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The social media platform X said Thursday it has blocked access to jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu ’s account in Turkey, complying with a Turkish court order — the latest measure targeting a key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, Elon Musk‘s X said that while the company abided by the order, it disagrees with it and is legally challenging it. It said X complied to avoid severe punishments, such as the throttling of the whole platform in Turkey. “X has been and will continue to object to removal orders including government requests in courts to protect users when those requests do not align with principles of free expression, due process, or other local laws,” the company said on its Global Government Affairs account. The statement said X maintains that “keeping the platform accessible in (Turkey) is vital to supporting freedom of expression and access to information.” Imamoglu, seen as the main opposition challenger to Erdogan’s 22-year rule, was arrested on March 19 and jailed on corruption charges. He was nominated as his Republican People’s Party, or CHP’s presidential candidate while in custody. His arrest has been widely viewed as politically motivated although the government insists Turkey’s judiciary is independent and free of political influence. It triggered widespread demonstrations calling for his release and an end to Turkey’s democratic backsliding under Erdogan. According to Engelli Web, a website that that tracks and reports internet censorship in Turkey, X restricted Imamoglu’s account in Turkey complying with a legal request by Turkish authorities who cited national security and public order concerns. A notice that appears on Imamoglu’s account, which has 9.7 million followers, says it has been “withheld in TR in response to a legal demand.” The account remains accessible outside of Turkey. Gonenc Gurkaynak, a lawyer representing X in Turkey, said he had filed an appeal on behalf of the platform against the decision blocking the account. He said he had submitted a 27-page petition and hundreds of pages of supporting documents to the court. The Turkish presidency’s Center for Countering Disinformation said the court decision followed an investigation into a post by Imamoglu on X, which prosecutors assessed to be an incitement to commit a crime. Authorities also ruled that because Imamoglu is currently detained, his account is not directly managed by him and therefore poses a threat to public order. On Thursday, CHP’s leader Ozgur Ozel welcomed X’s decision to challenge the court order but said the platform should have resisted complying with it. “X should not impose this restriction, which contradicts universal freedoms and the company’s own principles,” he said and urged Imamoglu’s supporters to follow the mayor’s international account and re-share his posts. Ozel also criticized Erdogan’s administration saying that “there probably is no other government that uses its judicial power so unfairly against its opponent.” Despite his detention, Imamoglu had remained active on social media. Supporters criticized the restriction as an assault on free speech in Turkey. They showed solidarity with the mayor by replacing their profile pictures with Imamoglu’s image. —Suzan Fraser, Associated Press View the full article

While a lot of May gardening is dedicated to moving plants into the ground, there is still plenty of seeding to be done. Inside, I'm starting late-planted vegetables like cucumbers, and a second round of annual flowers, like stock and celosia. Outside, I'm beginning to direct seed vegetables like corn and beans, and annuals like sunflowers. It's important to remember to stay on top of your succession planting during this busy time. And finally, there's no better time to start, reseed, or overseed your eco lawn. Lawns A clover lawn before being cut Credit: Amanda Blum Take advantage of the last of the rains to help germinate your eco lawn or clover lawn. You don't have to convert your whole yard, either, if you're anxious about it. Carve out a smaller area to seed with clover to try it. Ideally, you’re not creating a monoculture of one kind of seed, so other low lying flowers can be added in like yarrow, English daisy, and multiple types of clover. I add traditional clover for winter coverage, and red and strawberry clover for the summer to get pops of color. Annual flowersIn most parts of the U.S., you’ll start to get enough sunshine this month to direct seed outside, which just means you’ll plant the seeds in the soil, rather than try to grow seedlings inside to plant outside later. If you’re going to try to direct-seed annuals like wildflowers, they can start going in the ground as soon as you’ve reasonably passed the risk of frost. Pay attention to the packet for instructions as to the depth of seeds—many seeds cannot germinate by simply being sprinkled on top of the soil; they need cover of soil. Your sunflower seeds, for instance, need a depth of an inch or so. A good basic rule is that seeds need to be planted as deep as their size. So tiny seeds like celosia are ok to be sowed on the surface, but marigolds and zinnia must be planted about half an inch deep. If you want to scatter the seeds to get a more natural look rather than poke holes for the seeds, scratch up an area so there’s soil contact for the seeds, then scatter them and cover them by sprinkling soil on top and patting it down. Finish by watering. I plant a row of sunflowers on the edge of my garden every year. Credit: Amanda Blum Remember that summer is finite, so if you haven’t planted annual flower starts and you want to direct seed, you’ll want to do so before the end of May—although you may succession-seed another round of flowers later this summer, like zinnias or sunflowers. Consider ideas like a flower wall, or a row of sunflowers at the edge of the property or garden to define the area. Direct sown vegetablesWhile some people direct sow vegetables like tomatoes and peppers outside, for most of the U.S., the summer is simply too short to do so and get a reasonable yield of fruit. This is why people buy vegetable starts at the nursery. Some vegetables, though, are fast-growing and prefer not to have their roots disturbed, so seeding them in the garden is a fine idea, and now is the time to do so. There's almost no reason to start beans inside; they grow quickly and have shallow roots, so they are best seeded outside. Remember that beans are either bush type or vine type, and both need support, but vining beans can grow ten to twelve feet tall: Strong support will be needed, as beans can easily pull a trellis down. Cucumbers on a frame trellis Credit: Amanda Blum Cucumbers are ideal to start outside, particularly cucamelons (Mexican sour gherkins, which have become quite popular the last few years). They germinate within a few weeks and prefer not to have their roots disturbed. You can succession plant your cucumbers, so put another round of seeds in the ground in a few weeks. Cucumbers can crawl on the dirt, but you'll get better use of space and cleaner cucumbers if you use a trellis designed for them. when pumpkins are grown on trellises, you make slings for them to add support Credit: Amanda Blum Pumpkins and squash are fine to seed in the dirt. Pumpkins benefit from a hilling process. A popular way to do this is to dump a bucket or two of compost into a pile, creating a hill, and then place two or three pumpkin seeds in each hill. If these are giant pumpkins, you'll thin the seedlings to one, but for regular size pumpkins, you can have two seedlings. I've also had tremendous success growing pie pumpkins or mini pumpkins on an arch, so the pumpkins hang down. I'll be doing that again this summer with black and white pumpkins. Most squash will germinate quickly, and while you can pick up summer squash and zucchini starts, you have plenty of time to grow from seed in most climates. Give it a try this summer. Corn should be grown in blocks for better pollination. Credit: Amanda Blum Corn should always be direct seeded. It is easy to germinate, and it grows fast. Make sure you're planting corn in blocks of four by four feet, so there's enough corn to pollinate itself. Corn grows tassels, which are pollinated by the wind, so unless you have a big enough block of corn stalks, you won't get corn. Don't try to grow a short row or a few plants; you need a substantial block of plants. Melons are similar to squash and cucumbers and can be direct sown outside—but remember that melons and those cucurbits can cross pollinate, so don't plant them close together or you'll end up with Franken-squash, a common garden occurrence. Succession seedingBe sure to take advantage of the last spring rain to germinate additional rounds of carrots. Since they need constant moisture during germination, the rain can carry the load here. This time of year, I leave the radish, lettuce, green onion, beet, and kohlrabi seeds outside in a protected spot so I’ll remember to seed them once a week. You don’t need to put out a packet’s worth each week, just the number that you’ll eat. It helps to mark rows as you go so you don’t plant in a spot you’ve already seeded. lettuce grown in troughs Credit: Amanda Blum My favorite tip for having a summers’ worth of lettuce is to direct seed a long, low trough planter of lettuce, but you can just pick a corner of a planting bed. Dump the whole packet of seeds in and be sure to mix it with the top layer of soil so it’s distributed evenly. Water the area and as the seeds germinate, you'll have a planter packed with lettuce. But if it's too packed, it won’t grow much, so each week, I grab a scoop from the end of the planter, separate those seedlings, and plant them out in the garden beds. The planter acts as a holding space for lettuce most of the summer, and each week I pluck out a few to plant. Seeding insideThere are still seedlings I grow inside this time of year, despite the abundant sunshine because growing inside means less exposure to predators like squirrels, birds, and rabbits, and I can control the atmosphere. If it's a particularly bad year for slugs, for instance, I may choose to grow cucumbers inside as starts. Sometimes I grow them in both locations so I can sub a start in if a cucumber plant gets eaten. I also grow a second round of flowers inside, like stock and celosia. These are delicate seeds that benefit from a lot of attention, so I find growing them inside in a controlled environment is easier. Then I can place the grown starts precisely where I want them. View the full article

