Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-05-24T10:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or purchasing everyday necessities, ordering items that you need and want online can be a great way to save money, especially if you stay focused on what you’re looking for, search for the best deals — and use the latest tech tools to help you scout those deals.

Here are some tips that can help you save as you make the most of online shopping.

1. Don’t get distracted

Shopping online can involve navigating lots of visual distractions, including tempting photos of many other products that may not be on your shopping list. To avoid going down a window-shopping rabbit hole, write your list out and set it where you can see it while you’re searching, to help you stay on track. Having a clear idea of what you’re looking for — and how much you’re willing to spend — will also help you avoid impulse purchases.

2. Compare to save

One of the top ways to keep costs down is by comparing prices before you hit “order now.” While it can seem overwhelming to check on all the possible prices for similar products that are out there, Microsoft Shopping on the Edge browser can help you find great deals. With tools such as coupon auto apply, Microsoft Cashback and price comparison, the browser will search the web for coupons and deals on items you’re shopping for, and alert you if it finds a better price. In fact, shoppers can get an average annual savings of $431 using Microsoft Edge, and have been offered over $8.4 billion in savings worldwide.

3. Use smart tech to help you shop

Do you sometimes have trouble finding just the right gift for someone, or figuring out what to purchase for yourself or your home? Copilot in Microsoft Shopping can help by providing personalized recommendations and shopping assistance, powered by AI. For example, you can say something like, “I’m looking for a new summer dress. Make a list of summer dress styles with an image for each. Also, list the best online retailers for a good deal on dresses.”

4. Maximize cash back offers

There’s nothing better than getting cash back on something. Check to see if you can get cash back deals on a credit card that you already use for online shopping. You can also visit the Microsoft Cashback page to see what cash back offers are available and get 3X cash back on select brands every Tuesday, with their Triple Cash back Tuesdays.

5. Subscribe, but be strategic

Some online vendors offer discounts for subscriptions on products you know you’ll want to re-purchase frequently, such as household or personal items. But before signing up to subscribe, make sure it’s a product you really want to keep buying, and take note of how often you’re likely to re-purchase it so you can choose a time frame that makes sense. Check that the amount of the discount makes subscribing worthwhile, and that you can adjust the frequency of the purchase easily, if needed.

6. Read customer reviews

Have you ever ordered something, only to find the product failed to deliver on its promises? You can avoid buyer’s remorse by taking the time to read several online reviews, especially for costlier purchases. While you may see a wide range of ratings and opinions on any given product at first, if you read enough reviews you can spot patterns such as the biggest benefits of the product — and the most common issues. Those broader patterns can help you make smarter decisions between different brands or types of products before you spend your hard-earned dollars.

Ready to save more while you shop? Microsoft Shopping in Edge helps you add confidence to your cart when you shop online.

2024-05-23T15:31:00

(BPT) – Memorial Day is about more than just kicking off summer with a backyard barbecue. It’s a day of respect and remembrance that honors the men and women who have given their lives while serving this country and the devastating loss shouldered by their families, friends, and communities when their service member didn’t come home.

As we’re honoring our family members who have died serving this country, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) would like us all to be mindful that it can also be a tough day for veterans who made it back home, because they’re remembering the fallen friends they served with.

WWP™, founded 20 years ago, is dedicated to supporting military veterans, their families, and caregivers through life-saving programs and services in mental health, financial wellness, connection, advocacy, long-term rehabilitative care, and more.

The organization shared a few ways to honor veterans and their families on Memorial Day, and every day.

Be sensitive. By all means, enjoy that Memorial Day barbecue and relax with your loved ones, just be mindful that it may be a tough day for veterans, service members, and their families.

Reflect on freedom. People go into the military to serve this country and defend our freedoms. But many of us may not realize the sacrifice they and their families make for those freedoms.

Take part in a Memorial Day tradition. Whether it’s wearing red poppies or attending a parade, get involved in the real meaning of the day. If you have friends or family who have fallen in the line of duty, it’s a great day to place a wreath, flowers, or a plant on their grave to show respect.

