Starting in January, the Army will begin a "controlled experiment" by offering tempting incentives to new recruits, including $40,000 toward the purchase of a home or the creation of a business. It's all part of a marketing campaign to help combat current recruiting strains. Lt. Col. Jeff Sterling, the mastermind behind the program, says one reason the Army is having trouble recruiting new soldiers is because common influencers such as parents and other adults are less likely to recommend military service to youth. "If you want to get a soldier, you have to go through mom, and moms want to know what kind of future their children will have when they leave the Army," he says. 'This is meant to answer that question in a tangible, concrete way."

The program will be offered first in Montgomery, Alabama; Albany, New York; Seattle; San Antonio and Cleveland. If the test run is successful, the program is expected to go national. Those who sign up for four years of service are eligible for $40,000, and by beginning basic training within 30 days of signing up, soldiers can receive an additional $20,000 or more, depending on their specialty.

A new solar-powered billboard may be a sign outdoor marketing is going green. According to the San Francisco Sentinel, Pacific Gas and Electric Company unveiled the country's first solar-powered billboard in San Francisco today. The system can deliver about 3.4 kilowatts of renewable solar energy to PG&E customers. The billboard includes 20 solar modules that are interconnected to the grid. In addition, PG&E installed energy-efficient LED lights in place of the billboard's Holophane light fixtures. The billboard is part of the company's new "We Can Do This" ad campaign, and features programs and services reinforcing PG&E's commitment to the environment.

Dancing on tables may seem like a good idea after more than a few drinks, but not necessarily at your holiday office party. That's why Brad Karsh, president of JB Training Solutions came up with a few rules to party by in his column on Advertising Age. Karsh points out how important it is to keep the "office" in the "office holiday party." He says there's a fine line between having a few drinks and letting loose and becoming the talk of the office on Monday morning. Of course, Karsh also points out that you don't need to strictly talk business, either. He writes, "Just remember the fine line between having fun and being stupid. You do have a reputation to protect."

Here are a few of his words of wisdom:

• Alcohol can be both delicious and fun, but it can also be your mortal enemy.
• What happens at the office party does not stay at the office party.
• There's this thing called sexual harassment.
• Don't feel the need to partake in the debauchery.

Read his article to get the reasoning behind his do's and don'ts.