The concept of the Fair Tax has been swirling around in American tax policy discussions for decades, but its prominence peaked in certain years, notably with commercials like the one aired in 1997 on KSFO, San Francisco's conservative-leaning talk radio station. This blog post aims to delve into what the Fair Tax is, its implications, and the sentiment around it.
What is the Fair Tax?
The Fair Tax is proposed as a consumption tax that would replace the current federal income tax, payroll taxes, and potentially other taxes. At its core, it's a national retail sales tax on new goods and services. The idea is to tax consumption rather than income, with the belief that it would simplify tax collection, encourage savings and investment, and potentially spur economic growth. Proponents argue it would be "fair" because everyone, regardless of income, pays the same tax rate on what they buy, though there are mechanisms like a prebate designed to ensure that the tax burden doesn't disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.
The 1997 KSFO Commercial Insight
The Fair Tax commercial from 1997, aired during a time when conservative talk radio was gaining ground, likely presented the tax reform as a solution to the complexities and perceived injustices of the income tax system. This period was marked by a growing frustration with government spending and taxation, sentiments often echoed in conservative media. The commercial might have highlighted themes like simplicity, fairness in consumption, and possibly the economic benefits of reducing or eliminating income taxes.
Listen to the Commercial
Conclusion
The Fair Tax, as highlighted by the 1997 commercial and echoed in current X posts, embodies a significant segment's desire for tax reform. While not without its critics who argue about regressivity or feasibility, the Fair Tax captures the essence of frustration with current tax systems. It promises simplicity, fairness, and economic stimulation, though whether it could truly deliver these outcomes remains a topic of heated debate. The commercial from over two decades ago, much like today's social media posts, reflects a continuous thread of American sentiment yearning for a tax system that feels just, transparent, and beneficial for all economic layers of society.
This year, I'm teaching 9th graders who will be confirmed in the Spring of 2025. To create a positive and productive learning environment, I've developed the following classroom rules:
Honor Thy Class Time: Arrive promptly and stay for the entire class period.
No Cell Phones During Class: Turn off or silence your phones and keep them out of sight.
Thou Shalt Not Wander the Halls: Remain in the classroom unless given explicit permission.
Respect Thy Neighbor: Treat everyone with kindness and respect. No bullying, teasing, or exclusion.
Thou Shalt Participate Actively: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and participate in activities.
Honor Thy Materials: Bring all necessary materials to class and take care of them.
Thou Shalt Listen Attentively: Listen quietly without interrupting when the teacher or a classmate is speaking.
Keep Thy Space Clean: Clean up after yourself and leave the classroom as you found it.
Thou Shalt Not Speak Out of Turn: Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
Respect and Follow Church Rules: Adhere to the specific conduct expected while in the church or classroom, such as proper attire, silence during prayer, and participation in rituals or services.
In today's globalized world, pronouncing names and words correctly is more important than ever. Whether you?re learning a new language, meeting someone from a different culture, or simply trying to get a tricky word right, HowToPronounce.com is here to help.
HowToPronounce.com is a free online audio pronunciation dictionary that offers a comprehensive solution for learning how to pronounce names, words, places, and even technical terms. The platform is crowdsourced, meaning that native speakers from around the world contribute audio pronunciations, ensuring you get the most accurate and authentic pronunciations available.
Website Description
HowToPronounce.com is a free online audio pronunciation dictionary which helps anyone to learn the way a word or name is pronounced around the world by listening to its audio pronunciations by native speakers.
Learn how to correctly say a word, name, place, drug, medical and scientific terminology or any other difficult word in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Swedish and other languages with our multilingual pronunciation and phonetics dictionary made out of audio pronunciations of words, their meanings, synonyms, sentences, translations and more contributed by the worldwide HowToPronounce.com Community.
Did you know that Final Cut Pro isn't just for videos? It's also a powerful tool for audio editing. Whether you're a podcaster, musician, or just someone who wants to clean up audio files, Final Cut Pro can help you achieve professional results.
Importing Your Audio Files
Open Final Cut Pro: Launch the app and create a new project.
Import Audio: Click on "File" > "Import" and select your audio files. You can also drag and drop them directly into the timeline.
Basic Audio Editing Techniques
Trimming: To shorten a clip, simply drag the edges of the clip in the timeline.
Splitting: Right-click on a clip and select "Split" to divide it into two parts.
Joining: Select multiple clips and press "Command+J" to join them together.
Fading In/Out: To create a gradual transition, right-click on the clip and select "Add Fade In" or "Add Fade Out."
Cleaning Up Audio
Noise Reduction: Final Cut Pro has excellent built-in noise reduction tools. Select a noisy section and go to "Effects" > "Audio Effects" > "Noise Reduction." Adjust the settings to reduce background noise.
Equalization: Use the equalizer to boost or cut specific frequencies. This can help improve audio quality and clarity.
Gain: Adjust the overall volume of a clip using the gain slider.
Sample of some of the Audio Effects.
Exporting Your Audio
Create a Range: Select the portion of the audio you want to export.
Export: Go to "File" > "Share" > "Export" > "Format" > "Audio Only" Under Audio Format choose your desired format (e.g., WAV, MP3, AAC).
Set Export Settings: Adjust settings like sample rate, bitrate, and channel configuration.
Save: Choose a destination and save your exported audio file.
Remember: While Final Cut Pro is a great tool for audio editing, it might not be the best choice for complex audio processing tasks. For more advanced features, consider using dedicated audio editing software. I believe its a good solution when you want to parse out a large audio file.
I have an old PowerBook G4 laptop that isn't booting; it keeps restarting. One trick I learned long ago for such situations is to zap the PRAM, which often helps with boot issues on older computers.
For those unfamiliar, PRAM stands for Parameter RAM, a small amount of memory on Macs that stores certain system settings that are preserved even when the computer is turned off. These settings include things like speaker volume, time zone, and startup disk selection.
What Does "Zapping the PRAM" Mean?
To "zap" the PRAM means to reset it to its factory default settings. This process was often recommended by tech support or savvy users back in the day when a PowerBook behaved erratically or failed to boot up correctly. Here's how and why you might do it:
The Why:
Fix Boot Issues: If your PowerBook won't start or gets stuck at a chime or screen, resetting PRAM might clear whatever setting is causing the hang-up.
Reset Settings: If you've tinkered with settings too much or if they've become corrupted, zapping PRAM can restore them to their default, often solving issues related to sound, time, or display.
Troubleshooting: It's a basic troubleshooting step that might resolve minor software glitches without needing to reinstall system software.
The How:
Here's the step-by-step process to zap the PRAM on a PowerBook:
Shut Down: Turn off your PowerBook completely.
Start Up: Turn it back on.
Hold Keys: Immediately after you hear the startup chime, press and hold down the Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously.
Wait: Keep these keys held down until the machine restarts and you hear the startup chime again. Release the keys after the second chime.
What Happens When You Zap PRAM?
Default Settings: Your PowerBook will boot with all PRAM settings reset. This means you might need to reset your clock, adjust your volume, or choose a startup disk again.
Potential Fixes: Often, this simple reset would fix issues like incorrect time display or speaker volume not changing, which are controlled by PRAM.
The Cultural Impact of PRAM Zapping
For tech enthusiasts and professionals of the '90s and early 2000s, zapping the PRAM was almost a rite of passage. It was one of those arcane bits of knowledge that made you feel like you had insider access to the machine's workings. This practice highlights an era where user access to system-level tweaks was more common before everything became streamlined and often hidden behind GUIs.
Why It's Less Common Today
Modern Macs no longer use PRAM in the same way. With the advent of NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) and subsequent technologies, the need to manually reset such settings has decreased. Today's macOS handles many of these settings through higher-level operations, reducing the frequency of such manual interventions.
Conclusion
Zapping the PRAM on a PowerBook was more than just a technical procedure; it was a part of the lore of early personal computing. It symbolized a time when users had more direct interaction with their machines' inner workings. For those nostalgic for those days or curious about historical computing practices, understanding and perhaps even trying (on an old machine) this process can offer a glimpse into the tactile, almost ritualistic side of computing history. Remember, however, always approach such operations with caution, especially if they involve vintage hardware that might be sensitive or valuable.
