Author: admin

2025-07-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – Given the option, people like to buy from a real person. There’s pride in keeping small businesses open and more dollars in the local community. These businesses make up 99% of U.S. companies and account for 45% of jobs. They sponsor the neighborhood Little League and know their customers by name and face when they see each other in town.

So why aren’t small businesses winning more often?

Big companies have big budgets, teams and tools. They put themselves at the top of Google searches and have call centers to capture customer interest. What they lack in customer service, they make up with availability. After all, small businesses that can’t be available to answer the phone at all times can’t offer the personalized service that sets them apart. How can a small business compete without having to work 24/7 or hire more people than they can afford? The answer to getting more manpower, while maybe counterintuitive, is artificial intelligence (AI).

McKinsey reported that 90% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporating AI. Meanwhile, just over half of small businesses take advantage of the new technology, according to American Express’ Trendex report. Corporations can afford to test multiple softwares or hire more people to support the technology. They also likely have a better cost-to-benefit ratio than small businesses. Furthermore, most enterprise AI is too complicated, too expensive or too impersonal for local shops.

That is where solutions like OpenPhone enter — AI specifically built for growing businesses. In this case, to ensure no call or customer is ignored while allowing local mom-and-pops to keep the high-touch, personal services they’re known and loved for. Even bigger operations, like a franchise, can enlist this kind of AI across locations to help maintain customer service standards without the complication and cost that often come with solutions meant for corporations. Businesses can go from 30% of their callers leaving a message to 90% engaging with the company overnight.

“It’s all about making it easy for the customer,” Pink’s Windows’ Brandon Downer and Carter Smith said about their decision to adopt the system. When messages come in after hours or while all hands are on the job, the AI responds to gather essential information and kick off Pink’s Windows’ same-day quote promise. AI-generated call summaries then ensure the team can quickly provide quality service. It also helps meet younger customers where they want — via text — without having to stay attached to the phone.

ChatGPT and viral photo editing filters are glimpses into the power of AI at a large scale. When small businesses evaluate AI tools to help them compete with big business, consider the following:

• Built for Small Business: Small businesses have different needs. A tool built for companies with IT teams will cost more time and money than it saves.
• Clear Pricing: Check whether the tool bills by usage or a flat subscription, and confirm there are no hidden fees. Don’t risk getting billed more than budgeted!
• Out-of-the-Box Value: Does ‘training’ the AI require sophisticated technical skills? Or can the product ‘learn’ from existing workflows and provide value right away?

Technology has helped make running a small business easier in many ways. Not long ago, a good website was only possible for bigger companies with developers and designers. Bulky cash registers were standard until Square and tap-to-pay revolutionized point of sale.

AI is here to stay. Don’t be intimidated by the novelty or its transformative nature. Turning thoughtfully to AI can give human teams time back for the parts of the business they — and their customers — love.

2025-07-07T15:35:00

(BPT) – Want to take your home entertainment to the next level? Adding a soundbar can transform your viewing experience with premium audio features.

Finding the right soundbar can seem overwhelming since there are so many to choose from, but you don’t have to overpay. Here’s how to choose a streaming-optimized soundbar that delivers premium audio quality without the premium price tag.

1. Look for streaming integration that simplifies your experience

When choosing a soundbar for streaming content, seamless integration matters. Amazon-built Fire TV Soundbars work with any TV, but work perfectly with Fire TV streaming media players and smart TVs, allowing you to control everything with a single remote. This integration eliminates the frustration of juggling multiple remotes and navigating complicated menus, creating a smoother streaming experience from start to finish.

2. Prioritize dialogue clarity for streaming content

Streaming shows and movies often feature complex dialogue that can be difficult to hear through standard TV speakers. Look for a soundbar with a dedicated center channel specifically tuned to enhance dialogue clarity. This technology ensures you won’t miss critical conversations or need to constantly adjust volume during quieter scenes.