Crypto industry prepares for expected wave of demand from banks and asset managersView the full article

I’m a writing professor who sees artificial intelligence as more of an opportunity for students, rather than a threat. That sets me apart from some of my colleagues, who fear that AI is accelerating a glut of superficial content, impeding critical thinking and hindering creative expression. They worry that students are simply using it out of sheer laziness or, worse, to cheat. Perhaps that’s why so many students are afraid to admit that they use ChatGPT. In The New Yorker magazine, historian D. Graham Burnett recounts asking his undergraduate and graduate students at Princeton whether they’d ever used ChatGPT. No one raised their hand. “It’s not that they’re dishonest,” he writes. “It’s that they’re paralyzed.” Students seem to have internalized the belief that using AI for their coursework is somehow wrong. Yet, whether my colleagues like it or not, most college students are using it. A February 2025 report from the Higher Education Policy Institute in the U.K. found that 92% of university students are using AI in some form. As early as August 2023—a mere nine months after ChatGPT’s public release—more than half of first-year students at Kennesaw State University, the public research institution where I teach, reported that they believed that AI is the future of writing. It’s clear that students aren’t going to magically stop using AI. So I think it’s important to point out some ways in which AI can actually be a useful tool that enhances, rather than hampers, the writing process. Helping with the busywork A February 2025 OpenAI report on ChatGPT use among college-aged users found that more than one-quarter of their ChatGPT conversations were education-related. The report also revealed that the top five uses for students were writing-centered: starting papers and projects (49%); summarizing long texts (48%); brainstorming creative projects (45%); exploring new topics (44%); and revising writing (44%). These figures challenge the assumption that students use AI merely to cheat or write entire papers. Instead, it suggests they are leveraging AI to free up more time to engage in deeper processes and metacognitive behaviors—deliberately organizing ideas, honing arguments and refining style. If AI allows students to automate routine cognitive tasks—like information retrieval or ensuring that verb tenses are consistent—it doesn’t mean they’re thinking less. It means their thinking is changing. Of course, students can misuse AI if they use the technology passively, reflexively accepting its outputs and ideas. And overreliance on ChatGPT can erode a student’s unique voice or style. However, as long as students learn how to use AI intentionally, this shift can be seen as an opportunity, rather than a loss, Clarifying the creative vision It has also become clear that AI, when used responsibly, can augment human creativity. For example, science comedy writer Sarah Rose Siskind recently gave a talk to Harvard students about her creative process. She spoke about how she uses ChatGPT to brainstorm joke setups and explore various comedic scenarios, which allows her to focus on crafting punchlines and refining her comedic timing. Note how Siskin used AI in ways that didn’t supplant the human touch. Instead of replacing her creativity, AI amplified it by providing structured and consistent feedback, giving her more time to polish her jokes. Another example is the Rhetorical Prompting Method, which I developed alongside fellow Kennesaw State University researchers. Designed for university students and adult learners, it’s a framework for conversing with an AI chatbot, one that emphasizes the importance of agency in guiding AI outputs. When writers use precise language to prompt, critical thinking to reflect, and intentional revision to sculpt inputs and outputs, they direct AI to help them generate content that aligns with their vision. There’s still a process The Rhetorical Prompting Method mirrors best practices in process writing, which encourages writers to revisit, refine and revise their drafts. When using ChatGPT, though, it’s all about thoughtfully revisiting and revising prompts and outputs. For instance, say a student wants to create a compelling PSA for social media to encourage campus composting. She considers her audience. She prompts ChatGPT to draft a short, upbeat message in under 50 words that’s geared to college students. Reading the first output, she notices it lacks urgency. So she revises the prompt to emphasize immediate impact. She also adds some additional specifics that are important to her message, such as the location of an information session. The final PSA reads: “Every scrap counts! Join campus composting today at the Commons. Your leftovers aren’t trash—they’re tomorrow’s gardens. Help our university bloom brighter, one compost bin at a time.” The Rhetorical Prompting Method isn’t groundbreaking; it’s riffing on a process that’s been tested in the writing studies discipline for decades. But I’ve found that it works by directing writers how to intentionally prompt. I know this because we asked users about their experiences. In an ongoing study, my colleagues and I polled 133 people who used the Rhetorical Prompting Method for their academic and professional writing: 92% reported that it helped them evaluate writing choices before and during their process. 75% said that they were able to maintain their authentic voice while using AI assistance. 89% responded that it helped them think critically about their writing. The data suggests that learners take their writing seriously. Their responses reveal that they are thinking carefully about their writing styles and strategies. While this data is preliminary, we continue to gather responses in different courses, disciplines and learning environments. All of this is to say that, while there are divergent points of view over when and where it’s appropriate to use AI, students are certainly using it. And being provided with a framework can help them think more deeply about their writing. AI, then, is not just a tool that’s useful for trivial tasks. It can be an asset for creativity. If today’s students—who are actively using AI to write, revise and explore ideas—see AI as a writing partner, I think it’s a good idea for professors to start thinking about helping them learn the best ways to work with it. Jeanne Beatrix Law is a professor of English at Kennesaw State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Japanese video-game maker Nintendo on Thursday reported a 43% decline in profit for the fiscal year through March, but promised a turnaround as its Switch console upgrade goes on sale in June. Nintendo Co.’s profit for the fiscal year through March totaled 278.8 billion yen ($1.9 billion), down from 490 billion yen the previous fiscal year. Annual sales slipped 30% to 1.16 trillion yen ($8 billion) from 1.67 trillion yen, according to the Kyoto-based maker of the Super Mario and Donkey Kong games. The fortunes of game companies tend to decline somewhat as time passes after a new game machine goes on sale since many people have already bought the machine, although new hit software helps boost the results. Much anticipation has been building over the rollout of the so-called Switch 2, which goes on sale June 5. Nintendo said it expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles for the fiscal year through March 2026. Demand has dwindled for the current Switch, now in its eighth year after its debut. The number of Switch players around the world remains above 128 million people, according to Nintendo. Nintendo said attractive software was coming for the Switch 2 later this year, including “The Legend of Zelda” games, a Pokemon title and a Kirby game, as well as offerings from outside software companies. Also adding to the momentum is the opening of a Nintendo store in San Francisco and the Super Nintendo World amusement facility opening in Orlando, both set for this month, according to Nintendo. Nintendo is projecting a 300 billion yen ($2.1 billion) profit for the fiscal year ending in March next year, a nearly 8% improvement from the fiscal year just ended, on sales of 1.9 trillion yen ($13 billion), up 63% on-year. Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama —Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer View the full article

