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Key Takeaways Explore Diverse Jewelry Types: Handmade jewelry ranges from beaded pieces to metalwork, offering ample creative opportunities and avenues for profitability in the artisan market. Invest in Quality Materials: Sourcing high-quality tools and sustainable materials is critical in creating unique jewelry items that resonate with customers and reflect your brand commitment. Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize platforms like Etsy and social media to effectively market and sell your handmade jewelry, enhancing visibility and customer engagement. Participate in Local Events: Engaging in craft fairs and local markets can help build community connections, foster customer loyalty, and provide first-hand customer interaction. Implement Strategic Pricing: Use cost-plus, competitive, and customization pricing strategies to ensure profitability while meeting market demands and customer expectations. Highlight Unique Craftsmanship: Emphasizing the artistry and uniqueness of your handmade jewelry can attract niche buyers seeking original and ethically produced products. Are you ready to turn your passion for crafting into a profitable venture? Creating and selling jewelry can be an exciting way to express your creativity while earning extra income. With countless styles and materials to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just starting out, there’s a niche for everyone in the jewelry market. From handmade bracelets to unique earrings, you can design pieces that reflect your personal style and resonate with buyers. Let’s dive into the world of jewelry making and discover how you can transform your hobby into a thriving business. Overview of Jewelry Making Jewelry making involves transforming raw materials into beautiful, unique items. You can explore various styles, techniques, and materials, allowing for endless creativity. Whether you focus on metalwork, beadwork, or using upcycled products, the process combines artistry and craftsmanship in every piece. Handmade jewelry appeals to a broad audience, from those seeking personalized gifts to customers looking for one-of-a-kind artisan products. You’ll discover that the market for handmade jewelry is thriving, with platforms like Etsy providing avenues to showcase your work. Craft fairs and local artisan markets also present excellent opportunities to connect with potential buyers. Your creative business can thrive on the uniqueness of each piece you design. By emphasizing quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices, like using eco-friendly materials, you can attract a clientele that values originality and ethical production. Engaging with the craft industry allows you to highlight your skills and possibly collaborate with other makers. Workshops can expand your skill set and provide networking opportunities, helping you strengthen your brand and product offerings. As you delve deeper into jewelry making, consider how to define your niche market, whether through custom designs, small-batch production, or bespoke items. Invest in quality craft supplies to ensure that your handmade jewelry meets high standards. Pay attention to product quality and presentation, as these factors play a crucial role in attracting customers. Embrace the journey of building your handmade business by sharing your passion for craftsmanship and creativity with the world. Types of Jewelry to Make and Sell Different types of jewelry offer various avenues for creativity and income in a small business setting. Focusing on popular categories can help you establish a solid niche within the artisan market. Handmade Beaded Jewelry Handmade beaded jewelry stands out for its versatility and appeal. You can create everything from simple bracelets to intricate necklaces, using materials like glass, wood, or stones. Basic tools like beading boards, pliers, and wire cutters make it easy to get started. Customization plays a vital role; mixing colors, shapes, and sizes allows you to design unique items tailored to customer preferences. Beaded jewelry can serve as personalized gifts, making it a sought-after option in local markets and online platforms like Etsy. Metalwork Jewelry Metalwork jewelry showcases your craftsmanship through various techniques, such as soldering and forging. Using materials like silver, gold, and copper, you can create bold pieces featuring rings, pendants, and earrings. Metalwork requires specific tools, including saws, files, and hammers. The process also encourages the creation of bespoke items, which appeal to buyers looking for unique, handcrafted accessories. By emphasizing the durability and timelessness of metalwork jewelry, you can attract eco-conscious customers interested in sustainable business practices. Wire Wrapped Pieces Wire wrapped pieces offer a unique approach to jewelry making through intricate designs that combine artistry and functionality. Using tools like pliers and wire cutters, you can create stunning pendants and rings. Copper and sterling silver wires lend flexibility and durability to your creations. Wire wrapping allows for endless possibilities in product design, from minimalist styles to complex patterns. This type of jewelry appeals to those seeking handmade goods with a personal touch, enhancing your small business’s appeal in the competitive craft industry. Tools and Materials Needed To effectively create and sell handmade jewelry, you require essential tools and quality materials. The right tools facilitate craftsmanship and enhance creativity, while sourcing high-standard materials ensures your products stand out in the artisan market. Essential Tools for Beginners Pliers and Cutters: A basic set of pliers, including round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, and bent nose pliers, supports you in creating loops, closing eye loops, and manipulating pieces. Side cutters or flush cutters are vital for cutting wire and other materials. Sawing and Cutting Tools: A jeweler’s saw frame and specific blades are crucial for cutting metal tubing, thick wire, and sheet metal into unique shapes. Anvil and Bench Peg: An anvil paired with a bench peg offers a flat, steel surface ideal for tasks like hammering and drilling. Soldering Tools: A gas torch, flux, and safety pickle are necessary for soldering jewelry pieces. Insulated tweezers become crucial for handling hot items and ensuring safety. Sourcing Quality Materials Sourcing high-quality materials is critical for your handmade jewelry business. Consider the following options: Local Suppliers: Connect with local artisans for sustainably sourced materials, enhancing the eco-friendly aspect of your handmade products. Craft Supply Stores: Visit craft supply stores for a diverse range of beads, wires, and findings tailored for jewelry making. Online Marketplaces: Explore online platforms like Etsy for unique items and materials that resonate with your brand’s aesthetic, including bespoke items and specialized tools. Upcycled Products: Utilize upcycled materials to create eco-conscious pieces, which appeal to buyers seeking sustainable, handcrafted goods. Sourcing top-notch materials ensures your handmade items not only meet customer expectations but also reflect your brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Marketing Your Jewelry Effective marketing is crucial for successfully promoting your handmade jewelry. Understanding your audience, leveraging online platforms, and participating in local markets shapes your overall strategy. Online Platforms for Selling Utilizing online marketplaces maximizes your reach. Platforms like Etsy enable you to showcase your handmade jewelry to a broad audience. High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and SEO-optimized wording attract potential buyers. Incorporate your unique design story to enhance the emotional connection with customers. Consider using social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to visually engage your audience. Posting regular updates on custom products and behind-the-scenes content builds interest. Collaborating with influencers can expand your visibility and credibility, encouraging more sales. Craft Fairs and Local Markets Participating in craft fairs and local markets allows you to connect directly with your community. These events provide an opportunity to showcase your handcrafted goods and engage with potential customers face-to-face. Set up an appealing booth to highlight your unique items. Offering personalized gifts or bespoke items can attract buyers looking for special purchases. Network with other local artisans and small business owners to share resources and collaborate on future projects. These interactions foster customer loyalty and enhance your reputation in the craft industry, driving sales for your handmade jewelry. Pricing Strategies Understanding effective pricing strategies is crucial for your handmade jewelry business. Here are key approaches to consider: Cost-plus Pricing Cost-plus pricing involves calculating your total production costs—materials, labor, shipping, marketing, and overhead. You then add a fixed percentage markup to set your selling price. For instance, if your total production cost is $45, a 35% markup results in a selling price of $60.75. This straightforward method ensures you cover expenses while earning a profit, which is vital for small businesses. Competitive Pricing Competitive pricing requires you to analyze competitors’ prices for similar handmade jewelry items. This strategy works best if your products share similarities, making price a key differentiator. Continuous market research helps you adjust pricing to remain competitive, which is important for small-scale production. Keep in mind that smaller artisan businesses may face thinner profit margins, demanding strategic planning. Customization Pricing Offering personalized gifts or bespoke items creates an additional pricing opportunity. Determine the value in customization for your customers. If you provide unique accessories that reflect individual preferences, charge accordingly. Consider factors like the complexity of the design and time involved in crafting these custom products, ensuring your pricing reflects the craftsmanship invested. Local Market Pricing Selling at craft fairs or local artisan markets requires understanding your target audience. The willingness to pay varies based on the market’s demographics. Compare your handmade jewelry to local products available in these settings, adjusting your pricing strategy to cater to your specific audience. This attention to pricing perceptions strengthens your brand and attracts more potential customers. Implementing these pricing strategies effectively enhances your handmade business marketing. They help you maintain profitability, compete with others in the craft industry, and position your handmade goods as valuable products in a crowded marketplace. Conclusion Embracing your passion for jewelry making can lead to a fulfilling and profitable journey. By tapping into your creativity and focusing on quality craftsmanship you can create pieces that resonate with buyers. The handmade jewelry market is thriving and offers numerous opportunities for you to showcase your unique style. As you explore different techniques and materials remember to engage with your audience and promote your work effectively. Whether you choose to sell online or at local markets building a brand around your creations can set you apart. With dedication and the right strategies you can turn your hobby into a successful business that reflects your artistic vision. Frequently Asked Questions What is the main focus of the article? The article focuses on how to turn a passion for crafting into a profitable business by creating and selling handmade jewelry. It emphasizes creativity, the importance of quality craftsmanship, and the potential for success in the jewelry market. How can someone start making jewelry? To start making jewelry, gather essential tools and materials, choose a style that resonates with you, and learn basic techniques through online tutorials or workshops. Experiment and refine your skills as you create unique pieces. What types of jewelry can be made and sold? You can create various types of jewelry, including handmade beaded jewelry, metalwork pieces, and wire-wrapped designs. Each type caters to different customers and showcases unique crafting skills. How can I market my handmade jewelry? Market your handmade jewelry by using online platforms like Etsy and social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest. High-quality images, engaging content, and participation in craft fairs can significantly increase your visibility and customer reach. What pricing strategies should I use for my jewelry? Consider several pricing strategies like cost-plus pricing, competitive pricing, and customization pricing. Setting the right price covers costs and appeals to customers, ensuring profitability while positioning your jewelry favorably in the market. Why is quality craftsmanship important in jewelry making? Quality craftsmanship is crucial as it reflects the skill and dedication behind each piece. High-quality products attract customers looking for originality and ethical production, helping build a loyal client base. How can I define my niche in the jewelry market? To define your niche, consider your personal style, target audience, and current market trends. Analyze what unique qualities your jewelry offers and tailor your designs to meet the specific needs and preferences of your ideal customers. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlock Your Creativity: Discover Jewelry to Make and Sell for Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Apple users have Apple Watches, but it's not so simple for Android users. Depending if you have a Pixel or a Samsung phone, there's a smartwatch that will work seamlessly better with your phone. If you have a Samsung, there's no doubt that a Samsung Galaxy Watch is the option. For most people, that watch is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (and yes, it works with any Android phone). Right now, you can get it for $289.99 (originally $379.99), the lowest price it has been according to price tracking tools. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $289.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $379.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $289.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $379.99 Save $90.00 The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 came out in 2024 to an "excellent" review from PCMag for its incredibly accurate heart rate measurement, detailed sleep monitoring data tracking, AI health insights, and overall smooth user experience. You get a Super AMOLED screen of 44 mm or 40mm, the latter running for $259.99 (originally $349.99) right now. This LTE version means you're not dependent on wifi to use the internet and can receive calls or listen to music without depending on your phone. The main downside you'll see with this smartwatch (and most Galaxy watches) is the short battery life. It lasts about 22 hours, depending on use, according to PCMag's tests (it can last up to 28 hours if you don't use the GPS). This means you'll likely need to charge it overnight or during the day, making the sleep tracking hard to use. However, the watch does charge pretty quickly, reaching max battery in 88 minutes. If you care about fitness and sleep tracking, it's hard to beat the Wear OS, especially at its current price. You can have metrics from its Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Pedometer, Barometer, Temperature Sensor, Gyroscope, and others, and they're accurate. However, if you can't get over the short battery, consider the ONEPLUS Watch 2 for $245.34. View the full article

