Tuesday 28 February 2017

Change in maps use ->less understanding of location.

Change in maps use ->less understanding of location.

I found this unfathomable until James Spann mentions how people use maps now for directions. It's all turn by turn so they have no real idea of how where they are relates to weather warnings etc. That's one reason I preferred Google Maps over my (previous) vehicle GPS. I could zoom out and get a full idea of my route at any time.

How do you use GPS? Can you use weather maps?
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2017/02/many_alabamians_cant_find_them.html

Monday 27 February 2017

Perhaps people can't imagine not working?

Perhaps people can't imagine not working?

I know we plan to pull the pin on full time employment at some point earlier than many. So we've taken advantage of RRSPs and TFSAs. We also quit smoking over 20 years ago so maybe we're just weird with self control. I hope things are straightened out so we don't get OAS and income supplements intended for low income seniors.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rrsp-rfsa-mortgage-retirement-pensions-1.3996098?cmp=rss

Will black be the new neutral?

Will black be the new neutral?

I saw the white and it was ok. As long as everything is aligned and balanced looking I'll be okay with variations in colour. I used to get black everything but I broke the trend with my green Z3C and white tablet. I don't put a case on my phone but I had to put a skin on my S6 because it's so slippery.
http://www.androidcentral.com/new-galaxy-s8-leaks-show-black-will-be-only-color-worth-buying

Sunday 26 February 2017

Beware of social engineering to get passwords.

Beware of social engineering to get passwords.

Don't log in from email links if your account has been compromised and you don't recognize the address.
http://www.refinery29.com/amp/2017/02/142664/iphone-phishing-mugger-hackers

Indulging my inner geek - Samsung @ MWC

Indulging my inner geek - Samsung @ MWC

An enjoyable actor. Sympathies to his family.

An enjoyable actor. Sympathies to his family.
http://variety.com/2017/film/news/bill-paxton-dead-dies-1201996712/

Add HUD tech to your vehicle.

Add HUD tech to your vehicle.

My dream car was my 2003 GTI which I got after spouse got his dream car, a Z06. With this we could have kept my GTI which you can actuality do maintenance of an mess around with as it adds BT, navigation and other features as well as the HUD. It could be a great alternative to the infotainment upgrade too.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/25/driving-while-connected-with-the-navdy-heads-up-display/

Saturday 25 February 2017

Much more likely in profit driven health care systems.

Much more likely in profit driven health care systems.

Even in our universal health care system, if people ask for a treatment, they are likely to be accommodated. Doctors still need patients after all and the treatments are legal. Fred has put off cholesterol medication for a decade by controlling his diet and weight.

Even though I started menopause before 40, I never started HRT and the most I took was a low dose BP medication to moderate night sweats. Now post menopausal for a decade, just keeping active and eating moderately is keeping me healthy.

This is a win on some many levels.

Edited to add:
If you are recommended a course of action for an illness you can check http://www.thennt.com/ to see how effect treatment will likely be. We humans kind of suck at risk assessment.

long article another edit

Then there's the value of public health initiative. Clean water, healthy food, promoting activities and the availability/wide spread use of preventative measures like vaccines. It's is rare that it is better to treat than reduce the occurrence of an event.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/02/when-evidence-says-no-but-doctors-say-yes/517368/?utm_source=atltw

Friday 24 February 2017

Illegal crossing from US to Canada needs to be raised - but how?

Illegal crossing from US to Canada needs to be raised - but how?

The US government is committed to deporting people out of the US; not to their country of origin. Note they aim to remove everyone seemingly from central/south america to Mexico. I would hesitate to mention at a government level simply because their "solution" could be to shoot these people so they can be detained. The best case scenario is to allow people to claim refugee status from the US so they can be checked and admitted. I know this puts a strain on the refugee/immigrants from overseas but this is the problem the the EU has been dealing with for the last decade so we should be able to look to them for solutions. Internally the Feds should provide funding to Manitoba.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3996171

Thursday 23 February 2017

Very cool!

Very cool!
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=_ov49mHyzaY&u=/watch?v%3DoUCHxKYbS8c%26feature%3Dshare

Yes I did read the manual.

Yes I did read the manual.

And I have a searchable "good to know" app! What about you?
http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-little-known-ways-you-suck-at-owning-car/

Need some gear?

Need some gear?

