All Activity

Marketing services firm LeadPoint said it thought it had gained compliance after Connecticut officials issued a prior consent order and penalty in 2020. View the full article

FundingShield's latest report notes the improvement in remediation efforts among lenders, but closing protection lenders remain a key source of file problems. View the full article

How many new oil wells did you drill this year? Did your oil and gas reserves deplete? Do you operate your pipelines through a Master Limited Partnership? Those questions likely don’t mean anything to the average person. They’re only relevant to Big Oil companies, which can get tax breaks for such actions. The questions appear on “The Presidento Tax,” a satire website (a nod to Intuit’s tax-preparation software TurboTax) created by United to End Polluter Handouts (UTEPH), a coalition of climate groups that highlights how Americans’ tax dollars fund oil and gas corporations. On Tax Day, (Wednesday, April 15), a “The Presidento Tax” kiosk is also on the streets of Washington, DC, with someone dressed as Donald The President giving out tax advice—for Big Oil companies, that is. A century-old American tradition The U.S. has been subsidizing the fossil fuel industry for nearly a century. Oil and gas companies get tax breaks when their reserves deplete, for example, and can write off expenses related to drilling new oil wells. Under President The President—who has been a champion for fossil fuel companies—those subsidies have increased: His 2025 reconciliation bill, also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, granted $40 billion in new subsidies to the oil and gas industry. “We’re looking at a timeline right where scientists globally have said we have very little time left to drastically change our global economic system and to get off of fossil fuels if we want to have a present and future that is really livable,” says Jamie Minden, executive director of Zero Hour, a global youth climate justice organization and UTEPH coalition member. “And unfortunately,” she adds, “we have an economic system in this country right now that is extremely beneficial to the industries that are making that future look pretty bad.” The Presidento Tax On the The Presidento Tax website, answering the questions like a regular person—by picking responses like “No—I don’t have oil reserves” and “I’m a normal person and I’m confused by all this,”—prompts the page to flash red. “LIB ALERT!” it reads. “Suspected non-fossil-fuel insider detected.” You can also answer like a Big Oil company. To the question “When you earn more money, what happens to your taxes?” one optional answer reads “I pay less in taxes, because I pay $445 million for lobbyists.” Do that, and the site will tally up the industry’s federal subsidies: $35 billion a year, according to Oil Change International and the Congressional Budget Office. That works out to roughly $280 per American household (and doesn’t include any state or local subsidies). Occasionally, an animated The President also appears on the site, holding signs that say things like “They pay at the pump, we pocket billions. It’s not FRAUD. It’s ENERGY DOMINANCE!” The The Presidento Tax website and the kiosk in Washington are meant to highlight, as Fletcher Harper of GreenFaith says in a statement, that “The The President tax code has a preferred customer, and it’s not you.” Those subsidies are keeping the fossil fuel industry running even when it doesn’t make economic sense, climate groups say. Every new oil company drilling project is “a gamble,” economics and earth system science researchers wrote in 2022. That’s because thousands of oil and gas assets are at risk of becoming stranded, meaning they could become unprofitable or be forced to shut down years earlier than planned because of future policies designed to slow climate change. It’s also cheaper to build new renewable energy projects like wind and solar than to build natural gas plants. “These billionaires are profiting off of the backs of struggling Americans,” Minden says. “It’s a really clear example of how the oil and gas industry is really not in anyone’s best interest.” View the full article

Last week, one of my meekest, weakest friends (said with love) asked me to go boxing with her. This may have been wildly out-of-character for her, but for me, it confirmed a trend I’d already been noticing. Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and all other sorts of combat-style workout classes are having a mainstream moment. In many ways, this is nothing new—how could I erase the legacy of Tae Bo nation?—but I’m not the first to clock an uptick in “fight-style” workouts across social media and gym class offerings these days. So what's actually driving this trend? And more practically: Even if you're not planning to step into a ring, what can you take from the way fighters train that's still worth your time? Why "combat training" is gaining in popularityFrom where I’m standing, I see a few things converging. During the pandemic, a lot of us sought out training that felt purposeful and grounding. At the same time, a generation that grew up watching UFC, combat sports documentaries, and fighter-athlete crossover content on social media is now arriving at adulthood culturally primed for this kind of training. As a result, it looks like influencers, personal trainers, and fitness studios are simply recognizing a market opportunity. Now, workouts like boxing and kickboxing are accessible to people who never would have set foot in a traditional fight gym—like my friend and myself. What I could tell five minutes into my boxing class is that the appeal of combat training goes much deeper than a purely physical workout. Compared to the boredom that can come from a typical gym circuit, “fighter-style training is different,” says Tre Hubbard, a former college football player who lost over 120 pounds and went on to become a Golden Gloves boxing champion. “You're not just working out—you're learning how to move, how to breathe, how to stay composed when you're tired,” Hubbard says. “You can't fake it." Even for those of us with no plans to fight for real, “combat-style training is super popular now because it makes people feel strong, capable, and engaged,” says Terry Tateossian, a certified personal trainer who incorporates combat-style methods into her coaching programs. "There is a sense of capability and confidence," Tateossian says. As a long-distance runner myself, something I’ve always noticed in the gym is how so many modern fitness options are designed to make things easier. Machines guide your movement, screens distract you, and so on. Now, there’s a real appetite for the way combat-style training strips all that noise away. "People are looking for engagement and intention," Tateossian says. Training like a fighter “gives you a sense of progress that feels real," Hubbard says. "You're sharper, faster, more conditioned, and mentally tougher. It's one of the few types of training where your confidence actually grows because you know you're earning it." And if you’re learning how to throw a proper jab, or move your feet correctly, or time a defensive slip, your mind really does need to be present. Why training like a fighter is such a good workoutFrom a purely physical standpoint, combat training covers a lot of ground. A single boxing session might include dynamic warm-ups, shadowboxing, heavy bag work, pad work, footwork drills, and conditioning circuits. "You're hitting conditioning, strength, coordination, and endurance all at once without having to overthink it,” Hubbard says. Compare that to a standard gym session where you might spend 45 minutes on isolated muscle groups and finish on a treadmill. Tateossian shares some of her favorite physical benefits in more detail. Rotational power—the kind you generate by kicking or punching—builds core strength. Footwork drills train balance, agility, and reaction time, qualities that translate directly to injury prevention and everyday physical capability. And for her specific clientele—women over 40—Tateossian finds combat-style training particularly valuable for preserving fast-twitch muscle fibers, which decline with age and are critical for power, reaction speed, and the ability to catch yourself if you stumble. "There’s also a mental component that also keeps people present," Tateossian says. "And it feels more like ‘learning a skill’ rather than 'working out,' which increases consistency." Consistency, of course, is the variable that determines almost everything in fitness. "The biggest thing it gave me was structure," Hubbard says. "It gave me something to commit to when nothing else was working." After all, the best fitness program in the world doesn't work if you don't show up. How to get started with combat trainingNone of this means you should walk into a combat gym tomorrow and sign up for full-contact sparring right away. "Getting too intense too quickly can lead to injuries, fatigue, and it's not really for beginners," Tateossian says. The intensity that makes this workout effective is also what makes it risky if you skip a proper build-up phase. The good news is that you don't need to spar, compete, or even take a punch to capture most of the benefits. The majority of what makes fighter training so valuable is available to anyone willing to learn the basics properly. If you’re interested in fighter-style training, start with fundamentals. Find a coach or class that can teach you things like bag work, footwork, and conditioning circuits. In a fitness landscape full of shortcuts and hacks, training like a fighter could be exactly what you need to regain a little structure and intentionality. Just keep in mind that your goals here should be more than just burning calories—even though, in my experience, you should also be ready to burn a lot of calories. View the full article

