Time-smart ways busy teens can continue social activism during the school year

Posted on Dec 25, 2013

(BPT) – When kids head back to school, it’s easy to get swept away with schoolwork, extra-curricular activities and socializing – and forget the issues that teens are passionate about when they have more time. Parents who want to encourage their child’s social awareness need to step in and help teens find ways to remain active in the issues they care about.

Activism benefits teens on many levels – from teaching them how to work as part of a large team toward a greater goal, to helping them learn skills that they can apply to their future careers. Just one hour of volunteering a week makes student activists 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior, according to VolunteerGuide.org, the website of Charity Guide. What’s more, kids who volunteer as teens are more likely to volunteer as adults, the site notes.

Fortunately, it’s not difficult for parents to find creative, powerful ways to help time-pressed teens stay socially active throughout the school year.

Finding a place to volunteer and make a difference may be as simple as looking to students’ own classrooms. Each year, thousands of American children go back to school without the supplies they need to learn. While teachers often supplement classroom supplies by purchasing needed items with their own money, teens can help provide supplies for other students in need.

Staples has teamed with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the sixth annual Staples for Students national school supply drive. Now through Sept. 28, customers at any Staples store can donate $1 or more to benefit local Boys & Girls Club students. Staples kicked off the campaign by donating $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program.

In a public service announcement now available online, and airing on TV and radio, teen actor Jake T. Austin, encourages teens to get involved. “I can’t imagine starting school without the right supplies,” says Austin, who is currently starring in ABC Family’s “The Foster’s”. “Teens can help make a difference in their communities by making sure students have the essential supplies they need to succeed.”

Social media – from Facebook to Twitter, blogs and message boards – can also be a great way for time-pressed teens to continue social activism throughout the school year. The Staple for Students Facebook page will allow teens to complete a series of “missions” to help drive donations. As they complete each mission, teens will earn donation rewards for Boys & Girls Clubs, coupons for school supplies and opportunities to participate in sweepstakes.

Social activism by teens benefits both young people and the communities in which they live. When parents help teens find ways to stay socially active during the busy school year, they’re helping improve their children’s lives and the lives of others in their community.

Courtesy of BPT

Getting your home ready for the hosting season

Posted on Dec 18, 2013

Some might call the fall and winter months the holiday season, but it could just as easily be known as the hosting season. It’s the time of year when cooking for crowds and welcoming friends and family for celebrations is the name of the game. For those opening their homes to guests, it can be hectic, but there are plenty of ways to make the season as full of cheer as it should be.

Decorating your home for the holidays goes hand-in-hand with getting ready for guests – whether those visitors are planned or impromptu. So, as you start to consider your decor themes, think about updates that can be made around the house to make your guests feel even more at home.

Keep this checklist in mind as you get started:

* Give your decorations a checkup. By pulling out your holiday decorations well ahead of time, you can save yourself the stress of last-minute surprises like broken platters or light strings with half the bulbs burnt out. If you find items that are broken or in disrepair, don’t throw them out – make a few quick fixes instead. Repair broken items with reliably tough adhesives like Gorilla, which come in a variety of formulas, from clear-drying epoxy to wood glue and more. Replace burnt out bulbs individually, rather than buying entire new strands.

* Stock your pantry. During every holiday this season, food will be a major focus. Be prepared for the biggest days by having all the ingredients you need in your pantry, freezer and – closer to the actual events – your refrigerator. From spices to stock to sweet treats, it’s better to have everything on hand rather than risking the chance of the grocery store being closed or dealing with the long, hectic holiday lines. It’s also a great opportunity to make sure that you have enough supplies on hand to feed guests who stay for a few days at a time, from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

* Freshen your linens. Guest rooms often go dormant during the quieter seasons of the year, and need a bit of airing out before the hosting season. Keep a few sets of linens freshly laundered – one on each bed and a couple in the closet – to avoid stale smells. Make sure you also have a few extra blankets clean and ready to use as throws, and don’t forget to vacuum or clean window treatments, where dust easily collects.

