If you're a podcaster looking to elevate the quality of your episodes with professional sound effects, FreeSound.org is a fantastic resource you should know about. FreeSound is a collaborative database of audio snippets, samples, recordings, and sound effects contributed by creators from around the world. Here's why it's a must-have tool for podcasters:
Why FreeSound.org?
Wide Variety of Sounds
From ambient noise to dramatic sound effects, FreeSound offers a vast library of audio files. Whether you need a gentle rain backdrop, an applause sound, or even quirky sci-fi effects, chances are you'll find it here.
Free and Accessible
As the name suggests, FreeSound is free to use. While many sound effects are available under Creative Commons licenses, make sure to check the specific license terms to see if attribution is required.
Community-Contributed
The platform thrives on contributions from sound designers, musicians, and enthusiasts. This means you're not just downloading files but accessing a diverse array of creative content.
Search and Tagging System
FreeSound's robust tagging and search functionality make it easy to find exactly what you need. You can search by mood, type of sound, or even by duration.
As of today there are 662,733 sounds of which 333,597 are in the Creative Commons license.
Website Description
Freesound aims to create a huge collaborative database of audio snippets, samples, recordings, and all sorts of bleeps, ... released under Creative Commons licenses that allow their reuse. Freesound provides new and interesting ways of accessing these samples, allowing users to:
browse the sounds in new ways using keywords, a "sounds-like" type of browsing and more
upload and download sounds to and from the database, under the same Creative Commons license
interact with fellow sound-artists!
We also aim to create an open database of sounds that can also be used for scientific research and be integrated in third party applications. Using the Freesound API researchers and developers can access Freesound content a retrieve meaningful sound information such as metadata, analysis files and the sounds themselves. See the developers section and the API documentation for more information. Freesound API usage is free for non-commercial use, but it can also be licensed for being used in commercial applications.
This week, someone asked me which graphic applications I use the most on my Macintosh. It was a great question and inspired me to write this blog post. Graphics are a big part of my daily workflow, whether I'm creating visuals for blog posts, enhancing photos, or designing unique layouts. Here are the six graphic applications I turn to most frequently, along with how I use them.
Affinity Designer 2 is my go-to application for creating productive daily worksheets and graphic layouts. It's a powerful vector design tool, especially handy when I work with EPS files purchased online. Whether I need precise shapes or intricate designs, this app handles it all seamlessly.
While I don't use Affinity Photo as extensively, it's my tool of choice for minor photo edits. I haven't upgraded to Affinity Photo 2 because other applications fulfill most of my needs, but it remains a reliable option for quick touch-ups.
Luminar Neo is my enhancement powerhouse. When I want to make a photo look stunning, this is the application I use. Its AI tools for sky replacement and photo enhancement give my images a professional touch, perfect for blog visuals or personal projects.
For a quick cleanup and enhancement, Photolemur 3 gets the job done. It supports HEIC files, making it an excellent tool for converting them to JPEGs with an added bonus of image enhancement. While Luminar Neo does a better job overall, Photolemur shines when speed is the priority.
PhotoScape X is incredibly versatile. I use it mainly to create collages and add special effects to images. Its user-friendly interface and diverse editing features make it a great addition to my toolkit.
Pixelmator Pro is a standout for creating blog images and even some light video editing. The Remove Background and Super Resolution features have been lifesavers, breathing new life into old graphic files I thought were unusable.
Each of these applications brings something unique to the table, and together they cover all my graphic design and editing needs. Whether I'm crafting a blog post image, enhancing a photo for social media, or working on a personal project, I know I can rely on these tools.
In BBEdit's Unix Worksheet, you have a powerful terminal-like environment that integrates seamlessly with your text editing workflow. While BBEdit's core functionality is incredible on its own, leveraging Unix commands directly from the Worksheet can significantly enhance productivity.
This post builds upon my earlier introduction to the Unix Worksheet. Below, I'll outline some advanced commands that are worth having at your fingertips for a variety of tasks.
Essential Advanced Commands
1. Search and Replace in Files
Need to perform a global search and replace across multiple files? Here's a Unix command to do it quickly:
find /path/to/directory -type f -name"*.txt"-exec sed -i'''s/search_term/replace_term/g' {} +
Usage: Replace search_term and replace_term with your desired text.
