DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Cruises are expensive but they're the best value. My family's cruise cost $3,500 less than a similar trip on land.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAlthough the cost of a cruise is going up, this form of travel is still the best value for a family vacation right now. The average price of a cruise is up more than 40% since 2019, according to Cruise Critic data reviewed by CNBC. Finer fare, similar to what's included on cruise ships, costs even more. Plus, hotel prices are also on the rise, up 40% to 50% compared to 2019. Meanwhile, a three-night sailing on the Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, can cost $533 a night.

Persons: —, David Bernstein, who's, I've, Amanda Adler, I'm Organizations: Service, CNBC, Business, Prima, Entertainment, Seas, Royal, New Zealand Locations: Norway, Iceland, Caribbean, Europe, New

☆ Too young for an iPhone? Apple says its watch is 'a great call for kids' in new promotion
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-11 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The iPhone maker on Wednesday launched a new marketing website as part of a rebranding effort for its suite of Apple Watch features aimed at children. The software that lets parents track their child's location and manage the device is called "Apple Watch For Your Kids." Apple introduced Family Setup in 2020, allowing parents to set up a kid's Apple Watch from their phone and to control messaging options. Young audiences are critical for Apple's watch device, which hit the market almost a decade ago. According to a May survey from Piper Sandler, 34% of U.S. teens own an Apple Watch.

Persons: Glenn Younkin, Apple, Piper Sandler Organizations: Apple, Wednesday, Apple Watch, Virginia Gov, Pew Research Center Locations: New York, New York City, Los Angeles

☆ A CEO explains the simple way he deters his employees from 'quiet vacationing'
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewQuiet vacationing — or taking time off or working from across the world without telling your boss — is growing in popularity. David Barkoe, the CEO and founder of Florida-based PR firm Carve Communications, said it all comes down to creating a culture of trust with your employees. Advertisement"Go live your life, but get the job done," Barkoe told Business Insider while describing his approach. Advertisement"You just got to have the mindset and the willingness to say personal life is part of the work culture," he said. "Not the other way around, where work culture is part of the personal life."

Persons: —, what's, David Barkoe, Barkoe, it's, they're, Ashton Mathai, Mariya Borisova, Mathai, David himself Organizations: Service, Business, Communications, BI Locations: Florida, Europe, Scotland, Amsterdam, Portugal, Italy, India

☆ How do you actually network to land a new job? Microsoft's ex-VP of HR explains
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Chris Williams | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementStep outside your bubble and network with other organizations in your industryBetter yet, get outside your current organization. Outside your organization, they're at that conference you went to last year. The conversation should be about the person you're networking withRemember in these conversations to make the discussion all about the person you're networking with. AdvertisementThe results take time but can last foreverThe results of great networking aren't fast. But a great network can last a lifetime.

Persons: —, I've, Anne, Gee, you've, You'd, let's Organizations: Service, Business, Microsoft

☆ I'm an American mom living in the UK. When my kids visited the US they were shocked at how 'big the food' is and how every drink is mostly ice.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewIt has been nearly eight years since my three Welsh children have visited my family in the United States. Bigger cars and bigger roadsAfter landing in Washington, DC, and retrieving our bags, we entered the parking lot. The two older kids quickly observed that the cars weren't like the ones in the UK. My kids immediately noticed that, along with cars, the roads in the US are much bigger than in the UK. "All the food is big," one of them whispered to me as he gazed at the shelves of food.

Persons: —, it's, we've, they've, Bob Evans Organizations: Service, Business, DC, AC Locations: United States, Washington ,, GMCs

☆ A 64-year-old woman outperformed millionaires in the anti-aging 'Rejuvenation Olympics' — using a much simpler and cheaper routine
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewA 64-year-old grandmother-of-11 has become one of the buzziest names in the longevity world by beating billionaires at anti-aging with a simple and inexpensive routine. The rest of her longevity routine costs little or nothing to follow, and there's good science to suggest her habits have helped keep her young and healthy. Hardison said she's been a health-conscious eater since she was a teen, watching fad diets come and go. And I cook because if I'm going to eat, I want it to be good," Hardison said. They include ingredients like:AdvertisementMagnesium, which research suggests is good for healthy bones and regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.

