Beneath Boston's historic Old North Church lies a crypt that holds over 1,100 interred Bostonians, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Used primarily from the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries, the crypt includes the remains of Revolutionary War figures, prominent city leaders, and even British soldiers, reflecting the complex history of early Boston. With 37 burial vaults lining narrow, somber corridors, this unique crypt was built as a practical means of funding the church, providing an eternal resting place for wealthy patrons. Today, visitors can tour these vaults, immersing themselves in the rich and sometimes eerie legacy that lies beneath Boston's oldest surviving church.
You can purchase Crypt Combo Tours to tour the main church and the Basement Crypt for only $10 - $9 if you do it in advance online.
One of the Unmarked Crypts
Fun Facts
Here are some intriguing fun facts about the basement crypt of the Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts:
Final Resting Place of Over 1,100 Bostonians: The crypt holds over 1,100 remains. Some are in individual tombs, while others were placed in mass graves. The vaults were used primarily from the mid-18th century until the mid-19th century.
Revolutionary War Connections: Many of the interred were key figures in Boston during the Revolutionary War. Some were wealthy parishioners and prominent city leaders who chose this hallowed ground for their eternal rest.
A Unique Structural Layout: The crypt has 37 burial vaults arranged along narrow corridors under the church. Each vault has a brick front wall with a small door for placing remains.
Built for Practical Reasons: Like many churches of the time, Old North Church built the crypt as a means of raising funds, offering wealthy patrons a place of interment and charging fees for burial services.
Accessible for Tours: Today, the crypt is part of guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the dark history beneath Boston's oldest surviving church. Some visitors have reported feeling chills due to its history and ambiance!
The Resting Place of British Soldiers: During the Revolution, British soldiers who died in Boston were sometimes buried here, a testament to the city's complex historical fabric.
Sample Coffin in an empty crypt room
Three Things I Learned on Our Visit
I asked the tour guide, who was wandering around the crypt, if they had ever experienced any ghostly encounters. They told me they hadn't, but mentioned that other guides have reported feeling sudden warmth and hearing strange sounds.
The crypt consists of two small hallways, so only a limited number of people are allowed in the basement at a time. Photography is permitted, and the lighting is quite good.
This is a self-guided tour. You receive a plastic FAQ sheet upon entering, and you can see some of the old coffins in one of the unused crypts. While in the basement, you can hear the creaking floor above as people walk around the main church.
The only marked crypt is that of Samuel Nicholson, whose naval service was significant during the early years of the United States, especially in the Revolutionary War. Although critiques exist about his later command of the Constitution, his contributions to the defense of the colonies are noteworthy. Visitors often leave pennies or nickels on his crypt.
In Summary
There's nothing eerie about being in the Basement Crypt of the Old North Church. This is a fascinating and educational tour that provides insight into the history of the church.
In today's fast-paced world, running out of battery life can be a major inconvenience. That's where the Charmast Slim Portable Charger comes in. This sleek and compact power bank is designed to keep your iPhone 14 Pro Max charged on the go.
How Effective is a 5000mAh Battery for an iPhone 14 Pro Max?
A 5000mAh battery is a solid choice for charging an iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the exact charging time depends on factors like battery health and usage patterns, it can typically provide multiple full charges or several hours of additional usage.
I estimate this charger would provide about one full recharge for the iPhone 14 Pro Max, essentially doubling the battery life. This is particularly useful when you're taking lots of photos or videos. Additionally, if you're far from any cellular towers, which can strain the iPhone 14 Pro Max's battery, this charger becomes even more valuable.
Six Things I Learned:
Magsafe Mounting: This charger mounts to your iPhone, making it easy to charge and store simultaneously. However, you still need to connect the cable from the charger to the phone; it doesn't charge wirelessly when mounted. This was a bit disappointing, but it explains the lower price compared to other MagSafe chargers.
Pricing: In August, I paid $9.99 for this charger, which is a fair price for a 5000mAh charger. While I have several 10,000mAh chargers, they are bulky - nearly like carrying two phones. This charger is nicely compact.
Digital Readout: There's a digital readout showing how charged the charger is, which is handy for knowing when to recharge, especially if not used frequently.
Versatility: You can also charge other devices with the Charmast Slim Portable Charger, like a GoPro, providing an additional 3 hours of charge time when used as an external power source.
Built-in Strap: The built-in cable acts as a strap, which is strong and gives you a way to carry the charger when mounted to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, I wouldn't trust the magnet alone to hold the devices together securely.
Included Cables: The charger comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable. You can charge the Charmast Slim Portable Charger using either a Lightning cable or a USB-C cable.
I'll likely take this on our Disney trip next year. It could be handy for occasionally charging my phone in my pocket. However, for days when I plan to capture many photos or shoot 4K videos, I would prefer the larger 10,000mAh charger for its capacity to power both my iPhone and GoPro.
At $9.99, I believe it's worth having as a backup power charger.
As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer in October, we're not just preparing for Halloween; in the tech world, we're also bracing for the spooky season of Software Quality Assurance (QA) testing. Here's a light-hearted look at some of the most terrifying phrases you might hear echoing through the halls of software development, perfect for this time of year.
1. The Build is Broken
Imagine this: You're walking through a dimly lit corridor, and suddenly, from the shadows, a voice whispers, "The build is broken." It's not just a phrase; it's a curse that threatens to derail your entire project. It's like finding out your pumpkin has rotted from the inside out.
2. Regression Testing Found New Bugs
This is akin to opening your trick-or-treat bag only to find that all your sweets have turned into bugs. It's not just the new features that are haunted; the old ones have now decided to join the ghost party.
3. We've Hit a Showstopper
Hearing this is like discovering a haunted house in your software. This isn't just any old specter; it's the kind that stops the entire production line, making everyone question if they've angered some tech deity.
4. It Works on My Machine
This phrase is the tech equivalent of a ghost story that ends with, "But when I got home, it was still there?" It's the mystery that keeps developers up at night, trying to replicate an issue that seems to vanish like a wisp of smoke in daylight.
5. "There's a Memory Leak"
If software had a ghost story, this would be it. It's as if your code has been possessed by a poltergeist that keeps eating away at your resources until your application collapses into a spectral heap.
6. We Didn't Test for That Scenario
Imagine setting out to trick-or-treat only to find your costume has a hidden flaw that everyone notices. This phrase is the realization that your testing didn't cover the 'vampire at the door' scenario.
7. The Database is Corrupted
This is like finding out that all your Halloween candy has turned into a pile of dust. Data corruption is the nightmare where all your hard work vanishes, leaving you with nothing but echoes in an empty digital tomb.
8. The Third-Party Service Just Changed Their API
In our spooky software tale, this is the moment the witch decides to rewrite her spellbook without telling anyone. Suddenly, your integrations are as outdated as a Victorian ghost story.
9. We're Out of Memory
This phrase brings to mind a haunted house party where the guests keep arriving until the house literally can't hold anymore. Your software is the house, and memory is the space, creaking under the weight of too many guests.
10. We Need to Rollback to the Previous Version
Ever had to undo your Halloween decorations because the kids were too scared? This is the software equivalent. It's admitting that the new version is more of a fright than a delight, and we need to go back to the "safe" version.
This Halloween, as you carve your pumpkins, remember these eerie phrases. They might just give you a chill, but they also remind us of the critical, albeit slightly terrifying, role QA plays in our digital world. Here's to hoping your projects are more treat than trick this season!
In my personal VHS collection I found this video clip is a sign-off from TV38, a television station in Boston, Massachusetts. It provides information about the station's ownership, channel number, and location of its studios and transmitter. The video also includes the playing of the national anthem.
TV38 History
TV38 was founded in 1953 as WGBH-TV, the educational television station for the Boston area. In 1969, the station was sold to the RKO General Corporation, which renamed it WNAC-TV. In 1982, the station was sold again, this time to the New England Television Corporation. In 1988, the station was sold to the Sunrise Television Group, which renamed it TV38.
TV38 was a popular television station in the Boston area for many years. It was known for its news coverage, sports programming, and children's shows. In 1995, TV38 was sold to the Fox Television Group and became WFXT.
Sign-off from 1988
This video clip shows the sign-off from TV38 on a typical night in 1988. The video has a performance of the national anthem by a group of singers. Sorry for the poor sound and video quality.
National Anthem
The national anthem is a patriotic song that has been sung in the United States since the 18th century. It was originally written as a poem by Francis Scott Key in 1814, after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The poem was set to music by John Stafford Smith and was first performed in public in 1815.
The national anthem is a symbol of American patriotism and unity. It is often sung at sporting events, political rallies, and other public gatherings.
Conclusion
This video clip is a nostalgic look at a time when television was a different place. It is also a reminder of the importance of patriotism and national unity. I hope you enjoyed watching it as much as I did.
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group : https://www.pexels.com/photo/interior-of-hyundai-palisade-13177958/
A generation ago, those who could afford a high-end motor vehicle wowed their families and friends with gadgets like heated seats, cruise control and CD multi changers. Today, features like these either come as standard even on base models or have become obsolete. Evolving technology has an impact on every aspect of our lives, and that includes the?101 minutes per day?that the average American spends behind the wheel of the car.
Smart technology leading the way
Today, our phones are smart, our homes are smart and out TVs are smart. We shouldn't be surprised, therefore that when you look through the?top rated luxury cars on the US market, they also boast all sorts of smart technology. Intelligent systems can be used to improve driver comfort, keep occupants safe and optimize vehicle performance and fuel economy.
USB or Bluetooth connectivity allows the car to link with your smartphone. Effectively, this means everything on your phone can be mirrored on the car screen. As well as giving you access to all your favorite music on the go, it makes navigation far easier, as you can plan your route on your phone before setting off.
Smart systems also monitor your driving habits and preferences, automatically setting the seat, mirrors and climate control. They can even?adjust engine settings?in line with your driving style to minimize emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Perhaps the most profound aspects of smart tech surrounds driver safety. Lane departure warnings are just the first step on the path towards fully automated vehicles that will ultimately remove the risk of human error from our roads and will completely transform driving.
Ultimate personalization with biometrics
Keyless entry and starting systems are rapidly becoming the standard in new cars and trucks. But some of the luxury carmakers are taking it to the next level in their premium vehicles by adding biometric security to the mix.
