Heads up, Samsung Mobile Galaxy S8 owners!

Heads up, Samsung Mobile Galaxy S8 owners!
http://androidandme.com/2017/07/news/samsung-galaxy-s8-google-daydream-vr-support/

Very ugly treatment of assaulted women, Alberta.

Very ugly treatment of assaulted women, Alberta.

That the men were found guilty is no consolation. In these cases the women should be able to give sworn statements and not be in court to face their assailant.

Do we hear more about sexual assault judgments out of Alberta because of increased transparency? I hope that's the case and not that judges are being poorly appointed.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-victims-sexual-assault-custody-alberta-1.4226601

People here used to buy and sell like crazy until oil collapsed.

People here used to buy and sell like crazy until oil collapsed.

I could never figure it out because you pay fees each time. But they said they were making money. You only make money if you don't buy back in or downsize if you stay in the same place.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/real-estate-fees-home-sales-1.4226630?cmp=rss

I enjoyed The Detectorists for the depiction of men friends.

I enjoyed The Detectorists for the depiction of men friends.

Fred watched it first and I ended up joining him. It's a great story of men doing stuff together because they enjoyed it. Everyone needs friends who have similar life experiences.
https://medium.com/@remakingmanhood/why-do-we-murder-the-beautiful-friendships-of-boys-3ad722942755

Alien's world is destroyed; they want a new one.

Alien's world is destroyed; they want a new one.

We rarely agree enthusiastically about a movie but we did about Valerian. This is a story of how those aliens get their home world back. Along the way there's a love story and some action bits that showcase different cultures. We also liked John Carter of Mars LOL.

So, those aliens. They had a source of unlimited energy and used it to live in balance with their home world. There was no expansion or invasion. After their world was destroyed they didn't turn into a warmongering race driven by revenge. Even though a much loved offspring of leaders was killed in the attack their weapons didn't kill. Their focus was on gathering knowledge and resources (where Valerian comes into the picture) to find a blank world to live on in peace.

Fred would have liked to see Bradley Cooper and Charlize Theron cast. He's much more into actors than I am.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=2tdwY2yrb5M&u=/watch?v%3DBszXhUjJz00%26feature%3Dshare

Store security has no police-like authority.

Store security has no police-like authority.

Saskatchewan is horrible for this kind of racial bias.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatchewan-regina-canadian-tire-1.4227980?cmp=rss

Recording is a good idea, posting on social media is unethical.

Recording is a good idea, posting on social media is unethical.

As mentioned in the article, consent is not necessary to record a conversation you are having. It's not until now that you could spread it around so easily. If I were a physician, I wouldn't mind because it is a good tool for taking time to absorb medical information and many people do better with verbal communication. As a patient I have taken notes, recording would be much easier. I would ask first though. I have taken pictures of x-rays. Medical staff were interested to see how they turned out and thought it was a good idea.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/doctors-expect-to-be-recorded-by-patients-1.4222727

Highly recommend. Accurate voice recognition, easy to use.

Highly recommend. Accurate voice recognition, easy to use.

I didn't feel like paying $400 for voice command on my Macan. It was a nightmare on my Edge and I had zero patience with it. Drivemode is not like that! I set my PCM on BT and awesomeness quickly happened. I was listening to music, a text came in. It asked if I wanted to hear it and what to say. I was asked if I wanted to reply and the voice to text was perfect. I've had problems before with road noise but either my S8 or this app works super well. I don't use if for nav because I have my phone facing away from me if it is out of my wallet.

I think Rob Blaich recommended.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drivemode.android&hl=en

tried this service. Very cool.

tried this service. Very cool.

I think I'm in love. This is totally worth $5 on weekends and $3 on weekdays. Order on line, pick a time to pick up then call from the parking lot to get it brought to the vehicle. And you get a bottle of water!

I always look forward to a new Doctor.

I always look forward to a new Doctor.

