How one company is protecting a national holiday tradition

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.

Transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is no easy feat, and this year’s trip will be one of the most challenging to date. The People’s Tree will be harvested from the Tongass National Forest in Wrangell, Alaska, and travel 4,293 miles to its final destination.

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.

People painting the wood sides of a truck with Marine Grade paint.

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.

Close up of a can of red Marine grade paint with a paint brush layed accross the top.

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.

A group of people dressed in kaikae loading the Christmas tree on to the truck.

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.

People along the road side wavying as the Christmas tree truck rolls by them on its journey to Washington D C.

A college admissions checklist for parents

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.

Mom and daughter making a list of possible expenses and things needed for college.

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.

Dad and son narrowing down the list of potencial colleges.

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.

Young woman writing a college essay on a laptop at a coffee shop.

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.

100 dollars bills laying on a table.

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.

Close up of a FASFA form next to a calculator

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.

Person holding a magnifing glass over a graduation hat that says

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.”

Mother and daughter both working on calculators and referencing laptop information regarding college expenses.

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 …

Young woman writing on a laptop at a desk in her room.

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.

Free technology program offers a communication lifeline for the deafblind

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

Ernest using a device that allows him to communicate with others using a phone and laptop.

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

Happy Jan using a special device that makes communication over the phone easier so she can keep in touch with her son.

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.

Pursuing next-generation solutions targeting non-small cell lung cancer

2024-09-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you or a loved one have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations? We get it, that’s a mouthful. But if you know, you know.

What you might not know is there’s a new clinical trial for this specific diagnosis, part of a next-generation solution being developed to target NSCLC. To understand the significance of this trial, it’s important to grasp the underlying biology involved.

NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses worldwide (Source: Yale Medicine). According to WebMD, EGFR is a protein on your cells that helps them grow. When changes, commonly referred to as mutations, develop within the EGFR molecule, its normal function is altered which may allow cancer cells to grow and spread more rapidly. About 32% of NSCLC cases worldwide involve an EGFR mutation. These changes in the EGFR protein are referred to as classical, non-classical (or atypical/uncommon), or acquired mutations.

People at the highest risk of having EGFR-positive lung cancer include:

  • Those who have never smoked or were a light smoker
  • Those with lung adenocarcinoma
  • Women
  • Young adults with lung cancer
  • People of Asian or East Asian heritage

Scientists are now beginning to grasp the landscape of EGFR mutations that fuel tumor growth. However, current targeted therapies may only act against a limited subset of these cancer-causing changes. Black Diamond Therapeutics (BDTX), a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to providing people living with cancer the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives, is developing a treatment to target these mutations. The idea is to target a broad spectrum of EGFR mutations that can drive NSCLC with the goal of reaching a larger patient population.

What about its clinical trial?

BDTX-1535-101 is a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate one of the potential therapies Black Diamond has developed. Investigational therapy* BDTX-1535 is designed to address more than 50 EGFR mutations and is taken in pill form by mouth once a day. The trial is now enrolling patients with EGFR non-classical mutations who have not been previously treated, as well as patients who have had prior treatment with an EGFR inhibitor.

If you’re interested in learning more about the BDTX-1535-101 clinical trial (NCT05256290) including participation criteria, visit https://www.blackdiamondtherapeutics.com/patients/clinical-trials.

Before you join a study, learn about the possible risks and benefits and discuss all options with your health care professional.

*Investigational therapies have not been approved by the FDA or any other Regulatory Agency

Introducing the minimalist mix, Carter’s newest capsule collection

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!

Pastle and brightly colored sweat sets hanging on a wardrobe pole with a cute peace symbol, jean baseball cap and pretty pink purse
Like it? Grab it in every color!

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

Shop Kids Clothes as Low as $3 During Gerber Childrenswear’s Semi-Annual Sale

2024-09-13T15:01:00

(BPT) – It might not feel like it now, but we know cooler temperatures are right around the corner which means now is the time to think about next season’s wardrobe. Luckily, Gerber Childrenswear’s biggest sale of the year is back — and bigger than ever. The fall Semi-Annual Sale has some of the year’s lowest prices on the things baby and toddlers need for a cozy and comfortable winter.

