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    <description>News targeted towards small businesses and organizations, written by Amsterdam Printing editors.</description>

    <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Default.aspx?FocusId=news.ascx</link>

    <title>Small Business News by AmsterdamPrinting.com</title>

    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Marketing News</category>

      <description>Embarking on a social media business marketing campaign can seem daunting, especially to entrepreneurs who are unfamiliar with Facebook, Twitter and the other main staples of the social networking world, BtoB Online reports.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Small business owners are at a disadvantage when it comes to launching a social media-based business advertising initiative because, unlike their larger counterparts, they don&amp;#39;t have the funding and infrastructure to hire dedicated social marketing managers.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Dianna Huff, president of New Hampshire-based digital marketing consultancy DH Communications, advises small enterprise owners to pick one website and focus the majority of their business promotion resources on that.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Meanwhile, Kathleen Peters of Florida-based internet marketing company KMP Marketing underscored the importance of measuring social media advertising efforts beyond the obvious sales metric.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;You should also be tracking things like, &amp;#39;Are more people aware of my business?&amp;#39; or &amp;#39;Are more people going to my website?&amp;#39; and &amp;#39;Is my credibility enhanced?&amp;#39;&amp;quot; she said, as quoted by the news source.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Some business owners are even eschewing standalone company websites in favor of Facebook, according to CIO magazine. However, Facebook has limitations that make it unadvisable to use as a business&amp;#39; sole online presence.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Small+business+marketing+in+the+social+media+sphere+/800701077/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:57:09 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Small business marketing in the social media sphere  </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Marketing News</category>

      <description>The commercials that come on during Super Bowl ad breaks are almost as excitedly anticipated as the big game itself. Last year, more than 111 million viewers tuned in, and securing 30 seconds of airtime for the 2012 event cost a record-breaking $3.5 million this year, according to MSNBC.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Those who want a sneak preview of this year&amp;#39;s offerings can view them on YouTube. A Honda ad that features Matthew Broderick reprising his role in the 1986 movie &amp;quot;Ferris Bueller&amp;#39;s Day Off&amp;quot; is already making waves ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Small enterprises don&amp;#39;t have the capital to beam their business marketing campaigns out to millions of sports game viewers, but they can still learn a thing or two from their larger counterparts.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;The ads you will see on Sunday will do an excellent job of being outrageous, entertaining and attention-getting,&amp;quot; predicts small business consultant Steve Sipress, writing for Chicago Business. &amp;quot;But very few - if any - will use direct response marketing principles, which is why the advertisers won&amp;#39;t experience the financial success that they otherwise could.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Direct response marketing is a form of business advertising designed to solicit a specific and quantifiable response from the consumer - in this case, Super Bowl viewers. As Advertising Age notes, &amp;quot;it takes extensive analysis to determine return on investment for Super Bowl ads - more than likes on Facebook (and) the number of tweets generated.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Entrepreneurs looking to launch a successful business promotion effort on a smaller scale would do well to incorporate the two principles of standing out from the crowd and generating a directly measurable response from their target audience.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Learning+from+the+big+names+-+business+advertising+lessons+from+the+Super+Bowl+/800700819/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:47:27 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Learning from the big names - business advertising lessons from the Super Bowl </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Leadership</category>

      <description>Female entrepreneurs who own and operate small enterprises in Long Beach, California, are facing a variety of challenges, from business advertising to continuing economic uncertainty, according to the Long Beach Business Journal (LBBJ).&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;For Candice Hofer, owner of new and resale clothing retailer Bixby Exchange, her company&amp;#39;s hidden location makes business advertising crucial to improving the store&amp;#39;s visibility.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;You could pass by and not even see (the shop) unless you&amp;#39;ve stopped in front of us,&amp;quot; she told the news source. &amp;quot;Our biggest challenge is advertising and letting people know that we&amp;#39;re here.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Self-employed licensed marriage and family therapist Brigitte Dutil recognized the importance of business promotions and networking, but says the cost of launching business marketing campaigns holds her back.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Financially, I&amp;#39;m not a rich business so I have to be very careful where I spend my money with regard to marketing and things of that nature,&amp;quot; she told the media outlet.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Although 55 percent of small and medium-sized business owners surveyed for a recent Valpak study believe their companies have either already recovered from the recession or will in the next six months, some sectors still have a long way to go before they&amp;#39;re back on a stable path.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;(People) don&amp;#39;t have the disposable income to buy new homes or cars, so we are not insuring newer cars or homes,&amp;quot; Sue Williams of Kelly Williams Insurance Agency told the LBBJ. She said the same goes for companies that are on their way out, and even clients who do purchase policies tend to go for basic coverage as opposed to more comprehensive offerings.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Californias+female+entrepreneurs+face+small+business+challenges/800699966/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:20:44 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>California's female entrepreneurs face small business challenges</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Marketing News</category>

      <description>A recent Valpak study conducted by independent market research firm Research Now found that more than half of surveyed small and medium-sized business owners believe their companies have either already recovered from the recession or will in the next six months.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Companies that have between 20 and 99 employees experienced an even higher recovery rate, with more than 60 percent of owners reporting recovery now or within six months.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In response to business picking up, entrepreneurs are considering increasing their business advertising efforts and expanding the number of employees in their workforce to encourage further improvements.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Specifically, nearly one-third (32 percent) plan to hire additional staff - a 5 percent increase from 2010 - and 15 percent aim to bring on temporary workers. When it comes to advertising, 67 percent will either create or expand their web presence and 57 percent plan to engage in social media marketing.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;With regard to other business marketing channels, 57 percent of respondents said they intend to leverage direct mail and email advertising. Customer loyalty programs, deals, discounts and specials will round out many small enterprises&amp;#39; marketing campaigns.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;What&amp;#39;s particularly interesting is the way our clients are adopting a multi-media approach to marketing their business - combining the best of direct mail, online, deals, mobile and social to create custom, measurable campaigns that fit their business and their target consumer,&amp;quot; noted Valpak president Michael Vivio.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Tailoring business promotions to upcoming holidays and events can garner a higher return on advertising investment. Building two big events in February - the Super Bowl and Valentine&amp;#39;s Day - into your company&amp;#39;s deals and marketing efforts could be extremely effective.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Small+enterprises+are+using+business+advertising+to+accelerate+economic+recovery+/800699788/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:46:56 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Small enterprises are using business advertising to accelerate economic recovery </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Marketing News</category>

      <description>With Super Bowl weekend on the horizon, now is the perfect time to tailor your business marketing efforts toward the biggest football event of the year.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to an analysis by Elite Email, the top email marketing trending topic for the last full week in January 2012 was &amp;quot;Super Bowl XLVI,&amp;quot; with both brick-and-mortar and online retailers taking the opportunity to advertise business promotions, specials and discounts related to the big game.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Jumping on the Super Bowl bandwagon isn&amp;#39;t limited to sports companies. In fact, many restaurants and bars got in on the action by putting together marketing campaigns based around free food and one-night-only deals.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Email marketing succeeds best when you have good relevant content, so pairing an email coupon with a big event like the Super Bowl can be a really effective tactic,&amp;quot; said Elite Email president Robert Burko.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Although Valentine&amp;#39;s Day is still two weeks away, the holiday has also started to creep into business advertising, according to Elite Email figures. If you&amp;#39;re planning a Valentine&amp;#39;s Day promotion, it&amp;#39;s better to disseminate information sooner rather than later - especially if you&amp;#39;re factoring in shipping time.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Tying+business+marketing+campaigns+to+upcoming+events+/800698918/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:20:00 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Tying business marketing campaigns to upcoming events  </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Leadership</category>

      <description>According to the National Small Business Association&amp;#39;s (NSBA) recently released 2011 Year-End Economic Report, more small business owners (SBOs) are optimistic about the economic climate, with three-quarters of polled SBOs reporting that they felt confident about their company&amp;#39;s future.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The report revealed a number of positive indicators. Specifically, nearly half (46 percent) of SBOs reported revenue growth over the past six months - the highest percentage in more than three years - and the number of those reporting decreases in revenue fell from 37 percent to 31 percent.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;While job growth over the same time period remained static at 22 percent, the number of SBOs reporting employment decreases reached a three-year low of 23 percent.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Although we are far from where we need to be, it appears that small businesses have turned an economic corner,&amp;quot; said NSBA president Todd McCracken.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;However, NSBA chair Chris Holman warned lawmakers that there is still much work to be done with regard to dismantling regulatory obstacles and continuing to cultivate recovery in the sector. This was underscored by the fact that 40 percent of respondents cited regulatory issues as a major challenge for their company - a 9 percent rise from six months ago.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Although this report is by far the most positive we&amp;#39;ve seen in quite some time, it is imperative policymakers not mistake these gains for a task completed,&amp;quot; Holman said.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;President Barack Obama recently encouraged legislators to quickly pass tax breaks and financing bills to facilitate small business growth, noting that small enterprises create the majority of jobs in the United States and should therefore be given &amp;quot;a leg up from the various programs that we have in our government.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Relieving regulatory burdens allows entrepreneurs to turn their focus toward other areas, such as business marketing and advertising.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/NSBA+study+reveals+optimism+among+small+business+owners+/800698845/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:03:03 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>NSBA study reveals optimism among small business owners </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>U.S. President Barack Obama recently urged legislators to quickly pass tax breaks and small business financing bills that would make life easier for small enterprises.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;My expectation and hope is &amp;hellip; that (lawmakers) will get a bill together quickly, that they will pass it and get it on my desk,&amp;quot; he said, underscoring the importance of being able to &amp;quot;assure more companies that create the most jobs in our economy are getting a leg up from the various programs that we have in our government.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The president also called upon government agencies to consider how the sectors they oversee can contribute to small enterprise growth. Government regulations can affect everything from business advertisement to filing taxes, and excessive red tape can significantly bog down small business operations.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Accounting Today notes that the proposed initiatives include the permanent elimination of capital gains taxes on small company investments and the extension of 100 percent bonus depreciation, which expired at the end of last year. The current form allows for 50 percent depreciation on new property and equipment investments.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Approximately one-third (32 percent) of the more than 1,000 small and medium-sized business owners polled in a recent Manta survey identified President Obama as the biggest supporter of small business among candidates for the 2012 presidency. Obama was followed by Ron Paul (20 percent) and Mitt Romney (16 percent), while Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum brought up the rear with 9 percent each.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Now more than ever, the political candidates need to focus on the issues that are affecting SMBs, such as job creation, taxes and healthcare,&amp;quot; said Pamela Springer, Manta president and CEO.</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Obama+advocates+for+small+business+tax+breaks+in+recent+speech/800698829/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:59:05 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Obama advocates for small business tax breaks in recent speech</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Leadership</category>