In an ideal world, you'd lead a long and happy life only ever shutting down and restarting your PC via the Start menu. Click the power icon, choose your option, and you're done. However, life doesn't always work out like we plan it, and sometimes you may need to trigger a restart or shutdown from the command prompt instead. Maybe something is stopping the Start menu from working, or perhaps you find yourself on a screen where the Start menu isn't available. One of the scenarios where I use the command prompt to shut down Windows is when I'm in the initial setup phase for the operating system and don't want to complete it right away. The shutdown command can turn off your PC on a timer. Credit: Lifehacker You might also have loaded the command prompt interface to try and troubleshoot a problem that's stopping Windows from working—in which case you need to know how to power off or reboot your computer without pressing and holding the power button. (If you are having PC issues, see also this lesser-known emergency restart option.) Using the command promptIf you're completely new to the command prompt, it's the text-based interface hidden away in Windows, a remnant of the old days before computer operating systems had pointers and graphical user interfaces, and still useful for running a variety of low-level system operations. PowerShell doesn't look too different to the command prompt at first glance. Credit: Lifehacker The command prompt is also accompanied by PowerShell, which is a more modern and feature-rich version of this interface. As far as these shutdown and restart commands are concerned, you can use either for the job, but if you ever need to run more advanced text commands, scripts, and automations, PowerShell is better set up to accommodate them. You can launch either the command prompt or PowerShell from the Start menu: Just type the first few letters of either utility into the search box at the top to find them. There are various other options too, like right-clicking on the Start menu button and choosing Terminal, or by typing "cmd" into the search box on the taskbar and hitting Enter. Using the "shutdown" command The text command you need to either shut down or restart your Windows computer is 'shutdown'. If you type it into the command prompt or PowerShell and then hit Enter, you'll get a full description of shutdown, and all the ways you can use it (by the way, you can add "| more" to this or any command to see a page of text at a time). Type "shutdown /s" to trigger a standard shutdownThe most basic flags you'll need are "shutdown /s" and "shutdown /r" to power off and restart your computer, respectively. In both cases you'll see a dialog box on screen telling you what's happening, and the action is taken in less than a minute. These commands will initiate a normal shutdown process, so you'll be prompted to save any unsaved work in your open programs that usually do that. This will restart Windows and launch the advanced boot options screen. Credit: Lifehacker Type "shutdown /s /f" to force a shutdownTo force all apps to close without any further prompting—perhaps if you need to make sure the shutdown or restart goes through without a hitch—add the "/f" to the end of your command (so, either "shutdown /s /f" for a shutdown or "shutdown /r /f" for a restart). You do this at your own risk though, with the risk of losing data that hasn't already been saved, and it's probably best left as a last resort. Type "shutdown /r /o" to access advanced boot optionsFor troubleshooting purposes, the "shutdown /r /o" command is useful because it reboots your computer into the advanced boot options screen. That's the one that gives you access to features such as using a USB drive to recover your PC, running the built-in start-up repair utility, and rolling back recent updates to Windows. You can also get back to the command prompt from here without starting the operating system. The shutdown command can also be used to stop a shutdown. Credit: Lifehacker Time your shutdown by adding "/t"Another flag that can be useful is the "/t" flag followed by a space and a number. This puts the shutdown or the restart on a delay, giving you time to close apps or finish downloads. The number is the number of seconds Windows should wait, and it can go from 0 (instant) all the way up to 315360000—that's 10 years, if you were wondering. If the seconds are set to anything above zero, the "/f" flag is also applied. Stop a shutdown with "shutdown /a"One final one that you might find helpful: You can use "shutdown /a" to abort a shutdown that's currently underway (perhaps one that you've set on a timer). For a full rundown of all the ways you can use this command, including some advanced options for IT managers (such as remote shutdowns), check out the official Microsoft documentation. View the full article

Last week we talked about the smallest amount of power you’ve ever seen someone abuse. But people can also use even small amounts of power for good — like the crossing guard who wasn’t really a crossing guard, or the graphic designer who sabotaged a homophobic group’s ad in her newspaper. This week, let’s talk about times when you’ve seen someone exploit their power for good — not just times when you saw someone be a good person at work, but times when someone violated the letter or the spirit of a rule or otherwise did something that could technically be considered under-handed in order to achieve good in the world. Please share in the comments! The post let’s talk about people “misusing” their power for good appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Google's latest Android Security Bulletin patches 46 security vulnerabilities impacting Android devices, one of which is a zero-day flaw in FreeType that may be under "limited, targeted exploitation." The security update for May includes fixes for a range of issues: most are an elevation of privilege flaws, though there are a few information disclosure and denial of service vulnerabilities and one remote code execution bug. All are considered high severity. May's patch also addresses vulnerabilities with Qualcomm, MediaTek, Arm, and Imagination Technologies components. One active exploitThe zero-day addressed with the latest update is a remote code execution flaw labeled CVE-2025-27363. It impacts FreeType, an open-source font rendering library, and allows attackers to exploit how the program processes certain files. The bug affects FreeType versions 2.13.0 and below and was first reported by security researchers at Facebook in March 2025, though details as to how it has been exploited have not been disclosed. What Android users need to doIf you have an Android device, you should get a notification to install the latest security update as soon as it's available. Google pushes patches to Pixel phones and the core Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, while other device manufacturers—Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia—typically issue updates around the same time. This month's patches apply to AOSP versions 13, 14, and 15, with separate updates dated 2025-05-01 and 2025-05-05 (the latter addresses all of the flaws identified). Note that Google ended support for Android 12 as of March 31, meaning devices running this and older versions won't receive security updates even though they may be affected by some of the vulnerabilities. If you're not sure whether your device has been patched, check for available updates via Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates > Security update and follow the prompts to download and install. View the full article

Pope Francis left a lasting legacy, not least his appreciation for art. In his 2025 biography, Hope, Francis spoke of his admiration for the Baroque painter Caravaggio. He recalled that during his travels to Rome as a cardinal, he prayed in front of the painting by Caravaggio—The Calling of Saint Matthew. The painting is found in the chapel dedicated to St. Matthew in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi. The donor of the chapel was a French cardinal, Matthieu Cointerel, who died in 1585. This was the first commission for Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, who was hired in July 1599. A year later, The Calling of Saint Matthew and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew, depicting the beginning and the end of the apostle Matthew’s ministry, were installed. The motto that Francis selected for his papacy, “miserando atque eligendo,” translated as “looking at him with mercy, he chose him,” is directly connected with this painting. The words “miserando atque eligendo” come from a sermon on the calling of Matthew written in the eighth century by the celebrated monk and historian Bede the Venerable. It is used in the readings for the Feast of St. Matthew on September 21. The Calling of Saint Matthew ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ Matthew is described in the Bible as a tax collector, viewed at the time as a highly dubious occupation. In the painting, Christ enters the room from the right. We see only his silhouetted head and outstretched arm pointing in Matthew’s direction. Light from the window behind Christ, which aligns with the actual light from the window in the chapel, falls on a group of men, including some handsome youths in fancy clothes, counting money. Matthew, the bearded man in the center, makes a gesture that suggests, “Who, me?” Matthew became one of four disciples of Christ—along with Mark, Luke, and John—whose accounts of Christ’s life, called Gospels, are included in the Bible. Francis and Jesuit training Francis’s thinking about this painting was shaped by his training as a Jesuit, a Catholic order that he entered in 1958. Jesuits practice something called a process of “discernment.” The painting represents God calling to Matthew to show him his will for the future, one that requires discernment. The founder of the order, Ignatius of Loyola, stressed a humble but vigorous effort to understand God’s will for each individual, as part of this process. Ignatius’s own life demonstrated this search for God’s will. His initial career as a soldier ended when he was gravely wounded in the battle of Pamplona in 1521, permanently damaging his leg. He subsequently tried to follow the life of a hermit, meditating in solitude, and then tried to become a missionary to the Holy Land. At the age of 33, he entered a university in order to become a priest, ultimately initiating the most influential transformation of religious education since the Middle Ages. Jesuits became a great teaching force, stressing individual study and debate over memorization. Ignatius was named a saint in 1622. Inspiration of Saint Matthew ‘The Inspiration of St. Matthew’ The central painting in the chapel, Inspiration of Saint Matthew is Caravaggio’s third painting, which was put in place in 1602. The patrons originally planned to install statues at the center, but upon their arrival they rejected the idea and commissioned Caravaggio instead. This painting also shows the saint searching to understand God’s directions. In this painting, Matthew is in conversation with his symbol, a winged man. Each of the four evangelists are represented in art through symbols. The winged man symbol for Matthew refers to the beginning of his Gospel that records the genealogy of Christ. The angel-like figure, resembling one of the young men depicted alongside the saint in Caravaggio’s The Calling of St. Matthew, appears to hold his left index finger with his right hand, as if to signal that this is the first and most important point. Matthew seems careworn, even distracted, struggling to write while leaning his knee on a bench. Francis remarked in his biography that Caravaggio increased viewers’ empathy by using “contemporary figures from the artist’s own time.” The figures in the painting are dressed in clothes worn in Italy in the late 16th century, so that the viewers in Caravaggio’s time could see themselves in the painting. Viewers come to art with different perspectives derived from their own experiences and challenges. Francis, too, connected to art through his own experiences. Virginia Raguin is a distinguished professor of humanities emerita at the College of the Holy Cross. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

