ResidentialBusiness

US central banker praises American colleges as The President steps up attacks on Ivy LeagueView the full article

Perhaps a couple hundred million 6 GHz Wi-Fi routers and client devices will shortly be on their way to the world's second most populous nation. The post India delicenses lower 6 GHz band, unleashes massive Wi-Fi equipment & services opportunity appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

Companies cut spending and idle thair drilling rigs despite Donald The President’s pledge to ‘unleash’ productionView the full article

Last weekend, I spent 8+ hours adding a new flower bed to the back of my house. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but 1) I am terrible with a shovel, and 2) our entire yard is nothing but clay and rock. For each plant, I had to dig and dig and dig and pick The post Focus sessions: Transform your work culture one uninterrupted hour at a time appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

Key Takeaways Diverse Opportunities: Stay-at-home businesses offer a range of options, including freelancing, e-commerce, and consulting, allowing individuals to leverage their skills and passions for financial gain.Flexibility and Balance: Entrepreneurs enjoy the freedom to design their schedules, facilitating a healthier work-life balance that enhances productivity and mental well-being.Cost Efficiency: Eliminating commuting and other overhead costs contributes to improved profit margins, enabling better budget management and investment in key business areas.Market Research Importance: Understanding market demand and competitor analysis is crucial in choosing the right business idea and crafting effective marketing strategies.Time Management: Effective time management techniques boost productivity, helping business owners prioritize tasks and create structured daily routines for success.Creating a Productive Workspace: A dedicated, organized workspace enhances focus and creativity, contributing to overall business growth and sustainability. In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of starting a stay-at-home business has never been more appealing. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or pursue your passion, the options are endless. With the right mindset and a bit of creativity, you can turn your skills into a profitable venture without ever leaving your home. Imagine waking up each day to work on something you love while enjoying the flexibility that comes with it. From e-commerce to freelance services, you have the power to shape your work-life balance. Dive into the exciting realm of stay-at-home business ideas and discover how you can transform your life while achieving financial independence. Benefits Of Starting A Stay At Home Business Starting a stay-at-home business offers numerous benefits for small business owners. It combines the flexibility of remote work with the potential for financial growth and personal fulfillment. Flexibility And Work-Life Balance Flexibility stands out as a primary advantage of running a stay-at-home business. You control your schedule, allowing for a balanced approach to work and personal life. Whether you prioritize family commitments or personal projects, you can adapt your work hours to fit your needs. This flexibility fosters productivity, enabling you to work during your peak hours. A healthy work-life balance encourages mental well-being and creativity, which are essential for innovation and growth in your business. Cost Savings Cost savings significantly impact the overall financial viability of a stay-at-home business. Eliminating commuting expenses, professional attire costs, and daily meals out leads to substantial savings. You can also save on overhead by utilizing your home as an office space. Many small businesses benefit from streamlined expenses, which enhances budget management. Capitalizing on available online resources—such as e-commerce platforms and digital marketing tools—reduces initial investment costs. This bootstrapping strategy allows you to allocate funds toward critical aspects of your business plan, such as marketing or product development. By keeping expenses low, you position yourself to achieve a healthier profit margin as your venture grows. Popular Stay At Home Business Ideas Many entrepreneurs tap into stay-at-home business opportunities for flexibility and independence. Below are popular options worth considering. Freelancing Opportunities Freelancing allows you to leverage your skills for various clients without a traditional office setup. Here are some options: Freelance Writing and Editing: Create content like articles, blog posts, or product descriptions to cater to diverse clients. Focus on SEO practices to enhance your online visibility. Virtual Assistance: Provide administrative support remotely, managing tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry. This role demands strong organizational skills and can suit a variety of target audiences. Online Tutoring or Teaching: If you possess subject expertise, offer tutoring services to students worldwide. Utilizing digital marketing techniques can help attract your specific audience. Social Media Management: Manage brand accounts, curate content, and develop ad campaigns. Building a strong online presence through social media enhances customer acquisition and engagement. Freelance Illustration: Use your artistic abilities to complete illustration projects for clients. Focusing on branding and market research can help position your work effectively. E-Commerce Ventures E-commerce businesses present a thriving opportunity for entrepreneurs operating from home. Here are some key areas to explore: Online Storefronts: Create an e-commerce website to sell products directly to consumers. A well-crafted business plan and understanding of the sales funnel can boost your profit margins. Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers to sell products without holding inventory. This model reduces upfront costs and simplifies inventory management. Digital Products: Develop e-books, online courses, or printables. Offering these products online eliminates shipping costs and can enhance scalability. Subscription Services: Provide recurring deliveries of products to your target audience. This model fosters customer loyalty and predictable cash flow. Niche Marketplaces: Focus on specific products or audiences through platforms like Etsy or eBay. Understanding your audience can refine your marketing strategies and growth potential. Pursuing these ideas can position you for success in the growing landscape of stay-at-home businesses. Focus on innovation, marketing, and customer engagement to achieve sustainable growth. How To Choose The Right Stay At Home Business Idea Selecting a stay-at-home business idea revolves around understanding your skills and the market’s demand. It’s essential to combine your capabilities with current trends to create a viable venture. Assessing Your Skills And Interests Identify Your Passion and Skills: Align your business idea with what you’re passionate about and talented in. For instance, consider starting a virtual fitness coaching business if you have a fitness background. Explore options like virtual tutoring if you’re skilled in teaching. Utilize Your Expertise: Leverage your existing skills to establish a niche. For example, if you’re proficient in social media, starting a social media management business offers significant potential for growth. Use your knowledge to create value for your clients. Consider Your Creativity and Flexibility: Embrace opportunities that allow for creative expression, such as blogging, vlogging, or writing. These avenues connect you with a community, acquiring an engaged audience and opening avenues for digital marketing and SEO strategies. Market Research Considerations Understand Market Demand: Research your target audience to identify gaps in the market. Use tools like surveys or social media polls to gauge their preferences. Knowing customer needs helps shape your business model and marketing strategies. Analyze Competitors: Study competitors to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Analyze their branding, sales tactics, and customer acquisition methods. Identify what you can do differently or better to stand out in the crowded landscape of online businesses. Create a Business Plan: Outline your vision, goals, and strategies for your stay-at-home business. Include details such as legal structure, funding options, and marketing approaches. This roadmap assists in tracking progress and adjusting your strategies for scalability. Consider Legal Requirements: Ensure compliance with local regulations. Research necessary permits, business registration, and legal structures like sole proprietorship or LLC. Engaging with a business coach or seeking legal advice can simplify this process. Explore Funding Options: Investigate various funding avenues such as crowdfunding, angel investors, or small business grants. Understanding your financial landscape supports sustainable growth and equips you to manage cash flow effectively. Monitor Industry Trends: Stay informed about emerging trends in your industry. Utilize digital marketing channels to adapt your offerings and continuously engage with your customer base. Tracking innovation keeps your business relevant and competitive in the market. Tips For Successfully Running A Stay At Home Business Effective management is crucial for your stay-at-home business. Focus on time and workspace to maximize productivity. Time Management Strategies Implement time management strategies to enhance your productivity. Prioritize tasks using methods like the Eisenhower Box or to-do lists. Allocate specific time blocks for tasks to create a structured routine. Identify peak productivity hours and schedule complex tasks during those times. Use tools such as calendars or project management software to keep track of deadlines and appointments. Set boundaries by communicating your schedule to family members or housemates. This approach minimizes distractions and enhances focus on your business goals. Creating A Productive Workspace Design a dedicated workspace that fosters productivity and creativity. Select a quiet area in your home where you can work without interruptions. Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free, using storage solutions to maintain order. Invest in ergonomic furniture, such as a comfortable chair and desk, to promote better posture and reduce fatigue. Ensure reliable technology, including a computer and high-speed internet for efficient operation. Personalize your space with inspirational elements, like vision boards or motivational quotes, that align with your business mission. This atmosphere helps maintain motivation and keeps you focused on your venture’s growth. Conclusion Starting a stay-at-home business can be a rewarding journey that aligns your passions with your professional goals. With the flexibility and cost savings that come with running your own venture from home you can create a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle. By exploring various business ideas and leveraging your skills you can tap into a growing market while enjoying the freedom of being your own boss. Remember to stay organized and focused as you navigate this exciting path. With the right approach and dedication your stay-at-home business can thrive and lead to lasting success. Frequently Asked Questions What is a stay-at-home business? A stay-at-home business is a venture operated from home, allowing individuals to earn income while maintaining flexibility. It can be freelance work, e-commerce, or service-based offerings, making it an appealing option for those seeking work-life balance. What are the benefits of starting a stay-at-home business? Benefits include flexibility in scheduling, reduced overhead costs, and the ability to pursue personal passions. Entrepreneurs can create a work environment that enhances productivity and manage expenses by eliminating commutes. What are popular stay-at-home business ideas? Popular ideas include freelancing (writing, virtual assistance), online tutoring, social media management, dropshipping, selling digital products, and creating subscription services. These options cater to various skills and market needs. How do I choose the right stay-at-home business idea? Assess your skills and market demand to find a suitable business idea. Consider your passions, conduct market research to understand customer needs, and analyze competitors to ensure your choice aligns with potential success. What should I include in a business plan for my stay-at-home business? A business plan should outline your goals, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It’s essential to factor in legal requirements, funding options, and industry trends for long-term relevance and growth. How can I maximize productivity while running a stay-at-home business? Implement effective time management strategies such as prioritizing tasks and using planning tools. Setting up a dedicated workspace with organization and ergonomic furniture helps enhance focus and motivation. What technology do I need for a stay-at-home business? Reliable technology, including computers, internet connectivity, and software for project management, accounting, and communication, is crucial. Investing in the right tools streamlines operations and enhances productivity. Image Via Envato This article, "Exciting Stay at Home Business Ideas to Boost Your Income and Fulfill Your Passion" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Diverse Opportunities: Stay-at-home businesses offer a range of options, including freelancing, e-commerce, and consulting, allowing individuals to leverage their skills and passions for financial gain.Flexibility and Balance: Entrepreneurs enjoy the freedom to design their schedules, facilitating a healthier work-life balance that enhances productivity and mental well-being.Cost Efficiency: Eliminating commuting and other overhead costs contributes to improved profit margins, enabling better budget management and investment in key business areas.Market Research Importance: Understanding market demand and competitor analysis is crucial in choosing the right business idea and crafting effective marketing strategies.Time Management: Effective time management techniques boost productivity, helping business owners prioritize tasks and create structured daily routines for success.Creating a Productive Workspace: A dedicated, organized workspace enhances focus and creativity, contributing to overall business growth and sustainability. In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of starting a stay-at-home business has never been more appealing. