Updated!

Updated!

Android Pay hitting the Canadian market - Some major banks are currently not on the list!

Android Pay hitting the Canadian market - Some major banks are currently not on the list!
T-shirt. Check. Flip flops. Check. Android phone. Check.   As Canadians exchange parkas and scarves for t-shirts and flip flops this spring, we have some news that may lighten their pockets, too. Whether you’re heading out to buy groceries or grabbing a cup...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/05/android-pay-hitting-canadian-market.html

Pro-tip, carry a purple pen for signing legal documents. And use the tools for review.

Pro-tip, carry a purple pen for signing legal documents. And use the tools for review.

As someone in compliance I can identify some root causes for this behaviour and much of it comes down to dispersed responsibilities and poor supervision. In one portion someone claims they are shown how to falsify information. The description of those actions sound familiar. It's part of what I train is unacceptable on a legal document. Is it a lack of clear understanding or poor supervision and discipline? Is that poor supervision because of over work or not liking that element of the job so they just don't do it?

I supply blue pens for documentation and can identify who writes in black ink. All our documents are printed in black. There is no white out. I monitor and give feedback at least monthly. When I was a worker I wrote down the correct information and forced higher ups to falsify any data (if it was happening at all which I doubt).

Were these workers getting the wrong message from training or are the companies hiding behind ethics statements. I found, from working for a multinational that upper management does actually believe what they are saying and act to reflect that and the on the ground workers want to follow the rules, for the most part. Middle management deals with the stress of change, the time it gets for resources to be put in place and unsuitable management skill.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4138212

Reminder that 1200 calories can look like 2 Blizzards or a day of foods.

Reminder that 1200 calories can look like 2 Blizzards or a day of foods.

Recovering from my accident I got in the habit of eating candy to boost my calorie count because I wasn't that interested in eating. My interest in eating is back, I'm on the retirement track so that stress is off. Time to ditch the candy and do some focusing.

While we focus on solar and other energy aspects, one small thing we can do for the environment is eat smaller servings. Even if the food is not local, you are transporting less, using fewer resources to grow and creating less waste (pre and post consumption). It's unfortunate spices are so expensive because they add a dimension the replaces sheer volume for food enjoyment. I've found old spices are better than no spices and cheaper spices taste the same.
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/1200-calories-looks-like-infographic/

Anyone in Seattle area?

Anyone in Seattle area?

Last time I was there I got to visit the Boeing museum but not the Sci-Fi one. Everyone wanted to go to the boring old space needle. (we had limited time).
http://mailchi.mp/museumofsciencefiction/exciting-guest-announcement?e=34e1a4b680

Don't be selfish and fake a food allergy.

Don't be selfish and fake a food allergy.

We cook vegan at home and Fred sucks it up when we go out (including his parent's house). He picks from what's available and will eat vegetarian if it's a holiday over weeks. Even on planes. At the same time, we eat typical looking food at home without using dairy or eggs. Waffles, scrambles, stew etc.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4127854

Stop changing the subject Trudeau and get Canada in line.

Stop changing the subject Trudeau and get Canada in line.

Trump already admitted coal is not coming back and US cities are pledging to go 100% renewable. Where is Canada's progress? Build up our electrical infrastructure rather than pipelines and encourage greenhouses going so we don't have to transport food so far. Get our top 5 metro areas on sustainable energy sources to create jobs.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4134805

A thoughtful response to a thoughtless "award".

A thoughtful response to a thoughtless "award".

Creative people draw inspiration from many sources and their ability to interpret their experience should be awarded. This article is very clear on the difference between appropriation and interpretation. I've read often enough that writers get pissy if people explain their work to them. Of all people you'd hope they would be sensitive but nope. Let's double down on thoughtless insensitivity.
http://womenspost.ca/can-now-agree-appropriation-prize-absurd/

Once author's vision of the near future.

Once author's vision of the near future.