Pro Tip: Change *.txt to match specific file extensions or * for all files.
2. Extract Unique Lines from a File
Clean up duplicate lines in your text files with this one-liner:
sort input.txt |uniq> output.txt
Use Case: Quickly sanitize log files or datasets for unique entries.
Tip: Add -c to uniq to count duplicate occurrences.
3. Count Word Frequency
For quick text analysis, this command counts word occurrences in a file:
What It Does: Breaks text into words, sorts them, and outputs a frequency count in descending order.
Advanced Tip: Use grep beforehand to focus on specific patterns before running this analysis.
4. Bulk Rename Files
When working with directories full of misnamed files, use this batch renaming command:
for file in*.txt;domv"$file""${file%.txt}_new.txt";done
Explanation: This appends _new to the filename while preserving the original extension.
5. Find and Delete Empty Files
If you're cleaning up directories and want to remove useless files:
find /path/to/directory -type f -empty-delete
Why It's Useful: Keeps your workspace tidy by removing zero-byte files.
6. Check Disk Usage by Directory
Quickly see which directories are taking up the most space:
du-sh /path/to/directory/*
Output: Displays the disk usage of each subdirectory in a human-readable format.
7. Generate a Word Count Summary
Want a summary of lines, words, and characters in a file? Use:
wc-lwc input.txt
Details: Outputs the line count, word count, and character count, respectively.
8. Preview File Contents Without Opening
For a quick peek at the beginning or end of a file, these commands are helpful:
head-n 20 input.txt # Shows the first 20 linestail-n 20 input.txt # Shows the last 20 lines
Pro Tips for Using the Unix Worksheet
Create a Command Repository: Save frequently used commands in a text file for easy copy-pasting.
Test in Small Batches: When working with large datasets, run commands on smaller test files first.
Explore Aliases: Use shell aliases to simplify complex commands. For example, add this to your .bash_profile:
alias clean_empty_files="find . -type f -empty -delete"
Backup Before Applying: For destructive actions (like delete), create backups of your files. Use cp to duplicate your directories beforehand.
BBEdit's Unix Worksheet isn't just a tool for developers; it's a Swiss Army knife for text processing and data management. These advanced commands can save time, prevent errors, and add a level of sophistication to your workflow.
Do you have a favorite Unix Worksheet command? Share it in the comments below!
If you've ever taken screenshots of software across different environments ? maybe production, staging, or testing ? you probably know how easy it is to lose track of which environment the screenshot came from. This confusion can lead to costly mistakes, especially when sharing or documenting bug reports. A creative and highly effective way to solve this problem is by using custom stamps to clearly mark your screenshots.
In this post, I'm going to show you how to create and use custom stamp icons in SnagIt to visually identify the environment where the screenshot was taken. For a bonus touch, I'll share how I use color to quickly convey whether something is "good" or "bad."
What Are Custom Stamps?
Custom stamps are graphic overlays that you can add to your screenshots to communicate additional information at a glance. Think of them like a digital sticker that tells you exactly what you need to know ? like the environment type ? without having to dig deeper into documentation or notes. This small visual addition makes your images much more meaningful and useful, particularly for Quality Assurance (QA) or documentation purposes.
Some of the Environment stamps that I have: QA2, Prod and DEV.
My Setup for Custom Stamps
I create custom stamps using Affinity Designer, but you can use any graphic editor that allows you to create images with transparent backgrounds, including SnagIt. The stamps I use feature a monitor screen that includes the name of the environment. The beauty of this approach is that you can easily tailor the visuals to match your needs. Here's what I do:
Environment-Specific Monitors: Each stamp includes a small monitor icon, and on that monitor, the environment name is written clearly (e.g., "Production," "Staging," "Development").
Color-Coding for Quick Reference: I use colors to convey an immediate visual signal about the environment:
Green Screen: For safe environments, such as Staging or Testing, I use a green color to indicate that changes made here won't impact end-users.
Red Screen: For Production, I use a red color to signal caution. This tells the viewer that any changes in this environment are critical and require extra scrutiny.
