ResidentialBusiness

Instax Smartphone Printer $79.95 at Amazon $111.95 Save $32.00 Shop Now Shop Now $79.95 at Amazon $111.95 Save $32.00 SEE -2 MORE At 22, I moved over 9,500 miles from my hometown of Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world—to Sweden to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science. Mid-way through my studies, I learned my mom had cancer and would have to go through treatment. With her birthday coming up, I knew I needed to visit home. What I didn't know was that a spontaneous purchase during an airport layover would lead to lasting memories. My itinerary had three connections each way. While on a layover in Rome, I spotted a small, white box in a tech store: an Instax Mini Link printer. My scientist brain screamed "no" at an impulse buy, but my heart, which had already booked a transcontinental flight, made the decision, and I bought it. The idea of capturing a moment and immediately holding it felt like an antidote to the digital distance I’d been feeling. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you, and for most of us, that’s our phone. An amazing weekendAfter 24 hours in the sky, knocking on my parents’ door felt surreal. We all burst into joyful tears, and for the next 48 hours, our agenda was packed: birthday party preparations, driving around town, and signing up for a local 3K race. The author and his mother at a race. Credit: Gérman Ceballos That weekend became one of the most emotional of my life. And through it all, that little printer became my partner in crime. Without telling my mom, I just kept taking and printing pictures of every single moment together. At her birthday party, I gave her the stack of photos. The printer wasn’t just a gadget, it was a tool for connection. In an age where our memories live on servers and are viewed through the cold glow of a screen, those small, tangible photos were a priceless gift. They were physical proof of our time together, something she could hold in her hand, put on her nightstand, or carry in her wallet. That tiny printer taught me a powerful lesson: The value of a photograph is in its presence. That pocket-sized printer transformed digital moments into lasting, physical artifacts, leaving behind not just files, but living memories. It was some of the best money I’ve ever spent, and if you're looking for a way to make memories with loved ones, consider packing this printer in your travel bag so you can turn photos you're already taking on your phone into keepsakes you'll continue to cherish. View the full article

My mom has been a master Chinese painter for over 40 years. I recently used AI to incorporate her art into physical gifts. If you want to achieve the same quality with a meaningful family photo, here's how you can utilize Adobe's new upscaling features to get the best results. For this process, I used Adobe Firefly and Photoshop. Adobe Firefly is Adobe's generative AI application, and the company released a phone app this summer to help you create on the go. If you're a total newbie to Firefly, you can just ask the app for help along the way. Photoshop, which has long been the gold standard for image editing, recently added an AI upscaling feature that can improve scanned photos or images with the click of a button. Here's how I did it. How I used Adobe AI features to make giftsI started by using Adobe Firefly to visualize my mom’s art on various products, including aprons, scarves, and even dresses. Seeing mockup options helped me decide on an apron as the perfect first piece. Next, I brought an image of an original painting into Photoshop and used the AI upscaling feature. Wearables require a much larger print size, and this step ensures every detail stays crisp and vibrant. I then uploaded the file to Printful, a print-on-demand platform. You can also use Printify or a different print-on-demand provider, as the process is nearly identical. In just a few clicks, the apron was ready to print and ship directly, and it was such a pleasure to see my mom wear her own artwork. With technology and AI, we’ve been able to take her creations beyond the canvas and share them with people everywhere, making every gift feel personal, meaningful, and timeless. If you want to tinker with AI this holiday season, this is one way to get some practice and make a thoughtful gift for a loved one along the way. View the full article

Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Best Buy Shop Now Shop Now $449.99 at Best Buy SEE -2 MORE Video games aren't just a leisurely pastime. For some, they're a way to connect with loved ones and relive nostalgic memories from childhood. I am one of those people. I pounced on the Nintendo Switch 2 when it came out earlier this year because I wanted something that felt familiar while living abroad. I've been a digital nomad for nearly ten years and currently live in Bangkok, Thailand, nearly 8,500 miles away from my six children and two grandchildren. The Switch 2 lets me play the latest games with my kids, which I love to do, even when the time change makes schedules wonky. It reminds me of when I bought them a Wii many years ago and the hours of fun we had as a family playing Wii Sports in the living room. It also reminds me of a deeper, older memory – one that's been on my mind more than ever before. The gift that changed my lifeI'm a first-generation American with a Kenyan mom and a stepfather from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Growing up, the emphasis in our home was on working hard, doing well in school, and not taking for granted the opportunities we had in America. That meant things like video games were frowned upon. The idea of having a video game system in our home was unthinkable to my immigrant parents. My parents worked hard to afford our lives and support family members back in Africa, so there wasn't a lot of spare money for gifts. Gifts were rare, even during the holidays; we were lucky to get a single gift. I was fine with not getting as many gifts or the types of games and tech that my friends got. I understood early that not everyone's life can be the same. When the PlayStation came out in 1994, however, that was the first time I really wanted a gift. I begged my mom every day leading up to Christmas, did extra work around the house, and ran errands, all while pleading for my mom to make an exception and let us have a video game system in the house. I established a set of self-governing rules for my brothers and me to follow, ensuring the game wouldn't interfere with our school work. The author, right, and one of his brothers in an old family photo. Credit: Kimanzi Constable That's why I cried every ounce of liquid out of my body on Christmas morning when there was a PlayStation and some games. My brother later had cancer, and my mom is battling late-stage cancer now. My mom can't talk much these days, but I can still talk to her. I often share with her the core memory of that gift and what it meant to me. The author and his mother. Credit: Kimanzi Constable Giving a similar gift to my childrenI wanted my kids to have the same kind of gaming console memory that I had when I was a kid. So in 2012, I gifted them a Nintendo Wii. We spent every night playing Wii Sports as a family, creating memories that my kids, now adults, recall often. I had to teach them how to take turns playing the Wii and how to play against each other without it becoming an all-out war when they won or lost a game. There were more than a few incidents when a controller found itself flying across the room. This author with some of his children and children-in-law. Credit: Kimanzi Constable Giving a similar gift to… myselfI started living abroad in 2021, and I'm fortunate that my family supports it. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife and I realized we wanted to live a more nomadic life and explore the world further. I had lost many family members to cancer, and I worried I might get cancer too, so I wanted to live life fully, both for myself and in memory of those I’ve lost. With our kids all out of the home, attending college and living adult lives, it felt like the right time. We sold everything, including our cars and home, and began traveling with no fixed home base. We became full-time digital nomads. I gave my adult children, who live together, my original Switch before I moved to Thailand, so they could play Switch Sports via Nintendo Online with me while I was in Thailand. I knew the Switch 2 was coming out before I moved, and that I would get one over here in Bangkok once I settled in. We get to relive the fun every time we log on, and it's a way to stay connected even though we're physically 8,500 miles apart. We coordinate our playtime: nighttime for them and morning for me, since Thailand is either 11 or 12 hours ahead of the Central time zone. Although the Switch 2 console is larger, I've still been able to fit it in my travel backpack and play it comfortably. I recently played Switch 2 on a three-hour car ride from Bangkok to Hua Hin, Thailand, and even played it on the beach at a resort in Hua Hin. I've used the built-in voice chat, the stable dock with a second USB-C port, and the larger, magnetically attaching Joy-Con 2s. Playing online is more fun with the upgraded Joy-Cons. The author after purchasing a Switch 2. Credit: Kimanzi Constable Tech gifts can rekindle old memories and create new onesI enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 so much that I'm buying a console for our two grandchildren, ages six and four. I know they'll have a similar reaction to the one I had when my mom got us a PlayStation, as my granddaughter has been begging me for a Switch 2. I want my grandkids to experience the fun I experience every day. Gaming consoles give me a way to channel nostalgia and nourish my soul, and what I've learned through travel is that I need a full soul to live sustainably as a digital nomad. As we get ready for another holiday season, it's okay for you to capture the nostalgia and buy yourself fun gifts, too. You no doubt have core memories of gifts you got as a child—perhaps there's an equivalent gift you can buy yourself as an adult, or something you can get for your children to build upon your own meaningful memories. 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. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Black Friday 2025 is a good time to look for gaming accessories, and I think the best overall deal you can get right now is on the Xbox wireless controller. I started using it in 2021, when I got my Xbox Series X, and I think it's probably the second-best controller for most people. I personally like the PS5's DualSense a little more, but that's not a dig on the Xbox controller at all. Especially when you look at the fact that the Xbox controller is about $15 cheaper than the PS5 alternative, it's a really smart move to get the cheaper option—you can use both with devices other than their respective consoles. Xbox Wireless Controller $40.00 at Amazon $65.00 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $40.00 at Amazon $65.00 Save $25.00 The Xbox wireless controller works with your Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile devices. It uses a pair of AA batteries for power. If you don't enjoy buying disposable batteries, you still have the option to buy rechargeable AA batteries or even pick long-lasting Lithium batteries. The controller also has a USB-C port and you can use it to connect the device to your console or PC to use it wired. I've had to use it as a wired controller a couple of times when the AA batteries ran out in the middle of a long online gaming session, and it worked fine. Do ensure that you use a good USB cable, though, or you risk frequent disconnections. When you're buying an Xbox wireless controller off Amazon, you have the option to choose the black color variant with a USB-C cable. The included USB-C cable is convenient, although other colors might not have one. Good cables are quite cheap and ubiquitous these days, so I'd rather get my favorite color rather than worry about which one ships with a cable. Still, it's worth looking at all your options, since they do differ in price, landing between $40 and $50. The Pulse Red color looks quite tempting to me, but you should pick the color that calls to you. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In recent weeks, OpenAI has faced seven lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to suicides or mental health breakdowns. In a recent conversation at the Innovation@Brown Showcase, Brown University’s Ellie Pavlick, director of a new institute dedicated to exploring AI and mental health, and Soraya Darabi of VC firm TMV, an early investor in mental health AI startups, discussed the controversial relationship between AI and mental health. Pavlick and Darabi weigh the pros and cons of applying AI to emotional well-being, from chatbot therapy to AI friends and romantic partners. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. A recent study showed that one of the major uses of ChatGPT for users is mental health, which makes a lot of people uneasy. Ellie, I want to start with you, the new institute that you direct known as ARIA, which stands for AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistance. It’s a consortium of experts from a bunch of universities backed by $20 million in National Science Foundation funding. So what is the goal of ARIA? What are you hoping it delivers? Why is it here? Pavlick: Mental health is something that is very, I would say I don’t even know if it’s polarizing. I think many people’s first reaction is negative, the concept of AI mental health. So as you can tell from the name, we didn’t actually start as a group that was trying to work on mental health. We were a group of researchers who were interested in the biggest, hardest problems with current AI technologies. What are the hardest things that people are trying to apply AI to that we don’t think the current technology is quite up for? And mental health came up and actually was originally taken off our list of things that we wanted to work on because it is so scary to think about if you get it wrong, how big the risks are. And then we came back to it exactly because of this. We basically realized that this is happening, people are already using it. There’s companies that are like startups, some of them probably doing a great job, some of them not. The truth is we actually have a hard time even being able to differentiate those right now. And then there are a ton of people just going to chatbots and using them as therapists. And so we’re like, the worst thing that could happen is we don’t actually have good scientific leadership around this. How do we decide what this technology can and can’t do? How do we evaluate these kinds of things? How do we build it safely in a way that we can trust? There’s questions like this. There’s a demand for answers, and the reality is most of them we just can’t answer right now. They depend on an understanding of the AI that we don’t yet have. An understanding of humans and mental health that we don’t yet have. A level of discourse that society isn’t up for. We don’t have the vocabulary, we don’t have the terms. There’s just a lot that we can’t do yet to make this happen the right way. So that’s what ARIA is trying to provide this public sector, academic kind of voice to help lead this discussion. That’s right. You’re not waiting for this data to come out or for the final, whatever academia might say, this consortium might say. You’re already investing in companies that do this. I know you’re an early stage investor in Slingshot AI, which delivers mental health support via the app Ash. Is Ash the kind of service that Ellie and her group should be wary about? What were you thinking about when you decided to make this investment? Darabi: Well, actually I’m not hearing that Ellie’s wary. I think she’s being really pragmatic and realistic. In broad brushstrokes, zooming back and talking about the sobering facts and the scale of this problem, one billion out of eight billion people struggle with some sort of mental health issue. Fewer than 50% of people seek out treatment, and then the people who do find the cost to be prohibitive. That recent study that you cited, it’s probably the one from the Harvard Business Review, which came out in March of this year, which studied use cases of ChatGPT and their analysis showed that the number one, four, and seven out of 10 use cases for foundational models broadly are therapy or mental health related. I mean, we’re talking about something that touches half of the planet. If you’re looking at investing with an ethical lens, there’s no greater TAM [total addressable market] than people who have a mental health disorder of some sort. We’ve known the Slingshot AI team, which is the largest foundational model for psychology, for over a decade. We’ve followed their careers. We think exceptionally highly of the advisory board and panel they put together. But I think what really led us down the rabbit hole of caring deeply enough about mental health and AI to frankly start a fund dedicated to it, and we did that in December of last year. It was really kind of going back to the fact that AI therapy is so stigmatized and people hear it and they immediately jump to the wrong conclusions. They jump to the hyperbolic examples of suicide. And yes, it’s terrible. There have been incidents of deep codependence upon ChatGPT or otherwise whereby young people in particular are susceptible to very scary things and yet those salacious headlines don’t represent the vast number of folks whom we think will be well-serviced by these technologies. You said this phrase, we kind of stumbled on [these] uses for ChatGPT. It’s not what it was created for and yet people love it for that. Darabi: It makes me think about 20 years ago when everybody was freaking out about the fact that kids were on video games all day, and now because of that we have Khan Academy and Duolingo. Fearmongering is good actually because it creates a precedent for the guardrails that I think are absolutely necessary for us to safeguard our children from anything that could be disastrous. But at the same time, if we run in fear, we’re just repeating history and it’s probably time to just embrace the snowball, which will become an avalanche in mere seconds. AI is going to be omnipresent everywhere. Everything that we see and touch will be in some way supercharged by AI. So if we’re not understanding it to our deepest capabilities, then we’re actually doing ourselves a great disservice. Pavlick: To this point of yeah, people are drawn to AI for this particular use case. So on our team in ARIA, we have a lot of computer scientists who build AI systems, but actually a lot of our teams do developmental psychology, core cognitive science, neuroscience. There are questions to say, why? The whys and the hows. What are people getting out of this? What need is it filling? I think this is a really important question to be asking soon. I think you’re completely right. Fearmongering has a positive role to play. You don’t want to get too caught on it and you can point historically to examples of people freaked out and it turned out okay. There’s also cases like social media, maybe people didn’t freak out enough and I would not say it turned out okay. People can agree to disagree and there’s plus and minuses, but the point is these aren’t questions that really we are in a position that we can start asking questions. You can’t do things perfectly, but you can run studies. You can say, “What is the process that’s happening? What is it like when someone’s talking to a chatbot? Is it similar to talking to a human? What is missing there? Is this going to be okay long-term? What about young people who are doing this in core developmental stages? What about somebody who’s in a state of acute psychological distress as opposed to as a general maintenance thing? What about somebody who’s struggling with substance abuse?” These are all different questions, they’re going to have different answers. Again, I feel very strongly that the one LLM that just is one interface for everything is, I think a lot is unknown, but I would bet that that’s not going to be the final thing that we’re going to want. View the full article

Just days before Thanksgiving, as Americans shop at supermarkets nationwide for their holiday meals, Ambriola Company, which makes some Boar’s Head products, has issued a recall for select pecorino romano cheese products due to possible contamination from listeria. Supreme Service Solutions LLC, also known as Supreme Deli, is assisting in the Class I recall. There have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported to date for items purchased from Supreme. What is listeria, and what are the symptoms? Listeria monocytogenes is a type of disease-causing bacteria that is generally transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported, or stored in manufacturing or production environments contaminated with the bacteria, according to the FDA. Infection can lead to severe symptoms, such as fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. What is the product information for the recall? Ambriola Company, has issued a recall for select SKUs of pecorino romano cheese products, including two products they produce under the Boar’s Head Brand label. Details for the affected products are as follows: BOARS’S HEAD GRATED PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE Item code: 858 Size: 6 oz. Case UPC: 042421-05858 Sell by dates: 11/21/25-3/12/26 BOARS’S HEAD PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE Item code: 15119 Size: 6 oz. Case UPC: 042421-15119 Sell by dates: 11/21/25-3/12/26 In addition, due to an abundance of caution, Boar’s Head has made the decision to withdraw all of Ambriola Company’s products for Boar’s Head. This includes the following additional products NOT affected by the recall: PRE-CUT PECORINO ROMANO Item code: 15160 Case UPC: 042421-15160 Sell by dates: 11/25/25-5/11/26 Recalled items were distributed in Kroger retail stores located in Kentucky and Indiana. Products are packaged in clear-plastic grab-n-go containers of various sizes with the appearance of deli salads and wraps. The retail packaged items are: Product Name: EverRoast Chicken Caesar Salad Barcode UPC: 850042244142 Best by date: 11/9/2025-11/22/2025 Product Name: EverRoast Chicken Caesar Wrap Barcode UPC: 85004224455 Best by date: 11/9/2025-11/22/2025 What if I have these products in my freezer? Consumers who have purchased the recalled products with the above lot codes should not to consume the products and discard them. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their physician. Consumers with questions may contact the Ambriola Company by email at info@ambriola.com. View the full article

Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company’s next Starliner flight and instead perform a trial run with cargo to prove its safety. Monday’s announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission. Although NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams managed to dock Starliner to the International Space Station in 2024, the capsule had so many problems that NASA ordered it to come back empty, leaving the astronauts stuck there for more than nine months. Engineers have since been poring over the thruster and other issues that plagued the Starliner capsule. Its next cargo run to the space station will occur no earlier than April, pending additional tests and certification. Boeing said in a statement that it remains committed to the Starliner program with safety the highest priority. NASA is also slashing the planned number of Starliner flights, from six to four. If the cargo mission goes well, then that will leave the remaining three Starliner flights for crew exchanges before the space station is decommissioned in 2030. “NASA and Boeing are continuing to rigorously test the Starliner propulsion system in preparation for two potential flights next year,” NASA’s commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said in a statement. NASA hired Boeing and SpaceX in 2014 — three years after the final space shuttle flight — to ferry astronauts to and from the orbiting outpost. The Boeing contract was worth $4.2 billion and SpaceX’s $2.6 billion. Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its first astronaut mission for NASA in 2020. Its 12th crew liftoff for NASA was this summer. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Marcia Dunn, AP aerospace writer 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. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. It's almost Black Friday, and the deals are rolling in at the likes of Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Target. And while it's nice to save money on a big-ticket item, if you're looking to score a bargain on a budget, I've used all my resources to find the best Black Friday tech deals under $50. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $27.97 at Amazon $44.99 Save $17.02 Get Deal Get Deal $27.97 at Amazon $44.99 Save $17.02 Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth $43.00 at Amazon $64.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal Get Deal $43.00 at Amazon $64.99 Save $21.99 Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release) $49.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $49.99 at Amazon Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Pink) $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode $37.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal Get Deal $37.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $32.00 Roku Streaming Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 Digital Camera FHD 1080P, Camkory Kids Camera 44MP Point and Shoot Digital Cameras with 32GB Card, 16X Zoom, Two Batteries, Lanyard, Compact Small Camera Gift for Kids Boys Girls Students, Purple $37.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Get Deal $37.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $12.00 ClokoWe Mini Projector $35.00 at Amazon $69.