As we delve into the realm of mobile videography, Apple's introduction of Final Cut Camera has sparked a revolution, particularly for those looking to elevate their video recording game beyond the capabilities of the standard iPhone Camera app. Here's why Final Cut Camera stands out as a compelling alternative:
1. Professional Controls at Your Fingertips: Final Cut Camera introduces a level of control that was previously reserved for high-end standalone cameras or professional camera apps. Users can manually adjust settings like white balance, ISO, and shutter speed directly from their iPhone or iPad. This level of customization is crucial for achieving the precise look you envision, whether you're shooting in bright daylight or under the dim lighting of an evening event.
2. Integration with Final Cut Pro: For those already invested in Apple's ecosystem, Final Cut Camera's seamless integration with Final Cut Pro for iMac is a game-changer. This app allows for a live multicam setup, where multiple Apple devices can be used simultaneously, switching between feeds live or editing them later with ease. This feature alone transforms your iPhone or iPad into a full-fledged video production studio, making it an invaluable tool for content creators, filmmakers, or anyone looking to produce professional-quality video content.
3. Apple ProRes Support: The ability to shoot in Apple ProRes, particularly on iPhone 15 Pro models, offers video quality that's not just good but visually lossless, ensuring maximum dynamic range and editing flexibility. While this feature isn't supported in the form of ProRes LT for smaller file sizes, having ProRes available directly on your phone significantly reduces post-processing time and quality loss, which is crucial for professional workflows.
4. Enhanced Stabilization and Focus: User feedback, particularly from platforms like X, highlights the superior stabilization features in Final Cut Camera, which benefits from Apple's advancements in hardware and software integration. This means smoother footage, even when shooting on the move, without the need for additional stabilization gear.
5. User Experience and Community Feedback: The community on X has been buzzing with positive reactions towards Final Cut Camera's ease of use for both novice and professional videographers. Features like one-handed control adjustments and the intuitive interface make it user-friendly, yet powerful enough for those who demand more from their recording equipment.
6. Future-Proofing Your Footage: By recording in formats like ProRes, Final Cut Camera not only enhances current video quality but also future-proofs your footage. With trends moving towards higher resolution and dynamic range, having videos in a format that's already ahead of the curve ensures longevity in video archives.
Conclusion: Final Cut Camera isn't just an app; it's a statement from Apple about where mobile videography is heading. By offering tools that were once the domain of professional setups, Apple has democratized video production. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or a seasoned pro looking for on-the-go solutions, Final Cut Camera provides an alternative that not only matches but often surpasses what was possible with the standard Camera app. Its integration with professional editing software, advanced recording formats, and user-centric design make it a must-have for anyone serious about video recording on Apple devices. Embrace the future of mobile videography with Final Cut Camera, and witness your videos transform from good to extraordinary.
More Next Week!
Next Week we'll take a deep dive and talk about the five tips that I learned using the Final Cut Camera. These will be helpful to know before going on a vacation.
Let me take you back to one of the more entertaining moments of my software testing career. Picture this: I'm on the Electronic Services team, and we're rolling out a spell-checking tool for a project. Seems simple, right? Wrong.
Spell-Check Shenanigans Story
It started with a bug - nothing new in the life of a QA professional. The spell-checker wasn't catching the most basic misspelled words. I'm talking about words like "teh" and "recieve" - ones that practically scream for correction. Naturally, I flagged the issue, and the developer confidently told me, "No problem, I'll just add those to the dictionary!"
Ya, this should have been the first red flag. Sure enough, the bug was back in no time, but this time, I tried different words. And guess what? The spell-checker blissfully ignored them, too. I went back to the developer, who scratched his head, muttering something like, "Hmm? maybe I'll just add those words to the dictionary too."
At this point, I was watching him shuffle through code like someone desperately looking for their keys in the couch cushions. Each "fix" he applied was like patching a leaky boat with chewing gum. Meanwhile, I kept testing, and with every new misspelling, it became clearer: the spell-checker was not ready for Production.
Then, enter Developer #2 - our hero. He walked in the next morning with a fresh cup of coffee and a confident air, looked at the situation, and immediately knew something was amiss. After a quick code review, he calmly pointed out that the first developer had been using an outdated third-party library. Not only that, but the library was so outdated, it might as well have been written in Perl.
"Let's link it to this other library," Developer #2 suggested.
Boom. Just like that, everything worked like a charm. The spell-checker started catching misspelled words faster than you could say "recieve." No dictionary hacks, no chewing gum fixes - just smooth sailing.
This rollercoaster of a bug hunt taught me a few things:
Quick fixes might be fun, but they're usually useless: Adding words to the dictionary every time something breaks is like trying to fix a flat tire by painting the car. It looks productive but does nothing.
There's always a second opinion for a reason: Developer #2 might as well have been wearing a superhero cape. Sometimes, it takes a fresh brain to clean up the chaos left behind by "creative" problem-solving.
In the end, we got the spell-checker to work, but not without a few laughs and some comically clumsy developer moments along the way. And hey, sometimes in QA, that's just how it goes.
On March 19, 2000, KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco aired an evening news segment that briefly touched upon the ongoing legal issues faced by President Bill Clinton in relation to the Monica Lewinsky scandal. This broadcast coincided with President Clinton's arrival in India, marking a significant day in both American and international news.
The Segment on President Clinton's Legal Troubles
During the broadcast, KTVU FOX 2 provided an update on the legal challenges President Clinton was grappling with. The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, which had dominated headlines since the late 1990s, involved allegations of a sexual relationship between President Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The scandal led to Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998 on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, although he was later acquitted by the Senate.
The segment highlighted the ongoing repercussions of the scandal, including the civil contempt of court ruling against Clinton for giving misleading testimony in the Paula Jones case and the subsequent suspension of his law license. This brief update served as a reminder of the enduring impact of the scandal on Clinton's presidency and legacy.
President Clinton's Visit to India
On the same day, President Clinton arrived in India, marking the first visit by a U.S. president to the country in 22 years. His visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, with a focus on addressing regional security concerns and promoting bilateral cooperation. Clinton's arrival was met with a mix of enthusiasm and protests, reflecting the complex dynamics of U.S.-India relations at the time.
Watch the Segment
For those interested in revisiting this moment in history, I have included a recording of the KTVU FOX 2 segment from March 19, 2000. This clip provides a fascinating snapshot of the news coverage and the broader political context of the time.
This blog post serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between domestic and international events and how they shape our understanding of history. Feel free to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!
In the heart of Boston's North End, where history breathes through every cobblestone, lies the Old North Church, a beacon of America's revolutionary past. But as you exit this historic landmark, you might stumble upon a modern-day treasure, not of gold or silver, but of craftsmanship and memory: keychains crafted by John Reilley, a master carpenter whose hands have told stories of wood, stone, and metal for decades.
John Reilley's keychains are more than mere trinkets; they are a testament to his life's work and his battle with dementia. Each piece is a fusion of nature and history, incorporating Berkshire stones, seashells from the Cape, and reclaimed wood and metals. These materials, each with its own story, come together under John's skilled hands, even as his memory fades, to create something uniquely Bostonian.
The Materials:
Berkshire Stones: These stones, sourced from the Berkshire Mountains, carry with them the rugged beauty of Massachusetts. Each stone is a piece of the state's geological history, smoothed by time and nature.
Seashells from the Cape: The Cape Cod seashells bring a touch of the ocean to the keychains. Each shell, once home to marine life, now serves as a reminder of the Atlantic's vastness and the Cape's serene beaches.
Reclaimed Wood and Metals: John's use of reclaimed materials is not just about sustainability but also about giving new life to old stories. Wood from historic barns or metals from bygone eras find new purpose in his hands, embodying the spirit of Boston's resilience.
The Craft
John Reilley's approach to crafting these keychains is as much about the process as it is about the product. Despite his dementia, or perhaps because of it, there's an intuitive, almost instinctual quality to his work. Each keychain is a snapshot of a moment, a memory, or an emotion, captured in a form that can be held, touched, and cherished.