* Get in the spirit. Add to your home’s seasonal spirit by making a few crafts or gifts to decorate the main rooms, as well as guest rooms. Get creative with craft store items, or try “upcycling” thrift store or yard sale finds into holiday decor that’s uniquely yours. Visit www.pinterest.com/gorillaglue for project ideas and www.gorillatough.com for a guide to which glues work best on a variety of materials, from ceramics to plastic to paper.

* Be ready to entertain. Being a good host means being prepared for last-minute fun. After the big meal is finished and everything is cleaned up, you and your guests will have time for some extra fun. Set out DVDs, board games and books that will keep guests of all ages entertained.

One of the best parts of celebrating the season is the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Getting your home ready for guests will make them feel more comfortable when they arrive  and give you a new sense of holiday cheer.

Courtesy of BPT

Top technical accessories for your car

Posted on Dec 11, 2013

Whether it’s traveling during the holidays or commuting to and from work, Americans spend a lot of time in their vehicles – almost 540 hours a year according to a Roland Berger study. With so much time spent behind the wheel, it’s worth it to invest in the top gadgets to make your ride safer and more comfortable.

These accessories provide you with some of the latest safety features and allow you to bring all the comforts of home along with you on your ride.

Safety first:

Back-up cameras are a simple installation that can save lives. About 34 percent of all non-traffic car fatalities for children under five are caused by back-overs, according to KidsandCars.org. PEAK Automotive Back-Up Camera Systems allow you to place the viewer on your windshield or install it into your rear-view mirror. Then install the water-resistant camera to the rear license plate of your car, truck, RV or camper so you can see what is behind your vehicle as you back up.

Convenient help:

A dead battery at any time of the year can be a real downer, especially if you are unable to find a person willing to give you a jump start. PEAK Jump-Starters allow you to restart car batteries without the need of another car. This rechargeable and portable system features a low charge alert that sounds when the battery life is getting low. Just plug the system into the wall or your car’s cigarette lighter outlet to recharge. Keep it in your car so it’s always available in time of emergency.

A handy charging station:

Cellphones, tablets, video games and even laptop computers are all portable and popular accessories for passengers when traveling, but all require charging stations. And everyone knows that road trips with dead video game or e-reader batteries are not fun. The PEAK 150 Watt Cup Inverter is perfect for recharging electronics in the car. It fits into the cup holder, so you won’t have bulky items in the front of the car, and two AC outlets and one USB plug-in are available for charging multiple electronics at once.

Wi-Fi on the road:

Once you have the mobile charger, put your electronics to use with a Mobile Internet Router. Passengers can surf the Internet, check emails and play on-line games with a simple plug-in. The coverage area is wide enough to supply a connection to the entire family.

Tailgating supplies:

If you’re driving over to the stadium for a picnic before the game, or are in the middle of the mountains and ready for a bite to eat while admiring the scenery, chilling drinks or warming up meals at the drop of a dime is a real benefit. The PEAK 12 volt Can Cooler/Warmer is just the gadget to help you enjoy your tailgating party with minimal fuss. It cools soda cans and sandwiches, or heats up leftovers like soup and chili, and plugs directly into the car’s cigarette lighter socket for your meal on-the-go.

These and other products can be found nationwide at retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. A lot of time is spent on the road, and these accessories can make your trip safer and more comfortable. Visit PeakAuto.com for more information on the products you need to power your life.

Courtesy of BPT

Medication-free nausea relief for migraine sufferers

Posted on Dec 11, 2013

(BPT) – If you suffer from migraines, you are not alone. Migraines affect 36 million Americans, according to the American Migraine Foundation. The World Health Organization classifies migraines as the 19th leading cause of all years lived with a disability for both males and females.

