Knock, knock! (Here’s where you say, “Who’s there?”) It’s me, silly. Who else would be in your inbox with some super-hot ideas? Enjoy this edition. Send your feedback directly to:  khuston@asicentral.com. It may be published in a future issue of Advantages magazine. For free information on products featured in Advantages, click here: www.advantagesinfo.com.

– Kathy Huston, editor 

The Joe Show: Mid-Summer Classic

Charmed, I’m Sure
In this mid-summer episode of The Joe Show, Counselor Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some of the newest items to hit the ad specialty market. Want to impress clients with brand-new offerings? Start with these.  

Click here to see this mid-summer edition of The Joe Show.

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Raise the Flag
The Pitch: Did you know the word “fan” comes from “fanatic?” And “fanatic" means “marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion.” There’s your etymology lesson for today and now I suppose you want to know the meaning of “etymology.” Well, look it up; as I tell my kids, I can’t do it all. Anyway, to my point, fans are crazy and none more than sports fans. BamBams (asi/38228) offers another fun product to satisfy any sports fan’s kookiness: hat flags that clip to your cap. Actually, they are great for all kinds of fans and special events. Item CDHFS starts at: 250; $2.03-R. Click here: http://www.bambams.com/.
The Bottom Line: We’re number one!

A Fish Tale
The Pitch: All that watching of “The Deadliest Catch” has got them itching to go fishing and the boys have a big fishing trip planned for this Friday in Barnegat, NJ (the girls, of course, are lunching and shopping). Steve, my son, Andrew, my dad, my nephews and two bros-in-law are all going and let’s hope nobody gets seasick. The color green is not a good look on anyone’s face. Providence (asi/79980) offers the solution for fishing trips, cruises, travel agents, marinas, etc. Their cruise kit comes in a reusable pouch and includes two motion-sickness packets, two antacid packets, two pain-medication packets, two sunscreen packets, two after-burn packets, a lens wipe, lip balm, two bandage strips, and a disposable camera (so you can take a picture of the one that got away before it gets away). Pricing for item GK-140 starts at: 25; $16.50-R. See it here: http://www.providenceline.com/.
The Bottom Line: The whole kit and caboodle.

That’s Classic
The Pitch: According to research, listening to classical music helps you live longer (I’m going to tune in to the Classical channel on Music Choice right now!). One doctor notes that classical musicians, particularly conductors, live to ripe old ages. Sound Promotions (asi/88226) offers a great gift for executives, your best clients and all lovers of this genre, as well as those who can use some relaxation. Item VIP-01 is their VIP Classical Collection, a boxed set of four CDs.Pricing per boxed set starts at: 25; $25-R. Click here: http://www.pvtlabel.com/.
The Bottom Line: In tune.

Car Alarm
The Pitch: Word has it the auto industry is really revving up again. So, horn in on the action with this fun new product from Harvest Industrial & Trade Co. LLC (asi/61670). Item #25003 is a car-shaped pen that’s very unique. Pricing starts at: 5,000; 0.35-T. Think of this for auto dealers, races, repair shops, garages and more. Check it out: http://www.zjharvest.com/.
The Bottom Line: Get in the fast lane.