Each Doctor grows into the role and the stories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbi-2OZMbxs&feature=player_embedded

Samsung Pay on non-Samsung devices? It could happen as early as 2018, according to unnamed insiders:

Samsung Pay on non-Samsung devices? It could happen as early as 2018, according to unnamed insiders:
http://pocketnow.com/2017/07/27/samsung-pay-smartphones-other-companies-next-year-speculation

We're going to open this contest to more than just Canada, as +EntertainmentBox is offering to ship wherever!

We're going to open this contest to more than just Canada, as +EntertainmentBox is offering to ship wherever!
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/07/giveaway-win-your-own-entertainmentbox.html

Typical, no pain experts included on panel. No mention of addiction statistics when prescribed .

Typical, no pain experts included on panel. No mention of addiction statistics when prescribed .

After my ankle I was on restricted medication, I think heroine based. I got a warning to return unused meds to a pharmacy - which I did after they sat in the cupboard unused for a year. I cannot imagine recovery without adequate pain support. I would have overdosed on acetaminophen and ibuprofen. I react badly to codeine so no relief there.

What is the supply chain for street drugs like these? Perhaps there needs to be pain centres where experts in pain assessment and prescription monitor patients. I can think of many ways this could work to get meds to the right people and reduce availability. It might be expensive, from employee screening to monitoring to medication delivery. If Prince can die while under medical care, what hope do the less wealthy have.

Of course the reason for massive addiction rates need to addressed as well.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opioids-chronic-pain-1.4216530

Canadian data should be on Canadian servers.

Canadian data should be on Canadian servers.

I'm sure the TCP would love to sell out our privacy laws the same way they are willing to send a child to be tortured. Luckily (hopefully) they are not in charge of the refresh. The US makes such a big deal about how they don't like trade deals because it interferes with their sovereignty but really their idea of capitalism is anti human. You only need to look at McCain getting publically funded health care and voting to take it away from tens of millions. Then claiming this blind vote is more ethical than the years of hearings and negotiations. These are not people to trust to act ethically with personal information.
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/politics/nafta-data-storage-privacy-1.4220272

Oh boy, a new allergy-from Texas ticks!

Oh boy, a new allergy-from Texas ticks!

This is unnerving. At least it's becoming wider known to doctors.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/lone-star-tick-allergy-1.4215708

A rose by any other name. Control costs while covering more people.

A rose by any other name. Control costs while covering more people.

There needs to be the political will to help people.
https://theintercept.com/2017/07/24/single-payer-meet-all-payer-the-surprising-state-that-is-quietly-revolutionizing-healthcare/

Rats. Paint is a quick and easy basic edit tool.

Rats. Paint is a quick and easy basic edit tool.

I use this with snip or copy screen a lot. I don't have to waste time trying to figure out how to do a task. Must be time to retire.
http://www.refinery29.com/2017/07/164813/microsoft-paint-discontinued?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss

Noticing is not the same as recognizing.

Noticing is not the same as recognizing.

We need to work with our indigenous people to get solutions that work for them. It's a slow process.
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/opinion/indigenous-governor-general-1.4216592

Der Kindle-Store ist kaputt. Amazon weiß das, bleibt aber untätig.

Der Kindle-Store ist kaputt. Amazon weiß das, bleibt aber untätig.
https://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/scammers-break-the-kindle-store/

How Mad Magazine Informed America's Cultural Critique | JSTOR Daily

https://daily.jstor.org/how-mad-magazine-informed-americas-cultural-critique/

If you like smoothies, you're going to love this.

If you like smoothies, you're going to love this.
http://undrarmr.co/2vIzOOM

TCP still not understanding government sanctioned child torture is a bad thing.

TCP still not understanding government sanctioned child torture is a bad thing.

Likely to open Canadian government to more payouts if they get in power-just like they did the first time.
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/politics/scheer-trudeau-cullen-khadr-1.4215008

Surprise, artificial sweeteners are not a weight loss silver bullet.

