Theming is easy with icon packs. The launchers I use - Action Launcher 3 and Apex - support 3rd party icon packs. Glim and Moonlight are my go to icon sets. What do you do to customize your home screen?

Theming is easy with icon packs. The launchers I use - Action Launcher 3 and Apex - support 3rd party icon packs. Glim and Moonlight are my go to icon sets. What do you do to customize your home screen?
http://www.androidcentral.com/6-things-look-icon-pack

What do you consider bodyhacking?

What do you consider bodyhacking?

For me the implication is it's frivolous for now, relatively easy tasks made easier by adding implanted tech. I don't consider an IUD as body hacking is because it's not frivolous. The ability to control fertility is essential in our current culture and we change our world through human population.
http://fusion.net/story/294770/women-body-hackers/

Love short stories and steam punk. I just wish there was digital version available. Maybe after it's released.

Love short stories and steam punk. I just wish there was digital version available. Maybe after it's released.
http://www.tor.com/2016/04/29/book-reviews-anthology-clockwork-canada/

Google unveils new Android Wear straps, but unfortunately Canadians won't be able to get their hands on them yet.

Sony's Xperia X for Canada - What to expect

Sony's Xperia X for Canada - What to expect
With the release of the Sony Xperia X line slated for this summer, there's a lot to talk about. Android Coliseum got a chance to speak with Sony today in regards to what's being provided on the forefront of the Sony Mobile line in Canada. Canada will be gla...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/04/sonys-xperia-x-for-canada-what-to-expect.html

Do you get an annual physical?

Do you get an annual physical?

I do, or an 18 month check up or I know my family doctor. So many things are invisible, cholesterol, blood pressure that I would like to stay on track for metabolic health. 
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/is-the-annual-physical-unnecessary/

Here's how to create a workout plan that burns fat as efficiently as possible.

Here's how to create a workout plan that burns fat as efficiently as possible.
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/type-exercise-burns-fat/?utm_source=mfp&utm_medium=GooglePlus

Patec's Android TV Box might be just what you need [review]

Patec's Android TV Box might be just what you need [review]
So for a while now I've loved my Nexus Player, my Chromecasts and my Roku 3.  But more and more I've kept hearing about using Kodi ... but to do that I'd like to have a dedicated device just for that.  Patec offered to send me their Emish Quadcore box  for ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/04/patecs-android-tv-box-might-be-just.html

Now that Play Music does podcasts I'm finally listening to Welcome to Night Vale. It's really nice to listen through the EcoXGear. I don't think this will be a binge listen - I need time to process.

Now that Play Music does podcasts I'm finally listening to Welcome to Night Vale. It's really nice to listen through the EcoXGear. I don't think this will be a binge listen - I need time to process.

Now that I've lived with TD MySpend I'm tempted to nix my MC

Now that I've lived with TD MySpend I'm tempted to nix my MC

I am very metrics oriented. It's like a battle to keep values as close to success levels as possible. (Steps up; spending down) TD MySpend makes you very aware of which bucket your spending is going into. Whether I use my TD debit or credit card I get a notification on my Gear S2 with the amount and category. I have to open the app to see totals but that's not really a concern for me.

Unfortunately it only works on TD products and I use a MasterCard for household expenses. If I get hardcore about budgeting I'll probably change over.

Sooo it seems to be time to upgrade the PS3. I forgot you can't connect directly to the OnHub.

Sooo it seems to be time to upgrade the PS3. I forgot you can't connect directly to the OnHub.

Our media server is wireless so it's a pain to configure. Of course we have several other options like using the ChromeCast or even the smart TV features directly but none of it plays really well with the amp.

The only giveaway I enter.

The only giveaway I enter.
https://wn.nr/G3VNw6

There's nothing earth-shattering in this list of tactics to get more women to attend hackathons. But even better than that, these tactics encourage diversity across all differences, not just gender.

There's nothing earth-shattering in this list of tactics to get more women to attend hackathons. But even better than that, these tactics encourage diversity across all differences, not just gender.
https://www.fastcompany.com/3059036/most-creative-people/what-do-women-want-at-hackathons-nasa-has-a-list

Do you use your fingerprint scanner for security?

Do you use your fingerprint scanner for security?