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or pursue your passion, the options are endless. With the right mindset and a bit of creativity, you can turn your skills into a profitable venture without ever leaving your home. Imagine waking up each day to work on something you love while enjoying the flexibility that comes with it. From e-commerce to freelance services, you have the power to shape your work-life balance. Dive into the exciting realm of stay-at-home business ideas and discover how you can transform your life while achieving financial independence. Benefits Of Starting A Stay At Home Business Starting a stay-at-home business offers numerous benefits for small business owners. It combines the flexibility of remote work with the potential for financial growth and personal fulfillment. Flexibility And Work-Life Balance Flexibility stands out as a primary advantage of running a stay-at-home business. You control your schedule, allowing for a balanced approach to work and personal life. Whether you prioritize family commitments or personal projects, you can adapt your work hours to fit your needs. This flexibility fosters productivity, enabling you to work during your peak hours. A healthy work-life balance encourages mental well-being and creativity, which are essential for innovation and growth in your business. Cost Savings Cost savings significantly impact the overall financial viability of a stay-at-home business. Eliminating commuting expenses, professional attire costs, and daily meals out leads to substantial savings. You can also save on overhead by utilizing your home as an office space. Many small businesses benefit from streamlined expenses, which enhances budget management. Capitalizing on available online resources—such as e-commerce platforms and digital marketing tools—reduces initial investment costs. This bootstrapping strategy allows you to allocate funds toward critical aspects of your business plan, such as marketing or product development. By keeping expenses low, you position yourself to achieve a healthier profit margin as your venture grows. Popular Stay At Home Business Ideas Many entrepreneurs tap into stay-at-home business opportunities for flexibility and independence. Below are popular options worth considering. Freelancing Opportunities Freelancing allows you to leverage your skills for various clients without a traditional office setup. Here are some options: Freelance Writing and Editing: Create content like articles, blog posts, or product descriptions to cater to diverse clients. Focus on SEO practices to enhance your online visibility. Virtual Assistance: Provide administrative support remotely, managing tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry. This role demands strong organizational skills and can suit a variety of target audiences. Online Tutoring or Teaching: If you possess subject expertise, offer tutoring services to students worldwide. Utilizing digital marketing techniques can help attract your specific audience. Social Media Management: Manage brand accounts, curate content, and develop ad campaigns. Building a strong online presence through social media enhances customer acquisition and engagement. Freelance Illustration: Use your artistic abilities to complete illustration projects for clients. Focusing on branding and market research can help position your work effectively. E-Commerce Ventures E-commerce businesses present a thriving opportunity for entrepreneurs operating from home. Here are some key areas to explore: Online Storefronts: Create an e-commerce website to sell products directly to consumers. A well-crafted business plan and understanding of the sales funnel can boost your profit margins. Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers to sell products without holding inventory. This model reduces upfront costs and simplifies inventory management. Digital Products: Develop e-books, online courses, or printables. Offering these products online eliminates shipping costs and can enhance scalability. Subscription Services: Provide recurring deliveries of products to your target audience. This model fosters customer loyalty and predictable cash flow. Niche Marketplaces: Focus on specific products or audiences through platforms like Etsy or eBay. Understanding your audience can refine your marketing strategies and growth potential. Pursuing these ideas can position you for success in the growing landscape of stay-at-home businesses. Focus on innovation, marketing, and customer engagement to achieve sustainable growth. How To Choose The Right Stay At Home Business Idea Selecting a stay-at-home business idea revolves around understanding your skills and the market’s demand. It’s essential to combine your capabilities with current trends to create a viable venture. Assessing Your Skills And Interests Identify Your Passion and Skills: Align your business idea with what you’re passionate about and talented in. For instance, consider starting a virtual fitness coaching business if you have a fitness background. Explore options like virtual tutoring if you’re skilled in teaching. Utilize Your Expertise: Leverage your existing skills to establish a niche. For example, if you’re proficient in social media, starting a social media management business offers significant potential for growth. Use your knowledge to create value for your clients. Consider Your Creativity and Flexibility: Embrace opportunities that allow for creative expression, such as blogging, vlogging, or writing. These avenues connect you with a community, acquiring an engaged audience and opening avenues for digital marketing and SEO strategies. Market Research Considerations Understand Market Demand: Research your target audience to identify gaps in the market. Use tools like surveys or social media polls to gauge their preferences. Knowing customer needs helps shape your business model and marketing strategies. Analyze Competitors: Study competitors to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Analyze their branding, sales tactics, and customer acquisition methods. Identify what you can do differently or better to stand out in the crowded landscape of online businesses. Create a Business Plan: Outline your vision, goals, and strategies for your stay-at-home business. Include details such as legal structure, funding options, and marketing approaches. This roadmap assists in tracking progress and adjusting your strategies for scalability. Consider Legal Requirements: Ensure compliance with local regulations. Research necessary permits, business registration, and legal structures like sole proprietorship or LLC. Engaging with a business coach or seeking legal advice can simplify this process. Explore Funding Options: Investigate various funding avenues such as crowdfunding, angel investors, or small business grants. Understanding your financial landscape supports sustainable growth and equips you to manage cash flow effectively. Monitor Industry Trends: Stay informed about emerging trends in your industry. Utilize digital marketing channels to adapt your offerings and continuously engage with your customer base. Tracking innovation keeps your business relevant and competitive in the market. Tips For Successfully Running A Stay At Home Business Effective management is crucial for your stay-at-home business. Focus on time and workspace to maximize productivity. Time Management Strategies Implement time management strategies to enhance your productivity. Prioritize tasks using methods like the Eisenhower Box or to-do lists. Allocate specific time blocks for tasks to create a structured routine. Identify peak productivity hours and schedule complex tasks during those times. Use tools such as calendars or project management software to keep track of deadlines and appointments. Set boundaries by communicating your schedule to family members or housemates. This approach minimizes distractions and enhances focus on your business goals. Creating A Productive Workspace Design a dedicated workspace that fosters productivity and creativity. Select a quiet area in your home where you can work without interruptions. Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free, using storage solutions to maintain order. Invest in ergonomic furniture, such as a comfortable chair and desk, to promote better posture and reduce fatigue. Ensure reliable technology, including a computer and high-speed internet for efficient operation. Personalize your space with inspirational elements, like vision boards or motivational quotes, that align with your business mission. This atmosphere helps maintain motivation and keeps you focused on your venture’s growth. Conclusion Starting a stay-at-home business can be a rewarding journey that aligns your passions with your professional goals. With the flexibility and cost savings that come with running your own venture from home you can create a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle. By exploring various business ideas and leveraging your skills you can tap into a growing market while enjoying the freedom of being your own boss. Remember to stay organized and focused as you navigate this exciting path. With the right approach and dedication your stay-at-home business can thrive and lead to lasting success. Frequently Asked Questions What is a stay-at-home business? A stay-at-home business is a venture operated from home, allowing individuals to earn income while maintaining flexibility. It can be freelance work, e-commerce, or service-based offerings, making it an appealing option for those seeking work-life balance. What are the benefits of starting a stay-at-home business? Benefits include flexibility in scheduling, reduced overhead costs, and the ability to pursue personal passions. Entrepreneurs can create a work environment that enhances productivity and manage expenses by eliminating commutes. What are popular stay-at-home business ideas? Popular ideas include freelancing (writing, virtual assistance), online tutoring, social media management, dropshipping, selling digital products, and creating subscription services. These options cater to various skills and market needs. How do I choose the right stay-at-home business idea? Assess your skills and market demand to find a suitable business idea. Consider your passions, conduct market research to understand customer needs, and analyze competitors to ensure your choice aligns with potential success. What should I include in a business plan for my stay-at-home business? A business plan should outline your goals, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It’s essential to factor in legal requirements, funding options, and industry trends for long-term relevance and growth. How can I maximize productivity while running a stay-at-home business? Implement effective time management strategies such as prioritizing tasks and using planning tools. Setting up a dedicated workspace with organization and ergonomic furniture helps enhance focus and motivation. What technology do I need for a stay-at-home business? Reliable technology, including computers, internet connectivity, and software for project management, accounting, and communication, is crucial. Investing in the right tools streamlines operations and enhances productivity. Image Via Envato This article, "Exciting Stay at Home Business Ideas to Boost Your Income and Fulfill Your Passion" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Moderate parties are running out of time to find ways to satisfy voters’ concernsView the full article