I need new workout shoes so I ordered 3 pair to try. Sport Chek has a reasonable return policy.
https://www.sportchek.ca/categories/deals-and-features/flash-sale.html?gclid=CjwKEAiArbrFBRDL4Oiz97GP2nISJAAmJMFaaRFR-0BhAxN2dNzLmNm20JglV5CAxsTEsljoJho02hoC5Svw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMzwjPmrptICFcYMPwodkwoLug

Another social attack targeting Chrome

Another social attack targeting Chrome

If a website prompts you to download a font to see it properly, don't do it. Close your browser tab and stay off that page. The site actually downloads a malicious software package that installs ransomware.

Your default Chrome browser can display any normal web page. Even if you lack a particular font, a web page should display a related common font that you do have.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2017/02/22/ransomware-attack-pushes-fake-font-update-on-google-chrome-users/#709f996c4da0

Wednesday 22 February 2017

Palliative care is torture if you want to die.

Palliative care is torture if you want to die.

We can help our pets die with dignity better than human family members. Yes, sometimes you need to step back from a personal decision but in the end, it is your decision. A caregiver cannot change your mind for you based on their observations. Amend to allow advance consent for assisted suicide.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/jocelyne-lizotte-doctor-assisted-death-1.3993572

Monday 20 February 2017

Florida brewery is revolutionizing how cans are packaged New proposed six-pack rings, instead of endangering animals, actually feed them.

Florida brewery is revolutionizing how cans are packaged New proposed six-pack rings, instead of endangering animals, actually feed them.
https://goo.gl/ut3euR

I'll admit, I would like a pair of these but I'm not in the US, boo.

I'll admit, I would like a pair of these but I'm not in the US, boo.

Maybe it's time to take advantage of working for a multinational and see if someone will get a pair for me.
https://www.spectacles.com/

You want tougher rules, do you know the rules?

You want tougher rules, do you know the rules?

I find a lot of people who advocate for tougher rules don't know the actual rules in place. Many of them don't follow rules they do know and couldn't pass the robust requirements. I wouldn't be surprised if many of them are shuffled around from department to department at their workplace because they are difficult to get along with. The rules they break are small but many. Before making new rules, review and enforce the ones you have.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/syrian-refugees-poll-trump-1.3988716

Thursday 16 February 2017

There are many ways to laugh...at someone. Disgusting.

There are many ways to laugh...at someone. Disgusting.

The timing couldn't be worse and turning down the opportunity to strike from the record - the Cons in action. They aren't the party to join for people who work they way into politics from a labour job. Why would we expect them to represent workers like us?
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/bus-driver-minister-laughter-1.3984808?cmp=rss

Take it day by day, and these four tips.

Take it day by day, and these four tips.
http://undrarmr.co/2kmWYZI

Tuesday 14 February 2017

For awhile I wished I lived in a laundry commercial (weather) but this seems more fun.

For awhile I wished I lived in a laundry commercial (weather) but this seems more fun.
http://www.refinery29.com/perfume-commercial-couples-funny-parody-stories

Great way to offset fossil fuel use. Extract electricity from the C02

Great way to offset fossil fuel use. Extract electricity from the C02

Carbonic acid is pretty week weak, wonder how much energy it takes to effectively sparge with CO2.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/02/10/co2-flow-cell-battery/

As expected, Trudeau did well. Made Trump look good.

As expected, Trudeau did well. Made Trump look good.

Trudeau is the only world leader who didn't put their foot in their mouth abuot Trump being elected. Authoritarian people mistake "nice" for weak. Nice is simply a way of doing things. He got Trump to say tweak NAFTA and common values for what it's worth. Flies, honey, etc.

This reporting is as good as any:)

#NoBillC23
http://freethoughtblogs.com/babbler/2017/02/14/red-deer-reporter-pm-justin-trudeau-survives-trump-handshake-by-using-an-exoskeleton-fiction/

Sunday 12 February 2017

Your dog is evaluating you based on helpfulness to others.

Your dog is evaluating you based on helpfulness to others.

Interesting research. Dogs and capuchin monkeys don't think exactly like humans but they act based on what they observe. From the research paper:

Our studies with capuchin monkeys and dogs revealed no preference for helpful actors, but clear avoidance of non-helpful actors, and capuchins also avoided reciprocity violators.

Emphasis mine.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=NjMWbA3YKK8&u=/watch?v%3DhmNfZ8QtNN8%26feature%3Dshare

Would you be interested in the Hatch service?

Would you be interested in the Hatch service?