Whether you’re stocking up on favorites (hello footed pajamas!), bigger sizes for the entire crew or want to find a few new faves, there is a deal for every little one in your life. Get the most bang for your buck with these five picks:

Sweet baby girl in orange onesis.

The Original Onesies® Brand Bodysuits

During Gerber’s Semi-Annual Sale, shoppers can score the original Onesies® brand bodysuits for just $3 each — their lowest price of the year! Designed to make it easy for parents and super comfortable for babies, there’s a reason why Gerber Onesies have been the go-to outfit choice for more than four decades. With long-sleeve options available in solids and trendy prints, it’s the perfect time to stock up on bodysuits to take you through the seasons ahead.

Cute baby boy in teal striped pajamas

Pajamas They’ll Want to Wear All Day

Ask any parent what their go-to outfit is for little ones and we’re willing to bet Sleep ‘N Plays top the list. They’re the ultimate leisure wear, specifically designed to keep babies comfy all day (and night) while they do the things they love. Scoop up multipacks in a variety of colors and prints during the sale as low as $5 each.

Soft embroidery baby blankets in a variety of colors.

Personalized Towels and Blankets

Looking for a gift for a new baby in your life? Or getting a head start on holiday shopping? Whatever the reason, Gerber’s embroidered plush blankets and hooded towel sets are going for less than $25 — with personalization included! Grab both (and the matching security blanket!) and humbly accept your award as the family or friend group’s best gift giver.

Cute baby suggled up in a cream color wearable blanket.

Wearable Blankets for All Night Comfort

Launched earlier this year, wearable blankets from Gerber Childrenswear are the softest, coziest accessory to a baby’s bedtime routine. The ultra-plush microfleece options come in fun prints like florals and polar bears that will have your baby begging to go to bed (well, we can hope!). Most importantly, wearable blankets from the brand are the safest on the market, adhering to all industry safety standards so mom and dad can sleep well at night, too.

Baby sitting up in soft pink pants and fuzzy slippers.

Daycare Basics Designed to Last

With the big kids back in school, now is the time to make sure your littlest learners’ closets are stocked with basics built for hands-on activities. From multi-packs of pants and dresses as low as $10, you won’t be able to go wrong when stocking up. Pro tip: grab a few multi-packs in a variety of sizes for easy transition between growth spurts.

Gerber Childrenswear is your one-stop-shop for baby and toddler essentials that won’t break the bank. Stock up on your favorite styles now through September 23.

Are EVs and hybrids more expensive to insure than ICE vehicles? Mercury Insurance expert explains

2024-09-12T11:31:00

(BPT) – With a variety of powertrain options on the market, consumers who are shopping for a new vehicle have a lot to mull over these days. Buy another internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle? Go fully electric? What about a hybrid? Regardless of vehicle type, it’s important for shoppers to understand the total cost of ownership before making a commitment, as this will help minimize unexpected expenses and headaches down the road.

“The ‘total cost of ownership’ equation includes factors like insurance premiums, fuel efficiency, repair expenses and home charging infrastructure if purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), among other aspects,” said Chong Gao, director of product management R&D at Mercury Insurance. “An EV, for example, might seem appealing for its expected fuel savings and lower maintenance costs, but insurance for them is on average 20% higher compared with an ICE vehicle, and they are typically more expensive to insure than hybrids as well. However, as more people adopt EVs and insurance companies gather more data in the future, their insurance costs will likely even out.”

When deciding between an ICE vehicle, hybrid or EV, here are some important distinctions to keep in mind:

Fueling/charging costs: Because hybrid vehicles have both a gas engine and electric motor, they are more fuel efficient than strictly ICE vehicles, as they can switch between the two motors while driving. Additionally, hybrids never need to be plugged in because the battery is recharged via the gas engine, eliminating the need to install home charging or navigate public chargers.

When it comes to charging EVs, the Department of Energy reports that about 80% of all charging is done at home, which J.D. Power notes is the ultimate convenience and most satisfying aspect of EV ownership. There are two types of EV charging solutions available for the home, both detailed at caranddriver.com. Consumers should be aware that they will need to consult an electrician to install a Level 2 charger, but some states and localities offer incentives to help cover the cost. Consumers should also be aware that satisfaction with public EV charging overall is still poor, according to many industry reports.