Surprise, artificial sweeteners are not a weight loss silver bullet.

Can be helpful to reduce calorie intake but doesn't guarantee weight loss because people are not bomb calorimeters.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/new-review-of-artificial-sweeteners/

This is the face of the majority of late term abortions.

This is the face of the majority of late term abortions.

Pregnancies lost through fetal abnormalities that cannot be determined until well after 20 weeks. They can choose to birth a child who is likely to need a lot of medical help over a short painful life or be merciful, mourn and start again when they are ready. A focus on family wellness includes a range of birth control, checks during pregnancy, flexible family leave and financial support.

I hope this couple has their family in due time.
http://www.refinery29.com/amp/2017/07/162888/second-trimester-abortion-personal-experience

Social contact is the hardest I think. Finding people with similar interests is hard at any age.

Social contact is the hardest I think. Finding people with similar interests is hard at any age.

Visiting with my dad, I'm finding he needs the accessibility features turned on for his computer and tablet. Luckily speech to text has really come along as well. But he's finding it hard to be motivated since his buddy passed away last winter.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/dementia-prevention-1.4213239

PC party under Starke leadership is one I could vote for. This version not so much.

PC party under Starke leadership is one I could vote for. This version not so much.

Conservative parties should integrate Theocrats into their party name. Just like Chechnya (and Russia for that matter), people are distilled into one private feature (sexual preference) and human rights removed. This is not your religious principles guiding your public service, this is avoiding personal discomfort and garnishing power based on religious oppression.


http://albertapolitics.ca/2017/07/jason-kenneys-progressive-conservative-leadership-victory-big-money-guys-finish-first-nice-guys-not-much/

Does retaining the name promote discussion of residential schools?

Does retaining the name promote discussion of residential schools?

I don't think it does unless you go there. I certainly had no idea who it was named after, just that it's a good school. There's something to be said for naming institutions in a neutral manner.NAIT, SAIT, BCIT,SIAST.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4210803

First trip with the dogs for the year.

First trip with the dogs for the year.

Took awhile for the dogs to settle but eventually they did. Wind came up on the way back. Apparently it doesn't matter where you are, get of lakes around lunch time as that's when the motor boats come out.

Missing my Gear S2.

Missing my Gear S2.

I don't usually take it in holiday so I don't have it now. Between it and my phone I've realized just how embedded my tech is. I can tell the time or temp and I left my phone with Fred while I went into Sephora. No points card, no convenient payment, no checking of things on my love list.

Weird.

1 fewer children, plant based diet. . 2/6

1 fewer children, plant based diet. . 2/6

Great info on big impact choices. Not a surprise to me although the ineffectiveness of the moderate acts is. We buy electricity that has the most renewable sources and I only drive to from work doing errands as part of that drive. We really want to retire where we can really reduce our driving time and our next vehicle will be electric because by then Porsche/VW will have lots of options😁

Also shows what information is important to transfer to emerging nations. Women's education and birth control options to allow family size choice, tech to jump to green solutions from high particulate/low efficiency for heating and lighting in rural areas may not be as important as urban development that discourages personal vehicle use.
http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2017/07/what-you-can-actually-do-to-fight-climate-change-according-to-science/

8 Tips and Tricks for the #GalaxyS8

8 Tips and Tricks for the #GalaxyS8

The Galaxy S8 was designed to foster convenient and intuitive interactions. The tips and functions outlined below offer simple ways to get more out of the Galaxy S8 experience.

Get to Know the Navigation Bar
After activating the Unlock with Home button feature via Settings > Display > Navigation bar, a hard press of the square Home button from the Always On Display will unlock the device (a swiping motion is not required), while a double-tap will pull up the lock screen. The navigation bar’s settings also allow users to customize the Home button’s sensitivity to avoid unwanted presses.