Observe the National Moment of Remembrance. Signed into law by Bill Clinton in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was intended to provide a way for the entire country to come together to honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day. The goal is to remind Americans about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, and provide a single act of unity for the entire country. At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, observe one minute of silence to honor these brave men and women. If you’re behind the wheel, turn on your lights.

Wear red, white, and blue but not the flag. Many people aren’t aware that the flag is not supposed to be worn as a fashion statement. Show your patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue! Memorial Day is the day to fly the flag outside your home.

Teach your children. Talk to your children about family members who have served in the military and about what Memorial Day really means. Don’t know quite where to start? Check your local library or bookstore for books about Memorial Day, and make it a tradition to read that book to your child every year. Chances are, they’ll carry on that tradition when they have children of their own.

Support friends and family who are veterans. One way to do that is to spread the word about WWP. Many veterans may not know about all of the services this organization provides to wounded post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families. Because of generous donations from the public, warriors never pay a penny for any of the services WWP provides.

At Wounded Warrior Project, they know every warrior has a next mission. The transition to civilian life is a journey, and for every warrior, family member and caregiver, that journey looks different, whether they came home from serving our country 20 years ago or yesterday.

This Memorial Day, honor the veterans in your life and support organizations who serve them, like WWP if you’re able.

2024-05-23T10:29:00

(BPT) – Steve Rouillard of Detroit has always been a hands-on, do-it-yourself person. His life as an aerospace engineer keeps him busy, while in his spare time, he enjoys frequent getaways to the Smoky Mountains. Two years ago, however, his busy routine was interrupted by a series of strokes that happened unexpectedly, and left his doctors puzzled.

On a hot summer day, Steve was outside staining a fence when he felt strangely exhausted. Brushing it off as possible dehydration from the heat, Steve flew to Tennessee the next day, but noticed that he was still not feeling right. He lost his appetite, and all he wanted to do was rest.

Doctors suspected COVID-19, but tests came back with nothing out of the ordinary.

“The following week, I woke up still not feeling right,” Steve said. “I told my wife, ‘I can’t take this anymore. Something is wrong with me,’” he said.

After being re-evaluated by his doctors at home in Michigan, Steve finally had an answer: what he experienced was a stroke. While he was relieved to receive a diagnosis, his health journey didn’t end there.

About a year later, Steve was speaking with his wife when he noticed he couldn’t say certain basic words. After going to the hospital, an MRI revealed that Steve had suffered three additional strokes. Steve is one of the more than 795,000 people in the United States who have a stroke every year.¹ This time, doctors suspected his strokes might be due to an underlying heart rhythm issue. They prescribed Steve blood thinners and placed a small heart monitor, the Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), just underneath the skin in Steve’s chest. ICMs monitor for and can detect intermittent abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to stroke.

Just a few months later, Steve would learn just how valuable his small heart monitor would be. After returning from a trip to Germany, he passed out while sitting on the porch. His cardiologist called, saying the heart monitor had detected that Steve’s heart had stopped beating for eight seconds. Steve’s doctor recommended a pacemaker immediately to prevent future incidents where Steve’s heart might beat too slowly and cause him to pass out again.

Steve received the world’s smallest pacemaker, the Medtronic Micra AV2™. Unlike a traditional pacemaker, the leadless pacemaker is the size of a vitamin pill and is implanted inside the heart using a tiny catheter inserted through a vein. The minimally invasive procedure allowed Steve to leave the hospital the same day, with limited restrictions. While each patient’s experience can vary, since Steve’s procedure, he’s regained his active life, and hasn’t experienced any additional heart rhythm issues.

“After the procedure, I laid in the recovery room for a few hours and then within a few days went back to normal life,” Steve added.

Today, Steve lives life to its fullest. With his Micra AV2, he is once again able to take on home renovations, travel for work and build furniture in his free time, knowing that he has a pacemaker to help keep his heartbeat from dropping dangerously low.

