Pretty funny bits

Pretty funny bits

They're stewardesses and seat belts are for 9 year olds. How times have changed.
https://youtu.be/Qf4VHFILPtE

May! Noooooo

May! Noooooo
https://youtu.be/r8OZdsE6OjE

Lisa Cohen is in the Tor newsletter today! Nice!

Lisa Cohen is in the Tor newsletter today! Nice!

Love all her books and am eagerly awaiting the 4th.
http://www.tor.com/2017/01/31/sleeps-with-monsters-spring-space-opera-medley/

Reach back to the 70s to understand now.

Reach back to the 70s to understand now.

Many people have grown up flooded with advertising and "reality" TV. Science is about testing ideas. Does Barthes' ideas stand up to the test of time? They seem relevant.

https://psmag.com/the-myth-of-trump-1fd234670271#.iixx4emj4

This is me at work.

This is me at work.

I'm labeling folders and stuff right now. I have a whole training room to myself!
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=P5_ZYocyAoA&u=/watch?v%3DK9FILAkKinQ%26feature%3Dshare

Science!

Science!

Pets may chew shoes but they never put on an annoying type of music and they're not really good at talking back
http://www.refinery29.com/2017/01/138576/kids-like-pets-more-than-siblings

NASA releases first results from 'Year In Space' twin study

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/nasa-year-in-space-twin-study/#.WI2Dr-wCGWQ.google_plusone_share

FAKE NEWS IS ABOUT TO GET EVEN SCARIER THAN YOU EVER DREAMED

FAKE NEWS IS ABOUT TO GET EVEN SCARIER THAN YOU EVER DREAMED

Perhaps the scariest part is that, one day soon, this sort of technology will transcend beyond the academies and institutions to the point where you or I will be able to create fake digital clips as easily as regular people created fake-news stories during this cycle. The technology out of Stanford that can manipulate a real-time news clip doesn’t need an array of high-end computers like those used by Pixar; it simply needs a news clip from YouTube and a standard Webcam on your laptop..What’s even scarier, actually, is where these technologies and ossified worldviews will be by the 2018 midterm election, or the presidential election in 2020. At that point, one suspects, there will not only be thousands of fake-news articles floating around the Internet, but also countless fake videos and fake audio clips, too. If you combine those technologies with a president who is known to lie about even the most trifling matters, we won’t know what is real and what is fake any longer. If ever there was a time for the people creating technologies to keep in mind the impact of their creations, it’s now.
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/01/fake-news-technology

Parliamentary change is more practical than electoral change.

Parliamentary change is more practical than electoral change.

I don't think it's easy to change voting culture. That is slapping Australian methods of Canadians would be a revenue generator but wouldn't change voter turnout. I did the survey and it's clear that I would like less partisan politics. The rep has to represent their constituents with in a loose frame of the party. Formalizing requiring action on e-petitions and banning omnibus bills would be a great start. Coming to a consensus - that is working together to get the best for all citizens - is key. Trudeau talks a lot about science and we should make sure people understand how science (and statistics and big data) works and have mechanisms in place to answer questions/ provide input.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wherry-parliament-reform-1.3955247?cmp=rss

My problem with many "pro-life" supporters.

My problem with many "pro-life" supporters.

In 1st aid training someone said - but Trump is pro-life. I said as long as he is pro-war I can't consider him pro-life.
https://twitter.com/LisaBrenner2/status/825161159514861568

AI is only as good as the people around it.

AI is only as good as the people around it.
http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/what-happens-when-an-algorithm-is-sexist-new-guidelines-seek-accountability/389932

hmmm.

hmmm.
http://gizmodo.com/fish-pee-on-each-other-to-show-whos-boss-1791715955

Keep it secure. Read a variety of sources to keep informed.

Keep it secure. Read a variety of sources to keep informed.

http://www.androidcentral.com/your-smartphone-key-democracy

A replacement license is $23. That's a big tear.

A replacement license is $23. That's a big tear.

That is a deterrent sized fine for government issued ID that is cheap and relatively easy to replace. They simply mail you a reprint. Perhaps this guy need to recognize some priorities. He's intermittently employed in a small town.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/seriously-edmonton-police-issue-465-ticket-for-cracked-driver-s-licence-1.3956186

Canada continues to be in the top 10 countries to live in.

Canada continues to be in the top 10 countries to live in.

Reasonable, clear regulation is what draws large employers because they know what they have to do to be competitive. And it drives efficiencies.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/kevin-o-leary-trudeau-pivot-trump-1.3953270?cmp=rss

Interesting descriptions and very different than when I worked in research labs with grad students.