Take Advantage of the Edge Screen
The Edge screen’s Edge lighting feature adds additional convenience, notifying users of incoming messages by illuminating the Infinity Display’s edges. This allows notifications to be visible even when the device is facing down, and creates an intuitive means to notify users of messages without disrupting their enjoyment of videos, games and apps. Users may access the Edge screen’s settings by tapping Settings > Display > Edge screen.

Create Convenient Reminders
The Galaxy S8 also allows users to create reminders based on texts. When viewing a conversation in the Messages app, long-press your selected message until the Message options menu appears and choose Send to Reminder. The message will automatically be saved to the Reminder app, and you’ll also be able to specify if/when you would like the reminder to appear.
 
Power Button and Sensor Shortcuts
In addition to unlocking the device, the Galaxy S8’s fingerprint sensor allows users to open apps and manage key functions. A simple swipe down or up will show or hide the notification panel, while swiping up on the sensor from the Home screen will launch the Samsung Pay app. The function may be found under Settings > Advanced features > Finger sensor gestures.

The Quick Reply feature activates with a two-second touch of the device’s heart-rate sensor and allows users to send a customized response that suits their needs. The function may be found under Settings > Display > Edge screen > Edge lighting > More Options > Quick reply.

Step Up Your Screenshot Game
Located under Settings > Advanced features > Smart capture, scroll capture is another useful option that’s designed to help users snap more complete screenshots. The function appears after a screenshot has been taken and allows for all of an app or page’s scrollable content to be included in the image.

Get More Done with Snap Window
The Galaxy S8’s new Snap Window feature allows users to select a portion of the most recently opened app to pin to the top of their screen. Activate the feature by pulling up your recent apps and tapping on the function’s corresponding button.

A Fun Way to Unlock Your Phone
After registering their irises for biometric verification, Galaxy S8 users have the option to select a fun mask or background to display when the security feature is activated. Available designs may be found under Settings > Lock screen and security > Iris scanner > Preview screen mask.

Sharing Links with Samsung Cloud
The function maintains full picture quality and supports files of up to 1GB in size. Users may save up to 2GB of content per day. After two days, the files are deleted from Samsung’s servers.

Original Source: https://news.samsung.com/global/tips-and-tricks-for-the-galaxy-s8-and-s8

While the post is mostly symbolic, this is the first time I can remember it being a scientist!

While the post is mostly symbolic, this is the first time I can remember it being a scientist!

How exciting.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4201225

The most effective way to positively impact the environment is rarely talked about.

The most effective way to positively impact the environment is rarely talked about.

...determined four of the most effective are having one fewer child, living car-free, avoiding airplane travel, and eating a plant-based diet...

We are moving after we retire so we don't have to travel so much to do the things we enjoy. It will hopefully be a small enough community that we can walk to shop and stuff.
https://psmag.com/environment/recycling-wont-cut-it

Got this at work. I complete Stats Can stuff.

Got this at work. I complete Stats Can stuff.

Pretty interesting.
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/sc/video/portraitofcanada

More denial, higher dropout rate. What people do matters more than what they should do.

More denial, higher dropout rate. What people do matters more than what they should do.

Walking the walk is most visible in health which is most successful changes involve a change in habit. Anecdote ahead - Denial sucks. I had a condition where I was advised to stop imbibing alcohol. No big deal, I don't drink much. Oh but it was summer and there are so many yummy frozen options. Every drink passed up felt like I was giving up the best thing forever so I really missed it. It took a lot of energy and diminished the enjoyment of the moment.

I can't imagine fasting every other day - I really like eating.
http://www.drsharma.ca/alternate-day-fasting-is-no-better-than-any-other-fad-diet

We closed our HELOC and got great reno advice.

We closed our HELOC and got great reno advice.

