Walter E. Johnson Convention Center, features live performances, exhibitions, and a video room, as well as access to pieces of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and keynote addresses by Elton John and former President Bill Clinton.

One major takeaway for attendees, according to the Los Angeles Times, is that HIV-positive patients should begin treatment as soon as possible: “Studies show that treating HIV-positive patients with antiretroviral drugs early in the course of the infection lengthens life and lowers the risk of tuberculosis and other bacterial infections.” Medications can also double as prevention, reducing transmission of HIV to sexual partners by an astounding 96 percent.

The AIDS Quilt

But catching HIV early is dependent on awareness. That’s why hundreds of young people are calling on the U.S. government to formally recognize National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. According to the Huffington Post, the awareness initiative’s creators want Americans to “take a close look at the current reality of HIV and AIDS — and that means listening to, involving and prioritizing young people.”

Forty percent of new HIV infections around the globe are made up of young people. That’s why the creation of National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day is so imperative. Activists can use promotional AIDS awareness items to “promote HIV testing, fight stigma and start the necessary and uncomfortable conversations we need to deal honestly and effectively with the challenges we face.”

Knowing The Facts About AIDS Key Points

Lawrence Stallworth, II of Advocates for Youth asserts that “Young people are not going to stand on the sidelines as this disease ravages our communities, our loved ones or our futures.” And that’s why he and his associates have declared April 10 National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day.

Will you help Stallworth support this important initiative?

Think Ahead: Happiness Happens Month

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Admit it, you’re happy.

America falls into the Top 20 Happiest Nations in the world, landing at number 13. The United States, according to the Lifestyle Statistics on NationMaster, has 84% of a population who admitted they are rather ecstatic. Some other happy nations include Ireland, Australia, Venezuela and even Iceland – whose population is 94% happy – the happiest in the world.

Are your employees part of the 84% majority? They may or may not. Whether you’re interested in increasing already-positive morale or looking to improve conditions, it may help to celebrate this awareness month.

August is National Happiness Happens Month. It is a month-long celebration to bring together people and celebrate the greatest of human emotion – happiness.

Celebrate Happiness Happens Month with just about anything – host an appreciation event at work (such as a picnic or a day at the beach) or let your co-workers out early on a Friday or a Monday. Contests and prizes is another fun way to have your co-workers bond while on the job. With all these great ideas, how could someone possibly be a grouch?

Motivators has many useful promotional products that feature stock smiley-faces and room to imprint your logo. So whether you’re looking for a flyswatter or a keychain, there’s many items on the Smiley Face Promotional Products page.

Think Ahead: Audio Appreciation Month

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As a society, we often take our hearing for granted. But if you’ve ever watched one show with just the closed-captioning or tried interacting with a stranger, you may understand how important it could be.

August is Audio Appreciation Month, a month-long awareness event of how important one’s hearing can be and how it interacts with daily activities.

How does one celebrate Audio Appreciation Month? There are promotional iPod accessories which include earbuds and headphones that can be great for showing appreciation for music and books-on-tape. There are also promotional incentives for music and  ringtones that can show your appreciation for other forms of audio.

For those who want to prevent damage to ear drums, consider an item like the promotional Ear Shape Stress Reliever. This item is soft-to-the-touch and with the right imprint, you can remind patients and patrons to get their hearing checked.

You Go Girl! Raises Awareness with Promo Sunglasses

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Members of You Go Girl!, an organization that sets up healthy running and walking events for girls of all ages, have just returned from a truly unique getaway. On Sunday, July 15, the group of women from the South Puget Sound area of Washington teamed up with the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) for a relay race on the beautiful island of Bermuda.

According to the Royal Gazette, the event was the second-ever all-female race in Bermuda. Relay races involve teamwork, as opposed to the individual style of most races. Therefore, participants must collaborate in order to reach the finish line. “This is about embracing your womanhood and having a chance to be girlie and athletic at the same time,” said co-organizer Natalie Dyrli.

You Go Girl! Relay Race

Perhaps most importantly, part of the proceeds from entry fees plus money donated at the event will be donated to the WRC, which is celebrating its 25th birthday. Sherrie Outerbridge, a representative from the WRC , said the charity truly appreciates the assistance. “The Women’s Resource Centre is extremely grateful to the You Go-Girls Relay teams … for selecting the Women’s Resource Centre to receive the donations,” she said.

Motivators Inc., a promotional products distributor, helped You Go Girl! raise awareness by working with the ladies to create promotional sunglasses:

promotional Neon Sunglasses - White Frame

Dyrli told Motivators that many participants wore their sunglasses during the race, helping to garner attention for the charitable event. The power of awareness giveaways is truly amazing!

Thinking Ahead: Get Ready for Kindergarten Month

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Although we are only halfway through July, it is not too early to start thinking about school. Stores are having back-to-school sales and it is only a month or so until you will see your children on their way to the bus.

So it’s no surprise that August is National Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. Kindergarten is a huge stepping stone for children and an even bigger stepping stone for their parents. It’s when children start to learn cognitive lessons that will help them in everyday situations and will continue to use as an adult.

So if you’re a teacher who is getting supplies together for your class, a parent who wants all your child’s classmates to have great things or a company looking for a great giveaway idea, head over to the Motivators website. You can find useful items by clicking on “Back To School” under “School Giveaways” on the homepage. This extensive list includes promotional bags, custom imprinted calculators, promotional pens and pencils and much more. With our slashed prices, new web search feature and great customer service you’re sure to find something that will even impress the kids.

Get Wild for National Parks and Recreation Month!

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Between July 4th barbeques and a seemingly endless amount of summer picnics, it only makes sense that July has been named National Parks and Recreation Month.

The theme for this year’s awareness initiative, which is sponsored annually by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is  “GET WILD!”

National Parks and Recreation Month: GET WILD!

Yahoo! Voices reports that the national observance began in 1985. Since then, the NRPA has continued to celebrate and sponsor the initiative. “Encouraging outdoor physical activity and actively promoting parks and recreation in communities across the country, the NRPA actively supports and promotes creative celebrations …,” reports Yahoo! Voices.

The purpose of National Parks and Recreation Month is not only to get people moving, but also to raise awareness about how important parks and recreation really are.

promotional 16" beach ball

According to NRPA, “Everything from wild workouts and wellness to getting wet and wild at the pool or even wild with nature – you just can’t help but have fun this July, all while expressing the many valuable benefits of parks and recreation!” 

The association’s website offers plenty of promotional ideas and downloads including posters, calendars, and social media tools.  Check it out to promote your area’s parks!

Think Ahead: National Panini Month

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It seems that the best kind of awareness months celebrate something fun, like music or art. But what if you could do something as simple as eating a meal and still celebrate an awareness month.

August is National Panini Month. That means over 4 weeks of celebrating the sandwich that allows freedom and creativity outside the bread slices. A panini, from the Italian word ‘panino’ (or sandwich) refers to a sandwich of any kind made without sliced bread. Thanks to the help of major chains such as Arby’s and Panera, the panini is skyrocketing is popularity.

To get your mouth watering, Motivators carries plenty of promotional kitchen items, including knives, plates and even cheese sets. These items will help your clients or employees celebrate the eclectic variety and taste a panini has to offer.