Best Galentine's Day gifts under $25 Heart Eyes sunglasses Heart-shaped sunnies are a fun, affordable way to show your friend you're thinking of her on Valentine's Day. This stylish pair is from Urban Outfitters and has pastel tinted lenses that will add substance and style to her accessory collection. $15 at Urban Outfitters Close Patchology Serve Chilled Ros Eye Gels Do you have that one friend who always brings ros over to your dinner parties, or she's your partner in crime at froz cocktail bars? Celebrate her love for pink bubbly with these themed ros eye gel masks. You "serve them chilled," which means you use them straight out of the fridge for an extra boost in depuffing. They help treat dark under eyes and make for a fun pampering gift. Close Personalized heart-shaped bookmark If your bestie loves to read, chances are she never has enough bookmarks. This heart-shaped bookmark is perfect for Galentine's Day. It comes in multiple colors, and you can customize it with her name for an extra personal touch. $7 at Etsy Close Hella Awkward card game

If you're looking from a reprieve from all theTikTok, Red Note andMeta video editing news this week, Adobe is here to help. This week the companyannouncedthat Premiere Pro is getting some new AI-powered features. The beta features include a new media intelligence panel that upgrades file search and the ability to translate your video captions into 17 different languages.One of the first things you figure outwhen you start learning how to edit in Premiere is the importance of naming your clips and organizing files in your library, so that you can find specific clips later and avoid those dreaded "media not found" error messages. But as anyone who's done that knows, it's a tedious and time-consuming task. That's where the new media intelligence panel can help.Media intelligence is a kind of advanced search panel that aims to make it easier to find specific clips. You can still search by file name and location, but media intelligence can recognize certain elements in clips and pull them -- subjects like "skateboarders" or technical elements like lens flares, or both, clips of people skateboarding where there's a lens flare. The idea is to make it easier and quicker to find the clips you need, even if they aren't named after the subject or include the keyword you're using to search.Media intelligence uses clips' metadata, including shoot date and camera type -- meaning you can get really specific with your searches. It can also highlight sections of longer videos, so if you want one question from a taped interview, you can search for that without having to scrub the whole video searching for that one part.Media intelligence runs locally on your computer and doesn't read or store information about your clips. Adobe doesn't train its AI models on its users' content. You can now add translated captions to your videos in the Premiere Pro beta app. Adobe/Screenshot by CNETPremiere Pro's auto-captioning is also getting upgraded to include translations. Adobe said it has heard from users that they want the ability to add captions in multiple languages on the same clip, and the new tool lets you do that without leaving Premiere. You can already automatically generate transcripts of your videos, and from there, you can add captions. With the new beta feature, you can transcribe those captions into 17 different languages, including Spanish, German, French and Japanese.A couple of other smaller updates were also announced this week. Frame.io is now compatible with two new cameras (the Canon C80 and C400), and the After Effects beta app is also getting improved caching and HDR support. Adobe made the announcement in advance of the Sundance Film Festival, where 60% of this year's films used Premiere Pro during their editing processes, according to a survey from the Sundance Institute.For more on Adobe, check out Photoshop's collaboration feature and anti-reflection tool.

Is your childhood home where most of your favourite gaming memories are found? What a strange feeling it is when it's no longer yoursCan it be that it was all so simple then?Image credit: Eurogamer Feature by Tom Orry Editorial Director, Gamer Network Published on Jan. 25, 2025 I don't think of myself as being overly sentimental. I do seem to remember a lot more than other people, though - small things that when I bring up to those involved, I'm looked at as if I've fabricated the world's most mundane story. "I had a really wonderful brownie there," I'll say to my wife as we pass a restaurant we last visited 12 years ago. "I had lasagne and cheesy garlic bread," I add as she looks at me in a way that is clearly questioning if we've even set foot in the building before. It appears that I'm like this with games, too, a landslide of the past hitting me as I learned my mum's house, my childhood home, is going on the market this week.We all look back, hopefully with fond memories of games we've played over the years, but perhaps rather foolishly I'd not really considered how where I played these games and who I was with is just as important. My memories, in fact, are less about the games themselves (what I thought of them, key events, etc), but more the moments in time and place. We all remember what we were doing during huge world events, but where were you when you booted Super Mario 64 for the first time and who were you playing with?My first gaming memory, I'm pretty sure, is of the Amstrad CPC 464, the one that came with a green-screen monitor. I can't have been very old, but I remember a game about stunt driving that I've come to learn is called Super Stunt Man. The most bizarre part of this memory isn't how terrible I