All Activity

Self-serve negative keyword lists are now live in Microsoft Advertising, according to Ads Liaison Navah Hopkins — giving advertisers long-requested control without submitting support tickets. What’s happening. Advertisers can now create and manage shared negative keyword lists directly in the UI. Lists support up to 5,000 negative keywords (one per line) and can be applied at either the campaign or account level. Match types function the same way in Performance Max as they do in traditional Search campaigns. Lists can also be edited, exported as CSV files, or removed from campaigns as needed. Microsoft notes that match type formatting requires brackets for exact match and quotation marks for phrase match — not hyphens. Why we care. Negative keywords are critical for filtering irrelevant traffic and protecting budgets. Making lists self-serve streamlines workflow, reduces reliance on support tickets, and gives advertisers faster control over search query exclusions. The bottom line. Microsoft is handing more operational control back to advertisers — and eliminating friction in one of the most essential levers for campaign efficiency. Dig deeper. How to add keywords that won’t trigger my ads (negative keywords) View the full article

If you think Paris is always a good idea and the French do everything better, especially leisure—then this one is for you. Unlike Americans, who treat their weekends as a sprint to see who can do the most chores, Sundays are sacred in France—a time to slow down, reset for the week, and do as little as possible. (“Even protests in France happen every day except Sunday . . . that’s how sacred [they] are,” Céline Kaplan, co-founder of upcycled products marketplace OOOF (Out of Office Forever) and PR agent for French clients in New York, tells The Zoe Report.) Looking for more work/life balance? Try treating Sunday as a holiday instead of the first day of a new week, and you may find some surprising results—a calm start to your work week, instead of an anxiety-producing day of “Sunday Scaries.” So, what is a French Sunday? I will admit, I’ve been doing my own version of a “French Sunday” for as long as I can remember. Sleeping in late? Check. Lounge around with coffee and a paper? Check. Brunch? Bien sûr. Like most fashionable trends, “French Sunday” comes from France, but was most recently popularized by Vogue. In short, the art of Sunday à la française is an antidote to the burnout and anxiety many Americans feel come Monday. For one thing, most shops are closed by noon on Sunday in France, eliminating the need to feel “productive” or cross things off a to-do list. Instead, Dimanche is for connecting with family and friends—and not isolating on digital devices, which Americans commonly do as a way to decompress, but which actually severely affects mental health, increases stress and anxiety, and creates even more loneliness. According to the Vogue article, “French Sundays” are supposed to be “lazy, stress-free days, when the main activity is to do nothing”—the exact opposite of productivity hacks that encourage people to use Sundays to prep for next week’s meals, do that load of laundry, clean your space, review your calendar, and lay out your work clothes (making Sundays practically a sixth day of work). How to have your own French Sunday First, “French Sundays” are a mindset, not just a day. Try embracing your inner Frenchie, which means starting the day by letting your body decide when you get up, sans alarm clock. Other suggestions on how to make Sundays your own: Prioritize meeting up with friends and family, take a walk, and even allow yourself to indulge in life’s simple pleasures, which, for the French, is food. One Sunday ritual in France is the family lunch, a big meal that goes on too long, often involving a roast chicken and many, many people. (Social connection, it turns out, is good for your mental health.) Here are a few more suggestions from Vogue: Take an obscenely long nap. Be a flâner, stroll aimlessly. Snack. Cook something that takes forever. Find a pretty view to stare at. Indulge in watching two movies back-to-back in an actual theater. And of course, the most French thing of all—and something you never see as a productivity hack—make love. Bon weekend! View the full article

Not all borrower scenarios are equal. When it comes to evaluating the risk of small landlords, lenders need to focus on a few specific factors. View the full article

Google published a new help document outlining how passkeys work in Google Ads — a timely move as advertisers face a rise in account hacks and phishing attempts. What’s happening. The new help page explains how passkeys function as a passwordless, phishing-resistant login method in Google Ads, and clarifies when they’re required — including for sensitive actions like user access changes and account linking updates. The documentation walks advertisers through device requirements, setup steps and security considerations. Why we care. Ad accounts are increasingly being targeted by attackers, with compromised logins leading to budget theft, campaign disruption and data loss. Clearer guidance from Google gives advertisers a straightforward path to strengthening account defenses at a critical moment. The bottom line. As account takeovers become more common, better education around security tools like passkeys is a practical win for advertisers looking to lock down access and reduce risk. Dig deeper. About Google Ads account passkey View the full article

Target will stop selling cereals containing synthetic colors by the end of May. The Minneapolis-based discounter said Friday it had been phasing out synthetic colors in cereals for several years. Right now, 85% of its cereal sales already come from products made without synthetic dyes. Target said it has worked with national brands and its private brands to reformulate products as needed. Some cereals — including Trix and Lucky Charms, which are made by General Mills — will have updated formulations, Target said. Target said it will no longer carry brands that don’t reformulate, but it didn’t name the brands. General Mills announced last year that it planned to remove artificial dyes from all of its U.S. cereals by the summer of 2026. But WK Kellogg has said it plans to remove artificial dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027. Kellogg makes several cereals with artificial dyes that are now sold at Target, including Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Squishmallows. Messages seeking comment were left Friday with General Mills and WK Kellogg. Target’s move acknowledges that American consumers and the U.S. government are paying closer attention to what goes into packaged foods. Last January, days before former President Joe Biden left office, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red 3, a petroleum-based dye. A few months later, the FDA under President Donald The President urged food makers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors by the end of 2026. The agency is reviewing some other petroleum-based dyes, including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and 6 and Blue No. 1. Earlier this month, the FDA said it was relaxing rules that restrict when food companies can claim that their products have no artificial colors. The agency said food labels may claim to have “no artificial colors” when they are free of petroleum-based dyes even if they contain dyes derived from natural sources such as plants. Target isn’t the first big retailer to nix artificial dyes. Whole Foods has never allowed products with artificial colors since its founding in 1980. Trader Joe’s also doesn’t use synthetic colors in its products. Last year, Walmart said it planned to remove synthetic food dyes and 30 other ingredients, including some preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes, from its store brands sold in the United States by January 2027. Target noted that its private label Good & Gather brand, which it introduced in 2019, is made without artificial flavors and sweeteners, synthetic colors or high fructose corn syrup. The brand has more than 2,500 products across dairy, produce, ready made pastas meat as well as baby and toddler food. “We know consumers are increasingly prioritizing healthier lifestyles, and we’re moving quickly to evolve our offerings to meet their needs,” said Cara Sylvester, Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, in a statement. In recent months, other major food companies like Kraft Heinz, Nestle and Conagra Brands have pledged to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes in coming years. —Anne D’Innocenzio and Dee-Ann Durbin, AP business writer View the full article