      <description>According to a recent study by The Alternative Board, six out of 10 surveyed small business owners who are part of an advisory board saw increased profits in 2011, and 71 percent expect their profits to rise by up to 10 percent this year.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Advisory boards are membership-based organizations that facilitate knowledge-sharing and help entrepreneurs make their companies as profitable as possible. They are particularly popular among small businesses because they offer more fluidity than setting up a formal board of directors.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Small business owners face many difficult decisions during these turbulent economic times and they&amp;rsquo;re seeing the value in discussing these challenges with other CEOs who have been through this before,&amp;quot; said The Alternative Board&amp;#39;s president and CEO, Jason Zickerman.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The survey also offered insight into what small business owners see as the main barriers to success this year - sluggish demand, government regulations and availability of capital. Nearly 60 percent said they believed having a solid business marketing strategy in place would be the most beneficial to their company.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To maximize the success of business advertising, consider employing multi-channel strategies ranging from traditional direct mail to online outreach through avenues such as Facebook and other social networking websites.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Study+Advisory+board+members+profit+in+2011+are+hopeful+for+2012+/800697291/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:12:21 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Study: Advisory board members profit in 2011, are hopeful for 2012 </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Leadership</category>

      <description>It&amp;#39;s tax season, and just like everybody else, small business owners must file their tax returns ahead of the April 17 deadline.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you&amp;#39;re planning to outsource your taxes to a certified public accountant (CPA), it&amp;#39;s imperative you make an appointment as quickly as possible, The Associated Press advises. Quality CPAs&amp;#39; schedules fill up quickly, and you want to give them as much time as you can to familiarize themselves with your company before April 17 arrives.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;For those planning on filing by themselves, don&amp;#39;t wait until the last minute. Grappling with tax prep software can be tricky at the best of times, but at the eleventh hour everything is likely to seem more stressful because of the impending deadline.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Regardless of the route you take, it&amp;#39;s important to keep your records in good shape. These include checks, receipts and invoices for everything from utilities payments to business marketing expenditures.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to author Rhonda Abrams, writing for USA Today, supporting documents for business expenses should be kept for at least five years</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Preparing+to+file+your+small+business+tax+return+/800696208/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:17:45 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Preparing to file your small business tax return  </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Leadership</category>

      <description>According to a recently released study by online appointment scheduling website Schedulicity, small business owners are &amp;quot;overwhelmingly optimistic&amp;quot; about how their companies will perform in 2012.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;More than nine in 10 (91 percent) expect business to outpace 2011 levels, and two-thirds expect a more viable economic environment. More than half predict revenue growth, with 39 percent estimating a 10 to 25 percent increase and approximately one-quarter anticipating a rise of between 25 and 50 percent.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;While 2011 was clearly still a rebuilding year for many small businesses, 2012 is poised to be a time of development,&amp;quot; said Schedulicity CEO Jerry Nettuno. &amp;quot;Prosperity is right around the corner. Small businesses owners are signaling to us ... that the economic recovery is progressing.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;With regard to business promotions, respondents appeared to understand the importance of implementing cost-effective business marketing efforts. They ranked social media, SEO and email as equally necessary components, ahead of more traditional initiatives such as direct mail.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Despite technological advances, old-school business advertising still has a place in a marketing campaign. Giving out personalized pens and distributing print flyers can help reinforce the impact of online marketing campaigns.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Small+business+owners+optimistic+about+2012+study+says+/800696198/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:16:45 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Small business owners optimistic about 2012, study says  </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Marketing News</category>

      <description>In a recent Business2Community article, internet marketer James Debono offered several business marketing tips for small enterprise owners looking to kickstart their advertising campaigns and improve their visibility.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to Debono, the cornerstone of garnering and maintaining consumer interest is creating valuable content. Publishing articles and videos relevant to industry insiders and customers alike can springboard your company&amp;#39;s name and take awareness of the business to a new level. Ultimately, this could open the enterprise up to joint ventures and opportunities for growth and expansion.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In the quest to attract new clients, Debono warns not to forget about existing customers.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Devote time and attention to communicating with them regularly in ways they appreciate and find useful and they&amp;#39;ll reward you with referrals, social signals and new and repeat business when the time is right,&amp;quot; he writes.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In a separate article by the news source, Mark Schmulen, general manager of social media at the small business-focused e-mail service provider Constant Contact, advised entrepreneurs to approach business promotions with specific goals in mind - for example, boosting revenue, attracting subscribers or building thought leadership.</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Improving+your+companys+visibility+with+a+successful+business+marketing+campaign+/800694961/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:31:49 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Improving your company's visibility with a successful business marketing campaign </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Entrepreneurs are concerned about the impact President Obama&amp;#39;s healthcare law will have on their small businesses, according to a recent poll conducted for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by Harris Interactive.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) said the recent healthcare legislation makes it harder for their companies to expand their employee hiring, and 30 percent named the bill as the reason they are not currently looking to expand their workforce.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;They look at this bill as more of a tax bill wrapped up and packaged as a healthcare reform bill,&amp;quot; Brad Close, vice president of public policy for the National Federation of Independent Business, told Fox News. &amp;quot;It really puts most of the cost and burden on small business owners.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Red tape from Washington is a problem for small businesses in general, according to the poll. A total of 78 percent of respondents said their hiring efforts were being curtailed by regulatory barriers, and 80 percent said they would rather Washington stopped trying to help and instead just didn&amp;#39;t interfere.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;However, officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius argue that small enterprises will actually benefit from the new healthcare law, as it will help even the playing field with their larger counterparts.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;We have millions of small business owners that are taking advantage of the current tax credit and &amp;hellip; looking forward to a new market where they will have the same affordable coverage as their large competitors have,&amp;quot; said Sebelius, as quoted by the news source.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;She warned that a great deal of misinformation is being spread about the law, which could be contributing to entrepreneurs&amp;#39; negative attitudes about it.</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Entrepreneurs+underwhelmed+by+healthcare+law+poll+finds+/800689816/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:59:24 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Entrepreneurs underwhelmed by healthcare law, poll finds </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Sales of small businesses increased for the second consecutive year, according to a recently released annual report from San Francisco-based small business acquisitions website BizBuySell.com.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;A total of 6,703 small businesses from across the nation were reported as sold to the website in 2011 - a 3.3 percent increase from the 6,486 that changed hands the year before. Business owners were also observed to be adjusting their pricing expectations, selling their companies for less in order to finalize deals more quickly.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;While 2011 continued to be a tough year for the nation&amp;#39;s small business owners, we were pleased to see that business performance is improving and more people are buying small businesses,&amp;quot; said Mike Handelsman, group general manager of BizBuySell.com.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;However, Joseph Caffrey, president and CEO of Virginia Beach-based Worldwide Business Brokers, warned that the unstable economy is going to have a negative effect on sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Specifically, sellers will find they need to contribute as much as 70 percent toward a small business sale. In a healthier economic climate, this figure would be more like 20 to 30 percent.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Report+Sales+of+small+businesses+rose+again+in+2011+/800688589/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:25:36 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Report: Sales of small businesses rose again in 2011 </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>According to the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index, small businesses are getting better at managing their debt, which is a contributing factor to 2012&amp;#39;s more positive lending outlook.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Entrepreneurs can increase their chances of getting a loan for their companies by following several simple rules of thumb, according to business consultant Barry Moltz, writing for Crain&amp;#39;s Chicago Business.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;An approach that seems counterintuitive is to borrow money when the business doesn&amp;#39;t need to. However, Moltz explains that this is a good way to establish a solid credit history that could be helpful in securing capital down the line.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Proving you can consistently meet profit and loss projections is another thing that will work in your favor. Part of this comes from understanding your balance sheet, cash flow figures and other statements. Displaying a good working knowledge of your company&amp;#39;s statements could set you apart from other loan-seekers, as finances aren&amp;#39;t a strong point for many entrepreneurs.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to the Miami Herald, lender fatigue - signs that a business&amp;#39; ability to borrow capital may be compromised - is rife, prompting banks to reevaluate their lending relationships.</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Tips+for+securing+a+small+business+loan+in+2012+/800687443/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:14:53 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Tips for securing a small business loan in 2012 </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Canadian small business owners are dissatisfied with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - the body that administers and enforces provincial, national and international tax laws - according to a recent report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The majority of the 10,600 small business owners and financial advisers surveyed gave the CRA a grade of C or lower, citing customer service and excessive red tape as prevailing gripes.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;While CRA has taken steps to improve the way it treats small business owners, those efforts are being drowned out by poor customer service,&amp;quot; said Laura Jones, senior vice president of research and economics for CFIB.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;When you include the lack of public awareness about measures intended to promote taxpayer fairness, CRA still has a long way to go to improve relations,&amp;quot; added Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB&amp;#39;s vice president of national affairs.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Red tape is also a problem south of the Canadian border, according to a November poll by the National Federation of Independent Business. Four in 10 small business owners surveyed said they believed regulatory and legal barriers were stunting their company&amp;#39;s growth, The Washington Post reports.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Canadian+small+business+owners+critical+of+national+revenue+agency/800686593/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:03:14 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Canadian small business owners critical of national revenue agency</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>The birth of R&amp;amp;B superstar Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z&amp;#39;s first child was arguably the biggest entertainment news story of the year thus far - but for a Boston-based small business specializing in event-planning, it meant much more than that, the Huffington Post reports.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;That&amp;#39;s because the child and the company share the same name, Blue Ivy. The couple are believed to have chosen the name as an homage to Jay-Z&amp;#39;s three &amp;quot;Blueprint&amp;quot; albums and Beyonce&amp;#39;s lucky number, four (or IV in Roman numerals). Boston small business owner Veronica Alexandra decided upon the same name after six months of deliberation.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;We wanted to brand ourselves as being of a certain caliber,&amp;quot; she told the news source. &amp;quot;We thought of things that were elegant, pretty, sophisticated. I liked the word &amp;#39;ivy&amp;#39; because it&amp;#39;s prestigious, romantic, growing. ... With &amp;#39;blue,&amp;#39; we wanted to be edgy, and a blue flower is something very unique.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;For prospective entrepreneurs considering starting a business, choosing a name is one of the most important decisions of all. As Alexandra noted, a well-picked company name can evoke positive associations within consumers that affect how they view the business before they even research it.&amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Boston+small+business+involved+in+baby+name+coincidence+/800683364/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:38:04 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Boston small business involved in baby name coincidence </title>