Fingerprint recognition is the most common type of biometric identification, and has been a security feature on smartphones and laptops for the past 10 years. Hyundai was the first car manufacturer to introduce the technology in its range-topping Santa Fe SUV. The driver uses a fingerprint reader both to unlock the car and to start the engine.
Mercedes uses fingerprint sensors for specific user settings such as the seat position and ambient lighting, while Bentley uses biometric sensors to secure the storage area between the seats in its Bentayga SUV.
Perhaps the most exciting use of biometrics, though, is implemented by Tesla. This is the first manufacturer to explore facial recognition to access the vehicle. Tesla uses the same technology to allow the car to literally watch the driver and take action in case he or she loses consciousness while driving.
Ultimate luxury in the ultimate vehicles
All the above are examples of luxury vehicles showcasing pioneering technology. Just like those heated seats and surround sound systems, these are features that we will take for granted in 10 to 20 years' time.
But the manufacturers whose cars command the very highest price tags like to include features that really push the boat out. Perhaps the best example of this is Rolls Royce. The 1965 Phantom was the first to feature a refrigerator and drinks cabinet, while the same year, the company launched its new Silver Shadow, which had built-in umbrellas in the doors.
Today's latest Rolls Royce cars have all this and more. The Ghost features the same monogrammed umbrellas that have been around for almost 60 years, but now, the storage area features a smart drainage system that ensures the umbrella is dry next time you use it. The Cullinan has an in-seat champagne chiller complete with glasses. But for the ultimate luxury feature, you'll need the range-topping Phantom. This features a?starlight headliner. The leather headlining is painstakingly perforated to accurately show the celestial constellation of your choice, using as many as 1,600 fiber optic lights set at subtly different angles.
Native-Land.ca is an educational resource that maps out the traditional territories, languages, and treaties of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Founded by Victor Temprano in 2015, the site aims to foster conversations about the history of colonialism, Indigenous ways of knowing, and settler-Indigenous relations. The platform is now managed by Native Land Digital, an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization.
How Does It Work?
The website features an interactive map where users can enter a location, such as a zip or postal code, to see the Indigenous territories that overlap in that area. The map is vibrant and detailed, showcasing the complexity and diversity of Indigenous histories. It also includes a teacher's guide, a blog chronicling the site's development, and information about contributors and sources.
Website Description
You can use it directly above by entering your address, or by mousing or clicking around on the map to see the relevant territories in a location.
Once you click, a number of links will appear with different nation names. By clicking on those links, you will be taken to a page specifically about that nation, language, or treaty, where you can view some sources, give feedback, and learn a little more. We are always trying to expand our resources on these pages.
You can also export the map to a printable image file, turn map labels on or off to see non-Indigenous borders and towns, and select or search from a dropdown of territories, treaties, and languages.
Welcome to the creative corner of our blog, where pixels come to life, and every image tells its own story! Today, we're peeling back the layers of one of the most versatile photo editing suites out there: Photoscape X. Whether you're a budding photographer, a seasoned graphic designer, or someone who just loves to play with visuals, mastering the art of image adjustment can transform your digital canvas from ordinary to extraordinary. Join us as we explore the powerful, often overlooked tools within PhotoScape X that can tweak, twist, and turn your photos into masterpieces. Let's embark on this visual journey together, where we'll not only learn what each tool does but also unleash our creativity with some imaginative applications. Ready to elevate your photo editing game? Let's dive in!
Here's a brief description of each PhotoScape X image adjustment tool along with a creative example:
Auto Color - Automatically adjusts the colors in your image to what the software considers optimal. Example: Turn a dull sunset photo into one with vibrant oranges and reds automatically.
Auto Levels - This tool adjusts the brightness and contrast by setting the darkest and lightest points in each color channel. Example: Correct the exposure of an underexposed indoor party photo.
Auto Contrast - Enhances the contrast of an image without affecting its color balance. Example: Make the details in a foggy landscape picture pop out more clearly.
Surrealistic - Applies filters that give images an otherworldly or dream-like quality. Example: Transform a regular cityscape into a scene from a sci-fi movie.
Sharpen Blur - A tool to either sharpen the edges in an image or intentionally blur them for effect. Example: Sharpen a slightly out-of-focus wildlife photo or blur the background to focus on a subject.
Add Noise - Introduces graininess for a vintage or film-like effect. Example: Give a digital photo the nostalgic look of an old 35mm film.
Film Grain - Specifically adds a texture that mimics the grain found in film photography. Example: Use on a portrait to replicate the aesthetic of classic cinema.
Reduce Noise - Minimizes the digital noise often seen in low-light photos. Example: Clean up a night sky photo to make stars more visible without the speckled noise.
Despeckle - Removes small artifacts or speckles from an image. Example: Clean up scanned documents or old photographs.
Soften Skin - Smooths out skin textures in portraits for a flattering effect. Example: Enhance a model's complexion in a fashion shoot without losing natural skin texture.
Bokeh Blur - Simulates the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. Example: Create a portrait with a dreamy, blurred background that mimics the use of a wide aperture lens.
Dehaze - Reduces atmospheric haze for clearer images. Example: Improve visibility in a landscape photo taken on a misty morning.
Shadows/Highlights - Adjusts the brightness of shadows and highlights independently. Example: Bring out the details in the shadows of a backlit subject.
Point Color / Emphasize Col. - Allows you to highlight a specific color while desaturating others. Example: Make a red apple stand out in a black and white photo.
Replace Color - Changes one color to another in the selected area. Example: Turn a blue car into a red one without affecting the rest of the image.
White Balance - Corrects the color temperature of an image. Example: Fix the yellow tinge in indoor lighting to make the photo look naturally lit.
Vignette - Darkens or lightens the edges of an image to draw focus to the center. Example: Add a vignette to give a photo an old-timey framed look.
Color Fill - Fills the image or selection with a chosen color. Example: Turn the sky in a landscape photo to an unnatural but artistic purple.
Pattern Fill - Fills an area with a pattern. Example: Overlay a subtle texture on a fashion photo for added interest.
Dilate - Enlarges brighter areas in an image. Example: Enhance light reflections on water to create a sparkling effect.
Erode - Shrinks brighter areas, often used for edge detection or to refine details. Example: Use to make the edges of clouds more defined.
Curves - Adjusts the tonal range of an image with precision. Example: Create a high-contrast look for a dramatic black and white photo.
Levels - Adjusts the intensity levels of image shadows, midtones, and highlights. Example: Correct the white balance and brightness in wedding photos.
Color Balance - Modifies the mix of colors in an image. Example: Shift the overall tone to cooler blues for a serene sea scene.
Channel Mixer - Allows for creative color manipulation by mixing color channels. Example: Turn a green landscape into an autumnal red and orange for a surreal effect.
Selective Color - Adjust the color of specific hues within an image. Example: Make only the yellows in a fall photo more vibrant while keeping other colors unchanged.
Hue/Saturation - Changes the hue, saturation, or lightness of the entire image or selected colors. Example: Make the colors of a flower garden pop or shift them entirely for an artistic interpretation.
Remove Color Cast - Eliminates unwanted color casts from an image. Example: Correct a photo taken under fluorescent lighting to remove the greenish tint.
Colorize - Adds color to black and white images or changes existing colors. Example: Bring an old black and white family photo to life with natural color tones.
Gradient Fill - Applies a gradient color transition across the image. Example: Use a sunset gradient on a silhouette for a dramatic sky effect.
Gradient Map - Maps the colors of an image to a gradient. Example: Convert a photo to have a duotone effect for a stylized look.
Black & White - Converts the image to grayscale or black and white with various effects. Example: Create a film noir style portrait from a color photo.
Chromatic Aberration - Simulates or corrects the lens distortion that causes color fringing. Example: Add a retro or glitchy effect to digital art.
Opacity - Adjusts how transparent or opaque an image or layer is. Example: Layer multiple images with varying opacities for a ghostly or dreamlike collage.
Gradient Opacity - Varies the transparency across an image or layer with a gradient. Example: Fade the bottom of an image into transparency for text overlay in graphic design.
Enhance Document - Improves the clarity of text or details in scanned documents. *Example: Make an old, faded document readable again by enhancing the text contrast.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts, is not only a place of rest but also a site rich with American history and literature. Here are some fun and interesting historical facts about this cemetery:
Author's Ridge: One of the most visited areas in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is Author's Ridge, where several of America's most famous authors and thinkers are buried. This includes:
Ralph Waldo Emerson: A central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, his grave is marked by a large, uncarved rose quartz boulder, reflecting his love for nature.
Henry David Thoreau: Known for his book "Walden" and his essay "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau's grave is often adorned with pencils, pens, and notes from visitors.
Louisa May Alcott: Author of "Little Women," her family plot includes her, though initially, she was buried elsewhere in the cemetery before being moved to be with her family.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Author of "The Scarlet Letter," his original burial site was marked by a simple stone with just "Hawthorne," but later, more elaborate markers were added.
Design Influenced by Transcendentalism: The cemetery itself was designed with the principles of Transcendentalism in mind, emphasizing natural beauty and simplicity. It was one of the first rural or garden cemeteries in the United States, where the natural landscape plays a significant role in the design, encouraging contemplation and reflection, much like Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge which inspired it.
The Melvin Memorial: Also known as "Mourning Victory," this sculpture was created by Daniel Chester French (who also sculpted the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial). It commemorates three brothers from Concord who died in the Civil War, with an allegorical figure of Victory emerging from a mourning shroud.
First Plantings: Sleepy Hollow was consecrated on September 29, 1855. On that day, Ralph Waldo Emerson gave an address, emphasizing the connection between nature and the eternal. The landscape was designed to be a place for the living as much as for the dead, with winding paths and a variety of trees and plants that were among the first plantings in what would become a trend in cemetery design.
Grave of Ephraim Wales Bull: While not as famous as the authors, he's significant for horticulture. Bull is the creator of the Concord grape, and his gravestone notes, "He sowed, others reaped."
A Place for Reflection and Inspiration: The cemetery not only serves as a final resting place but has also been a source of inspiration. It's said that the tranquility and beauty of Sleepy Hollow influenced the works of those buried there, particularly Emerson and Thoreau, who often wrote about nature's role in spiritual and intellectual life.