Misconceptions about team building can hinder its potential benefits. Many people think it’s only for salaried employees or that it requires expensive activities, which isn’t true. Others believe that team building isn’t needed if the team is already performing well, or that it’s solely the leader’s responsibility. Comprehending these misconceptions is essential, as they can impact your team’s effectiveness. Let’s explore these beliefs further and uncover the real value of team building. Key Takeaways Team building is not a one-time solution; lasting change requires ongoing efforts rather than superficial events. Total harmony among team members is unrealistic; healthy conflict can enhance engagement and foster authentic interactions. Effective team building is not a waste of time; it is a strategic investment essential for collaboration and performance. High-performance teams do not develop effortlessly; they require continuous commitment and participation from all members. Misunderstanding team-building outcomes can undermine efforts, as tailored activities are necessary for meaningful collaboration and growth. Team Building Is Only Necessary for Salaried Employees Why do some people believe team building is only necessary for salaried employees? This misconception overlooks the potential benefits of team development for hourly employees, who likewise possess the capability and interest in collaboration. Investing in team-building initiatives for these workers cultivates a sense of value and belonging, essential for enhancing overall employee engagement and morale. Research shows that hourly employees value teamwork just as much as salaried counterparts, emphasizing the need for inclusive team-building efforts across all classifications. Effective team-building activities can lead to increased productivity, regardless of whether employees are hourly or salaried. The belief that hourly pay limits motivation for collaboration is unfounded, as employee sentiments reveal a strong appreciation for teamwork. Team Building Activities Must Be Expensive and Time-Consuming You don’t need to spend a fortune or dedicate hours to effective team-building activities. Simple, low-cost initiatives, like regular check-ins or brief social gatherings, can greatly improve communication and collaboration among team members. Cost-Effective Alternatives Available Many people believe that effective team building requires a hefty budget and extensive time commitments, but that’s far from the truth. You can implement cost-effective alternatives that improve team cohesion without breaking the bank. Regular team meetings with check-in questions can strengthen bonds in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional activities. Informal social gatherings, like coffee breaks or lunch outings, as well promote connections without significant financial investment. Tailoring initiatives to your team’s specific needs can yield positive results just as effectively as larger-scale events. By focusing on these simple, budget-friendly strategies, you’ll boost employee engagement and productivity in the process of keeping time commitments manageable. Team building doesn’t have to be expensive; it just needs to be intentional. Short Activities Matter Although some believe that team-building activities must be elaborate and time-consuming to be effective, this misconception overlooks the value of shorter, more focused initiatives. Short team-building activities can be just as effective in promoting engagement and improving retention of information. Regular meetings paired with brief initiatives can markedly improve communication and collaboration without demanding much time or money. Customized, cost-effective activities addressing specific team needs often yield positive results. Furthermore, small, frequent team-building exercises cultivate connection and camaraderie, proving that impactful bonding doesn’t require grand gestures. Team Building Only Happens in an Office Setting Though it’s a common belief that team building only takes place within the confines of an office, this notion overlooks the myriad of environments where such activities can flourish. Team formation can occur in various settings, from outdoor retreats to community service events. These creative environments, like art studios or recreational facilities, promote better collaboration and communication among team members. Incorporating team-building activities into training programs or company-sponsored social events improves their effectiveness and nurtures team cohesion. Engaging in team building outside the office allows for a more relaxed atmosphere, encouraging open communication and relationship-building among team members. Utilizing diverse environments leads to stronger team dynamics and enhanced problem-solving abilities. When you step outside the traditional office, you open up new avenues for development, making team building not just an office activity, but a holistic approach to improving workplace relationships. The Team Leader Is Responsible for Team Building Even though a team leader often initiates team-building activities, it’s important to recognize that the responsibility for nurturing collaboration and engagement extends to every team member. Effective team building hinges on the participation and commitment of all individuals involved. When each member contributes, a strong sense of community develops, valued by 80% of employees and employers alike. Leaders shouldn’t shoulder this responsibility alone; successful initiatives thrive on regular input from team members, reinforcing teamwork principles. In fact, 63% of leaders report improved communication when everyone actively engages in relationship-building activities. High-performing teams utilize the diverse strengths of each individual, making it crucial for all members, not just the leader, to be involved in team building. Team Building Is Unnecessary if the Team Is Already Performing Well Many people assume that once a team reaches a high performance level, team building becomes unnecessary. Nevertheless, this belief overlooks the critical role of ongoing team building. Even high-performing teams benefit from regular engagement, as it promotes camaraderie and trust, both of which boost motivation and prevent complacency. Team building is unnecessary if the team is already performing well, but neglecting it can lead to unresolved conflicts and weakened dynamics over time. External factors can change team dynamics, making continuous team building fundamental to maintain effectiveness. Furthermore, investing in team building encourages open communication and collaboration, imperative for problem-solving and innovation. Regular activities improve individual contributions and overall team cohesion, reinforcing a strong performance culture. In the end, remembering that teamwork rules means comprehending that even successful teams need to nurture their relationships and processes to sustain their high performance. Team Building Is Just About Fun and Games Many people mistakenly believe that team building is just about fun and games, but its real purpose is much deeper. It focuses on developing strategic relationships and enhancing communication skills among team members, which are crucial for a cohesive work environment. Strategic Relationship Development Though it’s common to associate team building with enjoyable activities, this perspective misses a critical aspect of its true purpose: strategic relationship development. Successful teams thrive on strong emotional connections among members, which promote engagement and productivity. In fact, effective team building initiatives can boost productivity by 20%-25% in connected departments, underscoring their importance beyond mere recreation. Relationship-building activities create a sense of belonging and community, which 80% of employees and employers value. Furthermore, connected teams see a 31% increase in profitability. Enhanced Communication Skills Even though it’s easy to dismiss team building as merely a series of fun activities, this perspective undermines its significant role in improving communication skills within a team. Effective team building activities not only entertain but also cultivate meaningful interactions that strengthen communication among members. In fact, 63% of leaders report improved communication after such activities. Engaging in team building helps you learn to express your ideas clearly and listen actively, which promotes a culture of open dialogue. Connected departments often see a 20%-25% boost in productivity as a result of improved communication. One-Time Events Can Solve Underlying Issues Even though it might seem appealing to believe that a one-time team-building event can resolve deeper issues within a group, the reality is quite different. One-time events rarely achieve systemic change. True progress requires ongoing engagement and development. The Forgetting Curve shows that without repetition, the skills and connections gained during a single event quickly fade. Limitation of One-Time Events Ongoing Engagement Benefits Key Takeaways Rarely leads to systemic change Cultivates trust over time Requires continuous effort Lacks reinforcement Improves communication Follow-up is crucial Addresses issues superficially Supports long-term growth Evaluate impact regularly For effective collaboration and lasting improvements, consistent team-building initiatives are vital. Regular follow-ups and evaluations allow you to understand their impact, ensuring that underlying issues are adequately addressed and not merely glossed over with a single event. All Team Building Activities Yield the Same Results It’s a common misconception that all team-building activities yield the same results, but that’s far from the truth. The effectiveness of these activities hinges on how well they align with your team’s unique dynamics and individual preferences. Tailoring approaches to meet specific needs and goals often leads to greater collaboration and connection among team members, making the choice of activity essential for success. Varying Activity Outcomes Even though many people assume that all team-building activities produce similar outcomes, the reality is quite different. The effectiveness of these activities varies greatly based on their design, participant engagement preferences, and work styles. When you implement team guidelines that consider individual differences, you improve the likelihood of achieving successful experiences and desired results. Activities designed for different work styles can promote more effective bonding and collaboration among team members. Tailored Approaches Matter In regards to team-building activities, many people mistakenly believe that all approaches yield the same results. Nevertheless, customized approaches matter greatly. Not every activity suits every team, as various work styles and engagement preferences can affect outcomes. When you personalize activities to meet your team’s unique needs, participation often improves, leading to better results. Holistic methods that consider individual and team dynamics improve the chances of successful experiences. Individual Preferences Influence Success When team building activities are designed without considering individual preferences, they often miss the mark in nurturing genuine collaboration and engagement. Not all team building initiatives produce the same results, as individual preferences influence success considerably. Some team members may thrive in collaborative tasks, whereas others perform better in solo endeavors. By tailoring activities to align with these diverse personality traits, you improve the likelihood of successful experiences. Research indicates that holistic approaches to team building, which account for each member’s unique attributes, lead to more effective relationship-building outcomes. Ignoring individual differences can result in activities that fail to resonate, eventually reducing participant engagement and effectiveness. Acknowledging these preferences is vital for creating balanced and impactful team building experiences. Team Building Is a Waste of Time The belief that team building is a waste of time often stems from a misinterpretation of its true purpose and potential benefits. In reality, effective team building is a strategic investment that improves workplace productivity. Research shows that 80% of employees and employers value a sense of community, which team-building activities cultivate. Furthermore, 63% of leaders report improved communication following these initiatives, leading to better collaboration and efficiency. Team building in addition positively impacts morale; 61% of leaders note a direct correlation between these efforts and higher employee morale. This increased morale is vital, as it boosts employee engagement and retention, making team building far from a waste of time. In fact, connected departments experience a 20%-25% increase in productivity, demonstrating that investing time in team building yields significant returns. By comprehending these benefits, you can appreciate the value of team building in the workplace. Team Building Creates Total Harmony Among Members As team building is often perceived as a means to achieve complete harmony among members, this view overlooks the importance of diversity and the value of differing perspectives. In reality, team building creates total harmony among members is a misconception. Successful teams thrive on a mix of opinions and emotions, including healthy conflict. This dynamic nurtures authentic interactions and encourages open discussions, which are essential for trust and cooperation. Rather than suppressing differences, effective team development acknowledges individual contributions and varying needs, enhancing engagement and motivation. It’s through these diverse strengths that teams can truly excel. The goal of team building isn’t to enforce uniformity but to leverage the unique skills each member brings. Embracing differences is what makes a successful team, eventually leading to more innovative solutions and a stronger collective performance. Conflict Is Always Bad in Team Settings Though many believe that conflict disrupts team dynamics, it can actually serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation. The idea that conflict is always bad in team settings overlooks its potential benefits. When managed properly, conflict can encourage critical thinking and generate new ideas that drive projects forward. Suppressing conflict might lead to frustration, eventually derailing your efforts. High-performing teams recognize that both positive and negative emotions are crucial for open communication, which is fundamental for collaboration and problem-solving. Encouraging open discussions allows team members to surface and channel conflict positively, creating momentum and enhancing outcomes. This approach highlights what makes a team effective: the ability to navigate disagreements constructively. By embracing conflict as a healthy source of energy, you can transform challenges into opportunities, nurturing an environment that promotes innovation and continuous improvement within your team. High-Performance Teams Form Naturally Without Effort Building a high-performance team doesn’t happen by chance; it requires deliberate effort and strategic planning. High-performance teams don’t form naturally; they demand intentional cultivation through leadership commitment and investment in team dynamics. Here are fundamental elements to reflect on: Clear Communication: Establishing open lines of communication guarantees everyone is aligned on goals and expectations. Trust Building: Cultivating trust among team members is critical for collaboration and effective decision-making. Regular Feedback: Implementing a system for continuous feedback helps identify areas for improvement and maintain high performance. Positive Culture: Nurturing a supportive organizational culture is imperative for the sustainability of high-performance teams. Creating these teams involves ongoing effort and adaptation to both external and internal changes. Relying on the assumption that high-performance teams will develop effortlessly can lead to disappointment and underperformance. Frequently Asked Questions Which of These Is Not a Benefit of Team Building? Team building isn’t just about creating a perfect environment; it’s important to understand that it doesn’t guarantee total harmony among team members. Instead, effective teams embrace diversity and use differing perspectives to improve collaboration and innovation. This means that during team building nurtures connections, it likewise encourages healthy debates and discussions, eventually leading to better problem-solving and creativity, rather than simply eliminating conflict or ensuring everyone always agrees. Which of the Following Are Common Mistakes Made When Using Team Building Activities? Common mistakes in team-building activities include neglecting to set clear objectives, which can create confusion and limit effectiveness. Underestimating communication before and during events often leads to disengagement, as providing details encourages inclusivity. Furthermore, failing to evaluate the impact on team cohesion and performance prevents necessary improvements. Choosing unsuitable activities that don’t match team dynamics can disengage participants, and poor organization can disrupt the experience, detracting from overall enjoyment and engagement. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Team Building? Team building offers several advantages, such as improved communication, increased productivity, and boosted employee morale. You’ll likely see better collaboration and engagement among team members, promoting a more connected environment. Nevertheless, disadvantages can include time consumption and potential resistance from employees who may not see the value in such activities. Furthermore, if not executed properly, team building efforts might lead to superficial relationships rather than genuine connections. Balancing these factors is crucial for success. What Are the 5 C’s of Team Building? The 5 C’s of team building are Communication, Collaboration, Cohesion, Conflict Resolution, and Commitment. Communication allows team members to share ideas openly, reducing misunderstandings. Collaboration focuses on working together in the direction of common goals, boosting productivity by 20%-25%. Cohesion strengthens relationships, promoting morale and engagement. Conflict Resolution encourages healthy discussions, utilizing diverse opinions for innovative solutions. Finally, Commitment guarantees team members are dedicated to their tasks, nurturing accountability and shared success within the group. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending the misconceptions surrounding team building is vital for nurturing effective collaboration. It’s not limited to salaried employees or confined to office settings, nor does it solely rely on team leaders. Team building is fundamental even for high-performing teams, as it promotes trust and healthy conflict. Recognizing that it doesn’t guarantee total harmony and requires ongoing effort will help you appreciate its strategic value. By addressing these misconceptions, you can improve your team’s performance and cohesion. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Identifying Misconceptions: Which Are Not Benefits of Team Building?" 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. Samsung just announced its new earbuds during the Samsung Unpacked 2026 event earlier this week, and Amazon is already offering a pretty sweet deal to preorder them. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are $179.99 and come with a $20 Amazon gift card, and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro go for $249.99 and come with a $30 Amazon gift card. Both will be released on March 11, but you can pre-order them now. Considering these will be their flagship earbuds for some time, it's a great opportunity for any Samsung fan or anyone curious about Samsung's new earbuds to snatch them up. $30 Amazon Gift Card Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro $179.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $20.00 Pre-order Here Pre-order Here $179.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $20.00 $30 Amazon Gift Card Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro $249.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $30.00 Pre-order Here Pre-order Here $249.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $30.00 SEE -1 MORE Samsung wants to compete with Apple, with a similar design, features, and even price point. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are strikingly similar to the Apple AirPods 4 in their design, with noise cancellation and the absence of silicone eartips that go inside your ears. They come with Hi-Res audio, IP54 for water-resistance, a Live Translation feature similar to Apple's, a new design, improvements in call quality, and direct access to ask questions to AI and receive responses through the earbuds. The controls are swipe and pinch, and the charging case comes in black or white. It's also easy to draw the similarities between the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Apart from both being $249, the most obvious similarity is the in-ear silicone tip design that helps seal the noise and improve ANC. The Pros have all of the same features as the Buds 4, and are supposed to be more comfortable, have better ANC which Samsung calls ANC 2.0, have a better water resistance with an IP57 rating, which handles immersion in water up to 1 meter, and perhaps more importantly, a two-way speaker (as opposed to a one-way on the Buds 4) that is meant to delivers better, high-fidelity sound, superior separation of frequencies, and reduced distortion. But we will only know if these claims are true when we get our hands on them for a review. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $155.99 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

