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☆ A 34-year-old real-estate investor explains his 'recession-proof' investing strategy that helped him achieve financial independence and quit his day job
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

By mid-2022, the cash flow from his two short-term rental units was enough to cover his family's expenses, allowing him to quit his day job. He is passionate about providing affordable housing, having seen first-hand how it can change a family's outcome. Long story short, she finally got her affordable housing unit and she was in tears." He expects his affordable housing unit, which he's currently renovating, to profit $200 a month minimum. "I think it's the perfect diversification strategy," said He, whose long-term goal is to acquire 1,000 affordable housing units.

Persons: Kent, PwC, there's Organizations: Bentley University, PricewaterhouseCoopers Locations: America, San Diego, Scottsdale , Arizona, Covid, Fairfield , Alabama, China, Boston, Chinatown

☆ Nike is shuffling executives and searching for its next 'breakthrough innovation' as unwanted Air Maxes and Air Jordans pile up
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-26 | by ( Matthew Kish | Danni Santana | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Once-coveted Air Jordans and Air Maxes are now sitting on shelves, with some retro Jordans selling below retail on the secondary market. "Air Max is Becoming Air Min," reads the headline of a report this week from Williams Trading analyst Sam Poser, who downgraded Nike's stock to sell. While numerous analysts remain bullish on Nike, Poser is among those who say Nike needs to ramp up innovation. At its 2017 investor day, Nike announced the Air Max 270. "Nike has lost many senior people throughout the entire company with, now necessary, historical institutional knowledge of Nike," Poser wrote.

☆ How TikTok helps Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook find fresh talent and supercharge its marketing strategy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-26 | by ( Nhari Djan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Westbrook is an entertainment company whose founders include Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Two execs explain how they use the app to find talent and incorporate TikTok creators in their marketing projects. TikTok specifically has helped Westbrook find creators to work on its marketing projects. Sadao Turner, Westbrook Media's SVP of talent strategy, said TikTok has been a better recruiting tool than some other social-media platforms because of its search and discovery features. Turner said that TikTok creators display a different level of creativity and freedom than he had seen from other digital creators.

"With loan terms tougher and tighter, the option for private credit providers is on steroids," said Drew Schardt, head of investment strategy at Hamilton Lane, one of the largest investment firms in private markets. Pietrzak sees "attractive" assets in auto and consumer lending. POISED TO GAIN SHAREInvestors providing private credit comprise 12% of the $6.3 trillion U.S. commercial credit market, according to Fitch Ratings. "The tightening of lending standards creates opportunities for private credit to gain share," said Lyle Margolis, Fitch's head of private credit. While private credit funds have grown swiftly, the risks they pose to the financial system appear limited, the Federal Reserve wrote in a report this month.

☆ Op-ed: Why cash is king for emergency funds and queen for short-term savings
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Stacy Francis | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

You would have been lucky to find a high-yield savings account paying out 1%-2% at that time. Where to keep your emergency cashAn emergency fund is a cash cushion of roughly three to six months of living expenses. American Express High Yield Savings and Barclays Online Savings Account are highly competitive. The easiest way to reach this goal is to automatically have a portion of your paycheck directed toward your emergency or short-term savings fund. Your emergency fund and short-term savings should be directed toward something other than your everyday checking or savings account.

☆ 6 daily micro habits recommended by Google's executive coach to reduce stress and increase focus
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AK Ikwuakor is a 38-year-old executive coach lead at Google from Marina del Rey, California. I've served as an executive coach for leaders across the globe. One of my micro habits is walking out the door each morning. Here are six daily micro habits that I recommend to Googlers and others to become less stressed and more focused. People often struggle at first, but as they continue listing things like "I know I'm amazing with people," "I know I'm a strong marketer," "I know I'm a great friend," and so on, it gets easier.

☆ Workers want to embrace A.I. — but only 1 in 10 say their jobs involve related skills, Salesforce says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Goh Chiew Tong | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Even as companies make hefty investments into AI, most workers have yet to use AI — with "only 1 in 10" globally saying their day-to-day role currently involves AI skills, said Salesforce. Skills leaders wantPeople leaders said "data security skills, ethical AI and automation skills, and programming skills" will become increasingly important in the workplace, according to Salesforce. Only 14% say their role involves other related digital skills such as encryption and cybersecurity, and 13% claim to use coding and app development skills. "But even for this industry, less than a third of employees use AI skills within their role today," Salesforce added. As for Singapore, the industry that ranked highest for the application of AI skills was manufacturing — even though only 21% say they use AI skills within their role.

☆ In New Mexico, an unlikely wildfire thinning alliance
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Andrew Hay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Near Taos in northern New Mexico, Vicente Fernandez, a mayordomo, or forest caretaker, cut saplings and seedlings crowding a mature fir tree. In an about-face, the Forest Service is now paying local woodcutters or leñeros $300 an acre to cut these trees for personal use or sale. Some environmentalists oppose Taos County's so called Mayordomo Program, and other thinning, saying it is a waste of time, harms forests and is often a guise for logging. "The Forest Service believes in helping communities to wisely use the forests," the agency said in a statement. "We cannot fireproof forests, we can fireproof communities," said Horning, who has lived in northern New Mexico for 30 years.