The Gift
These keychains are offered for free as you exit the Old North Church, not as a mere souvenir, but as a piece of living history. They're a bridge between Boston's past and present, crafted by hands that have known the city's heartbeat. This gesture is not just about giving away a token; it's about sharing a piece of John's soul, his connection to Boston, and his ongoing battle with dementia.
A Reflection on John Reilley
John's story is poignant. Here is a man whose life's work was defined by precision and skill, now facing a condition that erodes memory but not the essence of who he is. His keychains, therefore, are not just crafts; they're a legacy, a way for John to leave something tangible behind as his mind wanders through time.
Conclusion
As you walk away from the Old North Church, holding one of John Reilley's keychains, you're not just leaving with a souvenir. You're carrying a piece of Boston's history, a bit of its natural beauty, and a profound connection to a craftsman's journey through life and dementia. John's keychains are a reminder of the impermanence of memory but the enduring nature of craftsmanship and love for one's craft. They're free, but their value is immeasurable, much like the man who made them.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has once again updated the Doomsday Clock, moving it to 90 seconds to midnight - the closest it has ever been to global catastrophe. This symbolic clock, which has been a universally recognized indicator of the world's vulnerability to manmade threats since 1947, reflects the mounting dangers we face today.
The primary reason for this alarming adjustment is the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict has not only threatened Ukraine's sovereignty but has also raised profound questions about international norms and the risk of nuclear escalation. Russia's actions, including threats to use nuclear weapons and violations of international protocols at nuclear reactor sites, have significantly contributed to this heightened risk.
In addition to the war in Ukraine, other factors such as climate change and disruptive technologies continue to pose significant threats to global security. The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which includes 10 Nobel laureates, emphasizes that these dangers are unprecedented and require immediate global attention.
As QA professionals, we understand the importance of assessing risks and implementing measures to mitigate them. The Doomsday Clock serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for international cooperation and proactive measures to address these existential threats. By staying informed and advocating for responsible policies, we can contribute to a safer and more secure future.
Website Description
Founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who helped develop the first atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists created the Doomsday Clock two years later, using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero) to convey threats to humanity and the planet. The Doomsday Clock is set every year by the Bulletin?s Science and Security Board in consultation with its Board of Sponsors, which includes 10 Nobel laureates. The Clock has become a universally recognized indicator of the world?s vulnerability to global catastrophe caused by manmade technologies.
Are you a content creator looking to take your videos to the next level? Look no further than Expanded Filmora Creative Assets, a game-changing subscription service that provides access to an extensive library of high-quality media elements. For just $19.99 per month, you'll have millions of creative assets at your fingertips, ready to elevate your projects.
Lots of Fun Titles available
What's Included?
Millions of Stock Media: From stunning visuals to captivating b-roll footage, you'll find the perfect clip to enhance your storytelling. Best of all, these assets are cleared for commercial use, giving you peace of mind when creating content for your business or clients.
100,000+ Royalty-free Music Tracks: Say goodbye to copyright strikes and hello to a vast collection of music to suit any mood or genre. Whether you need an upbeat tune for a promotional video or a somber melody for a documentary, you'll find the perfect soundtrack in this extensive library.
50,000+ Sound Effects: Add depth and realism to your videos with a wide array of sound effects. From nature sounds to urban ambiance, you'll have everything you need to create an immersive audio experience.
50,000+ Video Effects: Take your editing skills to new heights with an impressive collection of video effects. Add professional-looking transitions, overlays, and filters to give your content a polished, cinematic feel.
Just some of the Stock Media
Four Things I Learned
There are a lot of great Titles to choose from. Many of these would make great Intros and Outros in video clips. You can filter the results by Paid to see all the available titles.
I didn't see any effects or titles specifically for vertical videos - such as those on YouTube Shorts or Tik Tok. There are some really good templates that have Portrait aspect ratio.
There's some really cool Cinematic Intos for widescreen aspect ratios. Some of these I have seen promoted on Fiver. These templates would be perfect for anyone doing videos for school shows or weddings.
You might have seen the Sponge Bob Title Card - "2 Hours Later." Well in Filmora Stock Media you can create your own Time Transition. This is a fun way to transition time in any video and it's only available for Expanded Filmora Creative Assets users.
Effects Selection
Why Choose Expanded Filmora Creative Assets?
Cost-effective: At just $19.99 per month, you're getting access to millions of assets that would cost a fortune if purchased individually.
Time-saving: No more endless searching for the right clip or music track. Everything you need is in one place.
Always fresh: With regular updates to the library, you'll never run out of new and exciting content to work with.
Commercial use: Most assets are cleared for commercial use, making this an invaluable resource for professionals and businesses.
Great for Work: If you do any work training videos, this will certainly help you step up your game. You can make your videos more professional looking and get the attention you want.
We would like you to know that Moof has resigned as Printer Icon Assistant of Apple Computer. He has joined a privately held Valley based company as Chief Animal Officer (CAO) and will be starting there in early May.
Moof joined Apple in early 1982 as a ResEdit Concept and was initially responsible for cleaning Steve Job's infamous Piano. It is believe that he became Printer Icon Assistant around 1985 or 1986 during one of the new Printer Releases and has been an effective Icon in several release since that time which grew to include System 5, System 6.0, 6.01, 6.02, 6.03, 6.04, 6.05, 7.0, 7.01, 7.1 and System 7 Pro. His latest assignment was as a PowerMoof.
Moof joined Apple to help our users implement a new printing model. Moof has always been a clear, creative, and practical thinker. He is nationally recognized within printing circles for his application of sophisticated printing derivatives including Horizontal Flipping, Vertical Flipping, Inverting, Precision Bitmapping, Limited and Unlimited Font Downloading.
While at Apple, Moof has been a consistent champion of ease of use in printing and was often a vocal member of our development team making an odd, indescribable noise during meetings (see the Archive Tech Notes for more information). We will personally miss Moof for his open style of printing, his cross species humour and certainly as one of our better managers and developers of people. Please join us in wishing Moof tremendous success in his new position.
We are hoping to identify Moof's replacement immediately. We've considered several hybrid animals such as a Cat/Dog, Elephant/Mouse, Lion/Lamb etc. In the interim, Tony the Tiger will assume responsibility for the Option screen within the Page Setup Menu.
Regards,
An Ex-Vice President,
An Ex-Vice President/General Manager of a Division
and Corporate Officer
Apple's iOS 18 brings a suite of new features to the Camera App, enhancing user experience and functionality in ways that cater to both casual photographers and content creators. Here's a detailed look at what's new:
1. Music Playback During Recording: One of the most user-requested features has finally arrived. With iOS 18, music playback doesn't stop when you open the Camera app to record video. This means you can have background music for your videos without the interruption of restarting your music app. This feature is particularly handy for creators who like to add live music or background tracks to their video content directly from their iPhone.
2. Pause While Recording: Video recording has become more flexible with the ability to pause and resume your video without stopping and starting a new clip. This feature is perfect for editing out mistakes or unwanted parts in real-time, making post-production smoother.
3. Control Pad UI for Tone and Color: A new control pad interface allows for simultaneous adjustment of tone and color based on touch input. This innovative feature, while not directly mentioned in official updates, has been highlighted in community discussions and tech previews, suggesting a more intuitive way to tweak your photos on-the-fly.
4. Enhanced Photos App Integration: Although not directly a Camera App feature, the significant overhaul of the Photos app in iOS 18 impacts how users interact with their camera-captured content. The Photos app now features a more streamlined interface, making it easier to find and edit your photos, which indirectly enhances the workflow from camera to post-processing.
5. Customizable Control Center: While this isn't specifically for the Camera App, the redesign of the Control Center with iOS 18 allows for more customization, including potentially quick access to camera settings or modes, enhancing the overall user experience with the camera.
6. Spatial Photo/Video Mode: Mentioned in beta updates, this feature hints at Apple's push towards more immersive content capture, potentially integrating with AR or VR technologies for a richer viewing experience, though specifics on how this interacts with the Camera App are still emerging.