On Friday, Moderna’s mCombriax—a combined vaccine for both the flu and COVID—was recommended for authorization by European regulators, which opens the door for the vaccine’s approval in the European Union. The European Medicines Agency, the regulator granting the recommendation (or adopting a “positive opinion” on recommending it for market authorization), said that the messenger RNA vaccine should help protect “people aged 50 years and older against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza (flu),” in a statement. The shot works like any other vaccine, effectively prepping the human body to defend itself against foreign infection, with the messenger RNA contained within giving blueprints to the body to make proteins to help stave off various seasonal flu viruses, and SARS-CoV-2. “As the first combined COVID-19/influenza vaccine, mCombriax provides people with the option of having a single shot to protect against both illnesses,” reads a statement from the Agency. Next, the European Commission would need to ratify the recommendation to open it up for widespread use. “The CHMP’s positive opinion represents an important milestone for respiratory virus vaccination and for Moderna, with the introduction of the world’s first flu plus COVID combination vaccine,” said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO, in a statement. “Combination vaccines have the potential to simplify vaccination and support improved health outcomes. We appreciate the EMA’s rigorous scientific review.” The big question remaining: What about the United States? The answer is complicated and unclear, but part of it has to do with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) higher standards and scrutiny. Moderna applied for clearance in the U.S. back in 2024, supplying data showing that the vaccine was effective against both the flu and COVID viruses. But the FDA had asked for more supplemental data, according to reporting from BioPharma Dive, prompting Moderna to withdraw the submission, gather more data, and then resubmit it. Also, additional hurdles have entered the fray. The The President administration—which includes several high-profile anti-vaccine advocates in various leadership positions—initially opted not to review its application, though it changed its mind shortly thereafter after public and industry pressure. As it stands, that’s where the bottleneck is: With the FDA’s review process. It’s unclear if or when the vaccine could win approval or be made available to the public in the United States. View the full article

