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The U.S. economy, hobbled by last fall’s 43-day government shutdown, advanced at an unexpectedly sluggish 0.7% annual rate from October through December, the Commerce Department reported Friday in a big downgrade of its initial estimate. Growth in gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — was down sharply from 4.4% in last year’s third quarter and 3.8% in the second. And the fourth-quarter number was half the government’s first estimate of 1.4%; economists had expected the revision to go the other way — and show stronger growth. Federal government spending and investment, clobbered by the shutdown, plunged at a 16.7% rate, hacking 1.16 percentage points off fourth-quarter growth. For all of 2025, GDP grew 2.1%, solid but down from an initial estimate of 2.2% and from growth of 2.8% in 2024 and 2.9% 2023. In the fourth quarter, consumer spending grew at a 2% clip, down from 3.5% in the third quarter and the 2.4% the government had initially estimated. Business investment, excluding housing, increased at a healthy 2.2% pace, likely reflecting money being poured into artificial intelligence, but the increase was down from 3.2% in the third quarter and from the 3.7% advance in the Commerce department’s initial estimate. Exports fell at a 3.3% annual rate in the fourth quarter, a bigger drop than the government first estimated. A category within the GDP data that measures the economy’s underlying strength came in weaker than previously reported, growing at a 1.9% clip, down from 2.9% in the third quarter and from the first estimate of 2.4%. This category includes consumer spending and private investment, but excludes volatile items like exports, inventories and government spending. “Following two consecutive strong readings for the second and third quarters, the economy was expected to soften heading into year-end. It’s now increasingly clear that the economy not only slowed but stumbled into the finish line,” Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors, said in a commentary. “The government shutdown was certainly a major factor in the loss of momentum, but a sharp decline in consumption growth also played a role.” The U.S. economy — the world’s largest — has shown surprising resilience in the face of President Donald The President’s policies, including sweeping import taxes and mass deportations. But the war with Iran has driven up oil and gas prices and clouded the economic outlook. Meanwhile, the American job market is in a slump. Last month, companies, nonprofits and government agencies cut 92,000 jobs. In 2025, they added fewer than 10,000 jobs a month, the weakest hiring outside recession years since 2002. Friday’s GDP was the second of the three estimates of fourth-quarter growth. The final report is due April 9. —Paul Wiseman, AP economics writer View the full article

Feeld markets itself as “the dating app for the curious.” For most of its users, that means curiosity about kink and casual sex—but its newest tool asks you to be curious about yourself. As a favorite platform for the kink, fetish, and non-mongamous communities, Feeld is a place where taboos are the norm. But a new survey from the app suggests that kink is more mainstream than dominant culture would have you believe. And Feeld’s new tool, Reflections, accompanies the data by letting anyone, Feeld users and otherwise, assess their own relationship with nontraditional sex. Feeld surveyed thousands of both its own users and external respondents for opinions on the perceived normality of traits like non-monogamy, queerness, and kinkiness. It published the results in a report titled State of Reflections, Vol. 1. The survey found that while Feeld users were unsurprisingly more open-minded on average, the general public wasn’t far behind in its attitudes toward non-vanilla sex. Nearly half of non-Feeld users (42%) said they practice kink, compared to 68% of the app’s user base. In some areas, everyday folks were even kinkier than Feeld members: Among those who practice kink, 44% of external respondents said they engage in role play, just above the 41% of Feeld users that said the same. But despite what’s actually happening behind closed doors, kink remains largely stigmatized. Only 25% of non-Feeld users said that talking about safe sex is normal, and just 23% said it’s normal to prioritize conversations about consent. And 28% of those external participants believe alternative relationship structures—dynamics like ethical non-monogamy—are somewhat or extremely abnormal. Reflecting on taboos In service of breaking down those stigmas, Feeld launched Reflections, its new self-assessment tool. Reflections is a collection of surveys, where respondents rate their interests and behaviors across three categories: desire, boundaries, and relationships. In the desire section, users reflect on their comfort with a variety of kinks, from being blindfolded to roleplaying a doctor/patient relationship or bringing toys into the bedroom. The boundaries section asks them to consider what qualifies as a red flag in a relationship—going through a partner’s phone without consent might be a bridge too far, for example—and how much any given partner impacts their own self-expression. Finally, the relationships portion delves into attachment style and interest in non-monogamy. After each section, Feeld provides an analysis of those answers, providing scores out of 100 under headings including “kink affinity,” “feeling authentic in sex,” and “voice and consent.” (Reflections is available to anyone online, or to users directly in the Feeld app.) In a press release, Feeld CEO Ana Kirova described Reflections as “one of the most defining experiences we’ve brought to Feeld.” “It embodies what we’ve always stood for—curiosity, self-discovery, and openness—while reflecting our core belief that meaningful connection starts with self-understanding,” Kirova said. “Reflections creates the space for introspection, so every connection that follows can be more honest, intentional, and true to who you are.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The feature I love most on the Coros Pace 4 right now is one that I didn’t even notice at first. I knew that it had an extra button compared to the Pace 3, and I knew that I could use it to drop “voice pins” when I was out on my trail runs. I’m always fumbling with buttons to mark water taps or interesting things I find in the woods, so this seemed useful—but once I realized I could also use the feature to record end-of-workout notes, I suddenly became the kind of person who keeps end-of-workout notes. Coros Pace 4 $249.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $249.00 at Amazon On the Pace 4, when a workout is over—any workout, be it a trail run or a strength session—you have the option to rate how hard it was. And once you do that, you get an option to record a 60-second voice note with anything you’d like to say about your training. A Coros rep told me in a briefing that it’s meant to help athletes add notes to their training log, since we don’t all have time to remember to come back and add those notes in text. To be honest, I didn’t realize you could already add notes to training sessions after the fact. But once I knew about this voice feature, I found myself using it all the time. Heck, I started to look forward to that prompt. At first I just logged a few words about how the workout felt, but then I realized I could also use it to bridge the gap between my paper and digital records. When I do a strength workout, I jot down my sets, reps, and weights in a notebook. Even though I have tons of fitness apps at my disposal, it’s a lot easier to write down “hang power snatch plus snatch” than it is to search through a database of exercises and then try to figure out how to log two exercises in the same rep. ('ve yet to encounter a strength app that does this well.) It’s easier to have everything on paper. So now, when my workout ends, I read the highlights of my training log into the voice note. This way, when I look back at the workout on my phone, I have the data I need, plus any little notes I thought to add about my mindset that day, or the intensity, or any modifications I made in the moment. A few of the notes I've captured Credit: Beth Skwarecki The Coros app transcribes the note, so I can skim it as text when I look at my workout later. But the audio file is right there, should I want to listen to it to verify what I said. It’s also kind of a touching slice of life—I can hear my daughter interrupt me in one note, with my “wait sweetie” dutifully transcribed in the middle of a sentence. On another workout, I can hear myself laughing a bit as I describe getting caught by surprise by a muddy trail section. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t have returned to the app to add a text note about these things, but I do really enjoy being prompted to add them with my voice. Coros has this feature on the Pace 4, Apex 4, and Nomad watches. Amazfit has a similar feature on the T-Rex 3 and T-Rex 3 Pro. Garmin has a voice note feature on newer Forerunner and Fenix watches, but it’s a bit clunkier and doesn’t prompt you at the end of the workout like Coros does. Still, any of them can be a useful addition to your workout routine. View the full article