This National Stroke Awareness Month, Steve is advocating for people like himself to take the signs of stroke seriously and get checked out by specialists who can help you understand the right treatment options for you.

“Now, I don’t often have weak legs, speech issues or fatigue. I am very thankful,” said Steve.

This testimonial is based on Steve’s experience. Not all patients will experience similar results. Always talk to your doctor about diagnosis, treatment and risk information.

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ Family of ICMs include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material. For important safety information about the LINQ family of ICMs, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor/important-safety-information.html

Possible risks associated with the Micra implant include, but are not limited to, complications at the surgical site, injury to the heart where the device is attached, sensitivity to the device material, failure to deliver therapy when it is needed, or receiving extra therapy when it is not needed. For important safety information about Micra, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/pacemakers/our/micra/important-safety-information.html

2024-05-23T15:37:00

(BPT) – As peak summer travel season approaches, the cost and stress associated with road trips are top concerns for many travelers. With 43% of households planning road trips as their top travel plan this year, proper preparation of both your vehicle and home is essential. Mercury Insurance offers critical tips to ensure your vehicle is road-ready and your home is secure, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. These preparations can not only enhance your trip experience but also provide peace of mind while you’re away.

“Preparing your vehicle and securing your home are critical steps before embarking on a summer road trip,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Taking these steps can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected incidents and help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.”

Mercury’s guide to a worry-free road trip

Vehicle readiness:

• Maintenance checks: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and fluid checks, is indispensable, particularly before a long trip. Ensuring your air conditioning is up to the task is also crucial for beating the summer heat.
• Tire safety: Proper tire maintenance, including checking tire pressure, alignment and tread wear, is vital for safe driving and fuel efficiency.
• Lighting system check: Ensure all lights and signals are functional to communicate effectively with other drivers during day and night.
• Emergency kit essentials: A well-stocked emergency kit should include items like road flares, jumper cables and basic tools to handle unexpected roadside issues.

Home security:

• Precautions before leaving: Secure all entry points and activate your security system. Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property.
• Social media awareness: Delay posting about your trip to avoid tipping off potential burglars. Share your memories once you are safely home.
• Insurance coverage: Review your home insurance policy to ensure you are covered against any possible incidents that could occur while you are away.

Planning and preparation:

• Route and weather planning: Check your travel route for any potential disruptions like road work or severe weather conditions. Plan fuel stops or charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) accordingly.
• Local emergency information: Keep contact information for emergency services and local contacts accessible throughout your journey.

“Mercury Insurance is committed to supporting your summer travel plans with comprehensive advice and insurance solutions tailored to your needs,” Quinn said. As you prepare for your road trip, consider speaking with a Mercury Insurance agent to ensure that both your vehicle and home are adequately protected.

Explore these blog posts for essential tips on staying safe during your summer road trips at mercuryinsurance.com:

• Summer Road Trip Guide: Tips to Consider
• How to Jump-Start a Car
• How to Check Oil in Your Car
• Is My Car Ready for a Road Trip?

For more information on how to prepare for a summer road trip or to discuss your insurance needs, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local Mercury agent today.

2024-05-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing beats summer days spent on the water. Looking to get your feet wet? There are plenty of ways to get on the water whether you own a boat or are just getting started. Boating has seen a surge in popularity as millions of Americans prioritize experiences, outdoor recreation and work-life balance.

Being on the water provides freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, there is a scientific connection between water and happiness — it has a positive impact on psychological, emotional and behavioral health.

Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced captain navigating best practices, remember boating should be fun, not intimidating. Understanding basic skills and passenger etiquette will boost your confidence and help create a safer environment to allow for an enjoyable, stress-free day on the water.

“Spending time on the water with loved ones away from all the distraction on land is one of the best ways to decompress and create lasting memories,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of Discover Boating. “Before stepping on board or taking the helm, it’s a good idea to brush up on the safety essentials. There are a variety of educational resources available to not only ensure the safety of those on board but also protect other boaters so everyone can enjoy a fun day on the water.”