was at the game, but that in my mind the whole thing is red, like an off-hue polaroid photo - all except the very green monitor screen. Strange. Have you ever tried explaining to anyone under the age of 10 what life was like before Netflix and YouTube? Imagine telling them about a screen that only displayed shades of one colour!I had to play this in just one colour: green. To this day I class it as one of the hardest games I've ever played.Watch on YouTubeMy mind is less red-tinged when I think about the C64, in reality more of a sideways step from the Amstrad than a massive upgrade, but I had it on a colour TV which made a huge difference. We bought a bumper package, the one with the amazing artwork of an owl on it (I must have stared at this box for hours in what I assume was the Woolworths or WHSmith catalogue), bundled with two joysticks and a second game collection that had 20+ games included. Amazing days, but again, aside from the odd specific game memory (I was big into Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, for my sins), my overriding feeling of the time is one of a puzzle.In my first attempt at describing my memory of that time I used the term "cramped," but it was unfair and not really true. I grew up in an ex-council house where I lived with my mum, brother, step-dad, nan, granddad, uncle, aunt, and cousin. It's only as an adult that you look back and wonder how that was possible. As a child I didn't feel cramped at all. It was just life, and we made things fit. There were rooms everywhere, people sleeping in what are now closets, and a garden then went on for miles. It's funny. We all try to do what's best for our family, our kids, but often it's just that sense of belonging that matters. I had a place, I had my stuff, and I had people to enjoy those things with.Unlike the Amstrad which had a built-in tape deck, the C64's plugged in. How was everything going to fit in a small room I shared with my brother? It did, somehow, but the tape deck was definitely perched on something it shouldn't have been and I remember at times balancing a joystick on top of the deck on my lap as we played, our bunkbed looming large over us. Kids definitely didn't lord over the house back then, did they? On the plus side, at least it meant we could play pretty much whatever we wanted.I remember having a small TV and a Master System (our first console, bought instead of a Mega Drive as we could afford more games for it) somehow tucked behind the door of the bigger bedroom we moved into when my aunt moved out, a hideaway of sorts where we'd spend hours trying to finish Chuck Rock and get faster times on Olympic Gold until we'd hear someone shout up the stairs to tell us to "stop that tapping." The N64 we bought had to have its own stool to fit close enough to the TV in our room, and with so many people trying to get a look at it we ended up accidentally pulling the whole thing onto the floor. The console survived, thankfully! Super Mario 64 was something else, though, right. No one could believe their eyes. If you weren't there you just don't know. It was the most unbelievable thing I'd ever seen. I previously thought this about FIFA on the Mega Drive, so I was possibly a stupid child. | Image credit: NintendoMy uncle plays a huge part in my gaming memories as he was at home a lot. He cleaned pubs in the early hours, so was always around when school was finished - as much a part of the "front room" as the sofas. One day we went into town and he put half the money towards buying a PlayStation and Time Crisis. We'd sold the PlayStation we previously owned to fund buying the N64, but he was obviously feeling flush and we weren't going to argue with the deal being offered. The living room, a rare place to play games in a house this busy, became our arcade, a second PS controller on the floor acting as the game's "cover" pedal. Incredible scenes - "Don't trip over that cable, mum!" These days I'm being told to get out of the way of my son's Fortnite sessions, but at least the controllers are wireless.Later on we'd tag team Gran Turismo, my uncle grinding away at races during the day, me and my brother taking over after school so we could amass as many credits as possible. I don't remember the racing at all, but I do remember the joy of coming home, my uncle handing us the controller and telling us we could afford to buy the next high performance car we'd been desperate for. It's amazing how much time you seem to have as a child. Nothing seems impossible as you aren't aware of time running out, but nothing lasts forever.That's something that can definitely be said about the black, red and silver deco me and my brother decided to have in our shared bedroom, aged 11. Aged 16 we wanted something altogether brighter and less like the inside of the Red Dwarf. Great stuff, but who decided to embark on a complete overhaul the same week the Dreamcast launched in the UK? We had sheets over everything in the room other than the TV and a brand-new Dreamcast, placed on top of a storage stool. Ready 2 Rumble Boxing and Hydro Thunder sessions while sat on tins of paint. Had to be done, but I wouldn't recommend it.SEGA was my true love, but the PlayStation won me over and the level of hype around the PS2 was unheard of. Having failed to pre-order a PS2 we took to the Friday-Ad (always picked one up from the Fish and Chip shop every week) and found someone selling a modded Japanese model for less than the UK price, ahead of the UK launch. The man arrived, we had the cash ready, but my mum insisted that the guy unpack it all in the living room, plug it in and show it working. I always felt so embarrassed when my mum would do things like