Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2022-12-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – This holiday season may look a bit different than years past due to rising inflation, which may make your holidays slightly less jolly and bright. To help start the new year off strong, have open and honest conversations as a family about finances.

The end of the year is a great opportunity to review your family’s end-of-year expenses. Use this moment to review spending and savings habits, and discuss how to improve them in the year to come. By having these open conversations with your kids, you can help them better understand the basics of money and lay a strong foundation for financial independence.

Not sure where to start? Check out these four tips that can help your family talk about your finances and build better money habits together.

1. Saving made easy for 2023

Managing your money can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. The end of the year can be especially hectic with additional expenses like holiday shopping and travel costs. To make things easier in 2023, automate your savings to help reach your financial goals faster.

With tools like Chase Autosave, customers can set up repeating, automatic transfers from their Chase checking into their Chase savings account. This presents a great learning opportunity for families to discuss the importance of savings, working towards a goal and building healthy habits.

Parents, you can show your children how you determine your savings goals and then help them set their own financial goals for the new year. Once they’ve figured out how much they want to save, help them set up a plan to get there.

2. Work together as a family to improve your finances

Working toward a common goal can make everyone feel like they have a stake in the ground. Setting financial goals together for 2023 and creating a monthly budget will help organize finances throughout the year.

As a Chase checking customer, you can open a bank account with a debit card for kids between the ages of 6-17. Chase First Banking^SM comes with its own debit card and parental control, while offering several other benefits like setting spending limits and allowing them to experience money firsthand. This opens the line of communication between parents and kids about building good money habits.

3. Build healthy financial practices

Make financial discussions a regular part of family conversations.

Whether it be what or where they’re spending, how much they’re earning or their savings goal, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discuss good money habits with your kids. To get a clearer picture of your spending and saving habits, check out the Spending Snapshot in the Chase Mobile^® app. You and your kids can also set up real-time account alerts to ensure you know exactly where and how they are spending their money.

4. Prepare students heading back to school

Now that 2022 is coming to a close, it’s time to prepare students heading back to school for their second semester. Before winter break is over, talk with your high school and college students about their finances and help them feel confident in their future by laying the groundwork for financial independence.

Accounts like Chase High School Checking^SM, for students 13-17 and co-owned by the parent, and Chase College Checking^SM, available to students 17-24 with no monthly service fee for five years while in college, provide access to digital banking tools to help them stay on top of their finances throughout the semester.

Using these four tips, your family can start the new year off with optimism about the state of their finances. To learn more and continue the conversation, visit chase.com/studentbanking.

Chase Mobile^® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2022-12-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – Travelers in search of a destination rich in tradition with exciting culinary, art and nightlife experiences will fall in love with Guadalajara, Mexico. The second-largest city in Mexico is considered the country’s cultural capital as the birthplace of iconic mariachi, tequila and charreria (Mexican rodeo). Whether it’s for a quick winter getaway or a longer stay, there’s something for everyone.

Here are the many attractions that keep tourists coming to Guadalajara, year after year.

1. Immerse yourself in the culture

Guadalajara’s historic city center allows travelers to walk back in time. The impressive buildings include the city’s landmark Guadalajara Cathedral with its distinctive neo-Gothic towers and UNESCO World Heritage Museo Cabanas. Even further back in history is the pre-Hispanic archeological site of Guachimontones, where travelers can learn about the Teuchitlan society that existed as early as 300 B.C. The site is an easy day trip from Guadalajara and features one of the few circular pyramids in the world.

For an adrenaline rush, attend a charreria competition which is Mexico’s national sport and designated to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The sport is a way of life for charros and escaramuzas as an art form that has been passed down through the generations, demanding constant training and practice to master the skills needed to show off horsemanship.

To feel the passion of locals through music, enjoy mariachi performances at places like El Parian de Tlaquepaque. The roots of mariachi stem from Guadalajara’s working class in the 1900s, and today is recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Guadalajara is also known for hosting the annual International Mariachi Festival every August/September, where the best mariachi bands from around the world gather for performances and a grand parade.

2. View classic and contemporary art

Visit Museo Cabanas, Museo de los Artes and Palacio de Gobierno to view stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico’s greatest muralists. Architecture buffs can visit creations from Guadalajara native Luis Barragan, Mexico’s Pritzker Prize-winning architect, in places such as Parque Revolucion and Jardines del Bosque. For those who want to gallery hop, Colonia Americana is one of the best areas for visiting numerous art galleries with an emphasis on contemporary work.

