Snake skin-inspired shoe grips designed to save seniors | New Atlas

June 29, 2020June 28, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

A couple of years ago, Harvard University scientists copied the structure of snake skin to create a soft-bodied robot that gripped the ground as it moved. Now, they’ve applied that same thinking to shoe grips that could help keep seniors from falling.

Developed in partnership with MIT, the grips take the form of thin, flexible steel sheets with a snake-scale-like pattern cut into them. As was the case with the soft robot, that pattern – consisting of dozens of interlocked “scales” – is based on a Japanese paper-cutting art known as kirigami.

Disney Joins In Recycling Plastic For Shirts | CoolBusinessIdeas.com

June 26, 2020June 25, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Creating clothing fibers from recycled plastic is nothing new, but when a name like Disney is involved, it’s hard not to have childlike enthusiasm over the efforts. Disney, a company that needs no further description, has partnered with Unifi, Inc., makers of REPREVE®, the leading recycled fiber, to produce a new retro-style Mickey & Co. collection that is sure to bring out the kid in all of us.

Unifi has been on this ride for a long time, turning plastic waste into material used by Chicobags, Ford, Patagonia, PrAna and many other companies. The ever-growing count meter on their website reports over 20 billion bottles have been recycled, with the resulting fibers being used for everything from totes to curtains.

Verizon decides Facebook doesn’t need its ad money after all | Mashable

June 26, 2020June 25, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Mark Zuckerberg can definitely hear Verizon now.

The telecommunications giant announced Thursday that it is immediately ceasing all advertising on Facebook. So reports CNBC, which notes that Verizon is joining the likes of Patagonia, REI, and Ben & Jerry’s in financially distancing itself from the controversial social media platform.

In an emailed statement to Mashable, a Verizon spokesperson chalked the move up to vague displeasure with varying violations of unspecified policies.

McDonald’s is closing its Times Square location | CNN

June 25, 2020June 24, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

McDonald’s has closed its iconic restaurant on 42nd Street in New York City’s Times Square.

The closure had been planned prior to the pandemic, the company said in a statement to CNN Business, noting that it “was a difficult decision.”

But McDonald’s (MCD) will still have a large presence in the area.

The world’s biggest dust bunny is crossing the Atlantic Ocean right now | Live Science

June 25, 2020June 24, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

A “Godzilla dust cloud” from the Sahara Desert that’s heading toward the United States this week is the largest and most concentrated dust cloud of its kind in the past 50 years, according to news sources. As of

June 22, the dust cloud — which some experts have dubbed the “Godzilla dust cloud” — had reached the Caribbean, spiking air quality to “hazardous” levels, according to the AP. People along the Gulf Coast may be next to experience the dusty visitor.

Tips for Handling Nonpaying Customers | Business News Daily

June 24, 2020June 23, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

If your business operates on an invoicing system, you might be familiar with late payments and perhaps even nonpayment. There are many reasons why customers don’t pay invoices on time (or at all), from lost bills to unexpected additional expenses that customers realize they cannot afford. Many small business owners struggle with how to best ask for overdue payment without being rude. However, regardless of the circumstances, an unpaid invoice hurts your business. You need to act if you want to keep your cash flow healthy; being candid with customers and having some backup strategies at the ready is key.

Why It’s Vital to Understand the Difference Between Goals and Objectives | Life Hack

June 24, 2020June 23, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

I’m sure you’ve heard many people talking about goals and objectives as if they’re the same thing. You may even believe this yourself.

However, if you want to unleash your productivity and take your accomplishments to a whole new level, then you’ll need to understand the clear differences between goals and objectives.

When you think of them as one thing, you’ll find yourself struggling to achieve your aims and dreams. But once you understand their differences — and their synergies — you’ll put yourself firmly on the road to success.

Gen Z hasn’t completely lost trust in their Elders. Hollywood is another story | Fast Company

June 23, 2020June 22, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Say “OK boomer” to “OK boomer.”

Members of Gen Z trust their elders more than the police, the government, and even, yes, Hollywood.

A lot more than Hollywood, actually.

Morning Consult surveyed people ages 13-23 in April, May, and June and found that this demographic is losing faith in all major institutions in the United States. In June, 28% of Gen Z found older generations to be trustworthy versus, say, 13% in police and 10% in the U.S. government. Only 4% said the same of Hollywood.

Here’s a breakdown, based on how many of them said they trust various components of our society “a lot”:

How To Improve Your Odds Of Getting Student Loan Forgiveness | Forbes

June 23, 2020June 22, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Forgiveness programs for federal student loans always seem to be well-intentioned, but the way they’re rolled out can leave a lot to be desired. When you take a closer look at Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), for example, you’ll find a program with rules so complicated many applicants don’t really understand them.

This has led to a situation where hardly anyone who applies is approved, and where many people spend years thinking they’re working toward loan forgiveness only to find they had the wrong loans or the wrong job all along.

5 Steps to Building a Great Management Team: A Guide for Startups | AllBusiness.com

June 22, 2020June 21, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The key to any successful business is the person who runs it, and up until now, this person may have been exclusively you. But as your company grows, you may have found it more and more difficult to manage all aspects of the business yourself. You’ve also probably found that you’re better at some roles than others.

To move your company forward, you are going to need a team of managers with the right combination of skills. A winning management team can effectively plan for the future, as well as effectively deal with any challenges or opportunities that may come up. You want a team who understands and cares about your customers, and also knows how to make a profit. If you’re looking either to set up or develop a management team, then read on for some guidance.