Month: April 2019

2019-04-24T02:01:01

(BPT) – Math, science, history and … coding? For today’s students, learning how to code is becoming just as important as learning how to read. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says computer science is the fastest growing profession within the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field. They also project that, by 2020, there will be 1.4 million computer science-related jobs available and only 400,000 computer science graduates with the skills to apply for those jobs.

Historically, access to computer science education and skills training has been absent in the curriculum for many underrepresented and underserved communities, despite research showing that exposure to these subjects at a young age makes students more likely to pursue computer science in college. The new childhood-to-career program, Amazon Future Engineer, is working to change that in a four-step process to ensure access for all students and inspire more than 10 million kids to explore computer science.

K-8:

Amazon Future Engineer recognizes that it’s never too early to introduce computer science to students and begin fostering an interest in the field. The program has after-school computer science workshops, coding camps hosted at schools and various locations, and online computer science courses like Coding with Kids and Code.org’s Hour of Code: Dance Party — all designed to encourage students to explore computer science.

“Without Amazon Future Engineer funding this coding camp, my son would not have had such a wonderful opportunity because I simply could not afford it,” explained Kelly Garcia, whose son Pierce attended a Coding with Kids camp in Seattle, Washington.

High school:

The vast majority of public elementary and high schools, particularly in low-income communities, do not offer computer science classes. Each year, Amazon Future Engineer provides 2,000 schools across the country (totaling about 100,000 students) with Intro to Computer Science and AP Computer Science classes through trusted curriculum providers. All students participating in this program also receive a free membership to AWS Educate, which provides them with free access to computing power in the AWS Cloud for their coding projects, and content to learn about cloud computing.

Jennifer Tulipano, a teacher who is using the course in her classroom at Monsignor Scanlan High School in the Bronx says, “It’s exciting to see the significant increase in my students’ creativity, logical thinking skills and confidence levels, since learning to code, and there is no doubt in my mind that we have paved the way for them to head down very successful career paths in the field of computer science. I truly believe our students, particularly our female students, have been empowered by the computer science courses being offered to us through Amazon Future Engineer.”

College scholarship:

As students head off to college, Amazon Future Engineer continues to offer new resources to support their continued education in the field. The program provides 100 students from underrepresented and underserved communities committed to studying computer science in college with a $40,000 college scholarship — $10,000 per year. For many students, this financial aid is the catalyst that allows them to pursue post-secondary education and a career in computer science. “This scholarship is very important because it means when I go to college, I won’t have to constantly worry about money,” said scholarship recipient Leo Jean Baptiste, from Orange High School in Orange, New Jersey.

Internship:

Amazon Future Engineer also offers the 100 scholarship recipients a guaranteed, paid summer internship after their first year of college. Interns partner closely with a technical mentor and manager, as well as their fellow interns, to innovate and create on behalf of Amazon customers.

“As an Amazon Future Engineer intern, I not only witnessed but was immersed in what it’s like to be a software development engineer,” explained Nari Johnson, a sophomore at Harvard University studying computer science. “I left my internship feeling more confident in my ability to transform a vision for a service or product into reality. As a woman in computer science, Amazon’s commitment to diversity and early computer science education has been especially meaningful to me.”

Students, teachers, school administrators, and parents can learn more and apply at www.amazonfutureengineer.com.

2019-04-24T02:01:01

(BPT) – The heat is almost on so now’s the time to plan for a cool summer road trip. Whether you’re going with friends or family, near or far, there’s nothing like hitting the road for an epic summer trip. National parks, the coast, big cities, Main Street USA and fun/silly tourist destinations are all waiting. The road is yours.

Once you’ve scoured the map and picked your perfect trip, take some time to make sure you’re prepared.

Here are some quick tips to help ensure a smooth journey:

• Plan ahead … but don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and go off the beaten path.

• Download road-friendly apps like Waze and Gas Buddy.

• Check weather sites to see what your driving conditions will be.

• Fill a cooler with drinks and bring lots of snacks.

• Brush up on road trip games: Create fun memories by keeping everyone in the car engaged.

• Put your phone/tablet on double-duty: Use its camera to capture pictures of the trip and load up some movies, music or games.

• Try local eateries as opposed to chain restaurants.

• Bring a first-aid kit. Just in case.

• Take turns driving so everyone stays alert.

• Make sure your vehicle is in road-worthy shape: Check the oil and all fluids, battery, spark plugs, air filter and tires … especially the tires.

‘The only parts of the vehicle that actually touch the road’

“Definitely check your tires, especially if you’re heading out on a summer road trip,” said Alan Holtschneider, director of marketing for Yokohama Tire. “They influence the braking, steering, comfort, handling, safety and fuel efficiency. Remember, they are also the only parts of the vehicle that actually touch the road.”