Conclusion
iOS 18's updates to the Camera App and related functionalities signify Apple's commitment to enhancing user creativity and ease of use. From the practicalities of music playback during video recording to the innovative control pad for photo editing, these features cater to a wide range of user needs. Whether you're capturing everyday moments or producing professional content, iOS 18's Camera App enhancements offer tools that make your iPhone an even more versatile device for photography and videography. As users continue to explore these new features, we can expect a surge in creative content, leveraging these tools to tell stories in more engaging ways.
Have you ever felt like the most elusive bugs always seem to surface at the most inopportune times? Perhaps you've spent hours poring over test cases, only to find that the most critical defects were discovered by a seemingly random user.
This phenomenon isn't uncommon. In fact, it's a well-known principle in software quality assurance called the Backwards Law.
What is the Backwards Law?
The Backwards Law suggests that the most significant problems in a system are often the ones we least expect or anticipate. In other words, the bugs that cause the most disruption or embarrassment are typically not the ones we spend the most time testing.
Why Does the Backwards Law Exist?
There are several reasons why the Backwards Law holds true:
Overconfidence: When we believe a system is thoroughly tested, we may become complacent and overlook potential issues.
Cognitive biases: Our brains are wired to seek patterns and confirmation, which can lead us to ignore contradictory evidence or unexpected outcomes.
Unforeseen circumstances: Real-world usage can expose vulnerabilities that are difficult to simulate in a controlled testing environment. How to Apply the Backwards Law in Quality Assurance While the Backwards Law might seem counterintuitive, it can be leveraged to improve your testing strategies.
Here are some tips:
Embrace uncertainty: Recognize that even the most meticulously planned tests cannot account for every possible scenario.
Prioritize risk: Identify the areas of your system that are most critical to the user experience or business objectives. Focus your testing efforts on these high-risk areas.
Encourage exploratory testing: Allow testers to explore the system freely, without strict adherence to predefined test cases. This can help uncover unexpected issues.
Leverage user feedback: Gather feedback from real users to identify problems that may have been missed during testing.
Conduct stress testing: Simulate heavy loads and extreme conditions to uncover performance bottlenecks or unexpected failures.
By understanding and applying the Backwards Law, you can develop a more effective and comprehensive quality assurance strategy. Remember, the most significant bugs are often the ones we least expect.
Use it All The Time
My testing has consistently shown that the Backwards Law is particularly effective at uncovering unique bugs, especially during the post-regression phase. It's during these final QA checks that unexpected issues often arise. The challenge lies in rapidly reproducing these bugs so engineering can address them promptly. They frequently inquire about the specific testing activity that led to the discovery.
Do you have any experiences with the Backwards Law in your quality assurance work? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Recently, I stumbled upon a delightful piece of television history that I just had to share with you all. I uploaded a VHS tape titled "Target's Sneak Peek at the 1998 CBS Fall Preview" to YouTube. This 30-minute clip is a fascinating time capsule, showcasing the upcoming CBS shows for the fall of 1998. Hosted by the ever-charming Ray Romano from "Everybody Loves Raymond," this preview is a nostalgic journey back to a time when television was a bit simpler and a lot more exciting.
Hosted by Ray Romano
Ray Romano, best known for his role as Raymond Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond," brings his unique brand of humor and warmth to the hosting duties. His presence adds a touch of familiarity and charm, making the preview even more enjoyable. Romano's comedic timing and relatable persona make him the perfect guide through CBS's fall lineup.
Featured Shows
Here's a rundown of the shows featured in this sneak peek:
L.A. Doctors: This medical drama focuses on four doctors running an upscale practice in Los Angeles. The show delves into the complexities of the U.S. medical system and the personal lives of the doctors.
Maggie Winters: A sitcom about Maggie Winters, who returns to her small hometown in Indiana after her husband leaves her. She moves in with her mother and reconnects with old friends, navigating life with humor and resilience.
The King of Queens: This beloved sitcom stars Kevin James as Doug Heffernan, a deliveryman living in Queens, New York, with his wife Carrie and her eccentric father, Arthur. The show is known for its hilarious take on everyday life and relationships.
Everybody Loves Raymond: A classic sitcom that needs no introduction. Ray Romano stars as Ray Barone, a sportswriter dealing with his overbearing family. The show's humor and heart have made it a timeless favorite.
Buddy Faro: A crime drama featuring Dennis Farina as Buddy Faro, a legendary private investigator who re-emerges after a 20-year disappearance. Together with his new partner, they tackle various cases in Los Angeles.
The Brian Benben Show: This sitcom stars Brian Benben as a news anchor demoted to a human-interest reporter. The show humorously explores his attempts to navigate the competitive world of television news.
To Have and to Hold: A drama series about the trials and tribulations of a newly married couple, an attorney and an Irish-American police officer, as they balance their careers and personal lives.
Martial Law: An action-packed series starring Sammo Hung as a martial arts expert and Chinese law officer who joins the LAPD. The show combines thrilling action sequences with a touch of comedy.
Watch the Show!
A Glimpse into the Past
Watching this preview is like stepping into a time machine. It's a reminder of the excitement and anticipation that came with the fall TV season. Each show, whether it became a hit or faded into obscurity, represents a piece of television history.
If you're a fan of classic TV or just looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, I highly recommend checking out "Target's Sneak Peek at the 1998 CBS Fall Preview." It's a delightful reminder of the shows that shaped our evenings and the characters that became a part of our lives.
Feel free to watch the clip on YouTube and let me know which show you were most excited about back in the day!
The Boston Post used to feature a front-page section called 'All Sorts,' which contained short news snippets. Here's a sample I found from July 2, 1869:
Loafing is not allowed on the Cincinnati parks. The Connecticut Legislature fears it will be corrupted by a lobby that pays only $200 a vote.
Brignoli is "bending his footsteps," as Colfas expresses it, "toward his home in the settin' sun." Hartford asks to be the sole capital of Connecticut.
New York has no measuring worms this season, and thinks the English sparrows have eaten them. De Rodas begins his Cuban career with a big dinner.
A Charleston incendiary put a kerosene lamp under a bed and roasted a whole family.
Tennessee parsons are a queer set. An ex-Confederate General now appears in that role.
A street car accident Failing to run over one man in a week. -[N. Y. paper.]
Rose Bell is the only opera bouffer left in New York.
The sea-serpent hasn't been engaged by any watering-place this season.
Bright prospects for the Quakers-the Indians are " scouring" the Plains.
The New York chess tournament has reached the 300th game, with 900 more to come.
Now they say Borie boned the British Admiralty list for names for our war vessels.
Green Clay Smith has entered the Methodist ministry.
Commodore Vanderbilt and Hon. John Morriesey are larking together at Saratoga and else where.
The Austrian War Department favors the use of the bicycle by orderlies.
Colfax has recently been weighed. Of course hs was found wanting in brains.
The last that was heard of the Fifteenth Amendment it was in Senator Anthony's coat-tail pocket.
Gen. Sickles has had to take a sea voyage to re- cover from the ill effects of his record.
Boutwell is about to resign. His first sensible move since he entered the Cabinet.
Wall street is almost eclipsed by the Ocean Bank operators.
The N.Y. Sun is so bright that it is getting tiresome to look at it.
Gen. Hancock counts no stronger friends and admirers than among the people of New Orleans. - [N. Y. Times.]
The Concord Monitor heads an article " Our Sewers," but only modesty prevents it from including itself in the category.
The British Parliament has spent ?20,000 to dis- cover that the coal supply of the kingdom is suthcient to last forever.
The Fenian scare has reached Anstralia, where frightened Englishmen imagine the natives are be- ing incited to revolt.
An ex-Alderman of Philadelphia chopped his head to pieces with a hammer and ice-pick Sun- day.
Costa has been requested to compose a new national hymn for Prussia, and the German musicians are wroth.
List recently gave a concert for the benefit of the Pope, and sent His Holiness 30,000 francs as the proceeds.