Not Directly Related to Washington Irving: Despite its name, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord has no direct connection to Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The name reflects more the general atmosphere and the trend of naming cemeteries after serene, natural settings.
Thoreau's Pond: Henry David Thoreau, a renowned naturalist and philosopher, helped design Cat's Pond, a man-made pond within the cemetery.
Visiting Sleepy Hollow Cemetery offers a walk through American literary history, landscape architecture, and a contemplation of the transcendentalist views on nature and mortality.
When Apple introduced Live Photos with the iPhone 6s, it added a new dimension to photography. This feature, which captures a brief moment before and after you take a photo, brings your images to life with movement and sound. But like any technological feature, Live Photos come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's dive into what makes Live Photos both magical and, at times, a bit cumbersome.
Advantages of Live Photos:
Bringing Moments to Life: Live Photos capture a 3-second moving image, which can sometimes convey emotions or moments more effectively than a static photo. This can be particularly poignant for capturing life's fleeting moments, like a child's first steps or a burst of laughter.
Creative Possibilities: With features like Loop, Bounce, and Long Exposure, Live Photos allow for creative expressions that static photos can't match. These effects can turn your photos into artistic pieces or fun social media content.
Key Photo Selection: If the captured moment isn't perfect, you have the flexibility to choose a different frame as the key photo. This means you're not stuck with a less-than-ideal shot just because the shutter was pressed at the wrong moment.
Enhanced Engagement: Viewing Live Photos can be more engaging. They provide context and a snippet of life, making the memory more vivid when revisited.
Disadvantages of Live Photos:
Storage Consumption: Live Photos record both a photo and a short video clip, which means they take up significantly more storage space than a regular photo. This can be an issue for users with limited iPhone storage.
Compatibility Issues: Not all platforms or devices support Live Photos. When shared outside the Apple ecosystem, they often just turn into still images or require conversion, losing their dynamic aspect.
Battery and Processing Power: Capturing Live Photos can be more taxing on your iPhone's battery and processor since it's essentially recording video continuously when activated.
Unwanted Motion: In low light or with fast-moving subjects, Live Photos can result in blur or grainy quality, which might not be desirable for every shot.
Changing Live Photo
Enhancing Your Moments: A Guide to Live Photo Effects on Your Device
In the age where every moment is captured, shared, and relived, the evolution of photo technology has given us tools not just to capture images, but to bring them to life. Among these innovations, Live Photos on certain devices stand out by adding a touch of motion and sound to what would otherwise be static images. Here, we delve into the magic of Live Photo effects - Loop, Bounce, Long Exposure, and the choice to turn Live off.
1. Loop
The Loop effect transforms your Live Photo into a continuous video loop. Think of it as turning your brief moment into a GIF that plays indefinitely. This effect is perfect for those moments that are too short in their original form but have the potential to convey more through repetition.
This can be particularly fun for actions like a pet running, a child blowing out birthday candles, or any repetitive motion that gains charm through looping.
2. Bounce
Bounce makes your Live Photo play forward and then immediately reverse, creating a yo-yo like effect. This can add a playful or dynamic feel to actions, making it seem like the moment is bouncing back and forth.
Bounce works wonderfully with moments like a jump, a dance move, or anything with a natural back-and-forth motion.
3. Long Exposure
For those looking to capture the passage of time in a still image, the Long Exposure effect is a gem. It smoothes out moving elements, like water or traffic, while keeping static parts of the image sharp. This effect can turn an ordinary photo into a piece of art.
This is ideal for: - Waterfalls or rivers, giving them a silky smooth look. - Busy streets at night to create light trails from car lights. - Clouds moving across the sky for a blurred, ethereal effect.
4. Live Off
Sometimes, you might prefer the simplicity of a still photo. Turning the Live feature off converts your Live Photo back into a regular image.
Why Turn Live Off?
Space Saving: Live Photos can take up more space due to the additional video component.
Stillness: Some moments are better captured in complete stillness without the slight movement or sound.
How to Turn Live Off:
Edit your Live Photo, tap on the 'Live' icon at the top, and it will revert to a still image.
Live Photos are undeniably a fun and innovative feature for iPhone users, offering a glimpse into the moments just before and after a photo. However, they're not without their drawbacks, especially concerning storage and compatibility. Whether you choose to stick with Live Photos or explore alternatives, these tools remind us that photography continues to evolve, blending the lines between still images and video, capturing life in motion.
In the many years of my software testing, there are several clichés or commonly repeated phrases that testers, developers, and project managers might say during meetings:
"It works on my machine." - Often said by developers when a bug can't be reproduced in their local environment.
"That's not a bug, it's a feature." - A humorous or sometimes serious claim that unintended behavior might actually provide some value or was intended all along.
"Have you tried testing using incognito mode?" - Often highlights issues related to session management, caching, or initialization.
"Works as designed." - This can be a genuine clarification or a way to push back on a bug report when the software is behaving according to the specifications, even if those specifications might now seem flawed.
"It's not reproducible." - When testers or users report an issue that can't be consistently replicated, leading to challenges in debugging.
"We need more test cases." - Often said when unexpected issues arise, suggesting that the existing test suite might not be comprehensive enough.
"Let's take this offline." - Not unique to QA but commonly used when a bug or issue leads to a discussion that's too detailed or tangential for the current meeting.
"Did we test for this scenario?" - A question that arises when an unforeseen issue comes up, questioning the coverage of the test cases.
"The user would never do that." - A sometimes risky assumption about how the software will be used, which might overlook edge cases or unexpected user behavior.
"How quickly can you test this?" - Suggesting that QA engineers can speed up testing without impacting the quality of the test.
"This should be an easy fix." - Often underestimated, what seems simple might involve complex underlying code changes.
"We'll fix it in the next sprint/release." - When time runs out, or when a bug is deemed not critical enough for immediate action.
"Automate all the things!" - While automation in QA is crucial, this phrase humorously points to the sometimes overly enthusiastic push for automation without considering the ROI.
"It passed in staging, why is it failing in production?" - Highlighting environment-specific issues or differences in data sets.
"QA found another 'corner case'." - Recognizing that QA teams often find bugs in the most unexpected or rarely used functionalities.
These clichés reflect the ongoing dialogue between intention, design, implementation, and real-world use in software development. They encapsulate the challenges, humor, and sometimes the frustrations inherent in the QA process.
Next Week's blog post is about scary sayings heard in QA.
The Old Man of the Mountain, a famous landmark in New Hampshire, fell on May 3, 2003. The stone profile, which was created by nature, collapsed overnight. The face had been carefully taken care of over the years, but erosion and mother nature had finally taken their toll.
The Old Man of the Mountain was a major tourist attraction and a symbol of New Hampshire. It was featured on the state's license plates, the state's commemorative quarter, and countless other tourist souvenirs.
The collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain is a major loss for the state of New Hampshire. It is a reminder that even the most iconic landmarks are not immune to the forces of nature.
Here is the news story from WRKO
From the WRKO Newscenter here is what's happening... one of New Hampshire's main tourist attractions gone the story from Margar Betet she joins me from the WRKO Newscenter this afternoon.
Good afternoon Mar Good Afternoon Mary well it is really the symbol of New Hampshire The Old Man of the Mountain it was a stone profile created by Nature not man-made and overnight the face literally fell from the side of Franconia Notch a Franconia State part worker says the trails crew noticed it it was gone at about 7:30 this morning now heavy rain yesterday may have contributed to that the face how ever has been carefully taken care of over the years still cables around that profile trying to hold together but erosion and mother nature had created then tried to eliminate as I said it's one of the Granite State's major tourist attractions as well as a symbol on licensed plates the state's commemorative quarter countless other tourist souvenirs this afternoon the helicopter will be going around to assess the damage with some state workers in it we will find out more about what is going to happen to New Hampshire state symol that profile about 40 ft high and 25 ft wide s about 1200 ft above profile Lake in Franconia Notch New Hampshire one of the most photographed sites in the Granite State live the wrko news center.
Data has become a critical asset, presenting opportunities and challenges for small businesses. The rapid pace of digital transformation has made data governance an essential core element in maintaining business integrity and supporting growth. As we move toward 2025, the focus on data governance has intensified, urging business leaders to adopt strong data management practices. Small enterprises can protect their assets, improve operational efficiency, and build stronger customer relationships. This article explores the critical aspects of data governance tailored for small businesses, providing insights to help secure a competitive advantage in a fast-evolving market.
Fortifying Your Business with Data Security and Privacy
Ensuring robust data security and privacy in your small business is crucial. Adopting a Zero Trust architecture guarantees that every data access request is meticulously verified, whether it comes from within or outside your organization. This strategy significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Moreover, integrating advanced encryption technologies can make your sensitive information unreadable to cybercriminals, thereby minimizing data breaches. Regular security audits and employee training further bolster your defenses, helping to identify vulnerabilities and educate your team about cyber threats like phishing.
Defining Success in Data Governance
To evaluate the success of your data governance framework, align your key performance indicators (KPIs) with your business goals. Focus on metrics such as data quality scores and compliance levels to ensure your governance efforts are practical. Regularly tracking these metrics and sharing insights with stakeholders promotes transparency and accountability. Conducting maturity assessments can highlight your strengths and areas for improvement, guiding your ongoing enhancement efforts. This structured approach supports growth and risk management and fosters a culture of governance within your organization.
Advancing Data Protection with Cybersecurity Education
Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity equips you with the skills to protect your business's data effectively. An online cybersecurity degree offers the flexibility to balance studies with running your business. This educational path provides practical experience in designing and managing security systems, which are crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. With roles like Information Security Analyst projected to grow significantly, this field protects your data and offers a rewarding career opportunity. Start researching the accreditation of online cybersecurity degrees today.
Elevating Customer Engagement with Smart Data Practices
Data governance is a powerful tool for refining your customer engagement strategies. Organizing and managing customer data effectively allows you to tailor marketing messages that speak directly to specific customer segments. This precision boosts engagement and conversion rates. For instance, analyzing customer behavior data helps you anticipate needs and deliver timely content, building loyalty. Real-time data insights lets you optimize your marketing spend, focusing on the most effective channels and messages.
