Lexus’ New Hoverboard Is Cool, But Will It Fly? | Live Science

August 5, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Last month, Japanese auto manufacturer Lexus unveiled its newest product, and it’s not another luxury SUV. It’s a hoverboard.

Nicknamed the “Slide,” this flying skateboard will be tested in public for the first time on Wednesday (Aug. 5), the company announced this week in a brief video posted on YouTube. The video shows the sleek board floating over what appears to be regular cement in a skateboard park, leading some hoverboard enthusiasts to speculate that, at long last, someone has produced a flying skateboard that you can actually ride in a halfpipe or down a sidewalk.

But, if you thought Lexus’ new toy would turn you into Marty McFly from “Back to the Future Part II” (the one with the epic hoverboard chase scene), think again. Lexus’ Slide can’t actually hover over regular cement.

Weekly Economic Update | LAEDC

August 5, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

v.19 n. 32 – Released August 4, 2015

This Week’s Headlines:

GDP Growth in Q2, Turnaround in Q1, and Revisions to Annual Rates
Events of Interest
- September 30: LAEDC Fall Economic Forecast

The White House Launches Demo Day To Fuel Entrepreneurial Spirit In America | Fast Company

August 5, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Daniel Lubetzky, the founder and CEO of KIND Snacks, remembers exactly how he felt earlier this year when he was tapped by the White House to be a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE).

“I’m not particularly partisan,” Lubetzky tells Fast Company. “I agree with President Obama on many fronts, though I also disagree with him on some issues. But when you’re invited to the Oval Office, you become like Silly Putty. You’re just overwhelmed by the office of the president, and you want to do your part to help your country.”

President Obama has been a keen proponent of entrepreneurship since he came into office. He started with his own administration: Last month, Fast Company published a cover story about Obama’s efforts to recruit top tech talent from companies like Google and Facebook to reboot the government, applying the principles of a lean startup to make it more efficient and technologically advanced.

The Science of Unhappiness: Why We are Unhappier than We’ve Ever Been, and What We Can Do about It | Page19

August 4, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In How the Mind Works, Steven Pinker sums up the essence of happiness as being happy with what we have. Today, many of us have more than any generation ever before: more health, more wealth, and more means by which to actualize our dreams. And yet we’re not the happiest people that ever were.

In his book, Happiness, Richard Layard shows how, paradoxically, we’re less content today than our ancestors were just a few decades back. Of course, this is no coincidence.

We humans are ambitious, competitive animals: no matter what we achieve, we get used to it quickly and crave more, and even people who win the lottery don’t stay elated for very long. Our thirst for more might be the reason why humans have shaped the planet like no other species has. In the modern world, however, it is also an inbuilt obstacle to feeling permanently pleased.

Epson Is About to Solve the Most Annoying Problem With Inkjet Printers | Bloomberg Business

August 4, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Ticking off one’s best customers every few months isn’t a flawless corporate strategy. It tends to incite strong feelings, at best, and massive class-action lawsuits, at worst. Epson seems to have finally realized as much.

After decades of selling cheap printers that require a steady stream of expensive ink cartridges, the company is smashing its business model to bits. In September the Tokyo-based tech giant will offer a new line of consumer printers in the U.S., each with enough ink to print at least 4,000 documents. When the well finally runs dry, customers will be able to refill it with a bottle, just like a baby.

The machines even have a trendy name: EcoTank.1

The new Espon printers can be fed by bottle. Source: Epson

“It’s a really big advantage to the end user,” says John Lang, Epson’s chief executive officer for North America. “That anxiety and that fear of running out of ink—it’s amazing to me that that was so prevalent.”

12 Things Truly Confident People Do Differently | Entrepreneur

August 3, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Entrepreneur and CultureIQ are searching for the top high-performing cultures to be featured on our annual list. Think your company has what it takes? Click here to get started.

Confidence takes many forms, from the arrogance of Floyd Mayweather to the quiet self-assurance of Jane Goodall. True confidence—as opposed to the false confidence people project to mask their insecurities—has a look all its own.

When it comes to confidence, one thing is certain: truly confident people always have the upper hand over the doubtful and the skittish because they inspire others and they make things happen.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”

–Henry Ford

Ford’s notion that your mentality has a powerful effect on your ability to succeed is manifest in the results of a recent study at the University of Melbourne that showed that confident people went on to earn higher wages and get promoted more quickly than anyone else.

What To Do When a Business Vacation is Over | Small Biz Trends

August 3, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

After a much deserved vacation that is full of fun and joy, returning back to your regular routine can lead to distress.

While almost no one likes going back to work especially after a relaxing and peaceful business vacation, you should face the reality and do your best to adjust and be productive again.

In order to prevent the post-vacation syndrome, you have to do a little bit of planning and accept that the vacation is over so that you can get back to the right mindset.

Below are some helpful tips which will help you to resume your regular routine.

SPENDING: Cutting costs | Money Cnn

August 3, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The most common spending problems are caused by a house that’s too large, a car that’s too luxurious or a credit-card lifestyle that’s too lavish for your income. Those who see a virtue in moderation may have had budgeting in mind.

Whatever your situation, here are some common ways that people can reduce monthly bills.

1. Eliminate trivial but needless costs

Look first for small savings — not because they’ll end your budget problems, but simply because they’re easy to find and take advantage of. For example, swear off that mid-afternoon, expensive premium latte. Shop for clothes and household furnishings only during sales. Keep your house warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Take on chores that you usually pay someone else to perform, such as mowing the lawn or shoveling snow.

Seemingly inconsequential savings do, in fact, add up.

How to Start a Service-Based Business | Business News Daily

July 31, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

On the surface, starting a service-based business like public relations, consulting, writing or coaching seems easy enough. You have the skills to deliver high-quality work and results, so you set up a nice website and spread the word among your network contacts that you’re looking for clients.

But running any type of business, especially a service company, is never “easy.” There will be long hours, difficult clients, frustrating projects and many other obstacles along the way. But for those who have what it takes to persevere, the rewards of turning your passion and skill set into a viable business far outweigh the challenges you’ll face.

So, what is it really like to start and run a service business? Entrepreneurs who have done it weighed in on the challenges and advantages, as well as the best practices for getting your company off the ground.

Remote Workforce | Business Tips

July 31, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

It’s estimated that “regular telecommuters will total 4.9 million by 2016.” In addition to that, some “50 million U.S. employees hold jobs that are telework compatible, although only 2.9 million consider home their primary place of work (2.3 percent of the workforce).”

A fundamental change in the workplace such as this one can have a profound impact on the economy and job market. But what is driving this trend and why should we be kosher with this latest development?