News & Residential Blog

With the coronavirus pandemic still upon us, this holiday season promises to be distinctly different from the ones American consumers are used to celebrating. This year, the in-person Christmas parties are likely to be few and far between; many family…

Most smartphone owners who regularly communicate via text have fallen victim to the “chatty group text.” And it typically all gets started so innocently. Maybe it’s the youth league parents group discussing when the next practice will be held or…

With today’s array of handheld technology — some of which consumers take with them everywhere — there is no shortage of electronic distractions for 21st century drivers. And even for those who have spent decades behind the wheel, any of…

Today’s connected consumer rarely goes anywhere without his or her smartphone. And for most smartphone users, getting through the day without this ever-more-vital technological tool could present quite a challenge — because beyond simply being a phone, the devices double…

All loving parents strive to keep their kids safe. And, of course, concern for family members’ well-being extends far beyond the parent-child. While 21st century technology might present some new dangers and challenges such as phishing, online predators and other…

These days — especially in personal communications via text, in posts on social media and even occasionally even in work-related scenarios — the emoji has become a common (and powerful) way to easily share thoughts or feelings within a digital…

Even the best chefs know how helpful it can be to have an extra hand in the kitchen. After all, once all the prep work is done and the cooking begins, there can be a lot to keep track of…

For music lovers, being able to hear a favorite band or artist’s songs is more than just a luxury — it can be a vital part of getting through a tough day (without blowing a gasket anyway). And, of course,…

Whether it’s due to long hours at work, unanticipated errands/responsibilities arising, the gym closing or other unforeseen events forcing a change of plans, sometimes fitting a workout into the daily schedule just isn’t in the cards. But for today’s connected…

When kids stay home from school — for whatever reason — it is in everyone’s best interest to keep their education on track. After all, the mind stays sharper when it’s kept active and educated. And fortunately for parents raising…

Browsing through your Netflix guide can be overwhelming. A lot of us log in and end up watching the same show for the sixth time in a row. FTC is here to help shave some time off your next binge-worthy series search so you can get down to business. Here are some shows we cannot stop watching.

One of the beautiful things about movies these days is that movie fans don’t have to go to the movies to see them. Video On Demand allows us to see the best of the best, without leaving home. This means…

For any consumer who has ever answered the phone expecting to hear from a friend — only to encounter someone who is pretending to be from the IRS and is demanding payment — the problem will be a familiar one.…

When it comes to watching children’s television, the options have come a long way since the days when Saturday-morning cartoons occupied the sweet spot on the antenna-powered dial. In today’s digital entertainment environment, there’s a long list of kid-focused channels…

With each new year comes another set of New Year’s resolutions, many of which inevitably revolve around adopting better health habits. And while some of these get-fit resolutions do not bring a great deal of success, there is good news:…

It’s hard to imagine a busier time in the typical family kitchen than during the holidays — when not only do the meals tend to be more elaborate, but they also serve the centerpiece of many family gatherings. Add in…

These days, seasonal merrymakers looking for new ways to celebrate the holidays don’t have to limit their festive flair to their attire, their homes or even the physical world — they can deck out their devices, their playlists and other…

Thanks for visiting Santa at our FTC locations. We hope you had a good time and are getting ready for the holiday season. Click here to purchase additional photos or photo gifts via SmugMug. Santa Photo Day Dates 11/18 Manning – Click…

There’s good reason the holidays are widely considered to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” During this season of joy, Americans’ generous spirits tend to shine especially bright and people seem to open their hearts — and their…

Most owners of smartphones know all too well that it’s easy to let that little screen take up big chunks of their attention and time — and even, many would argue, begin to take control of their lives. These devices…

An August report from marketing-research firm Nielsen confirms what has long been becoming apparent: Streaming television content is now the norm in the United States. More than half of American adults — 56 percent — now watch web-based TV content,…