Want to be more focused? Put your phone on SILENT.

Want to be more focused? Put your phone on SILENT.

Notifications jerk our attention away from tasks. Researchers found that, far from causing anxiety, getting people to put phones on silent increased their focus. Putting it out of sight even lowered self interruptions in some subjects. It's a small study but if you feel stressed and need a mini break, or to do project work, turn off your notifications and plan your interruptions.

h/t Android Authority
http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?doid=2858036.2858359

We love our tech - but sometimes we need to unplug

We love our tech - but sometimes we need to unplug
from OCM It's summer time... okay, not officially until like June 21st or so, but it's warm enough outside to do all my mowing and the fire ban's been lifted in my neck of the woods so I'm having my fire bowl going for s'mores and I'm sorting the garage so ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/05/we-love-our-tech-but-sometimes-we-need.html

Rise of Ad-Blocking Software Threatens Online Revenue - The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/31/business/international/smartphone-ad-blocking-software-mobile.html?_r=0

Great way to spend a warm afternoon.

Great way to spend a warm afternoon.

Bird song and the scent of lilacs. Now that the combs are put away, the dogs are back.

You should never have to pay a dealer to read a code BUT be aware that all code readers are not the same.

You should never have to pay a dealer to read a code BUT be aware that all code readers are not the same.

I've had Volkswagens for most of this century, first a GTI, then a Passat and now a Macan (okay that's a Porsche but same parent company). I wouldn't think of putting the Macan on a second party code reader but that's because I can see most things on the computer so I don't need to. The Passat was another story. I had a sensor error and the OBD2 at the local garage could not read the code completely then erased it because - argggg. I had to wait for the code to re-appear then take it in to be read. Also, some faults didn't give codes that could be read by generic readers.

For older vehicles, OBD2 is a great tool.
http://www.androidcentral.com/test-driving-obd2-readers-and-android

LG's G5 - the big brother to all the 'friends' out there

LG's G5 - the big brother to all the 'friends' out there
I'm going to do this review a little differently.  It's not been easy, I'll tell you that.  I've really loved LG in the past years.  REALLY loved them. Getting the LG G5 felt somewhat like Christmas, or getting to watch the next movie in a series.  I've lov...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/05/lgs-g5-big-brother-to-all-friends-out.html

Nice treat in single side serving:)

Nice treat in single side serving:)
http://oleanderandpalm.com/2012/06/campfire-orange-cinnamon-rolls.html

Another sign of aging:( Winding down of great local bands.

Another sign of aging:( Winding down of great local bands.
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-287-gord-downie-s-public-farewell-tour-exxon-s-climate-reckoning-confederacy-in-brazil-and-more-1.3601499/spirit-of-the-west-s-geoffrey-kelly-on-farewell-tours-and-gord-downie-1.3601556?cmp=rss

Every notice bathrooms on airplanes are gender neutral? Why not everywhere?

Every notice bathrooms on airplanes are gender neutral? Why not everywhere?

Design for Austin cinema chain. I have no idea who would choose open standing toilets but they're there for your comfort.
http://freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/2016/05/28/eliminating-conflict-by-design/

Ads drove me so crazy I started using an Ad blocker. There's still tracking though.

Ads drove me so crazy I started using an Ad blocker. There's still tracking though.

I'm not against sites making money but I don't like the auto play ads. I also don't want to be tracked. Enter the opt-out tool.
http://www.themarysue.com/facebook-targeted-ads/

OK That was weird

OK That was weird

Don't have AMC and don't know if I want to watch the rest but...at least I can just buy the season on the play store.
https://play.google.com/store/tv/show/Preacher?id=1mGuA5OvZEw&hl=en-GB

It's very difficult to provide nutritious food at a low price point. Especially if you want minimal clean up.

It's very difficult to provide nutritious food at a low price point. Especially if you want minimal clean up.

