Why build flirtation or "sassiness" into an digital assistant at all?
Even if the frequency of a female voice is more attention getting, there is no reason that it can't be an informative assistant with out the sexualization. Maybe getting people used to hearing let's get back on topic would be good for everyone.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/17/how-we-trained-ai-to-be-sexist/https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/17/how-we-trained-ai-to-be-sexist/
I live in a small Canadian Prairie city with a spouse and a dog. We retired in 2018. This is what life is like.
Saturday 31 December 2016
"The politics of Star Wars should always have been allowed to stay warm-fuzzy and mundane. Its dictum that Nazis are bad should always have remained a benign, foregone conclusion. But it didn’t. Ironically, we forgot that Star Wars’ themes were only safe and benign because we had universally accepted governing democratic principles that rejected authoritarianism and white supremacy. Those governing principles are no longer a sure thing." http://www.vox.com/culture/2016/12/31/14024262/star-wars-political-alt-right-backlash
"The politics of Star Wars should always have been allowed to stay warm-fuzzy and mundane. Its dictum that Nazis are bad should always have remained a benign, foregone conclusion. But it didn’t. Ironically, we forgot that Star Wars’ themes were only safe and benign because we had universally accepted governing democratic principles that rejected authoritarianism and white supremacy. Those governing principles are no longer a sure thing." http://www.vox.com/culture/2016/12/31/14024262/star-wars-political-alt-right-backlash
http://www.vox.com/culture/2016/12/31/14024262/star-wars-political-alt-right-backlash
http://www.vox.com/culture/2016/12/31/14024262/star-wars-political-alt-right-backlash
Innovative reuse of materials.
Innovative reuse of materials.
We should do more of this. Repurposing save the energy used in mining.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/shipping-container-hotel-open-for-business-in-bruderheim-1.3915218
We should do more of this. Repurposing save the energy used in mining.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/shipping-container-hotel-open-for-business-in-bruderheim-1.3915218
Friday 30 December 2016
Can't wait!
Can't wait!
Fifth Element is one of my favourite movies. This looks awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=_saHsggGe6I&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBszXhUjJz00%26feature%3Dshare
Fifth Element is one of my favourite movies. This looks awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=_saHsggGe6I&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBszXhUjJz00%26feature%3Dshare
Thursday 29 December 2016
It’s that time of year again when people are drawing up resolutions that they may or may not, most likely not, keep for the next 12 months. Almost everyone, however, like to use the opportunity at the changing of the year to get their lives in order. Luckily, there’s an app for that. In fact, there are apps for that. … Continue reading
It’s that time of year again when people are drawing up resolutions that they may or may not, most likely not, keep for the next 12 months. Almost everyone, however, like to use the opportunity at the changing of the year to get their lives in order. Luckily, there’s an app for that. In fact, there are apps for that. … Continue reading
https://www.slashgear.com/best-apps-to-increase-with-your-productivity-29469161/
https://www.slashgear.com/best-apps-to-increase-with-your-productivity-29469161/
Non-invasive screening is really coming along.
Non-invasive screening is really coming along.
Hopefully focusing on diseases, like lung cancer mentioned, where early intervention can less onerous and more successful. I don't know that I would want to know I have the precursor for a long and miserable life.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/29/simple-breath-test-can-detect-cancer-and-16-other-diseases/
Hopefully focusing on diseases, like lung cancer mentioned, where early intervention can less onerous and more successful. I don't know that I would want to know I have the precursor for a long and miserable life.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/29/simple-breath-test-can-detect-cancer-and-16-other-diseases/
Wednesday 28 December 2016
Tuesday 27 December 2016
Great show about underrated tech stories.
Great show about underrated tech stories.