Interesting descriptions and very different than when I worked in research labs with grad students.

On campus, a lot of grad students worked at night. I would go in on weekends if my experiments happened to fall that way. In one group, head researcher wouldn't pass through the lab for weeks although there would be meetings. The other group's head researcher had coffee with us (employees) but still maintained distance from his students to allow them flexibility and independence. In neither case where they involved with bench work. And nearing the end of their degree, people frequently looked disheveled and were absent because they were writing and rewriting.

I worked in heavy oil research in the late 80s early 90s..


http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/01/how-dispute-harvard-led-grad-student-s-forced-mental-exam-and-extraordinary-restraining

Samsung's next flagship the S8 will be interesting and here's why...

Samsung's next flagship the S8 will be interesting and here's why...
The image is from  Venture Beat  which revealed the Samsung Galaxy S8. As much as I like to newest and shiny from all these manufacturers I can't help to wonder who the hell are they advertising theses  devices too ? Let's be honest, who's out of pocket $10...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/01/samsungs-next-flagship-s8-will-be.html

Third Sammy device to update this month

Third Sammy device to update this month

How well do you assess your wellness needs?

How well do you assess your wellness needs?

So much of health is prevention and we all have limits as to the amount of effort we can afford. Your health care provider should be able to help you assess your risk and benefits of a wellness path to focus on areas of improvement.

Our goal, now that we're in our mid-50s is to delay routine medication through diet and exercise. Pretty old school but sustainable for now.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/how-accurately-do-physicians-estimate-risk-and-benefit/

Juno Just Took One Of The Best Images Of Jupiter Ever - Universe Today

http://www.universetoday.com/133025/juno-just-took-one-best-images-jupiter-ever/

My shoulder used to hurt more

My shoulder used to hurt more

I'm really aware of my posture and worked on strength training. And now my stress goes into my hip. Yay? 🤷
http://www.refinery29.com/shoulder-pain-causes-relief

Inspiring women, I saw her speak at the U of C Faculty Club.

Inspiring women, I saw her speak at the U of C Faculty Club.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/roberta-bondar-anniversary-space-shuttle-1.3944669

If you didn't sign up for emails the CRA won't email you.

If you didn't sign up for emails the CRA won't email you.

Seriously, delete them, they are a scam. If it is from the CRA they will direct you to log into your CRA account without a link in the email. This is basic security.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3948822

Effective BC is the most successful way to reduce abortion rates.

Effective BC is the most successful way to reduce abortion rates.

All these heart beat bills are based on the fallacy that all embryos would results in live births. With ubiquitous birth control, unwanted pregnancies drop and so does abortion. Anti-choice advocates always use 3rd trimester photos to illustrate what abortion. At that point, abortion results in a live birth or a tragic loss for the parents to be.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2017/01/thank-the-aca-not-restrictions-for-abortion-decline.html

Seeing a live birth video in biology class was a great ad for birth control. And that puppet 'skin' still looks better than real life.

Seeing a live birth video in biology class was a great ad for birth control. And that puppet 'skin' still looks better than real life.
http://cracked.tumblr.com/post/156252901196

Even middle class Americans would rather deal with check cashing and payday loans than deal with banks' hidden fees.

Even middle class Americans would rather deal with check cashing and payday loans than deal with banks' hidden fees.
http://www.npr.org/2017/01/10/509126878/what-is-driving-the-unbanking-of-america

Boys need HPV vaccination as much as girls.

Boys need HPV vaccination as much as girls.

It's always seemed strange to me that parents don't protect their boys from getting cancer with a simple vaccine. 9000 cases for boys vs 12000 cases for girls isn't that big a difference. Or is this because of cervical cancer in women which makes it special 😞
http://www.refinery29.com/amp/2017/01/137268/hpv-in-men-study

#4 is the one that I really worry about.

#4 is the one that I really worry about.

My other thought when reading this was how much "Minority Report" got right. I need to watch that movie again.
https://singularityhub.com/2016/11/07/5-big-tech-trends-that-will-make-this-election-look-tame/

Introducing Mémoire

Introducing Mémoire

So here it is, finally after months of developing and changing things several times Memoire (Mémoire) Beta is now available for you to download.

Join the community here : https://plus.google.com/communities/103070259211773243369

Memoire is a note taking app, which offers realtime device sync thanks to firebase. Here are few things Memoire has to offer.

- Stories : Take basic notes with or without a cover image, All the notes you save are encrypted using AESCrypt.

