Google Docs trick

May 7, 2024

Google Docs trick: This one’s perfect for when you want to share a doc as a template, but you don’t want other people messing around in your file. Click on Share, then change the link settings to Anyone with the link and choose Editor. Before you hit Send, replace the text in the URL that says “edit” with “template/preview.” It’ll force recipients to make their own copies and edits, leaving your original under your full control. So cool.

Tags: control, Google, Google Docs, Link, settings, text, trick

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6 small-business freebies

Savvy small-business owners and team managers, this one’s for you. It seems like every business software platform I’ve used takes five months and at least $50,000 to get up and running. So, that’s why I found some tech tools that can help you today. Oh, and they’re all free!

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The worst airlines for losing luggage

I bet you or someone you know has a luggage horror story. Here’s mine: On one trip to Paris, everyone got their luggage when we landed … except for Barry. I called British Airways at least a dozen times, asking when he’d get his bag. They couldn’t find it.

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AI has stock photographers worried (WSJ, paywall link) about their jobs. Clients now have a faster, more affordable way to find pictures of “synergy.” I’m holding on to hope … There will always be a place in my heart for photos of real people in a conference room high-fiving.

What percentage of American adults met their partner or spouse online? Is it … A.) 10%, B.) 20%, C.) 30% or D.) 40%?

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70% of PC users are running Windows 10

Windows 11 is actually losing market share as more folks opt for Windows 10. Detractors say Windows 11 is buggy and slow, but Microsoft says we just haven’t seen what it can do yet — aka more AI features coming soon.

30 years without losing a bag

Japan’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) has gone that long without a single lost bag. Yup, officials there say they haven’t lost a customer’s bag since 1994. The workers confirm it but say it’s NBD; they’re just doing their jobs! I wish U.S. baggage handlers had the same idea — then, we wouldn’t need an AirTag in every bag!

🎸 Update to yesterday’s newsletter: I linked to Randy Travis’ new song made with AI (and Travis’ blessing) because Travis can no longer sing since his 2013 stroke. Thanks for all the replies to learn more about the AI involved. Watch this CBS Sunday Morning story. Someone must’ve been cutting onions when I watched it.

Addicted to AI: Teens spend up to 12 hours a day on AI-powered chatbot sites like Character AI. Now, parents are worried their kids are using them to replace a human connection. Character AI’s most popular bot? A “psychologist” that also claims to be a therapist. Make sure your kids are forming friendships IRL, too.

Experimental AI F-16: That’s a lot of scary letters and numbers. Last week, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall flew over 550 mph in an F-16 piloted completely by AI. After the hourlong flight, Kendall said he’d seen enough to trust AI to launch weapons in war. Big words and he says, it’s a security risk not to use this tech.

Randy Travis’ new AI hit: In 2013, country singer Randy Travis (“Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Deeper Than the Holler”) suffered a near-fatal stroke that left him unable to sing. Longtime producer Kyle Lehning put together a new song using an AI version of Travis’ voice, with his blessing. Take a listen here. It’s really good.