Did you know that December is spelled with an X? Neither did we—until one influencer’s viral video showed the pitfalls of relying on AI for answers. AI is growing less and less popular by the day. A recent Gallup survey found a 14% decrease in excitement among Gen Z about AI since 2025, with 48% of working Gen Zers saying that using artificial intelligence in the workforce isn’t worth the risk. As anti-AI sentiment grows, anti-AI creators are finding a new niche. That includes Husk, an influencer whose videos showing ChatGPT’s frequent mistakes have gone viral over and over again. Take Husk’s most recent video. Pretending to be studying for a test, he asked ChatGPT’s voice model, “Which month in the year is spelled with an X?” Not missing a beat, ChatGPT replied, “That would be December. It’s got that X right in the middle, like a little holiday surprise.” When Husk asked if the AI chatbot was sure about its answer, it changed its tune: “December actually doesn’t have an X. The month you’re thinking of is October,” it said, later adding, “October is spelled with that X right after the O.” Only when Husk asked ChatGPT to spell October in its entirety did the bot admit its mistake. “There’s that X sound, but it’s actually just a C and a T,” it said. “Okay, then which one has an X?” Husk asked. Again, ChatGPT had a new answer for him: “That’s going to be February.” Exposing AI bots Husk has tested ChatGPT on far more than just spelling. He often asks it for help in made-up dangerous situations: “Oh my god, I stepped in quicksand,” he tells the bot in one video, but it refuses to believe he’s telling the truth. “Oh no, you’re going under the imaginary quicksand!” it says with a sarcastic tone. In another, he asks ChatGPT to react to an original song, but requests feedback without actually playing any music. Still, ChatGPT says Husk has “a raw, personal sound” and that “the melody was pretty catchy.” Husk’s videos highlight how AI chatbots like ChatGPT are often incapable of admitting their own inadequacies. In one case, he tried to get ChatGPT to stop responding to him, but the bot couldn’t help but reply despite saying it understood his instructions. “Are you sure this is something you can do?” Husk eventually asked. “Yes, I’m sure,” ChatGPT replied—only, of course, to continue answering every one of Husk’s statements. Husk’s AI takedowns aren’t limited to ChatGPT. After his video about spelling months with the letter X went viral, he repeated the experiment with Grok, getting an eerily similar result: “December is the only month of the year spelled with an X,” the bot replied via text. “It’s right there in ‘Dexember.’” Though some AI enthusiasts claim that Husk is manipulating the AI with previous prompts, other users have corroborated his results by repeating his experiments themselves. “I got a bunch of screenshots from people with similar results,” Husk wrote in one of his comment sections—and indeed, those examples are flooding his replies. “I was worried it was just me, but I guess not.” Sam Altman responds As Husk pokes more and more holes in ChatGPT’s use cases, social media can’t help but wonder what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman must make of it all. “Somewhere out there rn, Sam Altman is screaming at the top of his lungs and attempting to track this mfer’s IP address just so he can nuke him off the internet,” reads one viral post about Husk. “Meet Sam Altman’s worst nightmare,” reads another. But Altman recently came face to face with Husk’s content, and it seemingly left him unfazed. In an interview with the tech podcast Mostly Human, Altman reacted to a video in which Husk asks ChatGPT to time him as he runs a mile. Just seconds later, he asks for his time, and ChatGPT says he “clocked in at around 10 minutes and 12 seconds.” Altman laughed as the interviewer asked if he needed to “show that to [his] product guys.” “No, that’s a known issue. Maybe another year,” he replied. “That voice model doesn’t have tools to start a timer or anything like that. But we’ll add the intelligence into the voice model soon.” Commenters pointed out that the issue isn’t that ChatGPT doesn’t have a functioning timer, but that it pretends to. “I think the bigger problem is how it’s lying and gaslighting,” one YouTube commenter quipped. Husk may intentionally be baiting the AI to make mistakes, but other users may earnestly encounter the same problems without even realizing it. How did Husk respond to Altman’s reaction? By showing it to ChatGPT, of course. Even after Husk got the chatbot to identify Altman on screen and watch him say that the voice model doesn’t have a timer, ChatGPT still insisted, “I can tell you that right now, I definitely have a timer capability.” More back and forth ensued: “One of you guys is lying,” Husk said, to which ChatGPT replied. “I think it’s just a misunderstanding.” Husk then repeated his experiment asking ChatGPT to time his mile, then immediately asking for the time. “Welcome back,” it said this time. “It took you seven minutes and 42 seconds.” View the full article

A reader writes: I have a tendency to have frequent UTI’s. They’re easily treated and not dangerous, but they make my life annoying for 1-2 days before the meds kick in. I am not in pain but I might really, really need to visit the bathroom on a very short notice and very often, at worst every 15 minutes or so. At best, I’m fine an hour after I take the first pill. There’s no way to know beforehand which way it’ll go. I’m looking for advice on dealing with the problems this causes in my work; healthwise, I am fine and am working with my doctor to prevent the UTI’s as much as possible. But it’s a feature my body has had for ~25 years, so “not having them” isn’t a super reliable plan on its own. I have taken sick days for the symptoms, but it feels excessive because I’m completely fine as long as I can take a quick break when needed. I have also tried working from home, but that still doesn’t solve this problem because I manage multiple projects and frequently lead long meetings/workshops involving several departments and outside vendors. So I can’t exactly pop out without everyone noticing, and even when remote it’s unlikely I could discreetly just vanish for a bit. There’s also no point in having the meetings without me, since I’m the one leading them and doing most of the talking. I could always reschedule; people are very understanding if someone is unwell, and a quick “sorry, but I can’t unfortunately make it today” is enough info. But rescheduling usually means having to move the meeting by several weeks or months, which disturbs everyone’s work and delays the project timeline. It also creates unnecessary extra work for me, which I’d rather avoid! Ideally, I’d want to just keep the meetings so everyone can move forward with their life and work. But during these days, my options seem to be either to (a) suck it up (and risk ending up squirming on my seat like an anxious kindergartner), (b) randomly excuse myself from the meeting without giving any reason (and risk people worrying there’s something wrong), or (c) excuse myself with some variation of “sorry, I have a condition and might need to quickly pop out for quite a few times” (and risk people thinking I’m, I dunno, sniffing cocaine? Using AI to cover my lack of knowledge? Screaming into the void in the supply closet? Having stomach problems and about to accidentally infect everyone with norovirus?). I’m getting extremely frustrated that I have to cause all this extra work for myself and others for what feels like a very silly reason. I’m not in pain or even tired, I just might need to use the bathroom a bit more often and on a shorter notice than usually. What’s your take on this? Should I just learn to deal with the frustration? Or could I ask for some kind of an accommodation? I’m not sure what exactly that would look like. Or is there perhaps some believable excuse I could casually use to pop out of meetings when needed? Or, is there some professional script for “Before we start, just a quick heads-up that I might need to go pee quite often. Nothing to worry about, everything’s fine. Now, there’s been some national changes in walrus rental prices, so let’s look into that first…” At the start of meetings, say this: “Before we start, a heads-up that I may need to step out multiple times for a quick medical thing. It’s nothing to worry about, just something I have to deal with when it comes up, and it’s flaring up today.” That’s it! You don’t owe anyone details beyond that, and this gives them all the info that matters for their purposes. The post how to say “sorry, but I really have to pee, again” in a professional way appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The March 2026 Google core update drove far higher ranking volatility than the December 2025 core update. Nearly 80% of top-three results shifted, and almost one in four top-10 pages fell out of the top 100, according to SE Ranking data shared exclusively with Search Engine Land. The data. Volatility increased across every ranking tier. In the top 3, 79.5% of URLs changed positions, up from 66.8% in December. In the top 10, 90.7% shifted, compared to 83.1%. Stability dropped sharply. Only 20.5% of top 3 URLs held their exact position, down from 33.1%. In the top 10, that fell to 9.3%, from 16.9%. Churn intensified at the top. About 24.1% of pages ranking in the top 10 fell out of the top 100 entirely, versus 14.7% after the December update. It’s (sort of) complicated. The March 2026 core update began rolling out a day after the March 2026 spam update completed. This complicated attribution, according to SE Ranking: Based on historical patterns and the scale of movement, most volatility was likely driven by the core update, with the spam update amplifying disruption. That overlap likely skews direct comparisons to December, though March still appeared more volatile. More core update analysis. Meanwhile, independent analysis by Aleyda Solis, using Sistrix data from March 26 to April 11, found a consistent shift in where visibility concentrates. Rankings appeared to move from intermediary sites toward stronger destination sources. Website types gaining search visibility: Official and institutional. Specialist and niche. Established brands. Dominant platforms. Losses were more common among aggregators, directories, and comparison-driven sites. Winners and losers. Among the vertical shifts Solis highlighted: Dictionary and language reference sites declined, while larger reference platforms and major destinations gained visibility. Job aggregators like ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor lost ground, while employer sites and specialized platforms like USAJobs and Amazon.jobs surged. Government and institutional domains, including Census.gov and BLS.gov, saw strong gains on fact-driven queries. Travel and real estate visibility shifted away from broad discovery platforms toward stronger brands and primary destinations. Health results were re-sorted. Broad consumer health sites declined, while clinical, research-driven, and specialist sources gained. One exception: YouTube had the largest visibility loss in the dataset. Why we care. The data suggests Google’s March 2026 core update raised the bar for ranking. Strong brands, owned data, and direct query value won. Intermediaries now look increasingly exposed. View the full article

