Month: August 2018

2018-08-10T12:13:00

(BPT) – –

2018-08-10T13:01:00

(BPT) – The perfect snack needs to check off three boxes: It should be filling enough to get you to your next meal, provide nutrition that fits into your balanced diet, and satisfy cravings, whether sweet or savory. Not an easy task, but juicy California strawberries are up for the challenge.

“Strawberries are an ideal snack because not only do they taste great, they’re also heart-healthy and an anti-inflammatory food,” says Manuel Villacorta, registered dietitian and author of Flat Belly 365. “I love to pair strawberries with yogurt, peanut butter on rice crackers, or cottage cheese. Strawberry smoothies are also a favorite.”

Naturally sweet, yet low in sugar

Many people get the urge to graze around that 3 o’clock slump. By reaching for something that has natural sweetness, you can fulfill that craving without excess calories and sugar. In fact, one serving of eight strawberries has only 50 calories and eight grams of sugar.

Bursting with nutrients

Another reason to love strawberries? “The combination of flavonoids, antioxidants and fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels,” Villacorta says. “Plus, strawberries are full of potassium, which can help manage blood pressure and prevent strokes.” Strawberries don’t stop there; a single serving has more vitamin C than an orange.

Boost your brain

According to a study in the Annals of Neurology, eating strawberries at least twice per week may delay cognitive aging by two and a half years, which includes improvement in memory and motor function. Add in a daily sudoku or crossword puzzle and you’re on your way to a sharper mind!

Great for diabetes management

Nutrient-packed strawberries are a great option for those with diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association lists strawberries as a top superfood for diabetic meal plans. “The anthocyanins found in strawberries may help improve insulin resistance, which means you can regulate blood glucose better,” according to Villacorta.

Snacks anyone will love

Both kids and adults love a good strawberry snack. Try a strawberry oat bar, peanut butter yogurt dipped strawberries, strawberry almond butter snackwich or even strawberry turkey pinwheels to switch things up in your afternoon routine. From quick and kid-friendly to fancy appetizers, visit CaliforniaStrawberries.com for snacks perfect for all ages and occasions.

Snacking can be fun for the whole family with bright colors, simple recipe ideas, unexpected flavor combinations and a little creativity. And if your snacks are full of vital nutrients and health benefits, even better!

What are you waiting for? Pick up some strawberries and get snacking today.

2018-08-10T12:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s an end-of-summer bash or a back-to-school barbecue, entertaining is all about family, friends and of course, food. But hosting the perfect soiree doesn’t have to mean you’re stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the party. TV chef and cookbook author Katie Lee offers these tips for easy entertaining that will get you away from the stove and into the party.

Consider a buffet or family-style menu

One large dish that everyone can serve themselves is an entertainer’s dream. Make-ahead veggie burgers or shrimp rolls are two of Katie’s favorites — just grill and prep all of the ingredients ahead of time and have people “Create Your Own” (CYO) with a buffet of toppings — bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. It’s all about options for a big group so everyone is satisfied.

Prepare your side dishes ahead of time

Opt for side dishes that can be prepared, refrigerated and pulled out when it’s time for dinner. Any kind of grain salad, such as quinoa, is an easy, go-to choice. Paired with a burger or shrimp roll, it’s the perfect complement.

Hors d’oeuvres are a must

Guests usually come hungry, so be sure to have hors d’oeuvres that are ready when they arrive! Try cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto, a cheese plate or a tasty dip. It can be so simple, but the perfect little nibble for guests to enjoy while they mingle.

Cool off with tasty drinks

What party doesn’t include some delicious drinks to complement the meal? Set up a festive station or bar area where guests can make their own. Include reusable plastic glasses, stirrers and cocktail napkins for easy access and clean up. Be sure to include fun options like fruit infused iced tea or refreshing lemonade.

Smart grilling options

Grilling doesn’t always mean you have to indulge. Steaks and burgers are classic staples, but fresh fish or veggie burgers, served on a bun or roll with homemade flavor and soft texture, lighten things up. Your guests will be delighted and satisfied.

“No matter where I am, I always find myself entertaining friends and family so I love having a few go-to recipes in my pocket to keep things delicious,” says Katie Lee. “There’s nothing easier than sandwiches and burgers and I love that new Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Buns and Rolls make it easy to kick the flavor up a notch on my favorites!”