Financial planning rarely works well when income and expenses are scattered across notes, apps or disconnected files. A well-structured budget spreadsheet helps bring those numbers together so spending, savings and financial decisions can be managed with clarity. The free templates featured in this blog provide individuals, teams and businesses with practical tools to organize financial data, monitor expenses and maintain better control over their budgeting activities. Budget spreadsheets for Excel or Google Sheets are useful, but whenever you’re ready to make a budget for personal, professional or business projects, try ProjectManager instead. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software equipped with advanced cost management features that allow organizations to create detailed project schedules, estimate costs, establish a budget, allocate resources and track costs in real time as work is executed. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more 1. Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel A budget spreadsheet is a financial planning document used to organize income and expenses within a defined period. It helps individuals, teams and organizations estimate spending, track financial activity and compare planned versus actual amounts. By structuring financial data into clear rows and columns, a budget spreadsheet makes budget management, cost tracking and financial planning easier to monitor and control. /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Budget-Sheet-Template-600x326.png This free budget spreadsheet template allows individuals and small business owners to record income, log expenses and monitor how those transactions affect their available budget throughout the budgeting period. As entries are added, built-in formulas automatically update totals, calculate variances and adjust the remaining balance, giving users a simple way to maintain ongoing budget tracking. Date: Records when each income or expense occurs so transactions remain tied to the selected budgeting period and can be reviewed in chronological order. Category: Organizes entries into financial groupings that help users evaluate spending patterns, identify priorities and summarize budget activity across different areas. Expense/Income Type: Specifies whether a transaction represents incoming funds or an expense, clarifying how the entry impacts the available budget balance. Description: Provides a short explanation of the transaction so individual income sources or expenses remain easy to identify during budget reviews. Frequency: Indicates how often the transaction occurs—such as weekly, monthly or one-time—supporting recurring expense planning and long-term budgeting. Budgeted Amount: Displays the planned financial amount assigned to an income source or expense category, serving as the target used for budget planning. Actual Amount: Records the real amount earned or spent during the budgeting period, allowing users to track financial performance against the planned budget. Difference: Automatically calculates the variance between the planned and actual values, highlighting overspending, underspending or potential savings. Notes: Offers space to document additional context, explanations or reminders that help clarify transactions during financial reviews. 2. Budget Spreadsheet Template for Google Sheets Within most organizations, a budget spreadsheet acts as the central document for planning, organizing and reviewing financial activity across a defined timeframe. Teams use it to estimate expenses, allocate funds, monitor spending patterns and compare estimated costs against real financial performance throughout the year. /wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Google-Sheets-budget-template-600x207.png This free budget spreadsheet template organizes annual financial planning by category while distributing estimated and actual costs across every month of the year. Users enter quantities, unit costs and recurrence types, allowing the spreadsheet to calculate totals automatically while showing how spending evolves throughout the budgeting cycle. Company and date header: Identifies the organization responsible for the budget and establishes the timeframe used to organize all financial planning and tracking activities. Category section: Groups expenses into major operational areas such as staffing, hardware, cybersecurity, software and project costs to improve financial analysis. Quantity and cost per unit fields: Capture purchase management details for each item or service so estimated costs can be calculated consistently across the budget. Estimated cost and recurrence column: Defines the planned financial commitment for each line item and indicates whether the cost occurs monthly, annually or once. Monthly estimated and actual columns: Allow users to monitor how spending unfolds each month while comparing projections against real financial activity. Total annual budget calculation: Automatically aggregates the full year of estimated spending across categories to provide a clear overview of total planned costs. Notes column: Provides additional context about purchases, assumptions or financial decisions that may affect how the budget is interpreted later. 3. Project Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel A project budget is a financial plan that estimates the total cost required to complete a project. It outlines expected spending across categories such as labor, materials, equipment and other expenses so project managers can allocate resources, monitor financial performance and control costs throughout the project lifecycle. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Project-Budget-Screenshot-600x167.jpg This project budget spreadsheet organizes project costs by task using a work breakdown structure (WBS). Users assign tasks, estimate labor hours, input hourly rates and record material or fixed expenses. As actual costs are entered, the sheet compares budgeted versus actual spending and automatically calculates under- or over-budget balances. 4. Project Budget Spreadsheet Template for Google Sheets Structurally, this template mirrors the Excel project budget spreadsheet described earlier, using the same task-based layout, labor calculations and cost tracking columns. The difference is that it runs in Google Sheets, which allows teams to collaborate online, update budget data simultaneously and access project financial information from any device with real-time synchronization. /wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Project-Budget-Template-for-Google-Sheets-600x182.png 5. 50/30/20 Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel A 50/30/20 budget is a personal financial planning framework that divides income into three spending categories. Fifty percent covers essential living expenses, thirty percent supports discretionary spending and twenty percent is allocated to savings or debt reduction. This personal budgeting method helps individuals balance daily costs, lifestyle spending and long-term financial goals. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/50-30-20-template-600x231.png This 50/30/20 budget spreadsheet begins with monthly after-tax income and automatically distributes available funds into the three budgeting categories. Users list specific expenses under needs, wants and savings sections while the template calculates totals, shows available funds and highlights whether each category remains within its recommended spending limit. 6. 70/20/10 Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel The 70/20/10 budget is a financial planning method that divides income into three priorities: seventy percent for living expenses, twenty percent for financial goals and ten percent for lifestyle spending. This approach helps individuals structure spending decisions while maintaining a balance between essential costs, savings priorities and discretionary expenses. /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/70-20-10-Template-featured-image-600x217.png This 70/20/10 budget spreadsheet starts by recording monthly income after taxes and then allocates funds into living expenses, financial goals and lifestyle categories. Users enter spending items such as housing, groceries, retirement savings and entertainment while the template calculates totals and displays whether spending remains within each budget allocation. 7. Budget Dashboard Spreadsheet Template for Excel A project budget is a financial plan that estimates how much money a project will require across different cost categories such as labor, materials, equipment and overhead. It helps project managers allocate funds, monitor financial performance and maintain cost control throughout the project lifecycle. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Budget-dashboard-template-screenshot-600x308.png This budget dashboard template summarizes project cost data using charts and visual reports. The template aggregates totals for direct materials, labor, equipment and overhead, then compares planned versus actual costs. As financial data is updated, charts automatically display cost distribution, variances and the remaining balance across budget categories. 8. Budget Dashboard Spreadsheet Template for Google Sheets This template follows the exact same structure as the Excel version, using visual charts and summary tables to display planned costs, actual spending and budget balances across project categories. The advantage of using Google Sheets is that teams can access the budget dashboard online, collaborate in real time and update financial data simultaneously from any device. /wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Budget-Tracker-for-Google-Sheets-600x303.png 9. Zero-Based Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel A zero-based budget is a budgeting method where every dollar of income is assigned to a specific purpose until the remaining balance equals zero. Instead of estimating spending loosely, this approach requires individuals to justify each expense category so total income minus total allocations results in a fully planned financial plan. /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Zero-based-budget-template-600x509.png This zero-based budget spreadsheet starts with total monthly income and assigns every dollar to a specific expense category. Users enter spending amounts for housing, transportation, insurance, savings and discretionary costs. The template totals all expenses and compares them against income to ensure the final balance equals zero. 10. Construction Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel A construction budget is a financial plan used to estimate and control the costs required to complete a construction project. It organizes expected spending across categories such as labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors and overhead so project teams can allocate resources, monitor construction costs and maintain financial control throughout the building process. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/construction-budget-for-excel-screenshot-600x160.png This construction budget spreadsheet organizes project costs using a work breakdown structure that lists construction tasks and assigns responsibility. Users enter labor hours, hourly rates, materials quantities and equipment costs. The template calculates totals automatically and compares budgeted versus actual costs to highlight whether the project remains under or over budget. 11. Event Budget Spreadsheet Template for Excel An event budget is a financial planning tool used to estimate and manage the costs required to organize and deliver an event. It organizes expected expenses across categories such as venue rental, vendors, equipment, travel, marketing and staffing so planners can allocate funds, track spending and keep the event within budget. /wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Event-budget-template-screenshot-600x481.jpg This event budget spreadsheet organizes expenses by event categories such as venue, equipment, travel and marketing. Users list vendors or contractors, estimate labor and material costs and track actual spending as the event progresses. Subtotals calculate automatically, helping event planners monitor total costs and maintain control over the event budget. 12. Event Budget Spreadsheet Template for Google Sheets This template uses the same structure as the Excel event budget spreadsheet described above, organizing event costs by category, vendor and cost type while calculating totals and subtotals automatically. The advantage of using Google Sheets is that event teams can collaborate in real time, update expenses simultaneously and access the budget dashboard from any device with an internet connection. /wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Event-Budget-Template-for-Google-Sheets-600x370.png ProjectManager Offers Robust Budgeting and Cost Management Features ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software equipped with workload management charts, timesheets, real-time project and portfolio management dashboards and reports that allow organizations to create project budgets, compare their estimates against actual project costs and monitor expenses at the task level. Watch the video to learn more! Related Budgeting Content 5 Personal Budget Templates for Excel (Free Download) How to Make a Budget Plan for Personal Finance Management 18 Budget Templates for Business & Project Budgeting How to Make a Project Budget: Project Budgeting Basics (Templates Included) How to Manage a Project Budget with Project Budgeting Software ProjectManager is award-winning software that allows organizations across industries to manage projects from start to finish. Our collaborative platform connects everyone on the project team and lets them work with the tools they want. Plan, monitor and report on every aspect of your projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 12 Free Budget Spreadsheet Templates for Excel and Google Sheets appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

