My department was laid off three months ago, and I have never seen such a depressed job market (in the US) in my many years of working. The AI employment apocalypse and looming recession are here.
I walk dogs and house sit when I am stressed or inundated with tech questions from people in general. There will always be a market for creativity, and I say I count my pennies from odd work and the dollars take care of themselves. Try to use the downtime to learn about AI. There will always be a market for teaching others the simplicities of computer languages.
I am enjoying more habit and productivity based material and love the feeling of a day well spent.
So it got me thinking, what is one habit that I love or look forward to everyday? So I'd love to hear yours - what is one action, ritual or habit that you do everyday that you love?
I often wonder if employers' "in-office" preference is due, at least in part, to their inability to assign reasonable metrics to employees and trust them to meet the same, no matter where or when they work.
On January 1, 2026, thousands of copyrighted works from 1930 will enter the US public domain, along with sound recordings from 1925. They will be free for all to copy, share, and build upon.
The literary highlights range from William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying to Agatha Christie’s The Murder at the Vicarage and the first four Nancy Drew novels. From cartoons and comic strips, the characters Betty Boop, Pluto (originally named Rover), and Blondie and Dagwood made their first appearances. Films from the year featured Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, the Marx Brothers, and John Wayne in his first leading role. Among the public domain compositions are I Got Rhythm, Georgia on My Mind, and Dream a Little Dream of Me. We are also celebrating paintings from Piet Mondrian and Paul Klee.
Here are some highlights of the works entering the US public domain in 2026. Will you incorporate any of these newly available pieces into your business? Which are you most excited about? Have you drawn inspiration from the public domain before?
CHARACTERS, COMICS, CARTOONS:
Betty Boop from Fleischer Studios' Dizzy Dishes and other cartoons
Rover (later renamed Pluto) from Disney's The Chain Gang (as an unnamed bloodhound) and The Picnic (as Rover)
Blondie and Dagwood from the Blondie comic strips by Chic Young
Flip the Frog from Fiddlesticks and other cartoons, by Ub Iwerks after he left Disney
Nine new Mickey Mouse cartoons, the initial week of Mickey Mouse comic strips, and ten new Silly Symphonies cartoons from Disney
FILMS:
All Quiet on the Western Front, directed by Lewis Milestone (winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture)
King of Jazz, directed by John Murray Anderson (musical revue featuring Paul Whiteman and Bing Crosby’s first feature-film appearance)
Cimarron, directed by Wesley Ruggles (winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, registered for copyright in 1930)
Animal Crackers, directed by Victor Heerman (starring the Marx Brothers)
Soup to Nuts, directed by Benjamin Stoloff (written by Rube Goldberg, featuring later members of The Three Stooges)
Morocco, directed by Josef von Sternberg (starring Gary Cooper, Marlene Dietrich, and Adolphe Menjou)
The Blue Angel (Der blaue Engel), directed by Josef von Sternberg (starring Marlene Dietrich)
Anna Christie, directed by Clarence Brown (Greta Garbo’s first talkie)
Hell's Angels, directed by Howard Hughes (Jean Harlow’s film debut)
The Big Trail, directed by Raoul Walsh (John Wayne’s first leading role)
The Big House, directed by George Hill
Murder!, directed by Alfred Hitchcock
L'Âge d'Or, directed by Luis Buñuel, written by Buñuel and Salvador Dalí
Free and Easy, directed by Edward Sedgwick (Buster Keaton’s first speaking role)
The Divorcee, directed by Robert Z. Leonard
Whoopee!, directed by Thornton Freeland
BOOKS:
William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying
Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon (the full book version)
Agatha Christie, The Murder at the Vicarage (the first novel featuring Miss Marple)
Carolyn Keene (pseudonym for Mildred Benson), the first four Nancy Drew books, beginning with The Secret of the Old Clock
Watty Piper (pen name of Arnold Munk), The Little Engine That Could (the popular illustrated version, with drawings by Lois Lenski)
William H. Elson, Elson Basic Readers (the first appearances of Dick and Jane)
Noël Coward, Private Lives
T.S. Eliot, Ash Wednesday
Evelyn Waugh, Vile Bodies
John Dos Passos, The 42nd Parallel
Edna Ferber, Cimarron
Dorothy L. Sayers, Strong Poison
J. B. Priestley, Angel Pavement
Olaf Stapledon, Last and First Men
Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents (in the original German, Das Unbehagen in der Kultur)
Elizabeth Coatsworth (author) and Lynd Ward (illustrator), The Cat Who Went to Heaven