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    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>At a time when many frustrated unemployed workers are looking for ways to become self-sufficient, The Street recently identified several industries expected to be ripe with franchising and small business opportunities in 2012.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Industries that are projected to see significant growth over the next decade include elder care, health and wellness, warehousing and shipping/logistics.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to Shelly Sun, CEO and founder of BrightStar Care, a rising number of families are looking for &amp;quot;higher quality, more affordable care in the home when they need it as an alternative to moving to facilities that can be much more expensive.&amp;quot; And with Baby Boomers getting older every day, the country&amp;#39;s elder care market is set to grow significantly.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;At the turn of the century, economists predicted that wellness would be the next trillion-dollar business for the United States - and, according to Gina Payne, national director of wellness at employee benefits consultant CBIZ, &amp;quot;It is scheduled to hit this mark in 2012.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;As economic uncertainties continue, companies are looking to cut costs and bolster their bottom line. Because of this, the warehousing industry is set to expand over the coming years as companies eschew owning their own spaces in favor of leasing.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Amid slow economic recovery, some small businesses are gradually getting back on their feet. The fact that they&amp;#39;ll need to move larger shipments, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service&amp;#39;s planned cutbacks, opens an avenue for shipping/logistics expansion.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to AdviCoach, financial management snafus and cash flow restrictions are responsible for more than two-thirds (70 percent) of business failures within their first year. This underscores the need for prospective entrepreneurs to draw up comprehensive business plans before taking the plunge.</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Promising+small+business+growth+sectors+in+2012+/800674604/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:00:30 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Promising small business growth sectors in 2012 </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>Research sponsored by business advisory company AdviCoach recently revealed five factors that often result in failure for small enterprises across industries and sectors.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Financial management snafus and cash flow restrictions are a common problem, and are responsible for more than two-thirds (70 percent) of business failures within their first year, according to the company.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Companies that don&amp;#39;t have defined sales processes in place may fall victim to underachievement and low revenues that could spell disaster from a business perspective. According to AdviCoach, underperforming salespeople often bring in at least 50 percent less revenue than top members of a sales management team, which translates to a great deal of lost sales.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Similarly, the selection, retention and training of salespeople and other employees could make or break a company and should not be taken lightly. Mismanaging human capital can hold companies back - especially during unfavorable circumstances such as the current economic climate, when unemployment rates are high.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Failure to put together a comprehensive business marketing plan can be another stumbling block for new entrepreneurs, as it can lead to advertising capital being wasted on soliciting an inappropriate demographic, draining the company&amp;#39;s budget without achieving significant positive results.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Lastly, communication should be the name of the game for small businesses just starting out. Owners should communicate with investors, employees and each other, and the company should also ensure that its offerings are accurately and adequately expressed to its customer base.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;As Keith Camhi, co-owner of Great Play - a Stamford, Connecticut-based fitness gym for kids - told Fox Business, &amp;quot;It is not sufficient to have a great offering. You have to go out and get people to come through the doors and experience it.&amp;quot;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Five+pitfalls+that+could+result+in+small+business+failure+/800673561/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:09:25 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Five pitfalls that could result in small business failure </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>Crafting a business plan prior to applying for a loan is likely to go a long way when it comes to being approved, according to the Globe &amp;amp; Mail.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;You want to impress your potential loan institution,&amp;quot; advised Bruce Hurst, a partner of Reid Hurst Nagy, a Canadian general accounting firm based in Richmond, British Columbia. He told the news source that entrepreneurs should make sure their business plans thoroughly address finance, marketing and product development.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Cathy Pin, vice president of commercial banking at BMO Bank of Montreal, offered a banker&amp;#39;s perspective.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;Bankers are looking for an understanding of what kind of equity is invested in the business,&amp;quot; she told the news source. &amp;quot;Building equity is about having enough capital to absorb a loss for any kind of change. It also demonstrates your commitment.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Once a loan has been secured, the financial institution will be regularly checking up on the small business&amp;#39; progress. Because of this, it&amp;#39;s important to keep up-to-date, comprehensive financial records, according to the Christian Science Monitor. &amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Securing+a+small+business+loan+/800631239/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:11:53 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Securing a small business loan </title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>Prospective entrepreneurs looking to start their own enterprises should be aware that record-keeping is a very important component of small business success, according to the Christian Science Monitor.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&amp;quot;The IRS expects even the smallest of businesses to document deductible expenses and support all items reported on tax returns,&amp;quot; the news source notes. In addition to the IRS, banks that provide small business loans will be regularly checking up on their customers&amp;#39; progress.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Entrepreneurs can take several courses of action to ensure their records are adequate and up-to-date. These include establishing a separate checking account for the company from which all business-related expenses are paid, and keeping careful track of all receipts and expense documentation. Leveraging accounting software can help expedite the process.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Small business owners are also advised not to immediately hand over money management duties to employees, as this may lead to fraud. Delegation of these responsibilities can be carried out further down the line, provided an adequate system of checks and balances is in place.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In a recent Huffington Post article, Nelson Davis of the The Making It Institute for the Advancement of Small Business noted that distributing startup funds correctly is another key component to small enterprise success. &amp;nbsp;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Keeping+accurate+financial+records+is+critical+for+small+businesses/800626651/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:49:22 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Keeping accurate financial records is critical for small businesses</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>Exposing children and young learners to the art world can be a learning experience for everyone. Printmaking can spark a child&amp;rsquo;s interest in art and is easy to do with a large group. Often overlooked in art classes, printmaking is an artistic process by which a number of different elements are used to create multiple and unique versions of a single piece of artwork. Printmaking processes include silk screening, made famous by the Pop artist Andy Warhol. Relief printing, lithography, serigraphy, and intaglio are also included in the printmaking genre. Simple, kid-friendly projects are available and most supplies are easily found in fine arts and crafts stores and supermarkets. Imagination is required; children can explore the world around them and incorporate many different elements into their projects to make that unique and creative!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What You&amp;rsquo;ll Need &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;There are many different materials that can be used in printmaking, and each specific project has its own required materials. Textured objects, including wood, leaves, and sandpaper are typically incorporated into print making because they give the artwork a naturalistic quality that comes through beautifully. As with any messy art project, children should use aprons, old shirts, or other coverings to protect their clothing and newspaper or plastic should be used to cover the floor around the area in which the arts projects are being done. If possible, choose an area with linoleum flooring, it is the easiest to clean. The following items are typically used in most print making projects:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Ink or paint, depending on the specific instructions of your project&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;A printable surface, construction paper, fabric, and newsprint can all be used and each creates a different artistic effect on the end project&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Sponges can be used for creating different shapes, applying paint/inks, and provide another textural element to the artwork&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Small paint rollers are a great tool to incorporate; they apply media evenly and are easy for young children to use.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;A flat and even surface is needed to apply pressure to the prints, use a medium sized slab of Plexiglas or a heavy cookie sheet&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;Children should be reminded that printmaking is a creative project; there is no right or wrong way for a project to look. Print making can be challenging, by encouraging creativity and exploration, young children can walk away with a feeling of accomplishment and be proud of their artwork, even if it does not turn out the way they imagined; encouragement is the key to cultivating artistic creativity and appreciation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Print Making Can Be a Relief!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The method of relief printing uses raised surfaces to create special effects. Budding artists can draw or trace a picture onto a material that can be cut. After the image has been drawn/traced, the white space around the drawing can be cut away. Materials commonly used to make printing plates include Styrofoam, plastic, and wood. A paint roller can then be used to spread the media on the plate. Place the plate, ink-side down, on the printable surface, then evenly apply pressure and allow the media to dry. If using flimsier materials, consider laying the plate of materials on a flat surface, cover with the printable surface, and gently rub with a crayon or colored pencil, the textures will appear darker or lighter depending on the amount of pressure that is applied.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.moma.org/interactives/projects/2001/whatisaprint/print.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;What Is a Print?-&lt;/a&gt; Before you and your children start popping out prints, get a better understanding of the different method of printmaking that are available.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.babble.com/kid/four-green-crafts-for-spring/spring-flower-stamping-with-corks/" rel="nofollow"&gt;Flower stamping project&lt;/a&gt;- This project uses corks to apply the media to the printable surface for a fun springtime art project.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://whipup.net/2006/09/18/veggie-prints/" rel="nofollow"&gt;Veggie Prints-&lt;/a&gt; A great starting project for young artists, this project uses fruits and vegetables to give the project a unique organic feel.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://kids.creativity-portal.com/d/projects/printmaking/" rel="nofollow"&gt;Make Your Own Rubber Stamp&lt;/a&gt;- Young artists will gain a better understanding of printmaking and relief art when they are able to make their own stamp, which can then be applied in an activity on relief printmaking.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Incredible Intaglio!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The Intaglio print making process is done by cutting away at a surface. Plexiglas is commonly used in these projects. Artists carve lines and patterns into the surface with a burin, a v-shaped tool. Then ink/paint is lightly poured over the surface. After cleaning away excess media, leaving only the ink/pain that has sunk into the carved spaces, the printable surface is laid over the carved plate and pressure is applied. The printable surface, typically paper is used in intaglio projects, is pushed into the carved spaces and absorbs the ink/paint. This print making method is the basis for the etching method, which uses acid to manipulate a metal printing plate.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.make-stuff.com/projects/styro_printing.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Styrofoam Printing-&lt;/a&gt; A beginner project, Styrofoam is used as the plate.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.unitednow.com/projects/displayproject.asp?txtProjNbr=02" rel="nofollow"&gt;Soft-Kut Block Printing-&lt;/a&gt; This step-by-step art project is classroom friendly, great for a larger group. Block printing is a great way to teach young artists about relief printing and shapes in one easy lesson!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Serious Serigraphy!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Serigraphy is a type of silk screening and is much easier than it sounds. This method uses stencils, usually plastic or metal material with designs cut away. The media is applied to a bottom surface with a stencil layered on top of it, and then a third layer, the printable surface, is placed on top of that. Then pressure is applied to force the media through the stencil and onto the printable surface. In silk screening, silk is stretched tightly onto a wooden frame with a stencil adhered to it. Then force is applied to move the ink/paint through onto the material below. This is a great project to incorporate into a lesson on modern or Pop art.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://faculty.maryvillecollege.edu/theprint/lesson.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Fine Art Print-&lt;/a&gt; Lessons and activities for beginning, intermediate, and advanced artists.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.allcrafts.net/f.php?url=www.imagitek.com/xmas/crafts/silk.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Silk Screen Cards-&lt;/a&gt; Learn how to make a unique silk screen card for the holidays.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Silk-Screen/" rel="nofollow"&gt;DYI Silk Screen T-shirts-&lt;/a&gt; Advanced artists can learn how to make their own silk screen t-shirts with this easy to follow lesson with pictures showing the silk screening process.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Magnificent Monoprinting!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Monoprinting, as the word describes, is a method of print making that results in only one unique image. Artists can not recreate multiple copies of the artwork; instead, it is a one time deal. Similar to relief printing, monoprinting includes collage art. Traceable materials are laid flat, then a printable surface is placed on top, and then drawn on, transferring the media to the printable surface through the application of pressure. Monoprints have also been shown to include typography or type.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.childcarequarterly.com/spring04_story2a.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Art Through the Ages-&lt;/a&gt; This informative article and projects are great for a variety of audiences, including toddler and preschool aged children.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/Teachers/jean-print.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Printmaking Challenge-&lt;/a&gt; A lesson plan with step-by-step directions for teaching young students about monoprinting. This project targets intermediate learners.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.carearts.org/lessons/printmaking.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Easy Printmaking-&lt;/a&gt; A simple printmaking activity for young children to explore shapes and textures.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lasting Lithography&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Also called planography, lithography is a bit more challenging than the previous methods. Working with the fact that grease and water do not mix, lithography uses flat stone or metal plates as bases. Media, such as crayons or pencil are used to draw a pattern on the stone or metal surface. Then, water and printing ink are added. The greasiness of the crayon or pencil helps to absorb the grease from the ink, separating it from the water. These projects are great to incorporate both principles of science and art! More advanced lithography projects use acid to stop the ink from settling in unwanted places.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-art-activities/drawing/40237.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Candle-Wax Painting&lt;/a&gt;- This project uses the greasiness of the candle wax and the watercolor paint to make a lithograph artwork.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3436/" rel="nofollow"&gt;ArtEdge-&lt;/a&gt; An advanced printmaking lesson that focuses on Japanese culture and the important role of printmaking.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.haringkids.com/lessons/envs/live/htdocs/lesson50.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Pop Shop Printing-&lt;/a&gt; Intermediate to advanced printmakers will appreciate this activity and walk away with a one of a kind t-shirt.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Printmaking is a versatile art form that allows students to explore different media and techniques. Art education would not be complete without these age old print making processes that continue to be popular today. From beginning art students, to young artists interesting in learning more about the Pop art techniques of lithography and serigraphy, printmaking will be a valuable edition to your young artist&amp;rsquo;s experience and portfolio.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Tag Cloud for Promotional Products&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/14Oz+Speckled+Bistro+Ceramic+Mug/34813/Default.aspx"&gt;die cut bag&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Round+Pencil+2+Lead/28710/Default.aspx"&gt;bic pivo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Widebody+Pen/30788/Default.aspx"&gt;bic tri stic&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Custom+Desk+Coaster/40947/Default.aspx"&gt;cpr posters&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Sunglass+Visor+Clip-Translucent/34047/Default.aspx"&gt;sticky notes custom&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Delane+Comfort+Grip+Pen/42632/Default.aspx"&gt;daily timesheets&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Pens-Pencils/3/Default.aspx"&gt;business name pens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Medallion+Watch-Womens+Bracelet/32178/Default.aspx"&gt;marble memo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/9X13+Plastic+Die+Cut+Bags/40604/Default.aspx"&gt;oz mug&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Positive+Inspirations+Cal+Monthly/41214/Default.aspx"&gt;poem about service&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Purchase+Order+Ncr+3+Part+85+X+11/33407/Default.aspx"&gt;ncr 4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Enterprise+Mug+15+Oz+White/40775/Default.aspx"&gt;white ceramic mug&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/North+American+Wildlife+Wall+Cal/36546/Default.aspx"&gt;american wall calendar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/22+Oz+Aluminum+Water+Bottle/40949/Default.aspx"&gt;aluminum water bottle&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Poem+Card+Service+Award/41116/Default.aspx"&gt;accent highlighter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Round+Pencil+2+Lead/28710/Default.aspx"&gt;bic pivo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Enterprise+Mug+15+Oz+White/40775/Default.aspx"&gt;white ceramic mug&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/"&gt;business custom gift&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Gift+Cards/1767/Default.aspx"&gt;imprinted gel pen&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Clic+Stic+Pen/12820/Default.aspx"&gt;bic clic stic&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Recycled+Stick+Pens/41254/Default.aspx"&gt;puzzle lapel pin&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Teamwork/1652/Default.aspx"&gt;teamwork pins&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Widebody+Pen/30788/Default.aspx"&gt;bic wide body&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Clic+Stic+Color+Grip+Pen/32430/Default.aspx"&gt;grip pen&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; 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- &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Custom-T-Shirts-Sweat-Shirts/59/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional tee shirt&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:18px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Wall+Calendars/109/Default.aspx"&gt;business wall calendar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/24Oz+Bullet+Stainless+Water+Bottle/40953/Default.aspx"&gt;24 oz bottle&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Unbreakable+Dress+Comb/34167/Default.aspx"&gt;screen sweep&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Triangle+Compass+Key+Chain/41708/Default.aspx"&gt;titliest nxt&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Pint+Sized+Printing+An+Arts+and+Crafts+Printing+Guide+For+Children/6827/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Pint Sized Printing: An Arts and Crafts Printing Guide For Children</title>