Discover Boating is a one-stop resource for all things boating, from safety and education articles, maintenance checklists and boating destinations to finding your dream boat, locating verified dealerships in your area, and more.

Below are five tips from Discover Boating to improve your nautical know-how to ensure the best possible experience on (and off) the water.

1. Watch a video. View Discover Boating’s new Boating Safety Basics Video Series, Presented with Progressive Insurance for expert tips to prepare for your captain duties and be the best boat guest including fueling best practices, proper use of navigation lights, trailering techniques and safe seating tips.

2. Take a class. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs and more are offered across the U.S.

3. Visit a boat show. Boat shows are an ideal place to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle and provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with — and shop — a variety of boat dealers and marine product companies all under one roof. Most boat shows also offer educational opportunities whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to improve your skills or a new boater looking for tips on everything from boating safety to navigation and boat operation. Find a boat show in your area.

4. Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat, whether at a boat show, online or at a dealership, check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

5. Preserve your boat with proper maintenance. Similar to cars, there are a few areas that require regular maintenance by the owner, and a few areas that require maintenance at routine intervals, which most leave to the professionals. Prepare a boat maintenance checklist that covers everything from engine needs to cleaning to electrical systems to ensure your boat has a long lifespan.

Enjoy your next boating adventure and be sure to use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your favorite moments on the water.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for safety tips, storage options, boat shopping tools, how-to’s for getting on the water and more.

2024-05-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – As your mother ages, it’s natural to start thinking about where she’ll live out her golden years. Don’t be surprised if she decides to stay put instead of moving.

Over the last 20 years, more and more older adults are living in traditional housing. The trend is called “age in place.” A recent survey found that 92% of older adults prefer to live out their later years in their current home instead of a care facility or other assisted living housing.

Aging in place and living independently for as long as possible provides several benefits for older adults. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aging in place can preserve independence, reduce health care expenses, provide consistency (which lessens confusion for people with memory issues) and helps aging adults maintain their support networks. More importantly, Mom gets to stay in a place where she’s built a life and created beautiful memories, providing a sense of security and emotional well-being.

Of course, there are challenges to aging in place. Namely, the risk of falling.

A balancing act

As you begin a conversation about aging in place, you’ll have to balance protecting your mom with preserving her privacy. Both are important especially as risks, like falls, increase.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in four adults 65 and over fall each year in the U.S. While this can happen to anyone, women fall more often than men, accounting for three-quarters of all hip fractures.

Accidents happen, but some factors can increase your mother’s fall risk. For example, the National Council on Aging found that medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can affect a person’s balance, and antipsychotics can increase dizziness and confusion, which can lead to a fall.

When an older adult falls, it can cause more than just a bruise. According to the CDC, one in five falls cause broken bones, head injury or other serious injuries. Not only are these falls scary and potentially life-threatening, but falling once doubles a person’s chances of falling again.

Caregiving crisis

To safeguard your mother’s desire for independence, while prioritizing her safety, you’ll need to address her care. Even if your mother is currently diligent about keeping you up to date with her care needs that may not always be the case.

As they age, older adults tend to experience a soft decline. They may not notice a decrease in their physical and mental functions. As they age, their functional skills decline. You may not be able to count on your aging parent to self-report accurately, so you’ll want to keep a close eye.

However, not every caregiver lives near their aging parents. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 5-7 million U.S. caregivers are long-distance, making regular check-ins virtually impossible.

If you live nearby, checking in on your mom is doable, but what about at night or during work hours? Caregiving for a parent can be exhausting, and many family caregivers experience burnout and fatigue.

Whether you live near or far, you could hire a professional caregiver … assuming you can afford or find one. Due to a combination of factors, including the pandemic, the U.S. is facing a growing nursing shortage, with about 9 nurses per 1,000 people in 2023 compared to almost 12 nurses per 1,000 people in 2021. The shortage will likely continue, considering that 610,388 registered nurses plan to leave the workforce by 2027 due to stress, burnout and retirement.

