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Google will soon fully transition to automatically generated publication pages next month, in March. Back in April 2024, Google told us Publisher Center will soon stop allowing you to add publications and now this is the next step. This means that all publication pages in Google News will be generated automatically by Google. What Google said. Google wrote: Following our announcement in April 2024 last year, Google News will fully transition to automatically generated publication pages in March. This change improves our existing publisher workflow and simplifies our current product experience. Moving forward, all publication pages in Google News will be generated automatically. As a result, publication pages that had been created by publishers manually will no longer appear to users in Google News. Publisher Center will discontinue customization features for publication pages in Google News, and the Google News tile will no longer appear in Publisher Center. What is not changing. Google said this has no impact on what content is eligible to appear in Google News or other Google News related surfaces. “Content from publishers that adheres to our content policies is automatically eligible for consideration in Google News and across news surfaces,” Google wrote. Google will still use its confusing automated methods for determining what is included and not included in Google News. Also, for Google News Showcase and Reader Revenue Manager, publishers will continue to submit logos through Publisher Center. What is changing. Here is what is changing: Custom sections that were previously created in Google Publisher Center will no longer appear on publisher Google News landing pages. Publishers will no longer be able to use Google Publisher Center to customer their logos and publication titles. Google News will use a site’s favicon for the publisher logo instead. Google News will use the site names for publication titles instead. Why we care. Google Publisher Center, which was once a really great place for news publishers to control and maintain their publications in Google News, is becoming less and less value to news publishers. Google wants to automate the process and claims, “This change improves our existing publisher workflow and simplifies our current product experience.” However, I know that news publishers continue to miss the old method for Google News and Publisher Center. View the full article

President Donald Trump on Tuesday moved to revert to older standards for light bulbs as well as toilets, showers and other water-using appliances, a day after signing an order promoting plastic straws and rescinding a plan to reduce single-use plastics. Trump said he would call on the Environmental Protection Agency to go back to water standards from his first White House term that would also affect sinks, washing machines and dishwashers. In a post on his private social media platform, Trump wrote that he was directing EPA Secretary Lee Zeldin “to immediately go back to my Environmental Orders,” calling them common sense. “I look forward to signing these orders,” Trump added. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order encouraging the U.S. government and consumers to buy plastic drinking straws, part of a broader weakening of environmental commitments by the Republican president after taking office on Jan. 20. Trump first served in the White House from 2017-2021. Trump’s Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, had embraced a host of environmental measures, including new energy-efficiency requirements for household clothes washers and dishwashers that capped water usage. Conservatives had challenged the rules in court. (This story has been corrected to reflect that no action has been taken yet in the headline) —Susan Heavey, Reuters View the full article

Lenders increased offerings in jumbo and non-QM segments as the industry focuses on customers with strong credit, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. View the full article

The Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development is stiffing American businesses on hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid bills for work that has already been done, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday. The administration’s abrupt freeze on foreign aid also is forcing mass layoffs by U.S. suppliers and contractors for USAID, including 750 furloughs at one company, Washington-based Chemonics International, the lawsuit says. “One cannot overstate the impact of that unlawful course of conduct: on businesses large and small forced to shut down their programs and let employees go; on hungry children across the globe who will go without; on populations around the world facing deadly disease; and on our constitutional order,” the U.S. businesses and organizations said. An organization representing 170 small U.S. businesses, major suppliers, an American Jewish group aiding displaced people abroad, the American Bar Association and others joined the court challenge. It was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington against President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acting USAID Deputy Administrator Peter Marocco, a Trump appointee who has been a central figure in hollowing out the agency, and Russell Vought, Trump’s head of the Office of Management and Budget. It is at least the third lawsuit over the administration’s rapid unraveling of the U.S. aid and development agency and its programs worldwide. Trump and ally Elon Musk have targeted USAID in particular, saying its work is out of line with Trump’s agenda. Marocco, Musk and Rubio have overseen an across-the-board freeze on foreign assistance and agency shutdown under a Jan. 20 executive order by Trump. A lawsuit brought by federal employees associations has temporarily blocked the administration from pulling thousands of USAID staffers off the job. The funding freeze and other measures have persisted, including the agency losing the lease on its Washington headquarters. The new administration terminated contracts without the required 30-day notice and without back payments for work that was already done, according to a U.S. official, a businessperson with a USAID contract and an email seen by The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal by the Trump administration. For Chemonics, one of the larger of the USAID partners, the funding freeze has meant $103 million in unpaid invoices and almost $500 million in USAID-ordered medication, food and other goods stalled in the supply chain or ports, the lawsuit says. For the health commodities alone, not delivering them “on time could potentially lead to as many as 566,000 deaths from HIV/AIDS, malaria, and unmet reproductive health needs, including 215,000 pediatric deaths,” the lawsuit says. The filing asserts that the administration has no authority to block programs and funding mandated by Congress without approval. Marocco defended the funding cutoff and push to put all but a fraction of USAID staff on leave in an affidavit filed late Monday in the lawsuit brought by the workers’ groups. “Insubordination” and “noncompliance” by USAID staffers made it necessary to stop funding and operations by the agency to allow the administration to carry out a program-by-program review to decide what U.S. aid programs could resume overseas, Marocco wrote. —Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press 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. Presidents Day is not until Feb. 17, 2025, but as is often the case, retailers have started their sales well in advance. Best Buy has the best sale I've seen so far, with great deals on major appliances and tech products, including headphones, TVs, soundbars, washers, and more. Here are my favorite deals from the sale worth considering. Resolution: 4K, Size: 55 inches, Display: LED, Backlight: Edge Lit, Voice Assistant: Alexa. 55” Samsung The Frame (LS03D, 2024) $899.99 at Best Buy $1,499.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.99 at Best Buy $1,499.99 Save $600.00 Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Maximum Frequency Response: 20 kilohertz, Peak Power: 550 Watts JBL Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer 5.1-Channel $259.99 at Best Buy $599.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Get Deal $259.99 at Best Buy $599.99 Save $340.00 Noise Cancelling (Active): No, Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Water Resistant: Yes. Apple - AirPods 4 $99.99 at Best Buy $129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Best Buy $129.99 Save $30.00 Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet, High-Efficiency: Yes, Washer Load Type: Front load, App Compatible: Yes. Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer $699.99 at Best Buy $1,034.99 Save $335.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Best Buy $1,034.99 Save $335.00 Processor Model: i7, Graphics: Intel Iris Xe, RAM: 16 GB, Display Type: LED, Screen Size: 15.6 in. HP 15 (Intel Core i7 12th Gen, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, Touch Display, 2024 Model) $499.99 at Best Buy $799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $499.99 at Best Buy $799.99 Save $300.00 Screen Size: 40 millimeters, Operating System: watchOS, App: Yes, Built-in Storage: 32 GB. Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation $169.00 at Best Buy $249.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Get Deal $169.00 at Best Buy $249.00 Save $80.00 SEE 3 MORE A Samsung washer with a $335 discountIf you're looking for a washer, peep this Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart front load washer for $699.99 (originally $1,034.99), the lowest price it has been over the last few months, according to price-tracking tools. If you need other major appliances and like free TVs (who doesn't?), Best Buy is offering a free 75-inch Samsung Crystal UHD TV when you buy two or more appliances and they total at least $2,499.99. Very doable if you need a stove or fridge. The Frame TV is $600 offSamsung's The Frame is perfect for those who don't want an ugly TV to be the centerpiece of their living room. The matte and anti-reflective screen truly makes it look like you have a piece of art hanging on your wall (I've been fooled by them before). You can get the 55-inch The Frame for $899.99 (originally $1,499.99), the lowest price it's been over the last few months. A JBL soundbar and subwoofer combo over 50% offBuck for buck, there's nothing that elevates a home theater setup like getting a soundbar and subwoofer combo. The JBL 5.1 Channel Soundbar and Subwoofer combo is $259.99 (originally $599.99), a killer deal and the cheapest it has been over the last few months. You can read more about the PCMag review here. A powerful HP laptop for less than $500An HP laptop with an i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $499.99 (originally $799.99) is impressive. Make sure you're OK having a 15.6-inch screen, which is definitely on the bigger end of the spectrum. The resolution isn't 4K (only Full HD) with an LED display, but if you care about performance over design and aesthetics, it's a good choice. Apple Watch and AirPods up to $80 offApple users will enjoy the budget Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation for $169 (originally $249) and the new AirPods 4 for $99.99 (originally $129.99). Both of these are at the lowest price they've been over the last few months. Finally, a note of caution: If you've been eyeing that Google Pixel 7 Pro deal at Best Buy, don't buy it. It's much cheaper over at Woot with more storage. You're welcome. View the full article