We got our HELOC to buy the Macan and treated it like any other loan. Finally closed it to save on homeowner insurance. Not hard as we hadn't used it for a year or so. Then we had our realtor to be come over and guide us on freshening up the house. Biggest tip - replace countertops with a laminate to update the colours and have the pricing available for high end materials. Same with flooring. We were never going to replace before moving but it was good to have it confirmed. We'll placed area rugs are key. We're updating faucets in the kitchen and master bath (less than $300) and master bath lighting ($70). It will still be stuff we like. As a bonus I got to reconnect with a guy I used to see at dog agility classes.

We're not opposed to debt we just don't really like having it.

http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4192847

New Zealand is really kicking it with their apples. Many tasty varieties.

New Zealand is really kicking it with their apples. Many tasty varieties.

I almost stopped eating apples for awhile. Red Delicious was meh, Macintosh and golden delicious get mealy, Spartan season is to short and the skin is a little tough. Granny Smith was the default until Pink Lady came along. Crisp and sweet it's a clear winner for me. Even the really large ones (Washington State) with watered down flavor are still good. Tried Smitten a few weeks ago, even sweeter than Pink Lady (maybe too sweet). When they get old the skin slips but mealiness is minimal even though the apple feels soft. Tried Envy for the first time this week. Very crisp, sweet with a little tartness but not as apple flavoured as the Pink Lady.

Can you tell I really like apples?

I rarely go into the bank but no financial facility for 50 km seems a bit much.

I rarely go into the bank but no financial facility for 50 km seems a bit much.

Canadian banks are making record profits the least RBC (and the other banks) should do is provide a service centre with bonded employees to help people negotiate web banking or offer the mobile banking services to seniors for all transactions.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4193164

First time ever vet is recommending TICK meds for the dogs.

First time ever vet is recommending TICK meds for the dogs.

As urbanites we don't usually worry but a guy at work found one on himself after cutting the lawn. Milo and Duffy didn't seem to mind this chewable one. Yesterday rabies, parvo and routing vaccination check, today tick medication, tomorrow deworming! Good thing they don't mind pills.

I only have one unbreakable rule - dogs must non-threatening at the vet. Bark at wind and shadows? I'll bark at you. Wander off if yard not secured? That's what tags and chips are for. Vet visits? From day one (with us) they are taken to the vet under non-threatening situations (weighing, stand on table and get treats, handle ears, feet and look in mouth) so when they need to go they aren't stressed out.

Easy set up encourages more stuff!

Easy set up encourages more stuff!

Something happened and our Panasonic hub no longer works outside of our WiFi network so we were looking for something new. Everything says it's easy but I always start set up when I can be alone (and swear as needed) I didn't need to be alone! Hard wire to the router (switch because we have an OnHub) may have helped. SmartThings hub booted up and updated then I added all the bits. I'm really impressed with the Inovelli plugs as they have 2 channels so you can plug in two things separately.

Very easy to make scenarios and I can see how why having a connected house would be so attractive. Setting stuff to turn on and off according to activity is very appealing. Neat how all the sensors have temperatures. I'm looking forward to getting some more stuff. It's pricey though.

The only way the Panasonic is better is the camera video is stored on the hub not in the cloud.

S=shouldn't have paid that. M=shouldn't have let a 15yo be tortured.

S=shouldn't have paid that. M=shouldn't have let a 15yo be tortured.

We don't talk about this because we are very clear where we stand. This was a kid. Taken to another country by his father. One that was invaded and the population fought against it. This kid was the scapegoat because he wasn't killed. then we allowed him to be tortured after capture - when we were pretty sure it was happening.

Those bitching about the pay out would probably send themselves into debt to fight a drunk driving charge where their child killed someone. It's very easy to be judgmental when you think you could never be in that circumstance.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4196183

Fundamentals of Alberta's WCB are good; need to be effective in holding employers accountable.

Fundamentals of Alberta's WCB are good; need to be effective in holding employers accountable.

All WCB are provincially run and I'm familiar with Alberta's. One of the main things workers don't realize is WCB only covers your work tasks; which should be listed and hazard assessed as required by the Canada Labour Code (and Alberta's) If you are doing a task not on that list; you don't get compensated. How is that fair? The employer is supposed to supply training, tools and PPE to get the work done safely. There are avenues for lowing premiums and active participation in worker safety through external audits is the only way employers should get any of their WCB premiums back. Audit observations should help improve worker training and safety across industries.

