It's been awhile since I reviewed anything Hi-Fi but this summer I brought into my house what what I call budget premium audio equipment. Audio equipment designed and built better than the price suggests offering the latest in streaming, room correction, and amplification. Lately, my focus has been on WiiM, a brand brand owned by Linkplay Technology. Linkplay is a company that has been backed by teams from such companies as Google, Broadcom, InterVideo, and Harman.

I just finished listening to Ray Charles' 1984 album, Friendship. As you can tell by the picture, I purchased this album at a garage sale a few years back for $5. This album has Ray Charlies returning to country music accompanied by a number of country stars including Hank Williams, Jr, the Oak Ridge Boys, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. To this day, my favorite song on the album is the the last song on the album, "Seven Spanish Angles" with Ray Charles and Willie Nelson just singing away.

The older I get the more positive I have become. Yea I know, this surprised me too as I expected it to go the other way when I was younger. The negative of being positive though is recognizing that the world could use a lot more positive people.

In today's business world, the health of IT hardware plays a critical role in daily operations. Even the most advanced systems experience wear and tear over time. Recognizing early signs of hardware failure helps IT professionals act before minor issues become major disasters. Here are 10 warning signs to watch for, plus strategies to respond effectively.

1. Unusual Noises From Hardware Components

IT hardware is designed to operate quietly. Unusual sounds like clicking, grinding or high-pitched whirring often signal trouble. Hard drives, in particular, are prone to making clicking noises when their read/write heads malfunction. 

Creating accessible and inclusive workplaces is essential for modern businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive industry. Prioritizing this aspect ensures employees of all abilities can fully participate, contributing their unique skills and perspectives. This commitment fosters innovation by encouraging diverse approaches to problem-solving.

Inclusive workplaces boost team satisfaction by creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing usability can position organizations as forward-thinking, ethical and ready to meet the needs of a dynamic workforce.

I will never miss an opportunity to ride at the end of December with temperatures peaking at around 50 F. I rode about 50 miles yesterday! It’s pretty warm for this time of year here in South Dakota. The ice is looking rather thin for safely ice fishing on most area lakes…I hope those I saw ice fishing this weekend stay smart and be safe.

Overhead music in brick-and-mortar stores is so common today that many people don’t think twice about it. There’s a reason why it’s become an unofficial industry standard — music has a powerful psychological effect on shoppers.

The best marketing is the kind that customers don’t even perceive as such. In-store music can fall comfortably into that category if you use it correctly. Once you know how your song choice can influence customers, you can use it to your advantage.

The workforce is evolving, with a noticeable demographic shift toward an aging population. Businesses must recognize the value of these experienced workers as life expectancy rises and people remain active in their careers longer.

Adapting company practices to support and retain older employees is a strategic move that enhances productivity and ensures valuable knowledge stays within the company. Fostering an inclusive environment where older workers feel valued enables businesses to reduce turnover, maintain a diverse and skilled workforce and thrive in a competitive market.