Steering Through Data Governance Regulations
Understanding and implementing data governance regulations is essential for small businesses aiming to maximize their data's potential. Key frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) lay the foundation for protecting consumer privacy and ensuring compliance. Adhering to these regulations avoids legal issues and builds consumer trust by demonstrating a commitment to ethical data practices. As decentralized data governance models emerge, staying informed and adaptable is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and innovation.
Equipping Employees with Data Mastery
Training your team in data handling and entry techniques is vital for maintaining data integrity. With data breaches on the rise, comprehensive training transforms potential vulnerabilities into your strongest defense. This proactive approach ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA and enhances your organization's security culture. By investing in training sessions focused on data privacy and protection, your workforce becomes adept at recognizing and mitigating risks, safeguarding sensitive information, and supporting informed decision-making.
Keeping Data Ownership Policies Up-to-Date
Regularly updating your data ownership policies is crucial in a rapidly changing business environment. This ensures compliance with the latest regulations and leverages data for innovation and growth. As your business expands into new markets, you may encounter unique data regulations requiring adjustments in data access controls. Additionally, integrating new software solutions may necessitate changes to existing governance frameworks, ensuring they enhance rather than hinder operational efficiency. Keeping your data governance practices current secures compliance and sustains a competitive edge.
In a digital age where data is the lifeblood of small enterprises, mastering data governance transforms potential chaos into structured growth. It's no longer a mere operational necessity but a dynamic force driving innovation and resilience. By fostering an environment where data is meticulously governed, you shield your business from risks and unlock unprecedented opportunities for engagement and expansion. The path to mastery in data governance lies in adherence and an active pursuit of excellence, ensuring that as digital landscapes evolve, your business is always a step ahead.
Dive into the fascinating world of history, technology, and more at cryan.com, where every visit uncovers a new story or insight waiting for you!
In the vast expanse of the internet, finding websites that align with your interests can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter SimilarSites.com, a handy tool designed to make this task a breeze.
What is SimilarSites.com?
SimilarSites.com is a website and browser extension that helps users discover websites similar to the ones they already know and love. Whether you're looking for alternatives to your favorite social media platform, news site, or shopping portal, SimilarSites.com has got you covered.
How Does It Work?
The process is simple. Just enter the URL of a website you like, and SimilarSites.com will generate a list of websites with similar content and themes. This can be particularly useful for finding new resources, exploring different perspectives, or simply expanding your digital horizons.
Website Description
Discover the best websites and explore competitor and related sites with Similarsites.com, the extension that enables you to browse associated content.
SimilarSites.com is an innovative Recommendation Engine that scours the internet to provide you with more of the content you love. SimilarSites.com cuts through the clutter of the web by finding similar sites to the ones you browse based on related content, web structure, link analysis algorithms, detailed user surfing behaviors and a large community of user rankings.
By using more than 20 unique similarity engines, our technology takes a snapshot of the inside and outside of a website. Once analyzed, we categorize the site with our huge index of data to help you get the very best and most relevant choice of results.
Apple's macOS 11.3+ offers a rich collection of audio effects that developers can seamlessly integrate into their applications. These effects provide users with granular control over their listening experience. While Audacity is one popular application that leverages these effects, there's a notable lack of comprehensive documentation. To bridge this gap, this blog post will explore each audio tool and its specific functionalities.
Here's a brief description for each Apple Audio Unit (AU) effect:
AUBandpass: Filters out frequencies outside a specific range, allowing only a band of frequencies to pass through. Example: Use to isolate the vocals in a track for a remix.
AUDelay: Adds echoes to the audio, with control over delay time, feedback, and mix. Example: Create a spacey, atmospheric sound for an ambient music piece.
AUDistortion: Introduces various types of distortion to give audio a gritty, crunchy, or fuzzy texture. Example: Add grit to a guitar track to emulate a classic rock sound.
AUDynamicsProcessor: Compresses or expands the dynamic range of audio. Example: Smooth out the volume levels of a podcast so soft whispers and loud laughs are more uniform.
AUFilter: A general-purpose filter for altering the frequency content. Example: Use a comb filter to give a robotic effect to a voice for a sci-fi theme.
AUGraphicEQ: Offers a visual representation of equalization with multiple bands. Example: Fine-tune the audio of a live concert recording to enhance clarity.
AUHighShelfFilter: Boosts or cuts frequencies above a set threshold. Example: Brighten up a dull recording by subtly lifting the high frequencies.
AUHipass: Allows frequencies above a certain cutoff to pass through while attenuating lower ones. Example: Remove rumble from an outdoor recording.
AULowShelfFilter: Similar to the high shelf but affects the lower frequencies. Example: Give more body to a thin-sounding bass drum.
AULowpass: The opposite of hipass; it lets through frequencies below a cutoff point. Example: Simulate the muffled sound of music heard from outside a club.
AUMatrixReverb: Provides a reverb effect using matrix technology for complex spatial simulations. Example: Recreate the acoustics of famous concert halls in a digital audio workstation.
AUMultibandCompressor: Compresses different frequency bands independently. Example: Control the dynamics across different parts of the spectrum in a master mix.
AUNBandEQ: An equalizer with multiple bands for more precise frequency shaping. Example: Isolate and reduce a problematic frequency in a mix.
AUNetSend: Used for streaming audio over a network. Example: Send live audio between different applications or devices during a remote collaboration.
AUNewPitch: Changes the pitch of audio without changing its duration. Example: Correct the pitch of a slightly off-key vocal performance.
AUParametricEQ: Allows for fine-tuning of gain, center frequency, and bandwidth. Example: Carefully sculpt the tone of an instrument to fit perfectly in a mix.
AUPeakLimiter: Limits the maximum volume of audio to prevent clipping. Example: Use it in mastering to increase perceived loudness without distortion.
AUPitch: Similar to AUNewPitch but might alter the audio's duration with pitch change. Example: Create harmony parts from a single vocal take.
AUReverb2: An advanced reverb with more parameters for customization. Example: Tailor the reverb to match the virtual space of a game environment.
AURogerBeep: Adds a beep sound for communication, often used in radio or walkie-talkie effects. Example: Insert beeps between dialogue for an authentic radio communication feel in a film.
AURoundTripAAC: Encodes and decodes audio using AAC for testing or streaming purposes. Example: Simulate the effect of AAC compression on audio quality in different bitrates.
AUSampleDelay: Delays a signal by a specific number of samples. Example: Use for precise synchronization of audio tracks or creating echo effects with very short delay times.
AUSoundFieldPanner: Simulates 3D audio fields for immersive sound experiences. Example: Pan sounds around a listener in VR applications.
AUSpatialMixer: Mixes audio with spatial audio characteristics, enhancing stereo or surround output. Example: Create a mix where the listener can feel the movement of sound sources in a 3D space.
AUSphericalHeadPanner: Uses a model of a human head to simulate how sound would be heard binaurally. Example: For VR, where head movement changes the audio perspective realistically.
AUVectorPanner: Positions audio within a 2D or 3D vector space. Example: Automate the movement of a sound source around the listener for dynamic audio scenes.
HRTFPanner: Implements Head-Related Transfer Function for lifelike 3D audio positioning. Example: Use in video games to give players directional audio cues based on their head orientation in the game.
Nestled at the heart of historic Concord, Massachusetts, the Colonial Inn stands as a timeless landmark. This charming colonial establishment has long been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a delightful blend of history, hospitality, and delectable cuisine. Whether you're seeking a memorable meal or a glimpse into the past, the Colonial Inn provides an unforgettable experience.
Fun Facts about the Colonial Inn
Room 24: Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Colonial Inn's haunted reputation centers around Room 24. Guests and paranormal investigators have taken an interest in this room due to reports of ghostly sightings. The inn itself was used during the Revolutionary War, where it served as a makeshift hospital. Room 24, in particular, was said to be an operating room where many soldiers might not have survived, potentially leading to the hauntings.
Historical Hauntings: Built in 1716, the inn's long history includes serving as a home to Dr.Timothy Minot during the Revolution. Dr.Minot treated wounded soldiers, some of whom did not survive. It's believed by some that the spirits of these soldiers, or even Dr.Minot himself, could still be lingering around the premises.
Ghostly Encounters: There have been accounts from guests feeling an unseen presence or witnessing a grayish figure in their rooms at night. One well-discussed story involves a newlywed couple where the wife experienced an unsettling presence, which she described as a shadowy mass that moved across the room.
Paranormal Investigations: The inn has been the subject of various paranormal investigations, including a visit from the "Ghost Hunters" team on SyFy. These investigations often conclude with suggestions of paranormal activity, although, as with all such investigations, results are taken with skepticism by some.
The General Atmosphere: Walking through the Colonial Inn, visitors sometimes report a chilling sensation, possibly due to its rich history intertwined with tales of the supernatural. The inn's old structure, with its creaky floors and historical decor, certainly sets the stage for ghostly tales.
Historical Significance: Beyond ghost stories, the inn's location near the North Bridge, where the "shot heard round the world" was fired, beginning the American Revolutionary War, adds to its eerie backdrop. This historical significance might contribute to the spiritual unrest, as battlefields and nearby areas are often associated with hauntings.
The JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle is a versatile accessory designed to enhance your smartphone photography and videography experience. Here are some key features:
One-Hand Phone Grip Design: The ergonomic design provides a comfortable and stable grip, reducing shaking when taking photos or recording videos.
Strong Magnetic Force: With a magnetic force of up to 5.1lbs/2.3kg, it securely attaches to iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series, Magsafe cases, or other phones with the included metal ring.
Phone Grip and Stand in One: Easily rotate your phone from landscape to portrait and use the grip as a tabletop stand for TikToks, live streaming, video calls, and watching movies hands-free.
Magnetic Wireless Remote: The detachable remote pairs instantly with iOS and Android smartphones without needing an extra app. It allows you to take selfies or group photos from up to 32.8 feet away and is rechargeable with the included Type-C cable.
More DIY Scenarios: The back of the grip allows for mounting accessories like a magnetic LED light or tripod. The 1/4" tripod screw on the bottom expands your creative possibilities.
What You Get: The package includes a Magnetic Phone Grip, Wireless Remote, Type-C Cable, Lanyard, Safety String, 3M Adhesive Metal Ring, Clear Protective Film, and Wet Cleaning Wipe.