For a decade, Dr. Bronner’s has been a certified B Corp, a designation issued by the nonprofit B Lab that confirms a company has met certain environmental, social, and governance standards. But now the soap company is dropping its B Corp certification without plans to renew. Dr. Bronner’s says B Lab’s standards are weak, and that some multinational corporations are now using its seal—an encircled B, which became a symbol that businesses can be “a force for good”—as a form of greenwashing. Dr. Bronner’s mainly takes issue with B Lab’s increasing certifications of multinational corporations like Unilever Australia, Nespresso, and Nestle Health Science—and the fact that these businesses are not required to provide third-party certifications on the humans rights or environmental impacts of their supply chains. Instead, a business can still get a B Corp certification by scoring high in other assessment areas, like if it monitors waste or has a certain percentage of management from underrepresented populations. To Dr. Bronner’s, this means B Lab is failing to ensure that its certification “won’t be used to mislead consumers,” David and Michael Bronner, CEO and President of Dr. Bronner’s, said in a joint statement. “Sharing the same logo and messaging regarding being of ‘benefit’ to the world with large multinational CPG companies with a history of serious ecological and labor issues, and no comprehensive or credible eco-social certification of supply chains, is unacceptable to us.” A B Lab spokesperson says the nonprofit remains “deeply committed” to its mission, and that “catalyzing business as a force for good is a journey rather than a destination.” It has been working with its member businesses, advocacy groups, and independent experts to strengthen its standards, and in early 2025 will publish new requirements. These updated standards, the spokesperson says, “address today’s most urgent social and environmental challenges, providing clear, impactful requirements that companies must meet in order to deliver leadership and systemic change.” Dr. Bronner first became a certified B Corp in 2015, the same year it became a benefit corporation—a separate, unrelated legal designation that allows companies to pursue social good instead of simply profit. In the years since, it’s become one of the top-scoring B Corps. The company currently has an overall score of 206.7, while the B Corp website notes that the median score for “ordinary businesses” is 50.9. (It’s also reportedly the highest score ever awarded by the nonprofit). The minimum score to become a certified B Corp is 80 points over five areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. B Corp’s logo has graced thousands of brands, including notably progressive ones like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s. Dr. Bronner’s says its B Corp fee is paid through September 2025, but that the company won’t renew after that point. It’s also begun removing the B Corp logo from branding and marketing materials. For the past few years, Dr. Bronner’s has been pushing B Lab to improve its standards—especially after larger companies joined the B Corp community. In 2022, the Nestlé-owned coffee company Nespresso announced that it received B Corp certification, setting off a wave of backlash from other B Corps. Just two months after that announcement, 30 certified B Corps—including Dr. Bronner’s—signed an open letter to B Lab protesting the certification, pointing to the history of child labor and wage theft on farms that grew Nespresso’s beans. B Lab’s standards have been questioned before, especially as the number of certification submissions has surged. And B Lab has taken action against some companies for behaviors that go against its ethos. In 2022, Scottish brewery BrewDog announced it was no longer a certified B Corp—though they said their status wasn’t revoked, just that they withdrew after B Lab “requested additional measures” that they couldn’t fulfill. (BrewDog received scrutiny after its certification from former employees who said the company’s culture compromised their health and safety.) In 2024, B Lab stripped Havas, a French public relations company, of its certification because of the agency’s relationship with Shell. But it’s mostly B Lab’s certification of multinational companies that has received the most criticism, especially from its own B Corp community. It’s these large companies that are using their B Corp certification as a marketing ploy, Dr. Bronner’s says in its statement. Dr. Bronner’s has been pushing B Lab to require companies, especially those multinational corporations, to certify all major supply chains. “The raw agricultural materials a company uses—whether meat, milk, eggs, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, cotton, and any others—are often produced in terrible ways in terms of social and environmental impact, “ the Bronners said. Requiring third party eco-social certification for major multinational supply chains would, they added, “protect against the B Corp Certification being misused by companies to hide these unsustainable and unjust corporate practices.” They acknowledged that some certified B Corps do already practice this, including Patagonia, another prominent example of a purpose-driven business. But, they said, “they are unfortunately a minority and this is not required by B Lab, most glaringly in the case of large multinational companies and their enormous supply chains.” View the full article

It turns out that getting your news from robots playing telephone with actual sources might not be the best idea. In a BBC study of OpenAI, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity’s news prowess, the news organization found that “51% of all AI answers” about news topics had “significant issues of some form.” The study involved asking each bot to answer 100 questions about the news, using BBC sources when available, with their answers then being rated by “journalists who were relevant experts in the subject of the article.” A few examples of issues include Gemini suggesting that the UK’s NHS (National Health Service) does not recommend vaping as a method for quitting smoking (it does), as well as ChatGPT and Copilot saying politicians who had left office were actually still serving their terms. More concerning, Perplexity misrepresented a BBC story on Iran and Israel, attributing viewpoints to the author and his sources that the article does not share. Regarding its own articles specifically, the BBC says 19% of AI summaries introduced these kinds of factual errors, hallucinating false statements, numbers, and dates. Additionally, 13% of direct quotes were “either altered from the original source or not present in the article cited.” Inaccuracies were not fully distributed between the bots, although this might come as cold comfort given that none performed especially well either. “Microsoft's Copilot and Google's Gemini had more significant issues than OpenAI's ChatGPT and Perplexity,” the BBC says, but on the flip side, Perplexity and ChatGPT each still had issues with more than 40% of responses. In a blog, BBC CEO Deborah Turness had harsh words for the tested companies, saying that while AI offers “endless opportunities,” current implementations of it are “playing with fire.” "We live in troubled times,” Turness wrote. “How long will it be before an AI-distorted headline causes significant real world harm?" The study is not the first time the BBC has called out AI news summaries, as its prior reporting arguably convinced Apple to shut down its own AI news summaries just last month. Journalists have also previously butted heads with Perplexity over copyright concerns, with Wired accusing the bot of bypassing paywalls and the New York Times sending the company a cease-and-desist letter. News Corp, which owns the New York Post and The Wall Street Journals, went a step further, and is currently suing Perplexity. To conduct its tests, the BBC temporarily lifted restrictions preventing AI from accessing its sites, but has since reinstated them. Regardless of these blocks and Turness’ harsh words, however, the news organization is not against AI as a rule. “We want AI companies to hear our concerns and work constructively with us,” the BBC study states. “We want to understand how they will rectify the issues we have identified and discuss the right long-term approach to ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness in AI assistants. We are willing to work closely with them to do this.” View the full article

Construction projects are notoriously difficult. They involve multiple teams, suppliers and more when building a structure. Ensuring the schedule is realistic and the project can be delivered on time requires techniques such as CPM construction. What is CPM construction? It stands for the critical path method in construction. What is critical path construction? That’s what we’ll learn, including how to make a CPM construction schedule and why general contractors want to use it. We’ll even throw in a free critical path template. What Is the Critical Path Method (CPM) in Construction? As noted above, CPM construction stands for the critical path method. It’s a project management technique used to make a construction schedule, determine the longest sequence of dependent tasks and identify the shortest possible duration for completing the project. Using CPM in construction helps project managers prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively and identify potential delays. This is crucial for keeping projects on schedule, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing delays or cost overruns. Two key elements of CPM construction are the critical path diagram and the critical path algorithm. They help visualize and calculate the project schedule. Let’s look at both of these elements to better understand them. Critical Path Diagram: This visually represents the project’s activities, dependencies and the sequence in which tasks must be completed. It helps identify the project’s critical path. Critical Path Algorithm: This is used to calculate the critical path and project schedule. It is typically performed using one of two methods: forward pass and backward pass. The algorithm helps determine the project’s duration, identify critical tasks and calculate float or slack time (the amount of time a specific task or activity can be delayed without negatively impacting the project’s schedule). We’ll show how to create a CPM construction schedule by hand, but who has time for that? When managing a construction project, general contractors and their teams need to be more efficient, which is why they use construction project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts to create schedules and identify the critical path. Like any Gantt chart, ours can organize tasks and allocate resources and costs. But we go beyond that to link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns and can set a baseline to track progress in real time. There’s also a filter to identify the critical path, without having to pick up pen and paper or engage in complex calculations. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-CTA.pngProjectManager has Gantt charts that filter for the critical path and more. Learn more What Is the Critical Path of a Construction Project? The critical path of a construction project is the series of tasks that determine the earliest possible completion date for the project. As noted above, it’s the longest sequence of dependent activities, meaning these tasks are directly connected. Any delay in one of them will result in a delay in the project’s overall completion. In simpler terms, the critical path represents the chain of activities that have no slack time. In other words, there is no room for delay in these tasks without pushing back the final project deadline. Knowing this is critical for project planning and monitoring. It helps project managers focus on the most important tasks that could impact the project’s success. By identifying the critical path, construction crews can allocate resources more effectively and complete tasks on schedule. How to Make a CPM Construction Schedule Creating a critical path method construction schedule involves several steps. Note, this is how one would make the CPM construction schedule with a pen and paper. The following is a detailed guide on how to do it manually. 1. Create a List of Tasks Start by creating a comprehensive list of all tasks involved in the project. These tasks should represent the activities that need to be completed during the construction process. It’s ideal to use a work breakdown structure (WBS). This hierarchical diagram captures all the deliverables in the project and the tasks or activities needed to complete them. 2. Estimate the Duration of Tasks For each task, estimate the duration. There are several ways to help make a more accurate forecast. For example, there’s historical data from past, similar projects. Also, seek out experts for their judgment. 3. Identify Task Dependencies At this point, the general contractor or whoever is building the construction schedule, has to determine the tasks that are dependent on other tasks. This means that one task can’t start or end until another dependent task has been started or completed. 4. Draw a Critical Path Diagram Now, use a piece of paper to visually represent the tasks and their dependencies in a network diagram. This is typically done using nodes, a circle to represent tasks, and arrows to show dependencies. 5. Calculate the Critical Path of the Project To calculate the critical path and determine the longest path through the network’s diagram, one must calculate the earliest start time (ES) and earliest finish time (EF) for each task, as well as the latest start time (LS) and latest finish time (LF). Any tasks with zero float (the difference between the earliest and latest times) are on the critical path. Critical Path Template Finding the critical path on paper is one way to help when scheduling a CPM construction project. However, there are more efficient ways. The best is the use of construction project management software, but for those who aren’t ready to upgrade, download this free critical path template for Excel. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/critical-path-method-screenshot.png Use this free template during the planning phase of a CPM construction project. It helps determine a more realistic schedule that can be followed to deliver the project on time. Instead of creating a CPM construction schedule from scratch, this free template lays it all out, from ES, EF, LS, LF and slack. Benefits of Implementing CPM in Construction Projects Using CPM in construction projects offers several significant benefits. These advantages help improve project planning, execution and control. They help projects deliver on time and within budget. Here are a few key benefits. Prioritizes the Allocation of Resources for Critical Tasks One key benefit of CPM construction is that it helps project managers identify which tasks are on the critical path, meaning these tasks directly impact the project’s overall completion time. These tasks are the most important to complete on time and any delay in them will cause a delay in the entire project. The critical path does this by focusing on those critical tasks, optimizing resource use, helping with resource-leveling to balance resources across tasks, managing dependencies and minimizing delays. Facilitates Project Task Sequencing and Workflow Management One primary goal of CPM construction is to help project managers plan and coordinate all tasks involved in the construction process, ensuring they are completed in the right order with minimal delays. It assists in task sequencing by defining task dependencies, establishing the critical path and defining task duration. In terms of workflow management, CPM in construction visualizes task dependencies and scheduling to see the flow of tasks and their dependencies, which makes managing the workflow easier. It minimizes downtime by making sure when one task is done, the next can start. It also optimizes resources across tasks. Helps Accurately Track Project Progress CPM construction is also an excellent way to accurately track project progress. It helps project managers continuously monitor the status of tasks, identify potential bottlenecks and ensure the project stays on track. Monitoring critical tasks in real time is essential for regular updates, as well as tracking milestones and identifying delays and taking corrective action. It also tracks float and slack time and can forecast project completion, which keeps stakeholders informed. ProjectManager Is CPM Scheduling Software for Construction All of those advantages can be achieved. Project managers might reap the benefits by creating a CPM construction schedule on paper or even the free template we offer. However, the point of using the critical path in scheduling a construction project is to work more efficiently. This requires investing in construction project management software. But not all software is equal. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project and portfolio management software with powerful Gantt charts that can make construction schedules that identify the critical path. This forecasts projects more accurately and provides tools to track project progress in real time. Track Labor Costs With Timesheets and Workload Management Charts Monitoring progress is important, but there’s more to time management when running a construction project. If the budget gets out of hand, general contractors can kiss their profit margin goodbye. Therefore, costs are also a critical metric to track. Secure timesheets streamline payroll and offer a window into labor costs. To keep labor working as scheduled, our resource management tools balance workload and provide a real-time overview of resource allocation with color-coded workload charts. There’s even a team page that summarizes crew activities on a daily or weekly basis. It can be filtered to view priority, progress and more. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks.png Monitor Project Progress With Real-Time Dashboards There are multiple ways to monitor costs and other key performance indicators (KPIs). Project managers can have a high-level view of the project by toggling to the real-time project or portfolio dashboards. These tools automatically collect live data and display them in easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload, health and more. It’s an instant status report. For a real status or portfolio report, as well as reports on variance, timesheets, workload and more, visit our reporting page. All reports are customizable, meaning they can be filtered to show details or provide a summary and share easily to update stakeholders. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode.jpg Related CPM Construction Content Critical path construction is important. For those who want to delve into the critical path, there’s more to learn. Below are a handful of recent articles we’ve published on CPM with Gantt charts, how to use PERT with CPM and much more. Critical Path Method (CPM) in Project Management Displaying the Critical Path on a Gantt Chart Critical Path Template for Excel (Free Download) How to Make a CPM Schedule: CPM Scheduling Basics PERT and CPM: Their Differences and How to Use Them Together ProjectManager is online construction project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Critical Path Method (CPM) in Construction: A Quick Guide appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