Here are two of Katie’s go-to favorites:

Must-Have Mushroom Avocado Melt

There’s so much flavor in this towering grilled veggie burger creation, you won’t miss the meat.

Servings: 4

Time: 30+ minutes

Ingredients

4 Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Buns

1/4 cup Italian dressing

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

4 Portobello mushrooms, wiped clean and stems removed

4 slices Muenster or Swiss cheese

1 red onion, thinly sliced and brushed with olive oil

2 avocados, thinly sliced

1 tomato, sliced

1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded

Red Pepper Aioli (recipe follows)

Red Pepper Aioli Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 jar of roasted red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

2018-08-10T13:53:00

(BPT) – As outdoor living space continues to be an extension of the home for entertaining, it’s no surprise that nearly 60 percent of homeowners believe outdoor kitchens will be popular this year, according to the latest Landscape Architecture Trends Survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects. While an outdoor kitchen can be a significant project, an attractive, functional and durable alternative at a fraction of the cost is building an outdoor bar yourself.

The two-part project consists of a block base with a stucco finish topped with a concrete countertop. While help from a friend or family member will make life easier handling the blocks and concrete, both elements of the outdoor bar are extremely do-it-yourself friendly. The blocks are dry-stacked and covered in a fiber-glass reinforced stucco called QUIKRETE QUIKWALL to create the base. No masonry skills are required and the base is actually stronger using fiber-glass reinforced stucco than mortar. For the countertop, a specially formulated concrete mix is poured into a melamine form upside down so you get a smooth, flat bar surface. Once the countertop is placed on the base, the outdoor bar is ready for service.

Steps for building an outdoor bar:

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

* Stage the first course of block on a level concrete slab and snap a chalk line on each side of the course to make sure the corners are square and all are straight. Make sure the first course is level by checking every third or fourth block.

* Once the first course is set, dry stack the remaining block in an interlocking running bond pattern.

* Mix the necessary amount of fiber-glass reinforced stucco following the directions on the bag. The mix is the right consistency when the stucco will hang from a trowel at a 45 degree angle.

* Dampen the block with water using a garden sprayer before applying the stucco at 1/8” to 1/4” thickness using a trowel starting from the bottom and working up the block wall.

* Once the stucco is applied to the entire base, water cure with a fine mist to prevent cracking and reconfirm the dimension for the countertop.

* Build forms from 3/4” melamine coated particle board by screwing four 2” strips to a base sheet according to the countertop dimensions. Concrete is heavy, so use multiple forms that don’t exceed 2’ x 3’ and 2” thick to manage larger countertop projects.

* Apply a bead of silicone caulk in the seams of the forms and smooth with a caulk tool or fingertip to give the countertop a smooth edge.

* Mix QUIKRETE Countertop Mix following the directions on the bag and pour into the forms in two 1” layers. If necessary, place metal rebar or wire mesh between the two layers for added strength.

* Over fill the forms slightly before pulling a 2×4 in a sawing motion over the surface several times each direction. This process known as screeding will level what will be the underside of the countertop.

* Consolidate the mix and remove air voids by tapping the forms with a rubber mallet or vibrating with an orbital sander without the pad.

* Unlike other concretes that have to set for days, the high-density, high-strength countertop mix can be removed from the forms in 18 hours. Once each countertop section is removed from the form, smooth the edges with fine sandpaper.

After the countertop mix has cured the full 28 days, a sealer can be applied with a roller or brush to protect the surface from dirt, oil, grease and other unwanted stains. In addition, QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color can be added to the fiber-glass reinforced stucco and/or the concrete countertop mix to give the outdoor bar more decorative flair. For full, detailed project instructions, watch the outdoor bar how-to video at QUIKRETE.com.

2018-08-10T15:22:00

(BPT) – As the major outdoor living trend sweeps the nation, decks are getting bigger. But with television shows featuring 3,000-square-foot monster decks, the average homeowner is left to wonder, “Just how big of a deck do I need?”

Frank Pologruto, owner of Decks & More in Atlanta, says it all comes down to how homeowners intend to use their space. Each “zone” of the deck will require a general square footage.

