Month: December 2019

2019-12-23T06:01:00

(BPT) – While some holiday traditions are worth keeping, there’s no need to copy anybody else’s party. Especially if you’re new to hosting, why not make your celebration your own? You might need some new gear and supplies, depending how elaborate your plan is — but don’t be shy about asking for help from friends and family.

Find fun ways to express yourself as you plan a holiday party that’s truly unique — and amazing.

Try out a theme

Having a theme can inspire your decor, costumes, activities and food to make your occasion stand out. Here are just a few ideas:

• Favorite holiday movies: Elf, A Christmas Story, Nightmare Before Christmas or Christmas Vacation.
• Christmas in Vegas (or Hawaii, or Miami …)
• A Black Tie Christmas — Forget the ugly sweaters and dress up instead!
• A very ’80s (or ’70s or ’90s …) Christmas

Cook up a world of flavors

Create holiday delights from different countries and cultures, and invite guests to bring a dish of their own culture to share.

Cooking for a crowd is even easier with an LG Electronics ProBake Convection Oven, which delivers even baking results on every rack, every time. Because the heating element is on the back wall and air is circulated throughout the oven, you won’t have to turn or rotate pans. You can cook more items simultaneously without worrying about uneven baking.

You also won’t have to stop decorating or doing other party prep while you’re baking with the LG ThinQ app, as you can control your smart oven from anywhere. You can preheat or turn the oven off from your smartphone or by voice commands using the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. It also works with smart recipe platforms like SideChef and Innit to send precise cooking commands directly to your oven.

Bring on the games

Holiday parties are great opportunities for everyone to explore their inner child and be silly. Scour your parents’ game closets, the internet and your imagination for fun ideas to entertain guests of all ages.

• Enjoy retro party games. Get hold of Twister, Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary — or set up Pin the Tail on the Donkey or plan a game of charades. Any activity you remember from your childhood is fair game!
• Play a game of “Who Am I?” using either celebrities, TV or cartoon characters, or let people guess from among the party guests.
• Play “Two Truths and a Lie,” where each guest writes two facts about themselves along with one tall tale, and partygoers have to guess which one is the falsehood.

Turn up the music

If you have musicians and singers in your group, invite them to perform holiday tunes and let everyone sing along. Be sure they include some funny or unexpected numbers like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” or holiday tracks from popular shows or movies.

Make a playlist of holiday favorites for an upbeat background, or to give everyone a chance to dance and sing along.

Crazy gingerbread house decorating

Use a kit to construct 1-2 gingerbread houses and set them up on a table with an assortment of decorative candies and icing that everyone can use to create the final house together — encouraging creative interpretations. Provide some unexpected items to decorate with, like Halloween candies for a haunted gingerbread house.

No matter what your plan is for your holiday party, remember that it’s the people you invite who really count. Focus on your guests and give everyone plenty of time to just hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Having a great time together is what will make your party truly unforgettable.

2019-12-21T00:59:00

(BPT) – It’s hard to imagine what life has been like for a child who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 2 years old, followed by years of surgeries, doctor visits, medications and treatments. Eleven-year-old, four-time cancer survivor Alika has endured all of that — but maintains a positive and optimistic attitude, with the support of her family. She loves going to school and learning new things.

While battling cancer for the fourth time, a social worker referred Alika to Make-A-Wish^®.

“We’ve always known about Make-A-Wish,” said Alika’s mom, Leah. “But between the MRIs and hospital stays, we hadn’t even had a moment to think about the impact a wish could have.”

Spending most of her life in and out of hospitals and doctor appointments means Alika and her family have never had the chance to take a vacation together. In identifying her wish, Alika expressed her desire to travel with her family to Hawaii. When she recently finished her last round of treatment, Alika’s doctors cleared her for her wish to go to Hawaii, although she will still need to be monitored closely to watch for any recurrence of cancer.

After enduring three surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, Alika’s wish will come true thanks to the support Make-A-Wish has received from Subaru through the Subaru Share the Love^® Event.

Alika, who says she wants to be a chef or an actress when she grows up, recently appeared in a commercial promoting Subaru’s support for Make-A-Wish through its annual Share the Love Event.

After filming the commercial, Alika turned to her mother and said, “Mom, this commercial was made just for me!”

Inspired by her story, Subaru and Make-A-Wish, together, revealed to Alika on Good Morning America that her wish is being granted.

Alika dreams of traveling the world, starting with her wish to go to Hawaii. Her family has always felt a strong connection to Hawaiian culture, making her wish a transformative opportunity for her entire family. To help Alika document their special trip, Subaru also gifted her a GoPro camera.

Alika is looking forward to visiting Hawaii with her family and is especially excited to see the waterfalls when she gets there. It will be the first time they will enjoy quality, stress-free time just relaxing together. Her family imagines having fun dancing to music on the beaches of Hawaii.

