AI is progressing at a scary rate. I’ve never thought it would reach to the level it is now, but we may not be far from having an AI that can interact with us on a Human level or even better.
Here are the current hottest AI Programs to use right now by category:
This company has blown up due to how good it is. Companies right now are following them in their footsteps. Simply write a prompt and then it generates a response. You can refine through further prompting. It is predicted future job is writing prompts, who knows where we’ll go. Right now it is free, but there is a waitlist. There is also a premium option.
Personally, I love ChatGPT. It helps me save mental anguish, pain, frustration and road blocks when it comes to writing.
It is not easy to use, you will have to sign up for Discord, and everyone can see what you are promoting. That is a two edge sword. There may be things you don’t want others to see. However, seeing what people are creating helps you become a better creator.
Much easier to use than Midjourney. You can prompt the AI to create images. You have to be very specific in your prompts. There is a waitlist, but I prefer this over Midjourney for ease of use.
They do have an AI component that is pretty great but is kind of buried. Canva, though, I think is great to have in your toolbox. They have so many templates, images, etc., that have made me much more efficient.
I like this as it immediately allows you to play with it intuitively. Also, if you have a screen recording program like OBS, you can rip the audio without creating an account.
Think of those training videos where a person talks to you on the screen. This is what they specialize in. It is very corporate but very good. It’s not free, but it does save money for companies who are looking for this type of style.
If you are on social media, especially TikTok, you have run into this program. They have so many templates to create different styles and types of videos it amazes me how good it looks.
I look forward to seeing how AI grows and how I can incorporate them into my life.
*Note: This is my anonymous interview with a friend.
Here are some top things I wish I had known before working with an International Vendor. We hired a wedding photographer in another country, which is our experience.
Define the terms of the contract clearly – Especially the Currency
What happened to me was that I didn’t specify what currency we were paying in. It caused a bit of an argument when we wanted to pay USD as it would save us money vs paying in Euros. It caused tension in the relationship, and I wish I had nipped in the bud way earlier.
Get someone local if you can – or start studying the local culture deeply
Although we hired an international photographer, where we were shooting isn’t their home country. They just live close and could drive there. I thought they would have at least looked up the local culture and customs, but they didn’t. They directed us to do certain poses and actions that were not in line with the local custom and were offensive. This is a general good rule thumb to do when you are travelling.
Have your own vision
The photographer might have their own vision or storyboard. You can ask about their process, and understand how much you need to prepare. I wish we looked up places where we would like to take photos at, and what we wanted to do.
Look up the International Holidays
This should have been a non brainer but it totally slipped our mines. A lot of rentals were closed (Do this ahead of time if you can), and locations were too. Which was a bummer.
I hope these few tips helped! Have a wonderful week!
Although I don’t ace every interview I am in. There are a few tricks and tips I’ve picked up over the years that have made it into my interview preparation.
First: Take the job posting and create interview questions based on it
The job description gives you precisely what they are looking for. Most likely, they will ask questions based on it. Roughly 70% of the interview will consist of these types of questions. You can use google to look for questions based on skills, scenarios using those skills, etc. This has helped me anticipate what they might ask.
Second: Use Mock Interviews
There are videos on YouTube which put you in a sort of simulation. I found them helpful in getting used to the interview process and practice. Here are my favourite ones:
Third: Ask someone to roleplay with you.
It can be very helpful if you have someone willing to roleplay an interview. They can ask curve balls, interact with you more fully, and give you feedback.
Fourth: Have prepared answers for the “out of the box” or personal questions
You don’t have to practice these over and over again, but you should have an answer. These questions should always end with how it connects to the job. Here are the ones I’ve come across in real life and online:
What superpower would you have?
What books are you reading?
What do you do in your spare time?
Why is a manhole a circle?
What would you wish for if you had 3 wishes?
What are your hobbies?
Fifth: Bring a portfolio
This tip works better for creative industries, especially if you are starting your career. I have impressed interviewers by bringing in samples of my work. However, I still think it would be great for non-creative jobs too. You can take pictures of job sites if you are in construction, awards you’ve won in your profession, products you’ve designed, etc.