SerpApi is asking a federal court to dismiss Reddit’s lawsuit over alleged scraping of Reddit content from Google Search, saying Reddit is trying to use copyright law to control user posts and public search results. The motion follows Reddit’s amended complaint filed in February. SerpApi says the filing still fails to show copyright ownership, circumvention of technical protections, or concrete harm. SerpApi’s argument. SerpApi CEO Julien Khaleghy, in a blog post today, argued the lawsuit fails for several reasons: Reddit doesn’t own most of the content at issue. Its user agreement states that users retain ownership. Reddit holds only a non-exclusive license to user posts. The snippets cited in the complaint (e.g., dates, addresses, short fragments) aren’t copyrightable. SerpApi accessed Google Search pages, not Reddit itself. DMCA. Khaleghy said Reddit claims SerpApi violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by circumventing technical protections. SerpApi disputes that claim, saying it retrieves the same search results visible to anyone who enters a query in Google. Khaleghy argued that: SerpApi doesn’t break encryption or bypass authentication. Accessing public webpages isn’t “circumvention” under the DMCA. Reddit is trying to enforce copyright protections it doesn’t own. Reddit’s privacy policy states that public posts may appear in search results. Catch up quick. Legal fights over search scraping and AI data have intensified in recent months: Oct. 22: Reddit sued SerpApi, Perplexity, Oxylabs, and AWMProxy, alleging they scraped Reddit content through Google Search and reused it at scale. Reddit said it planted a “trap” post visible only to Google’s crawler that later appeared in Perplexity responses. Oct. 29: SerpApi said it would fight the lawsuit, calling the allegations inflammatory and defending access to public search data. Dec. 19: Google sued SerpApi, alleging the company bypassed bot protections and scraped licensed search features. Feb. 23: SerpApi asked a federal court to dismiss Google’s lawsuit, arguing Google is misusing the DMCA to restrict access to public search results. Why we care. The case tests whether companies can extract information from Google’s search results without violating copyright or the DMCA. The outcome could affect SEO tools and AI training data. What’s next. The court must decide whether Reddit’s amended complaint can proceed. If the judge dismisses the case with prejudice, Reddit’s claims against SerpApi in this lawsuit would end. SerpApi’s blog post. Reddit’s Lawsuit is a Dangerous Attempt to Expand Platform Power View the full article

Global events hide mistakes, confer agency and are exciting to bootView the full article

A recent SurveyMonkey study sheds light on the evolving landscape for women in the workplace, highlighting both the strides made and the challenges that remain. Conducted from February 10-16, 2026, this extensive survey included responses from 6,330 adults, with a significant focus on 3,048 women. Given its robust sample size, the findings carry valuable insights for small business owners looking to foster diverse and inclusive workplace environments. The survey reveals that women continue to face unique hurdles in the professional arena. Despite ongoing progress in certain fields, many women report significant barriers to career advancement and equitable treatment compared to their male counterparts. This presents small business owners with both an opportunity and a challenge; emphasizing a supportive environment for female employees can help attract and retain top talent while also enhancing workplace morale. Key takeaways from the survey indicate that while many women appreciate the flexibility their companies offer, a significant number still feel underrepresented in leadership roles. Business owners should note that promoting women into leadership and decision-making positions not only contributes to a more equitable workplace but can also drive better business performance. As the study points out, companies that prioritize diversity typically enjoy a greater range of insights and ideas, leading to innovative solutions and better outcomes. “Employers must recognize the importance of women’s voices in shaping their organizations,” says a representative from SurveyMonkey. “When women occupy leadership roles, it not only empowers those individuals but also serves as a model for aspiring employees.” This perspective underscored in the survey suggests that cultivating a diverse workforce can be a strategic advantage for small businesses aiming to thrive in competitive markets. Small business owners should also consider the implications of flexible work arrangements, which have become increasingly important for retaining female employees. The study indicates that many women value flexibility in their work schedules, particularly when it comes to balancing professional responsibilities with family life. Business owners looking to implement or enhance flexible work policies may find that doing so not only aids in retention but also boosts overall employee satisfaction across the board. However, these changes come with challenges. Implementing new policies to foster inclusion and support work-life balance requires careful planning and commitment. Business owners might initially encounter resistance or skepticism from those accustomed to traditional work practices. Clear communication about the reasons behind these changes, along with continuous training and support, can help ease this transition. The survey underscores the importance of not only listening to employee feedback but actively engaging in dialogue about workplace culture. Small business owners can leverage tools like anonymous surveys to gauge employee sentiment and identify areas for improvement. By gathering ongoing insights, businesses can adapt more effectively to employee needs and create a work environment that prioritizes inclusivity. Moreover, the data reveal that mentorship plays a crucial role in women’s career advancements. Small businesses can take advantage of mentorship programs that connect rising female leaders with experienced professionals in the industry. Establishing such initiatives not only fosters a sense of community but also equips women with the skills and networks needed to navigate their career paths successfully. Ultimately, embracing these changes elevates the entire team and can set a small business apart in an increasingly competitive landscape. By prioritizing women’s advancement and creating a supportive environment, small business owners can drive engagement, innovation, and loyalty among their workforce. This ongoing dialogue about women in the workplace is pivotal as businesses strategize for growth. Small business owners should view the findings from the SurveyMonkey study as not just data points but as critical insights for fostering a more inclusive workforce. For more details, you can access the full survey findings at SurveyMonkey. Image via Google Gemini This article, "New SurveyMonkey Study Highlights Workplace Gains and Ongoing Barriers for Women" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

CEO Vishal Garg said he expects his firm's brokering loans for Credit Karma to make the consumer platform the largest originator in the country. View the full article

