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Barnes & Noble Click to purchase “Digital Nomad Nation” in eBook or paperback from Barnes & Nobles Google Play Store Click here to read the first 20 pages, or order the eBook in Google Play A Brother Abroad Library Click to download the PDF copy (or use a free coupon code) at the ABA Library ... Read moreView the full article

"Antifa" is in Donald The President's sights. Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, The President has blamed "radical leftists" for pushing political violence against those on the right—even as the assassin's motives remain under active investigation. As such, the president is going after Antifa, calling it a "domestic terrorist organization," despite the fact that Antifa is not actually an organization, and that the U.S. has no domestic terrorist designation. When the president of the United States enflames tensions in this way, it's no surprise our discourse enflames as well. Here's one such example: You may have seen posts on social media this week claiming that Threads is now attaching warnings to posts from users who are suspected members of Antifa, or posts with the label attached itself. One viral post discussing the subject comes from the account "Balleralert," who shared the following screenshot on Wednesday: The label, affixed to a innocuous post by the account benballer, reads: "This user is suspected of being part of a terrorist organization called Antifa. Please report any suspicious behavior." Taken at face value, one might assume Threads, owned by Meta, is trying to get on the The President administration's good side by identifying seemingly "leftist" accounts as members of Antifa. It's all a bitThe thing is, the label is not real: A Meta spokesperson confirmed this to me via email, saying that the label is just a meme, and not something created by Meta. That's not to say the label hasn't appeared in any Threads posts. They absolutely have, and you may have seen them. But if some Threads posts appear to have the label attached, it's because it's actually part of the original text of the post, formatted to look like an addition by Meta. Some users appear to be adding the text to their posts in jest, such as in this example, which puts the label in context with a popular meme from the film Inglourious Basterds. This post, which places the label on an innocent declaration about how pumpkin pie is good. These are solid jokes, but they're also fueling confusion: Some commenters are concerned about the label, while others are sharing their own versions of the meme, which are quite obvious compared to the "Antifa label." A good reminder to think before you shareOfficial labels on posts are increasingly a standard across social media posts, which is likely why this meme is something a handful of users are falling for, especially given recent controversies over the relationships between the U.S. government, the media, and tech companies. If you're used to seeing community notes or warning from companies like Meta, you assume this Antifa label is legitimate. Learning that it isn't should serve as a good reminder that the internet is a treasure trove of disinformation. You should never take a random post on Instagram as the unvarnished truth, especially if that post seems particularly controversial, or particularly aligned to your own worldview. Before you believe something you see on your feeds, take a moment to think it through. Do some research to see if any trusted sources have confirmed the claims. If they haven't, remain skeptical, and refrain from spreading it around. View the full article

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeff Schmid said that the central bank should continue its focus on curbing inflation, as the job market is "largely in balance." View the full article

The push by some The President officials to bring charges against James had stalled as former U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert determined their wasn't enough evidence. View the full article

The real estate agent's guilty plea is the first under the law passed last summer, following thousands of deed theft complaints in the past ten years alone. View the full article

Agreement includes largest ever penalty issued for breach of regulator’s rulesView the full article

Plans to toughen measures against irregular migrants come despite concerns over civil liberties View the full article

