Month: September 2024

2024-09-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – As a parent or educator, you know how technology has changed the educational landscape. It would be nearly impossible for students to complete assignments and, in some cases, even attend classes without the right tech tools. So, as back-to-school season approaches, it’s a smart idea to think about the laptops you would buy or recommend to students.

A laptop isn’t just another electronic device. A student’s laptop should empower students to learn, create and relax throughout the school year. To ensure your student can do it all, look for a laptop powered by Snapdragon to enable groundbreaking AI experiences. For example, laptops built with the Snapdragon X Elite Platform allow students to navigate demanding multi-tasking workloads, without sacrificing efficient battery life.

Each Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptop brings something different to the table, just like each student. If you need help finding the perfect laptop for different learners with diverse needs, check out this roundup of five laptops with AI infused.

1. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

For the artists in your life, help them unlock their creativity with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. This powerful creative sidekick knows what your student needs before they do! Thanks to its built-in AI, your student can streamline their creative tasks. The 14-inch laptop weighs just under 3 pounds, so your artist can create on the fly anywhere they go!

The Snapdragon X Elite processor allows the Yoga Slim to give top-tier performance while cutting power consumption by 68%. A single charge keeps the battery powered for 27 hours, so students will never have to worry about plugging in their laptop during class. Instead, they can focus on finishing their notes so they can let their creative juices flow after class for multiple days without a break.

2. HP OmniBook X

Does your student find it difficult to focus on everyday tasks? Steer them toward the HP OmniBook X. As they use their laptop, the AI assistants can help reduce churn by surfacing relevant files, summarizing class notes, and creating imaginative thought starters for a truly personalized experience. This personalization cuts down on distractions to increase focus and productivity in and outside of class.

The OmniBook X, powered by Snapdragon X Elite processor is also perfect for distance learning and digital collaboration. Windows Studio Effects and Copilot+ collaboration tools facilitate crisp and clear conversations. Auto-adjust lighting, creative filters, eye contact enhancement, voice focus and a 5MP (16:10) camera ensure students can showcase their ideas to the classroom, collaborators and the world.

After class, when your student is ready to relax with a movie or game, Qualcomm Adreno GPU allows them to enjoy high-performance graphics and rich user experiences.

3. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16

For students who switch between phone and laptop, have them check out the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16. It offers students the ultimate connected experience, backed with Wi-Fi 72 readiness for quick and seamless cross-device connectivity.

Thanks to its hybrid approach, students can control their Galaxy AI phone from the convenience of their PC. They can call, text, set reminders and more, so they can stay in contact with family and friends and stay organized while they work.

Does your student need to watch an international webinar or chat with others overseas? With Automatic Life Captions, language barriers will be a thing of the past. The laptop offers accurate real-time English subtitles translated from 44 languages.

4. Dell XPS 13

For well-rounded students who want to use one tech product for school, work, art and play, they need the Dell XPS 13. This all-terrain vehicle of laptops makes it easier to shop for books, clothing and dorm decorations online, plan their spring break and kick-start research for a class project in a matter of minutes. Paired with 4K streaming & lossless audio your student can watch, share and create from anywhere.

The Snapdragon X Elite processor provides cutting-edge responsiveness and unmatched speed so students can easily navigate a demanding multitasking workload. Snapdragon’s processing power allows for effortless switching between tasks, whether using browsers, video conferencing collaboration or multimedia.

5. MSFT Surface Pro 11

Students who want the best of both worlds should opt for the MSFT Surface Pro 11. This flexible and powerful 2-in-1 laptop/tablet features a detachable keyboard that can be used when attached or detached. Whether they’re taking notes in class, typing up a term paper or taking a break with a digital sketchbook, the Surface Pro adapts to their life, however and wherever they use it.

Like the other Snapdragon X Elite powered laptops in this lineup, students can enjoy AI-accelerated power and lightning-fast speed that keeps up with them all day long.

Help your student level up next semester with the right laptop that meets their unique needs. You can purchase any of these laptops direct from the manufacturer or online and in person at your local Best Buy.

Battery life varies significantly based on device, settings, usage, and other factors.

2024-09-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – The flavors of fall are often what make the season so special — they bring us together and remind us to slow down and smell the spices. That’s why it’s the perfect time to try out new recipes and share your creations with friends. Apple pie, cider donuts, pumpkin bread — the possibilities are endless. Especially while there are so many fresh ingredients in season, like apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and even butternut squash. This fall, be sure to take advantage of all the deliciousness that this season brings.