I have to admit I love it. It's very rare that it doesn't work and I really like it for confirming play store purchases and using with my password locker. I will love when I can use it across the board - many apps haven't taken advantage.
http://www.androidcentral.com/most-important-news-android-security-had-nothing-do-malware

I've gotten Sena cases in the past, they are pricey but well made. The Ellie Zip Around around is no exception.

I've gotten Sena cases in the past, they are pricey but well made. The Ellie Zip Around around is no exception.

I was looking for a wallet that would contain my phone, and essential cards. Ideally my keys would fit inside but nope. The Ellie fits the S6, in a clip case, comfortably so I can fish it out of the wallet when I need to. It's small enough to fit in a smaller profile shoulder bag. The zipper is sturdy but not sharp so it doesn't shred your hand as you read inside. There is even space for cash - something I rarely have:)

Sena has a lot of options for holding decives. Their focus is iDevices and leading mobile devices. I did get free shipping to Canada. Check them out as senacase.com or on Amazon.

How do you define improved health?

How do you define improved health?

Waist sizes increased, BMI remained steady but BP lowered. The study time was only 3 years.
http://www.drsharma.ca/community-intervention-to-improve-health-does-just-that-without-changing-obesity

Someone one unclear on leading behavioural lessons. We do something like this for values based safety training-total exercise 5 minutes.

Someone one unclear on leading behavioural lessons. We do something like this for values based safety training-total exercise 5  minutes.

We set some ground rules. No swearing, no personal attacks. Basically people saying things like - is that the best you can do? It's still hard to get adults to say mean things. I  cant imagine how kids would feel.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3544358

Whether it's weight or food diary, you need some metric for your goal.

Whether it's weight or food diary, you need some metric for your goal. 

I have a tendency to snack, especially if I get bored or stressed out. Weighing in a quick and simple assessment of my eating habits so I can check if they have changed. Of course the first step is always stabilizing your weight.
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2016/04/real-life-weight-loss-3-years-3-kicks.html

The story at our house. Vegan and carnivore cohabiting:) I mostly carnivore at restaurants and the dogs have kibble.

The story at our house. Vegan and carnivore cohabiting:) I mostly carnivore at restaurants and the dogs have kibble.

It really is no different than accommodating tastes. It's amazing how many options there are if you don't live in a food dessert.
http://www.refinery29.com/vegan-carnivore-couple-relationship-advice

Weirdly enough, phone checked for updates and said there wasn't anything. Then I checked manually and it asked if I wanted to download and update...

Weirdly enough, phone checked for updates and said there wasn't anything. Then I checked manually and it asked if I wanted to download and update...

That's a different animation. Oh and that other Samsung lockscreen? u-g-l-y.

Again, I am super happy to be a) post menopausal b) not living in the US. Just wow.

Again, I am super happy to be a) post menopausal b) not living in the US. Just wow.

I don't know why women are just verbally letting the governor know when they are menstruating. I think they should be sending all used their sanitary products to him for analysis and proper disposal.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2016/04/what-everyone-is-missing-about-the-indiana-abortion-law.html

If you are into mobile banking TDCanada Trust may be your bank

If you are into mobile banking TDCanada Trust may be your bank
I have been a long time TDCanada Trust customer but they keep adding services that keep me engaged. Recently they unveiled their Tap to Pay app and now they help you graphically track your money with TDMySpend. Most people don't budget because it's kind of ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/04/if-you-are-into-mobile-banking-tdcanada.html

The secret rules of the internet: The murky history of moderation, and how it’s shaping the future of free speech. http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/13/11387934/internet-moderator-history-youtube-facebook-reddit-censorship-free-speech

The secret rules of the internet: The murky history of moderation, and how it’s shaping the future of free speech. http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/13/11387934/internet-moderator-history-youtube-facebook-reddit-censorship-free-speech
http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/13/11387934/internet-moderator-history-youtube-facebook-reddit-censorship-free-speech

I'm a sucker for palettes so I got the MAKE UP FOR EVER customizable palette from Sephora and it's pretty awesome.

I'm a sucker for palettes so I got the MAKE UP FOR EVER customizable palette from Sephora and it's pretty awesome.

MAKE UP FOR EVER gives a choice of 185 shadows and blushes to create a one, two or three colour palette. Since I'm much more minimalist than I like to admit, I thought I would try a blush and two shadows that would take me from day to evening (if I ever did anything for evenings).