3. Choose impactful sound technology without overpaying

When selecting a soundbar, focus on technologies that truly enhance your streaming experience. Amazon-built soundbars feature advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating immersive three-dimensional sound that moves around you. These features deliver cinema-quality audio that transforms how you experience streaming content, making every viewing session more engaging without requiring a significant investment. It’s about finding the right balance of performance and value for your entertainment needs.

4. Consider streaming-optimized audio modes

Different streaming content demands different audio settings. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes specialized audio modes (Movie, Music, Sports and Night) that automatically optimize sound based on what you’re watching. These preset configurations enhance your streaming experience without requiring technical audio expertise or complex adjustments, making it easier to enjoy content exactly as the director intended.

5. Look for versatility

A soundbar should do more than just improve TV audio. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream music, podcasts and other audio content directly from your devices. This versatility makes it a complete entertainment solution rather than just a TV accessory.

The Fire TV Soundbar lineup includes options at different price points, so you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for enhanced features and a premium audio performance. For more information about enhancing your streaming audio experience without overpaying, visit amazon.com/ftvsoundbarplus.

2025-07-02T12:59:00

(BPT) – As this year’s hurricane season gets underway, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve done everything you can to prepare your home and family for weather emergencies. Even if you’ve gotten safely through hurricane seasons in the past, remember that each year and each hurricane can be very different. While it’s impossible to entirely hurricane-proof your house, some preparations can help make your home more resistant to damage and help you cope with the aftermath.

Here are five steps you can take to be more prepared this year.

1. Download a trusted weather app

Having the most current updates on hurricane activity on your mobile device is ideal for staying prepared. For example, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Live Weather Radar is a timely source of information about weather conditions. NOAA also offers current updates through its Weather Radio service.

Knowing what’s coming is crucial to ensure your home and family stay safer. Be sure to follow the instructions from local authorities regarding sheltering in place or evacuation.

2. Secure your home

Make sure you have materials (such as plywood and hardware) to shutter your windows if you don’t already have permanent hurricane shutters installed. Depending on where you live, there may be laws regulating installation of hurricane shutters, so you may wish to check with your state or municipality. You may also want to see if professionally installed permanent shutters may make you eligible for insurance discounts.

As soon as possible, trim tree branches close to your home and/or remove trees that are unhealthy or too near your structure to prevent future damage. It’s also recommended to make sure outdoor furniture or other objects that could be picked up by strong winds be securely stored, and keep vehicles inside a garage if possible.

3. Prepare an emergency kit

Each year, refresh your emergency kit with a few days’ worth of fresh bottled water for each person in your household, plus non-perishable food items, a first aid kit, flashlights and batteries, cell phone chargers and essential personal care items. You can find a helpful checklist to build or update your emergency kit at Ready.gov.

Experience frequent power outages during storms? Consider keeping a good quality cooler ready with ice packs to store perishable foods easily.

4. Upgrade your backup power

The most effective way to prepare for power outages that often occur during severe weather — and can last for days — is having a reliable home backup power solution. For example, with the ultra-fast AC and solar recharging Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station, you’ll have reliable backup power in case of outages caused by extreme weather events like thunderstorms, heatwaves and hurricanes.

The F3000 combines rapid recharging, scalable capacity and 120V generator compatibility to keep your essential appliances running during critical disruptions. Its 3,072Wh capacity and 3,600W AC output is enough power for refrigerators, medical devices, lights and more. Even better, it can seamlessly integrate with gas generators for extended run time, adding to the capacity of a generator you may already have. It’s also a useful backup in case your gas generator runs out of fuel, which can be hard to obtain during an emergency.

Other top features:

• Clean, quiet and emissions-free so you can use it indoors.
• Sleep mode feature with ultra-low idle power consumption, doubling backup time for light loads like fans, fridges and computers.
• Ultra-low idle power consumption also means you can stretch your backup power much longer, which makes all the difference during extended power outages.
• Expandable capacity up to 12,288Wh with additional battery packs.
• Ultra-fast AC recharging reaching full charge in just 1 hour 18 minutes.
• The F3000 app’s weather alerts help users stay ahead of extreme weather by sending warnings and reminders to charge the generator in advance, so you’re ready for potential power outages.