One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of a migraine is nausea. Eighty-percent of migraine suffers in the United States also suffer from nausea. If you’ve suffered from migraine-related nausea, you’ve probably turned to antiemetic drugs for relief. But have you tried acupressure?

A study conducted by leading headache physician Dr. Zoltan Medgyessy, of the Berolina Clinic in Lohne, Germany, revealed that pressure applied to a specific spot on the inner wrist provides effective, quick therapy for reliving migraine-related nausea. An acupressure wristband can deliver this relief.

Medgyessy’s acupressure study, shared at the International Headache Congress in Boston, Mass., included 41 patients. The patients included in the study had experienced an average of 33.1 migraine days during the previous three months with an average nausea level of 6.2 out of 10. The patients were given FDA-approved Sea-Band acupressure wristbands instead of antiemetic drugs during a migraine attack and 83 percent noticed a reduction in their nausea. These patients reported that their nausea after the acupressure therapy had been reduced to 2.9 out of 10 after an average of 28 minutes.

“Acupressure wristbands are drug-free and that is an important advantage in using this therapy for migraine nausea as they have no risks for interaction with migraine drugs or the side effects commonly experienced with antiemetics, such as dizziness or tiredness,” says Medgyessy. “There are still many unknowns about migraine, making findings such as these an important stride toward improving the quality of life for those who suffer from the condition.”

Sea-Band acupressure wristbands are a leading drug-free remedy for nausea caused by migraines, morning sickness, motion sickness, chemotherapy and post-operative nausea. If you suffer from nausea because of any of these conditions, visit www.sea-band.com and see if acupressure wristbands are right for you.- Sea-Band acupressure wristbands are available at all major drug stores and Target.

Courtesy of BPT

Simple ways to green your life at home and at work

Posted on Dec 4, 2013

(BPT) – Reduce, reuse, recycle – it’s the mantra we’ve heard for decades, and it appears Americans are taking the message to heart and making efforts to go green in all aspects of their lives. Whether it’s in their own home or at their place of work, being earth-friendly isn’t just a trend; it’s the new modern way of life.

If you’re looking to make your life a little greener – whether during the nine-to-five or the five-to-nine – consider a few simple ways you can save Mother Earth and feel pretty good about yourself too:

* Watch your water footprint and conserve H2O

Water is an important part of daily life and Americans are lucky to have a reliable supply on hand at the simple flip of the faucet handle. The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home, according to the EPA. We use even more at work or school. It’s time we take a closer look at our water footprint.

You can reduce your water usage in numerous ways. At home and work, you should use WaterSense-labeled toilets, sinks and showerheads. Because both businesses and homeowners like to save, check out epa.gov to find rebates for water-wise improvements. Additionally, remember to turn off water when appropriate – such as when you brush your teeth or are rubbing your hands together to generate soap bubbles. Keep showers to 10 minutes or less.

* Look for products that use reclaimed materials

Americans generated about 250 million tons of trash, and recycled and composted almost 87 million tons of this material, which is equivalent to a 34.7 percent recycling rate, the EPA reports. This rate is pretty impressive, and with waste now being employed as the primary ingredient for things we use every day, this number is likely to rise.

Reclaimed rubber is one such example. Ecore, a rubber flooring company, uses reclaimed rubber tires to make commercial flooring, and has been doing so for more than 25 years. Old, exhausted treads of tractor-trailer tires are ground, screened and separated to remove contaminants – creating a durable flooring option for businesses.

* Go green with your greenery

Being strategic about what plants you use for landscaping at home and work can help you conserve water and reduce maintenance requirements. Use natural vegetation appropriate for the region where you live. Ask your nursery or state’s extension service about shrubs, trees and ground covers that are good alternatives to grass. Native plants quickly adapt to changing climate conditions, so you’ll spend less time trimming and watering.