One of generative AI’s earliest applications remains among its most controversial: AI art. Its proponents celebrate the chance to create the images in their head, no time or traditional skills necessary. Its critics argue that AI images lack the soul of human-made art, steal the work of other artists without permission, and take opportunities away from working artists. AI-generated art often draws ridicule across social media, whether it’s being used for advertising, like Gucci’s recent series of AI-generated posts, or in the fine art world, like the immersive AI-generated works of Refik Anadol, which caught flak on X last week after being featured on 60 Minutes. (“This is not an artist. He makes screensavers,” one user wrote.) But there are internet forums where AI art enthusiasts can celebrate their passion free of ridicule—or at least know that there will be people in their corner to back them up. On the sister subreddits r/DefendingAIArt and r/AIWars, AI art lovers are encouraged to post freely about their controversial hobby (and talk trash right back at their critics). Though the two subreddits espouse similar philosophies on AI art, r/AIWars encourages debate between the tech’s supporters (known as “pro’s”), and its critics (known as “anti’s”). Meanwhile, r/DefendingAIArt flat-out bans debate. One of the latter subreddit’s pinned posts is a compendium of court cases where AI copyright claims were dismissed. Another is an infographic arguing that AI art isn’t copying the work of other artists: Training an AI off the work of another artist, it says, “is like looking at someone’s finished work and learning.” “You look at other people’s work all day, and learn from them for free,” the post continues. “There’s nothing wrong with that.” r/DefendingAIArt isn’t a space for AI artists to share their work, but a place to “speak Pro-AI thoughts freely,” per the sub’s rules. The most upvoted posts of all time include “gotcha” moments of tricking anti-AI folks into thinking human-made art is AI-generated; callouts of the other side’s apparent hypocrisy; and, naturally, memes about not caring where a piece of art came from. Every comment section is entirely free of argument. For that, Redditors are redirected to r/AIWars, where debate reigns supreme. On r/AIWars, posts are designed to be picked apart and argued into oblivion. There are examples of AI clearly plagiarizing copyrighted works, like generating an image of Sonic when asked for a “blue hedgehog videogame character.” And there are real-world legal and moral dilemmas, like the ethics of a vendor being banned from a convention for selling AI-generated artwork. Some posts simply argue to let everyone make art however they please, without deriding it as “AI slop” or, as the subreddit’s users satirically call traditional art, “pencilslop.” While comment sections on some social media platforms have been dominated by AI’s critics, r/AIWars’ user base seems to be closer to a 50/50 split. That might make sense: Reddit has always been a place for niche fandoms and communities to connect, and in the age of AI, that includes the folks who love to fight about it. View the full article