    </item>

    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>It is believed that poetry pre-dates literacy, with the earliest poems being memorized and either spoken or sung. Poetry has been around since ancient Greek times and was designed as a way to help remember history and retell events. The oldest poems are records of cultural information of their era. With the development of literacy, poetry became much more personal and more lyrical. Today's most famous poets are singer-songwriters and rappers. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Famous Poets &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/hughes/hughes.htm"&gt;Langston Hughes&lt;/a&gt; - This website produced by the University of Illinois' Department of English features a wealth of information on this modern American poet. Explanations and criticisms of many of his poems are included.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/angelou/poems-ma.html"&gt;Maya Angelou&lt;/a&gt;- Produced by the University at Buffalo, this website explores a variety of poems by Maya Angelou. Many of her best representative works have been published here.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.internal.org/Edgar_Allen_Poe"&gt;Edgar Allen Poe&lt;/a&gt; - This website features a short biography of Edgar Allen Poe and reprints of some of his best poems. Poe's little-known poetry is published here.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.mith2.umd.edu/WomensStudies/ReadingRoom/Poetry/Dickinson/"&gt;Emily Dickinson&lt;/a&gt; - This website lists many of Emily Dickinson's poems in alphabetical order. Clicking on the title of the poem will display the entire poem.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html"&gt;Shel Silverstein&lt;/a&gt;- The poet's official website gives a biography of Silverstein and lists much of his work. It also has sections specifically for teachers, parents, and children.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/browningov.html"&gt;Elizabeth Barrett Browning&lt;/a&gt; - Sponsored by The Victorian Web, this site features all kinds of information on the poet, including biography, themes, her history, characterization, and of course, her poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://englishhistory.net/byron/poetry.html"&gt;Lord Byron&lt;/a&gt; - This website features a representative sample of Lord Byron's poetry. Poems listed here include "Prometheus" and "Fare Thee Well."&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.gvsu.edu/english/cummings/issue9/Alfand9.htm"&gt;E.E. Cummings&lt;/a&gt;- This website explores the concepts of voice and silence in cummings' poetry. It examines a few specific poems in reference to silence and voice expressed in them.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/whitman/"&gt;Walt Whitman&lt;/a&gt;- Sponsored by the Library of Congress, this website provides access to four of Whitman's once lost notebooks. It also features some of his most famous essays.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.sylviaplath.de/"&gt;Sylvia Plath&lt;/a&gt;- This website dedicated to Plath features information on her life, samples of many of her essays and poems, and critical articles on her work.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Types of Poetry&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/harrisms/haiku.htm"&gt;Haiku&lt;/a&gt; - Produced by Harris Middle School, this website explains what a haiku is and how it is written. It gives the reader a chance to create his or her own haiku.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://library.thinkquest.org/3721/poems/forms/ballad.html"&gt;Ballad&lt;/a&gt; - This website provides a detailed explanation of what a ballad is and how to write one. Links to other sites about ballads are also provided.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.sonnets.org/"&gt;Sonnet&lt;/a&gt; - This website presents an archive of English and Canadian sonnets. Sonnets may be explored via author alphabetically.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_31_14.html"&gt;Free Verse&lt;/a&gt;- This website explains how free verse is written and its purpose. Examples of free verse are provided.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.uni.edu/~gotera/CraftOfPoetry/blankverse.html"&gt;Blank Verse&lt;/a&gt; - Produced by the University of Northern Iowa, this website explains the concept of blank verse in detail. It offers information on how to write blank verse and examples.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.dltk-holidays.com/patrick/m-limerick.htm"&gt;Limerick&lt;/a&gt;- This website which is primarily directed at teachers and students explains what a limerick is. Activities on writing limericks are included.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.webexhibits.org/poetry/explore_classic_ode_background.html"&gt;Ode&lt;/a&gt;- This website explores the history of the ode, from ancient Greek times until modern day. Examples of poets who wrote odes are offered.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.blackcatpoems.com/n/narrative_poems.html"&gt;Narrative&lt;/a&gt; - This website presents a long list of narrative poems by a variety of authors. Clicking on each link will take the reader directly to the narrative poem.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.k-state.edu/english/baker/english320/cc-dramatic_monologue.htm"&gt;Dramatic monologue&lt;/a&gt;- Produced by the English department at Kansas State University, this site explains in detail the literary concept of the dramatic monologue. Examples are provided, as well as a dramatic monologue game in which readers identify the situation and what the speaker wants in a given dramatic monologue.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.writing-world.com/poetry/villanelle.shtml"&gt;Villanelle&lt;/a&gt;- This site explains the villanelle in great detail. It explores how a villanelle is written and provides examples. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Poetry Collection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://poetry.eserver.org/"&gt;e-server Poetry Collection&lt;/a&gt; - This extensive database provides a variety of poems of various kinds. Popular poets such as T.S. Eliot, William Blake and William Wordsworth are represented.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.emule.com/poetry/"&gt;eMule Poetry Archives&lt;/a&gt; - This database contains 5048 classical poems by 153 classical poets. Those represented include Robert Frost, Sara Teasdale and John Keats.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://poetryintranslation.com/"&gt;Poetry in Translation&lt;/a&gt; - This site presents a poetry archive of the poet A.S. Kline and other Chinese and English poets. The site is organized by type of poem, title of poem, and whether it's offered in Chinese or English.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.spl.org.uk/"&gt;Scottish Poetry Library&lt;/a&gt; - This site presents a variety of Scottish poets, with a database searchable by last name. Clicking on the poet's name will bring up many of his or her poems.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://repo2.lib.virginia.edu/cocoon/fedora/tei/getDynamicResults.html?style=http://text.lib.virginia.edu/xsl/tei/tei.xsl&amp;amp;behav=getResults&amp;amp;all-any=all&amp;amp;scope=CH-EnglPoetry&amp;amp;snum=25&amp;amp;submit=submit/"&gt;University of Virginia English Poetry Database&lt;/a&gt; - This digital database from the University of Virginia Library offers an abundance of poets and works which can be accessed online.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/poemsHome.do"&gt;The Poems: Poetry Archive&lt;/a&gt; - This website features a database which can be browsed by poet's last name and one which can be browsed by the title of the poem.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/59"&gt;The Poems: Poets.org&lt;/a&gt; -Sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, this site offers thousands of poems by American poets categorized by title, first line, or author's last name.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://capa.conncoll.edu/"&gt;Contemporary American Poetry Archive&lt;/a&gt; - This extensive online archive of American poems is categorized alphabetically by author's last name. It features many poems which are out of print.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/"&gt;First World War Poetry Digital Archive&lt;/a&gt; - This site presents poetry from the time of World War I organized by poet. Many of these poems are hard to find elsewhere.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/dykki/poetry/"&gt;The Internet Poetry Archive&lt;/a&gt; - Sponsored by the University of North Carolina Press and the North Carolina Arts Council, this site presents poetry by a variety of contemporary poets from around the world.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Teacher Resources &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.kristinegeorge.com/"&gt;Celebrate Children's Poetry&lt;/a&gt; - The website of children's poet Kristine O'Connell George, this site offers some of her poems, teacher's guides and information for students on her various poetry books and her inspiration.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/"&gt;Poetry 180 - A Poem a Day for American High Schools&lt;/a&gt; - Presented by the Library of Congress, this site by former Poet Laureate Billy Collins offers a different poem for every school day of the year. It is targeted at high school students and teachers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.favoritepoem.org/"&gt;Favorite Poem Project&lt;/a&gt; - This project showcases a variety of Americans reading poems they love.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.english.emory.edu/classes/Handbook/Handbook.html"&gt;Handbook of Terms for Discussing Poetry&lt;/a&gt; - Compiled by students and teachers at Emory University, this site features a glossary of poetic terms, directed mainly at high school and post-secondary students.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/index.htm"&gt;Modern American Poetry &lt;/a&gt;- This website by the University of Illinois presents a variety of modern American poets and their poetry. Information for teachers and course syllabi for using the site is included.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poetryclass.net/"&gt;Poetry Class&lt;/a&gt; - This website by The Poetry Society includes poetry lessons for teachers to use in teaching poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/foolingwithwords/"&gt;Fooling With Words&lt;/a&gt; - This website by PBS.org features a teacher's guide and lesson plans on contemporary poets and their poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.lessonplanet.com/directory/Language_Arts/Poetry"&gt;Lesson Planet - Poetry&lt;/a&gt; - This website presents over 5500 lesson plans to teach poetry for teachers to use at various levels from kindergarten to high school.