Where would that "extra" money go? There are a lot of pre-exisiting conditions that could need to be remedied to get a worker back; more timely intervention; more worker education available to small companies as part of their premiums. In Alberta, if a worker is injured through ignoring safety education and training, the worker can be fined. The only way that should happen is if the company can show documented continuous improvement in safety. Tracking software is expensive but helps everyone.

Alberta has a very good system. It's a legislated non-profit insurer. Premiums are low And yeah, top administrators should be paid less and bonuses based on better metrics - maybe near miss reporting rather than lost work rates.


http://albertapolitics.ca/2017/07/report-calling-big-changes-workers-compensation-alberta-step-toward-ending-wcbs-culture-denial/

I keep forgetting to join the global health challenge so I set an appointment.

I keep forgetting to join the global health challenge so I set an appointment.

As I age I need to keep active. I used to be much better at check ups too.

Culture is not a conspiracy.

Culture is not a conspiracy.

The killer didn't make a secret of his plans because jealousy and revenge is seen as "romantic" and most people don't kill someone who ends a relationship regardless of how they talk. Had the students said anything to her or the police I don't think there would have been a change in outcome. At some point she would let her guard down and until then she would have lived under a cloud of fear and suspicion. I'm surprised at least one teacher wasn't aware of what was going on although not the details (or the degree) Since Skylar quit school there wouldn't be much they could do about it in tangible terms.

It's not that long ago that the response to a woman having a stalker/abuser was to tell the woman to move and change their identity because the stalker is that committed to the self rewarding behaviour. With access to communitiies that cheer stalker behaviour there's an element of social approval from a peer group.

Nothing will bring Hannah back but at least, in the end the justice system made the right decision.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/not-surprising-hannah-leflars-friends-say-dozens-of-teens-knew-she-was-in-danger-1.4190254

This could save another woman's life.

This could save another woman's life.

Normally I'm not in favour of sentencing teens as adults because I'm not sure how firm their grasp of reality and consequence are. But this guy. The way he plotted repeatedly to kill her whenever she got a boyfriend and the violence of her death? No. Hannah was doomed the moment she dated him. 
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4188283

June security update

June security update

Overall pretty happy with the update cycle of my purchase direct from Samsung. Almost as good as my international S6.

This is what summer looks like.

This is what summer looks like.

And it doesn't last long enough up here!

I have my S8 set to take video before the shot. Sometimes it catches better stuff than the shot. It does slow response though

I have my S8 set to take video before the shot. Sometimes it catches better stuff than the shot. It does slow response though

Canada 150 fireworks.

Canada 150 fireworks.

They started a bit early, maybe because rain was forecasted. I will miss being this close to the action. Nice that we can walk over.

This is new to me. All women should know about this.

This is new to me. All women should know about this.
http://ow.ly/ZARK30df2D4

These 2 leave and it will be an all white team.

These 2 leave and it will be an all white team.

The pathologist left last season and I don't count the food truck guys as core characters. Shame if it is a race driven salary dispute.
https://www.themarysue.com/kim-park-quit-hawaii-five0-pay/amp/

Yakking part of the day done.

Yakking part of the day done.

This is a big slough just outside of town. Quite a bit of birds and some cows.

Congrats on working towards your dreams.

Congrats on working towards your dreams.

2 Albertans revealed as Canada's newest astronauts
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/two-new-canadian-astronauts-announced-canada-day-1.4187535

Just in time for CANADA DAY, from an Ice-Cold Hoser.

Just in time for CANADA DAY, from an Ice-Cold Hoser.

Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day

What are your plans? We're going kayaking and to fire works tonight. It's supposed to rain this evening but then again is supposed to be cloudy right now 😀