Artists across industries are strategizing together around AI concerns | TechCrunch

October 10, 2023October 8, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

As creative industries grapple with AI’s explosion into every artistic medium at once, separate calls from artists warning the world to take action before it’s too late are starting to converge. From fake Drake songs to stylized Instagram profile pictures, art conjured with newly sophisticated AI tools is suddenly ubiquitous — and so are conversations about how to rein in the technology before it does irrevocable harm to creative communities.

This week, digital rights organization Fight for the Future partnered with music industry labor group United Musicians and Allied Workers to launch #AIdayofaction, a campaign that calls on Congress to block corporations from obtaining copyrights on music and other art made with AI.

The idea is that by preventing industry behemoths like major record labels, for example, from copyrighting music made with the assistance of AI, those companies will be forced to keep looping humans into the creative process. But those same concerns — and the same potential strategies for pushing back against the onslaught of AI — exist across creative industries.

These Are the Best Cruise Lines of 2023: Report | Entrepreneur

October 10, 2023October 8, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The cruise industry has made a triumphant comeback since pandemic restrictions were lifted, with the industry expected to generate $25.14 billion in revenue by the end of 2023.

And according to a new report by Conde Nast Traveler, it looks like cruising is still a top vacation choice.

According to a new survey by the outlet, 47% of people said that they would be interested in setting sail on a ship, even though only 27% of readers went on a cruise last year.

X rolls out new ad format that can’t be reported, blocked | Mashable

October 9, 2023October 8, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

X, the Elon Musk-owned platform formerly known as Twitter, has begun serving its users with a weird new ad format and it’s one of the company’s least transparent products yet.

The rollout of these ads also provides the public with a hint regarding just how much the company is struggling to attract advertisers.

Multiple X users have reached out to Mashable over the past few days to report seeing a new type of ad in their For You feed that they had not previously come across on the platform. These new X ads don’t allow users to like or retweet the ad posts. In fact, the new ad format also doesn’t disclose who is behind the ad or that it is even an advertisement at all.

Is glass a liquid or a solid? | Live Science

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

There’s something strange about the stained-glass windows of medieval buildings: They tend to be thicker at the bottom than at the top. Many believe this is because glass is actually a liquid that has flowed down the pane over the centuries. In contrast, others argue that glass does not flow, because it’s a solid — or maybe an amorphous solid or a supercooled liquid.

So what is glass, really — a solid or a liquid, or something in between?

“It’s neither a true liquid nor a true solid — it has properties of both, but it’s its own distinct state of matter,” John Mauro, a materials scientist at Penn State, told Live Science. “The technical definition is that glass is a nonequilibrium, noncrystalline state of matter that appears solid on a short timescale but continuously relaxes towards the liquid state.”

Going vegetarian? The dietary choice may be influenced by your genes. | Live Science

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Being vegetarian may be (partly) in your genes, a new study suggests.

By analyzing the genomes of more than 335,000 people and using questionnaires to assess their meat intake, scientists have identified one point in the human genome — rs72884519 on chromosome 18 — that is significantly associated with following a vegetarian diet. In a separate analysis, the researchers identified three gene variants — NPC1, RMC1, and RIOK3 — clustered in that same region that are linked to vegetarianism, as well as another 31 genes elsewhere in the genetic code that may have a “possible role” in this dietary choice.

It is unclear how these genes may influence people’s choice to be vegetarian or the underlying physiology behind it. However, the findings, published Wednesday (Oct. 4) in the journal PLOS One, provide a taste of how genetics might partially determine the food we put on our plates.

Full-Time vs Part-Time Employees: What’s the Difference?

October 3, 2023October 2, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Typically, the number of hours an employee works each week and their weekly work schedule can help you distinguish between full-time and part-time status.
Full-time employees can offer your business security in scheduling, regularity in product or service flow, and overall consistency for your labor management.
Part-time employees can save your company money because you won’t have to pay as much when there are dips in workflow, or offer healthcare and other benefits.
This article is for small business owners who need to hire staff and are deciding between full-time and part-time employees.

Meal and Rest Break Laws You Should Know | Business News Daily

October 3, 2023October 2, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

There is no federal requirement for employers to offer meal or rest breaks, and state law varies considerably.
Employers who violate meal and rest break laws could incur significant penalties, including premium payments, employee back pay and reputational damage.
Extending meal and rest breaks beyond the legally required minimum could boost employee morale, retention and overall productivity.
This article is for small business owners who want to devise a meal and rest break policy that is both compliant with state laws and beneficial for their business.

7 Reasons Why Team Management Is Important | LifeHack

October 2, 2023October 1, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

When we lived as hunter-gatherers, we always sought two basic social needs. The first is belonging, which led us to the group and, eventually, to live in cities and countries. The second is management. Communities were dependent on the leader (or leaders) to steer them and create a system that helps the community flourish. Today, we still seek those needs in our communities and our teams. So, why is team management critical?

Team Management Then And Now

Back in the day, that was easy. Having a good manager (chief, for example) meant that you would feed your family and keep them safe. But these days, when Alexa takes care of our food and we are relatively safe, good management is measured differently.

In our workplaces, team management can determine whether a team or company will reach its goals and KPIs, how processes and culture are forged, how employees are treated and retained, and more.

Delegating Leadership Style: What Is It and; When To Use It? | LifeHack

October 2, 2023October 1, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In the bustling command center of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, Flight Director Gene Kranz was a portrait of calm in a storm of complex tasks and critical decisions. As the person ultimately responsible for the success of this historic mission, he could have chosen to keep a tight grip on every detail. Instead, he led with trust, respect, and strategic delegation.

When a critical alarm signal, known as “1202”, flashed on the astronauts’ screens just moments before landing on the moon, the atmosphere in Mission Control became tense. Time was of the essence, and Kranz had a decision to make. Instead of jumping in to solve the problem himself, he turned to Jack Garman, a 24-year-old guidance officer on his team. Garman quickly identified the issue as a radar switch conflict and confidently recommended proceeding with the descent. Kranz trusted Garman’s judgment and gave the order to continue.

7 Ways to Implement AI in Your Business | AllBusiness.com

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In the evolving business landscape, artificial intelligence promises a future in which tedious chores are automated, choices are informed by data, and innovation is welcomed and celebrated. And there’s no going back—the market will continually become ever more advanced by machine learning and other AI integrations. Leaders of both new and established companies know it is paramount to transform operations to thrive in the new AI era. But how exactly can they do that?

For companies that are ready to embrace AI, the future brings unrivaled promise and opportunity. Here is how all companies can excel in the new AI era.

Strategies for businesses to succeed in an AI world

1. Provide an AI-driven customer experience

To thrive in today’s dynamic market, it is essential for businesses to gain a greater understanding of customer preferences. AI is key for deep-diving into the true wants, needs, and concerns of both current and potential customers, which can give businesses an edge over their competitors. While traditional analytics only offer a glimpse into customer behaviors and preferences (i.e., WHAT they choose to buy and WHEN), AI algorithms provide an understanding of WHY customers choose the products and services they purchase (and pass over others).