OpenAI has announced the release of Codex, a cloud-based software engineering agent designed to assist developers by performing parallel coding tasks such as writing features, fixing bugs, answering questions about codebases, and proposing pull requests. The tool is now available as a research preview to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team users, with Plus and Edu support expected soon. Codex is powered by codex-1, a version of OpenAI’s o3 model optimized specifically for software development. According to OpenAI, codex-1 was trained using reinforcement learning on real-world coding scenarios to closely match human programming styles, follow instructions precisely, and test outputs until they pass. How Codex Works Users can access Codex via the ChatGPT sidebar by entering prompts or code questions and assigning tasks. Each task is executed in a secure, isolated cloud sandbox environment preloaded with the user’s repository. Codex can read, edit, and test code using tools like test harnesses, linters, and type checkers. Task execution time ranges from 1 to 30 minutes, and users can monitor progress in real time. Once a task is complete, Codex commits its changes within its environment and provides verifiable output through terminal logs and test results. These outputs can be reviewed, revised, or integrated into GitHub pull requests or local codebases. Developers can configure Codex to closely mirror their actual dev environments. Codex Features and Developer Controls Developers can guide Codex’s behavior using AGENTS.md files—similar to README.md—to define project-specific instructions, command preferences, and testing procedures. While Codex performs best with customized environments and documentation, internal testing shows it maintains strong performance even without tailored scaffolding. Codex tasks operate independently and securely, with no internet access during execution. This isolation ensures safety and containment of each task. To address safety concerns, OpenAI says Codex was trained to distinguish between legitimate and malicious tasks and is equipped to explicitly refuse requests associated with malware development. Users can verify agent outputs via logs, citations, and test results, and Codex alerts users when it encounters test failures or uncertainties. However, OpenAI emphasizes the continued need for manual review before deploying agent-generated code. Codex CLI and Lighter Model Variant Alongside the core Codex launch, OpenAI is updating the Codex CLI, a local terminal agent tool. A smaller, faster version of codex-1—called codex-mini-latest—is now available. This version is optimized for low-latency Q&A and code editing and can be accessed via the Responses API, priced at $1.50 per 1M input tokens and $6 per 1M output tokens, with a 75% discount for prompt caching. Codex CLI users can now link their developer accounts using ChatGPT sign-in, simplifying API setup. Starting today, Plus and Pro users can redeem $5 and $50 in free API credits, respectively, for the next 30 days. Early Use Cases and Limitations Internally, OpenAI teams are already using Codex to handle background tasks such as refactoring, documentation, debugging, and writing tests, reducing context-switching and improving team focus. While Codex has proven useful for a variety of real-world tasks, OpenAI acknowledges its limitations. The agent currently lacks image input support, real-time correction during execution, and may take longer to complete tasks compared to interactive editing. As OpenAI continues to evolve Codex, the company anticipates a shift toward asynchronous collaboration between human developers and autonomous agents capable of managing longer and more complex software engineering responsibilities. Codex is being released in line with OpenAI’s iterative deployment strategy and will be free to eligible users for a limited time before transitioning to rate-limited access and flexible pricing options. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Launches Codex" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

OpenAI has announced the release of Codex, a cloud-based software engineering agent designed to assist developers by performing parallel coding tasks such as writing features, fixing bugs, answering questions about codebases, and proposing pull requests. The tool is now available as a research preview to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team users, with Plus and Edu support expected soon. Codex is powered by codex-1, a version of OpenAI’s o3 model optimized specifically for software development. According to OpenAI, codex-1 was trained using reinforcement learning on real-world coding scenarios to closely match human programming styles, follow instructions precisely, and test outputs until they pass. How Codex Works Users can access Codex via the ChatGPT sidebar by entering prompts or code questions and assigning tasks. Each task is executed in a secure, isolated cloud sandbox environment preloaded with the user’s repository. Codex can read, edit, and test code using tools like test harnesses, linters, and type checkers. Task execution time ranges from 1 to 30 minutes, and users can monitor progress in real time. Once a task is complete, Codex commits its changes within its environment and provides verifiable output through terminal logs and test results. These outputs can be reviewed, revised, or integrated into GitHub pull requests or local codebases. Developers can configure Codex to closely mirror their actual dev environments. Codex Features and Developer Controls Developers can guide Codex’s behavior using AGENTS.md files—similar to README.md—to define project-specific instructions, command preferences, and testing procedures. While Codex performs best with customized environments and documentation, internal testing shows it maintains strong performance even without tailored scaffolding. Codex tasks operate independently and securely, with no internet access during execution. This isolation ensures safety and containment of each task. To address safety concerns, OpenAI says Codex was trained to distinguish between legitimate and malicious tasks and is equipped to explicitly refuse requests associated with malware development. Users can verify agent outputs via logs, citations, and test results, and Codex alerts users when it encounters test failures or uncertainties. However, OpenAI emphasizes the continued need for manual review before deploying agent-generated code. Codex CLI and Lighter Model Variant Alongside the core Codex launch, OpenAI is updating the Codex CLI, a local terminal agent tool. A smaller, faster version of codex-1—called codex-mini-latest—is now available. This version is optimized for low-latency Q&A and code editing and can be accessed via the Responses API, priced at $1.50 per 1M input tokens and $6 per 1M output tokens, with a 75% discount for prompt caching. Codex CLI users can now link their developer accounts using ChatGPT sign-in, simplifying API setup. Starting today, Plus and Pro users can redeem $5 and $50 in free API credits, respectively, for the next 30 days. Early Use Cases and Limitations Internally, OpenAI teams are already using Codex to handle background tasks such as refactoring, documentation, debugging, and writing tests, reducing context-switching and improving team focus. While Codex has proven useful for a variety of real-world tasks, OpenAI acknowledges its limitations. The agent currently lacks image input support, real-time correction during execution, and may take longer to complete tasks compared to interactive editing. As OpenAI continues to evolve Codex, the company anticipates a shift toward asynchronous collaboration between human developers and autonomous agents capable of managing longer and more complex software engineering responsibilities. Codex is being released in line with OpenAI’s iterative deployment strategy and will be free to eligible users for a limited time before transitioning to rate-limited access and flexible pricing options. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Launches Codex" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Critics say competent foreign service veterans are being purged in favour of a ‘Maga deep state’View the full article

Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki hold rival rallies as polls show them tied ahead of June 1 voteView the full article

It was a fun moment to be online. When the news broke on May 8 that Pope Francis’s successor would be the first-ever American to hold the sacred position—and a Chicagoan, no less—social media erupted with celebration and Windy City-specific memes. Within days, some of those memes had morphed into t-shirts for sale. As the conversation around Pope Leo XIV quickly spread to his environmentalist leanings and political opinions, though, the wellspring of unauthorized merchandise spread far beyond novelty shirts that read “Da Pope.” What has flourished in the days since is a broader pope economy that spans clothing, memorabilia, food, tourism, and more—both in the U.S. and in Rome. Demand in both places appears largely driven by Americans. Stateside fervor for pope merchandise is not without precedent, of course. A pontifical cottage industry sprang up around Pope Francis’s 2015 visit to Philadelphia, for instance. Along with t-shirts commemorating the event, Philly streets were flooded with plush pope dolls, life-sized cardboard cutouts, and other pope swag. There was even pope cheese, a mozzarella ball shaped like the bishop of Rome. Considering this level of entrepreneurial excitement marked the occasion of a sitting pope merely visiting the U.S., it’s no wonder so many people have found creative ways to capitalize on an American ascending to the papacy. No business like pope business The scope of the pope-based merch empire is already vast. It has a devotional side, with various faith-based online retailers lining up to sell prayer cards, framed portraits, and an insta-book called When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV’s Early Days, which currently has a June 30 release date. Topps offered a limited-release Pope Leo-themed trading card for four days in May, and reportedly sold 133,535 units at $8.99 a pop. (Though the cards are part of a special Topps collection marking significant moments in sports and culture, Pope trading cards date back to the early 1900s.) The Pope Leo cards are now being listed at up to $199 on eBay. For those who would like something a little more three-dimensional, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum recently put on presale two separate iterations of Pope Leo for $30 each. There’s also piping hot content on the way: Castletown Media’s forthcoming documentary, Pope Leo XVI: A Pontiff’s Path, which is expected to reside on an upcoming faith-based streaming service called CREDO. Perhaps some of the many viewers who made 2025 Oscar nominee Conclave a massive hit on streaming during Pope Leo’s election will be among the first to tune in. Unsurprisingly, Chicago has become the white-hot epicenter for stateside Popemania. The merch frenzy includes custom White Sox jerseys, in the wake of Pope Leo’s brother dispelling rumors of Cubs fandom and archival video footage confirming his Sox bona fides. The Chicago sports shop Grandstand claimed to Sports Illustrated that their Sox jerseys with the Pope’s name on it are outselling those of any other player on the team. The Sox’s home, Rate Field, took the team’s papal love public, installing a mural of him at the stadium. Beloved Chi-town restaurant chain Portillo’s also named a new sandwich The Leo, which it describes as “divinely seasoned Italian Beef, baptized in gravy.” Meanwhile, in Evanston, Bennison’s Bakery is offering limited edition cookies that bear Pope Leo’s likeness. Chicago may eventually become an even bigger tourist destination for the faithful. The owner of Pope Leo’s now-decrepit childhood church—St. Mary of the Assumption, on Chicago’s south side—is reportedly in talks to convert the space into a place of worship for local congregations, with a food pantry named after the new pope. (The Chicago suburb in which he grew up intends to either purchase his childhood home that was up for sale, or obtain it through eminent domain, and allow it “to be viewed and visited by the public as a historic site.”) A lot of the papal tourism, however, is currently taking place in Rome. When in Rome Americans already account for the largest segment of tourist visits to Rome, with a record 2.5 million arriving in 2024 alone, according to The Guardian. Now that an American will occupy the Chair of St. Peter in Vatican City, though, vendors and various service providers are preparing for a full-on religious tourist invasion. Tour companies are reporting an increase in bookings for pilgrimages, especially from Americans. The owner of Atlante Star, a hotel in Rome known for its impressive view over St Peter’s Basilica, told The Guardian ahead of Pope Leo’s inaugural service on May 18 that the hotel was “mostly full with people from North America, and not just pilgrims.” And as in Chicago, culinary business owners near the Vatican, including gelato makers and brewers, are offering pope-themed confections to entice American visitors. Within two days of Pope Leo XIV’s election, posters, magnets and other small items featuring him have gone on sale in Rome pic.twitter.com/LfVJWXiYLE — Reuters (@Reuters) May 10, 2025 Out on the streets of Rome, some vendors began to sell posters and trinkets bearing the new pope’s name and image within 48 hours of his election. No official Pope Leo XIV holy cards or rosaries have gone on sale yet in the Vatican gift shop, though, nor are any available at many of the other souvenir shops throughout the city, which are reportedly waiting for “the authorization of the dicastery,” a department within the administrative body of the Holy See, to be able to sell merch celebrating the new pope. Waiting seems like a wise move—and not just because it will give all remaining official Pope Francis merch a chance to sell out. Divine copyright protection The Vatican, it turns out, has a long history of legally protecting the pope’s image. Back in 2009, toward the end of Pope Benedict XVI’s tenure, the Holy See essentially declared a divine copyright. Citing a “great increase of affection and esteem for the person of the Holy Father” as contributing to broader use the Pontiff’s name and image, the Vatican emphasized that “it alone has the right to ensure the respect due to the Successors of Peter,” and therefore, to protect the Pope from unauthorized uses of his name, image, or any related symbols. Perhaps inspired by all the papal ephemera Pope Francis and his handlers would have seen during the 2015 trip to the U.S., the Vatican went on the offensive two years later. In 2017, it hired global law firm Baker McKenzie to protect the rights to its intellectual property. (Representatives for Baker McKenzie did not respond to Fast Company’s request for comment on the work it may have done, or continues to do, for the Catholic Church.) It’s unclear how long it will take for the Vatican to authorize official Pope Leo XIV merch. According to Italian news organization Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, it could be as soon as a matter of weeks. In the meantime, the enterprising souls selling trinkets and sandwiches with the pope’s name appear to be taking advantage of a Wild West moment of slow trademark enforcement. In the long haul, those “Da Pope” shirts made in America fall under the parody allowance in the fair use doctrine, but the online merch store with the audacious URL officialpopeleoxiv.com seems destined for litigation. (The operator of the site did not respond to a request for comment, but WHOIS Domain Lookup shows that it went live on May 9 and operates out of Reykjavik.) Retailers selling rosaries decorated with Pope Leo’s face, and supposedly blessed by him, may be able to operate unimpeded for the moment. If any folks operating unauthorized shops are religious, though, a much greater punishment than litigation could serve as a deterrent. View the full article

Reforms, urbanisation and demographic shifts could all sustainably boost domestic spendingView the full article

Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Jensen Huang’s appearances at Build event reflect software giant’s grip on AI industryView the full article

