Category: Brandpoint

2023-11-26T05:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season for holiday savings! With Thanksgiving behind us, shoppers are searching for the best deals of the season, but sifting through the sea of savings can make even the most jolly start to lose their holiday spirit.

Save time scrolling to find the sales actually worth shopping. Here are the best deals for the babies and toddlers in your life:

1. Comfy Pajamas for the Entire Family

The new line of matching holiday family pajamas from Gerber Childrenswear includes two festive prints and options for every member of the family, pups too! Even without extra Cyber Week savings, you can outfit the entire family for under $100, but this week is even sweeter with 25 percent off the collection.

2. Silky Soft Sets for All Day Play

For parents who love the buttery soft feel and all-day comfort of viscose apparel but not the high price that comes with it, you’ll want to jump on this deal — Our Softest Edit is on sale for the first time ever. Made predominantly from eucalyptus and blended with Spandex, the collection of pajamas, rompers and dresses has a variety of colors and prints available, including two-holiday options perfect for pictures and gatherings this season.

3. Denim Made to Last

The most adventurous toddlers and babies need jeans that can keep up. Use Cyber Week to source apparel that will last you yearlong, like these neutral options from Gerber Childrenswear that are 20 percent off. Get your hands on the market’s comfiest, stretchiest and most durable denim at the year’s best price.

4. Gender Neutral Outfits for the Holiday Season and Beyond

Ask any parent and they’ll tell you there can never be enough bodysuits in a baby’s wardrobe. This sweet set of six Onesies^® brand bodysuits features subtle winter patterns and prints that are great for mixing and matching or wearing as is. At less than four dollars per bodysuit, this might be the best deal of the season.

5. Baby Booties and Socks to Keep Tiny Toes Warm

For little ones who aren’t quite ready to walk, grab a few pairs of baby booties or socks designed to keep their feet warm in the cold months. The booties are made with a poly fleece lining and feature a non-skid sole so you’ll be reassured that the baby is safe and secure.

Gerber Childrenswear is your one-stop shop for winter essentials and holiday gifts.

2023-11-22T13:15:00

(BPT) – It’s the most anticipated shopping season of the year — and many people wait for months to score the best prices on a new smartphone, TV, speaker, watch or the latest high-tech gifts for loved ones.

“The holidays are about creating memories, but you want to do it without breaking the bank or going into debt,” says Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, author of the New York Times bestselling book Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom. “You can still embrace the spirit of the gifting season, connect with loved ones, and celebrate — all without financial stress.”

Khalfani-Cox, also known as The Money Coach, shares her best tips on shopping for tech gifts to ensure holiday cheers don’t become financial woes.

1. Shop around.

You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to get the best discounts on devices. Many retailers announce their sales ahead of time, so watch for flyers and emails from your favorite spots. If you have your eye on a certain item, check out prices at several places before you decide to make a purchase. If you’re shopping online, you can add an item to your cart before checking other sites. Then, if it ends up being a price you like, you can easily come back to your cart to place an order.

2. Choose the right phone plan or phone to save and connect.

The holidays are a time when you’re likely to make a lot more calls to family and friends. If a new smartphone is on your shopping list, a prepaid phone plan can help save money and give you more payment flexibility in addition to letting you easily stay in touch with loved ones. Prepaid wireless plans don’t require a contract or credit check, and there are no penalties. Straight Talk Wireless, the leading prepaid brand on America’s most-reliable 5G network¹, offers plans that deliver more value and fit every budget. Sold exclusively at Walmart, all Straight Talk Unlimited Gold and Platinum plans include a Walmart+ membership at no extra cost, giving you extra benefits and savings — like early access to shopping deals and free deliveries — that are perfect for the holiday season. They’re also now offering the iPhone SE for just $49 in Walmart stores while supplies last.

And if you’re an Android fan, check out carriers like Total by Verizon. If you switch to Total by Verizon, you can get a free Samsung Galaxy A13 5G phone when you sign up for an Unlimited plan — which boasts four lines for $25/line with Auto Pay.