We're bringing the world's no. 1 Wi-Fi event to - perhaps - the world's most important business hub right now. Welcome to WWC Dubai. The post Wi-Fi World Congress Dubai: We’re open for business – get in touch now! appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

BoE to scrap limits on lending and treasury activities introduced after the 2008 financial crisisView the full article

From mindful walking to redefining worth, this conversation reveals what it really takes to thrive. Accounting ARC With Arpan Grewal Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

From mindful walking to redefining worth, this conversation reveals what it really takes to thrive. Accounting ARC With Arpan Grewal Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Google Analytics real time reporting may be off this morning, at least based on a number of reports we are hearing about since earlier this morning. If you are noticing unusually low real-time counts in GA4, you are not alone. More details. I reported about the issue earlier today on the Search Engine Roundtable, quoting a number of complaints on social: Seeing this right now. Either the bottom just dropped out on traffic, or it's an Analytics issue. — wordmetrics (@wordmetrics) May 8, 2025 Looks like GA4 is on a coffee break today! Hope they get back to work soon. Not alone in this! — Chandan Kumar (@ImChandanKumar) May 8, 2025 Again real time numbers dropped. #GA4 @rustybrick @GoogleIndia @searchliaison — NKS (@nitins05) May 8, 2025 i can confirm… usually should see 70-80 visitors, but now i can see only 7. — Peter Nikolow (@PeterNikolow) May 8, 2025 You are not alone. — Chandan Kumar (@ConnectCK) May 8, 2025 Google update related? There is some speculation that this might be an unconfirmed Google search update. But I am not sure about that, I do think there are two separate things going on right now. Google comment. We did reach out to Google for a statement and when/if we hear back, we will add that statement to this story. Why we care. We just wanted to get this story out there because there are a lot of publishers and site owners who are panicking a bit right now. Don’t worry just yet, there are tons of complaints about GA4 real time reports being way off and you are not alone. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. After more than a week of teasing it on social media, Whoop has finally announced the release of its 5.0 device, along with a version called the “MG” (medical grade) that can do ECG readings and estimate blood pressure. Members can upgrade for a $49 fee or by extending their membership in one of the three new membership tiers: One ($199/year), Peak ($239/year, similar to current offerings) or Life ($359/year). Whoop is the screenless fitness tracker that earned four stars in my review of the 4.0 model for its integrated fitness and recovery tracking and its handling of strength training. It’s only available by subscription, with the hardware being sort of a bonus that comes with membership. That means upgrades to the hardware are handled a bit differently than for a device you outright purchase; more on that below. What’s in the Whoop 5.0The 5.0 device looks a lot like the 4.0, but Whoop calculates that it is 7% smaller. This change means that straps and other accessories from the 4.0 won’t fit the new device. (Longstanding members with more than 1,500 recoveries will receive a “Milestone collection” box with extra bands.) The 5.0 has a 14-day battery life, the company says, more than double that of the 4.0. There is also a new power pack (the battery that you slide on to charge the device while you wear it). Only members of the Peak and Life tiers will get the wireless power pack; the lowest tier membership comes with a wired charger. Otherwise, the 5.0 hardware is similar to the previous edition, but with internal upgrades—a 60% faster processor, the company says, and “enhanced sensors.” The difference between the 5.0 and MGThe MG (“medical grade”) Whoop device adds the ability to take an ECG from your wrist, in much the same way as an Apple Watch or Fitbit (you’ll touch metal contacts with the fingers of your other hand while wearing it). The MG device comes with a Whoop Life membership, the most expensive tier at $359/year. What you get with each of the three membership tiersThe three new membership tiers are One ($199/year), Peak ($239/year), and Life ($359/year). One is a stripped-down membrership, Peak is similar to what Whoop users have right now, and Life is a new offering with extra health features. Here’s the breakdown: Whoop One ($199/year)One is the budget membership. You get a wired charger instead of the wireless power pack, and a “CoreKnit” band, which seems to be a new material that isn’t as nice as the SuperKnit bands offered with the higher tiers. If you downgrade to this level, you’ll lose a few features that Whoop members currently all get: the Health Monitor (with its readings of HRV, respiratory rate, resting heart rate, and skin temperature) or the Stress Monitor, which tells you in real time how much stress you seem to be under. Whoop Peak ($239/year)Peak is the most similar to the single subscription level that was offered with the 4.0, both in price and features. If your subscription renews without you choosing a tier, you’ll end up on Peak. You’ll also get the new Healthspan feature (coming soon) that tells you your “fitness age” and your “pace of aging,” and gives recommendations to improve those metrics. Whoop Life ($359/year)Life is the top tier membership, and comes with the MG rather than 5.0 hardware. It includes everything in Peak, including the Healthspan feature. With the MG you’ll be able to take ECG readings, and Whoop is also introducing a feature (currently in beta) to estimate your blood pressure. You’ll need to calibrate it with readings from a blood pressure cuff to start using it. How upgrades to the Whoop 5.0 or MG will workIf you’re currently a Whoop member, and were looking forward to upgrading your hardware for free (as the Whoop FAQ states), here’s the fine print. Whoop tells me that members who pay for another 12 months of membership will get the 5.0 (or MG) hardware for free. So if you’re six months into your current membership, you can buy a 12-month extension, thus having 18 months left on your membership, and get a new device. If you don’t want to extend your membership, you can opt to pay a $49 upgrade fee to get the 5.0 device to use on your current membership term. Whoop says that when you upgrade, they’ll send you a “gift kit” that you can use to pass along your old 4.0 device to a friend. It includes a sanitizing wipe and a fresh SuperKnit band. What if I don’t upgrade? Whoop memberships will still work with the 4.0 device, and you’ll still get access to everything the Peak membership offers, including the new Healthspan feature when it comes out. If your membership renews without you choosing a tier, you’ll be rolled into the Peak membership. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google Search ranking volatility may be heating up today...View the full article

