In the world of television news, where stories are often grave and the atmosphere is tense, a unique segment on KRON's 11 pm newscasts stood out in the 1990s and early 2000s. The "Circular File" by Pete Wilson, a beloved news anchor, brought a touch of eccentricity and humor to the nightly news. These stories were bizarre, whimsical, and left viewers with a smile before heading to bed. Today, we're diving into the Circular File archives with three nights from my personal VHS collection, revisiting the quirky charm that Pete Wilson brought to the Bay Area's news scene.
Having a mailbox on the street is an incredibly convenient way to send and receive mail. It allows people who don't have their own mailbox at home to still get their mail, as well as providing easy access for those who do. The location of a street-side mailbox can make all the difference in how accessible it is for everyone in the community.
When considering where to place a mailbox, there are several factors that should be taken into account.
First, safety should always be top priority; pick an area with good visibility so that people feel safe when they go out of their way to use it.
Second, convenience matters; choose somewhere close enough that most residents can easily reach it without having too far or difficult of a journey each time they need something from the post office or want to drop off some letters or packages themselves.
Finally, consider accessibility: if there are any elderly folks living nearby with mobility issues or families with small children then making sure they won?t struggle getting up and down steps could also be important!
The mailbox should be placed 6 to 8 inches away from the curb or the edge of the road.
The bottom of the mailbox or the mail slot should be 41 to 45 inches from the ground.
The mailbox should also have your house or apartment number on it.
These guidelines help the mail carrier to deliver your mail safely and efficiently. I hope this answer helps you with your mailbox installation.
Overall
Overall having a dedicated space on your street for sending and receiving mail makes life much easier - especially during busy times like Christmas when you may have lots more parcels coming through than usual! With careful thought about placement you can ensure everyone has access no matter what age group or abilities - which will only help strengthen your local community even further!
Jobscan is a platform designed to help job seekers optimize their resumes to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many companies to filter candidates. It offers features like an ATS resume checker, resume and cover letter optimization, a resume builder, and LinkedIn profile optimization. Users can upload their resume, then add a job description to receive tailored tips for optimizing their resume. Jobscan's proprietary AI technology compares the resume to job listings to help improve the user's chances of getting noticed by recruiters
Website Description
Many job seekers don?t get enough interviews even after applying for dozens of jobs. Why? Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to search and filter resumes by keywords. The Jobscan resume scanner helps you optimize your resume keywords for each job listing so that your application gets found by recruiters.
Jobscan?s job search tools can increase your interview chances by 50%.
In the quest for impeccable audio quality during our virtual interactions, the microphone plays a starring role. This week, we delve into the realms of testing and enhancing your headset microphone's input on your Mac, ensuring your voice resonates clearly and accurately across digital corridors. Let?s explore some tools and techniques to boost up that input signal to achieve audio nirvana.
Understanding Your Microphone Settings
Before diving into external tools, familiarize yourself with the Sound settings on your Mac. Navigate to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Sound > Input. Here you can select your headset microphone and adjust the input volume.
Testing Your Microphone:
QuickTime Player: A simple yet effective way to test your microphone is by using the QuickTime Player on your Mac. Go to File > New Audio Recording, select your headset microphone, and hit the record button.
Online Tools: Websites like OnlineMicTest.com provide a platform to check your microphone's functionality and audio quality.
Boosting Your Input Signal:
Boom 3D: This software is a gem for enhancing audio quality. It provides a range of features including a volume booster, equalizer, and presets to refine your microphone input.
Audio Hijack: With Audio Hijack, you can boost the input levels and apply effects to improve clarity and eliminate background noise.
Noise Reduction:
Krisp: A stellar app that works magic in real-time to remove background noise. It also provides a gain control feature to boost your microphone input.
Auphonic: A web-based tool that offers noise and hum reduction, along with leveling and loudness processing to optimize your audio.
Advanced Calibration with Audio Interfaces
Consider investing in an audio interface like Focusrite Scarlett which provides robust preamps to boost your microphone's signal.
Regular Maintenance
Don?t forget the basics. Regularly clean your headset microphone and ensure it?s free from dust and debris, which can significantly impact sound quality.
Conclusion
Incorporating these tools and practices in your routine will significantly uplift your audio game on Mac. Whether you are in a professional meeting or a casual virtual hangout, ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear is quintessential. So, go ahead and explore these tools to find what resonates with your audio preferences, and keep the digital dialogues flowing smoothly.
As a QA Engineer, you're always looking for ways to improve your testing process. Python is a powerful language that can be used to automate many QA tasks, but it can also be used to generate text. This can be useful for creating test cases, writing reports, and even ghostwriting blog posts.
On this Halloween, let's take a look at how to use Python to do ghostwriting.
What is ghost writing?
Ghost writing is the practice of writing content for someone else, but not taking credit for it. This is often done for clients who need help writing blog posts, articles, or even books.
Why use Python for ghost writing?
There are a few reasons why Python is a good choice for ghost writing:
It's a powerful language that can be used to generate text in a variety of formats.
It's relatively easy to learn, especially for QA Engineers who are already familiar with programming.
There are a number of libraries and tools available that can make it easier to generate text with Python.
How to do ghost writing in Python
Here is a simple example of how to do ghost writing in Python:
import random
def generate_sentence():
"""Generates a random sentence."""
words = ["The", "quick", "brown", "fox", "jumps", "over", "the", "lazy", "dog."]
sentence = ""
for word in random.choices(words, k=10):
sentence += word + " "
return sentence
# Generate 10 random sentences
sentences = []
for i in range(10):
sentences.append(generate_sentence())
# Write the sentences to a file
with open("ghost_written_sentences.txt", "w") as f:
for sentence in sentences:
f.write(sentence + "n")
This code will generate 10 random sentences and write them to a file called ghost_written_sentences.txt.
