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.
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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.
It's a pleasure to welcome you to cryan.com's main blog page where you will find all kinds of informative blog posts that cover a variety of topics of interest. From technology to lifestyle and career advice, there is something for everyone.
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