this, insisting, for example, that the staff in Dixons let us demo a game in store before buying - Aladdin on the Mega Drive is the one I remember the most. I appreciate now that she was looking out for us and our hard-earned money (I remember working from about the age of 12). This is the game running on Switch, but imagine me, a child, being forced to play this in front of store staff, aged 10 on a Mega Drive. It was worse than being asked to taste the wine. | Image credit: DisneyBack to the PS2 man. In my mind he was dressed like a ninja. He probably wasn't, but memories are funny things - half of what I've told you so far probably isn't true even though I believe it to be. The PS2 worked, SSX was incredible. We handed over the money. Never looked back. Neither did the games industry. As an aside, it's a strange thrill inviting a complete stranger into your house, isn't it? Yes, you might be getting a bargain on a console, but who the hell is this person and why are you so trusting of them? On the phone he said his name was Dexter Morgan, so I'm sure it'll be fine, right?There are so many more moments: the imported GameCube arriving and being full of human hair, my mum reacting by just telling me not to leave "that disgusting hair" on the living room carpet; GTA (which my nan bought us!) on the family PC set up in the hallway by the front door, forever being told to move as me, my brother, and friends blocked the stairs for hours every day; the Xbox 360 failing to arrive on launch day so driving with my mum to the parcel depot to collect it instead, and her car getting pranged at a junction on the way home; playing Shadow of the Colossus in the small bedroom on my own, thinking how everyone downstairs was oblivious to just how incredible this game was.Years later, long after I'd moved out, I moved back in for a period with my wife following the birth of my son. It's at this house that he got his first taste for video games, sitting on our bed as we looked at Farming Simulator together and he attempted to say "combine harvester" and point at the chickens. The games I played there, the hundreds of magazines I read, the early game reviews I wrote, were a huge part of making me who I am today. I'll miss it when it's gone, but I'll never forget where I came from and what I played in that magically massive house.

Marvel Snap reveals staggering compensation to all players after TikTok ban unexpectedly took it offline"We. Are. Back!"Image credit: Nuverse News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 25, 2025 Now Marvel Snap is up and running again after its surprise downtime last weekend, Second Dinner has outlined what US players can expect in their "welcome back packages and compensation".In a lengthy statement posted to social media, the studio said it could not "thank [players] enough" for their patience and support.Xbox Developer Direct - four promising games also coming to PlayStation.Watch on YouTubeBy way of a thank you - and an apology for the unexpected downtime - Second Dinner said it realised "many of you missed out on time-based content, rewards, and missions" during the outage, acknowledging the disruption was "more than just an unfortunate blip", and now the game was back online, it was now ready to make it up to its stateside players.In recognition that the downtime "impacting" everyone, not just those in the US, Second Dinner also revealed all players will get an "additional bonus" for their support, too. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Here's the full list of awards:For US-based players US Downtime PackageOver Collection Level 5002 Spotlight Keys5000 Season Pass XP4150 Credits6200 Collectors Tokens1000 Gold5 Gold Conquest Ticket3 Infinite Conquest Ticket4000 Conquest Medals1 Mystery Variant6 Premium Mystery Variants1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)3 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare)155 x5 Random BoostersUnder Collection Level 5006 Mystery Series 3 Cards5000 Season Pass XP7150 Credits1000 Gold1 Mystery Variant6 Premium Mystery Variant1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)3 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare)155 x5 Random BoostersFor non-US-based players Global Gratitude Package:Over Collection Level 5002 Spotlight Key3000 Collectors Tokens1500 Credits1 Mystery Variant1 Premium Mystery Variant1 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare)1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)155 x3 Random BoostersUnder Collection Level 5006 Mystery Series 3 Cards3000 Credits1 Mystery Variant1 Premium Mystery Variant1 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare)1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)155 x3 Random BoostersThe US-specific awards are available to eligible accounts created before 20th January in the US and were either created in the US or have played in the US in the last 30 days. The global spoils go to all players who aren't in the US and had also created an account before 20th January.Interestingly, players will still receive the package even if they kept playing through the outage via a VPN, or, indeed, are non-US players who fancy firing up a VPN just to "try and receive the US downtime package".Second Dinner said it is "still working on" how it'll deliver the rewards, but players should expect them next week."Your outpouring of support to all of us at Second Dinner was heard and greatly appreciated. Marvel Snap isn't just our job but it's our passion," the team added. "It's a passion that we share with many of you all around the world. It's not something we take for granted, so thank you again for your dedication, patience, and support."