Generating text with Python for QA purposes
Of course, you can use Python to generate more sophisticated text than just random sentences. For example, you could use it to generate test cases, write reports, or even ghostwrite blog posts.
Here are a few ideas:
Generate test cases: You could use Python to generate test cases for your QA testing. This could be especially useful for generating complex or data-driven test cases.
Write reports: You could use Python to generate reports from your QA testing results. This could save you time and help you to communicate your results more effectively.
Ghostwrite blog posts: If you're a QA Engineer with expertise in a particular area, you could use Python to ghostwrite blog posts for other people. This is a great way to share your knowledge and build your reputation.
Snagit is a popular screen capture utility used by QA professionals to document their testing and create bug reports. But did you know that you can add fun and spooky Halloween-themed stamps to your Snagit captures?
In this blog post, I'll show you how to install five new Halloween Snagit stamps that are perfect for QA to lighten up testing during the Halloween season.
Click on image to download Images.
To download the stamps, simply click on the link above. Then, click on the "Download" button. Then double click on the ZIP file and uncompress the file.
Install the Halloween Snagit stamps
Once you have downloaded the Halloween Snagit stamps, you need to install them. To do this, follow these steps:
Open Snagit Editor.
Click on the "More" button in the toolbar.
Select "Stamps" > "Manage Stamps".
Click on the "Import" button.
Browse to the location where you downloaded the Halloween Snagit stamps and select the folder.
Click on the "Open" button.
I would recommend adding the Search Term "Halloween" to these images so it's easy to find in the future. Simply right-click on the image and select "Edit Search Term..." Then add "Halloween" and click away. Now you can easily search for the stamps.
Use the Halloween Snagit stamps
Now that you have installed the Halloween Snagit stamps, you can start using them in your Snagit captures. To do this, simply click on the "Stamp" tool in the toolbar and select the Halloween stamp you want to use. Then, click on your Snagit capture to add the stamp.
As a QA Manager for the past 5 years, I have seen my fair share of QA horror stories. But one story that stands out is that of "Glitchy George".
George was a QA engineer who didn't care much about his job. He would always find excuses to work from home, even when it was discouraged. And when he was working from home, he was often distracted and didn't put in a full day's work.
George also didn't communicate the results of his tests very well. His bug reports were often vague and incomplete, making it difficult to understand what he had tested and what problems he had found. It wasn't easy to understand if he did any outside-of-the-box testing.
But the worst thing about George was that he just wasn't motivated to improve the quality of the company's software. He would often test the bare minimum and then pass the release on, even if he knew there were still bugs in the code.
George Story
One day, we were releasing a new version of our flagship product. George was responsible for testing the new features, but he didn't put much effort into it. He just ran through a few basic tests and then passed the release on to me.
I reviewed George's test results and found that he had missed several critical bugs. I tried to talk to him about it, but he was dismissive and said that the bugs were probably not serious.
I decided to do my own testing, and I found that the bugs were indeed serious. One of the bugs could have caused the product to crash, and another bug could have exposed sensitive user data.
I had to delay the release and work with the development team to fix the bugs. This caused a lot of problems for the company, and I was very disappointed in George.
Several people taked to me about his performance, and they were worried about the overall quality of the work that he was doing. Over time, George did improve his testing and communications. A year after being talked to, he left the company.
Moral of the story
A motivated and engaged QA team is essential for delivering high-quality software. If you have a QA engineer who is not motivated or is not doing their job well, it is important to address the issue early on.
To protect the innocent, Glitchy George is an alias name for the troubled QA.
I was recently going through my collection of old TV commercials and came across two that I thought were worth sharing. The first is a commercial for the San Francisco Chronicle's Matier & Ross columnists, and the second is a commercial for Martha Stewart's new garden furniture collection at Kmart.
Matier & Ross
The Matier & Ross commercial is from the early 1990s and features the two columnists, San Francisco Chronicle Matier & Ross Columnists, dressed up as old women. They are investigating the city and looking for scoops. They talk about the latest rumors and gossip by dressing up as two old ladies.
The commercial is funny and lighthearted, but it also does a good job of showcasing the Matier & Ross brand. The two columnists are known for their sharp wit and their ability to get the inside scoop on the San Francisco political scene. The commercial also highlights the fact that the Chronicle is a trusted source for local news and information.
Martha Stewart
The Martha Stewart commercial is from the late 1990s and features Martha Stewart talking about the new garden furniture collection at Kmart. She is dressed in a stylish gardening outfit and is surrounded by her beautiful garden furniture.
The commercial is well-produced and visually appealing. It also does a good job of showcasing Stewart's brand. Stewart is known for her good taste and her attention to detail.
Overall
Overall, I thought these two TV commercials were well-made and entertaining. They also did a good job of showcasing the brands they were advertising. The Matier & Ross commercial was funny and lighthearted, while the Martha Stewart commercial was elegant and sophisticated.
Bonus:
It is interesting to note that both of these commercials were made in the 1990s, a time when TV commercials were often more creative and memorable than they are today. It is also interesting to note that both of these commercials feature well-known and respected personalities. The Matier & Ross commercial features two of the most popular columnists in San Francisco, while the Martha Stewart commercial features one of the most popular lifestyle experts in the world.
I think these two commercials are a reminder of the golden age of TV advertising. They are well-made, entertaining, and effective. They also showcase the importance of using well-known and respected personalities to promote your brand.