European automakers will save around 500-600 million euros ($585-700 million) a month dating back to Aug. 1 after the The President administration implemented the U.S. end of its trade deal with the European Union, the EU’s top trade negotiator said Thursday. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said that the deal establishing a 15% tariff on most EU goods took effect with publication in the U.S. Federal Register instructing customs officials what to charge. That would reduce the tariff from a painfully high 27.5% rate set earlier by The President. The reduction eases a major burden on EU automakers and is a chief selling point for the deal as presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal is retroactive to Aug. 1 so “what we expect now is that the tariffs will be returned to the automakers as of the first of August, which is something like 500, 600 million euros per month,” Sefcovic said ahead of a meeting with Southeast Asian trade ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 15% tariff is still much higher than tariffs from before The President took office, which averaged in the single digits, and the trade deal has been criticized by business associations and some members of the European Parliament. Sefcovic said most member states supported the deal and that after detailed exchanges and presentations on the details he expected lawmakers would support it as well. He said it was “the best deal available” after difficult talks with The President administration officials. “Any other alternative would be much worse,” he said. The President threatened even higher rates during the talks. —Associated Press View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. This fall's Amazon Prime Day—known as "Prime Big Deal Days"—is taking place from Tuesday, Oct. 7 to Wednesday, Oct. 8. Lifehacker's Prime Day expert Daniel Oropeza explains all the details you need to know about the event. As you're scouring for the best deals, one payment option you'll want to reconsider is "buy now, pay later" financing. Last year Apple discontinued its own take on “buy now, pay later” (BNPL), called "Apple Pay Later." The service may no longer be available in name, but BNPL purchases are readily available when you check out with Apple Pay. So, what exactly has changed about paying with installments via Apple Pay, and what sets it apart from other BNPL programs—for better or for worse? What is “buy now, pay later?”A “buy now, pay later” service is exactly what it sounds like: You can make a purchase immediately, and then pay for it through a series of installments over time. Although BNPL has some perks for breaking up a major expense, there are risks involved. Even if these loans have little to no interest, you are still taking on debt. And while BNPL plans don’t directly impact users’ credit scores at the moment, that's set to change. Coming this fall, FICO says it will start including BNPL payment histories in how it calculates credit scores. If you're at risk of not getting your BNPL payments in according to schedule, you'll be putting your credit score at risk, too. Any personal finance writer with a semblance of a conscience will advise against making a habit of using these services. They can be helpful if you really need to finance something big, but whenever possible, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses. How can you pay with installments using Apple Pay?The official "Apple Pay Later" is no more, but Apple Pay still includes BNPL options. Major BNPL providers like Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna have partnered with Apple to offer their services directly through Apple Pay. How to set up BNPL with Apple PayThe setup process varies slightly depending on your BNPL provider: For Klarna: Download the Klarna app and create an account. Complete the verification process. In the Klarna app, look for the option to add to Apple Wallet. Follow the prompts to add your Klarna card to Apple Pay. For Affirm: Create an Affirm account through their app or website. Get pre-qualified for spending limits, up to $30,000. Add the Affirm virtual card to your Apple Wallet. Use it like any other payment method in Apple Pay. For Afterpay: Download the Afterpay app and set up your account. Link a debit or credit card for your installment payments. Afterpay should pop up directly at checkout when using Apple Pay. When you make a purchase using BNPL through Apple Pay, the total amount is automatically divided into your installment plan. Your first installment is typically charged immediately, while the BNPL company pays the merchant the full amount. All your subsequent installments are automatically charged to your linked payment method according to schedule. The risks of BNPL programsNaturally, Apple users may be drawn to the convenience of a BNPL options during Apple Pay checkout. However, that convenience might just be the biggest risk. They can make it all too easy to spend more than you can actually afford. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a report that shows BNPL users were more likely to have higher credit card debt, delinquencies on other credit products, and lower credit scores than non-users. The bottom lineIf you are going to use any BNPL service, keep these tips in mind: Think about your current and future budget. When a bigger payment gets broken down into smaller installments, you might find yourself overspending in the long run because it "feels" like you can afford it. Stay on top of how much you’re actually spending, and how it will impact your overall budget going forward. Stick to the essentials. BNPL should really only be used on completely necessary purchases that you can’t afford upfront, but can afford in six weeks. Keep an eye on your account balance. Klarna, Affirm, or an BNPL service are not credit cards. Even if Apple doesn’t charge fees for missed payments, your bank will still charge you overdraft fees. Plus, if you default on a BNPL loan, you’re at risk of damaging your credit score. The most important thing is that you know what you're doing. Before you pay for anything in installments, be thoughtful about why you’re taking on this debt in the first place. View the full article