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.bornmagazine.org/projects/storyproblem/sproblem.html"&gt;Story Problem&lt;/a&gt; - This website which requires Adobe Shockwave to work presents an interactive adaptation of a poem. Readers control the rhythm, melody, volume and other poetic elements simply by moving their mouse.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.gigglepoetry.com/"&gt;Giggle Poetry&lt;/a&gt; - Targeted primarily at elementary and middle-school students, this website presents funny poems for them to read and rate. Poetic word games and learning activities are also included.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Poetry Reference Resources&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://quod.lib.umich.edu/a/amverse/"&gt;American Verse Project &lt;/a&gt; - Sponsored by the University of Michigan Humanities Text Initiative, this site allows users to search American poems prior to 1920 using word searches and word index.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://epc.buffalo.edu/"&gt;Electronic Poetry Center&lt;/a&gt; - Sponsored by the University of Buffalo, this site presents a variety of electronic information and links to be used by poets and those studying poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/poets/"&gt;Gale Resources &lt;/a&gt;- This site provides free resources for poets and those studying poetry. These include activities, poems, a time line and a quiz.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.writeexpress.com/online2.html"&gt;Online Rhyming Dictionary&lt;/a&gt; - This is a unique online rhyming dictionary, in which the user simply types in a word and determines what kind of rhyme he or she wants to find (end rhyme, beginning rhyme, etc.) and a variety of rhyming words are displayed.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/"&gt;Poet's Corner&lt;/a&gt; - This site provides a vast resource of poetic information, including poems listed by subject index, biographies of poets and some poets' favorite poems.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/display/index.cfm"&gt;Representative Poetry Online&lt;/a&gt; - This site by the University of Toronto Dept. of English presents poems by title, first line, keyword, time line, glossary and more for those studying poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.rhymezone.com/"&gt;Rhyme Zone&lt;/a&gt; - This is another rhyming site in which the user types in a word and a rhyming word is produced.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poetrytranslation.org/"&gt;Poetry Translation Centre &lt;/a&gt;- This website presents poems in their traditional language and translates them into 20 different languages.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poeticbyway.com/glossary.html"&gt;Glossary of Poetic Terms&lt;/a&gt; - This site presents a vast glossary of poetic terms, each featuring examples. The glossary is organized as a searchable database.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/044106.html"&gt;Against National Poetry Month as Such&lt;/a&gt; - This satirical website by poet Charles Bernstein presents a humorous essay on why National Poetry Month is a bad idea. It provides a brief amusing reprieve for those studying poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Poetry &amp;amp; Literary Organizations&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poets.org/"&gt;Academy of American Poets&lt;/a&gt; - This website represents the Academy of American Poets which has been active since 1934. It is an organization that supports American poets and provides programs and recognition for contemporary American poets.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.awpwriter.org/"&gt;The Association of Writers and Writing Programs&lt;/a&gt; - This organization, which was established in 1967, provides writing programs around the world at over 500 colleges and universities.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.lannan.org/"&gt;Lannan Foundation&lt;/a&gt; - This organization promotes cultural diversity and freedom in literary works. It also gives awards and fellowships to writers and poets.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.pw.org/"&gt;Poets &amp;amp; Writers&lt;/a&gt; - This organization is the largest non-profit organization in the United States serving poets and writers. Established in 1970, its goal is to help connect writers with tools, conferences, and to network with each other.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poetrysociety.org/psa/"&gt;Poetry Society of America&lt;/a&gt; - The oldest poetry organization in the United States, the Poetry Society of America is designed to help people enjoy and understand poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poetshouse.org/"&gt;Poet's House&lt;/a&gt; - A national poetry library and literary center in New York City, Poet's House provides poetry resources, readings, and stimulates discussion on modern poetry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.poetrytherapy.org/"&gt;National Association for Poetry Therapy &lt;/a&gt;- This organization promotes growth and healing through poetry, working in the mental health, geriatric, educational and community settings.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.eliterature.org/"&gt;Electronic Literature Organization&lt;/a&gt; - This organization promotes the writing, publishing and reading of literature through electronic media.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://artistsandwritersallianceinternationale.org/default.aspx"&gt;Artists &amp;amp; Writers Alliance Internationale&lt;/a&gt; - This organization facilitates the collaboration of artists, writers and other artists around the world.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.nationalpoetryfoundation.org/"&gt;National Poetry Foundation &lt;/a&gt;- Established in 1971, this organization fosters modern and contemporary poetry and poets. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Promotional Products - Tag Cloud&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/American+Pride/86/Default.aspx"&gt;advertising labels&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Clic+Stic+Color+Grip+Pen/32430/Default.aspx"&gt;bic grip&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Antique+Metal+Bent+Fork+Divot+Tool/41056/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional duffle bag&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Health+Care+And+Medical/95/Default.aspx"&gt;medical promotional product&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/I+Make+A+Difference+Poem+Card/PGQ3294/Default.aspx"&gt;difference poem&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Pivo+Twist+Action+Pen/39920/Default.aspx"&gt;pencils with logo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Breast+Cancer+Awareness+Merchandise/615/Default.aspx"&gt;brand name promotional products&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Papermate+Visibility+Pen/34818/Default.aspx"&gt;papermate spirit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Carabiner+Calculator/35435/Default.aspx"&gt;custom printed calculator&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:14px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Absentee+Report/08360/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional plastic bags&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Technology/1670/Default.aspx"&gt;teamwork promotional items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Nurses+Pink-Black/1599/Default.aspx"&gt;blue lunch&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Volunteer+Lapel+Pin/PGQ3209/Default.aspx"&gt;volunteer lapel pin&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bellgrade+Cap+Pen/42767/Default.aspx"&gt;gum cinnamon&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/T+Shirts+And+Sweat+Shirts/59/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional products t shirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Caps+And+Hats/60/Default.aspx"&gt;pocket wall calendars&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Personalized+10+Year+Award+Pin/PGQ2817/Default.aspx"&gt;personalized pin&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/"&gt;gifts business card holder&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/The+Key+To+Success+Poem+Card/PGQ3284/Default.aspx"&gt;pen gift boxes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Holiday+Bow+Memo+Refill/40836/Default.aspx"&gt;clear pens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Employer+Record+Keeping/241/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional lanyards&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Technology/1670/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional items usb&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Counterbalance+Monthly+Planner/34327/Default.aspx"&gt;monthly planner personalized&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Technology/1670/Default.aspx"&gt;teamwork promotional items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Ncr+Absentee+Late+Report/31885/Default.aspx"&gt;car wall calendar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Laser+Flip+Top+Mirror/35488/Default.aspx"&gt;engraved mirrors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Attendance/112/Default.aspx"&gt;t shirts promotional&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:14px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Golf+Items/53/Default.aspx"&gt;golf items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Carabiner+Highlighter/35068/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional highlighter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:15px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Employer+Record+Keeping/241/Default.aspx"&gt;employment record keeping&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Prestige+Pen/35382/Default.aspx"&gt;inspirations calendar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Automotive/89/Default.aspx"&gt;auto key tag&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:18px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Gift+Sets/1516/Default.aspx"&gt;pen sets&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Beechies+Gum+-+Cinnamon/35467/Default.aspx"&gt;cinnamon gum&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Pewter+Pins/367/Default.aspx"&gt;stainless water bottles&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Poets+Paradise+A+Collection+of+Helpful+Resources/6820/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:32:00 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Poet's Paradise: A Collection of Helpful Resources</title>