When you hit the share button on social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, or Threads, these sites tack on a tracker to the link you're sharing. This tracker means that Instagram can tell who you've shared the link with, and it likely uses this information to further optimize its algorithm for ads. While the tech here is sneaky, it is easy to remove tracking information from these links. How do social media tracking links work?It's actually pretty easy to spot a link that has trackers. To check it out, copy the link to any Instagram post and paste it somewhere safe, like your notes app. A normal Instagram link looks like this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVrMKVVAaBi/ The same link with tracking has a bunch of additional characters at the end: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVrMKVVAaBi/?igsh=cGd5cGx4enJmcThu Every character after that ? is used to identify that your profile shared the link. While this example highlights Instagram, the same thing happens on many other apps and websites. Facebook, Threads, Reddit, YouTube, Amazon, and many others use some kind of tracking parameters in links to see how people arrived at a certain post or a page. These trackers have some legitimate use cases, such as tracking affiliate links to pay commissions or keeping tabs on social media traffic. In some cases, however, these tracking links serve no purpose other than to identify who shared the link with you, and who you're sharing links with. That can be used to identify people you're close to, which in turn, helps social media giants deliver targeted ads to you and your friends or loved ones. It can also compromise your privacy, since someone opening your link will see your account was the one to originally share it—even if you don't share that link directly with them. How to remove tracking linksThe easiest way to remove tracking links is to manually delete the tracker from the URLs. This is quite easy to do on desktop browsers, where you have larger screens that let you see and delete tracking parameters from long URLs. In the case of Instagram, you can safely delete the part after the ? in most URLs. The same often applies to links from other social media sites too. To automate this process on desktop, you can use the built-in Copy Clean Link feature in Firefox, as well as similar features in browsers like Brave. Just right-click any link and select Copy Clean Link to remove its tracking parameters. You can also use uBlock Origin to remove tracking from URLs. In the extension's settings, go to Filter lists and enable URL Tracking Protection. The ClearURLs extension for Firefox or Microsoft Edge used to be a good option here, but it hasn't been updated in a while, and it may break some links, so I'd recommend avoiding it. If you have an iPhone, you can install the Anonymize Meta Sharing shortcut, which removes tracking parameters from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads links. Just copy the link, run the shortcut, and it'll give you a tracking-free version of the same URL. If you're on Android, or want an alternative on iOS, there's also a simple website called URL Clean that removes tracking from links. You can use it to remove some kinds of tracking, but you should note that it breaks some URLs. View the full article

Caution around the move is growing as focus has shifted to affordability, and current trading prices make near-term action unlikely, according to Wedbush. View the full article

PRA claims staff have been abused by public following government comments suggesting retailers are ‘price gouging’View the full article

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it is launching a new dining experience on its ships for people who don’t like the long, leisurely evening dinners that cruises are known for. Here’s why Carnival is introducing the new option, and what it means for you if you’re traveling on a Carnival cruise soon. What’s happened? This week, Carnival announced that it is rolling out a new “Express Dining” option on more than a dozen of its ships. The cruise giant says that the new dining experience is designed to offer “a freshly prepared multi-course dinner experience in under an hour for groups of six guests or fewer.” The idea behind Express Dining is that if Carnival offers a faster way to enjoy an evening meal, guests who want to explore the ship’s other entertainment options, like shows or bars, will have more time to do so. “Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board, and Express Dining was designed with that in mind,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said, announcing the new dining option. Are leisurley dinners going away? If you’re one of the many people who find the long, leisurely dinners one of the major appeals of cruises, don’t worry—those aren’t going away. Instead, Carnival will offer guests the choice of “Express Dining” or the line’s traditional dining experience. Those who opt for the new Express Dining service should be aware that, due to the faster service, not all food options from the traditional dining service will be available. Carnival says that while the Express Dining service “significantly reduces service time” and mirrors much of the main dining experience’s offerings, the new service does have “a slightly abbreviated selection.” What ships is Carnival’s new Express Dining service available on? Carnival says the new Express Dining option is now available on the following 15 ships: Carnival Jubilee Carnival Celebration Mardi Gras Carnival Venezia Carnival Firenze Carnival Panorama Carnival Horizon Carnival Sunrise Carnival Vista Carnival Breeze Carnival Radiance Carnival Conquest Carnival Dream Carnival Glory Carnival Freedom Carnival says all ships in Carnival’s fleet will offer Express Dining “by the end of May.” Carnival’s stock has faced rough waters in 2026 While Carnival is betting that its guests will likely appreciate the option to sit down to a faster meal, the company’s announcement, as expected, seems to have been met with indifference from investors. After all, Carnival has bigger problems than serving food quickly right now. The company’s stock price (NYSE: CCL) has declined nearly 22% in the past month, particularly after the outbreak of the war in Iran, which is serving to drive up oil prices—a commodity that Carnival’s ships rely on. Higher oil prices mean higher costs for Carnival, and thus fewer profits. As of the time of this writing, CCL shares have now fallen over 19% since the year began. However, over the past 12 months, CCL shares have risen a healthy 29%. View the full article