When you describe it in words, the Indianapolis 500 might seem like a boring watch: Cars go round and round an oval track 200 times, totaling 500 miles over the course of a few hours. But if you were a driver, you’d be having a hell of a different experience. Think screaming speeds of 230 miles per hour, pulling 4 Gs on corners, with one’s reflexes and split-second decisions drawing a thin line between victory and tragedy . . . over the course of a few hours. It’s a level of intensity that TV networks have been trying to bring viewers into for years with in-car cameras and things like driver radio communiques. It has been working. Last year, NBC—which covered the spectacle from 2019–2024—netted the most streams of the race ever and averaged 5.34 million total viewers, up from 4.9 million in 2023 and 4.8 million in 2022. This year marks FOX’s first time ever broadcasting it, and they likely want that trend to continue, so they’re throwing all the tech they have at it. And that includes the innovative, diminutive Driver’s Eye, dubbed the world’s smallest live broadcast camera, which brings fans directly into drivers’ helmets (quite literally) like never before. For the first time in Indy 500 history, viewers will have a view of the race exactly as its stars see it from within their helmets—from dramatic passes and vehicle-quaking jousts to the very mechanics of how they operate their cars at such speeds. “Driver’s Eye brings the human factor,” says Alex Miotto Haristos, COO of Racing Force Group, which owns the tech. “It brings the struggle.” And it could bring the ratings, too—especially if it catches on in the series like it has in Formula 1. MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE The UK-born, Italy-raised Haristos is perhaps an unlikely creator of racing gear. He began his career in management consulting and later real estate before acquiring an electronics company and launching it as Zeronoise in 2018 with Stephane Cohen of Bell Racing Helmets. Haristos doesn’t come from a racing background, but rather dubs himself a business engineer who saw it as an opportunity. He says he quickly found himself falling down the rabbit hole into a passion project given the sheer challenging nature of the Driver’s Eye tech, which they began developing in 2019. That challenge is very real when you’re working on a product meant to be inserted into a race-car driver’s most critical piece of safety gear, particularly in a sport where said driver’s head is sticking out of the car. Racing helmets are modern design marvels that evolved out of leather and cloth versions in the Indy 500’s early days to steel helmets in 1916. According to IndyCar, every driver has a primary and one or two backups, and they’re all custom-fit and produced per FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) standards. (Want to buy your own? Haristos says that’ll cost you between $5,000 and $8,000.) The outer shell features ultralight carbon fiber; there’s a fireproof liner; a built-in airbag to assist in helmet removal without neck strain; numerous elements to ensure maximum aerodynamics in 200+ mph runs; and audio insulation so drivers can communicate with their teams over the roar of 33 engines on the track. “Your job is to not alter any feature of the helmet,” Haristos says. “The helmet you don’t touch. You have to work with what you have, and you have to manage to integrate everything seamlessly. This is the trick.” The team set out to capture exactly what a driver was seeing on the racetrack, raw and unfiltered, shakes and all—and quickly understood that they couldn’t work on the outer surface of a helmet because it would be a safety issue. So they homed in on the side padding of the helmet that Haristos says is around a centimeter away from the eye, which, given the sensitive proximity, went through the FIA for approval, as well. The organization mandated a minuscule size and weight for the camera, so rather than starting with what image quality they wanted to achieve and so on, “We started working backwards. And in the beginning it was like, No, this is impossible.” Ultimately, the team had to break apart camera design as we know it—a single unit—and separate the internal systems to make it work. They stripped out everything they could for what needed to go in the helmet, and were left with a tiny sensor with the ability to capture high-res video (in the case of the Indy 500, in 1080p, 60fps) in the smallest of real estate. Today, that unit clocks in at 8.8 x 8.8 mm, and weighs less than a dime. Then, they moved the rest of the camera’s guts to the car itself. Which is also a feat, particularly in Indy racing, which involves older cars that are already stuffed to the max from additions over the years. “You can’t do one thing without affecting another,” says Michael Davies, FOX EVP of field and technical management and operations. “There’s no change that you can make on a car that doesn’t fuck something else up. And I’m always reminded of something a very smart man said, which is that when you solve a problem, you inevitably create another one, but you must make sure that the problem you create is smaller than the one that you solved.” Haristos says that for Indy, they were told that the only available space was on the side of the car by the radiator—not an ideal spot, given the high temperature and so on. So they had to develop a custom housing that was more efficient and could operate at a higher temp while still fitting into the tightest of spaces. Ultimately, from the helmet camera to the housing, it was crucial that the additions all felt seamless to the driver. “Comfort in motorsport translates into confidence,” Haristos says. “Confidence translates into performance.” CROSSING THE POND Safety equipment manufacturer OMP Racing acquired Zeronoise in 2019—and they also acquired Bell, a major purveyor of helmets to Formula 1 and the Indy 500, with 23 of the 33 drivers donning its headwear for the latter. (All the brands would eventually coalesce under the newly formed Racing Force Group in 2021; last year, it ​did $74.1 million in revenue, up 4.8% from 2023.) After they developed the first iteration of Driver’s Eye, the team got it into Formula E racing in 2020, and was able to finalize the development of the tech, testing it in Formula 1 in 2021—and giving race fanatics a new, visceral way to experience the sport. It gained ground, and in 2023 became mandatory in Formula 1. FOX tested Driver’s Eye in some NASCAR races that same year, and now on Sunday you’ll be able to watch the Indy 500 from the perspective of 2023/2024 winner Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, Will Power, Marcus Ericsson and Felix Rosenqvist. Josef Newgarden Of course, there’s more tech wizardry at play behind the scenes than merely hooking up a camera. The Driver’s Eye is mounted in a dark helmet with a massive underexposure—and the track is a massive overexposure. Drivers race with different filters and colors on their visors, which they can tear off in layers periodically throughout the race as they get dirty. Moreover, the Indy 500 is hours long, there are varying weather scenarios, the sun and shadows are moving, and everything is very much in a state of flux. Haristos says Driver’s Eye compensates for all of it, from white balance to the varying visor colors, with a mix of automatic and manual controls, making for a seamless sync with the rest of the program. (Which, let’s be honest, is critical—a director has to use the shots, lest Driver’s Eye be rendered obsolete.) From a production standpoint, FOX’s Davies says that since the system allows for a view of drivers’ hands on the controls and exactly what they’re looking at in any given moment, it’s also a boon to race commentators, who have told him that’s it’s the most useful angle for them in being able to craft a narrative around what’s happening on the track. Moreover, he says the raw nature of the footage truly shows the athleticism at play on the part of the drivers, something that can get lost in traditional shots. “We can really cover the event from the inside out, instead of the outside in,” he says. And on top of that, he adds, it’s something sponsors like—and request. Thus a bevy of IndyCar racing’s household names. now driving with the cameras embedded in their helmets. The Driver’s Eye is just one tiny tool in FOX’s arsenal, which seems designed to shock and awe—and plant a flag in their take on the race. For the first time, live drones will be deployed, including custom high-speed FPV drones; there are more than 100 cameras in play, 108 mics, 16 in-car cameras offering views of drivers’ faces and cockpits, and more (including 5.1 surround sound “that’ll blow your head off”). “We’re playing some pretty big hits here and looking forward to seeing how it enhances the big race,” Davies says. “You can see it in a completely different way—even if you’ve watched Indy for as long as it’s been on TV.” View the full article