Tlaquepaque and Tonala are two great areas to find traditional arts and crafts like blown glass, ceramics and pottery. Handicrafts are also available for purchase at San Juan De Dios Mercado, one of the largest enclosed markets in Mexico — with approximately 2,800 stands featuring ceramic, silver, blown glass, leather and palm leaf crafts.

3. Get your mouth watering

Sample the large variety of Guadalajara’s flavors and dishes — from one-of-a-kind street food and casual restaurants to innovative fine dining. Unique to the area is the torta ahogada (“drowned sandwich”), Guadalajara’s signature sandwich and most popular street food. Made with a bread called birote which can only be found in Jalisco due to climate and altitude, the torta ahogada traditionally includes pork and is covered in a red sauce made of tomatoes and chili peppers. Another popular Jalisco recipe is birria, a spicy stew made with goat or lamb, cooked slowly with spices and served with minced onions, cilantro and lime.

4. Embrace the nightlife

For local bars and nightclubs featuring cocktails, music and dancing, the Colonia Americana neighborhood is a local favorite. Guadalajara has become one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly tourist destinations in Mexico due to the many anti-discrimination laws and efforts, LGBTQ+ events and LGBTQ+ shows and performances. The city is recognized for its larger number of LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in the country, with the majority in Zona Centro along Avenida Prisciliano Sanchez where there’s everything from cozy lounges to large dance clubs.

5. Explore Tequila

Jalisco is home to nine “Magical Towns” as designated by Mexico’s federal government. One of them is Tequila, the birthplace of the popular spirit. To explore the history and process of tequila making and agave harvesting, the town and its UNESCO World Heritage blue agave fields are the perfect day trip. Travelers can stop at the National Museum of Tequila or Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo, enjoy distillery tours and tastings, observe a jimador (agave farmer) demonstration and view the blue ocean of agave via horseback or a tequila train.

Learn more about your next great vacation in Guadalajara at VisitGuadalajara.com.

2022-12-20T09:27:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time that brings out a generous spirit in many people. Beyond giving gifts to those near and dear to you, there are also plenty of opportunities to do good for others during this time of year.

For businesses, you may have money set aside to purchase gifts for your employees and clients. Instead of giving them corporate swag like a travel mug or a gift card, consider giving a gift that can make a difference this holiday season.

Sugarwish is an online gift-giving platform that takes the guesswork out of giving and allows the recipient to choose the treats that are included in the gift they receive. No matter what gift you decide to give, they’re sure to get their favorites. The sender chooses the category and size of the gift and the recipients choose their favorite treats from candy to snacks, cookies to popcorn, to wine and wine tastings, to flowers, candles and so much more. However, the most interesting aspect of this gift is that recipients can also choose to donate the value of the gift to Make-A-Wish, a Sugarwish charity partner.

Last year, the company partnered with Make-A-Wish and raised $500,000 for children with critical illnesses through donations. Because of this success, the two companies have partnered again this year and are excited to continue to grant life-changing wishes, one sweet gift at a time. Your company can help raise even more money for Make-A-Wish when you sign up to send sweet treats through Sugarwish.

Give employees an opportunity to do good and feel good

When you help others, do you feel a warm fuzzy feeling inside? That’s because generosity is not only good for others but is also good for you. Check out these five benefits of practicing generosity.

1. Happiness

According to a University of Zurich study, generous people tend to be happier. The study followed two groups for four weeks: one that promised to spend money on others and a control group that focused on spending money on themselves. In the end, the generous group reported increased happiness. This is because generous decisions engage a part of the brain directly related to happiness!

2. Better health

Being generous can also benefit your health. According to Rush University Medical Center research, middle-aged and older adults that regularly volunteered were less likely to have high blood pressure. By reducing their risk of high blood pressure, these volunteers are also at lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Meaningful life

It can be difficult to find meaning in life, but those who give of themselves are closer to achieving that goal. According to a study by Ascent, 80% of high-generosity respondents felt life was meaningful, while only 60% of their less generous counterparts felt the same.