My Views
I recently purchased the JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle for $15.99 during the Prime Days event in October 2024. It currently retails for $19.99, so I believe I got a good deal. Here are five things I learned from using this device:
Easy Setup: Syncing the phone trigger to the camera was straightforward. A long press on the trigger connects it via Bluetooth. However, it requires occasional re-syncing, so it's not ideal for instant shots. It's best to set it up before starting your photoshoot.
Trigger Functionality: The trigger is a bit tricky. There's no tactile feedback when a photo is successfully taken. You need to press hard, and a picture is taken, but I wish there was a way to confirm the action.
Stand Functionality: The stand works well, providing a stable base for various activities like watching movies or live streaming.
Portability: My primary intent for purchasing this grip was to use it at Disney World. While it's slightly bulky to carry around all day, it might be perfect for use on an airplane. The stand could be great for watching movies during the flight.
Overall Thoughts: This is a cool device, and I will probably pack it for my Disney trip. However, I don't think I'll use it in the parks due to its bulkiness. The included straps are nice, but the grip is still a bit too bulky for all-day carry.
The JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle makes it easy to prop the camera for a great shot.
In conclusion, the JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle is a versatile and useful accessory for smartphone photography and videography. While it has some minor drawbacks, like the lack of tactile feedback on the trigger and its bulkiness, it offers great value, especially if you can snag it at a discounted price.
Welcome to the world of Quality Assurance, where finding bugs is just one part of the job. Beyond the technical challenges, there's a whole other layer that can be even more complicated: navigating the political landscape of corporate America. You might think the office politics are confined to boardrooms, but the reality is, they can affect everything - your projects, your career, and even the quality of your work.
The Reality: A Tight-Knit Core Group
In many businesses, there's a core group of people who pull the strings behind the scenes. They're often managers or senior leaders who've known each other for years and wield significant influence. These people tend to hang out together, have lunch offsite, and make key decisions that ripple throughout the organization. They may not be the ones in the trenches, but they control what happens on the battlefield.
For newcomers - especially those with fresh ideas and an eagerness to improve processes - this can feel like a brick wall. You might bring a brilliant suggestion for streamlining the release process or optimizing the testing workflow, but getting buy-in from the core group can feel impossible. They may view outsiders, especially those with different perspectives, as a threat to their status quo.
My Experience: The Manager with the Sales Hat
I've been in that position before. My former manager at a very large ecommerce site was so focused on impressing this core group that our one-on-one meetings became a rarity. Instead, he'd be off attending every meeting he could with the key decision-makers, trying to climb the corporate ladder. He wasn't a bad person, but he made it clear where his priorities lay - being seen by the right people, rather than supporting the people under him.
It was frustrating, to say the least. There I was, trying to push for improvements in our testing processes and advocating for better quality, but it often felt like my efforts were invisible. If I wanted to make progress, I needed to understand the lay of the land and find ways to navigate around it.
Finding Your Path: Focus, Over-Deliver, and Skill Up
Here's the reality check: as a QA Engineer, you may not be part of the "in" crowd right away, but you don't have to be sidelined. There are strategies, that I have learned, which you can use to build your reputation and make your mark:
Focus on Your Goals: Don't get distracted by the politics, but don't ignore them either. Focus on delivering high-quality work consistently. Make sure your bug reports are thorough, your test plans are well-documented, and you're always looking for ways to improve the product.
Over-Deliver When It Matters: This is your ticket to building credibility. Sometimes, it means burning the midnight oil or working through a weekend. But if you can pull off a critical testing phase or help recover a project that's about to miss a deadline, people notice. It shows you're dedicated and reliable, and it might even catch the eye of those key decision-makers.
Be Ready with Your 'Sales Hat': When you do have ideas for improvements, be prepared to sell them like a pro. This means doing your research, building a solid business case, and framing your suggestions in a way that appeals to their priorities. It's not just about being right - it's about being persuasive.
Invest in Your Skills: The political climate might not change overnight, but you can keep improving yourself. Learn Python, JavaScript, or whatever new tool is in demand. These skills not only help you automate tedious testing tasks, but they also make you more valuable, both inside and outside of your current organization.
Why It's Worth It
It can be tempting to give up when it feels like you're shouting into a void. But navigating the politics is a skill in itself, and one that can pay off in the long run. You don't have to become best friends with the core group, but if you can show that you're competent, dependable, and skilled, you might just find yourself being invited to that offsite lunch one day.
And if you don't? Well, the skills and reputation you build along the way will follow you wherever you go. You'll be prepared for whatever comes next, whether it's a new opportunity within the company or a fresh start somewhere else.
After all, Quality Assurance isn't just about making sure the software works - it's about finding a way to thrive, even when the landscape around you isn't as polished as the code you test.
This past week, I took the GoPro to Mill Pond Park in Ashland, Massachusetts. I set up the camera to capture the beautiful fall scenery. The video was shot in 5K resolution at 5120 x 2880.
Three Things to Note About the Video:
Camera Placement: I positioned the camera on the cement railing near the edge of the waterfall. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a waterfall this year due to the lack of rainfall.
Timing: I should have visited a week earlier when there would have been more leaves on the trees, providing a fuller autumnal display.
Audio: I kept the original audio in the video, where you can mostly hear the sound of cars passing by on the street. In future visits, I plan to bring an external microphone to better capture the sound of the water.
For us die-hard "Back to the Future" fans, the thrill of time travel never gets old. If you've rewatched Marty McFly's adventures more times than you can count and are yearning for more journeys through time, here's a curated list of some of my favorite movies and TV series that capture that same exhilarating essence of time travel:
Movies:
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure - While more on the comedic side, this film's joyous approach to time travel through a phone booth captures a similar fun spirit as "Back to the Future." It's an adventure of historical proportions with a lot of heart.
Time After Time (1979) - What if H.G. Wells actually built a time machine? This film explores that fantasy, mixing historical figures with fiction in a chase through time that's both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The Terminator Series - Though it leans heavily into sci-fi and action, its time travel mechanics and the consequences of altering the past resonate with fans of time paradoxes.
Looper - A darker take on time travel where hitmen, called Loopers, eliminate targets sent back from the future. It's gritty, complex, and offers a fresh perspective on the implications of time travel.
About Time - Not your typical time travel movie, this one focuses on life's smaller moments with a heartwarming narrative about a man who can travel within his own life timeline. It's less about changing history and more about appreciating life, but the time travel element is central.
TV Series:
Timeless (NBC 2016) - This series is a gem for any time travel enthusiast. Following a team chasing a villain through different pivotal moments in history, "Timeless" combines adventure with historical education, much like how "Back to the Future" sparked interest in the '50s and '80s culture. Each episode is a new time period, with the characters trying to prevent changes to the timeline.
Doctor Who - An obvious choice, but essential. The Doctor's adventures in the TARDIS span all of time and space. The show's ability to reinvent itself while maintaining the core theme of time travel makes it a must-watch.
12 Monkeys - This series, inspired by the film of the same name, delves deep into the complexities of time travel, with a focus on preventing a plague that destroys humanity. Its intricate plot and character development over seasons will satisfy those who love the detailed storytelling of time travel narratives.
Quantum Leap - Dr. Sam Beckett steps into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanishes? only to leap into different people's lives throughout time. It's episodic time travel with a mission, blending science fiction with social commentary.
Dark (Netflix) - Although darker and more complex, this German series deals with the implications of time travel across multiple generations in a small town. It's a mind-bender, perfect for those who love unraveling temporal puzzles.
Travelers - Here, time travelers from the future take over the consciousness of people in the present to avert disasters. It's less about the adventure and more about the ethics and impact of changing time, offering a fresh angle on the genre.
Each of these recommendations carries the spirit of adventure, the complexity of time's fabric, and the charm of unexpected friendships and romances akin to what we've adored in "Back to the Future." Whether you're in for a light-hearted trip or a deep dive into the consequences of time manipulation, these picks ensure your time travel cravings are well catered to. So grab your flux capacitors, set your time circuits, and prepare for some excellent adventures in time!
This week, I stumbled upon an incredible tool that I can't wait to share with you all: Playground. Playground is a free AI-powered design tool that allows you to create stunning graphics effortlessly. Whether you're looking to design logos, T-shirts, social media posts, or even e-book covers, Playground has got you covered.
Key Features:
Templates Galore: Choose from a wide variety of templates for logos, art, stickers, wallpapers, posters, T-shirts, monograms, e-book covers, cards, invites, and more.
User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to create professional-quality graphics without any prior design experience.
Commercial Use: You own the images you create, and you can use them for personal or commercial purposes, such as on YouTube, Etsy, or Instagram.
Free Plan: The free plan allows you to create up to 10 images per day, with some limitations on quality and details. If you need more, there's a Pro plan available for $15/month.
Playground is perfect for anyone looking to add a creative touch to their projects without breaking the bank. Give it a try and let your imagination run wild!
Website Description
Design anything with thousands of templates to create logos, t-shirts, posters, and more.
Final Cut Pro has a lot of audio effects. Here's a brief description of 49 audio effects in the "Logic" category:
Adaptive Limiter: Automatically adjusts the threshold to limit dynamic range while preserving loudness. Example: Ensuring a voiceover stays at a consistent level without peaks.
AutoFilter: Creates sweeping filter effects that can vary in speed and depth. Example: Adding a rhythmic filter sweep to a synth pad.
Bitcrusher: Reduces the bit depth and sample rate of audio to create a digital distortion effect. Example: Giving a modern track an old-school 8-bit game sound.
Chorus: Thickens the sound by creating multiple delayed copies of the audio signal. Example: Enhancing the richness of a guitar track.
ChromaVerb: A convolution reverb with colorful, vintage reverb sounds. Example: Adding a classic spring reverb to a piano track.
Clip Distortion: Simulates the sound of audio being clipped or overdriven. Example: Simulating the sound of a blown speaker in electronic music.
Compressor: Reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal. Example: Evening out the volume levels of a spoken word podcast.
Correlation Meter: Measures the phase correlation between two audio channels. Example: Checking for mono compatibility in stereo tracks.
DeEsser 2: Reduces harsh sibilance in vocal recordings. Example: Taming the 's' and 'sh' sounds in dialogue.
