Review: BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE at Tower Groves Abbey

Arts & Culture, Books

Existing user? Just click login.Stray Dog Theatre closes out their 2024 season with the bewitching Bell, Book and Candle. Written by John Van Druten and adapted for the big screen in 1958, the play is steeped in the supernatural. Its themes of nonconformity, societal acceptance, loneliness and personal empowerment still resonate today.LATEST NEWSMid-century modern meets mid-century magic in Stray Dog’s latest production. Director Gary Bell gives audiences a stylish and sophisticated show that oozes with charm. It also features gorgeous costumes, and a vogueish Bohemian apartment set that perfectly frames the drama onstage.Set in 1950s New York, the plot centers around Gillian Holroyd, a cosmopolitan gal who just happens to be a witch.  She lives in an upscale Manhattan apartment with her mischievous cat Pyewacket, who acts as her familiar.Despite her powers, Gillian feels discontent with her life and begins to yearn for a more ordinary existence. Tired of being on her own, she has her eyes on her terribly normal neighbor, Shepard Henderson, a publisher who lives upstairs.After discovering that he is engaged to Gillian’s college rival, Merle Kitteridge she springs into action. Refusing the let their past diffrerences go, she casts a spell on Shep, causing him to fall in love with her.What begins with attraction and mischief soon spirals out of hand as Shep’s love for her causes him to miss work, break up with his fiancé and hang out at her place for weeks at a time.But Gillian is not the only witch in the building. Her flamboyant and eccentric aunt Queenie (who just happens to be Shep’s neighbor) lives upstairs. A frisky magic user, she plays tricks on him, much to his chagrin. However, despite her naughty nature, Queenie serves as a moral compass for Gillian.Also popping in from time-to-time is Nicky, Gillian’s impish brother. His chaotic antics cause detrimental harm to her and Shep’s relationship and damage her standing in the. city’s witch community. As if family dysfunction is not enough, Gillian must contend with Sidney Redlitch, a celebrated author whose fascination with magic and the occult also creates mayhem.Her life upended, Gillian must confront her feeling for Shep. His standing as a mortal means she could lose her abilities and be ostracized by her community. With her sense of identity upended, Gillian must make hard choices.Bell, Book and Candle is driven by its two leads, Claire Coffey and Joel Wilper. Onstage, the chemistry between them is wonderful. Together they instill the sense of belonging needed to make the characters work.Coffey is chic, modern and independent as Gillian. Her layered performance is filled with conflict and a desire to live the life of a modern woman. Her performance perfectly balances Gillian’s self-centeredness with her vulnerability.Wilper makes Shep a slow burn. He begins the play as a bit of an oaf but gradually grows into a more confident person who stands his ground. His skilled talent makes Shep’s development real, resulting in an excellent performance.As Queenie, Liz Mischel embodies the spirit of the kooky aunt that everyone loves. She creates some of play’s most tender and comedic moments.The off-kilter shenanigans of Victor Mendez as Nicky are ludicrously fun. Chewing scenery as he moves along, he is the perfect foil for Coffey. Brash and brutal, his turn here is hilarious.Despite only appearing in a few scenes Gary Wells leaves the audience wanting more. First appearing as an affable drunk, he quickly turns the character in a new direction as Sidney’s investigations into witch culture deepen. Making his debut with the company, He relishes the role and makes the most of his stage time. He nearly steals the show.Playing on themes of love, power, and the supernatural, Bell, Book and Candle is an excellent season closer for Stray Dog Theatre. Funny, spooky and enchanting, the play is well-acted and impeccably paced. Its portrayal of relationship dynamics and each character’s need for credence make it an intriguing drama filled with comedic flourishes.A fun adventure in theatrical entertainment, Bell, Book and Candle is highly recommended.Bell, Book and Candle plays at Tower Grove Abbey through December 21st. For tickets and information visit:  https://www.straydogtheatre.orgReader ReviewsTo post a comment, you must register and login.

Former DJs turn things up with new audio-visual business

Business News

Starting as mobile DJs, Nigel Rimmer and Darren Hanson ran separate businesses but frequently collaborated during events.