4. Closer relationships

The Ascent study also found that generosity can strengthen personal connections with others. People with low generosity were more than twice as likely to not feel close at all to those they know. Meanwhile, 66% of generous respondents felt close to the people they know and were more likely to have a best friend.

5. Workplace benefits

Generosity can also impact the workplace. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley compiled results from several studies on generosity. One of these studies found that when Australian bank employees were given $50 to spend on a charity they were happier and more satisfied with their job. Another study found that generous employees were more motivated and creative, leading to more novel and useful ideas.

The gift that keeps on giving

This year, give a gift that recognizes your employees and thanks clients by allowing them to help children with critical illnesses. Sugarwish gift recipients can donate their unredeemed site credits to Make-A-Wish. Additionally, for any new accounts that sign up through the link above, Make-A-Wish will receive a donation equal to 10% of the value loaded into the account. Already have your holiday gifts planned? Consider sending happiness and hope for Employee Appreciation Day in March or at any other time throughout the year.

Learn more about how you and your company can help kids see their wishes come true at Sugarwish.com/us/new-sign-up-make-a-wish.

2022-12-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

With just a short time left before the end of this year and the start of 2023, business owners, remote workers, teachers and more are working hard to find a balance between celebrating the holidays with family, friends, and colleagues, and taking actionable steps to finish this year strong while also preparing for success in the new year.

Whether shopping for last-minute gifts, setting up workspaces, or restocking classrooms for the new year, Office Depot offers products, time-saving services, and instant savings on top brands to help shoppers wrap up 2022 and prepare for the new year ahead.

Consider the tips below when checking off professional and personal to-do lists:

1. Stock up on must-have supplies and find last-minute gifts

Don’t wait to restock your office or classroom until you’re out of paper, sticky notes, pencils, pens, or ink cartridges. Take advantage of Office Depot’s sales and stock up on must-have supplies now, so you’re not running on empty come 2023.

And while you’re there, consider picking up any last-minute gifts. Office Depot created a thoughtful assortment of gift guides with suggestions designed to delight everyone from teachers, techies, and teens to home office workers, co-workers, and more, online at officedepot.com/giftguides. And for those hard-to-buy-for family members, friends, teachers, and co-workers, Office Depot offers a variety of gift cards from hundreds of brands, including Office Depot OfficeMax eGift cards, that can be delivered within minutes.

2. Use time-saving services

Need those supplies or gifts fast? Office Depot offers an industry-leading in-store and curbside pickup service with the company’s 20-minute pickup promise. Qualifying orders placed online at officedepot.com or via the Office Depot mobile app can be picked up in-store or curbside in just 20 minutes! And if a qualifying pickup order is not ready in 20 minutes, customers will receive an email with a coupon for $20 off their next qualifying purchase. Visit officedepot.com/pickup for additional details. Same-day delivery is also available for qualifying orders placed before 5 p.m. local time for just $4.99. Learn more about same-day delivery at officedepot.com/samedaydelivery.

And with the holidays being the peak season for shipping, Office Depot offers products and services to help clients with their packing and shipping needs, so customers can shop, pack, and ship all in one trip at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. Click here to learn more.

3. Stay organized

The lines between work, family, and life in general can feel even more blurred than normal this time of year. To help stay productive without sacrificing your personal life, it’s important to stay organized. You don’t want to accidentally schedule a work event at the same time as a festive get-together, holiday meal, or movie night. Start using a calendar or planner to help prevent work obligations from interfering with well-deserved downtime.

There are many choices for digital and physical planners, and ideally you should use both. While a digital calendar is easy to access on the go and share with others, a physical planner is also convenient to have around. With a physical planner, you can easily pencil in and refer to your schedule while on the phone or during face-to-face meetings with clients and employees.

If you’re looking for a stylish solution to stay organized and plan ahead, check out selections from russell+hazel^® or customizable disc-bound planners from Happy Planner^®.

4. Sit comfortably with a chair upgrade

Think about the chair that you use every day to get work done. Is it a dining room chair, maybe a kitchen stool, or is it a worn-out office chair from years ago? Is it no longer comfortable? Or maybe it’s losing its function? Invest in your comfort this holiday season and beyond with a new chair for your office or home office. And with so many options to choose from, check out Office Depot’s Chair Buying Guide to learn what might be the best option for you. Plus, thousands of chairs are on sale during Office Depot’s holiday chair event, happening now through the end of the year.