    </item>

    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>In the world of desktop publishing, access to the latest techniques is essential. Desktop publishing businesses also need to have reliable sources for fonts, typographic services and clip art. Here is a collection of resources no desktop publishing professional should be without.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Software&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/publisher/default.aspx"&gt;Microsoft Office Publisher&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/pagemaker/"&gt;Adobe PageMaker&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/indesign/"&gt;Adobe InDesign&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/framemaker/"&gt;Adobe FrameMaker&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1191272117978"&gt;CorelDRAW&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1152105061811"&gt;Corel Ventura&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://8.quark.com/"&gt;QuarkXPress&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.serif.com/"&gt;Serif PagePlus&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.istudiopublisher.com/"&gt;iStudio Publisher&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Tips And Resources&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/2d__and__photoshop"&gt;Computer Arts&lt;/a&gt;: The tutorials section for one of the world's largest design and desktop publishing magazines.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.lynda.com/?AWKeyword=Tutorials&amp;amp;gclid=CJ7Bl6DUjaECFWde4wod0SqchQ"&gt;Lynda.com Training&lt;/a&gt;: One of the leading providers of online desktop publishing tutorials and training courses.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.creativepro.com/articles/topic/print/design-layout"&gt;CreativePro&lt;/a&gt;: Website for creative professionals with a large tutorial section on print design and layout.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.vtc.com/graphics.htm"&gt;VTC&lt;/a&gt;: Provider of comprehensive creative software training, with free video lessons available on their site.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.designertoday.com/Tutorials/InDesign.aspx"&gt;Designer Today&lt;/a&gt;: Large selection of tutorials for Adobe InDesign.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://internetbrothers.com/desktoppub.htm"&gt;Desktop Publishing Tips and Tutorials&lt;/a&gt;: Resources and tutorials for those interested in desktop publishing.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.layersmagazine.com/category/tutorials/indesign"&gt;Layers Magazine&lt;/a&gt;: Website of the graphics and design magazine, with wide selection of tutorials for Adobe InDesign.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.designtalkboard.com/"&gt;Design Talkboard&lt;/a&gt;: A design website featuring tutorials, listings, reviews, and other resources for desktop publishing.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.senecadesign.com/designgeek/"&gt;DesignGeek Central&lt;/a&gt;: Home of DesignGeek ezine, with lots of advice for desktop publishing professionals.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/documents/desktop_publishing/"&gt;Guide to Desktop Publishing&lt;/a&gt;: Tutorial on layout and design elements of desktop publishing.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.bamagazine.com/"&gt;Before &amp;amp; After&lt;/a&gt;: Graphic design magazine with tutorials and tips on style and layout.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.desktoppublishing.com/tips.html"&gt;Desktop Publishing Tips&lt;/a&gt;: Comprehensive collection of tips and techniques for all the major desktop publishing software.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.graphic-design.com/"&gt;Graphic Design &amp;amp; Publishing Center&lt;/a&gt;: News, reviews and tips for the world of design, layout and publishing.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.designdump.com/"&gt;Design Dump&lt;/a&gt;: Graphic design and layout resource for professional designers.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.peachpit.com/topics/topic.aspx?st=61437"&gt;Peachpit Press&lt;/a&gt;: A leading publisher of training materials for creative professionals, with large article and tutorial sections.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.jumpola.com/"&gt;The Designer's Jumpola&lt;/a&gt;: A comprehensive collection of links for all aspects of desktop publishing.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/inside/computer_resources/manual/printing/tips.htm"&gt;Special Printing Issues for Desktop Publishing Applications&lt;/a&gt;: Outlines printing issues and quirks of some desktop publishing software programs.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://nashlinks.com/dtp.htm"&gt;Desktop Publishing Tips&lt;/a&gt;: Contains advice on how to make desktop publishing stress-free.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Fonts&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.adobe.com/type/index.html"&gt;Adobe Fonts&lt;/a&gt;: One of world's largest suppliers of fonts and typefaces.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.fontshop.com/fonts/foundry/"&gt;Fontshop&lt;/a&gt;: Provides a search engine to find fonts from major vendors and independents.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.p22.com/"&gt;P22 Online&lt;/a&gt;: Font foundry which creates fonts inspired by Art, History and Science.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.linotype.com/"&gt;Linotype&lt;/a&gt;: A leading online portal for fonts and type.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.emigre.com/"&gt;Emigre&lt;/a&gt;: Font foundry with a Modernist slant.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.fontsearchengine.com/"&gt;Font Search Engine&lt;/a&gt;: A simple search engine that collates results from all the leading font websites.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.delvefonts.com/design_services.html"&gt;Delve Fonts&lt;/a&gt;: Provider of a complete customizable typeface library.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.boutrosfonts.com/"&gt;Boutros&lt;/a&gt;: Resource for Arabic typography and fonts.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.aptaracorp.com/index.php?/solutions/typographic-services-art-of-printing.html"&gt;Aptara&lt;/a&gt;: An online supplier of typographic services.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.gateseven.net/typography-services.html"&gt;Gateseven&lt;/a&gt;: A typography development company.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.tekntype.com/TNTServices.htm"&gt;Tekntype&lt;/a&gt;: A provider of typography services and custom font and art creation.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.typotheque.com/fonts/consulting"&gt;Typotheque&lt;/a&gt;: Font foundry that also provides a typography consultation service.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.dmargulis.com/typography.asp"&gt;Dick Margulis&lt;/a&gt;: A website providing typography services.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Clip Art&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/FX101321031033.aspx"&gt;Microsoft Office Online&lt;/a&gt;: A massive collection of commercial clip art and stock photographs.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php"&gt;iStockphoto&lt;/a&gt;: Online portal for royalty-free stock photography. Subscription plans are available or buy single images.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.qesign.com/partnership/professional-clipart-3d-images-illustrations-icons.shtml"&gt;Qesign&lt;/a&gt;: A premium subscription professional clip art and graphic illustration site.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/index.php?stock=photos"&gt;Dreamstime&lt;/a&gt;: A searchable database of stock images and illustrations.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.jupiterimages.com/"&gt;Jupiter Images&lt;/a&gt;: Royalty-free and rights-managed images available to download or order on CD.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.proclipart.com/"&gt;Pro ClipArt&lt;/a&gt;: Clip art and other graphic resources accessed by a monthly subscription.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.canstockphoto.com/"&gt;Can Stock Photo&lt;/a&gt;: Over two million stock images available to buy individually.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.graphicsfactory.com/"&gt;Graphics Factory&lt;/a&gt;: A download site with over one million clip art images available for commercial use.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.nvtech.com/"&gt;NVTech&lt;/a&gt;: A comprehensive series of clip art collections available on CD and to download.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.clipart.com/en/"&gt;Clipart&lt;/a&gt;: One of the biggest subscription clip art websites, with a catalog of over 10 million images.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.bygones.com/"&gt;Bygone Designs&lt;/a&gt;: A clip art resource focused on vintage imagery and Americana.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.clipartconnection.com/en/"&gt;Clipart Connection&lt;/a&gt;: A subscription clip art online store, with free samples to download.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Promotional Products - Tag Cloud&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Carabiner+Calculator/35435/Default.aspx"&gt;butter mints&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Step-By-Step+Warning/40037/Default.aspx"&gt;guy pen&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Colorama+Rainbow+Pencil/30828/Default.aspx"&gt;choking sign&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Technology/1670/Default.aspx"&gt;customized usb flash drives&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Poem+Cards/1553/Default.aspx"&gt;weekly pocket planners&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Round+Stic+Ice/33879/Default.aspx"&gt;bic round stic&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Vinyl+Badge+Pouch+2+1-2+X+4/41540/Default.aspx"&gt;very important piece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Nurses+Lunch+Sacks/1597/Default.aspx"&gt;blue nurses&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Round+Stic+Ice/33879/Default.aspx"&gt;round pencils&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Beauty+Appointment+Cards/33453/Default.aspx"&gt;success posters&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Business+Supplies/227/Default.aspx"&gt;hr supplies&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:15px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Attendance/112/Default.aspx"&gt;employee attendance forms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/2011+Attendance+Calendar+Form+25-Pk/40161-1/Default.aspx"&gt;Business Cards 25PK&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Nurses+Bags-Totes/646/Default.aspx"&gt;nurse tote bag&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/American+Pride/86/Default.aspx"&gt;patriotic promotional items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Delane+Pen+And+Key+Tag+Gift+Set/42434/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional gift item&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Service+Awards/1552/Default.aspx"&gt;employee separation forms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/"&gt;promotional items printing&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Plastic+Pens/15/Default.aspx"&gt;pewter pins&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Religious+Planners/43/Default.aspx"&gt;inspirational promotional items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Medical+Information+File/30242/Default.aspx"&gt;confidential medical records&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Wyoming/179/Default.aspx"&gt;employee warning forms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Highlighters/17/Default.aspx"&gt;highlighter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Enterprise+Mug+15+Oz+White/40775/Default.aspx"&gt;white mug&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:14px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Jerzees+100+Cotton+Pique+Shirt/34333/Default.aspx"&gt;cotton pique shirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Be+Proactive+-+Print/PGQ2460/Default.aspx"&gt;ncr repair&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Post-It+Notes/221/Default.aspx"&gt;post it pads&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Beauty+Appointment+Cards/33453/Default.aspx"&gt;appointment business cards&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Employee+Self-Appraisal+Form/09830/Default.aspx"&gt;self appraisal form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Personalized+Ceramic+Mugs/1780/Default.aspx"&gt;performance review forms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Dental/93/Default.aspx"&gt;dental promotional items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Bic+Clic+Stic+Color+Grip+Pen/32430/Default.aspx"&gt;gold pens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Academic/87/Default.aspx"&gt;academic products&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:15px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Stick+Pens/16/Default.aspx"&gt;stick pen&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Positive+Inspirations+Cal+Monthly/41214/Default.aspx"&gt;poem about service&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Desktop+Publishing+Guide/6801/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:56:00 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Desktop Publishing Guide</title>

