Category: Tools and Information

How new smart speakers from Apple, Amazon, Google stack up | Mashable

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The HomePod mini, announced Tuesday at Apple’s tech event, is the newest smart speaker out there. It joins refreshed models from the competition, Amazon and Google; the speakers all feature shiny new homes and let you play music, ask questions, and control your smart home and other devices. Like those from Amazon and Google, Apple’s latest device costs around $100.

So, what’s different about the three new speakers? Here’s the latest on which you should use for all your Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant needs.

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The iPhone 12 will probably have 5G. Many people won’t notice | CNN

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At Tuesday’s “Hi Speed” event, Apple is expected to unveil an iPhone 12 with 5G connectivity, a technical upgrade that will help the company keep pace with competitors and increase adoption of 5G technology. Analysts predict the new capability could prompt a “supercycle” of iPhone upgrades.

5G is next generation wireless network technology that’s expected to change the way people live and work. It’s faster and has greater bandwidth than existing 4G LTE networks, which will eventually mean rapid video downloads and improved experiences with services like augmented reality and live gaming, among other consumer perks.

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What Is Mental Health? | Live Science

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We often hear the term “mental health” used in reference to conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. But really, “mental health” refers to our overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being, both in and outside the context of named conditions, according to MentalHealth.gov, a resource curated by the U.S. government.

Our mental health impacts how we think, feel, and behave; it shapes how we perceive the world, make decisions, and handle stress when it comes our way.

Experts told Live Science a few ways that everyone can check in with their mental health on a daily basis. They also emphasized that no one should be ashamed or scared to seek help from friends, family, or mental health professionals when times are tough.

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Tips for Writing a Job Candidate Rejection Letter | Business News Daily

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Applicant rejection letters affect how candidates view your company and may have a wider impact on your reputation as an employer.

An applicant rejection letter should be a simple note thanking the candidate for applying and letting them know you are moving in a different direction.

If an applicant’s rejection letter leaves a positive impression on the candidate, it may encourage them to apply to future opportunities that may suit them better.

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Feeling Fatigued? 3 Reasons Why And How to Fix It | Life Hack

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Fatigue can be described as the overall feeling of tiredness, lack of energy, and having no motivation. This feeling of fatigue is such a common problem that it has its own abbreviation, TATT, which is short for “Tired All The Time”.

Various factors can contribute to fatigue, including psychological, physical, and lifestyle factors. The key is to understand which contributing factor or factors may be resulting in you feeling fatigued and understanding what steps you can take to fix the problem.

Forming new habits, lifestyle changes, and a change in mindset can be the first steps in overcoming fatigue. It may simpler than you first think.

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What Joe’s Stone Crab can teach CEOs about the quest for profit | Fast Company

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Joe’s Stone Crab of Miami Beach is a rarity: an American restaurant that has prospered for over a century. It is currently the top-grossing independent restaurant in America—despite being the only restaurant in the top 100 that closes for three (and it used to be five) months per year when its principal fare, stone crab, is out of season. Its annual gross is 4% greater than that of the second-place competitor, but its monthly gross is 39% greater. In a trendy business sector in which the median age of the next 10 restaurants on the top 100 list is 27 years, its 100-year run of success is nothing short of astounding. The leading gross certainly suggests efficiency, while the longevity confirms resilience—a productive balance.

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How This $140 Million Design Software Startup Uses Math To Help Power The Shift To 3D Printing | Forbes

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Bradley Rothenberg, cofounder and CEO of nTopology, is building next-generation design software that relies on mathematical computations to create 3D-printed parts and products that are lighter and more efficient than would be possible with older CAD systems. As 3D printing takes hold as a means for mass production in industries like aerospace, automotive and healthcare, his New York City-based startup expects revenue to more than triple this year, to $5 million, up from $1.5 million in 2019.

That’s still tiny, of course, but the market for this type of cloud-based generative design software is growing so fast that in June – six months earlier than expected and despite the pandemic – nTopology raised $42 million led by Insight Partners at a valuation of $140 million. The fresh capital will help nTopology, which has 82 employees, expand as industries including aerospace, automotive and healthcare adopt 3D printing for future products, such as electric vehicles.

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The 4 Types of Questions to Ask Candidates in a Job Interview | AllBusiness.com

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A business is only as strong as its people, which is why it’s crucial to find and hire the right employees. However, according to a CareerBuilder survey, 74% of employers say they’ve hired the wrong person for a job. And the negative impact of those bad hires? Out of the 2,257 hiring managers polled, 37% cited less productivity and 31% indicated compromised quality of work.

In another report by the Center for American Progress, replacing a single employee costs around 16% to 213% of their annual salary. Given the costly implications of putting the wrong person in a position, it is extremely important to ensure that you have an effective recruitment system in place.

Reviewing CVs and short-listing candidates based on educational attainment, professional qualifications, experience, and skill sets only represents the beginning of the process. The job interview is equally, if not more, important in assessing the potential on-the-job success of candidates.

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The 20 Best Standing Desk Options for 2020 | Small Business Trends

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Today’s workplace environment is ever more changing. From open floor plans to exercise balls, businesses are working towards making sure the work environment is comfortable enough to encourage productivity. Among the new inclusions into the modern office are standing desks. These are basically desks, that allow you to stand up comfortably while working.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from a fixed-height desk that you can only stand at, a height-adjustable table, or a sit-stand desk. They come in many versions and are adjustable so that you can change the height of the desk and alternate between sitting and standing.

From reducing back pain to improved mood and energy levels, standing desks are touted to have several health benefits. Users also say it helps them be more productive.

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Firing an Employee (Tips and Checklist) | business.com

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Although it’s often not an easy decision to make, most employers have the unenviable task of firing an employee at some point. However, terminating employees can lead to sticky situations – even litigation if done improperly.

You should follow some general steps to give your business the best chance of parting ways with employees amicably and legally. We spoke to legal experts to determine a proper termination process and some best practices.

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