macOS Screenshot thumbnail bug and how to fix it

There is a long-standing multi-version bug in macOS that randomly resets the “Show Floating Thumbnail” option for screengrabs and it has understandably driven some people mad (including myself). You can set it to your preference all you want, but macOS will randomly decide to reset it back to SHOW floating thumbnail which adds a few seconds before the file is available on your desktop (or saved area).

To combat this, it seems like the only solution is to lock the plist file under your User folder.

Navigate to: (~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.screencapture.plist), click Get Info, and then lock the file so even macOS can’t make any changes to it. Worked for me!

MTA now has two separate types of NYC Subway maps

In 2025, the MTA officially launched the “Vignelli'-style” map that they’ve been testing in various parts of the NYC Subway (you can check it out here). It replaces the old geographic-style map with a more stylistic diagram layout that makes it easier to see connections.

The new diagram version is clear enough to do away with a “large type” variant, but if you still want that, the geographic version still exists (for now).

Bluff Bounce: A new diffusion fabric for lighting scenes

I’ve seen a couple of these types of light fabrics before but have never heard specifically of this company, Bluff Bounce.

I’m not convinced that it’s “better” on skin tones, but weirdly, it looks great in the reflection of objects as seen in the video below. It’s just that subtle effect that makes the background seem a little more real (something that a CG scene actually does quite well).

Check out the different Bluff Bounces you can buy for all types of real-world reflections. Would love to eventually add this onto the grip truck!

AXPONA 2025: What’s it like to listen to a $1 million sound system

I’ve never been to Axpona 2025 and I don’t think I’ll ever find myself at this convention in the future, so it was entertaining to travel there with Danny Pops as he listened to some of the most expensive home stereo systems ever made. Cables off the floor? I’ve never heard of it!

Hacking into a bowling alley computer

So much good vintage and retro stuff in this video above showing an old bowling alley computer being bought at auction.

Censored videos can now be reverse engineered to reveal what’s hidden

This is pretty wild and yet, I’m not surprised that this is how it all works. Computers can’t really generate randomization so the mosaic patterns often seen covering videos for censorship or sensitive areas are just algorithmic patterns.

Apparently, the best way to censor is actually by putting a black mask over the area/object.

How to prove you are not AI

This is the first time I’m hearing of NotebookLM from Google and it is kind of mindblowing. Somehow I had completely missed this announcement from Google about a research tool that can literally generate a very convincing “podcast” about the topic you are researching. Set aside for a second that NotebookLM seems to be a great way to organize ideas and sources, the really crazy thing here is how it can “read” and utilize those sources to create wholly new content that is audibly on par with an actual human.

Editing Severance

Having your assistant compile every multi-cam shot into a single scrubbable video is one of the best tips I’ve ever seen. I’m surprised I’ve never heard of anybody doing this!