The F3000 supports dual solar inputs (165V + 60V), achieving 2400W solar recharging with most existing rigid or portable panels, with no new accessories required. This high-efficiency design lets you harness solar energy cost-effectively, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electricity bills.

You can find more information at Anker.com and purchase at Amazon.com.

5. Be ready to go

Especially if your area is prone to evacuations due to severe weather, you’ll want to create a “go bag” for each member of the family to make quick evacuation easier for everyone. In addition to water and non-perishable food, go bags should contain any important identification or documents you may need, plus essential medications. Go bags can be customized for your family’s unique situation, with items like pet or baby supplies added if necessary.

By following these five steps, you can feel confident that you’re prepared for this year’s hurricane season.

2025-07-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you have difficulty getting to sleep — and staying asleep — you’re not alone: 40% of adults worldwide suffer from poor sleep, with millions averaging less than three nights of quality sleep weekly. Not getting sufficient quality sleep can lead to health problems including increased stress, a weakened immune system, cardiovascular disease and more — not to mention negatively impacting your mood.

While there are ways technology can interfere with sleep, such as using devices right before bedtime, some technology is created specifically to help you sleep better. By using the right tech smartly, you can fall asleep faster and enjoy higher quality sleep.

Here are five examples of how technology can actually help you sleep better.

Slow down before bedtime

Meditation apps have become increasingly popular as a sleep aid, and for good reason. There are many options available, so it’s a good idea to try a few out to find what works best. Plan to meditate in the hour or half hour before bedtime. Guided meditation can help you relax, slow your heart rate, improve deep breathing and reduce the inner “noise” of your mind so you’ll be in a more ready state to fall asleep.

Cut out the noise

External noise is also a major factor in sleep interruption. If your sleep is frequently prevented or interrupted by someone snoring, traffic, home appliances, pets or other sounds, you may want to try soundcore Sleep A30 by Anker — the world’s first smart Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) sleep earbuds. Their unique design means you no longer have to choose between comfort and effective noise cancellation.

With these new earbuds, Smart ANC eliminates background noise from household appliances and outside traffic that affects sleep. Tested on thousands of ear canal shapes and refined over two years of research in a sleep acoustic lab, this ANC with Ear Canal Adaptation technology dynamically adjusts to your ears, providing deeper noise reduction for a tranquil night. And these thinner earbuds reduce the pressure exerted by your pillow, even when side sleeping.

Snoring partner? The earbud case actually monitors snoring sounds in real time, analyzing the sound level and frequency, then adjusts the masking audio of the earbuds for optimal effect. You can select snore-masking audio you love from the library, keeping you undisturbed all night.

Using the soundcore app, you have access to AI-generated Brainwave Audio for quicker and deeper sleep. Based on different sleeping scenarios, multiple binaural beats soundscapes stimulate your brain to generate relaxed brain waves, helping you fall asleep faster and deeper. The soundcore A30 earbuds can further help you improve your sleep quality by monitoring your sleeping duration and position, providing a visual report that helps you better understand your sleep pattern to optimize your rest.

Visit the soundcore Sleep A30 Kickstarter to learn more.

Seek comforting weight

Another option that many have found effective is to replace their current bedding with weighted blankets, which are specifically designed to help calm anxiety and improve sleep for a number of disorders. They are believed to be soothing in the same way swaddling infants calms them. Using a weighted blanket to improve sleep has been shown as very effective in recent research. Many recommend selecting a blanket that weighs about 10% of your body weight for optimal effect.

Consider a smart bed

A number of features available in today’s smart beds may positively impact your sleep. Several beds can monitor your vital signs such as heart rate, breathing patterns, body temperature, snoring and movements to help track your sleep quality. They can then recommend and make adjustments including temperature, positioning, levels of firmness and more. It is worth researching the different features offered, as well as taking advantage of trial periods many companies offer to see how effective a particular model is for you.