“People want somewhere to cook, and then eat, and then have a conversation, and you start adding up these areas and you realize you can’t do all this in a 16-foot by 12-foot deck,” said Pologruto.

Dining — 320+ square feet

Outdoor kitchens and dining areas are growing in popularity and require significant space. A grill with some counter space for cooking and a large table and chairs for dining will take up around 320 square feet of deck.

Seating — 250+ square feet

Adding a seating area, whether a quiet morning coffee spot or an after-dinner conversation pit, will require more space. A conversation area for about six people will add 256 square feet to the deck. Adding a fire element to the seating area will require not only the space for the actual fireplace or fire pit, but also appropriate distance between the fire and any seating.

Pool or hot tub — 150+ square feet

Homeowners looking to include a water feature like an in-ground pool or hot tub can expect it to require additional deck space. A four-person hot tub could take up as many as 100 square feet of deck, but Pologruto cautions homeowners to build in plenty of room to walk around, and enter and exit the hot tub, bringing the total to between 150 and 200 square feet.

Parties — 15 square feet per person

Pologruto said homeowners should determine how many people they expect to host on their deck and estimate about 15 square feet of deck per person. To comfortably fit around 20 people, the deck will need at least 300 square feet of open space.

“Remember though, if you plan to have 50 people over, they won’t all be out on the deck at the same time, so plan for your deck to hold about 30 people,” he said.

Cost

With the added square footage comes a bigger price tag — $25,000 to $250,000 depending on the size.

The deck material will also affect the final cost. Pologruto uses traditional wood boards and high-end Envision composite decking by TAMKO Building Products. He says if homeowners are already preparing to spend the money to build a large deck, they should go the extra step and upgrade to a composite board.

“If you’re smart and have the money, do the composite — it just makes more sense,” he said.

Pologruto said most homeowners don’t need a 3,000-square-foot deck, and should be able to fit a small dining area, arbor, hot tub and separate seating area in about 750 square feet, although some of the decks he builds are more than twice that size.

Planning to include the right amount of space will leave you with the most comfortable outdoor living area to suit your needs.

2018-08-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – Are you a savvy traveler? Do you shop around to get the best deals? How about knowing the ins and outs of saving money when planning a trip?

Chase and the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG^®) asked folks across the U.S. travel-related questions to find out just how savvy they are, and here’s what they found: 73 percent of millennials consider themselves to be savvy travelers.

Even if you think you know it all about getting from Point A to Point B, there are some secrets from travel gurus that might take your vacation travel to a new level. From streamlining check-in to getting the most out of your hotel stay, and even a few packing tips, here are 9 genius travel hacks that will save you time, money and headaches on your next trip.

Two words: TSA Precheck

If you’ve ever breezed through the TSA Precheck point while the main security line snakes halfway through the airport, you know the glory that is TSA Precheck. Get it done well in advance of buying your ticket and you’ll be having a pre-flight cocktail while everyone in the other line is taking off their shoes. Plus, if you have the IHG Rewards^® Club Premier Card from Chase, you’ll get a credit toward the application fee.

Do your homework and plan ahead

According to Chase and IHG’s survey conducted earlier this year, 57 percent of consumers who consider themselves to be savvy travelers look for travel hacks to help them make the most of their time and money. Fare calendars let you see a month’s worth of fare prices at a glance. If your dates are flexible, you can save hundreds. And, if you set up price alerts, you’ll be notified as soon as fares drop on that flight to your dream destination.

Evoke the 24-hour rule

Have you ever booked a flight and then found a better deal the following day? Some airlines allow you to cancel flights within 24 hours of booking with no penalty. But a word to the wise: If you’re booking through a third-party travel site, that rule might not apply.

Get a credit card with a hotel rewards program

Chase and IHG found that 71 percent of travelers surveyed use credit card points as often as they can to book travel arrangements. The points add up faster than you can say “free vacation.” But not all cards are created equal. The IHG^® Rewards Club Premier Card from Chase sets a new standard for credit card benefits. You can earn 10 points per $1 spent on purchases at IHG hotels, like Holiday Inn Express^®, 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, plus additional travel benefits like an anniversary free night stay, automatic Platinum Elite IHG^® Rewards Club member status, no foreign transaction fee, Global Entry and TSA Precheck credit, and receive a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights.