2022-12-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – When you think of all the things that happen in the busy month of December, breakups are probably the last thing that come to mind. However, research shows the holidays are a prime time for ending relationships.

Whether it’s a romantic partnership that’s come to an end or a friendship that no longer serves you well, breakups are unfortunately common this time of year. Are you or is someone you know experiencing a breakup?

For many Americans, the winter holidays are a time to pull the plug on romantic relationships. In fact, a vast majority (83%) would consider breaking up with someone ahead of the holidays, according to a Wakefield Research survey for Pacific Foods.

A milestone month

A vast majority of younger adults confirm December is a make-or-break milestone for relationships. Nearly 3 in 5 say they or a couple they know have broken up in the month of December, including 40% who experienced it themselves.

No matter the reason or circumstances, breaking up is difficult. While there are numerous ways to help mend a broken heart, seeking comfort foods is one of the most popular breakup solutions among Gen Z and Millennials.

Savory over sweet

When it comes to what cuisine can help mend a broken heart during the holiday season, the majority say comfort food such as soup, pasta and pizza are the way to go, compared to more indulgent choices such as chocolate, ice cream or baked goods. So ditch the sweets this season and grab a bowl of warm and comforting soup.

In fact, younger adults’ taste in breakup soup skews toward the traditional. An overwhelming 88% identified soup as a breakup comfort with nearly 3 in 5 Gen Z and Millennials citing chicken noodle as the most comforting soup to eat after a breakup, followed by tomato soup and vegetable soup.

Whether you’ve experienced a breakup or you want to support a friend or family member, you can count on your favorite soup and broth brand, Pacific Foods, to provide you with nourishing products that feel like a warm hug. So stock up on the classics including Hearty Vegetable Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup and Tomato Bisque to help get you through both the good times and the bad.

Prioritize yourself

Everyone experiences breakups differently. Whether you’re getting over your work crush, starting a new solo chapter or have just parted ways with a friend, it’s important to make time for yourself and do things that bring you comfort. This season, no matter your situation, head to PacificFoods.com for delicious recipes, new soup and broth options and more.

2022-12-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has begun: That’s according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, a survey of Americans’ driving habits and attitudes, which found that nearly half (46%) expect to acquire an EV within the next 5 years. Whether they’re driven by environmental motives, high gas prices or new automotive technology, drivers are increasingly shifting to EVs – so what do they need to know before they get behind the wheel of their first plug-in vehicle?

Gas savings are in the future – but be mindful of the power bill

The price of gas is undoubtedly the biggest pain point for drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles today: 76% of drivers say fuel prices have a major to moderate impact on their daily driving habits. Switching to electric is the obvious solution – and for most drivers (58%), saving on gas is the biggest motivation behind the move.

To maximize those savings, new EV drivers should turn their attention to their power bill: look for opportunities to save money by charging during off-peak hours or by signing up for community electric programs.

Reconsider driving habits

For many, their first EV may not be their primary vehicle. Many drivers may still use an ICE vehicle for longer journeys or while waiting for the charging infrastructure in their community to improve. As drivers get to grips with their first EV, their habits may change – including choosing a different grocery store because it offers charging stations, or combining errands in a single outing instead of making multiple trips.

They wouldn’t be alone! While 66% of drivers surveyed in the Gauge Index said they would use an EV, only 45% said it would be the vehicle they drive every day.

Adjust your driving style

EVs are known for their instantaneous power delivery, thanks to the absence of gear rations and torque values that eclipse their ICE counterparts. They’re also quieter, thanks to the absence of an ICE powertrain, which means road noise increases – especially on highways. And range is everything: the more dynamic they’re driven, the sooner they’ll need to be plugged in.

As a result, new EV drivers may find themselves adjusting how they handle the vehicle, perhaps with a lighter right foot and a greater appreciation for smoother driving.

Learn about different maintenance needs

Nearly half of Americans (48%) said they would conduct their own vehicle maintenance at home to save money. But EVs may not offer that option, as they often require specialist mechanical care from the dealers’ own service locations.

EVs require different kinds of maintenance and at different intervals than traditional ICE vehicles. To adjust, new EV owners should stay up to speed on when and where they should take their vehicle for regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in top shape.