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Get Deal $35.00 at Amazon $69.99 Save $34.99 RORRY Portable Charger, 5000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank with Built-in Cables, Travel Keychain Battery Pack for Apple Watch Ultra 2/9/8/Ultra/7/6/SE/5, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12, White $25.05 at Amazon $32.99 Save $7.94 Get Deal Get Deal $25.05 at Amazon $32.99 Save $7.94 Aqara Water Leak Sensor Kit - 3 Pack, Requires AQARA HUB, Wireless Water Leak Detector, Wireless Mini Flood Detector for Alarm System and Smart Home Automation, for Kitchen Bathroom, Works with IFTTT $36.99 at Amazon $64.99 Save $28.00 Get Deal Get Deal $36.99 at Amazon $64.99 Save $28.00 SEE 7 MORE Anker outdoor speakers are down to $30Anker has been killing it in the budget speaker and headphone department for some time now. The Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great example, and it's currently $27.97 (originally $44.99). If you're looking for a more recognizable brand name, you can try the Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth speaker, currently just $43 (originally $59.99). This is a record low price for this speaker. An Amazon Echo Dot is as low as $32While you can't take the Amazon Echo Dot outdoors like the aforementioned speakers, you can command it to turn devices on/off, ask it questions, or use it to play music in multiple rooms if you own multiple Echoes. You can currently get this newest model discounted for $31.99 (originally $49.99). Anker earphones are down to $25Anker also makes great budget earbuds. The Soundcore P30i are just $24.99 (originally $49.99), offering ANC, 45 hours of battery, and an IP54 splash-proof rating. If you're looking for over-ear headphones, Anker's Soundcore Q20i Hybrid ANC Headphones are currently $37.99 (originally $69.99) in multiple colors. They have powerful bass, customizable EQ in the companion app, and 40 hours of battery. You can get a Roku with 4K for $25My favorite streaming stick is Roku: it's simple, responsive, reliable, and affordable. The Streaming Stick 4K has HDR and Dolby Vision compatibility and a remote with voice support. Get it for $24.99 (originally $49.99). This Camkory point-and-shoot camera is $38Point-and-shoot cameras have been making a comeback. You can get in on the retro action with the Camkory Kids Camera for $37.99 (originally $49.99). It shoots in 1080p with a 44MP camera lens. This Clokowe mini projector is $35You don't need an expensive projector to get the job done—the Clokowe Mini Projector is just $35 (originally $69.99) after the 30% on-page coupon. It projects in 1080p and is compatible with iOS and Android phones. Not bad for a budget projector. A keychain-sized portable charger for $25You never know how important a charger is until you're in need of one. If you're the kind of person who always forgets to bring a portable charger, this keychain that's also a universal device charger is a great solution. Get it for $25.05 (originally $32.99). Smart leak sensors for $37Leaks are no fun. What makes them dangerously expensive is that by the time most homeowners realize they have one, they've already suffered extensive damage that will be costly to repair. Luckily, smart tech can help: This three-pack of sensors from Aqara works with a companion app that alerts you when they detect a water leak, and they're just $36.99 (originally $64.99). How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is not to buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. I like to joke that my sainted father was the second-worst carpenter in New Jersey, and he raised me to be the worst. That’s a slight exaggeration, but it’s true that the old advice to measure twice and cut once doesn’t work for me. I measure twice, and somehow I am often still wrong when I go to make the cut. This has led to a certain level of paranoia when it comes to my home DIY projects, which has led to the purchase of many tape measures in my life as I try to convince myself that it’s the tool’s fault, not mine, that everything comes out wonky. As a result, I’ve used a lot of tape measures, both mechanical and digital. Both have their advantages—a mechanical tape measure can take a beating and still be used, while a digital tape measure can give you measurements a physical tape can’t easily provide. For a while, I had both, and used them as needed. And then I found this: The Fanttik A10, which is 42% off for Black Friday. Fanttik A10 Pro 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure with HD IPS Color Display, 165Ft Rechargeable Laser Measurement Tool & 9.8Ft Measuring Tape, 6 Units Selectable, for Distance/Area/Volume $69.99 at Amazon $119.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $69.99 at Amazon $119.99 Save $50.00 The A10’s physical tape isn’t very long—just under 10 feet. But that’s long enough for any close-up detail work where a digital tape might have problems due to space limitations, and it’s good enough for most DIY project work—plus it lets my muscle memory kick in, because I’m so used to snapping out a physical tape. But for longer distances that can be difficult to measure with a physical tape because of sagging and twisting (and those moments when the hook fails and the whole thing snaps back), the A10 is an accurate laser measure that can measure up to 165 feet. I don’t know about your house, but I will never need to measure anything longer than 165 feet in my life. Having both kinds of measuring tools in one is incredibly convenient. The A10 is a thoughtfully designed tool. It has multiple measuring modes, including area and volume (I’ve never needed to measure the volume of a room, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need it). It can also be used as a level, and although I still grab my trusty spirit level for most jobs, the A10 has been reliable as a level in the few tests I’ve done. You can buy a stand for the A10 if you want, which could be useful if you don’t have a convenient spot to place the laser level—any stand that works with a 1/4” threaded mount should work. It charges via a standard USB C port, and the battery life is great. All in all, the A10 is a terrific tool. The main reason I love it, though, is definitely the combination of mechanical and digital measuring in one pocket-sized tool. For someone who has always been detail-challenged, this has been a tremendous help, especially because I can switch back and forth and double-check myself any time I need to without needing to grab another tool. Anyone who does work around the house will find this to be incredibly useful. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

If you’ve chosen a target asset allocation—the mix of stocks, bonds, and cash in your portfolio— you’re probably ahead of many investors. But unless you’re investing in a set-and-forget investment option like a target-date fund, your portfolio’s asset mix will shift as the market fluctuates. In a bull market you might get more equity exposure than you planned, or the reverse if the market declines. Rebalancing involves selling assets that have appreciated the most and using the proceeds to shore up assets that have lagged. This brings your portfolio’s asset mix back into balance and enforces the discipline of selling high/buying low. Rebalancing doesn’t necessarily improve your portfolio’s returns, especially if it means selling asset classes that continue to perform well. But it can be an essential way to keep your portfolio’s risk profile from climbing too high. Where and how to rebalance If it’s been a while since your last rebalance, your portfolio might be heavy on stocks and light on bonds. A portfolio that started at 60% stocks and 40% bonds 10 years ago could now hold more than 80% stocks. Another area to check is the mix of international versus U.S. stocks. International stocks have led in 2025, but that followed a long run of outperformance for U.S. stocks, so your portfolio might lack international exposure. (Keeping about a third of your equity exposure outside the U.S. is reasonable if you want to align with Morningstar’s global market portfolio.) Other imbalances might exist. Growth stocks have gained nearly twice as much as value stocks over the past three years. You might also be overweight in specialized assets such as gold and bitcoin thanks to their recent run-ups. After assessing your allocations, decide where to make adjustments. You don’t need to rebalance every account—what matters is the overall portfolio’s asset mix, which determines your risk and return profile. It’s usually most tax-efficient to adjust within a tax-deferred account such as an IRA or 401(k), where trades won’t trigger realized capital gains. For example, if you’re overweight on U.S. stocks and light on international stocks, you could sell U.S. stocks and buy an international-stock fund in your 401(k). If you need to make changes in a taxable account, you can attempt to offset any realized capital gains by selling holdings with unrealized losses. That might be difficult, as the strong market environment has lifted nearly every type of asset over the past 12 months. Only a few Morningstar Categories (including India equity, real estate, consumer defensive, and health care) posted losses over the trailing 12-month period ended Oct. 30, 2025. The average long-term government-bond fund lost about 8% per year for the trailing five-year period as of the same date, so those could offer opportunities for harvesting losses. Required minimum distributions can also be used in tandem with rebalancing. Account owners have flexibility in which assets to sell to meet RMDs. If you own several different traditional IRAs, you could take the full RMD amount from any of them. Selling off holdings that appreciated the most can bring the portfolio’s asset mix back in line with your original targets. Another option is funneling new contributions into underweight asset classes. Depending on the size of additional investments, this approach might take time, but it’s better than not rebalancing at all. This might also appeal if you’ve built up capital gains you don’t want to realize. Final thoughts Rebalancing is especially important in extremely volatile times. But even in a more gradual bull market like in recent years, it’s important for keeping a portfolio’s risk level in check, especially for investors as they approach retirement and start spending their portfolios. ___ This article was provided to The Associated Press by Morningstar. For more personal finance content, go to https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance Amy C. Arnott, CFA is a portfolio strategist for Morningstar. 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. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Of all the gaming controllers I've used, I like Sony's DualSense controller the most. I like its heft, ergonomics, and the fact that I don't have to keep replacing AA batteries to use it. And while the DualSense works best with the PS5, it's also a great controller for your PC, iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. If you've been eyeing one, then Black Friday 2025 is a great time to buy the PS5's DualSense controller. Sony PS5 DualSense Controller $54.00 at Amazon $80.00 Save $26.00 Get Deal Get Deal $54.00 at Amazon $80.00 Save $26.00 During the Black Friday 2025 sale on Amazon, the PS5's DualSense controller is going for $54 to $59 (25% to 32% off), depending on which color you choose. That's a great price for a fuss-free controller that works with multiple devices. I've used my DualSense controller with my PS5, my PC, and my iPhone, and enjoyed it on all devices. I have a tendency to get sucked into long, story-driven games, and as a result, I used the DualSense for my second 120-hour playthrough of Persona 5 Royal. The controller worked flawlessly, and I never felt tired holding it during these playthroughs. The DualSense controller has a USB-C port for charging, which is quite convenient to use, but do note that you don't get a cable with this device. Still, if you have any other device that uses USB-C for charging, then you can reuse the same cable to charge this controller. If you couldn't tell from the name, the DualSense's haptic feedback is especially well-done, as it's a lot more than some mild or intense vibrations. The feedback changes subtly based on what you're doing in-game—try playing the PS5's free Astro's Playroom game to get an idea of the DualSense's capabilities. The controller also has an integrated touch pad, accelerometer, and gyroscope, which means that it can also be used for motion controls. Don't forget that you get a built-in microphone in the DualSense controller, but if you don't want to accidentally record yourself, you can turn off the mic in your PS5's settings. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Suspension raises fresh questions around Ministry of Defence’s procurement processesView the full article