Landing interviews in today’s hiring market takes more than a polished resume. A strong project manager cover letter positions your project management experience and trajectory in a way that speaks directly to hiring managers. When written strategically, a project manager cover letter bridges your project lifecycle results with what employers actually prioritize in high-impact project management roles. Whenever you’re ready to start managing projects, give ProjectManager a try. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software designed to plan, schedule and track projects from start to finish. Build detailed project schedules, allocate resources, monitor costs and compare estimates against actual performance using a complete set of powerful project management tools. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA-1600x851.pngLearn more What Should Be Included In a Project Manager Cover Letter? Every effective project manager cover letter follows a clear structure that mirrors how projects themselves are run: organized, intentional and results-driven. Instead of vague claims, it should present measurable outcomes, alignment with the employer’s priorities and proof of leadership across scope, schedule, cost and stakeholders. The sections below outline exactly what to include. Header Section Include your full contact information exactly as it appears on your resume. Use a professional email address and LinkedIn URL. Address a specific hiring manager whenever possible. If you cannot find one, use “Hiring Manager.” Keep formatting clean, aligned and consistent with your resume header. Greeting Always use a formal greeting. If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it. Avoid generic greetings like “To whom it may concern.” A specific greeting signals effort and attention to detail. This small step subtly reinforces professionalism and stakeholder awareness—both critical skills for project managers. Opening Paragraph Start strong. Do not repeat your resume summary. Immediately state the role and highlight measurable impact. Include years of experience and at least two metrics. This paragraph establishes credibility fast and tells recruiters why they should continue reading. Lead with proof, not passion. Why this Company + Why this Role Show you researched the company. Mention something specific—mission, product, market, recent initiative or strategic focus. Then connect their priorities directly to your experience. This section proves the letter is tailored, not mass-sent. Hiring managers want alignment, not generic interest. Body Tell a short, structured success story. Include project scope, complexity, stakeholders and measurable results. Focus on what you did, not just what the team accomplished. Use numbers whenever possible. This demonstrates ownership, structured execution and tangible impact—exactly what employers evaluate. Quick Fit Map This optional section is useful for competitive roles. Pull three core requirements directly from the job posting and map them to measurable evidence from your background. Keep it concise. This makes it easy for recruiters to quickly see alignment without searching through paragraphs. Closing paragraph End confidently but professionally. Express interest in discussing next steps. Avoid sounding desperate or overly aggressive. Reinforce the value you bring and thank the reader. This section should feel composed, assured and forward-looking—consistent with strong leadership presence. Project Manager Cover Letter Template This project manager cover letter template includes two fully written examples to guide you in different industries: a construction project manager cover letter and an IT project manager cover letter. Each example shows how to present measurable results, align with hiring priorities and structure project experience clearly for specific roles and delivery environments. /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Project-Manager-Cover-Letter-Template--600x557.png Below those examples, the project manager cover letter template transitions into a detailed, editable version with step-by-step instructions for every section. Each component—header, greeting, opening paragraph, company alignment, body examples, quick fit map and closing—comes with explicit guidance explaining what to write, how to frame measurable impact and how to tailor the project manager cover letter to a specific job description. Project Manager Cover Letter Examples Seeing a complete project manager cover letter makes the structure click fast. The two project manager cover letter examples below show how to tailor tone, metrics and proof points for different industries while keeping the same high-performing format and flow. IT Project Manager Cover Letter Daniel Carter (512) 555-7821 | daniel.carter@example.com Austin, TX linkedin.com/in/danielexamplecarter March 26, 2026 Hiring Manager Summit Ridge Development Dear Hiring Manager, I’m excited to apply for the Construction Project Manager position at Summit Ridge Development. With over nine years of experience delivering commercial and multi-family construction projects from preconstruction through closeout, I’ve led cross-functional site teams to execute builds valued at more than $20M, consistently improving schedule reliability, cost control and stakeholder coordination. Summit Ridge Development’s commitment to quality construction, disciplined project oversight and long-term client relationships strongly aligns with my background leading complex commercial builds and residential developments. Your emphasis on schedule precision, subcontractor management and financial accountability reflects how I manage construction programs. At IronClad Construction Partners, I directed a multi-phase commercial office development encompassing 90,000 square feet and a $14M budget. The project required coordination among architects, subcontractors, city inspectors and ownership representatives while maintaining strict compliance with safety and contractual standards. By tightening critical path sequencing, strengthening RFI and submittal tracking processes and implementing proactive cost forecasting, we delivered the project three weeks ahead of schedule and 4% under budget. In another engagement, I took over a multi-family residential development that was trending 15% behind schedule due to procurement delays and subcontractor misalignment. I re-sequenced trade activities, formalized weekly coordination meetings and reinforced change order controls. Within one quarter, we recovered the project timeline, maintained cost variance under 3% and re-established stakeholder confidence through structured progress reporting and milestone tracking. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized disciplined field execution without compromising safety or quality standards. Whether leading on-site coordination meetings, resolving subcontractor conflicts or presenting cost performance updates to ownership groups, I focus on transparency, accountability and measurable results. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to Summit Ridge Development’s upcoming projects and help ensure predictable, high-quality construction delivery. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience can support your organization’s goals. Sincerely, Daniel Carter Construction Project Manager Cover Letter Daniel Carter (512) 555-7821 | daniel.carter@example.com Austin, TX linkedin.com/in/danielexamplecarter March 26, 2026 Hiring Manager Vertex Digital Systems Dear Hiring Manager, I’m excited to apply for the IT Project Manager role at Vertex Digital Systems. With over nine years of experience delivering large-scale technology initiatives across SaaS and enterprise environments, I’ve led cross-functional teams to execute complex programs valued at more than $12M, consistently improving system performance, delivery predictability and stakeholder alignment. Vertex Digital Systems’ focus on scalable cloud solutions and integrated enterprise platforms strongly aligns with my background leading CRM modernization, API integration and infrastructure transformation initiatives. Your emphasis on structured governance, technical precision and measurable delivery outcomes mirrors how I approach complex IT programs. At BrightPath Technologies, I directed a multi-phase cloud migration initiative impacting more than 550 users across operations, finance and customer service teams. The program required integration across six legacy systems, cross-functional engineering collaboration and strict security compliance oversight. By implementing formal sprint governance, refining dependency mapping and introducing structured release checkpoints, we completed deployment four weeks ahead of schedule while reducing post-launch defect rates by 29%. In another initiative, I assumed leadership of a data center consolidation program that was trending 16% over budget due to scope creep and vendor coordination gaps. I re-baselined the implementation roadmap, formalized change control procedures and renegotiated key service agreements. Within two quarters, we stabilized cost variance under 5%, improved infrastructure uptime to 99.98% and restored executive confidence through transparent performance dashboards and steering committee reporting. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized disciplined technical execution without sacrificing team collaboration. Whether facilitating Agile ceremonies, aligning DevOps pipelines or presenting system performance metrics to senior leadership, I focus on clarity, accountability and measurable business impact. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to Vertex Digital Systems’ technology initiatives and help drive reliable, scalable IT project delivery. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my experience can support your organization’s objectives. Sincerely, Daniel Carter ProjectManager Is an Award-Winning Project Management Software ProjectManager offers robust project management features such as Gantt charts, task lists, workload management charts, timesheets and real-time dashboards and reports. In addition to that, it’s also equipped with AI project insights, online team collaboration features and unlimited file storage that further help project managers ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Watch the video to learn more! Related Content In addition to these free project management resume templates for Word, we’ve built a library of more than 1,000 free project management templates, blogs, ebooks, videos and guides to help project managers navigate the many moving parts of the project lifecycle. How to Become a Project Manager (And Get a Job) Project Manager Titles: Entry-Level Titles, Senior Titles & More Project Manager Resume: Examples & Template Included Best 30 Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers (2026) Project Manager Job Description (Free Copy+Paste Examples) If you need a tool to help you as a project management professional, then signup for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software can help project managers plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today! The post Project Manager Cover Letter: How-to Guide, Examples & Template appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Amazon's Wish List feature is a versatile way to tell other people what gifts you're interested in. That might be a gift registry for a baby shower, or letting your friends and family know what you want for your birthday. But it's also commonly used for online creators to receive gifts from fans or for someone in need to receive donated items from strangers online who want to help. Up until now, we could rely on Wish List as a secure way for strangers to send items, without worrying about setting up a post office box. But going forward, Wish List now runs the risk of telling fans exactly where the creator lives—unless the creator takes action. Amazon is putting addresses at risk with changes to Wish List As reported by 404 Media, Amazon is recommending customers that use Wish Lists to change their shipping addresses to either P.O. boxes or non-residential delivery addresses. The company is making changes to Wish Lists, which could reveal the address you have on file for the feature. By leaving it as your home address, you are putting yourself at risk of doxxing—or revealing your personal address to strangers on the internet. That's because Amazon is now removing the option to block purchases from third-party sellers for Wish List items. As such, anyone who buys items off your Wish List to send to you will be able to buy them from third-party sellers, and those sellers will have access to your delivery address. From Amazon's point of view, these changes give buyers more flexibility over the items they can buy from your list, but that unfortunately comes with an impact on your personal privacy. But it's not just sellers who will have access to this address: Buyers will, too, as they may see your address in shipping updates they receive throughout the buying process. As 404 Media highlights, major shippers don't usually reveal addresses in these situations. But Amazon's changes mean that third-party sellers have it in their power to share this information themselves. What's more, if the delivery person ends up taking photos of the package to confirm delivery, that could leak even more of your personal details than you'd want—such as what your front door or driveway look like. These changes aren't effective immediately, so if you use Amazon's Wish Lists, you don't have to worry about your home address leaking on the internet just yet. However, the company has set a deadline for March 25, so it's important to act fast if you want to protect yourself. Below, you can read the email Amazon is sending the following email to Wish List users: “We're writing to inform you about an upcoming change to Amazon Lists. Starting March 25, 2026, we will remove the option to restrict purchases from third-party sellers for list items. When this change takes effect, gift purchasers will be able to purchase items sold by third-party sellers from your lists and your delivery address will be shared with the seller for fulfillment. This change will provide gift purchasers with access to a wider selection of items when shopping from your lists...Important note: When gifts are purchased from your shared or public lists, Amazon needs to provide your shipping address to sellers and delivery partners to fulfill these orders. During the delivery process, your address may become visible to gift purchasers through delivery updates and tracking information. To help protect your privacy, we recommend using a PO Box or non-residential address for any list you share with public audiences.” How to prevent buyers from seeing your address from your Amazon Wish ListIf you have an online presence and want to protect your address, you'll need to update your address in Wish List settings. Head to this link, then choose "manage list." Here, you can adjust your Wish List settings to make it private, or to choose specific users to share it with. Otherwise, you can adjust your address if you have a P.O. box or alternative address to select. View the full article

Prime minister facing demands from senior colleagues that he should be ‘braver’ and less gloomyView the full article

Hopefully you never find yourself left behind by a partner while hiking a mountain or abandoned in the woods. If you do, you might be a victim of an “alpine divorce.” The phrase has gained traction on social media in recent weeks following news of a climber’s guilty verdict after he left his girlfriend behind on a hike, where she froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain. The phrase is said to have originated from the 1893 short story An Alpine Divorce by Robert Barr, in which an unhappy husband plots to kill his wife by pushing her off a mountain during a trip to the Swiss Alps. Across platforms like TikTok and X, women have started sharing their own stories of times they were allegedly left behind to fend for themselves by partners during hikes. One TikTok creator posted a short clip of herself walking along a mountain trail earlier this month. In the clip, she is audibly upset. “POV: you go on a hike with him in the mountains but he leaves you alone by yourself and you realize he never liked you to begin with,” she wrote in the video’s text overlay. Her video has since gone viral, with over 19 million views. The comments section is filled with similar stories from other users. “My boyfriend did this to me. I found another hiker to show me how to get back then I went home and blocked his number,” one wrote. “This happened to me in Joshua tree on a day when it was 100+ degrees outside,” another wrote. “My ex husband left me and took the backpack with water and snacks. I thought he’d come back but nope. Finally found my way back to the car and he was chilling in the front seat with the AC on. Needless to say we’re divorced.” While many of the stories are unverified personal accounts, the recent surge in attention has also served as a grim reminder of the real-life case that echoes the trope’s dark origins. Thomas Plamberger, 37, was found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter over the death of his 33-year-old girlfriend, Kerstin Gurtner. He was given a suspended sentence of five months in prison and fined 9,600 euros (about $11,300). In January 2025, the two hiked up Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain. After Gurtner became exhausted, Plamberger abandoned her roughly 50 meters from the summit in freezing, high-wind conditions and without an emergency blanket. She later died of hypothermia. During the course of the trial, an ex-girlfriend of Plamberger’s came forward and testified that he had also left her alone on a night hike on Grossglockner a few years earlier. “Once we descended the Glockner at night, and suddenly he was gone,” she reportedly said. “I felt dizzy, I screamed, and I was completely alone. From then on, we didn’t go on any more hikes together.” View the full article