Google’s web crawlers have come a long way in recent years in their ability to fetch and execute JavaScript. However, JavaScript integration remains tricky when setting up the front end of a web app. It requires extra network calls and processing time to load content, which increases browser CPU usage and page load times. A web app that relies entirely on client-side JavaScript can still exceed the capacity of Google’s Web Rendering Service (WRS), making it difficult for Googlebot to crawl and index content. JavaScript is still the backbone of the web – the only language that can run natively in the browser. At the same time, the rise of large language models (LLMs) has triggered a surge in web crawlers searching for quality content to train their datasets. However, recent studies show that many of these crawlers can’t execute JavaScript – they can only fetch it. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to diagnose common JavaScript-related issues and address potential crawling or indexing delays before they affect your technical SEO. The role of JavaScript libraries in the indexing flow Websites have been heavily reliant on JavaScript for quite some time. With the rise of large language models, more is being built, and faster. But speed can blur the details, so it’s important to stay vigilant about how JavaScript impacts your site’s crawlability and indexing. JavaScript libraries are collections of pre-written code that developers can plug into their projects to handle specific tasks, like: DOM manipulation. HTTP requests. Metadata injection (the latter being a potential SEO red flag). Crucially, these libraries operate under the developer’s control. Take React, for example, a popular JavaScript library that allows developers to build reusable components in JavaScript and assemble them on a page. However, because this new content doesn’t exist in the original HTML, it’s typically discovered during what’s known as the second wave of indexing, when search engines revisit the page to render and process JavaScript content. Personal elaboration of Google’s crawling process Notice that JavaScript is resource-intensive (Googlebot crawls over 130 trillion pages). It can eat into your crawl budget, especially for large ecommerce sites with many JavaScript-powered pages. This can inevitably deter your crawl budget allocations and prevent correct rendering. Dig deeper: SEO for reactive JavaScript using React or Vue with NodeJS and other backend stacks React rendering: Client-side vs. server-side A React application can be rendered either on the server or in the browser (client-side). Server-side routed web applications render JavaScript on the server for each request, forcing a full page reload each time a page load is submitted. Despite being resource-intensive and slightly subpar from a UX standpoint, it reinforces consistency between the Googlebot-rendered view and that of the average user in the front end. The most common and default approach for modern web apps is client-side rendering. In this setup, the server delivers an empty page that will be filled as soon as the browser finishes downloading, parsing, and running the JavaScript. While not as common in ecommerce, some platforms, such as Adobe PWA Studio, are still fully client-side rendered. This configuration can be problematic for SEO, and it’s intrinsically tied to the setup of the so-called React Router, a popular solution for managing routes in single-page applications (SPAs). For those with limited technical knowledge, “routing” in web apps enables smooth transitions between pages without needing a full page reload from the server. This results in faster performance and reduced server bandwidth load when navigating between pages. Think of the router in a React app as the traffic controller at the very top of your component hierarchy. It wraps your whole application and watches the browser’s address bar. As soon as the URL changes, the router decides which “room” (component) to show, without ever reloading the page, unlike a traditional website, which requests a page from the server upon each navigation. In React apps, routers use dynamic paths, like /product/:id, to load page templates without a full refresh. The : means the value changes based on the product or content shown. <Routes> <Route path="/" element={<Home />} /> <Route path="/note/:noteId" element={<NoteDetailPage />} /> </Routes> While this is great for user experience, poor configuration can backfire on SEO, especially if this is performed client-side. For example, if the router generates endless variations of URLs (like /filter/:color) without returning a full server response, search engines might have a tough time rendering and indexing them. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. How a faulty router can hurt indexing During a recent SEO audit for a notorious car manufacturer, we discovered a routing issue that severely impacted indexing. A dynamic filter on a category listing page used a placeholder route segment (e.g., /:/). This resulted in URLs like /page-category/:/ being accessible to search engines. This is usually on the router and how it is configured. From an SEO standpoint, the main side effect was the auto-generation of invalid standalone pages, largely interpreted as duplicates by Googlebot. Discovered, currently not indexed Precisely, invalid URLs were classed as “Discovered, currently not indexed” or “URL is unknown to Google” in Google Search Console’s page indexing report, despite being submitted to the XML sitemap. This indicates that either Google never indexed or deprioritized them due to low value. Dig deeper: Understanding and resolving ‘Discovered – currently not indexed’ Several URLS with the likes of /page-category/:/product-xyz offered little to no unique content and stood out only for a varying number of filter marks hydrated client-side by React Router. After a deep dive, we were highly confident that the issue concerned the web app’s client-side routing using a placeholder (/:/) to generate filtered view pages without sending any requests to the server. This approach was harmful for SEO because: Search engines had a hard time rendering filtered views. Search engines missed server requests for new pages. Search engines had a hard time rendering filtered views An aggressive client-side routing caused the initial HTML response to lack the necessary content for search engines during the first indexing wave (before JavaScript execution). This might have discouraged Googlebot from treating these URLs as valid for indexing. Without loading filters or product listings, the pages may have appeared duplicate to search engines. Search engines missed server requests for new pages Because the app couldn’t resolve filtered views (e.g., /:/) at the server level, dynamically generated pages may have been treated as duplicates of their parent pages. As a result, Googlebot may have quickly phased out the crawl frequency of such pages. SEO best practices for React client-side routing Building a performant and search-engine-optimised React app requires a few general considerations to safeguard crawling and indexing. Organize your app with a clean folder structure This includes grouping related route files in one folder and breaking routes into small, reusable components for easier maintenance and debugging. Set up a robust error-handling system Routing errors leading to non-existent pages can harm SEO and user trust. Consider implementing: A catch-all route for undefined paths using: path="*": <Route path="*" element={<NotFound />} /> A custom 404 page to guide users back to your homepage or relevant content. Use ErrorBoundary to catch in-app errors and display fallback UI without crashing the app. Migrate to Next.js While React offers plenty of advantages, it’s important to remember that it’s fundamentally a library, not a full framework. This means developers often have to integrate multiple third-party tools to handle tasks such as: Routing. Data fetching. Performance optimization. Next.js, on the other hand, provides a more complete solution out of the box. Its biggest advantages include: Server-side rendering as a default option for faster, SEO-friendly pages. Automatic code splitting, so only the necessary JavaScript and CSS are loaded per page. This reduces heavy JavaScript loads on the browser’s main thread, resulting in faster page loads, smoother user experiences, and better SEO. In terms of SEO action items, the case study suggested a number of best practices, which we actually handed to web devs to act upon. Validate and optimize dynamic routes Build clean, SEO-friendly URLs: /category/filter-1/filter-2 /category/:/ Ensure dynamic segments (e.g., /category/:filter) don’t lead to broken or empty views. Use redirects to manage canonicals and avoid duplicates Add fallbacks or redirects for empty filters to prevent Google from indexing duplicate or meaningless URLs. Implement 301 redirects from user-generated canonical URLs to the correct canonical version selected by Google. For example, set HTTP 301 redirect: /parent-category/:/ → /parent-category/ Leverage pre-render to static resources or server-side rendering Pre-rendering is usually the more affordable option, and it’s likely the one your IT or development team will choose for your web app. With this method, a static HTML version of your page is generated specifically for search engine crawlers. This version can then be cached on a CDN, allowing it to load much faster for users. This approach is beneficial because it maintains a dynamic, interactive experience for users while avoiding the cost and complexity of full server-side rendering. Bonus tip: Caching that pre-rendered HTML on a CDN helps your site load even faster when users visit. View the full article

Human-caused climate change intensified deadly rainfall in Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and other states in early April and made those storms more likely to occur, according to an analysis released Thursday by the World Weather Attribution group of scientists. The series of storms unleashed tornadoes, strong winds and extreme rainfall in the central Mississippi Valley region from April 3-6 and caused at least 24 deaths. Homes, roads and vehicles were inundated and 15 deaths were likely caused by catastrophic floods. The WWA analysis found that climate change increased rainfall intensity in the storms by 9% and made them 40% more likely compared to probability of such events in the pre-industrial age climate. Some of the moisture that fueled the storms came from the Gulf of Mexico, where water temperatures were abnormally warm by 1.2°C (2.2°F) compared to pre-industrial temperatures. That warming was made 14 times more likely due to climate change, according to the researchers from universities and meteorological agencies in the United States and Europe. Rapid analyses from the WWA use peer-reviewed methods to study an extreme weather event and distill it down to the factors that caused it. This approach lets scientists analyze which contributing factors had the biggest influence and how the event could have played out in a world without climate change. The analysis found a rainfall event of April’s intensity could occur in the central Mississippi Valley region about once every 100 years. Even heavier downpours are expected to hit the region in the future unless the world rapidly slashes emissions of polluting gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that causes temperatures to rise, the study said. “That one in 100 years … is likely to go down to once every few decades,” said Ben Clarke, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London and the study’s lead author. “If we continue to burn fossil fuels, events like this will not only continue to occur, but they’ll keep getting more dangerous.” Heavier and more persistent rainfall is expected with climate change because the atmosphere holds more moisture as it warms. Warming ocean temperatures result in higher evaporation rates, which means more moisture is available to fuel storms. Forecast information and weather alerts from the National Weather Service communicated the risks of the April heavy rain days in advance, which the WWA says likely reduced the death toll. But workforce and budget cuts made by the The President administration have left nearly half of NWS offices with 20% vacancy rates or higher, raising concerns for public safety during future extreme weather events and the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season that officially begins June 1. “If we start cutting back on these offices or reducing the staff … the unfortunate result is going to be more death. We’re going to have more people dying because the warnings are not going to get out, the warnings are not going to be as fine-tuned as they are today,” said Randall Cerveny, a climate professor at Arizona State University who was not involved in the study. The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Isabella O’Malley, Associated Press View the full article