Arthur Ransome, Swallows and Amazons
W. Somerset Maugham, Cakes and Ale
Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness
MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS:
Four Songs - I Got Rhythm, I've Got a Crush on You, But Not for Me, and Embraceable You - with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, music by George Gershwin
Georgia on My Mind, lyrics by Stuart Gorrell, music by Hoagy Carmichael
Dream a Little Dream of Me, lyrics by Gus Kahn, music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt
Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight, lyrics by Al Lewis, music by Al Sherman
On the Sunny Side of the Street, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, music by Jimmy McHugh
It Happened in Monterey, lyrics by Billy Rose, music by Mabel Wayne
Body and Soul, lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, Frank Eyton, music by Johnny Green
Just a Gigolo (the first English translation), original German lyrics by Julius Brammer, English translation by Irving Caesar, music by Leonello Casucci
You're Driving Me Crazy, lyrics and music by Walter Donaldson
Beyond the Blue Horizon, lyrics by Leo Robin, music by Richard A. Whiting and W. Franke Harling (possible inspiration for the Star Trek theme song)
The Royal Welch Fusiliers, by John Philip Sousa
SOUND RECORDINGS:
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, recorded by Marian Anderson
Yes Sir, That's My Baby, recorded by Gene Austin
Sweet Georgia Brown, recorded by Ben Bernie and His Hotel Roosevelt Orchestra
You've Been A Good Old Wagon, recorded by Bessie Smith
The St. Louis Blues, recorded by Bessie Smith, featuring Louis Armstrong
Fascinating Rhythm, recorded by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra
I'll See You in My Dreams, recorded by Isham Jones, with Ray Miller’s Orchestra
Everybody Loves My Baby (but My Baby Don't Love Nobody but Me), recorded by Clarence Williams’ Blue Five
If I Lose, Let me Lose (Mama Don't Mind), recorded by Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, and Maggie Jones
A Cup of Coffee, A Sandwich and You, recorded by the Carleton Terrace Orchestra
Manhattan, recorded by The Knickerbockers (Ben Selvin and his Orchestra)
ART:
Piet Mondrian, Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow
Abel Lafleur, the Jules Rimet Cup (the original trophy of the FIFA World Cup, also known as the Victory Trophy or Coupe du Monde)
Edward Steichen, Fashion for Vogue, October 27, 1930
Paul Klee, Tierfreundschaft (Animal Friendship)
José Clemente Orozco, Prometheus
Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Composition of Circles and Overlapping Angles
Theo Van Doesburg, Simultaneous Counter-Composition
You can click the link below to Duke University School of Law for more info on Public Domain Day or to find more public domain material from 1930:
Thank you. I'm very glad things still enter the public domain at all. It's one of the last remaining places where anything like the concept of a Jubilee exists institutionally, though the length of time gets longer and longer. Information is sacred in a way that material property is usually not. Imagine Shakespeare being paywalled. Or the trigonometric formula. Or the Bible.
I've never seen a film with the Marx Brothers in it, but I've seen countless references to them in old media. I think I aught to take the time to watch some, perhaps now's the time!
I'm an early riser, very early. It's been a great way to increase productivity and get more done every day. Late day & evenings are low productivity for me, so I go to bed early too. It's a good trade-off.
I'm a retired publisher and aspiring visual artist, and photographer. With that I went with the 2 in 1 Yoga with the i7 processor and 16 GB RAM. Would love to have had 32 GB RAM, yet, videography isn't my specialty. I have the entire Adobe suite at my disposal, which can be rather distracting, however I'm certain I'll be able to stick with the programs that relate to my expertise. I don't have plans to use AI. I don't need people in my photos with six fingers, thank you. Art is a human expression of thought and emotions AI simply cannot duplicate. Interesting to look at, yet, definitely not in the art category. I'm actually disappointed Adobe chose to add AI. Either your competent enough to use the creative and business tools or your not. Well that's my two cents worth as it is. The Yoga comes with plenty of power, as well as a stylus for art. I also plan to use it for writing and minor blogging. This is actually my second Yoga. I really like the flexibility of the laptop that you can also use as a tablet, etc. You cannot do that on Microsoft or Apple. You also cannot use the Apple Tablet to write with. Adobe's book publishing program isn't compatible with the iPad. In-Design I believe it's called. That was disappointing. I returned it.