Understand why specific EV tires are preferred

Another difference between gas-powered vehicles and EVs is the demand on the tires. EVs perform best when equipped with tires that are specially developed to withstand added weight from battery packs, provide traction for faster power delivery, reduce rolling resistance for maximum range, and minimize road noise for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Yet a Gauge Index survey earlier in 2022 found only a quarter of Americans (26%) believed that EVs require custom-made tires, and more than three quarters (78%) believed that EVs could use the same tires as ICE vehicles.

With so much of an EV’s performance and comfort relying on specially designed tires, it’s crucial that new EV drivers look for tires designed from the ground up to meet the demands of their new vehicle. After all, that’s where the rubber meets the road!

2022-12-16T08:21:00

(BPT) – As a 24-year-old, Erin Danzer enjoys expressing herself through art, such as painting, designing resin jewelry and making scarves to gift to her friends and family. She received her associate degree in communications and is currently pursuing her passion to create adaptive fashion by taking courses in clothing design. Her dream is to design clothes for a company or launch her own fashion line focused on inclusivity and accessibility of fashion for people living with disabilities.

Her inspiration arises from something deeply personal: Danzer is living with a rare disease, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), which causes permanent and continuous bone growth in soft and connective tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments.¹

Growing up, Danzer’s parents noticed she had turned-in big toes and a reoccurring bump on her head. After visiting several pediatricians and specialists in a search for an answer, Danzer’s parents brought her to a geneticist, who eventually diagnosed FOP.

FOP impacts up to 400 people in the U.S. and can cause unpredictable episodes of rapid bone growth, which includes soft tissue swelling, pain, reduced movement and stiffness, also known as flare-ups.^1,2 Ultimately, continuous bone growth and flare-ups severely restrict mobility and function — even leading to joints being locked for life.³

“Usually if I’m going through a flare up, I start to lose range of motion,” explains Danzer, “and because FOP is so unpredictable, sometimes I regain that range of motion, but other times it’s permanent and I lose function or mobility of that joint completely.”

Over the years, Danzer has met others in the FOP community and she’s struggled with how the disease can impact people differently by progressing at a different rate for each individual. “Compared to someone not living with FOP, obviously my mobility and function were really affected. But, when compared to someone living with FOP, I didn’t feel as affected as some others — sometimes those feelings were difficult for me,” reflects Danzer.

Changing expectations on independence

As a teen, FOP mainly impacted Danzer’s ability to reach above her head limiting her ability to dress herself, reach for items and even participate in conversations at school. “I always had the issue of the teacher not calling on me because they couldn’t see my arm raised. I adapted by using a finger pointer to raise my hand,” Danzer explains.

Slowly, FOP has impacted Danzer’s independence and challenged her ability to adapt. Several years ago, her car was modified to allow her to drive independently and now she can no longer operate it on her own. At the suggestion of her care team, Pine was brought into her life. Pine is a service dog who provides her support, companionship and helps her maintain her independence by opening doors, turning lights on and off, picking up items and even helping her pay at a store.

As FOP continues to impact Danzer’s life, Pine is also trained to adapt with her by learning new commands and executing more personalized tasks. The companionship is certainly another helpful aspect to support Danzer’s social and emotional wellness.

“Once I was in a wheelchair, I became very closed off. I didn’t want to talk about living with a rare disease since I felt as though others saw me only as living with a disability,” Danzer shares. “I didn’t really know how to talk about it and Pine really helped me open up as a person and be comfortable talking to people. I felt as though people were able to see Pine first, before the wheelchair, and that gave me confidence.”

For Danzer, life is about living every day to the fullest extent possible.

“I appreciate all the experiences, opportunities and the people that I’ve met so far in my life, as they make me who I am. While it can be difficult processing changes in my level of independence as my function and mobility become more restricted, what has helped me cope is knowing that I can still try new things, challenge myself and meet new people.” she said. “Life is about adapting, so surround yourself with people — or furry companions — who support you as you evolve.”

To learn more about FOP, including resources, visit FocusOnFOP.com.

Content sponsored by Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals.