Working together, they quickly realized that they share the same passion, drive and talent for their work.

Fortunately for them, an opportunity to collaborate came in the form of the region’s leading audio-visual company closing its doors, leaving a crucial gap in event services.

“We had done a Halloween show together a couple of years back,” explains Hanson. “We were having this meeting where we were talking about how we should go into business together.  I leave that meeting with the rentals in my truck to go to Blake Productions. I pull in and I drop off the stuff and Brent Blake says to me ‘ We are going to close the doors to Blake Productions, if you want to take a stab at this end of the industry, we’d be happy to work out a deal and sell you equipment.’ I was like, no way, like 20 minutes ago, we were just having this conversation. So I called Nigel and I said, ‘Hey, man, I think I found our thing.’”

The duo soon took their idea to Community Futures, an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs across the Fraser-Fort George region. They quickly picked up essential planning and funding to help them grow their unique business.

In May of 2023, Inspire was already well on its way. Their first job, doing production for the area’s largest fan conventgion at the CN Centre, came much sooner than expected. “Our year three plan in our business plan was to service the CN Centre. Our first job was FanCon in the CN Centre. We got thrown into the fire. We went from not even knowing what we’re going to do and within like five months, we were already servicing the largest venue in the city.”

Since this milestone, Inspire has only grown. They now offer full audio-visual and event services and their company specializes in concerts, special events, corporate conferencing and equipment rentals. So far they have hosted several large events, including BMO Community Art Days, a Northern Health Indigenous health conference, the City of Prince George volunteer appreciation day and many others.

“There’s a lot of really cool relationships that we built in business. Like Crystal and with the House of Ancestors. They throw us a lot of work and they recommend us highly all the time. So we have to thank her,” said Hanson. “We have to thank the Chamber of Commerce, they’ve been huge in really pushing our business and they’ve been getting us these interviews that’s really helped us have a little extra marketing. One of the biggest people is Blake productions, Brant and Melanie. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

Rimmer and Hanson credit Community Futures with being approachable and supportive from the start. “You don’t have to have everything figured out,” said Rimmer. “Even if you just have an idea, reach out — they’ll help. When we signed our loan agreement with Community Futures, we had a five-year term. They said a business goal for us should be to become bankable.”

As of December, the duo and Inspire have become “bankable,” a feat which the partners said Community Futures thought would take five years. Their rapid success shows how effective both their business and Community Futures are at building success, they add.

Business : Only 1.6 Pct Of Approved Investments Have Not Been Implemented Between 2021 And March 2024 — Zafrul

Business News

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) — Only 1.6 per cent of approved investment projects from 2021 to March 2024 have not been implemented, said Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

In a post on Instagram and X, previously Twitter, he said on Tuesday that 98.4 per cent of the investment projects have either been completed, are work-in-progress, or are in their planning stage.

“What does this statistic mean? It means that once an investment is approved, it’s as good as done — it is just waiting to be implemented. Rarely, an approved investment is not carried out.

Business : Ace Market-bound Northern Solar Aims To Raise RM42.4 Mln From IPO

Business News

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) — Solar renewable energy specialist Northern Solar Holdings Bhd aims to raise RM42.4 million through its initial public offering (IPO) in conjunction with its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. 

The IPO involves the public issue of 67.3 million new shares and an offer for sale of 35.6 million existing shares at RM0.63 per share.

The listing is scheduled for Feb 6, 2025.

World’s 10 most powerful business leaders in 2024; find out who represents India in the Global 100

