Deleting Google History and Blocking Ads

Deleting your Google web history and starting fresh

SINCE 1 March 2012, it has been easier than ever for online advertisers to target web users, thanks to Google. People are still showing concern over Google’s updated ‘private policy’ and rightfully so. Apart from debates about privacy, the simple fact is that the majority of Internet users are not experienced webmasters who know how to control and customise their privacy options.

For those rare occasions when we don’t just want to buy random crap off the Internet, it becomes really irritating and intrusive to be constantly bombarded by adverts. A while back I spent a few hours going through all my Google accounts and finding information from my teenaged years and experimental student days. Any “likes” or “interests” that you may have added somewhere in the webesphere could soon be used to load the cannons of consumerism and bombard you.

If you use Google, you may want to read this is a good article to read (published at The Age dot com) if you haven’t a clue what this is all about. But what follows are a few useful places to start if you wish to clean out some of your data and baggage before Google gets a firmer hold on it.

Clearing your Google Search History:
(the info below also appears on The Age dot com):

• Go to the Google History page and sign in.
• Click “Remove All Web History” then “Okay” to confirm.
• If your Web History has been activated, you should see a button which says: “Remove All Web History”. Then click “Okay” to confirm.
• Your Google Search History should be turned on by default. You can always click “Resume” if you decide to turn this feature back on.

For more control over your various Google accounts that you may or may not have, try these:

• Google Dashboard: Here you can control the data associated with your Google Account.
• Ads Preferences Manager: Here you can make changes to the ads you see, including blocking specific advertisers or opting-out of seeing personalised ads completely.
• Eject button: If you decide you want to opt out altogether, Google provides a one stop shop to opt out of everything and take your “data dandruff” with you completely.

There is also a useful plugin for Firefox and Chrome called Adblock Plus, which does as the name suggests: blocks ads.

A final website I came across almost by accident is the Network Advertising Initiative. An article published here called Opt Out of Behavioral Advertising gives on a status on which advertising groups you have received cookies from over the years. There is a really useful “Opt-out from all” option here, which lets you remove most, if not all, of these.

And before any of you haters start bashing out comments, understand that this is not about “having something to hide” or about having embarrassing info leaked all over the web; it’s a much more complicated issue around privacy and how we are treated as Internet users.

Peace out.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Most Astounding Fact

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The most astounding fact about the Universe

IF there is one thing we all want in life, it is to feel connected. We want to feel relevant. We want to feel like participants in the goings on of activities and events around us. That’s precisely what we are, just by being alive…

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist and science communicator who is currently the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Neil deGrasse is also a research associate in the department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History.

Neil deGrasse Tyson has hosted the educational science television show called NOVA scienceNOW and has been a frequent guest on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Jeopardy!. In 2011 it was announced that Tyson will be hosting a new sequel to Carl Sagan’s Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.

During an interview with a TIME magazine journalist, Neil deGrasse Tyson was asked what the most astounding fact about the universe was. His response was so well put that a freelance videographer (MaxSchlick) has created a video using spectacular footage from NASA and various other sources.

The video clip “The Most Astounding Fact” is both emotionally moving and hugely insightful. Neil deGrasse Tyson has a knack for explaining cosmological events with such passion and simplicity.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Most Astounding Fact

As quoted from the video link, Neil goes on to say: “For me, that is the most profound revelation of 20th century astrophysics and I look forward to what the 21st century will bring us, given the frontiers that are now unfolding.” One of my favourite quotations is from Neil deGrasse Tyson, which goes as follows:

“We are all connected to each other biologically, to the earth chemically and to the rest of the universe atomically”
~ Neil Degrasse Tyson

If you are interested in cosmology, quantum physics and more about how our Universe works, here is some interesting reading:

• About Time …
• What happened before the Big Bang?
• The evolution of stars in the universe
• Choices and the Uncertainty Principle

Treating fish with Ich in a fresh water aquarium

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TROPICAL FISH: Guide to treating Ich in a freshwater aquarium

THE following guide to treating Ich in a freshwater aquarium is a collection from various fish forums and experts. As someone who has dealt with Ich before, I can attest to the accuracy of the following treatment method for ridding your freshwater aquarium of Ich entirely.

What is Ich?

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), or White Spot, is a protozoan parasite that exists free floating in aquarium water. It can affect most aquarium fish but is most commonly found infecting small-scaled fish such as loaches.

Signs of Ich:

The first signs of an Ich infestation may be rapid breathing, redness around the gill area, clamped fins, loss of appetite and lethargic or reclusive behavior; but the most common sign is the appearance of tiny white spots on the skin of the fish that resemble grains of salt. Infected fish may also begin flashing by continuously rubbing themselves against rocks, gravel or aquarium decorations.

Ich life cycle:

Ich has three life stages, which are important to understand for proper diagnosis and treatment.