Holtschneider said whether your summer journey takes you to Disney World or the Grand Canyon, it’s important to have the right tires for the trip. “For example, if you have a luxury SUV or crossover, a tire like the Geolandar X-CV fits the bill. It’s long-lasting, provides strong traction, smooth handling and has a hush-quiet ride — perfect for cruising in style.”

Even after your summer road trip, Holtschneider strongly suggests keeping your tires properly maintained year-round.

Try these tire safety tips:

• Check tire pressure at least once a month — this takes about five minutes. Refer to 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.

OK, now you’re ready to roll.

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

2019-04-23T12:23:00

(BPT) – Weekday mornings can be rough, trying to get yourself and your family up and dressed, fed, then out the door in time for school and work. It’s tough to make sure everyone gets something healthy to eat before dashing out to start the day. What if there were a few simple things you could do to make your morning routine run more smoothly, all while making delicious breakfast choices?

Try these breakfast hacks to help simplify your morning and nourish everyone at the same time.

Prep for the morning before going to bed.

Have everyone choose and set out their next-day outfits the night before, to avoid last-minute closet and laundry room scrambles. Then program your coffee maker. It sounds simple, but how many of us actually do this? Most coffee makers can be preset to start at a certain time in the morning. Even the most basic coffee maker can be fitted with a filter and prefilled with grounds and water, ready to go when you wake up. This way at least the adults in the household will be fully awake.

Make a blender smoothie the night before.

Want to be sure the kids drink some milk and get a little fruit in their breakfast? The night before, blend milk and/or yogurt with the kids’ favorite fruits or fruit juice. Include some ripe berries or bananas and add a little honey or agave for sweetness, if needed. Store in the fridge and give it a quick mix in the morning to be sure it’s blended before serving.

Provide fresh fruit daily.

Set out a fruit bowl with apples, bananas and tangerines — then if kids don’t choose one for breakfast, grab a couple to put in lunch boxes to give them another opportunity to eat fresh fruit. Luckily, these fruits come in their own packaging!

Make a hearty breakfast ahead.

Bake a hot breakfast the day before that you can heat up in the morning. Try this delicious recipe that your kids will love. One bowl and one pan are all you need.

Cheesy Potatoes

20 minutes prep time, 80 minutes total time. Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients

1 package Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of potato soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a two-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir to mix well. Spread in prepared pan. Bake uncovered 55-60 minutes or until potatoes are tender and center is heated through. (An 11 x 7-inch rectangular or 8-inch square baking dish can also be used.)

Make a breakfast to go.

The day before, bake a delicious, portable breakfast that can be eaten on the drive to school. These Mini Hash Brown Casseroles can be baked in muffin cups so that kids — or you — can take them along when you’re pressed for time.

Mini Hash Brown Casseroles

10 minutes prep time, 30 minutes total time. Makes 24 servings.

Ingredients

1 package Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
1 pound Bob Evans Original Roll Sausage
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup ham, cubed
1 cup red pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a skillet, cook sausage according to package directions. Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins or use muffin cups. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake for 27-30 minutes.

With a little planning ahead, plus making sure your kitchen is stocked with good ingredients for breakfast, your mornings can go much more smoothly. Preparing hearty, delicious breakfasts ahead of time will save a lot of hassle and hurry — and everyone will love it.

2019-04-23T15:07:00

(BPT) – April marks an important anniversary for genome-related discoveries; in April 1953, DNA’s double helix was discovered by Watson, Crick, Wilkins and Franklin and fifty years later in April 2003, the Human Genome Project — an international research project that determined the sequence of the human genome and identified the genes that it contains — was completed.

DNA carries all genetic instructions for the human body and almost all humans have the same genes arranged in the same order, with more than 99.5 percent of their DNA sequence in common. But it is the few differences in the base pairs — somewhere around 4 to 5 million of them — that make us unique, and can help uncover your family history and ethnic origins.

Thanks to the scientific discoveries historically made this month, and continued developments in the study of DNA, it’s now increasingly accessible to discover more about your ethnic origins and even connect with relatives through consumer DNA testing.

Barry Starr, director of scientific communications at Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, answers some of the top questions about DNA tests:

Will I have different DNA results than my sibling?

Yes, almost certainly. You get about 50 percent of your DNA from your mom and 50 percent from your dad. But you and your siblings did not inherit the same 50 percent from each parent, so you are both going to receive different ‘bits’ of DNA from each parent (unless you’re an identical twin). It’s why siblings’ looks and personalities can vary. If you’re genetic siblings, you’ll match in a DNA network as being a very close family connection, but your ethnicity estimates are likely to differ.

How come my DNA results differ from what my family has told me?

Even family historians, with lots of stories, photos and extensive family trees going back centuries, can be surprised by a DNA test. This is because DNA tests can uncover insights from hundreds to over 1,000 years ago that aren’t in historical records — things you might never have known otherwise.