Business News

In 2024, the top 10 most powerful people in business have reshaped industries and economies through their visionary leadership, innovation, and strategic decisions. These influential leaders are steering the world’s most valuable companies, driving technological advancements, and setting trends that impact both local and global markets. From Elon Musk’s groundbreaking achievements in space exploration and electric vehicles to Jensen Huang’s leadership in AI innovation at NVIDIA, these figures have left an indelible mark on their industries. The list also highlights influential executives like Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway, and Mary Barra of General Motors, whose strategic decisions have transformed companies and continue to influence the global business landscape. These leaders are shaping the future of business and technology.World’s top 10 powerful business leaders 2024RankNameDesignationAssociated companies1Elon MuskCEO and founderTesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), xAI2Jensen HuangCEO, President, and founderNVDIA3Satya NadellaCEOMicrosoft4Warren BuffettChairman and CEOBerkshire Hathaway5Jamie DimonChairman and CEOJPMorgan Chase6Tim CookCEOApple7Mark ZuckerbergCEO and founderMeta8Sam AltmanCEOOpenAI9Mary BarraChairperson and CEOGeneral Motors10Sundar PichaiCEOAlphabet (Google)Top 10 business icons in the worldElon Musk – CEO and founder – Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), xAIElon Musk continues to dominate the business world as the richest person globally and one of the most influential figures in technology and sustainability. His leadership across multiple high-profile ventures, including Tesla (electric vehicles), SpaceX (space exploration), X (formerly Twitter, a social media platform), and xAI (artificial intelligence), has revolutionized industries. Musk’s relentless pursuit of innovation in clean energy, space travel, and AI is shaping the future of technology. As of 2024, he remains at the forefront of major breakthroughs, cementing his position as the most powerful business leader globally.Jensen Huang – CEO, President, and founder – NVIDIAJensen Huang is the visionary behind NVIDIA, one of the world’s most valuable companies, particularly renowned for its role in computing, artificial intelligence, and graphics processing units (GPUs). Under his leadership, NVIDIA has become a powerhouse in the tech industry, especially with its transformative contributions to AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Huang’s ability to push the boundaries of technology and drive innovation has skyrocketed his personal wealth and made NVIDIA a key player in the global tech ecosystem, reshaping industries like gaming, automotive, and healthcare.Satya Nadella – CEO – MicrosoftAs the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella has spearheaded a remarkable transformation within the company, shifting its focus from traditional software to cloud computing and AI technologies. Under his leadership, Microsoft’s cloud division, Azure, has become a global leader in enterprise cloud services. Nadella’s commitment to innovation and his emphasis on a culture of inclusivity and collaboration have made Microsoft a more agile and profitable company. His focus on AI and machine learning, along with sustainable technologies, continues to make Microsoft a cornerstone of the tech world.Warren Buffett – Chairman and CEO – Berkshire HathawayWarren Buffett, one of the most renowned investors in history, remains the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate that owns numerous companies across a wide array of industries. Known for his disciplined investment strategy and long-term vision, Buffett has built a reputation as the “Oracle of Omaha.” His influence extends beyond investment circles, as his decisions impact stock markets globally. Buffett’s ability to navigate market shifts and guide Berkshire Hathaway through economic changes has solidified his place as one of the most powerful and respected business figures.Jamie Dimon – Chairman and CEO – JPMorgan ChaseJamie Dimon is the long-standing chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States. Dimon’s leadership during times of economic uncertainty, including the 2008 financial crisis, has cemented his reputation as a key figure in global finance. Under his leadership, JPMorgan Chase has consistently outperformed its competitors, maintaining a strong position in banking, investment, and wealth management. Dimon’s influence extends far beyond banking, with his perspectives on the global economy making him a highly regarded figure in financial and political circles.Tim Cook – CEO – AppleAs CEO of Apple, Tim Cook has overseen the company’s transformation into one of the most valuable corporations in the world. Under Cook’s stewardship, Apple has seen the launch of innovative products, from new iterations of the iPhone to groundbreaking advancements in wearable technology and services. Cook has also shifted Apple’s focus toward sustainability and privacy, making the company a leader in these areas within the tech industry. His leadership continues to guide Apple in navigating a rapidly evolving tech landscape, maintaining its market dominance and consumer loyalty.Mark Zuckerberg – CEO and founder – MetaMark Zuckerberg, the CEO and founder of Meta (formerly Facebook), is at the helm of one of the world’s most influential social media companies. Zuckerberg’s vision for the future of the internet, particularly through the development of the Metaverse, has expanded Meta’s reach far beyond its traditional social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. His ambitious goals to lead the next generation of digital interaction make him a key figure in shaping the future of online communication and virtual environments.Sam Altman – CEO – OpenAISam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has emerged as a transformative leader in the AI industry. Under his guidance, OpenAI has developed cutting-edge technologies, including GPT models, which are revolutionizing industries ranging from customer service to healthcare. Altman’s leadership is pivotal in ensuring OpenAI’s prominence in the AI field, navigating both technological advancements and ethical considerations around artificial intelligence. His work with OpenAI continues to shape the future of AI and its integration into everyday life.Mary Barra – Chairperson and CEO – General MotorsMary Barra is the chairperson and CEO of General Motors (GM), the first woman to lead a major global automaker. Barra has played a critical role in steering GM through its transformation, particularly as the company shifts toward electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. Under her leadership, GM has made significant strides in sustainability, technology, and electric vehicle production, aiming to compete with industry leaders like Tesla. Barra’s strategic vision for the future of transportation positions her as a key influencer in the automotive sector.Sundar Pichai – CEO – Alphabet (Google)Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, continues to shape the future of technology. Pichai’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Google’s product offerings, including Google Cloud, hardware products like Pixel devices, and advancements in AI and machine learning. Under his leadership, Alphabet has focused on long-term innovation and addressing the challenges of privacy, security, and digital infrastructure. Pichai’s decisions have had far-reaching consequences for global communication, information sharing, and digital services.Presence of an Indian in the Global 100 most powerful business leader listMukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has made history by becoming the only Indian to be featured in the prestigious Fortune Global 100 Most Powerful People in Business list. Reliance Industries is one of India’s largest and most influential conglomerates, with a diverse portfolio spanning across petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and entertainment.As of November 2024, Ambani holds the 12th spot in the global rankings and is regarded as Asia’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth close to $100 billion. He also ranks as the 11th richest person in the world, highlighting his significant economic influence and the massive scale of his business operations. Ambani’s recognition on this list reflects his leadership and impact on both the Indian and global business landscapes.