A new solution for safety, privacy and peace of mind

So, what are your options? Thankfully, new technology has made it possible for older adults to stay home safe and secure. Whether you live across the street, across town or across the state, these tools allow you to check on Mom and her daily activities remotely.

Advances in potential fall detection are making life easier for everyone. Early fall detection systems on the market were limited — only providing information when an event had occurred. These systems were unable to provide a broader view of daily activities that could be indicators of physical decline, including potential fall risks.

The latest systems combine simple movement and motion-sensing technology with the power and the portability of mobile apps. These systems greatly expand the ability to check on a loved one day or night before a fall or to alert of an actual fall.

What about cameras? For older adults who feel cameras are invasive, the choice could be between safety and a sense of privacy. But, technological advances can now capture and report the normal motion of daily activities without cameras.

Nomo Smart Care™ is an affordable, easy-to-install system designed around the idea of normal motion. What is normal motion? It’s a person’s simple daily routine, like getting out of bed and opening the refrigerator and the medicine cabinet. Changes in Mom’s expected normal motion could signal a decline in her health and well-being. Patterns have power. Disruption in normal patterns of behavior can provide early warning of potential problems and open the door to early intervention.

The Nomo Smart Care system is made of three basic components: the hub, satellites and tags. The hub and satellites detect motion. For example, a person moving through a room. The tags report activity in the room. Tags are applied to any surface, like doors and drawers, and report when they move. Because tags detect movement, they can also be set up and worn as a potential fall-detection pendant. All three components work together to create easy and intuitive reports and logs of Mom’s motion and movement, day or night, without using cameras.

Using the free-to-download app, an unlimited number of family members and caregivers can check on normal motion in real time. Mom didn’t open the medicine cabinet? No movement in the kitchen this morning? The user can also set triggers to be alerted when some activities occur or when expected activities don’t occur. If needed, the system can alert caregivers of an emergency and provide seamless connection to 9-1-1 services.

Keep your mom happy at home

Statistics point to the broader need for simple, effective solutions in the face of a groundswell of age-in-place parents. Technology can help. Cutting-edge systems like Nomo Smart Care are helping provide both independence and comfort for older family members who want to stay in their homes, and peace of mind for the caregivers who are supporting them. Visit NomoSmartCare.com to learn more.

2024-05-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – Summer break can be wonderful for kids, as they are able to explore new activities, visit with friends or just have more free time to play. But summer can also get hot — and long. If you’ve ever struggled to find more ways for your kids to have fun when the temperatures climb, or heard them complain about being bored, there’s a great solution: Urban Air Adventure Park, the largest indoor adventure park operator in the world and part of the world’s first Youth Enrichment franchise platform company Unleashed Brands, helping families get the most out of summer breaks.

Whether your kids are between summer camps and classes, it’s too hot or rainy to play outside, or you’re just looking for new ways to keep your kids more active and off their screens, Urban Air offers a wide variety of engaging activities — with a range of options that will turn any summer day into an exciting excursion.

While every location has unique offerings, all of them include something for everyone, for all ages and skill levels. Activities at most locations include options like Warrior Courses, Climbing Hills, Tubes Playgrounds, Battle Beams, wall-to-wall APEX trampolines and more. Some locations may also offer additional attractions like Bowling, Mini-Golf, Climbing Walls, Ropes Course, Go-Kart Tracks, Spin Zone Bumper Cars and Virtual Reality. Urban Air also provides a convenient cafe, with kid-friendly favorites like pizza and nachos (menus vary by location).

This year, Urban Air wants to help families get the most out of their summer breaks with new “All You Can Summer” offerings, available now. The Summersational Play Pass unlocks three months of adventure* and the All-In, All-Day Group Pass is perfect for the entire family, complete with fun and food. Urban Air is a top choice for memorable birthday parties, family get-togethers or just the best everyday reason to get out of the house and have a blast, all summer long.