*Note: There are no criteria to get these rewards or perks. They are given and random and can be taken away. Generally, the more active and levels you get, the more likely you’ll be offered a reward. Please ensure you safelist Google Guides emails, as some people miss them.
“Fixed” Rewards
Fixed Rewards, I consider, are rewards that are given out consistently.
Image
Note
Google Socks: These are the most coveted among Google Guides. However, there are three different designs, and you won’t be guaranteed to get the one you want. They are pretty cute, I must say!
Enamel Pin: These are the newest addition, and I love the little guy. Google Guides have made this into Jewelry, key rings, etc. A more durable reward.
Tote Bag: Subtle design and practical. This is the least popular choice for a reward I’ve seen.
Google Rewards
Perks
These are some of the perks given out over the years that I know of. These change on a dime, so don’t expect them. However, it indicates that Google recognizes the hard work Google Guides do for free.
10% of Google Products
USD 7 reward for the Google App Store and Books
Free Trials and Sneak Peeks
Google Badges
Exclusive: Invitation to Connect Live
I decided to separate because not everyone can get it. It is based on contributions in the google forum, activity, application and video submission. Google will fly you out to it to participate. Here are Oscar Kwak’s Tips and Experience on it.
I hope that helps! Let me know if I missed anything.
In 2022 after the pandemic, I decided I wanted to volunteer in an arts and culture capacity. What is one of the most influential arts and culture events in the GTA? It’s TIFF. Here I will put my experience, tips and advice.
First, here is my proof:
Where and When to apply
The TIFF festival typically happens in early to mid-September. Applying a couple of months in advance is recommended as they do have orientation/training before.
The application was easy, and I applied back in late July. I was quickly accepted and sent material to help me prepare.
I will say one thing. Volunteering at TIFF means you will STAND a lot. If you cannot stand for long periods, reconsider signing up. TIFF does make accommodations; you can check with them. However, there are a few positions where can sit.
Tips
Yay, you got accepted! TIFF is on top of sending their volunteer material, such as the volunteer booklet, training, etc. One of the things I highly suggest you take time to consider is WHERE YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER. In 2022 these were the volunteer locations and my thoughts and tips.
Locations
Roy Thomson Hall Chance to see celebrities (Fanzone/Red Carpet). Tip: if you select this location. If they ask, “Does anyone have a loud voice and have to problem telling people what to do?” Say yes! Chances are they will put you near the Red Carpet to tell people to move away.
Royal Alexandra Theatre – Chance to see celebrities (Fanzone/Red Carpet). Tip: if you select this location. If they ask, “Does anyone have a loud voice and have to problem telling people what to do?” Say yes! Chances are they will put you near the Red Carpet to tell people to move away.
-Highly inaccessible. If you hate walking upstairs, don’t go to this location.
– They tell you to go around the back if you miss orientation and don’t know where to go to the volunteer lounge. They don’t mean around the building but instead go down Duncan street, then turn on Pearl and get to the back of the building.
Princess of Wales Theatre Chance to see celebrities (Fanzone/Red Carpet). Tip: if you select this location. If they ask, “Does anyone have a loud voice and have to problem telling people what to do?” Say yes! Chances are they will put you near the Red Carpet to tell people to move away.
Cinesphere – Ontario Place One of the furthest away from transit in the downtown core. There is a lovely waterfront, so if you want to explore that area, you can choose this location.
Scotiabank Theatre If your goal is to watch movies, this is the location I would sign up for. They have the most screenings and have a specific position called Usher, where they will put you in the theatre. Lots of downtimes, especially in the morning. You can talk to your fellow volunteers the most here.
TIFF Bell Lightbox This is also where a lot of press will be. If you are into marketing, you can select this place.
Glenn Gould Studio This year it held workshops and panels. If you are lucky, you can sit in on those. Very few volunteers get to go here.
Industry Centre at the Hyatt Regency Hotel If you want a behind scene look at the press industry, this is the place you want to be. They have highly specialized roles and will require a minimum of shifts, so be aware. You can’t hop around to other locations.
Office Support They have highly specialized roles and will require a minimum of shifts, so be aware. You can’t hop around to other locations.
Airport Greeter You will need to have reliable transport to get the Pearson Airport. A limited number of people and you will be standing for long periods.