Infinite imagination: Celebrating the masters of science fiction art”

Science and Health

Simplifying…
Inshort

Science fiction art, born from Hugo Gernsback’s “scientifiction” concept, has evolved from Chesley Bonestell’s astronomical paintings to Stephan Martiniere’s digital masterpieces and Simon Stalenhag’s narrative sculptures.

These pioneers have not only shaped our collective imagination of space and future but also inspired generations of artists, scientists, and engineers.

As we continue to explore new technological landscapes, their legacy of innovation in science fiction art lives on.

Was a long read? Making it simpler…

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Refer to this guide

Dec 18, 2024

10:12 am

What’s the story

Science fiction art catapults us into the realm of the unimaginable, weaving together the threads of creativity and visions of the future.

This article delves into the world of trailblazers who have shaped and continue to push the boundaries of this genre.

Their work doesn’t just mesmerize us but also fuels the imaginations of emerging artists and storytellers.

Originator

The pioneer of futuristic visions

Hugo Gernsback, the undisputed father of science fiction, coined the term “scientifiction” in the early 20th century.

His magazine, Amazing Stories, first published in 1926, laid the cornerstone for science fiction art and literature.

By combining scientific facts with imaginative storytelling, Gernsback created a blueprint that continues to inspire artists today.

Bridging art and science

Chesley Bonestell is a legend in his own right, with his astronomical paintings captivating millions.

Dubbed the “father of modern space art,” his mid-20th-century pieces offered glimpses of the cosmos’s realistic beauty long before humans set foot on the moon.

Bonestell’s unique fusion of scientific accuracy and artistic mastery laid the foundation for our collective imagination of space exploration.

The digital realm revolution

As technology has advanced, digital art has become a cornerstone of science fiction visualization.

Pioneering artists like Stephan Martiniere have harnessed the power of digital tools to create intricate and immersive worlds previously unattainable with traditional methods.

His work on films like The Fifth Element exemplifies how digital art can vividly realize futuristic cities and technologies with unparalleled detail.

Beyond visual arts: Sculpting imagination

Science fiction art isn’t limited to the flat page or screen, as proven by Simon Stalenhag’s story-telling sculptures.

By juxtaposing weathered landscapes with retro-futuristic machines, he creates narratives that stir up feelings of yearning for simpler times, while also sparking curiosity about the future.