Superman was born Kryptonian, raised Methodist, and sketched into existence by two Jewish teens in 1930s Cleveland. Faith and morality are his DNA. There are no overt religious references in Superman comics. But over eight decades, he’s been viewed as a divine entity, a savior figure—his sacrifice Christlike, his will to lead as strong as Moses parting the Red Sea, and his compassion akin to a bodhisattva, an enlightened being who guides Buddhists on the spiritual path. While scholars, comic book writers, and fans alike are struck by the religious undertones in Superman comics, they say what separates Superman from the ever-growing pack of superheroes is his singular ability to bring hope in a hopeless world. James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ sparks conversation As fans celebrate Superman Day on Friday, marking the 87th anniversary of the original superhero’s birth, they are also eagerly anticipating James Gunn’s film Superman set for release on July 11. This version starring David Corenswet, the first Jewish actor to play Superman in a major film, promises a return to a version of a vulnerable Man of Steel who is rooted in values espoused by most faiths—goodness, compassion, and hope. The film has sparked a conversation about the place of Superman in the world and his personal code of ethics after several recent depictions of superheroes as antiheroes. Corenswet said in a recent interview to Fandango that what captivates him about Superman is how he chooses to see good in people and not dwell on the negative. “Why think about all the terrible things when we can focus on the good things we did today?” he said. In the same interview, Gunn said his Superman will reinforce the character’s core value of preserving life at any cost. “He believes that the sanctity of life is of the utmost importance,” Gunn said, noting the contrast with Superman’s archnemesis Lex Luthor, who values scientific advancement over life. Symbol of hope and positive masculinity It was precisely this benevolent, hopeful version of Superman that inspired Robert Revington, who teaches at the Vancouver School of Theology at the University of British Columbia, to go skydiving in a Superman costume on his 28th birthday. And yet Revington, a Christian, balks at Christlike portrayals of his favorite superhero. “I like Superman and I like Jesus,” he said. “I don’t necessarily want to conflate the two. To me, the best depiction of Superman is as a symbol of hope.” Revington also sees Superman’s relevance today as “an example of positive masculinity.” “He’s this version of strong, but compassionate masculinity, which several prominent figures don’t necessarily embody,” he said. Revington and many others’ beloved iteration of Superman appeared in All-Star Superman, a 12-issue series published by DC Comics between 2005 and 2008. The superhero saves a young person who is about to take their own life with the endearing message: “You are stronger than you think you are.” Grant Morrison, who wrote those comics, has said his view of Superman was shaped by Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s Oration On The Dignity of Man, which argues that humans ought to be more virtuous than angels. Superman speaks to our better angels Humans, Morrison said in a 2008 interview, become what they imitate, which is why he made Superman an inspirational character. “We live in the stories we tell ourselves,” he told Newsarama, a comic book website, and can choose to be “the astronaut or the gangster. The superhero or the super villain. The angel or the devil. It’s entirely up to us.” As a result, said Matthew Brake, founder and editor of Pop Culture and Theology, Superman “is an idea that can inspire us to be our best selves.” Superman’s character is also shaped by his upbringing as a Kansas farm boy, raised by kindly parents—Jonathan and Martha Kent. They are portrayed as Methodists in the comics. Superheroes, in recent decades, have received less-than-flattering treatment. In The Boys, a comic book turned Amazon Prime series, the Superman-like character, Homelander, is a government-sponsored hero whose smiling exterior conceals the heart of a sadist. Invincible, a comic turned television series from Robert Kincaid, author of the Walking Dead, features Omni-man, a Superman-like character who turns out to be an alien invader bent on conquest. The main character, Invincible, is Omni-man’s son, and must choose between protecting the Earth or taking his father’s side. Dune, the famed sci-fi book adapted into blockbuster movies, warns of superheroes’ frailty “Heroes are painful, superheroes are a catastrophe,” Dune‘s author Frank Herbert once wrote. “The mistakes of superheroes involve too many of us in disaster.” A relatable superhero But Superman has cemented his place in pop culture not just as a beacon of hope, but also as a character relatable to many, regardless of race or ethnicity. Gene Luen Yang, who has written several Superman comics, is best known for his 2020 graphic novel Superman Smashes the Klan, a story about a Chinese American family moving to Metropolis in 1946 and facing discrimination from the Klan. The story follows the Lee family as they confront the white supremacist group with Superman’s help. Yang sees his own experience as a Chinese American mirrored in Superman’s story. “The idea that you have to hide who you are or that you’re caught in between cultures,” he said. “Superman has two names—Kal-El, his Kryptonian name and Clark Kent, his American name. I had a Chinese name at home and an American name in school. So even though I’m a practicing Catholic, I was more drawn to his Jewish roots because that’s where I could relate more.” Yang sees Superman as the original superhero who inspired almost religious fervor in the geekdom, featuring cosplayers who reenact scenes as a Christian might reenact biblical episodes around Christmas or Easter. A trip to a comic convention is like a pilgrimage where followers collect original art and “all kinds of relics.” Stories in pop culture also draw from older storytelling traditions, often rooted in religions. “In some ways, you can think of religions as communities that are built around stories that last centuries,” Yang said. “The idea of self-sacrifice, the idea that you do good deeds without the desire to gain recognition. That’s the whole point of secret identities.” While his Catholic faith is an important facet of his life, Yang said he never forced religion into his Superman comics. “I write more about my life and my lived experience of faith, with the doubts and the ragged edges,” he said. Characters like Superman, while not themselves religious, provide a portal to the sacred through the profane, said A. David Lewis, a Boston-based graphic novelist and comic book writer. “I love that people take something from popular culture and find some level of spirituality or find a greater connection to some divine source through it,” he said. “But I would never say Superman is just of the Jewish or Christian people. Like some of the best narratives out there, Superman gives us access to something transcendent.” Superman’s strong Jewish roots Samantha Baskind, professor of art history at Cleveland State University, is Jewish; she sees numerous parallels between Superman’s story and the history of Jews. Superman’s solitary flight from Krypton in a little spacecraft is reminiscent of how Moses’ mother placed him in a papyrus basket and left him on the Nile, seeing it has his best chance of survival. Some also compare Superman’s backstory to the Kindertransport, she said, referring to a rescue program that transported nearly 10,000 children, mostly Jewish, from Nazi-controlled territories to Great Britain in 1938 and 1939. In Superman’s Kryptonian name, Kal-El, chosen by his original Jewish creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the “El” in Hebrew connotes God. In DC Comics, Superman also frequents the “Bottle City of Kandor,” a Kryptonian city shrunk down and placed in a bottle, representing a fragmented piece of Krypton’s history. Baskind said to her it is reminiscent of how diaspora Jews visit Israel. “There’s also the thinking that Siegel and Shuster created Superman because they were these two, skinny, young Jewish men who couldn’t go out and fight Hitler, but Superman fought Nazis on the cover of their comic books,” she said. In some early editions, Superman held Hitler by his Nazi uniform as he begged for mercy. Appeal to the religiously unaffiliated Despite the religious undertones, Superman’s appeal to those growing religiously unaffiliated remains strong, said Dan Clanton, professor of religious studies at Doane University in Nebraska. He says it’s because Superman’s story “truly encapsulates American civil religion.” “This idea that there are practices and beliefs that provide all, regardless of religious identity, with a sense of being part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. Neal Bailey, a contributor for over a decade to Superman Homepage and an atheist, believes Superman at his best is a “philosophical pragmatist” solving the most complex problems with the least amount of harm. “He actually goes beyond religion to see our commonalities,” he said. “Superman wouldn’t care about people’s religious beliefs. He would care more about whether they are living up to their human potential.” ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. —Deepa Bharath of The Associated Press and Bob Smietana of Religion News Service View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re in the middle of upgrading your home setup—or just trying to dodge monthly subscriptions—this $45.97 deal on StackSocial might catch your eye. It’s a bundle that gives you a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro. And not some limited trial or stripped-down version either. You get full access to the classic Office suite—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and even the lesser-used ones like Publisher and Access. These are the 2019 versions, so not the very latest, but still more than enough for most work or school needs. And it’s not Microsoft 365, so there's no cloud-based storage or collaboration features, but it is a one-time purchase you install directly on your PC. What you’re getting with Office 2019 is pretty straightforward. You install it on one Windows machine, and it stays there forever. Features like Excel’s new data analysis tools, PowerPoint’s improved animations, and Outlook’s updated contact handling are all included. Just keep in mind, this license isn’t tied to your Microsoft account but rather to your device, so transferring it to another PC later might not be possible. Also worth noting: it won’t work on older systems like Windows 7 or 8. You’ll need Windows 10 or 11 to run it smoothly. And that’s where the Windows 11 Pro part of the bundle comes in. If your machine can handle it (and yes, you should double-check that TPM 2.0 and UEFI are a go), this gives you the Pro version—ideal for work use or heavier productivity. It supports features like BitLocker for encryption and all the snap layouts and desktops you’d expect from Windows 11. It’s designed to work on up to two devices, which is helpful if you’re running both a laptop and desktop. Gamers might appreciate the DirectX 12 Ultimate compatibility too. But again, if your PC is too old to support the upgrade natively, this won’t work as a shortcut past that. Bottom line: this is a solid bundle for anyone who wants essential tools and OS access without monthly fees—as long as your hardware is ready. View the full article

Key Takeaways Proven Business Model: Hot dog franchises offer a solid entry into the food industry with an established franchise model, maximizing your chances of success due to high customer demand. Diverse Franchise Options: There’s a variety of hot dog franchises to choose from, including classic stands like Nathan’s Famous and gourmet chains like Dog Haus, catering to different market preferences. Low Startup Costs: Many hot dog franchises have lower startup costs compared to other food businesses, making it a more accessible investment for aspiring entrepreneurs. Strong Brand Recognition: Joining a hot dog franchise provides immediate brand recognition, facilitating easier customer acquisition and aiding marketing efforts. Operational Challenges: Be prepared to navigate financial and regulatory challenges, including initial investment costs and local licensing regulations, which can impact profitability. Growth Opportunities: Successful hot dog franchises demonstrate how innovative strategies and strong operational planning can lead to significant growth and profitability in a competitive market. If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own food business, a hot dog franchise might just be your ticket to success. With their irresistible appeal and quick service, hot dogs have become a staple in the fast-food industry. Whether it’s a bustling city street or a local festival, these delicious treats attract hungry customers looking for a satisfying meal on the go. Overview of Hot Dog Franchise A hot dog franchise presents a solid small business opportunity within the fast-food industry. As a franchisee, you gain access to a proven franchise model that capitalizes on the consistent popularity of hot dogs. Quick service and high customer appeal make them ideal for urban areas and local events. The franchise system typically offers significant brand recognition, which attracts a steady customer base. You can expect initial investments to vary based on factors like location and equipment. Franchise fees often include ongoing royalty fees, contributing to the support you receive from the franchisor. The franchise agreement lays out the terms and expectations, while the franchise disclosure document provides crucial insights into the financial performance of existing units. To succeed in this competitive environment, consider franchise training and marketing strategies that help you build a strong local presence. Examining the franchise operations manual clarifies operational procedures and compliance with franchise laws. Engaging in multi-unit franchising can amplify your business growth, allowing you to expand your exclusive territory efficiently. Franchise consultants can assist in conducting franchise research, ensuring you select the right opportunity that aligns with your goals. Overall, investing in a hot dog franchise opens doors to a rewarding career within a thriving sector of the franchise industry. Types of Hot Dog Franchises Exploring hot dog franchises reveals various types catering to different preferences and markets. Understanding these categories helps identify the right franchise opportunity for you. Classic Hot Dog Stands Classic hot dog stands focus on traditional offerings and benefit from established brand recognition. Examples include: Hot Dog on a Stick: Founded in 1946, Hot Dog on a Stick specializes in hot dogs and cheese dogs dipped in cornbread batter and fried. The menu features turkey, beef, and veggie options, accompanied by fries and hand-stomped lemonade. With startup costs ranging from $349,200 to $582,000, candidates require a net worth of $250,000 and $100,000 in liquid assets. This franchise provides a proven franchise model, which enhances your potential for success. Nathan’s Famous: Established in 1916, Nathan’s is among the oldest and largest hot dog franchises. Its long-standing history contributes to strong brand loyalty, making it a popular choice within the franchise industry. Gourmet Hot Dog Chains Gourmet hot dog chains elevate the hot dog experience by offering unique toppings, flavor combinations, and upscale environments. Examples include: Frankie’s: Featured in various locations, Frankie’s provides gourmet hot dogs with artisanal ingredients and creative toppings. You can find options like truffle aioli and fig preserves, appealing to food enthusiasts seeking niche experiences. Dog Haus: Focused on high-quality meats and fresh ingredients, Dog Haus offers gourmet hot dogs and specialty sausages. With a strong brand identity, it emphasizes craft and innovation, targeting customers eager for unique flavors. Choosing the right type of hot dog franchise can significantly impact your franchise growth and success. Conduct thorough franchise research and analyze location factors to maximize your investment. Benefits of Starting a Hot Dog Franchise Starting a hot dog franchise offers distinct advantages, making it an appealing small business opportunity. Franchisees benefit from several key elements that ensure success in the fast-food industry. Low Startup Costs Hot dog franchises typically present low startup costs compared to many other food businesses. For instance, Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue charges a franchise fee of $45,000 for a brick-and-mortar location and just $30,000 for a food truck. This affordability allows franchisees to enter the market with manageable initial investments, paving the way for potential rapid returns with proper franchise support. Established Brand Recognition Joining a hot dog franchise affords franchisees immediate brand recognition, which is critical for attracting customers. Franchises like Hot Dog on a Stick, established in 1946, have built a loyal customer base across over 70 locations. Such brand names come with the right to utilize distinguished trademarks and service marks, simplifying your marketing efforts. Additionally, The Original Hot Dog Factory offers a well-known name that enhances the credibility of new franchises, driving a steady stream of customers from day one. These factors collectively make hot dog franchises a smart choice for aspiring small business owners looking to capitalize on a proven franchise model in a thriving market. Challenges in the Hot Dog Franchise Industry Navigating the hot dog franchise industry involves facing specific challenges that can impact your success as a franchisee. Financial and Operational Challenges Initial Investment and Conversion Costs: The initial investment for a hot dog franchise can be significant. For instance, conversion costs for a Hot Dog Shoppe franchise may reach under $400,000 per location. Traditional remodels for other franchises can exceed $800,000, affecting your budgeting and funding strategies. Operating Costs: You might encounter higher-than-expected operating costs that affect profitability. However, franchises with streamlined business models, such as Wienerschnitzel, maintain lower costs through limited menus and efficient operations. Balancing these costs is crucial to the sustainability of your franchise business. Regulatory and Licensing Issues Permits and Licensing: Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses poses a complex challenge. Different municipalities impose varying regulations that can delay business operations. Familiarizing yourself with franchise laws and local regulations is essential to ensure compliance and avoid costly setbacks. Addressing these challenges head-on is vital for thriving in the hot dog franchise market. You can better prepare for operational hurdles and financial demands with thorough research and effective planning, allowing for a smoother franchise journey. Success Stories in Hot Dog Franchising Hot dog franchising presents numerous success stories that highlight effective strategies and significant growth within the industry. Two notable examples include the 1901 Hot Dog franchise and Hot Dog Shoppe. 