I’ve never been afraid of bats. They fascinate me. One of the big thrills of my life was floating on a canoe in Austin, Texas watching the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony come out for the night – 500,000 to 1.5 million Brazilian free-tailed bats flying in the twilight.
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10 of the best music radio stations around the world
As always, a subjective list but there’s some great World Music on these stations.
BBEdit updated, merch, and in the Mac App Store [Sponsor]
Bare Bones Software, makers of BBEdit, is one of my favorite software companies — in fact, I’ve been using BBEdit for more than 20 years. BBEdit has been updated to version 13, and is available in the Mac App Store as a subscription! Same great features. Same user experience. You can subscribe in the Mac App Store or purchase perpetual licenses directly from Bare Bones Software. Also, you can still get great merch, including Classic and Rebus T-shirts, enamel pins, and more in their merch store!
Webcam hacking – how I gained unauthorized Camera access on iOS and macOS
I don’t have the programming chops to know whether or not this actually possible but it’s an interesting description of how bug hunters and hackers discover information.
Behind the scenes with Prince
This video combines two of my favourite things – photography and Prince.
36 eerie photos of empty places around the world during social distancing
Some remarkable photos of formerly busy places devoid of people.
Socially distance this
No offense to fans of cruises but this is an entire industry we’d be better off without.
Zoom backgrounds
ZoomerBackgrounds: Video calling in style. Dazzle your co-workers and friends. Choose your favorite look from our community-uploaded collection. With so many people using Zoom, it would be inevitable that someone would start offering Zoom backgrounds. Some of these are hilarious.
Apple’s iPad Pro “Float” promo video
Cute.
California COVID-19 traffic report finds silver lining
I’m sure the results of this report would be replicated in every other area where shelter in place orders were implemented.
How to fact-check like a journalist with First Draft’s Laura Garcia
There’s way too much misinformation out there for us to fact check everything. I limit mine to family and friends posting stuff that is really obvious.
Full stage show of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of The Opera”
If, like me, you’ve never seen this version, make plans to snuggle up on the couch and watch it this evening. I’m going to.
Educational documentaries from Netflix
There are a lot of great documentaries listed here for those of you who don’t have Netflix. I highly recommend the “Our Planet” series.
Apple TV+ first look at “Defending Jacob”
A compelling story with a great cast makes me really want to see this.
An Apple veteran will take over the Beats headphones business
Changing leadership at any time isn’t always easy but it must be doubly so in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.
Zoom repairs flaws and improves privacy
Many felt that Zoom was just “catching up” because of the onslaught of new users and new scrutiny. The fact is, Zoom didn’t care about user privacy as much as it did growth. But the analysis of its shortcomings by security experts made them act (somewhat) faster to lock down the app to where it can be relatively safe and secure for most users.
The Web-based version of Apple Music has officially launched
Personal preference (and old eyes) make me like the website version more than the iOS one.
SoundSource from Rogue Amoeba
Many thanks to Rogue Amoeba for sponsoring The Loop. If you listen to audio on your Mac, SoundSource is for you. It lives in your menu bar, and provides you with superior control over all your audio.
Get control of audio on a per-application basis. Now you can change the volume of any app relative to others, and play individual apps to different audio devices.
With the Magic Boost and Volume Overdrive features, you can hear your audio even in loud environments, and the built-in equalizer can sweeten the sound. More advanced users will love the ability to apply Audio Units to any audio.
SoundSource also provides fast access to all the settings your Mac’s Output, Input, and Sound Effects audio devices offer. Adjust input and output levels, tweak the balance, and even switch sample rates, right from the menu bar. You may never need to open the Sound System Preference again!
SoundSource is made by Rogue Amoeba, the masters of Mac audio who bring you Audio Hijack, Airfoil, and more. Download the free trial, then purchase today. Loop readers can save 20% with coupon code LOOP2020 (Good through May 10th).
Inside Big Ben’s makeover
It’s one of the most recognizable structures in the world and an enduring symbol of the United Kingdom. The video also shows you the actual “Big Ben.” Hint: it’s not the clock tower (officially called the Elizabeth Tower).
The Dalrymple Report: Personal news, iPhone SE, and internet speed
Dave returns this week and both of us share some personal news from the last couple of weeks. We also talk about the new iPhone SE and how quarantine is affecting internet speed at home.
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Apple CEO talks covid-19 crisis, return to work plan at company-wide meeting
A voice of sanity in an insane world.
Boy laughs uncontrollably at shutter sound
This is sweet and funny but also, just a little bit creepy. Come on kid – open your mouth when you laugh!
Rick Steves is learning to cook and enjoying every sunset
What do you do with yourself when you travel for a living?
After the end of the world: the eerie silence of the Las Vegas Strip
As a photographer, I see these as remarkable photos only possible at this time in history.
Trump’s new advisory group on reopening economy includes Tim Cook, Mark Cuban, Jerry Jones
These kinds of panels are often just for show but for Apple CEO Cook, they are also fraught with implications, political and otherwise.
iPhone SE promo video from Apple
These promos are always so well done, they make me want one even though I don’t need one.
Apple’s new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is available to order
Along with the new iPhones, Apple has finally started orders for this keyboard. It will be interesting to see what reviewers think of it.
Apple announces iPhone SE 2nd generation
Apple on Wednesday announced the 2nd generation of its iPhone SE, a smaller, more affordable iPhone for Apple customers. Pre-orders for the $399 iPhone SE will begin on Friday, April 17 with orders shipping on April 24.
How the ‘greatest rock and roll band in the world’ got its logo
While I’m not a huge Rolling Stones fan, that logo turned out to be brilliant and unmistakably theirs.
Zoom security: Your meetings will be safe and secure if you do these 10 things
If your IT department or your employer is forcing you to use Zoom, shame on them. But here are some tips to make it as secure as possible.