Persons: —, Amy Hardison, Bryan Johnson, Hardison's, Hardison, she's, Ginger, isn't, I'm Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Meet the Gen Xers and boomers retiring with 6 figures of student debt that threatens their Social Security and savings
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

While they took out federal student loans for themselves, Larry wanted to ensure their options weren't limited. Related storiesShelton and Larry aren't alone: As Gen Xers and boomers age into retirement, they're bringing student loans with them. The retirement student debt crisisBoth Shelton and Larry are facing a particular aspect of the retirement crisis: hoping to throw in the towel while sitting on mountains of student loan debt. Interest is a key reason many older adults find themselves struggling to pay off their student loans for decades. Are you worried about student loan debt impacting your ability to retire?

Persons: Diane Shelton, There's, I've, Larry, he'll, Shelton, Larry aren't, Gen Xers, that's, It's, it's, Sen, Elizabeth Warren Organizations: Service, Security, School's Schwartz, for Economic, Social Security Locations: forbearance

☆ Willie Mays, supreme baseball talent among the best to ever play, dies at 93
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( David K. Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

San Francisco Giants great Willie Mays waves his hat as he rides around the track of Oracle Park, Friday, May 7, 2021, in San Francisco,. Focus On Sport | Getty ImagesA 1981 song and ode to America's pastime by Terry Cashman was appropriately titled "Talkin' Baseball: Willie, Mickey & The Duke." "I can't believe that Babe Ruth was a better player than Willie Mays," all-time pitching great Sandy Koufax once said. Willie Mays Hays here: Play like Mays and I run like (Olympic gold medal sprinter Bob) Hayes. Outfielder Willie Mays #24 of the San Francisco Giants rounds second base during a circa early 1970's Major League Baseball game.

Persons: Willie Mays, Santiago Mejia, Barack Obama, of Famer Willie Mays, Chip Somodevilla, Mays, Bobby Thomson, Thomson, Scot, Bobby, — Mays, Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, Terry Cashman, Willie, Mickey, Willie Howard Mays, steelworker William Howard, Anna Mays, Eddie Montague, Montague, Leo Durocher, Barry Bonds, —, Babe Ruth, Bonds, Sandy Koufax, Ruth, Arnold Palmer, Deron Johnson, Reggie Jackson —, Hall, Hall of famer Willie Mays, Jamie Squire, Yogi Berra, James Hirsch, Joan Payson, Payson, Payson wouldn't, Mantle, Bowie Kuhn, Peter Ueberroth, Ueberroth, Mantle's banishments, Kuhn, Charles Schultz, Charlie Brown, John Fogerty's, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio, Wesley Snipes, Willie Mays Hayes, Willie Mays Hays, Bob, Hayes, Sisko, Donna Reed Organizations: San Francisco Giants, Oracle, San Francisco Chronicle, Hearst Newspapers, Getty, Baseball, of Famer, National, Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers, National League, New, Armed Forces Radio, Dodgers, Yankees, New York, York City, Apple, New York City, Hall of Fame, New York Mets, Shea, Los Angeles Dodgers, Birmingham Black Barons, Negro League, Barons, Mets, Oakland A's, Hall of famer, Kansas City Royals, Oakland, Thomson, New York Giants, GQ, MLB, Hotel, Claridge, Olympics, Los Angeles Times, Houston Astros, Bettmann, Major League Baseball Locations: San Francisco, Washington ,, New York, U.S, Korea, New, Flushing , New York, Westfield , Alabama, Mays ', York, America, Flushing , Queens, Atlantic City, Southern California, Northern California

"House of the Dragon" finally returned on Sunday night, two years after season one aired on HBO and became a smash hit. Rhaenyra, in mourning, needs to see her dead son for herselfRhaenyra discovers the remains of Arrax, her son Lucerys' dragon, in the season two premiere of "House of the Dragon." Daemon makes an oopsieDaemon (Matt Smith) and Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) in "House of the Dragon" season 2. Back in King's Landing, the assassins that Daemon sent after Aemond close inEwan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen in "House of the Dragon" season two. Olivia Cooke as Alicent in season two of "House of the Dragon."