Misses out completely on the roles of publicly owned multi-national corporations. They will be the ones funding the oasis of green high density cities. They will be the buffer against piece work earnings with no health care benefits as well as providing a level of community services you now see through their charity work. They will suck up innovative small businesses and keep employment at levels that work for them.

I work for a multi-national. Community involvement, diversity, ethics are all part and parcel of ROI. Future planning pretty well ignores degrading regulation because of the publicity hit which ... affects their ROI.

I think the world building at the beginning of the TV show Continuum is pretty reflective of or direction at this point in time.
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2017/05/the-world-of-tomorrow.html

Roots of segregation. Governments policies pushed it along.

Roots of segregation. Governments policies pushed it along.

Timely because of the 'death by a thousand cuts' for abortion access even as it becomes a non medical procedure and Trumpcare seeks to remove health care access to low income families.
https://psmag.com/magazine/how-the-us-government-segregated-america

We'll be seeing this at a big theatre - not the local one.

We'll be seeing this at a big theatre - not the local one.

CAN. NOT. WAIT.

Probably asking for disappointment.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=IilKs6pr14k&u=/watch?v%3DbcIlQFPbPnM%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded

Weight loss is more than calories in and calories out.

Weight loss is more than calories in and calories out.

Research using a pool of 10,000 participants. People tend to gain weight back. Different people find success with different changes in eating habits.

From the article. To lose weight ...The one commonality is that they had to make changes in their everyday behaviors ... and to keep it off ...people with long-term weight loss tended to be motivated by something other than a slimmer waist--like a health scare or the desire to live a longer life, to be able to spend more time with loved ones...

Overall we eat a lot less high calorie/low nutrition food but I still eat a lot of sweets. Fred is eating vegan and I'm ... not. I exercise regularly, he does not. We've both lost and kept off 30 pounds (him maybe more) in the time we've lived in this town but more importantly we're sustaining healthy lifestyles. We're in our mid-50s and not on any medication.


http://time.com/4793832/the-weight-loss-trap/?xid=time_socialflow_twitter

This jacket converts to a bag - cool tech.

This jacket converts to a bag - cool tech.

Seems like fall/spring weight and would be way better than skipping the outerwear. Available in the US for now.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=aEMKSve9cJM&u=/watch?v%3D4kcLw9enA_Y%26feature%3Dshare

Good god, I have all those cards!

Good god, I have all those cards!

I think I have cashed in points from each but I'm like that. Actually the crappiest one is Sephora - I wish it would just turn into a points for e-coupons because the higher point rewards are hard to catch and require a lot of points.

And I really don't get the meme that AirMiles treated their customers poorly. It's a free program, they gave 5 years of warning about expiry. I get numerous communications about changes in advance. At some point people have to understand not responding is an action.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4129867

I'm looking to hire an Android engineer to help me develop Action Launcher.

I'm looking to hire an Android engineer to help me develop Action Launcher.

If you're interested, please get in touch!
http://theblerg.net/post/2017/5/25/help-wanted-action-launcher-engineer

Obesity = abnormal or excess fat that impairs health. Not weight or BMI.

Obesity = abnormal or excess fat that impairs health. Not weight or BMI.

Not to say you shouldn't optimize fat levels rather decide how much effort you want to expend on food and exercise if you are able to do routine tasks and don't need medications. Not needing medication is a big driver for us so we work towards a healthy diet.
http://www.drsharma.ca/obesity-definition-then-and-now

A very fine essay on the subject.

A very fine essay on the subject.
http://nymag.com/thecut/article/weight-loss-diets-body-positivity-honesty.html

For when we can't always be with our kids...

For when we can't always be with our kids...
#preppers #survival
http://thesurvivalmom.com/situational-awareness-staying-when-safe-life-gets-dangerous/

More sad news.

More sad news.