A number of the old Yerger family servants have come forward to offer money to aid their " young massa " on his murder trial.
A stroke of lightning knocked senseless a parlor- ful of people at a Rockaway hotel last Monday, ex- cepting those ladies who were clad in silk.
Roebling, the suspension bridge builder, had four of his toes mashed off on a New York ferry boat the other day, and will be lamed for life.
George W. Childs, of the Philadelphia Ledger, is to give a Fourth of July excursion to all his employ?s, 1000 in number.
The mourners at a funeral in New York, Thursday, had a grand fight at the grave, burying the deceased with all the honors of man.
A Hoboken bartender was surprised by being addressed by a customer with, "D--n you! I guess I might as well shoot you." He dropped in time to prevent murder.
The new railroad gambling law in Connecticut proposes to make it a penitentiary offence to lose money at any game of chance. The "fly cops" rather like that.
Hon. John Covode has been appointed Chairman of the Radical State Central Committee of Pennsylvania. A fortunate selection-for the Democrats.-[Philadelphia Age.
After that poor brute had been knocked dead in the prize ring at Cayuga Lake, the second of his antagonist offered to bet $25, even, that he was yet alive.
A tragedian on the St. Louis stage was enabled to die with most natural throes of agony the other night, owing to the fact that the dagger of the theatrical assassin penetrated his flesh about two inches. He received great applause.
The youth of Chicago is tempestuous. The other day wall how killed his playmate with a jack knife, then ran and hid under a barn from those sent to arrest him, and came out only after pistola had been brought into use.
Two rival senoritas ot Puebla had a quarrel at a church door, and a duel was agreed upon. They drew lots, the winner having the privilege of one good stab at the other with a dagger. The loser died on the spot.
A German savant predicts a big celestial transformation scene soon. He propounds the unique theory that the Zodiacal light is a gaseous ring surrounding our planet, and becoming gradually cool will presently concentrate and give us another moon.
In the ever-evolving world of graphic design, finding the right tool that balances functionality, ease of use, and affordability can be a challenge. Enter Pixelied, an online graphic design platform that has been making waves in the industry. In this post, we'll dive into what makes Pixelied stand out, its key features, and some areas where it could improve.
What is Pixelied?
Pixelied is an online graphic design tool that aims to simplify the design process for both beginners and professionals. With a user-friendly interface and a plethora of features, Pixelied offers a robust alternative to more established tools like Canva and Adobe Photoshop.
Key Features
Ease of Use: One of Pixelied's most praised aspects is its intuitive interface. Users have reported that it's relatively easy to create visually appealing layouts, even without a background in design.
Templates and Assets: Pixelied boasts a wide range of templates and design assets. Whether you're creating social media graphics, presentations, or marketing materials, you'll find a template that suits your needs.
Background Removal: This feature is particularly noteworthy. Integrated directly into the editor, it allows users to remove backgrounds with a single click, saving time and effort.
Team Collaboration: Pixelied offers features that facilitate team collaboration, such as the ability to lock objects in the editor and share access without needing third-party tools.
Customer Support: Users have consistently praised Pixelied's customer support for being responsive and helpful.
Website Description
A free online graphic design tool for easy, beautiful designs
Edit images online, replace backgrounds, and easily create branded designs for social media, blog posts and other content. Tasks that used to take designers hours. Now you can do them in just a few clicks with our online graphic editor.
Hello, fellow Mac enthusiasts! It's been a while since I've dived into the depths of Panic Transmit, but as a daily user, I've amassed a collection of tips and tricks that I believe could enhance your file transfer experience. Here's what I've learned over the years:
What is Panic Transmit?
For those new to the scene, Panic Transmit is not just another FTP client; it's a robust tool that supports multiple file transfer protocols including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and Amazon S3. Its intuitive interface, coupled with features like direct file editing and synchronization, makes it a staple for anyone managing files across servers.
Four Key Insights from Years of Use
Integration with Text Editors: Transmit plays exceptionally well with text editors like BBEdit and Visual Studio Code. By setting up Transmit to open files directly in these editors, you can edit remote files as if they were local, streamlining your workflow significantly.
Single Window Mode: While Transmit offers a multiple-window mode, I've found sticking to a single window to be more efficient. This approach minimizes clutter and keeps your focus on the task at hand, whether it's uploading or downloading files.
Diverse Connection Options: Transmit supports an impressive 18 different connection types. However, for most users, Amazon S3 and FTP with Implicit SSL (which also covers SFTP) cover the majority of needs. Understanding these protocols can save you from the hassle of dealing with different servers.
Preserving File Metadata: One of the less known but crucial tips is dealing with file metadata, particularly creation dates. When downloading files, you might notice the creation date is lost. To circumvent this, use Transmit's "Send SSH Command" feature to tar up files on the server before downloading. This preserves the metadata, which can be critical for maintaining file integrity or for legal compliance in some scenarios.
All the connection types supported in Transmit.
Recent Updates
Panic keeps Transmit up-to-date, with the last update on December 18, 2023, addressing a security vulnerability (CVE-2023-48795). This reflects Panic's commitment to security, ensuring that our data transfers remain secure against emerging threats.
Conclusion
Panic Transmit remains an indispensable tool in my Mac toolkit, offering not just functionality but also a seamless user experience. Whether you're managing a personal blog or handling complex corporate projects, these tips should help you leverage Transmit more effectively. Remember, mastering your tools can significantly boost your productivity, and Transmit, with its rich feature set, is no exception.
Stay tuned for more Mac tips and tricks, and as always, happy transferring!
Hello, fellow Mac aficionados! Today, we're diving into a piece of technology that, while not ancient, has certainly carved its niche in the annals of Apple history - the Lightning cable. Introduced 12 years ago today, this little connector has been both a boon and a bane for Apple users. Here's what I've learned over a decade of use:
1. Quality Variance Across Brands: When the Lightning cable was first introduced, it didn't take long for third-party manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon. However, this led to a market flooded with options where quality varied drastically. From cables that would fray within weeks to those that could seemingly survive being run over by a car, the inconsistency was, and sometimes still is, frustrating. Even Apple's own cables weren't immune to wear and tear, often showing strain at the connector joint, which became a common point of failure.
2. Durability Issues: Speaking of failure points, let's talk about durability. Over the years, I've gone through countless Lightning cables. The design, while sleek, seems to compromise on robustness. The area near the Lightning connector itself is particularly vulnerable. Despite Apple's efforts to reinforce this part in later models, it remained a weak spot. This has often led me to stock up on cables, knowing that their lifespan could be unpredictably short.
3. The Advent of Colorful and Custom Cables: One of the fun aspects of the Lightning cable era was the introduction of variety in design. Companies started to produce cables in different colors and lengths, which wasn't just aesthetically pleasing but also practical. You could have a short red cable for your power bank, a long green one for your desk setup, making it easier to identify which cable was for what purpose at a glance. This personalization was a small but delightful evolution in accessory design.
4. The Proprietary Predicament: Here's where my biggest gripe lies - the proprietary nature of the Lightning cable. Unlike the universal USB standards, Lightning cables were exclusive to Apple products, which meant if you were deep in the Apple ecosystem, you were locked into buying these often pricier cables. The cost added up, especially when you needed replacements. However, this exclusivity also ensured a certain quality control that third-party USB cables sometimes lacked.
Colorful Lightning Cable Braided
As we look towards the future, with Apple moving towards USB-C for more of its devices, including the latest iPhones, there's a sense of relief. USB-C promises faster data transfer and charging, not to mention the universality that means one cable can potentially charge your laptop, tablet, and phone.
Reflecting on my collection of old 30-pin connectors and Lightning cables, there's a nostalgic twinge, but also an eagerness to embrace a more standardized future. These old cables, now relics of a transitioning tech era, remind me of how far we've come in pursuit of convenience and efficiency in our digital lives.
So, here's to the Lightning cable - it charged our devices, tested our patience, colored our desks, and now, it's gracefully bowing out to make way for what's next.
Keep plugging in, and stay charged, my friends!
Until next time on the blog, keep your Macs classic and your cables untangled!