Here are a few tips and tricks for working with the Apache HTTP Server:
To enable mod_rewrite for your Apache server, make sure the module is installed and then add the following line to your Apache configuration file (usually located at /etc/apache2/httpd.conf or /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf):
LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so
To enable .htaccess files, you will need to allow overrides in your Apache configuration. To do this, add the following line to your Apache configuration file:
AllowOverride All
To enable Gzip compression, add the following lines to your Apache configuration file:
To increase the maximum file upload size, you can modify the upload_max_filesize and post_max_size settings in your PHP configuration file (usually located at /etc/php5/apache2/php.ini or /etc/php/php.ini).
To redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS, add the following lines to your Apache configuration file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
To password protect a directory on your server, create a file named .htpasswd in the root directory of the protected directory and add a username and password to it. Then, add the following lines to your Apache configuration file:
Back to the Future Day is celebrated on October 21st each year. This date is significant because it is the day that Marty McFly travels to the future in the 1989 film Back to the Future Part II. In the film, Marty arrives in a futuristic version of Hill Valley, California, on October 21, 2015.
The film's depiction of the future has become iconic, and Back to the Future Day is a time for fans to celebrate the film and its legacy. Many fans will dress up as characters from the film, watch marathons of the trilogy, or attend special events.
Create Your Own Back to the Future logo.
Website Description
Create a custom text inspired by the Back to the Future movie.
Greetings Macintosh enthusiasts! This week, let's dive into a nifty trick using Affinity Designer, a powerful tool for graphic designers. Have you ever wondered how to add those smooth, round corners to your images, giving them a polished and professional look? Look no further! In just five simple steps, you can achieve this effect effortlessly. Here's how:
Step 1: Apply Your Desired Style
Start by applying your preferred style or effect to the image you want to edit. This could be anything from a filter to a color adjustment - it's up to you! Experiment with different styles until you find the one that suits your vision.
Step 2: Convert the Image to Curves
Once you've applied the desired style, it's time to convert your image to curves. To do this, select your styled image, navigate to the 'Layer' menu, and then click on 'Convert to Curves.' This step essentially changes your image into an editable vector graphic.
Step 3: Access the Corner Tool
With your image now in curve form, it's time to bring on the round corners! Locate the 'Corner Tool' in the toolbar. It usually looks like a square with a radius arc in one corner. Click on it to activate the tool.
Step 4: Adjust the Corner Radius
Now comes the fun part - adjusting the corner radius. Click and drag any of the corner nodes of your image to round the corners to your desired level. Affinity Designer allows for precise control, so you can make subtle adjustments or go for bold, rounded corners - the choice is yours!
Step 5: Apply and Save
Once you're satisfied with the rounded corners, it's time to apply the changes. Simply click outside the image or press Enter, and voil?! Your image now boasts those sleek, rounded corners you've been aiming for. Don't forget to save your work to preserve your edits.
And there you have it - in just five steps, you've transformed a regular image into one with rounded corners, adding a touch of sophistication to your design. Feel free to experiment with different styles, corner radii, and image types to unleash your creativity!
Helpful Guide
Stay tuned for more exciting Macintosh tips and tricks next week. Happy designing!
Halloween is a time for tricks, treats, and... Python coding? That's right! Python is a powerful language that can be used for a variety of tasks, including automating QA tests and creating fun and spooky Halloween projects.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to use Python to convert a text file containing names to a dictionary and then randomly shuffle the dictionary. This could be useful for creating a Halloween game or activity, such as a costume contest or raffle.
Step 1: Create a text file containing names
The first step is to create a text file containing the names of the people who will be participating in your Halloween activity. You can do this by creating a new text file in a text editor such as BBEdit or Sublime Text.
Once you have created the text file, add the names of the participants to the file, one name per line. When you are finished, save the text file.
Step 2: Import the necessary Python libraries
To convert the text file to a dictionary and shuffle the dictionary, you will need to import the following Python libraries:
import random
import string
Step 3: Define a function to convert the text file to a dictionary
Next, you will need to define a function to convert the text file to a dictionary. This function will take the text file as input and return a dictionary containing the names of the participants as keys and a random string as values.
def convert_text_file_to_dictionary(text_file):
"""Converts a text file containing names to a dictionary.
Args:
text_file: The path to the text file.
Returns:
A dictionary containing the names of the participants as keys and a random string as values.
"""
name_dict = {}
with open(text_file, "r") as f:
for line in f:
name = line.strip()
random_string = ''.join(random.choice(string.ascii_letters) for i in range(10))
name_dict[name] = random_string
return name_dict
Step 4: Define a function to shuffle the dictionary
Next, you will need to define a function to shuffle the dictionary. This function will take the dictionary as input and return a shuffled dictionary.
def shuffle_dictionary(dictionary):
"""Shuffles a dictionary.
Args:
dictionary: The dictionary to shuffle.
Returns:
A shuffled dictionary.
"""
shuffled_dictionary = {}
keys = list(dictionary.keys())
random.shuffle(keys)
for key in keys:
shuffled_dictionary[key] = dictionary[key]
return shuffled_dictionary
Step 5: Use the functions to convert the text file to a randomly shuffled dictionary
Now that you have defined the necessary functions, you can use them to convert the text file to a randomly shuffled dictionary.
To do this, you will first need to call the convert_text_file_to_dictionary() function to convert the text file to a dictionary. Then, you can call the shuffle_dictionary() function to shuffle the dictionary.
# Convert the text file to a dictionary.
name_dict = convert_text_file_to_dictionary("names.txt")
# Shuffle the dictionary.
shuffled_name_dict = shuffle_dictionary(name_dict)
Step 6: Use the shuffled dictionary in your Halloween project
Once you have the shuffled dictionary, you can use it in your Halloween project. For example, you could use it to create a costume contest or raffle.