Five years ago, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer after Floyd was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill. His death ignited a series of protests in the United States that gave new energy to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, and which seemed—at the time—to reshape society, online and offline. As the protests that were born out of Floyd’s death reached their zenith in June 2020, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote a poignant message: “To members of our Black community: I stand with you. Your lives matter. Black lives matter.” Zuckerberg also pledged that Meta would revise its content policies to tamp down on hate speech. At the same time, platforms like Twitter—now X—took the unprecedented step of limiting the reach of posts by then-sitting U.S. president Donald The President, after he warned protestors in Minneapolis responding to Floyd’s death that “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” Reddit updated its hate speech policy; TikTok had to apologize that its algorithm inadvertently suppressed BLM content. Five years on from Floyd’s death, a lot has changed, including social media’s tolerance for hate speech, incitement to violence, and racism. “Given the rollback of a lot of DEI friendly policies, I’d say we can tell how performative those approaches were,” says Carolina Are, a researcher at the Center for Digital Citizens at Northumbria University. “Platforms are private companies, not public institutions despite their overshare of online civil space, so they will always seek to protect their bottom line,” says tèmítópé lasade-anderson, executive director at Glitch, a charity focused on digital rights. The end of DEI Perhaps one of the most obvious examples of that backsliding was Meta terminating its major diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs for hiring, training and picking suppliers in response to a “changing” approach to DEI within the United States. That change happened in January, as soon as Donald The President took office as president. The ease with which those programs were rolled back hints at how firmly the statements made immediately after Floyd’s death were held within tech organizations. “Companies of all stripes are conspicuously scaling back DEI programs for employees, and platforms are no exception,” says Daphne Keller., director of the program on platform regulation at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center. Keller says that change isn’t just trying to reflect the political winds. “The The President administration has made it clear that companies risk having multi-million dollar mergers blocked or government contracts terminated if they do not eliminate efforts to diversify hiring, training, and promotion,” she says. It’s in that light—tech companies being threatened with losing out on cash—that the decisions are being made, Keller reckons. Meta did not respond to a request to comment for this story. The “free speech” platform In Elon Musk’s case, after he took over X, the company adopt new policies to allow more leeway for, Musk claimed, people to say things that could be offensive, but not illegal, while simultaneously. cracking down on the ability to say other words, such as cisgender. Hate speech and racist tweets rose by nearly half in the period after Elon Musk took over Twitter, according to a February 2025 study by researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Neither Musk nor X’s press office responded to a request for this story. “In general I’d say platforms have been aligning with anti-DEI initiatives, showing that their pro-BLM stances were entirely performative,” says Are. Whether that’s totally fair is uncertain. Roy Austin, a civil rights attorney of three decades standing who was hired as vice president for civil rights at Meta around six months after Floyd’s death, left the company in March 2025. His parting message was largely positive about his time at the company, while acknowledging “the complexity and challenges of our work.” (Austin declined to speak for this story.) Meta’s January winding back of its policies was roundly criticized by some of the same civil rights organizations who the social network had often called on to advise Meta on its decision-making. The platform had shown a “cynical disregard” for the diversity of its user base, the letter, organized by the nonprofit Common Cause, read. Yet Meta’s latest transparency report shows that hate speech has dropped on Facebook, from the average user encountering around 10 posts containing it for every 10,000 they saw, to around two today. That data stops, however, before the big change in January took place. What it looks like five years on from BLM protestors chanting “No justice, no peace” on streets around the United States will have to wait for the company’s next transparency report. View the full article

“Embrace the suck.” One of the first things you learn as a Marine is to “embrace the suck.” Not because it sounds tough—but because it’s how strength is forged. In today’s world, where ease is glorified, we need to remember this truth: real strength comes from struggle. Before I became a leadership coach and positive psychology expert, I was a United States Marine Corps officer. I learned quickly that discomfort isn’t a barrier to success—it’s the path to it. And that truth still guides everything I do. You don’t build strength by avoiding discomfort. You build it by seeking it. We live in a world where ease is glorified—but that pursuit is costing us our edge. Discomfort might feel inconvenient in the moment, but it’s the only thing that builds real confidence, grit, and growth. Earning the Title of United States Marine At 18, I flew from Minnesota to San Diego to begin Naval ROTC—excited, nervous, and wearing an outfit I thought would impress: hot pink polka-dot shorts, matching pumps, and a fresh manicure. Within hours, a senior candidate looked me over and said: “You’ll never make it as a Marine.” Part of me believed him. I struggled. I couldn’t keep up on the runs. I felt out of place. The only other female candidate quit. I was alone—and barely hanging on. But I didn’t quit. I showed up, failed, kept going. And three years later, I graduated from Officer Candidate School as my university’s top finisher. That experience taught me something that’s more relevant today than ever—especially in a world of uncertainty, pressure, and burnout: seek discomfort day after day, and it will transform you. You don’t feel strong at the start. But with each mile, each decision, and each refusal to quit—you build it. That’s what grit looks like. And eventually, it changes who you are. What the Science Says About Discomfort Positive psychology research backs this up. Studies show that well-being doesn’t come from avoiding struggle—but from pursuing meaning, engagement, and accomplishment, all of which require effort and discomfort. Research also confirms that grit—not talent—is what sets high achievers apart. And neuroscience reveals that repeated effort under challenge helps the brain adapt and grow stronger. The Marine Corps taught me that long before I had the science to prove it. Everyday Acts of Discomfort You don’t need a battlefield to build strength. Some of the most powerful moments of growth happen in everyday life: Telling the truth when silence feels safer Asking for help when you’d rather pretend you’ve got it handled Speaking up when your heart is pounding Applying for that stretch assignment even though it’s scary These aren’t dramatic, but they are defining. They might not earn you medals—but they build something more important: A life you respect. A mind that doesn’t fold under pressure. The kind of grit that’s becoming far too rare. Each time you lean into discomfort instead of away from it, you expand what you believe you’re capable of. You sharpen your edge. You build mental muscle. The Power of Reps Marines don’t build confidence from motivational speeches. We build it through reps. Cold. Muddy. Repetitive. Uncomfortable. But that’s exactly the point: strength isn’t forged in a single defining moment. It’s built through small, repeated acts—day after day, rep after rep. It’s just like building a muscle. You don’t get stronger by doing what’s easy. You get stronger by lifting a little more weight, pushing through one more rep, and showing up when it would be easier not to. If you can’t do something today, that doesn’t mean you never will. It just means you haven’t put in enough reps—yet. Each time you choose discomfort instead of ease, you’re training your mind like you’d train your body. That’s how growth works—physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is what Marines mean when we say, “Embrace the suck.” You don’t avoid the hard stuff. You face it, over and over again—until one day, what used to feel impossible starts to feel like strength. That’s also what grit is. Psychologist Angela Duckworth defines grit as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” Not talent. Not luck. Just the ability to keep going—especially when it’s hard, especially when it’s slow. And that’s good news. Because it means anyone can build it. You just have to do the reps. Four Ways to Start Building Strength Today Choose a Meaningful Challenge: What’s one uncomfortable thing you’ve been avoiding—but know could lead to something great? Don’t wait for fear to vanish. Let it guide you. Start Small, Start Now: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Take one action today—send the email, speak up, take the first step. Confidence grows from action. Expect Discomfort: Growth comes with struggle. When it feels hard, that’s not failure—it’s progress. That discomfort is where strength is built. Celebrate the Effort: Don’t wait for a finish line to feel proud. Acknowledge your consistency and courage. Most people stop when it’s hard. You won’t. A Final Thought The Marine Corps taught me to run toward the hard things—not because I was fearless, but because growth lives on the other side of challenge. So the next time you’re tempted to take the easy route, ask yourself: Is this my rep today? Is this where I get stronger? If the answer is yes—lean in. Do the hard thing. Because comfort doesn’t build character. Challenge does. View the full article

