Month: February 2026

2026-02-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – Power outages have always been part of life, but today they are lasting longer, happening more frequently and hitting harder in places that once saw little extreme weather.

Severe storms are also knocking out local infrastructure for days or even weeks, exposing the limits of an aging electric grid. At the same time, rising electricity demand from data centers is adding strain, creating a system in which outages are becoming harder to predict and slower to resolve.

Electric customers can’t control storms or aging equipment, but they can control how exposed their household is when the power grid fails.

Backup power is evolving

For a long time, backup power meant a clunky gas generator and a plan to keep only a few essentials running. That image doesn’t match homes today, where critical electrical needs spread across the entire house and its devices. Whole-home backup batteries are emerging as a more resilient approach, designed to power the home as a whole and manage it intelligently.

This shift extends beyond emergencies to bring greater control and clearer insight into energy use. A 2025 research study found that 60% of U.S. households are interested in tools like smart appliances and energy-efficient products to monitor and reduce energy use. Electricity prices have climbed, and homeowners want visibility into where power is going and how to lower the bill. Whole-home backup, especially when paired with solar and smart controls, can provide those insights.

A new kind of smart whole-home backup

Instead of outdoor generators and a tangle of extension cords, more homeowners are turning to battery-based systems that can keep their entire home running and, in some cases, work alongside rooftop solar.

EcoFlow is one of the companies responding to that reality. Its DELTA Pro Ultra X is an easy-to-install, whole-home backup power station that can work alongside solar, battery storage and generators, offering homeowners a powerful alternative when the grid goes down. With a capacity that scales to days of backup power, the system is built to support extended outages rather than short interruptions. When paired with EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel 3, it can switch over from grid power in a matter of milliseconds, and automatically adjust how energy is sourced and used as conditions change.

The real upgrade is control at the device level

EcoFlow is addressing another familiar smart-home problem: nothing “talks” to anything else. Many battery systems still manage outages at the circuit level, which can force unwanted tradeoffs when every watt matters. For example, if a kitchen circuit includes both a main refrigerator and a wine fridge, you may want the main refrigerator running and the wine fridge shut down. However, circuit-only control can’t make that distinction.

“We’re entering a new era of home energy, one where independence depends on systems and devices working together, not in silos,” said Jenny Zhang, President of EcoFlow’s Residential Business. “Our goal is to lay the interoperable foundation homeowners need to manage energy intelligently, adapt in real time and stay resilient no matter the state of the grid.”

EcoFlow is leaning into this need for granularity with its Smart Home Energy Management System, which coordinates solar generation, home batteries, household circuits and compatible devices onto a single platform. The point is practical control in an emergency, with clearer visibility into where power is going and more flexibility to decide what stays online as conditions change.

To expand that device-level compatibility, EcoFlow and more than 15 other brands have formed the EcoFlow Ecosystem Alliance, an effort to make energy and smart-home gear more interoperable. Homey, part of LG Electronics, recently reached an agreement with EcoFlow to deepen integration between Homey’s Energy Dongle and EcoFlow’s Smart Home Energy Management System.

Preparedness should not feel extreme

Whole-home backup is becoming a practical answer to a simple question: What happens when the grid can’t deliver? For some homeowners, the case is obvious; for everyone else, the combination of aging infrastructure, growing demand and unpredictable disruptions is making the question worth asking before the next outage.

To learn more about EcoFlow’s whole-home backup solutions and the Ecosystem Alliance, visit EcoFlow.com.

2026-02-05T17:31:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Sports fans are looking for game day appetizer ideas to wow their guests for watch parties, tailgating and homegating for the Big Game and beyond.
• Ranch dressing is an increasingly popular choice for fans looking to enhance their game day dips and dunks.
• Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip is perfect for dipping, dunking and drizzling for crowd-pleasers like wings, pizza and Ranch Guacamole Bites (recipe included).

From the Big Game to upcoming winter sports and plenty of heart-pounding soccer action, 2026 could be called the “year of the sports.” To celebrate these thrilling events, sports fans everywhere are searching for tasty recipe ideas for their watch party get-togethers.

And what’s the most important ingredient to add to your game day shopping list? Ranch dressing, of course.

How popular is ranch dressing?

The stats are clear: According to a 2026 Instacart survey, ranch dressing is ordered 53% more often nationwide than the second most popular dip (French onion). Ranch dressing also tops the list of most popular condiments, second only to mayonnaise.

Some suggest that ranch may now be even more popular than beer. While the iconic American dressing keeps getting more popular, drinking is on the downswing. Almost half of Americans planned to drink less last year, a trend that’s especially gaining ground among younger adults.

To commemorate its relative rise in popularity, Litehouse has created a fun “six-pack” for their Ranch Dressing, along with the slogan: “Thanks, Beer, We’ll Take it from Here.” This six-pack makes the perfect vehicle to bring America’s No. 1 Refrigerated Ranch Dressing Brand* to any Big Game gathering.

