Category: Brandpoint

2018-03-01T13:57:00

(BPT) – –

2018-02-27T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a die-hard wildlife enthusiast but have never taken an Arctic safari, perhaps it’s time you headed north instead of south this summer.

A favorite destination for such adventurers? The remote and highly unique town of Churchill, Manitoba, accessible these days only by plane. Known by many as the polar bear capital of the world, the Canadian frontier town (population: around 800) draws thousands of travelers each fall from across the world seeking to realize their bucket-list dreams of meeting the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

But the bears are far from the only attraction at the gateway to the Arctic; in July and August, visitors can also pursue once-in-a-lifetime activities such as kayaking or swimming among beluga whales, experiencing the local indigenous culture and tearing through the wilderness on canine-powered carts. Lovers of flora and fauna may also seek out the area’s 250 bird species (look for gray jays, falcons, hawks, tundra swans, snowy owls and the rare Ross’s gulls and harlequin ducks) while hoping for glimpses of moose, wolves, caribou, Arctic foxes and Arctic hares.

More details about some of the area’s best attractions:

* Polar bear lair: Scientists place the world’s current polar bear population at a much-reduced 20,000 — 1,000 of which live in the western Hudson Bay area encompassing Churchill. The region is one of few settlements where people regularly encounter the massive-but-speedy “Lords of the Arctic,” which move to shore each July when ice melts on Hudson Bay, then go back out after the November freeze. Specialty tour guide company Frontiers North Adventures offers a number of area bear-watching excursions using massive tundra-hardy vehicles that allow guests ultra-close views from open-air terraces just feet away. Meanwhile, fellow operator Churchill Wild flies visitors to wilderness lodges then takes them through the tundra on foot, letting them view the bears at ground level under the instruction of experienced wildlife guides. And Lazy Bear Expeditions is known for its custom-built boat the Sam Hearne, which transports guests to a remote coastal area for close-ups of the great beasts.

Behold the beluga:

Some 3,000 beluga whales grace the warmer waters of the Churchill River each summer, and guide company Sea North Tours allows adventurers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or snorkeling directly with the friendly creatures. Enthusiasts can also interpret the creatures’ high-pitched vocalizations through listening devices known as hydrophones. Those wishing to see the magnificent mammals out in Hudson Bay might sign up for Lazy Bear Expeditions’ Ultimate Summer Arctic Safari package.

Highly unique landscape:

Churchill is proud of its often-pristine wilderness featuring the merging of three distinct ecosystems: the vast marine life native to Hudson Bay, the conifer-covered boreal forest and the Arctic tundra characterized by permafrost, rock outcroppings and low-growing vegetation. The differences between the three make the area a prime migratory route for many species of animals, allowing for excellent summertime viewing opportunities.

Historic treasures:

Churchill’s cultural jewels include the indigenous-themed Itsanitaq Museum and the Prince of Wales Fort established in 1717 to protect fur-trading employees of the Hudson’s Bay Co. A summertime visit to Churchill must include a guided cultural town and area tour, which is offered by a few different tour companies including North Star Tours and Lazy Bear Expeditions. The excursions introduce visitors to local culture and landmarks such as the historic Cape Merry site and the polar bear “jail” housing wayward Ursus maritimus.

Musher’s paradise:

Canada’s North has a long, proud history of optimizing dogsleds for transportation, and in summer Churchill’s sled dogs train by pulling wheeled carts. Visitors can sign up for tours at Wapusk Adventures or Bluesky Expeditions to meet and greet the energetic and hardworking canines before embarking on an exhilarating ride through the boreal forest.

Light shows extraordinaire:

The Churchill area is considered one of the top three vantage points worldwide for viewing the Aurora Borealis or northern lights, a natural phenomenon of moving color caused by atmospheric atoms mixing with charged particles from the sun. While the lights can be more elusive in the summertime (the optimal time for viewing is in winter), visitors enjoying their campfires at night can often catch a glimpse of their incredible beauty during clear nights.