We are on a cusp of something:)
https://www.patreon.com/posts/full-dtns-2933-7561337?utm_medium=social&utm_source=googleplus&utm_campaign=postshare
We are on a cusp of something:)
https://www.patreon.com/posts/full-dtns-2933-7561337?utm_medium=social&utm_source=googleplus&utm_campaign=postshare
Monday 26 December 2016
Christmas read. 2 thumbs up
Christmas read. 2 thumbs up
Every year I get a book for Christmas and this year 8 asked for this one. Perfect holiday read, short and whimsical.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1851495766
Every year I get a book for Christmas and this year 8 asked for this one. Perfect holiday read, short and whimsical.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1851495766
Rogue One – An Engineering Ethics Story
Rogue One – An Engineering Ethics Story
(a few spoilers)
http://www.scifipolicy.com/blog/2016/12/18/rogue-one-an-engineering-ethics-story
(a few spoilers)
http://www.scifipolicy.com/blog/2016/12/18/rogue-one-an-engineering-ethics-story
Sunday 25 December 2016
Wham = legal in bars at last!
Wham = legal in bars at last!
Your 50s can be a hard decade to survive if you had a rough young adulthood. I hope his family can find peace.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/george-michael-dead-53-1.3912641?cmp=rss
Your 50s can be a hard decade to survive if you had a rough young adulthood. I hope his family can find peace.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/george-michael-dead-53-1.3912641?cmp=rss
Saturday 24 December 2016
Friday 23 December 2016
Saw Rogue One. Loved it - except the music was a little off.
Saw Rogue One. Loved it - except the music was a little off.
Enjoyed the story and thought the actors had great chemistry. I liked how it showed just how human leaders are - even of a resistance - wanting to play it as safe as possible and willing to sacrifice innocent people because they don't want to believe the baddies are as bad as they are. I found the music inconsistent at times with romantic notes at conflict points. Oh and the Leia cgi face shape was disconcerting.
Looking forward to rewatching.
http://io9.gizmodo.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-worst-rogue-one-takes-on-t-1790441878
Enjoyed the story and thought the actors had great chemistry. I liked how it showed just how human leaders are - even of a resistance - wanting to play it as safe as possible and willing to sacrifice innocent people because they don't want to believe the baddies are as bad as they are. I found the music inconsistent at times with romantic notes at conflict points. Oh and the Leia cgi face shape was disconcerting.
Looking forward to rewatching.
http://io9.gizmodo.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-worst-rogue-one-takes-on-t-1790441878
Wednesday 21 December 2016
So...optimists aren't oblivious jerks. NSS.
So...optimists aren't oblivious jerks. NSS.
I do consider myself an optimist and I have a very active imagination about the worse that can happen. Since many of these things are out of my control I focus on mentally preparing myself for things I can reasonably respond to.
The original research is behind a paywall unfortunately. I would have liked to know a little more about the groups examined.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopy.12289/pdf
http://www.refinery29.com/2016/12/133696/study-finds-optimists-expect-worst
I do consider myself an optimist and I have a very active imagination about the worse that can happen. Since many of these things are out of my control I focus on mentally preparing myself for things I can reasonably respond to.
The original research is behind a paywall unfortunately. I would have liked to know a little more about the groups examined.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopy.12289/pdf
http://www.refinery29.com/2016/12/133696/study-finds-optimists-expect-worst
Monday 19 December 2016
Reminder of WHY we are bigger.
Reminder of WHY we are bigger.
Much bigger servings of everything. I bought a Looney Spoons cook book and realized a lot of the calorie "savings" were by cooking and eating serving sizes from the 60s.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=0Sm8PrrmJKY&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrH61BlV2EoM%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded
Much bigger servings of everything. I bought a Looney Spoons cook book and realized a lot of the calorie "savings" were by cooking and eating serving sizes from the 60s.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=0Sm8PrrmJKY&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrH61BlV2EoM%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded
SafeInCloud Password Manager for Android is on sale (40% off) for the holidays.
SafeInCloud Password Manager for Android is on sale (40% off) for the holidays.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.safeincloud&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.safeincloud&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.safeincloud&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.safeincloud&hl=en
Sunday 18 December 2016
Utilities have a profitable monopoly. They won't want to loose that.
Utilities have a profitable monopoly. They won't want to loose that.