The President’s defence secretary is on the front lines of the culture wars — but can he lead the US in a battle against Iran?View the full article

Divisive former academic came second to the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer in the Gorton and Denton by-electionView the full article

In a significant advancement for small businesses, Google has unveiled a major upgrade to its Gemini 3 Deep Think, a specialized AI mode designed to tackle complex challenges in science, research, and engineering. This cutting-edge tool aims to reshape how small enterprises can approach problem-solving and foster innovation, enabling them to compete more effectively in today’s fast-paced market. The updated Gemini 3 Deep Think provides enhanced reasoning capabilities, helping businesses navigate complicated scenarios where solutions may not be straightforward. “By blending deep scientific knowledge with everyday engineering utility, Deep Think moves beyond abstract theory to drive practical applications,” said a Google representative. This dynamic approach uniquely positions small business owners to leverage specialized insights that can lead to better decision-making and optimized operational efficiencies. One of the key benefits of Gemini 3 Deep Think lies in its ability to process messy and incomplete data, a situation commonly faced by small businesses that might not have access to pristine data sets. The upgrade allows these enterprises to draw actionable insights from less-than-perfect information. For instance, a local manufacturing company can utilize Deep Think to analyze production reports and optimize supply chain efficiency, even if the data comes from varied sources and formats. Currently, the enhanced Deep Think feature is available to Google AI Ultra subscribers through the Gemini app. It will also be rolled out via Gemini API to select researchers, engineers, and enterprises. Business owners interested in utilizing this technology can express their interest for early access through a dedicated form, signaling a potential shift towards broader usage in diverse sectors. Early testers of the new Deep Think have already begun to integrate its capabilities into their operations. For example, a small tech start-up reported using the tool to enhance its product development cycle, allowing teams to quickly iterate on designs based on analytics derived from consumer feedback. Such real-world applications illustrate how small businesses can harness this technology to improve processes, innovate products, and drive growth. However, as with any new technology, small business owners should consider some potential challenges before adopting Gemini 3 Deep Think. The subscription model may involve costs that could be a barrier for some, particularly for start-ups and companies operating on tight budgets. Moreover, integration into existing processes may require training and adjustments, which could strain resources in smaller teams. Additionally, while the AI can process complex data, the necessity for accurate input remains paramount. Small businesses may need to invest time in ensuring data quality, which can be challenging without dedicated IT support. These aspects highlight the importance of careful planning and consideration prior to implementation. As Google continues to develop Gemini 3 Deep Think, the overall implications for small businesses are promising. The ability to utilize sophisticated AI reasoning not only enhances operational capabilities but also empowers decision-making processes. With early access available, many small businesses now stand on the brink of a technological revolution that could reshape their future endeavors. In summary, Gemini 3 Deep Think represents an opportunity for small business owners to enhance their operational efficiencies through advanced AI capabilities. By understanding the benefits and potential challenges, businesses can make informed decisions on how best to integrate this technology into their existing frameworks, paving the way towards innovation and growth. For more details, visit the original post here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Gemini Unveils Enhanced Deep Think for Advanced Research Applications" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Study by independent committee announced as concerns grow that immigration crackdown will hit fiscal plansView the full article