Here’s what’s included in the passes:

Summersational Play Pass:

Adults can purchase the Play Pass online at UrbanAir.com/summer-pass for access to instant fun for unlimited visits during a 3-month period. While prices vary depending on each location, this pass starts as low as $44.99 and includes indoor play socks, with no blackout dates.

All-In, All-Day Group Pass: For less than the cost of a family night at the movies, the All-In, All-Day Group Pass includes top-tier passes to your local Urban Air Adventure Park for three children and two adults, with Urban Air socks, plus food and beverages including pizza, sodas and ICEEs — like the special Urbie’s Razzamatazzberry Blast flavor. Bundle prices vary by location and can be purchased online.

Check out the best way for families to beat the boredom and the heat by finding an Urban Air Adventure Park near you at UrbanAir.com/locations.

*The Summersational Play Pass is valid for 90 days once parks begin to accept visits for the play pass. The Summersational Play Pass is only valid on NEW purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers or promos. This is not a membership. Participating locations only. Attraction height and capacity restrictions may apply.

2024-05-22T10:59:00

(BPT) – By Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, executive vice president of Innovation for LG Electronics, head of LG NOVA

In business, meaningful growth can’t happen without innovation. It’s essential if your organization is to evolve and thrive, and if you’re serious about adding value to people’s daily lives.

With a thirst to drive innovation, and a wealth of knowledge in the area of IoT, I set out to establish and grow my own startup. I’m happy to say I succeeded in this endeavor. However, with the business model being rather narrow — a continuous cycle of making products and then selling them — there were limitations to what I could do.

After making the decision to sell my company, I went on to serve as the Presidential Innovation Fellow for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), a program run by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. It was a valuable and enlightening experience. There, I had the chance to work with leading tech companies to further develop and execute plans for industrial IoT and global smart cities. During my seven years in the U.S. federal government, I realized that there are limits to what governments can do with regard to building smart ecosystems. In the end, private companies are the ones bringing the ideas and concepts of smart solutions and businesses to fruition.

This was when I was first approached by LG Electronics. The company wanted to create a new organization dedicated to the discovery of future businesses. LG offered me this amazing opportunity to head up a team they were in the process of putting together.

I thought deeply about the prospect of joining LG. While the company is universally recognized as a strong player in the consumer electronics field, looking in from the outside, it seemed to lack what some might call, a certain ‘disruptive innovation.’ However, I was intrigued by its determination and desire to uncover future business and was confident that the company possessed the agility necessary to change and ‘disrupt.’

Personally, I believe that if there are ten great ideas on the table, seven or eight of them will fail to develop into successful businesses. While many people view this way of thinking about business creation as just plain crazy, LG CEO William Cho is, thankfully, not among them.

At LG NOVA, an initiative I am grateful to lead, our mission is to establish a community for nurturing, growing and creating new businesses in new market areas for LG. Early in the LG NOVA journey, we realized that entering new businesses — or new business areas — is difficult if you’re relying solely on your internal capabilities.

If LG wants to create new home appliances, it is in a good position to do this internally because it is already a global leader in consumer electronics, with all the necessary expertise and experience at its disposal. LG NOVA’s mandate is to explore entirely new and different concepts, not currently in LG’s wheelhouse. Although there are thousands of engineers and experts working in LG’s R&D centers, their expertise is in products and areas of business that LG is already in. This is why the LG executive team resolved to look outside of LG.

Our goal is to explore new business avenues that would, ultimately, help contribute to the advancement of LG Electronics. Startups, by the nature of their business model and ability to be at the ground-level of market needs, are leading the forefront of innovation. However, startups will not partner with just any firm that approaches them. This is why we needed to show that LG, as a company, has the commitment and capability to go far beyond home appliances and TVs. This is where LG NOVA comes in.