The Barclays Center is taking its dressing rooms for touring artists to the next level, and they looked to local inspiration to decorate them. The Brooklyn venue, which hosts concerts and is home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and WNBA’s New York Liberty, has upgraded six dressing rooms that now resemble Brooklyn brownstone apartments, complete with moody tones, soft-glow lighting, and high-end fixtures and finishes. The makeover is part of Barclays Center parent company BSE Global’s $100 million, five-year upgrade of the venue that’s still set to include improvements like a new fan zone and a new premium membership club. Laurie Jacoby, BSE Global’s chief entertainment officer, tells Fast Company the plan for the renovations is “to elevate the guest experience at every level, whether you’re a fan attending a concert or game, or an artist bringing your talent to our stage.” It’s especially important for artists, she says. “For touring artists, a dressing room is often their only connection to the city they’re performing in,” Jacoby says. “That’s why we designed our dressing rooms to capture the essence of a Brooklyn brownstone, featuring paneled walls, herringbone floors, warm lighting, and elegant finishes that create a cozy, residential atmosphere—a true home away from home right inside the arena.” BSE Global designed the dressing rooms in partnership with the Brooklyn Home Company, a real estate development and design firm that typically works on condos, townhomes, and vacation homes. The team designed each room to pay homage different Brooklyn neighborhoods around the stadium. Park Slope was inspired by diners and wine bars, Brooklyn Heights by red brick, Prospect by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and Boerum Hill by the oxidization of copper. There’s also a classic brownstone-inspired room for Clinton Hill, and a green room with plants to represent Fort Greene. Construction began following the end of the 2024–25 NBA season, and the dressing rooms can seat up to 56 people. BSE Global wants the new Barclays Center to do more than impress rock bands, rappers, DJs, and pop stars. The team also hopes the elevated space will lead to elevated performances. “Our hope is that these new spaces provide comfort and hospitality for artists spending long hours on the road,” Jacoby says. “We know that when performers feel at home and relaxed, they deliver their best performances—which is ultimately a benefit to both fans and the overall experience.” Among the first artists who’ll use the new dressing rooms are Reneé Rapp, who’s bringing her Bite Me Tour to Brooklyn next month, and Tame Impala, who’s playing four nights there. View the full article

We’ve talked about terrible corporate gifts, so now it’s time to talk about great ones. And yes, money and time off are the best gifts, but sometimes you’re going to get something else so let’s hear about what actually worked. Some examples that have been shared here in the past: The best Doctor’s Day gift I ever received was a bobblehead of myself. They took our ID photos and had them made into bobbleheads. It’s hysterical. I love it. My company does a gift select each December that I really like. They work with a local bakery and have a selection of four items to choose from – typically a cheesecake, chocolate cake, quiche, or a fruit basket (this sometimes comes from a different vendor). I love this and have gotten the quiche two years in a row – it’s easy dinners for almost a week! Umbrellas have by far been the most popular gift we’ve gotten. We’ve done two rounds – one large golf umbrella (so popular that they had to hide them to keep people from taking an extra one and then used them as a fundraiser for a company donation to a local charity) and a smaller travel umbrella. They get high-quality umbrellas (much nicer than my Target or Amazon purchases), and they even have wind vents in them so they don’t turn inside out. Best in recent memory is a novelty silicone ice cube tray. We’re a neuroscience company, so I get brain-shaped ice cubes in my cocktails now. Please share successful gifts you’ve seen! The post let’s talk about corporate gifts you actually liked appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The top Senate Democrat pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for more details about the The President administration's efforts to take the mortgage giants public. View the full article

Indeed’s AI at Work report ranks marketing 4th for GenAI exposure, with 69% of skills shifting toward hybrid human-AI workflows. The post Marketing Is 4th Most Exposed To GenAI, Indeed Study Finds appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

FHFA's announcement has investors increasingly concerned about the Bozeman, Montana-based FICO losing both pricing power and a competitive edge. View the full article

Lenders recognize the value of regular review of the tech stack, but their approach needs to involve year-round check-ins and conversations with vendors. View the full article

The US innovation model may be universally admired but its foundations are being underminedView the full article

Contract closings fell 0.2% last month to an annualized rate of 4 million, according to National Association of Realtors figures released Thursday. 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. Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. If you’re in the market for a speaker that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality for durability (and also doubles as a power bank), a new JBL Charge 6 is currently 30% off on Woot for a limited time, dropping the price from $200 to $140. Woot only ships to the 48 contiguous states in the U.S., and Amazon members get free shipping, while non-members pay an extra $6. If your speaker isn’t exactly what you expected, all products come with Woot’s 90-day warranty program. JBL Charge 6 $139.95 at Woot! $199.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.95 at Woot! $199.95 Save $60.00 The Charge 6, made more portable with a removable handle strap, is also waterproof and dust-resistant. It has an IP68 rating, meaning you can submerge it in up to 1.5 meters of water for around 30 minutes without risking damage. It also features enhanced drop protection and bumpers compared to earlier versions of the Charge, but new updates mean that it is slightly heavier (three lbs compared to 2.1 lbs). Amazon reviewers and professional testers alike were impressed by this compact speaker’s strong sound, with this PCMag review calling it “surprisingly punchy.” This performance is bolstered by customizable EQ and a new seven-band equalizer feature in the app that lets you further fine-tune output. Users can also pair multiple Charge 6 speakers to enable Auracast for more immersive sound. Like most JBL devices, the battery life is long-lasting, providing up to 24 hours with standard use. You can squeeze an extra four hours of juice out of it with the “Playtime Boost” mode, but as the PCMag review notes, it sacrifices some bass as a result. If you need to charge smartphones or tablets, the speaker’s 34-watt-hour battery also works as a convenient power bank, though it doesn’t come with an included USB cable or charging brick. If you’re looking for a small speaker that can last a full day, be used as a power bank, and deliver well-balanced sound with considerable volume, the JBL Charge 6 is a solid option. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Group details $865mn restructuring programme and outlook reflecting sluggish corporate demand for consulting projectsView the full article