3. Beware of hidden fees and policies.

When shopping around for tech deals, always read the fine print, especially if you’re in the market for a new phone. Some wireless phone offerings have hidden fees and charges involved. Others may require you to sign up for autopay to get certain discounts. Watch out for these rules to save on unexpected costs.

If you’re shopping for other tech devices, be sure to know each store’s price-match and return policies. You’ll likely have a limited number of days to return items. You also don’t want to get stuck with a restocking fee if you end up wanting to return an item to the store.

4. Check your social apps.

The social media feeds of your favorite retailers often offer exclusive deals and promotions. Stores like to reward customers who follow and engage with their content with special alerts to Black Friday discounts and incentives on Facebook, Instagram or other platforms. If you’re active on social media, consider following along with your go-to brands during the holiday season for the latest deals.

5. Use loyalty programs.

Another way to get access to early sales, coupons and promotions is to join a store’s loyalty program through email or text. These programs are usually free to join and often offer additional incentives like free shipping or pick-up in store and rewards to use toward future purchases.

Make it a season of merriment by maximizing your budget for the holidays. Follow these tips to find shopping success on all your tech gifts and needs this year.

¹ Most reliable 5G network based on more first place rankings in RootMetrics’ 5G data reliability assessments of 125 metro markets conducted in 1H 2022. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. RootMetrics rankings are not an endorsement of Verizon.

2023-11-22T12:49:00

(BPT) – This is the season when many Americans do a lot of online and retail shopping as well as charitable giving. That is why it’s important for consumers to be conscious of financial scams to protect their identities, bank accounts and monetary transactions. From check fraud and peer-to-peer digital payments (i.e., Zelle, Venmo, Paypal or CashApp) to imposters posing as representatives of banks, roughly three-quarters of Americans reported being targeted by scams last year.

The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) recommends taking the following steps to minimize the possibility of falling victim yourself:

1. Be wary and slow down! Scammers sometimes send text messages or emails claiming to be a fraud alert from the app or your bank. If you don’t recognize the email or phone number, you should proceed with caution. Don’t open attachments or click links from unknown sources, even if they say they are coming from your bank. Like many online scams, scammers will sometimes offer products at unrealistic prices to trick consumers, so resist demands to act quickly.

2. Don’t give out personal information. If a text message asks you to provide any PINs, passwords, Social Security numbers, account information or any other sensitive information, it is likely a scam. Banks rarely ask for this information over the phone and will never ask for a one-time login code. If you have any suspicions, hang up and immediately call your bank.

3. Triple-check payments. And, if you are sending money over a payment app, check every number to ensure accuracy. Some apps prompt senders to verify the recipient’s phone number or otherwise verify their identity. While this is important, double-check the recipient’s account information before you click send. Instant payment apps act like cash, so treat it as such.

“Fraudsters and scammers are getting more sophisticated to trick consumers out of their own money. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful before making a payment to someone, providing any personal information, and especially before giving your bank information to anyone,” CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson said. “Please be vigilant and encourage others to do the same.”

The Consumer Bankers Association and its membership comprising the nation’s leading consumer retail banks encourage consumers to protect their own information and money to avoid falling victim to scams and fraud. More information can be found at www.consumerbankers.com.

2023-11-21T15:49:00

(BPT) – Would you leave the front door of your home unlocked at night? Probably not.

For the same reasons you secure the things most valuable inside your home, it has never been more important to lock down your online accounts. Whether it’s your bank account, 401(k), social media, email, or sensitive files stored in the cloud, it’s your responsibility to install the digital locks that will stop cybercriminals from stealing and profiting off your data.