A viral TikTok video showing an empty book signing for an elderly author tugged at millions of hearts—until it was exposed as a marketing stunt. The book in question, Just Cuz, was reportedly written by Barbara Miller as a tribute to her late husband, Marv. “She wrote it as a way to deal with her grief,” the video’s voiceover explained. Posted last month, the video shows an empty bookstore with “Aunt Barb” setting up her books on a table to sign for customers who were nowhere in sight, followed by a dejected but hopeful “Aunt Barb”—and it quickly racked up more than 33 million views, sparking an outpouring of support. Hundreds of commenters pledged to buy the book and attend her next signing. But TikTok creator Sam Cahn was the first to burst Aunt Barb’s bubble. “The bad news is that this was fake,” he said in his own video. “The good news is the book is selling.” Cahn became suspicious when he noticed how new Miller’s social media presence was and that there was no announcement of a book signing across any of her pages. After calling the bookstore, he found out that someone had paid $150 to rent the space on a Monday, when the store was closed, and staged the entire scene. “This isn’t an attack on Barb,” he clarified. “I think she’s sweet. I love the success.” He did, however, think it was worth calling out the 100% staged video from justcuzthebook. “I just want you to know that this didn’t happen: Nobody didn’t show up to a book signing.” The emotional manipulation tactic is, unfortunately, tried and true. “‘My parent did this thing but nobody came to see’ is always a marketing gimmick . . . but it gets me every time,” one user commented underneath Cahn’s video. “Omg I cried my eyes out on the original post,” another wrote. On social media, the sob story has become a go-to strategy for struggling artists chasing virality. Pity appears to be a powerful currency, one that can turn engagement into attention and attention into sales. It’s now not uncommon to see people sharing stories of professional failure (like Aunt Barb), seemingly in the hopes of gaining support, promotion, and even purchases from total strangers online. And often, it works. This kind of emotional marketing taps into our most basic instincts: If we feel bad enough for someone, we’re more likely to hit “buy” (regardless of whether the work in question is even good). It’s a crass but effective tool, one that plays on our emotions for clicks. That turn into bucks. So, okay, maybe sometimes it pays to engage in a bit of emotional manipulation . . . just cuz. But let’s keep it to a minimum and maybe not use it with matters of great consequence, k? View the full article

In an ad that aired in select markets during Sunday’s Super Bowl, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, encouraged viewers to visit his website, Yeezy.com. The site originally listed a variety of merchandise, but right after the ad aired, quickly limited the selection to a single $20 white T-shirt emblazoned with a large black swastika. The site listed the product under the name “HH-01,” which, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), is code for “Heil Hitler.” Ye’s site hosted the shirt, but it was sold through the ecommerce platform Shopify. The shirt remained live until Shopify removed the listing this morning, and now searching Yeezy.com leads to an error page. While the T-shirt is no longer available through Shopify, Fast Company found that one reseller, as of this morning, had already listed the shirt for sale on eBay at a huge markup of more than $600. This suggests there is a secondary market for the shirts following a day of sales on the original site. [Screenshot: eBay] Following an inquiry from Fast Company, eBay removed the listing. But this afternoon, another reseller posted a listing for the shirt that blurred out the swastika symbol, possibly as a workaround to eBay’s offensive items policy. eBay has since taken down this posting, as well. The far-right has used similar codes and hate symbols during President Trump’s first term, and that practice is on the rise again. “The dog whistles in conservative politics have become bullhorns in the Trump era,” Robert Rowland, professor of communications at the University of Kansas, who studies Trump’s rhetoric, told Fast Company in 2021. The incident calls into question how retailers should walk the line between upholding “free speech” and standing against hateful rhetoric—especially in an era when many major brands are walking back their commitments to DEI. Shopify and eBay respond to Ye’s swastika shirt In a statement to Fast Company on the takedown of the T-shirt listing, an eBay spokesperson said, “eBay has zero-tolerance for items that promote anti-Semitism or hate of any kind. eBay’s Offensive Items policy prohibits the listing of anti-Semitic items, including any items from after 1933 that include a swastika. The shirts in question are covered by this policy and eBay is actively blocking or removing any listings for them. Sellers who violate eBay policies may face sanctions up to, and including, a permanent suspension.” In reference to the removal of the Yeezy website, a Shopify spokesperson stated, “All merchants are responsible for following the rules of our platform. This merchant did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms, so we removed them from Shopify.” Apparently, Shopify was aware of the T-shirt listing by Monday afternoon at the latest, but discouraged its support staff from commenting if any merchant clients reached out about the item, according to a report from The Logic. This isn’t the first time that Shopify has faced criticism for accommodating items that could constitute hate speech. Back in June 2024, Shopify appeared to have updated its Acceptable Use Policy to remove a previous ban of “hateful content,” replacing it with a condition that sellers cannot “call for, or threaten, violence against specific people or groups.” Then, in November, Shopify drew backlash for hosting a store that posted merch denying the Holocaust and parodying the likeness of Anne Frank. Shopify did not respond to Fast Company’s request for clarification on the distinction between Ye’s swastika t-shirt and the aforementioned listings, which appear to still be live at the time of this writing. What this means for brands going forward The HH-01 t-shirt came after Ye published a series of antisemitic tweets to his personal X account, including one claiming, “I’m going to normalize talking about Hitler,” which ultimately led to the shutdown of the account. Ye has a storied history of falling out with business partners due to instances of hate speech. Back in 2022, longtime collaborator Adidas cut ties with the artist after he published a series of anti-Semitic comments. Other brands, including the talent agency CAA and the tech company Kano, also ended their partnerships with Ye at the time. It’s possible that Ye expected his Shopify site to go down, and even with the shutdown of the Yeezy domain, he got what he wanted: an attention-grabbing stunt, and shirts featuring hate symbols on secondary markets, indicating either way that the political climate is creating a permission structure for hate groups to wear what was formerly dog whistles on the sleeve. While Ye’s clash with Shopify is nothing new, it demonstrates a need for increased vigilance from companies like Shopify and eBay to screen their listings and act quickly to remove hateful products. Amidst a rising crackdown on DEI policies from the federal level, the onus lies on brands to take responsibility for harmful imagery. View the full article

Less than 1% of views of YouTube videos come from Google search clicks, according to a member of Google’s legal team. The quote. Here’s what Attorney John Schmidtlein said, according to Courthouse News Service: “Roughly less than 1% of views on YouTube come from people who click on [search] links,” Attorney John Schmidtlein of Williams & Connolly, who represented Google, said in court. Why we care. This is the first time this statistic has been revealed publicly, as far as I know. It might be 100% true. The majority of people likely discover and view videos directly on YouTube, either via YouTube search or YouTube’s recommendation algorithm. But. Google does seem to self-preference YouTube a lot. it’s hard to imagine that Google would show videos in prominent places in search results if the videos weren’t getting clicked on and watched. Google vs. Rumble. The statistic was revealed in federal court last week, ahead of what would be yet another antitrust trial brought against Google – this time by Rumble, a rival video platform. Rumble is arguing that “a rival cannot hope to compete” when Google gives preferential visibility to YouTube – especially on mobile, but especially when Google ranks YouTube videos over Rumble videos even when Rumble’s name appears in the search query. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. It's a potentially concerning sign of the times, but my morning is dictated by my apps. On an average day, I start off by putting in a mobile Dunkin' order, checking my sales on Poshmark and my rentals on Pickle, and playing the New York Times games before shifting over to the more serious work apps. As of last week, I added a new app to the morning mix: Finch, which is sort of like a to-do list mixed with a Tamagotchi. My ultimate goal with this whole morning app rotation is to resist the siren call of social media and, with it, an unproductive start to the day. This app, I reasoned, would help me be even more productive by giving me structured goals and rewards for my real-world responsibilities. Finch is a little bird who thrives on your successFinch is an app that gamifies your productivity. As you complete daily tasks and mark them done in the app, you nourish a little bird, who grows and thrives based on how much you give them. It's a very cute concept. The more you accomplish and interact with your bird, the more "adventures" they go on, skills they develop, and growth they achieve. Setting up my Finch. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson The app comes pre-loaded with tasks and—I won't lie—they were a little more basic than what I needed. They include things like "get out of bed" and "drink water." I can imagine being in a funk bad enough that these little reminders (and the in-game rewards that come with completing them) would be helpful, so I found that sweet, but not beneficial for me. I kept a few of them in the to-do list for some easy wins, but was able to add in the other things I want to accomplish daily, like "work out." You can tie the completion of certain tasks to in-game challenges, earning specific prizes for, say, washing your face seven days in a row. You can also set tasks to occur weekly, monthly, or at whatever interval makes sense for you. Finch offers motivation to be productive, without the shameThe interface is really simple to use and understand, which I appreciate. All I have to do is open the app and tap a checkmark next to a task to indicate I've done it. From there, I earn rewards, like in-game currency, new traits for my bird, and I can buy her little outfits or whatever. It's rudimentary, yes, but it's very relaxing and pleasant. I like this more than other productivity apps because it doesn't shame you in any way. It's encouraging, not stressful, and the game element is novel and cute enough to keep it interesting. (Not to brag, but my bird has very nearly grown from a baby into a toddler, all because I drank some water and washed my face.) There's also no major time commitment. If all I wanted to do was check off items on my list, that would be fine. There are rewards for doing other things—like following guided breathing or stretching exercises, listening to soundscapes, writing down daily reflections, and chronicling your overall emotional state—but no penalties for not doing them, so the game element here is only positive, not competitive or stressful. It's very clear that this is, above all, a self-care app, but it's entirely possible to input more concrete to-dos into your list. I spent my first week using it lightly, mostly relying on those early-stage goals the app came up with, but now that I've gotten the hang of it (and my bird needs some cute new outfits) I'm going to add more of my work and home-based tasks. This is going to be especially helpful as a cleaning checklist, since I've liked but not loved any of the other ones I've tried. The app is available on iOS and the Google Play store. It's free and you can totally just use the free version, but for $39.99 per year, you can access more exercises and shop items, plus customize the little icons that appear next to your to-dos. You get a seven-day free trial to see if you're into all that, but it's not especially necessary. The free version does everything you need. View the full article