In honor of its 25th anniversary, the Gates Foundation made a major announcement. On Thursday, chair Bill Gates said he would give away most of his fortune over the next two decades. “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them,” Gates wrote in an announcement on GatesNotes. The statement continued, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people. That is why I have decided to give my money back to society much faster than I had originally planned.” Gates explained that he would give away practically all of his fortune over the next 20 years, estimating about $200 billion in spending will occur in an effort to save and improve lives. The businessman and Microsoft cofounder said the exact amount will depend on the markets, as well as inflation. A news release from the Gates Foundation called the plan “the largest philanthropic commitment in modern history” and said it will wind down operations circa 2045. In his post, Gates shared that on December 31, 2045, the foundation will cease all operations. An accelerated timeline for a world on fire Gates noted that the plan is a major shift away from the foundation’s original plan to sunset 20 years after his and his ex-wife Melinda Gates’s deaths. Post-divorce, Melinda French Gates has given away a hefty share of her own wealth, pledging over $1 billion to organizations supporting women and girls. In Bill Gates’s statement, he also outlined three major goals for the accelerated spending plan: “help end preventable deaths of moms and babies” “ensure the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious diseases” “lift millions of people out of poverty, putting them on a path to prosperity” “The Gates Foundation’s mission remains rooted in the idea that where you are born should not determine your opportunities,” Gates wrote in his statement Thursday. “I am excited to see how our next chapter continues to move the world closer to a future where everyone everywhere has the chance to live a healthy and productive life.” View the full article