Persons: —, Alicent Hightower, Aegon II, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Alicent's, Aemond, Rhaenyra's, Lucerys Velaryon, Eammon Jacobs, Palmer Haasch, Caralynn, Palmer, …, Cregan Stark, Ollie Upton, Stark, Jace, Vhagar, Daemon Daemon, Theo Whitman, Daemon, she's, Corlys, Tom Glynn, Carney, Helaena, Alicole, … Palmer, Rhaenyra, Arrax, Lucerys, Theo Whiteman, Emma D'Arcy, Milly Alcock —, Emma, Luke, Syrax, Otto, Larys, Michael, Aegon's, Hugh, Alicent, Sonoya Mizuno, maven, Whistleworm, I'm, Matt Smith, Jace —, he's, Jacaerys, it's, Ramin, Daemon Targaryen, Ewan Mitchell, it's Helaena, It's, Olivia Cooke, Cole, wasn't Criston, Jaime, Cersei, Bran Organizations: Service, HBO, Greens, Aegon, Blacks, Business, Alpha Beta Locations: Alicole, Farmville, Lucerys, Alicent

☆ I'm an American who's lived in Germany for 14 years. I'm mostly content, but life here hasn't been perfect.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Sabrina Cooper | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In a 2023 InterNations survey of over 12,000 expats, Germany was voted one of the countries expats hate to live in the most. AdvertisementWhen asked where I'm from, saying I'm American" doesn't suffice. Sadly, I'm also still stuck in my native English head, which doesn't delineate between a formal and informal "you," either. We're three hours by train from Amsterdam, three and a half hours by train from Paris, and four hours by train from London. Despite all the mistakes, misunderstandings, and episodes of embarrassment, I can honestly say that I'm grateful for everything living in Germany has brought me.

Persons: —, I've, it's, JENS SCHLUETER, I'm, We've Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Germany, United States, Los Angeles and New York, Europe, Amsterdam, Paris, London

☆ Airbnb host battles nightmare guest squatters who refuse to leave after 8 months, say they're 'legal residents'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewGuests in a North Carolina Airbnb rental have refused to leave the property after an eight-month stay, the homeowner said. Farzana Rahman, the Airbnb host, said the guests taped a sign to the door that says they are "legal residents." "It's not fair," Rahman told Business Insider. The guests told the cleaners to leave and asked Rahman if they could stay through Memorial Day on May 27. "If you see red flags at the beginning, people trying to make you break your contract and go outside," she told Business Insider.

Persons: —, Farzana Rahman, Rahman, It's, Airbnb, they'd, Rahman couldn't, she's Organizations: Service, Business, ABC, BI Locations: North Carolina, Durham , North Carolina

☆ Americans are sick of tipping culture and scaling back everywhere from restaurants to hair salons
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Many Americans are not willing to leave a tip all the time, and they're becoming less likely to do so. The 2024 survey of US adults conducted from April 29 to May 1 found that 67% percent of those who go to sit-down restaurants always give tips to servers. Thirty-five percent of adults said "tipping culture has gotten out of control," per the Bankrate post. Still, the survey found 78% of Gen Xers and 86% of baby boomers who go to sit-down restaurants always give a tip. AdvertisementAnd younger Americans are less likely to tip at sit-down restaurants.

Persons: Bankrate, Ted Rossman, it's, Xers, culture's, Gen Xers, Gen Zers, millennials, Rossman, that's Organizations: Service, Business, Pew Research Center

☆ We went on a trip to Europe 3 years ago and never left. Our kid's life is way better here than it was in the US.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Lana Katsaros | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

My family and I went on an open-ended trip to Europe, and we ended up buying a house here. We love living in Portugal — life is relaxed and our son gets lots of time outdoors. Although we will always have ties to the United States, we love living in Europe. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . For months, I was in a fog and, in an effort to lift our spirits, I asked my husband how he felt about an open-ended trip to Europe.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Europe, Portugal, United States, Italy, United Kingdom

☆ Parents of teens competing at the 'Olympics of science fairs' share 5 parenting rules they live by
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

They had all won regional, state, or national science fairs and finally made it to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to compete for $9 million in prizes. It's nothing to do with science," Motwani said. Morgan McFall-JohnsenThe moms said their children were motivated to muscle through when their science fair projects got tough, simply because they liked doing it. Advertisement"Our lives actually revolve around science fair because this is something that my kids enjoy doing," Estrada said. Otherwise, he would work on science fair projects until 2 a.m., she said.