Maintenance: When it comes to maintenance for ICE and hybrid vehicles, there are several upkeep items that can add to the cost of ownership over time, such as air filters, oil changes and tire rotations. Both require similar maintenance schedules and incur comparable costs. One notable exception is that a hybrid’s battery will eventually need replacement, which can be costly, but U.S. law requires that all hybrids come with battery warranties of at least eight years or 100,000 miles, which should offer consumers peace of mind if they plan to keep the vehicle over the long term.

EVs, on the other hand, do not need many of these routine services as they lack an internal combustion engine, pistons, valves and moving parts. This can result in lower routine repair and maintenance costs compared with ICE and hybrid vehicles, but J.D. Power reports that EV owners replace tires more frequently than others. And like hybrids, the EV battery will also need to be replaced down the road, but all new EVs come with a generous battery warranty.

Insurance: While EVs may offer a number of advantages in terms of reduced maintenance and fueling costs, the cost of insurance might offset these potential savings. “EVs cost more to insure versus their ICE counterparts because they generally cost more to buy, and consequently more to repair or replace,” said Stephen Crewdson, senior director of insurance business intelligence at J.D. Power. “And while today’s EVs have fewer moving parts, it can be costly when they need replacement. If the battery pack is damaged, for example, the battery itself is a large expense and certain safety protocols are often necessary, which leads to a higher repair bill. Plus, there aren’t as many repair shops with technicians trained to work on EVs, which means these facilities can charge more for the specialized knowledge they provide.”

“The best vehicle type for a particular consumer will ultimately come down to budget, lifestyle factors and personal preference. Hybrids serve as a great bridge between ICE and EVs by offering fuel efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint for consumers who aren’t yet ready to make the leap to an EV,” said Gao.

Classroom to dorm room: The best laptops for every student

2024-09-12T11:01:00

(BPT) – Are you ready for your next semester? There are plenty of school supplies you’ll need to get this summer, but there’s one that you shouldn’t overlook: Your laptop.

A laptop isn’t just another electronic device. It empowers you to complete your coursework and kick back with your own projects or downtime activities.

A new consideration to keep in mind since you bought a laptop is support for AI enhanced features. Laptops designed with AI in mind can help you take your school work (and other areas of your life) to the next level.

When looking for AI-powered laptops, choose those built with the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. Its powerful, intelligent and efficient processor offers cutting-edge responsiveness, so you can navigate demanding multi-tasking workloads across productivity, creativity, immersive entertainment and more.

Not sure where to start? Check out these five Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops that cater to every type of student.

1. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

Artists of any media can unlock the freedom of creativity with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. This powerhouse isn’t just smart. It’s your creative sidekick powered by AI that knows what you need before you do, streamlining creative tasks. This 14-inch laptop weighs just under 3 pounds, so you can create on the fly anywhere you go!

The Snapdragon X Elite processor allows the Yoga Slim to deliver top-tier performance while cutting power consumption by 68%. On one single charge, you can enjoy multi-day battery life allowing your creativity to flow for multiple days without a break.

2. HP OmniBook X

If you need help focusing on everyday tasks and want to increase your productivity, check out the HP OmniBook X. Utilize AI assistive technology to receive customized recommendations that adapt to your needs, habits and preferences. Enjoy multi-day battery life and HP Fast Charge, and stop worrying about interrupting your workflow. When you’re ready to relax with a movie or game, the Qualcomm Adreno GPU offers high-performance graphics and rich user experiences.

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

3. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16

If you’re constantly switching between phone and laptop at school and work, choose the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16. It offers users the ultimate connected experience, backed with Wi-Fi 72 readiness for quick and seamless cross-device connectivity. The hybrid approach allows you to control your Galaxy AI phone. Call, text, set reminders and more from the convenience of your PC.

Need to watch an international webinar or chat with others overseas? With Automatic Life Captions, you can get accurate subtitles in real time. With translations of 44 languages into English, you can leap over language barriers to learn and communicate worldwide.

4. Dell XPS 13

Do you need a computer for school, work, art and play? The Dell XPS 13 is the all-terrain vehicle of laptops that allows you to do it all. The Copilot+ on-device AI makes it easy to shop online, plan your next vacation and kick-start research for your class project in just a matter of minutes. Paired with 4K streaming and lossless audio, you can watch, share and create from anywhere with ease.

Thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite processor, you can enjoy cutting-edge responsiveness and unmatched speed for navigating demanding multitasking workloads with enhanced security and efficiency. It’s effortless to switch between multiple tasks, whether it’s productivity, browsers, video conferencing, collaboration or multimedia.

5. MSFT Surface Pro 11

If you want the best of both worlds, opt for the MSFT Surface Pro 11. What sets the Surface Pro apart from other 2-in-1 laptops/tablets is its flexibility.

The keyboard can be used when attached or detached, allowing you to position the device and keyboard to suit your needs. So, whether you’re taking notes in class, typing up a term paper or taking a break with a digital sketchbook, the Surface Pro adapts your life, however and wherever you use it.

This flexible and powerful 2-in-1 is built with Snapdragon X Elite. Like the other Snapdragon laptops, you can enjoy the AI-accelerated power and lightning-fast speed to keep up with you all day long.

Are you ready to buy your next laptop and level up your next semester? 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.

Rise, Dine and Shine: Discover How to Better Your Breakfast When Traveling

2024-09-12T07:15:00

(BPT) – This September is Better Breakfast Month, making it a perfect time to celebrate the meal that kicks off the day. The U.S. government encouraged citizens to eat better, well-balanced breakfasts during World War I. In 1951, the initiative gained momentum when the Cereal Institute boosted it in September as children returned to school and businesses ramped up following the slower summer months.

Research consistently shows that a healthy breakfast helps boost concentration, energy, and mood, setting a positive tone for the day. For many business and leisure travelers, breakfast may feel daunting due to the uncertainty of what their hotel offers — or doesn’t. Known for its signature made-to-order breakfast, Embassy Suites by Hilton is proving that hotel breakfast doesn’t have to be just a meal — it can be a launchpad for a day of success. Designed to energize your body, satisfy cravings, and accommodate varying dietary needs and preferences, Embassy Suites delivers a complimentary hot breakfast every morning to ensure you can start your day feeling ready to take on the world.

The brand’s signature made-to-order omelets, eggs the way you like them, and other breakfast favorites offer a deliciously personalized experience. Embassy Suites guests have enjoyed a whopping 2,431 miles of bacon in the past year, alongside more than 560,000 bagels and eight million sausages. And here’s a tasty tidbit: the chefs at each hotel crack an average of 116 eggs every single hour!

Here’s why Embassy Suites’ breakfast stands out from the rest and powers you for the day:

Be Welcomed by the Friendly Team: For many, breakfast may be the first interaction of the day. When staying at Embassy Suites, you are greeted by friendly, approachable team members, such as the chef and breakfast attendants. Embassy Suites team members aim to make a difference and build meaningful connections every day through their dedicated service — during breakfast and beyond.

Customize Your Made-To-Order Omelets: There’s nothing like made-to-order omelets or eggs the way you like them to kickstart your mornings on a flavorful and nutritious note. Perfect for those looking to add zest to their day, you can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients, including spinach, mushrooms, ham and cheese, for a personalized breakfast.

Expansive Omelette station at the Hilton featuring: eggs, peppers, onions and mushrooms.

Choose from an Expansive Breakfast Selection: Travelers have various dietary needs, preferences and lifestyles, which may change day to day. Every morning, the robust breakfast spread offers something for everyone and you can choose delicious items to create a morning meal that suits your unique tastes.

Enjoy Hearty and Nourishing Options: Whether you’re looking for a well-balanced breakfast or have food allergies or dietary restrictions, you can maintain your wellness routine and dietary needs with nutritious items like fresh fruit, yogurt, oatmeal and more.

Relax and Eat in an Inviting Breakfast Area: Finding relaxing and inviting spaces to sit down, eat and prepare for the day ahead is important. With an upscale and contemporary atmosphere, you can enjoy your morning meal in comfort and ease at Embassy Suites.

Breakfast continues to be a beloved, signature part of the stay experience, which is why Embassy Suites is donating to World Central Kitchen during Better Breakfast Month to help support communities impacted by disasters worldwide.

Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, Embassy Suites has perfected the art of breakfast by surpassing ordinary expectations.

Family having fun eating omelletes together at the Hilton.