How to Create Custom Stamps
Here's a simple guide to creating your own custom stamps:
Choose Your Tool: You can use Affinity Designer, SnagIt, or even something like Canva or GIMP. The key is to use a tool that lets you create transparent backgrounds.
Design the Monitor Icon: Create a small graphic of a monitor screen. This monitor will serve as the base of your stamp. You can be creative here - add a bit of shadow or depth to make it look polished.
Add Environment Labels: Label the monitor with the environment name: "Prod," "Stage," etc. Make sure the text is readable and short - like a street sign would be.
Apply Color Coding: Use a colored screen on the monitor to indicate status: green for good environments, red for bad code, yellow for testing, etc.
Save in Transparent Format: Save your image as a .PNG with a transparent background, which will allow it to blend seamlessly into your screenshot.
Applying Custom Stamps to Your Screenshots in SnagIt
Once you have your custom stamps ready, you can easily apply them using SnagIt. In SnagIt, you can create a stamp library where you store these custom stamps for quick access.
To add a stamp in SnagIt:
Open your screenshot in the SnagIt Editor.
Navigate to the Stamps Tool.
Select your custom stamp from your library and drag it onto the screenshot.
Position the stamp somewhere that won't obstruct key information. I usually place mine in the top-right corner for consistency.
Get Creative with Your Own Stamps
The beauty of custom stamps is that they are totally adaptable to your workflow. Want to create different icons for different users (e.g., Admin vs.?Standard user)? Go for it! You could also make stamps to indicate the date the screenshot was taken or the version number of the software.
Pro Tip: If you use Affinity Designer, you can create a template where you simply modify the text or color for each new environment stamp you need. This speeds up the process and keeps your stamps consistent. (Also useful when you want to create unique stamps for big projects.)
My collection of icons in Affinity Designer
Make Your Screenshots More Informative
Custom stamps make it easy to identify crucial details about the screenshot at a glance, eliminating guesswork and potential errors. I've found it particularly useful in QA processes, where the origin environment of an issue can make all the difference in terms of impact and priority.
Have fun creating your own stamps and seeing how much easier it makes organizing your screenshots! If you create some cool stamps, feel free to share them. I'd love to see what you come up with!
As QA testers, we play a pivotal role in ensuring that the software our developers create meets the highest standards of quality and functionality. During the testing phase, developers often approach us eagerly (or nervously) to ask, "Did it pass?" Over the years, I've found that our responses typically fall into five distinct categories. Each answer tells its own story about the state of the code?and what's next.
Here's a light-hearted but insightful look at the five answers QA gives to developers when we test changes:
1. "No, there are issues."
This is the classic QA response, and often the most dreaded. When we give this answer, it means we've encountered bugs or inconsistencies that need to be addressed before the code is ready.
Why we say it:
Our role is to be the gatekeeper of quality. We don't stop at saying "No"; we provide detailed feedback, logs, and replication steps so developers can tackle the issues efficiently.
What Devs Should Know:
A "No" from QA isn't a personal critique?it's an opportunity to refine and improve the product.
2. "Yes, but you'll have to wait until bugs are fixed."
This answer signals that the primary functionality works as expected, but there are secondary issues or edge cases that still need attention. While the fix might not be critical to the current release, it's worth addressing.
Why we say it:
We want to ensure you're aware of minor bugs that could grow into larger problems later. Testing is about more than checking boxes; it's about foresight.
What Devs Should Know:
This "Yes, but" approach keeps progress moving while acknowledging the need for future iteration.
3. "Yes, but not what you expected."
This one stings a bit for everyone involved. When we say this, the code works, but the outcome deviates from the intended functionality or doesn't align with user stories or design specs.
Why we say it:
Sometimes, code technically "works" but misses the mark in terms of business requirements or user experience. QA looks beyond the "happy path" to ensure the product aligns with the vision.
What Devs Should Know:
Think of this as a second chance to revisit the user story or refine the implementation. Collaboration between QA, Dev, and Product at this stage is key to success.
4. "Yes, and here's more!"
This is the QA equivalent of a standing ovation. Not only does the code pass testing, but we've also discovered unexpected benefits, optimizations, or overlooked strengths.