Ontario is taxing solar as income, hopefully they either fully subsidized the installation cost or allow a write down in asset value. Or better yet, a tax credit threshold that would cover homeowners.
https://powur.com/jay.kulesza/news/solar-is-being-held-back-by-regulations-not-technology
Ontario is taxing solar as income, hopefully they either fully subsidized the installation cost or allow a write down in asset value. Or better yet, a tax credit threshold that would cover homeowners.
https://powur.com/jay.kulesza/news/solar-is-being-held-back-by-regulations-not-technology
Saturday 17 December 2016
The flip side of clean energy sources is gas capture to clean up our mess and be able to use fossil fuels safely for the base.
The flip side of clean energy sources is gas capture to clean up our mess and be able to use fossil fuels safely for the base.
http://phys.org/news/2016-12-dangerous-gases.html
http://phys.org/news/2016-12-dangerous-gases.html
Maybe an app that just lets you take a picture?
Maybe an app that just lets you take a picture?
Tracking with MyFitnessPal became easier once there was barcode support but that only works if everything you eat is prepackaged. Just don't bring stuff into your house you don't want to eat. I usually track for a couple of days to reset eating habits.
http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/6/13179152/self-reporting-health-studies-accurate-research
Tracking with MyFitnessPal became easier once there was barcode support but that only works if everything you eat is prepackaged. Just don't bring stuff into your house you don't want to eat. I usually track for a couple of days to reset eating habits.
http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/6/13179152/self-reporting-health-studies-accurate-research
Wednesday 14 December 2016
@CharlieJane has an amazing submission for this month's @Wired Magazine.
@CharlieJane has an amazing submission for this month's @Wired Magazine.
It would take longer to ask all the questions answered by this story than the length of story. Whether all of them were considered during the writing is irrelevant as good art provokes questions and thought.
It would take longer to ask all the questions answered by this story than the length of story. Whether all of them were considered during the writing is irrelevant as good art provokes questions and thought.
Sunday 11 December 2016
Truth in labeling - it's about time.
Truth in labeling - it's about time.
I always wondered about Cold FX. It didn't seem to work for me or anyone I knew but Health Canada so ok. I also didn't realize how useless multi-vitamins were until my doctor casually said they're a waste of money when I asked about taking calcium.
I only want to maintain health in a cost effective way. But there are parent out there who are ineffectively treating their children's illnesses and Health Canada has done little to help them until now. Decisions need to be made on verifiable statements.
https://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2016/09/25/towards-more-effective-supplement-regulation-in-canada/
I always wondered about Cold FX. It didn't seem to work for me or anyone I knew but Health Canada so ok. I also didn't realize how useless multi-vitamins were until my doctor casually said they're a waste of money when I asked about taking calcium.
I only want to maintain health in a cost effective way. But there are parent out there who are ineffectively treating their children's illnesses and Health Canada has done little to help them until now. Decisions need to be made on verifiable statements.
https://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2016/09/25/towards-more-effective-supplement-regulation-in-canada/
Saturday 10 December 2016
One year with the Samsung Gear S2
One year with the Samsung Gear S2
Many people haven't found their groove with smart watches. As someone who flipped between smart watched and FitBit devices it's nice to be happy with a long term device. As you can tell with FitBit as my alternate, I am into health monitoring. As a gadget j...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/12/one-year-with-samsung-gear-s2.html
Many people haven't found their groove with smart watches. As someone who flipped between smart watched and FitBit devices it's nice to be happy with a long term device. As you can tell with FitBit as my alternate, I am into health monitoring. As a gadget j...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2016/12/one-year-with-samsung-gear-s2.html
Wednesday 7 December 2016
Monday 5 December 2016
My Gear S2 got a firmware update tonight.
My Gear S2 got a firmware update tonight.
Nice feature I already noticed, time left until full charge. I'll check out the S Health features tomorrow in exercise class. Looks interesting. I've had my Gear S2 for a year now. I think what keeps it fresh for me is being able to change the watch band. Anyway, I'll probably do a 1 year review soon.