1901 Hot Dog Franchise (Malaysia) 1901 Hot Dog, founded by Rozidar and Zakir during the Asian financial crisis, started with a single pushcart. The franchise grew to 84 outlets in Malaysia, five in Singapore, and three in Indonesia by 2008. Achieving an estimated annual turnover of RM 45 million, 1901 Hot Dog received the Superbrand status twice. Their success stems from a strong commitment to quality, innovative marketing strategies, and effective relationship-building with franchisees. This franchise showcases the potential of a small business to flourish even in challenging conditions. Hot Dog Shoppe (USA) Hot Dog Shoppe, established in 1946 by Paul Trevelline, experienced revitalization after Greg Vojnovic acquired it in 2021. Vojnovic’s franchise strategy involves converting terminated or expired licenses of other fast-food restaurants into Hot Dog Shoppe locations. This approach leverages existing infrastructure and capitalizes on franchise growth opportunities. By recognizing and acting upon unique market situations, Vojnovic demonstrates how innovative thinking within your franchise model can lead to success. Both franchises exemplify how strategic planning, strong brand recognition, and effective franchise marketing plans contribute to achieving franchise success in the competitive hot dog industry. Conclusion Starting a hot dog franchise can be an exciting venture that taps into a beloved food option with broad appeal. With the right research and planning you can navigate the challenges and leverage the benefits of this thriving industry. Choosing the right franchise model and understanding the financial landscape will set you up for success. Whether you opt for a classic stand or a gourmet chain your investment can yield substantial rewards. By focusing on effective marketing and operational excellence you’ll not only attract customers but also build a lasting presence in your community. Embrace the opportunity and watch your hot dog franchise flourish in the fast-paced food market. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of starting a hot dog franchise? Starting a hot dog franchise offers benefits like low startup costs, established brand recognition, and a proven business model. With franchises like Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue charging reasonable fees, aspiring business owners can manage their investments effectively. Furthermore, hot dogs are popular in various markets, ensuring a steady customer base. What types of hot dog franchises are available? There are various types of hot dog franchises, including classic stands like Nathan’s Famous and gourmet chains such as Dog Haus. Classic stands focus on traditional offerings, while gourmet franchises elevate the dining experience with unique toppings and ingredients, catering to different customer preferences. What challenges might I face with a hot dog franchise? Challenges in the hot dog franchise industry can include high initial investments, unexpected operating costs, and regulatory hurdles. Licensing and permits can also vary by location, potentially delaying operations. Planning and thorough research are essential to mitigate these challenges for a successful franchise venture. How can I choose the right hot dog franchise? To choose the right hot dog franchise, conduct thorough research on existing brands and their market presence. Analyze location factors, initial investment costs, and unique offerings to determine which franchise aligns with your business goals and customer preferences for optimal growth. Is franchise training important for success? Yes, franchise training is crucial for success as it provides essential operational knowledge, marketing strategies, and support from the franchisor. Proper training helps new franchisees understand the business model and customer service standards, increasing the chances of successful operations. Can multi-unit franchising enhance my business growth? Yes, multi-unit franchising can significantly enhance business growth by allowing franchisees to operate multiple locations. This strategy can increase brand visibility, streamline operations, and boost overall profitability when managed effectively. Proper planning and market analysis are key to maximizing this opportunity. How do I find a franchise consultant? To find a franchise consultant, search online directories, ask for referrals from other franchisees, or visit franchise expos. Look for licensed professionals with experience in the fast-food industry and a strong track record of helping aspiring franchise owners choose the right opportunities. Image Via Envato This article, "The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Successful Hot Dog Franchise" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Proven Business Model: Hot dog franchises offer a solid entry into the food industry with an established franchise model, maximizing your chances of success due to high customer demand. Diverse Franchise Options: There’s a variety of hot dog franchises to choose from, including classic stands like Nathan’s Famous and gourmet chains like Dog Haus, catering to different market preferences. Low Startup Costs: Many hot dog franchises have lower startup costs compared to other food businesses, making it a more accessible investment for aspiring entrepreneurs. Strong Brand Recognition: Joining a hot dog franchise provides immediate brand recognition, facilitating easier customer acquisition and aiding marketing efforts. Operational Challenges: Be prepared to navigate financial and regulatory challenges, including initial investment costs and local licensing regulations, which can impact profitability. Growth Opportunities: Successful hot dog franchises demonstrate how innovative strategies and strong operational planning can lead to significant growth and profitability in a competitive market. If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own food business, a hot dog franchise might just be your ticket to success. With their irresistible appeal and quick service, hot dogs have become a staple in the fast-food industry. Whether it’s a bustling city street or a local festival, these delicious treats attract hungry customers looking for a satisfying meal on the go. Overview of Hot Dog Franchise A hot dog franchise presents a solid small business opportunity within the fast-food industry. As a franchisee, you gain access to a proven franchise model that capitalizes on the consistent popularity of hot dogs. Quick service and high customer appeal make them ideal for urban areas and local events. The franchise system typically offers significant brand recognition, which attracts a steady customer base. You can expect initial investments to vary based on factors like location and equipment. Franchise fees often include ongoing royalty fees, contributing to the support you receive from the franchisor. The franchise agreement lays out the terms and expectations, while the franchise disclosure document provides crucial insights into the financial performance of existing units. To succeed in this competitive environment, consider franchise training and marketing strategies that help you build a strong local presence. Examining the franchise operations manual clarifies operational procedures and compliance with franchise laws. Engaging in multi-unit franchising can amplify your business growth, allowing you to expand your exclusive territory efficiently. Franchise consultants can assist in conducting franchise research, ensuring you select the right opportunity that aligns with your goals. Overall, investing in a hot dog franchise opens doors to a rewarding career within a thriving sector of the franchise industry. Types of Hot Dog Franchises Exploring hot dog franchises reveals various types catering to different preferences and markets. Understanding these categories helps identify the right franchise opportunity for you. Classic Hot Dog Stands Classic hot dog stands focus on traditional offerings and benefit from established brand recognition. Examples include: Hot Dog on a Stick: Founded in 1946, Hot Dog on a Stick specializes in hot dogs and cheese dogs dipped in cornbread batter and fried. The menu features turkey, beef, and veggie options, accompanied by fries and hand-stomped lemonade. With startup costs ranging from $349,200 to $582,000, candidates require a net worth of $250,000 and $100,000 in liquid assets. This franchise provides a proven franchise model, which enhances your potential for success. Nathan’s Famous: Established in 1916, Nathan’s is among the oldest and largest hot dog franchises. Its long-standing history contributes to strong brand loyalty, making it a popular choice within the franchise industry. Gourmet Hot Dog Chains Gourmet hot dog chains elevate the hot dog experience by offering unique toppings, flavor combinations, and upscale environments. Examples include: Frankie’s: Featured in various locations, Frankie’s provides gourmet hot dogs with artisanal ingredients and creative toppings. You can find options like truffle aioli and fig preserves, appealing to food enthusiasts seeking niche experiences. Dog Haus: Focused on high-quality meats and fresh ingredients, Dog Haus offers gourmet hot dogs and specialty sausages. With a strong brand identity, it emphasizes craft and innovation, targeting customers eager for unique flavors. Choosing the right type of hot dog franchise can significantly impact your franchise growth and success. Conduct thorough franchise research and analyze location factors to maximize your investment. Benefits of Starting a Hot Dog Franchise Starting a hot dog franchise offers distinct advantages, making it an appealing small business opportunity. Franchisees benefit from several key elements that ensure success in the fast-food industry. Low Startup Costs Hot dog franchises typically present low startup costs compared to many other food businesses. For instance, Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue charges a franchise fee of $45,000 for a brick-and-mortar location and just $30,000 for a food truck. This affordability allows franchisees to enter the market with manageable initial investments, paving the way for potential rapid returns with proper franchise support. Established Brand Recognition Joining a hot dog franchise affords franchisees immediate brand recognition, which is critical for attracting customers. Franchises like Hot Dog on a Stick, established in 1946, have built a loyal customer base across over 70 locations. Such brand names come with the right to utilize distinguished trademarks and service marks, simplifying your marketing efforts. Additionally, The Original Hot Dog Factory offers a well-known name that enhances the credibility of new franchises, driving a steady stream of customers from day one. These factors collectively make hot dog franchises a smart choice for aspiring small business owners looking to capitalize on a proven franchise model in a thriving market. Challenges in the Hot Dog Franchise Industry Navigating the hot dog franchise industry involves facing specific challenges that can impact your success as a franchisee. Financial and Operational Challenges Initial Investment and Conversion Costs: The initial investment for a hot dog franchise can be significant. For instance, conversion costs for a Hot Dog Shoppe franchise may reach under $400,000 per location. Traditional remodels for other franchises can exceed $800,000, affecting your budgeting and funding strategies. Operating Costs: You might encounter higher-than-expected operating costs that affect profitability. However, franchises with streamlined business models, such as Wienerschnitzel, maintain lower costs through limited menus and efficient operations. Balancing these costs is crucial to the sustainability of your franchise business. Regulatory and Licensing Issues Permits and Licensing: Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses poses a complex challenge. Different municipalities impose varying regulations that can delay business operations. Familiarizing yourself with franchise laws and local regulations is essential to ensure compliance and avoid costly setbacks. Addressing these challenges head-on is vital for thriving in the hot dog franchise market. You can better prepare for operational hurdles and financial demands with thorough research and effective planning, allowing for a smoother franchise journey. Success Stories in Hot Dog Franchising Hot dog franchising presents numerous success stories that highlight effective strategies and significant growth within the industry. Two notable examples include the 1901 Hot Dog franchise and Hot Dog Shoppe. 1901 Hot Dog Franchise (Malaysia) 1901 Hot Dog, founded by Rozidar and Zakir during the Asian financial crisis, started with a single pushcart. The franchise grew to 84 outlets in Malaysia, five in Singapore, and three in Indonesia by 2008. Achieving an estimated annual turnover of RM 45 million, 1901 Hot Dog received the Superbrand status twice. Their success stems from a strong commitment to quality, innovative marketing strategies, and effective relationship-building with franchisees. This franchise showcases the potential of a small business to flourish even in challenging conditions. Hot Dog Shoppe (USA) Hot Dog Shoppe, established in 1946 by Paul Trevelline, experienced revitalization after Greg Vojnovic acquired it in 2021. Vojnovic’s franchise strategy involves converting terminated or expired licenses of other fast-food restaurants into Hot Dog Shoppe locations. This approach leverages existing infrastructure and capitalizes on franchise growth opportunities. By recognizing and acting upon unique market situations, Vojnovic demonstrates how innovative thinking within your franchise model can lead to success. Both franchises exemplify how strategic planning, strong brand recognition, and effective franchise marketing plans contribute to achieving franchise success in the competitive hot dog industry. Conclusion Starting a hot dog franchise can be an exciting venture that taps into a beloved food option with broad appeal. With the right research and planning you can navigate the challenges and leverage the benefits of this thriving industry. Choosing the right franchise model and understanding the financial landscape will set you up for success. Whether you opt for a classic stand or a gourmet chain your investment can yield substantial rewards. By focusing on effective marketing and operational excellence you’ll not only attract customers but also build a lasting presence in your community. Embrace the opportunity and watch your hot dog franchise flourish in the fast-paced food market. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of starting a hot dog franchise? Starting a hot dog franchise offers benefits like low startup costs, established brand recognition, and a proven business model. With franchises like Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue charging reasonable fees, aspiring business owners can manage their investments effectively. Furthermore, hot dogs are popular in various markets, ensuring a steady customer base. What types of hot dog franchises are available? There are various types of hot dog franchises, including classic stands like Nathan’s Famous and gourmet chains such as Dog Haus. Classic stands focus on traditional offerings, while gourmet franchises elevate the dining experience with unique toppings and ingredients, catering to different customer preferences. What challenges might I face with a hot dog franchise? Challenges in the hot dog franchise industry can include high initial investments, unexpected operating costs, and regulatory hurdles. Licensing and permits can also vary by location, potentially delaying operations. Planning and thorough research are essential to mitigate these challenges for a successful franchise venture. How can I choose the right hot dog franchise? To choose the right hot dog franchise, conduct thorough research on existing brands and their market presence. Analyze location factors, initial investment costs, and unique offerings to determine which franchise aligns with your business goals and customer preferences for optimal growth. Is franchise training important for success? Yes, franchise training is crucial for success as it provides essential operational knowledge, marketing strategies, and support from the franchisor. Proper training helps new franchisees understand the business model and customer service standards, increasing the chances of successful operations. Can multi-unit franchising enhance my business growth? Yes, multi-unit franchising can significantly enhance business growth by allowing franchisees to operate multiple locations. This strategy can increase brand visibility, streamline operations, and boost overall profitability when managed effectively. Proper planning and market analysis are key to maximizing this opportunity. How do I find a franchise consultant? To find a franchise consultant, search online directories, ask for referrals from other franchisees, or visit franchise expos. Look for licensed professionals with experience in the fast-food industry and a strong track record of helping aspiring franchise owners choose the right opportunities. Image Via Envato This article, "The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Successful Hot Dog Franchise" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Today, Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV Plus, has done something unheard of in streaming television. The company has now rereleased the final episode of the canceled sitcom Mythic Quest with a new, re-edited ending. The re-edit removes the original season cliffhanger and replaces it with a new ending that acts to resolve the show’s lingering plot point, thus wrapping up the series by giving the show’s supporters, and characters, closure. But while the re-edit may please fans, it raises some interesting issues concerning the entertainment historical