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The Taito Milestones series has already witnessed two collections (the '3' at the end of the Taito Milestones 3 is a bit of a giveaway), but the odd thing with this series is that the quality has arguably improved with each offering, rather than diminishing as the best games are featured early on.As we noted with the first Taito Milestones, the selection was somewhat disappointing, but it improved with the second release, which boasts the likes of The NewZealand Story, Metal Black, and Darius II.That sense of progression continues with Taito Milestones 3, which has perhaps the best selection of Taito games seen so far. It's actually remarkable that solid-gold classics like Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands, and Rastan have been held back until the third volume, but here they all are; in fact, you get the entire Rastan saga in this collection, including the sublime Warrior Blade, which uses the same ultra-wide screen setup as Darius II.Elsewhere, the likeable action RPG Cadash is well worth a spin, while 1990's environmentally-conscious fighter Runark (AKA Growl) is so hilarious that it simply has to be experienced at least once in your lifetime. It's hardly in the same league as Final Fight, Golden Axe, or Streets of Rage, but it's still a lot of funespecially with a second player involved.Also from 1990 is Thunder Fox, a pretty typical run-and-gun shooter with Arnie-styled heroes and lots of stuff to blow up. The arcade original is vastly superior to the Genesis / Mega Drive port that most people will have played, even if it's not quite up to the standard of, say, Contra or even Green Beret.1992's Dead Connection is a title that didn't really make much of an impressive in arcades but is something of a hidden gem in Taito's back catalogue. A top-down shooter that pits you against the Mafia in 1950s America, it's a fantastic game that deserves another chance at fame.Finally, we have Champion Wrestler, a grappler from 1989 that features Rastan as a playable character. It's perfectly serviceable but pales when compared to later examples of the genre such as WWF Superstars (also from 1989) and WWF WrestleFest (1991).All of the games featured here are worthy of your time, then, making this one of the best retro collections you can get on Switch right now. As we've previously noted with the other Taito Milestones collections, however, many of the games included here are already available individually as part of Hamster's Arcade Archive seriesthe exceptions being Thunder Fox and Dead Connection.If you've already picked up some of these, then you might want to think twice before double-dipping, but if you've held off, Taito Milestones 3 represents superb value for money, especially when you take into account the cost of picking up each game on its own.

Elon Musk, right, has cast doubt on whether there is enough funding available to follow through on a $500 billion AI infrastructure project announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, left, pushed back on Musk's claims. (Getty Images / Getty Images) (Getty Images) Welcome to Fox News Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:- Musk casts doubt on Trump-backed Stargate project: 'They don't actually have the money'- Elon Musk biographer offers big prediction for Trump term- AI abortion training has arrived: New tech tools navigate the blurry line between healthcare and politics-Trumps AI deal fueling early cancer detection: Oracles Larry Ellison-Microsoft CEO says AI is the most important export of American servicesEMPTY COFFERS?: Business magnate and X CEO Elon Musk has cast doubt on whether there is enough funding available to follow through on a massive $500 billion artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project announced by President Donald Trumpon Tuesday. SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk speaks during an America PAC town hall on Oct. 26, 2024 in Lancaster, Pa. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)ON THE BRINK: Walter Isaacson, author of "Elon Musk," discusses the Trump administrations collaboration with tech giants to drive AI innovation and technological advancement on "Americas Newsroom." Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump hugs Elon Musk at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)CONTROVERSIAL TECH: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now available for future medical professionals at one Texas university to navigate the complexities of pregnancy and abortiona development that further blurs the line between technology, politics and healthcare. Texas medical students have developed new AI tools to assist women with different pregnancy options, including abortion. (Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images/iStock)FUELING CANCER VACCINES: Oracle founder Larry Ellison said the massive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project dubbed Stargate is helping to fuel the development of a cancer vaccine. Oracle founder Larry Ellison speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. 'MOST IMPORTANT' EXPORT: Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith breaks down how the company plans to invest in artificial intelligence during an appearance on Mornings with Maria. A view shows a Microsoft logo at Microsoft offices in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France, on Jan. 25, 2023. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes)FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIASIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSDOWNLOAD OUR APPSWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox Newshere. This article was written by Fox News staff.