For more information about the wonders you may encounter on your summer safari to Churchill, visit travelmanitoba.com.

2017-12-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – Dog shows are an extraordinary opportunity to learn more about the nuanced and wonderful things that make dog breeds unique. But while many of us have an idea of what a dog show is — often from what we have seen depicted on television or in movies — there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to these events. Below are some myths and facts that will hopefully set the record straight.

Myth: Dog shows are beauty pageants for dogs

Fact: It’s an active and fun event for people of all ages

Dog shows include an array of activities for dogs and attendees. At the AKC National Championship Dog Show, for example, there are several events including an agility competition, AKC Meet the Breeds(R) and even a Puppy Stakes. The show is interactive for attendees, who can experience more than 190 breeds. Any dog that is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is eligible to participate in dog shows.

Myth: A dog’s breed isn’t important

Fact: It is very important — and dog shows celebrate breeds!

Just like humans, a dog’s genetic history can have an impact on their health, personality and nutritional needs. Dog shows are intended to celebrate these differences and give dogs a chance to show off the best parts of their breeds and personalities. Every breed is different, and all were designed for a specific purpose to fill a specific need. Knowing the history of breeds and maintaining breeds through future generations can — if done properly — help eliminate some health problems.

There are even breed-specific diets that cater to the unique needs of each breed by tailoring certain characteristics, such as kibble size, nutrients and more.

“At Royal Canin, we love to celebrate the unique differences that make each dog breed remarkable, which is why we produce age- and breed-specific canine diets,” says Kamie Eckert, president of Royal Canin USA, presenting sponsor of the AKC National Championship, the biggest dog show in North America.

Although many recognizable breeds will be attending — such as Golden Retrievers, Yorkies and Bulldogs — the AKC also adds new breeds to the list on an ongoing basis. It can take up to 20 years for a breed to be recognized by the AKC. For example, it may be another 15-20 years before the Labradoodle could potentially be recognized as a true breed by the AKC — even though it’s a recognizable breed to most consumers.

Myth: All dog shows are private events

Fact: Anyone can enjoy the AKC National Championship

While some events may be private, many dog shows like the AKC National Championship are open to anyone to attend. Where else will you be able to see 30 Saint Bernards all in the same place? Or a Border Collie weave through agility poles faster than your brain can process?

For those that are unable to attend in-person, you can catch the highlights on your television screen. This year, the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin will air on Animal Planet on New Year’s Day for everyone to watch! The show will be anchored by Jerry O’Connell, AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo and sportscasters Jason Knapp and Sam Ryan. This three-hour show will allow you to see all that makes dog shows so special, so be sure to tune in!

2017-12-13T10:37:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time of year when you want to show how much you care with your generosity and thoughtfulness. But as expected, searching for holiday gifts can bring the longest shopping sprees (and lines) of the year. Not only do you have to find the right gift for the right person, you then have to wrap it and mail it. And as your list of recipients to shop for grows throughout December, the thought of getting everything accomplished in time is simply exhausting.

At Staples, you’ll find plenty of gifts and services under one roof that will help you cross off everything on your holiday shopping and “must-do” task lists. You can even wrap, pack up and ship your gifts right in the store; even if you can’t get to Staples before December 14, they can still guarantee the gift’s arrival by Christmas if you choose the overnight or second-day shipping option.

To inspire you, here are a few perfect last minute gifts now available at Staples:

For the new homeowner: There’s almost no one who is easier to shop for, but a set of colorful glass ornaments from Plum & Punch ($12.99) will adorn their new home’s first Christmas tree with style and sophistication.

For your favorite colleagues: Turn their next coffee break into game time. They can knock down a few rounds of ghosts with a PacMan Electronic Handheld Game ($19.99) or get up and moving with a 2-in-1 Bowling Shuffleboard Set ($12.99).

For the techie in your life: The Staples Gaming Chair ($99.99) lets them settle in and stay comfortable during long, intense gaming sessions. The sleek and stylish Lenovo Flex 5 2-in-1 Notebook ($589.99) is perfect for a day spent relaxing at a coffee shop or working from home.