This unique style highlights the potential of science fiction art to break free from conventional visual forms, providing more interactive and thought-provoking experiences for viewers.

Inspiring future generations

The influence of these masters extends beyond their passing, motivating not only artists but also scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of the possible.

Their work, preserved in exhibitions, retrospectives, and digital galleries, will continue to ignite imaginations worldwide.

And, as we venture into new technological landscapes, new voices will undoubtedly arise, carrying forward the legacy of innovation that defines science fiction art.

‘Christmas Vacation’ Tops ‘Elf’ As 2024’s Top Classic Christmas Movie

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

There are two Christmas movies that people watch far more than any other films this time of year: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Elf. The two classics seem to trade the title of most-watched Christmas film every year, and this year it’s Christmas Vacation’s turn to come out on top.

The Chevy Chase comedy ranks as the No. 1 Christmas movie this season, according to data crunched by Samba TV, a TV tech company that measures audience data. It measured viewership of Christmas movies on network and streaming TV from November 1 to December 10 and found that Christmas Vacation was the clear winner, with viewership slightly up over last year.

“This holiday season proves that classic Christmas movies never go out of style, with beloved comedies dominating the top five holiday movies of 2024,” said Ashwin Navin, co-founder and CEO of Samba TV. “For three consecutive years, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Elf have been playing musical chairs for the top spot, proving the timeless charm of classic Christmas comedies.”

Christmas Vacation Leads All Christmas Films
Christmas Vacation drew 9.4 million households in that span, rising 7% over last year. The movie tells the story of ever-optimistic family man Clark Griswold (Chase), who plans the perfect Christmas for his family—only of course, it doesn’t turn out that way.

The 9.4 million compares to an audience of 8.7 million households for Elf, which ranked No. 1 in 2023, overtaking 2022 victor Christmas Vacation. Elf follows the coming-of-age tale of late bloomer Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell), who comes to New York City from the North Pole at Christmastime to meet his real father. Hilarity ensues.

The No. 3 film, Home Alone, didn’t have close to the same audience as the top two, though it posed a very healthy 4.1 million households.
All three outpaced the No. 1 new Christmas movie of 2024, Netflix’s Our Little Secret, starring Lindsay Lohan.

Four Christmases, starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn as a couple haphazardly racing between four holiday celebrations, and The Holiday, a romantic comedy with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, rounded out the top five most-watched Christmas movies of 2024.

Secret was the only new film to crack the top 15. Five Hallmark Christmas movies also made the top 15.
How To Watch ‘Christmas Vacation,’ ‘Elf’ And Other Top Christmas Movies
Most of the top Christmas movies are available across multiple linear and streaming platforms. Here’s how to find them.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, PG-13)
You can watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on on Hulu, Max, Philo, YouTube, Disney+, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies & TV and Apple TV.
Elf (2003, PG)
You can watch Elf on Hulu, Max, Philo, YouTube, Disney+, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies & TV and Apple TV.
Home Alone (1990, PG)
You can watch Home Alone on YouTube, Disney+, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies & TV and Apple TV.
Four Christmases (2008, PG-13)
You can watch Four Christmases on Hulu, Max, Philo, YouTube, Disney+, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies & TV and Apple TV.
The Holiday (2006, PG-13)
You can watch The Holiday on fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.

Business News | FranGlobal and WOW Burger Join Hands to Bring High-Protein Vegetarian Fast Food to India