record. A first in TV streaming On March 26, Apple TV Plus released the 10th episode of Mythic Quest season four. Titled “Heaven and Hell,” this episode was initially designed to be the season’s finale, and, as most season finales do, it ended on a cliffhanger. However, after the season finale aired, Apple announced that it was canceling Mythic Quest. With no season five, the show’s cancellation meant that the series ended on a cliffhanger that would never be resolved—just like so many streaming series that were canceled before it. But then Apple did something unexpected and unheard of in the world of streaming television. It allowed Mythic Quest’s producers to go back and re-edit the season four finale by swapping out the cliffhanger ending for one that better aligns with a series finale—in other words, one that wraps up the show’s loose threads. Mythic Quest’s creators and executive producers, Megan Ganz, David Hornsby, and Rob McElhenney, announced the unusual move last week, stating, “Because endings are hard, with Apple’s blessing we made one final update to our last episode—so we could say goodbye, instead of just game over.” And now, the re-edited Mythic Quest episode is available. How the original and re-edited endings are different If you navigate to the Mythic Quest listing on Apple TV Plus now, you’ll see that the episode shows a new original airdate of April 18, 2025, signaling that Apple has now released the re-edit. As the entertainment website Pajiba points out, the re-edited episode features a relatively small change. In the original episode, the show’s two main characters, Ian and Poppy, who have always had a platonic and professional work relationship throughout the show’s run, kissed. The repercussions of that cliffhanger kiss ending were originally meant to be fully explored in Mythic Quest’s season five. Yet the re-edited episode now removes the kiss ending entirely. As Pajiba notes, “It’s the same episode, only this time, the two agree to repair their working relationship, but it remains platonic. They hug, and that’s it.” It’s likely that since work had already ceased on the series, this new hugging scene had already been previously shot, which is what allowed the creatives to alter the episode so quickly within just weeks of its original release. Altering the historical record While fans of the show will no doubt be grateful that Apple gave the creatives permission to go back and change the final “Heaven and Hell” episode to provide closure for them and the show’s characters, how Apple has handled it is worth pointing out. There are television shows that have been canceled before that were later brought back on a new network or revived on streaming, but never, to my knowledge, has there been a show that has had its last episode aired before cancellation, changed, and then re-released. But it seems like Apple has chosen to go about its fan-pleasing move by not caring too much about the entertainment historical record. That’s because there is nothing left on Apple TV Plus’s platform that suggests the “Heaven and Hell” episode available now is anything but the one that originally aired. Mythic Quest’s season four finale has now been relabeled as the “Series Finale” in Apple TV Plus’s show listing. Apple has chosen to make only the re-edited version of the show available to watch. (We’ve reached out to Apple to ask if it plans to also release the original version at some point.) Furthermore, its original release date has also been changed from March 26 to April 18, 2025. It is also not mentioned anywhere in the episode that the episode has been re-edited from its original version—nor is there an option to view the original ending. In other words, it seems like Apple has taken the George Lucas approach to changing the historical entertainment record. In the late 1990s, Lucas released a version of the original Star Wars trilogy with new scenes and effects inserted. Lucasfilm then essentially wiped the trilogy as it originally was from existence. To this day, Lucasfilm (and now its owner, Disney) only makes the re-edited version of the Star Wars trilogy available for consumption. When it comes to a less culturally relevant show like Mythic Quest (compared to Star Wars), is this that big of a deal? Probably not—at least not to general streaming subscribers. But the wiping of the original episode highlights how, in this digital world of ours, anything can be altered at any time—and the original may not always be preserved for posterity. View the full article

If you're eager for the new Nintendo Switch 2, the current preorder situation should make you a bit nervous. Nintendo's upcoming console is scheduled to launch on June 5, but without a preorder, there's no telling how difficult it'll be to buy one. Fortunately, things are improving. On Friday, Nintendo finally announced the new date fans can expect to preorder a Switch 2, as well as some good and bad news regarding price increases. Here's the latest. Switch 2 preorders open next weekIt's official: If you live in the United States or Canada, you can preorder a Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, April 24. The new date replaces the original April 9 preorder schedule Nintendo announced earlier this month. The company delayed preorders following the The President administration's unpredictable array of tariffs imposed on countries around the world. As the administration rolled back certain tariffs and paused imposing new ones (at least for the time being), it seems Nintendo feels confident enough to commit to preorders in the U.S. Part of the reason for the delay (or, perhaps the entire reason for the delay) was likely to assess whether the company should hike the price of the Switch 2. Fortunately, the calculation hasn't swung in that direction: The Switch successor will cost $449.99, the same price Nintendo revealed at the beginning of April. Likewise, Mario Kart World will still cost $79.99, and Donkey Kong Bananaza will cost $69.99. While those games are more expensive than one might expect from Nintendo titles, at least they aren't going to cost even more. Switch 2 price increasesThe bad news, however, is that not all the previously announced prices will remain the same. Nintendo says Switch 2 accessories will jump up in cost. Those prices are as follows: Switch 2 Pro Controller: $84.99 (was $79.99) Left and Right Joy-Con 2 controllers: $94.99 (was $89.99) Switch 2 camera: $54.99 (was $49.99) It seems the three affected units are all $5 more expensive, which isn't an enormous price increase, but these accessories were already pricey to begin with. (Seeing Joy-Cons at nearly $100 is really something.) Fortunately, the MSRPs for other Switch 2 accessories remain unchanged. Those include: Joy-Con 2 charging grip: $34.99 Joy-Con 2 strap: $12.99 Joy-Con 2 wheel (two-pack): $19.99 Switch 2 dock: $109.99 Switch 2 carrying case (with screen protector): $34.99 Switch 2 all-in-one case: $79.99 Switch 2 AC adapter: $29.99 Nintendo isn't the only one raising prices, either. Earlier this week, Sony announced MSRP bumps for PS5s across the world. At the moment, the U.S. was spared from those cost adjustments, but we'll see if that holds. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. There’s something nostalgic about holding a printed photo in your hand, especially in a world full of scrolling and swiping. That’s probably why the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer has been getting so much attention—it's small enough to fit in a bag, quick enough to use on the go, and doesn’t rely on ink or toner. Right now, it’s down to $69.99 on StackSocial in black, white, or blue. And if awards matter to you, PCMag named it their Best Photo Printer of the Year for 2023 and gave it their Editor’s Choice stamp. Not bad for something made of lightweight plastic with a matte finish, weighing less than your phone and fitting neatly in your pocket. This little gadget pairs with your smartphone—iOS or Android—via Bluetooth or NFC and spits out 2x3-inch prints in under a minute. There’s no ink involved—just ZINK (zero ink) photo paper that uses embedded dye crystals. That said, the starter pack includes just five sheets of photo paper, so you’ll need to stock up early if you plan on using it often. The prints aren’t pro-lab quality (but you’re not expecting that either), but they’re colorful, smudge-proof, water-resistant, come with a peel-and-stick backing, and are great for scrapbooks, mood boards, or slapping on your fridge. You can print up to 25 photos on a single charge, and everything runs through the Kodak app. The app isn’t mind-blowing, but it lets you do the basics—crop, add filters, toss in a few stickers, maybe a frame or two. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is good peace of mind for a portable printer at this price. Shipping is limited to the contiguous US, so keep that in mind if you're browsing from outside. But overall, this is a straightforward little printer that doesn’t overpromise, doesn’t overcomplicate, and actually delivers on the fun of printing your memories in real time. View the full article

A known data breach affecting a major insurance administrator may have compromised the personal information of nearly twice as many people as previously reported. A May 2024 cyberattack on Landmark Admin is believed to include at least 1.6 million people's data, according to an updated filing with the Maine attorney general's office. Landmark Admin is a Texas-based third-party administrator (TPA) for life insurance and annuity companies like Liberty Bankers Life and American Benefit Life, which offer policies nationwide. A TPA offers insurers support with accounting, regulatory reporting, reinsurance, and IT. That means that while you may not ever have dealt directly with Landmark Admin, your information could still have been leaked. What happened with Landmark AdminLandmark Admin suffered a security breach on May 13, 2024, when suspicious activity was detected on the company's networks. It was originally reported in October 2024 that the breach exposed the data of just over 806,00 individuals, but the company now believes that at least 1,613,773 people—and possibly more—may have been impacted. The compromised information varies by individual may include the following: Full name Home address Social Security number Tax identification number Driver's license number State-issued identification card Passport number Financial account number Medical information Date of birth Health insurance policy number Life and annuity policy information What affected consumers can do As always, you can't retroactively protect leaked information, but you can (and should) continue to follow security best practices when it comes to your browsing, communication, and financial habits to mitigate the risk of identity theft. Review activity on your banking and credit accounts and check your credit report regularly. You can also freeze your credit, place a fraud alert on your file, and lock down your Social Security number. To avoid falling victim to common phishing tactics, never click links or download attachments in emails or messages, don't engage with unknown callers, and go directly to websites by typing in URLs (rather than relying on search results). If you've been impacted by the Landmark Admin breach specifically, you're eligible for 12 months of credit monitoring and identity protection services through IDX, which includes a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy and ID theft recovery services. Landmark is currently notifying consumers and has a help line at 844-428-5109 that is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m ET Monday through Friday to address concerns. View the full article

Morningside Park, a beloved neighborhood park in Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, will soon pilot an innovative approach to coastal resilience. BIOCAP tiles, a 3D-printed modular system designed to support marine life and reduce wave impact along urban seawalls, will be installed on the existing seawall there in spring 2025. BIOCAP stands for Biodiversity Improvement by Optimizing Coastal Adaptation and Performance. Developed by our team of architects and marine biologists at Florida International University, the uniquely textured prototype tiles are designed to test a new approach for helping cities such as Miami adapt to rising sea levels while simultaneously restoring ecological balance along their shorelines. The project receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency. Ecological costs of traditional seawalls Seawalls have long served as a primary defense against coastal erosion and storm surges. Typically constructed of concrete and ranging from 6 to 10 feet in height, they are built along shorelines to block waves from eroding the land and flooding nearby urban areas. However, they often come at an ecological cost. Seawalls disrupt natural shoreline dynamics and can wipe out the complex habitat zones that marine life relies on. Marine organisms are crucial in maintaining coastal water quality by filtering excess nutrients, pollutants, and suspended particles. A single adult oyster can filter 20–50 gallons of water daily, removing nitrogen, phosphorus, and solids that would otherwise fuel harmful algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels and damage marine ecosystems. Filter-feeding organisms also reduce turbidity, which is the cloudiness of water caused by suspended sediment and particles. Less water turbidity means more light can penetrate, which benefits seagrasses that require sunlight for photosynthesis. These seagrasses convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich sugars while providing essential food and habitat for diverse marine species. Swirling shapes, shaded grooves Unlike the flat, lifeless surfaces of typical concrete seawalls, each BIOCAP tile is designed with shaded grooves, crevices, and small, water-holding pockets. These textured features mimic natural shoreline conditions and create tiny homes for barnacles, oysters, sponges, and other marine organisms that filter and improve water quality. The tile’s swirling surface patterns increase the overall surface area, offering more space for colonization. The shaded recesses are intended to help regulate temperature by providing cooler, more stable microenvironments. This thermal buffering can support marine life in the face of rising water temperatures and more frequent heat events driven by climate change. Another potential benefit of the tiles is reducing the impact of waves. When waves hit a natural shoreline, their energy is gradually absorbed by irregular surfaces, tide pools, and vegetation. In contrast, when waves strike vertical concrete seawalls, the energy is reflected back into the water rather than absorbed. This wave reflection—the bouncing back of wave energy—can amplify wave action, increase erosion at the base of the wall, and create more hazardous conditions during storms. The textured surfaces of the BIOCAP tiles are designed to help diffuse wave energy by mimicking the natural dissipation found on undisturbed shorelines. The design of BIOCAP takes cues from nature. The tile shapes are based on how water interacts with different surfaces at high tide and low tide. Concave tiles, which curve inward, and convex tiles, which curve outward, are installed at different levels along the seawall. The goal is to deflect waves away from the seawall, reduce direct impact, and help minimize erosion and turbulence around the wall’s foundation. How we’ll measure success After the BIOCAP tiles are installed, we plan to assess how the seawall redesign enhances biodiversity, improves water quality and reduces wave energy. This two-year pilot phase will help assess the long-term value of ecologically designed infrastructure. To evaluate biodiversity, we will use underwater cameras to capture time-lapse imagery of the marine life that colonizes the tile surfaces. These observations will aid in documenting species diversity and habitat use over time. To assess water quality, we have developed a specialized prototype tile with sensors that can measure pH, dissolved oxygen levels, salinity, turbidity, and temperature in real time. This data will provide insight into how the tiles affect local water conditions. Finally, to measure wave attenuation and the reduction of wave force, we will mount pressure sensors on both the BIOCAP tiles and the adjacent traditional seawall sections. This comparison will allow us to quantify differences in wave energy across varying tidal conditions and storm events. As coastal cities confront the dual challenges of increasing threats from climate change and environmental degradation, the BIOCAP project offers what we hope will be an example of a resilient, nature-based solution that benefits both humans and the environment. In the coming year, we’ll be watching with hope as the new BIOCAP tiles begin to welcome marine life, offering a glimpse into how nature might reclaim and thrive along our urban shorelines. Sara Pezeshk is a postdoctoral fellow in architecture at Florida International University and Shahin Vassigh is a professor of architecture at Florida International University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Rice, the world’s most consumed grain, will become increasingly toxic as the atmosphere heats and as carbon dioxide emissions rise, potentially putting billions of people at risk of cancers and other diseases, according to new research published Wednesday in The Lancet. Eaten every day by billions of people and grown across the globe, rice is arguably the planet’s most important staple crop, with half the world’s population relying on it for the majority of its food needs, especially in developing countries. But