Central bank chief vows to ‘focus on the data’ rather than get dragged into political debatesView the full article

In my work reporting on health, I often refer to the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and more. Healthcare workers, scientists, and others rely on these, too. But information has been disappearing from those websites. There’s no simple hack to work around this. Some vital information is missing. Some has been restored, with subtle and not-so-subtle changes—like suggesting you search for adoption when you actually searched for abortion, or replacing the phrase “pregnant people” with “pregnant women,” as if the word “people” did not already include women. And we don’t know how future additions to the website may be hobbled. The CDC’s weekly research publication, which had operated more-or-less independently when it came to publishing research, has been under “unprecedented control” by the Trump administration, CBS News reports. That publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, didn’t put out its Jan. 23 or Jan. 30 issues. In the midst of a bird flu epidemic that is driving up egg prices and threatening to spread well beyond farms, the administration reportedly stopped the publication of three studies on bird flu, including one on wastewater, one on exposure in cattle veterinarians, and one—whose data was accidentally published and then yanked—on the ability of bird flu to be transmitted between people and farm cats. There’s no replacing the MMWR’s independence, and some of the information pulled from the CDC’s website has not yet been returned, including guidelines for Mpox vaccination, and other pages on sexually transmitted infections including HIV and on LGBTQ+ health concerns and disparities, as reported by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. A federal judge has ordered the CDC to restore data on its website, but the Trump administration has ignored plenty of court orders relating to its illegal activity in recent weeks—so forgive my skepticism. Until then, here are a few places to find missing health and medical information that the CDC would normally have been able to provide. Physician associations like ACOG and AMAThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has made sure to publish its “endorsed guidance” documents that were authored with the CDC. “Endorsed” means that these are guidelines that ACOG fully supports. As the name of the organization suggests, these documents are ones that relate to obstetrics and gynecology. The American Medical Association has a Youtube series dedicated to weekly reports of health and medical news—hardly a replacement for the MMWR, but worth keeping an eye on if you want to stay up-to-date on current health issues in the U.S. The good old Wayback MachineIf you’ve found a dead link for something that used to be on the CDC website, check the Wayback Machine at archive.org. It may not have everything, but I was able to find some missing content there. For example, a PDF entitled “A Guide to Talking About HIV” that used to live here is available in a Wayback Machine snapshot from December 2024. Data mirror projectsA project called the End-of-term Web Archive has downloaded government websites at the end of each presidential term since 2008. Other organizations have been attempting to save information from the CDC and other government websites, as Nature reports. The University of Minnesota has a collection of end-of-term data repositories here. The Internet Archive has some CDC datasets here, including data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which is no longer on the CDC website. (Its data explorer was here, but clicking that link currently just loads a message saying “The Application is currently offline.”) Other countries’ health agenciesThe U.S. CDC may be the most prominent (or it was, anyway, I guess) but other countries have their equivalents. The Public Health Agency of Canada, for example, has information on topics like sexual health that may be unavailable on the CDC website. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: About four months ago I hired a new employee, Arnold. He interviewed very well, and the other interviewers on the panel agreed he was the best candidate. However now I am starting to see some serious gaps in ability. The biggest issue is that Arnold totally forgets entire conversations we’ve had. Some examples: • I told him in June that he needed to plan the agenda for the team meeting in late July. A few weeks into July, I asked how the agenda was coming, and he said that was the first time he heard about it. I pointed him to our shared notes document from our 1:1 conversation in June where we discussed it. • I assigned him a report to analyze sales trends over the course of the year. We spent 30 minutes talking about how the company decided to pivot from teapot sales to toaster sales, and this report should provide an update on the outcomes of that strategic sales shift. He turned in his report, which concluded that teapot sales declined and we should investigate why that happened. When I told him we talked about why that happened (a strategic decision by leadership), he said he doesn’t recall hearing that context. • I assigned Arnold a project to implement a new project management technology that my peer (Dane) had experience working with. I connected Arnold with Dane for him to learn best practices. A few weeks later, I hear from Dane that he is frustrated with Arnold. He says Arnold doesn’t follow his instructions, yet repeatedly asks the same questions, even when Dane has already provided the answer. I have seen screenshots of Slack messages of the same question answered multiple times by Dane in writing. Am I being gaslit by Arnold, or do you think something else is going on? I’ve even enlisted my manager to set up 1:1s to reinforce important topics with Arnold in case there’s something about my communication style that is not effective. But my manager has had the same experience with him forgetting key topics of conversation. I have other direct reports who are amazing and seem to be thriving, so I’m baffled and frustrated by how much time I am needing to invest in Arnold for mediocre results. I suspect we are on our way to a performance improvement plan for Arnold, but what exactly can he improve? His memory? How do I coach this kind of behavior? I doubt he’s gaslighting you and Dane — at least not in the original sense of the word, which means intentionally trying to make you think you’re losing your mind. (It comes from the 1944 movie Gaslight, in which a man tries to make his wife think her grip on reality is slipping away.) I suppose it’s possible that that Arnold is deliberately not bothering to retain anything in the hopes of sowing chaos, but it’s far, far, far more likely that he (a) has a terrible memory, (b) isn’t conscientious enough to take the normal steps people take to retain things, like paying attention in conversations and writing things down, and/or (c) is trying to cover up mistakes by pretending he doesn’t have any memory of previous instructions. Fortunately, no matter which of these options it is (or even if it’s some other explanation), the solution is the same: Sit down with Arnold, explain there is a pattern of him not retaining information and instructions, and say that he needs to figure out better systems for capturing info so it doesn’t keep happening. Explain that the issue is serious and it’s essential to get it fixed immediately. Ultimately Arnold needs to figure out what system will work for him, but you should feel free to suggest specific systems that you think would work in his context. The most obvious one is, of course, taking notes, but you might also suggest that he write up summaries of his takeaways after each discussion and email them to you and that he refer back to them every time he works on that project. You also might supplement that on your end by asking him to repeat back his takeaways at the end of each discussion with you. (That can be a pretty useful strategy even for someone who isn’t having trouble remembering details, because often it will bring to the surface some miscommunication that you didn’t realize had happened.) From there, treat “retaining and applying information” the same way you would any other key performance requirement — meaning that if it keeps happening, you should continue to flag the pattern and move fairly quickly to “since this is crucial to being able to do the job, let’s figure out if we can help you get where you need to be or not” (which in most workplaces will mean a formal improvement plan, but can also just be a couple of serious conversations as long as you’re extremely clear about the potential consequences if the problem continues and the timeline he has for fixing it). In other words, treat it the same way you would if he kept missing deadlines or turning in work with serious mistakes or anything else that goes to the heart of “not doing the job we need done.” Also, since someone is certain to mention it in the comments: it’s entirely possible that Arnold’s memory is a medical issue. We have no way of knowing whether that’s the case, but you’d proceed the same way regardless (flag the pattern, explain it’s a problem, and ask him to address it). Certainly if he mentions some sort of medical context (like “I’m on a new medication that is affecting my memory’) you’d give him more grace while he actively works on solutions with his doctor … but at the end of the day, no matter what the explanation is, he does need to implement systems to track important details for his job, and you can and should hold him to that regardless of what’s at the root of it. View the full article

The MBA disclosed the year-end rankings of income-producing mortgage servicers at its yearly conference for this part of the industry. View the full article

Google Ads is launching a new video enhancement feature for Demand Gen campaigns. The update automatically creates shorter versions of existing video ads to better engage diverse audiences. Details: The enhancement will automatically generate condensed versions of existing video ads. The feature will be enabled by default across all Google Demand Gen ad campaigns. Advertisers have until March 10 to opt out of the automatic enhancement. Why we care. Short-form content consistently captures higher engagement, especially on mobile and social platforms. By automatically generating shorter video versions, this could aid in reaching diverse audiences without the added cost or effort of creating new content. This update is a low-effort way to maximize ad performance and stay competitive in an increasingly fast-paced digital landscape. However, it may be so low effort that quality would need to be closely monitored. Be open to test but ensure the outputs match the message your original video is trying to send across. How it works. You can manage the enhancement through ads.google.com or by working with their Google sales representatives. First seen. This update was first brought to our attention by PPC expert Julie Friedman Bacchini, who shared the message she received from Google about this message on X: What’s next. You have approximately one month to evaluate the feature and decide whether to keep it enabled for your campaigns. The big picture. The feature arrives as social media platforms and advertisers increasingly pivot toward short-form video content to capture fleeting consumer attention spans. Between the lines. This move signals Google’s growing investment in AI-powered advertising tools, helping advertisers maximize reach without increasing creative production budgets. View the full article

A stop-work order from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's newly appointed acting director Russell Vought has created uncertainty about the future of consumer-oriented enforcement activity. View the full article