A hotel credit card like the IHG^® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is an easy way to earn more points on everyday purchases to get you even more savings and on to your next vacation faster. And for a limited time for new cardmembers, you’ll earn 100,000 bonus IHG points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months on your Premier card!

Scan your important documents

Once your trip is booked, remember to scan your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, even credit cards front and back. Email the scans to yourself or leave a copy at home with someone you trust. That way, if these lifelines are lost or stolen, you’ll have a much easier time getting them replaced.

Roll it up!

If you’re not rolling your clothes, you’re wasting precious suitcase space. Rolling instead of folding can double the amount of clothes you can take with you. Also, pop a dryer sheet into your suitcase to freshen everything up.

Pop your power cords into an extra glasses case

A glasses case will wrangle those cords into submission, and you won’t risk getting them kinked or tangled. Bonus tip: If you forget your cords, ask your hotel’s front desk. They often have spare cords for forgetful travelers to use during their stay.

Another tip: If you have somehow forgotten your plug, you can use the USB port on the hotel TV to charge your phone.

Buy a city pass

Most major European and U.S. cities offer city passes, which are sightseeing cards that give you free or discounted admission to that city’s most popular attractions. You buy the pass and can enter the attractions for free by presenting the pass at the door. In New York City, for example, the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, MOMA, and many more are included. It will save you money, but the invaluable thing is: It will also save you time. Most city passes include fast-track entry to the attractions. You skip the line.

Get the best of both worlds

Chase and IHG found that 74 percent of travelers want a mix of adventure and reassurance when on a trip. With nearly 5,400 IHG hotels around the world from brands like Holiday Inn^® to Kimpton^® Hotels & Restaurants and InterContinental^® Hotels & Resorts, you can count on the same trusted experience you’ve come to expect while exploring the hidden gems of the city around you. Book an excursion, try the local eats and venture off the beaten path, knowing you’ll have a relaxing and comfortable hotel experience waiting for you when you get back.

Next time you’re traveling, try these hacks and take the headaches out of your trip!

About IHG^® Rewards Club

With more than 100 million enrolled members globally, IHG^® Rewards Club is the first and largest guest loyalty program in the hotel industry. Named Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World for the 13th consecutive year as voted by the readers of Global Traveler magazine, IHG^® Rewards Club offers sought-after benefits and is easy to use. Members qualify for Your Rate by IHG^® Rewards Club, an exclusive rate offered when they book direct. In addition to flexible features like No Blackout Dates for Reward Nights, Points & Cash and free Internet with IHG^® Connect, IHG^® Rewards Club members have hundreds of options for redeeming points including: Reward Nights, Flights Anywhere™, Cars Anywhere, digital downloads, brand name items and retail gift cards. Enrollment in IHG^® Rewards Club is free. Guests can sign up by visiting www.ihg.com/rewardsclub, calling 1-888-211-9874, downloading the IHG App or by inquiring at the front desk of any of the more than 5,300 IHG hotels worldwide.

Editor’s Note:

IHG^® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental^® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton^® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo^®, EVEN^® Hotels, HUALUXE^® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza^® Hotels & Resorts, voco™ Hotels, Holiday Inn^®, Holiday Inn Express^®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations^®, Holiday Inn Resort^®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites^® and Candlewood Suites^®.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,400 hotels and 810,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with nearly 1,800 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG^® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 375,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg and www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

Sponsored by Chase.

2018-08-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – We all need a vacation to disconnect from our everyday lives, but studies show that many Americans fail to take all their vacation days each year. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Association, Americans left 662 million vacation days on the table last year. Yet, research confirms that people who use their vacation days have lower stress, are happier and even have a lower risk of heart disease.

So, what are you waiting for?

There’s still plenty of time this summer to take a vacation. Whether you’re a group of girlfriends on a getaway, a family piling into the car for a road trip, a couple sneaking off for a romantic weekend or someone exploring a new city solo, it’s about getting out there, having fun and recharging from the hectic pace of life. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your summer trip and maybe save some money while you’re at it.

Unplug from your day job

Really. No emails, phone calls or checking in. Chase and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG^®) conducted a survey in which Americans shared that the top reasons why planning a trip is difficult are budgeting and unplugging or getting time off work. Unplugging allows you to focus on enjoying the moment. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to dive back into work if you allow your mind and body to relax on vacation.

