Last Friday, the Suite 4 office was closed for Labor Day weekend, which means it’s been two weeks since our last Friday Favorites. But don’t worry, we’re back now with new favorites. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you as much as they do us!
Devon’s Favorite App
This week my life was changed by a browser extension, Grammarly. It’s a simple app that checks my emails, Facebook posts, tweets and more, saving me from any potentially embarrassing typos. Now, the copyeditor in me is usually extremely particular about spelling and grammar, but with so much to do it’s easy to fly through emails without noticing a missed letter here or there. Grammarly catches them when I’m too busy. Rather than seeing the typical green or red little squiggle under the word, Grammarly highlights the word itself and puts a checkmark in the corner of the text box. This way, you can’t ignore it. The best part is, unlike a normal spell checker, it adjusts to your writing – which means you won’t be told your last name is spelled wrong anymore!
Disclaimer: I use Chrome as my primary browser. Grammarly is also available for Firefox and Safari, but not Internet Explorer. There’s a free “Lite” version, which is what I use. I’ve found that I haven’t needed any of the extra features that come on the fuller version. If you would like them, there’s a monthly subscription and it includes a plug-in for Microsoft Office.
Audrey’s Favorite Hack
Working in the online marketing field, I spend a lot of time on the computer, basically my whole work day. For me to be really productive I need to do each task quickly. One way I do this is by using keyboard shortcuts. I’ma Mac girl so I’m only going to focus on those for now (sorry you PC people, but many of the shortcuts still translate to PCs too). I’m sure everybody knows the basic ones like Command-S for Save and Command-Z for Undo. But there are so many more! Check out the Mac keyboard shortcuts web page if you want the full scoop. Otherwise, these are my favorites:
- Command (⌘)-Option-Esc- Force Quit: Choose an app to force quit.
- Command-Shift-Option-Esc- (hold for 3 seconds) to force just the front app to quit.
- Command-Shift-3- Screenshot: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
- Command-Shift-4- Screenshot: Just a selection of the screen with a pointer tool (this one is better, I think).
- Command-Control-Power button- Force your Mac to restart.
- Option-Delete- Delete the word to the left of the insertion point.
- Fn-Delete- Forward delete on keywords that don’t have a Forward Delete key.
- Option-Right Arrow- Move the insertion point to the end of the next word.
Violet’s Favorite Video
Seth Godin has an interesting take on marketing. In this TED Talk, he explains how marketing to the majority might not be the best way to get your ideas spread. Instead, by marketing your product and/or service to a specific audience, you can catch the attention of those who really care. Along with this strategy, as well as a new, fresh idea, your business has the potential to soar. Check out Godin’s talk here to hear more about his interesting philosophy.
Rachel’s Favorite Blog
At Suite 4, we have several private schools as clients, so we’re knee deep in back-to-school madness. I also sent my kids back to school this week. I’m sure a large majority of you reading this blog have kids that started school this week. So, this topic is on everyone’s mind right now. Not to be redundant, but my favorite blog this week was also by Seth Godin. (I guess we’re Seth Godin fan girls around here!) The blog is appropriately entitled Back To School. In his post, Godin includes a fascinating TEDxYouth talk that he did called STOP STEALING DREAMS where he talks about the KKK and how they contributed to the modern day school system. Huh? Yeah. Watch the video. Interesting stuff.
Here’s food for thought from his post: What would happen if every teacher and school board member starts discussing what school is for? That might spark an entire revolution! I don’t agree with every point Godin makes in the post, but my favorite point is this: “What if every six-year-old was reading, if math and science were treated as opportunities, not chores, if community service and leadership got as much space in the local paper and on TV as sports do?” What a cool, brave idea! Check out the blog post yourself and let me know what you think!
Chase’s Favorite Local Highlight
Living in Newberg, I get to experience a wide variety of restaurants. From Ruddick/Wood to Storrs Smokehouse to Gonzalez Panaderia y Taqueria, there is something for just about everyone in this mid-sized town. One that I visited recently and was impressed with is Jac’s Deli and Frozen Custard. Located on 1st Street in Newberg, Jac’s offers freshly made deli items and well as delicious frozen custard (something I had not even heard of until I saw it here). The atmosphere is friendly and there are tons of toppings for your sweet cream or chocolate custard.