To do this, you would simply iterate through the shuffled dictionary and display the names of the participants in a random order.
This week, I'm excited to share a custom Snagit template that I created for Halloween. The idea behind this template is to have an orange border around a standard webpage screenshot of 1280x1236. This makes the screenshot stand out in Jira in thumbnail view, making it easier to find.
To use this template, simply download it and install it in Snagit. Then, when you next need to take a screenshot of a webpage, take a screenshot, select the template from the Templates Tag and drag and drop the screenshot to the drop zone.
In the dark corners of the corporate world, where stress and pressure fuse into a toxic blend, stories emerge that send shivers down the spines of even the bravest professionals. This week, we delve into the chilling tale of Dominic "The Machiavore" Steele, a QA Manager whose aggressive manipulation tactics left a trail of broken spirits and shattered confidence in his wake.
In the hushed confines of the office corridors, QA engineers whispered in fearful tones about Dominic's infamous wrath. He was not just a manager; he was a tyrant, a relentless force who thrived on verbal abuse and public humiliation. Meetings with him were like stepping into a battlefield, where QA engineers faced the onslaught of his sharp tongue and biting words. Dominic's rage knew no bounds, particularly when bugs slipped through the cracks or when he deemed test cases lacked the quality he demanded.
One harrowing incident etched in the memories of all who witnessed it was when Dominic unleashed his fury upon a co-worker right on the engineering floor. The air crackled with tension as his voice thundered, reducing the poor soul to tears. It was a stark reminder of the human cost of Dominic's aggressive management style.
The aftermath of these encounters was a toxic atmosphere where fear ruled and creativity withered. Dominic's reign of terror persisted until, one day, he vanished from the office landscape. The exact circumstances of his departure remained a mystery. Did he finally face the consequences of his actions, or was he quietly ushered out, leaving behind a wake of trauma and scars?
The tale of Dominic "The Machiavore" Steele serves as a chilling reminder that beneath the facade of professionalism, monsters can lurk. It also stands as a testament to the resilience of QA professionals who, despite enduring the horrors of such managers, continue to strive for quality and excellence in their work. Join us next week as we uncover another spine-chilling QA horror story, reminding us all of the importance of fostering a nurturing and respectful work environment.
One More Thing
The names of the Aggressive Manipulator has been change to protect the identify of all those involved.
If you're a certain age, you probably remember classic commercials like iPrint.com and 1-800-Dentist. These commercials were ubiquitous on TV in the 1990s and early 2000s, and they're still remembered fondly by many people today.
iPrint.com
The iPrint.com commercial was a simple but effective one. It featured a man sitting at his computer, printing out a document. The voiceover said, "iPrint.com: Your one-stop shop for all your printing needs." The commercial was catchy and memorable, and it helped to make iPrint.com a household name.
1-800-Dentist
Suzie Barrett was the 1-800 Dentist girl. She was the one who tried to convince you to call 1-800-Dentist and not use the Yellow Pages. Simple but effective advertising.
Interesting note: The commercial was done in one cut. There is no camera switching in this commercial.
Why these commercials were so effective
These commercials were effective for a number of reasons. First, the commercials were both very simple. They didn't have a lot of complex storylines or special effects. Instead, they focused on getting a single message across in a clear and concise way.
Finally, the commercials were both very relevant to their target audiences. The iPrint.com commercial was targeted at people who needed to print documents, while the 1-800-Dentist commercial was targeted at people who needed to find a dentist. By targeting their ads to specific audiences, the companies behind these commercials were able to reach more potential customers.
Revolutionize Your Content Strategy: The Fashion Entrepreneur's Guide to Leveraging AI
In our ever-evolving digital age, staying ahead of the game is crucial for any fashion entrepreneur or small business. So, how do you get that competitive edge? One compelling avenue to explore is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into your content management process. This integration can significantly reshape your approach to content creation, auditing, and optimization. In this article from cryan.com, we're going to deep-dive into essential methods that entrepreneurs can employ to make the most out of AI in their content management journey.
Learn How Automation Can Help You
There are a number of areas in which automation can result in massive time efficiencies for your fashion business. Automation can help small businesses streamline repetitive tasks, such as data entry and inventory management, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and more customer-centric activities. It can also reduce human error and increase operational efficiency, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved profitability. Additionally, automation tools and software are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them a valuable resource for small businesses looking to compete in the digital age.
Spark Fresh Ideas Through AI
If you've ever found yourself grappling with writer's block, the value of fresh and innovative ideas becomes abundantly clear. Here is where AI truly shines as a formidable idea generator, capable of providing a treasure trove of creative suggestions grounded in real-world data. AI-powered tools excel at scrutinizing social media sentiment, tracking trending topics, and monitoring consumer search behavior to offer a diverse array of topic recommendations tailored to your specific audience's preferences.
Picture having a relentless virtual assistant tirelessly scouring the vast expanse of the internet to curate customized topics for you, alleviating the burden of manual research. Beyond the time-saving benefits, this approach significantly enhances your ability to craft content that resonates deeply with your target audience, ultimately fostering greater engagement and impact.
Craft Exceptional Content with AI Assistance
Crafting compelling content is a delicate fusion of artistry and technique, a harmonious equilibrium that even experienced writers occasionally struggle to attain. Within this intricate dance, AI-driven writing assistants emerge as invaluable personal coaches, ready to provide immediate, constructive feedback to enhance the caliber and influence of your written material.