As the holiday season approaches, new trends in gifting are taking shape. A recent survey conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and PayPal reveals that nearly one in five Americans prefer receiving cryptocurrency over traditional gift cards this season. This shift highlights an emerging opportunity for small business owners to tap into the growing appetite for crypto as a valid form of gifting and payment. The NCA PayPal Holiday Crypto Report indicates that 17% of respondents would rather receive crypto than a gift card this year. Additionally, 31% believe cryptocurrency gifts are less likely to go unused compared to their gift card counterparts. This rising interest presents a noteworthy opportunity for small businesses looking to stay competitive and cater to evolving consumer preferences. Crucial Insights for Small Businesses Among the survey findings, several key advantages of gifting cryptocurrency stand out. A substantial 58% of consumers believe that crypto gifts have the potential to increase in value over time, while 54% appreciate the flexibility and choice that come with using crypto. Another compelling aspect is the reduced risk of lost or expired value—49% of participants prefer digital assets for their ease of storage and management. Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA, underscores this changing landscape: “Crypto is a modern take on a classic holiday gift—it’s fast, secure, and can be used or saved with the opportunity to grow in value.” With nearly a quarter of U.S. adults considering or having already gifted cryptocurrency, businesses should evaluate how they can integrate crypto gifting into their services. Practical Applications for Small Businesses For small business owners, adopting cryptocurrency can streamline transactions and enhance customer experiences. Gifting Options: The prominent preference for crypto presents a unique chance to offer it as an option. Providing customers the ability to gift cryptocurrencies could serve as a competitive edge, especially among younger audiences. Crypto Payments: The survey shows that 23% of consumers are likely to shop with crypto during this holiday season, with that number climbing to 62% among existing crypto holders. Small businesses can attract these customers by accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Online Platforms: If your business operates online, integrating crypto payment options can expedite transactions and provide greater convenience. This flexibility can lower transaction fees, a factor noted by 36% of survey participants as a significant advantage. May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal, highlights the appeal: “Crypto makes sending gifts, paying merchants, or managing cross-border transactions faster and easier than ever.” By embracing this trend, small businesses can streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction. Potential Challenges to Consider Despite the bright potential, the transition to offering crypto can be fraught with challenges. A significant portion of the survey respondents—about 38%—admitted they do not fully understand how crypto functions. Additionally, 36% were unaware of how to gift it effectively. This lack of understanding may hinder broader adoption, particularly among older consumers who tend to be more cautious about embracing new technologies. Business owners need to consider the importance of education when introducing cryptocurrency to their offerings. Offering educational resources about crypto benefits, security, and how to gift it can alleviate concerns and encourage more customers to engage with this new format. Understanding your customer base is also essential. Younger consumers (ages 18-54) are more excited about the idea of receiving crypto as a gift, with 41% expressing enthusiasm, compared to a mere 9% of older individuals. Addressing this demographic gap is crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on the trend. To make the transition smoother, businesses can join forces with organizations like the NCA, which aims to demystify cryptocurrency and offer support. By partnering with educational initiatives, small businesses can position themselves as informed leaders in this space. As the holiday season nears, small business owners have a unique opportunity to adapt to changing consumer preferences by embracing cryptocurrency as an innovative gifting and payment method. The potential is vast, but understanding the challenges and providing educational resources can ensure success in this evolving marketplace. For further details on the survey findings, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "One in Five Americans Prefer Crypto Over Gift Cards This Holiday Season" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As the holiday season approaches, new trends in gifting are taking shape. A recent survey conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and PayPal reveals that nearly one in five Americans prefer receiving cryptocurrency over traditional gift cards this season. This shift highlights an emerging opportunity for small business owners to tap into the growing appetite for crypto as a valid form of gifting and payment. The NCA PayPal Holiday Crypto Report indicates that 17% of respondents would rather receive crypto than a gift card this year. Additionally, 31% believe cryptocurrency gifts are less likely to go unused compared to their gift card counterparts. This rising interest presents a noteworthy opportunity for small businesses looking to stay competitive and cater to evolving consumer preferences. Crucial Insights for Small Businesses Among the survey findings, several key advantages of gifting cryptocurrency stand out. A substantial 58% of consumers believe that crypto gifts have the potential to increase in value over time, while 54% appreciate the flexibility and choice that come with using crypto. Another compelling aspect is the reduced risk of lost or expired value—49% of participants prefer digital assets for their ease of storage and management. Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA, underscores this changing landscape: “Crypto is a modern take on a classic holiday gift—it’s fast, secure, and can be used or saved with the opportunity to grow in value.” With nearly a quarter of U.S. adults considering or having already gifted cryptocurrency, businesses should evaluate how they can integrate crypto gifting into their services. Practical Applications for Small Businesses For small business owners, adopting cryptocurrency can streamline transactions and enhance customer experiences. Gifting Options: The prominent preference for crypto presents a unique chance to offer it as an option. Providing customers the ability to gift cryptocurrencies could serve as a competitive edge, especially among younger audiences. Crypto Payments: The survey shows that 23% of consumers are likely to shop with crypto during this holiday season, with that number climbing to 62% among existing crypto holders. Small businesses can attract these customers by accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Online Platforms: If your business operates online, integrating crypto payment options can expedite transactions and provide greater convenience. This flexibility can lower transaction fees, a factor noted by 36% of survey participants as a significant advantage. May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal, highlights the appeal: “Crypto makes sending gifts, paying merchants, or managing cross-border transactions faster and easier than ever.” By embracing this trend, small businesses can streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction. Potential Challenges to Consider Despite the bright potential, the transition to offering crypto can be fraught with challenges. A significant portion of the survey respondents—about 38%—admitted they do not fully understand how crypto functions. Additionally, 36% were unaware of how to gift it effectively. This lack of understanding may hinder broader adoption, particularly among older consumers who tend to be more cautious about embracing new technologies. Business owners need to consider the importance of education when introducing cryptocurrency to their offerings. Offering educational resources about crypto benefits, security, and how to gift it can alleviate concerns and encourage more customers to engage with this new format. Understanding your customer base is also essential. Younger consumers (ages 18-54) are more excited about the idea of receiving crypto as a gift, with 41% expressing enthusiasm, compared to a mere 9% of older individuals. Addressing this demographic gap is crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on the trend. To make the transition smoother, businesses can join forces with organizations like the NCA, which aims to demystify cryptocurrency and offer support. By partnering with educational initiatives, small businesses can position themselves as informed leaders in this space. As the holiday season nears, small business owners have a unique opportunity to adapt to changing consumer preferences by embracing cryptocurrency as an innovative gifting and payment method. The potential is vast, but understanding the challenges and providing educational resources can ensure success in this evolving marketplace. For further details on the survey findings, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "One in Five Americans Prefer Crypto Over Gift Cards This Holiday Season" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The The President administration left nursing off a list of “professional” degrees in a move that could directly limit how future nurses will finance their education. Removing the profession from the list will have a major impact, after the passing of President The President’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduced a cap on borrowing. As of July 1, 2026, students who are not enrolled in professional degree programs will be subject to a borrowing cap of $20,500 per year and a lifetime cap of $100,000. However, professional degrees offer higher loan options, with the ability to borrow $50,000 per year and a $200,000 lifetime cap. ‘A backhanded slap’ Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the United States, with about 4.5 million registered nurses. And given that most nurses (76%) rely on financial aid to pay for their education, the move has drawn immense backlash, as it’s being widely viewed as a slight against the profession. That’s especially true because nurses, who have a lengthy list of responsibilities, including providing frontline patient care, running lab work, assisting in procedures, and more, are often seen as one of the most essential pieces of the healthcare system. Bassey Etim-Edet, a high-risk labor and delivery nurse in Baltimore who was on the front lines of care during the COVID pandemic, told Fast Company that the The President administration’s move sets the wrong precedent and that the impact can’t be overstated. “To go from ‘healthcare hero’ to not being recognized as a professional is such a backhanded slap,” Etim-Edet says,” especially at a time when legal precedent has made it clear that nurses are as responsible for provider mistakes as the providers themselves.” “We are disrespected, underpaid, and under-resourced,” she added. “Still, we serve.” Etim-Edet, who graduated with $150,000 in student loans, says her career wouldn’t have been possible without the HRSA Nurse Loan Repayment Program. “In exchange for working 2–3 years at a critical access hospital, the government paid back a massive percentage of my loans,” Etim-Edet explained. “At the end of my service commitment, my loan balance was down to about $60,000. I was able to buy a home, start a family, and live” because of the program. Fever pitch In response to the move, the American Nurses Association (ANA) launched a petition aimed at fighting the lower classification. It warned, “This move stems from an effort to rein in student loan debt and tuition costs as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act; however, it means that postbaccalaureate nursing students would only be eligible for half the amount of federal loans as graduate medical students.” The petition continued, “We call on the Department of Education to revise the proposed definition of ‘professional degrees’ to explicitly include nursing.” Amid the backlash, the Department of Education called concerns around the move “fear-mongering” by “certain progressive voices” in a lengthy statement released on Monday, November 24. “The definition of a ‘professional degree’ is an internal definition used by the Department to distinguish among programs that qualify for higher loan limits, not a value judgement about the importance of programs,” the statement reads. “It has no bearing on whether a program is professional in nature or not.” It also noted that “95% of nursing students borrow below the annual loan limit and therefore are not affected by the new caps.” A spokesperson for the Department of Education referred Fast Company to the statement when reached for additional comment. Still, nurses seem to disagree. “At a time when healthcare in our country faces a historic nurse shortage and rising demands, limiting nurses’ access to funding for graduate education threatens the very foundation of patient care,” Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, said in a statement. “In many communities across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas, advanced practice registered nurses ensure access to essential, high-quality care that would otherwise be unavailable.” The The President administration’s move comes as the nationwide nursing shortage is expected to continue to worsen. Etim-Edet adds that, as the system is already collapsing, younger people who greatly value work-life balance won’t want to work in a career that isn’t financially accessible or good for their emotional health. View the full article

