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<title>Latest Awards Articles</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Non-Profit Organizations Find Ways to Thank Volunteers</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Awards/non-profit-organizations-find-ways-to-thank-volunteers.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Awards/non-profit-organizations-find-ways-to-thank-volunteers.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Good volunteers are hard to find.  For all the good intentions of most of them, it's rare to find ones who really throw themselves into the cause and go above and beyond expectations.  However without a little acknowledgement from the organization, volunteers can feel taken for granted and get burned out.  Here are a few ways you can show how much you appreciate the people who work for you.

Say Thank You

This should go without saying, but it's surprising how many organizations forget this little bit of courtesy.  This doesn't mean the off the cuff "thanks" that we all toss out without thinking.  When a volunteer does something exceptional, take the time out to express your gratitude.  This reminds both the volunteer and yourself how important this person's contributions are to the organization.

You can take it a step further and give them something material yet inexpensive.  A handwritten note or card adds meaning to your gesture.  E-cards are another free option that let you show your feelings toward your valuable workers.

Banquets

Arrange a party to show everyone how much you care.  It gives everyone a chance to relax and have fun and doesn't have to be expensive.  Schedule a pot luck or see if you can find an organization that can donate food or party supplies.  Make decorations that reflect your organization's theme.  For example, a charity that helps children might have pictures of the kids you've helped on the walls or at the tables.

There are lots of great themes that can make it feel like a real celebration and not just some boring company party.  Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, indoor "beach" parties, 50s nostalgia or other fun ideas make it a fun event.

Recognition Awards

Although non-profit organizations are often looking for ways to save money, sometimes it's worth a few dollars to really make a statement about the value of your volunteers.

Engraved recognition awards give your special volunteer a keepsake they can treasure for years.  You might choose a basic company award or spring for an elaborate crystal trophy.  There are lots of affordable options out there.

Combine the last two ideas and present your recognition awards at a banquet in the recipient's honor.  It doesn't have to be an elaborate affair but the volunteers will appreciate the extra step you take.

Whatever you choose to do, find some way to let your volunteers know how much they are worth to you.  Even dedicated people may move on to organizations where they are more appreciated.  Contrary to popular belief, volunteers aren't unpaid workers.  They are employees who have chosen to accept compensation in less tangible forms such as job satisfaction and appreciation for their efforts.

Don't undervalue these members of your organization.  Whether you opt for recognition awards or simple pats on the back, let them know how you really feel. ]]></description>
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<title>Golden Globes Help Increase Movie Ticket Sales and Boost TV Ratings</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Awards/golden-globes-help-increase-movie-ticket-sales-and-boost-tv-ratings.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Awards/golden-globes-help-increase-movie-ticket-sales-and-boost-tv-ratings.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you're anything like me, you were sitting on your couch on Monday, January 15th watching the Golden Globe Awards to see which of your favorite stars, movies and television shows would take home awards.  (And, to see what everyone was wearing!)  This year's show did not disappoint.  Newcomer America Ferrara, from the new ABC show Ugly Betty, took home a Best Actress award.  Jennifer Hudson, of American Idol fame, won her first Golden Globe for her supporting role in the film Dreamgirls.  Some old timers were also honored, such as Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada.  For the complete list of this year's Golden Globe winners see:  http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29249626_ITM

One of the side effects of winning a Golden Globe, or just being nominated, can be an increase in ticket sales and theatre exposure, for those respective movies.  Films that most folks have not seen, or even seen previews for, end up getting the exposure they need and deserve.  People are going to their theatre and watching films they wouldn't have normally seen, had these films not have gained notoriety due to their success at the Golden Globes.  

According to Salon.com, The Fox Searchlight film "The Last King of Scotland" is reaping the benefits due to Forest Whitaker winning the Golden Globe for best actor in a drama, for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.  The film expanded its theatre exposure to 495 theatres, and took in an estimated $1.8 million the weekend following the broadcast of the Golden Globes. 

"Babel", starring Brad Pitt, won for best drama, and increased its ticket sales by 500% the weekend following the awards.  The drama "The Queen", which won 2 awards, also saw a large lift, jumping up to the 9th spot at the box office, an increase of 233 percent!  Many of these Golden Globe winning films and actors have received Oscar nominations, and are expected to have repeat performances when the Oscars air on February 25.

Television shows are also seeing an increase in viewers due to their accolades at the Golden Globes. According to Media Week, Ugly Betty, which won the Golden Glove for Best TV comedy, drew its largest audience in over 3 months just three days after its win. Grey's Anatomy, which won for Best Drama, also won its time slot on the Thursday following their win.

That being said, it does not mean Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, or any winning or nominated TV show, will perform that well for the long haul.  The networks do a good job of creating buzz for their awarding winning shows, but it does not always work.  According to AZNightBuzz.com, an unscientific look at the  past 10 years of TV winners at the Golden Globes in the Best Drama, Best Comedy and Best Actor and Actress categories indicates the award almost never delivers a lasting ratings pop. In fact, many TV shows decline in ratings after winning. Last year's Best Drama winner, "Lost," is down 18 percent so far this season.  

So, will television's winners have lasting power the remainder of the television season?  Will the Golden Globe movie winners have repeat performances at the Oscars in February?  We'll just have to tune in and see!

The 64th annual Golden Globe Awards were held on January 15th.  The Golden Globe Awards honor the year's top films and TV shows, and are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. ]]></description>
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<title>Different Entertainment Memorabilia Sources</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Awards/different-entertainment-memorabilia-sources.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Culture_and_Society/Awards/different-entertainment-memorabilia-sources.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There are different Entertainment/Memorabilia sources in the world because everyone has a different opinion on what is entertaining and what piece of memorabilia would constitute such a memorable event that it would be significant enough to earn a place in history. The Entertainment/Memorabilia item is generally associated with a person, place or thing.

The different Entertainment/Memorabilia sources are generated by catastrophic events such as the attack on the World Trade Center. These are solemn events that nobody wants to profit from but public generosity still reached out to support the family ties of the people who were killed on that fateful day in all locations of the United States where the tragedy hit hardest. Every part of the World Trade Center is treasured because lives are connected to those pieces.

While some memorabilia is connected to the death of an individual, other items that are just as memorable are associated to the accomplishments of the individual while they were alive. The different Entertainment/Memorabilia sources could come from personal items because these items connected with the person in a very personal way. The value placed on these items changes over time, but generally spikes around a birthday or an anniversary.

The movie industry has generated a considerable amount of memories over the years. Some of these memories created Entertainment/Memorabilia items from the large buildings used in the movie sets such as The Empire State Building. A historical building is tied with historical significance that is real and associated with a fantasy. A King Kong poster is valued by collectors more than a post card of the building dated at the same time.

Some of the different Entertainment/Memorabilia sources come from the props used in movies. The planes and guns used in war movies have both Entertainment and Memorabilia value attached to them. All of these items are now considered museum pieces and people pay to visit them and recall past experiences with family and friends. Gun collector's display the tools of death and mayhem on their walls.

Some people would place amusement parks in both categories. They have different Entertainment/Memorabilia sources because so many people from so many walks of life have visited them. Some people chose to spend their honeymoons at an amusement park. The honeymoon experience will stay memorable and offer historical value on a personal level.

The amusement park would not fit into a museum so the world compensates and places greater significance on the creator and the characters that he created. Disney Entertainment/Memorabilia is very collectible and nobody ever thought a friendly mouse and a duck named Donald would ever bring such interest or cause people to pay such high prices to spend the day with them. ]]></description>
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