Technology can be a double-edged sword. The right amount can fuel productivity, but too much can become a time waste. As with most things, the key is striking a healthy balance. Unfortunately, the deck is stacked against you. Apps and websites are designed to grab and hold your attention. So, how do successful people resist? “High-achievers use technology as a tool, not a distraction,” says Sachin Puri, chief growth officer at the web-hosting provider Liquid Web. “They make productivity apps their first priority, plan for intentional screen time, and select platforms intentionally. They may spend lots of time on screens, but they set boundaries where they need to, so that technology enhances their performance, rather than slowing it down.” To determine how high-achievers leverage tech, Liquid Web surveyed six-figure earners who excel in their careers to discover the habits and strategies they use to maximize productivity and minimize time wasting. Here’s what they found: They Are Intentional with Screen Time High-achievers spend an average of seven hours a day on their computers, which is a good chunk of time. However, they are primarily focused on activities that fall under the “productivity” umbrella, choosing sites that enhance and not hinder their career growth. On average, they also limit phone use to three hours per day on things that could be deemed entertainment. This seems to suggest that they believe all work and no play can make a person dull. “High-achievers spend significant time on their screens but with clear intent,” says Puri. “This contrasts sharply with average Americans, who spend 23% more time on their phones.” They Go Tech-free (Sometimes) Forty-four percent of these high-achievers take daily tech breaks to better manage screen time and boost focus and well-being. While this is still the minority, it is a higher number than average Americans, 38% of whom take daily tech-free breaks. “They use these breaks with intention, viewing them as a way to reset focus and maintain productivity rather than escape from work,” says Puri. “Instead of stepping away aimlessly, they use this time strategically to enhance their performance and mental clarity.” Tech breaks happen both during and outside work hours, depending on individual routines. For example, some high-performers may take short breaks during the day to sustain productivity, while others may choose to unplug in the evening or on weekends to separate work from personal life. “Regardless of timing, the key is using breaks strategically to maintain performance,” says Puri. They Choose Tools for Productivity High-achievers also select their tech tools with an eye on efficiency, the survey discovered. For example, two thirds rely on calendar and scheduling tools, and 40% use AI chatbots to stay ahead of deadlines, optimize workflows, automate repetitive tasks, assist with brainstorming new ideas, and summarize lengthy pieces of information. “Compared to average Americans, successful individuals were 32% more likely to use calendar and scheduling tools and 11% more likely to rely on AI chatbots to optimize their workflows,” says Puri. “These tools have enabled them to maintain focus, manage time effectively, and achieve their goals more efficiently.” They Focus Their Social Media Habits Finally, high-achievers are mindful of social media. For example, 49% avoid TikTok entirely. Instead, they gravitate toward sites that offer a career-related benefit. Nearly 40% use Reddit as their most popular platform for learning and engagement. Successful people are also much more engaged on LinkedIn. Only 17% of high-achievers said they don’t use the professional networking site, compared to 38% of average Americans who aren’t engaged there. “Many high-achievers don’t give up on screens altogether—they just shift their focus,” says Puri. “Their social media habits show it, with many opting for interactive, discussion-based apps such as Reddit over passive scroll-based apps such as TikTok.” The lesson here is that screen time isn’t always a time suck. It’s where your attention goes that can help or hinder your success. View the full article

Mark Whaling and a crew raced up and down a hill in a tanker truck as they battled a wildfire in Los Angeles County, scrambling to get water from a street hydrant in time to stay ahead of flames moving up a ridge. A helicopter flew in to drop water, but it had to fly a long distance to refill—and a fire that might have been stopped went on to destroy homes. As they fought that early 2000s blaze, Whaling says, he spotted a sealed, million-gallon water tank nearby that firefighters had no way of accessing. He thought that was ridiculous. “We don’t tell fire engines, ‘Protect the city and go find your own water.’ We put fire hydrants every 600 feet all around cities,” said Whaling, who has since retired from the county fire department. “But when it comes to the helicopters, we weren’t supporting them as robustly as we should.” His frustration sparked an idea: the Heli-Hydrant, a relatively small, open tank that can be rapidly filled with water, enabling helicopters to fill up faster for urban fires rather than flying to sometimes distant lakes or ponds. As wildfires become more frequent, Whaling’s invention is getting the attention of officials eager to boost preparedness. First used for the 2020 Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, 10 Heli-Hydrants have been built across Southern California and 16 more are in progress, according to Whaling. Helicopters are essential for firefighting. They can drop 1,000 gallons (about 3,785 liters) of water at once—some much more. That is far more than hoses can get on a fire all at once, and can be the best way to attack fires that are difficult for ground crews to reach. But pilots sometimes have to fly a long way to scoop up water. And in drought-prone areas, natural sources can sometimes dry up or diminish, so they’re hard to draw from. In Southern California’s Riverside County, helicopters have had to fly up to 10 miles (about 16 kilometers) to find water, eating critical time from battling fires. An innovative solution On a remote plot in the Southern California town of Cabazon, contractor Glenn Chavez stood on a ladder and peered into an empty Heli-Hydrant. A radio in hand, he clicked a button to activate the system and watched as water roared into the tank. In about six minutes, it filled with 8,500 gallons (32,176 liters). Chavez, a general contractor, was testing the Cabazon Water District’s latest investment—a second Heli-Hydrant that local officials are counting on to help protect the town. At $300,000, it cost slightly less than the average price of a single home in Cabazon. “Living in a beautiful desert community, you’re going to have risks of fire,” said Michael Pollack, the district’s general manager. “And to have these Heli-Hydrants is a major advantage. People will have a little bit of comfort knowing that they have another tool for fighting fires in their community.” Pilots can remotely activate the tanks from half a mile away, with the tank typically filling quickly from a city’s water system. Helicopters can fill up in less than a minute. Once it’s activated, solar panels and backup batteries ensure the system can still be used during power outages. And at night, lights from the tank and a tower nearby guide pilots toward it. In November, fire responders in San Diego put the product to the test when the 48-acre Garden Fire in Fallbrook, a community known for its avocado groves, prompted evacuation orders and warnings. Helicopters tapped the tank nearly 40 times. Pilot Ben Brown said its proximity to the fire saved not just time but fuel. “They’re great for when you don’t have other water sources,” he said. “The more dip sites, especially in some of the more arid environments in the county, the better.” But they don’t always help Heli-Hydrants have raised some concerns about their placement in urban areas where houses, buildings, and power lines can be obstacles to flight and they might have to squeeze into tighter spaces. In those cases, firefighters may choose to fly farther to a natural source that gives the helicopter more room, said Warren Voth, a deputy pilot with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. A pilot’s goal is to always to face the wind while entering and exiting an area, for safety, and they need room to accomplish that. In some cases, the municipal systems needed to fill Heli-Hydrants could go empty during major fires. As the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles burned, three 1-million gallon tanks that helped pressurize city hydrants in the Pacific Palisades ran dry as demand soared and burning pipes leaked water. Other times, helicopters just can’t access them. When winds are fierce, flying is nearly impossible; hurricane-force winds that supercharged the Los Angeles infernos initially grounded firefighting aircraft. When multiple helicopters respond to large blazes, they can’t all use the Heli-Hydrant. And smoke can make it hard to see it. Portable water tanks can accomplish some of the things that Heli-Hydrants do, but can require time, people, and equipment to set up. A Heli-Hydrant gives one community hope Areas where wildland vegetation intersects with human development have always been vulnerable to fires, but more people are living in them today, and climate change is creating conditions that can make these regions drier and more flammable. Jake Wiley has seen intensifying wildfires devastate his community. Two blazes—in 2007 and 2017—collectively scorched more than 400 structures in San Diego. The last one forced Wiley, now general manager for the Rainbow Municipal Water District, to evacuate. That fire also prompted local agencies to install a Heli-Hydrant—and when the Garden Fire erupted in November, it played a big role helping firefighters protect homes. “It seems like when you’ve seen the worst, you haven’t yet,” Wiley said. “Anything we can do helps.” The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. —By Dorany Pineda and Brittany Peterson, Associated Press View the full article