Why we say it:
We want to celebrate wins with you! Maybe the new feature performs better than anticipated, or we found ways to leverage it beyond the original scope.
What Devs Should Know:
Cherish these moments. They're proof that all your hard work is paying off?and QA noticed.
5. "Yes, I thought you'd never ask."
This answer is delivered with a mix of relief and satisfaction. It means the code is perfect?or as close as it gets. All scenarios passed, edge cases handled, and performance met expectations.
Why we say it:
This is our way of telling you: "Well done!" A flawless release is rare, but when it happens, it's a moment of pride for the whole team.
What Devs Should Know:
Take a bow, share the success, and let's prepare for the next challenge!
Final Thoughts
Each of these answers reflects a different facet of the QA/Dev relationship. While it's fun to categorize them, the reality is that our responses are a stepping stone for collaboration and improvement. At the end of the day, QA and Dev share the same goal: delivering exceptional software to users.
So, the next time you ask us, "Did it pass?"?brace yourself. Whatever our answer, you'll know it's backed by rigorous testing, an eye for quality, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Back in the early 2000s, late-night television was a treasure trove of quirky, audacious infomercials, and few stood out quite like Jeff Paul's pitch for his "Instant Money-Making System." With the tagline, "How You Can Make $4000 a Day Sitting Around Your Kitchen Table in Your Underwear," this infomercial was hard to ignore.
If you missed the wild ride - or simply want a nostalgia hit - check out this 11:47 clip from YouTube (embedded below) that encapsulates the outrageous charm and promises of Paul's marketing magic.
The Appeal of Jeff Paul's Pitch
The infomercial wasn't just about money; it was about freedom. Jeff Paul painted a picture of an effortless lifestyle - working from home, setting your hours, and raking in cash while dressed in your most comfortable attire. For many, it was the ultimate dream, especially as the internet was becoming a new frontier for entrepreneurs.
Paul's marketing leveraged powerful psychological hooks:
- Simplicity: He claimed that anyone, regardless of experience, could use his system.
- Proof of Success: Testimonials abounded, with everyday people sharing how they supposedly turned their lives around with Paul's guidance.
- Scarcity and FOMO: The infomercial often emphasized limited opportunities, urging viewers to act fast before missing out.
Why It Stood Out
Jeff Paul wasn't your typical buttoned-up businessman. His casual, everyman persona made the outrageous claim - earning thousands daily in your underwear - feel oddly relatable. The premise was absurd enough to grab attention but just plausible enough to make you wonder, "What if?"
The production itself was classic infomercial gold:
- Bold Graphics and Headlines: Constant reminders of the promised $4000/day income.
- Over-the-Top Testimonials: From financial freedom to luxury vacations, the success stories were as aspirational as they were dubious.
- Hypnotic Repetition: Paul drove home the message that his system was easy, profitable, and risk-free.
Did It Deliver?
Like many get-rich-quick schemes of its time, Jeff Paul's system attracted criticism. Reviews from users often revealed that the program required more work - and investment - than the infomercial suggested. Critics also pointed out that the methods involved were not revolutionary but rather a mix of affiliate marketing and lead generation strategies.
Still, the infomercial's real success was its ability to sell the dream. Whether it worked for viewers or not, Paul undeniably built a brand that people still remember.
Why We Love the Nostalgia
Revisiting Jeff Paul's infomercial is like taking a time machine to a simpler era of marketing, where larger-than-life promises and charismatic personalities ruled the airwaves. Today, such ads might feel dated, but they remain a fascinating look at how the early internet era shaped our perceptions of entrepreneurship.
Did you ever see Jeff Paul's infamous ad? Or did you even try his system? Share your thoughts or memories in the comments below - bonus points if you were brave enough to attempt the kitchen-table-in-underwear strategy!
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of donning the red suit and playing Santa at a local church. It's a role I've embraced for four years now, and I try to make it as entertaining and engaging as possible.
Each year brings a mix of emotions and reactions, and over time, I've come to recognize six distinct types of people who visit Santa. Here's a little insight into the festive fun:
1. Infants: Their First Christmas Photo
The tiniest visitors are often oblivious to the moment, but their parents are overjoyed to capture their first Christmas photo. Infants typically stare wide-eyed at the strange bearded figure holding them - or sometimes they burst into tears. Either way, these moments are precious milestones for families and make for adorable memories. We work hard to get the best picture as possible.