I looked after booking group lunches on a budget for a few years. I'm sure schools get deals but the healthiest most cost effective lunch I can order is a taco bar from taco del mar. Next up is pizza, where I get a range of vegetarian, chicken and beef. These are -$8/person. Pasta is probably cost effective but necessarily better for you.

Or what about a potluck? We've been having those and they too end up being more than $5 unless you supply buns or pickles. That seems like quite a task to put in parents and teachers though.

I take a hot lunch because I have access to a microwave. It is over $5 even if it's left overs because I take fruit and a sweet.

Food is expensive Yoni Freedhoff​ and not free to prepare.
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2016/05/school-hot-lunches-are-beyond-awful-how.html

Please reshare. It might save a life.

Please reshare. It might save a life.
Drowning doesn't look like drowning. It's time for the annual re-post of maritime safety expert and former USCG rescue swimmer Mario Vittone 's article.

What's happening physiologically when someone is drowning -- why it doesn't look like on TV:

1. Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled before speech occurs.

2. Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.

3. Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.

4. Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.

5. From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.”

This doesn’t mean that a person that is yelling for help and thrashing isn’t in real trouble—they are experiencing aquatic distress. Not always present before the Instinctive Drowning Response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long—but unlike true drowning, these victims can still assist in their own rescue. They can grab lifelines, throw rings, etc.

Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are in the water:

Head low in the water, mouth at water level
Head tilted back with mouth open
Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
Eyes closed
Hair over forehead or eyes
Not using legs—vertical
Hyperventilating or gasping
Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
Trying to roll over on the back
Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder

More on the topic at Mario Vittone's website:
http://mariovittone.com/?s=drowning+doesn%27t+look+like+drowning

(The article is available in several publications, not just Slate, but this version of the article includes short videos.)
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2013/06/rescuing_drowning_children_how_to_know_when_someone_is_in_trouble_in_the.html

Looking for some new reading material?

Looking for some new reading material?

Humble bundles are always a great deal. Looks like an independent press as well. Support writers and a charity:)
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/small-beer-press-fiction

I need one app to pay for stuff, transfer money to most people and make deposits. Maybe it's your bank system.

I need one app to pay for stuff, transfer money to most people and make deposits. Maybe it's your bank system.

I can use a bunch of apps for loyalty cards but that's because off the cards.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/charliewarzel/yes-we-scan?utm_term=.pqdWnNLdw#.pmvaBdjkO

Oh boy, can't wait!

Oh boy, can't wait!
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=ZPa8zQoE_4I&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMKJA-VLpiCo%26feature%3Dshare

I binged River on Netflix and now this song is stuck in my head.

I binged River on Netflix and now this song is stuck in my head.

This could be tiresome.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=d768UQzWDIY&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-wHLkHwhu40%26feature%3Dshare

Optimize your health by being informed while you are well.

Optimize your health by being informed while you are well.

No one wants to get/stay sick but you don't want excessive care either. Medicine is an applied science, the art part is patient communication. Medical doctors are not infallible but a good doctor has studied and learned about human bodies in a way that is difficult to do casually. Plus they don't base treatment on their body but yours.

Up your risk assessment game.
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/uncertainty-in-medicine/

Article contains spoilers. What did you think of the season finale?

Article contains spoilers. What did you think of the season finale?

I'm looking forward to where the next season is going. It will be different. I even like Weller now that he's been fleshed out.
http://tvline.com/2016/05/23/blindspot-season-1-finale-recap-episode-23-oscar-dies/

“Work at things that are central to your life”: The argument for never retiring

“Work at things that are central to your life”: The argument for never retiring

"Retirement, Glaser says, is an obsolete concept invented to stimulate the economy."

But not all work is physical labor, and many seniors can’t stand the thought of spending their remaining healthy years—and hard-earned wisdom—idling in leisure parks, cruises and retirement communities.

#retirement
http://qz.com/687046/work-at-things-that-are-central-to-your-life-the-argument-for-never-retiring/

Anything catch your eye?