Note - red cast is because I'm running Twilight.
Sunday 4 December 2016
Two thumbs up
Two thumbs up
Fred thought we were going to Passengers and I didn't know what to expect but we both really enjoyed the movie:) Definitely not the combative alien invasion tropes we usually see.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=8giXqYX4Wb8&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7W1m5ER3I1Y%26feature%3Dshare
Fred thought we were going to Passengers and I didn't know what to expect but we both really enjoyed the movie:) Definitely not the combative alien invasion tropes we usually see.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=8giXqYX4Wb8&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7W1m5ER3I1Y%26feature%3Dshare
Carbon neutral way; high capacity energy.
Carbon neutral way; high capacity energy.
This kind of innovation doesn't happen without funding for basic research - which always seems "blue sky" because it's not immediately available to monetize. This would be great for the Artic.
This kind of innovation doesn't happen without funding for basic research - which always seems "blue sky" because it's not immediately available to monetize. This would be great for the Artic.
Saturday 3 December 2016
It's alive! The ebook edition of The Babylon Eye is now available for sale from Amazon: http://getbook.at/babyloneye
It's alive! The ebook edition of The Babylon Eye is now available for sale from Amazon: http://getbook.at/babyloneye
Thanks to everyone who helped and encouraged me throughout this project, especially Tallulah Habib, Nerine Dorman, Marijke Du Toit, and above all Brendon Bussy without whose support and encouragement I could never have finished this book. Even though I never used his ideas for jokes. I'll work them into the next book Brendon!
And of course, all the rest of my lovely on- and offline friends.
Phew! Launching this book has given me an acute case of butterflies in the stomach. I will now escape to Newlands forest for a long walk with Pippin
https://mashadutoit.com/2016/11/30/the-babylon-eye-is-launched/
Thanks to everyone who helped and encouraged me throughout this project, especially Tallulah Habib, Nerine Dorman, Marijke Du Toit, and above all Brendon Bussy without whose support and encouragement I could never have finished this book. Even though I never used his ideas for jokes. I'll work them into the next book Brendon!
And of course, all the rest of my lovely on- and offline friends.
Phew! Launching this book has given me an acute case of butterflies in the stomach. I will now escape to Newlands forest for a long walk with Pippin
https://mashadutoit.com/2016/11/30/the-babylon-eye-is-launched/
Canada needs electrical infrastructure as much as it needs pipelines.
Canada needs electrical infrastructure as much as it needs pipelines.
We have the same wind belt and it's only through old fashioned thinking that Saskatchewan isn't getting on with renewables like Alberta. Energy self-reliance is key.
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/wind-energy-experts-see-lower-costs-bigger-turbines-on-the-horizon/
We have the same wind belt and it's only through old fashioned thinking that Saskatchewan isn't getting on with renewables like Alberta. Energy self-reliance is key.
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/wind-energy-experts-see-lower-costs-bigger-turbines-on-the-horizon/
Friday 2 December 2016
Interesting teardown and analysis, with pics. (Done by my founders, experienced ex-apple hardware engs.)
Interesting teardown and analysis, with pics. (Done by my founders, experienced ex-apple hardware engs.)
https://www.instrumental.ai/blog/2016/12/1/aggressive-design-caused-samsung-galaxy-note-7-battery-explosions
https://www.instrumental.ai/blog/2016/12/1/aggressive-design-caused-samsung-galaxy-note-7-battery-explosions
https://www.instrumental.ai/blog/2016/12/1/aggressive-design-caused-samsung-galaxy-note-7-battery-explosions
https://www.instrumental.ai/blog/2016/12/1/aggressive-design-caused-samsung-galaxy-note-7-battery-explosions
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Weight loss is more than calories in and calories out. Research using a pool of 10,000 participants. People tend to gain weight back. Differ...
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Serious about safety? Allow one free checked bag and stop carry on that doesn't fit under the seat. Don't want to "give away&qu...
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We were in Edmonton so I took the opportunity to visit the Microsoft Store, check out the Go and finally purchased it. I knew there was a ...