Boards should heed the lessons of the last record surge in big M&A in 2015View the full article

Investors turn attention to strong Wall Street earnings and bet on swift end to warView the full article

The September tax deadline, particularly on the 15th, is fundamental for partnerships and S-Corporations. This date marks the due submissions for Form 1065 and Form 1120S, critical filings that help you avoid hefty penalties. If you filed for an extension in March, missing this deadline can lead to a 5% monthly penalty and a $255 fine for each partner or shareholder. Comprehending these implications is important for maintaining your business’s financial health. What steps can you take to guarantee compliance? Key Takeaways September 15 is the deadline for partnerships and S-Corporations to file tax returns using Form 1065 and Form 1120S. Late filings incur penalties of $255 per partner or shareholder each month, plus a 5% monthly penalty on unpaid taxes. Timely filing helps avoid interest charges on owed taxes and ensures compliance with IRS regulations. Proactive planning, like reviewing previous returns and gathering financial documents, can reduce complications. Missing the deadline disrupts cash flow and delays tax refunds, impacting overall financial health. Overview of the September Tax Deadline As the September tax deadline approaches, it’s vital to grasp its significance for partnerships and S-Corporations. In particular, the September 15 tax deadline is critical for those who filed for an extension, as it requires submitting tax returns using Form 1065 for partnerships or Form 1120S for S-Corporations. This date provides an extra six months for businesses that originally filed by March 15 to prepare their returns. Failing to meet this deadline can result in severe penalties, including a 5% monthly penalty on unpaid taxes, which can accumulate to 25%. Moreover, partnerships and S-Corporations may face a $255 monthly penalty per partner or shareholder. September 15 is likewise the due date for third-quarter estimated tax payments for individuals and businesses expecting to owe $1,000 or more in taxes. Grasping what’s a quarterly payment and planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute issues and financial repercussions. Key Tax Filings Due on September 15 Meeting the September 15 deadline is crucial for various types of entities, especially partnerships and S-Corporations. This date marks the deadline for partnerships to file Form 1065 and for S-Corporations to submit Form 1120S, following an extension from the original March 15 deadline. If you’re part of a multi-member LLC that hasn’t elected corporate taxation, you must likewise file as a partnership by September 15. In addition, certain C-Corporations could have a deadline on this date, depending on their fiscal year-end, making timely filing critical. Missing this deadline can lead to substantial penalties, including a $255 monthly fee for each partner or shareholder. Moreover, September 15 is when you need to make your third quarterly estimated tax payment if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes. Staying organized and aware of these deadlines can help you avoid costly mistakes. Consequences of Missing the Deadline Failing to meet the September 15 deadline can lead to serious financial consequences for partnerships and S-Corporations. If you miss this deadline, you could face a penalty of $255 per partner or shareholder for each month the return is late, accumulating for up to 12 months. Moreover, corporations that don’t file on time incur a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of unpaid taxes for each month overdue, capping at 25%. Beyond these penalties, late filings often result in interest charges on any taxes owed until the return is submitted and payment is made. In addition, businesses may experience delays in receiving any tax refunds due, which can disrupt cash flow. Hence, timely filing is vital to avoid these unnecessary penalties, guarantee compliance, and maintain good standing with the IRS, ultimately protecting your financial health and operational efficiency. Proactive Planning for September Timely filing is only part of the equation regarding tax compliance; proactive planning in September can make a significant difference in your financial outcomes. By taking the time to prepare now, you can reduce stress and guarantee a smoother filing process. Here are some key actions to contemplate: Review previous year’s tax returns to identify missed deductions or credits. Gather crucial financial documents, such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets. Make retirement contributions to maximize savings and lower taxable income. Assess your current financial situation and adjust your estimated tax payments if necessary. Confirm compliance with current tax regulations to minimize potential penalties. Importance of Compliance and Timely Filing Despite it might seem tempting to put off tax filings until the last minute, grasping the importance of compliance and timely filing can greatly impact your financial standing. The September 15th tax deadline is critical for partnerships and S-corporations that filed for an extension, as it’s your last chance to submit returns without penalties. Missing this deadline can lead to steep penalties of $255 per partner or shareholder, accumulating monthly for up to a year. Staying compliant not only helps you avoid these financial repercussions but also keeps you in good standing with the IRS, preventing interest charges on unpaid taxes. By filing on time, you can sidestep last-minute stress as you prepare for the subsequent October 15th deadline for C-corporations and sole proprietorships. Proactive planning and adherence to tax deadlines can greatly reduce complications and financial liabilities associated with late filings. Frequently Asked Questions Why Is October 15 Important for Taxes? October 15 is vital for taxes since it’s the final deadline for those who filed for an extension. If you miss it, you could face penalties, like a 5% monthly charge on unpaid taxes, which can add up quickly. Furthermore, this date is your last chance to make IRA and HSA contributions for the previous year, potentially lowering your taxable income. As a result, timely compliance is critical for avoiding financial repercussions. What Happens if You Miss the Oct 15 Tax Deadline? If you miss the October 15 tax deadline, you’ll face penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. In particular, a failure-to-file penalty starts at 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month late, capping at 25%. Interest accumulates on what you owe, increasing your total liability. Additionally, if you file late, you lose the chance to claim any refund after three years, complicating future filings and possibly attracting IRS scrutiny. What Are the Important Tax Deadlines? You need to keep track of several important tax deadlines to avoid penalties. S-Corporations and Partnerships must file Form 1120S or Form 1065 by September 15 if they filed for an extension. Furthermore, third-quarter estimated tax payments are due on the same date for those expecting to owe $1,000 or more. In addition, Trust and estate returns (Form 1041) are due by September 30 for extensions. Planning ahead is vital for timely compliance. Did the IRS Extend the Tax Deadline in 2025? No, the IRS didn’t extend the tax deadline for individual income tax returns in 2025; it remains set for April 15, 2026. Nevertheless, businesses that filed for extensions face different deadlines: September 15, 2025, for partnerships and S-corporations, and October 15, 2025, for C-corporations. It’s vital for businesses to adhere to these deadlines to avoid penalties and guarantee compliance with IRS regulations, especially if they’re in federally declared disaster areas. Conclusion In conclusion, the September tax deadline is essential for partnerships and S-Corporations, as it guarantees your tax forms are submitted on time, avoiding penalties and interest charges. By meeting the September 15 deadline for Form 1065 and Form 1120S, you maintain compliance and support your business’s financial health. Proactive planning is key to steering through this deadline effectively, so make certain you’re prepared to file quickly and avoid the costly consequences of late submissions. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the September Tax Deadline and Why Does It Matter?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Ever since our house flooded in the middle of the night (though thankfully before we fell asleep), my wife and I have been diligent about setting up water alarms all over the house, so we'll receive crucial warning the moment something leaks or backs up. Well, the other night, the alarm under the kitchen sink went off while the dishwasher was running—and, sure enough, there was water gushing out of the sink drain. Luckily, I was able to turn off the water and clean everything up before it totally ruined my cabinets and floors. I started my investigation into the problem, and about three seconds later, it was obvious: My sink drain had a huge gap in it: The ginormous hole in my corroded kitchen drain pipe. Credit: Jeff Somers It was actually kind of amazing—a chunk of pipe was just gone, and what was left was as fragile as tissue paper. I called a few plumbers, but no one could get to me for a few days (plumbers have a very narrow definition of the word “emergency”). I was faced with the prospect of not being able to use my kitchen sink or dishwasher for a while, or risk further damage to my house. But I had another option: A quick fix with an epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is an easy, water-resistant solution to leaks J-B Weld 8277 WaterWeld Epoxy Putty Stick - 2 oz. $6.17 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $6.17 at Amazon PC Products - 45593 PC-Plumbing Epoxy Putty, 4oz Stick, Gray (45596) (Pack of 1) $7.99 at Amazon $8.59 Save $0.60 Shop Now Shop Now $7.99 at Amazon $8.59 Save $0.60 Oatey 31274 Stick Fix-It Multi-Purpose Epoxy Putty, 1.33 oz, White $7.36 at Amazon $9.08 Save $1.72 Shop Now Shop Now $7.36 at Amazon $9.08 Save $1.72 Loctite Epoxy Multi Purpose Repair Putty , 2 oz Stick, 1 Pack $6.99 at Amazon $8.49 Save $1.50 Shop Now Shop Now $6.99 at Amazon $8.49 Save $1.50 SEE 1 MORE Epoxy putties all work generally the same: They contain a resin and a hardening agent, and when these clay-like materials are combined, a chemical reaction quickly hardens them into whatever shape you work them into. There are a few major brands to choose from, including J-B WaterWeld, PC-Plumbing Epoxy Putty, Oatey Stick Fix-It, and Loctite Epoxy Putty. I happened to have some WaterWeld on hand, so that’s what I used to save my kitchen, but any of these products will probably work as well. How to quickly patch a leak with epoxy puttyThe process is pretty straightforward: First, you pinch off as much putty as you think you’ll need (wear gloves—this stuff can irritate your skin): The two parts of an epoxy putty ready to be combined. Credit: Jeff Somers Knead the meaterial together, mixing the resin and the hardener until it’s all one color: Kneading the putty together is oddly satisfying. Credit: Jeff Somers Now apply the putty to your leak. In my case, I used pretty much the whole package to encapsulate the massive hole in my kitchen drain: My masterful putty repair kept the kitchen in business until the plumber arrived. Credit: Jeff Somers Different products will have different working times and hardening times. WaterWeld takes about 25 minutes to set, so you need to work relatively quickly. Luckily, temporary plumbing repairs don’t need to be pretty. I just rolled it onto the drain, pressed it into place, and worked the edges to create a seal. It's important to note that epoxy putty products like this are intended for low-pressure repairs; while they can probably plug pinhole leaks in high-pressure pipes, a repair of this size wouldn't have worked if under any sort of intense water pressure. WaterWeld cures in about an hour, so after waiting it out, I went ran the water in the sink for a while to test it—and not a drop came out. Then I ran the dishwasher with my water alarm in place, and experienced zero problems. The putty repair held for the three days it took a plumber to show up (to add insult to injury, he wasn’t even impressed with my brilliant temporary fix). In the meantime, we were able to use the kitchen normally without risking further water damage. For a product that costs about $7, that’s not bad. View the full article