On Thursday, Block CEO Jack Dorsey announced that his fintech company, which owns Square and Cash App, would be laying off a whopping 40% of its workforce, slashing over 4,000 jobs. Despite a “strong year” in 2025, Dorsey—like many of his tech executive peers—believes AI will enable greater efficiency with far fewer workers. “Intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company,” he wrote in a letter to shareholders. “We’re already seeing it internally. A significantly smaller team, using the tools we’re building, can do more and do it better.” A number of business leaders have seemingly used AI as a smokescreen for layoffs, but Dorsey has explicitly attributed the job cuts at Block to “intelligence,” which he claims will be “at the core of how the entire company works.” Dorsey attempted to explain his decision in a memo to employees, which he shared publicly on X (also known as Twitter, the company Dorsey once cofounded). “I had two options: cut gradually over months or years as this shift plays out, or be honest about where we are and act on it now,” he wrote. “I chose the latter. Repeated rounds of cuts are destructive to morale, to focus, and to the trust that customers and shareholders place in our ability to lead.” (Block has, in fact, been laying off employees in waves this month, according to multiple reports.) Dorsey insisted the company would not “just disappear people from slack and email and pretend they were never here,” and that he would host a live video session to thank employees for their work. “I know doing it this way might feel awkward,” he wrote. “I’d rather it feel awkward and human than efficient and cold.” Read Dorsey’s post in full below: today we’re making one of the hardest decisions in the history of our company: we’re reducing our organization by nearly half, from over 10,000 people to just under 6,000. that means over 4,000 of you are being asked to leave or entering into consultation. i’ll be straight about what’s happening, why, and what it means for everyone. first off, if you’re one of the people affected, you’ll receive your salary for 20 weeks + 1 week per year of tenure, equity vested through the end of may, 6 months of health care, your corporate devices, and $5,000 to put toward whatever you need to help you in this transition (if you’re outside the U.S. you’ll receive similar support but exact details are going to vary based on local requirements). i want you to know that before anything else. everyone will be notified today, whether you’re being asked to leave, entering consultation, or asked to stay. we’re not making this decision because we’re in trouble. our business is strong. gross profit continues to grow, we continue to serve more and more customers, and profitability is improving. but something has changed. we’re already seeing that the intelligence tools we’re creating and using, paired with smaller and flatter teams, are enabling a new way of working which fundamentally changes what it means to build and run a company. and that’s accelerating rapidly. i had two options: cut gradually over months or years as this shift plays out, or be honest about where we are and act on it now. i chose the latter. repeated rounds of cuts are destructive to morale, to focus, and to the trust that customers and shareholders place in our ability to lead. i’d rather take a hard, clear action now and build from a position we believe in than manage a slow reduction of people toward the same outcome. a smaller company also gives us the space to grow our business the right way, on our own terms, instead of constantly reacting to market pressures. a decision at this scale carries risk. but so does standing still. we’ve done a full review to determine the roles and people we require to reliably grow the business from here, and we’ve pressure-tested those decisions from multiple angles. i accept that we may have gotten some of them wrong, and we’ve built in flexibility to account for that, and do the right thing for our customers. we’re not going to just disappear people from slack and email and pretend they were never here. communication channels will stay open through thursday evening (pacific) so everyone can say goodbye properly, and share whatever you wish. i’ll also be hosting a live video session to thank everyone at 3:35pm pacific. i know doing it this way might feel awkward. i’d rather it feel awkward and human than efficient and cold. to those of you leaving…i’m grateful for you, and i’m sorry to put you through this. you built what this company is today. that’s a fact that i’ll honor forever. this decision is not a reflection of what you contributed. you will be a great contributor to any organization going forward. to those staying…i made this decision, and i’ll own it. what i’m asking of you is to build with me. we’re going to build this company with intelligence at the core of everything we do. how we work, how we create, how we serve our customers. our customers will feel this shift too, and we’re going to help them navigate it: towards a future where they can build their own features directly, composed of our capabilities and served through our interfaces. that’s what i’m focused on now. expect a note from me tomorrow. jack View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Dark began as a mystery involving a missing child and evolved, over its three seasons, into a wildly complex narrative: a time travel-driven story that explores dark family secrets over the course of several generations. Youth may be a sort of protection in some horror stories, but not here, not even a little tiny bit. No one is safe from the show's emotions threats, nor from literally being killed. Dark gets twistier and more compelling throughout its three seasons and, miracle of miracles, ends on its own terms and on a highly satisfying note. There's nothing quite like it out there, which is a big part of the appeal, but it's certainly not the only show with a smart, mature tone and compellingly twisty mysteries. Stream Dark on Netflix and then check out these other smart and spooky shows. Wayward Pines (2015 – 2016) Based on a trilogy of Blake Crouch novels, the show, initially, stars Matt Dillon as a Secret Service agent investigating the disappearances of two fellow agents in the Idaho town of Wayward Pines. Things go awry pretty much immediately, and he wakes up from a car accident to find one of the agents (Carla Gugino), who's also his ex, having settled down in the seemingly idyllic community—and she's 12 years older than when he last saw her a few weeks ago. Even more dramatically, the local sheriff (Terrence Howard) enforces a strict "no one ever leaves" policy, on pain of having one's neck slit. The mysteries pile up from there. Stream Wayward Pines on Hulu. Wayward Pines at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu From (2022 – ) Here we travel to The Town (we never get a name—definitely a red flag), from which no one can ever leave. The residents and visitors aren't metaphorically trapped, but literally so, and are beset by creatures come from the woods and kill anyone found outside after dark. The Matthews family learn all about this firsthand when they roll into town in their RV and find themselves trapped alongside the local sheriff (Harold Perrineau)—just as the sun's going down. The show's monsters aren't just mindlessly hungry, they're cunning and sadistic, and more than capable of killing residents in impressively gory ways. It's very much a supernatural spin on the "small towns ain't what they seem" vibe. Stream From on MGM+ or buy it from Prime Video. From (2022 – ) at Prime Video Get Deal Get Deal at Prime Video 12 Monkeys (2015 – 2018) Though the series at first felt like a pointless retread of the Terry Gilliam film (and of La Jetée, on which that was based), the series eventually began to luxuriate in its extended timeline and use it to ruminate on ideas of free will versus predetermination, even while throwing in plenty of action and mystery. Well before the end of the first season, the show found its sometimes-confusing (but always heady) groove. It’s sort of a pre-apocalypse story, with time travelers from a pretty rotten future sent back into the past to seek out and stop the release of a virus that will ultimately kill seven billion humans, and that’s expected to continue to mutate and eventually wipe out everyone left. Stream 12 Monkeys on Prime Video. 12 Monkeys at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video 1899 (2022) The steamship Kerberos is headed to New York City from Southampton in the UK, full of immigrants ready to start a new life. Sounds inspirational, except for that portentously named ship—and the fact that the series comes from Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar of Dark fame. The passengers soon discover that the boat isn't just a boat, but includes portals to other locations and seemingly even other times. The unplanned ending (the show was cancelled) answers some questions while raising many others. Still: a bit of spooky fun on a boat. Stream 1899 on Netflix. 1899 (2022) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991, 2017) With all due respect to every other "small towns are weird" show, including Dark, I'm not sure that there's any finer example of the form than than this addictive bit of weirdness from David Lynch and Mark Frost. Teens and adults in the deceptively quiet Twin Peaks face tragedy accompanied by supernatural threats from outside of our normal space and time. I think? The mysteries here aren't really meant to be solved as much as pondered with an eye toward nebulous existential dread (and if that's not your idea of fun, I'm not sure what you're doing here). Kyle MacLachlan plays FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, who arrives in the title town to investigate the murder of teenager homecoming queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), precipitating a (very) long night of the soul as Cooper uncovers secrets and mysteries among the town's delightfully, and often disturbingly, weird residents. As good as the original is, the anti-nostalgic followup series is a triumph. Stream Twin Peaks on Paramount+. Twin Peaks at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Signal (2016 – ) Blending police procedural, mystery, and science fiction, this K-drama remains one of the most-watched dramas in South Korean TV history—enough that a second season is coming after a wait of nearly 10 years. Police profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) finds a discarded walkie-talkie that connects him with Detective Lee Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong), who disappeared in 2000 but who is able to communicate from an earlier time. The two detectives are able to work together, across time, to solve a very cold case—but soon discover that there are disturbing consequences in the present when they fiddle with time. Stream Signal on Netflix. Signal (2016 – ) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Curon (2020) Set near the real-life Lago di Resia in northern Italy, the show was inspired by the lake's singular view: the bell tower of a 14th century chapel rising above the water, the only visible remains of a village submerged by a dam in the 1950s. That eerie setting is home to Anna Raina (Valeria Bilello); it was, anyway, until she fled while pregnant with her twin daughters following her mother's tragic and mysterious death. The twins are now teenagers, and the three of them have returned—except nobody seems to want them around. They come to learn that Anna's been having dreams about her mother's death in which she's the killer, and then she herself disappears. It all ties back to that lake and the creepy bell tower. Stream Curon on Netflix. Curon (2020) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Fringe (2008 – 2013) We don't talk nearly enough about Fringe, a smart sci-fi/crime procedural that served as a true successor to the X-Files (and that wrapped more satisfyingly than that show ever did, even given multiple tries). Starting out as a kind of weird-mystery-of-the-week thing with Anna Torv as FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, Joshua Jackson as civilian consultant Peter and John Noble as his science-guy dad, Walter, straight out of a mental institution. It soon becomes clear that the odd occurrences they've been investigating are all linked to potentially universe-ending incursions across time and space, and that Walter has dark secrets that are both personal and existentially profound. Stream Fringe on Hulu. Fringe (2008 – 2013) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu Archive 81 (2022) A clever and spooky horror noir that gets a mixed recommendation only because of Netflix's tendency to cancel shows after a single season. Archive 81 stars Mamoudou Athie as archivist Dan, hired to restore some old tapes from the 1990s. What follows involves a demonic cult, Lovecraftian horrors, and a jazz-age demon cult. It builds an impressive horror mythology that it only barely had a chance to develop. And yet! We love a spooky tape moment. Stream Archive 81 on Netflix. Archive 81 (2022) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Channel Zero (2016 – 2018) A mind-bending and occasionally gruesome expansion of various online creepypastas, Nick Antosca's series takes the form of four season-long storylines. While the tone is far from juvenile, the vibe here is childhood-nightmares-come-to-life: The show's first season anticipates I Saw the TV Glow with a story about a half-remembered TV series linked to the disappearances of several children; another finds a couple of sisters dealing with cannibals and a mysterious staircase in the middle of the woods, while the last has a newlywed couple finding a mysterious door that unlocks childhood anxieties (and a freaky clown). The most Dark-like (perhaps) is the second season, which sees a group of friends trapped in a tourist-attraction haunted house that exits into a disturbing alternate reality. It's all smart and genuinely freaky, existential dread blending with memorable visuals such as a child made entirely of human teeth. Stream Channel Zero on Shudder and AMC+ or buy it from Prime Video. Channel Zero at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Feria: The Darkest Light (2022) Dark deeds and supernatural forces from the past haunt multiple generations—this time, in 1995 Andalusia. This import finds teenage sisters Sofia and Eva caught in a nightmare when their parents go missing while being implicated in a cult ritual that's left 23 people dead, including a woman who'd been missing for years. Tying back to 1975 and, implicitly, the fall of Francisco Franco, Feria shatters this small town's sense of community and security while calling into question the value of the organizations—including government and church—that everyone holds dear. Kids getting caught up in generational cycles of violence and shame is an extremely recognizable vibe. Stream Feria on Netflix. Feria: The Darkest Light at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Tales From the Loop (2020) A gorgeous-looking anthology, Tales From the Loop takes place in the small town of Mercer, Ohio—a town that happens to sit upon the titular Loop, a physics lab exploring mysteries for which science has no answers. Each episode offers the story of a person or family in the town impacted by the work of the Loop, in slow-burning stories about the intersection of technology and human existence. It’s based on a conceptual art book by artist Simon Stålenhag, and successfully ports over that book’s striking look and feel. Stream Tales from the Loop on Prime Video. Tales From the Loop (2020) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The OA (2016 – 2019) The unclassifiable sci-fi/mystery series stars Brit Marling as Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling), a woman who returns after a seven-year disappearance, proclaiming herself to be the “original angel”; aiding her case is the fact that she has the ability to see, though she was previously blind. She assembles a group of young people to help her in a mission to save others who've been lost, which she can only do by opening a portal to another dimension. The critically acclaimed show was unceremoniously cancelled after two seasons, which hasn't stopped people talking about the show and its mysteries. Stream The OA on Netflix. The OA at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix The Leftovers (2014 – 2017) The premise of The Leftovers is brilliantly subdued: Around 2% of the world's population disappears without explanation, and it's enough to upend just about everything. Politics have adapted to the new normal, religions have collapsed and reformed, and families have had to make peace with the inexplicable loss of loved ones. The first season revolves around the Garvey family. led by Kevin (Justin Theroux), a sheriff whose wife (Amy Brenneman) left him to join a cult, while subsequent seasons broaden the scope to bring in other characters in other locations. Showrunner Damon Lindelof also co-created Lost, and the two series share some similarities (including a relatively grim tone), but where Lost spun out of control, The Leftovers recognizes that complex plotting and the search for answers is really the point. Stream The Leftovers on HBO Max. The Leftovers at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016) Finally, a little something for the kids, who also deserve a spooky mystery or two. (I say "kids," but this is genuinely pretty fun for all ages.) The much-loved, if relatively short-lived, animated series follows twin siblings Mabel and Dipper Pines (Kristen Schaal and Jason Ritter) sent to spend the summer with their great uncle (aka "Grunkle") Stan (voiced by show creator Alex Hirsch). While helping Stan run his mystery-themed tourist shack, the kids run into a series of supernatural mysteries, many related to the show's ultimate antagonist, dream demon Bill Cipher. The show's finale was similarly a blockbuster—the highest rated telecast in the history of Disney XD, as a matter of fact. Not terrifying, perhaps, but genuinely clever. Stream Gravity Falls on Disney+. Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016) at Disney+ Learn More Learn More at Disney+ View the full article