2. Toddlers: Terrified by Santa
For toddlers, Santa is an enigma. They're just old enough to notice something unusual about the jolly man in red, but not quite old enough to understand. The result? Fear. Lots of it. Some brave souls muster a hesitant smile, but most are a mix of screaming, squirming, and clinging to their parents for dear life. Many don't make it near me to get a high-five.
3. Elementary Kids: Excited to See Santa
This is the sweet spot. Elementary-aged kids are thrilled to see Santa, their faces lighting up with pure joy. They come prepared with wish lists, stories about being good all year, and big dreams about the presents they hope to find under the tree. These interactions are the highlight of my day. I laugh at some of the crazy requests.
4. Middle School Kids: The Skeptics
Middle schoolers start asking the tough questions: Are you really Santa? How do you visit all those houses in one night? They're testing the waters of skepticism but still secretly want to believe. It's fun to play along and offer clever, magical answers to keep their imaginations alive for just a little longer.
5. Teenagers: Reluctantly Along for the Ride
Teenagers are there because their family insisted. They roll their eyes, take the obligatory photo, and look forward to the moment they can escape. I always try to crack a joke or two to lighten the mood - sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, but it's worth the effort.
6. Adults: The Support Crew
Adults are the proud parents and grandparents, soaking in the magic of the moment. They're there to capture the perfect photo and revel in their children's or grandchildren's joy. Some even whisper their thanks for bringing holiday cheer year after year. It's a touching reminder of the impact Santa can have, no matter the age. They do appreciate the effort that we put into the activity.
One of the best parts of being Santa for four years is seeing the same kids return year after year. Watching them grow up and knowing they recognize and appreciate seeing the same Santa is heartwarming. It's a testament to the joy and consistency this simple role brings to families during the holiday season.
Playing Santa is more than just putting on a suit - it's about spreading joy, sparking wonder, and connecting with people of all ages. Whether it's calming a frightened toddler, sharing a laugh with a skeptic, or simply listening to a little one's Christmas wishes, every interaction adds a little more magic to the season.
Edabit is an interactive coding platform that provides a gamified approach to learning programming. Designed to cater to a variety of skill levels?from beginners to advanced programmers?it offers bite-sized challenges that help users practice and refine their coding skills in a fun and engaging way.
Who Is Edabit For?
Beginners: Those starting their coding journey can use Edabit to build a solid foundation.
Intermediates: Users with some coding knowledge can practice and refine their skills through progressively challenging problems.
Experienced Programmers: Advanced users can stay sharp and discover unique approaches by solving high-difficulty challenges.
Website Description
The Easiest Way To Learn
Do you feel like you?re stuck between learning material that?s too easy and material that?s too hard? Once the basics are learned, you will realize everything is made for either a total beginner or an advanced coder. Edabit bridges this gap. You start on easy and progress at your own pace until you're able to master the toughest coding exercises.
The Fastest Way To Learn
Everyone knows the fastest way to learn a spoken language is by having conversations with native speakers. Likewise, the fastest way to learn to code is by actually coding. Edabit offers an almost limitless supply of bite-sized exercises, so you can rapidly advance your abilities.
Here's my annual Black Friday watch posting. Every year I post on things that I am looking for on Black Friday. This year is a bit different, as I really don't need much things.
Here's the deals that I'll be looking for on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Top Five Macintosh Items
Notion: This versatile application has evolved significantly, now offering features like a web clipper and enhanced collaboration tools. I'll keep an eye out for potential Black Friday discounts on their subscription plans.
Photolemur: As an AI-driven photo enhancement tool, Photolemur continues to simplify photo editing. Look for deals that bring the price below previous offers, making it an attractive addition to your software suite.
Wondershare Filmora: Known for its user-friendly video editing capabilities, Filmora often provides Black Friday promotions on its software and subscription packages. This could be an opportune time to upgrade or expand your video editing tools.
uDemy Courses: With a vast array of courses, uDemy frequently offers substantial discounts during Black Friday, sometimes as low as $9.99 per course. This is an excellent chance to acquire new skills or deepen your knowledge in areas of interest.