But not unexpected.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/actor-roger-moore-bond-obituary-1.4127297?cmp=rss

I rely on phone# on dog tag and neighbours

I rely on phone# on dog tag and neighbours

I was happy to see a review on this, it has the same failings as key finders. It may be useful for cats if you can form a network with neighbours. Most dogs will come to a stranger for a treat.
http://www.androidcentral.com/tracking-your-pet-trackr-creates-false-sense-security

Single payer US style.

Single payer US style.

It really does depend on how much money you think you need. Doctors in Canada do not rely on agency referrals; their income is capped by how many people they see in a day (and how much they pay for building and staffing).
https://psmag.com/social-justice/colorado-clinic-refugees-medicaid

Teaser Trailer For Hayden Christensen’s New Movie ‘Numb, At The Edge Of The End’

Teaser Trailer For Hayden Christensen’s New Movie ‘Numb, At The Edge Of The End’
http://bcool.co/PCkNbV

@NiteIze Gear Ties are awesome.

@NiteIze Gear Ties are awesome.

We were looking for something to hold our rudder steering in place, The screw keeps backing off at the most inconvenient moment. Mini bungies are fine but have sharp bits. These gear ties are like twist ties only bigger and covered in plastic. Super bendy and they stay in place. Since here are no sharp ends they can stay packed in with the kayaks. The pack comes with a range of sizes for almost any job.

Check them out. They have a range of stuff. http://www.niteize.com/

First Kayak of the year. No dogs.

First Kayak of the year. No dogs.

Fred got a new rudder and we're out of practice so we thought we'd leave the dogs at home today. It was a beautiful morning. Saw ducks and geese. Looking forward to the season.

We’ve seen our fair share of smart bags, from backpacks to luggages. While those can appeal to users of any gender, there are times when some might want a bag that is so smart it can hide in plain sight.That is, a bag that is both smart and fashionable at the same time. Fortunately for them, someone has also thought … Continue reading

We’ve seen our fair share of smart bags, from backpacks to luggages. While those can appeal to users of any gender, there are times when some might want a bag that is so smart it can hide in plain sight.That is, a bag that is both smart and fashionable at the same time. Fortunately for them, someone has also thought … Continue reading
https://www.slashgear.com/fyb-london-handbag-totes-fingerprint-scanner-wireless-charging-22485846/

This is the best May Long in a while weather wise.

This is the best May Long in a while weather wise.

I'm so glad we've cut out the traveling on long weekends. We are the only ones working so if family wants to see us they can visit. Everything was just waiting to blossom and even the nights are pretty warm.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4118757

UBS predicts electric vehicles to cost the same as conventional cars by 2018

UBS predicts electric vehicles to cost the same as conventional cars by 2018

The cost of owning an electric car will fall to the same level as petrol-powered vehicles next year, according to bold new analysis from UBS which will send shockwaves through the automobile industry.

Experts from the investment bank’s “evidence lab” made the prediction after tearing apart one of the current generation of electric cars to examine the economics of electric vehicles (EVs).

They found that costs of producing EVs were far lower than previously thought but there is still great potential to make further savings, driving down the price of electric cars.

The 2017 car - which cost $37,000 - was taken apart piece by piece and the parts analysed. UBS said that the Bolt’s electric drive was $4,600 cheaper to produce than thought, “with much cost reduction potential left”.

The current issue is mainly due to a lack of scale in sales.... “Once total cost of ownership parity is reached, mass-brand EVs should also turn profitable,” UBS said.

See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/05/19/electric-vehicles-cost-conventional-cars-2018/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/05/19/electric-vehicles-cost-conventional-cars-2018/

Reminder - sea lions are wild animals

Reminder - sea lions are wild animals

Glad it didn't end in tragedy. This is par with people who get out of their vehicle to approach bears and elk. Even birds can unintentionally hurt people through their actions.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4125848

Russian(?) police drama with subtitles on Netflix.

Russian(?) police drama with subtitles on Netflix.

Da and nyet. Quite good, watching second season. Wife is a little, Ok a lot, different this season and the son seems to be gone. I think he has a hit out on him and it would seem to be from his wife but...