I subscribe to Netflix and Texture so this could be an option for me. I hate the in app purchases thing, I'm not as harsh on the ad breaks.
http://www.androidauthority.com/hatch-90-games-signed-747699/

Great tune, HYH deserve credit.

Great tune, HYH deserve credit.

Lucifer is a great show too. Really waiting it to come back.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=2_z5mfR_aLA&u=/watch?v%3DEcE3N2J0eHo%26feature%3Dshare

😂😂😂😉


😂😂😂😉

FitBit vs. SHealth data.

FitBit vs. SHealth data.

You can do a lot more from the SHealth app but FitBit does have a website. Not sure why the sleep is so much less though.

Beautiful day for a walk.

Beautiful day for a walk.

No composition because dogs:)


From one leisure activity to another.


From one leisure activity to another.

Learn some stuff then digest it while walking the dogs. It's a beautiful day to get out. This time I'll remember the phone/camera.

Waiting for efficiency testing.

Waiting for efficiency testing.

Innovation isn't always better. We have a lot of wind and cold in Alberta. I would like to see more vertical designs with the generators/motors at the base for ease of maintenance. http://www.georgeretseck.com/verticalwindmill.html
http://www.engineering.com/ElectronicsDesign/ElectronicsDesignArticles/ArticleID/14291/Biomimic-Wind-Turbine-Whats-All-the-Flap-About.aspx

Today's breakfast, complex prep but ... it's Sunday.

Today's breakfast, complex prep but ... it's Sunday.

Got a new cookbook so had a South Asian vegan scramble. Added mushrooms because we like them even though they aren't a traditional ingredient. Also added spinach just because. I suspect part of slowing down our lifestyle pace will be upping the frequency of elaborate cooking.


Saturday 11 February 2017

Best thing I've read today. I watched these guys on reruns when I was a kid and loved them to bits, but never realized their political commentary until I read this article. Fascinating!

Best thing I've read today. I watched these guys on reruns when I was a kid and loved them to bits, but never realized their political commentary until I read this article. Fascinating!
http://www.npr.org/2017/02/10/514104444/50-years-later-the-biting-satire-of-the-smothers-brothers-still-resonates

You have no right to enter the US. You never have.

You have no right to enter the US. You never have.

I know this because long ago my dad got turned back at the border... in the 70s. When Canada Customs called their counterpart to see what the problem was, they were just told he was denied entry at that time. He's gone down since. More recently, I've had friends who own property in the US be denied entry. I worry about transiting on flights through the US but at least with pre-clearance we would still be in Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.3978699

Got a FitBit Flex2. Still rocking my Gear S2.

Got a FitBit Flex2. Still rocking my Gear S2.

Flex 2 went on sale and I wanted something waterproof with a longer battery to take on holidays. I figure I can wear it on my right wrist most of the time. Wouldn't mind getting the stainless steel bangle. Wouldn't have gotten the Flex 2 if I didn't have something that measures heart rate etc already.

Confession time, I like Tom Cruise movies.

Confession time, I like Tom Cruise movies.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=svh3e-90tK8&u=/watch?v%3Dy-BW-fYYxoo%26feature%3Dshare

Will police departments step up their game?

Will police departments step up their game?

Well researched investigation of how police are implementing the sexual assault laws in Canada. In some areas, not so well. Physical assault is coded unfounded at half the rate of sexual assault. What are the successful departments, some have less than 10% unfounded, doing and how can it be more widely implemented? Read the article. Public scrutiny is essential. Police work for you.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/investigations/unfounded-sexual-assault-canada-main/article33891309/

Thursday 9 February 2017

Beefed up “Personal Secure Cloud storage” with the Lima Ultra, is it all that? Yes!

Beefed up “Personal Secure Cloud storage” with the Lima Ultra, is it all that? Yes!
As the title suggest; Secure Personal Cloud Storage platform hosted at home by you for you. The previous version was named Lima and had some issues when it came to performance, this is why we have the  Lima Ultra . More under the hood power to give you what...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/02/beefed-up-personal-secure-cloud-storage.html

In an age of corporate mistrust, creating ethical workplaces takes more than compliance programs.

In an age of corporate mistrust, creating ethical workplaces takes more than compliance programs.
http://trib.al/q0dqCKW

Tuesday 7 February 2017

Progressive Conservative, not fear mongering Conservative.

Progressive Conservative, not fear mongering Conservative.