peterschreiber.media/Getty ImagesA couple of weeks ago, The World Economic Forum dropped its predictions for the future of jobs and the seismic shift in the workforce over the next five years (2030).Here's a link: The Future of Jobs Report 2025Let me tell you, this thing is really well put together.As a connoisseur of well-formatted PDFs, this one goes hard.Also: Your customers don't want more AI - here's what to invest in insteadIt has tons of relatable info and is super easy to follow, even though it's like 10 million pages long (OK, I'm being dramatic; it's only 290 pages).That said, the future of jobs might look much different than what the gurus say.The sky isn't falling, or is it? In this article, I'm breaking down:The key takeaways from the report and what caught my attention.The key opportunity I think everyone's sleeping on.Most importantly, how you can make the most of this opportunity with a step-by-step action plan.So buckle up, my friend. This is going to be a good one.If you stick around to the end, I'll share the best game plan for prosperity over the next five years. Quick introIf you're new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les I'm a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I'm the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I'm an award-winning performance marketer.Needless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce is pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.Also:No, AI won't revolutionize shopping - but this willIf you're into data-driven business and marketing insights and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working in the world of business, along with marketing insights and trends I'm seeing.But that's enough about me. I need to tell you all the juicy details about this report. I read all 10 million pages, so you don't have to. Key takeaways I got from the reportAs I mentioned earlier, this report is very thorough and 290 pages deep, but I wanted to focus on the areas that are the most helpful for revenue and understanding the possible landscape. 1. Job creation and declineSo, the hot topic is whether AI will take our jobs. The answer is maybe, but you'll probably have a new one. According to the WEF, a net 78 million jobs will be added by 2030. This includes 170 million new jobs created (14% growth) and 92 million jobs lost (8% decline)The fastest growing jobs are AI-related (shocker), Fintech, and Engineers. Renewable energy engineers are also on the rise. However, a surprising and potentially massive opportunity lies in the care economy. More on that later.2. New skills who this?By 2030, about 39% of skills will be outdated or completely transformed. Honestly, it's not shocking; it's kind of expected. The fastest-growing skills are AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity. What caught my attention was that the report mentioned soft skills like resilience, creativity, and flexibility, but I found it even more interesting that lifelong learning made the list. The report also noted that 70% of employers consider analytical skills the most essential.3. Upskilling and reskillingThe report says that by 2030, 59% of the global workforce will need training. Of this, 29% will be upskilled in their current role, 19% will transition to a new role with additional training, and 11% will risk unemployment without it. The report also highlights that 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling, while 70% aim to hire talent with new skills.4. Talent and workforce strategy64% of employers will prioritize health and well-being to get new talent. I won't lie; I'll believe that one when I see it. The report mentions that diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives have increased to 83% adoption globally. However, President Trump is rolling back some of these programs, raising questions about whether other countries and corporations will follow suit. It's unclear how this will unfold. Nonetheless, wage alignment with a focus on productivity and talent retention will be key, with 52% of employers planning to allocate more revenue to wages by 2030. Again, I'll believe it when I see it, but I'm hopeful.5. AI's impact on workforceAlas, the juicy bit Half of the employers plan to reorient business strategies in response to the rise of AI. In fact, 2 in 3 plan to hire for AI-specific skills (this is where the new jobs will come from). 40% of those same businesses also think their workforce will shrink due to AI automating tasks. On the surface, this might seem like doom and gloom, but remember, we are talking about 78 million new jobs by 2030. It is safe to assume some of that workforce will find employment in companies that don't exist yet.Another insight that stood out to me but deserves its own article is that an aging population will drive the demand for more healthcare jobs.This could be a huge opportunity. Let me know in the comments if you want me to discuss the possibilities.Your big opportunityIt is no secret that AI is supposed to be the next big thing. I believe this topic goes a lot deeper and I talk more about that here.That said, while AI is here and we need to use these tools, we should not focus on hacks like knowing the best prompt or whatever gimmick the gurus are peddling today. Let me explain.A lot of this report stood out to me, but the one thing that will go unnoticed is the soft skills of resilience, creativity, and flexibility.I agree 1000%, but do you know what was not mentioned?Communication!This is probably the most critical skill you can learn as we move into the future.Here's why: Communication is obviously how we interact with different tools like OpenAI and others.Also:Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?But here is what is not talked about as much: If everyone has access to AI, the market will become more crowded. Businesses are infinitely easier to launch now and everyone is an "expert."How you communicate with your audience to get them to interact with your business will become a premium skill.I promise I am not ranting here, but effective communication is not a skill, it's theeeeee skill. As for your big opportunity, I feel like everyone is so focused on the shiny objects, like what are the best prompts or the best tool? Those are fine, but not enough focus is placed on the soft