When sourcing crafting materials, it’s vital to understand the various strategies that can optimize your efforts. Start by setting a budget, as keeping material costs within 25-30% of the retail price is fundamental for profitability. Consider sustainable options, such as recycling and upcycling, which not just save money but also support eco-friendly practices. Furthermore, building connections with local crafting communities can provide valuable resources. These foundational steps can greatly improve your sourcing approach. Key Takeaways Explore local community reuse centers and platforms like Freecycle for cost-effective and unique crafting materials. Prioritize ethical sourcing by researching suppliers and verifying the origins of materials for quality assurance. Maintain detailed records of material expenses to ensure costs remain within 25% to 30% of your retail price. Engage with crafting communities for supplier recommendations and eco-friendly sourcing tips to enhance your material options. Stay informed about local regulations and safety standards for crafting materials, especially for items intended for children. Understand the True Cost of Craft Supplies When you commence on crafting, it’s essential to understand the true cost of your supplies, as this knowledge directly impacts your pricing strategy and profitability. Ideally, material costs should be 25% to 30% of your final retail price. For example, if your product retails for £40, aim for a material cost not exceeding £12. When sourcing craft materials wholesale, remember to account for hidden expenses like shipping fees, customs charges, and minimum order requirements. Furthermore, consider potential wastage or defects, which can further inflate your costs. Keeping detailed records of your material expenses enables you to make informed pricing adjustments. Finally, factor in the storage space for your materials, as this affects your operating costs and inventory management. Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) A well-defined Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is crucial for distinguishing your crafts in a crowded market. To create a strong USP, focus on the unique aspects of your work, like using sustainable, recycled, or locally sourced materials. These elements can attract environmentally conscious consumers. Moreover, incorporating rare materials, such as vintage fabrics or exotic woods, can further improve your craft’s distinctiveness. You might as well consider building your USP around cultural connections by utilizing traditional methods or heritage materials. Clearly defining your USP allows you to communicate the value of your products effectively, justifying prices that reflect their quality. Explore Smart Sourcing Options Building on your unique selling proposition requires not just creativity but furthermore resourcefulness in sourcing materials. You can explore various smart sourcing options to improve your crafting projects. Consider recycling and upcycling old materials, which can save costs and provide unique textures. Platforms like Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace often list free or low-cost supplies. Community reuse centers and salvage yards are also excellent for reclaimed materials. Don’t overlook ethical sourcing from nature, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices. Engaging with local crafting communities can likewise reveal hidden resources. Sourcing Option Benefits Recycling & Upcycling Cost-effective, unique designs Freecycle & Facebook Marketplace Low-cost, accessible supplies Community Reuse Centers Sustainable, reclaimed materials Research Trusted Suppliers for Quality and Consistency Researching trusted suppliers is essential for ensuring the quality and consistency of your crafting materials. Start by investing in reputable suppliers known for their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing practices. Conduct thorough research on potential suppliers by reading customer reviews and checking for industry certifications that indicate reliability. Engage directly with suppliers to inquire about the origins of their materials, ensuring they meet your ethical standards. Furthermore, consider suppliers that offer small batch runs or custom colorways, as these can provide unique elements for your projects during the maintenance of consistent quality. Finally, maintain an updated list of trusted suppliers based on your experiences with the quality of wholesale craft items received, streamlining your sourcing process for future projects. Balance Wholesale and Retail Markets Balancing wholesale and retail markets can greatly improve your crafting operations, allowing you to optimize both cost efficiency and product variety. By purchasing bulk craft kits from wholesale suppliers, you can reduce costs considerably, making it easier to scale production. Meanwhile, retail markets offer the flexibility to experiment with unique materials without the burden of large minimum orders. Here’s a quick comparison: Source Type Advantages Disadvantages Wholesale Lower costs, bulk pricing Minimum order requirements Retail Flexibility, no minimums Higher prices per unit Combined Use Diverse inventory, cost-effective Balance needed for efficiency Strategically combining both approaches can help maintain a well-rounded inventory for your crafting needs. Consider Regulations and Safety Considerations When you’re plunging into the domain of crafting materials, it’s vital to understand the regulations and safety considerations that come with sourcing various supplies. Always familiarize yourself with local regulations, especially for natural or second-hand craft resources, to guarantee compliance with safety standards. Check for certifications such as ASTM or EN71 for children’s supplies to confirm they’re non-toxic. Be cautious with materials like paints and adhesives, as they may contain hazardous substances and require proper labeling. Research guidelines for reclaimed or upcycled materials, since they can have specific safety regulations because of potential contaminants. Finally, verify any imported materials meet your country’s safety regulations to avoid legal issues and prioritize customer safety. Join Online Communities for Resource Sharing Joining online crafting communities can greatly improve your resource-gathering efforts. By networking with fellow crafters, you’ll gain access to valuable project ideas and firsthand recommendations for sourcing materials. These platforms additionally provide a space to share surplus supplies, ensuring you not only find what you need but likewise contribute to a sustainable crafting environment. Networking With Fellow Crafters Networking with fellow crafters can greatly improve your crafting experience, especially when you tap into online communities dedicated to resource sharing. Joining platforms like Facebook groups or crafting forums allows you to share and receive valuable recommendations on sourcing craft materials in bulk. Many of these communities host swap events or “destash” sales, where you can exchange excess supplies, promoting a circular economy. Engaging with other crafters can likewise lead you to discover local suppliers and unique materials that aren’t widely advertised. Furthermore, you might gain access to exclusive discounts from suppliers, enhancing your purchasing capability. Participating in discussions about sustainable practices can inspire innovative ideas for sourcing materials as you reduce your environmental footprint. Sharing Project Ideas Exploring online crafting communities opens up a wealth of opportunities for sharing project ideas and gaining inspiration. By joining platforms like Facebook groups or Reddit forums, you can connect with fellow crafters who share your passion. These communities often host challenges, allowing you to try new techniques and showcase your results. Consider these benefits of engaging in online crafting groups: Share project ideas and techniques to boost creativity. Receive feedback on your designs for improvement. Discover sustainable crafting materials and where to buy craft supplies. Participate in themed projects that encourage skill development. Accessing Resource Recommendations Accessing resource recommendations through online crafting communities can greatly enrich your crafting experience. These platforms, like Facebook Groups and Reddit, allow you to ask, “Where can I buy craft supplies?” and receive invaluable answers. By joining these groups, you gain access to supplier recommendations, project ideas, and insights on eco-friendly materials. Community Type Benefits Popular Platforms Facebook Groups Supplier recommendations Facebook Reddit Project ideas & discussions Reddit Crafting Forums Eco-friendly sourcing tips Crafting dedicated forums Local Meetup Groups Collaboration opportunities Meetup, local community sites Engaging with fellow crafters enriches your knowledge about sales and can lead to partnerships that expand your resources. Frequently Asked Questions How Can I Determine the Best Materials for My Crafting Niche? To determine the best materials for your crafting niche, start by researching industry standards and trends. Analyze what successful crafters in your niche use, evaluating durability, cost, and availability. Experiment with different materials to understand their properties and how they affect your projects. Moreover, consider your target audience’s preferences and needs. For example, if you’re crafting jewelry, explore options like sterling silver or hypoallergenic materials to cater to diverse customers. What Are the Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Materials in Crafting? Using eco-friendly materials in crafting offers several benefits. First, they reduce your environmental impact by minimizing waste and pollution. For example, recycled paper and organic fabrics are sustainable alternatives. Second, eco-friendly materials often promote healthier indoor air quality, as they lack harmful chemicals. Finally, using these materials can improve your brand’s appeal, attracting environmentally conscious customers. How Do I Calculate the Total Cost of My Crafting Projects? To calculate the total cost of your crafting projects, add up the prices of all materials you’ll need, including glue, fabric, and tools. Don’t forget to include any shipping fees if you’re ordering online. If you plan to make multiple items, multiply the cost of materials by the number of items. Finally, consider any additional costs, like equipment or workspace, to get a thorough total for your project expenses. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sourcing Materials? When sourcing materials, avoid common mistakes like failing to compare prices, which can lead to overspending. Don’t overlook quality; low-priced items may not perform well. Always check for hidden costs, such as shipping fees. Furthermore, neglecting to read reviews can result in poor material choices. Verify you’re purchasing from reputable suppliers, as this impacts your project’s outcome. Finally, remember to reflect on the environmental impact of your materials for sustainable crafting. How Can I Track My Material Inventory Efficiently? To track your material inventory efficiently, start by organizing your items into categories, such as fabric, paint, or tools. Use an inventory management software or a simple spreadsheet to log each item, noting quantities and locations. Regularly update your records when you add or use materials. Consider implementing a barcode system for quick scanning. Furthermore, schedule routine checks to verify your inventory matches your records, helping you avoid shortages or excess materials. Conclusion By implementing these seven crucial tips for sourcing crafting materials, you can streamline your process and guarantee quality as you stay within budget. Comprehending the true costs, exploring sustainable options, and connecting with trusted suppliers will improve your crafting projects. Moreover, engaging with online communities can provide valuable insights and resources. Prioritizing safety regulations will keep your creations secure, especially for children. With these strategies, you’ll build a solid foundation for successful crafting endeavors. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Tips for Sourcing Crafting Materials" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The MacBook Neo seems to be anything anyone in the tech world can talk about this week. Apple somehow made a MacBook that does just about everything you want a MacBook to do, all for $599 ($499 with an education discount). That price point makes Apple's next-cheapest computer, the MacBook Air, seem borderline unreasonable for $1,099. MacBook Neo $599.00 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $599.00 at Amazon Part of what's fueling the hype here is how much the MacBook Neo could disrupt the budget and midrange laptop markets. Why spend $200 or $300 on a Chromebook when for a bit more, you could have a near-complete macOS experience? In the same vein, if you're turned off by Windows' insistence on unnecessary AI features and aggressive ads, but avoided Macs because of their high price tags, the Neo could turn you away from PC. In fact, much of the discussion around the Neo is how this might finally be the midrange Windows laptop replacement the market has been looking for. But a $499 MacBook isn't without compromises. The Neo has certain limitations you might not be used to from Apple's usual Macs, or from your Windows PC: There's only 8GB of RAM, even if you pay for the model with 512GB of storage; the keyboard doesn't have a backlight; and the USB-C ports are older, which means you can't charge as fast as other devices, or transfer data as quickly. But if you're coming from a Windows machine, and you're used to a certain way of doing things, you might be thinking: Can the MacBook Neo run Windows? The answer, it seems, is yes—but you probably shouldn't buy it for that. The MacBook Neo isn't the perfect Windows replacementFirst things first: the MacBook Neo can't run Windows natively. Those days are long behind us, once Apple switched from Intel chips to its own ARM-based Apple silicon. Intel Macs have "Boot Camp," which can install Windows directly onto a partition of the machine. With Apple silicon Macs, you need to use a third-party program to run Windows in a virtual machine. One such program is Parallels, long an option for Mac users looking to run Windows while still having ready access to macOS. As it happens, Parallels confirmed the MacBook Neo is compatible with its application, which means the computer's A18 Pro chip can handle running Windows in a virtual machine. Problem solved, right? Unfortunately, no. While Windows will run in Parallels on MacBook Neo, it might not be an ideal experience for many PC users. That's directly from Parallels itself, which commented: "For light, occasional Windows use, like a legacy business tool, or a Windows-only utility, MacBook Neo may provide an acceptable experience. For CPU- or GPU-intensive Windows applications, this computer is not the right choice." Part of the issue is that the virtual machine running Windows 11 requires at least 4GB of RAM. The MacBook Neo is locked at 8GB, which doesn't leave much room for macOS. Parallels runs concurrently with macOS, since it runs Windows 11 in its own window. It's like if Windows 11 was an app on your Mac, alongside Safari, Messages, or Mail. Once you start running too much at once, you could easily choke your machine. If you need to run Windows, consider these cheap laptopsIf you don't really care about Windows support, and you're just looking for a capable laptop at that $500 or $600 price point, then the MacBook Neo could definitely replace a comparable Windows machine. It'll also runs Microsoft apps that have Mac support, like Word, PowerPoint, and Teams. But I wouldn't recommend it for users looking for something that also runs Windows, and the Windows-only programs they're used to. If that sounds like you, you might want to look at budget and midrange Windows laptops, like the Acer Aspire 3 or Acer Aspire 16. If you still want both Windows and macOS access, consider a different MacBook. At that Neo price point, you could find an M1 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM. The Neo actually outperforms the M1 in some ways, but that extra RAM will help you run Windows better in Parallels. View the full article

