All the Ways Google Tracks You—And How to Stop It | WIRED

May 29, 2019May 27, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

YOU’RE PROBABLY AWARE that Google keeps tabs on what you’re up to on its devices, apps, and services—but you might not realize just how far its tracking reach extends, into the places you go, the purchases you make, and much more. It’s an extensive set of data, but you can take more control over what Google collects about you and how long the company keeps it. Here’s how.

It’s worth emphasizing first that we’re really dealing with two topics: The amount of data Google collects on you, which is a lot, and what Google then does with it. Google would say its data collection policies improve its services—helping you find a restaurant similar ones you’ve liked previously, say—whereas users might disagree.

Diverse Workplaces Generate 19 Percent More Revenue Than Less Diverse Competitors | Entrepreneur

May 28, 2019May 26, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

A multicultural workplace offers a wealth of opportunities, as well as plenty of traps for cultural misunderstandings. Diverse workplaces generate 19 percent more revenue than less diverse work environments. In addition to generating more revenue, multicultural teams are capable of outperforming competitors that lack in diversity by a whopping 35 percent.

Your company is able to attract a more multicultural workforce, too, since 67 percent of job seekers feel diversity is important in the workplace. Follow these tips to create a cohesive and productive multicultural environment at your place of business.

Is It Better to Have an Emergency Fund or Pay Off Debt? | Getentrepreneurial.com

May 28, 2019May 26, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Credit card debt increases every day that the debt is outstanding. Interest is calculated on a daily basis; so the longer you take to repay it the more it’s going to cost you. However, if you put all of your liquid cash toward debts, what happens if something comes up for which you need to make a major withdrawal?

Meanwhile, U.S. credit card debt has reached an all time high, as some 40 percent of Americans say they couldn’t cover an unexpected expense of $400.

So, is it better to have an emergency fund or pay off debt?

Best Spring/Summer Footwear | CoolBusinessIdeas.com

May 27, 2019May 25, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

These days, it’s impossible to keep up with the sneaker hype cycle, never mind every new hugely anticipated drop. It is worth keeping up with broader sneaker trends, though, plus what’s going on with smart shoes. Why? Because change is afoot.

There has never been more technology in our shoes, making footwear more technical and more comfortable at the same time. Smart shoes are getting more casual, while some trainers get dressier. And then there’s the stunning array of designs available today – your footwear lets you communicate your style and your individuality better than almost anything else in your wardrobe.

So what are you wearing? These are the spring-summer footwear trends we’re in step with this year.

‘Consumer Reports’ calls out Tesla’s Navigate on Autopilot update | Mashable

May 27, 2019May 25, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has proclaimed unfaltering adoration for his electric car company’s Autopilot feature on highways. But after a recent update meant to make it easier to use the semi-autonomous system, not everyone is so keen on the advanced-driving assistance tool.

Review service and publication Consumer Reports blasted Navigate on Autopilot on Wednesday following Tesla’s updates to the assistance tool last month. The automatic lane-changing and speed-suggesting system, which only works on certain highways, had several issues.

“We found that Navigate on Autopilot lagged far behind a human driver’s skill set,” the publication’s Keith Barry wrote.

Bitcoin could change the game for foreign aid | CNN

May 24, 2019May 23, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Today’s humanitarian aid model is fundamentally broken. Whether you’re a foundation making a donation to a nonprofit abroad, a government distributing aid to another government, or an individual sending emergency funds to family members across borders, your money only gets to where it needs to go after passing through intermediaries. Even in the simplest payment scenario, there’s your bank; a coordination network; and the aid recipient’s bank. But often, there are even more middlemen, with money moving along complex chains of third parties.

Such a system has obvious flaws. One is that each intermediary between you and the person or organization you are trying to help can delay, surveil, censor or steal your funds. In 2012, the UN’s then-secretary general Ban Ki-moon said that “corruption prevented 30% of all development assistance from reaching its final destination.”

Here’s How Many US Cancer Cases Are Tied to Unhealthy Diets | Live Science

May 24, 2019May 23, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

More than 80,000 cancer cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. may be tied to an unhealthy diet, according to a new study.

The study researchers used a mathematical model to estimate the number of U.S. cancer cases tied to suboptimal intake of seven dietary components known to be related to cancer risk. These included diets low in whole grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables; and diets high in processed meats, red meats and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Survey Finds Mixed Feelings on Location-Based Ads | Business News Daily

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Every day, millions of miniature computers ride along in our pockets and purses as we go about our daily tasks. From the grocery store to the office and back home, our smartphones are little beacons that track our movements, whether we like it or not. According to a recent survey conducted by The Manifest, our phones help marketers get their location-based ads to nearly everyone.

More than 720 U.S. residents participated in The Manifest’s survey after admitting they allow various applications on their iOS and Android devices to track their real-time locations. Of those respondents, just 15% said they “rarely or never see ads” that reference their location.

Prebiotic vs Probiotic: What’s the Difference and Why Are They Important? | Life Hack

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Probiotic vs Prebiotic

What Are Probiotics?

To understand the difference, consider the prefix: PRO and PRE. The term “pro-biotics” literally translates as ‘for life’. That’s because probiotics help to promote good health!

The official definition of probiotics from the World Health Organization is:

“live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.

This simply means that probiotic bacteria live in your gut, helping to break down food that you eat and helping your body to absorb nutrients and enzymes. Unsurprisingly, this supports overall health.

Walmart sued for sale of “nonsense” homeopathic remedies | Fast Company

May 22, 2019May 21, 2019 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Walmart is being sued for selling questionable alternative remedies.

The Center for Inquiry (CFI), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that “pseudoscience is prevented from harming society,” filed a complaint Monday on behalf of residents in Washington, D.C., against the giant retailer. The organization claims the superstore deliberately “creates a false and misleading impression in customers regarding homeopathic products, presenting them as an equal alternative to science and evidence-based medication.”

Source: Walmart sued for sale of “nonsense” homeopathic remedies