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We're ready for our close-up. . .
It looks like this whole Internet thing is here to stay. We always had a feeling it was going to be a big deal. That's why we embraced it and created one of the most popular spots for Outdoor Pros on the Web. Now we want to take things a step further and dip our toes in the deep end of the multimedia pool by making a few videos.
Video is a powerful way to communicate. It seems like the perfect way for our Product Pros to help answer some of the more common questions we get from customers, like you, every day. And to be honest, more than a couple of people on the Ben Team just want to be famous. We've already received head shots and resumes from them. In fact we're checking to see if Product Pro, Brian actually did three seasons of Shakespeare in the Park and played "Seedy Prisoner #4" in Pirates of the Caribbean.
What video topics would you like us to cover? What do you think your peers would benefit from and appreciate seeing? Let us know. Drop us a line at: editor@benmeadows.com and give us some ideas. Who knows, maybe you'll get to see Brian bring your concept to life. We hear he was a smash as an avocado in the third grade. People wept when he portrayed the angst of enzymatic browning.
Also, if you send us your idea, you might as well answer the trivia question you'll find at the end of this issue. You could win big while you help make a few Ben Meadows team members' dreams of stardom come true.
Gary Ben Meadows Team Leader g.clark@benmeadows.com
Product Spotlight
BEN MEADOWS® Fluorescent Sunglo Hi-Viz Yellow Flagging Tape High-viz flagging tape features UV stabilizers for longer lasting color. This nonadhesive Tape is ideal for marking hazards and danger areas as well as trees, survey markers and other items. 150L roll. 1-3/16"W x 4.5-mil thick. Yellow. Get yours here!
Don’t Give Free Rides
In this issue Product Pro, Jeremy writes about how to prevent the spread of invasive flora and fauna.
This past weekend I was in a nearby forest looking for whitetail deer antlers with my dog, “Colie”. We are starting to lose the snow here in Wisconsin making the antlers more visible on the ground. We didn't find any antlers on this hike but Colie and I did manage to pick up a large number of seeds and burs. This made me think about invasive species. That's when I noticed some green vegetation, which is out of place for us this time of year. One exception is Common Buckthorn. This is a problem because Common Buckthorn is an invasive species that steals nutrients, light and moisture from native plants. It grows so dense that it forms an impenetrable layer of vegetation and is very hard to get rid of. Common Buckthorn is one of the first to leaf out in the spring and it's among the last plants to keep its leaves in the fall.
Everyone should be aware of invasive species and the impact they have on the environment. Invasive species are non-native flora and fauna that adversely affect the habitat they invade. They typically grow fast and quickly reproduce. Invasive species are usually generalists and are able to adapt to different climate conditions. They often out-compete the native species for resources such as food, water, sunlight and soil nutrients. This can lead to native species becoming endangered or even extinct. And it's not just a story for plants. The animal kingdom suffers as well. For example, feral cats kill hundreds of millions of birds a year and can be linked to several extinctions.
You might be asking yourself, “What can I do?” There are many ways you can help stop the spread of invasive species. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Finally, we have a tip for removing some of the seeds and burs that collect on your clothes. The Burzoff Bur Removal Tool can be used on all sorts of clothing from denim to fleece. It is made from 90% post-consumer recycled materials and it's use can help prevent the spread of invasive plants. A few people in the office bought this tool for their outdoor recreational activities and they swear by them. It really does work.
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge! Last month we asked this question: The bugs will be here before you know it. Many of the insect repellents we feature in our catalog rely on DEET to keep the bugs away. What is the most commonly used chemical name for DEET?
In our catalog you'll find that we say the most commonly used chemical name for DEET is diethyl-m-toluamide. Many readers noted that a common name is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. This is why, in the spirit of fairness, we drew TWO winners from our pool of eligible entrants.
Shannon from New Mexico and Kathy from California are both winners! We're sending them each a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath!
Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question: April showers bring. . .mud. Mudders boot supports help overcome sinking and suction when you take a walk in the goop. What creature inspired this product's design? If you know, send us the correct answer before April 12, 2011. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath (a $53.00 value)! Be sure to include your name, mailing address and how best to contact you. Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910. *OWNERSHIP OF SUBMISSIONS By sending letters, e-mail, images, messages, suggestions, ideas, or concepts (each, a "Submission"), whether unsolicited or solicited, to Ben Meadows you are granting the Company a royalty-free, nonexclusive, perpetual, unrestricted, worldwide license to publish, transmit, perform, display and otherwise use the Submission for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotional purposes. No credit or compensation is due to you for such use. The Company also has the right, but not the obligation, to use your name, city and state in connection with print, online or other use or publication of your submission. All submissions become the property of Ben Meadows and may be edited for use.
© 2012 GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Reference Number: WB0000