There are some negative reviews about the Yoga compared to the Idea Pad or the gaming laptop, yet, I bought the extended warranty so I'm not worried. I'm looking forward to creating some interesting art concepts, studio quality photos, and listening to the tunes.
I'm with you on the AI push. I will avoid any product that touts AI as a driving feature and disable it anywhere I see it. The Yoga is otherwise a very good laptop.
Your winter break week or two can be perfect time to wind down, especially if you are taking a staycation. What leisure time activities are you looking forward to enjoying?
Do you prefer to work in-person or remotely? Do you currently work in-person or remotely?
I have only worked in-person. I would like to work remotely (from home) one day. It seems more convenient and time saving to work remotely. I also think I can save more money working remotely. But these days, it seems employers prefer that employees work in-person.
I tend to prefer remote work, with the occasional in person meeting, since some things are handled better that way. The flexibility and cost savings of remote are considerable.
As I've gotten older, I noticed I've reduced prioritizing goals that build my resume, and have become more focused on the things I want to be remembered for when I pass away (eulogy goals). After all, no one on their death bed wishes they had worked more or earned more money. They all say they wish they spent more time with family and friends, took that risk, left a bigger impact on the world, or worried less about what others think.
I always assumed we all transition toward these types of "eulogy" goals as we age, but curious where you are in your personal journey and how you balance both types of goals.
-Being 70, disabled, and unable to work, I guess I can rule out the first choice. Now I am concentrating on building an online business to earn enough to pay the bills. Since I have no family left, everything I have when I die will be going to a charity I support, when I can. It would be nice to leave enough to help them out.
What is your best tip for achieving productivity in your inbox?
From processes, tools, new outlook features, google reminders or anything in between, how do you tame the chaos? 📨
Congratulations to the previous week's winners! 🎉
9/16 Weekly Challenge - Jason P
9/23 Weekly Challenge - Azula
9/30 Weekly Challenge - Gasper
The Weekly Challenge is another exciting chance for you to earn more rewards, connect with other members and experience deeper insights. One participant in this challenge will randomly win $15 in My Lenovo Rewards every week. (So sorry, reward points only applicable to residents in North America but hope to expand the rewards portion of this challenge to Europe, Asia and more soon!)
One tip that always stuck for me that I learned in college is, do the thing that requires the most complex attention first in the day, and save the rest of the day when you're flagging for rote tasks. Order of operations can be a big deal in workload.
What are some great ways to avoid a mental breakdown and feeling burnt-out at work, especially in high-stress conditions? Have you made changes in attitude, perspective, and energy output?
Depends on what we're beginning. If it's a new relationship with a good woman, yes i look forward to spending time with her. It it's starting a prison term, not so much.
Not to brag, but this week I walked away with both the Crown of the Undisputed and the Top Crew Crown—highest honors awarded to the top players and crews on the global leaderboard in The Takeover Roblox event… 😆
Inspired by the millions of learners who've turned back to the classrooms this season, we got thinking about career starting points. So we'd love to hear yours:
What type or degree of schooling did you start with?
Are you working in the career you intended? How did it transform over the years?
How did you get into IT or becoming a small business owner? Do you love it?
Please share your story in the comments below or respond to other members to partake in this week's Weekly Challenge 💪 Video comments also welcome.
Congratulations to last week's winner, David T. A.! 🎉
The Weekly Challenge is another exciting chance for you to earn more rewards, connect with other members and experience deeper insights. One participant in this challenge will randomly win $15 in My Lenovo Rewards every week. (So sorry, reward points only applicable to residents in North America but hope to expand the rewards portion of this challenge to Europe, Asia and more soon!)
What type or degree of schooling did you start with? A computer science degree - when there weren't home computers
Are you working in the career you intended? How did it transform over the years? I stayed in the career for 33 years at the same company (big mistake). I worked on the first Operating System - for the first home computers then in the PC Company when the first laptops were coming out. Was there when the "internet" started to get commercialized. I'm very sad to see where anti-social media has taken things
How did you get into IT or becoming a small business owner? Do you love it? I loved my career but it was exhausting watching it go from where experience and skill was valued to - things going to the lowest cost "solution"
What type or degree of schooling did you start with?