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    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>&lt;strong&gt;Essay Writing&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.roanestate.edu/owl&amp;amp;writingcenter/OWL/Types.html"&gt;Types of Essays&lt;/a&gt;: Several types of essays with samples written by students.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo/eng1001/gettingstarted.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Getting Started on Essays&lt;/a&gt;: Nine steps to beginning an essay. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.kean.edu/%7Eroneilfi/How%20to%20write%20a%20thesis%20statement.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;What is a Thesis?&lt;/a&gt; Provides detailed instruction for creating a good thesis statement.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://projects.uwc.utexas.edu/virgil/?q=node/267" rel="nofollow"&gt;Problems&lt;/a&gt;: Explains common problems that effect clarity that can be avoided in the process of writing.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/organization.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Organization&lt;/a&gt;: Lists and describes the principles of organization.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Developing &amp;amp; Ordering Paragraphs&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://faculty.palomar.edu/lrobertson/eng10/Eng10p18-21.pdf" rel="nofollow"&gt;Paragraph Development&lt;/a&gt;: Develop a paragraph using these three basic examples.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/parafunct.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Paragraph Function&lt;/a&gt;: A list of defined terms to assist in writing a clear and specific paragraph. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.jccc.edu/home/download.php/17184/The_Paragraph.pdf" rel="nofollow"&gt;Paragraph&lt;/a&gt;: This paper from the Johnson County Community College focuses on the unity, order, and coherence of a paragraph.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/para.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Paragraph Transitions&lt;/a&gt;: Details how to transition paragraphs.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/para.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Basic Paragraph Structure&lt;/a&gt;: This concentrates on five aspects of a paragraphs structure.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Writing Clear Sentences&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex.nsf/0/e42f0742452027ba852569f5005c1c0d?opendocument" rel="nofollow"&gt;Compound Sentences&lt;/a&gt;: States four characteristics of compound sentences.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www2.gsu.edu/%7Eeslhpb/grammar/lecture_10/complex.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Complex Sentences&lt;/a&gt;: Examples of finite and non-infinite clauses.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/599/01/" rel="nofollow"&gt;Subject and Verb Agreement&lt;/a&gt;: 10 examples for creating subject and verb agreement.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/passivevoice.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Passive Voice&lt;/a&gt;: An in-depth description of the passive voice.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://mendota.english.wisc.edu/%7EWAC/page.jsp?id=132&amp;amp;c_type=categry&amp;amp;c_id=19" rel="nofollow"&gt;Common Errors&lt;/a&gt;: A checklist of 12 common errors students make in sentence structure.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Choosing and Using Words&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.uah.edu/colleges/liberal/english/shared/word_usage_guide.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Word Usage&lt;/a&gt;: A guide to common misused words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://depts.washington.edu/engl/askbetty/word_usage.php"&gt;Word Use&lt;/a&gt;: Three useful tips for choosing the right word.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.english.upenn.edu/%7Ecjacobso/gender.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Gender Neutral Language&lt;/a&gt;: A look at the history of using masculine gender as identification for neutral expressions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/AS/803.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Spelling Rules&lt;/a&gt;: Eight important rules for spelling words correctly.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/langskil/com-err.htm#slang" rel="nofollow"&gt;What to Avoid&lt;/a&gt;: Describes what types of words to avoid and how you can properly replace them. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Acknowledging Your Sources &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citation.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;What Style to Use&lt;/a&gt;: Describes fives types of citation styles and which academic discipline each one is used for.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Acknowledging_Sources.pdf" rel="nofollow"&gt;Acknowledging Sources&lt;/a&gt;: A writer s guidebook on quoting and paraphrasing.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.indiana.edu/%7Ewts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml" rel="nofollow"&gt;Plagiarism&lt;/a&gt;: How to recognize and avoid plagiarism.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill28.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Bibliography&lt;/a&gt;: Guideline to preparing annotated bibliographies.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://writing.colostate.edu/demos/mla_intext/intext2.cfm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Parenthetical Documentation&lt;/a&gt;: An explicit guide to understanding and correctly using parenthetical citations.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Literary &amp;amp; Rhetoric Terms&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Literary Vocabulary&lt;/a&gt;: A to Z definition of literary terms.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/general/glossary.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Glossary of Literary Terms&lt;/a&gt;: Dictionary of literary vocabulary.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://personal.georgiasouthern.edu/%7Edougt/goth.html"&gt;Literary Terms&lt;/a&gt;: A list of defined gothic literary words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://english.ucumberlands.edu/litcritweb/glossary.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Literary Criticism&lt;/a&gt;: Glossary of vocabulary terms affiliated with literary criticism.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://eagle.northwestu.edu/academic/education/faculty/lgarrett/GLOSSARY%20OF%20LIT%20TERMS.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Literary Terms Defined&lt;/a&gt;: 57 literary words defined. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Grammar Basics&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/%7Ejlynch/Writing/c.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Grammar&lt;/a&gt;: An extensive guide to correct grammar. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.astro.umd.edu/%7Eavondale/extra/Humor/SchoolHumor/WritingRules.html" rel="nofollow"&gt;Writing Rules&lt;/a&gt;: A list of bulleted grammar rules.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/rules/relative.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Relative Clauses&lt;/a&gt;: Explanation of relative clauses.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.meredith.edu/grammar/subject-.htm" rel="nofollow"&gt;Verb Agreement&lt;/a&gt;: An incredible verb agreement resource in outline form. &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://cms.skidmore.edu/writing" rel="nofollow"&gt;Skidmore College Guide to Grammar&lt;/a&gt;: A refresher guide&amp;nbsp;that helps writers abstain from common grammar&amp;nbsp;errors.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Tag Cloud for Promotional Products&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Pens-Pencils/3/Default.aspx"&gt;Promotional Pens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Breast+Cancer+Awareness+Merchandise/615/Default.aspx"&gt;Breast Cancer Merchandise&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Wall+Calendars/109/Default.aspx"&gt;Personalized Wall Calendars&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Bags+And+Totes/47/Default.aspx"&gt;Custom Totes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Bic+Pens/24/Default.aspx"&gt;BIC Pens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Desk+Calendars/36/Default.aspx"&gt;Desk Calendars&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Plastic+Pens/15/Default.aspx"&gt;plastic pens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:18px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Tax+Forms/68/Default.aspx"&gt;i 9 tax form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Weekly+Time+Sheet/10740/Default.aspx"&gt;volunteer lapel pins&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:15px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Employer+Record+Keeping/241/Default.aspx"&gt;employer recordkeeping&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Auto+Body+Repair+Order/33405/Default.aspx"&gt;attendance cards&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Counterbalance+Monthly+Planner/34327/Default.aspx"&gt;contractor change order&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:14px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Food+-+Drink/48/Default.aspx"&gt;custom imprinted candy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Sunglass+Visor+Clip-Translucent/34047/Default.aspx"&gt;sticky notes custom&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Overtime+Authorization+Form/11410/Default.aspx"&gt;overtime authorization&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Purchase+Order+Ncr+3+Part+85+X+11/33407/Default.aspx"&gt;ncr 4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Custom+Desk+Coaster/40947/Default.aspx"&gt;cpr posters&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Drinkware/52/Default.aspx"&gt;custom printed coffee mugs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Laser+Flip+Top+Mirror/35488/Default.aspx"&gt;top mirror&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Medical+Information+File/30242/Default.aspx"&gt;medallion watch&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:14px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Vip+Puzzle+Piece+Pin+Poem+Card/PGQ3423/Default.aspx"&gt;puzzle pin lapel&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Motivational+Tools/494/Default.aspx"&gt;motivational item&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Positive+Inspirations+Cal+Monthly/41214/Default.aspx"&gt;poem about service&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/"&gt;promotional business items&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Great+Job+Poem+Card/PGQ3293/Default.aspx"&gt;golf gift sets&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Ultimate+Screen+Sweep/36488/Default.aspx"&gt;promotion logo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Labor+Law/236/Default.aspx"&gt;alabama labor law posters&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Pilot+G2+Retractable+Pen/33389/Default.aspx"&gt;g2 pen&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Daily+Time+Sheet/10750/Default.aspx"&gt;daily sheets&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:18px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Bags+And+Totes/47/Default.aspx"&gt;custom printed tote bags&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:20px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Bic+Pens/24/Default.aspx"&gt;bicpens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Key+Tags/54/Default.aspx"&gt;jerzee shirts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Glossy+Mail+Labels+Flat/16110F/Default.aspx"&gt;postings required by the state of georgia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Triangle+Compass+Key+Chain/41708/Default.aspx"&gt;titliest nxt&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Motivational+Tools/494/Default.aspx"&gt;promotional planners&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Taper+Calculator/34949/Default.aspx"&gt;taper calculations&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:12px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Counterbalance+Monthly+Planner/34327/Default.aspx"&gt;monthly planner calendars&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Calendars/1334/Default.aspx"&gt;custom wall calendars&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:13px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Address+Books/44/Default.aspx"&gt;adress books&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Item/Counterbalance+Monthly+Planner/34327/Default.aspx"&gt;contractor change order&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; - &lt;span style="font-size:11px"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Category/Silver+-+Gold+Pins/406/Default.aspx"&gt;lapel pin star&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/The+Ultimate+Writers+Guide/6842/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:44:00 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>The Ultimate Writer's Guide</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Many employees commute to work each day, and for some the trip can be tedious. To make the travel time feel as if it will fly by, people like to listen to music or read. To brighten up your workers' commutes, it might be a wonderful idea to print up bookmarks to hand out as promotional items.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Bookmarks are a great promotional item and gift for your staff. It is possible to print up or etch your company name and logo on a thin, flexible piece of plastic. Commuters will be less likely to drop a more durable bookmark, and they will certainly value this gesture.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If money isn't an object, some employers may consider handing out leather bookmarks to staff. The company name and logo can be prominently featured at the top of the bookmark, and it may prove to be a great conversation starter. Too often, people see one another on public transport each day, yet fail to interact. An interesting promotional item, such as a bookmark, may spark dialogue, making everyone's commute a little more pleasant.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;img alt="ADNFCR-2478-ID-19687939-ADNFCR" src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/justcopyright.gif?feedid=2478&amp;itemid=19687939" /&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Promotional+bookmarks+make+great+corporate+gifts/19687939/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:18:49 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Promotional bookmarks make great corporate gifts</title>