Persons: —, Morgan McFall, Johnsen, That's, Smriti Motwani, Divij, Ayush Garg, Divij Motwani, Johnsen Maria Estrada, Pauline, John, Estrada didn't, Estrada, he's, Motwani, Alexa Groff, Taylor, Groff, Maddux Alexander Springer, Pauline Victoria Estrada, Maria Estrada Estrada, It's, she's, Dexter Organizations: Service, Los Angeles Convention Center, Regeneron, Science, Engineering, Business, Fresno State, BI, ISEF, Oahu Locations: Los Angeles, Iowa, Fresno

☆ I wanted my kids to play more independently. This play couch might be the answer to that.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Conz Preti | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Related storiesWhen I got an email saying a new play couch called the Chunk was coming out, I was intrigued. One of the first things I bought after we moved was the Nugget, a coveted play couch that kept selling out drop after drop. Courtesy of the authorWe set the Nugget up in my oldest kid's room, thinking he'd be more into building forts. The author's kids play on the Chunk for hours Courtesy of authorThat doesn't happen around here often because my kids are always playing with it. This play couch is magic.

Persons: —, I'm, it's, he'd Organizations: Service, Montessori, Crafts, Business Locations: Brooklyn, Maine, Williamsburg

Roku 65-inch Pro Series 4K QLED TV Roku's flagship Pro Series TV is a great all-around 4K QLED. AdvertisementShould you buy the Roku Pro Series TV? The Roku Pro series offers good image quality in a convenient, easy to use package. Ryan Waniata/Business InsiderThe Roku Pro Series is a worthy buy for anyone who wants a great midrange QLED TV. We tested a 65-inch Roku Pro Series model, but our overall impressions also apply to the 55- and 75-inch sizes.

Persons: Roku, 120Hz, Ryan Waniata, you've, U8N, Max, Roku's, It's, Hisense's U8N, You'll Organizations: Business, TCL, Shop, Walmart Shop, Dolby, Pro, TCL's, Samsung, Google, Processing Unit, Smart, AMD FreeSync Locations: Moana

☆ We live in Hong Kong and are returning to the US to retire. We don't have a credit score and our Social Security is minimal.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Peter Maize | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

After 35 years of living and working in Hong Kong, my wife, Wendy, and I are returning home to the US. Setting aside concerns of whether we are jumping from a frying pan into a fire (ongoing crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong versus political ruptures in the US), we have many other issues to grapple with. We don't have credit scores or credit cardsTake, for example, our credit score: we don't have one. In Hong Kong we have always paid our bills on time and are conscientious consumers. For us, that won't be a significant amount since most of my prime employment years were spent overseas working for Hong Kong companies.

Persons: Wendy, it's, We've Organizations: Service, Social Security, Department of Motor Vehicles Locations: Hong Kong, America, LA, Pacific, United States

☆ I was estranged from my father when he died. It didn't make the pain of losing him any easier.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-26 | by ( Rachel Sobel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. The funeral home offered curbside pickup, but I couldn't relive this experience every time I did Target Drive-up. I went every day and played Bob Marley's Three Little Birds — "Every little thing is gonna be all right." White ashes scattered from a plastic bag with an industrial-strength twisty tie. I learned that it doesn't matter if your parent was estranged or at your table for every holiday.

Persons: Bob Marley, I'd, gaunt, stepdad, Bob Marley's, hadn't Organizations: Service, Bob Marley Festival Locations: China

☆ We took our 7-year-old son to Waikiki for our 10th wedding anniversary. We catered the trip to us, not him.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Nicole Findlay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Since the vacation was about our marital milestone, we catered the trip to us, not our 7-year-old. AdvertisementThe family stayed at the Royal Hawaiian. In my husband's opinion, they also made the best mai tai on the island, rivaling those at the Royal Hawaiian. Though they didn't cater the trip to their 7-year-old son, he still had a great time. But this family trip is one I'll never forget, and not only because my husband's new morning uniform is his recently acquired Royal Hawaiian pink and white striped hotel robe.

Persons: —, Nicole Findlay, It's, Mai, tacos, Merriman's, he'd Organizations: Service, Business, US Army Coastal Artillery, Head Locations: Pacific, Hawaii, Oahu, Waikiki, Honolulu, Mai Tai

☆ We let our young kids play together unsupervised in our neighborhood. It's great for them, and it's great for us.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Amber Adrian | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Amber Adrian and her husband were both allowed to play outdoors unsupervised when they were young and wanted the same thing for their kids. Amber Adrian's kids play outside with their neighbors. Courtesy Amber AdrianNeighborhood play is importantSix years ago, with a baby and a 2-year-old in tow, we moved into an older neighborhood in a small Midwestern town. As the years have passed, we've developed a good vibe of free neighborhood play among the houses closest to us. Kids in Amber Adrian's neighborhood enjoy frequent outdoor time together.