Business News

BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], December 18: With the demand for nutritious and wholesome food on the rise, FranGlobal has partnered with Hong Kong-based WOW Burger, Asia’s first vertically integrated high-protein vegetarian fast-casual brand. This collaboration aims to introduce WOW Burger’s innovative, protein-rich vegetarian menu to Indian consumers, redefining fast food with a focus on health and taste.Also Read | CES 2025: Samsung Electronics To Unveil New AI-Powered Home Appliances at Upcoming Consumer Electronics Show.As the international business arm of Franchise India, Asia’s leading franchising solutions provider, FranGlobal is committed to bringing world-class brands like WOW Burger to India, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers.WOW Burger has gained recognition for its ability to create delicious, high-protein vegetarian burgers that cater to a growing market of health-conscious individuals. The brand’s mission is to make wholesome eating convenient, accessible, and enjoyable for all.Also Read | Make Your Christmas Extra Special With Gubbare’s #SantaSurprise Contest!.Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “India is witnessing a shift in how consumers approach food. There’s a growing interest in high-protein diets, especially among younger, health-focused audiences. WOW Burger’s offerings meet this demand perfectly, combining taste, health, and convenience. This partnership is not just about food but about empowering consumers to make smarter dining choices.”Sunil Datwani, Co-Founder of WOW Burger, added: “Our goal at WOW Burger has always been to create meals that are both satisfying and nutritionally balanced. Our high-protein vegetarian burgers are crafted to deliver exceptional flavor and health benefits. India, with its strong vegetarian culture and rising interest in health-conscious food, is an exciting market for us. Partnering with Franchise India gives us the platform to make this vision a reality.”India’s food industry is evolving, with more consumers seeking healthy and protein-rich alternatives to traditional fast food. WOW Burger’s menu, featuring high-protein patties and nutrient-packed sides, is tailored to meet these preferences, offering a fresh and fulfilling experience.WOW Burger’s track record in its home market is impressive, having sold over 20,000 burgers during its first nine months of operations. During its pilot phase, the brand achieved a 55% sales growth and reached HKD 250,000 in monthly sales. Building on this success, WOW Burger plans to open outlets in cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, with a broader rollout across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.With FranGlobal’s support, the brand aims to open over 100 outlets in the next five years, making high-protein vegetarian dining a key player in India’s fast-food landscape.For More Information Visit:https://www.franglobal.com/https://www.franchiseindia.com/https://www.wowburger.hk/(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Business News | The Key Steps to Achieving Proficiency in Salesforce Application Testing