Make-A-Wish has been able to grant 2,200 wishes for children fighting critical illness thanks to funding received from the Subaru Share the Love Event.

If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact during this season of giving, there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping a child’s wish come true, especially knowing how their life has been affected by illness.

Subaru will have donated more than $170 million to national and hometown charities through the Subaru Share the Love Event in 12 years. To learn more about the Make-A-Wish and Subaru partnership, visit wish.org/Subaru.

2019-12-20T10:54:48

(BPT) – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer science-related jobs available, but there will only be 400,000 computer science graduates with the skills needed to apply for those jobs.

Although computer science is the fastest-growing profession within the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), only 8% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree in school — with only a small percentage of those students from underserved backgrounds. To discover the untapped talent among today’s high school and college students, scholarship opportunities can provide the encouragement and financial means for more students to pursue these careers.

The Amazon Future Engineer program is part of the company’s $50 million investment in STEM and computer science over the next five years. This four-part, childhood-to-career program funds opportunities like after-school coding classes for kids in grades K-8, robotics programs and Intro and Advanced Placement (AP) computer science courses for high school students.

One of the highlights of the program is the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, awarding 100 high school seniors from underserved communities scholarships of $40,000 over four years to study computer science at a four-year college or university of their choice. The scholarship also includes an offer for a guaranteed, paid internship with Amazon, after students complete their first year of college. It is one of the only computer science programs to offer a scholarship and guaranteed internship placement to students.

Previous scholarship winner and current Ohio University student Hannah Nguyen said, “Being selected for the program is incredibly empowering, especially with women being so underrepresented in the field. I’m so excited for my future in computer science and I’m looking forward to the amazing opportunity to apply my knowledge while gaining real-world experience at this summer internship.”

What are the scholarship requirements?

• Completion of an AP computer science class in high school
• Intent to pursue a computer science degree at a four-year college or university
• Teacher recommendation

Other factors considered include the applicant’s academic performance, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of career and educational goals, and financial need.

The inaugural class of scholarship winners announced in April 2019 includes 100 students from 32 states. All of the recipients demonstrated financial need and more than half of the students awarded scholarships were from underrepresented groups in the computer science field, such as women, first-generation immigrants and people of color. These students are attending some of the top universities and computer science programs in the country.

Another scholarship winner from the class of 2019, Jailynn Primus, used her award to enroll at Howard University. “To me [it] means an investment in my future and the opening of doors that I thought were previously closed to me,” she explained. “Being a double minority in STEM by being both African American and female, this empowers me to stay focused on the future I would like to create for both myself and society.”

To read more about previous scholarship winners, visit blog.aboutamazon.com/community/how-raising-her-hand-in-robotics-club-led-to-an-amazon-scholarship.

Applications for this year’s scholarship will be accepted through Jan. 17, 2020 for current high school seniors. Interested students can apply at AmazonFutureEngineer.com.

2019-12-20T11:03:00

(BPT) – Sponsored content

Create a routine: Gilmore’s mindset is focused on staying in control of his life and “not conceding a day.” He says, “I learned that establishing a routine, particularly around treatment days, was important for me in terms of my mental outlook and how I feel physically. Everyone’s routine will look different, but mine includes exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated.”

Embrace a sense of purpose: Not everyone with an illness feels comfortable discussing it. But for Gilmore, he quickly discovered these conversations could be a force of good. For example, he noticed that many of his male friends were neglecting their annual physicals. And yet, after talking to Gilmore, they were inspired to schedule that doctor’s appointment. This ability to inspire others gives him a sense of purpose. As part of this, Gilmore also serves as a board member for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Develop a plan today: Gilmore encourages anyone living with or affected by multiple myeloma to visit MyelomaExplained.com and download the Myeloma MVP guide to create their own plan today.

This content is sponsored by Amgen and Rod Gilmore is a paid spokesperson.

USA- 171-80977

References:

1. American Cancer Society. About Multiple Myeloma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple­ myeloma/about.html. Accessed on October 28, 2019.
2. American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple­ myeloma/causes­risks­prevention/risk­factors.html. Accessed on October 28, 2019.
3. Jakubowiak A. Management strategies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: current clinical perspectives. Semin Hematol. 2012, 49 (Suppl 1): S16­S32.
4. Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. What is Multiple Myeloma? https://themmrf.org/multiple­ myeloma/what­is­multiple­myeloma/. Accessed on October 28, 2019.

2019-12-20T11:04:48

(BPT) – Sitting is nearly impossible to avoid. Whether during your daily commute, working hard at your desk or watching your favorite TV show on the couch, sitting can provide relief and give you the opportunity to relax.

However, sitting for a long period of time can lead to some adverse health effects. According to a recent survey commissioned by Preparation H, 63% of Americans admit that staying seated for an extended period has resulted in butt pain or discomfort.