The line between human and machine authorship is blurring, particularly as it’s become increasingly difficult to tell whether something was written by a person or AI. Now, in what may seem like a tipping point, the digital marketing firm Graphite recently published a study showing that more than 50% of articles on the web are being generated by artificial intelligence. As a scholar who explores how AI is built, how people are using it in their everyday lives, and how it’s affecting culture, I’ve thought a lot about what this technology can do and where it falls short. If you’re more likely to read something written by AI than by a human on the internet, is it only a matter of time before human writing becomes obsolete? Or is this simply another technological development that humans will adapt to? It isn’t all or nothing Thinking about these questions reminded me of Umberto Eco’s essay “Apocalyptic and Integrated,” which was originally written in the early 1960s. Parts of it were later included in an anthology titled “Apocalypse Postponed,” which I first read as a college student in Italy. In it, Eco draws a contrast between two attitudes toward mass media. There are the “apocalyptics” who fear cultural degradation and moral collapse. Then there are the “integrated” who champion new media technologies as a democratizing force for culture. Back then, Eco was writing about the proliferation of TV and radio. Today, you’ll often see similar reactions to AI. Yet Eco argued that both positions were too extreme. It isn’t helpful, he wrote, to see new media as either a dire threat or a miracle. Instead, he urged readers to look at how people and communities use these new tools, what risks and opportunities they create, and how they shape—and sometimes reinforce—power structures. While I was teaching a course on deepfakes during the 2024 election, Eco’s lesson also came back to me. Those were days when some scholars and media outlets were regularly warning of an imminent “deepfake apocalypse.” Would deepfakes be used to mimic major political figures and push targeted disinformation? What if, on the eve of an election, generative AI was used to mimic the voice of a candidate on a robocall telling voters to stay home? Those fears weren’t groundless: Research shows that people aren’t especially good at identifying deepfakes. At the same time, they consistently overestimate their ability to do so. In the end, though, the apocalypse was postponed. Post-election analyses found that deepfakes did seem to intensify some ongoing political trends, such as the erosion of trust and polarization, but there’s no evidence that they affected the final outcome of the election. Listicles, news updates, and how-to guides Of course, the fears that AI raises for supporters of democracy are not the same as those it creates for writers and artists. For them, the core concerns are about authorship: How can one person compete with a system trained on millions of voices that can produce text at hyper-speed? And if this becomes the norm, what will it do to creative work, both as an occupation and as a source of meaning? It’s important to clarify what’s meant by “online content,” the phrase used in the Graphite study, which analyzed over 65,000 randomly selected articles of at least 100 words on the web. These can include anything from peer-reviewed research to promotional copy for miracle supplements. A closer reading of the Graphite study shows that the AI-generated articles consist largely of general-interest writing: news updates, how-to guides, lifestyle posts, reviews, and product explainers. The primary economic purpose of this content is to persuade or inform, not to express originality or creativity. Put differently, AI appears to be most useful when the writing in question is low-stakes and formulaic: the weekend-in-Rome listicle, the standard cover letter, the text produced to market a business. A whole industry of writers—mostly freelance, including many translators—has relied on precisely this kind of work, producing blog posts, how-to material, search engine optimization text, and social media copy. The rapid adoption of large language models has already displaced many of the gigs that once sustained them. Collaborating with AI The dramatic loss of this work points toward another issue raised by the Graphite study: the question of authenticity, not only in identifying who or what produced a text, but also in understanding the value that humans attach to creative activity. How can you distinguish a human-written article from a machine-generated one? And does that ability even matter? Over time, that distinction is likely to grow less significant, particularly as more writing emerges from interactions between humans and AI. A writer might draft a few lines, let an AI expand them, and then reshape that output into the final text. This article is no exception. As a non-native English speaker, I often rely on AI to refine my language before sending drafts to an editor. At times, the system attempts to reshape what I mean. But once its stylistic tendencies become familiar, it becomes possible to avoid them and maintain a personal tone. Also, artificial intelligence is not entirely artificial, since it is trained on human-made material. It’s worth noting that even before AI, human writing has never been entirely human, either. Every technology, from parchment and stylus paper to the typewriter and now AI, has shaped how people write and how readers make sense of it. Another important point: AI models are increasingly trained on datasets that include not only human writing but also AI-generated and human–AI coproduced text. This has raised concerns about their ability to continue improving over time. Some commentators have already described a sense of disillusionment following the release of newer large models, with companies struggling to deliver on their promises. Human voices may matter even more But what happens when people become overly reliant on AI in their writing? Some studies show that writers may feel more creative when they use artificial intelligence for brainstorming, yet the range of ideas often becomes narrower. This uniformity affects style as well: These systems tend to pull users toward similar patterns of wording, which reduces the differences that usually mark an individual voice. Researchers also note a shift toward Western—and especially English-speaking—norms in the writing of people from other cultures, raising concerns about a new form of AI colonialism. In this context, texts that display originality, voice, and stylistic intention are likely to become even more meaningful within the media landscape, and they may play a crucial role in training the next generations of models. If you set aside the more apocalyptic scenarios and assume that AI will continue to advance—perhaps at a slower pace than in the recent past—it’s quite possible that thoughtful, original, human-generated writing will become even more valuable. Put another way: The work of writers, journalists, and intellectuals will not become superfluous simply because much of the web is no longer written by humans. Francesco Agnellini is a lecturer in digital and data studies at Binghamton University, State University of New York. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Groups such as BASF and Ecolab are responding to the risk of rising PFAS litigation and increased regulation View the full article

When a company with tens of thousands of software engineers found that uptake of a new AI-powered tool was lagging well below 50%, they wanted to know why. It turned out that the problem wasn’t the technology itself. What was holding the company back was a mindset that saw AI use as akin to cheating. Those who used the tool were perceived as less skilled than their colleagues, even when their work output was identical. Not surprisingly, most of the engineers chose not to risk their reputations and carried on working in the traditional way. These kinds of self-defeating attitudes aren’t limited to one company—they are endemic across the business world. Organizations are being held back because they are importing negative ideas about AI from contexts where they make sense into corporate settings where they don’t. The result is a toxic combination of stigma, unhelpful policies, and a fundamental misunderstanding of what actually matters in business. The path forward involves setting aside these confusions and embracing a simpler principle: Artificial intelligence should be treated like any other powerful business tool. This article shares what I have learned over the past six months while revising the AI use policies for my own companies, drawing on the research and insights of my internal working group (Paul Scade, Pranay Sanklecha, and Rian Hoque). Confusing Contexts In educational contexts, it is entirely appropriate to be suspicious about generative AI. School and college assessments exist for a specific purpose: to demonstrate that students have acquired the skills and the knowledge they are studying. Feeding a prompt into ChatGPT and then handing in the essay it generates undermines the reason for writing the essay in the first place. When it comes to artistic outputs, like works of fiction or paintings, there are legitimate philosophical debates about whether AI-generated work can ever possess creative authenticity and artistic value. And there are tough questions about where the line might lie when it comes to using AI tools for assistance. But issues like these are almost entirely irrelevant to business operations. In business, success is measured by results and results alone. Does your marketing copy persuade customers to buy? Yes or no? Does your report clarify complex issues for stakeholders? Does your presentation convince the board to approve your proposal? The only metrics that matter in these cases are accuracy, coherence, and effectiveness—not the content’s origin story. When we import the principles that govern legitimate AI use in other areas into our discussion of its use in business, we undermine our ability to take full advantage of this powerful technology. The Disclosure Distraction Public discussions about AI often focus on the dangers that follow from allowing generative AI outputs into public spaces. From the dead internet theory to arguments about whether it should be a legal requirement to label AI outputs on social media, policymakers and commentators are rightly concerned about malicious AI use infiltrating and undermining the public discourse. Concerns like these have made rules about disclosure of AI use central to many corporate AI use policies. But there’s a problem here. While these discussions and concerns are perfectly legitimate when it comes to AI agents shaping debates around social and political issues, importing these suspicions into business contexts can be damaging. Studies consistently show that disclosed AI use triggers negative bias within companies, even when that use is explicitly encouraged and when the output quality is identical to human-created content. The study mentioned at the start of this article found that internal reviewers assessed the same work output to be less competent when they were told that AI had been used in its production than when they were told it had not been, even when the AI tools in question were known to increase productivity and when their use was encouraged by the employer. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 13 experiments published this year identified a consistent loss of trust in those who disclose their AI use. Even respondents who felt positively about AI use themselves tended to feel higher distrust toward colleagues who used it. This kind of irrational prejudice creates a chilling effect on the innovative use of AI within businesses. Disclosure mandates for the use of AI tools reflect organizational immaturity and fear-based policymaking. They treat AI as a kind of contagion and create stigma around a tool that should be as uncontroversial as using spell-check or design templates—or having the communications team prepare a statement for the CEO to sign off on. Companies that focus on disclosure are missing the forest for the trees. They have become so worried about the process that they’re ignoring what actually matters: the quality of the output. The Ownership Imperative The solution to both context confusion and the distracting push for disclosure is simple: Treat AI like a perfectly normal—albeit powerful—technological tool, and insist that the humans who use it take full ownership of whatever they produce. This shift in mindset cuts through the confused thinking that plagues current AI policies. When you stop treating AI as something exotic that requires special labels and start treating it as you would any other business tool, the path forward becomes clear. You wouldn’t disclose that you used Excel to create a budget or used PowerPoint to design a presentation. What matters isn’t the tool—it is whether you stand behind the work. But here’s the crucial part: Treating artificial intelligence as normal technology doesn’t mean you can play fast and loose with it. Quite the opposite. Once we put aside concepts that are irrelevant in a business context, like creative authenticity and “cheating,” we are left with something more fundamental: accountability. When AI is just another tool in your tool kit, you own the output completely, whether you like it or not. Every mistake, every inadequacy, every breach of the rules belongs to the human who sends the content out into the world. If the AI plagiarizes and you use that text, you’ve plagiarized. If the AI gets facts wrong and you share them, they’re your factual errors. If the AI produces generic, weak, unconvincing language and you choose to use it, you’ve communicated poorly. No client, regulator, or stakeholder will accept “the AI did it” as an excuse. This reality demands rigorous verification, editing, and fact-checking as nonnegotiable components of the AI-use workflow. A large consulting company recently learned this lesson when it submitted an error-ridden AI-generated report to the Australian government. The mistakes slipped through because humans in the chain of responsibility treated AI output as finished work rather than as raw material requiring human oversight and ownership. The firm couldn’t shift blame to the tool—they owned the embarrassment, the reputational damage, and the client relationship fallout entirely. Taking ownership isn’t just about accepting responsibility for errors. It is also about recognizing that once you have reviewed, edited, and approved AI-assisted work, it ceases to be “AI output” and becomes your human output, produced with AI assistance. This is the mature approach that moves us past disclosure theater and toward genuine accountability. Making the Shift: Owning AI Use Here are four steps your business can take to move from confusion about contexts to the clarity of an ownership mindset. 1. Replace disclosure requirements with ownership confirmation. Stop asking “Did you use AI?” and start requiring clear accountability statements: “I take full responsibility for this content and verify its accuracy.” Every piece of work should have a human who explicitly stands behind it, regardless of how it was created. 2. Establish output-focused quality standards. Define success criteria that ignore creation method entirely: Is it accurate? Is it effective? Does it achieve its business objective? Create verification workflows and fact-checking protocols that apply equally to all content. When something fails these standards, the conversation should be about improving the output, not about which tools were used. 3. Normalize AI use through success stories, not policies. Share internal case studies of teams using AI to deliver exceptional results. Celebrate the business outcomes—faster delivery, higher quality, breakthrough insights—without dwelling on the methodology. Make AI proficiency a valued skill on par with Excel expertise or presentation design, not something requiring special permission or disclosure. 4. Train for ownership, not just usage. Develop training that goes beyond prompting techniques to focus on verification, fact-checking, and quality assessment. Teach employees to treat AI output as raw material that requires their expertise to shape and validate, not as finished work. Include modules on identifying AI hallucinations, verifying claims, and maintaining brand voice. The companies that will thrive in the next year won’t be those that unconsciously disincentivize the use of AI through the stigma of disclosure policies. They will be those that see AI for what it is: a powerful tool for achieving business results. While your competitors tie themselves in knots over process documentation and disclosure theater, you can leapfrog past them with a simple principle: Own your output, regardless of how you created it. The question that will separate winners from losers isn’t “Did you use AI?” but “Is this excellent?” If you’re still asking the first question, you are already falling behind. 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. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and various other pre-holiday sales approaching, it's a good time to shop for anything—but with the new year on the way, it's an especially good time to shop for fitness equipment. Is 2026 the year you'll crush your health and wellness goals? There is only one way to find out, and you can start off on the right foot by checking out Peloton's Black Friday sale, which can save you up to $1,500 on fitness equipment from the brand, including the upgraded Cross Training series of Bikes, Treads, and Rows. Peloton's best Black Friday dealsWhat's included in Peloton's big sale? Here are your best bets: The Cross Training Bike+ is $1,995 instead of $2,695, while a Starter Package that includes the Cross Training Bike+, a water bottle, cleats, a mat, and hand weights will run you $2,150 instead of $2,900 (or $2,390 instead of $3,100 if you want a foam roller and three more sets of weights). A refurbished original Bike+ is $1,595 instead of $1,995. The Cross Training Tread+ is $5,295 instead of $6,695 (or $5,485 instead of $6,935 or $5,605 instead of $7,105, depending on the Starter Package you want). The Cross Training Row+ is $3,295 instead of $3,495 (or $3,475 instead of $3,725 or $3,670 instead of $3,970 if you're getting a Starter Package). The Cross Training Bike is $1,395 instead of $1,695 (or $1,550 instead of $1,900 or $1,790 instead of $2,190 if you want the bundle). A refurbished original Bike is just $695 instead of $1,145, which competes directly with the price you'd get if you bought a Bike on Peloton's resale marketplace, except this one has been factory refurbished, and those haven't. A Cross Training Tread is $2,795 instead of $3,295 (or $2,985 instead of $3,535 or $3,105 instead of $3,705, depending on your bundle preference). Each of the above also comes with a free month of All Access Membership, an additional $50 value. Moreover, accessories like cycling cleats, dumbbells, and mats are also marked down, some as low as 50% off. Finally, these deals are also reflected on the brand's Amazon storefront, so if you prefer to buy that way, go for it. What to know about Peloton's different models before you buyIn October, Peloton overhauled its fleet, which is why you see "Cross Training" and "+" up in that list. If you're not sure what those words mean or how the new devices compare to the older versions (which, in the case of the Bike+ and Bike, are also on sale for Black Friday), I wrote a whole guide for you here. Peloton Cross Training Series Bike+ $2,695.00 at Peloton Get Deal Get Deal $2,695.00 at Peloton Basically, the new Cross Training series features comfort adjustments, like a better Bike seat, attached phone holders, and swiveling touchscreens so you can move more seamlessly from, say, a treadmill run to a floor stretch or lift. The + series includes all that as well as an AI component, which powers a movement-tracking camera designed to help you with your workouts. I've played around with the new tech and do enjoy it, but I admit it's usually pretty pricey. These deals are a solid entry point if you've been wanting to upgrade or even just buy your first Peloton device. For what it's worth, even without a Cross Training or + series Bike, I am a daily user and couldn't imaging a morning without the Peloton app. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Apple do Black Friday?Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team 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. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Sony's 1000X series has been around since 2016, improving on the previous iteration to eventually land on the Sony WH-1000XM6 in 2025, which are the best over-ear headphones I tested in 2025 (and ever, really). You can get the WH-1000XM6 headphones for $398 (originally $459.99), their lowest price they've ever been during the Black Friday sale, according to price-tracking tools. Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones $398.00 at Amazon $459.99 Save $61.99 Get Deal Get Deal $398.00 at Amazon $459.99 Save $61.99 The XM6 headphones improve on what were already excellent headphones (the XM5s are also at their lowest price right now). Sony upped the count of microphones from eight to 12 when compared to the XM5, which improves more than just how well you sound to someone on a phone call. The microphones are used in almost all of its features, like ANC, Adaptive Sound Control, and the headphones' Ambient Sound mode. They hear your surroundings to adapt their features accordingly. If you switch from a noisy room to a quiet one, the XM6 can switch from ANC to aware mode (if you have Adaptive Sound Control on). These headphones have a lot more features that you can nerd out on in their companion app. The audio quality is second to none, with the fully customizable EQ giving you plenty of options to get the sound how you like it. I really like being able to see what codec you're listening to in the app's main menu. That way, there's no guessing if you're getting the best audio quality or not. They will give you 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 40 hours of juice with ANC off. There's an AUX (3.5mm) jack for wired listening, which is a nice touch for audiophiles who still rock iPod Classics (or is that just me?). The XM6s are not just the best headphones of 2025, but are likely to be the best ones for years to come. For $398, you'll be securing the best for a record low price we likely won't see again for a while. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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When you’re looking for discount craft supplies, knowing where to shop can save you money and broaden your options. Local craft shops often have clearance sections filled with unique materials. Online marketplaces provide bulk purchasing opportunities at reduced prices. Furthermore, community events and craft swaps offer sustainable ways to gather supplies. Exploring thrift stores can likewise yield diverse, low-cost items. Each of these options presents distinct benefits for your crafting needs. What other strategies can improve your supply shopping experience? Key Takeaways Local craft shops often have clearance sections with significant discounts on supplies, making them ideal for budget-conscious crafters. Online marketplaces like Etsy offer bulk purchasing options, resulting in substantial savings on craft materials. Major retailers such as Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby frequently run seasonal sales and promotions, providing discounts ranging from 20% to 70%. Community events and craft swaps allow crafters to exchange surplus materials, promoting sustainability while saving money on supplies. Thrift stores offer a diverse selection of affordable craft supplies, including fabric, yarn, and tools, often at lower prices than retail outlets. Local Craft Shops With Clearance Sections Local craft shops often present excellent opportunities for budget-conscious crafters by featuring clearance sections filled with discounted supplies. For instance, you can find Chunky Glitter Fabric Sheets priced between $1.19 and $1.67, which were originally $1.49 to $2.79. Stiffened Felt Sheets are another budget-friendly option at just $0.59, down from $0.99. If you’re into slime projects, look for items like Fluffuccino Slime available for $3.59, considerably lower than the original $5.99. Furthermore, seasonal discounts on items such as Glitter and Mosaic Gems provide excellent value. These local shops regularly host sales on discount craft supplies, encouraging you to explore unique offerings and clearance items that can improve any crafting project, including wholesale floral crafts. Online Marketplaces for Bulk Purchasing When you’re looking to save on craft supplies, online marketplaces offer excellent bulk purchasing options that can lead to significant discounts. Many platforms feature various sellers who provide bulk discounts, making it easier for you to stock up on materials at a lower cost per item. Moreover, consider the shipping and delivery options available, as these can affect your overall savings and project timelines. Bulk Discounts Availability Online marketplaces have become crucial for crafters seeking bulk discounts on craft supplies, offering significant savings for various materials. You can find excellent deals on fundamental items, making it easier to stock up for your