Own Pyrex Measuring Cups? FTC Might Be Sending You a Check | Entrepreneur

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

If you bought Pyrex measuring cups recently, you might be eligible for a refund.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending more than $88,000 in refunds to consumers after the agency took action against Instant Brands, the maker of Pyrex-brand kitchen and home products, in 2023. The FTC accused the company of claiming that all of its popular glass measuring cups were made in the U.S., but some were actually imported from China, according to an FTC press release.

The FTC says that “more than 110,000 units” of Chinese-made measuring cup sets were sold to U.S. consumers.

Mom’s Side Hustle Started With Facebook, Earns $1M+ a Year | Entrepreneur

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

What was your day job or primary occupation when you started your side hustle?

I was a stay-at-home mom with a baby and a toddler, both boys. My husband also left his career and closed his insurance agency to work at Kole Jax full-time for five years. His old insurance agency office is actually the space we now use for Kole Jax Designs HQ!

When did you start your side hustle, and where did you find the inspiration for it?

I started Kole Jax Designs in January 2012. I have always loved jewelry and the way it makes me feel. I was inspired by that and my need to create. My goal was to establish a fulfilling, home-based career that would allow me to monetize my passions and be present for my children. The name Kole Jax comes from my sons’ middle names: Grayson Kole and Tucker Jax.

‘The Franchise’ review: New HBO comedy asks if superhero films are ‘killing cinema’ | Mashable

October 7, 2024October 6, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

“Have you ever thought, ‘I’m killing cinema’?”

That’s the question that third assistant director Dag (Lolly Adefope) asks first assistant director Daniel (Himesh Patel) while working on fictional superhero flick Tecto: Eye of the Storm.

It’s a question that’s been asked of a lot of comic book movies lately, especially with superhero fatigue setting in and filmmaking legends like Martin Scorsese questioning their merit. It’s also the question at the heart of The Franchise, a new HBO comedy from Succession writer and Veep producer Jon Brown. Veep and The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci and Skyfall and 1917 director Sam Mendes also serve as producers, with Mendes directing the first episode

Why do leafy green vegetables interact with blood thinners? | Live Science

October 3, 2024October 1, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Leafy green vegetables are packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants — but the verdant veggies can interfere with some medications, such as warfarin, used to prevent blood clots.

Why do leafy greens interact with these medications?

It comes down to the high vitamin K content in leafy green vegetables, Joan Salge Blake, a nutrition professor and registered dietitian nutritionist at Boston University, told Live Science in an email. Many vegetables — like kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, cabbage, endive, broccoli and Brussels sprouts — are especially rich in vitamin K, containing more than 100 micrograms per serving.

Why Motivation Follows Action, Not the Other Way Round | LifeHack

October 2, 2024September 30, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Think about the last time you wanted to make a change. How many of us, when seeking that spark of motivation, sit and wait for some external force to suddenly light a fire within us?

It’s a familiar scene: waiting for that one video, that one book, to be the catalyst for our grand ambitions.

It’s easy to say, “I really want to get in shape, but today’s just not the day,” or “I’ve got this business idea, but I’m not feeling it today,” or “I’d love to paint again, but the inspiration isn’t there.”

We’ve all been there. That looming task or dream sits on the horizon, but instead of diving in, we dawdle. Why? Because stepping out of our comfort zone is… well, uncomfortable.

That hesitation, that pull to avoid what’s challenging, isn’t just laziness or lack of discipline. It’s science.

Believing in Yourself Again: 10 Ways To Reverse Course on Self-Sabotage | LifeHack

October 2, 2024September 30, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Believing in yourself is the key to achieving your goals. When you think you can succeed, you’re more likely to take action and push forward. But when you doubt yourself, you tend to hold back or sabotage your efforts. You probably know this, and have experienced it too.

So how do you go about achieving it? And what does “believing in yourself” actually mean?

Simply put, it’s having faith that you can set meaningful goals and take steps over time to make them real.

It’s not about having sky-high confidence all the time or thinking you can snap your fingers to manifest anything instantly. It’s more about trusting that even with ups and downs, you’re able to gradually take control and move your life where you want it to go.

Does SEO Work Anymore? 4 Outdated SEO Practices and What to Do Instead | All Business

September 30, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

When search engine optimization (SEO) was a new discipline, companies could toss up a piece of content, such as a blog post, that included word-for-word keywords and reap the benefits. As Google’s algorithm evolved and competitors began their own SEO efforts, companies then needed to tweak strategies, but they could still hire someone to churn out some cheap, keyword-laden content to score SEO wins. They could still post guest-written content without reviewing it for quality; they could use and be rewarded for various SEO gimmicks.

The fact is, this is no longer possible—not by a long shot. Here are four outdated SEO practices that no longer work, and what you need to do differently today to improve your website’s Google rankings.

Can Small Business Owners Take Vacations? | business.com

September 26, 2024September 25, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

One of the upsides of running your own business is that you can set your own schedule and adjust it as needed. However, one of the downsides of being your own boss is that it’s not always easy to take time off. “You must plan ahead — not only for your relaxing trip but also for any work that needs to be done when you’re away,” explained DeAnna Spoerl, co-owner and director of client services at Bear Icebox Communications.

While this process requires diligent planning and thought, it is possible — and important — to take a break, for both you and your company. Here’s how you can take a worry-free vacation as a small business owner.

How to take a vacation as a small business owner

Follow these tips to ensure your business is taken care of without sacrificing your necessary R&R.

1. When possible, plan vacations around slow periods.

10 Podcasts to Inspire Entrepreneurs | business.com

September 26, 2024September 25, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

If you’re looking for an easy way to turn your day and your mood around, listen to a podcast. There are few things better than enjoying a podcast on a walk or break from work. Thousands of podcasts are available on various topics, like business, personal development, and health and wellness. If you’re new to the world of podcasts, here are some of the top offerings you should check out for inspiration and entrepreneurial advice.

10 inspirational podcasts for entrepreneurs

Businesses thrive on creativity, innovation, and motivation. To stay inspired on the daily, listen to these thought-provoking podcasts.

1. The Happiness Lab

Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos hosts “The Happiness Lab.” In each episode, Dr. Santos explores the scientific research behind happiness and why so many people do the opposite of what will actually make them happy. She shares inspiring stories, motivational tips and interviews with noteworthy individuals like Rob Lowe, Michelle Kwan and Dr. Dan Gilbert. With more than 13,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, listener response indicates this podcast is well worth your time.

Best streaming devices for 2024: Apple TV, Roku, and more | Digital Trends

September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

There basically are two kinds of folks when it comes to smart TVs and how we use them to access all of our streaming services. There are those who just use whatever operating system is already built in, and those who prefer to plug in their own device.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the former, especially since Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV power so many smart TVs, with LG and Samsung picking up the slack with their own operating systems.

But then there are those who prefer to have a little more control and who want to use some other stick or dongle or box to stream their videos — and maybe do a good bit more. And there’s something to be said about treating your TV like it’s a dumb display, especially if it’s an older model and doesn’t have all those smart things built into it. That’s where all these options come in.