Persons: Amber Adrian, We've, we've, Amber Adrian's, Amber Adrian We've Locations: Amber Adrian's

☆ Do this 1 thing to curb your kid's anxiety today, says lead researcher behind 'The Anxious Generation'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Aditi Shrikant | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Zach Rausch, lead researcher to Haidt and an associate research scientist at NYU-Stern School of Business, says kids who had access to social media and iPhones in elementary and middle school report higher levels of anxiety and depression. "The biggest effects of social media happened during puberty, especially early puberty," he says. To curb bullying, social comparison, and depression in adolescents, Haidt and Rausch crafted four suggestions:No smartphones for kids before high school — give them only flip phones in middle school. No social media before age 16. If you want to make a change today that will positively impact your child's health, Rausch says start by talking to your kids' friends' parents.

Persons: Johnathan Haidt pinpoints, University's, Zach Rausch, Rausch Organizations: University's Stern School of Business, NYU, Stern School of Business Locations: New

☆ My 15-year-old son and I live in both France and the US. We're more active In France, but appreciate the slower pace of the South.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Stephanie Kaloi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

So I started bringing him with us to France as often as possible, which amounts to about half the calendar year. For example, so far this year we spent all of January in France, and will return in early May for the entire summer. AdvertisementOur daily routine is differentOur days in France always begin and end entirely differently than they do in the US. In France, we tend to stay somewhere close to the city center. Last summer, my son tried more types of pasta than I knew existed, a feat he was enormously proud of, especially as a vegetarian.

Persons: It's, we're, France —, it's, he's Locations: United States, France, Iceland, Panama, Cannes, Grasse, Paris, Nice, Europe, States

☆ I've been to more than 30 countries, but I'll always think this European city is the best destination for children of any age
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Erika Ebsworth-Goold | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAs a travel writer, one of my greatest loves is experiencing a new country, region, or city with my son. But if you ask me, London is also the best spot to bring your kids, especially if they range in age. Here's why I'll always believe London is a terrific destination for children of any age. Children under 11 travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and discounts are available for older kids. The city is full of parks for children to play inLondon has incredible green space for such a large city.

Persons: —, I've, Erika Ebsworth, Big Ben, we've, Gordon Ramsay's, Martin Organizations: Service, London, Business, Transportation, Heathrow Express, Airport, Paddington Station, Hyde Park, Royal Observatory, Prime Meridian, Food, British Museum, Magna Carta, Tate, Eurostar Locations: London, Hyde, Greenwich, London . London, Ethiopian, Harrods, St, Trafalgar, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Birmingham, Brighton, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam

☆ The scourge of customer satisfaction surveys
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Adam Rogers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

— is devoted to customer surveys. Other metrics followed: the Customer Satisfaction Score, the Customer Effort Score, measurements of the entire Customer Experience. At the peak of the so-called sharing economy, customer surveys were all-powerful. The glut of customer surveys has created an additional problem for marketers. "We ask for customer feedback on these things all the time, but it's hard for a customer to give you immediate feedback, because a customer doesn't know what quality is yet."

Persons: you've, I'm, They're, Brad Anderson, Fred Reichheld, Nick Lee, James Wagner, It's, Christine Moorman, Lee, That's, it's, hasn't, Anderson Organizations: NPS, Warwick Business School, University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, Companies, Duke University, Institutional, Board, Health Service Locations: United States, Qualtrics, Bain, Warwick

☆ When my 6-year-old asked to get her ears pierced, I took her to a professional piercer. It was much safer than the way I did it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Saba Khonsari | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThis year, we took our 6-year-old to get her ears pierced. If our kids wanted them, we would take them to get their ears pierced. I got my ears pierced with a piercing gun at a mallI myself was not allowed to pierce my ears until I was 12. AdvertisementWhen my kids decided they wanted to get their ears pierced, I opted to take them to a professional piercing studio. AdvertisementNow, it's a place I go on a Monday night to get my daughter's ears pierced.

Persons: —, Merle Norman, Professional Piercers, it's, Johns Hopkins, Rachel Dawkins, piercers Organizations: Service, Business, Professional

Search resuls for: "Kid's"

25 mentions found