For anyone you love: This year, add a personal touch to your gifts. Whether it’s time to design holiday greeting cards from your family or you’re looking for a simple and beautiful card to attach to your gift, stop by the Staples Print and Marketing Services desk for easy ideas to customize gifts and season’s greetings to perfection. Even better, Staples offers same day delivery on select greeting cards for both Christmas and New Year’s, so you can get the task done on your schedule.

Spread the joy to everyone you love while saving time and stress in the process by turning to Staples for all your gift-giving and shipping needs. To find more tools and ideas, visit Staples.com.

2017-12-13T08:01:02

(BPT) – While hosting the holidays can be a nerve-wracking experience, it doesn’t have to completely derail the rest of the joy of the season. The truth is even the most veteran holiday hosts feel some anxiety leading up to the big day. There’s a ton to do and remembering it all can be hard. To simplify your life and your holidays, renowned interior designer Nate Berkus offers his best tips for entertaining with style.

Make sure your kitchen is ready

Without fail your kitchen becomes command central, and the No. 1 place guests like to congregate. Fact. Embrace it, and use your kitchen island to set up snacks, a bar and add extra seating. You want people to feel at home, especially during the holidays.

Be ready with a pre-stocked bar

As host, you want to make sure you get to enjoy the party along with your guests. Get ahead of things by making sure your bar is fully stocked, and making a pre-mixed pitcher of your go-to holiday cocktail. Have your hors d’oeuvres ready to go and make sure you have enough ice — with LG’s SmartThinQ technology, you can have your fridge make ice from your smartphone, for extra easy party prep.

Create an impressive tablescape

Stick to a neutral color scheme, even during the holidays. Then add in metallic accents for some extra shine; brass candleholders and napkin rings will instantly up the ante. You can also pull in greenery from your garden and finish off your tablescape with candles. Finally, make sure your table linens are fresh, pressed and ready to go. With the LG Styler you can hang your items (from linens to favorite holiday sweaters) and have them steamed and refreshed, in just 20 minutes.

Mix up the seating chart

Have fun with your seating chart. You want guests to get to know each other and spark unexpected connections. It can put people out of their comfort zone, so be mindful of who you bring together, and try to seat guests next to someone you know will share common interests. Use a super chic place card at each setting to finish off the tablescape.

Take something home

Send your guests home with a small reminder from the evening. If it’s a sit-down dinner, it could be their place card setting. It will serve as a sweet memento from the gathering.

2017-12-12T13:01:01

(BPT) – A photo with family and friends — ugly sweaters and all — is a holiday tradition. But getting everyone posed in front of the fireplace is just the first step. From selecting the right settings, to taking the photo, to sending it to our loved ones, so much goes into capturing the moment. At Samsung Electronics America, this got us thinking: How are we capturing and sharing moments this holiday season?

We conducted a survey of over 1,000 smartphone owners in the U.S., and 85 percent of respondents told us smartphones are their top choice for taking holiday photos. That’s why we’ve engineered and designed the Samsung Galaxy family of smartphones with great cameras. With the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8, easy photo modes will make your holiday feast stand out on any newsfeed, and voice- and gesture-activated timers make getting the whole family in the holiday card a breeze, especially with the wide-angle selfie mode.

Capturing (and sharing) the moment

We all love sharing holiday photos on social media. In fact, our survey found 50 percent of consumers post more pictures on social media during the holidays than during the rest of the year, and 45 percent say they receive more likes and comments during the holidays. Forty-two percent of those surveyed also noted they are more likely to participate in a holiday activity if there are good photo-taking opportunities.

When taking holiday photos, 60 percent of respondents said that they would be more likely to snap pictures if their cameras had features designed for winter activities such as low-light capabilities, dual cameras, or larger screens/displays.

Here are some tips for expert photo taking this holiday season:

Expert tips for low-light photos:

* When shooting in low-light conditions against an illuminated background, turn your subject toward the brightest point. That way, whatever light there is will hit where you want it — plus you’ll compose a more interesting shot.