What if there were a battery that could release energy while trapping carbon dioxide? This isn’t science fiction; it’s the promise of lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO₂) batteries, which are currently a hot research topic. Li-CO₂ batteries could be a two-in-one solution to the current problems of storing renewable energy and taking carbon emissions out of the air. They absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into a white powder called lithium carbonate while discharging energy. These batteries could have profound implications for cutting emissions from vehicles and industry—and might even enable long-duration missions on Mars, where the atmosphere is 95% CO₂. To make these batteries commercially viable, researchers have mainly been wrestling with problems related to recharging them. Now, our team at the University of Surrey has come up with a promising way forward. So how close are these “CO₂-breathing” batteries to becoming a practical reality? Like many great scientific breakthroughs, Li-CO₂ batteries were a happy accident. Slightly over a decade ago, a U.S.-French team of researchers were trying to address problems with lithium air batteries, another frontier energy-storage technology. Whereas today’s lithium-ion batteries generate power by moving and storing lithium ions within electrodes, lithium air batteries work by creating a chemical reaction between lithium and oxygen. The problem has been the “air” part, since even the tiny (0.04%) volume of CO₂ that’s found in air is enough to disrupt this careful chemistry, producing unwanted lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃). As many battery scientists will tell you, the presence of Li₂CO₃ can also be a real pain in regular lithium-ion batteries, causing unhelpful side reactions and electrical resistance. Nonetheless the scientists noticed something interesting about this CO₂ contamination: It improved the battery’s amount of charge. From this point on, work began on intentionally adding CO₂ gas to batteries to take advantage of this, and the lithium-CO₂ battery was born. How it works Their great potential relates to the chemical reaction at the positive side of the battery, where small holes are cut in the casing to allow CO₂ gas in. There it dissolves in the liquid electrolyte (which allows the charge to move between the two electrodes) and reacts with lithium that has already been dissolved there. During this reaction, it’s believed that four electrons are exchanged between lithium ions and carbon dioxide. This electron transfer determines the theoretical charge that can be stored in the battery. In a normal lithium-ion battery, the positive electrode exchanges just one electron per reaction. (In lithium air batteries, it’s two to four electrons.) The greater exchange of electrons in the lithium-carbon dioxide battery, combined with the high voltage of the reaction, explains their potential to greatly outperform today’s lithium-ion batteries. However, the technology has a few issues. The batteries don’t last very long. Commercial lithium-ion packs routinely survive 1,000 to 10,000 charging cycles; most LiCO₂ prototypes fade after fewer than 100. They’re also difficult to recharge. This requires breaking down the lithium carbonate to release lithium and CO₂, which can be energy intensive. This energy requirement is a little like a hill that must be cycled up before the reaction can coast, and is known as overpotential. You can reduce this requirement by printing the right catalyst material on the porous positive electrode. Yet these catalysts are typically expensive and rare noble metals, such as ruthenium and platinum, making for a significant barrier to commercial viability. Our team has found an alternative catalyst, caesium phosphomolybdate, which is far cheaper and easy to manufacture at room temperature. This material made the batteries stable for 107 cycles, while also storing 2.5 times as much charge as a lithium ion. And we significantly reduced the energy cost involved in breaking down lithium carbonate, for an overpotential of 0.67 volts, which is only about double what would be necessary in a commercial product. Our research team is now working to further reduce the cost of this technology by developing a catalyst that replaces caesium, since it’s the phosphomolybdate that is key. This could make the system more economically viable and scalable for widespread deployment. We also plan to study how the battery charges and discharges in real time. This will provide a clearer understanding of the internal mechanisms at work, helping to optimize performance and durability. A major focus of upcoming tests will be to evaluate how the battery performs under different CO₂ pressures. So far, the system has only been tested under idealized conditions (1 bar). If it can work at 0.1 bar of pressure, it will be feasible for car exhausts and gas boiler flues, meaning you could capture CO₂ while you drive or heat your home. Demonstrating that this works will be an important confirmation of commercial viability, albeit we would expect the battery’s charge capacity to reduce at this pressure. By our rough calculations, 1kg of catalyst could absorb around 18.5kg of CO₂. Since a car driving 100 miles emits around 18kg to 20kg of CO₂, that means such a battery could potentially offset a day’s drive. If the batteries work at 0.006 bar, the pressure on the Martian atmosphere, they could power anything from an exploration rover to a colony. At 0.0004 bar, Earth’s ambient air pressure, they could capture CO₂ from our atmosphere and store power anywhere. In all cases, the key question will be how it affects the battery’s charge capacity. Meanwhile, to improve the battery’s number of recharge cycles, we need to address the fact that the electrolyte dries out. We’re currently investigating solutions, which probably involve developing casings that only CO₂ can move into. As for reducing the energy required for the catalyst to work, it’s likely to require optimizing the battery’s geometry to maximize the reaction rate—and to introduce a flow of CO₂, comparable to how fuel cells work (typically by feeding in hydrogen and oxygen). If this continued work can push the battery’s cycle life above 1,000 cycles, cut overpotential below 0.3 V, and replace scarce elements entirely, commercial Li-CO₂ packs could become reality. Our experiments will determine just how versatile and far-reaching the battery’s applications might be, from carbon capture on Earth to powering missions on Mars. Daniel Commandeur is a Surrey Future Fellow at the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey. Mahsa Masoudi is a PhD researcher of chemical engineering at the University of Surrey. Siddharth Gadkari is a lecturer in chemical process engineering at the University of Surrey. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

A year ago, I started reading again. I say “again” because, like the countless friends and colleagues I’ve spoken to who have also found themselves swept up in the reading renaissance that’s currently reshaping the book industry—the U.S. market is projected to grow from $40.5 billion in 2024 to $51.5 billion by 2030, with audiobooks and ebooks seeing explosive growth—I’d lost the habit somewhere between the demands of a growing career and the chaos of early parenthood. For too long, reading was relegated to vacations—and even then, I’d be lucky to get through a full book. But last year, something shifted. Twelve months later, I’ve read over 100 books and listened to countless more on audio. I sleep better, stress less, have a better work/life balance, and—for the first time in years—have an actual hobby that’s purely for my personal enjoyment. Small but strategic changes How’d I do it? Call it a perfect storm: I stumbled into the world of BookTok, finally succumbed to the siren call of the Kindle, and I made a few small but strategic lifestyle changes that opened up a whole new world of reading. Below, I’ve included five of the tactics that helped me make reading a priority (read the other ten on my Substack, Two Truths). My method won’t apply to every person or be conducive to every career: I’m primarily a stay-at-home parent of two young kids who works part-time in the margins of my “free” time as a writer. But it’s my hope that some of what worked for me will help you find more free time, too—whether it’s to read one book, 100 books, or do something else entirely. 1. I typically read three different books at once. This might sound chaotic, but hear me out. Here’s how I break down my three-book method . . . One book is on my Kindle, which travels with me everywhere so I can fill any spare moments (waiting at the doctor’s office, sitting in the school pick-up lot, or standing in line at the grocery store) by sneaking in a few pages. This is also what I read at nighttime when my kids’ bedtime books are done and I’m waiting for them to doze off—the tablet’s screen has a dark mode that doesn’t disturb them, and it’s a nice way to wind down my day. One is a hard copy, either something from the library, or something I want to annotate (I appreciate the aesthetic nostalgia of highlighters and sticky tabs). This is how I read most of my nonfiction, which I prefer to hold in my hand. Since these books are often for work, research, or self-improvement, I often read them in the morning (more on that below), during naptime, or while both kids are playing independently. One is an audiobook, which I listen to while I’m driving or doing work around my home. I regularly find myself cleaning out closets or reorganizing the pantry just so I have an excuse to keep listening to a book. I typically reserve my audiobooks for easier-to-follow, lighthearted reads.That way, if I get distracted and miss something, I won’t be completely lost. 2. I stopped watching unintentional TV. There was a time when I’d end the day by crashing on the couch and searching for something to watch before inevitably ending up on The Office (. . . again). Now, I only watch TV when I truly want to invest my time into a series, and I really cannot stress enough how much time this opened up for me in the evening. 3. I wake up early and read before the kids wake. I never thought I’d say this (I’ve never been a morning person), but having young kids trained my body to wake up at 5 a.m. These days, they usually sleep until 6—but if the house is still quiet when I wake, I take the chance to read a few pages of my book before the day begins. It’s a peaceful ritual that keeps me off my phone—and away from notifications and mindless scrolling—until I’m ready to address whatever’s waiting. 4. I keep a running list in my Notes app with every book I’ve read, plus a few emojis or keywords to represent how I felt about it. This helps me remember what I loved or didn’t love about a book, which is crucial when someone asks me for a reading recommendation. I also like the sense of accomplishment that comes from scrolling through my list. 5. I chose to prioritize reading, and then built boundaries around it. Bottom line: I could certainly be doing a host of other things during the extra time I’ve dug out of my days and nights; the unpacked boxes that have been sitting in my basement since our move two years ago would probably like a word. Maybe I’m missing out on some great series or films that I would have stumbled upon, and I could always tackle my overflowing inbox in that open hour at 5 a.m. But for me, reading offers a pretty effortless and accessible escape from the news, noise, and inevitable dilemmas that pop up daily—and those moments of peace are priceless. View the full article

The country’s biggest brewer is using its Dutch partner to reach more of the growing premium segmentView the full article

One boss thinks it might be better than the traditional four-day weekView the full article

The changing nature of military operations will affect both markets and politicsView the full article

Christian Stocker adopts hardline policy in bid to bring ‘contentment’ to Austrian voters riled up by far rightView the full article