I've been having problems getting a blush that 1) shows up and 2)doesn't fade - especially since I don't do the primer, BB/CC/DD cream etc. I got the dark purple pink blush and it does both as well as being buildable.

The eyeshadows are very smooth with good blending. I got a fir green - could have selected something less dark but I really like the effect. The base shade is copper red metallic which gives me a nice neutral nice shimmer.

Right now if you do a palette you get a discount on the 3rd pan. They are a high end brand so you may encounter some sticker shock. I find it's worth it because of the colour payoff and blending.

Calorie counts are why I don't eat out at restaurants much

Calorie counts are why I don't eat out at restaurants much

I used to check menus so I knew what to order but when even a salad has half my daily calorie requirements...Now I just know order the smallest portion and I will leave a lot of food on my plate. Appetizers are the worse for portion control. Even at home, where we monitor serving sizes, we fall into the trap of too many options in a meal.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/calorie-count-restaurant-menu-1.3535873?cmp=rss

It was one of those spring fever days where I spent lots of time walking around outside. Luckily I can be working and do that.

It was one of those spring fever days where I spent lots of time walking around outside. Luckily I can be working and do that.

Also a tech 'splody day. I set up KNOX because I wanted my trusted devices to start working again. Welp, they work, ActionLaunch 3 doesn't and I have no idea how to un-invoke KNOX (or if you even can). Rats. Using Apex until ActionLauncher is resolved.

I also got an update for my GearS2.

I am not sure I need this but...power all the things!

I am not sure I need this but...power all the things!
https://www.anker.com/deals/powerhouse?inviter_code=a8a147b308e13a895067

Interesting conundrum. I will trust the experts who say kindergarten is the "best" grade to repeat but...

Interesting conundrum. I will trust the experts who say kindergarten is the "best" grade to repeat but...

This child seems likely to get bored and since the parents are actively involved with her education, were this my child, I would let her stay with her class. Especially if she has friends. What do those of you with kids think?
http://freethoughtblogs.com/inspection/2016/04/14/is-repeating-kindergarten-a-good-idea/

How cool is this! You can see what your dog likes. I think our guys are too small and I can't find a price:(

How cool is this! You can see what your dog likes. I think our guys are too small and I can't find a price:(
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=qT79v7Kazb8&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaMVv0rWKOys%26feature%3Dshare

If you want to cook a pizza super quick just heat up your oven to 550 then broil your pizza for 4 minutes.

If you want to cook a pizza super quick just heat up your oven to 550 then broil your pizza for 4 minutes.

Or you could buy an appliance for your counter top. We have a tawa so we don't worry about breaking pizza stones.
http://www.refinery29.com/2016/04/108279/personal-pizza-over-pizzacraft

InnerSpace: Nerd Block

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F20k_SVUJqE&feature=autoshare

Emoji can lead to huge misunderstandings, research finds

http://www.dailydot.com/technology/emoji-miscommunicate/

I'm reading these stories on spending and realize - I don't make that much (shrug) and it's way cheaper to live in NYC

I'm reading these stories on spending and realize - I don't make that much (shrug) and it's way cheaper to live in NYC

Do you budget?
http://www.refinery29.com/money-diary-cpa-finance-budget

Mounting data suggest antibacterial soaps do more harm than good

http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/mounting-data-suggest-antibacterial-soaps-do-more-harm-than-good/

I watched Sleepy Hollow for the Abby/Crane relationship - especially after the headless horseman was dealt with.

I watched Sleepy Hollow for the Abby/Crane relationship - especially after the headless horseman was dealt with.

Season 2 was meh but season 3 was interesting again. Season 4 could be interesting again I suppose but I get kind of tired of black women story arcs being written so tightly (PoI and now this) compared to other main characters. Hope to see Beharie on popular show soon.
http://tvline.com/2016/04/08/nicole-beharie-leaving-sleepy-hollow-abbie-dead-season-4-interview/

I would definitely keep an S7, maybe the Edge too:)

I would definitely keep an S7, maybe the Edge too:) 
https://wn.nr/SmhzXA

Weight loss is such difficult thing to study.

Weight loss is such difficult thing to study.

Research showed human satiety responded to descriptors! Not to say some weight loss strategies aren't good crutches, but recognize they are crutches.
http://www.drsharma.ca/the-power-of-placebo-in-weight-loss-trials

Woot They never take the easy way with this show.