☆ US IRS to launch free tax e-file pilot program in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( David Lawder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - The Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday said it would launch a free, government-provided direct tax filing option next year, which could lead to the full-scale launch of an IRS filing system that would compete with private tax preparers. The IRS said in an exploratory report to Congress that 72% of American taxpayers surveyed said they were "very interested in" or "somewhat interested in" using a government tool to electronically file their tax returns. The size, scope and complexity of the pilot program, to be available in the 2024 tax filing season, has yet to be determined, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters, adding that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen directed the IRS to launch the pilot after reviewing the report. "Americans will be powerless when the IRS completely controls the tax filing process from start to finish," Smith said in a statement. Werfel noted that all filing options would continue, including free e-file options from private firms and non-profit tax advocacy services, paid filing by tax preparers, and free paper filing to the IRS.

☆ TikTok is quietly moving in on record labels' territory and insiders say its ambitions could end up 'pissing off' music partners
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Dan Whateley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Its music ambitions could ruffle feathers at record labels and publishers — unless it pays out. TikTok's app regularly sparks trends that help songs go viral, making it a favorite of marketers at major labels and independents. TikTok works closely with record labels and artists on promotional efforts like livestreamed concerts, in-person performances, and private listening parties with TikTok stars. Spotify has maintained a tenuous relationship with the labels over the years as it's sought to balance profit margins while splitting revenue with artists, labels, and publishers. Still, even as record labels and publishers push TikTok to pay more to music rights holders, they're investing more in the app.

☆ 'iCarly' writers join the WGA strike as showrunner Ali Schouten calls out Hollywood studios' 'corporate greed'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Insider spoke to Ali Schouten, the showrunner behind Paramount+ series "iCarly," about what's at stake. The "iCarly" writers will link up with the picket line outside the lot where the show is filmed, according to Ali Schouten, the series' showrunner and executive producer. Ahead of the "iCarly" writers' picketing on Thursday, I spoke with Schouten to understand what she and her colleagues are fighting for. Lisa Rose/Paramount+The last writers' strike resulted in $2 billion worth of losses for the California economy, and some experts predict the impact of this work stoppage could be even greater. How is the writers' strike impacting you, your business, or your family?

☆ We got an inside look at a presentation showing the future of Microsoft's $20 billion health-tech acquisition. It revealed how new AI models could transform how we go to the doctor.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Blake Dodge | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Microsoft bought Nuance in 2022 for nearly $20 billion to expand its reach in healthcare. CHICAGO — In 2022, Microsoft bought Nuance for nearly $20 billion to supercharge its growth in the healthcare industry. It's the first tool in Nuance's pipeline to combine the company's own AI models with that of OpenAI, ChatGPT's creator and a deep Microsoft partner. Even back in 2015, enthusiasm for the idea was palpable, Peter Durlach, Nuance's chief strategy officer, told Insider in April. In a conference presentation, Andrea Barrett, a physician assistant and Nuance consultant, demonstrates products using generative AI.

☆ How El Chapo’s sons built a fentanyl empire poisoning America
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +23 min

Headed by Iván, El Chapo’s oldest son, the siblings have emerged as key figures in the Sinaloa Cartel, U.S. and Mexican anti-narcotics officials said. But he was killed in 2008 in Culiacán in a hail of bullets amid infighting between warring factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. The agency in April placed Iván on the list of its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, joining Jesús Alfredo and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a Sinaloa Cartel legend and El Chapo’s alleged former business partner. They also kidnapped eight soldiers and surrounded military housing where wives and children of Mexican soldiers lived, Mexican officials said. Despite that blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, fentanyl keeps flowing north.

☆ Saudi-Financed LIV Golf Expands Its Reach Into Washington
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Alan Blinder | Maggie Haberman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

LIV Golf, the league financed with billions of dollars from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and facing scrutiny over its motives and ambitions, has hired one of Washington’s most influential consulting conglomerates, whose co-founder works with a super PAC supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. The league, whose close links to former President Donald J. Trump have helped bring LIV both a greater spotlight and a storm of condemnation, said Friday that it had reached an agreement with the conglomerate, GP3 Partners, to promote “LIV Golf’s mission to modernize and supercharge” golf. Mr. Cox is among the GP3 consultants who will be working on the account, a person familiar with the arrangement said. Mr. Cox did not respond to a message seeking comment.

☆ COP28 president says fossil fuels still have a role to play, prompting concerns about climate summit’s goals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Laura Paddison | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

In March, European countries agreed to promote a global phase-out of fossil fuels in a text setting out their priorities for COP28. “The shift towards a climate neutral economy will require the global phase-out of unabated fossil fuels,” the text said. Al Jaber emphasized the role of technologies like carbon capture in reducing planet-heating pollution. “All indicators… are telling us that we are way off track,” said Al Jaber. We have to get out of fossil fuels, we have to dramatically reduce emissions.”“it is no longer about visions.