How can you use ranch for game day appetizers?

Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip is perfect for dipping, dunking and drizzling on easy-to-make crowd favorites including any kind of chips, an array of cut-up veggies and even pizza. Enjoy spicy foods? Ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy contrast to game day MVPs like buffalo chicken wings or bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.

You can also try some of these other options, which all taste even better with ranch:

• Potato skins
• Soft pretzels
• Mozzarella sticks
• Fried pickles
• Stuffed jalapenos
• French fries

Best yet, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch is refrigerated, so it’s always cold and closely mimics that restaurant style ranch dressing flavor that many love. You can find it in grocery stores across the United States in the produce section, right where you’re picking up carrots, celery and other veggies to fill up your snack tray.

2026-02-05T11:15:00

(BPT) – Just as maintaining a smooth golf swing or preparing for competitive winter sports requires precision, timing and consistency, proper car care does too. A golfer knows that every detail, from grip to stance, affects performance, much like a skier fine-tunes every movement on the course. Similarly, your car needs that same attention to detail: regular maintenance, the right tires for the season and a bit of polish to keep it in top form. Whether it’s a finely waxed race ski, a gleaming car engine or a “pre-shot routine” on your next 18-hole endeavor, performance thrives where maintenance meets passion.

As golf events like Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) and international winter sports begin new competitions, Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index Survey takes a fun look at how Americans view the perfect drive.

Winter Driving Deserves Recognition

With international competition top of mind, Americans are weighing in on which driving skills should earn competitive status. Nearly half (44%) of Americans believe driving through snow or ice deserves its own sporting event, given the level of driving precision and requisite ability to navigate inclement weather. Nearly as many Americans (42%) consider parallel parking a worthy driving skill. Much like the biathlon, drivers must be able to glide in smoothly, stop precisely, avoid panicking under pressure and nail the one moment that really counts.

Drivers also want to see tires take on the snow or ice-covered grounds. More than one-quarter of Americans (28%) would want to see a snow-adventure-themed driving event where driver and vehicle compete across a series of winter elements designed to test traction, handling and, of course, speed. One-quarter (25%) of drivers also expressed enthusiasm for a drifting stage, designed to test the limits of car control, where careful throttle or steering inputs on a surface that demands precision and can separate gold-level performance from DNF.

How do everyday drivers compare themselves to the professionals? When it comes to their own competitive abilities, nearly one-fifth of drivers (18%) rate their winter driving skills at an elite level, demonstrating complete confidence in any driving condition. However, the majority (39%) place themselves at a “National Team” level — competent and prepared, but realistic about their limits. Millennial drivers are the most confident, with 22% claiming elite winter driving prowess, compared with just 11% among Boomers.

From the Race Course to the Golf Course

The competitive spirit carries over to the golf course, where driving takes on a different meaning. Most drivers (41%) say their behavior behind the wheel of a golf cart mirrors how they drive a regular car, suggesting that safety-conscious habits often translate from fairways to freeways.

That said, thoughtful “course management” isn’t universal, as nearly one-quarter (24%) admit they play a more aggressive game behind the wheel of a golf cart, pushing higher speeds and braking harder than they’d attempt on the road. A smaller population may benefit from an “all-terrain” option on their cart, as 7% of players venture off the paved path in search of their errant shot, only to get their cart stuck in the process.

A sport defined by centuries-old tradition is now embracing a new era of expression: while a quarter (25%) of drivers still favor classic whitewall tires that mirror golf’s enduring reverence for heritage, nearly as many (23%) are drawn to bold, colorful options — reflecting the influence of modern, high-energy formats like TGL that invite personalization and a more dynamic on-course experience.

As Hankook Tire serves as the first-ever Official Tire Sponsor and co-Founding Partner of TGL, the Gauge Index Survey findings underscore Americans’ desire to see different forms of competition at the highest level. Whether competing on an international race track or advancing to the 18th hole, drivers want tires engineered for performance, safety and reliability, and Hankook is committed to supporting the precision and passion that define American drivers.

2026-02-05T13:01:00

(BPT) – Après season is officially here, and Sun Cruiser is celebrating the moments of sun-soaked winter fun we all know and love. The best winter memories aren’t just made on the slopes. They happen in the laid-back, in-between moments with your crew, whether you’re thawing out at the lodge, settling in after a long day in the snow, or keeping the party going. Winter proves that downtime hits just as hard as the action, and it’s even better with a Sun Cruiser in hand.

Made with real vodka and real ingredients, Sun Cruiser is smooth enough to sip while you’re still buzzing from your last run and made for the moments when you’re ready to unwind and warm up. And now it’s easier than ever to pair with winter fun, as Sun Cruiser pops up at some of your favorite winter destinations.