Check out travel apps

Whether you’re planning a trip or already on vacation, there are so many helpful apps out there that will ease your travel woes. From finding a nearby gas station or restaurant to booking the best deals on airfare or hotels — apps can help you do it all!

Get a credit card with a hotel rewards program

The points add up faster than you can say “free vacation.” But you have to look for the right card, because not all cards are created equal. The IHG^® Rewards Club Premier Card from Chase sets a new standard for credit card benefits. You can earn 10 points per $1 spent on purchases at IHG hotels, like Holiday Inn^®, Hotel Indigo^® or Kimpton^® Hotels & Restaurants, 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, plus additional travel benefits like an anniversary free night stay, automatic Platinum Elite IHG^® Rewards Club member status, Global Entry and TSA Precheck credit, and receive a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for any stay of four or more nights.

A hotel credit card like the IHG^® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is an easy way to earn more points on everyday purchases while getting you on to your next vacation faster. And for a limited time for new cardmembers, you’ll earn 100,000 bonus IHG points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months on your Premier card!

Slow down when traveling

Have you ever come back from vacation more exhausted than when you left? Try slowing down when you travel. Instead of marching around from attraction to attraction, squeezing in as many sites or cities as possible, slow down. Get to know the neighborhood where you’re staying like a local. Savor coffee or a glass of wine in a cafe and fully take in your experience while soaking up the local culture.

Look for freebies or discounts

You can have a day at the beach for the price of sunscreen and an umbrella, but there’s a whole host of other things to explore for free wherever you go. Hiking trails get you out into nature. Window shopping on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile doesn’t cost a dime. Many museums are free, and if they’re not, some may offer free days. In LA or New York City? Score free audience tickets to talk shows. Speaking of New York, if you’re wanting to see a Broadway show but wincing at the ticket prices, check out one of the four TKTS booths around the city. They offer discounted (often half price) same-day and next-day tickets to shows. Ticket lotteries, often run by the shows themselves, offer $10 seats to same-day shows. (Yes, even for “Hamilton.”)

Give yourself a buffer day (or two)

Don’t come home Sunday night if you have to work bright and early on Monday. Give yourself a day to unpack, decompress and relax before jumping back into your routine.

Recharging for even a few days is good for your mind, body and spirit. As an IHG^® Rewards Club member, you get free Amazon Kindle books. Extend your vacation by escaping into a book.

So, gather all your loyalty credit card points, download your favorite travel apps and start using your stockpiled PTO! The whole wide world is waiting.

About IHG^® Rewards Club

With more than 100 million enrolled members globally, IHG^® Rewards Club is the first and largest guest loyalty program in the hotel industry. Named Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World for the 13th consecutive year as voted by the readers of Global Traveler magazine, IHG^® Rewards Club offers sought-after benefits and is easy to use. Members qualify for Your Rate by IHG^® Rewards Club, an exclusive rate offered when they book direct. In addition to flexible features like No Blackout Dates for Reward Nights, Points & Cash and free Internet with IHG^® Connect, IHG^® Rewards Club members have hundreds of options for redeeming points including: Reward Nights, Flights Anywhere™, Cars Anywhere, digital downloads, brand name items and retail gift cards. Enrollment in IHG^® Rewards Club is free. Guests can sign up by visiting www.ihg.com/rewardsclub, calling 1-888-211-9874, downloading the IHG App or by inquiring at the front desk of any of the more than 5,300 IHG hotels worldwide.

Editor’s Note:

IHG^® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental^® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton^® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo^®, EVEN^® Hotels, HUALUXE^® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza^® Hotels & Resorts, voco™ Hotels, Holiday Inn^®, Holiday Inn Express^®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations^®, Holiday Inn Resort^®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites^® and Candlewood Suites^®.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,400 hotels and 810,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with nearly 1,800 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG^® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 375,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg and www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

Sponsored by Chase.

2018-08-09T14:49:00

(BPT) – –

2018-08-09T13:29:00

(BPT) – To most people, a tire is a tire is a tire. To the naked eye, that’s absolutely correct: They are black and round. However, upon further inspection, tires are one of the most technologically advanced parts of a car, influencing the braking, steering, comfort, handling, safety and fuel efficiency. They are also the only parts actually touching the road.