Festival Street You have to be outgoing and okay with talking to many people. Rain or shine, you must be okay working in any weather condition.
Events Support TIFF holds special events at various locations. If you want a chance to see stars, industry people, etc., choose this one. There is mandatory training for this specific role.
Ace volunteer If you can’t decide where you want to go, choose his position. You are a floater who will be sent to various locations.
What to Bring
Water Bottle: You will get thirsty, and they do not provide any.
Bum Bag/Fanny Pack: You want your items on you because they could get stolen.
Charger: They don’t provide one, and there are few places to charge your phone. Your shifts will be a minimum of four hours, so be prepared.
Additional Shirt: You want to change out of the volunteer uniform when you aren’t on shift, or you will get bothered. I wore a different shirt underneath, others had a light jacket.
Positions
There are the following positions available that I am aware of.
Usher: Will be in the movie theatre to ensure no illegal activities are happening, helping people find seats, and other activities.
Clicker: You will be outside of the theatre, counting the number of people going into the theatre.
Readmittance: There will be peopleleaving the theatre, and to ensure you aren’t double counting anyone, you will give them a ticket or token. They will give it back when they return.
Scanner: You will scan people’s tickets for entrance.
Line Management: You will help people find the line, direct them, and guide them.
Wayfinder: You have to be able to read the fine print as you will be letting people know what movies are playing and giving directions.
Admin: Helping with menial administrative tasks.
Flyer Distributor: You will be giving out materials, such as tickets, flyers etc, to people on the street.
VACCT Awards
The Volunteer Award for Arts and Culture in Toronto (VAACT) is a program that recognizes volunteers who contribute their time to multiple arts and culture organizations throughout the year in the city of Toronto. The program ends yearly with an awards ceremony for VAACT participants, scheduled on International Volunteer Day (December 5, 2022). For more information, please visit vaact.org.
Here’s my recommendation. Do you read this in January or November, haven’t volunteered at any of the organizations yet, and want the VAACT award? Your timing is lucky.
The minimum requirements are the following:
You have to volunteer with three organizations recognized by the VAACT
You have to complete their minimum volunteer shifts
You have to volunteer within their term, which runs from November to October of that year
I suggest you choose three organizations ahead of them and apply. Early as possible.
These are the organizations:
• Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival • Arts in the Parks • Luminato Festival • Pride Toronto • The Toronto Fringe Festival • Toronto International Film Festival • imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival • Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival • Harbourfront Centre
I only have done TIFF and imagineNative and couldn’t be eligible since I only volunteered in September and Oct. I wanted to Reel Asian, but they run in November.
My Experience at TIFF
Finally, after all the tips and advice from my personal experience. I enjoyed it! There was lots of variety and things to do and see. The captains were awesome! Everyone there was amazing. I go to usher for some movies, saw some celebrities, and loved interacting with the festival goers. If you have any questions, let me know!
LinkedIn is one of the best ways to find jobs. Recruiters often go on to search and find candidates. Here are some ways to make your profile stand out.
Your Job Title
This one is obvious. Recruiters will be looking for specific job titles. Your title may be close but not close enough. Try to negotiate by adding a word to improve your findability—words such as Senior and Digital. The list goes on, but the more you can add to it to make it specific will help. If you have no idea what title you should have, you can look through the LinkedIn Jobs section, find similar people, or even ask people around you. Another resource is Payscale Career Path Planner, which helps you know the next step and job title. Then you know what to ask for in your next job.
LinkedIn has a feature where you can do an audio recording on the pronunciation of your name. It helps recruiters pronounce it correctly. It also gives you personality and helps put a voice in the photo. Bonus, you can also add your pronouns if you feel like it.
Join Groups/Interest
LinkedIn will put “You are both in the same group” or similar—giving something different to our account when recruiters look through search results.
Change your Banner
Add some personality to your account. You can quickly get custom banners at Canva.com and search for LinkedIn Banner. I would advise getting one with more imagery on the right side as your profile circle is on the right. Please stay away from people in your banner. Let it focus on words, imagery, awards, or the like to help you stand out.
Happy creating! Good Luck with your career growth and development.