Seems informed, exemplifies social movement in Canada. Would be a great woman PM. If she became leader, Liberals would have a run for their money. Conservative party seems more about fear and copying the US.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/breakfast-with-lisa-raitt-1.3968383

Moving energy production local. To your house local.

Moving energy production local. To your house local.

Imagine solar panels on all roofs and a robust electrical grid with natural gas as base energy source. Cleaner air and water would follow.
https://powur.com/jay.kulesza/news/energy-is-the-new-new-internet

Sunday 5 February 2017

2-factor has gotten easier. I use Safe-in-cloud for passwords.

2-factor has gotten easier. I use Safe-in-cloud for passwords.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=Z7BNhHGVXq0&u=/watch?v%3DHP_tZ8WLjzk%26feature%3Dshare

Excellent alternative/addition to shelters

Excellent alternative/addition to shelters

There are l-o-t-s of sea cans available for modification; could be made available for First Nations to modify for their needs as well if they wanted them. Easy to make off grid by adding a solar panels and a few other options. Initial expense would be high but the longevity and mobility would offset the initial costs.

h/t Dan K
http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2016/12/05/homeless-stackable-micro-apartments-pods-micropad.cnnmoney/index.html?sr=twCNN020517homeless-stackable-micro-apartments-pods-micropad0711AMVideoVideo&linkId=34114336

Saturday 4 February 2017

Cancer funding at work! Cancer is several diseases.

Cancer funding at work! Cancer is several diseases.

We knock it back one vector at a time. In my lifetime lung cancer has become treatable, HIV went from lethal to treatable to a vaccine on the horizon. Breast cancer was discovered to be two types requiring different treatments and early detection and treatment has reduced the rate of cervical cancer.
https://www.labroots.com/trending/cancer/5230/cell-fusion-event-helps-melanoma-metastasize?utm_content=buffer060f9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I miss being able to go to varying exhibits.

I miss being able to go to varying exhibits.

When we visit Vancouver we always hit an exhibit - sometimes quite small but always interesting.
http://www.harvardartmuseums.org/visit/exhibitions/5201/doris-salcedo-the-materiality-of-mourning

This just made my day! It will make yours, too - especially if you are a musician

This just made my day! It will make yours, too - especially if you are a musician
http://en.newsner.com/crowd-asks-springsteen-to-play-another-singer-s-song-his-response-leaves-them-speechless/about/music

Friday 3 February 2017

OMG Yummy recipes. LOTS of desserts.

OMG Yummy recipes. LOTS of desserts.

Seriously interesting stuff like vegan yogurt. Fred's already cooking vegan and indian so it's time. Too bad it's not digital but I can transfer stuff into the MyCookBook app.
http://www.veganricha.com/vegan-richas-indian-kitchen-cookbook

😎! Thanks Lisa Cohen​


😎! Thanks Lisa Cohen

It's is so cool to know an author.

Nope to federal cloud computing on US servers.

Nope to federal cloud computing on US servers.

Trump just did a executive order preserving only the privacy of US citizens on US soil. So no.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/nafta-what-will-us-demand-1.3965165?cmp=rss

Wednesday 1 February 2017

Sperm changes documented years after chemotherapy

Sperm changes documented years after chemotherapy

A Washington State University researcher has documented epigenetic changes in the sperm of men who underwent chemotherapy in their teens. The changes can influence how genes are turned on an off, potentially affecting the health of tissues in subsequent generations, said Michael Skinner, a professor in the WSU School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology. He is suggesting that teens about to undergo chemotherapy have some of their sperm preserved for when they would like to start a family. "I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't use chemo," he said. "In fact, I would suggest that you probably should use the chemo. I'm just saying that there are some preventative things that may need to be put in place before you use the chemo if possible." Skinner is a leading expert in the field of epigenetics, which looks at changes in how genetic information is passed between generations. While certain environmental exposures can leave DNA sequences unaffected, he has documented how epigenetic change—alterations of small chemical groups attached to the DNA—affects how genes are turned on and off. His earlier work has found epigenetic effects from a host of environmental toxicants, connecting plastics, pesticides, fungicide, dioxin and hydrocarbons to diseases and abnormalities as many as four generations later.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-02-sperm-documented-years-chemotherapy.html#jCp

Canada and US only.

Canada and US only.
http://www.tor.com/2017/02/01/the-bloodline-feud-by-charles-stross-is-the-tor-com-ebook-club-pick-for-february/