To establish ourselves in the market, we came up with the idea of hosting a grand challenge. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Mission for the Future, an annual, global competition for startups where we could identify innovative technologies and business ideas for a better tomorrow. The participating startups were tasked with developing and presenting technology-based solutions for improving daily life, our communities and the planet. The tech areas we asked them to focus on included clean tech, healthcare and future tech/AI.

To give you an idea of how it works, imagine there is a startup that creates sensors for use in healthcare devices. They might pitch a scenario or concept where their sensors are deployed in TVs to enable innovative new services. Our own business experts, or entrepreneurs in residence (EIRs), would then work with the startup to assess the feasibility of their idea. In many cases, EIRs would work closely with the startup to develop a relevant, but entirely different business idea that could be exciting to both parties. If the idea was deemed to be viable, and in alignment with LG NOVA’s goals and values, a partnership agreement might result and LG NOVA would launch a new business based on the collaboration. This is how a small, fledgling company can set its unique concept on the fast track to becoming a commercialized product.

Through this process, and by combining our capacity with the startup’s capacity, we can create a joint business where LG has as much ‘skin in the game’ as the startup. And at every step along the way, LG NOVA will be right there with them, from meeting with investors to introducing and marketing the ‘final product’ to customers. Through LG NOVA, we can create new products and services that can make a positive difference — and do it at a much larger scale than a startup could manage, if it were to go it alone.

I am proud to be a part of LG and to help guide LG NOVA into exciting new territories where boundless innovation awaits discovery. And I can say, without exaggeration, that I truly love this role. Ultimately, I’m striving for Innovation for Impact — which also happens to be the motto and the philosophy of LG NOVA. While there are many, many ways to make a profit, we have committed ourselves to achieving profitability in a meaningful way, and to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the world.

2024-05-22T15:39:00

(BPT) – With warmer days come picnics at the park and backyard barbecues — and that means it’s potato salad season! Here are 10 ways to make the best potato salad of your life.

1. Start with the right type of potato.

While any potato can be used for potato salad, russets and yellows are the best options because they can absorb the dressing and flavors the most. Fingerlings and petites can also be good choices, and as a bonus, you don’t have to cut them.

2. Cut and soak potatoes before cooking.

Cut your potatoes into 1.5-2-inch chunks, as consistently as possible. If your chunks are too small, you’ll end up with mashed potatoes. Keep the peel on for extra flavor and nutrients. Soaking your potatoes in cold water before cooking will help prevent oxidation and remove excess starch. Don’t soak them for long — just a minute or two will do the job.

3. Simmer – don’t boil!

Boiling your potatoes will cause them to break apart. Simmer them until they’re fork-tender. However, when in doubt, overcooked is preferable to undercooked.

4. Season the water for added flavor.

Add flavor to the potatoes as they cook. A few recommendations:

• Generously salt your water.
• Use vegetable stock.
• Add lemon juice, garlic and other seasonings to the water.

5. Drain well, but don’t cool completely.

When the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them well and let the steam escape. Get rid of as much excess moisture as you can. But don’t cool completely! While the potatoes are still warm, put them on a baking sheet, and sprinkle on some acid like apple cider, rice wine or red wine vinegars. Pickle juice is another great acid choice! Adding the acid when the potatoes are warm maximizes the flavor.

Avoid white vinegar, which is too strong, or balsamic vinegar, which will add a weird color. Afterward, sprinkle salt over the potatoes, unless you used pickle juice, which is already salty.

6. Make the dressing separately.

No matter what dressing base you choose (e.g., mayo, oil, etc.), don’t combine all the dressing ingredients with the potatoes. Make the dressing in advance and then mix with your potatoes once seasoned. If you’re using a dairy-based dressing, let the potatoes cool before mixing.

A classic potato salad dressing has mayonnaise, mustard and some type of acid (like vinegar or citrus juice) and relish. You want the dressing to have a more liquid consistency before adding it to the dish. The starch in the potatoes will thicken the dressing and make it creamier. Add seasonings like paprika, salt, pepper, parsley and dill to amp up the flavor.