- Vault : If you want to save some sensitive notes like addresses or some other details you can use Vault which has option to lock the notes using Fingerprint or Password

- Todo : Create ToDo lists and set due dates to get notified

- Links : Save website or article links to quickly view them in the app

Thanks to Naman Rastogi for making the App icon and other illustrations in the app.

Thanks to Eduardo Pratti for giving me all the suggestions regarding UI/UX. He helped me a lot to make Memoire look this beautiful

and lot of other people who have helped me from starting Travis Hall, Patrick J, Maximilian Keppeler, Tom Wellington thanks to everyone of you

I hope everyone like the app , Feel free to +1 and Reshare
'
WARNING : Since this is a beta (A early beta), even though I have fixed known bugs and issues there may be some issues with the app that I am not aware of. So please give me feedback on such issues.

I like Marketplace because they suggest actions.

I like Marketplace because they suggest actions.

I found the beginning hard to watch because I like to think Canadians are part of a kinder culture.

At the same time, I understand some of those sentiments. I think an immigrant sending money to support groups that support violence should be deported and I think everyone deported should be escorted to a border. I don't care where you're from. White US guy sending money to groups promoting bombing clinics or D'aesh financing - buh bye. You don't get to come live in a safer country while making your home country unsafe. I also think once someone has been deported they need to be removed from Canada.

So that means more questions when confronted by people who feel "their" country has left them behind. So I can understand your POV and you can understand mine.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=w8MD3AxK1qM&u=/watch?v%3DkBHK4WWDdq4%26feature%3Dshare

Storage is essential for renewable energy.

Storage is essential for renewable energy.
http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/ecotricity_ready_to_launch_black_box_storage_trial_in_q1_2017#.WIPkDrzKr_Q.google_plusone_share

When you are passionate about a topic on line, mic drop and walk away.

When you are passionate about a topic on line, mic drop and walk away.

PSA you don't have to argue every point, get out and get involved to support your passion if you are able.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-racism-online-tips-1.3943351

Do you have home insurance? Is it enough?

Do you have home insurance? Is it enough?

Ours is pretty comprehensive and every few years I go through to see if we have enough.
http://www.moneysense.ca/spend/insurance/home-insurance/home-insurance-myths/

Won't be seeing paying money to support this movie.

Won't be seeing paying money to support this movie.

And the trainer should be not used by any ethical producer/director.

I have had dogs that don't swim when I wanted them to. I spent minutes every day tempting them into the water and in the end, the one that was the most hesitant would take a flying leap into white capping water. And I'm not a professional trainer. Milo and Duffy both swim enthusiastically.
http://www.refinery29.com/amp/2017/01/136746/a-dogs-purpose-german-sheperd-animal-abuse-video

New YouTube sharing feature is live in Canada but its invite only everywhere else...

New YouTube sharing feature is live in Canada but its invite only everywhere else...
For once Canada get's something from Google first, we now have the new sharing method implemented in YouTube first. According YouTube Canadians share 15% more content  than  anywhere else in the world. Canadians will see a new Shared tab in the mobile YouTu...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/01/new-youtube-sharing-feature-is-live-in.html

The biggest difference I found? It takes longer to run into someone you know in a city.

The biggest difference I found? It takes longer to run into someone you know in a city.

I've grew up outside a big city (Vancouver) and have lived in Calgary and a variety of smaller cities (less than 25k) in Alberta/SK. The biggest adjustment was driving long distances for services and no public transit. If you are friendly with the neighbours, they will be friendly back. In smaller centers I find the difference is whether there's a lot of workers who move in and out of the area. More movement = friendlier people.

What's your experience?


http://www.cbc.ca/radio/the180/what-not-to-love-about-meryl-streep-s-speech-more-on-ptsd-and-violence-and-reform-politics-not-elections-1.3930068/what-small-town-canadians-and-big-city-canadians-don-t-understand-about-each-other-1.3934460?cmp=rss

Surely I am not the only boomer who thinks this is a good thing.

Surely I am not the only boomer who thinks this is a good thing.

There have been many changes in my adulthood. Who better to guide the country into the future than people who grew up in the current economy and with more diverse social mores? And where better to effect change than government that takes us into the future? In our system it takes quite awhile to effect change, there are usually checks and balances and the pols get the be the change they want to see if they're ethical. Sometimes it will be a challenge - sometimes you'll have to justify holidaying with old friends - and open doesn't come right away.