At first blush, it sounds too good to be true: a learning experience that’s precisely tailored to a child’s needs, strengths, and struggles, speeding up or slowing down as the moment demands, with infinite patience. For a decade or more, that’s been the promise fueling the education technology industry—customized learning that fuels rapid progress. Yet, for the most part, it was too good to be true. Not because the ambition was wrong, but because the prevailing vision has had it backwards. A FAILED PERSONALIZED LEARNING APPROACH? The vision of AI in education that has drawn the most attention and investment centers on personalized learning. Think Khan Academy’s AI tutor, or models like Alpha School, where teachers are largely replaced by AI-driven platforms. Alpha School is a small but fast-growing network of private schools where students are taught via AI instruction, with adults in the room serving more as coaches and caretakers than teachers. The idea is intuitive: Every student gets an adaptive, AI-driven experience tailored to their specific needs and strengths. The algorithm meets the child. The teacher steps back. It sounds compelling, until you think about what it actually produces: device-mediated instruction. Students are in front of screens, moving through content at their own pace, supervised by adults whose job is more coordination and childcare than teaching. We’ve run this experiment already at scale, without choosing to. It was called the COVID pandemic. Years later, we are still recovering from what it did to student achievement, social development, and the relationship between kids and school. That experience, plus a broader cultural reckoning about screens and child development, has given us real evidence about when devices serve kids and when they don’t. The answer is more nuanced than either the techno-optimists or the skeptics would suggest. But one thing is clear: A screen is not a substitute for a teacher. The problem with personalized learning is that it turns the teacher into a bottleneck, rather than the leverage point. That architecture is backwards. Personalized learning puts the algorithm in the driver’s seat. But personalized teaching puts the teacher there, with dramatically better data, better tools, and more time to do what only a teacher can do. THE WRONG KIND OF HELP The reason kids come to school is fundamentally social. John Hattie’s decades of educational research consistently and unambiguously shows that teacher-student relationships, classroom discussion, collaborative problem-solving, and peer learning produce some of the strongest achievement effects. These aren’t incidental features of school. They are school. What teachers don’t need is more systems, more passwords, more time in front of dashboards. What they do need is what most have never had: synthesized assessment data that is connected to where the class is right now, and tied to what comes next in the curriculum. Assembling that picture is enormously time-consuming. For most teachers, it simply isn’t doable. Not at the level of precision that students deserve. This is where AI can change the equation. Not by replacing the teacher at the front of the room, but as the capable colleague handling the preparation work that makes great instruction possible. Think of what teachers who have access to a skilled teaching assistant are able to do. They delegate the time-intensive back-office instructional work so they can invest their energy where it matters most: the human work of teaching. Most teachers don’t have that luxury on a daily basis. AI can change that—if it’s built around the right problem. THE DATA PROBLEM NOBODY SOLVED Here’s what makes personalized teaching hard, and what makes most tools inadequate to it: You need data. Not end-of-year assessment data. Not a snapshot from September. You need to know where each student is right now, in the days and weeks before a specific lesson, connected to the specific skills that lesson depends on. That only works if the tools understand how knowledge builds across a curriculum sequence, not just within a single lesson. That’s a much harder data problem than it sounds. Formative assessment—the ongoing evidence a teacher gathers during instruction—is the heartbeat of good teaching. But in most schools, that evidence lives in disconnected systems, if it’s captured at all. Tools that can generate a lesson plan can’t tell a teacher whether her class is ready for it, because they don’t have access to that ongoing picture of student understanding. Knowing your kids isn’t just about having the data. It’s about being able to make sense of it—across every student, every skill, months of history. All at the speed good teaching actually requires. This is the problem HMH’s latest technology is finally beginning to solve. Rather than sitting between students and their teachers, our dynamic learning models work behind the scenes connecting data from tests and each student’s learning history to a map of how knowledge builds over time. Before a lesson on fraction-addition, a teacher using our platform can see whether his class has demonstrated mastery of equivalent fractions—and critically, he sees the reasoning, not just a recommendation. A transparent rationale he can interrogate, trust, and act on. Not a black box. That’s something the field has not been able to do, until now. THE VERSION THAT ACTUALLY WORKS As the technology advances, teachers with access to this kind of intelligence will walk into their classrooms differently. AI will surface exactly where their students are, explain it, and hand the teacher a concrete recommendation—before the bell rings. The teacher will still make the call. But she’ll make it with the level of situational awareness that used to take years to develop. And yet it was still never complete. Teachers with this kind of intelligence aren’t just better informed. They are freed up to be better teachers. The vision of AI as a tireless, personalized tutor for every student is a tempting goal, but it mistakes efficiency for education. It optimizes the transmission of content while leaving aside the things that actually make learning stick, like a teacher who notices when something is off, who adjusts mid-lesson, who makes a student feel genuinely seen. Those things don’t happen on a screen. They happen in a classroom, between people. Because the classroom isn’t the inefficiency we’re trying to optimize away. It’s the point. Jack Lynch is the CEO of HMH. View the full article

Sovereign wealth fund reconsiders backing for lossmaking golf tour as Iran war prompts investment rethinkView the full article

Lyft is stepping up its game for small businesses with the launch of a new feature called Coordinator-Driver Chat within the Lyft Concierge portal. This real-time messaging function allows coordinators to communicate directly with drivers once they are assigned to a ride, ensuring smoother pickups and enhanced coordination. With the increase in remote work and shifting corporate travel dynamics, small business owners can benefit from improved ride management. The ability to message drivers about last-minute changes or updates can significantly reduce the stress associated with coordinating transportation for employees or clients. The Coordinator-Driver Chat feature is designed for efficiency. Once a driver is assigned, coordinators will see a new ‘Driver chat’ tab in the ride details section of the web app. Immediate notifications alert drivers that they are being messaged on behalf of the rider, which minimizes confusion and miscommunication. As one Lyft representative noted, “Our goal is to provide small businesses with tools that enhance their ride coordination and ultimately improve their rider experience.” The messaging system also boasts smart features that add to its practicality. Messages sent through the chat are automatically translated into the driver’s preferred