Light your home smarter

While you may have heard about “blue light” from screens and how it can negatively impact your sleep, the antidote to too much blue light exposure can be found in smart lightbulbs that emit warmer colors (think reds, oranges and yellows). Light experienced throughout the day impacts the body’s circadian rhythm, which is your natural internal clock. Timing optimal light colors to the right times of day is believed to impact how well you’ll be able to transition from wakefulness to sleepiness.

Make the most of the latest technology that can actually help you sleep better, and you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy the day.

2025-07-01T12:31:00

(BPT) – As Fourth of July nears and grills fire up across the country, pork is claiming its place at the center of the celebration. Grilling isn’t just about cooking, it’s a summer ritual steeped in flavor, connection and laid-back joy. And no protein delivers on that promise quite like pork. From smoky ribs to juicy chops and tenderloin, pork brings bold, crowd-pleasing flavor to every flame-kissed bite. This Independence Day, don’t just grill, make pork the hero of your holiday table.

Grilling influencer and Fourth of July fanatic Darryl Postelnick (@cookingwithdarryl on TikTok) shines a spotlight on how pork brings unmatched flavor, variety and creativity opportunities to the summer table. From casual get-togethers to full-on family dinners, Darryl’s message is simple: “When you grill with pork, you’re not just making food – you’re making memories.”

Pork Cuts That Bring the Boom

For Darryl, pork isn’t just one thing, it’s everything. “Pork’s got range,” Postelnick says. “It can be juicy, smoky, spicy, sweet, fancy, messy, you name it.” Here are the seven cuts Darryl keeps on deck for the Fourth of July, and why he believes they deserve a spot on your grill.

Pork Ribs: The Star-Spangled Showstopper

“Nothing says ‘Fourth’ like ribs,” Darryl says. “They bring the drama. They bring the ‘wow.’ And when people see a rack hit the grill, they know it’s a party.” Whether sweet-glazed or spice-crusted, pork ribs are the kind of dish that gets people talking — and licking their fingers.

Pork Chops: The Quiet MVP

Too often overlooked, pork chops are Darryl’s secret weapon for fast, flavorful grilling. “Chops are that cut that can go from zero to hero in no time,” he says. “You can dress ’em up with fancy seasonings or keep it simple with salt, pepper and smoke.” Either way, they cook fast and eat big.

Pork Tenderloin: Elegant, but Easy

“Pork tenderloin is for when you want to impress without the stress,” says Darryl. Lean, tender, and ready to take on any marinade or rub, it’s the kind of cut that earns a place at the center of the table — and disappears just as quickly. “Slice it up, serve with grilled peaches, and watch folks go quiet. That’s how you know you nailed it.”

Pork Shoulder: Slow and Worth Every Second

For those willing to play the long game, pork shoulder delivers deep, smoky satisfaction. “It’s the cut that feeds the whole block,” says Darryl. “You throw it on early in the morning, and by fireworks time, it’s tender, pull-apart perfection.” Put a new twist on the classic slider and serve as street tacos with crema and coleslaw – pickles included.

Bacon: The Comeback Hero

Darryl doesn’t just save bacon for breakfast. “I use it to wrap, top, layer, or just serve crispy on the side,” he says. “It’s a flavor booster that takes everything up a notch.” From bacon-wrapped veggies to smoky toppings for mac and cheese, bacon adds crunch and crave to any dish.

Pepperoni: The Sleeper Hit

Think pepperoni’s just for pizza? Not in Darryl’s backyard. “Grilled pepperoni? Game changer,” he says. Whether skewered with pineapple or chopped into pasta salad, it delivers spicy, savory fireworks with every bite.

Pork Sausage: The Griller’s Playground

Finally, there’s sausage: hot, juicy, and endlessly customizable. “Sausage lets you play,” says Darryl. “Different flavors, different styles, all delicious.” From bratwurst to spicy Italian to smoky chorizo, there’s a sausage for every guest and every plate.