###

1. Pignolo RJ, Hsiao EC, Baujat G, Lapidus D, Sherman A, Kaplan FS. Prevalence of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) in the United States: estimate from three treatment centers and a patient organization. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):350. Published 2021 Aug 5. doi:10.1186/s13023-021-01983-2

2. Pignolo RJ, Shore EM, Kaplan FS. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: diagnosis, management, and therapeutic horizons. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2013;10(0 2):437–48.

3. Pignolo RJ, Bedford Gay C, Liljesthröm M, et al. The natural history of flare-ups in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP): A comprehensive global assessment. J Bone Miner Res 2016: 31(3) 650–6.

12/2022 NON-US-003340

2022-12-15T15:59:00

(BPT) – Visitors to New York City’s iconic Times Square are amazed by the dazzling display of light, colors and motion on the famed location’s digital billboards.

Creating innovative motion and images to capture peoples’ attention in this dynamic urban landscape can be challenging even for professional animators and video producers. This holiday season, talented college students are showing how they are up for this task by creating incredible 3D animated artwork to awe passersby as they walk through Times Square.

In the inaugural “Wonderbox Showcase” digital art competition, sponsored by global innovator LG Electronics, students from across the country were invited to submit animations creating their own digital worlds, opening to reveal a moment that invites curiosity, then amazes, engages and delights viewers — taking them to a whole new world of possibilities.

The winning artwork will be displayed on LG’s Times Square billboard from mid-December through mid-January. The prizes to be awarded are: first place, $25,000; second place, $10,000 and third place, $5,000. Winners will also receive a 27-inch LG 4K monitor.

After reviewing submissions from students across the country, an expert judging panel selected three finalists:

“Giant Present” by Chloe Ko, School of Visual Arts, New York City. Born and raised in South Korea, Ko specializes in 3D motion graphics and Houdini FX. “Christmas in New York City is amazing,” said Ko. “It’s the holiday season, so I thought, why not start with a big red gift box? I wanted to give this project a cute, uplifting vibe.”

“Rocket Ship” by Evan West, Utah Valley University, and Ashley Johnson, Brigham Young University. West is a motion designer who says he wants to pursue his love for animation and design working at a top-tier motion design studio, and Johnson is an illustrator, textile artist and clothing designer. The married couple used the competition to combine both their talents.

“Our artwork features a rocket on an exciting journey through space,” said West. “The theme of space travel represents forward progress in all aspects of life. We want to continually explore uncharted territories, innovate to find solutions to life’s problems and share beautiful creations with the world.”

“Gnomes” by Sera Mun, Maryland Institute College of Art. Mun is from Seoul, South Korea and moved to Baltimore to study animation. “I produced Gnomes with the intention of prompting happiness and dreams in viewers,” said Mun. “What came to mind were vending machines you commonly see in New York, and the animation represents the current situation of society. During COVID-19, many people were trapped in their rooms. This animation is a message of support for those who have suffered or are currently suffering.”

The competition judges were three acclaimed creative artists with backgrounds in design and animation:

GMUNK is a visionary who has established himself as one of the top visual design directors in the world. His commercial resume includes campaigns for iconic brands such as Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, Audi, Maserati, Mercedes, Uber, Dolby, Tonal, Hummer, Infiniti and HBO.

Penelope Nederlander is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated digital artist with over 20 years’ experience in 3D and 2D motion graphics, VFX, compositing, animation and illustration. She has created animating titles for films like Birds of Prey, The Harder They Fall, Pitch Perfect and Kung Fu Panda 1 and 2, plus VFX supervising and post-production on music videos for The Killers, Dolly Parton and Sean Lennon.

Clinton Jones, noted director and 3D/VFX artist, makes 3D art fun for his audiences through in-depth tutorials, livestreams and massive 3D challenges. His goal is to create detail-oriented, story-driven art and to inspire filmmakers, 3D artists and big dreamers to learn and grow together in creative pursuits.

“It’s always exciting to see how different people interpret a challenge and opportunity like this. This LG corner wrap-around screen is such a fun canvas to play with and all the contestants really explored the space in different and fun ways,” said Nederlander. “Quality of finished product is always high on the checklist when weighing entries for a winner, but for me the 3D tools are just that, tools, to tell a story, as well as how visually interesting a piece might be. I look for a well-rounded approach combining all these aspects.”

Learn more and view the winning entries at LG.com/us/wonderbox.