1. Click on the star tool on the side menu. You can click on the small triangle to open up more options.
2. Then click and drag on the artboard. The default shape is a star.
3. To add more points, while you are clicking and to drag the default star, press the up arrow ↑. If you click the down arrow ↓, fewer points will appear.
4. To change the distance of the inner points to the endpoints. When you are clicking and dragging, press CTRL simultaneously, move your mouse towards for a small distance or away for a pointer star.
You can use the star tool to create many different shapes cleanly.
Note: If you have other Adobe programs such as Photoshop and Indesign, you can copy and paste these shapes into there.
Setting yourself up for success in school is difficult. No one talks about it in high school or university. However, the internet is an excellent resource to help steer you in the correct direction. Here are my four top tips to help you do just that.
Get an Internship, Co-op, or Work Study
When choosing a university, many consider it obvious to look at who offers the best program for their desired major, such as the best teachers, equipment, facilities, etc. However, many fail to consider choosing a university if they have an internship, co-op, or work-study for their major. I think this is a significant consideration. Getting experience early is critical in building up your resume and your expertise.
Bonus, you will make some extra money and get a reference. A tip is to look at the internship/co-op/work-study requirements. I had to be a third-year student at my school, have a certain grade average, and take specific courses. It varies, of course, but you need to keep that in mind to qualify.
Some may argue you can get one outside of school. You can, of course! However, there are extra benefits. The schools have agreements with these companies that often have to fill those positions with students from a specific school. Your odds of getting that position increases significantly. They also sometimes offer help in interviewing and writing resumes and cover letters. Either way, you need to build up experience.
Start a Portfolio
This may be common sense, but it bears repeating. I would advocate having a physical and online portfolio if possible. There are many free websites you can take advantage of. Such as Google websites, Wix, and more. Here is where you can brand yourself, set yourself apart from others, look professional, and get experience building websites.
You may find yourself lacking projects. My answer, make fake ones. There are a lot of great ideas online for fake portfolio ideas. However, make sure it relates to your industry. Building a body of work will take time, but it is well worth it.
Start social media.
This is an easy and cost-effective method to get your name out there. Again, it’s building your brand as a secondary way to show your portfolio and participate in the community.
Another benefit is that you will become familiar with social media management. This is a skill many companies are looking for in regard to marketing.
Join a reputable registered group/certification
There are many organizations out there that offer certification. Bonus, they often offer a reduced price for students. Many companies specify a destination or certification for their candidates. Go on Linkedin, indeed or another job board and search for what kind they are looking for.
One I recommend for graphic designers, specifically in Canada, is RGD – https://www.rgd.ca/
It will be a boon for your professional if you can get it. It will increase your prestige and validate your experience and skills, and you again can connect with like-minded individuals.
Volunteer (Optional)
This one is optional because I understand not everyone can pursue it due to financial situations. This is a way to build experience, a portfolio, and a network. I would recommend trying to find a contract or project-based position. Short-term is better, allowing you to make a clean break.
These are my top tips. If there are any I’m missing, let me know below. I wish you all the luck in your future development.
I had a great time at MSP Business School. In episode 68, Paul Schroeder and I share excellent suggestions on incentivizing your sales team to increase revenue and how ChannelAssist Inc helps companies create these programs.
A podcast geared to Technology Service Providers where we bring you strategies and tactics to grow your business and build a winning culture. I love their podcast and the dynamic between the hosts is great!
Shakepay an app that allows Canadians to buy and share Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) easily. They currently have a waitlist for their VISA credit card. There are no details on it right now, but what’s happening is Shakepay has made it a sort of waitlist game. People jockey with others to get higher on the waitlist by doing their daily shake to earn bitcoin (7 pts) and swapping $5 with each other (69 pts).
Shakepay has rewarded users with badges beside their names to reach certain conditions. There are purely cosmetic and have no value or benefit in Shakepay. Here are the badges released so far and what the condition was to get them. Correct me if I am wrong and let me know if I’m missing any!
Image
Paddle Name
Condition
Shakepong
Shakepay ($5) to @shakepong. It’s a bot that sends $5 back from Shakepay!
Regular
Shakepay 5 unique friends.
Silver
Shakepay 15 unique friends.
Bronze
Shakepay 25 unique friends.