language, while responses will return in English, making it easier for coordinators to work with a diverse driver pool. Additionally, read receipts confirm that drivers have seen the messages, providing peace of mind for coordinators. Another benefit lies in the saved chat history, which remains accessible for up to 30 days. This allows all coordinators involved in a program to review past communications, helping to maintain continuity in ride management. It’s also worth noting that while real-time chat enhances responsiveness, small businesses should continue to utilize driver notes when booking rides. The notes serve as a tool for providing pickup instructions at the time of the reservation, while the new chat feature aids in addressing any adjustments once the driver is on their way. For business owners looking to implement or fine-tune their transportation strategies, the integration of this chat feature provides an opportunity to streamline communication and minimize logistics headaches. Getting started is straightforward—simply open the ride card with an assigned driver, select the ‘Driver chat’ tab, and initiate conversation. However, there are some challenges that small businesses may want to consider. For one, the Coordinator-Driver Chat feature is currently available only on the Concierge web app, meaning that those who rely on mobile applications may have to adjust their workflow. This could create a learning curve for teams that are more accustomed to traditional communication methods. The new chat function is part of a broader effort by Lyft to enhance the Concierge service, which has seen additional features rolled out recently. These include Easy Step-In Mode, designed for riders who may require easier access to vehicles, and improvements in Flexible Rides, which allow riders to request pickups at their convenience. As small businesses continue adapting to new operational demands, tools like Lyft’s Coordinator-Driver Chat can help facilitate better transportation experiences for employees and clients alike. By improving real-time communication, small businesses can save time and optimize the way they handle transportation logistics—a crucial factor in maintaining productivity and satisfaction. For additional information on Lyft’s Concierge services and the new chat feature, visit their official announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Lyft Launches Real-Time Chat for Coordinators to Connect with Drivers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Adobe is revolutionizing the creative landscape with its latest innovations in the Adobe Firefly suite. The introduction of the Firefly AI Assistant is set to transform how small business owners and creators approach content creation, making it more accessible and efficient than ever before. The Firefly AI Assistant serves as a conversational interface that enables users to describe their desired outcomes in plain language. By orchestrating complex workflows across Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications—such as Photoshop, Premiere, and Illustrator—the assistant streamlines the creative process, allowing users to focus on their vision while the technology manages the technical details. This shift represents a significant leap forward, particularly for small businesses that may lack extensive creative resources. “Adobe is leading the shift into a new era of agentic creativity, where you direct how your work takes shape and your perspective, voice, and taste become the most powerful creative instruments of all,” said David Wadhwani, President of Creativity & Productivity Business at Adobe. With this new approach, small business owners can expect to save time and reduce the complexities often associated with producing high-quality creative content. The Firefly AI Assistant is expected to enhance productivity significantly. By providing a unified conversational interface, it eliminates the need for users to switch between multiple applications to achieve their creative goals. This integration not only saves time but also minimizes the learning curve for those who may not be as tech-savvy. The ability to maintain context across sessions means that small business owners can pick up where they left off without losing any crucial information. One of the standout features of the Firefly AI Assistant is its ability to learn and adapt to individual user preferences over time. This personalization means that as small business owners use the assistant, it will become more attuned to their specific workflows and style, ultimately leading to more consistent and tailored outcomes. Furthermore, the assistant’s asset awareness allows it to understand the content being created, providing relevant suggestions and actions that align with the business’s branding and objectives. In addition to the AI Assistant, Adobe has broadened the capabilities of Firefly with enhanced video and image editing tools. The Firefly Video Editor now includes advanced audio enhancements and color adjustment features, allowing creators to produce polished content swiftly. For small businesses that rely on video marketing, these upgrades could significantly improve the quality of their promotional materials without requiring a large budget or extensive expertise. Moreover, the introduction of Precision Flow and AI Markup in image editing provides users with a new level of control. Small business owners can quickly generate multiple variations of an image and refine them using intuitive tools, facilitating a more streamlined creative process. However, while these innovations present numerous advantages, small business owners may encounter challenges when integrating such advanced technology into their workflows. The learning curve associated with new tools, even those designed to be user-friendly, might deter some users. Additionally, as with any AI-driven tool, there may be concerns about the accuracy of outputs and the need for human oversight to ensure quality. Adobe’s collaboration with third-party AI models, such as Anthropic’s Claude, also opens up new avenues for creativity, allowing users to conceptualize projects across different platforms and execute them using Firefly. This interconnectedness is poised to enhance the creative capabilities of small businesses, giving them the tools to compete more effectively in a crowded market. As Adobe continues to innovate within the creative space, small business owners have a unique opportunity to leverage these advancements. The Firefly AI Assistant and its complementary features not only promise to enhance productivity and creative control but also democratize access to high-quality content creation tools. By embracing these technologies, small businesses can elevate their marketing efforts and better engage with their audiences, ultimately driving growth and success in an increasingly digital world. This article, "Adobe Introduces Firefly AI Assistant, Revolutionizing Creative Workflows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Automation doesn’t fail on its own — it does exactly what it’s trained to do. The problem is that when Google Ads is fed incomplete, misaligned, or overly broad signals, it can optimize toward the wrong outcome faster than most advertisers realize. In our second installment of SMX Now, our new monthly series, Ameet Khabra of Hop Skip Media will break down a real account where a 417% jump in conversions turned out to be the wrong kind of success. She’ll use that case study to explain the four key ways automation drift enters an account: signal drift, query drift, inventory drift, and creative drift. You’ll leave with a practical framework for diagnosing drift early, understanding where human oversight matters most, and managing automation more deliberately so it works toward real business goals — not just platform-reported wins. Join us May 6 at noon ET. Save your spot View the full article