Anything catch your eye?

Will probably watch Bull and Time after Time. Maybe Designated Survivor since POI is done.
http://themuse.jezebel.com/a-guide-to-the-best-worst-and-dumbest-new-tv-pilots-fo-1777426526?utm_source=recirculation&utm_medium=recirculation&utm_campaign=mondayPM

Low-Salt Diets Connected To Increases In Heart Disease, Death And Stroke

http://www.hngn.com/articles/199669/20160522/low-salt-diets-connected-increases-heart-disease-death-stroke.htm

Do you use ATMs? This is scary.

Do you use ATMs? This is scary.

I have to admit I use mobile apps for most of my banking, including cash transfers. Being cash short is't a bad thing for me as it cuts spending:)
http://gizmodo.com/malware-for-virtual-skimming-is-getting-scarier-1778067986

Risk =/= hazard. The main thing is to effectively limit exposure

Risk =/= hazard. The main thing is to effectively limit exposure

This applies to everything. If you are diabetic you limit exposure to sugars, if you are prone to soft tissue injuries you avoid certain activities. If you have a bad back and try to avoid injury by not eating sugar it just isn't effective.
https://risk-monger.com/2016/05/04/risk-based-or-hazard-based-regulation/

Calvin and Hobbes just keeps on giving.

Calvin and Hobbes just keeps on giving.

Watterson left before he finished all the stories but we all have a good idea how they turned out. We grow up, there is no just world and stuff just happens.
http://kotaku.com/a-string-of-upsetting-calvin-hobbes-strips-told-a-bol-1777424191

LG Friends: 360 VR [review]

LG Friends: 360 VR [review]
I've been getting the chance to play with LG's recent series of toys that pair well with the LG G5, they call them their "LG Friends". Recently, I showed off the Cam Plus accessory  and it was neat, but there's a few more to go.  Today's accessory is the LG...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/05/lg-friends-360-vr-review.html

Have there been studies looking at crime rates and parenting styles?

Have there been studies looking at crime rates and parenting styles?

I read a lot about how crime rates have lowered since the 50s and people point to removing lead from the environment as one of the agents of change. What if it's because of parenting changes? Perhaps parents are not turning to authoritarian compliance because, with smaller family sizes and later child bearing, they can model better behaviour.

While the author (mildly) disparages operant training, isn't all socializing operative training? From having dogs I know I would have been a different parent in my 30s than in my 20s. I do use it on my dogs - reward good behaviour, ignore bad behaviour (unless it's violent) and be consistent. Of course with humans you can eventually communicate more effectively than with a clicker:)

My parents were not explainers; they set rules and consequences. For the most part I follow rules and I think it's because that's what they modeled. Most likely would have followed more "rules" with less heartache had I understood more.

#TeamHumanity
http://revolutionaryparent.com/child-abuse-viral/

Have to agree, thing were different not necessarily better when I was growing up in the 70s

Have to agree, thing were different not necessarily better when I was growing up in the 70s

There are two main differences I see from my upbringing. Parents are really fearful about the loss of their children in the way my parents weren't. Perhaps coming from larger families and losing siblings in childhood gave adults a resilience about risk assessment. And there's more respect for people as people. I doubt teachers are any more effective at monitoring bullying (the one to many thing) but by fostering diversity and responding to concerns they make bullies less powerful.

I don't drink from a hose but I do drink from the tap.
https://maureenolearyauthor.com/2016/05/18/we-werent-that-resilient/

Darned one click...

Darned one click...

OTOH New Paul Cornell! On a long weekend! Come on rain, I need couch time.
https://www.amazon.com/Killed-Sherlock-Holmes-Shadow-Police-ebook/dp/B018XV0A4I

I use the fingerprint lock on my S6 and Tab S2.

I use the fingerprint lock on my S6 and Tab S2.