Mirage Digital LLC, a digital content studio founded by entrepreneur Griffin Haddrill and partners John Littell and Robin Bigge, has introduced a new content monetization model that has generated over a million dollars for its roster of more than 300 creators. By repurposing and redistributing original content across streaming platforms such as Sling, Roku, and Plex, Mirage Digital is opening new, non-traditional revenue streams for digital creators. Mirage Digital leverages its global syndication network and extensive content library to help creators license, sell, and redistribute content, ensuring indefinite revenue generation. The company’s business model enables creators to monetize content beyond social media, bridging the gap between independent creators and enterprise distribution opportunities. “Mirage Digital is not just a digital content studio—we’re a revenue engine for creators,” said John Littell, Co-CEO of Mirage Digital. Robin Bigge, Co-CEO of Mirage Digital, added: “Through our expertise in syndication and monetization, we’re redefining what’s possible in the streaming industry. We turn clicks into currency, ensuring creators get the recognition and revenue they deserve while expanding the possibilities for digital content worldwide.” Mirage Digital’s syndication model has produced significant engagement, with the company reporting: Over 4 billion views 20 million subscribers 1 billion minutes watched With a content library exceeding 10,000 hours, Mirage Digital continues to expand its reach across over-the-top (OTT) and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms. This expansion allows creators to access new global audiences and emerging markets, increasing their potential earnings. Mirage Digital manages over 60 shows currently running on Facebook, Snapchat, and partner OTT streaming platforms. The company has developed projects with Team Liquid, EVO, Soft White Underbelly, Stiff Socks, and Devour Power, demonstrating its ability to scale both niche and mainstream content. Creators using Mirage’s syndication model maintain ownership of their content while expanding to new platforms, proving that diverse content—from specialty series like Dogs by Logan to mainstream entertainment—can thrive under this approach. This article, "Mirage Digital Unlocks Million-Dollar Revenue Streams for Content Creators Through Syndication" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Mirage Digital LLC, a digital content studio founded by entrepreneur Griffin Haddrill and partners John Littell and Robin Bigge, has introduced a new content monetization model that has generated over a million dollars for its roster of more than 300 creators. By repurposing and redistributing original content across streaming platforms such as Sling, Roku, and Plex, Mirage Digital is opening new, non-traditional revenue streams for digital creators. Mirage Digital leverages its global syndication network and extensive content library to help creators license, sell, and redistribute content, ensuring indefinite revenue generation. The company’s business model enables creators to monetize content beyond social media, bridging the gap between independent creators and enterprise distribution opportunities. “Mirage Digital is not just a digital content studio—we’re a revenue engine for creators,” said John Littell, Co-CEO of Mirage Digital. Robin Bigge, Co-CEO of Mirage Digital, added: “Through our expertise in syndication and monetization, we’re redefining what’s possible in the streaming industry. We turn clicks into currency, ensuring creators get the recognition and revenue they deserve while expanding the possibilities for digital content worldwide.” Mirage Digital’s syndication model has produced significant engagement, with the company reporting: Over 4 billion views 20 million subscribers 1 billion minutes watched With a content library exceeding 10,000 hours, Mirage Digital continues to expand its reach across over-the-top (OTT) and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms. This expansion allows creators to access new global audiences and emerging markets, increasing their potential earnings. Mirage Digital manages over 60 shows currently running on Facebook, Snapchat, and partner OTT streaming platforms. The company has developed projects with Team Liquid, EVO, Soft White Underbelly, Stiff Socks, and Devour Power, demonstrating its ability to scale both niche and mainstream content. Creators using Mirage’s syndication model maintain ownership of their content while expanding to new platforms, proving that diverse content—from specialty series like Dogs by Logan to mainstream entertainment—can thrive under this approach. This article, "Mirage Digital Unlocks Million-Dollar Revenue Streams for Content Creators Through Syndication" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

White House says teacher Marc Fogel was freed after ‘show of good faith’ by MoscowView the full article

So you want to get out of jury duty. Sure, you could wear a "F*ck The Police" T-shirt to the courthouse, or loudly proclaim that the frequency of your bowel movements will make sitting through the trial an impossibility. But before resorting to antics and goofs, you should try one of the perfectly legitimate paths to avoiding jury duty. Because let's face it: Though we know we should be proud of doing our civic duty, few among us are excited to see an envelope in the mail that reads “summons.” Since the jury summons process is designed to be as random as possible, you never know when that dreaded letter may arrive in the mail, or what kind of court case you might be assigned to, and the responsibility can be hard to work around if you've got a lot of other obligations. If you couldn’t already guess, this guide isn’t going to dwell on the nuances of performing your civic duty. I'll assume you’re an upstanding citizen who has an ethical reason for getting out of your jury summons. Plus, the consequences for lying to evade jury duty can result in serious fines or even criminal contempt charges, with jail time as a possibility, so you definitely aren't going to do that. With that out of the way, here are all the legal ways you can avoid jury duty. Legitimate claims to get out of jury dutyKeep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, not the jury service itself. To find a legitimate way out of your summons, begin by looking at anything that prevents you from being physically present for duty or that indicates you would not be able to be an impartial juror. If any of the following excuses apply to your situation, you can file a written response to your summons that clearly lays out all the reasons why you cannot serve on that date. Below, I'll outline the sort of proof different excuses require. (Note that what you put in this letter is not a guarantee that you will successfully get out of jury duty—each local court has their own procedures for these letters, and the court’s consideration of your request. ) You have an economic hardshipMaybe you own a small business that cannot run without your presence, or maybe your family will suffer significant financial hardship if you are eventually selected to be a juror. Financial hardship is a legitimate claim to get out of your jury summons, but you’ll need several documents in addition to your excuse letter. You’ll need to provide your current tax forms showing your financial status, documentation showing present employment status (wages, hours, etc.), and any document showing your inability to provide support for you or your family as a result of jury service. Note: Government jobs and some large employers will pay employees during jury duty, but many other jobs will not. Unfortunately, “missing work” doesn’t usually qualify as a claim for economic hardship in and of itself (no matter how true it may be). You have a medical hardshipCourts can’t expect you to show up if you have a legitimate medical limitation. You don’t have to prove you’re in a coma, either. For instance, if you have IBS, you could consider explaining why this would prevent you from sitting and focusing on a case for large stretches of time. Those looking to claim medical hardship must provide a signed statement from a licensed physician that indicates your condition and how long it’s expected to last. You’re a caretakerYou might have dependents or individuals you care for who cannot be alone all day while you attend your summons. If you’re a caregiver for someone under the age of 16, you must provide copies of the birth certificates of the children you care for and an explanation as to why there are no other options for them while you’re at jury duty. All other caregivers (like for a parent, partner, or sibling) need a doctor’s note detailing the patient’s diagnosis and confirmation that their services as a caregiver are required. You’re a full-time studentIf you’re currently a student, you’re probably in the clear. Full-time students need to submit a copy of their student ID or class schedule to explain why they can’t show up on their summons date. You’re a senior citizenEach court system has its own rules, and many state courts recognize that jury duty can be an extreme hardship for many senior citizens. Some states, like Mississippi and South Carolina, will excuse you if you’re over 65 years old. Others, like Arkansas and Colorado, have no specific exemptions for senior citizens. This resource details a state-by-state age of exemption for jury duty. Expressing mental/emotional instability can keep you off of a juryWhile it might be difficult to share deeply personal information, a diagnosis of mental illness could get you out of the jury box. Even if you don’t have a diagnosis, it’s worth explaining extenuating circumstances, like a death in the family. This excuse could be particularly handy in very complex cases involving scientific issues, which would require jurors to be free of mental distractions. You can’t be impartialEven if you don’t know the details of the case yet, you might have a good reason why you can never be an impartial juror. For instance, if you’re a contractor who often works with your local police department, you should write in and explain that this makes you biased toward (or against) police officers right off the bat. Similarly, if your family member works in law enforcement, point out how this makes you highly subjective one way or another. What to do to not get picked for jury dutyIf you can’t get out of attending jury selection, here are some ideas you can try to make sure no lawyer wants you in their courtroom. Be overly enthusiastic. Try a little reverse psychology and act like you really want to be on this jury. Lawyers generally avoid individuals who seem overly eager, since that type of juror could potentially have an agenda in mind before even hearing the case. Have your mind made up. If you truthfully have a stance that pertains to the case, make it clear. For instance, if you’ve been wronged by an insurance company in the past, then you shouldn’t be a part of a case that deals with an insurance claim. Be an “expert” of some kind. Lawyers want to be able to mold jurors’ minds. If you’re able to convey that you’re already an expert on some issue related to the case, chances are that you’ll be dismissed. Mention veto rights. If you get selected for jury duty, this is your last shot. The presiding judge asks you to swear that you will reach a verdict on the case based on the merits of the facts presented to you in court by the prosecution and defense teams. You can refuse to swear to this commitment. Tell the judge about your legitimate veto rights as a juror, which means that it’s the jury’s right to find a verdict as they see fit. This is known as “jury nullification,” and while it is totally legal, it’s a pain to the prosecution and the court. How to postpone jury dutyIf you can't get out of it altogether, you can at least kick the can down the road: You can usually change your date of jury service just by asking, no explanation needed. From there, you can choose your own jury duty date—pick the right days, and your jury service could be an hour or two instead of a day or a week. You can usually put off jury service for up to six months, two or three times after being summoned. Rules vary by state, but most will let you reschedule for a later date. For example, in New York, you can postpone your service once online or by calling a toll-free number at least one week before your date of service. Make sure to have your juror index number handy when you go online or call, and check your home state’s regulations because they might be different. Choose a jury duty date when everyone wants to leave work earlySome extra advice, from Lifehacker’s own Stephen Johnson: “Since they let you pick the date you want to serve, choose the day before a long weekend. Lawyers and judges want to skip work early too, so no one is likely to start a case on that day. I’ve done this twice, and potential jurors were dismissed by 11 a.m. both times.” Here’s another hot tip: Request to move your service date to December. Apparently this time of year, there’s a greater chance that the court cancels or postpones the hearing—it’s the holidays, after all. In the best case scenario, the court doesn’t recall you for the new date, and you get off scot-free. Whatever you do, don’t lie to the courtAs fun as it may seem, this is no time to pull a Liz Lemon. Never lie openly in court or make false claims in front of the judge—you could end up paying for it with jail time. In cases where the judge thinks you’re trying to make a mockery of their court, they have the right to sentence you to a jail term of up to two years. That’s a lot longer than your jury service would last. Requests to be excused are reviewed by the courts on a case-by-case basis. Don’t be a no-show or leave jury selection early because you assume your reasoning was valid. You might end up with a steep fine, and there’s also the possibility of the court sentencing you to up to two years of jail time on charges of contempt of court. For more jury facts, check out our debunking of some pervasive myths about jury duty. View the full article