the way rice is grown—mostly submerged in paddies—and its highly porous texture means it can absorb unusually high levels of arsenic, a potent carcinogenic toxin that is especially dangerous for babies. Lewis Ziska, a plant physiologist and associate professor at Columbia University, has studied rice for three decades and has more recently focused his research on how climate change reduces nutrient levels across many staple crops, including rice. He teamed up with researchers from China and the U.S. to conduct a first-of-its-kind study, looking at how a range of rice species reacted to increases in temperature and carbon dioxide, both of which are projected to occur as more greenhouse gas emissions are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities. The new study was published in The Lancet Planetary Health. “Previous work has focused on individual responses—some on CO2 and some on temperature, but not both, and not on a wide range of rice genetics,” Ziska said. “We knew that temperature by itself could increase levels, and carbon dioxide by a little bit. But when we put both of them together, then wow, that was really something we were not expecting. You’re looking at a crop staple that’s consumed by a billion people every day, and any effect on toxicity is going to have a pretty damn large effect.” For six years, Ziska and a large team of research colleagues in China and the U.S. grew rice in controlled fields, subjecting it to varying levels of carbon dioxide and temperature. They found that when both increased, in line with projections by climate scientists, the amount of arsenic and inorganic arsenic in rice grains also went up. Arsenic is found naturally in some foods, including fish and shellfish, and in waters and soils. Inorganic arsenic is found in industrial materials and gets into water—including water used to submerge rice paddies. Rice is easily inundated with weeds and other crops, but it has one advantage: It grows well in water. So farmers germinate the seeds, and when the seedlings are ready, plant them in wet soil. They then flood their fields, which suppresses weeds, but allows the rice to flourish. Rice readily absorbs the water and everything in it—including arsenic, either naturally occurring or not. Most of the world’s rice is grown this way. The new research demonstrates that climate change will ramp up those levels. “What happens in rice, because of complex biogeochemical processes in the soil, when temperatures and CO2 go up, inorganic arsenic also does,” Ziska said. “And it’s this inorganic arsenic that poses the greatest health risk.” Exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked to cancers of the skin, bladder and lung, heart disease and neurological problems in infants. Research has found that in parts of the world with high consumption of rice, inorganic arsenic increases cancer risk. Ziska and his colleagues took the data from their field trials and then, based on per capita consumption data in seven of the top rice-consuming countries in Asia, projected how disease risk could also increase. They found that in those seven countries—Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar, and India—disease risk rose across the board. “There is a toxicological effect of climate change relative to one of the most consumed staples in the world,” Ziska said, “and the consumption is one of the hallmarks of whether you’re going to be vulnerable to that effect.” Researchers have known that rice can contain high levels of arsenic and regulators have suggested exposure limits, especially for infants who are particularly vulnerable and tend to eat a lot of rice. This new research should put extra pressure on regulators to set more stringent thresholds, the authors say. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never set limits for arsenic in foods. The researchers also point to the potential of various interventions that could limit exposure to inorganic arsenic from rice, including developing strains of rice that are less absorbent and educating consumers about alternatives to rice. “Rice has always been a food where arsenic is an issue, and climate change is making it worse,” said Keeve Nachman, one of the report’s authors, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a longtime researcher of health risks related to food production and consumption. “This is one more reason to intervene—to control people’s exposure. The number one thing we can do is everything in our power to slow climate change.” —Georgina Gustin, Inside Climate News This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News. It is republished with permission. Sign up for their newsletter here. View the full article

When Chinese automaker BYD announced plans to build a massive factory in the hardscrabble city of Camacari, in Brazil’s northeastern Bahia state, locals saw a new beginning. After years of economic stagnation following Ford’s exit from the region in 2021, there was hope that the global leader in electric vehicles would bring back well-paying jobs and a brighter future. The timing seemed right. Brazil, the world’s sixth-largest auto market, is seeing a surge in EV sales—and BYD is leading the charge. For Camacari, the deal promised to fill the economic vacuum left by the American company, which had once been the city’s largest employer. Then plans went off track. A December raid led by Brazilian authorities rescued 163 Chinese nationals said to be working in “slavery-like” conditions at the site. A video from the Labor Prosecutor’s Office showed dormitories with beds lacking mattresses and makeshift cooking facilities. The company postponed plans to begin its first production line in March and has not established a new timeline, spreading fears among Camacari workers. “When BYD announced it was coming here, it sparked a lot of hope in us,” said Luizmar Santana Pereira, a metalworker and former Ford employee, who has been working as a taxi driver. “We’ve been waiting for this job opportunity, but so far, we haven’t seen it.” After the raid, a spokesperson based at BYD’s China headquarters denied wrongdoing, saying in a post on the Weibo social media site that the accusations were an attempt at “smearing” Chinese brands and China. The post also blamed “foreign forces” for the allegation and criticized media reports. In a statement disseminated in Brazil, the carmaker adopted a more conciliatory tone. The company said it “does not tolerate disrespect for Brazilian law and human dignity” and rescinded the contract with Chinese construction company Jinjiang, which had brought the workers. In Brazil, ample room for BYD to grow EVs are spreading fast in Brazil, Latin America’s most populous nation. Sales jumped 85% in 2024, reaching over 170,000 units, including fully electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the Brazilian Association of Electric Vehicles. That accounted for about 7% of new car sales in the country. The growth is spearheaded by BYD. Seven out of 10 EVs sold in the country are from the brand, which also leads hybrid sales. In major cities such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia, imported BYD cars and dealerships have become a common sight. In Brazil’s capital, it’s the best-selling brand, whether EV or gas-powered. Another Chinese EV maker, GWM, also recently announced plans to open a factory in Brazil after acquiring a shuttered Mercedes-Benz facility in the industrialized state of Sao Paulo. BYD’s inroads in Brazil are in tandem with the company’s global growth. The world’s leading EV company logged a record $107 billion in revenue in 2024 as its sales of electric and hybrid vehicles jumped 40%, surpassing American rival Tesla. This year, plans include the inauguration of its first car factory in Europe, currently under construction in Hungary. Brazil’s policies are driving EV sales and production, according to Adalberto Maluf, national secretary of Urban Environment and Environmental Quality. In an interview with the Associated Press in Brasilia, Maluf cited incentives enacted in 2024 that favor electric motors, tax reductions for lower-emission cars, and a new air quality program with nationwide monitoring and pollution reduction goals. Brazil is the one of the top 10 emitters of greenhouse gases, contributing around 3% of global emissions, according to nonprofit Climate Watch. However, pollution from energy does not play a big role, as about half of greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation, mostly in the Amazon, followed by agriculture. About 85% of the country’s electricity comes from renewable sources. For Maluf, who worked for almost nine years at BYD Brazil, the country is attractive to Chinese electric car makers for reasons ranging from the size of its market to the presence of several auto parts suppliers and the strong political relationship between the two countries. “Brazilians have no geopolitical issues with China. If you ask, ‘Are you against China?’ most people won’t have a strong opinion about it,” he said. “In the U.S., however, they do, because it’s part of the president’s rhetoric,” he added, referring to President Donald The President’s frequent comments about China “ripping off” America on trade. It’s unclear what is next for BYD factory Since the raid, BYD has not allowed press visits inside its Camacari premises, citing concerns about trade secrets. It’s unclear if BYD is still on track to turn the former Ford site into its largest plant outside China by the end of 2026. When AP journalists visited in March for several days, they saw only a few construction workers at the large site. And one day, while standing on the street adjoining the premises, three BYD guards, one who kept his hand on his gun, incorrectly accused the journalists of flying a drone inside factory boundaries and demanded to see identification. Minutes later, security guards on motorcycles approached, honking and ordering the journalists to stop filming workers. BYD said its security guards acted appropriately and declined to answer other questions about its operations in Brazil. While the future of the factory is unclear, the raid and the presence of Chinese workers have gotten the attention of labor unions. “The Metalworkers Union will not tolerate Chinese workers on the production line. If that happens even in the beginning of the production, we will call for a work stoppage,” Júlio Bonfim, the union president, told AP. Bonfim added that there were no objections with BYD employing Chinese technicians and managers, but the factory floor must employ only Brazilians. It was unclear if BYD had agreed to that. Despite the raid and seemingly slow pace of construction, in the Camacari region the shift from Ford to BYD is increasingly visible. A three-decades-old dealership for the American brand named Indiana, in tribute to the U.S. state, now shares space with a BYD reseller, Mandarim. A local hotel started distributing instructions specifically to Chinese guests, asking them not to hang washed clothes in common areas. And a state lawmaker introduced a bill to rename the city’s Henry Ford Avenue, where the plant is located, to BYD Avenue. —Fabian Maisonnave, Associated Press View the full article

Raids on Friday were deadliest in The President administration’s bombing campaign against Iran-backed movementView the full article

A Wall Street Journal report this week gave an extensive look into how Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a senior The President advisor, handles his companies and his more than a dozen children. The answer, it seems, is by relying heavily on his longtime right-hand man, Jared Birchall. Birchall’s role, as he reportedly said in a phone call, is to “protect Elon.” Here’s what to know about Musk’s fixer. Birchall’s Early Career Birchall graduated from Brigham Young University in 1999 and spent a year as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs. In 2000, he moved into private wealth management at Merrill Lynch but was fired after a decade for “sending correspondence to a client without management approval,” according to a regulatory report cited by Bloomberg. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2010, where he managed Musk’s money as part of a small team. In 2016, Musk recruited Birchall to run his family office, Excession. A Quiet Contrast to Musk Birchall and Musk present starkly different public personas. Birchall, according to Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, is a practicing Mormon who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Musk, by contrast, thrives on attention—having hosted Saturday Night Live and frequently sharing his views on X, the social media platform he owns. The Fixer’s Role Birchall’s responsibilities are wide-ranging. According to Bloomberg, he helped arrange the loans from Wall Street that enabled Musk to purchase what was then known as Twitter. He also handled disbursements from Musk’s super PAC, which supported Donald The President’s presidential campaign. More recently, the Wall Street Journal reported, Birchall has acted as a go-between for Musk and several of the mothers of his children. That has allegedly included acquiring a property in Austin for them to live in and offering secrecy agreements in exchange for large sums of money. Loyalty and Wealth Birchall has remained at Musk’s side throughout the billionaire’s meteoric rise. While his exact income is unknown, Bloomberg cited a report estimating that the typical head of a large family office earns between $1 million and $3 million annually—though his salary may be much higher. In 2020, Birchall reportedly purchased a $2.25 million home in Austin, complete with a pool and tennis court. He also serves as the head of Musk’s neurotechnology firm, Neuralink. However, Bloomberg noted that Birchall holds no actual executive authority there. His name was added to company documents as a legal formality, and he does not participate in day-to-day operations. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The LG C3 65-inch Evo OLED TV, featured in Lifehacker's Best Budget OLED TVs to Buy in 2025, is now available for $1,196.99, down from $1,499.99—its lowest price ever on Amazon, according to price trackers. LG C3 Series 65-Inch Class OLED TV $1,196.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,499.99 Save $303.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,196.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,499.99 Save $303.00 Its OLED panel provides perfect black levels, an infinite contrast ratio, and near-flawless color accuracy. Whites and SDR colors are especially precise, with only minor deviations in reds and greens in HDR content. Plus, it supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, so if you stream a lot in 4K, you’ll see those details shine. That said, the lack of an ATSC 3.0 tuner might be a drawback if you rely on over-the-air 4K broadcasts. You can place the C3 Evo on its (included) metal stand or mount it on a wall for a cleaner look. Its ports—four HDMI 2.1 (all 4K120, with one eARC), three USBs, Ethernet, and more—are easy to reach on the left. LG’s WebOS runs its smart TV features and covers nearly all major streaming platforms (except Crunchyroll, as highlighted in this PCMag review). However, the WebOS' smart home hub features lean heavily toward LG ThinQ appliances, which might limit compatibility with your setup if your smart devices aren’t LG-branded or are from other non-compatible brands. The Magic Remote included with the LG C3 Evo has dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Alexa, and other popular apps, making it easy to jump straight to your favorites. You’ll also find Apple AirPlay for easy streaming from your iOS devices and Alexa integration for hands-free voice commands. When it comes to gaming, with the Game Optimizer mode enabled and input lag reduction set to Boost, the TV achieves an impressively low input lag of under a millisecond. Add to that a 120Hz refresh rate, with variable refresh rate (VRR) support, plus AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility (though neither is formally certified), and you’ve got yourself a gaming powerhouse. If you’re debating alternatives, the Samsung S90C ($997.99) offers similar OLED quality and comes with the missing ATSC 3.0 tuner. View the full article