Business News

VMPLNew Delhi [India], December 18: Salesforce is a robust CRM platform that drives organizational efficiency. Despite its extensive capabilities, achieving a flawless Salesforce implementation is paramount. Enter the Quality Assurance (QA) planning realm–an essential tool for identifying and resolving potential issues within the Salesforce Lightning Platform and optimizing app development.Also Read | CES 2025: Samsung Electronics To Unveil New AI-Powered Home Appliances at Upcoming Consumer Electronics Show.This blog will unravel the fundamentals of Salesforce QA, providing a roadmap to navigate essential strategies for Salesforce application testing, processes, and customizations. Explore diverse QA approaches and gain valuable insights to kickstart your testing journey on Salesforce.As you conclude this blog, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to initiate effective testing, instilling confidence in the seamless operation of your Salesforce implementation.Also Read | Make Your Christmas Extra Special With Gubbare’s #SantaSurprise Contest!.Understanding Salesforce Quality AssuranceSalesforce QA, an integral part of application development on the Salesforce platform, involves the rigorous testing of applications and customizations. The primary goal is to ensure seamless functionality and meet user requirements. Given the diversity of Salesforce applications, QA encompasses a broad spectrum of testing activities, from manual testing to automation tools.Two key categories within Salesforce QA are functional and non-functional testing. Functional testing scrutinizes core application functions like record creation, updating, and deletion, while non-functional testing covers performance, security, scalability, and usability.For Salesforce developers, familiarity with QA best practices and testing processes is crucial for crafting stable, high-quality applications. The benefits are manifold–early detection of bugs and errors saves time and resources, and QA enhances application quality, making it more user-friendly and reliable.Experienced Salesforce developers should possess proficiency in configuring testing environments, conducting unit tests, and harnessing test automation tools for Salesforce. A deep understanding of the platform and sales processes is essential for effective Salesforce QA implementation.Advantages of Salesforce QA TestingEngaging in Salesforce QA testing yields numerous advantages, including:1. Enhanced Application Quality: Ensures your Salesforce implementation operates seamlessly, identifying and resolving bugs before applications go live.2. Elevated Customer Satisfaction: By detecting and addressing issues early, QA testing contributes to a positive user experience for your customers.3. Cost-Efficient Development: Early bug identification minimizes development costs, as fixing issues before production is more straightforward and economical.4. Streamlined Development Process: QA testing supports the development process by accommodating incremental code changes and providing immediate feedback on their impact.5. Accelerated Time to Market: Automated testing shortens the development cycle, enabling quicker product launches to the market.Exploring Salesforce Application Testing PracticesSalesforce testing is the meticulous evaluation and validation of applications’ functionality, quality, performance, and customizations within the Salesforce ecosystem. This process encompasses diverse tests to ensure that the Salesforce implementation aligns with specified requirements, operates flawlessly, and provides a positive user experience. Key aspects covered in Salesforce testing include configuration, customization, integration, and data management.Types of Salesforce Application Testing:1. Functional Testing: Focuses on verifying the intended functionality of Salesforce applications, covering features like data entry, manipulation, workflow automation, validation rules, and business logic.2. Unit Testing: Examines individual components, such as triggers or classes, ensuring each code unit behaves correctly. Salesforce offers a unit testing framework called Apex Testing.3. Integration Testing: Validates interactions between Salesforce and external systems, verifying data synchronization, API integrations, and system interactions.4. User Interface (UI) Testing: Evaluates the interface components, ensuring layouts, forms, buttons, and navigation provide a seamless and responsive user experience.5. Performance Testing: Assesses responsiveness, scalability, and stability under different loads, identifying performance bottlenecks and ensuring optimal performance.6. Security Testing: Ensures the protection of sensitive data within Salesforce, testing for vulnerabilities, access controls, data encryption, and compliance with security best practices.7. Data Management Testing: Validates data integrity, migration, transformation, and import/export processes, ensuring accurate storage and processing of data.8. Regression Testing: Retests previously validated functionalities after changes or enhancements to ensure existing features remain unaffected.9. User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Determines if the software meets predetermined specifications, aligns with business, technical, and aesthetic requirements, and satisfies end-users and business stakeholders.Salesforce testing can be manual or automated, with automation improving efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability–especially beneficial for large and complex implementations. Effective testing ensures application quality, reliability, and performance, contributing to enhanced user satisfaction and successful utilization of Salesforce capabilities in the business environment.Navigating Salesforce Testing Hurdles* Platform Intricacies:- Complexity, scalability, and customization pose unique challenges.* Testing Tool Limitations:- Traditional tools need help to meet Salesforce’s specific testing needs.* Environmental Variability:- Tests must seamlessly run across diverse environments and browsers.* UI Mode Duality:- The coexistence of Classic and Lightning modes adds an extra layer of complexity.* Advanced Component Testing:- Challenges arise in testing advanced features like Service Cloud Console or VisualForce.* Dynamic Page Elements:- The presence of dynamic elements on many Salesforce pages complicates automated testing.* Hidden Components:- Salesforce Lightning components often reside beneath a Shadow DOM, challenging detection by scripted tools like Selenium.Addressing these challenges requires tailored approaches to navigate the intricacies of Salesforce testing effectively.Optimizing Salesforce Testing: Tips and Best Practices* Real User Profiles:Execute Salesforce tests using real user profiles for authentic simulation.* Comprehensive Test Coverage:Include various testing types such as integration, regression, and UI testing for thorough coverage.* Dynamic Page Considerations:Given the dynamic nature of Salesforce pages, devise a meticulous testing strategy to ensure accuracy.* User Profiles and Test Data:Prioritize constructing accurate user profiles, validating test data, and mapping positive and negative flows.* Critical Tool Selection:Choose a testing tool with capabilities aligned with the testing requirements, as it significantly influences testing success.What’s Next?In the realm of Salesforce application development, Salesforce QA is indispensable. Adhering to the abovementioned best practices guarantees the creation of high-quality, thoroughly tested Salesforce applications.Companies can streamline Salesforce testing by using HeadSpin to automate test scenarios, significantly reducing time investments. This facilitates adherence to deadlines and ensures the delivery of reliable applications that align with customer expectations upon release.Elevate your Salesforce application testing endeavors and optimize your CRM system for success by integrating HeadSpin.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)