skills.It's as if we're forgetting that even though we use AI to create, our creations are still intended for humans.If I had to say it another way, it is almost like some businesses are using AI and becoming sloppy. Not caring about the customer, and so on.It blows my mind how someone could use any AI tool, understand the frustrations and the obvious limitations, and then decide, "You know what? Imma use an AI chatbot, so I don't have to talk to customers" bruh, seriously? Also:ChatGPT Search could destroy online businesses - how you can stay aheadImma get off my soapbox, but I hope you see my point.Soft skills!To get the most out of AI, you do not need to know the latest hacks or have access to some secret button or magic prompt.I believe the soft skills are where the money will be made, where you separate the wheat from the chaff. That said, here are a few skills I believe will put you in the best position to maximize the opportunities ahead:Clear communication:This is a twofer. Communication with the AI and your customers.Imagination and creativity:This also doubles with the AI and your business.Pattern recognition:Your brain was GPT-ing before GPT. Do not lose that.Critical thinking:AI is a tool. Decision-making is your job.Patience:The AI will AI no matter how good it gets, so you must be patient and refine your prompts to get the output you want.I am not saying you shouldn't learn best practices, etc., but don't lose focus on the soft skills that separate the elite from the average. If this were a sport, these soft skills would be the fundamentals. My two centsI know I came at you with a lot today, so I'll leave you with this: I am a savage in these AI streets (not bragging) with an elite workflow that has doubled my productivity and keeps my ADD in check. I operate at this level because I know what I'm looking for when I use AI.Just because I have access to OpenAI does not mean I stop learning or working on my craft.AI can take you from good to great, but it cannot take you from bad to great. I hope that makes sense.If you work on your soft skills, perfect your craft, and embrace AI, you make yourself impossible to replace. Hope this helps; I'm rooting for you.By the way, do you want more data-driven business insights that drive growth? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam and you wanna be besties forever, click here to sign up - it's totally FREE!Featured Editorial standards

gremlin/Getty images*** Deep sigh ***This is the part of the article where I usually drop a witty line to spark your curiosity or offer a fresh perspective on something intriguing.But today, I'm literally at a loss for words. (If you know me, you know how hard it is to leave me speechless.)Let me explainThere I was, minding my own bidness and getting some work done, when I got a Slack notification from Jason (ZDNET's big boss). He sent me an article about Meta's plans to integrate AI-generated user profiles and content across its social media platforms.Also: Operator isn't worth its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription yet - here's whyHis caption: "What do you think about this?"That's corporate talk for, "I'm subtly telling you what to do, and you should write about this" Not gonna lie, I had to check the date because it had to be April 1st.Why would Meta want to generate AI users? It's a social platform.What they do is literally in the name SOCIAL! So why would you make it anti-social with AI?It's not hard to see why I was at a loss for words and momentarily paralyzed by disbelief.To be clear, this article isn't about bashing AI or Meta.Also: No, AI won't revolutionize shopping - but this willFor the most part, Meta is an incredible company. Even though they piss me off from time to time, their advertising platform has been essential to what I've built, and for that, I'm grateful. So this isn't an "I hate Meta" piece it's more of a "let's discuss a disturbing pattern in Big Tech" piece.Today, we will discuss:What Big Tech seems to be missing with every so-called innovationWhat you should really be paying attention to in this AI revolutionMy insights on how you can thrive in the current landscapeIf you're wondering what's next in AI and how you should adapt, I got you.Feel free to share this article with a friend who's keeping an eye on AI developments.Quick introBefore we get into it, I will share a little about myself.The name's Mapp, Lester Mapp, but my friends call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the Executive Chairman of a group of ecom brands but I'm an award-winning performance marketer at my core, and spotting trends is my thing.If I had to sum up my "marketing superpower," it's two-fold.Also:There's a new king of online shopping, and it's built an unstoppable monopolyFirst, I've gotten pretty good at spotting trends, so much so that we operate more like a data company than a traditional online business.Second, and more importantly, my real edge comes from connecting the dots between data and what it means for our customers.Our success has come from sitting at the intersection of data and human emotion. That's where we've found the magic of decoding both rather than relying on just one. (If you read until the end, I'll share my secret on how we do it)Needless to say, I've got some strong opinions on what I see from Big Tech and AI.If you enjoy marketing and business insights like this, consider joining my free No Fluff Just Facts newsletter.Big Tech's disturbing patternYou may be wondering what Big Tech is up to and what this so-called disturbing pattern is. As my little brother would say, "They're doing too much."Does this sound familiar:Blockchain is the next big thingThe Metaverse is the next big thingWeb3 is the next big thingNFTs are the next big thing (still laughable) And now AI is the next big thing.Each of these breakthroughs has its role in society and contributes to our progress as a species.Also: Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?These are indeed massive advancements.But it seems like big tech is sidestepping the basics, and we, the people, are an afterthought. Why is the "next big thing" not focused onCaring for our users?Doing right by our users?How do we connect with our users?We've entered an era where AI is overhyped and overused in some cases. For example, the other day, I was browsing Amazon and stumbled upon an AI toaster, bruhSeriously?