Imagine two interns. The first follows instructions to the letter—compiling research, scheduling social media posts, and managing your calendar. The second completes the same tasks but takes it a step further—finding additional research sources, streamlining the social media workflow, and proactively suggesting optimal meeting times based on past interactions and behaviors. These two interns, with their overlapping but distinct capabilities, capture the essence of automation versus AI. Both liberate users from tedious manual work, but only one, with its built-in autonomy, is changing the nature of how we interact with technology. At Jotform, we’ve incorporated automation and AI into our daily processes—we also offer both types of solutions to users. Here’s how each serves a unique purpose—and how you can leverage them to work smarter. Automation versus AI I’m a strong proponent of automation. It’s the foundation of my career and my company. I even wrote a book about it—to show how automation can free people from the dull, repetitive parts of their jobs. But automation itself is nothing new. Over a century ago, Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the moving assembly line, cutting production time for the Model T from 12 hours to just 90 minutes. That was mechanical automation—a system designed to streamline repetitive tasks. The 21st century brought a similar revolution to knowledge work. If you break down your daily workflows, you’ll likely find parts that can be automated using the right tools or technology. Take a reporter covering breaking news: instead of manually checking for updates every half hour, she sets up Google Alerts to track developments in real-time. Or consider a recruiter: rather than sifting through thousands of applications, they use a tool like Harver to automatically screen candidates based on preset criteria, bringing the most promising applicants to the fore. When I published my book in 2023, we were only beginning to grasp AI’s potential. Fast-forward to today, and tools like ChatGPT have evolved dramatically—excelling in speed, accuracy, memory, and multimodal capabilities. Automation executes tasks. AI mimics human thinking and reasoning. AI doesn’t just follow instructions; it reasons, adapts, and makes decisions. And now, AI agents are taking things a step further—operating autonomously, dynamically reasoning through complex situations, and acting without human intervention. I like the analogy Google used in a recent white paper: agents are like chefs—gathering ingredients, planning a dish, and making adjustments as they cook. I would add that automation is like a line cook—highly efficient, but following instructions rather than innovating. In today’s workplace, automation and AI complement each other. The real power comes in knowing when to use which. Leveraging their strengths Painting with broad strokes, automation tools are ideal for repetitive tasks that require clear, rule-based actions. For instance, you can set an automation tool to redirect any email containing “X” to a specific folder or flag any “X” security issue in a system for review by a human employee. Automation shines when it comes to tasks meant to be executed consistently and without variation. AI tools, on the other hand, can add a human-like reasoning element to a task or workflow. It’s ideal for situations that require dynamic responses. For example, imagine an AI agent that doesn’t just transcribe your meetings, but also provides a personalized recap, compiles action items, and even drafts follow-up emails—all tailored to your role in the organization or meeting. While executing tasks, the agent applies judgment and adapts as it goes. The beauty of agents, the latest advance in AI, is the power to design them based on your unique needs and circumstances. For instance, I wanted an AI agent to help wrangle my email inbox, so I built one according to my personal goals: parsing out spam, flagging time-sensitive messages, and redirecting items to read later. That way, I can check email twice or three times a day, knowing I’ll be alerted about any urgent messages. I redirect my focus to more impactful work that requires deep focus. So, is AI always the best option? Not necessarily. Consider it like using a laser cutter for a task that a pair of scissors could handle perfectly well. Sometimes, the added investment in AI tools isn’t justified when simpler automation will do the trick. It starts with mapping out your workflows and deciding which type of task you’d like to delegate—whether it requires mere execution or a higher level of judgment and reasoning. Final thoughts Automation and AI are two sides of the same coin—offloading work that doesn’t require your direct involvement and recapturing more time for meaningful tasks involving creativity and strategic thinking. By removing boring, tedious work from your plate, they also serve in the battle against burnout, which has become all too common in a world obsessed with busyness. The key is knowing when to use each. If automation improves your efficiency, AI tools can boost your reasoning and decision-making. Combined, AI and automation don’t just save time; they change how we approach work. View the full article

Netflix fared better than analysts anticipated during the first three months of the year, signaling the world’s largest video streaming service is still thriving as President Donald The President’s policies cast a pall on the economy. The numbers released Thursday indicated Netflix is still building on the momentum that enabled it to add 41 million worldwide subscribers last year—the biggest annual gain in the company’s 27-year history. But it’s unclear precisely how many more subscribers Netflix picked up during the January-March period because this report marks the first time that that the Los Gatos, California, company hasn’t provided a quarterly update on its total subscribers. Netflix announced last year it would no longer report subscriber numbers beginning with this quarter as the company seeks to shift investors’ focus to its profits after topping 300 million global subscribers in December. As part of that emphasis, Netflix is working to sell more advertising to supplement subscription dollars. Netflix’s sharper focus on its finances paid off in this year’s first quarter with earnings of $2.9 billion, or $6.61 per share, a 24% increase from from the same time last year. Revenue climbed 13% from the same time last year to $10.54 billion. Both numbers exceeded forecasts compiled by FactSet Research. Without providing details, Netflix cited ongoing subscriber growth as the main reason for its strong start this year. The robust growth came against a background of economic chaos and The President’s fluctuating trade war. The tech industry has been hit particularly hard by the sweeping tariffs that The President unveiled April 2 because so many bellwether companies rely on international supply chains that have been provided some relief by temporary freezes and exemptions from the fees. But Netflix’s global streaming service hasn’t been touched by The President’s tariffs yet, making the company a notable exception that has enabled its stock price to increase 9% so far this year, while the market values of most other major tech companies have plummeted. “Netflix remains a standout in an otherwise volatile tech landscape,” said Andrew Rocco, a who tracks the stock market for Zacks Investment Research. The company’s shares rose nearly 3% in extended trading after its report came out. The trade war could still hurt Netflix if it triggers a recession or fuels inflationary pressures as many economists fear. In those scenarios, more consumers may curtail their discretionary spending on entertainment. The economic volatility could also result in a slowdown in advertising to the detriment of Netflix’s efforts to sell more commercials for a low-priced version of its streaming service that accounted for most of its last year’s subscriber growth. “We’re paying close attention clearly to the consumer sentiment and where the broader economy is moving,” Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said during a Thursday conference call. “But based on what we are seeing by actually operating the business right now, there’s nothing really significant to note.” Peters also said Netflix’s low-cost option, currently priced at $8 per month in the U.S., should help insulate its video streaming service if households start tightening their belts. In a sign of its confidence, Netflix reaffirmed its previous prediction for annual revenue of roughly $44 billion, up 13% from 2024. “Historically in tougher economies, home entertainment value is really important to consumer households,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted during the conference call. —Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Blogging Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of blogging, including its purpose and the various types of blogs, to tailor your content strategy effectively. Choose Your Niche: Select a niche that aligns with your passions and expertise, and identify your target audience to create valuable content that resonates with readers. Pick the Right Platform: Evaluate blogging platforms for customization, ease of use, and support features to establish a professional online presence. Create Quality Content: Focus on producing engaging and well-researched articles that provide valuable insights, utilizing storytelling and visuals to captivate your audience. Promote Your Blog: Leverage social media and build an email list to enhance visibility, engage with your readers, and drive traffic to your blog. Maintain Consistency: Establish a consistent posting schedule and analyze performance metrics to refine your strategy and support your blogging goals. Starting your own blog can be an exciting adventure. Whether you want to share your passions, connect with like-minded individuals, or even make some extra income, blogging offers endless possibilities. But where do you begin? Understanding the Basics of Blogging Blogging presents a valuable opportunity to connect with your target audience and share insights about your small business or passion. Understanding the essentials of blogging equips you to create content that attracts and retains readers. What Is a Blog? A blog is an online platform where you share articles, updates, and thoughts on various topics. It serves as a digital space for your small business to engage with customers, showcase expertise, and enhance your online presence. Blogs can shape your brand and inform your audience, encouraging loyalty and building relationships. Different Types of Blogs Recognizing the types of blogs helps you determine the best approach for your small business. Here are common blog types: Personal Blogs: Focus on individual experiences or insights, often reflecting personal journeys or interests. Business Blogs: Promote products or services while providing industry knowledge. These blogs help establish authority and drive traffic through SEO. Niche Blogs: Concentrate on specific topics, allowing you to build a community around shared interests. Targeting a specific audience enhances engagement and loyalty. Guest Blogs: Feature contributions from various writers, broadening perspectives and attracting diverse audiences, while leveraging existing networks. By understanding these blog types, you can tailor your content strategy to effectively communicate with your readers and support your overall business objectives. Essential Tips for Starting Your Own Blog Starting your own blog offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with your target audience and share your business insights. Here are some essential tips to consider during your blogging journey. Choosing Your Niche Define Your Passion and Expertise: Select a niche that reflects your personal interests and professional knowledge. Focusing on what you know will foster authentic engagement and provide unique insights that resonate with your audience. Identify Your Audience: Pinpoint your target audience’s needs and interests. Understanding their challenges helps create content that adds value and drives reader engagement. Use tools like market research to refine your audience profile. Narrow Down Your Theme: Choose a specific topic within your niche. Specializing can establish your authority and improve search engine rankings, benefiting your overall visibility. Consider Your Goals: Determine what you want from your blog. Whether you aim to educate aspiring entrepreneurs, share small business strategies, or promote your products, clarity in your objectives will guide your content direction. Selecting a Blogging Platform Evaluate Your Options: Review various blogging platforms such as WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. Consider each platform’s features, user-friendliness, and compatibility with e-commerce functionalities. Assess Customization Capabilities: Look for platforms that allow extensive customization. Customizable themes enable branding that aligns with your business identity, giving your blog a professional look. Support and Resources: Choose a platform that provides adequate support and resources. Quality tutorials, community forums, and customer service can help you navigate technical challenges. Picking a Domain Name Reflect Your Brand: Select a domain name that embodies your business identity and purpose. A clear domain helps with branding and attracts your target audience effectively. Keep It Simple: Opt for a straightforward and memorable domain name. Avoid excessive words or phrases; a concise name is easier for customers to remember and type into their browsers. Check Availability: Use domain registration sites to ensure your chosen name isn’t already taken. Securing a unique domain enhances your brand’s credibility and search engine ranking. Following these essential tips will set a solid foundation for your blog, making it easier to connect with your audience and promote your small business effectively. Creating Engaging Content Creating engaging content is essential for appealing to your target audience and fostering strong connections. Quality content resonates with readers, retains their interest, and drives them to take action. Importance of Quality Content Quality content stands as the foundation of a successful blog. It provides value to your audiences, like insights into specific aspects of small business planning or market research. Focusing on factual information enhances credibility and fosters trust. You attract and retain loyal readers by delivering well-researched articles, covering essential topics such as funding options and business models. Quality includes accurate information, clear messaging, and practical examples that your audience can directly apply to their entrepreneurial journey. Tips for Writing Blog Posts Writing effective blog posts involves several key practices: Use Headers and Sub-headers: Organize content purposefully with relevant headings. Header organization boosts readability and helps readers find what they need quickly. Write for Your Audience: Tailor every post to your target audience’s needs. Understanding their pain points and interests allows you to create relevant content that aligns with their business goals. Tell a Story: Utilize storytelling to keep the audience engaged. Share experiences, success stories, or lessons learned in your entrepreneurial ventures that resonate with readers. Be Clear and Concise: Aim for lucidity, ensuring every sentence conveys necessary information without unnecessary fluff. Short sentences maintain reader focus. Use Great Sources: Support your arguments with credible sources. Incorporate statistics, case studies, or expert quotes related to business growth, customer service, or marketing strategies to enhance your blog’s authority. Optimize for SEO: Integrate keywords naturally, aiming for search engine optimization. Include relevant terms like “market research,” “business model,” or “digital marketing” to improve discoverability. Engage with Visuals: Include images, infographics, or charts that visually represent data. Visuals break up text and provide additional ways to engage with your content. By applying these tips, you enhance your ability to create meaningful and engaging content that resonates with readers and fosters growth for your small business blogging endeavors. Promoting Your Blog Promoting your blog effectively enhances visibility and drives traffic. Successful promotion involves utilizing social media and building an email list. Utilizing Social Media Utilizing social media platforms expands your reach and engages your target audience. Leverage popular social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share blog posts and interact with readers. Create visually appealing posts that include images, infographics, or videos to capture attention. Use relevant hashtags to improve discoverability, making it easier for potential readers to find your content. Engaging with followers through comments and messages fosters community and encourages readers to share your blog further, which supports customer acquisition. Building an Email List Building an email list allows direct communication with your audience. Offer valuable content, such as exclusive tips or downloadable resources, to incentivize sign-ups. Use tools like opt-in forms and landing pages to capture visitor information easily. Send regular newsletters featuring your latest blog posts along with useful resources to keep your audience engaged. Personalize your emails to strengthen connections and encourage readers to share your blog with their networks. Combining these strategies supports long-term engagement and enhances your blog’s growth potential. Maintaining Your Blog You must maintain a consistent blogging schedule to support your small business’s online presence. Here are key strategies to achieve that. Consistency Is Key Consistency plays a crucial role in your blog’s success. Here are steps to ensure you maintain a steady posting schedule: Define Your Consistency: Establish a clear definition of what consistency means for your blog. This could be posting twice a week, once a week, or monthly. Setting realistic goals prevents burnout. Make a Commitment: Decide on a specific posting schedule. Write down your commitment and mark it in your calendar. Treat your blog schedule like an important business appointment. Create a Content Calendar: Develop a content calendar to plan your posts well in advance. This ensures you’re organized and eliminates the challenge of facing a blank page when it’s time to publish. Analyzing Performance Metrics Analyzing performance metrics enhances your blog’s effectiveness. Focus on the following aspects: Traffic Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track visitors and their behavior on your blog. Understanding which posts attract the most traffic guides future content strategy. Engagement Metrics: Monitor comments, shares, and likes on your posts. High engagement rates signify that your content resonates with your target audience, crucial for your customer acquisition strategies. SEO Performance: Regularly analyze your blog’s SEO