Delay: Creates echoes of the original sound. Example: Adding slap-back echo to vocals for a 50s rock 'n' roll vibe.
Designer: A parametric EQ with extensive control over frequency bands. Example: Sculpting the sound of a bass guitar.
Direction Mixer: Controls the panning of multiple audio channels. Example: Spatially arranging elements in a surround sound mix.
Distortion: Adds harmonic distortion to the signal. Example: Giving guitar tracks a gritty, overdriven sound.
Distortion Il: A modeled distortion effect that emulates various distortion types. Example: Simulating the sound of a specific amplifier.
Ensemble: Creates a chorus-like effect with a range of voices. Example: Making a single voice sound like a choir.
Enveloper: Dynamically filters audio based on its amplitude. Example: Creating a 'talking' effect on a synth lead.
Exciter: Enhances the high frequencies to add sparkle without boosting noise. Example: Making a dull recording sound more vibrant.
Expander: Increases the dynamic range by attenuating signals below the threshold. Example: Reducing background noise during quiet parts of a performance.
Flanger: Creates a swirling effect by mixing the original signal with a delayed version. Example: Adding a jet plane-like whoosh to guitars.
Gain: Adjusts the level of the audio signal. Example: Matching the volume of different takes.
Limiter: Prevents audio from exceeding a set level, often used to avoid clipping. Example: Protecting against sudden loud peaks in live audio.
Linear Phase EQ: Equalization that maintains phase alignment across frequencies. Example: Making precise tonal adjustments without phase distortion.
Modulation Delay: Adds delay with a modulating time delay for effects like chorus or flanging. Example: Creating a vintage tape delay effect on vocals.
Multichannel Gain: Controls gain for multiple audio channels simultaneously. Example: Balancing levels in a multi-mic drum recording.
MultiMeter: Provides multiple audio measurement meters like RMS, peak, and phase. Example: Monitoring audio levels and quality during mixing.
Multipressor: A multi-band compressor that processes different frequency ranges separately. Example: Compressing vocals only in the mid-range to preserve bass and treble clarity.
Noise Gate: Reduces noise when the signal falls below a set threshold. Example: Eliminating the hum from a guitar amp when not playing.
Overdrive: Simulates the warm, soft clipping of tube amps. Example: Adding warmth to clean electric guitar tones.
Phase Distortion: Alters the phase of the signal to produce harmonic distortion. Example: Creating unique synth sounds.
Phaser: Creates sweeping peaks and notches in the frequency spectrum. Example: Giving a keyboard sound a lush, sweeping effect.
Pitch Correction: Adjusts the pitch of vocals or instruments to correct tuning. Example: Autotuning vocals for a stylized effect.
Pitch Shifter: Changes the pitch without affecting the duration. Example: Creating harmonies or doubling effects.
Ringshifter: Combines ring modulation with pitch shifting for metallic, robotic sounds. Example: Adding a sci-fi effect to voice or synth.
Scanner Vibrato: Emulates the classic effect used on radio transmissions. Example: Giving spoken words a mysterious, retro vibe.
SilverVerb: A reverb with a metallic, shimmering quality. Example: Adding ambiance to a synth pad.
Single Band EQ: Simple equalizer for basic tonal adjustments. Example: Boosting the bass on a drum track.
Space Designer: Apple's convolution reverb for creating realistic acoustic spaces. Example: Simulating the reverb of a concert hall.
Spectral Gate: Removes unwanted frequency bands in real-time. Example: Eliminating specific frequencies from a noisy recording.
Stereo Delay: Applies delay to the left and right channels differently. Example: Creating a wide, spacious feel in electronic music.
Stereo Spread: Widens the stereo image of the audio. Example: Enhancing the sense of space in a mix.
SubBass: Enhances low frequencies to add depth. Example: Adding punch to a kick drum.
Surround Compressor: Compresses audio while maintaining the spatial integrity in surround sound. Example: Evening out a film score without losing its 5.1 depth.
Tape Delay: Simulates the sound of analog tape delays. Example: Adding warmth and vintage character to tracks.
Test Oscillator: Generates various waveforms for testing or creating sounds. Example: Using sine waves to calibrate speakers.
Tremolo: Modulates the volume of a signal for a pulsing effect. Example: Creating a vintage surf guitar sound.
Vintage Console EQ: Models the EQ from classic recording consoles. Example: Giving tracks the signature sound of a '70s mixing board.
Vintage Graphic EQ: Emulates graphic equalizers from the past for a nostalgic tone shaping. Example: Cutting harsh frequencies on a vocal track.
Vintage Tube EQ: Simulates the warmth of tube-based EQ units. Example: Adding a smooth, warm mid-range to guitars.
Vocal Transformer: Alters vocal characteristics for creative effects. Example: Turning a male voice into a cartoon-like character.
The Orchard House, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a historic treasure that offers a glimpse into the literary legacy of the Alcott family. Built in the 1600s and purchased by Amos Bronson Alcott in 1857, it became the home where his daughter, Louisa May Alcott, penned the beloved novel Little Women. Stepping into the Orchard House feels like traveling back in time, as the rooms have been meticulously preserved to reflect the Alcott family?s way of life. Visitors can explore the spaces that inspired the book?s characters, immersing themselves in the charm and history of this iconic American literary landmark.
Here are Eight fun facts about the Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts:
Historic Significance: The house was built between 1690 and 1720, making it a significant historical landmark. Before the Alcotts purchased it in 1857, it was known as "Hillside."
Revolutionary War Connection: The Orchard House has ties to the American Revolution. John Hoar, one of the earliest settlers in Concord, lived in the house in the 1600s. His great-grandson, Timothy Hoar, was a member of the Concord Minutemen and lived in the house during the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Preservation of History - The house has been preserved almost entirely in its original state, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into 19th-century life. Over 75% of the furnishings are original to the time when the Alcotts lived there, providing an authentic experience of their daily life.
Inside the House:
Many of the doorways are unusually low because Bronson Alcott, who was quite tall, wanted to ensure people bowed when entering rooms.
The house has a secret passageway connecting two bedrooms, which the Alcott children used for their theatrical productions.
May Alcott's original drawings still remain on her bedroom walls and windowsills, as her parents encouraged her artistic expression.
The family's original bread board with the inscription "Give us this day our daily bread" is still in the kitchen.
School house on the Orchard House property.
Educational Hub - Bronson Alcott, Louisa's father, was an educator and philosopher, and he ran the Concord School of Philosophy in a building next to Orchard House. This school attracted many of the era's thinkers and was one of the first adult education centers in America.
Innovative for Its Time - Bronson Alcott was quite progressive in his living arrangements and educational philosophies. Orchard House included features unusual for the time, like a form of central heating and an early version of a laundry machine. Furthermore, the family was involved in social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's suffrage, reflecting their forward-thinking attitudes.
Film Location: The Orchard House was featured in the 2019 film adaptation of ?Little Women,? directed by Greta Gerwig. Some scenes were filmed inside the house, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
A rare picture of the backside of the Orchard House
Preservation Challenges
The house was saved from demolition in 1911 by the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association
In the late 1990s, it was discovered that the entire house was slowly sliding down its hillside location
Extensive structural work was needed to stabilize the building without damaging its historical integrity
Haunted Happenings?
Windows that I saw movement.
Back in the early 1990s, I took a friend visiting Massachusetts on a tour of historic Concord. We stopped by all the must-see spots, and after a nice dinner at the Colonial Inn, we decided to visit the Orchard House.
As we sat in the car, I shared some of the house's fascinating history, when suddenly, I noticed movement in the front doorway windows. It was late, the night was dark, and a faint light glowed from inside the house. There wasn?t another car in sight, and the house has no residents?so what was moving in the front hallway? Was someone watching us, or playing a prank? Chilled by the mystery, we quickly drove off, heading back to town. It was a fleeting moment, but it still sends shivers down my spine to this day.
GorillaCamPro was a practical camera app designed to simplify the process of creating professional-quality content. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, it's the perfect tool for both beginners and experienced photographers.
GorillaCamPro was quietly discontinued in 2022. At least that is the last copyright date on the document. I don't know exactly when it was discontinued.
Key features of GorillaCam Pro include:
Time-lapse photography: Capture the passage of time with ease by creating breathtaking time-lapse videos.
Stop motion animation: Bring your imagination to life by animating objects frame by frame.
Self-timer and burst mode: Perfect for capturing group photos or action shots.
Remote control: Control your camera from a second device for added flexibility.
Advanced settings: Customize your shots with a variety of options, including exposure, focus, and white balance.
Some of the features that I liked, and were I can find these features today.
Camera Setting
Self Timer was a way to set the time for 2-seconds to 120-seconds. Great if you had to place the camera some place and walk/run far away to get to the right spot.
Bust Mode shoot a series of photos one after another as fast as the camera could shoot. Choose from 3 to 60 photos in quick succession.
I haven't found any app that automatically takes burst shots and lets you set a long Self timer mode. ProCam does let you setup 60-seconds delay.
Stop Motion
Stop motion is an animation technique that makes an object appear to move on its own ? such as claymation or animated action figures. The object is moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played back as a video.
Press the shutter button to capture each frame. Move your subject in small increments between each frame you capture. The frame count is displayed at the top left of the screen. When you're finished shooting, hit the Done button and GorillaCam will stitch the photos into a stop motion video.
Advance Setting: Playback Rate: Set the rate at which your photos are played back as a video. The higher the playback rate aka frames per second (fps), the smoother the video. Stop motion animation is typically between 12 and 24 fps. Standard video is 30 fps. The fewer fps, the longer you will see each individual photograph and the more noticeable the movements of your subject will be.
Timelapse
The Capture Time and Playback time is a great way to set the camera and let it do its thing for what ever duration you want. Great when you want to set up the camera and take a timelapse for a particular duration.
Timelapse Mode takes photos at regular intervals to capture change over time, condensing hours of activity into seconds of video. Common examples: sunrise or sunset, clouds moving, flowers blooming or dying, or a day on a busy city street.
Advance Setting:
Take Photos: Save a series of photos in your photo library instead of a stitching the photos into a video. This is great if you want to edit the photos individually in post production, add or delete or rearrange frames, or experiment with different playback rates on your computer.
Shots: Set the number of shots you want to capture.