Business and households alike are worrying — the Fed should be tooView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. This might be the whitest thing I've ever written, but I'm getting into sailing. A friend recently took me on a sail around Santa Barbara, and I finally really understand what Christopher Cross meant when he sang, "The canvas can do miracles. Just you wait and see." Except I don't know how to do it. So I was just sitting there, not actually sailing. It's personally frustrating to feel useless on the poop deck (It's called a "poop deck," right?), so I downloaded MarineVerse Sailing Club for the Meta Quest 3, and it became my "Upgrade of the Week." How I learned to sail the (virtual) seas with MarineVerse Sailing ClubThe next time I go sailing (which I hope is going to be soon, eh, Doug?), I'm going to be armed with whatever salty seamanship skills one can gain in virtual reality. MarineVerse Sailing Club lets you pilot and race five different crafts, from dinghies to yachts, in exotic VR locations all over the world like fake-Sydney and ersatz-Rio. But more importantly to me, it's a way to learn the basics of sailing: things like the names of parts of the boat, and more advanced boat-biz like tacking, jibing, and right-of-way rules. It features a series of easy-to-follow lessons that are way more interesting and fun than just reading about sailing, and you can take what you learn and face off with others in multiplayer races, or just sail around the virtual seas. MarineVerse Sailing Club $29.99 at Meta Get Deal Get Deal $29.99 at Meta I haven't really gotten into the community aspect of it yet, but Sailing Club has an active userbase of thousands of scalawags, many of whom are real-life sailors, who compete in organized racing leagues and jaw about the sea on Discord, just like a real sailing club. It's the kind of niche community that flourishes in virtual spaces. The focus is on realism instead of thrills and the graphics are very last-generation, so I don't know if I would recommend Sailing Club strictly as a game, but as a learning tool or cheap fix when you're far from the marina, it's worth $29.99. Even if you throw in the cost of a Meta Quest 3, that's a small fraction of the $10,000 you'd pay for a cheap sailboat. Obviously, you're only scratching the surface of sailing knowledge with a VR simulation, and the best VR sailing experience is about a two on the awesomeness scale compared to actually floating around in the ocean, but if you're like me, and you don't want to be a total sailing noob, it's a very fun first step. Ahoy! Meta Quest 3 512GB — The Most Powerful Quest — Ultimate Mixed Reality Experiences — Get Batman: Arkham Shadow - White $499.99 at Walmart $901.32 Save $401.33 Get Deal Get Deal $499.99 at Walmart $901.32 Save $401.33 View the full article

Six ways they can be used. By Danny Lohrfink The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Six ways they can be used. By Danny Lohrfink The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Grammarly, the tool meant to assist with spelling, grammar, and in identifying plagiarism, is being sued for a new AI tool called “Expert Review.” The tool offers editing suggestions from established authors and writers—ostensibly not a bad idea—except that none of those people consented to being involved in the first place. The tool offers real-time writing tips from celebrities like Stephen King and Neil deGrasse Tyson, as well as journalists, like The Markup founder Julia Angwin, who filed the class action lawsuit against Grammarly’s parent company Superhuman, after she alleged the tool used her likeness without her permission: “have worked for decades honing my skills as a writer and editor, and I am distressed to discover that a tech company is selling an imposter version of my hard-earned expertise,” Angwin said in a statement. From photorealistic deepfakes on Sora to scammers using chatbots to swindle users out of money, AI has already been bending reality and using people’s likenesses at worrying speeds. The Grammarly lawsuit shows how professional writers’ likenesses are also up for grabs—in addition to having that same technology threaten their very careers and livelihoods. This is the latest battle in the war over what legal and ethical boundaries AI should not cross. Sorry, not sorry The federal lawsuit, which was filed in the Southern District of New York Wednesday, “challenges Grammarly’s misappropriation of the names and identities of hundreds of journalists, authors, writers, and editors to earn profits for Grammarly and its owner, Superhuman,” per court documents reviewed by Fast Company. Angwin’s lawsuit comes as Superhuman has recently announced plans to phase out Expert Review. Shishir Mehrotra, Superhuman’s CEO, addressed the decision to remove the tool in a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday: “This kind of scrutiny improves our products, and we take it seriously.” He continued: “As context, the agent was designed to help users discover influential perspectives and scholarship relevant to their work, while also providing meaningful ways for experts to build deeper relationships with their fans.” But commenters on the public post, which include a linguistics professor, a New York Times editor, a public library clerk and others in the writing and editing industry, pushed back, arguing the CEO’s words don’t take real accountability or capture the gravity of the situation. In a statement shared with Fast Company, Mehrotra followed up on his apology, but was dismissive of the lawsuit. “We have reviewed the lawsuit, and we believe the legal claims are without merit and will strongly defend against them,” he said in the statement. The new identity wars As AI continues to develop at breakneck pace, many workers—especially ones in fields at high risk for automation, like writing and editing—this Grammarly lawsuit brings fresh fears around how workers can protect not just their work, but their identities. And many professionals are taking action. Actor Matthew McConaughey, for example, filed eight trademark applications earlier this year to protect his likeness and voice as AI deepfakes being scarily realistic and accurate. Angwin’s attorney Peter Romer-Friedman calls the situation a “very straightforward legal case,” telling Fast Company that “various state laws for a long time have provided that it’s unlawful to use a person’s name, whether they’re famous or not, for commercial purposes or gained without their consent.” He says “that’s exactly what Superhuman did through the Grammarly expert review tool.” Regardless of how it plays out, legal and AI experts worry about what the incident means for the future of many industries—and that some workplaces may not be ready. The lawsuit “points to a troubling trend,” says Vered Zlaikha, partner and Head of Cyber & AI practice at Lipa Meir & Co. “In the race to attract users and market share, some AI developers and vendors may be tempted to push legal and ethical boundaries.” She also thinks this could be the first of many such legal battles between companies using AI tools, and the workers they affect. “We may well see additional lawsuits and class actions brought by various affected parties, including users and individuals referenced or implicated by AI,” she notes. Dalit Heldenberg, an AI adoption strategist and advisor, agreed, saying “we’re already seeing” it. “Disney recently sent a cease-and-desist to Google over AI tools generating its characters, which led Gemini to start blocking those prompts,” Heldenberg told Fast Company. “It’s a sign that companies are beginning to draw clear boundaries around how AI products can use their intellectual property.” In other words, even people or companies who use an AI tool without being aware of its legality may open themselves up to being sued. Fast Company asked Angwin’s lawyer point blank if the people and organizations who used ‘Expert Review’ were legally exposed and if the firm planned to pursue legal action against them. “I can’t speak to that at this time,” he replied. Look before you leap into AI Zlaikha advises companies using AI tools to ask questions before jumping in and rolling them out. “What contractual protections are in place?” she asks, and who bears responsibility in the face of legal action? How does the organization retain control and oversight over how the tool is created and deployed? While larger companies will likely have the resources to adapt to the shifting AI litigation landscape, they’re also more likely to be targets. As Heldenberg put it, “When you have millions of users and hundreds of millions in revenue, you’re the first call a plaintiff’s lawyer makes. Smaller companies face a different risk: they often adopt AI tools without fully understanding the legal exposure they might create.” As for Angwin, as the lawsuit states, she hopes to “stop Grammarly and its owner, Superhuman, from trading on her name and those of hundreds of other journalists, authors, editors, and even lawyers” and to stop the companies from “attributing words to them that they never uttered.” Meanwhile, Superhuman CEO Mehrotra, says “there is a better approach to bringing experts onto our platform and we are working on a version that will provide significantly more benefit to both users and experts,” he said in the statement to Fast Company. View the full article