And while you cook up some tasty treats in the kitchen, don’t forget an important recipe for a healthy fall season — getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Vaccination can help protect you against these diseases, so you can try some new fall recipes without disruption.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia are responsible for IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis. There’s a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year.

If you’re 19-64 with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, chronic heart disease and COPD, you’re at increased risk. Adults 65 or older are also at increased risk. In fact, if you’re 65 or older, you’re at over 10x greater risk of being hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia compared with adults 18-49.

If you fit in any of these groups, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself — and your fall plans.

Vaccination is available all year round, so now is a great time to assess if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you. Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.

Getting pneumococcal pneumonia or IPD shouldn’t be on your fall checklist, so don’t let it get in your way of enjoying all the delicious things this season has to offer.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination and visit VaxAssist.com to schedule a vaccination today.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

2024-09-17T09:47:00

(BPT) – Frying bacon, broiling marinated chicken, straining boiling pasta — what do they have in common? In the past, these activities could cause steam or smoke to set off the smoke alarm unnecessarily, causing stress and disruption when trying to get through family dinner prep in peace. To help limit nuisance alarms and protect what matters most, follow these safety tips.

• Ensure your home is properly equipped with updated technology. Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. First Alert recently introduced Precision Detection advanced sensing technology smoke alarms, which are designed and tested to provide early warning in the event of a home fire emergency, while also reducing nuisance alarms as the technology better differentiates non-threatening from threatening smoke.
• Never leave the stove or oven unattended. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking to keep an eye on the meal. If you must leave the room, assign watching duties to another member of the household.
• Keep children away from stove-tops and open flames. Create a boundary of 3 feet around all ovens or stoves being used. Avoid any accidents or fires by letting children know the stove is hot and that it is important to be alert. Also, make sure to keep any lighters and matches locked in a high cabinet to avoid starting a fire.
• Be mindful of cluttering cords. Electric mixers, coffee makers, and plate warmers can be an electrical fire hazard due to the amount of electricity running through the outlets. Also ensure cords are not dangling off the counter within arm’s reach of children.
• Test your smoke alarms. Having working smoke alarms is the first line of defense. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Fire spreads fast and working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they’re in functioning condition and replace the batteries at least every 6 months. Smoke alarms don’t last forever and need to be replaced at least every 10 years.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand. If a fire does happen, make sure to have a fire extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen — and know how to use it. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. when operating. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side.

To learn more about First Alert’s Precision Detection alarms, or for additional fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com.

2024-09-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – Every year since 1970, a tree from one of the 154 national forests travels from its woodland home to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and serves as the “People’s Tree.” As it makes its journey to Washington, D.C., the tree makes several stops along the way, providing opportunities for community engagement and kicking off the spirit of the season.

For the past 10 years, The People’s Tree has made its journey on a specially made trailer to protect it from the weather elements, so it arrives safe and sound at the Capitol for the lighting ceremony in early December. The steel flatbed trailer extends 60-80 feet to accommodate multiple tree sizes and features a custom wood panel enclosure that is used only for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

After a decade of use, the trailer’s all-wood panels and assembly pieces needed to be replaced. Since the trailer would be traveling through many harsh conditions, including riding on a barge through the Alaskan waters, it was important that the trailer’s wood construction could withstand the elements.

Preserving the spirit of the season one coat at a time

SEAL-ONCE^®, a division of U-C Coatings, saw an opportunity not only to sponsor the rebuild of the trailer but also to protect it and stabilize it on its journey this year and for many years to come. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the SEAL-ONCE team traveled to Wrangell, Alaska, to help rebuild and coat the new trailer.

SEAL-ONCE is known for its water-based, eco-friendly coatings and sealers for exterior decks, docks, fences, siding and other outdoor projects. The products’ low and ultra-low VOC makes them safe for people, pets and plants, all while providing superior protection and stability.

The company supplied the wood and 25 gallons of its SEAL-ONCE Marine Grade Premium Semi-Transparent Stain. The product creates a flexible and breathable barrier that allows the wood to expand and contract as it encounters different weather elements. The product is also abrasion resistant, protects against UV fading and water damage, and is formulated for the harshest of environments.

As a bonus, SEAL-ONCE developed a unique Christmas Red stain, exclusively designed for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree trailer, that enhances the natural grain and beauty of the new wood.

Thanks to this premium exterior wood stain, the trailer will be able to stand up to rain, sleet, snow and even sun exposure along its cross-country road trip.