Biomedical/environmental engineering
Are you working in the career you intended? How did it transform over the years?
Nope, couldn't find a job out of college due to recession; went back to school and just took whatever work my advisor had funding more. Ended up working in the non-profit research sector. Also started photography as a side gig while unemployed.
How did you get into IT or becoming a small business owner? Do you love it?
I hate the taxes and paperwork, but enjoy having the ability to earn money on the side and work gigs I want to. Its nice knowing I have something to fall back on if let go of my job.
At my last agency job... I worked with the worst micromanager I've ever seen. It was extremely difficult to maintain my composure. This person had no experience in our field but was given a lot of power simply because he was related to the CEO. He would constantly pull us away from our work for meetings that honestly accomplished nothing - we all knew what we had to do, but he insisted on them just so he could stay on top of what we were working on.
I had to calm myself during meetings because it was beyond frustrating to watch him type with just two fingers. There were times I handled it poorly, and times when I had to remind myself that there was nothing I could do.
I prefer full-time remote. It gives me a level of freedom I never had in an office and lets me work in comfort. Right now I’m improving my workspace, but ideally I want to convert my back patio into a dedicated office/studio. That way I’ll have a clear separation between work and home.
I just got promoted at my job and now I feel more stressed. Anyone else had this feeling? Hopefully it goes away in the future but so many new responsibilities.
Congratulations! That is amazing news and totally understand how it is stressful also.
I heard someone once, in this community actually, talking about scaling responsibilities and being thrown into something new. They talked about a curve and how everything is new to everyone at some point. The more you do it, the more you learn, the better and more effective you become. Pretty soon, you are doing things you never dreamed you could do because repetition created growth and confidence.
Stick with it and just take it one day at a time. You can't do everything - no one can. So just focus on the next best thing to accomplish, complete that and move to the next thing. You got this! 💪
Congratulations Mana! I've definitely felt this before and as you get more accustomed to the additional responsibilities, things will 100% get easier. Just gotta stick with it and find your new rhythm!
If so, you might find yourself "evicted" if you're not a paying customer.
Starbucks has reversed its "open-door" policy, effective January 27. From that date, only paying customers will be allowed to use its spaces—including cafes, patios, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. The company is also introducing a detailed code of conduct prohibiting discrimination, harassment, outside alcohol consumption, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling. Violators may be asked to leave, and law enforcement could be contacted if necessary.
Starting January 27, Starbucks will also offer one free refill of hot or iced coffee to customers who stay in-store to enjoy their beverages. To qualify, customers must order their drink "for here" and use either a ceramic mug, glass, or a clean personal cup. Previously, this perk was available only to members of Starbucks' loyalty program.
It seems more natural for people who have specific passions and dislike rigidity. In some ways, I feel gig culture can allow for a more productive economy as there is less down time and people aren't getting paid for something they hate to do.
The J. Paul Getty Museum has made over 88,000 images of artworks from its collection available for free download on its Open Content database under Creative Commons Zero (CC0)*.
That means users can now download, edit, and repurpose high resolution images of their favorite Getty artworks in the public domain without any legal restrictions.
Click the link below to search their Open Content database of images in the public domain:
*CC0 is a public dedication tool, which enables creators to give up their copyright and put their works into the worldwide public domain. CC0 enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, with no conditions.
You can watch the video below for more information:
Do you plan to incorporate any public domain artwork from the J. Paul Getty Museum collection into your business? If so, which pieces excite you the most, and how do you intend to use them?
I tend to get up a fair bit later than I probably aught to. The first thing I do every day is to check what I need to work on, and then break it down into specific tasks for myself.
What is one memorable or significant professional (or personal) achievement that you are proud of?
We have all different strengths refined and honed by experience, continued learning, natural gifts and other elements. And when those strengths get applied to a particular vision, project, goal or dream, the results can be phenomenal.
So when it comes to your professional life, please share: what is a significant or memorable achievement that you have accomplished? Anything from an award, accolade, certification, degree, nomination or simply a goal accomplished.
Best goal I attained was getting to a manageable work schedule. As our business grew, I went from 40 hours per week to 70 hours per week within about 5 years. It took another couple years and was in a way more difficult than growing the business to get down to a manageable 30 hours per week for most of the year, with only a few exceptions in very busy times where I may get to about 40 hours per week.