With this support, entrepreneurs and content creators can focus their energies on honing the essence and significance of their message, secure in the knowledge that the intricacies of language and style are being expertly managed by their digital collaborators. By collaborating with AI in this way, individuals can unlock new levels of productivity, creativity, and communication prowess, ultimately driving their content to greater heights of excellence and impact.
Organize, Edit, and Publish with Intelligent CMS
In the realm of content, the process doesn't end with creation; efficient management is equally vital. Fashion entrepreneurs and content creators can significantly benefit from harnessing Content Management Systems (CMS) infused with AI algorithms designed to shoulder the burden of repetitive tasks like content tagging and categorization.
This automation liberates valuable time and mental bandwidth, enabling you to channel your focus towards more strategic initiatives, such as meticulous content planning and forging valuable partnerships. In doing so, you not only supercharge your productivity but also enhance your overall effectiveness, ensuring that your content operations are finely tuned and primed for success.
Evaluate Your Performance with Data-Driven AI Insights
Indeed, as GuavaBox points out, the timeless wisdom that you can't improve what you can't measure remains a foundational principle. In this digital age, AI tools emerge as the torchbearers of this ethos, offering an unparalleled depth of analytics and insights that resemble an X-ray for evaluating your content's performance. These tools meticulously deconstruct critical metrics, spanning engagement rates, audience demographics, and even emotional resonance, granting you an intricate and all-encompassing perspective of your content's impact.
Empowered with this trove of data, you possess the capability to continuously refine your content strategy with unwavering reliance on empirical evidence. This iterative approach ensures that your efforts evolve and adapt, progressively yielding more favorable outcomes as your content journey unfolds, reaffirming AI's pivotal role in your content success.
Achieve SEO Excellence Through AI-Enabled Tools
Traversing the complex and ever-evolving landscape of SEO can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned professionals. However, AI emerges as an invaluable ally in simplifying this intricate journey. AI-powered SEO tools offer a comprehensive suite of features that extend far beyond the realm of basic keyword research. They delve deep into the intricate analysis of your competitors' website structures and content, unearthing valuable insights that can shape your strategy.
These tools don't merely stop at diagnosis; they also provide actionable optimization recommendations tailored specifically to your site. Moreover, their predictive capabilities enable you to anticipate and adapt to upcoming algorithmic shifts, allowing you to proactively fine-tune your content strategy. By embracing AI in your SEO endeavors, you not only stay ahead of the curve but also gain a substantial advantage in the fiercely competitive SEO arena, where adaptability and precision are paramount.
Plan Like a Pro with AI-Enhanced Calendars
Ensuring consistency stands as a cornerstone of effective content marketing endeavors. Haphazardly releasing content can undermine your headway in the fiercely competitive content marketing arena. Nevertheless, Backlinko notes that AI presents a potent solution by enabling the construction of a content calendar that seamlessly integrates past performance metrics, keenly observes seasonal fluctuations and spotlights nascent trends within your industry.
Empowered by these invaluable insights, you're poised to make calculated, data-driven decisions concerning your content scheduling, thus establishing a bedrock for the enduring triumph of your content strategy. By embracing AI's capabilities in this realm, you not only navigate the intricate terrain of content marketing more effectively but also fortify your position as a formidable presence in your niche.
AI isn't merely a buzzword in tech circles; it's a pivotal game-changer that offers entrepreneurs and small businesses meaningful avenues for optimizing their content management tasks. The integration of AI technologies into your content strategy can bring about a sea change, affecting everything from idea generation to the moment you hit 'publish'. By embracing this powerful tool, you not only save valuable time but also significantly uplift the quality of your work, thus freeing you to concentrate on other essential aspects of business growth. So don't hesitate - tap into the transformative potential of AI to completely reinvent how you manage and produce content.
AutoDraw is a free web-based drawing tool that uses machine learning to help people draw faster and better. It works by guessing what you're trying to draw based on a few simple strokes, and then suggesting a more polished version of your drawing.
To use AutoDraw, simply go to the website and start drawing. As you draw, AutoDraw will suggest a variety of drawings that match your strokes. You can then select the drawing that you like best, or continue drawing to refine your drawing.
AutoDraw can be used to draw a variety of things, including animals, objects, people, and scenes. It's a great tool for people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists.
Website Description
AutoDraw is a new kind of drawing tool. It pairs machine learning with drawings from talented artists to help everyone create anything visual, fast. There?s nothing to download. Nothing to pay for. And it works anywhere: smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, etc.
AutoDraw?s suggestion tool uses the same technology used in QuickDraw, to guess what you?re trying to draw. Right now, it can guess hundreds of drawings and we look forward to adding more over time. If you are interested in creating drawings for others to use with AutoDraw, contact us here.
In this week's blog, I'm diving into the world of 360-degree photography with the Ricoh Theta Z1. Capturing stunning images and videos is one thing, but seamlessly transferring them to your Mac is a game-changer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it right.
Choose the Right Cable
First things first, ensure you have the correct data transfer cable. The right cable (usually USB-micro to USB-A) will establish a stable connection between your Ricoh Theta Z1 and your Mac.
You'll need a USB-Micro data cable. One was supplied with the Ricoh Theta Z1.
Utilize Image Capture App
When it comes to downloading files from your Ricoh Theta Z1, the Image Capture app is your best friend. It's pre-installed on your Mac and offers a straightforward interface. Connect your Ricoh Theta Z1 to your Mac using the cable and open Image Capture. Your device should appear on the left sidebar. Select it, choose where you want to save your files and click 'Import All' for a quick transfer. You can also selectively import specific photos and videos.
