David Lidsky's Blog, page 350

Hurricane Helene recovery: FEMA workers resume door-to-door visits in N.C. after threats, disinformation

FEMA has faced rampant public disinformation about its response to Hurricane Helene.

Federal disaster personnel have resumed door-to-door visits as part of their hurricane-recovery work in North Carolina, an effort temporarily suspended amid threats that prompted officials to condemn the spread of disinformation.

Kroger says it has no plans to use facial recognition after uproar about surge pricing in grocery stores

Rashida Tlaib, Elizabeth Warren, and Robert Casey have all written letters to Kroger expressing their concern over electronic shelf labels and facial recognition. Here’s everything you need to know about the issue.

On Tuesday, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib took to X with a letter directed at Rodney McMullen, the CEO of Kroger. In it, she expressed her concern about Kroger’s electronic shelving labels (ESLs), as well as the grocery chain’s alleged plans to use facial recognition technology at its digital displays—both tools, she wrote, have the potential to be “abused in the pursuit of profit.”

Where abortion will be on the ballot this election

Voters have chosen to protect or expand abortion access in all seven statewide ballot measures put to a vote since the court’s decision, including in conservative strongholds such as Ohio, Kentucky, and Kansas.

Abortion will be on the ballot in 10 U.S. states for the Nov. 5 election, including battleground states that will play critical roles in the presidential race and the fight for control of Congress.

3 Ways to respond to difficult questions you don’t want to answer

Lessons you can take to board meetings, business pitches, and job interviews from a public speaking coach.

From board meetings, business pitches, and job interviews, all the way to presidential debates: Tough questions are inevitable. To avoid the stumble, the deer in the headlights moment, or the unintended response that could squash your chances to win, study up on these techniques. They’ll help you respond to questions you don’t want to answer in different situations:

Exhausted at work? 15 tips for beating midday tiredness

Here’s why you might feel like curling up under your desk every afternoon—and ways to fix the problem.

Is your energy flagging as the workday wears on? By 2 p.m. you’re moving through your tasks in slow motion, your attention is flagging in meetings, and the effort to focus is more than you can summon.

8 ways to deal with chronic complainers

Here’s how to handle that coworker who always has something negative to say.

Most people will have to work with a chronic complainer or two in their professional lives, whether it’s a dismal coworker or complaining boss. But those who veer from negative to toxic could actually be costing an organization money, and productivity.

9 Habits of The Best Conversationalists

Becoming a good conversationalist requires a varied set of skills in your communication toolbox.

Some people have the gift of gab and can talk to anyone about anything. And some people struggle to make small talk. What separates the two isn’t knowing what to talk about; it’s polishing up your communication skills so you can keep a good conversation going.

Here is the email template to use when you want to ask for an introduction

Steps, template, and examples to use when you need to ask someone for a professional introduction.

Throughout the course of your career, there will be times when you need to ask for an introduction–even when you don’t want to. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur looking for an “in” with investors or just seeking a career change, you’ll need to tap your network for referrals, connections, and opportunities to chat.

11 brain hacks to learn anything faster

Try these techniques and tips to kick-start your learning.

Whether it’s a new technology, a foreign language, or an advanced skill, staying competitive often means learning new things. Being a quick learner can give you an even greater edge. And the good news is that there are ways you can “hack” your brain to accomplish that. 

FTC tackles subscription frustration, makes canceling easier for consumers

Canceling subscriptions can be a huge hassle. The FTC is trying to take the stress out.

Consumers who sign up for subscriptions and memberships online have learned that canceling is often a far more complicated process than the sign-up. Digging through a website’s seemingly impossible to find cancellation page, then making sure you read the fine print to figure out exactly how many months you’ll be charged for, is not an uncommon experience. However, now the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is working to take the hassle and the frustration out of canceling subscriptions and memberships.