This week, Apple unveiled its latest lineup of iPhones, and I paid particular attention to the iPhone 16 Pro. Currently using an iPhone 14 Pro Max, I'm in a position where an upgrade is possible.
On October 5, 2022, when I acquired the iPhone 14 Pro Max, my enthusiasm was fueled by the prospect of its advanced camera capabilities. It perfectly met my needs, particularly for filming at church, where it proved to be an essential tool for producing high-quality video content.
However, my usage has shifted since then. I'm not capturing as much video or as many photos as before, which means my requirements for a smartphone camera have evolved.
Key Differences Between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: A Closer Look
The new iPhone 16 Pro features a display that's 0.2 inches larger than its predecessor. It retains the Super Retina XDR display with the Always-On feature. A significant improvement in design is that the iPhone 16 Pro is nearly half a pound lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Camera Enhancements
One of the standout features of the iPhone 16 Pro is its new Camera Control system, which promises to enhance the quality of photographs significantly. This feature might inspire other camera apps to expand their offerings with similar advanced controls.
Video Capabilities
For videographers, the iPhone 16 Pro now supports video capture in 4K at 120 fps with Dolby Vision. While not everyone might need such high frame rate video, it's an impressive feature for those who do.
Camera Specifications
The Ultra Wide camera has seen the most significant upgrade, jumping from 12MP in the iPhone 14 Pro Max to 48MP in the iPhone 16 Pro. This change aside, the camera setup remains largely similar between the two models.
Battery Life
Battery performance has also been improved. The iPhone 16 Pro lasts up to 4 hours longer during video playback, which is particularly beneficial for long days out, like at Disney World. If your current iPhone's battery health is waning, like mine at 81% maximum capacity, the upgrade could make a noticeable difference in all-day usage scenarios.
This screenshot from Apple's website suggests how they envision users interacting with the new Camera Control system.
Final Thoughts
As of now, there's no pressing need for me to upgrade to a new iPhone. My iPhone 14 Pro Max has just been paid off, and the additional cost of nearly $50 per month for 24 months doesn't seem justified by the enhancements, especially in the camera department, which hasn't seen changes significant enough for my current needs.
Therefore, I won't be rushing to preorder the latest model this week. Instead, I plan to visit a local Apple Store next week to conduct a hands-on, side-by-side comparison with my current phone.
Last week I attended a local QA Conference. One of the purposes of going to such conferences is to network with people. Before going, I asked ChatGPT to provide some ideas for ice breaker questions when meeting someone in the hallway.
Here are five engaging ice breaker questions tailored for a QA engineer at a Tester's conference:
What's the most interesting bug you've ever encountered, and how did you track it down? This question not only breaks the ice but also dives into technical storytelling, which can reveal a lot about their problem-solving skills and experiences.
Which testing tools or methodologies have you found most revolutionary in your work recently? This can lead to a discussion about current trends, tools, and methodologies in QA, providing insights into what's new or effective in the field.
How do you keep up with the rapid changes in technology and testing techniques? Networking isn't just about sharing what you know now but also about learning how others stay updated, which can be mutually beneficial.
Have you worked on any projects where QA significantly influenced the product's direction? Can you share that story? This encourages sharing of experiences where QA made a tangible impact, showcasing the importance of their role and possibly leading to a deeper professional discussion.
What's one piece of advice you wish you had received when you started in QA? This question helps to exchange wisdom, potentially offering new perspectives or tips that could be useful for both parties, while also reflecting on personal growth in the field.
These questions are designed to foster a connection through shared interests, experiences, and the continuous learning curve in the QA profession, making them ideal for networking at a conference.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, job seekers are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams that promise lucrative job opportunities but deliver nothing but financial loss and frustration. One such scam that has been highlighted across social media platforms, particularly noted in posts found on X, involves unsolicited job offers that require communication or transactions via CashApp. Here's how to spot these scams and protect yourself in the job market.
The Rise of CashApp Job Scams
The convenience of apps like CashApp for quick financial transactions has not gone unnoticed by scammers. These platforms offer anonymity and ease, which, unfortunately, are perfect for fraudulent activities. Here's what typically happens:
Unsolicited Contact: You might receive an email or a message out of the blue, offering you a job. This job often promises high pay for relatively simple tasks, a classic red flag.
The CashApp Requirement: The scammer insists on using CashApp for all transactions related to the job. They might justify this by saying it's for immediate payment or for some form of equipment or training fee.
The Overpayment or Fee Scam: One common tactic is the overpayment scam, where they might send you a payment, then claim it was an error and ask for a refund. Alternatively, they might ask for a fee upfront for "training" or "equipment," promising reimbursement or a significant return.
Lack of Verifiable Information: These job offers often come from entities with no verifiable online presence, or if there is a website, it's newly created or filled with vague information.
Video Example
Text Message Text
Hello, excuse me, I'm Sarah from TEMU Services USA. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. Therefore, we would like to offer you a great remote online part-time/full-time job to help TEMU merchants update data, increase visibility and bookings, and provide you with free training. Flexible part-time and full-time jobs allow you to work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 5 days a week, earn extra income on weekends too. You can work anytime and anywhere according to your schedule, and earn $50 to $500 a day. The basic salary is $950 per 4 days worked. Paid annual leave: In addition to maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory holidays, ordinary employees are entitled to 5-15 days of paid annual leave. If you want to participate, please contact me by WhatsAPP:+ (Note: You must be at least 20 years old)
How to Protect Yourself
Research the Company: Before engaging, research the company thoroughly. Look for reviews, check their history, and see if other job seekers have posted about them on platforms like LinkedIn or X.
Never Pay to Work: Legitimate companies do not ask you to pay them to start working. Any request for money, whether for equipment, training, or any other reason, is a scam.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: If you didn't apply for a job, be cautious. While some recruiters reach out based on profiles, they won't push for immediate financial transactions.
Use Secure Communication: If a job requires you to switch to personal email or apps like WhatsApp or Telegram immediately, tread carefully. Legitimate businesses use official channels for as long as possible.
Check for Grammar and Professionalism: Many scam emails or messages have poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or lack the professional tone expected from legitimate businesses.
Direct Verification: If in doubt, try to contact the company through official channels listed on their verified website to confirm the job offer's legitimacy.
Conclusion
The digital age has made job hunting both easier and more perilous. While CashApp and similar apps are legitimate services for personal transactions, they are not standard for job-related payments. Always approach unsolicited job opportunities with caution, especially those pushing for unconventional payment methods. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, or if it demands payment from you, it's likely a scam. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and share your experiences on platforms like X to help others steer clear of these traps.
If you're a frequent laptop user, you're probably familiar with the standard keyboard layout that most manufacturers follow. However, something peculiar caught my eye when using a Dell laptop?the "Pipe/Slash" (| / ) key is directly connected to the Enter key. This unconventional setup is unique to Dell, as I've yet to encounter this odd pairing on other laptops.
I found this puzzling for a couple of reasons:
Layout Inconsistency: No other key on the Dell laptop keyboard seems to have this kind of pairing. The placement feels a bit cramped and unintuitive compared to other laptops, where the "Pipe/Slash" key typically stands alone near the right Shift key.
Potential Typing Confusion: The proximity to the Enter key can lead to unintentional presses, which becomes frustrating for anyone used to a standard layout. For people like me who often type in programming languages or work in environments where the | or symbols are frequent, this becomes a noticeable inconvenience.
What's even more bizarre is that I couldn't find any official documentation on Dell's website or elsewhere to explain why they chose this layout. This lack of clarity has left me scratching my head. Is this a design oversight, or is there a specific use case that Dell engineers had in mind when designing this keyboard?
I'd love to hear from anyone who might have insight into why Dell decided to connect the "Pipe/Slash" key with the Enter key. If you've encountered this odd layout or have an explanation, drop me a line!
Until then, this remains one of those quirks that I'll continue to navigate around?quite literally.
Have you seen other strange keyboard layouts? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you organize your folders by month, it might be helpful to assign different colors to them. That?s where Pantone?s Colorstrology comes in handy.