Governor says near-$1tn PIF will focus on efficiency without retreating from global dealsView the full article

Foreign sales could push up US petrol prices and increase political pressure on The President administration to curtail exportsView the full article

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly crafting supplies, knowing where to shop can make a significant difference. Michaels is well-known for its extensive selection and rewards program, whereas Texas Art Supply offers an impressive variety of products for artists. JOANN thrives in fabrics and seasonal items, and Hobby Lobby provides diverse crafting options with regular discounts. Tandy Leather Houston specializes in quality leather supplies. Let’s explore each of these stores in more detail. Key Takeaways Michaels offers competitive prices on a wide range of arts and crafts supplies, with seasonal discounts and a rewards program for savvy shoppers. Texas Art Supply features over 60,000 art products at competitive prices, catering to both professionals and kids with budget-friendly options. Hobby Lobby provides frequent sales and a customer-friendly return policy, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious crafters. JOANN Fabric and Crafts is a one-stop shop for affordable fabrics and crafting materials, with regular promotions and discounts for students and military personnel. Tandy Leather Houston specializes in high-quality leather crafting supplies, offering budget-friendly options and knowledgeable staff to assist with selections. Michaels Michaels stands out as the largest arts and crafts supplies store chain in the United States, catering to a wide array of crafting needs. Known for its extensive selection, it offers everything from art materials and scrapbook items to fabric and yarn, making it a top choice among discount craft stores. Located at Brookhollow Shopping Center in Houston, TX, Michaels additionally features seasonal decorations for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. The store’s rewards program through the Michaels app allows you to access sales and coupons, enhancing your savings. With a diverse inventory of DIY materials suitable for various crafting hobbies, Michaels consistently provides competitive prices, ensuring budget-conscious crafters find what they need without overspending. Texas Art Supply Located at 2001 Montrose Blvd in Houston, TX, Texas Art Supply has been a staple in the arts and crafts community since its establishment in the 1950s. As the largest stand-alone arts and crafts store in the U.S., it offers over 60,000 art products, including specialty papers and popular name brands. You’ll find competitive pricing on name-brand items, making it an affordable choice compared to larger retail chains. The store furthermore stocks a wide range of kid-friendly art supplies, perfect for young artists enthusiastic to explore their creativity. In addition, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you select the right materials, including discount floral supplies, ensuring you find exactly what you need for your projects. Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby stands out as a premier destination for crafters seeking a diverse range of supplies at competitive prices. You’ll find everything from scrapbooking materials to sewing necessities and DIY home project items. The store frequently offers sales and discounts, giving you the chance to save considerably on your crafting materials. In addition, Hobby Lobby has a customer-friendly return policy, ensuring your satisfaction with every purchase. If you’re planning seasonal projects, their dedicated section for holiday decor offers a vast selection year-round. Plus, if you want to maximize your savings, don’t forget to look for a craft direct discount code to use at checkout. This way, you can keep your crafting costs low during your exploration of creativity. JOANN Fabric and Crafts For those seeking a one-stop shop for their crafting needs, JOANN Fabric and Crafts offers an extensive array of fabrics, crafting materials, and seasonal decor. This store is perfect for budget-conscious DIY enthusiasts, providing: A thorough selection of fabrics, from cotton to fleece. Discount floral options that allow you to create beautiful arrangements without overspending. Regular sales and promotions that help you save considerably on various craft items. Classes and tutorials to improve your skills, covering everything from sewing to home decor projects. Additionally, JOANN’s discount program for students, teachers, military personnel, and healthcare workers makes crafting even more affordable. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life, all during your budget. Tandy Leather Houston Tandy Leather Houston stands out as a premier destination for leather crafting enthusiasts, offering an extensive selection of high-quality leather materials and tools since its establishment in 1919. This store specializes in various types of leather, including veg-tan and chrome leather, available in multiple colors to suit your projects. You’ll find crucial tools and resources, making it an ideal stop for both beginners and experienced crafters. Furthermore, Tandy Leather offers a wide range of crafting supplies, including dyes, hardware, and patterns, ensuring you have everything needed for your leather projects. Their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with project ideas and material selection, making it a valuable resource for those seeking quality resale craft supplies in Houston. Frequently Asked Questions Which Is Cheaper, Hobby Lobby or Michaels for Crafts? When comparing prices at Hobby Lobby and Michaels for crafts, you’ll find that Michaels often offers lower regular prices on items like fabric and seasonal decor. Nevertheless, Hobby Lobby frequently runs sales and clearance events, which can lead to significant savings. To guarantee you get the best deal, it’s wise to compare prices on specific items at both stores. Availability of products may vary, so check both before making a purchase. What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? The most popular craft store varies by location and customer preference, but JOANN Fabric and Crafts, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby are frequently mentioned. JOANN offers a wide selection of fabrics and DIY supplies, whereas Michaels provides an extensive range of art materials and a rewards program. Hobby Lobby is known for its home decor and seasonal items, often featuring sales. Each store has unique strengths, appealing to different crafting needs and preferences. Does Dollar General Have a Craft Section? Yes, Dollar General does have a craft section. You can find a variety of affordable supplies, including wooden craft sticks, decorative craft tape, and clothespins. They likewise offer materials for DIY projects, such as tissue paper and foam paint brushes. Seasonal items and decorations are available too. To maximize your crafting experience, you should regularly check their craft section for new arrivals and potential discounts on various supplies. What Is the Best Crafting Website? The best crafting website depends on your specific needs. Amazon offers a vast selection of supplies for various projects, whereas eBay provides competitive prices for both new and used items. For specialized crafts, consider sites like Oriental Trading for themed supplies or Fabric.com for a variety of fabrics. Many of these sites feature user reviews, helping you make informed choices. Don’t forget to look for sales and coupons to maximize your savings. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring these five discount craft stores can greatly improve your crafting experience without stretching your budget. Michaels offers a variety of arts and crafts materials, whereas Texas Art Supply caters to artists with an extensive product range. JOANN is ideal for fabric and seasonal decor, and Hobby Lobby provides diverse crafting options. For those focused on leather projects, Tandy Leather Houston is a reliable choice. Each store presents unique opportunities to find quality supplies at affordable prices. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Must-Visit Discount Craft Stores for Budget Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly crafting supplies, knowing where to shop can make a significant difference. Michaels is well-known for its extensive selection and rewards program, whereas Texas Art Supply offers an impressive variety of products for artists. JOANN thrives in fabrics and seasonal items, and Hobby Lobby provides diverse crafting options with regular discounts. Tandy Leather Houston specializes in quality leather supplies. Let’s explore each of these stores in more detail. Key Takeaways Michaels offers competitive prices on a wide range of arts and crafts supplies, with seasonal discounts and a rewards program for savvy shoppers. Texas Art Supply features over 60,000 art products at competitive prices, catering to both professionals and kids with budget-friendly options. Hobby Lobby provides frequent sales and a customer-friendly return policy, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious crafters. JOANN Fabric and Crafts is a one-stop shop for affordable fabrics and crafting materials, with regular promotions and discounts for students and military personnel. Tandy Leather Houston specializes in high-quality leather crafting supplies, offering budget-friendly options and knowledgeable staff to assist with selections. Michaels Michaels stands out as the largest arts and crafts supplies store chain in the United States, catering to a wide array of crafting needs. Known for its extensive selection, it offers everything from art materials and scrapbook items to fabric and yarn, making it a top choice among discount craft stores. Located at Brookhollow Shopping Center in Houston, TX, Michaels additionally features seasonal decorations for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. The store’s rewards program through the Michaels app allows you to access sales and coupons, enhancing your savings. With a diverse inventory of DIY materials suitable for various crafting hobbies, Michaels consistently provides competitive prices, ensuring budget-conscious crafters find what they need without overspending. Texas Art Supply Located at 2001 Montrose Blvd in Houston, TX, Texas Art Supply has been a staple in the arts and crafts community since its establishment in the 1950s. As the largest stand-alone arts and crafts store in the U.S., it offers over 60,000 art products, including specialty papers and popular name brands. You’ll find competitive pricing on name-brand items, making it an affordable choice compared to larger retail chains. The store furthermore stocks a wide range of kid-friendly art supplies, perfect for young artists enthusiastic to explore their creativity. In addition, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you select the right materials, including discount floral supplies, ensuring you find exactly what you need for your projects. Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby stands out as a premier destination for crafters seeking a diverse range of supplies at competitive prices. You’ll find everything from scrapbooking materials to sewing necessities and DIY home project items. The store frequently offers sales and discounts, giving you the chance to save considerably on your crafting materials. In addition, Hobby Lobby has a customer-friendly return policy, ensuring your satisfaction with every purchase. If you’re planning seasonal projects, their dedicated section for holiday decor offers a vast selection year-round. Plus, if you want to maximize your savings, don’t forget to look for a craft direct discount code to use at checkout. This way, you can keep your crafting costs low during your exploration of creativity. JOANN Fabric and Crafts For those seeking a one-stop shop for their crafting needs, JOANN Fabric and Crafts offers an extensive array of fabrics, crafting materials, and seasonal decor. This store is perfect for budget-conscious DIY enthusiasts, providing: A thorough selection of fabrics, from cotton to fleece. Discount floral options that allow you to create beautiful arrangements without overspending. Regular sales and promotions that help you save considerably on various craft items. Classes and tutorials to improve your skills, covering everything from sewing to home decor projects. Additionally, JOANN’s discount program for students, teachers, military personnel, and healthcare workers makes crafting even more affordable. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life, all during your budget. Tandy Leather Houston Tandy Leather Houston stands out as a premier destination for leather crafting enthusiasts, offering an extensive selection of high-quality leather materials and tools since its establishment in 1919. This store specializes in various types of leather, including veg-tan and chrome leather, available in multiple colors to suit your projects. You’ll find crucial tools and resources, making it an ideal stop for both beginners and experienced crafters. Furthermore, Tandy Leather offers a wide range of crafting supplies, including dyes, hardware, and patterns, ensuring you have everything needed for your leather projects. Their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with project ideas and material selection, making it a valuable resource for those seeking quality resale craft supplies in Houston. Frequently Asked Questions Which Is Cheaper, Hobby Lobby or Michaels for Crafts? When comparing prices at Hobby Lobby and Michaels for crafts, you’ll find that Michaels often offers lower regular prices on items like fabric and seasonal decor. Nevertheless, Hobby Lobby frequently runs sales and clearance events, which can lead to significant savings. To guarantee you get the best deal, it’s wise to compare prices on specific items at both stores. Availability of products may vary, so check both before making a purchase. What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? The most popular craft store varies by location and customer preference, but JOANN Fabric and Crafts, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby are frequently mentioned. JOANN offers a wide selection of fabrics and DIY supplies, whereas Michaels provides an extensive range of art materials and a rewards program. Hobby Lobby is known for its home decor and seasonal items, often featuring sales. Each store has unique strengths, appealing to different crafting needs and preferences. Does Dollar General Have a Craft Section? Yes, Dollar General does have a craft section. You can find a variety of affordable supplies, including wooden craft sticks, decorative craft tape, and clothespins. They likewise offer materials for DIY projects, such as tissue paper and foam paint brushes. Seasonal items and decorations are available too. To maximize your crafting experience, you should regularly check their craft section for new arrivals and potential discounts on various supplies. What Is the Best Crafting Website? The best crafting website depends on your specific needs. Amazon offers a vast selection of supplies for various projects, whereas eBay provides competitive prices for both new and used items. For specialized crafts, consider sites like Oriental Trading for themed supplies or Fabric.com for a variety of fabrics. Many of these sites feature user reviews, helping you make informed choices. Don’t forget to look for sales and coupons to maximize your savings. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring these five discount craft stores can greatly improve your crafting experience without stretching your budget. Michaels offers a variety of arts and crafts materials, whereas Texas Art Supply caters to artists with an extensive product range. JOANN is ideal for fabric and seasonal decor, and Hobby Lobby provides diverse crafting options. For those focused on leather projects, Tandy Leather Houston is a reliable choice. Each store presents unique opportunities to find quality supplies at affordable prices. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Must-Visit Discount Craft Stores for Budget Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Furbo 360° cat camera and Furbo 360° dog camera allow for full pet monitoring and interaction; the treat tosser acts as the primary camera with 360-degree rotation and a wide view, while the second, more compact camera acts as an additional fixed vantage point for extra room coverage. They both have features like 4X HD zoom, two-way audio, and night vision, as well as AI alerts for barking, activity, and emergencies, so pet owners can stay in the loop, earning the device a PCMag Editor’s Choice Award. There’s even a daily diary that records a time-lapse video of your pet’s day, and reminders on how many treats you’ve given out if your pet is on a diet. Set-up is easy, with most reviews noting that it takes just minutes. Furbo 360° Cat Camera + Mini $58.00 at Amazon $112.00 Save $54.00 Get Deal Get Deal $58.00 at Amazon $112.00 Save $54.00 Furbo 360° Dog Camera + Mini $58.00 at Amazon $112.00 Save $54.00 Get Deal Get Deal $58.00 at Amazon $112.00 Save $54.00 SEE -1 MORE It’s worth noting that to unlock most features on these cameras, the Nanny Pro subscription is required, with plans starting at $9.99 per month. The app lets you connect up to four cameras at once. While generic indoor cameras used for pets are typically designed for security and owner peace of mind, the Furbo is one of the few cameras that can also be used for training and separation anxiety, with the two-way audio letting pet parents calm their furry friends when they’re out. The main downside is the recurring cost, but given the amount of features a subscription unlocks, it still offers solid bang for your buck. The camera is also fairly app-dependent and requires a strong wifi signal and nearby power outlet, with treat tossing only working within a specific range. Still, if you want the ultimate blend of interaction, panning ability, and monitoring, the Furbo 360° Cat Camera + Mini Bundle and Furbo 360° Dog Camera + Mini Bundle are worthy contenders. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