The crash of a small plane in southwestern Brazil killed four people including Chinese landscape architect and urban planner Yu Kongjian, Brazilian authorities said Wednesday. The accident happened late Tuesday during a landing attempt at a large farm about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the municipality of Aquidauana in Mato Grosso do Sul state, firefighters said. Yu, who was known for promoting ecologically sound development, was traveling with two Brazilian documentary makers, Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz and Rubens Crispim Jr., who were making a film about the Pantanal wetlands. All three were killed along with pilot Marcelo Pereira de Barros, authorities said. Yu was know for developing the concept of “sponge cities,” with infrastructure that can absorb rainwater to mitigate flood risks and improve the urban climate. “In times of climate change,” Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wrote on social media, “Yu became a global reference with his sponge cities, which unite quality of life and environmental protection.” Yu argued that by creating large spaces to hold water in city centers, such as parks and ponds, extreme rainfall can be absorbed, helping prevent floods. The idea is widely cited in Chinese urban planning, and in recent years Yu worked on projects in other countries including Saudi Arabia and Thailand. He was known for his “notable contributions to sustainable urbanism, the preservation of biodiversity, and the protection of the planet,” Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said on X, adding that Yu’s legacy will continue to inspire those dedicated to ecological cause. Yu founded the College of Architecture and Landscape at Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious universities. The university did not respond a request for comment. The military fire department in Aquidauana was called at around 8:10 p.m. local time on Tuesday to respond to a plane crash, firefighters said. A search and rescue operation lasted approximately nine hours. Yu and the filmmakers were part of a team producing a documentary about the world’s largest tropical wetlands. The Pantanal, fed by tributaries of the Paraguay River and mostly located in Brazil, is a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination for tourists to see jaguars, macaws, caimans, capybaras and migratory birds in the wild. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2022, Yu criticized much of Asia’s modern infrastructure for being built on ideas imported from Europe, which he said are ill-fitted to the monsoon climate that prevails over much of the continent. Fu Ting contributed to this report from Washington D.C. and Mauricio Savarese from Sao Paulo. —Eléonore Hughes, Associated Press View the full article