Similar import taxes on steel and aluminum were imposed by President Trump during his first term, albeit at a lower rate for the latter material. View the full article

You’ve likely heard it countless times: packing lunch is a great way to save money. However, did you know that it also encourages healthier eating habits and saves you time? Say farewell to standing in long lines or pondering which takeout choice is the least detrimental to your diet. With the best lunch boxes for adults, you gain complete control over what and when you eat, benefiting both your budget and your health. Adult Lunch Boxes: Not Just for Kids Anymore Once upon a time, lunch boxes were for kids. But those days are gone. Nowadays, lunch boxes for adults are on the rise, bringing style, function, and convenience to meal prep. These aren’t the cartoon-clad containers of your childhood. Today’s adult lunch boxes are sleek, chic, and chock-full of features like separate compartments for keeping foods apart and insulated interiors that keep hot foods warm and salads cold. How an Insulated Lunch Box Can Make a Difference Nothing is worse than a lukewarm sandwich or a limp, hot salad. An insulated lunch box or an insulated lunch bag solves this problem by keeping your food at the ideal temperature for up to five hours or more. Just add an ice pack, and your food will stay cool, even on the hottest day. Conversely, insulated lunch boxes can also keep your food warm, making them the perfect choice for those who prefer hot meals. Bento Boxes – Another Health-Conscious and Convenient Option Bento boxes are increasingly favored as alternatives to traditional lunch boxes for adults. Many people appreciate them for their portion control, as bento boxes typically include multiple small compartments for a diverse selection of food options. Things to Consider When Buying an Adult Lunch Box When selecting adult lunch boxes for our curated picks, we carefully consider a range of criteria to ensure we recommend products that are practical, durable, and suit the varied preferences of adults in different work environments. Here’s a guide to the key criteria we use for choosing the best adult lunch boxes: Size and Capacity: Scale of Importance: 9/10 The lunch box should be sufficiently spacious to hold an adult-sized meal, including room for containers and possibly a beverage. Insulation and Temperature Control: Scale of Importance: 9/10 Good insulation is crucial for keeping food at the right temperature, whether hot or cold, for several hours. Durability and Material Quality: Scale of Importance: 8/10 We look for lunch boxes made from durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Ease of Cleaning: Scale of Importance: 8/10 Lunch boxes should be easy to clean, with interior linings that resist stains and odors. Removable liners or dishwasher-safe components are a plus. Leak-Proof Design: Scale of Importance: 9/10 A leak-proof design is important to prevent spills and messes during transport. Portability and Convenience: Scale of Importance: 8/10 Features such as comfortable handles, shoulder straps, or compact designs for easy carrying are essential. Style and Aesthetics: Scale of Importance: 7/10 We choose lunch boxes with a range of styles and designs to suit different personal preferences and professional settings. Environmental Impact: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Eco-friendly materials and reusable designs are favored for their minimal environmental impact. Additional Features: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Additional features such as compartments for organization, included utensils, or pockets for extras like napkins or condiments add value. Price and Value for Money: Scale of Importance: 7/10 We balance cost with quality, aiming to provide options that offer good value for money. Brand Reputation and Customer Feedback: Scale of Importance: 6/10 We consider customer reviews and brand reputation to gauge satisfaction and reliability. These criteria guide us in selecting adult lunch boxes that offer functionality, durability, and style, ensuring that our recommendations cater to the diverse needs of adults in various work environments. The Top Lunch Boxes for Adults: Our Recommendations YETI Daytrip Lunch Box Key Features: It has been designed with an insulated structure to maintain the temperature of your food or drink. Water-resistant exterior and a leakproof liner that’s durable and easy to clean Engineered with Coldcell Flex Insulation, a lightweight, closed-cell foam that offers superior temperature-holding power. Thermosnap Closure – magnetic closure system that ensures food stays hot or cold as required. Safe to store a variety of food items, from fruits to sandwiches. Measures 10.5” long x 4.5” high x 8.5” wide, offering ample space for your meals. Various color options are available. Requires hand washing for care and maintenance. YETI Daytrip Lunch Box Buy on Amazon Mr. Dakai Thermal Adult Bento Box with Bag Key Features: Spacious Design: The 3-layer stackable container provides plenty of room for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks. Designed to keep food warm for about 2-4 hours, allowing you to enjoy your meals hot and fresh. Leak-Proof Design: Each compartment of the lunch box is equipped with its own lid, featuring a sealed silicone ring to effectively prevent any leakage of sauces, salads, and soups. Made from stainless steel, dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Eat Healthy Food Anywhere: The 3-layer design allows you to bring enough food for your meal, choose the type of food you want to eat, and keep your diet healthy and nutritious. Comes with an insulated lunch bag and a portable cutlery set Mr. Dakai Thermal Adult Bento Box with Bag Buy on Amazon Maelstrom Insulated Lunch Bag Key Features: Ultra-light with a 15L capacity Designed with a skeleton structure and four-sided stitched lining that allows the bag to stand upright even after being folded flat for a long time. A five-layer insulation design helps to maintain the temperature of your food. The exterior is made of rip-stop nylon fabric plus one layer of waterproof PVC. The interior consists of thicker, reinforced food-grade PEVA materials, featuring seamless ultrasonic welding to ensure 100% leak-proof and tear-resistant performance. Additionally, a built-in 5mm EPE foam middle layer and a 210D liner offer extra insulation. Reinforced zipper with an attractive tail rope for easy opening and closing, detachable and adjustable long shoulder strap f Insulated front pocket made of food-grade thick aluminum foil, designed to hold cutlery and oily tableware for later cleaning. Maelstrom Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon KAVU Ropesicle Insulated Lunch Bag The KAVU Ropesicle lunch bag is a well-crafted lunch bag and cooler that combines practicality with style. This bag’s unique design holds ice packs efficiently, making it an ideal solution for keeping your meals fresh and cool in hotter conditions. Its robust design, made of 4 oz water-resistant polyester ripstop material, ensures longevity and effortless maintenance. And it’s available in several unique patterns to showcase your personality and aesthetic. Key Features: Constructed with insulated and padded material for maintaining temperature Lightweight, weighing only 0.91 pounds, for easy portability Spacious dimensions: 20 inches high x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide Convenient and durable Crossbody Rope straps for on-the-go access Large zip compartment for food containers, drinks, and snacks Additional storage options: side water bottle pouch and back zip pocket Product care: hand wash only Includes a strap for complete utility KAVU Ropesicle Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Bentoheaven Premium Japanese Lunch/ Bento Box The Bentoheaven Premium Japanese Lunch/Bento Box offers a compact yet spacious solution for your meal storage needs. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Bento style, this lunch box has a modern design with a unique color selection. It’s perfect for enjoying home-prepared meals wherever you go. Key features of the Bentoheaven Lunch/Bento Box: Two stackable compartments with a total capacity of 40 oz. This is large enough for a full, satisfying meal. Comes with a freely adjustable divider, allowing you to customize your meal portion sizes. Includes a sauce container, chopsticks, fork, knife, and spoon. Everything you need to enjoy your meal, wherever you are. Strong silicone seal that ensures it is 100% leak-proof. The built-in air vent plug makes the lunch box easy to open. Constructed from BPS- and BPA-free material, it is safe for food storage. Designed for convenience, this lunch box can be used in the dishwasher, freezer, or microwave. As a commitment to the community, Bentoheaven supports Feeding America, helping those struggling to afford high-quality food. Bentoheaven Premium Japanese Lunch/ Bento Box Buy on Amazon Umami Bento Box Adult Lunch Box with Utensils Features: Encourages Healthy Eating: The bento box aids in maintaining portion control, ensuring users consume balanced, satisfying meals without overeating. Leakproof: This bento box is designed to be completely leakproof, featuring a silicone seal and a secure strap that effectively prevents any food or liquid from spilling. Beautiful Design: It boasts a visually appealing design that enhances your overall mealtime experience. Full Cutlery Set: The lunch box comes complete with a knife, fork, and spoon, adding to the convenience of on-the-go eating. Large Capacity: With a capacity of 1200 milliliters, it offers plenty of room for a balanced meal. Material and Care: Made of bamboo, wood, and polypropylene, the bento box is safe for dishwasher cleaning. Umami Bento Box Adult Lunch Box with Utensils Buy on Amazon Stanley Classic 10qt Lunch Box Features: Designed to carry hot and cold meals, making it ideal for the workplace or any outdoor location. Tough and Durable: constructed with 0.6mm SPCD steel for superior durability and includes single wall insulation. Sturdy latches and hinges ensure that nothing leaks or falls out. Large Capacity: With a capacity of 10 quarts, this lunch box can hold enough food for an entire crew for a full day of work Easy to Carry: Equipped with a top handle for easy carrying Measuring 10″x13″x6.5″, this meal container can easily fit into a backpack or work bag, adding to its portability. Stanley Classic 10qt Lunch Box Buy on Amazon FlowFly Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag Features: Made from durable 600D polyester, with a non-toxic food-safe PEVA lining and PE foam insulation. Designed to be rip-resistant and water-resistant Dimensions of 10.24” L × 7.48” W × 9.06” H offer plenty of storage space for your food. Mesh pocket for water bottles or energy drinks. Interior lining made of food-grade PEVA material can keep your food cold or warm for hours Comfort grip handle and shoulder strap Wipe clean Compact Design FlowFly Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Bentgo® Salad – Stackable Lunch Container Features: Large Salad Bowl: The extra-large 54 oz salad bowl can hold up to 4 cups of healthy fruits and vegetables, allowing for easy portioning. Airtight Lid: The airtight lid has a rubberized sealing ring and locking clips to keep food fresh on the go. It’s top-shelf dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Separate Toppings Storage: The 4-compartment tray has a large 10-oz compartment two smaller 5-oz compartments for various toppings, and a leak-proof 3-oz container perfect for salad dressing. Inclusive Accessories: The lunch box comes with a built-in reusable fork, further adding to its convenience. Aesthetics: It comes in a variety of colors, with this particular model featuring a Blush Marble pattern, which adds a chic touch to your lunch setup. Material and Weight: Made with food-grade safe ABS, PE, PP, Tritan, and silicone, the box is lightweight, weighing just 10 grams, making it easy to carry around. Bentgo® Salad – Stackable Lunch Container Buy on Amazon Fit+Fresh Sanibel Adult Insulated Lunch Bag Features: Efficient Storage: Wide top opening, making it easy to fill and empty Excellent Thermal Insulation: The lunch bag is lined with BPA-free PEVA material, polyethylene foam and protected with 300D polyester Thick, soft PEVA liner and heat-welded seams to guard against leaks and spills. Outer fabric resistant to dirt and abrasion Includes a 2-cup container and a 1-cup container Fun colors add some flair to your day Fit+Fresh Sanibel Adult Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Tiblue Insulated Lunch Bag Features: Triple-layered thermal insulated interior for extended temperature control Leakproof and waterproof, easy to clean in case of spills Durable and dirt-resistant, making it suitable for all types of environments Spacious with multiple compartments including a main zipped compartment, front zippered pocket, back pocket, two mesh pockets, and an internal mesh pocket Comfortable carrying options with a reinforced top handle and adjustable shoulder strap PVC, BPA, phthalate, and lead-free materials ensure safety Reinforced metal SBS dual zippers for smooth opening and maximum durability Tiblue Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Deluxe Bunch Lunch Bag Features: Fabricated from 100% recycled cotton for a sustainable style Spacious with a capacity of 6 Liters, ideal for carrying meals or snacks Quilted insulation with food-safe PEVA lined interior keeps food temperature consistent A slip pocket inside is designed for ice packs ID window for personalized identification Measures 10 inches high, 8 inches wide, and 5 inches deep with a 2-inch handle Additional 18-inch adjustable strap for flexible carrying options Features an exterior mesh slip pocket for added storage Machine washable for easy care Secured with a zipper closure Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Deluxe Bunch Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Igloo 90s Retro Collection Square Lunch Box Features: Lightweight construction, just 0.49 pounds, promoting effortless carry Retro-style design adds a unique aesthetic Two carrying options: Adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free usage and a top handle for quick grab-and-go Spacious main compartment secured with dual-zip closure for reliable containment Front zip pocket for the easy organization of small accessories Insulated liner that’s both leak-resistant and easy to clean Product care: hand wash only Igloo 90s Retro Collection Square Lunch Box Buy on Amazon Adult Lunch Box Vs. Lunch Bag: What’s the Difference? Key differences between lunch bags and boxes: Design Differences The main difference between a lunch bag and a lunch box is the design. While both serve the same basic purpose, they have distinct advantages. A lunch bag, like a tote bag, is often more flexible and has an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. A lunch box, on the other hand, tends to be more rigid and may come with separate compartments or even multiple tiers, like a bento box. Practicality Differences Lunch bags often have more room for extra snacks or a water bottle and can be compressed to save space when not in use. Lunch boxes, with their separate compartments or tiers, excel at keeping foods separate and can often hold more food in a structured way. Who Should Use a Lunch Bag and Who Should Use a Lunch Box If you prefer salads, sandwiches, or anything that needs to stay flat, an adult lunch box is your best bet. If you pack a variety of foods or need more flexibility, a lunch bag might be the better choice. Ultimately, it depends on your personal needs and preferences. Frequently Asked Questions Are insulated lunch boxes effective for long hours? Yes, insulated lunch boxes can keep your food cold or warm for several hours, especially when used with ice packs. This can be particularly useful for freelancers and entrepreneurs who have long, unpredictable days. What’s the best material for an adult lunch box? That depends on your needs. Stainless steel is durable and retains heat well, while BPA-free plastic is lightweight and often dishwasher safe. Fabric lunch bags can be flexible and stylish, especially with a water-resistant bag material. How often should I clean my lunch box? Your lunch box should be cleaned after each use to prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant smells. Most lunch boxes can be hand-washed or wiped clean, while some are dishwasher safe. Are there any health hazards associated with certain lunch box materials? Some plastic lunch boxes contain BPA, a chemical that can seep into food and is linked to several health problems. Always choose a BPA-free lunch box or go for stainless steel or fabric lunch bags. How much should I expect to spend on a quality adult lunch box? The price can vary widely depending on the material, design, and brand. You can find decent lunch boxes for as low as $10, but high-end models can cost $60 or more. Remember, a good lunch box is an investment that will save you money in the long run. Why Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Need a Good Adult Lunch Box Time and Cost Efficiency As a busy entrepreneur or small business owner, time is your most valuable resource. Packing lunch can save you the time you’d spend going out for food or waiting for delivery. It’s also a cost-effective way to eat healthily and control your portions. Health and Wellness for Success Good nutrition plays a vital role in a healthy lifestyle, which is crucial for sustaining the energy and focus required to successfully manage a business. With the ideal lunch boxes for adults, you can prepare balanced, nutritious meals that will enhance your productivity. Making a Statement – Lunch Boxes as a Style Accessory The perfect lunch box can serve as a fashionable accessory that reflects your personal brand. Whether you choose a classic design or a contemporary, streamlined option, your lunch box can convey a sense of style while ensuring your food stays fresh and tasty. Don’t hesitate to experiment with colors, patterns, and more. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Paper Shopping Bags for Your Business Custom Reusable Shopping Bags Custom Reusable Shopping Bags Featuring Your Business Name and Logo The Best Travel Duffel Bags for Your Next Trip Stock Up on Contractor Bags for Your Business Image: Amazon This article, "Lunch Boxes for Adults: Outstanding Selections for You" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