We're breaking down and going to see Alien:Covenant tomorrow.

We're breaking down and going to see Alien:Covenant tomorrow.

I think the thing that bothered me most about Prometheus was just how stupid the scientists were in the face of the unknown. It was as if someone who who thought scientists are inhuman and about cockroach level was telling a story about scientists. It was insulting to anyone driven by passion.

Maybe I'm not going...
http://www.tor.com/2017/05/19/prometheus-science-fiction-or-religious-fiction-2/

Plants are making up for lost time.

Plants are making up for lost time.

Dogs are being dogs. Milo is still hanging out inside and Duffy runs break times. Now it's time to go get some more plants.

This pretty well mirrors my experience as I moved through the world of science and social interactions.

This pretty well mirrors my experience as I moved through the world of science and social interactions.

I too take the time to be circumspect in my presentation. And the only feminine traits I really express is eyeshadow (I have short hair). Most of the women engineers have long hair. The intern has short hair and multiple ear piercings and funkier glasses. Women in production labour pool also tend to long hair or makeup along with their poor fitting uniforms.

The cool thing about social media is it's would be easy for guys to experience the highest level a of female privilege just by changing their avatar to a slim white woman. I am pretty filter less tactless, but maybe only for a woman.

As Steve, I stopped getting pushback, and my confidence grew. I gradually realized that even if I made a mistake, I’d be given the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t need as much precision and no longer had to worry about how my tweets would be received, which saved me time and emotional energy. I no longer second-guessed myself, and started tweeting less cautiously

All science starts from an anecdote. The challenge of determining how wide spread the occurrence is the science part. Perhaps investigation would find social media should flip avatars around randomly to build more empathic communities.

https://www.vox.com/first-person/2017/5/4/15536932/women-stem-science-feminism

DM3 teaser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LJTDnMLE0M&feature=autoshare

Glass is just too slick. @DecalGirl to the rescue.

Glass is just too slick. @DecalGirl to the rescue.

I'm using the Samsung Clear cover in black (not very dark as you can see.). I've got a Rhinoshield Crashguard on order. I'll use it at least when we are kayaking. I'm concerned about the case holding water against the back of the phone.

So about the decal. The cutouts are ok for the camera and FP reader but I think it's a mm short in length. The nice thing about glass and vinyl is you have some lift and reset. It's not as good a fit as dBrand but it has a plethora of ART It will be fine with the bumper.

Project X v2.0 - 45+ new icons! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=black.nougat.icons.ddt

Project X v2.0 - 45+ new icons! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=black.nougat.icons.ddt

If oil workers didn't like the last downturn, imagine it without gov't help.

If oil workers didn't like the last downturn, imagine it without gov't help.

Government can't control the economy but it can buffer the effects for all people.
http://globalnews.ca/news/3461014/what-an-alberta-pc-wildrose-merger-could-mean-for-rachel-notleys-ndp/

Sympathies to Cornell's family. 52 seems so young.

Sympathies to Cornell's family. 52 seems so young.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/chris-cornell-dead-1.4120964

Top action for reducing CO2 - educating girls and family planning.

Top action for reducing CO2 - educating girls and family planning.

Not really a surprise. Over 7 billion people produce a lot of CO2 and so does the food needed to feed us. There is a cohort of people happy to kill others because of where they live (bomb the middle east) or just watch them die by denying them refugee status. It would really be kinder and more sustainable to lower the world population through family planning which goes hand in hand with education for girls.

There are certainly some things we can do on a personal level - reduce food waste, optimize our heating and cooling (including refrigeration) and urban planning that reduces heat island effects.

This is all for human survival. The planet isn't going anywhere for quite awhile.
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/5/10/15589038/top-100-solutions-climate-change-ranked

Lucifer is rocking the tunes this episode.

Lucifer is rocking the tunes this episode.

God, of course, shows up in a hospital.