Bonus tip: make a little extra dressing to give new life to leftover potato salad the next day.

7. Choose onions wisely.

Onions are great but avoid harsh yellow and white onions. Green onions tend to work well, and red onions are okay, too – just make sure to dice and rinse them in cold water first!

8. Give it some texture.

For a classic, all-American potato salad, add hard-boiled eggs to get a great mix of textures. Celery is another option to give you some crunch.

9. Serve at room temperature.

Avoid serving cold potato salad in general, but it’s particularly important to bring potato salad with oil-based dressing to room temperature, because oil can harden when chilled.

10. Play with variations on your salad.

Don’t be afraid to play with your food! Try using different flavor profiles and ingredients to spice things up. A current fan favorite is a potato salad inspired by Mexican street corn with cotija cheese, charred corn, lime juice and the perfect amount of heat.

In addition to being delicious, potato salad is a showcase for America’s favorite vegetable. You’ll be happy to know that a medium (5.3 oz), skin-on potato has more potassium than a banana, 3 grams of plant-based protein and almost one-third of the vitamin C we need daily — so enjoy!

To check out more great potato salad recipes, visit PotatoGoodness.com.

2024-05-22T14:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is a great time of year — full of new activities, outings, road trips and all kinds of adventures. As your family gears up for a season full of fun, one of the top items on your must-have list is portable snacks to fuel them all day long. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for wholesome, tasty and easy-to-pack snacks the entire family will love — and great tools to help you keep those snacks safe and secure, wherever you and your kids are headed next.

Here are some snack ideas to help you keep everyone happy and full of energy through this busy, sun-filled season.

Choose food bags designed for busy families

Whether you’re packing hearty sandwiches, cut-up fruits and veggies or a variety of other foods your kids need to get them through their busy day, choose easy-to-use, durable food bags that not only seal reliably, but are large and strong enough to contain generous portions of food — and keep summer essentials like travel-sized containers of sunscreen, bug spray, wipes and napkins organized.

For example, Hefty Press to Close Food Bags have a unique double zipper that seals with a single press and slide across the closure. They are available in a variety of sizes, including a convenient XL Sandwich size that can easily fit fruit salads, sub sandwiches or watermelon slices. Hefty Press to Close Food Bags also have an expandable bottom that makes them easier to fill. Best yet, they’re budget-friendly, as they cost less than the leading brand.

Recruit the kids

Help ensure that your kids will enjoy their snacks by involving them in making and/or packing them. You can set up a build-your-own trail mix station in the kitchen, providing options including a variety of nuts and seeds, raisins and other dried fruits, chocolate chips, granola or their favorite cereals, etc. Provide scoops and let kids fill their own Hefty Press to Close food bags with customized trail mix they can bring along with them, wherever they’re headed. Your kids can write their names on their trail mix bags using the convenient write-on label area of the bag.

Keep everybody hydrated and stay cool

You can also provide extra hydration through foods with high water content, like fresh fruits and veggies. The best options for on-the-go snacking include cut-up pieces of celery, carrots, cucumber, apples and melons. Even easier are items that don’t need cutting up, like cherry tomatoes, snow peas and mandarin oranges. Include a container of dipping sauce, hummus, cream cheese, dressing or nut butter to make these snacks extra tasty.

Another effective hack is to pack along a few fruits that are frozen ahead of time, like grapes, bananas or melon slices, plus some yogurt tubes.

Best on-the-road snacks

For road trips — or trips back and forth from summer activities — you may want to bring along several snacks that aren’t too messy for kids to eat in the car. For example, you could fill your Hefty Press to Close Food Bags with options like string cheese, whole grain crackers and pretzels.

Stocking up on plenty of easy-to-pack snacks and food bags ahead of time will help you feel ready for everything summer has to offer, from impromptu trips to the beach and picnics, to playdates and soccer games — and any other adventures that come your way.

Be sure to check out Hefty Press to Close Food Bags at your nearest Walmart and at Walmart.com.