Darryl’s Fourth of July Mantra: Keep It Real, Keep It Pork

Beyond cuts and technique, Darryl’s biggest tip for the holiday is to stay present. “Grilling pork isn’t about perfection,” he says. “It’s about bringing people together. It’s about the smell in the air, the kids running around, the music, the laughter. Pork just happens to be the perfect centerpiece for all that.”

So, whether you’re smoking ribs all day or tossing chops on after a swim, remember Darryl’s golden rule: “If it sizzles, smells amazing, and makes your guests say ‘whoa’ – you’re doing it right.”

Fire Up the Flavor

This Fourth of July, make pork the centerpiece of your grill. For more tips, stories and summer inspiration, follow @cookingwithdarryl and visit Taste What Pork Can Do.

Because when you grill pork, you bring people together — and that’s worth celebrating.

2025-07-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – From prevention to intervention, Our Rescue collaborates with partners and communities around the globe to provide direct services and support to people who are forced into sex trafficking and children who are exploited.

2025-07-01T12:31:00

(BPT) – When you love fishing, taking your loved ones out on the water might just be one of life’s greatest joys. There’s simply nothing better than spending uninterrupted time together, telling stories and relaxing in between bent rods and photos of the widest grins you’ve ever seen under the hot summer sun.

It’s always great to introduce your family to something you love, but it’s important to do it right.

Whether your family members are equally as obsessed as you are, or they’ve never held a rod in their lives, here are some great tips from the folks at Rapala, the legendary lure-maker, to ensure you have the most fun possible on the water together this summer.

First things first, bring snacks – Low blood sugar is a sure-fire way for light-hearted trash talk to turn vicious. Have each person pick out their favorite snack and bring it on board to keep everyone happy. Plus, it’s hot out there. Bring a sports drink or lemonade for electrolytes!

Meet everyone where they’re at, skill-wise – Spend time and patience teaching the newbies of the group so they can have fun (and be safe) on the water, whatever that means for them! If the pros wanna “pro-out,” dedicate special time for them to let their competitive flag fly. If you do this, make sure to take photos to inspire the rookies.

Incorporate everyone’s interests – Believe it or not, every angler has something different about the sport that reeled them in for the first time. Maybe your teen just likes tanning on the boat. Maybe your little one wants to be like his big brother. Maybe Mom really loves setting personal records. Maybe Dad just likes having everyone all together. Ask everyone what they are most looking forward to before the trip starts to ensure that everyone has a great time — and wants to do it again next year!

Bring a healthy mix of baits – While some anglers might be ready for a technical hard bait lure like the Rapala PXR Mavrik™ 110 or the Jigging Rap^®, the little ones or rookies on the boat might prefer to start with soft plastics like the CrushCity™ Mooch Minnow™ or the Freeloader™. Designed in collaboration with the world’s number one angler, Jacob Wheeler, these soft plastics promise pros and rookies alike maximum crushability.

Let each person pick out their own gear – Sometimes, anticipation can be just as sweet as a thing itself. There’s no better way to get everyone excited for the trip ahead than to let them pick out a brand-new toy to try on the water. Whether it’s a new rod, like the Myth Spinning Rod by 13 Fishing, or a bait in a fun new color (a CrushCity Janitor™ in Ghost Morning Dawn is great for a little one in a princess phase), gifts are a great way to dial up the anticipation for a summer trip.

Create traditions – A truly great fishing trip entails a lot more than just fishing. Think of the things your family loves doing together. Maybe it’s stopping at your favorite restaurant in town, making s’mores with peanut butter cups, or watching a specific movie. Whatever it is, make it a tradition to revisit every year and create special memories that last.

Bring a scale to inspire some fun competition – A little healthy competition is a great way to engage anglers of all levels. Bring a scale, like this one from Rapala, to weigh in your catches. Keep score of everyone’s heaviest fish. Winner gets bragging rights until next year!

For new anglers, don’t do too much too fast – Don’t hand a kiddo that’s never held a fish a slimy, squirmy sunfish and expect them to have a good time. Start by holding it yourself, then let the little ones gently pet the scales until they get used to it.