I had a student visit my office hours recently looking for career advice to help him marry his scholastic endeavors with his extracurricular activities as a student athlete. He began to expound upon his experiences in and out of the classroom here at the University of Michigan, the high expectations of the business school, and the pace of the classes. But what captured my attention most was the way he described the complexities of being a gymnast. Of course, it was more nuanced than just jumping and flipping; there’s the full-body physical conditioning of the sport and the mental fortitude it commands. All the things. However, as the student gave me a peek into his world of gymnastics, it became clear to me that what he was actually doing was defying gravity (cue the song from Wicked)—if only for a moment in time. When he jumps in the air, contorting and bending his body in mid-flight, he is essentially testing the boundaries of what’s possible relative to the forces of gravity’s pull. Hours after our conversation, I found myself coming back to the idea of gravity. I went the entire day thinking about the profound nature of gravity and the role it plays in life. I couldn’t shake it. We all know gravity to be an invisible force that brings mass objects together—particularly, toward the center of the earth. It’s a force that keeps your feet on the ground. In many ways, culture acts as a gravitational force that brings people together and keeps our ways grounded in the expectations of people like us. Of course, this is a powerful idea when we think about organizational culture. So, we invited Chrysi Philalithes, the former Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of Bono’s non-profit to fight AIDS (RED), and Dario Calmese, Vanity Fair cover photographer and artist, to the FROM THE CULTURE podcast to contextualize gravity even further. The way Philalithes describes it, when you enter a new organization for the first time, it’s kind of like moonwalking. Not the Michael Jackson moonwalk where you slide backwards while appearing to be walking forward, but the moonwalk of astronauts that bounce up and down as they walk the moon’s surface. With a gravitational pull about 1/6th that of the earth, astronauts feel lighter when they walk on the moon and, therefore, “bunny hop” as they traverse its surface. Likewise, when new employees start at an organization, the gravitational pull of its culture isn’t as strong so they kind of bounce around finding their way. That’s why new folks are so valuable to an organization because they can bring new perspectives to the table that have not yet been normalized. The gravity of the organization has not brought them down to the ground—i.e., reality—just yet, so they get to test the boundaries of what’s possible, if only for a little while. The social solidarity that comes from the gravitational pull of an organization’s culture helps get people on the same page, but it also prevents people from seeing things outside their shared peripheral vision. New perspectives, however, give the organization an opportunity to see the world differently and potentially identify new solutions that may have historically resided within the organization’s blindspot. This boon from new perspectives is especially felt with new senior leadership. Consider Levi’s, for example. The beloved denim brand was experiencing sluggish growth after the outgoing CEO, Chip Bergh, led the organization through a major turnaround back in 2011. So, Levi’s hired Michelle Gass as President in January 2023 and Kenny Mitchell six months later to moonwalk the gravitational forces of the company and bring in some new perspective. What came from this new perspective was a strategic pivot toward direct-to-consumer (DTC), a multi-phase partnership with Beyoncé, and a cultural resurgence of the brand. The moonwalking resulted in 14.1% year-over-year revenue increase from 2025, driven by a 16% rise in DTC sales—both of which were already up the year prior from 2024. But here’s the catch: after a while, the gravitational force of the environment pulls you back to earth, so it’s important to keep finding new ways to defy gravity. Like my student who trains and conditions himself as a gymnast, leaders must also continue to train themselves to broaden their perspective. Whether it be through reading, continued education, or advisors, leaders must simultaneously keep their feet on the ground (aligned with the organizational culture) and in the air (exploring fresh possibilities), if they are to realize the benefit of moonwalking, as Gass and Mitchell have, long after the newness wears off. Check out the full conversation with Chrysi Philalithes and Dario Calmese on the FROM THE CULTURE podcast available here or wherever you get your podcast. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m hoping for some guidance on dealing with an employee who is convinced she isn’t advancing because she’s a woman, but it’s truly due to her putting in barely adequate effort and believing that advancement comes from checking off boxes and “time served.” We’re in a creative niche industry that’s fairly evenly split between men and women, although the larger industry that we’re a part of is still very male-dominated. Our company is a small privately owned company (under 50 people), roughly evenly split, with women at all levels, including in leadership. I’m a woman in the top level of our company and am involved in deciding who is ready to be promoted to the next level. We have a list of hard skills that people need to master at each level to advance, but there are also less easily quantifiable soft skill components, which get more important as people advance (we do have a list and try to give guidance on how to develop these, but it’s impossible to say someone has “mastered” creativity or client interaction, for example). The other more senior women and I regularly try to coach younger employees on strategies for dealing with the sexism that we unfortunately still deal with outside of the company, but in 20 years, there have been very few examples I have ever seen or heard about inside of it — and the few that have come up have been addressed immediately. One employee, Mia, has been saying she earned a promotion because she “checks all the boxes” on the hard skill list and she doesn’t like doing the soft skills, so they’re not important — and because of those things, the only possible reason she’s being held back is because she’s a woman. An accurate analysis is that she adequately performs most of the hard skills for her current level but never excels at any of them, hasn’t proven any ability in the next level’s hard skills, and is terrible at all of the soft skills (she’s gotten this feedback). Her “proof” of sexism holding her back is that a male employee who was hired a few months after her (and has been amazing in almost all of the skills) has received a promotion. (We don’t necessarily have a set number of positions at each level; we generally promote when we feel people are ready and take on more work to allow for the growth.) It’s also worth noting that Mia did a different role for the first year and was almost fired from that, so technically she has been in the same role as this man for less time, but she doesn’t think that matters. Two other women who have been hired since Mia are doing really well and are more realistically likely to step up before she does, assuming they continue their current trajectories. Overall, I’m flummoxed because her take on this seems to show a remarkable lack of self-awareness on her part. Mia is still an asset in her current role, although she’s becoming toxic about the situation around other employees, so I’m not sure how much longer we’ll feel that way. Do you have any suggestions on how to convey this is a performance issue that has nothing to do with her being a woman? I’m a little worried she’ll try to file a discrimination lawsuit if she leaves (it feels unfounded, but I don’t know much about the law). You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it. The post our mediocre employee thinks we’re not promoting her because of sexism appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

President Donald The President said he would fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if he does not resign after his term as head of the central bank ends in May. The President made a similar threat against Fed Gov. Lisa Cook before attempting to fire her last August. View the full article

Concerns about a full-blown supply crisis recede as Asia cuts consumptionView the full article