Gold
Shakepay 50 unique friends.
Platinum
Shakepay 100 unique friends.
Diamond
Shakepay 500 unique friends.
Plaid
Only the bot shakepay has this paddle.
Tree
Donating $5 Earth Day, April 2021 for charity.
Hat
Donating $5 for Raising the Roof fundraiser (homelessness)
If you want to get these paddles and it seems a bit out of reach. Join the Shakepay Discord! Remember to swap responsibly as Shakepay is not responsible for any money you send out.
It ain’t side hustle money, but it’s always nice to get some pocket money. Canadians often get the short end of the stick when it comes to a lot of things, but here are some Canadian exclusive ways to get some extra cash.
Shakepay
Shakepay is a Canada-based platform for buying, selling, and storing Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) via a smartphone or desktop computer. You can earn a bit of free Bitcoin by shaking your phone every day (by a bit I mean a small fraction). It may be a small amount, but hey, it’s free and easy to get. You can also earn a $10 referral when you get a friend to sign up and purchase $100 of Bitcoin or ETH, and they also will get $10.
Download via the app store and get into crypto trading easily.
You can also sign up using my referral link and we’ll get both $30. Sweet right?
Google Surveys
Known as Google Opinion Rewards, you get paid for completing quick surveys, and I mean quick. I’ve completed a lot of surveys over the year and Google by far is the easiest. It’s not a lot but you can use them for games, or build it up and use Google Pay. I earned $20 over the year, and used it on games!
It is the process of closing one credit card account and opening another for the rewards. It’s recommended to switch after a couple of years and not to change often as it can impact your credit card. I’ve done it only once, and don’t regret it. Companies often only give bonuses for new credit card sign up with certain conditions, but it is doable and you can get the bonuses either instantly or in a few months. Cash back cards are always a good bet for credit cards to get make a few extra bucks.
There is even a subreddit where you can go to get advice and learn more.
If collect points for any of the below, you should be on Ask Canadians Survey.
Aeroplan
Hudson Bay’
Petro Points
Via Rail
Essentially, you sign up, get sent surveys to complete (if you qualified), and then get points! Even if you don’t qualified you still get some pity points. It rakes up and the surveys give an adequate amount of points.
If you use Petro Points, then Optimity is a good way to add some extra points. This is an app where you get rewarded for completing quizzes in regards to health and finance. You also get rewarded when you complete a certain number of steps, it’s better if you have a friend to help!
You can also use my invite code lucy04108 if you would like!
As your computer gets older, it gets more problems. Perhaps it’s planned obsolescence, or I’m not a very good caretaker either way. I recently had a problem with my dciman32.dll being deleted, and I thought others might have had the same problem. So I decided to share my experience.
The Problem My computer was shut down improperly, and the computer was rebooted. I did a CHKDSK scan as was recommended. I did it, and the following happens:
CHKDSK is verifying indexes
dciman32.dll in index SI30 of file 2233 is deleted
After it finished and I was able to access my computer. The first thing to pop up was a message telling dciman21.dll was deleted, and I should reinstall it to fix the problem. I was confused as the computer itself automatically deleted the file.
DO NOT DOWNLOAD AND REINSTALL IT FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE.
Anyway, It turns out I needed this file to run programs that relied heavily on graphics. I couldn’t open Adobe After Effects and was frustrated. After googling and trying some failed methods, I finally find the solution to my specific particular problem.
The Solution It turns out all I needed to do was run a System File Check. It would be best to go to the start menu>command prompt> right click and run as administrator. Or the command prompt can be found in the accessories folder in the start menu.
At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
sfc /scannow
Do not close this let it run. It will fixed the corrupted file problem.
I tried some other methods that did not fix the problem and wasted my time. I tried these methods first because it was low risk, but so is the system scan. It was the following:
1. System Restore: I restored it to an earlier point did not fix the problem. I went to an even earlier point. Still the same pop-up message. 2. Updates: Perhaps, it was missing some updates. Nope, it wasn’t that.
I hope that was some help to you! REMINDER This was just for my specific situation and problem, there are other variations of the deleted dciman32.dll problem, and this method may not work for you. I wish you good luck, though, in finding a solution!