projects. Here are four key benefits of shopping for bulk discounts online: Wholesale Prices: Websites like Etsy and specialized craft stores often have sections for bulk items, allowing you to buy at lower rates. Larger Order Discounts: Many retailers provide discounts for larger purchases, which is perfect for schools or groups. Promotions: Popular craft supply sites frequently run sales events that augment your savings. Newsletters: Subscribing to newsletters alerts you to exclusive bulk discounts and flash sales customized for crafters. Shipping and Delivery Options Shipping and delivery options play a crucial role in the overall experience of purchasing craft supplies online, especially when you’re buying in bulk. Many online marketplaces, like Etsy and specialized craft supply stores, offer bulk purchasing opportunities that can save you money through volume discounts and special promotions. You’ll often find shipping deals, such as free shipping on orders over a certain amount, making bulk purchases even more economical. Moreover, retailers frequently run sales events, including seasonal discounts and clearance sales, where buying in larger quantities can lead to significant savings. Consider subscription boxes dedicated to craft supplies, too; they provide regular deliveries of discounted materials, ensuring you have necessities during the process of discovering new products to improve your crafting projects. Community Events and Swap Meets Attending local craft swap events can be a great way for you to exchange materials and tools as well as meeting fellow crafters in your community. These gatherings often include seasonal craft fairs and workshops that provide exclusive discounts on supplies, making them perfect for budget-conscious creators. Local Craft Swap Events Local craft swap events offer a unique opportunity for crafters to exchange surplus supplies as they nurture a sense of community and sustainability. Organized by local community centers, libraries, or art groups, these events are easily accessible. You can bring your unused or excess craft materials to swap for items you need, leading to a diverse selection of supplies at little to no cost. Here are four benefits of attending these events: Diverse Materials: Access a variety of craft supplies that you mightn’t find elsewhere. Networking: Connect with fellow crafters, share ideas, and inspire each other. Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn new skills during the swapping. Community Building: Encourage local connections and support sustainable practices in crafting. Community Engagement Opportunities Engaging with your community through craft-related events can greatly improve your creative experience as well as providing numerous benefits. Participating in workshops and local swap meets allows you to connect with fellow crafters, exchange ideas, and obtain new materials. For instance, the upcoming Little Craft Fest on March 8, 2025, will showcase local artists and offer opportunities for hands-on learning. Furthermore, the Creative Reuse Center encourages donations of clean, reusable materials for workshops, promoting sustainability. Here’s a summary of community engagement opportunities: Event Type Benefits Example Workshops Skill development and networking Local craft stores Swap Meets Material exchange and sustainability Neighborhood events Community Fest Showcasing local art and connection Little Craft Fest Seasonal Craft Fairs Seasonal craft fairs provide an excellent opportunity to discover unique craft supplies at discounted prices, especially when local artisans and vendors come together to showcase their work. These events not only allow you to purchase materials but also facilitate trading unused supplies, promoting creativity and sustainability. By participating, you can as well benefit from exclusive sales and promotions from local suppliers. Furthermore, many fairs offer workshops and demonstrations, helping you learn new techniques. Here are four reasons to attend seasonal craft fairs: Find unique supplies from local artisans. Trade unused materials at swap meets. Learn new skills through workshops and demos. Access exclusive sales from local vendors. These factors make seasonal craft fairs a valuable resource for crafters. Specialty Stores for Unique Supplies When you’re on the hunt for unique craft supplies, specialty stores can offer a treasure trove of items that you won’t find in typical retail outlets. For instance, the Creative Reuse Center provides clean, reusable materials that help divert waste from landfills during supporting local artists. You can find discounted items like Chunky Glitter Fabric Sheets priced between $1.19 and $1.67, perfect for budget-friendly projects. Moreover, Little Craft Place features a diverse selection of affordable craft supplies, including paints, kits, and books for all ages. If you’re an enthusiast, consider specialty tools like the TWSBI ECO Espresso Fountain Pen, which offers a piston filler mechanism for easy ink filling, blending quality with reasonable pricing. Seasonal Sales and Promotions As you explore options for craft supplies, taking advantage of seasonal sales and promotions can lead to significant savings. Many stores offer discounts during holiday seasons, making it an ideal time to stock up on your favorite materials. For example, you can find: Chunky Glitter Fabric Sheets priced between $1.19 and $1.67, down from $1.49 to $2.79. Slime products like Fluffuccino Slime and Extreme Strength Accelerator on sale for $3.59, reduced from $5.99. A variety of glitter and mosaic gems with lowered prices. Unique materials at the Creative Reuse Center, promoting sustainability and savings during special events. Discount Craft Supply Websites Finding discount craft supply websites can greatly improve your crafting experience without straining your budget. Many of these sites, like Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby, offer a vast selection of products, including paper, fabric, and embellishments, often at lower prices than retail stores. They frequently provide online coupons and promotional discounts, maximizing your savings. Furthermore, some sites focus on clearance items and overstock supplies, giving you access to quality materials at reduced prices. Subscribing to newsletters can grant early access to exclusive discounts and seasonal sales. User reviews on these platforms likewise help you make informed purchasing decisions. Website Special Features Average Discount Rate Joann Online coupons, clearance section 30% – 60% Michaels Weekly ads, loyalty program 20% – 50% Hobby Lobby Seasonal sales, online exclusives 25% – 70% Thrift Stores and Donation Centers Thrift stores and donation centers present excellent opportunities for crafters to explore a diverse range of affordable craft supplies. You’ll often find items at considerably reduced prices compared to traditional retail outlets. Here are some excellent finds you might encounter: Fabric: Look for various textiles perfect for quilting or sewing projects. Yarn: Discover different types and colors of yarn for your knitting or crocheting endeavors. Tools: Pick up vital crafting tools like scissors, glue guns, or paintbrushes. Unique materials: Visit donation centers like the Creative Reuse Center for clean, reusable art supplies that support sustainability. Shopping at these locations not just saves you money but additionally promotes recycling and reusing materials, reducing landfill waste during your crafting experience. Frequently Asked Questions Is Michaels or Hobby Lobby Better for Craft Supplies? When deciding between Michaels and Hobby Lobby for craft supplies, consider your specific needs. Michaels offers a broader selection, including seasonal items and a robust online shopping experience. Hobby Lobby, known for its frequent sales, often provides better discounts on various categories. Both stores have loyalty programs, but Michaels allows you to earn points on purchases, whereas Hobby Lobby gives a first-time email subscriber discount. Ultimately, your choice depends on convenience and the type of supplies you need. What Are Some Other Stores Like Hobby Lobby? If you’re looking for stores similar to Hobby Lobby, consider Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Michaels offers a diverse selection of craft supplies, art materials, and home décor, often with sales and coupons. Joann Fabrics specializes in fabrics and sewing supplies, featuring frequent promotions and a loyalty program. Moreover, Craft Warehouse provides competitive prices and clearance items, in addition to Dollar Tree being excellent for budget-friendly basic supplies, all ideal for your crafting needs. Does Dollar General Have Craft Supplies? Yes, Dollar General does have craft supplies. You’ll find crucial items like glue, scissors, stickers, and construction paper, perfect for basic projects. They likewise offer seasonal craft supplies, ideal for holiday decorations. Furthermore, you may discover DIY kits, painting supplies, and yarn, catering to various crafting interests. Keep in mind that inventory can vary by location, so it’s best to check your local store for availability and specific items. Does the Salvation Army Take Craft Supplies? Yes, the Salvation Army does accept craft supplies, but you need to follow specific guidelines. They only accept donations by appointment and don’t accept craft supplies during July and August. You can start scheduling donations for September on August 26th. Donating helps redirect materials from landfills and supports local community programs. Check their website or contact them for detailed guidelines before preparing your items for donation. Conclusion In conclusion, finding discount craft supplies is achievable with the right strategies. Explore local craft shops, online marketplaces, and community events to uncover unique and affordable materials. Seasonal sales at major retailers like Joann and Michaels can considerably reduce costs, as thrift stores offer diverse options for creative projects. By utilizing these resources, you can gather quality supplies without exceeding your budget, ensuring your crafting experience remains enjoyable and financially manageable. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Places for Discount Craft Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re looking for discount craft supplies, knowing where to shop can save you money and broaden your options. Local craft shops often have clearance sections filled with unique materials. Online marketplaces provide bulk purchasing opportunities at reduced prices. Furthermore, community events and craft swaps offer sustainable ways to gather supplies. Exploring thrift stores can likewise yield diverse, low-cost items. Each of these options presents distinct benefits for your crafting needs. What other strategies can improve your supply shopping experience? Key Takeaways Local craft shops often have clearance sections with significant discounts on supplies, making them ideal for budget-conscious crafters. Online marketplaces like Etsy offer bulk purchasing options, resulting in substantial savings on craft materials. Major retailers such as Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby frequently run seasonal sales and promotions, providing discounts ranging from 20% to 70%. Community events and craft swaps allow crafters to exchange surplus materials, promoting sustainability while saving money on supplies. Thrift stores offer a diverse selection of affordable craft supplies, including fabric, yarn, and tools, often at lower prices than retail outlets. Local Craft Shops With Clearance Sections Local craft shops often present excellent opportunities for budget-conscious crafters by featuring clearance sections filled with discounted supplies. For instance, you can find Chunky Glitter Fabric Sheets priced between $1.19 and $1.67, which were originally $1.49 to $2.79. Stiffened Felt Sheets are another budget-friendly option at just $0.59, down from $0.99. If you’re into slime projects, look for items like Fluffuccino Slime available for $3.59, considerably lower than the original $5.99. Furthermore, seasonal discounts on items such as Glitter and Mosaic Gems provide excellent value. These local shops regularly host sales on discount craft supplies, encouraging you to explore unique offerings and clearance items that can improve any crafting project, including wholesale floral crafts. Online Marketplaces for Bulk Purchasing When you’re looking to save on craft supplies, online marketplaces offer excellent bulk purchasing options that can lead to significant discounts. Many platforms feature various sellers who provide bulk discounts, making it easier for you to stock up on materials at a lower cost per item. Moreover, consider the shipping and delivery options available, as these can affect your overall savings and project timelines. Bulk Discounts Availability Online marketplaces have become crucial for crafters seeking bulk discounts on craft supplies, offering significant savings for various materials. You can find excellent deals on fundamental