Don't get me wrong, I struggle with this at work as I transition out of old roles so I kick up outside interests. Good parenting includes giving youth the tools to take responsibility. Good government enables generational transition of government.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-liberals-baby-boomers-millennials-1.3935622?cmp=rss

Newest Samsung AMOLED screen almost has no bezel

Newest Samsung AMOLED screen almost has no bezel
Samsung has been striving to improve the user experience in every way they can and I for one haven't been a fan of Samsung for years now. Mostly due to their poor customer. Aside from that, their devices have been getting better. The TouchWiz interface has ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/01/newest-samsung-amoled-screen-almost-has.html

Surprised me.

Surprised me.

My dad used to refurbish stuff for a retailer a few years ago. Much more stuff is not made to be repaired. I guess I was hesitant to take advantage of this type of deal because I didn't know the source of the product. Time to look again and save money.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/christmas-gifts-returns-1.3932253

Rich white guy as PM blurs Canada as a target for Trump.

Rich white guy as PM blurs Canada as a target for Trump.

I really think many US leaders, and citizens, Canadian Turmp supporters see Canada as a failed US. We still technically have royalty but brought home our constitution and human rights act through diplomacy. And Canada has done enough shitty things (treatment of blacks in New Brunswick leaps to mind) and a majority white population along the border in rural areas so they can continue to think that.

I can certainly see benign neglect as a policy. The multi-corp I work for functions that way. Canada used to be in the US domestic bucket, then the region changed to North America but excluded Mexico. There are nods to Canadian law but it's definitely the letter not the spirit. To me it costs in productivity but pretty sure that's not a concern when there's a high unemployment rate in the area.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-canada-economy-1.3934966

Interesting questions and interpretations.

Interesting questions and interpretations.

Canada is currently reviewing the first past the post election scheme. I think the first step is making voting easier for everyone so you get a baseline for how things are. A voting app, website and polling stations would broaden accessibility. Not a proponent of making voting a requirement unless you do so for voters entering the system only. Existing eligible voters who don't vote will go along with whatever the government decides. Mixed feelings about requiring diversity. Hopefully the most diverse party would reflect Canadians best and get voted in - again; diversity.
https://www.mydemocracy.ca/results/1ba8646a-a491-4248-93e7-2d107e203b51

This is a seriously useful feature

This is a seriously useful feature
http://www.androidcentral.com/how-share-gifs-and-search-emoji-gboard?utm_content=buffer8c279&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

It's an amazing artist who's songs can be played in slo-mo and sound awesome.

It's an amazing artist who's songs can be played in slo-mo and sound awesome.

I loved the musical variety shows I grew up with (the performers perhaps not so much). Much more enjoyable than the mean spirited "reality" shows. Dolly Parton made appearances on many of them.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=tl_-IBQyvIU&u=/watch?v%3Ddoz1QJ7LwjA%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

Science!

Science!

Using the same idea as vaccines (low dose exposure to change immunological response) we can decrease the incidence of food allergies - specifically peanut allergies. I don't know why this would be a surprise.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/peanut-allergy-prevention-advice-does-a-180/

-43?!? I may have to pop out and run the car a couple times.

-43?!? I may have to pop out and run the car a couple times.

It was -9C yesterday afternoon then weather came blowing in. I walked between the Plant and Office, Couldn't see for the blowing snow. I have to do that trek again so I'll be dressing properly.

What to do with a broken phone to keep your data safe

Lose or break your phone? Change your Google and/or Apple password.

Especially with irretrievable devices. During the password transition, if you are using 2-factor, use an authenticator app.
http://www.androidcentral.com/what-do-broken-phone-keep-your-data-safe

I hope architectural solar happens during the rebuilding of Ft Mac.

I hope architectural solar happens during the rebuilding of Ft Mac.

Yes there are few solar hours in the winter but in the summer there's lots and it would offset a/c use.
https://powur.com/jay.kulesza/news/the-dawn-of-architectural-solar

Focusing on external looks is an easy trap to fall into.

Focusing on external looks is an easy trap to fall into.

Sometimes it seems if you only looked like a "better" version of you you would have the life you feel you deserve and be happy. Men (and women) have many expectations placed on them. While men get some relief with the dadbod movement, younger men feel even more pressure to meet physical expectations. Those images are as difficult to escape as model are for women.

Eat well and moderate exercise. With lower fat content, your (natural) muscles will show. Give yourself a break.
https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/why-men-more-body-image-200359549.html

Social hacking and cell phone security is highlighted.

Social hacking and cell phone security is highlighted.

Even if you don't read the TOS check that the app permissions make sense for the service. Also protect against social hacking. There is a reason you are asked security questions - be prepared and report companies who don't ask those security questions. Also - we should make up answers to security questions that are not reality based. That makes it harder.