(Ten bucks says a subscription-based toaster is coming next.)Ever since AI became the hot topic, companies keep pushing solutions to non-existent problems. It's like pandering, but for tech. They over-complicate and overhype everything while ignoring the fundamentals.Also:3 lucrative side hustles you can start right now with OpenAI's Sora video generatorDon't get me wrong, I love tech. I'm all in on AI. I've gone on record more than once saying that nothing will come between my OpenAI subscription and me.But here's my question: Why isn't Big Tech focusing more on the people they're supposed to serve? It's giving out of touch.Spend just two seconds in any comment section, and it's clear more AI isn't what people want.What should you focus on?For the foreseeable future, I'm focused on building deeper connections with our customers, no matter what form that takes.Here's why: During the pandemic, we witnessed a wave of innovation aimed at keeping us connected while we were stuck at home. Companies thrived, fortunes were made, and "work-from-home" tech dominated the scene.But what happened as soon as we could step outside again?Experiences skyrocketed! Also: ChatGPT Search could destroy online businesses - how you can stay aheadAmerican consumer spending on experiences during the previous 12 months ending on August 31, 2024, has surpassed pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 32% compared to the same period ending January 1, 2019.This shift highlights that people crave real-life connections and experiences over mere transactions. As we move forward, it's clear that authentic engagement with our customers will be key to thriving in this evolving landscape.The team and I are doubling down on media channels that we own, which help us genuinely connect with our customers. Here's how we're doing it and how you can benefit from these strategies.1. More email marketing: Incredible but underestimatedEmail is an incredibly powerful tool that often goes underappreciated. Did you know that consumers who receive email offersspend 138% more than those who don't? Plus, 88% of email users check their inbox every day, with 39% checking multiple times a day. Pro Tip: If your emails aren't performing, it's not because email is dead. It might be because your content is boring! Make your emails engaging and fun, as if you're writing to a friend. Capture their attention first, then present your offer.2. SMS Marketing: A cost-effective game changer no one talks aboutWe recently turned $20,291.87 in spend into an impressive $556,314.10 through SMS campaigns. Compared to platforms like Google and Meta, SMS is more cost-effective, with 72% of consumers purchasing after receiving a brand's text.Pro Tip: Remember that SMS cadence differs from email. Sending 10 messages a day isn't just excessive; it's overwhelming! Keep your texts short and direct with a strong call to action.3. Human-centric customer serviceCall me old school if you want, but we're committed to enhancing our customer service experience by prioritizing human interaction.For me, any AI tool that tries to handle communication is absolutely out of the question. While I'm all for using automation for FAQs and basic inquiries, we want our customers to connect with real people whenever they want to.I've never subscribed to the idea that customer service should be a hassle. Customers are either trying to buy something or resolve an issue with a purchase.Why would I entrust such an important responsibility to AI?Customers give us their money; we should treat them with the respect they deserve by engaging with them personally. My two centsAs I step down from my soap box, I leave you with this. In an era where acquisition costs are rising and the competitive landscape is increasingly noisy, it makes little sense to distance ourselves from the people who keep our businesses afloat, our customers.Instead, we should lean into building genuine connections with them.I encourage you to rethink your AI strategy. Yes, AI can enhance efficiency and streamline processes, but let's not forget that people do business with people. Looking at 2025 and beyond, we should focus on getting closer to our customers rather than insulating ourselves behind technology. Also: What's really destroying your productivity - and 3 simple ways to focus better todayOh, and I almost forgot to share our secret: it's incredibly simple: we care about our customers. Hope this helps - - I'm rooting for you.P.S. If you enjoy marketing and business insights like this, consider joining my No Fluff Just Facts newsletter. I'm currently working on a fascinating case study that reveals how one of our brands uses these exact strategies to achieve impressive results. If you're interested in that kind of stuff, click here to sign up; it's completely free!DISCLOSURELes owns shares in Meta. This ownership does not influence his content, and he is committed to providing objective and unbiased coverage to the best of his ability.Featured

When emotions run high, the potential for misunderstandings grows. This is where the 24-hour rule ... [+] acts as a soothing salve in relationships.gettyIn moments of heightened emotion, frustration, hurt or anger can easily take the reins. Words spoken in haste, flaring tempers or impulsive actions often lead to regret. While love is a source of immense joy, it also tests our patience and emotional resilience in ways we dont always anticipate.This is where the 24-hour rule proves invaluable. Its the deliberate practice of giving yourself a full day to process your emotions before responding to a triggering event or conversation.Far from avoiding confrontation or downplaying the significance of an issue, the 24-hour rule creates space for reflection and emotional regulation. By pausing, you can approach the situation with a calmer, more thoughtful mindset.Think of it as hitting a reset button for your relationshipa tool that allows both partners the time and clarity needed to navigate conflicts with greater compassion and understanding.Here are five reasons why embracing the 24-hour rule can help you cultivate a more resilient and harmonious connection.MORE FOR YOU1. It Prevents You From Reacting ImpulsivelyDisagreements are a natural part of any relationship, but