2022-12-15T10:31:00

(BPT) – Have you ever wondered what’s in the indoor air you breathe? If you work in an office or own a business where there are face-to-face interactions with customers and co-workers, you may want to consider learning more about your indoor air quality.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, especially in office environments during work hours. Even with proper ventilation, you’re exposed to airborne particles and contaminants for hours.

If you have a large, room-sized air purifier, you’re already on the right track to breathing cleaner air at work. However, to help minimize lingering foreign airborne particles from face-to-face interactions, we recommend some backup.

A tabletop air purifier can work together with the building HVAC to provide cleaner air right in front of you. For those that work in appointment-based organizations or small businesses with frequent customer facetime, such as accountants or tax preparation experts, bank officers, or in a healthcare office reception, you should consider investing in tabletop air purifiers.

Check out these three reasons why you should be using a tabletop air purifier at work and with customers:

1. Cleaner air for better health

The air you breathe is overflowing with airborne particles like aerosols (small liquid particles) that come from you and others chatting, sneezing, coughing and even just breathing. According to a 2021 article published in the international journal Building and Environment, these aerosols — which can transmit germs and droplets — can linger in the air for up to nine hours.

This can quickly become a problem in an indoor work environment, especially during the colder seasons. This is doubly true if you live or work with people who have children. With extended in-person exposure in the winter, droplets can remain airborne and spread easily from the office or school to your home.

Being able to recognize signs of poor air quality, including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, can help employees and employers strive for cleaner air to help minimize the spread of airborne particles, working toward a positive environment both for their customers and employees. If you’re in the market for one, check out the Brother AirSure tabletop air purifier. This unit, designed with a three-sided air intake and filter, captures up to 99% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

2. Reduce allergens

Second to the aerosol particles that we spread when simply talking, air can also carry pollen, mold, dust and other allergens that can set off allergies. Also, as the weather changes from summer to fall, you and your employees may suffer from seasonal allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, improving the air quality in your home, office, school and car can reduce allergy triggers. Even if you don’t have allergies, it is wise to try to reduce allergens and other biological pollutants in indoor air.

A tabletop air purifier may help reduce foreign particles and pollutants in front of you that may not have been immediately captured by a larger room air purifier.

3. Inspire customer confidence

In addition to protecting you from airborne aerosols, having a tabletop air purifier can increase customer confidence in your business.

Imagine walking into a small office within an organization and seeing a tabletop air purifier. What would you think about the company? Would you feel taken care of and put at ease?

A tabletop air purifier signals to clients that you are invested in their health and the health of your employees. This can provide them with peace of mind and build trust. After all, if you’re interested in providing clean air in your office space, then you’re likely a person that pays attention to detail. That impression reflects positively on your company and can increase a customer’s confidence in your brand, products and services.

The AirSure air purifier is ideal for business scenarios where people are having face-to-face conversations, such as the personal space for preparing taxes, working with a bank manager and employee desks where they are regularly hosting 1:1 meetings to help capture aerosols during these close quarter interactions. This lightweight and portable purifier is convenient for most office and business spaces, using just a USB-C power cord and wall outlet adaptor.

To learn more about the benefits of using a tabletop air purifier at your business, visit https://www.brother-usa.com/airsure-air-purifier.

2022-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – Stop for a moment and think about your top 5 New Year’s resolutions. If you said them out loud right now, how many would be about your health?

Did they include:

• exercising more
• eating more healthily
• stopping smoking
• meditating
• getting more quality sleep

Is getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia on your health list?

Some people are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia — a potentially serious bacterial lung disease — like those 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions such as:

• asthma
• diabetes
• COPD
• chronic heart disease

Those aged 65 or older are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, so it’s important to stay up to date on pneumococcal vaccination.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and pneumococcal vaccination is available year-round. Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccine for additional protection.

A new approach to your New Year’s resolutions

One way to keep on track is to prioritize your resolutions. Some will be about consistency, but some you can check off your list quickly — like getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

If you said your top 5 New Year’s resolutions out loud again now, think about why your list should include getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia if you’re at increased risk. Because, as you head into the new year, it’s important to let nothing stand in the way of taking your shot at what you want to do in 2023.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and pneumococcal vaccination is available year-round. Even if you’ve been vaccinated against flu this season, don’t wait to ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination.

To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com.