Who owns my DNA and data after I’ve taken a test?

With AncestryDNA, you always maintain ownership and control over your own data and there are technical, administrative, and physical safeguards in place to protect personal information. For example, customers’ personal data is encrypted and segmented to separate, dedicated access-controlled storage platforms, and no common identifiers are stored with any genetic data.

Ancestry does not share any personal or DNA data with insurers, employers, or third-party marketers.

How can my DNA results change over time?

Genomics is advancing rapidly, and improvements in science and the methodology of DNA analysis can give more precise results. Your DNA doesn’t change but the science behind interpreting it does, and results may be updated as the analysis becomes more accurate.

Barry Starr, Ph.D., director, Scientific Communications at Ancestry, is a science communicator and educator with a passion for genetics.

2019-04-23T09:05:00

(BPT) – From smart thermostats that help you save energy and keep your home comfortable, to high-fidelity speaker systems that allow you to enjoy your favorite music and movies, there’s no shortage of electronics to upgrade your home. And as technology becomes more integrated into your everyday life, you’ll find you need to add it to every room in your house — even the bathroom.

Here are six must-have features for the high-tech bathroom of your dreams:

1) A hands-free opening and closing toilet spreads fewer germs

If remembering to put the toilet seat down is a problem in your house, a hands-free opening and closing toilet is your solution. Intuitive, motion-activated opening and closing will keep your space looking neat. And when you’re done, the toilet will automatically flush itself. A hands-free operation is cleaner with fewer germs to pick up or leave behind to help keep your family and houseguests healthy.

2) A self-cleaning bowl stays cleaner longer

Many smart toilets come equipped with convenient one-click bowl sanitation and bowl pre-mist for a clean flush. Kohler intelligent toilets and cleansing seats allow you to mist the bowl before you go to help keep it cleaner longer.

3) Heated seats and floors provide next-level comfort

If you’ve ever gotten out of bed on a cold winter morning, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a heated toilet seat and heated bathroom floors. Your morning and night routines will be much more enjoyable with a toasty seat and warm feet.

4) Cleansing seats are a refreshing alternative to toilet paper

Cleansing functionalities are becoming more of a must-have rather than a luxury. Intelligent toilets and cleansing seats use water cleansing features as a refreshing alternative to toilet tissue alone. This feature gives you complete control over your entire experience. Kohler cleansing seats offer warm-water cleansing, with options for pulsating spray, oscillating spray, adjustable temperature, pressure and position.

5) Built-in night lights guide the way

Gone are the days of stumbling around the bathroom in the middle of the night. Whether it’s on the mirror, sink or toilet, a built-in night light can turn on automatically to guide you throughout the room. Turning on the main overhead light can disturb your eyes and vision, making it more difficult for you to fall back asleep. A night light gives you just enough light to take care of business before you head back to dreamland.

6) Automatic deodorizer keeps a small space smelling fresh

Instead of stocking up on spray cans of deodorizer, intelligent toilets can do the work for you. When you sit down, a fan activates to pull air from the toilet bowl through a carbon filter and remove odors to help keep your bathroom fresh.

You use bathroom fixtures like toilets, sinks, showers and mirrors every day — it’s easy to take them for granted. But these items play an important role in your life, so why not upgrade them with next-generation technology?

2019-04-23T11:01:01

(BPT) – Seasons come and go, but one thing remains the same — energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the average annual energy cost for a single-family American home is more than $2,000. While some of this cost is due to the rise in electronic usage in homes, there is a much bigger problem driving up energy bills in American homes — poor insulation.

The North American Insulation Manufacturer’s Association estimates that 90 percent of homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. When a home is poorly insulated, the furnace and air conditioner work overtime to counter the loss of heated and conditioned air that escapes through insufficient insulation. Fortunately, with a few simple DIY fixes, you can combat these cost culprits. By focusing on three of the biggest coverage problem points, you can start saving money on your bills as early as this weekend.

1. Prevent air from going through the attic

Start by evaluating your current materials. If the insulation in your attic looks like a cotton candy machine exploded, then you have what is called “loose-fill” insulation. Many contractors and homebuilders use this insulation because it is easily blown into attic spaces. Unfortunately, it is not always the most effective insulation because it is difficult to ensure uniform coverage across the attic surface. Additionally, it is only designed to fit between the joists in the attic floor. This leaves the joists susceptible to heat transfer from the home to the attic.

For a more efficient upgrade, consider replacing loose-fill insulation with expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam insulation boards. These boards are available at local home-improvement stores and can easily be cut to fit any crawlspace without any mess. During installation, focus your efforts on the knee wall and rafters. These areas are in closest contact to the outside air and can make a big difference in the attic’s heat flow.