1. The white spots on an infected fish are visible during the trophont phase of the cycle. The spots are actually scarring that occurs as the parasite burrows under the fish’s skin. Beneath each white spot, the Ich is forming a tiny cyst in which it multiplies by cellular division. At this stage of the infection, the Ich is impervious to medication.
2. When the cysts mature, they burst and release thousands of the tomont-stage cells into the water. The tomonts develop a slimy coat immediately after emerging from the infected fish, which allows each one to adhere to aquarium décor, substrate and even the glass walls of the tank. Once the encapsulation is complete, the organism begins a second stage of reproduction by further cellular division.
3. Finally, the Ich is released from the capsules in its theront phase. These microscopic theronts swim out in search of new host fishes and begin the cycle again. It is only during this free-swimming phase of the life cycle that medication is effective.

A step-by-step guide to treating Ich in a freshwater aquarium:
1. Do a 50% water change and vacuum the substrate well. This will eliminate a large portion of the Ich cells in the tank immediately.

2. Remove any carbon from your filtration system. Carbon depletes the active chemicals in Ich medication from the water. Throw this carbon away as it may harbour more Ich cells.

3. Gradually increase the water temperature to 30C (86F). Warmer water speeds up the life-cycle of Ich. Note that exceeding this maximum temperature for too long can, however, further stress or even kill many fish. Also consider the temperature requirements of any live plants and other fish you may have in your tank.

4. Dose your tank with Ich medication (best are ones that contain the chemicals formalin and malachite). Follow the instructions carefully on your Ich medication of choice to ensure you don’t overdose. Some argue that one should only use half the instructed amount for small-scaled or scaleless fish, but most new Ich meds on the market are safe for all fish.

5. Try to increase aeration by either lowering the water level to allow a splash from the return flow of your filtration, by turning up the power on your air pump or by cleaning or using a new air-stone. Gill function of infected fish is usually compromised by the Ich parasite and they will benefit from an increased oxygen supply.

6. Wait a minimum of two days before dosing the tank again. Some aquarists have had success waiting four days between treatments. Remember – you want to expose the maximum amount of theront cells to the medication for the longest possible time.

7. Perform another 50% water change and then dose the tank again. Repeat this cycle of large water changes followed by medication at least four times to ensure you rid your tank of Ich entirely. Just because there are no more spots on your fish, you can’t be sure that Ich is not still alive in the water in the invisible theront stage. Remember to wash thoroughly after coming in contact with treated water.

8. Once the full course of medication has taken place, slowly begin lowering the water temperature back to normal, and place fresh carbon in the filtration system. Note: It is essential to continue treatment for at least three days after the last visible sign of Ich is gone. Some waterborne cells may still be alive in the tank.

9. A good, general tip is to feed your a fish the most varied diet as possible during any medication phase, as this will give them the best fighting chance against any infections.

10. A final tip is to never add the water from a fish store into your tank. Once you have acclimatised new fish by gradually pouring tank water into the plastic bag, you should pour this water out over a net before adding the new fish.

The treatment above has been tried and tested and will minimize stress on fish in most situations. Once the tank has been cleared of Ich, your attention should shift to water quality and rebuilding a healthy and mature bio filtration cycle and a comfortable home for your fish.

Sources:

• Tropical Fish Forums
• The Skeptical Aquarist
• Freshwater Ich, White Spot Disease
• Understanding and Treating Ich or White Spot

Life with wire

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HAPPY FRIDAY: Life with wire

I’VE started working from home a lot, which sees me often talking to the walls and trying to bring inanimate objects to life. I wonder how long it will take for me to start attaching little arms and legs to my kitchen utensils…

One of my favourite Christmas presents as a child was a huge role of aluminum wire. The things that you can create with wire are endless and you can bring anything to life by attaching a pair of wire limbs.

These Happy Friday pictures are brought to you by elLf houSE – a Russian website which hosts some fantastic photographs and illustrations. It’s definitely worth a Google Translate. I’ve even done it for you since it’s Friday. Enjoy!

Life with wire

Beer mugging

Nail polish walking dogs

Wooden spoon murder

Star of the show

Whoopie cushion romance

Candle rocket

Erotic dancing film

MacDonalds monster

Flamersaurous

** More Happy Friday pictures **

Dear Esther Game Review (PC)

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** This review is spoiler free! **

Dear Esther,

I happened upon fragments of washed up letters found amongst the rubbish that the sea brings. Soggy parchments bring word that those on the mainland speak of my lonely plight as some sort of game.

I find it hard to believe that a world exists beyond this island. I am sometimes haunted by human-like figures in the distance, but I know that this is merely my own disillusion taunting me.

I sometimes don’t recognise my own words on occasion where I find myself communing with the nature of this place. The car wreckage too seems unfamiliar at times, but again I wonder if it is this island that has dulled my sense.

The mystery surrounding of the wrecked boats and ships on the island continue to taunt me. Their once sturdy frames rendered as fragile as paper to the rough seas. Only hollowed skeletons devoid of life remain.