If you don't see the Ricoh Theta Z1, you are likely not using a data USB-micro cable
Stitch Spherical Images with RICOH THETA
Once your media files are safely on your Mac, enhance your creative process by stitching your spherical images together. RICOH THETA provides intuitive software that seamlessly blends your 360-degree images, giving them a professional touch.
And there you have it! With the right cable, Image Capture app, and RICOH THETA software, you can effortlessly transfer and enhance your Ricoh Theta Z1 media on your Mac. Stay tuned for more Mac tips and tricks next week!
Back when I was doing a lot of Perl programing, commify was the function that I used to add commas to numbers.
Here's a sample code:
######################################################## Comma Formating# This area is where the FORMATING will be done to change the# variable from ######.####### to #,###.#########################################################subcommify {
local($_) = shift;
1whiles/^(-?d+)(d{3})/$1,$2/;
return$_;
}
Python Style
In Python, you don't need a function to add commas to numbers.
#!/usr/bin/env /usr/bin/python3# Using format() functionx = 124908120print('{:,}'.format(x))
# f-strings (Python 3.9 and later)
# With f-strings, you can directly include the :,
# inside the curly braces to format the number with commas.y= 12948129y_format=f"{y:,}"print(y_format)
In my four years of exploring the wonders of Snagit, I've uncovered its hidden gems and employed them to enhance my workflow. This week, let's dive into the realm of Custom Templates, a feature that, while powerful, can sometimes be a bit tricky to navigate. Specifically, we'll tackle a clever organizational solution involving the magic of tags.
Currently Snagit doesn't offer a way to pull up Custom Templates when using the "Create Image from Templates." You have to open up the template in the editor and then drag and drop images that you want.
The "Template" Tag
To easily differentiate your templates from other images in your library and streamline your workflow, I recommend creating a "template" tag. This simple yet effective organizational technique acts as a beacon, guiding you straight to your custom templates whenever you need them.
Creating the "Template" Tag:
Open Snagit and navigate to your image library.
Right Click on an Image and select "Tags..."
Select Templates, or if this is your first, type in Templates
Click Outside of the popup template box and repeat for other images.
Voila! Your templates are now effortlessly categorized.
Now that you've tagged your templates, accessing them is a breeze. Whenever you need to use a custom template, simply click on the "Template" tag in the Snagit Library, and there they are - neatly organized and ready to inspire your creativity
.
Tips for Creating Effective Custom Templates
Simplicity is Key: Keep your templates clean and uncluttered for versatility.
Resolution Matters: Ensure your template images are of high resolution for professional-looking captures.
Consistent Branding: If you're creating templates for a brand, maintain consistency in colors, logos, and fonts.
Easy to Find!
Once your done, then it's easy to find your Custom Templates!
Conclusion: Your Creative Journey Begins
Armed with the knowledge of custom templates and the organizational power of tags, you're now equipped to take your Snagit game to new heights. Let your creativity soar as you effortlessly blend images into your templates, making your screen captures truly unique and engaging.
Don't have custom templates? Come back next week for some samples!
Test Cases are an important part of testing. There's a right way and a wrong way to write a test case. Do it the wrong way and you risk the value of the test case.
Here's an example of the Wrong Way / Right Way situation.
Bad Test Case
Test Case Name: Check that Google.com works
Steps:
Go to Google.com
Type something in the search bar
Press Enter
Expected Result: Google returns some search results
This test case is bad for the following reasons:
It is too vague. It does not specify what to type in the search bar, or how to verify that Google returned some search results.
It does not test any negative cases. For example, what happens if the user types in an invalid search query? What happens if the user's internet connection is down?
It is not comprehensive. It does not test all of the possible ways that Google.com could be used. For example, what happens if the user clicks on one of the search results? What happens if the user clicks on the "Settings" button?
Good Test Case
Test Case Name: Verify that Google.com returns relevant search results for a valid search query
Steps:
Go to Google.com
Type "cats" in the search bar
Press Enter
Verify that the top 10 search results are all relevant to the search query "cats"
Expected Result: The top 10 search results are all relevant to the search query "cats"
This test case is better because it is more comprehensive. It tests a scenario that is more likely to occur in real life (a user wanting to find relevant search results), and it includes a step to verify the expected result for that scenario.
Trip.com is a popular online travel agency, but it's also the target of job scammers. These scammers pretend to be Trip.com employees or recruiters and offer fake job opportunities to job seekers.
How the scam works
Scammers typically contact job seekers via text message. They may post fake job listings on job boards. The scammers will often promise a high salary and flexible hours, and they may even send you a fake job offer.
However, if you accept the job offer, the scammers will likely ask you to pay a fee upfront, such as a processing fee or training fee. They may also ask you to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number.
If you send the scammers any money or personal information, you are likely to lose both. The scammers will not give you a real job, and they may use your personal information to commit identity theft.
Sample Text Scam
How to protect yourself
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from Trip.com job scams:
Be wary of any job offer that comes from an unsolicited email, text message, or social media message.
Do your research on the company before applying for any job. You can check the company's website and social media pages, and you can also read online reviews from current and former employees.
Never pay a fee upfront for a job. Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay for a job.
Never provide personal information to someone you don't know and trust. This includes your Social Security number, bank account number, and date of birth.
This weekend I was near Monnick Supply - a popular hardware store in Framingham. I was looking at the building and noticed that much of the building was blocked by powerlines.
I thought, this would make a good picture to test the Power Lines removal functionality in Luminar Neo. The application has a one button function to instantly remove power lines from any picture.
Here are the results:
Before
After
Some Thoughts
Clean up - I just ran the "Remove Powerlines" action. There's certainly another cleanup that can be done in Luminar Neo. The tool certainly saved a lot of time!