Discover 6 new ways to scale and optimize PPC campaigns across multiple sectors using AI tools, automation, and client-specific strategies, without sacrificing performance. The post Ultimate PPC Campaign Optimization: 6 New Ways To Easily Run Dozens Of PPC Campaigns For Different Sectors appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Key Takeaways Inspiration Through Quotes: Creativity quotes can motivate and inspire a fresh perspective, essential for personal and professional growth. Innovation and Business Growth: Embracing unique ideas, as encouraged by these quotes, is fundamental for driving innovation and differentiation in small businesses. Cultivating Imagination: Engaging with creativity quotes nurtures imagination, enabling entrepreneurs to envision new opportunities and customer experiences. Positive Mindset: These quotes foster positive thinking, helping to overcome challenges and creative blocks, ultimately leading to effective business strategies. Practical Application: Implement creativity quotes in daily routines and professional settings to stimulate innovation, enhance team collaboration, and guide strategic planning. Creativity fuels innovation and inspires us to see the world through a different lens. When you tap into your creative side, you unlock endless possibilities, and sometimes, a few wise words can spark that imagination. Quotes about creativity have the power to motivate you, challenge your thinking, and ignite your passion for self-expression. In this article, you’ll discover a collection of inspiring creativity quotes from renowned thinkers, artists, and innovators. These words not only resonate with your inner creative spirit but also remind you that every great idea starts with a spark of imagination. So whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply someone looking to infuse creativity into your life, these quotes will guide and inspire you on your journey. The Importance Of Creativity Quotes Creativity quotes inspire you to think innovatively, essential for small business growth. These quotes encourage you to embrace unique ideas and approaches in your business journey. Inspiring Innovation Innovation drives your business forward. It leads to new products, services, and solutions that fulfill market needs. Creativity quotes motivate you to explore fresh perspectives. They remind you that even the most successful entrepreneurs began their journeys with an original idea. Quotes like “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” by Theodore Levitt can spark your motivation as you craft your own business plan and look for funding options. Cultivating Imagination Imagination is crucial in business development. It helps you envision your ideal customer experience and identify opportunities. Creativity quotes nurture your imagination, encouraging you to dream big. When facing challenges, a quote from Albert Einstein may resonate: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” This mindset empowers you to build a strong brand and effective marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience. Utilizing inspiration from these quotes can aid in refining your business model and growing your small business effectively. Famous Creativity Quotes Creativity drives innovation, essential for small businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Here’s a collection of notable quotes from prominent figures that can inspire your entrepreneurial journey. Quotes From Artists Dr. Seuss: “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!” This encouragement reminds you that exploring new ideas fuels your creativity and broadens your marketing strategies. Maya Angelou: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” This idea resonates with small business owners; as you cultivate creative thinking, you develop unique business ideas and innovative solutions. Twyla Tharp: “Creativity is an act of defiance.” Embrace challenges in your business plan, and let your creativity push boundaries in branding and product development. Quotes From Scientists Albert Einstein: “Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” This perspective can guide your market research, enabling you to identify customer pain points in unique ways. Steve Jobs: “Creativity is just connecting things.” Use this idea to leverage networking opportunities, as connecting various concepts can lead to innovative products and services. “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” This quote highlights the importance of maintaining a fun and engaging work atmosphere, fostering a culture of innovation that enhances team building and leadership in your small business. These quotes underscore the vital role of creativity in transforming innovative ideas into actionable plans that can help your small business thrive. How Creativity Quotes Influence Mindset Creativity quotes shape your mindset, impacting your approach to business and personal growth. Engaging with these quotes fosters innovation and encourages unique perspectives essential for small business success. Encouraging Positive Thinking Creativity quotes promote positive thinking, helping you cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges. For example, Albert Einstein’s assertion, “Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought,” serves as a reminder to explore untapped ideas. Adopting this mindset enhances your ability to develop a business model that stands out in the market, ultimately leading to effective branding and customer acquisition strategies. Overcoming Creative Blocks Creativity quotes also aid in overcoming creative blocks that hinder progress. Maya Angelou’s quote, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have,” inspires you to keep generating ideas, especially during tough times. When faced with obstacles in product development or marketing strategies, turning to such quotes can reignite your creativity. This shift can lead to innovative solutions that elevate your small business, helping you refine your pitch and connect with your target audience effectively. Ways To Use Creativity Quotes Creativity quotes provide valuable inspiration that enhances both personal and professional endeavors. You can integrate these quotes into your life and small business strategies to stimulate innovation and drive growth. In Daily Life Inspiration and Motivation: Use creativity quotes as daily affirmations to inspire new ideas. For instance, Maya Angelou’s quote, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have,” encourages you to explore your creative potential. Personal Growth and Self-Expression: Quotes stimulate engagement in creative activities, promoting personal growth. Reflect on George Bernard Shaw’s insight: “Imagination is the beginning of creation.” As you imagine what you desire, focus on applying that desire to your hobbies or personal projects. Stress Relief and Relaxation: Engage in creative projects inspired by quotes to alleviate stress. If you find yourself stuck in your business planning or marketing strategies, take a break and immerse yourself in creativity. As a reminder, “If you get stuck, get away from your desk.” This practice helps clarify your thoughts and rejuvenates your mindset. In Professional Settings Encouraging Team Creativity: Share creativity quotes with your team during meetings to foster a culture of innovation. Highlighting quotes from famous thinkers stimulates discussion and encourages brainstorming, key elements in product development and marketing strategies. Inspiration for Sales and Branding: Use quotes to craft compelling pitches that emphasize your brand’s story and values. Creativity drives branding. Drawing on inspirational quotes can help you create marketing materials that resonate with your target audience, enhancing customer acquisition efforts. Guiding Your Business Plan: Integrate creativity quotes into your strategic planning sessions. Using these quotes can motivate you to think beyond conventional business ideas, pushing your startup to explore unique growth strategies. Quotes can serve as guiding principles in your venture capital or crowdfunding pursuits, reminding you to embrace innovation. Utilizing creativity quotes effectively leads to a growth-oriented mindset that supports your entrepreneurial journey, enhancing your ability to identify opportunities and develop a thriving small business. Conclusion Embracing creativity is essential for both personal and professional growth. The quotes shared throughout this article serve as powerful reminders of the limitless potential within you. They encourage you to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions that can set you apart in a competitive landscape. By integrating these insights into your daily routine you can foster a mindset that thrives on imagination and originality. Whether you’re an artist or an entrepreneur these words of wisdom can inspire you to push boundaries and overcome challenges. Remember that creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a journey that unfolds with every idea you dare to pursue. So keep exploring and let your creative spirit shine. Frequently Asked Questions Why is creativity important for small businesses? Creativity is crucial for small businesses as it drives innovation, helping them stand out in competitive markets. Embracing creative ideas allows businesses to develop unique products and services that meet customer needs, ultimately leading to growth and success. How can quotes inspire creativity? Quotes from renowned thinkers and innovators serve as motivation by highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation. They remind individuals that imagination is the starting point for great ideas, encouraging them to embrace their creative potential and think outside the box. What role do creativity quotes play in innovation? Creativity quotes inspire individuals to adopt new perspectives, fueling innovative thinking. They promote a culture of exploration and risk-taking, which is vital for developing unique solutions that can meet the demands of today’s market. How can I use creativity quotes in my business? You can incorporate creativity quotes into daily affirmations, share them with your team to foster a culture of innovation, and use them in marketing and branding strategies. This integration can inspire your team and stimulate creative thinking. Can creativity quotes help overcome creative blocks? Yes, creativity quotes can serve as a source of inspiration during challenging times. For instance, quotes that emphasize the importance of using creativity regularly can motivate you to push through blocks and continue exploring new ideas. Where can I find more creativity quotes? You can find creativity quotes in books, online articles, and blogs dedicated to creativity and inspiration. Many websites curate lists of quotes from artists, scientists, and innovators that can fuel your imaginative thinking. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlock Your Imagination with Inspiring Creativity Quotes for Business and Life" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Inspiration Through Quotes: Creativity quotes can motivate and inspire a fresh perspective, essential for personal and professional growth. Innovation and Business Growth: Embracing unique ideas, as encouraged by these quotes, is fundamental for driving innovation and differentiation in small businesses. Cultivating Imagination: Engaging with creativity quotes nurtures imagination, enabling entrepreneurs to envision new opportunities and customer experiences. Positive Mindset: These quotes foster positive thinking, helping to overcome challenges and creative blocks, ultimately leading to effective business strategies. Practical Application: Implement creativity quotes in daily routines and professional settings to stimulate innovation, enhance team collaboration, and guide strategic planning. Creativity fuels innovation and inspires us to see the world through a different lens. When you tap into your creative side, you unlock endless possibilities, and sometimes, a few wise words can spark that imagination. Quotes about creativity have the power to motivate you, challenge your thinking, and ignite your passion for self-expression. In this article, you’ll discover a collection of inspiring creativity quotes from renowned thinkers, artists, and innovators. These words not only resonate with your inner creative spirit but also remind you that every great idea starts with a spark of imagination. So whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply someone looking to infuse creativity into your life, these quotes will guide and inspire you on your journey. The Importance Of Creativity Quotes Creativity quotes inspire you to think innovatively, essential for small business growth. These quotes encourage you to embrace unique ideas and approaches in your business journey. Inspiring Innovation Innovation drives your business forward. It leads to new products, services, and solutions that fulfill market needs. Creativity quotes motivate you to explore fresh perspectives. They remind you that even the most successful entrepreneurs began their journeys with an original idea. Quotes like “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” by Theodore Levitt can spark your motivation as you craft your own business plan and look for funding options. Cultivating Imagination Imagination is crucial in business development. It helps you envision your ideal customer experience and identify opportunities. Creativity quotes nurture your imagination, encouraging you to dream big. When facing challenges, a quote from Albert Einstein may resonate: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” This mindset empowers you to build a strong brand and effective marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience. Utilizing inspiration from these quotes can aid in refining your business model and growing your small business effectively. Famous Creativity Quotes Creativity drives innovation, essential for small businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Here’s a collection of notable quotes from prominent figures that can inspire your entrepreneurial journey. Quotes From Artists Dr. Seuss: “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!” This encouragement reminds you that exploring new ideas fuels your creativity and broadens your marketing strategies. Maya Angelou: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” This idea resonates with small business owners; as you cultivate creative thinking, you develop unique business ideas and innovative solutions. Twyla Tharp: “Creativity is an act of defiance.” Embrace challenges in your business plan, and let your creativity push boundaries in branding and product development. Quotes From Scientists Albert Einstein: “Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” This perspective can guide your market research, enabling you to identify customer pain points in unique ways. Steve Jobs: “Creativity is just connecting things.” Use this idea to leverage networking opportunities, as connecting various concepts can lead to innovative products and services. “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” This quote highlights the importance of maintaining a fun and engaging work atmosphere, fostering a culture of innovation that enhances team building and leadership in your small business. These quotes underscore the vital role of creativity in transforming innovative ideas into actionable plans that can help your small business thrive. How Creativity Quotes Influence Mindset Creativity quotes shape your mindset, impacting your approach to business and personal growth. Engaging with these quotes fosters innovation and encourages unique perspectives essential for small business success. Encouraging Positive Thinking Creativity quotes promote positive thinking, helping you cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges. For example, Albert Einstein’s assertion, “Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought,” serves as a reminder to explore untapped ideas. Adopting this mindset enhances your ability to develop a business model that stands out in the market, ultimately leading to effective branding and customer acquisition strategies. Overcoming Creative Blocks Creativity quotes also aid in overcoming creative blocks that hinder progress. Maya Angelou’s quote, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have,” inspires you to keep generating ideas, especially during tough times. When faced with obstacles in product development or marketing strategies, turning to such quotes can reignite your creativity. This shift can lead to innovative solutions that elevate your small business, helping you refine your pitch and connect with your target audience effectively. Ways To Use Creativity Quotes Creativity quotes provide valuable inspiration that enhances both personal and professional endeavors. You can integrate these quotes into your life and small business strategies to stimulate innovation and drive growth. In Daily Life Inspiration and Motivation: Use creativity quotes as daily affirmations to inspire new ideas. For instance, Maya Angelou’s quote, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have,” encourages you to explore your creative potential. Personal Growth and Self-Expression: Quotes stimulate engagement in creative activities, promoting personal growth. Reflect on George Bernard Shaw’s insight: “Imagination is the beginning of creation.” As you imagine what you desire, focus on applying that desire to your hobbies or personal projects. Stress Relief and Relaxation: Engage in creative projects inspired by quotes to alleviate stress. If you find yourself stuck in your business planning or marketing strategies, take a break and immerse yourself in creativity. As a reminder, “If you get stuck, get away from your desk.” This practice helps clarify your thoughts and rejuvenates your mindset. In Professional Settings Encouraging Team Creativity: Share creativity quotes with your team during meetings to foster a culture of innovation. Highlighting quotes from famous thinkers stimulates discussion and encourages brainstorming, key elements in product development and marketing strategies. Inspiration for Sales and Branding: Use quotes to craft compelling pitches that emphasize your brand’s story and values. Creativity drives branding. Drawing on inspirational quotes can help you create marketing materials that resonate with your target audience, enhancing customer acquisition efforts. Guiding Your Business Plan: Integrate creativity quotes into your strategic planning sessions. Using these quotes can motivate you to think beyond conventional business ideas, pushing your startup to explore unique growth strategies. Quotes can serve as guiding principles in your venture capital or crowdfunding pursuits, reminding you to embrace innovation. Utilizing creativity quotes effectively leads to a growth-oriented mindset that supports your entrepreneurial journey, enhancing your ability to identify opportunities and develop a thriving small business. Conclusion Embracing creativity is essential for both personal and professional growth. The quotes shared throughout this article serve as powerful reminders of the limitless potential within you. They encourage you to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions that can set you apart in a competitive landscape. By integrating these insights into your daily routine you can foster a mindset that thrives on imagination and originality. Whether you’re an artist or an entrepreneur these words of wisdom can inspire you to push boundaries and overcome challenges. Remember that creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a journey that unfolds with every idea you dare to pursue. So keep exploring and let your creative spirit shine. Frequently Asked Questions Why is creativity important for small businesses? Creativity is crucial for small businesses as it drives innovation, helping them stand out in competitive markets. Embracing creative ideas allows businesses to develop unique products and services that meet customer needs, ultimately leading to growth and success. How can quotes inspire creativity? Quotes from renowned thinkers and innovators serve as motivation by highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation. They remind individuals that imagination is the starting point for great ideas, encouraging them to embrace their creative potential and think outside the box. What role do creativity quotes play in innovation? Creativity quotes inspire individuals to adopt new perspectives, fueling innovative thinking. They promote a culture of exploration and risk-taking, which is vital for developing unique solutions that can meet the demands of today’s market. How can I use creativity quotes in my business? You can incorporate creativity quotes into daily affirmations, share them with your team to foster a culture of innovation, and use them in marketing and branding strategies. This integration can inspire your team and stimulate creative thinking. Can creativity quotes help overcome creative blocks? Yes, creativity quotes can serve as a source of inspiration during challenging times. For instance, quotes that emphasize the importance of using creativity regularly can motivate you to push through blocks and continue exploring new ideas. Where can I find more creativity quotes? You can find creativity quotes in books, online articles, and blogs dedicated to creativity and inspiration. Many websites curate lists of quotes from artists, scientists, and innovators that can fuel your imaginative thinking. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlock Your Imagination with Inspiring Creativity Quotes for Business and Life" 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. If you've been meaning to add a security camera to your backyard, driveway, or any dimly lit spot around the house, the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera might be the kind of no-fuss solution that works. It’s battery powered, which makes it a standout for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to mess with wiring or hiring an electrician. And at $64.99 on Amazon—down from $129.98—it’s currently sitting at its lowest price to date (according to price-trackers), making it easier to justify trying out a new piece of tech without overcommitting. Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $64.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $129.98 Save $64.99 Get Deal Get Deal $64.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $129.98 Save $64.99 You’re looking at a completely wire-free setup with motion-triggered floodlights and a built-in camera—all powered by four D-cell batteries and two AAs (meaning it can go pretty much anywhere wifi reaches). That alone makes it worth considering if you’ve got areas around your home where power outlets just don’t exist, notes this ZDNet review. The floodlight automatically turns on when it detects motion, shining up to 700 lumens—plenty to light up dark driveways, side yards, or alleyways. The camera itself captures 1080p video with infrared night vision, and according to PCMag’s review, it handled detection pretty well, especially once fine-tuned in the app. Keep in mind, Blink’s full set of features—like cloud storage, video history, and smart alerts—are tied to its subscription plans, which start at $3 per month for one device and $10 per month for unlimited devices. A free 30-day trial is included (so you can test out those features without pressure), but after that, you’ll need to pay if you want ongoing access to clips and advanced features. You can also store your clips locally by connecting a USB flash drive (sold separately) to the included Sync Module 2. If you’re looking for something with constant recording or a wired connection for uninterrupted power, this isn’t the pick for you. But if you’re piecing together an affordable, wire-free security setup, this one has the basics covered. View the full article