metrics. Check keyword rankings, backlinks, and click-through rates to optimize visibility. Effective SEO practices enhance your overall digital marketing efforts. Conversion Rates: Keep track of how many readers take desired actions, such as signing up for your email list or purchasing products. Tying blog performance to your sales funnel helps assess and refine your blogging strategy. Utilizing these techniques ensures your blog effectively supports your small business goals, builds your brand, and improves customer engagement. Conclusion Starting your own blog can be a rewarding venture that opens doors to new opportunities. By following the tips outlined in this article you can create a blog that not only reflects your passions but also engages your audience effectively. Remember to focus on quality content and consistent posting to build trust and credibility with your readers. Utilize social media and email marketing to promote your blog and foster a community around your brand. Lastly keep track of your performance metrics to continually refine your strategies. With dedication and the right approach your blog can thrive and support your small business goals. Frequently Asked Questions What is a blog? A blog is an online platform where individuals or businesses share articles, updates, and insights on various topics. It allows users to connect with their audience, express interests, and foster customer loyalty through consistent content updates. How do I start a blog? To start a blog, choose a niche that reflects your interests, select a blogging platform, and pick a memorable domain name. Define your target audience, narrow down your theme, and have a solid plan for creating engaging content. What are the different types of blogs? Different types of blogs include personal blogs, business blogs, niche blogs, and guest blogs. Understanding these types helps tailor content strategies, engaging your readers effectively while meeting specific business objectives. Why is content quality important in blogging? Quality content is crucial for attracting and retaining readers. It builds credibility and trust, enhances engagement, and provides value. Well-researched, organized, and clear content resonates with the audience, supporting your blogging goals. How can I promote my blog? Promote your blog using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Create visually appealing posts, use relevant hashtags, and engage with your audience. Building an email list for newsletters can also enhance communication and retain readers. How often should I blog? Maintaining a consistent blogging schedule is vital for building an audience and enhancing your online presence. Define what consistency means for you, commit to a specific posting frequency, and create a content calendar to stay organized. What metrics should I analyze for my blog? Analyze performance metrics such as traffic analytics, engagement rates, SEO performance, and conversion rates. These insights help assess your blog’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement to meet your business goals. How do I choose a domain name? Choose a domain name that reflects your brand, is easy to remember, and is available for registration. Aim for simplicity and relevance to your content, which aids in building a strong online presence and attracting your target audience. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Tips to Start Your Own Blog and Connect with Your Audience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Blogging Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of blogging, including its purpose and the various types of blogs, to tailor your content strategy effectively. Choose Your Niche: Select a niche that aligns with your passions and expertise, and identify your target audience to create valuable content that resonates with readers. Pick the Right Platform: Evaluate blogging platforms for customization, ease of use, and support features to establish a professional online presence. Create Quality Content: Focus on producing engaging and well-researched articles that provide valuable insights, utilizing storytelling and visuals to captivate your audience. Promote Your Blog: Leverage social media and build an email list to enhance visibility, engage with your readers, and drive traffic to your blog. Maintain Consistency: Establish a consistent posting schedule and analyze performance metrics to refine your strategy and support your blogging goals. Starting your own blog can be an exciting adventure. Whether you want to share your passions, connect with like-minded individuals, or even make some extra income, blogging offers endless possibilities. But where do you begin? Understanding the Basics of Blogging Blogging presents a valuable opportunity to connect with your target audience and share insights about your small business or passion. Understanding the essentials of blogging equips you to create content that attracts and retains readers. What Is a Blog? A blog is an online platform where you share articles, updates, and thoughts on various topics. It serves as a digital space for your small business to engage with customers, showcase expertise, and enhance your online presence. Blogs can shape your brand and inform your audience, encouraging loyalty and building relationships. Different Types of Blogs Recognizing the types of blogs helps you determine the best approach for your small business. Here are common blog types: Personal Blogs: Focus on individual experiences or insights, often reflecting personal journeys or interests. Business Blogs: Promote products or services while providing industry knowledge. These blogs help establish authority and drive traffic through SEO. Niche Blogs: Concentrate on specific topics, allowing you to build a community around shared interests. Targeting a specific audience enhances engagement and loyalty. Guest Blogs: Feature contributions from various writers, broadening perspectives and attracting diverse audiences, while leveraging existing networks. By understanding these blog types, you can tailor your content strategy to effectively communicate with your readers and support your overall business objectives. Essential Tips for Starting Your Own Blog Starting your own blog offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with your target audience and share your business insights. Here are some essential tips to consider during your blogging journey. Choosing Your Niche Define Your Passion and Expertise: Select a niche that reflects your personal interests and professional knowledge. Focusing on what you know will foster authentic engagement and provide unique insights that resonate with your audience. Identify Your Audience: Pinpoint your target audience’s needs and interests. Understanding their challenges helps create content that adds value and drives reader engagement. Use tools like market research to refine your audience profile. Narrow Down Your Theme: Choose a specific topic within your niche. Specializing can establish your authority and improve search engine rankings, benefiting your overall visibility. Consider Your Goals: Determine what you want from your blog. Whether you aim to educate aspiring entrepreneurs, share small business strategies, or promote your products, clarity in your objectives will guide your content direction. Selecting a Blogging Platform Evaluate Your Options: Review various blogging platforms such as WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. Consider each platform’s features, user-friendliness, and compatibility with e-commerce functionalities. Assess Customization Capabilities: Look for platforms that allow extensive customization. Customizable themes enable branding that aligns with your business identity, giving your blog a professional look. Support and Resources: Choose a platform that provides adequate support and resources. Quality tutorials, community forums, and customer service can help you navigate technical challenges. Picking a Domain Name Reflect Your Brand: Select a domain name that embodies your business identity and purpose. A clear domain helps with branding and attracts your target audience effectively. Keep It Simple: Opt for a straightforward and memorable domain name. Avoid excessive words or phrases; a concise name is easier for customers to remember and type into their browsers. Check Availability: Use domain registration sites to ensure your chosen name isn’t already taken. Securing a unique domain enhances your brand’s credibility and search engine ranking. Following these essential tips will set a solid foundation for your blog, making it easier to connect with your audience and promote your small business effectively. Creating Engaging Content Creating engaging content is essential for appealing to your target audience and fostering strong connections. Quality content resonates with readers, retains their interest, and drives them to take action. Importance of Quality Content Quality content stands as the foundation of a successful blog. It provides value to your audiences, like insights into specific aspects of small business planning or market research. Focusing on factual information enhances credibility and fosters trust. You attract and retain loyal readers by delivering well-researched articles, covering essential topics such as funding options and business models. Quality includes accurate information, clear messaging, and practical examples that your audience can directly apply to their entrepreneurial journey. Tips for Writing Blog Posts Writing effective blog posts involves several key practices: Use Headers and Sub-headers: Organize content purposefully with relevant headings. Header organization boosts readability and helps readers find what they need quickly. Write for Your Audience: Tailor every post to your target audience’s needs. Understanding their pain points and interests allows you to create relevant content that aligns with their business goals. Tell a Story: Utilize storytelling to keep the audience engaged. Share experiences, success stories, or lessons learned in your entrepreneurial ventures that resonate with readers. Be Clear and Concise: Aim for lucidity, ensuring every sentence conveys necessary information without unnecessary fluff. Short sentences maintain reader focus. Use Great Sources: Support your arguments with credible sources. Incorporate statistics, case studies, or expert quotes related to business growth, customer service, or marketing strategies to enhance your blog’s authority. Optimize for SEO: Integrate keywords naturally, aiming for search engine optimization. Include relevant terms like “market research,” “business model,” or “digital marketing” to improve discoverability. Engage with Visuals: Include images, infographics, or charts that visually represent data. Visuals break up text and provide additional ways to engage with your content. By applying these tips, you enhance your ability to create meaningful and engaging content that resonates with readers and fosters growth for your small business blogging endeavors. Promoting Your Blog Promoting your blog effectively enhances visibility and drives traffic. Successful promotion involves utilizing social media and building an email list. Utilizing Social Media Utilizing social media platforms expands your reach and engages your target audience. Leverage popular social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share blog posts and interact with readers. Create visually appealing posts that include images, infographics, or videos to capture attention. Use relevant hashtags to improve discoverability, making it easier for potential readers to find your content. Engaging with followers through comments and messages fosters community and encourages readers to share your blog further, which supports customer acquisition. Building an Email List Building an email list allows direct communication with your audience. Offer valuable content, such as exclusive tips or downloadable resources, to incentivize sign-ups. Use tools like opt-in forms and landing pages to capture visitor information easily. Send regular newsletters featuring your latest blog posts along with useful resources to keep your audience engaged. Personalize your emails to strengthen connections and encourage readers to share your blog with their networks. Combining these strategies supports long-term engagement and enhances your blog’s growth potential. Maintaining Your Blog You must maintain a consistent blogging schedule to support your small business’s online presence. Here are key strategies to achieve that. Consistency Is Key Consistency plays a crucial role in your blog’s success. Here are steps to ensure you maintain a steady posting schedule: Define Your Consistency: Establish a clear definition of what consistency means for your blog. This could be posting twice a week, once a week, or monthly. Setting realistic goals prevents burnout. Make a Commitment: Decide on a specific posting schedule. Write down your commitment and mark it in your calendar. Treat your blog schedule like an important business appointment. Create a Content Calendar: Develop a content calendar to plan your posts well in advance. This ensures you’re organized and eliminates the challenge of facing a blank page when it’s time to publish. Analyzing Performance Metrics Analyzing performance metrics enhances your blog’s effectiveness. Focus on the following aspects: Traffic Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track visitors and their behavior on your blog. Understanding which posts attract the most traffic guides future content strategy. Engagement Metrics: Monitor comments, shares, and likes on your posts. High engagement rates signify that your content resonates with your target audience, crucial for your customer acquisition strategies. SEO Performance: Regularly analyze your blog’s SEO metrics. Check keyword rankings, backlinks, and click-through rates to optimize visibility. Effective SEO practices enhance your overall digital marketing efforts. Conversion Rates: Keep track of how many readers take desired actions, such as signing up for your email list or purchasing products. Tying blog performance to your sales funnel helps assess and refine your blogging strategy. Utilizing these techniques ensures your blog effectively supports your small business goals, builds your brand, and improves customer engagement. Conclusion Starting your own blog can be a rewarding venture that opens doors to new opportunities. By following the tips outlined in this article you can create a blog that not only reflects your passions but also engages your audience effectively. Remember to focus on quality content and consistent posting to build trust and credibility with your readers. Utilize social media and email marketing to promote your blog and foster a community around your brand. Lastly keep track of your performance metrics to continually refine your strategies. With dedication and the right approach your blog can thrive and support your small business goals. Frequently Asked Questions What is a blog? A blog is an online platform where individuals or businesses share articles, updates, and insights on various topics. It allows users to connect with their audience, express interests, and foster customer loyalty through consistent content updates. How do I start a blog? To start a blog, choose a niche that reflects your interests, select a blogging platform, and pick a memorable domain name. Define your target audience, narrow down your theme, and have a solid plan for creating engaging content. What are the different types of blogs? Different types of blogs include personal blogs, business blogs, niche blogs, and guest blogs. Understanding these types helps tailor content strategies, engaging your readers effectively while meeting specific business objectives. Why is content quality important in blogging? Quality content is crucial for attracting and retaining readers. It builds credibility and trust, enhances engagement, and provides value. Well-researched, organized, and clear content resonates with the audience, supporting your blogging goals. How can I promote my blog? Promote your blog using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Create visually appealing posts, use relevant hashtags, and engage with your audience. Building an email list for newsletters can also enhance communication and retain readers. How often should I blog? Maintaining a consistent blogging schedule is vital for building an audience and enhancing your online presence. Define what consistency means for you, commit to a specific posting frequency, and create a content calendar to stay organized. What metrics should I analyze for my blog? Analyze performance metrics such as traffic analytics, engagement rates, SEO performance, and conversion rates. These insights help assess your blog’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement to meet your business goals. How do I choose a domain name? Choose a domain name that reflects your brand, is easy to remember, and is available for registration. Aim for simplicity and relevance to your content, which aids in building a strong online presence and attracting your target audience. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Tips to Start Your Own Blog and Connect with Your Audience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Maybe you've treated yourself to a brand new MacBook Air, or maybe you want to factory reset your iMac—either to sell it on or wipe all the digital detritus off the system. Whatever the reason you're setting up a new Mac, these are the steps you'll need to follow. Apple has continually streamlined this process over the years, and with the rollout of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4 Sequoia, it's now easier than ever: If you've got an iPhone or iPad available, it can take care of some of the setup process for you. First, you'll see a hello message, in a cycling selection of languages: Click Get Started, then choose the language you want macOS to use, and your country or region. With that done, you can then customize the accessibility settings built into macOS, if you need them, to complete the rest of the setup process. This is the biggest choice you have to make in the setup process. Credit: Apple The all-important step of connecting to wifi is next, and once you've chosen a network and entered the password for it, you'll get the opportunity to download any software updates available for macOS—which is recommended, to make sure you have the latest bug fixes and security patches installed. You can choose whether or not you want to transfer data to your new Mac as part of the setup process. The top option, From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk, is the one to go for if you want your new Mac to look as much like your old Mac as possible: If you're upgrading Macs and the old one is still available to you, you'll be prompted to launch the Migration Assistant on both computers to copy your user account over. Then there's From a Windows PC, which sticks to data like contacts, calendars, email accounts—if you're switching from Windows to macOS, this can help the process run more smoothly. Again, you'll be taken step by step through the procedure, which includes getting Migration Assistant set up on Windows as well as macOS. Bring your iPhone close to your Mac to see a prompt to connect. Credit: Apple The third option here is Set up with iPhone or iPad, which is the new feature that's just been added. It transfers data such as wifi logins, and your appearance and accessibility customizations, as well as access to your iCloud account. Pick this option, bring your iPhone or iPad close to your Mac, and you should see a prompt on the mobile device. Tap Continue to confirm. A glowing blue orb shows up on your Mac screen, which you then need to fit inside the camera viewfinder on your iPhone or iPad, and then the link is established. You still need to go through a few more setup steps after this, but it does save you a few minutes. The fourth and final option on the transfer data dialog is Set up as new, which I actually prefer: It gives you a clean and fresh installation of macOS, and it means you can slowly move over your data and accounts bit by bit, as needed. With this option, you'll avoid moving any clutter from your old Mac or other Apple devices over to your new computer. You'll need to set up a new user account for macOS. Credit: Apple With your data transfer option chosen, you're then required to enter a username and password to use on your Mac, which is separate from your Apple account. Click the box underneath your password hint to make sure you can always get into this Mac with your Apple account credentials, should you ever forget your Mac credentials. Next, you're prompted to sign into your Apple account to get all your iCloud data synced and in place—unless you've used the iPhone or iPad shortcut, in which case the Mac already knows who you are. After that, you need to set the various permissions for macOS, including location services, device analytics, and Siri access. Almost there—but there are still a few more dialogs to work through. When it comes to these features, you can opt to set them up straight away or later on. First, there's Apple Intelligence, such as it is—right now on macOS, you're looking at features such as Writing Tools, the Image Playground app, and the ChatGPT extension to Siri. If you've used an iPhone or iPad, you'll be logged into iCloud automatically. Credit: Apple Next up, you've got FileVault Disk Encryption and Touch ID (your Mac is much more secure if you turn both of these on), followed by Apple Pay, if you want to use new or previously registered payment cards to make purchases on your Mac. After that, you're just about done: Click Continue on the Welcome to Mac screen, and you're good to go. The process is straightforward enough that you can consider resetting your Mac every so often to keep unnecessary junk data down to a minimum, and ensure everything stays running as quickly as possible. If you ever want to reset your Mac and go through the setup process again (making sure your data is safely backed up first), open System Settings from the main Apple menu, then choose General > Transfer or Reset. Once you get into macOS proper, you can start making it your own again. For me, that means removing almost everything from the dock and hiding it from view, and changing the trackpad scrolling direction so it's the right way up—but your mileage will vary. View the full article

Meta founder’s antitrust defence rests on showing that TikTok is rapidly expanding in his main market View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’ve been eyeing premium wireless earbuds but don’t want to shell out big bucks, this deal on the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds might catch your attention. Originally priced at $279.95, they’re now going for $89.99 on Woot—but only for two weeks or until they're sold out. Plus, Prime members get free standard shipping, while others will have to pay $6 (just a heads up—this sale is only available in the contiguous U.S., and free shipping isn’t available for Alaska, Hawaii, or PO boxes). You also get a two-year Sennheiser manufacturer's limited warranty, so there’s some peace of mind if anything goes wrong. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Earbuds $89.99 at Woot $279.95 Save $189.96 Get Deal Get Deal $89.99 at Woot $279.95 Save $189.96 These IPX4-rated earbuds come with four pairs of ear tips (XS to L) and three sets of stability fins, which help keep them in place, especially if you plan to use them at the gym. The controls are built into the capacitive outer panels of each earbud and are said to be quite responsive. That said, the touch controls can be a bit too sensitive—accidentally pausing or skipping tracks when you’re just adjusting the earbuds is a common issue. Battery-wise, you get seven hours per charge with an extra 21 hours from the case (decent, but expect less if ANC is on). Charging is convenient since the case supports both Qi wireless charging and USB-C. Its Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility ensures a stable connection while its 7mm dynamic drivers cover a wide frequency range of 5Hz to 21kHz, delivering deep bass without distortion, clear mids, and balanced highs. The sound quality is impressive with AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive, and SBC supported (which should work well for most users), but audiophiles might notice the absence of LDAC support. Active noise cancellation (ANC) here is solid but not the best. It handles low rumbles (like plane noise) well but struggles with higher-frequency sounds (like chatter and clanking dishes), as noted in this PCMag review. You can tweak the EQ, adjust ANC settings, customize touch controls, and more using the Sennheiser Smart App. If water resistance is a priority, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro (Renewed, $129) offers a higher IP57 rating, making it more durable against dust and water. And if you’re after stronger ANC, the Sony WF-1000XM4 (Renewed, $134.99) might be a better pick. View the full article

Donald The President has stepped up his attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the same time that the Supreme Court is considering a case that could make it easier for the president to fire him. The developments are occurring against a backdrop of wider turmoil in the economy and financial markets, brought on by The President’s sweeping taxes on imports. Most economists worry that an assault on the Fed’s longstanding independence from politics would further disrupt markets and add to the uncertainty enveloping the economy. In comments at the White House Thursday, The President suggested he has the power to remove Powell and criticized him for not aggressively cutting interest rates. “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me,” The President said. “I’m not happy with him.” All the scrutiny threatens the Fed’s venerated independence, which has long been supported by most economists and Wall Street investors. Here are some questions and answers about the Fed. Why does the Fed’s independence matter? The Fed wields extensive power over the U.S. economy. By cutting the short-term interest rate it controls — which it typically does when the economy falters — the Fed can make borrowing cheaper and encourage more spending, accelerating growth and hiring. When it raises the rate — which it does to cool the economy and combat inflation — it can weaken the economy and cause job losses. Economists have long preferred independent central banks because they can more easily take unpopular steps to fight inflation, such as raise interest rates, which makes borrowing to buy a home, car, or appliance more expensive. The importance of an independent Fed was cemented for most economists after the extended inflation spike of the 1970s and early 1980s. Former Fed Chair Arthur Burns has been widely blamed for allowing the painful inflation of that era to accelerate by succumbing to pressure from President Richard Nixon to keep rates low heading into the 1972 election. Nixon feared higher rates would cost him the election, which he won in a landslide. Paul Volcker was eventually appointed chair of the Fed in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, and he pushed the Fed’s short-term rate to the stunningly high level of nearly 20%. (It is currently 4.3%). The eye-popping rates triggered a sharp recession, pushed unemployment to nearly 11%, and spurred widespread protests. Yet Volcker didn’t flinch. By the mid-1980s, inflation had fallen back into the low single digits. Volcker’s willingness to inflict pain on the economy to throttle inflation is seen by most economists as a key example of the value of an independent Fed. What do Wall Street investors think? An effort to fire Powell would almost certainly cause stock prices to fall and bond yields to spike higher, pushing up interest rates on government debt and raising borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debt. Most investors prefer an independent Fed, partly because it typically manages inflation better without being influenced by politics but also because its decisions are more predictable. Fed officials often publicly discuss how they would alter interest rate policies if economic conditions changed. If the Fed was more swayed by politics, it would be harder for financial markets to anticipate — or understand — its decisions. So does that mean the Fed is completely unaccountable? Well, no. Fed chairs like Powell are appointed by the president to serve four-year terms, and have to be confirmed by the Senate. The president also appoints the six other members of the Fed’s governing board, who can serve staggered terms of up to 14 years, though most governors leave before the end of their terms. Those appointments can allow a president over time to significantly alter the Fed’s policies. Former president Joe Biden appointed five of the current seven members: Powell, Lisa Cook, Philip Jefferson, Adriana Kugler, and Michael Barr. As a result, The President will have fewer opportunities to make appointments. He will be able to replace Kugler, who filled an unexpired term ending Jan. 31, 2026. Congress, meanwhile, can set the Fed’s goals through legislation. In 1977, for example, Congress gave the Fed a “dual mandate” to keep prices stable and seek maximum employment. The Fed defines stable prices as inflation at 2%. The 1977 law also requires the Fed chair to testify before the House and Senate twice every year about the economy and interest rate policy. But can the president fire Powell? Powell says the law establishing the Fed does not allow a president to fire a chair except for cause. There is some complication in that Powell was separately appointed as a member of the Fed’s board of governors, and then elevated to the position of chair — by The President, in 2017. Most legal scholars agree that The President can’t fire Powell from the Fed’s board of governors, but there is less agreement over whether a president can remove him as chair. In January, Michael Barr, who was vice chair for supervision, stepped down from that post but remained on the board to avoid a potential legal clash over whether The President could fire him. Should The President try to fire Powell anyway, the ensuing fight would almost certainly end up at the Supreme Court. What could the Supreme Court do? We may get an early sign of how the Supreme Court would decide it this summer. There is already a case before the court on the issue of whether the president can fire top officials at independent agencies. The case stems from The President’s firings of two officials, one from the National Labor Relations Board and the other from an agency that protects workers from political interference. The Supreme Court last week let the firings stand while it considers the case. It could rule this summer that the president, as the head of the executive branch, could fire officials at any federal agency even if Congress had intended it to be independent. The case would overturn a 90-year old precedent known as Humphrey’s Executor, in which the court ruled that the president couldn’t fire such officials. Powell said Wednesday he is watching the case closely, adding that it might not apply to the Fed. Lawyers for the The President administration, seeking to narrow the focus of the case, have argued that it doesn’t involve the Fed. Both the The President administration and the Supreme Court justices have carved out exemptions for the Fed before. In February, the White House issued an executive order that placed several financial regulatory agencies, including the Fed and the Securities and Exchange Commission, more directly under the president’s control. Yet the order specifically exempted the Fed’s ability to set interest rates from that order. And in a case in 2023, Justice Samuel Alito said in a footnote that the Fed is a “unique institution with a unique historical background” that made it different than other independent bodies. If the court does give presidents more power over the heads of independent agencies, it could potentially exempt the Fed. —Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer View the full article

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the agency created to serve as a watchdog for American consumers against predatory business practices, said on Thursday it planned to dismiss as much as 90% of its remaining workforce, resuming mass firings less than a week after a federal court ruling granted the The President administration leeway in setting staff levels. Multiple agency sources said staff members had begun receiving formal notices on Thursday afternoon. A CFPB spokesperson confirmed the agency was moving to fire roughly 1,500 people across core divisions, including enforcement and supervision, leaving only 200 staff. Fox Business had earlier reported those numbers. The workforce action comes in the middle of legal action brought by an employee union and consumer advocates working to prevent what they said was the agency’s illegal destruction. In an emergency motion filed Thursday evening, lawyers for an employee union and consumer advocates told a federal judge the CFPB was flouting court orders requiring a “particularized assessment” prior to any such workforce reductions and that the agency retain enough staff to perform functions required by law. “It is unfathomable that cutting the Bureau’s staff by 90 percent in just 24 hours, with no notice to people to prepare for that elimination, would not ‘interfere with the performance’ of its statutory duties,” they said in the motion. According to one official notice seen by Reuters, the agency said the recipient’s dismissal would take effect in 60 days but that access to internal email systems and IT systems would be cut off on Friday evening. President Donald The President and billionaire adviser Elon Musk called earlier this year for the CFPB’s elimination, accusing it of politicized enforcement, and with a court hearing showing the administration’s initial goal was to shut the agency down entirely. However, administration officials subsequently said the CFPB would continue to exist in some form, noting that The President has nominated a new director. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Created after the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB is the sole federal agency with power to enforce consumer financial laws at nonbank institutions such as mortgage originators and payment services. The agency, long criticized by conservatives, has been facing an onslaught of firings and changes under President Donald The President. An appeals court last week partially reversed a decision handed down by a district court that ordered the administration to halt efforts to fire workers, scrap contracts and close offices. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who championed the creation of the CFPB, earlier this year said no one other than Congress could dismantle the agency and criticized Republican attempts to weaken the agency that has paid $21 billion in financial restitution to thousands of Americans. In a statement, Warren called the mass firings “yet another assault on consumers and our democracy by this lawless Administration.” (Additional reporting and writing by Pete Schroeder) —Douglas Gillison and Tim Reid, Reuters View the full article