While you have your green thumb out, consider placing a few houseplants in your office and throughout your home. As part of plants’ natural photosynthesis process, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps to naturally clean the air around us. Some houseplants have even been shown to remove formaldehyde and benzene pollutants from the air. Increase your indoor air quality with a few good greens. Try houseplant varieties like philodendron, spider plants, (chlorophytum comosum) or peace lilies (spathiphyllum).

These are just a few simple ways to green your life at home and at work – so you can make a difference for our earth all day long. Adopting an eco-friendly mindset for you and your family helps ensure the future is bright (and green) for everyone.

Courtesy of BPT

Anthony Bourdain talks last meal on earth, advice for restaurateurs; old-school cocktails

Posted on Nov 27, 2013

(BPT) – TV’s best-fed hedonist, Anthony Bourdain, is keeping busy these days with his hit travel series “Parts Unknown,” his publishing career and an upcoming appearance at this year’s National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. Love him or hate him, Bourdain is the biggest, baddest food dude on the planet. The self-proclaimed “chef slacker” shares his advice for restaurateurs and new chefs, and talks about his desired last meal on Earth and love of old-school cocktails.

Q. You have 24 hours left on Earth: Where would you go, and what would you eat?

A. “Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. I would sit down in front of the greatest sushi master that I’ve ever met and eat whatever he puts down in front of me. That would probably take about 22 minutes, if past experiences are my guide. I’ve had it before, and it’s one of the greatest meals of my life. If I’m going to be shot in the back of the head after a meal, that would be a good way to go.”

Q. You’ve made it well-known that you started in the restaurant industry by washing dishes. What’s one piece of advice that you wish you could tell your former self about the restaurant industry?

A. “I was a very happy dishwasher! I just wanted to be part of it. I didn’t want to necessarily rule the world. I made a lot of decisions along the way where I chose to have fun rather than to excel. I chose to be a chef rather than the student of a really talented first-rate chef. I made a conscious decision not be the best that I can be. I was pretty set in my ways about the kinds of kitchens that I felt comfortable in and wanted to work in, and that was not conducive to me ever becoming a Michelin-starred chef. I think that the greatest lesson I ever learned in the restaurant business (and I learned it early) was: Show up on time. Whatever work, whatever commitment, you have, always show up on time to show the people who you work with the respect that you can at least do that.”

Q. Which chefs are most exciting to you now that you could see establishing future partnerships within your publishing career?

A. “For the chefs that I’ve published and hope to publish, it’s not just about the food. It’s people who are doing interesting things and who have an interesting story and point of view. The recent chef books I would have loved to publish would be Gabrielle Hamilton’s memoir (Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef) of The Joe Beef Guys. There are real voices there of people who are saying something new and interesting to create a whole world and mindset that explains the food. Generally speaking, I look for someone who has a powerful voice and can explain why they cook the way that they cook in a personal and dynamic way. Roy Choi’s book is coming out soon, and I think that he will be a good example of that.”

Q. What’s the best advice that you have for restaurateurs facing the challenges of today?

A. “Today’s restaurants need to have a concise vision of what they are good at and what they have to offer that is different from the guy across the street. Restaurateurs need to speak in a strong confident voice, saying, ‘I might not be good at some things, but I’m good at this, and this is what I’m going to do.’ I think the days of trying to be everything to everybody are over now. We have an empowered chef class now and a much more curious, daring and younger dining public. I think the future is going to be chefs who speak with a coherent, concise voice with a real identity. Own that this is what I do. More of like in Asia where you have the roast duck guy and the chicken and rice guy.”

Q. What do you look for in your favorite cocktail?-

A. “I am a big fan of cocktails, but if takes you more than 10 minutes to make it, there’s a problem. I’m an old-school guy: Give me a good Manhattan, old fashioned, or the perfect Negroni with the finest gin, vermouth and campari with maybe a slightly toasted almond zest, and I’m a happy guy. I think the standard for me is, is the drink that I’m about to make with bourbon better than bourbon?”

Courtesy of BPT