I have of work email account that doesn't allow trusted devices so I installed Knox which knocked out Action Launcher 3. After struggling for awhile I took out Knox. Using my print is easy and reliable security. Do you have a finger print sensor? Is it your preferred security?
http://www.androidcentral.com/90-nexus-users-now-have-secure-lock-screen-their-phone

How cool is this?

How cool is this?

Very cool. I hope it comes out in Canada.
http://www.androidcentral.com/googles-science-journal-app-helps-kids-explore-world-around-them

Sixty Minutes was a big part of our Sunday evening for many years.

Sixty Minutes was a big part of our Sunday evening for many years.
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/world/morley-safer-dead-1.3589419

Amazing how low key ambling can add up.

Amazing how low key ambling can add up.

New research shows the surprising ways that food packages can affect your eating habits...

New research shows the surprising ways that food packages can affect your eating habits...
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-surprising-reason-why-you-may-be-overeating/?utm_source=mfp&utm_medium=GooglePlus

The Marshmallow update for Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 owners has arrived today.

Screen overlay detected go to settings

Screen overlay detected go to settings

That was super irritating. I wanted to do a mobile bank deposit and kept getting that error and a very unhelpful punt to settings. Luckily a quick search and...the overlay is Twilight. Pause it and everything works. Thanks Android Central Forums.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-6-0-marshmallow/626142-screen-overlay-detected-app-permissions-twilight.html

This also showed up today for review.

This also showed up today for review.

Are wealthy comedians hypersensitive about their appeal to younger audiences? Yes, yes they are.

Are wealthy comedians hypersensitive about their appeal to younger audiences? Yes, yes they are.

Lots of great points and links. Comedy on campus has always been somewhat sanitized so there is wider appeal. After all, the Student Union can't afford to run at a loss.
http://freethoughtblogs.com/singham/2016/05/15/balancing-sensitivity-with-humor/

Clockwork Canada: Steampunk Fiction - now on Kindle

Clockwork Canada: Steampunk Fiction - now on Kindle

Seems my afternoon is now full:) I'm a sucker for Canadian future fiction.

Link https://goo.gl/kYB3lh

Replaced Pandora bangle with a Persona bangle. I like the idea of a structured bracelet a bangle provides but don't like rubbing the pearl over my skin to put it on. The Persona bangle flexes on and off.

Replaced Pandora bangle with a Persona bangle. I like the idea of a structured bracelet a bangle provides but don't like rubbing the pearl over my skin to put it on. The Persona bangle flexes on and off.

The one size bangle is Sterling Silver and includes two stops. You put beads on by removing one of the ends. I read the reviews, some ends have fallen off so I really tightened mine (perhaps too much). Using the stops will ensure no beads are lost if the end should fall off. If you decide to create a cuff style bracelet, I would buy and extra set of stops to ensure beads stay in place if an end cap comes off.

The line includes a beads, charms and bracelet styles compatible with Troll Beads, Pandora etc. Right now, at People's you can buy 3 charms and get a free bracelet. Depending on the charms that could be 50% off. As with all of these bracelets you can end up spending a lot of money on beads and charms, even if you do a lot of purchasing through hobby stores and EBay for glass beads. If you already have a bracelet check out the PersonaWorld site. They have some different patterns.

I'm out for season 4

I'm out for season 4
http://io9.gizmodo.com/sleepy-hollow-has-been-renewed-for-a-fourth-season-i-ab-1776552035

Do you know the difference between accuracy and precision and when it's important?

Do you know the difference between accuracy and precision and when it's important?

Expecting an inexpensive tracker to be as accurate as medical assessment is unrealistic. It can be a motivator though.
http://blogs.plos.org/obesitypanacea/2016/05/13/activity-trackers-dont-measure-energy-expenditure-should-you-care/

Google confirmed that Gboard features are coming to Android, While you wait, there’s an Android keyboard app that already offers the same cool features. #Apps #News #Google

Google confirmed that Gboard features are coming to Android, While you wait, there’s an Android keyboard app that already offers the same cool features. #Apps #News #Google
http://www.androidauthority.com/wait-google-bring-gboard-android-try-slash-thing-692271/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=gplus

Cute reminder

Cute reminder
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=9EBLjttkbp0&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8xOSHNguMO0%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

I don't charge my phone over night. Do you?