Bring other activities – Coloring books and card games are a godsend for when the littles lose patience and the pros want to keep casting. Remember, the most important thing is spending time together.

Take lots of photos – The kiddos will definitely want to document their “legendary” catches, even if it’s just a little perch. If you have teens or young adults, they might want to post their wins on social media.

Do your research – Try to find a destination where catchability is high and the water is clear. Morale can run low if bites are few and far between, or if weeds run rampant.

The safer you are, the more fun you’ll have – Bring sunscreen, lifejackets, lots of water, and always have a first-aid kit on your boat. A dehydrated, burnt angler is a sad angler! Make sure you take care of your body and help others do the same. Also, a good lesson on hook and water safety is never a waste of time.

2025-06-30T19:15:00

(BPT) – If you’re in the midst of menopause or perimenopause, you probably already know how annoying hot flashes and night sweats — not to mention body odor — can be. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can affect your sweat and body odor. When temperatures rise in the summer, these symptoms may feel worse, leaving you seeking any relief you can find.

The good news is that women are opening up more about their experiences including the ways they have learned to manage these and other bothersome symptoms.

“Menopause — and the years leading up to it, called perimenopause — is a completely natural part of life, and thankfully, women are finally starting to talk about it more openly,” said board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd. “The more we share our real stories, the more we can help each other figure out what actually works. Rather than tough it out in silence or brush off what you’re feeling, there’s support out there from other women who’ve been through it. Your health care provider can also be a valuable resource in managing your symptoms.”

Here are tips that can help you feel confident and in command when these symptoms show up, day or night.

1. Dress to keep cool

Make sure all your summer clothing is lightweight and made from breathable fabrics, including choices like rayon, bamboo, linen and cotton. This goes double for pajamas. Light, loose-fitting fabric that dries quickly and can wick moisture away from your body is ideal to help you cope with night sweats. Experiment to see which fabrics and styles work best for you.

2. Think layers

This tactic can help you feel comfortable when you’re in air conditioning, giving you the option to take an outer layer off when you feel a hot flash coming on. For example, wear a lightweight t-shirt or camisole, with a roomy button-down shirt or light jacket that can be removed when your body temperature is on the rise.

3. Use effective deodorant and antiperspirant

Say goodbye to your nightstand fan. The right deodorant and antiperspirant can make a big difference, night and day. You can feel cool all over by combining two products: Secret Whole Body Dry Feel Deodorant and Secret Clinical Antiperspirant. This powerful duo is designed to help keep you feeling dry, even overnight.

The new Secret Whole Body Dry Feel Deodorant is its first aluminum-free sweat control deodorant that delivers 24/7 protection anywhere you need it. As a complement, the Secret Clinical Stick provides two times the sweat protection compared to ordinary antiperspirants and can be applied to underarms to prevent wetness and odor. Its weightless, quick-drying formula leaves no residue, ensuring comfort and confidence throughout the day and night. These products are more than just an effective regimen; they’re about feeling good in your skin, no matter what.

Pro tip: Apply both products before bedtime to help tackle odor-causing bacteria for up to 10 hours of overnight dry feel, so you wake up feeling fresh.

4. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine can increase these symptoms for some people, so it’s a good idea to watch your intake — and pay attention to circumstances, foods or drinks that seem to make your symptoms worse.

“For many women, this can be a part of the journey, but not everyone experiences it the same way,” says Dr. Shepherd. “The good news is, there are supportive steps you can take to feel more like yourself, like tracking when symptoms tend to shift and choosing products that help you feel clean, confident, and cared for.”

Secret Deodorant is available at major retailers nationwide. For more information visit Secret.com.

5. Cool your bedroom

Start with an overall cooler room temperature before you hit the hay, then make sure your bed is supplied with cooling sheets and pillowcases to help with night sweats. Breathable fabrics and cooling technology can make a big difference in keeping your bedding feeling more comfortable overnight. Then, keep a bottle of cold water on your nightstand to sip as needed to cool your body down.