Woot They never take the easy way with this show.
http://io9.gizmodo.com/chalk-another-one-up-for-satan-fox-s-lucifer-has-been-1769702970

How would you feel if your friends or family made one of these comments?

How would you feel if your friends or family made one of these comments?
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/5-worst-things-say-someone-losing-weight/?utm_source=mfp&utm_medium=GooglePlus

Nice twist on the fear of flying. Good use of tropes.

Nice twist on the fear of flying. Good use of tropes.
http://dailysciencefiction.com/hither-and-yon/magic-realism/arielle-friedman/forgetting-how-to-fly

My heart breaks for the women prosecuted for having a miscarriage. I terminated 2 wanted pregnancies. When you want to be pregnant a failure at any point is an emotional loss. To deal with prosecution as well is torture.

My heart breaks for the women prosecuted for having a miscarriage. I terminated 2 wanted pregnancies. When you want to be pregnant a failure at any point is an emotional loss. To deal with prosecution as well is torture.

The first was an ectopic pregnancy, I had surgery to correct infertility but when I got pregnant it was ectopic. When I told my parents my dad said I must have done something because this kind of thing just doesn't happen. My mom turned around and told him a friend who died in their youth had died of an ectopic pregnancy - cause of death just wasn't really bruited about.

Second was just a pregnancy that didn't develop after an IVF embryo implantation. For weeks I hung on hoping the doctors were wrong.

Before my experiences I was pro-choice. Because of my experiences I am even more pro-choice. Inexpensive, effortless, effective contraception must be available for women and men and be used by both unless a pregnancy is desired. Abortion care is essential. Medication style termination should be freely available. If potential persons are a priority then research must be devoted to artificial uteri. This would help those who can't carry a pregnancy to term as well that those who choose not to.

And yes I do realize this means expanding social services for children.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2016/04/the-natural-consequences-of-banning-abortion.html

I think this is pretty well EVERY woman's internal dialogue

I think this is pretty well EVERY woman's internal dialogue
http://the-toast.net/2015/04/01/things-male-tech-colleagues-have-actually-said-annotated/

Kindle version of The Cuckoo's Calling is $2.99 at amazon.ca along with The Silkworm.

Kindle version of The Cuckoo's Calling is $2.99 at amazon.ca along with The Silkworm.

I read a ton while on holidays and how have 4 books stacked to read plus TV to catch up on (still). Need to get off the internet.
https://www.amazon.ca/The-Cuckoos-Calling-Cormoran-Strike-ebook/dp/B00AA20E5Y/ref=pd_typ_k_sp_1_1_p?ie=UTF8&refRID=5AWRC8RCS3RD4K2SJQ1X

There is a lot of violent near history (the subject is history since 1890). No need to show a ultra-violent re-enactment or a religious event from outside that period.

There is a lot of violent near history (the subject is history since 1890). No need to show a ultra-violent re-enactment or a religious event from outside that period.

There were warnings (some may even call them trigger warnings!) about violence that dulled any inclination I had to see it. I only hope I would have had the guts to walk out of the class like some of the students did.
http://www.rawstory.com/2016/04/public-school-teacher-busted-after-forcing-kids-to-watch-mel-gibsons-gruesome-jesus-flick/#.VwAQ1MH1uIY.google_plusone_share

I remember I started reading fahrenheit 451 but found it too boring (I was young). I should steal a copy from somewhere and read it.

I remember I started reading fahrenheit 451 but found it too boring (I was young). I should steal a copy from somewhere and read it.

"You must understand that our civilization is so vast that we can’t have our minorities upset and stirred. Ask yourself, What do we want in this country above all? People want to be happy, isn’t that right?…Colored people don’t likeLittle Black Sambo. Burn it. White people don’t feel good about Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Burn it. Someone’s written a book on tobacco and cancer of the lungs? The cigarette people are weeping? Burn the book. Serenity, Montag. Peace, Montag. Take your fight outside. Better yet, to the incinerator."

h/t Pam Adger 
http://thoughtcatalog.com/ryan-holiday/2015/11/the-real-reason-we-need-to-stop-trying-to-protect-everyones-feelings/

I don't even know how to lock/unlock my vehicle with the key (what key?).

I don't even know how to lock/unlock my vehicle with the key (what key?).

It would be interesting to know the mechanism. I have enter and drive so I have to make contact the sensor while holding the key. I assume it's a form of NFC/BT not radio but I don't know.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3515106