I don't charge my phone over night. Do you?

I actually charge my phone in the morning while I'm getting ready for work. With fast charge I don't need much time.
http://www.androidcentral.com/where-do-you-charge-your-phone-night

For me, the important thing is accreditation.

For me, the important thing is accreditation.

I remember when SFU first started and hadn't built it's reputation yet. It wasn't as prestigious as UBC but you still got a good education. Unregulated for-profit colleges are just a bad deal for students.
http://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-2246-i-teach-at-for-profit-college-heres-why-its-scam.html

Empathy, take the time.

Empathy, take the time.

You have lots of time to craft a response to a post and the first response frequently sets the tone. Don't let fear of the uncontrollable make YOU the monster.
http://blog.codinghorror.com/they-have-to-be-monsters/

How often do you prefer to weigh yourself?

How often do you prefer to weigh yourself?
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/how-often-should-you-weigh-yourself/?utm_source=mfp&utm_medium=GooglePlus

Marshmallow update heads out to Xperia Z2, Z3 and Z3 Compact in Canada

http://www.androidcentral.com/marshmallow-update-heads-out-xperia-z2-z3-and-z3-compact-canada?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=gplus

Blooming is super early.

Blooming is super early.

Doesn't want prosecution, wants to to promote empathy. I thought it would be easier to live your life in a bigger city but I guess judgey people are everywhere. If you are really unfortunate you live with a bunch if them who feel free to beat, verbally and physically, people they don't know for being different. That's entitlement.

Doesn't want prosecution, wants to to promote empathy. I thought it would be easier to live your life in a bigger city but I guess judgey people are everywhere. If you are really unfortunate you live with a bunch if them who feel free to beat, verbally and physically, people they don't know for being different. That's entitlement.
http://gawker.com/trans-subway-hate-crime-victim-speaks-i-thought-it-wa-1774537920

Because I know that chronic pain issues plague far too many people, and that this article makes some string points about how badly society understands managing it.

Because I know that chronic pain issues plague far too many people, and that this article makes some string points about how badly society understands managing it.
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2016/05/prince_s_death_reveals_we_have_no_idea_what_addiction_really_means.html?wpsrc=sh_all_dt_tw_top

Science!

Science!

It bothers me when I hear someone talking about a "cure for cancer ". What do they mean exactly? Some cancers are curable (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and preventable (HIV vaccine). Even breast cancer isn't a monolith. My mom and another woman in her office got breast cancer. My mom died, the other woman is a survivor. A neighbour and my dad's (male) friend also have survived breast cancer treatment.

Human bodies, we have them but don't really understand them.
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/sharks-get-cancer-mole-rats-dont-clues-to-understanding-cancer/

Libby-Anne states things so clearly.

Libby-Anne states things so clearly.

I have been called sir and as a teen I was solid enough and boys hair styles were long enough that I could pass as either in the jeans and tee uniform.

And really - what about the boys. It seems to be men who are predators. No wonder mothers worry about their boys going into bathrooms on their own.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2016/05/id-to-pee.html

I've been thinking of getting a kayak for awhile.

I've been thinking of getting a kayak for awhile.

Even though I have a tow package on the Macan I don't really feel like learning to pull (nor the horror of backing up with) a trailer. An inflatable kayak will fit in the back. Now I can go kayak while Fred metal detects or he can kayak if metal detecting is a bust. This is why I've been working more on my upper body:)

I think I've pretty well guaranteed we'll have a cool, windy summer LOL
http://www.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-i12s/

Do we apply the word "genius" differently based on gender?

Do we apply the word "genius" differently based on gender?
http://buff.ly/1WySUjr