Protect your home with a pro-level coating

Want to protect your home deck, dock, fence and other wood structures? You can use the same protective coating used on the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree trailer. Right now, you can even save with a 10% discount! To learn more, visit UCCoatings.com.

2024-09-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – College admissions season is here. Parents of high school seniors, are you and your student ready? There are a lot of to-dos and deadlines to keep track of during this important and exciting time like application deadlines, essays, and letters of recommendation. It’s about making sure your senior has what he or she needs in place to make the college application process go smoothly, with the goal of attending the school of their choice next year.

Don’t stress! Here’s a college checklist for parents and students to stay on track this fall, from the experts at College Ave.

Create a budget, and don’t forget pre-college expenses. When planning to pay for college, parents typically look at tuition, books, housing and other expenses their child will incur during each school year. It’s vital to know those numbers and understand what your own family budget can handle. But many parents forget about pre-college expenses like application fees, cost of exams, college visits and more. According to a recent College Ave survey, pre-college spend averages $2,891. Building that into your budget now helps prevent unexpected costs later.

Narrow down a list of colleges. On average, students apply to five schools. But, almost 40% apply to more than that, according to the same survey. Work with your senior to create a list of schools they’re interested in attending. That means researching specialties and offerings, campus life, size, cost, GPA and test score requirements and other factors. Be practical about the list, but include a couple of wishes, too.

Write essays. Sometimes called “personal statements,” college essays are a way for students to show admissions officers who they are and why they’re a perfect fit for the school. Have your child research successful college essays to get the style and tone they should use, and then write a personal, heartfelt essay about themselves, their goals and dreams, their circumstances and what they hope to achieve.

Enter the College Ave Monthly Scholarship Sweepstakes. At College Ave, they understand how important scholarships are to help pay for college. That’s why they award a $1,000 scholarship award each month. Simply fill out the College Ave scholarship form (it’s just a quick name, address, and phone) and you’re entered. A new winner is selected every month, so come back and enter each month. Bonus: both the student and parent can enter.

Get up close and personal with the FAFSA. You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for most forms of federal financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education, states, and many schools will use the FAFSA to determine your student’s eligibility for grants, scholarships, and federal student loans. Get ready for when it launches in December for the 2025-2026 school year. Gather information and documentation, including your tax filing status, income, IRA distributions, assets and other figures from your tax return. Remember, it’s not a one-and-done. You’ll need to submit this form every year your child attends college.

Investigate state and local grants and scholarships. The FAFSA is your bedrock starting point, but it isn’t the only way you can get help paying for your child’s education. States also offer grants, scholarships and tuition assistance programs. To find out about yours, start by searching: “State of (your state name) college financial aid support.”

Research unique scholarships. You’d be surprised by the sheer number of scholarships that exist out there. Many are specific to the school you’re applying to, but many are general scholarships. Are you or your spouse a firefighter? There’s a scholarship for kids of firefighters. Is your student left-handed? Yes, there’s one for that, too. Does your child play the bagpipes? You guessed it, there’s a scholarship for that. Have your child brainstorm and research available scholarships. And about that …

Get organized about deadlines. This couldn’t be more important. If applying to multiple schools, you’ll have multiple application deadlines to juggle. But those aren’t the only ones. You’ll need to be on top of deadlines for scholarships, grants, loans and much more. Make a deadline calendar on a whiteboard and put it in the kitchen, front and center.

College Ave offers flexible private student loan options tailored to your budget and goals. For more information on everything you need to know when your child is ready to start the college application process, and options to pay for your child’s education, visit College Ave.

2024-09-17T05:01:00

(BPT) – The ability to communicate and connect with other human beings is central to life. For those who are deafblind, even simple communication can be a major hurdle, especially from a distance. People living with both significant hearing and vision loss — due to conditions including Usher Syndrome, CHARGE Syndrome, aging and many other factors — face isolation that may seem impossible to overcome.

Fortunately, today’s technology offers solutions to help people with vision and hearing impairment communicate and feel connected to friends, family and the world at large. Technology opens up possibilities for the deafblind — but people first need the equipment and training to be able to access these opportunities. This is where the iCanConnect program comes in.

A free program that reduces isolation

The iCanConnect program, also known as the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide free distance communication equipment and training to individuals with significant combined hearing and vision loss, and who meet federal eligibility requirements for income and disability.