The keys to securing your accounts and data are stronger passwords and authentication. Here are some essential cyber-savvy tips to get you through this holiday shopping season safely:

• You lose when you reuse: Never use the same password across multiple accounts. If cybercriminals were to obtain your username and password, then they would likely try that same set of credentials on multiple sites. Avoid this type of cyberattack by using different passwords on all your accounts. Avoid the temptation to use one password for all your online shopping sites.
• Password managers are your friend: Consider using a password manager. Most popular mobile devices and browsers have native password managers built into them, so using one has never been easier. Password managers automatically create unique and complex passwords and then securely store them, so you don’t have to memorize them.
• Passphrases keep things simple: Passphrases are the strongest forms of passwords. While many online retailers require passwords to include uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, it’s the overall length of the password that makes it secure. An easy way to make your passwords longer is to use a string of words. Examples: “iheartholidayshopping” or “familytimeismyfavorite.”
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA): Whenever an online service or app offers MFA, you should enable it to add an extra layer of protection against cybercriminals. MFA most often works by texting or emailing you a one-time passcode to sign into your account.
• Use public devices with caution: If you need to use a public computer (e.g., at a customer service desk or the library), make sure you sign out of email, a retailer website or any other account you may have accessed.
• Passwords are like toothbrushes: Don’t share your passwords with anyone, including a family member, your shopping buddy or even your boss. Also, never write down your passwords on a shopping flyer/list or let someone snoop over your shoulder when typing in a password. Always be on alert when standing in those long checkout lines and searching your phone for the next best deal.

According to the most recent Xfinity Cyber Health Report, 78% of respondents admitted to risky behaviors that open themselves up to attack, including reusing passwords across two or more platforms (56%), neglecting to install recommended software updates on smart devices (28%) or even sharing passwords with someone else (24%).

Shoppers are particularly vulnerable during the holiday season. Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday and general holiday shopping, you may be at risk of being lured by bargains and clicking on a fake ad, website or auction listing, where personal or financial information can be captured and stolen.

Guard against social engineering scams — phishing (email), smishing (SMS text) or vishing (voice calls) — this holiday season by following these cyber-savvy best practices:

• Never share sensitive information over the phone: No matter how “official” the caller sounds, do not share your account information, credit card number, PIN or login credentials. Even if it’s a familiar number, use caution. Phone numbers can be spoofed to look like a call is coming from a legitimate source.
• Always double-check web addresses: A website’s URL can tell you a lot about its security. When visiting a website, look for “https://” at the beginning of the web address, indicating that the data going to and coming from the website’s server is encrypted.
• Scrutinize texts as you would emails: Never reply to an SMS/text message that you suspect might be fraudulent, and do not click on any suspicious links within a text message.

Preserve the magic of the season by keeping these cyber-savvy tips in mind. It’s a good idea to check in with your internet service provider to see what security solutions they offer for their home gateways. For example, Comcast’s xFi Advanced Security service protects millions of home users and can add safe browsing and data protection while on the go through xFi Complete. With the right tools and security habits, you can help protect yourself and shop safely this holiday season.

2023-11-21T10:07:00

(BPT) – As the exponential growth of AI continues to dominate the headlines, businesses everywhere are exploring how to best use this technology. According to Forbes, most business owners view AI as a benefit, with 64% seeing AI as a way to boost productivity and improve customer relationships, and 60% anticipating sales growth due to the burgeoning technology.

However, generalized AI systems most people are familiar with, like ChatGPT, are not tailored to meet specialized needs of any particular industry, and have real limitations when it comes to applying them to specific business uses. AIs and Large Language Models (LLMs) are not scalable, as they’ve been trained on vast amounts of text in order to be able to understand existing content and generate new content. It would be impossible — and far too costly — to even attempt to have them study all the available content on the web.

The future is specialized AIs

If your business wants to maximize the use of AI technology, what you really need is an AI that’s specifically designed to suit your particular business. While your business may benefit from a horizontal AI — a generalized system focusing on processes such as customer service, content generation or accounting, it could require a vertical AI system, tailored to function in a much more specific industry such as banking or healthcare, which requires aggregation of large quantities of data, both public and private.

An AI system trained for very specific tasks costs far less than generalized AI, and is easier to maintain and keep up to date. But for optimal training and function, AIs need to be wrapped with an application programming interface (API) to allow them to communicate with other AIs for all the resources and information they need.