256 GB Flash Drive: Storage devices, such as 256 GB Extreme flash drives, often see significant price drops during Black Friday. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target may offer competitive deals, making it a good time to enhance your storage solutions.
AI Tools and Training Discounts
Fliki: An AI tool that converts text into videos using AI voices and auto-generated clips. During Black Friday 2024, Fliki is offering 50% off annual plans, providing 7,200 minutes of video creation with over 2,000 voice options in 80+ languages.
Scalenut: An AI writing platform featuring a range of templates for blogging, copywriting, business, videos, and emails. It also offers powerful SEO optimization tools. For Black Friday, Scalenut is offering 60% off on its Max plans for a lifetime, along with 3x limits and free add-ons like Link Manager, OnPage Pro, and AI Humanizer.
Coursera: An online learning platform offering courses across various fields. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Coursera provides discounts on courses and subscriptions, making it an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills relevant to your job search.
Skillshare: Known for its wide range of courses, Skillshare often offers Black Friday deals, providing access to numerous classes that can enhance your professional skills.
LinkedIn Learning: Offers a vast library of professional courses. During Black Friday, they may provide discounts on their subscription plans, allowing you to learn new skills pertinent to your career advancement.
Monitoring these items and tools during the Black Friday sales can help you secure valuable additions to your Macintosh setup and enhance your skill set at favorable prices.
If you're a BBEdit user, you likely already know about the Text Factory - a powerful tool for streamlining repetitive text editing tasks. Whether you're cleaning up code, reformatting data, or parsing files for specific characters or patterns, Text Factory can handle it all. With the release of BBEdit 15, BareBones Software has made significant enhancements to Text Factory, making it even more useful and user-friendly.
What is Text Factory?
BBEdit's Text Factory allows you to combine multiple text actions into a single workflow, saving time and ensuring consistency. Instead of performing each text transformation manually, you can define a sequence of actions and apply them all at once to one or more files. This feature is invaluable for tasks such as:
Removing extra spaces or unwanted text.
Formatting text to meet specific requirements.
Cleaning up data copied from external sources like websites.
If your work involves running multiple transformations on text files, Text Factory is your best friend.
What's New in BBEdit 15's Text Factory?
In BBEdit 15, BareBones has given the Text Factory a significant facelift, improving usability and adding functionality to make it a more powerful tool.
Enhanced Layout and Descriptions
The new Text Factory interface is more intuitive, with detailed descriptions of each action. This change reduces the learning curve for new users and makes it easier for seasoned users to select the right action quickly.
Expanded Action Items
Text Factory now offers 38 action items to choose from, covering a wide range of text manipulation needs. From search-and-replace to more complex text transformations, the expanded options ensure that you have all the tools you need in one place.
New Text Transform: Normalize Spaces
One of the standout additions in BBEdit 15 is the Normalize Spaces transform. Available in the Text menu, scripting interface, or Text Factory, this action converts printable nonbreaking spaces into standard ASCII space characters.
Why is this important? When you copy text from web pages, it often contains nonbreaking spaces that can cause issues in formatting or processing. The Normalize Spaces transform cleans up these inconsistencies, ensuring your text behaves as expected in various contexts.
Old Text Factory Look
New Text Factory Look
Why Use Text Factory?
If you regularly work with files that need multiple transformations, Text Factory can save you hours of manual effort. Here's why BBEdit 15's revamped Text Factory stands out:
Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks to focus on higher-value work.
Consistency: Apply the same transformations every time, reducing errors.
Powerful Actions: With 38 actions to choose from, you're well-equipped for any text-processing challenge.
User-Friendly Interface: The enhanced layout and descriptions in BBEdit 15 make Text Factory easier to navigate and use.
Conclusion
BBEdit 15's updated Text Factory is a must-try feature for anyone who deals with complex text transformations. With a polished interface, more action items, and the handy Normalize Spaces transform, it's a clear demonstration of how BareBones Software continues to innovate and listen to its user base.
If you haven't explored Text Factory yet, now is the perfect time. Give it a try and see how it can simplify your workflow.
Have you used the new Text Factory in BBEdit 15? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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