OpenAI’s first artist in residence is launching a new company that aims to turn your thoughts into actual products. Today, entrepreneur and roboticist Alexander Reben announces Phyzify, a lab using AI tools to rapidly prototype physical objects based on your imagination. “There’s a huge gap between idea and [bringing that] thing into existence,” says Reben, cofounder of Phyzify. “And I really think AI and robotics and quantum computing and all the technology that’s about to come is going to accelerate [closing] that gap [and] make walking across that bridge a lot easier.” But what Reben has in mind is far greater than just 3D printing. He’s envisions Phyzify as a platform where AI handles the entire execution of an idea, from potential prompts to multitudes of physical outputs. For example, translating music into paintings that an artist could sell as merch. On top of that, he sees Phyzify handling the backend of the more mundane aspects of product development, from securing domain names to filing patents and trademarks. Phyzify closed a pre-seed round led by Logan Kilpatrick, product lead for Google AI Studio, DeepMind. Kilpatrick was drawn to Phyzify as an investor because he sees 2026 as “a huge year” for physical AI and generative media—and he believes Phyzify is at the front of the wave. “Alex has a unique ability to bring new ideas at the intersection of AI and Art to life,” Kilpatrick said in an email. “I saw this first hand working with him at OpenAI, and now I couldn’t be more excited to back him as he and the team build the tools and platforms to enable people to bring their ideas to life.” Phyzify is a natural evolution of Reben’s career that sits at the intersection of advanced technology and creative experimentation. In 2010 at MIT Media Lab, Reben’s graduate research focused on social robotics. One of his early creations, Boxie, became the inspiration of the character Baymax in Disney’s Big Hero 6. In 2014, Reben became the director of technology and research at Stochastic Labs, a residency program in Berkeley convening minds across tech, art, and science. He’s made headlines for his various AI-based artworks. And in 2024, he was announced as OpenAI’s first artist-in-residence, where he spent the better part of the year gaining access to the company’s technology to explore how AI systems can participate in artistic practices. And now, Reben wants to push the boundaries of AI and creativity even further with Phyzify—but with a clear intent on keeping humans at the center of it all. Jake WitzenfeldAlexander Reben “Looking to the future of automation and a lot of the research and papers and things people have been thinking about, it’s still pretty clear that asking the questions, being creative, imagining is something that makes sense for humans to keep doing,” Reben says. “That’s something that’s very, very hard for an AI to do, if not ultimately impossible.” The company’s lab is headquartered in a North Carolina factory where they’re primarily working with fabric looms to transform AI-based concepts to physical products. In a virtual demo, I controlled various creative expressions of my webcam feed via a MIDI controller. Apparently there were more than 604 sextillion AI-generated options to choose from—I did not get through all of them. Once I locked in my choice, I could see a live feed of my image being woven on a loom in real-time and the tapestry was sent to my office the next day. “This idea of bringing stuff [into] the physical realm needs a starting place,” Reben says. “Fabric is something that’s quite intriguing given it’s turned into so many different objects as well. So even the post-processing steps after creating a unique piece of fabric is fairly unlimited.” As it expands across mediums, Phyzify is collaborating with five creative professionals in fashion, music, food, gaming, and more to help stress test and experiment with various interfaces and physical outputs. “There’s an element of exploration right now,” says Jake Witzenfeld, cofounder of Phyzify. “The platform will be the accumulation of the tools that come out of what we’re doing at the lab.” Phyzify is implementing an array of creative tools from across the advanced technology landscape, but it’s also building its own tools and systems with the goal of launching a consumer facing product in a year. Eventually, the company hopes to create mass market products, limited edition drops, art pieces, and more. But outside of pushing products, Reben wants Phyzify to push against synthetic capitalism, an economy where the products and the means through which they’re produced are handled entirely by AI without any human involvement. To Reben, machines and AI have mastered how to make things. And humans should decide what’s worth being in the world and why. “If we retain control of that,” Reben says, “and we can help move that forward, I think that’s an important mission to have.” View the full article

What can you anticipate and prepare for? By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

What can you anticipate and prepare for? By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

Tesla and SpaceX managers sent in to review work as billionaire’s start-up struggles to keep pace with rivalsView the full article

Every day in America, over 100 people are involved in a life-altering crash that severely injures them or kills them. And that 100-per-day doesn’t even include all the people whose lives are impacted indirectly by severe crashes. Vision Zero is a road safety philosophy that originated in Sweden in the 1990s and has since been adopted by cities across the United States and Europe. Its premise is straightforward: traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable and can therefore be eliminated. With the right street design, traffic enforcement, and public awareness, everyone can get around safely. The problem is that severe crashes are a catastrophe so routine that it barely registers in the news cycle. Americans have been conditioned to think traffic violence is inevitable. One outcome of that conditioning is that people will campaign against transportation projects that improve safety. That’s right—against safety. Here’s a social media comment someone made to me in response to redesigning a street to improve safety: “Members of the public communicate their risk tolerance through voting. It is the job of engineers to comply with that, not to second guess democratic choices.” I get comments like that all the time, and it’s not just anonymous bots. Putting transportation safety projects up for a Yes/No vote reminds me of this quote that’s often attributed to Ben Franklin: “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.” Democracy is a trap We don’t vote on airplane safety. Imagine being handed a survey when you board a plane: Should the airline prioritize your arrival time or the structural integrity of the landing gear? That would be absurd. We trust aviation engineers to design safe aircraft. Passengers vote with their wallets, but no one gets a veto over whether safety is a priority in the first place. Surface transportation doesn’t work this way. When a city proposes narrowing a street to reduce speeding, neighbors show up to meetings and call it an “attack on drivers.” When a protected bike lane is added to a corridor with a history of fatal crashes, it gets removed after community complaints. When a signal timing change is proposed to give pedestrians more crossing time, it gets killed because drivers worry about congestion. When illegal parking that blocks sightlines at intersections is enforced by police, the cries of over-reach flood city hall. Safety improvements frequently die by popular vote and public pressure. Americans, given the choice between their personal convenience and other people’s safety, have repeatedly chosen convenience. This is the democracy trap: the idea that every engineering decision must survive a public referendum, including decisions that exist specifically to protect human life. There’s a reflexive response to this argument that goes: “So you want to just override what people want by taking out a lane? That’s anti-democratic.” That framing means your life, your child’s life, your neighbor’s life, my life, are all subject to negotiation. It means a neighborhood miles away gets to weigh in on whether a dangerous intersection near your home gets fixed. It means the people who are most likely to be harmed—pedestrians, cyclists, children walking to school, elderly residents are outvoted by people who are primarily concerned about shaving seconds off their drive no matter the cost to others. We don’t hold referendums on building codes. We don’t ask neighborhoods to vote on whether restaurants should have to refrigerate meat. Some protections exist precisely because they shouldn’t be contingent on majority sentiment. The same logic should apply to street design. Get out the vote The binary Yes/No vote to allow or forbid safety improvements needs to be tossed out. That doesn’t mean the public should be shut out of transportation decisions, it means the kind of community engagement needs to change. Right now, transportation agencies and local governments often ask the wrong question: Do you want this safety improvement? That question is almost designed to fail, because most people don’t understand how street design contributes to crashes. They don’t know that wider lanes encourage faster driving. They don’t know that a 20 mph impact is survivable for a pedestrian while a 40 mph impact usually isn’t. They don’t know that on-street parking sometimes makes a street safer and sometimes makes a street more dangerous. City transportation systems are complicated. When you ask people an uninformed question, you get an uninformed answer. The better approach is education first, options second. Explain what Vision Zero is. Show people the data on speed and crash severity. Help them understand what road diets, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, signal changes, and what each one accomplishes. Ask for input about the problems they’re experiencing: People drive too fast on this street. I wish my neighborhood was quieter. I can’t see around the corner when I turn. Nobody stops their car for me at the crosswalk. The light turns red before I can walk across the street. There’s no easy way for my kids to ride bikes to school. I have to walk 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop. If I miss the bus, I have to wait an hour for the next one. That’s meaningful public engagement. It respects people’s intelligence while also respecting the reality that prioritizing human life is not up for debate. Culture shift is necessary In the US alone, tens of thousands are killed in traffic crashes every year. Hundreds of thousands more experience life-altering injuries. The idea that driving fast and without friction is a kind of birthright is woven into our infrastructure, our zoning, our politics, and our sense of personal freedom. Changing safety culture is hard, but it has changed before, in other places, and it can change here. We don’t ask voters to approve seatbelt laws every few years. We don’t hold referendums on speed limits every time someone complains. Engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground crews made aviation extraordinarily safe not by polling passengers, but by treating safety as a non-negotiable foundation, and then inviting the public to make choices within that foundation. That’s the model for reaching Vision Zero. Not a top-down dismissal of community voices, but a reordering of the conversation: safety first, preferences second. Engage people early and help them visualize what’s possible, and for crying out loud, build safer transportation systems. View the full article