Shadows - I am surprised that Luminar Neo didn't catch the shadows of some of the power lines.
Telephone Pole - I don't know why the telephone pole has a hole in it.
PlayCode.io is an online JavaScript playground that allows users to write, run, and debug JavaScript code in real-time. It is a perfect tool for developers who want to streamline their workflow and improve productivity. PlayCode.io offers a cutting-edge online editor that enables users to write, compile, and view the live results of their code all in one place. It is easy to use and fast, making it ideal for learning and prototyping JavaScript sandboxes.
PlayCode.io supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, including React, Vue, TypeScript, Three.js, Tailwind CSS, Bootstrap, and many more. It automatically takes care of installing dependencies, compiling, bundling, hot reloading as you type, and much more.
The website also offers interactive courses that help users learn programming through practical examples. The courses give a lesson and challenge to solve. Code, check the result and move on. PlayCode.io also allows users to collaborate with their team in real-time and play with any of the 2 million NPM packages.
PlayCode.io is free to use with a freemium business model. It has over 200,000 monthly unique users who benefit from its features. The author is responsive and maintains the application.
Website Description
The #1 JavaScript playground and sandbox to write, run and repl it. JavaScript playground is perfect for learning and prototyping javascript sandboxes. Fast. Easy to use. Start javascript playground project using ready to use templates.
Forms are an integral part of our digital lives, whether it's filling out a job application, completing a survey, or submitting essential documents. Thankfully, with Apple's Preview application, the process of filling out forms on your Macintosh computer becomes seamless and hassle-free. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of filling forms using Apple Preview, making your paperwork woes a thing of the past.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure you have the latest version of macOS installed on your Macintosh computer. Preview is a pre-installed application, so there's no need to download or install anything separately.
Step 1: Open Your Form
Locate the form you need to fill out on your Macintosh computer.
Double-click the form file to open it in the Preview application.
Step 2: Click on the Text Tool
In Preview, click on the toolbox icon in the toolbar, or press Shift + Command + A to activate the Markup Toolbar.
Select the Text tool from the Markup Toolbar. It looks like a small 'T'.
Step 3: Place Text Boxes
Hover your mouse over the area of the form where you want to enter text.
Click to place a text box. Resize and reposition it as needed to fit the form fields perfectly.
Step 4: Enter Your Information
Double-click inside the text box you just created.
Enter your information. You can adjust the font style, size, and color using the formatting options in the Markup Toolbar.
Step 5: Checkboxes and Radio Buttons
For checkboxes and radio buttons, use the Shapes tool in the Markup Toolbar.
Click on the Shapes icon, select the appropriate shape, and place it over the checkbox or radio button. You can adjust the size to match the form's design.
Step 6: Save Your Form
Once you've filled out the form, click File > Save to save your changes. Your form is now ready to be shared or printed.
Form Filling Toolbar
For most forms, simply clicking on the Form Filling Toolbar icon will enable the form to be editable.
Over the past couple of years, I have been doing various automation programs. I have spent a lot of time using PyTest to test various websites and web objects.
If you are new to PyTest, here's a sample code that can help you get started. This piece of code will check to see if Google changed the text on the footer of the page.
The "/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.9/bin/pytest" is the path to pytest, and makes this script easy to run from the command line.
#!/usr/bin/env /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.9/bin/pytest
# Verify the Pytest was installed
import pytest
from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.webdriver.chrome.service import Service
from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from webdriver_manager.chrome import ChromeDriverManager
def test_google():
global chrome_driver
chrome_driver = webdriver.Chrome(service=Service(ChromeDriverManager().install()))
chrome_driver.get('https://www.google.com/')
title = "Google"
assert title == chrome_driver.title
pageSource = chrome_driver.page_source
gateway = "Our third decade of climate action"
if not gateway in pageSource:
pytest.fail( "Google Changed their Webpage")
chrome_driver.close()
Install Modules
To get this to work, you need to install, PyTest, Selenium, and Webdriver. From the command line, run these commands:
According to the "What's New" there are 3 new features in Snagit 2024:
Cursor Highlights & Click Animations
Combine Videos
Microsoft Teams Output
The other two features were announced in Snagit 2023:
Screen Draw
Streamlined Sharing & Feedback
Cursor Highlights & Click Animations
This is great feature when creating product demo. This makes it easy to see when a user clicks the mouse. Before you would get no interactions on a click mouse action, now you can see some animation.
This is a feature that was only available in Camtasia.
Combine Videos
When you make a mistake in a video edit, you can now reshoot the scene and insert it in the original video. This is certainly a time saver as you don't have to redue the whole task again.
If you shoot videos, this will make the process a bit easier.
Microsoft Teams Output
Now you can quickly send your images and videos to your Microsoft Teams channel.
If your company uses teams this feature may come in handy during stand-up meetings.
Final Thoughts
If you have the maintenance upgrade, it's worth getting the latest Snagit 2024 - especially if you do a lot of videos.
There are no really new tools or features for everyday use. To me, this doesn't feel like a must-have upgrade.
For example, it would be great if there was a way to add a drop shadow or glow to any object. If I paste an image into a Snagit file, there is no way to add an effect.
Snagit is still a very cool application, all month long, I'll feature cool things that you can do with Snagit.
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, automation has become the cornerstone of efficiency, allowing businesses to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and deliver exceptional results. However, there exists a trilemma ? a dilemma with three options ? when it comes to automation: Quality, Cheap, and Fast. Unfortunately, you can only pick two. Let's explore the implications of each combination.