The federal human resources agency at the heart of billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to slash the federal workforce is poised to roll out software to speed layoffs across the U.S. government, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The software could turbocharge the rapid-fire effort to downsize the government at a time when a number of larger federal agencies are preparing to execute plans for mass layoffs of tens of thousands of workers. Some 260,000 government workers already have accepted buyouts, early retirement or been laid off since Republican President Donald The President returned to the presidency in January, according to a Reuters tally. The process has been far from smooth. Some workers were mistakenly fired and had to be rehired. The software is an updated version of a decades-old Pentagon program, known as AutoRIF, that had been little used in recent years. Under direction from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), software developers at the U.S. Office Of Personnel Management (OPM) have created a more user-friendly web-based version over the past few months that provides targets for layoffs much more quickly than the current labor-intensive manual process, four sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The program is poised to be rolled out to the agencies by OPM just as Musk steps back from DOGE, which has driven the downsizing effort, to focus more on Tesla and his other companies. AutoRIF’s name comes from “Reduction in Force,” a term used to describe mass layoffs. The revamped version has been given the more benign-sounding name “Workforce Reshaping Tool,” three sources said. With the software revamp now complete, OPM will lead demonstrations, user testing and start adding new users in the coming weeks, one of the sources said. DOGE, OPM, the White House, Pentagon and Musk did not respond to requests for comment. Wired magazine was first to report on the revamp effort. But Reuters is reporting for the first time on the completion of that revamp, the capabilities of the new program, rollout plans and its new name. JOB-CUTTING SCYTHE The President established DOGE to modernize government software, cut spending and drastically reduce the size of the federal workforce, which he complains is bloated and wasteful. DOGE has said it has saved more than $160 billion through cuts to federal contracts and staff, but it has given few details publicly about what it is doing to modernize technology to make the government more efficient. The update of the Pentagon software, which DOGE has not publicly confirmed, is the only known example of that effort bearing fruit. Currently, most federal RIFs are done manually—with HR employees poring over spreadsheets containing data on employee seniority, veteran status and performance, three sources told Reuters. The new software is being rolled out just as larger agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs are set to move forward with plans to eliminate some 80,000 jobs. The Internal Revenue Service has said it wants to slash its payrolls by 40%, according to media reports. The tool will allow agencies “to remove a massive number of federal employees from their positions,” if it works, said Nick Bednar, an associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota who has been tracking the government layoffs. “What DOGE has started is going to continue without Elon Musk,” Bednar said. AutoRIF was developed by the Pentagon more than a quarter century ago. It pulled data from its HR system, sifted through firing rules quickly and produced names of employees eligible to be laid off. But it was difficult to migrate it to other agencies, whose workers had to manually input data on potential candidates for dismissal, a cumbersome process that is subject to errors. The program, described as “clunky” by a 2020 Pentagon HR newsletter, also would allow only one employee to work on a RIF, two sources said. The upgrade makes it web-based, easing employee access to the tool while enabling multiple people to work on a mass layoff, three sources said. It also allows for the upload of employee data for analysis, freeing HR workers from having to manually input personal records of possible targets for dismissal. While speed is a clear advantage, the software could pose other challenges, according to Don Moynihan, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. “If you automate bad assumptions into a process, then the scale of the error becomes far greater than an individual could undertake,” Moynihan said. “It won’t necessarily help them to make better decisions and it won’t make those decisions more popular,” Moynihan added. The President’s drive to downsize and reshape the government already has led to the gutting of entire agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which seeks to protect Americans from financial abuses. The government overhaul has led to numerous lawsuits that seek to block the The President administration from moving forward with some of the planned dismissals. —Alexandra Alper, Reuters View the full article

Owl Labs, the first company to build AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions for hybrid organizations, today released new survey data that offers a look at the state of the workplace for the first half of 2025. Surveying more than 1,000 full-time knowledge workers across the United States, the data provides a pulse check on how AI is shaping our day to day office life, a look at the Gen Z worker, and much more. View the full article