☆ This under-the-radar server tech stock will rally on ‘this AI moment,' Loop Capital says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

It's time to buy Super Micro Computer after its latest earnings results on the strength of its artificial intelligence outlook, according to Loop. Analyst Ananda Baruah hiked his price target to $150 from $100. The new price target implies shares can jump 43% from Tuesday's closing price of $104.43. The price target hike comes after Super Micro Computer reported results from its latest quarter. Super Micro Computer forecasts per-share adjusted earnings between $2.21 and $2.71 in its fourth quarter, greater than the $1.76 consensus estimate from FactSet.

☆ Everyone knows Siri is way behind. It's partly why top Apple engineers have jumped ship to Google, report says.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Apple is having a hard time convincing workers that Siri can keep up with new AI rivals. Apple lost three top engineers working on AI technology to Google, The Information reported. It's the latest example of how far behind Apple is seen to be on AI versus Google and OpenAI. Apple has lost three top engineers working on ChatGPT-like technology to Google, in a sign the iPhone-maker is struggling to supercharge its AI efforts and Siri as large language models go mainstream. They were personally poached by Google CEO Sundar Pichai after shunning Apple boss Tim Cook's efforts to keep them, the report said.

☆ Google had a 'Kodak moment' last year as Microsoft takes lead in AI, strategist says
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Google launched Bard AI, it's own chatbot to rival Microsoft and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Google last year had a "Kodak moment" when it came to artificial intelligence, giving rival Microsoft an edge with the technology, one strategist told CNBC on Wednesday. "Microsoft is currently winning this race in AI," Mewawalla told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." Mewawalla said this should have been done "a long time ago" and that Google, even though it has "great AI," fell behind Microsoft last year. "In a way in 2022, it (Google) had a Kodak moment.

Two of the best travel rewards cards — the American Express® Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — are fixtures in the wallets of frequent flyers, and for good reason. Compare the Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardAmerican Express® Gold Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Here's what to know if you're trying to decide between the Amex Gold Card and Sapphire Preferred. Fortunately, both the Amex Gold Card and Sapphire Preferred are heavy hitters in this regard, with excellent everyday spending categories that most consumers can easily use. In addition, the Amex Gold card offers up to $10 per month in Uber Cash (applicable to U.S. Eats orders and Rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

☆ ChatGPT course instruction is the newest side hustle on the market. Meet the teachers making thousands from the lucrative gig.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Aaron Mok | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

ChatGPT course instructors told Insider they have made between $10,000 to $52,000 in a few months. In late December, he launched a ChatGPT course on online education platform Udemy called "ChatGPT Masterclass: A Complete ChatGPT Guide for Beginners." But some struggle to integrate ChatGPT into their workflow, three ChatGPT course instructors told Insider. Skillshare, another online learning platform, offers 61 ChatGPT courses, while online course provider Coursera offers 10, according to searches made at the time this story was published. ChatGPT instructors aren't necessarily AI expertsThe ChatGPT course instructors who spoke to Insider are all self-taught.

☆ Elon Musk spoke about crystal balls, bank lending, self-driving cars and lithium refineries this week. Here are his 10 best quotes from Tesla's Q1 earnings call.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk spoke about banks, self-driving cars, crystal balls, and lithium refineries this week. He warned of "stormy weather" ahead and said rate hikes, layoff fears, and bank lending are worries. (Musk was discussing Tesla's Dojo's supercomputer platform, and nodding to the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March.) (Musk was hinting at a possible credit crunch if banks, facing deposit outflows and the prospect of further bank runs, pull back on lending.) (Musk was outlining his vision of eventually rolling out autonomous driving to all Tesla vehicles via a software update, allowing them to serve as robotaxis and generate income.)

☆ How TikTok is trying to become the music industry's everything app, even if it risks 'pissing off' record labels
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Dan Whateley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

☆ 35 Ways Real People Are Using A.I. Right Now
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Francesca Paris | Larry Buchanan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +24 min

People are using ChatGPT and other A.I. Here’s how 35 real people are using A.I for work, life, play and procrastination. People are using A.I to …Plan gardens. Chris Norn Researcher at the University of Washington Two years ago researchers cracked the code on using A.I. When you run a Dungeons & Dragons game, Mr. Green says, you have to be creative, but that almost always means pulling from existing fantasy literature.

☆ Google CEO Sundar Pichai Says Search to Include Chat AI
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Miles Kruppa | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Google plans to add conversational artificial-intelligence features to its flagship search engine, Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said, as he steers the tech company’s response to competition from chatbots such as ChatGPT and to wider business pressures. Advances in AI would supercharge Google’s ability to answer an array of search queries, Mr. Pichai said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He dismissed the notion that chatbots posed a threat to Google’s search business, which accounts for more than half of revenue at parent Alphabet Inc.

☆ Google CEO Sundar Pichai Says Search to Feature Chat AI
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Miles Kruppa | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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