* When capturing moving subjects in dark conditions, digital zoom is rarely your friend. Resolution is lost with each level of magnification, so for better close-ups, avoid zoom and move as close to your subject as possible.

* If you’re shooting a skyline or landscape at night on a Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active or Note8, switch to Pro mode. Adjust your camera’s ISO settings and set your shutter speed to a longer time. Opt for a stable surface to keep the shot steady.

Closer together

The holidays are a time to connect and spend time with those you care about: 51 percent of consumers say a picture with family members is their most sought-after photo of the season.

Expert tips for taking quality family photos:

* Whether you opt in to matching ugly sweaters or not, color coordinating or wearing items from the same hue (warm versus cool) will help tie your family’s look together.

* To ensure that everyone is in the shot and one person isn’t stuck behind the lens, opt for a smartphone that has a camera delay timer. On your Galaxy device you can choose a delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds. If you have Bixby on your device, you can even use your voice. Just say, “Hey Bixby, set the timer for rear camera to 10 seconds.”

* Smartphones that capture portrait shots are great for enhancing your subjects. With the Galaxy Note8, the Live Focus feature lets you capture portrait and wide-angle shots at the same time.

There’s no place like home

Every family has their own traditions but some things are universal — everyone loves cute photos. Parents with children at home and families with pets are more likely — by 22 percent and 29 percent respectively — to take photos of these cute sidekicks. Of course, sometimes kids and puppies don’t make the most cooperative subjects, so how can you capture the moment regardless of their willingness to sit still?

Expert tips for reducing blur:

* If you’re shooting a fast-moving subject and don’t want motion in the shot, use a fast shutter speed.

* The Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8 feature an enhanced Smart Auto Focus on the front-facing camera that tracks every face in the frame, so all your shots stay sharp and in focus.

A feast for the eyes

The most popular foodie photos of the season are holiday pies and desserts — with 57 percent of respondents noting they’ll take a photo of their sweet treats over other foods.

Expert tips for food shots:

* A straight-on shot over your plate lacks visual interest. Switch it up by taking photos from multiple angles to see what works best.

* Food Mode on the Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active and Note8 is optimized for pictures of delicious treats. Activate it and you’ll get enhanced color, contrast and blue tone effects that make everything more enticing.

Whether you spend the holidays with friends or family, inside or outside, with children or puppies, while eating cookies or pie, the best way to capture and share your memories is right in the palm of your hand, made possible by the unmatched camera quality of the Samsung Galaxy family of smartphones.

For more information on the Samsung Galaxy smartphone family, visit https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy/.

2017-12-12T08:13:00

(BPT) – Although there is plenty of love circulating around the holiday season, the thought of entertaining in the comforts of your home can be a stressful factor that often feels like a massive responsibility. Luckily, culinary and design guru Athena Calderone of the popular lifestyle blog EyeSwoon can provide some advice and tips to transform you into the hostess with the mostest!

Plan and prep your meal in advance

The last thing you want to think about is slaving away over the stove while your friends and family are celebrating in the other room. For starters, always write out the menu! Seeing the entire meal described in one place helps you better spot whether you need to add something — fresh or crisp. Finally, make an ingredient shopping list so your grocery store experience is focused. From plan to prep, this process is paramount in making the most of any holiday meal — with the least amount of stress possible.

Ensure roasting and searing success

The best part about roasting and searing is your oven can do all the hard work for you, if you just keep a few tips in mind.

For oven-roasting or pan-sautéing your meals to caramelized perfection, do not overcrowd your pan. Doing so will steam your veggies or protein — not good for flavor or presentation. Instead, sear on the stovetop in batches, or if you have a lot of ingredients, use multiple sheet pans when roasting in the oven.