reacting impulsively in the heat of the moment can intensify conflicts rather than resolve them. Elevated emotions can cloud judgment, making it difficult to communicate effectively or view the situation objectively. Taking a step back with the 24-hour rule creates the opportunity to let intense emotions subside, allowing for a more thoughtful and measured response.Research published in International Studies Quarterly highlights the importance of timely intervention in conflict resolution. Researchers found that disputes addressed shortly after they arise are less likely to escalate, significantly shortening their duration.So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by anger or hurt, pause before responding. Use the 24 hours to reflect, write down your thoughts or confide in someone you trust. Returning to the issue after this period of reflection can help you approach it with renewed clarity and understanding. This simple practice reduces the risk of miscommunication and encourages more productive and compassionate conflict resolution.2. It Helps You Gain PerspectiveTime has a unique ability to soften the sharp edges of conflict. What feels overwhelming in the moment often becomes more manageable with distance. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology highlights that conflicts in relationships are particularly harmful when individuals feel their thoughts and emotions are not understood by their partners.Perceived understanding has been shown to buffer against the negative effects of conflict, preserving relationship satisfaction by signaling partner investment and fostering resolution, regardless of factors like partner positivity, conflict type or pre-existing satisfaction.The 24-hour rule creates this vital space for reflection and understanding, enabling you to step back, assess the situation objectively and determine whether the issue is as pressing as it initially seemed or if it reveals deeper concerns needing exploration.For instance, if your partner forgets an important date or makes an offhand comment that stings, resist the urge to react immediately. Instead, ask yourself: Was this a one-time mistake, or does it point to a recurring pattern of behavior? This reflective pause allows you to move beyond surface-level frustrations and approach the situation with greater clarity and empathy, rather than allowing your assumptions about their feelings to rule your decision-making.3. It Strengthens Emotional RegulationTaking a deliberate 24-hour pause strengthens your capacity for emotional regulation, a skill crucial for sustaining a healthy and balanced relationship. When you consciously take a step back from the situation, you train yourself to shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one, creating space for rationality and perspective. Over time, this practice not only improves how you navigate conflicts but also enhances your overall emotional intelligencea vital asset in any relationship.During this pause, its best to focus on activities that help you process emotions and restore your sense of calm. You might try journaling to untangle your thoughts, practicing mindfulness meditation to ground yourself or engaging in physical activities like yoga or a brisk walk to release tension. Creative outlets such as painting,music or writing can also provide a therapeutic way to channel your emotions.These practices give your mind the clarity it needs to separate the issue from the initial emotional charge. By the time you return to the conversation, youll likely feel more centered, composed and equipped to engage in meaningful, solution-oriented dialogue with your partner.4. It Builds Trust And RespectApplying the 24-hour rule consistently communicates a powerful message to your partner: you value their emotions, prioritize thoughtful communication and are committed to resolving conflicts with care.This practice promotes a culture of trust and respect by demonstrating that you are intentional about preserving the relationships emotional safety. Over time, it cultivates mutual understanding, where both partners feel heard and respected, even during disagreements.If your partner initiates a conversation and you feel unprepared to respond immediately, communicate your need for time thoughtfully. For example, you could say, This is important to me and I want to give it the attention it deserves. I just need some time to gather my thoughts so I can respond in the best way possible. Can we discuss this tomorrow?This approach reassures your partner that youre not avoiding the issue but rather ensuring that your response is considerate and constructive. Such moments of mindful communication diffuse tension and reinforce your commitment to the relationship, showing your partner that their feelings matter deeply to you.5. It Breaks The Cycle Of BlameWords spoken in anger can create lasting emotional wounds that are difficult to heal. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that anger often leads to destructive behaviors, such as lashing out or attempting to control others, which can escalate conflict and damage relationships.When expressed impulsively, anger can make the other person perceive you as less committed to the relationship, often resulting in reciprocated anger and further interpersonal difficulties. The 24-hour rule acts as a safeguard, reducing the risk of saying something hurtful or damaging during moments of heightened emotion.By taking a step back, you create space to regulate your emotions and approach the situation with a mindset focused on connection and repair rather than control or retaliation. Over time, this habit not only minimizes unnecessary tension but also fosters more compassionate and constructive communication, preserving the emotional safety of your relationship and its long-term health.Exceptions To The 24-Hour RuleWhile the 24-hour rule is an invaluable tool, there are scenarios where immediate action is required. Emergencies, situations involving safety concerns or moments when your partner needs immediate emotional support may necessitate a different approach. Use your discretion to determine when a pause is helpful and when urgency is essential.Do you and your partner effectively resolve conflict? Take this science-backed test to find out: Ineffective Arguing Inventory