Quality and Cheap
When Quality and Cheap are the chosen parameters for automation, businesses prioritize delivering top-notch results without breaking the bank. Here's what to expect:
Comprehensive Testing: Automated systems meticulously test every aspect of the product or service, ensuring it meets the highest quality standards. This rigorous testing identifies even the smallest flaws, guaranteeing a robust final product.
Cost-Effectiveness: Despite the focus on quality, businesses employing cost-effective automation methods can optimize their budgets. By selecting the right tools and technologies, companies can achieve exceptional results without overspending.
Time Consideration: Although the emphasis is on delivering quality within a budget, the timeline for completion might be extended. Thorough testing and careful implementation take time, ensuring that the final product is flawless.
Quality and Fast
When Quality and Fast are the chosen parameters, businesses prioritize delivering superior results within a tight timeframe. Here's what to expect:
High-Quality Output: Automated processes ensure that the end product meets the highest quality standards. Rapid but meticulous testing identifies and resolves issues swiftly, ensuring a flawless user experience.
Timely Delivery: With a focus on speed, businesses employing fast automation methods can deliver results swiftly. This is particularly advantageous in competitive markets where being the first to market can be a game-changer.
Cost Implications: While quality and speed are achieved, this approach might require a higher budget. Expedited processes often necessitate cutting-edge technologies and a dedicated team, which could increase overall costs.
In conclusion, finding the right balance between Quality, Cheap, and Fast automation is a challenge that businesses face in their pursuit of operational excellence. Each combination has its advantages and challenges, making it essential for companies to assess their unique needs and objectives.
Understanding the nuances of each approach enables businesses to make informed decisions, align their strategies with their goals, and ultimately deliver exceptional products or services to their customers. Whether prioritizing quality and affordability or focusing on quality and speed, the key lies in striking a balance that aligns with the organization's vision and customer expectations.
YouTube Shorts are a great way to share short, engaging videos with your audience. But if you have old 720p videos that you want to use in your Shorts, you may be worried about how they will look.
That's where the new YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro comes in. This template makes it easy to showcase your old 720p videos in 1080p format, with a black top and bottom to make them look more polished and professional.
How to use the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro
To use the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro, simply download the template and import it into your Final Cut Pro project. Then, drag and drop your 720p video clips into the timeline and then drag and drop the template above the video.
You can use the template as a marker for the length of the show.
The template will automatically scale your videos to 1080p and add the black top and bottom. You can then customize the template to your liking, such as adding text, music, and other effects.
Tips for using the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro
Here are a few tips for using the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro:
Make sure your 720p video clips are at least 60 seconds long. This will ensure that your Shorts are the required length of 59 seconds.
You can use the YouTube Short Template to create Shorts for any topic, but it is especially well-suited for showcasing old photos and videos.
Be sure to add text and music to your Shorts to make them more engaging. You can also use other effects, such as transitions and filters, to make your Shorts more visually appealing.
Once you are finished editing your Short, export it from Final Cut Pro and upload it to YouTube.
Final Thoughts
The YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro is a great way to showcase your old 720p videos in 1080p format. The template is easy to use and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can create engaging and visually appealing Shorts that your viewers will love.
In the world of video production, resolution and image quality are crucial for delivering a visually stunning experience. As technology advances, higher resolution cameras like 5K are becoming more popular, offering filmmakers and content creators greater flexibility in post-production. One of the key advantages of shooting in 5K is the ability to zoom in on your footage without sacrificing quality when producing a 1080p project. In this blog post, we'll explore the limits of zooming in on a 5K video for a 1080p output without losing quality.
Understanding Resolutions:
Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what 5K and 1080p resolutions mean. 5K resolution typically refers to a video with a resolution of 5120 x 2700 pixels, while 1080p, or Full HD, has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. In other words, a 5K video has roughly 2.7 times the number of pixels compared to a 1080p video.
Determining the Zoom Factor:
To maintain image quality when downscaling a 5K video to a 1080p project, it's essential to determine the maximum zoom factor. This can be calculated by dividing the resolution of the source footage (5K) by the target resolution (1080p).
Zoom Factor = (5120 / 1920) x (2700 / 1080) 2.67
This means that you can zoom in up to 2.67 times without losing quality in a 1080p project.
Maximizing Zoom Potential:
Here are some tips to ensure that you're maximizing the zoom potential of your 5K footage in a 1080p project:
Shoot with a high-quality lens: Invest in a lens that delivers excellent image quality to capture the best possible footage from the start. This will ensure that you retain as much detail as possible when zooming in on your 5K video.
Use a tripod or gimbal: When shooting with the intention of zooming in during post-production, keeping your footage stable is essential. The slightest camera shake will be magnified when you zoom in, so using a tripod or gimbal can help you achieve smoother and sharper results.
Record at a high bitrate: A higher bitrate means more data is being captured, resulting in better overall video quality. Choose the highest bitrate setting available on your camera to ensure that you're capturing the maximum amount of detail.
Be mindful of your camera's sensor size: Smaller sensors may struggle with noise and image quality when zooming in, even with 5K resolution. If possible, opt for a camera with a larger sensor to maintain quality when zooming in.
Use professional video editing software: Quality video editing software will offer better scaling algorithms that retain detail and reduce artifacts when zooming in on your footage.
Conclusion:
Shooting in 5K resolution provides content creators with the flexibility to zoom in on their footage without sacrificing quality in a 1080p project. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can effectively maximize the potential of your 5K footage and create stunning, high-quality videos that captivate your audience. Remember, you can zoom in up to 2.67 times without losing quality, so take advantage of this creative freedom to enhance your storytelling and make your videos stand out.
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