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    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Business owners sometimes never know from where their next opportunity may arise, so it's a good idea to always be prepared with some promotional items on hand. However, what happens when entrepreneurs attend a hip, edgy event like South by Southwest (SXSW) currently taking place in Austin, Texas?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Promotional pens are an employees best friend when it comes to networking events like SXSW. Here, people are often moving around a wide range of locations over the course of a day. Clunky promotional items like promotional mugs may be a great gimmick, but a savvy entrepreneur doesn't want to be loaded down with a heavy bag particularly in a warm climate like Austin. Promotional pens, on the other hand, are lightweight and can easily slip into a potential client's pocket or purse.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;At an event that has plenty of stars milling about, promotional pens can be a handy tool to get your company name into some famous hands. For example, those attending SXSW or similar conferences may find themselves keeping company with a record label executive, social networking guru or high-profile musician. Not only can you perhaps exchange business information, but you can also offer the individual a promotional pen as a fun keepsake - and you might just get a very exciting telephone call one day.&lt;img alt="ADNFCR-2478-ID-19677171-ADNFCR" src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/justcopyright.gif?feedid=2478&amp;itemid=19677171" /&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Encourage+company+recognition+with+promotional+pens/19677171/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:36:58 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Encourage company recognition with promotional pens</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Though there are certainly standbys and favorites among promotional products, by no means has innovation ceased in the industry. The Advertising Specialty Institute's San Diego expo features hundreds of vendors showcasing the newest promotional products to members of the advertising and marketing industry.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;One company was displaying what it called &amp;quot;the world's thinnest wallet&amp;quot; - made of nylon, the wallet is said to help reduce back problems that can result from sitting on a thick wallet, the San Diego News Network reported. Another company offered a plastic grip for soda and beer cans, aimed at keeping drinks cold for longer.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The push towards green products was also represented in San Diego, with dinnerware made of bamboo. Promotional pens - the most popular promotional product - are readily available in bamboo as well.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Slinkys were also present, the news service reported, demonstrating a connection to the earlier history of promotional products.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The San Deigo Expo also featured a keynote address by motivational speaker Tony Robbins. Educational sessions focused on marketing techniques and best practices for using promotional products.&lt;img alt="ADNFCR-2478-ID-19641556-ADNFCR" src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/justcopyright.gif?feedid=2478&amp;itemid=19641556" /&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Promotional+products+on+display+at+San+Diego+expo/19641556/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:29:52 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Promotional products on display at San Diego expo</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Starting a Business</category>

      <description>Promotional products may not have as wide a reach as television or internet ads, but unlike those media, they have the potential to become parts of recipients' everyday lives. A new study shows that as a result, they may be an even more effective form of advertising than other media.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Promotional Products Association International recently published the results of research it conducted with the aid of independent research company MarketTools, based on a survey of more than 1,000 consumers who had received a promotional product in the past two years. The results show that consumers were much more likely to remember companies, brands, products or services from promotional products than from television, print and online advertising.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Of respondents, 94 percent could recall a promotional product they were given in the past two years and 89 percent could recall the advertiser. Though television commercials and other ads are often considered a nuisance, 83 percent of promotional product recipients said they liked getting them, and nearly half of respondents wanted to get them more often. Nearly 70 percent keep the products, and 60 percent reported using the promotional product several times.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Consumers made a purchase after getting a promotional product 21 percent of the time, more often than after viewing a print ad at 13 percent, a TV commercial at 7 percent, or an online ad at 5 percent.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The Advertising Specialty Institute estimates the average cost-per-impression of a promotional product at $0.004, suggesting a significant return on investment.&lt;img alt="ADNFCR-2478-ID-19638566-ADNFCR" src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/justcopyright.gif?feedid=2478&amp;itemid=19638566" /&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Customers+remember+promotional+products+better+than+any+other+advertisement/19638566/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:51:09 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Customers remember promotional products better than any other advertisement</title>

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    <item>

      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>Elvis Presley is as famous as an icon as he is a musician, with myriad items - including the famous &amp;quot;velvet Elvises&amp;quot; - emblazoned with the face and figure of the King of Rock and Roll. Scholar Greil Marcus has even written a book, Dead Elvis, about Presley's symbolic status in global culture. It is no surprise, then, that the Collingwood Elvis Festival extensively features promotional products made in the King's image.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;At its Let's Talk About Elvis forum last week, participants outlined plans and considerations for the festival to take place in July, the Collingwood Connection reported. General manager Rosemarie O'Brien shared information about the festival's licensing agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises, which handles uses of Presley's image. The Festival pays an annual $8,000 fee to EPE to ensure their rights to manufacture and distribute promotional products that represent Elvis.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;O'Brien emphasized that businesses should be careful to align their products with the festival, to avoid any potential licensing violations. &amp;quot;Ultimately if we lose our license, we lose the festival,&amp;quot; Collingwood Connection quoted her as saying to vendors. &amp;quot;We want to see you succeed and the festival to succeed.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;According to Brunswick News, the Collingwood festival is the largest gathering in the world devoted to celebrating Elvis.&lt;img alt="ADNFCR-2478-ID-19624845-ADNFCR" src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/justcopyright.gif?feedid=2478&amp;itemid=19624845" /&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Promotional+products+a+highlight+of+Elvis+Festival/19624845/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:36:44 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Promotional products a highlight of Elvis Festival</title>

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      <author>newscenter@amsterdamprinting.com</author>

      <category>Business Operations</category>

      <description>This Sunday, New York will host its annual Toy Fair, and the star attractions will be familiar to any moviegoer. As with any business, promotional products in entertainment help build interest in the main attractions. Characters from Toy Story 3, Iron Man 2, Dora the Explorer, Twilight, Avatar and other hit movies and shows will be appearing in toy form at the event.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Reuters quotes Toy Industry Association spokeswoman Reyne Rice as saying that this year will include &amp;quot;a lot of sequel or legacy film product,&amp;quot; which usually sell better than first runs. Rice expects, for example, that retailers &amp;quot;will support Iron Man 2 more, because they know how well product for the first one did.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The value of branding is clear. Shrek, for example, may have seemed strange at the release of the first movie in the franchise. But now, thanks to the green ogre's presence in many homes through Hasbro promotional products, it is a recognized and beloved brand.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Approximately 25 percent of money spent on toys in an average year goes toward promotional products associated with a licensed or entertainment property, says Reuters. In 2009, sales of licensed toys totaled $5.4 billion.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;MarketWatch reports that Hasbro expects sales this year to increase 7 percent.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;img alt="ADNFCR-2478-ID-19611911-ADNFCR" src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/justcopyright.gif?feedid=2478&amp;itemid=19611911" /&gt;</description>

      <link>http://www.amsterdamprinting.com/Article/Annual+Toy+Fair+introduces+this+years+entertainment+promotional+products/19611911/Default.aspx</link>

      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:41:51 GMT</pubDate>

      <title>Annual Toy Fair introduces this year's entertainment promotional products</title>

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