Perfect phone wallet from @Coach

Perfect phone wallet from @Coach

If you are looking for a smaller wallet with the phone holder on the outside this one is for you. I hated having to leave my wallet unzipped to access my phone. There is a zipped outside compartment so you can keep cash, a receipt of even a card there. Spendy but worth it for me.
https://www.coach.com/coach-phone-wallet-in-polished-pebble-leather/56528.html

What's this Samsung? Convergence? Cool.

What's this Samsung? Convergence? Cool.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/15/samsung_dex_deep_dive/
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/15/samsung_dex_deep_dive/

Reliving youth.

Reliving youth.

Back in the bar/dancing days. Once of my favourite groups.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=wDhq2P9L8ZM&u=/watch?v%3D-HYfcsKWbH4%26feature%3Dshare

Glad is this un-cancelled.

Glad is this un-cancelled.

I've been enjoying this show and the season ending was quite the cliffhanger. I would like them to wrap up somewhat in the next 10 episodes.
https://www.themarysue.com/nbcs-timeless-is-un-cancelled/

These premium Android icon packs are free for a limited time on Google Play, grab them while you can! http://www.phonearena.com/news/These-premium-Android-icon-packs-are-free-for-a-limited-time-on-Google-Play-grab-them-while-you-can_id93842

These premium Android icon packs are free for a limited time on Google Play, grab them while you can! http://www.phonearena.com/news/These-premium-Android-icon-packs-are-free-for-a-limited-time-on-Google-Play-grab-them-while-you-can_id93842
http://www.phonearena.com/news/These-premium-Android-icon-packs-are-free-for-a-limited-time-on-Google-Play-grab-them-while-you-can_id93842

I released a book.

I released a book.

https://payhip.com/b/uPAi

It's a little sarcastic at times. It's pretty hardcore at times. It's about some fucked up, broken relationships. It was also a chance to feel out some consent issues I've been thinking about with vampire stories.

You can buy it here. As soon as all the paperwork goes through, I expect to be selling it through iBooks, Amazon, and DrivethruFiction. If I get a version I'm really confident with, I'll also launch it in audiobook format. But that'll be a while at very least, if it happens. I want to try a physical version, but that'll also take some time.

If you want to buy it direct through me though, here it is. If you buy it through me, you get it in epub, mobi, and pdf. Even if you do get it through me, I'd really, really love it if you leave a review on Amazon when it goes live. Like, seriously. If I'm going to make fiction a thing I do, that possibility lives and dies on things like reviews and shares. And that's where you come in.
https://payhip.com/b/uPAi

Looking forward to this!

Looking forward to this!

Good lead so here's hoping for good innovative stories.
http://io9.gizmodo.com/sarah-shahis-near-future-vr-thriller-reverie-is-heading-1795173900/amp

Some tips on how to stay safe from phone scams and malware.

Some tips on how to stay safe from phone scams and malware.
http://mobilesyrup.com/2017/05/12/keep-information-safe-phone-call-scams-programs/?utm_content=buffer93030&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Is that you Bixby?

Is that you Bixby?
https://blog.pinterest.com/en/search-outside-box-new-pinterest-visual-discovery-tools

Sure beats politics

Sure beats politics
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/super-nebula-book-bundle

Title

I'm a fan...of the movie and this critique.

I'm a fan...of the movie and this critique.

This is a movie I always have with me. You can dip in and out as it feels like trilogy in one sitting. Mullllteeeepaaass.
http://www.tor.com/2017/05/09/the-fifth-element-20th-anniversary/

Found out how updating works for my unlocked S8

Found out how updating works for my unlocked S8

As soon as it's released for the region, I get the update. Even though the update was released for Telus customers, I got the update today; I'm on Virgin.

Eat your produce rather than drink it.

Eat your produce rather than drink it.

The thing that makes it so easy to grab and go, encourages over consumption. Fruit is much worst to that hit of calories. Sometimes I get in a cycle of Booster Juice and even though I grab a snack size I'm always aware I could have just grabbed an apple and been as satisfied with fewer calories.