I find myself drawn toward a flashing light like a moth to the flame. I hopelessly hold on to the belief that there lies my salvation. I painfully trek through the bowels of the island in search of answers … or to find a new kind of solace …

A red light beckons; broken boats and shipwrecks mystify.

The atmosphere Dear Esther creates is incredible - it feels cold, damp and lonely.

* * * Dear Esther Game Review * * *

For me, playing a good game is like watching a well written movie but being involved in how that movie pans out. This is immersion at its best. If suspense-injected story-driven gameplay and immersion are what excite you as a gamer, then Dear Esther awaits you.

A mystical mix of good graphics, emotive music and thought-provoking narration is what Dear Esther offers. Although brief (1-2 hours), Dear Esther is a memorable experience from start to finish. The script does vary slightly each time you play, but it is the mature nature of the writing which leaves something new to be discovered each time.

“The script also deserves praise. It charts a course through vastly different topics you never realised you cared about before – folklore, the Bible, shepherding, travel writing, guilt and medicine – and turns them into something meaningful without speaking down to its audience.” – Dear Esther Game Review by PC Gamer

There isn’t much more that needs to be said about Dear Esther. I purchased the game off Steam for $10 and it has been worth every cent. So stay up late, dim the lights, expect no interruptions and enjoy the Dear Esther experience!

*** More Game Reviews ***

Why teachers drink

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HAPPY FRIDAY: What drives teachers to drink

IF you’ve ever taught kids before, you or your fellow teachers are likely to have come across something like this before. Some of these test answers indicate artistic minds at work or supreme logical thinking. There’s never a dull moment in the classroom, but many teachers use results like these as their excuse to drink. Enjoy!

Logical Thinker

This kid should honestly get full marks for his/her logical approach. Ask a general question and get a general answer; be asked to name something and that’s what you do. Well done kid!

Date Rape

This kid may just have been bored or perhaps has problems at home.

Heartless Giraffes

This is a perfect example of lateral thinking. The only thing wrong is possibly the choice of the word “heartless” as giraffes actually have one of the biggest hearts in the animal kingdom.

Read and Complete

This kid deserves his/her zero mark. It doesn’t even make that much sense. Most teachers wouldn’t find this funny and should award the dunce hat to the author. Stay in school kid.

Future Artist

Let’s face it, mathematics is not for everyone. But when someone can approach something mathematical in an artistic way, the results can be magic. This kid is clearly going to be a great artist one day… or a stripper.

Death threat to teachers

This was a risky one. Let’s just hope that getting caned was banned at this school at the time of illustration. A good example of why teachers drink.

Logical Thinking

And the winning answer has to go to this kid for their supreme logical thinking. Teachers faced with an answer like this one should definitely award some marks for this kid’s logical approach!

* More Happy Friday Posts *

DialMedia Deals Free Smartphone App

Free smartphone app alerts you of nearby deals

Targeted advertising has always been the major goal of advertisers, who have to try damn hard these days to grab our attention. Amassing a target audience has lead to abuse in the past, such as the selling of personal info to 3rd parties.

Some may argue that Google’s recent private policy changes, whereby a user’s Google accounts are all merged together to create one neat profile, is aimed to aid the cause of targeted advertising. If you watch a lot of skateboarding videos on YouTube and email friends about skateboarding via Gmail, you’re likely to be targeted with skateboarding adverts.

Some may find this intrusive whereas others may view it as convenient. We all have that one friend who gets everything for so cheap; the one who makes use of Groupon and who always knows where to get a great special or discount on something. If you are that sort of person (or want to be) then there is a smartphone app just for you.

DialMedia Deals is a free smartphone app that has been developed in South Africa by SA company DialMedia. The smartphone application informs subscribers of relevant deals and specials available at major shopping centres around the country. Consumers are able to download the application for free to their smartphones, which runs silently in the background without negatively affecting battery performance.

Download DialMedia Deals Free Smartphone App

DialMedia spokesperson and co-owner Philip Bartholomew explains how the DialMedia Deals app works:

“On entering a mall, using geo-location, the application alerts the customer to nearby available specials which are tailored specifically to the user. Listings are categorised and ranked to easily find the best specials from their favorite stores and restaurants.”

DialMedia Deals allows consumers to always be up to speed on the latest specials, sales, discounts, restaurant specials, promotions and events. The service is regularly updated by store owners in shopping centres, who have the flexibility to change deal details on a daily basis.

“The DialMedia Deals app is already available on Apple’s App Store, BlackBerry’s App World, as well as on Android Marketplace. It may very well be the one app that can save consumers money without it costing them a cent”, says Bartholomew.

He added that the application does not monitor or record the location of the user; rather, the app is alerted when the user is in the vicinity of a relevant special. DialMedia state that no information is shared with outside parties (including DialMedia itself).

If you are the type of person who is willing to be paid to listen to adverts, then the rebate feature of the DialMedia Deals application will interest you. This allows you to save on mobile bills by getting paid rebates for hearing an audio ad before your call connects.

For more information, visit www.dialmedia.co.za