While sitting may be one of our favorite positions, the following tips will help you diminish the harmful, but common, side effects of sitting and highlight how to give your backside the break it deserves.

1. Move bad posture out of the way

Sitting down at a desk for eight hours at work each day is common for many professions, in addition to sitting during the commute to the office. For many, this is the preferred position, as one in four employed Americans would not show up to work if they could not sit down the entire time. However, sitting can have significant effects on our backs and spines, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid bad posture and a stiff neck or back, take a quick walk around the office, find a longer route to the water cooler or grab a coworker for a few laps around the parking lot during lunch. If your office allows it, opt for a standing desk to get you off your butt and onto your feet.

2. Improve poor circulation

Let’s face it — we all want to get home, kick off our shoes and get lost in our couch cushions for the rest of the night. However, sitting for too long causes your blood to remain in your feet and lower legs due to lack of movement, causing your body’s circulation to slow down and resulting in numbness and tingling. To break up your sitting marathon, try to perform a few simple bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks or use the time to get up and tidy your living room space.

3. Leave backside discomfort in the past

Everyone uses the bathroom throughout the day, but some may spend a little too much time on the porcelain throne. The time spent sitting, as well as the habits associated with the activity, can ultimately contribute to the causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups, like constipation and straining. When hemorrhoids do strike, Preparation H is the #1 doctor-recommended OTC hemorrhoid brand formulated to soothe, cool, cleanse and care for your backside. To help shorten the time spent on the toilet, avoid digital distractions, like your phone, that can lead to spending extended time sitting in the bathroom.

4. Bring the power back to your brain

Your physical health isn’t the only thing suffering from sitting — your mental health is affected as well. Sitting for extended periods can slow down brain function, leading to memory loss and a foggy brain feeling. If you’re feeling distracted or can’t seem to accomplish a task at hand, try getting up and going for a quick walk to help improve concentration and keep blood flowing to your brain so the next big idea is right around the corner.

Whether it’s getting in an extra couple of steps or banishing your phone from the bathroom, these small changes can be beneficial in reducing the negative effects of staying seated for too long. Sitting will inevitably be a part of your day, but by implementing these tips, you can give yourself a pat on the back for putting your health first.

For more information on hemorrhoid relief, visit preparationh.com.

2019-12-20T12:31:00

(BPT) – Chilly weather: Check. Cozy gatherings with friends: Check. Same old wine: Not so fast. Before you reach for your go-to red this winter, consider Chile’s answer to the season’s most toast-worthy pours: crimson-hued Carmenere (car-men-air).

The signature red grape of Chile delivers luscious dark fruit — think blackcurrant, wild blueberry and ripe plum — wrapped in supple tannins, brilliant acidity and silken texture. When shared with even the most wine-savvy host, Carmenere offers an opportunity for discovery beyond the usual pour.

Born in the famed vineyards of Bordeaux, France, Carmenere was thought to be extinct in the late 1860s. Half a world away, in a grand case of mistaken identity, experts discovered 130 years later that much of what was assumed to be Merlot in Chile was actually Carmenere — hiding in plain sight. It quickly became a favorite among Chileans for its inviting style, and today, Carmenere is to Chile what Malbec is to Argentina. Somewhere between the moderate structure of a Pinot Noir and the layered complexity of a Cabernet Sauvignon lies your new favorite red.

Chilean Winemaker Marcio Ramírez — affectionately dubbed “Mr. Carmenere” by colleagues, thanks to his 20-plus years spent mastering the variety — is a Carmenere craftsman to keep your eye on. Here are three wines, all made by Ramírez and awarded scores of 90 points or higher by top wine critics, that you should be drinking this winter, perhaps après ski or any time a delicious glass of red fits the bill:

2017 Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere

From Puemo Vineyard in Cachapoal Valley, the 2017 vintage of Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere doesn’t disappoint with heady aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry, framed by a thread of cedar and white pepper. Pair it with smoked meats or a strong aged cheese, like Gorgonzola. 90 points, Wine & Spirits

2017 Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere

Also from Puemo Vineyard, the 2017 Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere is an elevated selection with a generous palate of ripe plum, blackcurrant and dark chocolate. Pronounced acidity makes it a versatile pairing for roasted lamb or pasta. 91 points, James Suckling

2017 Terrunyo Carmenere

The crown jewel of Ramírez’s Carmenere offerings from Puemo Vineyard, the 2017 Terrunyo Carmenere boasts an impressive structure, with inviting notes of wild berries, cedar and violet. Supple tannins and excellent acidity make this equally suited for spicy fare or rich risotto. 91 points, Wine Spectator

As you consider the wine options this winter, skip the expected choice, and instead grab a bottle from Chile. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, sitting down to a four-course meal or heading to a cocktail party, Carmenere may be the best red wine you haven’t yet tried. Discover (and share) it all winter long.