Partnerships Built on Shared Stoke

This winter, Sun Cruiser is bringing the good times to some of the country’s most iconic mountain destinations, built for both action and après. At Steamboat in Colorado, Deer Valley Resort in Utah, Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California, and Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine, adventure-lovers and lodge loungers alike can pair their winter moments with Sun Cruiser, while enjoying music, sampling and more fan experiences brought to you by the brand — all happening slopeside to bring a little extra fun to the season.

Beyond the mountains, Sun Cruiser is reaching fans of ski and snow culture through a new partnership with Teton Gravity Research, the leading lifestyle brand in action sports, as its official canned alcohol partner. Sun Cruiser is integrated across TGR’s year-round programming, including its signature ski film, sweepstakes, social content, athlete collaborations and more.

A New Flavor for Your Rotation

Sun Cruiser is expanding its lineup of vodka lemonades with its new Blueberry Lemonade flavor, available now. Made with real vodka and real lemonade, it delivers the same refreshing, easy-sipping profile fans love, now with a bright blueberry finish. With just 1 gram of sugar, 100 calories, and 4.5% ABV per 12 oz. serving, it’s light, crisp, and the perfect addition to your winter lineup.

For those who don’t want to choose between iced tea or lemonade, Sun Cruiser is making it easier than ever to explore its fan-favorite flavors with the all-new Sampler Variety Pack featuring Classic Iced Tea, Half & Half, Pink Lemonade, and Classic Lemonade in a convenient 12-pack. No matter which flavor you reach for, Sun Cruiser is made to carry you through every season, from winter sunsets to hot summer days.

Whether you’re on or off the mountain, Sun Cruiser is there for the moments that matter — when the adventure winds down and the good times keep cruising.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2026-02-02T14:23:00

(BPT) – National Pizza Day is just around the corner, a delicious celebration of America’s all-time favorite food. Many cities across the nation have their own signature take on the savory slice — from Detroit’s crust crunch to New York’s champagne water pizza dough to Chicago’s deep dish.

Pizza’s legendary status has inspired bold variations, including BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse‘s unique California twist. Since 1978, the restaurant’s award-winning pizzas have served as a catalyst for bringing friends, family and communities together to share a good time over a great slice.

Now, for the first time in 47 years — and just in time for National Pizza Day — BJ’s has reimagined its beloved pizza from the ground up, reengineering every element of the recipe to deliver a new, elevated experience for its guests. It’s the perfect slice to savor to celebrate the country’s most beloved bite.

Honoring legacy with tasty innovation

How do you remix a classic? For BJ’s, it means walking a fine line between honoring its past while looking to the future.

“It’s undeniable that pizza is the cornerstone of BJ’s legacy,” said Lyle Tick, chief executive officer and president of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. “From our very first deep-dish slice in 1978, pizza has been at the heart of everything we do. This relaunch is about honoring the artisanal legacy that built BJ’s reputation while taking it to the next level.”

To stoke the oven of inspiration, BJ’s culinary team traveled coast to coast for a deep dive into the different styles of pizza beloved by so many. The result? A California original that remixes the best influences from pizza’s most iconic cities.

Because Chicago’s signature pie is what started it all, BJ’s has turned up the heat on this legendary pizza with these exciting new features:

• Hand-pressed, double-proofed dough for a crispier bite
• Whole milk mozzarella for a richer melt and creamier texture
• Fresh-pack tomato sauce for a brighter, bolder flavor
• Sausage roasted in-house for a zesty zing
• Cup and char pepperoni for a savory punch of craveability

You can also indulge in a mouth-watering lineup of signature creations that take familiar favorites to the next level — like the all-new Epic Five Meat and Pepperoni Extreme. Don’t forget to try classics such as the BJ’s Favorite and Classic Combo. From indulgent selections like Chicken Bacon Ranch and Barbeque Chicken to lighter choices such as Vegetarian or a full customizable Build Your Own, BJ’s offers something for every pizza lover.

Time recipes with elevated flavors to bring folks together

BJ’s creative remix of the legendary pies from across the country offers a bold and unforgettable experience.

“We’re giving guests a pizza experience that’s authentically BJ’s — bold, unforgettable and uniquely our own,” said Tick.

“California has always been about blending influences and remixing traditions into something bold and new, and BJ’s pizza is no different,” said Tick. “We’ve taken the best from New York’s water, Chicago’s deep dish and Detroit’s signature crunch, and remixed them into a California original. BJ’s doesn’t play favorites — we celebrate all the great pizza traditions in one legendary creation. This is the remix we’ve all been waiting for.”

On National Pizza Day and every Monday throughout the year, enjoy any large deep dish pizza for $19.99. To find your nearest BJ’s Restaurant location to enjoy these reimagined icons, visit BJsRestaurant.com.