You’ve likely heard it countless times: packing lunch is a great way to save money. However, did you know that it also encourages healthier eating habits and saves you time? Say farewell to standing in long lines or pondering which takeout choice is the least detrimental to your diet. With the best lunch boxes for adults, you gain complete control over what and when you eat, benefiting both your budget and your health. Adult Lunch Boxes: Not Just for Kids Anymore Once upon a time, lunch boxes were for kids. But those days are gone. Nowadays, lunch boxes for adults are on the rise, bringing style, function, and convenience to meal prep. These aren’t the cartoon-clad containers of your childhood. Today’s adult lunch boxes are sleek, chic, and chock-full of features like separate compartments for keeping foods apart and insulated interiors that keep hot foods warm and salads cold. How an Insulated Lunch Box Can Make a Difference Nothing is worse than a lukewarm sandwich or a limp, hot salad. An insulated lunch box or an insulated lunch bag solves this problem by keeping your food at the ideal temperature for up to five hours or more. Just add an ice pack, and your food will stay cool, even on the hottest day. Conversely, insulated lunch boxes can also keep your food warm, making them the perfect choice for those who prefer hot meals. Bento Boxes – Another Health-Conscious and Convenient Option Bento boxes are increasingly favored as alternatives to traditional lunch boxes for adults. Many people appreciate them for their portion control, as bento boxes typically include multiple small compartments for a diverse selection of food options. Things to Consider When Buying an Adult Lunch Box When selecting adult lunch boxes for our curated picks, we carefully consider a range of criteria to ensure we recommend products that are practical, durable, and suit the varied preferences of adults in different work environments. Here’s a guide to the key criteria we use for choosing the best adult lunch boxes: Size and Capacity: Scale of Importance: 9/10 The lunch box should be sufficiently spacious to hold an adult-sized meal, including room for containers and possibly a beverage. Insulation and Temperature Control: Scale of Importance: 9/10 Good insulation is crucial for keeping food at the right temperature, whether hot or cold, for several hours. Durability and Material Quality: Scale of Importance: 8/10 We look for lunch boxes made from durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Ease of Cleaning: Scale of Importance: 8/10 Lunch boxes should be easy to clean, with interior linings that resist stains and odors. Removable liners or dishwasher-safe components are a plus. Leak-Proof Design: Scale of Importance: 9/10 A leak-proof design is important to prevent spills and messes during transport. Portability and Convenience: Scale of Importance: 8/10 Features such as comfortable handles, shoulder straps, or compact designs for easy carrying are essential. Style and Aesthetics: Scale of Importance: 7/10 We choose lunch boxes with a range of styles and designs to suit different personal preferences and professional settings. Environmental Impact: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Eco-friendly materials and reusable designs are favored for their minimal environmental impact. Additional Features: Scale of Importance: 7/10 Additional features such as compartments for organization, included utensils, or pockets for extras like napkins or condiments add value. Price and Value for Money: Scale of Importance: 7/10 We balance cost with quality, aiming to provide options that offer good value for money. Brand Reputation and Customer Feedback: Scale of Importance: 6/10 We consider customer reviews and brand reputation to gauge satisfaction and reliability. These criteria guide us in selecting adult lunch boxes that offer functionality, durability, and style, ensuring that our recommendations cater to the diverse needs of adults in various work environments. The Top Lunch Boxes for Adults: Our Recommendations YETI Daytrip Lunch Box Key Features: It has been designed with an insulated structure to maintain the temperature of your food or drink. Water-resistant exterior and a leakproof liner that’s durable and easy to clean Engineered with Coldcell Flex Insulation, a lightweight, closed-cell foam that offers superior temperature-holding power. Thermosnap Closure – magnetic closure system that ensures food stays hot or cold as required. Safe to store a variety of food items, from fruits to sandwiches. Measures 10.5” long x 4.5” high x 8.5” wide, offering ample space for your meals. Various color options are available. Requires hand washing for care and maintenance. YETI Daytrip Lunch Box Buy on Amazon Mr. Dakai Thermal Adult Bento Box with Bag Key Features: Spacious Design: The 3-layer stackable container provides plenty of room for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks. Designed to keep food warm for about 2-4 hours, allowing you to enjoy your meals hot and fresh. Leak-Proof Design: Each compartment of the lunch box is equipped with its own lid, featuring a sealed silicone ring to effectively prevent any leakage of sauces, salads, and soups. Made from stainless steel, dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Eat Healthy Food Anywhere: The 3-layer design allows you to bring enough food for your meal, choose the type of food you want to eat, and keep your diet healthy and nutritious. Comes with an insulated lunch bag and a portable cutlery set Mr. Dakai Thermal Adult Bento Box with Bag Buy on Amazon Maelstrom Insulated Lunch Bag Key Features: Ultra-light with a 15L capacity Designed with a skeleton structure and four-sided stitched lining that allows the bag to stand upright even after being folded flat for a long time. A five-layer insulation design helps to maintain the temperature of your food. The exterior is made of rip-stop nylon fabric plus one layer of waterproof PVC. The interior consists of thicker, reinforced food-grade PEVA materials, featuring seamless ultrasonic welding to ensure 100% leak-proof and tear-resistant performance. Additionally, a built-in 5mm EPE foam middle layer and a 210D liner offer extra insulation. Reinforced zipper with an attractive tail rope for easy opening and closing, detachable and adjustable long shoulder strap f Insulated front pocket made of food-grade thick aluminum foil, designed to hold cutlery and oily tableware for later cleaning. Maelstrom Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon KAVU Ropesicle Insulated Lunch Bag The KAVU Ropesicle lunch bag is a well-crafted lunch bag and cooler that combines practicality with style. This bag’s unique design holds ice packs efficiently, making it an ideal solution for keeping your meals fresh and cool in hotter conditions. Its robust design, made of 4 oz water-resistant polyester ripstop material, ensures longevity and effortless maintenance. And it’s available in several unique patterns to showcase your personality and aesthetic. Key Features: Constructed with insulated and padded material for maintaining temperature Lightweight, weighing only 0.91 pounds, for easy portability Spacious dimensions: 20 inches high x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide Convenient and durable Crossbody Rope straps for on-the-go access Large zip compartment for food containers, drinks, and snacks Additional storage options: side water bottle pouch and back zip pocket Product care: hand wash only Includes a strap for complete utility KAVU Ropesicle Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Bentoheaven Premium Japanese Lunch/ Bento Box The Bentoheaven Premium Japanese Lunch/Bento Box offers a compact yet spacious solution for your meal storage needs. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Bento style, this lunch box has a modern design with a unique color selection. It’s perfect for enjoying home-prepared meals wherever you go. Key features of the Bentoheaven Lunch/Bento Box: Two stackable compartments with a total capacity of 40 oz. This is large enough for a full, satisfying meal. Comes with a freely adjustable divider, allowing you to customize your meal portion sizes. Includes a sauce container, chopsticks, fork, knife, and spoon. Everything you need to enjoy your meal, wherever you are. Strong silicone seal that ensures it is 100% leak-proof. The built-in air vent plug makes the lunch box easy to open. Constructed from BPS- and BPA-free material, it is safe for food storage. Designed for convenience, this lunch box can be used in the dishwasher, freezer, or microwave. As a commitment to the community, Bentoheaven supports Feeding America, helping those struggling to afford high-quality food. Bentoheaven Premium Japanese Lunch/ Bento Box Buy on Amazon Umami Bento Box Adult Lunch Box with Utensils Features: Encourages Healthy Eating: The bento box aids in maintaining portion control, ensuring users consume balanced, satisfying meals without overeating. Leakproof: This bento box is designed to be completely leakproof, featuring a silicone seal and a secure strap that effectively prevents any food or liquid from spilling. Beautiful Design: It boasts a visually appealing design that enhances your overall mealtime experience. Full Cutlery Set: The lunch box comes complete with a knife, fork, and spoon, adding to the convenience of on-the-go eating. Large Capacity: With a capacity of 1200 milliliters, it offers plenty of room for a balanced meal. Material and Care: Made of bamboo, wood, and polypropylene, the bento box is safe for dishwasher cleaning. Umami Bento Box Adult Lunch Box with Utensils Buy on Amazon Stanley Classic 10qt Lunch Box Features: Designed to carry hot and cold meals, making it ideal for the workplace or any outdoor location. Tough and Durable: constructed with 0.6mm SPCD steel for superior durability and includes single wall insulation. Sturdy latches and hinges ensure that nothing leaks or falls out. Large Capacity: With a capacity of 10 quarts, this lunch box can hold enough food for an entire crew for a full day of work Easy to Carry: Equipped with a top handle for easy carrying Measuring 10″x13″x6.5″, this meal container can easily fit into a backpack or work bag, adding to its portability. Stanley Classic 10qt Lunch Box Buy on Amazon FlowFly Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag Features: Made from durable 600D polyester, with a non-toxic food-safe PEVA lining and PE foam insulation. Designed to be rip-resistant and water-resistant Dimensions of 10.24” L × 7.48” W × 9.06” H offer plenty of storage space for your food. Mesh pocket for water bottles or energy drinks. Interior lining made of food-grade PEVA material can keep your food cold or warm for hours Comfort grip handle and shoulder strap Wipe clean Compact Design FlowFly Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Bentgo® Salad – Stackable Lunch Container Features: Large Salad Bowl: The extra-large 54 oz salad bowl can hold up to 4 cups of healthy fruits and vegetables, allowing for easy portioning. Airtight Lid: The airtight lid has a rubberized sealing ring and locking clips to keep food fresh on the go. It’s top-shelf dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Separate Toppings Storage: The 4-compartment tray has a large 10-oz compartment two smaller 5-oz compartments for various toppings, and a leak-proof 3-oz container perfect for salad dressing. Inclusive Accessories: The lunch box comes with a built-in reusable fork, further adding to its convenience. Aesthetics: It comes in a variety of colors, with this particular model featuring a Blush Marble pattern, which adds a chic touch to your lunch setup. Material and Weight: Made with food-grade safe ABS, PE, PP, Tritan, and silicone, the box is lightweight, weighing just 10 grams, making it easy to carry around. Bentgo® Salad – Stackable Lunch Container Buy on Amazon Fit+Fresh Sanibel Adult Insulated Lunch Bag Features: Efficient Storage: Wide top opening, making it easy to fill and empty Excellent Thermal Insulation: The lunch bag is lined with BPA-free PEVA material, polyethylene foam and protected with 300D polyester Thick, soft PEVA liner and heat-welded seams to guard against leaks and spills. Outer fabric resistant to dirt and abrasion Includes a 2-cup container and a 1-cup container Fun colors add some flair to your day Fit+Fresh Sanibel Adult Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Tiblue Insulated Lunch Bag Features: Triple-layered thermal insulated interior for extended temperature control Leakproof and waterproof, easy to clean in case of spills Durable and dirt-resistant, making it suitable for all types of environments Spacious with multiple compartments including a main zipped compartment, front zippered pocket, back pocket, two mesh pockets, and an internal mesh pocket Comfortable carrying options with a reinforced top handle and adjustable shoulder strap PVC, BPA, phthalate, and lead-free materials ensure safety Reinforced metal SBS dual zippers for smooth opening and maximum durability Tiblue Insulated Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Deluxe Bunch Lunch Bag Features: Fabricated from 100% recycled cotton for a sustainable style Spacious with a capacity of 6 Liters, ideal for carrying meals or snacks Quilted insulation with food-safe PEVA lined interior keeps food temperature consistent A slip pocket inside is designed for ice packs ID window for personalized identification Measures 10 inches high, 8 inches wide, and 5 inches deep with a 2-inch handle Additional 18-inch adjustable strap for flexible carrying options Features an exterior mesh slip pocket for added storage Machine washable for easy care Secured with a zipper closure Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Deluxe Bunch Lunch Bag Buy on Amazon Igloo 90s Retro Collection Square Lunch Box Features: Lightweight construction, just 0.49 pounds, promoting effortless carry Retro-style design adds a unique aesthetic Two carrying options: Adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free usage and a top handle for quick grab-and-go Spacious main compartment secured with dual-zip closure for reliable containment Front zip pocket for the easy organization of small accessories Insulated liner that’s both leak-resistant and easy to clean Product care: hand wash only Igloo 90s Retro Collection Square Lunch Box Buy on Amazon Adult Lunch Box Vs. Lunch Bag: What’s the Difference? Key differences between lunch bags and boxes: Design Differences The main difference between a lunch bag and a lunch box is the design. While both serve the same basic purpose, they have distinct advantages. A lunch bag, like a tote bag, is often more flexible and has an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. A lunch box, on the other hand, tends to be more rigid and may come with separate compartments or even multiple tiers, like a bento box. Practicality Differences Lunch bags often have more room for extra snacks or a water bottle and can be compressed to save space when not in use. Lunch boxes, with their separate compartments or tiers, excel at keeping foods separate and can often hold more food in a structured way. Who Should Use a Lunch Bag and Who Should Use a Lunch Box If you prefer salads, sandwiches, or anything that needs to stay flat, an adult lunch box is your best bet. If you pack a variety of foods or need more flexibility, a lunch bag might be the better choice. Ultimately, it depends on your personal needs and preferences. Frequently Asked Questions Are insulated lunch boxes effective for long hours? Yes, insulated lunch boxes can keep your food cold or warm for several hours, especially when used with ice packs. This can be particularly useful for freelancers and entrepreneurs who have long, unpredictable days. What’s the best material for an adult lunch box? That depends on your needs. Stainless steel is durable and retains heat well, while BPA-free plastic is lightweight and often dishwasher safe. Fabric lunch bags can be flexible and stylish, especially with a water-resistant bag material. How often should I clean my lunch box? Your lunch box should be cleaned after each use to prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant smells. Most lunch boxes can be hand-washed or wiped clean, while some are dishwasher safe. Are there any health hazards associated with certain lunch box materials? Some plastic lunch boxes contain BPA, a chemical that can seep into food and is linked to several health problems. Always choose a BPA-free lunch box or go for stainless steel or fabric lunch bags. How much should I expect to spend on a quality adult lunch box? The price can vary widely depending on the material, design, and brand. You can find decent lunch boxes for as low as $10, but high-end models can cost $60 or more. Remember, a good lunch box is an investment that will save you money in the long run. Why Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Need a Good Adult Lunch Box Time and Cost Efficiency As a busy entrepreneur or small business owner, time is your most valuable resource. Packing lunch can save you the time you’d spend going out for food or waiting for delivery. It’s also a cost-effective way to eat healthily and control your portions. Health and Wellness for Success Good nutrition plays a vital role in a healthy lifestyle, which is crucial for sustaining the energy and focus required to successfully manage a business. With the ideal lunch boxes for adults, you can prepare balanced, nutritious meals that will enhance your productivity. Making a Statement – Lunch Boxes as a Style Accessory The perfect lunch box can serve as a fashionable accessory that reflects your personal brand. Whether you choose a classic design or a contemporary, streamlined option, your lunch box can convey a sense of style while ensuring your food stays fresh and tasty. Don’t hesitate to experiment with colors, patterns, and more. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Paper Shopping Bags for Your Business Custom Reusable Shopping Bags Custom Reusable Shopping Bags Featuring Your Business Name and Logo The Best Travel Duffel Bags for Your Next Trip Stock Up on Contractor Bags for Your Business Image: Amazon This article, "Lunch Boxes for Adults: Outstanding Selections for You" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article