Pantone has carefully chosen colors for each month, not just random selections. With their deep knowledge of color, Pantone provides specific reasons behind each choice.
Website Description
The color for September is Baja Blue. The color represents beauty, purity, and wisdom. People born in September have a natural appreciation for beauty and see things in depth. Surrounding ourselves with Baja Blue helps us with patience and eloquence.
Hello, Mac enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a powerful yet often overlooked command-line tool that comes pre-installed on your Mac: the 'last' command. This nifty utility allows you to view the login history on your Mac, which can be incredibly useful for security monitoring or just satisfying your curiosity.
What is the 'last' command?
The 'last' command is a Unix utility that reads the system's wtmp file, which keeps a record of all logins and logouts. It's a simple yet powerful tool for tracking user activity on your Mac.
How to use the 'last' command
Open Terminal (you can find it in Applications > Utilities or use Spotlight to search for it).
Type last and press Enter.
You'll see a list of login sessions, starting with the most recent. Each line shows:
Username
Terminal or console used (e.g., console, ttys000)
IP address (if logged in remotely)
Login date and time
Logout time (or "still logged in" if the session is active)
Useful variations
last -10: Shows only the last 10 login sessions
last username: Shows login history for a specific user
last reboot: Shows system reboot history
last -t YYYYMMDDHHMMSS: Shows logins before a specific date/time
last -F: Displays full login and logout times
Pro tip: Combining with other commands
You can combine 'last' with other Unix commands for more specific information. For example:
last | grep "root": Shows only root user logins
last | awk '{print $1}' | sort | uniq: Lists unique users who have logged in
Use GREP to see when the computer last crashed!
Why is this useful?
Security: Regularly checking login history can help you spot unauthorized access attempts.
Troubleshooting: It can help identify when issues started occurring.
Usage patterns: Understand how and when your Mac is being used.
Remember, the 'last' command is just one of many powerful tools available in the macOS Terminal. Stay tuned for more tips on leveraging these hidden gems to supercharge your Mac experience!
This week, let's take a trip down memory lane to explore ELIZA, one of the most fascinating programs ever created for the Macintosh, which carries a simplistic conversation in English. ELIZA is no ordinary application; it's a reproduction of the original program developed by Joseph Weizenbaum in the 1960s, considered one of the first interactive natural language processing systems that captivated the tech world.
The Origins of ELIZA
ELIZA was first introduced by Weizenbaum at MIT in 1966 and gained instant attention. It was designed to simulate a conversation between a user and a therapist. Weizenbaum was inspired to show how superficial human-computer interactions could be, and yet the experience intrigued early computer users. People knew they were interacting with a machine, but they still found themselves engaged in conversations with ELIZA, often feeling an emotional connection.
This original system was developed for the IBM 7094, and it wasn't until years later that it was ported to various platforms, including the Macintosh, where it continued its legacy.
ELIZA on the Macintosh
On the Macintosh, ELIZA found a perfect home. Early Mac users, already excited about the graphical user interface, were thrilled to discover that they could converse with their computers! The Macintosh version faithfully reproduced ELIZA's behavior, allowing users to engage in simple yet compelling conversations. By asking questions and giving non-directive responses, ELIZA could make it seem as though it was genuinely listening to your problems.
Why ELIZA Matters in the World of Natural Language Processing
Though basic by today's standards, ELIZA laid the groundwork for modern natural language processing (NLP) systems. It was the first program that made people realize the potential of conversational agents?a concept that's now everywhere, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to chatbots and AI-driven customer service tools.
The simple brilliance of ELIZA comes from how it uses pattern-matching to respond in ways that appear meaningful. It didn't actually understand what the user was saying, but it created an illusion of comprehension. This effect, called the "ELIZA Effect," is still studied today in the field of AI.
Running ELIZA Today
For those looking to relive the nostalgic days of conversing with a computer therapist, ELIZA can still be found on certain retro Mac emulators. If you're a vintage Mac enthusiast or just curious to see how natural language processing began, it's worth tracking down. It's a great reminder of how far we've come in our interactions with machines.
Final Thoughts
Though the world of artificial intelligence has evolved dramatically since the 1960s, ELIZA remains an iconic program that marked the beginning of conversational computing. For many Mac users, it was a fun and intriguing way to interact with their computer, but it also laid a critical foundation for the future of human-computer communication.
As you go about your daily work on the Macintosh, remember that ELIZA helped shape the evolution of the interactions we now take for granted. If you haven't had a conversation with ELIZA, it's worth experiencing a little piece of computing history!
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a powerful tool for photography, and when it comes to macro photography, it truly shines. Combined with the advanced features of the Camera+ app, you can capture stunning close-up shots that reveal the intricate details of your subjects. Whether you're photographing flowers, insects, or everyday objects, this guide will help you make the most of your iPhone 14 Pro Max and Camera+ for macro photography.
Why Choose Camera+ for Macro Photography?
While the iPhone's native camera app is excellent, Camera+ offers additional features that can elevate your macro photography experience. With manual controls, focus peaking, and the ability to shoot in RAW, Camera+ gives you the precision and flexibility needed for capturing those tiny details with clarity and sharpness.
Getting Started: Setting Up Your iPhone 14 Pro Max
Install Camera+: First, download the Camera+ app from the App Store if you haven't already. It's a small investment for a big leap in your photography skills.
Enable Macro Mode: On your iPhone 14 Pro Max, the macro mode automatically kicks in when you bring the lens close to your subject. However, in Camera+, you can take control by adjusting the manual focus and enabling focus peaking to highlight the areas in sharpest focus.
Activate Pro Mode in Camera+:
Open Camera+ and switch to 'Pro Mode.'
Tap on the focus icon and slide the focus dial until your subject is sharp.
Use focus peaking (highlighted edges) to ensure your subject is in focus.
Camera+ Options
Tips for Capturing Stunning Macro Shots
Get Close, But Not Too Close: The iPhone 14 Pro Max allows you to get as close as 2 centimeters from your subject. However, keep some distance to avoid casting shadows or losing focus.
Use Manual Focus: In Camera+, manual focus is your best friend. Fine-tune the focus until you get the sharpest possible image. This is especially important in macro photography, where even the slightest shift can throw off the focus.
Stabilize Your Shot: Macro photography is sensitive to movement. Use a tripod or stabilize your hands against a solid surface to prevent blur. Camera+ has an image stabilization feature, but physical stabilization will always yield better results.
Adjust Exposure and White Balance: Macro shots often require precise exposure and white balance adjustments. In Camera+, you can manually adjust these settings to get the perfect lighting and color balance.
Shoot in RAW: For maximum detail and flexibility in post-processing, shoot in RAW. Camera+ allows you to capture RAW images, which retain more detail and dynamic range than JPEGs.
Use Natural Light: Lighting is crucial in macro photography. Whenever possible, use natural light to illuminate your subject. If you're shooting indoors, consider using a soft light source or a ring light to avoid harsh shadows.
Experiment with Angles: Don't just shoot from above; explore different angles to find the most interesting perspective of your subject. Side lighting or backlighting can add depth and drama to your macro shots.
Post-Processing Your Macro Photos
Once you've captured your macro shots, Camera+ also offers robust editing tools to enhance your images. Adjust the sharpness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos pop. Since you shot in RAW, you'll have plenty of data to work with, allowing for significant adjustments without compromising quality.
Conclusion
With the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Camera+, you have everything you need to explore the fascinating world of macro photography. By taking control of the manual settings and utilizing the powerful features of Camera+, you can capture stunning images that showcase the intricate beauty of the tiny world around us. So grab your iPhone, fire up Camera+, and start shooting those mesmerizing macro shots today!
As a Quality Assurance (QA) professional with a decade of experience, I've had the privilege of attending numerous QA conferences. These events have been invaluable for networking, information gathering, and professional growth. In this blog post, I'll share some insights on how to make the most out of attending a QA conference.