“Since its inception, iCanConnect has provided nearly 9,500 individuals with free equipment and training,” said Jackie Ellington, FCC administrator for iCanConnect. “If you or a loved one are eligible for this amazing program, don’t miss the opportunity to participate. If you’re unsure if you meet the criteria, go to iCanConnect.org, find your state contact, and reach out.”

Ernest Gallman, a South Carolina resident in his 70s, met his grandbaby virtually, thanks to the equipment and training through iCanConnect. Gallman began losing his eyesight at age 10, then experienced progressive hearing loss over the years, leaving him feeling isolated. After being assessed by his local iCanConnect representative, Gallman received a smartphone, wireless headset and desktop computer. Using this equipment, he was able to meet his new grandson virtually via video chat with his daughter soon after the birth.

“The equipment and training I received through iCanConnect really changed my life. It made me more independent and more connected to my family,” said Gallman. “I hope anyone struggling with independence and isolation won’t be afraid to reach out and get information about the program.”

The beauty of communication

Jan Attridge, an artist in her 80s from northern Minnesota, began losing her hearing and vision a few years ago resulting from chemotherapy. This made it increasingly difficult to keep in touch with friends and family, including her son Mark.

“I was having trouble hearing on my landline phone, and I was having difficulty understanding messages left on my answering system,” she said. “I was also having more difficulty just understanding what was said during a conversation.”

Attridge was referred to iCanConnect through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. An iCanConnect representative visited her and conducted an assessment of her distance communication needs and goals. Once she was accepted into the program, Attridge received a Clarity desk phone, CapTel phone and an iPhone. An iCanConnect trainer met with her to teach her how to use the new equipment.

Now, Attridge can keep in touch with her son Mark, plus other family and friends with the equipment she received through the program. “iCanConnect has been a godsend,” she said.

For more stories of participants being helped by the program, visit iCanConnect.org/news.

How to find connection

After a person qualifies for the program, a local iCanConnect representative meets with them to determine their distance communication needs and goals. The participant then receives free equipment that best meets their needs, plus free training on how to use it. This equipment helps participants do things like send and receive emails and text messages, make phone calls, participate in social media and manage life activities and services that are increasingly conducted online. The equipment iCanConnect provides includes smartphones and home phones, laptop and desktop computers, braille devices, signalers, screen reading software like JAWS and more.

Since it began, iCanConnect has been helping participants across the U.S. and its territories increase their independence and keep in touch with family, friends and communities. Whether reconnecting with old school friends, playing music and games with family over video chat or participating in telehealth and virtual therapy appointments, iCanConnect helps meet each participant’s goals to stay connected.

To learn more and to apply, visit iCanConnect.org.

2024-09-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – A minimalist edit made to maximize their options; their new basics BFF.

School is officially back in session. Temps are starting to drop. And that can only mean one thing. Fall — and fall clothing — is here!

This season, Carter’s, the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents*, launched the new minimalist mix™ collection. The 48-piece solids collection comes in sizes 2T to 14 and features both separates and sets for easy toddler and kid dressing. It’s the perfect (and easy!) everyday capsule, whether it be for school, playdates or fall adventures to come. Picture joggers, hoodies, zip-ups, crewnecks, dresses, leggings and more in elevated fabrications and fall hues — think trending colors like caramels, berries, olives, lavender and navy.

“We chose easy core colors but also some fun ‘fashion’ colors that all match back to other fall Carter’s styles,” said Allison Robinson, Design Director for Carter’s. The result? Elevated, solid basics that can easily pair with prints but also look great as a solid head-to-toe look! “We were also super excited about getting textured solids into the mix here as well,” she added, speaking to the capsule’s cozy fleeces and wide-ribbed fabrics, which make for effortless transitional pieces.

Not only was the collection designed to stand alone, as well as mix and match within the capsule, but it was also created to match back to Carter’s new fall styles — making getting your kids dressed that much easier. “We loved the fleece hoodies that are trending for fall. Not only are they a great standalone piece, but you can also style with a pair of your favorite jeans or cargos, or pair an easy rib top with a skirt for an easy, put-together fall school look!” shared Robinson.

As for what’s next, be on the lookout for even more refined styles from the minimalist mix™ collection. “We are working towards an in-store stock up destination that mixes in solid items with our current essentials assortment,” said Robinson. Featuring great modern prints, toddler-engaging graphics and easy layering, this selection is meant to make shopping for those extra school outfits easy for parents — so they know their little one will come home in a presentable second (or third or fourth) outfit of the day!

*Based on preferences selected in Carter’s Q3’23-Q2’24 survey of 4009 children’s clothing buyers in the U.S.