Interval: Set the amount of time you want between each shot.
Frames Per Second: Set the rate at which your photos are played back as a video. The higher the frames per second (fps), the smoother the video. Standard video is 30 fps. The fewer fps, the longer you will see each individual photograph.
Moment Pro Camera App has the ability to set the capture time and Playback time.
Throughout this month, I am concentrating on QA Stories, highlighting remarkable events from various companies I've worked with. This week, I'm reminded of a reserved QA engineer whom we'll call Steve. He was exceptional at his job - uncovering even the most stubborn bugs. His ability to pinpoint the trickiest problems in web applications made him legendary among developers, despite his perpetually low-key demeanor. Here are a few stories from Steve's bug-hunting escapades that are still circulated within the Dev communities.
The Phantom Dropdown Issue
Steve's first victory was what developers called the "Phantom Dropdown Issue." It was a classic case of "it works on my machine" that had stumped everyone for weeks. The dropdown worked perfectly in all environments except for a few random occurrences on production. Most of the team chalked it up to user error, assuming that the customers must have been doing something wrong.
Steve, however, decided to dig deeper. He observed that the bug occurred only during very specific conditions- when a user with a regional setting of "en-UK" tried to access the dropdown on a Monday morning. It turned out that the JavaScript controlling the dropdown couldn't handle a particular time parsing during this transition. Steve quietly filed the bug report, detailing the obscure conditions that caused it. Developers were stunned - how had he even thought to test that?
When asked how he found it, he shrugged and said, "I just listen to WRKO for the talk, so I had time to think." That left everyone scratching their heads. How Steve's radio habits connected to the bug was beyond them, but they knew better than to question the man who could find a needle in a haystack.
The One-Pixel Invisible Button
Another time, Steve uncovered what the team later dubbed "The One-Pixel Invisible Button" issue. Users reported that their session would randomly refresh, losing all their progress. As usual, no one could reproduce it. Frustration was high, and Steve, as always, remained calm.
One afternoon, he took his laptop, sat in the break room, and pulled up the site. A few minutes later, he came back to the team, holding a stack of printed screenshots with highlighted regions. The culprit? A single, misplaced invisible button- just one pixel wide- hidden within the footer.
Apparently, whenever a user's mouse hovered over that pixel while scrolling, it triggered a refresh event. Steve discovered that it only affected users on certain screen resolutions - an anomaly that most testers would have ignored. He summed it up with his characteristic nonchalance: "Think outside the box, but don't forget to close the box once you're done."
The Mysterious Cache Flaw
Then there was the time he identified a cache issue that occurred only during high-traffic events. Users would get logged out unexpectedly, right during peak periods such as quarter end. The developers went back and forth with the server logs but couldn't pinpoint the root cause.
Steve, though, noticed a pattern. It only happened when users were refreshing their pages at precisely midnight. Most saw it as a coincidence, but Steve wasn't one for coincidences. He discovered that the session cookie's expiration time overlapped with a server-side cache refresh cycle, which triggered unexpected logouts. It was such a specific edge case that the fix involved changing a single line of code, but it saved the team's reputation.
When asked how he managed to spot the issue, Steve just said, "Don't assume, verify." Again, no one understood how that was relevant, but they were just relieved he found the problem.
Conclusion: The Value of Quiet Observation
Steve's bug-hunting prowess became the stuff of legend, not because he was loud or boisterous, but because he knew how to pay attention to the little details. While others might focus on the obvious, he had an uncanny ability to consider the strange and unexpected scenarios that others dismissed. To Steve, finding bugs was like slowly chiseling away at Stone Mountain with a hand tool- meticulous, precise, and never rushed.
He never sought the spotlight, but in the world of QA, the results spoke for themselves. Developers might have laughed at his quirky remarks or puzzled over his non-sequiturs, but they also knew one thing for sure: if there was a bug hiding somewhere in the code, Steve would find it.
In 1998, the Extra TV Show aired a compelling segment featuring actor William Baldwin, who took a bold step to address the pressing issue of teenage gun violence. This segment was part of a PBS special titled "Live By the Gun. Die By the Gun," which aimed to shed light on the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives.
In the 3-minute video clip included in this blog post, we see Baldwin teaming up with actual gang members to deliver a powerful message about the dangers of guns. The collaboration was not just about raising awareness but also about providing a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of those directly affected by gun violence. Baldwin's involvement added a layer of credibility and urgency to the message, making it resonate even more with the audience.
The special aired on PBS in 1998, a time when gun violence among teenagers was a growing concern. By bringing together voices from within the community, the show aimed to create a dialogue and encourage positive change. The inclusion of gang members in the discussion was particularly impactful, as it provided an authentic perspective on the issue.
Tragically, just a year later, the Columbine High School massacre occurred on April 20, 1999. This horrific event, where two students opened fire and killed 13 people, including 12 students and one teacher, and injured 24 others, underscored the urgent need for continued efforts to address gun violence. The Columbine massacre shocked the nation and prompted a national debate on gun control and school safety.
Watching this snippet today, it's clear that the message is still relevant. The fight against gun violence continues, and initiatives like "Live By the Gun. Die By the Gun" serve as important reminders of the work that still needs to be done. Baldwin's dedication to the cause and his willingness to engage with those directly affected by gun violence is commendable and serves as an inspiration for others to get involved.
Feel free to watch the video clip and share your thoughts in the comments. How do you think we can continue to address the issue of gun violence today? What other initiatives have you seen that are making a difference?
We are going back! Seven Years after our last visit!
It's been a while since my Disney blog, Cryan's Disney, last saw the light of day. However, with the excitement of our family's upcoming Disney adventure, now feels like the perfect time for a grand relaunch. Here's what you can expect from the new look and feel of our magical space!
Why Now?
It's been seven years since our last visit to Disney, and in that time, not only has Disney evolved with new rides, experiences, and stories, but our family has grown as well. Our kid are older now, and their first Disney memories are but a hazy dream. This trip isn't just about revisiting the magic; it's about creating new memories, exploring through fresh eyes, and sharing that journey with you.
The Great Move Ride is no longer there - but there are a lot of new ride at the Disney Studios.
Content Strategy: A Fresh Start
Pre-Trip Excitement:
Fun Facts and Trivia: (Starting in January ) Every week, we'll dive into little-known Disney facts, helping not just us but all of you get a taste of the magic early. From the history behind the parks to fun Easter eggs in Disney movies, we'll cover it all.
Behind-the-Scenes: Exclusive content on how Disney prepares for the influx of visitors, park planning tips, and insights into the magic that happens behind the scenes.
Post-Trip Reflections - -
Photo Diaries and Video Recaps: A visual feast of our best moments, captured in photos and videos.
What We Learned: Post-trip insights, including what we'd do differently, what worked wonders, and how Disney has changed or stayed the same.
Design and Aesthetics
The blog's look will get a magical makeover, reflecting the timeless yet ever-evolving spirit of Disney. Expect:
A cleaner, more user-friendly interface.
Visuals that pop, with high-quality images and perhaps a touch of animation to bring the blog to life.
A dedicated section for our trip planning resources, where we'll share our itineraries, packing lists, and tips.
What cameras we may purchase for this trip.
Lots of changes at the Haunted Mansion. What will my daughter think of the Hatbox Ghost?
Conclusion
This relaunch is more than just updating a blog; it's about reigniting a passion for storytelling, sharing, and experiencing the Disney magic. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney - goer, our blog aims to be your companion in all things magical. Join us as we count down to our trip, share in our excitement, and perhaps, along the way, inspire your own Disney journey.
This week, I stumbled upon a fantastic resource for anyone in need of high-quality sample data for testing purposes: Brian Dunning's Sample Data. Whether you're a developer, QA professional, or data analyst, this tool can be incredibly useful for simulating real-world scenarios and ensuring your applications can handle large datasets.
Key Features:
Variety of Data Fields: The sample data includes fields such as First Name, Last Name, Company, Address, City, County, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Phone, Email, and Web. This comprehensive set of fields allows for thorough testing of various data handling scenarios.
Realistic Data: The data is constructed from real first and last names, real company names, and accurate location information. Although the data is fake, it is formatted correctly for its respective country, making it ideal for realistic testing.
Multiple File Sizes: You can download datasets of different sizes depending on your needs. Options include 500 records for free, 50,000 records for $5, and 1 million records for $10. This flexibility allows you to choose the right amount of data for your testing requirements.
CSV Format: All files are provided in CSV format, ensuring easy import into various applications without any formatting issues.
Why Use Sample Data?
Using sample data is crucial for testing your software with a "worst-case scenario" amount of data. It helps you get an accurate sense of your application's performance in the real world. By using Brian Dunning's sample data, you can ensure that your software is robust and ready to handle real user data.
Final Cut Pro has a lot of audio effects. Here's a brief description of 48 audio effects in the "Final Cut" category:
Alien: Creates an otherworldly sound. Example: Use for sci-fi movie dialogue to give a sense of extraterrestrial origin.
Bass Enhancer 2: Boosts low frequencies for a deeper sound. Example: Enhances the bass in an EDM track for club playback.
Brightness 2: Increases high frequencies, making audio sound clearer and sharper. Example: To make dialogue stand out in a noisy environment.
Car Radio 2: Simulates the sound of listening through a car radio. Example: For a scene where viewers hear what's playing in a character's car.
Cartoon: Applies a whimsical, animated quality to voices. Example: Used in children's shows or for comedic effect.
Animals: Adds animal-like qualities or effects to audio. Example: For creating voiceovers in animal-themed animations.
Cathedral 2: Provides a large, echoing reverb like in a cathedral. Example: For a dramatic speech in a grand setting.
Chorus: Adds depth by layering slightly detuned versions of the audio. Example: To enrich the sound of a solo guitar or vocal track.
Cosmic: Imbues audio with a space-like, ethereal quality. Example: Background sound for space documentaries or ambient music.
Disguised 2: Distorts voice to obscure identity. Example: For interviews where anonymity is required.
Doubler: Creates a doubled effect without the delay typical of chorus. Example: To give vocals a fuller, more present feel.
Echo Delay: Adds echo effects to make sounds feel distant or in a large space. Example: For voiceovers in a canyon scene.