2. Insulate the biggest gap in your house — the garage door

Although it only moves in two directions, your home’s garage door serves multiple purposes. Not only is it necessary for keeping a garage safe and secure, but it also has important implications for your home’s energy efficiency. If it’s left uninsulated, it can drastically change the temperature of the ambient air closest to the inside of your home, causing heating and cooling systems to go into overdrive.

The good news is even a first-time DIYer can insulate their garage door. During your trip to the home improvement store, look for a garage door insulation kit. These kits include eight pre-sized panels that are easy to cut to size and flex into place between the garage door’s horizontal rails. As an added benefit, with common household tools, this job can be done in under an hour.

3. Minimize heat flow through the basement

Depending on the state of your unfinished basement, it may look like a collection of holiday decorations and keepsakes or a slab of concrete with exposed studs. However you use your basement, adding insulation is a smart project to take on this weekend.

Basement insulation contributes to an energy-efficient home by minimizing heat flow between the surrounding environment and the basement walls. Insulation can be applied to the outside of a basement wall; however, it is typically much easier to install on the inside walls. This approach avoids having to move dirt away from the foundation and back-fill it once the insulation is in place.

“Insulating a basement is not as daunting as someone might think,” said David Stassi, Insulfoam’s field technical support manager. “With the right product and a free weekend, this overlooked space can turn into a real energy saver for a home.”

For step-by-step instructions on installing insulation in the listed applications, visit the Insulfoam YouTube channel.

Bonus project: Treat yourself

The U.S. DOE estimates that a properly insulated home could save homeowners up to 20 percent on their heating and cooling bills. Don’t be a part of the population that overpays for their energy; take energy efficiency into your own hands. Who knows, you may even have a little extra money from your savings for a well-deserved vacation after your projects are done.

2019-04-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – Americans are ready for spring weekend getaways and road trips. According to the latest Gauge Index survey from Hankook Tire, most of us are planning an outdoor getaway. The beach (51%) is the top vacation Americans are planning this spring, followed by a national park (39%) for the outdoorsy type and an amusement park (31%) for the thrill seekers.

Just as spring cleaning your house is a habit, so should a spring tune-up for your car, especially before that much-anticipated road trip. Even though more than one in three drivers (37%) say they want to stay on top of car maintenance this year, what many people don’t realize is that the snow, freezing temperatures and salt, as well as potholes that develop as the roads finally thaw, can do a number on your car. Make sure your car is in top shape for any trip with five spring cleaning tune-ups:

1) Check your oil

The survey found that a quarter of Americans would like to learn how to change their oil. While actually changing your oil is a bit more involved, checking oil levels before heading out is just a matter of looking under the hood. To do so, be sure the car is on level ground, let the oil settle for a few minutes, then pull out the dipstick — it usually has a yellow or red handle, but the owner’s manual will direct you where to look. Wipe the dipstick clean, then push it all the way back in, wait a second, and withdraw again. If the oil lands between the two markers, you’re ready to roll. Otherwise it’s time for an oil change.

2) Monitor your air pressure

A quick air check can be the difference between a bumpy road trip and smooth sailing. Begin by driving around for a couple of miles because tires that have been parked for a while won’t have as accurate of a pressure reading. Then remove the valve cap from the tire, place the pressure gauge on the valve stem, and press until the hiss sound disappears and the gauge offers a reading. This reading should match the recommended PSI, which you can find on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual. If the reading indicates the tires need air, head to your local tire shop or gas station.

This is also a good time to check all four tires’ treads. Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down — and if his entire head is visible, it’s time to replace your tires. For those who do need new tires, be sure to consider your driving habits and upcoming travel destinations, to ensure a flat tire doesn’t hold up any adventure. If you’re among the 44% of drivers who consider themselves adventurous like an SUV and are heading off the beaten path, consider rugged off-road tires, like the Hankook Dynapro AT2 All-Terrain Tire.

3) Replace your windshield wipers

Snow and ice can really wear down the blades on windshield wipers. Look for cracks, creases or imperfections in the blade’s rubber, or if you notice streaks or grime on your windshield when using the wipers, it’s time to replace! Make sure the washer fluid is topped off by looking at the white, translucent container with a windshield or water symbol on it. Then just remove the cap and check the fluid level in the reservoir so that you’re ready to handle any weather down the road.

4) Update your roadside assistance

Spring is a good time to make sure your roadside assistance plan is up to date — especially for the 42% of drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle six years or older. Be sure your service card is valid to give yourself peace of mind for any trip.

5) Wash your car

Snow and salt can leave a lasting impact, especially within the wheel wells of a car. Give your vehicle a thorough cleaning to prevent any rust or permanent damage. Besides, everyone wants their car to look shiny and clean in those road-trip social media posts as they head out for their spring getaways!

No matter what destination drivers are steering toward this spring, a few quick tune-ups will keep things running smoothly, all season long.