And that interface comes at a cost. For this system of communication to work efficiently, AIs need the autonomy to pay each other in real time for these resources. This will enable AIs to scale, and data to flow more rapidly, in a more accurate way.

How payments work for AI training and communication

In some cases, the interactions between AIs can involve very small costs, which become more expensive when credit cards have to be used to pay for each one of these small exchanges.

On the other hand, AI and LLM models are trained and built on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which has caused the price of GPUs to soar. Payment for GPUs via credit card only increases this expense for both platform providers and users — as well as opening up vulnerabilities to costly chargeback fees and fraud.

The need for credit cards for all these interactions between AIs can also inhibit access for many potential users worldwide — closing off avenues for creativity, education and business growth for billions of people.

The solution: Pay per use via Bitcoin

Allowing AIs to pay each other using the currency of the internet — Bitcoin — solves many of these issues, making AIs and LLMs much more accessible to everyone. To make this happen, AI engineers will need to use Lightning Network Daemon (LND) created by Lightning Labs. The Lightning Network builds on the L402 protocol, implemented through Aperture and using LangChain, which creates AI agents that perform tasks such as interacting with Bitcoin.

If all that sounds complicated, it doesn’t need to be. You can get your business set up on the Lightning Network in minutes at Voltage.cloud. Their easy-to-use API and dashboard can get you access to the Bitcoin development platform and the L402 protocol.

“Eighty-three percent of the internet actions are API calls, and this number is rising,” said Bobby Shell, Vice President of Marketing, Voltage. “By giving AI agents and APIs the capability to pay per use, many new business models and opportunities are made available to businesses and entrepreneurs.”

How to get started

Especially if you run a small or midsize business (SMB), you may think your options are limited regarding affording training and hosting specialized AI. But with Voltage, you can get fast setup on the Lightning Network, and they’ll handle the networking and updates, saving you time. Voltage also uses encryption to ensure security and safety.

“There’s a multitrillion-dollar cash flow, chargeback and fraud problem. Nearly all SMBs struggle with cash flow problems, and as enterprises scale, they deal with chargeback and fraud issues,” said Shell. “Lightning Network gives businesses of any size automation capabilities to reduce fraud, increase cash flow and improve working capital conditions.”

Ready to make specialized AI work for your business? Start building and integrating L402 into your product.

2023-11-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – For people living with chronic autoimmune conditions, such as Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), regular patient-doctor visits are an important part of tracking symptom progression and staying on top of care. Findings from a recent survey of 116 U.S. adults living with TED reveal a significant gap in communication at these appointments — with only 36% feeling comfortable enough to share the impact of their TED symptoms on their emotional well-being.

TED is a rare autoimmune condition that causes debilitating symptoms including eye bulging, eye pain, pressure behind the eyes, dry or watery eyes, light sensitivity, double vision and even vision loss in some cases. It most often occurs in people who have thyroid conditions, like Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) or Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism), and typically affects people aged 40+. Women are up to five times more likely to develop TED than men, and smoking increases the risk of developing TED eightfold.

The Unspoken Toll of TED on Daily Life

According to a new national survey of 116 adults diagnosed with TED, when TED symptoms are at their worst, a majority experience difficulty with common everyday tasks, such as: using a mobile device (81%), watching TV (73%), reading books or magazines (72%), going out in public (67%) and doing their job (66%). And while more than a quarter of adults living with TED (29%) reported having to stop driving at night due to TED symptoms, almost half (49%) admitted they would not report a change of this sort to their doctor. In fact, while 89% of adults with TED are likely to report physical TED symptoms during a routine check-up, only a third (36%) of patients shared they would report how TED was impacting their emotional well-being (e.g., experiencing anxiousness, depressive feelings, decreased self-confidence, or feelings of anger or frustration).