Groove Delay: Syncs delay effects to the project's tempo. Example: For creating rhythmic effects in music tracks.
Helium Voice 2: Raises pitch to simulate inhaling helium. Example: For comedic effects in dialogues.
Large Room 2: Simulates the acoustics of a large room. Example: For speeches in a hall or auditorium.
Less Bass 2: Reduces low frequencies to avoid muddiness. Example: In dialogue to ensure clarity in bass-heavy scenes.
Less Treble 2: Cuts high frequencies which can be harsh. Example: For smoothing out overly bright audio tracks.
Limiter: Prevents audio from exceeding a certain level, preventing clipping. Example: To control the loudness of a mix.
Low Tech: Gives audio a vintage, lo-fi feel. Example: For retro game sound effects or 80s synth sounds.
Massage Audio: Likely designed for soothing, possibly rhythmic sounds. Example: Background music for relaxation videos.
Medium Room 2: Adds medium-size room reverb. Example: For creating a sense of space in dialogue.
Modest Cathedral 2: A less pronounced version of Cathedral 2. Example: For subtle enhancement in dialogue in less grandiose settings.
Monster: Transforms voices into monstrous sounds. Example: For creature effects in fantasy or horror films.
Mud Removal 2: Cleans up muddy sounds by reducing mid-range frequencies. Example: For clearer speech in environments with ambient noise.
Muffled 2: Mutes sound as if heard through a barrier. Example: For scenes where sound should be muffled, like through walls.
Multi-Tune: Alters pitch in multiple ways, similar to Auto-Tune. Example: For vocal effects in pop music.
Pitch: Changes the pitch of the audio up or down. Example: To correct off-key singing or create special effects.
Remove High Frequencies 2: Cuts highs for a darker sound. Example: To reduce hiss or harshness in recordings.
Remove Low Frequencies 2: Eliminates low-end rumble. Example: For cleaning up wind noise in outdoor recordings.
Robot: Gives speech a robotic quality. Example: For AI or android characters in sci-fi.
Rumble Reducer: Specifically targets and reduces low-frequency rumble. Example: To clean up footage shot near traffic or machinery.
September1: Likely a seasonal effect that might simulate the ambiance of September, possibly with sounds of falling leaves or autumn winds. Example: Used for transitions or background in scenes set in early fall.
Shortwave Radio: Mimics the sound quality of a shortwave radio transmission, complete with static and modulation. Example: For documentaries or period pieces where characters are tuning into international broadcasts.
Shrek Jr: Presumably an effect designed for comedic or children's audio, possibly referencing the distinct voice modulation from the Shrek movies. Example: For dubbing or voiceovers in animation or parody videos.
Small Room 2: Adds a subtle reverberation typical of a small enclosed space like a bathroom or closet. Example: To enhance dialogue recorded in a tight space for realism.
Spaceship 2: Creates a sci-fi soundscape reminiscent of being inside a spaceship, with mechanical hums or the void of space. Example: For scenes in sci-fi films or video game cutscenes.
StoryLine Audio: Might be designed for narrative enhancement, possibly adding a storytelling quality or background noise that fits a narrative setting. Example: For audiobooks or podcasts to set the scene or mood.
Telephone 2: Simulates the muffled, compressed sound of talking through an old-fashioned telephone. Example: For conversations in movies where characters are on the phone.
Television 2: Gives audio the static-filled, tinny sound of an old television broadcast. Example: For scenes involving watching old TV shows or news broadcasts in movies.
Transformer: Transforms voices or sounds into mechanical or robotic sounds, ideal for sci-fi or futuristic settings. Example: For transforming human dialogue into robot voices.
Tremolo: Adds a rhythmic variation in volume, creating a pulsating effect. Example: For adding a vintage vibe to music or creating tension in film scores.
Underwater: Applies a wet, echoey effect to mimic sounds heard underwater. Example: For dialogue or ambient sounds in underwater scenes.
Vintage Radios: Provides the sound effect of listening to an old radio, perhaps with crackles and lower fidelity. Example: For historical films or radio drama settings.
Voice or Music 2: Likely enhances voice clarity or applies a subtle music effect (like a slight reverb or echo) to make vocals or instruments stand out. Example: For vocal tracks in music videos or dialogues in interviews.
Voice Over Enhancement 2: Specifically designed to make voiceovers sound more professional or clear, reducing background noise. Example: For narrations in documentaries or educational videos.
Walkie Talkie 2: Adds the typical static and distortion of a walkie-talkie communication. Example: For scenes involving military or security communications.
Zoom In: Possibly an effect that simulates the audio change as you zoom in on a scene, where sounds might become more focused or intense. Example: For dramatic reveals or focus changes in cinematic shots where the soundscape narrows or intensifies.
Each of these effects can significantly alter the mood, tone, or perceived location of sounds in a production, enhancing the storytelling through sophisticated audio manipulation.
Massachusetts, with its deep historical roots, is a treasure trove for those intrigued by the paranormal. Here's a dive into some of the most chillingly famous haunted spots in the state:
The Bridgewater Triangle: Encompassing around 200 square miles, this region between Bridgewater, Abington, and Freetown is infamous for its paranormal activities. Legends speak of UFO sightings, ghostly apparitions, and even encounters with Bigfoot-like creatures. The Hockomock Swamp within this triangle, known as "the place where spirits dwell" by local Native Americans, is particularly notorious for its eerie vibes and reported supernatural occurrences.
Salem: No discussion on haunted Massachusetts would be complete without mentioning Salem, the epicenter of the infamous Witch Trials. Locations like the Joshua Ward House, believed to be haunted by Giles Corey, or the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where many accused "witches" are buried, exude a palpable history of tragedy and mystery. The Hawthorne Hotel, named after Nathaniel Hawthorne who wrote about the trials, is also rumored to host spectral guests from that dark period.
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River: This Victorian home is where one of America's most sensational murder cases took place. Visitors have reported ghostly encounters, including the sounds of weeping and footsteps, possibly from the spirits of Lizzie Borden's parents who were axed to death. Now a bed and breakfast, it invites guests to experience its haunted history firsthand.
Houghton Mansion in North Adams: Once home to a wealthy family, this mansion has tales of ghostly residents like Mary Houghton, who some believe still wanders its halls. The mansion's history of suicides, including that of its chauffeur, adds layers to its haunting reputation.
The USS Salem: Docked in Quincy, this heavy cruiser is not just a maritime museum but also a hotspot for ghost hunters. Stories of paranormal activity include apparitions of former crew members and strange occurrences attributed to the ship's storied past, including its role during the Korean War.
The Colonial Inn in Concord: With rooms like 24 and 27 reputedly active with ghost activity, this inn's history stretches back to the Revolutionary War. Guests have reported encounters with Jerusha Howe, believed to be the spirit of a heartbroken woman, among other spectral visitors.
Sylvester K. Pierce House in Gardner: Known as the SK Pierce Victorian Haunted Mansion, this Second Empire style house is celebrated for its paranormal activity. Built in the late 19th century, its history includes a tragic murder-suicide, making it a magnet for ghost enthusiasts.
Each of these locations not only offers a glimpse into Massachusetts' rich history but also into its darker, ghostly lore. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these sites provide an eerie yet fascinating journey through time, where history and the supernatural intertwine seamlessly. For those brave enough to explore, Massachusetts awaits with its spectral tales, promising chills and thrills at every corner.
This week, I experimented with Final Cut Camera to explore its features and see if it's something I'd use on a future Disney World vacation. Here are some of my notes:
Lock Your Camera Orientation
This feature ensures the camera is always ready to go when you launch the app. No more adjusting the camera to get the perfect horizontal orientation. I love this because I've often taken videos, only to realize later that I didn't tilt the camera properly before shooting.
Smooth Zoom
Final Cut Camera's zoom is smooth - which is great for slow pans. However, once you start recording, you can't change the lens. Be sure to select the right one before shooting.
Focus Peaking
This feature lets you easily see where the focus is while shooting. You can make adjustments on the fly to create some cool effects.
Cinematic Mode
Final Cut Camera doesn't have a built-in cinematic mode, where the background is slightly blurred. However, you can apply this effect during post-production.
Home Screen Access
You can't add Final Cut Camera to the iPhone Home Screen, which is surprising given it's an Apple app. You'd expect it to take full advantage of the iPhone's capabilities.
Multi-Camera Functionality
The main purpose of Final Cut Camera seems to be connecting multiple iPhones for shooting different angles simultaneously. This isn't something I'd likely use on vacation.
Overall, it's a cool app, and I'm excited to master it before strolling down Main Street USA!
In the dynamic world of software development, effective time management is crucial for Quality Assurance (QA) teams. As a QA manager, it's essential to ensure that your team balances their time between tracking bugs and seeking additional help when solutions are not immediately apparent. This balance not only improves productivity but also ensures that new issues do not pile up while existing ones are being investigated.
The Story of Peter
Let me share an example from my own experience. Years ago, I managed an employee named Peter (not his real name). Peter was exceptional at identifying and investigating why customers were encountering errors. He had a knack for finding those weird, one-off cases that often slipped through the cracks. However, Peter's dedication to solving these issues sometimes led to a significant problem: he would spend so much time investigating a single issue that new issues would start to accumulate. Peter had the habit of trying to solve really complex issues and would work late into the night to do so. While he was highly skilled and well-loved by the engineers, he simply spent too much time on one issue.
Setting Time Limits and Seeking Developer Input
To address this, it's important for managers to set time limits on bug fixes. If an issue isn't resolved within the allocated time, it's crucial to collaborate with developers to see if they can provide additional input. This collaborative approach not only speeds up the resolution process but also brings fresh perspectives to the problem.
The Role of Logging
One effective strategy that often helps is adding additional logging to the system. Enhanced logging can provide valuable insights into why things are not working correctly, making it easier to identify and fix issues. However, it's equally important to remember to remove the logging once the issue has been resolved. There's nothing worse than having to debug future issues with an overwhelming amount of logging data to sift through.
Conclusion
So, fellow QA testers, remember:
Set time limits for bug investigations.
Seek help if you can't solve it in time.
Log smart, but clean up afterwards.
Time management isn't just about working faster; it's about working smarter. Let's keep hunting those bugs efficiently, so we can all go home at a reasonable time. Happy testing!
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