This portable PC can be carried like a briefcase — it has a kangaroo pouch, too | Mashable

December 22, 2023December 20, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

I’m obsessed with the new HP Envy Move. How can you not be? It’s an all-in-one PC that, thanks to its sturdy handle, can be carried around from A to B like a briefcase.

While carrying it, I look legit — like a Wall Street banker heading to my luxe high-rise office.

It comes with a keyboard, too, that can be stored inside its back pocket — a feature I endearingly call the kangaroo pouch.

But of course, despite my adoration for then Envy Move, even this glitzy device can’t escape my critical eye. Let’s dive into what I like and dislike about this snazzy all-one-PC.

Southwest, pilots reach tentative agreement for contract worth $12 billion | CNN Business

December 22, 2023December 20, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

After three years of negotiating, Southwest Airlines and the union representing the airline’s pilots reached a tentative agreement on a new contract on Wednesday.

“We know that the last few years have been difficult for our pilots as well as our customers, but we believe that this TA rewards our pilots as well as improving reliability for our passengers,” said Southwest Airlines Pilots Association President Casey Murray in a statement.

The SWAPA union’s 25-member board approved the deal Wednesday after union leadership reached an initial agreement in principle with Southwest earlier this week.

But the deal isn’t guaranteed to go to contract: the union’s nearly 11,000 members can vote on whether or not to approve the contract until January 22.

Toyota recalls 1 million vehicles over airbag sensor glitch | CNN Business

December 21, 2023December 20, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Toyota is recalling about 1 million cars and SUVs in the United States due to a possible defect that could cause the passenger airbag to fail to deploy in a crash.

The recall involves 15 different 2020 and 2021 model year Toyota and Lexus models including the Toyota Camry, Rav4, Sienna and the Lexus RX350 and ES350. Lexus is Toyota’s luxury vehicle brand.

Specifically, the Occupant Classification System sensor that detects when someone is sitting in the front passenger seat could short circuit. In some of these vehicles the sensor was improperly manufactured.

Iceland volcano erupts LIVE: ‘Tongue of lava’ flowing west | Live Science

December 21, 2023December 20, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

A volcano in Iceland is now erupting after weeks of earthquakes rocking the region, according to a statement released by the Iceland Met Office on Monday (Dec. 18).

The country has been bracing itself for an imminent volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula for weeks. Grindavík, a small fishing town in the southwest corner of the island with a population of around 2,800 people, had previously been evacuated in November after a sinkhole measuring 3.2 feet (1 meter) deep appeared in the town.

Seismic activity began increasing in the area around the Fagradalsfjall volcano on Oct. 25, when more than 1,000 earthquakes north of Grindavík occurred in the space of just hours. Two strong earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 3.9 and 4.5, hit at a depth of around 3 miles (5 kilometers). Over the following two weeks, seismic activity continued, with hundreds of earthquakes and uplifts recorded each day, indicating that magma was accumulating beneath the ground.

PEO vs. ASO: Which Is Best for You? | Business News Daily

December 20, 2023December 19, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Human resources (HR) is an important business function responsible for managing employees and ensuring regulatory compliance. For many small businesses, it’s easier to outsource this function than conduct it in-house. The global HR outsourcing market is expected to surge to $52,941.67 million by 2031, according to a Business Insights market research report.

Businesses who outsource their HR say they’re interested in controlling costs, increasing flexibility and providing a superior level of service to employees, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. If you’re looking to outsource your HR, you may have come across two common models ― professional employer organizations (PEOs) and administrative services organizations (ASOs). But what exactly do these abbreviations mean and what separates one from the other?

LLC Tax Guide | Business News Daily

December 20, 2023December 19, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

You’ve incorporated your venture as an LLC (limited liability company), and it’s almost time to do your taxes. However, the IRS doesn’t provide a specific LLC tax form. Instead, you must file taxes for your LLC using other IRS forms, depending on several factors and your elections. LLC taxes may sound complicated, but determining how to file your business tax returns should be a one-time event. From then on, you’ll continue filing the same way unless something significant changes.

Lack of Energy: Your Guide to Boosting Energy | LifeHack

December 19, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Time management and energy management are closely intertwined. When you master your energy, you’re essentially taking the reins of time, guiding your day, your tasks, and ultimately, your life.

If you’ve ever felt that time is slipping through your fingers, it’s not just about the clock ticking away. It’s about your energy. Most of us have been taught that time management is the magic wand to productivity. But there’s another layer we often miss: energy management.

When you think about energy, what comes to mind? Is it just the physical stamina required to walk, drive, or move? Or is it that mental zest, the one you need to focus, think, and feel?

The truth is, our day-to-day efforts tap into two distinct reservoirs of energy: physical and mental.

What Are Distractions in a Nutshell (And How to Deal With Them) | LifeHack

December 19, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Distractions are like roadblocks in your day, steering you off course. Taking control of those distractions puts you back in the driver’s seat of your time. It’s about focusing on the road ahead and not letting the small stuff take you off track.

This world, buzzing with countless elements vying for your attention, is the new normal. It’s as if everything around us is designed to pull us away from what really matters – our focus, our productivity, and our ability to get things done. It’s a monumental task to keep our eyes on the prize when there’s so much noise.

Late Holiday Shoppers are a Key Demographic for Small Businesses | Small Biz Trends

December 18, 2023December 17, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

As small business owners wrap up an intense Black Friday and Cyber Monday season, they should brace for a significant wave of late holiday shoppers. According to the latest Shopify-Gallup Holiday Shopping Pulse, a substantial portion of U.S. consumers, nearly 49%, intend to do most of their holiday shopping in December. This trend presents a unique opportunity for small businesses to capitalize on the late shopping surge.

The survey, which included 1,888 U.S. adults, revealed some intriguing insights. Notably, 16% of participants admitted they wouldn’t begin their holiday shopping until December, with a striking gender divide: 21% of men versus 11% of women. Additionally, younger shoppers, particularly those under 50, are more prone to delay their shopping, with 53% stating they’ll do most or all of it in December. This behavior is primarily driven by financial considerations, as younger shoppers often need to accumulate enough funds to buy gifts.

Apple’s New “Journal” App: A Boon for Small Business Owners | Small Business Trends

December 18, 2023December 17, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Apple’s latest innovation, the “Journal” app, is not just a technological advancement but a potential game-changer for small business owners. Launched with iOS 17.2, this app offers a unique platform for personal reflection and gratitude practice, aspects increasingly recognized for their positive impact on mental well-being and, consequently, business productivity.

The Journal app, designed for iPhone 15 Pro, stands out with its ability to help users document everyday moments and special events. It’s more than just a digital diary; it’s a tool that leverages on-device machine learning to generate personalized suggestions, encouraging users to engage in meaningful journaling. This feature is particularly beneficial for busy small business owners who often struggle to find time for such reflective practices.