Slow down, enjoy your food. Favour veg over fruit - much less sugar. It doesn't matter whether sugar is from fresh or processed sources. It all adds yummy calories that can contribute to developing diabetes.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/04/26/people-think-juice-is-good-for-them-theyre-wrong/?utm_term=.18da6f4b4333

What a great breakthrough for safe sex!

What a great breakthrough for safe sex!

It's easy to denigrate medical breakthroughs on the basis they are risk reducers not risk eliminators. If effective, this would be a great non-invasive, protective delivery system.

Still, more research needs to be made for other STDs STIs and for term disabling of all gamete (ie sperm not simply preventing ovulation) production.

edited:)
http://www.hivplusmag.com/research-breakthroughs/2017/5/05/new-vaginal-ring-aims-be-anti-hiv-drug-contraceptive

Coming 2nd June. Stay tuned for more details. Team NF.

Coming 2nd June. Stay tuned for more details. Team NF.
https://vimeo.com/215767706

Fall prevention and slip/trip awareness.

Fall prevention and slip/trip awareness.

Now that we are more concussion aware, infant injuries are being recognized. Babies will fall as they become more mobile but as adults we can keep areas clear to provide a softer landing and use seat belts to keep them safe if you loose control of a wheeled items.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/new-study-reveals-increase-in-babies-injured-by-nursery-products/

A minority voice that grounds me.

A minority voice that grounds me.

I see their point. Targets of systemic discrimination will always be doing the heavy emotional lifting because what is seen cannot be unseen and it colours your response to situations. I thought of it as bigots learning to temper their public face because you never know whose feelings you may affect. Once you exercise some self restraint, you can actually learn about similar people are be more accepting of different people. But really - that depends on them being self aware enough to care about others.

While it may seen like I think minority is an ideology; the only people I hope to change by pointing out shitty behaviour is the person doing it.


http://freethoughtblogs.com/atg/2017/05/05/signal-boosting-about-that-heineken-ad/

Woke to find this lovely review of The Real

Woke to find this lovely review of The Real
https://anabgonzalezwriter.wordpress.com/2017/03/20/author-masha-du-toit-title-the-real-review/

I'll be boosting this signal periodically through May: I'm participating in a month long promotion with 16 other writers of SF&F in which we're offering books free through bookfunnel.

I'll be boosting this signal periodically through May: I'm participating in a month long promotion with 16 other writers of SF&F in which we're offering books free through bookfunnel.

If you've been interested in reading my Halcyone Space series, DERELICT (book 1) is part of this promotion and you can get it for free in any ebook format, in May only.

If you've already read it, you can take a look at the other offerings and line up your summer reading early.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/10kmayscififan

Medical abortion safer than Viagra!

Medical abortion safer than Viagra!

Better yet, reduce your abortion risk by using birth control and the power of consent. (reduce not negate)
http://www.refinery29.com/2017/05/152824/myth-busters-parody-video-abortions-safety-myth

[Review] Moto G5 - pretty basic phon with a neat 'twist'

[Review] Moto G5 - pretty basic phon with a neat 'twist'
I do have to hand it to Motorola, ... er.. Lenovo ... Moto? ... they were the first out there to really come up and show people that just because it's a budget price device, it doesn't have to be a budget performance.  Remember the original Moto X? Since th...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/05/review-moto-g5-pretty-basic-phon-with.html

Oh yeah, tax day.

Oh yeah, tax day.

CRA is getting efficient at catching dodgers so put it in to avoid a fine if you owe.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4093283

Investment FOMO? Pick to weather a storm.

Investment FOMO? Pick to weather a storm.

A nice reminder that slow and steady is more successful type of wealth growth. Only put money into the stock market that you can afford to lose. We've bought into the invest rather than keep in a saving account strategy to some extent. We still maintain a lot of cash savings in case of a market crash. It won't have earned the interest but it doesn't cost anything to withdraw.
http://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/do-you-suffer-from-fomo/