items, making it easier to stock up for your projects. Here are four key benefits of shopping for bulk discounts online: Wholesale Prices: Websites like Etsy and specialized craft stores often have sections for bulk items, allowing you to buy at lower rates. Larger Order Discounts: Many retailers provide discounts for larger purchases, which is perfect for schools or groups. Promotions: Popular craft supply sites frequently run sales events that augment your savings. Newsletters: Subscribing to newsletters alerts you to exclusive bulk discounts and flash sales customized for crafters. Shipping and Delivery Options Shipping and delivery options play a crucial role in the overall experience of purchasing craft supplies online, especially when you’re buying in bulk. Many online marketplaces, like Etsy and specialized craft supply stores, offer bulk purchasing opportunities that can save you money through volume discounts and special promotions. You’ll often find shipping deals, such as free shipping on orders over a certain amount, making bulk purchases even more economical. Moreover, retailers frequently run sales events, including seasonal discounts and clearance sales, where buying in larger quantities can lead to significant savings. Consider subscription boxes dedicated to craft supplies, too; they provide regular deliveries of discounted materials, ensuring you have necessities during the process of discovering new products to improve your crafting projects. Community Events and Swap Meets Attending local craft swap events can be a great way for you to exchange materials and tools as well as meeting fellow crafters in your community. These gatherings often include seasonal craft fairs and workshops that provide exclusive discounts on supplies, making them perfect for budget-conscious creators. Local Craft Swap Events Local craft swap events offer a unique opportunity for crafters to exchange surplus supplies as they nurture a sense of community and sustainability. Organized by local community centers, libraries, or art groups, these events are easily accessible. You can bring your unused or excess craft materials to swap for items you need, leading to a diverse selection of supplies at little to no cost. Here are four benefits of attending these events: Diverse Materials: Access a variety of craft supplies that you mightn’t find elsewhere. Networking: Connect with fellow crafters, share ideas, and inspire each other. Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn new skills during the swapping. Community Building: Encourage local connections and support sustainable practices in crafting. Community Engagement Opportunities Engaging with your community through craft-related events can greatly improve your creative experience as well as providing numerous benefits. Participating in workshops and local swap meets allows you to connect with fellow crafters, exchange ideas, and obtain new materials. For instance, the upcoming Little Craft Fest on March 8, 2025, will showcase local artists and offer opportunities for hands-on learning. Furthermore, the Creative Reuse Center encourages donations of clean, reusable materials for workshops, promoting sustainability. Here’s a summary of community engagement opportunities: Event Type Benefits Example Workshops Skill development and networking Local craft stores Swap Meets Material exchange and sustainability Neighborhood events Community Fest Showcasing local art and connection Little Craft Fest Seasonal Craft Fairs Seasonal craft fairs provide an excellent opportunity to discover unique craft supplies at discounted prices, especially when local artisans and vendors come together to showcase their work. These events not only allow you to purchase materials but also facilitate trading unused supplies, promoting creativity and sustainability. By participating, you can as well benefit from exclusive sales and promotions from local suppliers. Furthermore, many fairs offer workshops and demonstrations, helping you learn new techniques. Here are four reasons to attend seasonal craft fairs: Find unique supplies from local artisans. Trade unused materials at swap meets. Learn new skills through workshops and demos. Access exclusive sales from local vendors. These factors make seasonal craft fairs a valuable resource for crafters. Specialty Stores for Unique Supplies When you’re on the hunt for unique craft supplies, specialty stores can offer a treasure trove of items that you won’t find in typical retail outlets. For instance, the Creative Reuse Center provides clean, reusable materials that help divert waste from landfills during supporting local artists. You can find discounted items like Chunky Glitter Fabric Sheets priced between $1.19 and $1.67, perfect for budget-friendly projects. Moreover, Little Craft Place features a diverse selection of affordable craft supplies, including paints, kits, and books for all ages. If you’re an enthusiast, consider specialty tools like the TWSBI ECO Espresso Fountain Pen, which offers a piston filler mechanism for easy ink filling, blending quality with reasonable pricing. Seasonal Sales and Promotions As you explore options for craft supplies, taking advantage of seasonal sales and promotions can lead to significant savings. Many stores offer discounts during holiday seasons, making it an ideal time to stock up on your favorite materials. For example, you can find: Chunky Glitter Fabric Sheets priced between $1.19 and $1.67, down from $1.49 to $2.79. Slime products like Fluffuccino Slime and Extreme Strength Accelerator on sale for $3.59, reduced from $5.99. A variety of glitter and mosaic gems with lowered prices. Unique materials at the Creative Reuse Center, promoting sustainability and savings during special events. Discount Craft Supply Websites Finding discount craft supply websites can greatly improve your crafting experience without straining your budget. Many of these sites, like Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby, offer a vast selection of products, including paper, fabric, and embellishments, often at lower prices than retail stores. They frequently provide online coupons and promotional discounts, maximizing your savings. Furthermore, some sites focus on clearance items and overstock supplies, giving you access to quality materials at reduced prices. Subscribing to newsletters can grant early access to exclusive discounts and seasonal sales. User reviews on these platforms likewise help you make informed purchasing decisions. Website Special Features Average Discount Rate Joann Online coupons, clearance section 30% – 60% Michaels Weekly ads, loyalty program 20% – 50% Hobby Lobby Seasonal sales, online exclusives 25% – 70% Thrift Stores and Donation Centers Thrift stores and donation centers present excellent opportunities for crafters to explore a diverse range of affordable craft supplies. You’ll often find items at considerably reduced prices compared to traditional retail outlets. Here are some excellent finds you might encounter: Fabric: Look for various textiles perfect for quilting or sewing projects. Yarn: Discover different types and colors of yarn for your knitting or crocheting endeavors. Tools: Pick up vital crafting tools like scissors, glue guns, or paintbrushes. Unique materials: Visit donation centers like the Creative Reuse Center for clean, reusable art supplies that support sustainability. Shopping at these locations not just saves you money but additionally promotes recycling and reusing materials, reducing landfill waste during your crafting experience. Frequently Asked Questions Is Michaels or Hobby Lobby Better for Craft Supplies? When deciding between Michaels and Hobby Lobby for craft supplies, consider your specific needs. Michaels offers a broader selection, including seasonal items and a robust online shopping experience. Hobby Lobby, known for its frequent sales, often provides better discounts on various categories. Both stores have loyalty programs, but Michaels allows you to earn points on purchases, whereas Hobby Lobby gives a first-time email subscriber discount. Ultimately, your choice depends on convenience and the type of supplies you need. What Are Some Other Stores Like Hobby Lobby? If you’re looking for stores similar to Hobby Lobby, consider Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Michaels offers a diverse selection of craft supplies, art materials, and home décor, often with sales and coupons. Joann Fabrics specializes in fabrics and sewing supplies, featuring frequent promotions and a loyalty program. Moreover, Craft Warehouse provides competitive prices and clearance items, in addition to Dollar Tree being excellent for budget-friendly basic supplies, all ideal for your crafting needs. Does Dollar General Have Craft Supplies? Yes, Dollar General does have craft supplies. You’ll find crucial items like glue, scissors, stickers, and construction paper, perfect for basic projects. They likewise offer seasonal craft supplies, ideal for holiday decorations. Furthermore, you may discover DIY kits, painting supplies, and yarn, catering to various crafting interests. Keep in mind that inventory can vary by location, so it’s best to check your local store for availability and specific items. Does the Salvation Army Take Craft Supplies? Yes, the Salvation Army does accept craft supplies, but you need to follow specific guidelines. They only accept donations by appointment and don’t accept craft supplies during July and August. You can start scheduling donations for September on August 26th. Donating helps redirect materials from landfills and supports local community programs. Check their website or contact them for detailed guidelines before preparing your items for donation. Conclusion In conclusion, finding discount craft supplies is achievable with the right strategies. Explore local craft shops, online marketplaces, and community events to uncover unique and affordable materials. Seasonal sales at major retailers like Joann and Michaels can considerably reduce costs, as thrift stores offer diverse options for creative projects. By utilizing these resources, you can gather quality supplies without exceeding your budget, ensuring your crafting experience remains enjoyable and financially manageable. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Places for Discount Craft Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Design flaws caused a Tesla Model 3 to suddenly accelerate out of control before it crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames, killing a woman and severely injuring her husband, a lawsuit filed in federal court alleges. Another defect with the door handle design thwarted bystanders who were trying to rescue the driver, Jeff Dennis, and his wife, Wendy, from the car, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Wendy Dennis died in the Jan. 7, 2023, crash in Tacoma, Washington. Jeff Dennis suffered severe leg burns and other injuries, according to the lawsuit. Messages left Monday with plaintiffs’ attorneys and Tesla were not immediately returned. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages in California since the Dennis’ 2018 Model 3 was designed and manufactured there. Tesla also had its headquarters in California at the time before later moving to Texas. Among other financial claims, the lawsuit seeks wrongful death damages for both Jeff Dennis and his late wife’s estate. It asks for a jury trial. Tesla doors have been at the center of several crash cases because the battery powering the unlocking mechanism shuts off in case of a crash, and the manual releases that override that system are known for being difficult to find. Last month, the parents of two California college students killed in a Tesla crash sued the carmaker, saying the students were trapped in the vehicle as it burst into flames because of a design flaw that prevented them from opening the doors. In September, federal regulators opened an investigation into complaints by Tesla drivers of problems with stuck doors. Jeff and Wendy Dennis were running errands when the Tesla suddenly accelerated for at least five seconds. Jeff Dennis swerved to miss other vehicles before the car hit the utility pole and burst into flames, the lawsuit says. The automatic emergency braking system did not engage before hitting the pole, the lawsuit alleges, even though it is designed to apply the brakes when a frontal collision is considered unavoidable. Bystanders couldn’t open the doors because the handles do not work from the outside because they also rely on battery power to operate.. The doors also couldn’t be opened from inside because the battery had shut off because of the fire, and a manual override button is hard to find and use, the lawsuit alleges. The heat from the fire prevented bystanders from getting close enough to try to break out the windows. Defective battery chemistry and battery pack design unnecessarily increased the risk of a catastrophic fire after the impact with the pole, the lawsuit alleges. Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska. —Mark Thiessen, Associated Press View the full article