Doctors are Left in the Dark

A new survey of 102 ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, oculoplastic surgeons and strabismus specialists and surgeons who treat or refer for TED across the U.S. found that nearly one in four doctors (22%) reported their TED patients “rarely” or “never” bring up the impact of TED on their emotional well-being. The course of the conversation could change how their condition is treated, however. Of those surveyed, doctors reported they would start a new treatment, consider modifications or discuss other options when a patient reported symptoms affecting their emotional well-being (83%), independence (78%), or personal life or relationships (72%).

“I used to think my anxiety was just something I had to deal with, I didn’t want to burden my doctors with it so I didn’t talk about it. I realize now that sharing how my TED symptoms affected my day-to-day life and my mental health, would have helped my doctor better understand the full effect that TED had on every part of my life. I believe it would have helped me get the best possible care.” – Gail S., who lives with TED.

Open and Honest Dialogue Can Go a Long Way

Doctors and patients each play an important role in creating open dialogue. The more doctors can ask about the impact of symptoms on emotional well-being, and the more people living with TED or other conditions are willing to share, the better their care can be. For more information on TED and to find a TED Eye Specialist, visit FOCUSonTED.com.

~~~

Amgen commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 116 adults diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and 102 healthcare providers who treat or refer for TED across the United States. Fieldwork for adults with TED took place between Sept. 20 and Oct. 12, 2023, and between Sept. 20 and Oct. 2, 2023 for healthcare providers.

2023-11-21T13:01:00

(BPT) – With the final weeks of the college football season here, are you ready to cheer on your favorite team as we head into the winter? Make this football season finale the best one yet by hosting memorable tailgates that keep spirits high as temperatures get low. High Noon, the #1 best-tasting hard seltzer*, knows how important celebrating your team is, especially during the chillier months. So, rally your crew and check out these six tips for hosting a successful football tailgate in the brisk winter weather.

1. Arrive early

Get an early start on your tailgating to claim a prime spot. Find an area close to the entrance for convenience or set up near a building or some trees that act as a natural windbreak. Your spot will be the envy of the tailgating lot!

2. Bring shelter

Tailgating in chillier weather can be challenging, but you don’t need to let it put a damper on your pregame festivities. Find a sturdy pop-up tent or heated tent to keep warm and create a cozy gathering spot for your football crew. Take it to the next level by decorating the shelter with team colors and logos.

3. Pack a crowd-pleasing cooler

A well-stocked cooler is a surefire way to have a successful tailgate. Even in the winter, cracking open a cold one is an essential pregame ritual sure to bring some much-needed sunshine. Make sure to stock the cooler with a variety of crowd-pleasing beverages.

The High Noon Game Day Pack is the perfect complement for any college football tailgate. Each pack includes limited-time flavors Pear and Cranberry and fan-favorite flavors Black Cherry and Grapefruit, specially crafted to elevate game day festivities. Pick up a Game Day Pack at local retailers or Drizly.com.

4. Organize a potluck

Turn your tailgate into a potluck feast everyone can enjoy. Ask your fellow tailgaters to bring their favorite dish. Hearty stews, casseroles, finger foods and desserts are great meals for a festive football occasion. Plus, a potluck lightens your hosting load, so you can focus on cheering on your team.

5. Check the forecast

You can’t control the weather, but you can plan ahead by checking the forecast leading up to the big game. With a little preparation and the right gear and attire, a little rain or snow won’t deter your football tailgate. But hopefully, you’ll check the forecast and see the sun will be shining, bringing an uplifting and exciting energy even on the coldest days.

6. Accessorize for comfort

Packing creature comforts can make all the difference during a winter tailgate. Accessories like blankets, hand warmers and seat cushions can keep your tailgate group comfortable and warm, so you can focus on cheering on your team. Don’t forget beverage sleeves (or koozies) for your High Noons to keep your hands warm and ready to cheer. Find team-themed accessories to represent your team before the game even begins.

Using these six tips, you’ll host a tailgating experience your friends and family will look forward to through the end of the season. For more inspirational tips on hosting an unforgettable tailgate this college football season, visit HighNoonSpirits.com and check out @HighNoonSunSips on Instagram.

*Source: The Tasting Panel, January 2021. Rated via blind tasting of industry professionals.

Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.