This is on us - government can only regulate creating privacy requirements.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=J5rC268hnIM&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dxx1AUupLn2w%26feature%3Dshare

Quick before the wind comes up and the sun goes in.

Quick before the wind comes up and the sun goes in.

Got some time? Check your device privacy settings.

Got some time? Check your device privacy settings.

I also get regular reminder emails from Google about checking account permissions. Whether you use Google Facebook or Twitter as a log in instead of creating new accounts, you should check what websites have access to your profiles.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/protecting-your-privacy-online-how-to-manage-what-you-reveal-1.3920036

I remember skating on frozen ponds growing up in the Vancouver area in the 70s.

I remember skating on frozen ponds growing up in the Vancouver area in the 70s.

And needing snow tires, and riding on sliding busses. I guess those days are back for this year.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/when-vancouver-had-winter-1.3918910

Great talk on promoting bike culture.

Great talk on promoting bike culture.

People are lazy so we must lead them to do things by making it the easiest and most efficient thing to do. I used to bike to work, then I walked (and got in an accident). Now I just drive because I don't want to cross a busy highway.

What would get you to bike or walk places?
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=64NKOYb2dag&u=/watch?v%3DpX8zZdLw7cs%26feature%3Dshare

Cool

Cool
http://blog.caranddriver.com/missing-link-will-wireless-charging-help-energize-the-electric-car-market/

[Review] The new Linksys Velop system will cover you in Wifi

[Review] The new Linksys Velop system will cover you in Wifi
So, for  awhile now I've had just my plain ol' Shaw modem connected into a nice Asus router.  But then it started to have issues, and Shaw suggested I go with their modem/router deal.  It was fine for a while but then I would notice our devices would be dro...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/01/review-new-linksys-velop-system-will.html

Some car technology is frivolous or pure luxury; other added-extras are a matter of personal taste. If you want leather seats, or a 1,300W audio system, or autonomous parking, you probably should pay extra for it. Even some safety technology, like adaptive cruise control or active lane-keeping assistance, falls into the convenience category more than a must-have essential. I think, … Continue reading

Some car technology is frivolous or pure luxury; other added-extras are a matter of personal taste. If you want leather seats, or a 1,300W audio system, or autonomous parking, you probably should pay extra for it. Even some safety technology, like adaptive cruise control or active lane-keeping assistance, falls into the convenience category more than a must-have essential. I think, … Continue reading
https://www.slashgear.com/its-time-this-car-safety-tech-was-standard-02469625/

There's a great new way to reuse your old Amazon shipping boxes http://read.bi/2hku9f5

There's a great new way to reuse your old Amazon shipping boxes http://read.bi/2hku9f5
http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-goodwill-donations-shipping-boxes-2016-12?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds

Now I remember why I enjoyed these crime novels so much.

Now I remember why I enjoyed these crime novels so much.

It's the near future so things haven't changed in many ways. Diverse set of characters (although if you don't follow the series you won't realize how diverse) and not a lot of stereotypes.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821249-festive-in-death

How about we stop worrying about missing stuff away from us.

How about we stop worrying about missing stuff away from us.

I use my Gear S2 so I can have my phone on mute. The only non-health related notifications I get are texts (I'm not a texting machine) and email notices from the Plant Manager. The voice reply is great on the Gear but mostly I"m not in that much of a rush to reply.
http://www.androidcentral.com/stop-blaming-smartwatches-your-terrible-habits

A good argument for renewable energy; stay local.

A good argument for renewable energy; stay local.

I can see how globalization has left the less wealthy in "First world economies" feeling resentful - especially in poorly regulated markets. Times have changed quickly and complexity has increased. Renewable energy - especially solar - gives control back to local users. They bear the installation costs and use the energy they create. It also makes electricity more available during disruptions.
https://medium.com/the-wtf-economy/the-retreat-from-hyper-globalization-680c0c529649#.4utxkqywi

All of our reviews from 2016

All of our reviews from 2016
Hey everybody, recovering here from a heck of a week of festive activities.  I hope you are doing well. In the vein of looking back and reflecting on 2016, I thought I'd recap and list off our reviews from the past year.    What would you like us to review ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/01/all-of-our-reviews-from-2016.html

Yesterday's work out. Was going to repeat today ...

Yesterday's work out. Was going to repeat today ...

But my arms aren't working quite right and it hurts to sit. Rest day ☺

Happy New Year! Bonne Annee!

Happy New Year! Bonne Annee!

I remember how exciting 1967 was. Looking forward to this year's celebrations.