Keep the process from dragging on. 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

Keep the process from dragging on. 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

Perceptions are changing ... and rightfully so. By David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL Financial Partners, and Ross McGoodwin, regional vice president at DPL Financial Partners The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Perceptions are changing ... and rightfully so. By David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL Financial Partners, and Ross McGoodwin, regional vice president at DPL Financial Partners The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

A patent document published by Google hints that Google Search may take searchers from the search results page, to an AI-generated page which is super personalized to answer the query, as opposed to taking that searcher to a web page. Patent. The patent is named AI-generated content page tailored to a specific user and was filed by Google about a year ago and then granted last month. This patent describes a system that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically create a custom landing page for a business or organization when a user performs a search. Instead of just sending a user to a generic homepage, the system generates a page dynamically that is specifically relevant to the user’s intent and the organization’s content. Patent abstract. Here is a copy of the abstract of the patent: “Techniques for generating an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated page for a first organization. The system can include a machine-learned model configured to generate the AI-generated page. The system can receive from a user device associated with a user account, the user query. Additionally, the system can generate a search result page for the user query. The search result page can include a first result associated with a first landing page of the first organization. The system can calculate a landing page score for the first landing page. The system can generate an updated search result page based on the landing page score exceeding a threshold value, the updated search result page having a navigation link to an AI-generated page for the first organization. The system can cause a presentation, on a display of the user device, the updated search result page.” Example. Here is a fictitious example: Imagine you are looking for a specific item, like “waterproof hiking boots for wide feet,” from a big store like REI or Amazon. Normally, when you click a search result, it sends you to the store’s generic “Hiking Boots” page, and you have to filter the results yourself to find what you actually need. Instead, Google could use AI to build a new page that gives you a more customized and filtered response. Credits. This was spotted by Brandon Lazovic and posted by Joshua Squires on LinkedIn. Joshua wrote, “In short, Google would use AI to generate a page that looks like your website but rebuilds the entire structure of a page dynamically, in real time, and places it at the top of the SERP. This throws up all kinds of red flags to me.” Glenn Gabe wrote, “If you thought AIOs angered people, just wait for AI-generated landing pages from Google. Yes, Google could create new landing pages from the SERPs if yours isn’t good enough (based on this patent).” And Lily Ray added that this is “Terrifying to be honest.” Why we care. Again, this is just a patent document and does not mean Google is doing this, will do this in the future or something else. Although some may think this is a form of what Google is doing with AI Overviews or AI Mode. In any event, it is worth reading because it is useful to see how Google’s mind is working. View the full article

In recent months, fans of Burger King appear to have fallen out of love with the chain’s signature sandwich, the Whopper. Social media has been full of complaints about the quality of ingredients and even completely deformed burgers. In response, the burger chain said this week that it is rolling out a revamped Whopper. Here’s what’s changing, and where and when you can get yours. Why is Burger King revamping the Whopper? In short, customers became unhappy with the quality of the chain’s flagship burger in recent years. Criticisms range from the lackluster quality of ingredients in the burger to soggy buns to even smashed burgers (no, not in a good way). That last complaint—burgers that were physically deformed when they reached the customer’s hands—is something even the company’s U.S. and Canadian president, Tom Curtis, admitted to. “So the Whopper being smushed, literally, I’ve heard it . . . and we’ve seen it,” Curtis told CNN. And while no one expects a fast food burger to be the gold standard for hamburgers around the world, lately, customers seem to have lost patience with the Whopper’s problems—especially as prices have risen in recent years and once “affordable” fast food has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans. That growing unhappiness is something the burger chain has taken seriously. This week, it announced that, based on customer complaints and feedback, it was making the first changes to the Whopper in nearly a decade. What are the Burger King Whopper changes? On Thursday, Burger King announced it was revamping the Whopper—but it wasn’t starting over from scratch. “The Whopper is an icon, so we didn’t set out to reinvent it,” Curtis said in a statement announcing the move. “Instead, we elevated it based on direct Guest feedback.” That “elevated” Whopper consists of three new elements, according to the company: a more premium, better-tasting bun better-tasting mayo served in a box to protect the burger from getting smashed Other elements of the burger will remain the same, including its beef patty, and topping of onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles. When and where will the revamped Whopper be available? Burger King says the new Whopper will be available this week, where it will roll out across the chain’s 7,000 locations, according to CNN. Will the new Whopper cost more? That depends on who’s paying the bill. Curtis told CNN that the revamped Whopper is estimated to increase costs for Burger King franchisees by about $4,000 per year per store. But Burger King is recommending to franchisees that they do not pass these increased costs onto customers, who are already reducing their discretionary spending due to inflationary pressures. The price of a Whopper can vary by location. In New York City, a standard Whopper currently costs around $6.99. In the Midwest, Whoppers go for around $6.19, and in San Fransisco they can go for as high as around $8.19, according to data from the company’s online ordering system. If franchisees abide by Burger King’s advice, customers should not see any price increase when ordering the revamped Whopper. View the full article