Small businesses are no longer just adapting to technology; they are leveraging it to drive growth and innovation. In a compelling presentation during Zoomtopia, Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the small business landscape. “AI has had a net-positive impact on revenue for 93% of small businesses surveyed,” she reported, noting that 82% of respondents also saw cost reductions due to AI integration. This data points to a significant trend: small businesses are not just surviving; they are thriving by harnessing advanced technologies. The recent remarks from Brown set the stage for deeper discussions on AI’s role in business operations at Zoom’s annual event. As small business owners look for ways to maximize their resources and enhance productivity, these insights carry weight. AI is evolving from being merely a tool to becoming a pivotal partner that drives efficiency and improved outcomes. One major initiative announced at the event was the Zoom Solopreneur 50, introduced by Kim Storin, Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer. This program aims to recognize and celebrate high-growth businesses run by solo founders who are capitalizing on AI and innovation to propel their businesses. Storin remarked on the potential of solopreneurs, indicating that “in the next few years, we’ll see the first solopreneur unicorn company.” This ambitious outlook highlights the growing acknowledgment of solo entrepreneurs as valuable contributors to the economy, particularly in an increasingly digital world. For small business owners, the implications of embracing AI are substantial. Whether it’s automating routine tasks, analyzing consumer behavior, or enhancing customer interactions, AI can serve as an extra set of hands that enhances operational efficiency. AI tools can streamline customer service processes, provide personalized marketing solutions, and even support decision-making by offering data insights that small business owners might not access otherwise. However, small business owners should also be aware of the potential challenges that come with this technological shift. One significant concern is the cost of implementing AI solutions. While 82% of businesses reported cost reductions post-AI adoption, the initial investment may be a barrier for some. It is crucial for owners to carefully evaluate the long-term ROI against immediate expenditures. Furthermore, as Brown’s statistics suggest, although a vast majority of small businesses have seen positive impacts from AI, the success of technology adoption often hinges on understanding how to integrate these tools effectively into existing workflows. Small businesses may require additional training or support to help staff adapt to these systems, which can create an additional line item in budgets. In addition, the rapid pace of technological advancement poses another challenge. It can be overwhelming for small business owners to stay updated on the latest AI tools and trends. Companies must strategically choose which technologies align most closely with their specific needs and capabilities. As this landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of solopreneurs and the focus on AI-driven business models signal a shift in how we view entrepreneurship. Those leading single-person enterprises are proving that innovation can flourish outside traditional business structures. Business owners who harness this momentum and emphasize a strategic adoption of AI will better position themselves to thrive in a competitive market. As AI becomes more integrated into the everyday functions of small businesses, owners should closely consider both the opportunities and challenges presented. The transition to a more AI-driven approach will require careful planning, investment, and ongoing education, but the potential rewards stand to benefit the future of small business significantly. For further insights on these topics, detailed findings from Zoomtopia can be accessed at Zoom’s official blog. Image via Envato This article, "AI Drives Revenue Growth for 93% of Small Businesses, Zoom Announces Initiative" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small businesses are no longer just adapting to technology; they are leveraging it to drive growth and innovation. In a compelling presentation during Zoomtopia, Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the small business landscape. “AI has had a net-positive impact on revenue for 93% of small businesses surveyed,” she reported, noting that 82% of respondents also saw cost reductions due to AI integration. This data points to a significant trend: small businesses are not just surviving; they are thriving by harnessing advanced technologies. The recent remarks from Brown set the stage for deeper discussions on AI’s role in business operations at Zoom’s annual event. As small business owners look for ways to maximize their resources and enhance productivity, these insights carry weight. AI is evolving from being merely a tool to becoming a pivotal partner that drives efficiency and improved outcomes. One major initiative announced at the event was the Zoom Solopreneur 50, introduced by Kim Storin, Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer. This program aims to recognize and celebrate high-growth businesses run by solo founders who are capitalizing on AI and innovation to propel their businesses. Storin remarked on the potential of solopreneurs, indicating that “in the next few years, we’ll see the first solopreneur unicorn company.” This ambitious outlook highlights the growing acknowledgment of solo entrepreneurs as valuable contributors to the economy, particularly in an increasingly digital world. For small business owners, the implications of embracing AI are substantial. Whether it’s automating routine tasks, analyzing consumer behavior, or enhancing customer interactions, AI can serve as an extra set of hands that enhances operational efficiency. AI tools can streamline customer service processes, provide personalized marketing solutions, and even support decision-making by offering data insights that small business owners might not access otherwise. However, small business owners should also be aware of the potential challenges that come with this technological shift. One significant concern is the cost of implementing AI solutions. While 82% of businesses reported cost reductions post-AI adoption, the initial investment may be a barrier for some. It is crucial for owners to carefully evaluate the long-term ROI against immediate expenditures. Furthermore, as Brown’s statistics suggest, although a vast majority of small businesses have seen positive impacts from AI, the success of technology adoption often hinges on understanding how to integrate these tools effectively into existing workflows. Small businesses may require additional training or support to help staff adapt to these systems, which can create an additional line item in budgets. In addition, the rapid pace of technological advancement poses another challenge. It can be overwhelming for small business owners to stay updated on the latest AI tools and trends. Companies must strategically choose which technologies align most closely with their specific needs and capabilities. As this landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of solopreneurs and the focus on AI-driven business models signal a shift in how we view entrepreneurship. Those leading single-person enterprises are proving that innovation can flourish outside traditional business structures. Business owners who harness this momentum and emphasize a strategic adoption of AI will better position themselves to thrive in a competitive market. As AI becomes more integrated into the everyday functions of small businesses, owners should closely consider both the opportunities and challenges presented. The transition to a more AI-driven approach will require careful planning, investment, and ongoing education, but the potential rewards stand to benefit the future of small business significantly. For further insights on these topics, detailed findings from Zoomtopia can be accessed at Zoom’s official blog. Image via Envato This article, "AI Drives Revenue Growth for 93% of Small Businesses, Zoom Announces Initiative" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

800M AI searches happen weekly. Learn how top brands measure, optimize & win AI visibility across ChatGPT, Claude & Perplexity. Register free. The post Track, Prioritize & Win: The Complete GEO Playbook For AI Search Visibility appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Technical knowledge & behavioral insights create holistic client solutions. Accounting ARC With Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Technical knowledge & behavioral insights create holistic client solutions. Accounting ARC With Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article