Next, always preheat your oven. With LG SmartThinQ technology, preheating your LG oven remotely from your smartphone can keep meal time on track effortlessly and is a great home hack. It’s also super helpful for switching temperature settings from dish to dish. Another tip? Pop the empty pan in the oven as it heats. Starting with a piping-hot pan before you add your veggies helps ensure a swoony sear. Finally, bring any protein to room temperature before cooking. A cold cut of meat will immediately reduce the temperature of your pan and prevent that golden goodness you are after.

Serve family style

Consider a self-serve solution for your holiday meals. Not only does this save you from having to formally plate each dish, but it also allows you to sample more food. The key to creating an eye-catching buffet is to use different colors, textures and heights. Think about the hues of the food beforehand to avoid a monotone palette, and use platters and pedestals to create a multilevel composition on the serving table.

Time and kitchen management

Organizing your time and your kitchen is essential come the holiday season because there is never enough space in the refrigerator and the queue for the oven is always endless. That’s why you need to plan your meal with kitchen efficiency in mind.

Decadent pots de crème, for example, are a perfect holiday dessert, but have to be made at least one night before the party to ensure they set properly. With an LG InstaView refrigerator, you can simply knock twice on the tinted glass panel to see inside without opening the door and losing cold air.

When it comes to the main course, an entree like a braised meat is the smartest choice, since a slow-cooked dish is even more delicious when it has a few days for the flavors to meld together. This also saves precious oven space for more a la minute recipes on the big day.

Follow these tips and you’ll realize there is plenty to love about hosting the holiday dinner after all.

2017-12-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – For people around the world, New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the joys of the past 365 days while looking forward to the fun year ahead!

When Roman leader Caesar Augustus designated Jan. 1 as the first calendar day in honor of the two-faced god Janus, who could simultaneously look back into the past and forward into the future, Romans celebrated by exchanging gifts, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.

Today, Americans similarly celebrate by gathering together with friends and family to mark time and renew valued relationships. But how exactly do Americans celebrate the New Year in the modern age? According to a new survey from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, the Official Bubbly of Times Square New Year’s Eve:

* We’re looking forward to 2018.

Fifty-six percent of Americans feel optimistic about what the New Year will bring.

* We dream about partying Big Apple style.

Seventy-four percent of millennials and half of all Americans place “Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square” on their bucket lists. The tradition started in 1904 and has been ongoing every year since, with the Times Square crowd now witnessing more than a million revelers in attendance.

* We like to break open the bubbly!

More than 75 percent of Americans prefer to toast the traditional way, with a sparkling alcoholic beverage such as a Brut Cuvée or Moscato. “Fizzy wine on Dec. 31 is like chocolates on Feb. 14, flags on July 4 and pumpkins on Oct. 31,” writes food critic Michael Austin in the Chicago Tribune. “It’s hard to imagine one without the other. Besides being a great aperitif — possibly the best aperitif we have — sparkling wine is also good with just about every kind of food, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert.”

* Oh yes, we will bust a move.

Nearly two thirds of Americans agree with the statement, “It’s not a party until the dancing starts.” Dancing is one reason that through December, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly hosted multiple “Bring the Bubbly” pop-up dance parties in different cities, bringing the official bottle of bubbly across the country. That journey, which benefited several nonprofits, culminates with the grand finale — the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, slated to be the biggest, best dance party in the U.S. Look for party officials to pop bottles of bubbly onstage as the clock strikes 12.

* Champagne snobs? Not.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans would prefer a few bottles of reasonably priced champagne to one bottle of luxury champagne. That may be because there are so many affordable, yet festive and delicious options from which to choose. “There are lots of styles to explore, and few things in wine exploration are as satisfying as figuring out what you like and don’t like,” Austin writes.

With multiple varietals of bubbly affordably priced at just $10 each, Barefoot Bubbly, the Official Bubbly of Times Square New Year’s Eve, is sure to offer the perfect bottle for your celebration. Here’s to a joyful 2018!

2017-12-22T09:19:00

(BPT) – For many people, the holiday season means extra visits with family and friends, creating fun memories, sharing traditions and enjoying the warm glow of family.