Whether it’s the daily commute, family road trip, cruise to the beach, off-road adventure or grocery run, tires absorb constant pounding over all sorts of surfaces in all kinds of weather conditions. Thanks to stout engineering and technology, they continue to perform with amazing effectiveness and last longer than ever.

However, no matter how long-lasting tires are, there’s a time when you’ll need to replace them, and picking the right one for your vehicle can be challenging. “Cornering, acceleration, wet road traction, tire wear, ride, styling and fuel economy can be modified by changing tires,” says Alan Holtschneider of Yokohama Tire. “Knowing what types of tires are available is important because it can save money and fuel and vastly improve a vehicle’s ride and handling.”

Holtschneider said the first step to selecting the right tires is to consider how you will be using them.

* Think about how far (and fast) you normally drive and add in the weather and road conditions you generally encounter.

* Determine how you want your vehicle to perform.

* Calculate how much money you want to spend.

* Decide how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

With countless tire sizes and types, there are a few things to know, according to Holtschneider. The three basic tire categories are all-season, summer and winter.

* All-season tires are the most popular because they can work all year, depending on where you live. All-season tires can even handle moderate snow.

* Summer tires are generally more performance/handling-oriented and are not recommended for winter/snowy conditions.

* Winter tires are great in the snow but don’t perform as well in non-wintry conditions.

There are sub-categories, too, like ultra high performance, light truck and grand touring tires, says Holtschneider. “For example, the AVID Ascend GT fits into the grand touring segment. It’s a highly advanced all-season tire delivering improved wet/snow braking and handling, long mileage and superior comfort.”

After selecting the tire that best meets your needs, Holtschneider suggests keeping them properly maintained. Here are some tips:

* Check tire pressure at least once a month — this takes about five minutes. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or placard on the driver’s door to determine proper tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.

* Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy a new tire.

* Tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, the lowest legal limit. It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 for optimal performance, especially in bad weather.

For more tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101.

2018-08-09T09:15:00

(BPT) – For a region the size of Connecticut, Puerto Rico packs a big punch when it comes to its contribution to world agriculture.

Many people are unaware, for example, that the 5,335-square-mile commonwealth is the research and development headquarters for up to 85 percent of the commercial corn, soybean and other hybrid seeds grown in the U.S., part of a biotech industry thriving for 35 years. “Puerto Rico is, in many cases, the first and most important location for the development of new crops,” notes Liliana Sánchez Cortés, a site manager for global agrochemical and seed producer Syngenta.

The nation’s importance to the food chain is partly why Syngenta was so quick to help after Hurricane Maria destroyed an estimated 80 percent of the nation’s crop value last September. The storm ruined $780 million worth of agriculture yields, while knocking down structures and landscapes nationwide. The agribusiness firm operates three research farms in the commonwealth and employs 45 people — three of whom lost their homes in the storm.

In response to the crisis, a cross-departmental Syngenta team from Wisconsin organized airlifts of emergency supplies, including generators, satellite phones and 220,000 pounds of food, water and household goods. The company also donated $200,000 to a local food bank and contributed new pollen sources for the region’s bees.

Why is Puerto Rico so important to the future of worldwide agriculture? Consider the following:

Much of the world’s hybrid seed has been grown or processed in some way in Puerto Rico’s nursery systems, which include three Syngenta farms. In fact, Syngenta analysts estimate its new soybean varieties would take two to three more years to develop without Puerto Rico’s facilities. Thanks to its unique climate allowing for 52 weeks of planting and harvesting, the region’s environment is ideal for seed R&D protocols. Because of the nation’s efficient and expedited plant-breeding programs, researchers can use data from fall crops to develop new hybrid and variety combinations that can be planted the following spring. The ag biotech industry there brings in more than $65 million in net benefits for the local economy, and analysts say the inter-industry multiplier effect stretches that amount to nearly $135 million. This year, some 860,000 people there are employed in the ag trade.

Though the hurricane hit at a critical time between growing seasons, Syngenta has since been able to repair flood and structural damage at its facilities, replant seedlings and hire temporary employees to fill in for those seeking sanctuary. To learn more about the support of Syngenta to agriculture around the world, visit SyngentaThrive.com.