If you’re considering becoming a franchisee, it’s vital to follow a structured approach. Start by evaluating your readiness, including your skills and financial situation. Next, research various franchise opportunities that align with your interests and market demand. Comprehending the costs involved is fundamental, as is completing all legal requirements. By preparing effectively, you can set yourself up for operational success. Let’s explore these steps in detail to guarantee you’re on the right path. Key Takeaways Assess your transferable skills and personal resources to determine your readiness for franchise ownership. Research various franchise opportunities and evaluate their market potential and investment requirements. Secure financing by understanding startup costs and exploring funding options like bank loans or franchisor partnerships. Complete all legal requirements, review the Franchise Disclosure Document, and consult a franchise attorney for guidance. Prepare for launch by developing a business plan, attending Discovery Day, and utilizing franchisor training programs. Assess Your Readiness for Franchise Ownership Are you truly ready for the challenges of franchise ownership? To assess your readiness, first identify and evaluate your transferable skills like leadership, customer service, and operations management. Reflect on past experiences that highlight relevant skills beneficial for franchise management. Next, examine your financial resources, including personal savings, credit, and financing options, to guarantee you can meet the initial investment requirements. Consider the time, effort, and dedication required; a strong commitment directly impacts your franchise’s success. Finally, verify the franchise aligns with your personal strengths, interests, and long-term career goals. This alignment increases your chances of success as you learn how to become a franchisee and eventually become a franchisee in a fulfilling and profitable venture. Research and Evaluate Franchise Opportunities Researching and evaluating franchise opportunities is a critical step in your path to franchise ownership, as it helps guarantee you choose a venture that aligns with your goals and market needs. To effectively navigate this process, consider these key actions: Utilize resources like FranchiseDirect and FranchiseforSale.com to identify options that match your interests and local demand. Evaluate the initial investment, keeping in mind that most franchises fall within the $100,000 to $300,000 range, though costs can vary. Conduct thorough market research on competition and brand recognition, as these factors can influence your success. Speak with current and former franchisees to gain insights on operations, challenges, and support from the franchisor. Secure Financing and Understand Startup Costs Securing financing and grasping startup costs are vital components of your expedition into franchise ownership, as they lay the foundation for your business’s financial health. Initial franchise costs can range from $10,000 to $5 million, with most falling between $100,000 and $300,000. Whereas franchise fees are typically one-time payments, ongoing costs like royalties and marketing fees must likewise be factored into your budget. Comprehending the requirement for unborrowed funds is significant, as some expenses need to be covered by personal savings. It’s advisable to create a detailed financial plan early on, projecting both startup costs and estimated revenue. Exploring various financing options, such as Bank of America loans, franchisor partnerships, or equity investments, can help you secure the necessary capital. Complete Legal Requirements and Franchise Agreement Steering through the legal terrain is an important step in your expedition to becoming a franchisee. Before you sign a franchise agreement, make sure you receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days in advance. This document provides crucial information about fees, obligations, and the franchise’s performance. Pay attention to these key points: The FDD contains 23 disclosure items, covering financial performance and the franchisor’s history. Legal compliance is necessary, requiring annual updates of the FDD and registration in certain states. Franchise agreements define the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including operational terms and support. Consult a licensed franchise attorney to review the FDD and agreement, ensuring you understand all terms before committing. Prepare for Launch and Operational Success As you prepare for the launch of your franchise, it’s essential to establish a strong foundation for operational success. Begin by developing an all-encompassing business plan that outlines projected revenue, cash flow estimates, and financial strategies for the first three years. Attend a Discovery Day hosted by your franchisor to engage with the management team, gain insights into operational expectations, and clarify any questions. Implement a recruitment strategy to hire quality staff, ensuring you maintain high service standards. Utilize the franchisor’s training program effectively to understand operations, customer service, and marketing approaches. Finally, establish clear communication channels with your franchisor for ongoing support, and take advantage of resources like regular check-ins to tackle operational challenges and improve performance. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Steps to Becoming a Franchisee? To become a franchisee, start by evaluating your skills and interests to guarantee they align with the franchise opportunity. Next, research potential franchises, focusing on their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for essential financial details. Attend a Discovery Day to meet the franchisor’s team and understand the culture. Seek legal and financial advice to grasp the franchise agreement fully. Finally, finalize agreements, pay the franchise fee, and prepare for your business launch effectively. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Product involves knowing the franchisor’s offerings and how they meet customer needs. Price refers to the initial investment and ongoing fees that affect profitability. Place emphasizes selecting the right location, considering demographics and competition. Finally, Promotion covers the marketing strategies the franchisor provides, which help create brand awareness and drive traffic to your franchise, ultimately influencing your success. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? Chick-fil-A‘s initial franchise fee is only $10,000 since the company covers most startup costs, including equipment and real estate. This makes it more accessible compared to other franchises, which often require hundreds of thousands of dollars. The unique revenue-sharing model allows you to focus on daily operations, whereas Chick-fil-A retains ownership of the restaurant. Nonetheless, you must be actively involved in management, as the selection process is rigorous and competitive. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule mandates that franchisors must provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any franchise agreements or pay fees. This document contains crucial details about the franchise’s terms, obligations, and financial performance. You’ll benefit from this waiting period, allowing you to review the FDD thoroughly. If a franchisor violates this rule, they may face legal penalties, and you might’ve grounds to rescind the agreement. Conclusion In summary, becoming a successful franchisee involves a systematic approach. By evaluating your readiness, researching opportunities, securing financing, completing legal requirements, and preparing for launch, you set a solid foundation for your business. Each step is essential in ensuring you’re equipped to navigate the challenges of franchise ownership. Utilize the resources and support provided by the franchisor to improve your operational success. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve your goals as a franchisee. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Steps to Successfully Become a Franchisee" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article