With all the decorating and activities, it’s easy to let safety slip off your to-do list. But this is an excellent time to make sure powerful medicines don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies we rely on can be dangerous to others, and not just to children. It is true that about 60,000 young children are taken to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines left within easy reach. Unfortunately, older kids and teens often experiment with drugs they find in someone else’s medicine cabinet.

A surprising number of heroin users started abusing drugs by taking opioid pain killers stolen from a family member. In fact, drug addiction crosses ALL age groups, and it often starts with prescription medicines.

Here are six ways to safeguard your prescription drugs — and your loved ones:

1. Keep all medicines and over-the-counter items — especially cough syrup, sleep aids and motion sickness medicine — locked up, or move them to a place where they won’t be easily found.

2. Sort through all your medicines and get rid of old or unused ones. The label will tell you how to dispose of them. Before you put them in the trash, mix them with something that tastes bad, like cat litter or old coffee grounds, and then put them in a sealed bag or old container and place it in the trash. (Most medicine should not be flushed because it gets into creeks and rivers.) Ask the pharmacy or police department about “drug take-back” programs for an even safer method of disposal.

3. Keep track of your medicines on a regular basis (weekly), especially opioids or other pain killers, including how many pills you should have.

4. Check around your home for old medicines. Purses, coat pockets, kitchen cupboards, bureau drawers and hall closets are common places to find old medicines.

5. If you take prescriptions with you when staying in someone else’s home, quietly ask your host or another trusted adult to lock them up or find a secure place to store them. Suitcases and purses are not safe places to keep powerful prescriptions.

6. Keep the Poison Help number handy in case of emergencies: (800) 222-1222.

More information on how to avoid becoming an “unwitting supplier” of prescription medications is available from the Food and Drug Administration.

2017-12-21T14:41:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is the most wonderful (and busy) time of year. While the season means plenty of quality time spent with loved ones, it can also bring chaos and stress when it comes to buying gifts, coordinating travel and planning family functions.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to tackle the holidays with confidence. Just ask mom, TV personality and blogger Ali Fedotowsky-Manno. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year — and, I tend to take on way too much. That’s why I depend on Total Wireless to get me through it all with my smartphone, so I can focus on spending time with the people I love.”

Here are Ali’s top tips for managing the chaos of the holidays:

1. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead doesn’t just mean buying all your gifts early. Instead of scrambling to bake cookies or wrap presents right before a holiday party, I like to make checklists of things I can prepare ahead of time. That way, I can actually enjoy holiday get-togethers, whether I am a host or a guest.

2. Stay organized: As my family grows, I’ve learned how easy it is to get lost in the clutter of holiday wish lists, activities, events and travel, and a paper to-do list is way too easy to lose. My smartphone has become an essential tool that gives me the confidence to tackle the holiday season. I create lists for each family member, keep track of my holiday to-dos, coordinate travel and schedule reminders in my calendar for holiday events and parties.

3. Shop anywhere: Honestly, I probably do 95 percent of my shopping online. Holiday shopping in-person means dealing with bumper-to-bumper parking lot traffic and crowds that never end. Great plans from Total Wireless and my smartphone gives me the confidence to shop from the palm of my hand, wherever I am.

4. Focus on what really matters: When I make time for family, friends, exercise and sleep, my mood is one hundred times better. Taking the time to unwind is so helpful — I like to take walks with my family or even just snuggle in bed with a cup of tea! Take some time to slow down, breathe and remember this time of year is about the people you love.

Total Wireless gives you the confidence you need to break free from the hassles of the holidays. Its four line Shared Family Plan is just $25/line per month with Unlimited Talk & Text, plus 25GB of shared* data, keeping the entire family connected on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE† network.

Learn more at TotalWireless.com.

*The 30-Day cycle for Shared Data Family Plans begins on the day the first line/device is activated. Any line(s)/device(s) activated later in the first 30-Day cycle will receive only the number of days remaining in that cycle. A month equals 30 days. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com

†To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com
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