The Value of QA Conferences
QA conferences are a goldmine of knowledge and opportunities. They bring together industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow QA professionals, providing a platform to exchange ideas, learn about the latest trends, and discover innovative tools and techniques. Over the years, I've found these conferences to be a great source of inspiration and a catalyst for professional development.
Preparing for the Conference
To get the most out of a QA conference, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Research the Agenda: Before attending the conference, review the agenda and identify the sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. This will help you prioritize and make the most of your time.
Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve from the conference. Whether it's learning about a specific topic, networking with industry leaders, or discovering new tools, having clear goals will keep you focused.
Bring a Notebook: Taking good notes is essential. Bring a notebook and jot down key points, insights, and ideas from each session. This will help you retain information and refer back to it later.
During the Conference
While attending the conference, it's important to stay engaged and proactive. Here are some strategies to maximize your experience:
Active Participation: Instead of just sitting and listening, actively participate in the sessions. Ask questions, join discussions, and engage with the speakers and attendees. This will enhance your learning experience and help you build connections.
Network: Take advantage of networking opportunities. Introduce yourself to fellow attendees, exchange contact information, and join networking events. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Take Notes for Your Team: As you attend sessions, think about how the information can benefit your QA team. Take detailed notes and highlight key takeaways that you can share with your team later.
Post-Conference Actions
After the conference, it's important to consolidate and share the knowledge you've gained. Here's how you can do that:
Present to Your Team: One of the best ways to reinforce your learning is to present what you've learned to your QA team. Prepare a presentation with one or two slides for each session you attended. This will help you organize your thoughts and share valuable insights with your team.
Implement New Ideas: Identify actionable ideas and strategies from the conference that can be implemented in your QA processes. Discuss these with your team and work together to integrate them into your workflow.
Follow Up: Reach out to the contacts you made at the conference. Send follow-up emails, connect on LinkedIn, and continue the conversations you started. Maintaining these connections can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
Conclusion
Attending QA conferences is a fantastic way to stay updated with industry trends, expand your professional network, and enhance your skills. By preparing effectively, actively participating, and sharing your knowledge with your team, you can maximize the benefits of these events. So, the next time you attend a QA conference, remember to take good notes, engage with others, and bring back valuable insights to your team. Happy conferencing!
I'm excited to share a nostalgic trip back to the early 1980s with my latest video release: a collection of thirteen commercials that aired during the first quarter of the 1982 Stanford and California State "Big Game." These vintage ads are more than just a blast from the past?they're a window into the culture, trends, and lifestyle of the era. Let's dive into each commercial and see what made them so memorable!
The Commercials
1. Michelob Light: Game, Set, Beer
This commercial kicks off with four friends battling it out on the tennis court, not just for glory but for the refreshing taste of a Michelob Light beer. The ad cleverly combines the spirit of friendly competition with the idea of relaxing with a light beer after a hard-fought match.
2. BMW 320i: The Thrill of Performance
BMW highlights the performance and precision of the 320i model in this sleek commercial. As the BMW navigates a winding test track, it's clear that driving a BMW isn't just about getting from point A to point B?it's about the experience.
3. Qantas: Your Ticket to Adventure
Travel dreams take flight in this Qantas ad, which details the affordable pricing of trips to exotic destinations like Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii for just $1,261. This commercial is a perfect example of how travel advertising in the '80s often focused on the allure of distant, exotic locales.
4. Kissing Cousins: Elvis on TV
KBHK TV44 takes us back to the golden age of Elvis Presley with a promotion for the 1964 comedy/musical "Kissing Cousins." This ad would have appealed to Elvis fans and movie buffs alike, capturing the nostalgia for the King's classic performances.
5. Earthquakes: Feel the Indoor Soccer Excitement
The Oakland Earthquakes bring the intensity of indoor soccer to the screen with this fast-paced ad. Promoting local sports events was a common practice, and this commercial showcases the energetic, up-and-coming world of indoor soccer.
6. National Velvet: A Classic Revisited
Elizabeth Taylor fans would have been thrilled to see this promotion for the 1944 sports drama "National Velvet." The ad invites viewers to revisit a timeless story of passion, perseverance, and sporting achievement.
7. Schweppes: "Schwepping it Up" in Style
Set in a luxurious yard, the Schweppes Tonic Water ad captures the essence of sophistication. The catchy slogan "Schwepping it up" reinforces Schweppes as the go-to choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
8. Burlingame Ford: A Multilingual Message
Burlingame Ford breaks the mold with a commercial featuring salespeople speaking various languages, including Wing Chew, Don Pedro, and Bob Javier. This ad cleverly illustrates that no matter what language you speak, Burlingame Ford is the place to go for your next vehicle.
9. Valvoline Oil: The DIY Pioneer
Valvoline takes pride in being the first to encourage DIY oil changes with this informative ad. By teaching viewers how to change their own oil and packaging it in a convenient 12-quart case, Valvoline positions itself as a leader in innovation and quality in the automotive care market.
10. Plymouth Sapporo: The Future of Japanese Imports
Promoted as one of the most technologically advanced imports, the Plymouth Sapporo, built by Mitsubishi, is available for just $8,043. This commercial taps into the fascination with Japanese automotive technology that was prevalent in the 1980s.
11. Wall Street Journal: Knowledge at a Bargain
For only $47, a six-month subscription to the Wall Street Journal is advertised as the best deal in town for those looking to stay informed about the world of business and finance. Even today, this ad resonates with viewers who value staying ahead in their industries.
12. Smythe: Isuzu Quality
John Ralston, head coach of the Bay Area Invaders, steps off the field to endorse the Isuzu vehicle line. He emphasizes the "Isuzu Quality," suggesting that when it comes to automobiles, IQ only means one thing. The ad positions Smythe on Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose as the go-to destination for reliable vehicles.
13. Michelob Light: One More Game
The final Michelob Light commercial returns to the theme of friendly competition, this time on the racquetball court. With a cold Michelob Light on the line, the stakes are high, making the game and the beer equally rewarding.
14. BMW 320i: Passing the Competition
In a dynamic follow-up to their earlier spot, BMW showcases the 320i overtaking a line of cars, emphasizing the advantage of driving a vehicle designed for performance. This second ad reinforces the BMW brand's focus on driving pleasure and precision engineering.
A Snapshot of 1980s Advertising
These commercials are more than just ads?they are cultural artifacts that offer a glimpse into the values, humor, and lifestyle of the 1980s. Whether you're a fan of vintage cars, classic movies, or just enjoy a bit of nostalgia, this collection of commercials is sure to delight. Head over to my blog and check out the full video to experience these iconic ads from the 1982 "Big Game" for yourself. Enjoy the journey back in time!
Today, we visited Spirit Halloween in Natick, Massachusetts, after hearing they had received their 2025 inventory, including some new Disney Haunted Mansion items. My daughter and I decided to check out the store on the first day of September, hoping to get ahead of the crowd before all the good stuff sold out.
However, we were disappointed to find that there wasn't anything new or anything that felt like a must-have.
Haunted Mansion Area 2024
The Haunted Mansion supplies are usually kept together with other movies.
You had to search for Haunted Mansion items, they were not put in a nice little section like it was back in 2024.
Haunted Mansion in 2023
This is the Spirit Halloween display in 2023. This was taken mid-October 2023.
Four thing We Learned
During our visit, nobody asked us if we had any questions. The workers were busy putting things back were they belong and stocking the shelves. They did have plenty of large Decorations available - nothing Haunted Mansion related.
Online store did have more options - its very possible that the store didn't stock all their inventory. The Haunted Mansion area was a bit disorganized. It seems that the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie is the most popular items.
I did see a couple of new Fleece blankets that were cool - Portrait Fleece Blanket and The Haunted Mansion Map. I think the Haunted Mansion map blanket would be very cool to own.
The 24 Inch The Haunted Mansion Fred Tombstone is a good deal at $49.99. I purchased it a few years ago and it is still going strong. The stakes that came with it has been missing but I have found some standard stakes that work well.
Summary
If you are interested in the Disney Haunted Mansion collection at Spirit Halloween, your better off checking the website. I would recommend at least visiting your local store to see what things are popular and some cool Halloween items.
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