Mars

mars
You need to get a move on this NASA. I am your “smaller experiment” and I have less hair than a monkey (but not that much less). And I love bananas. And I’m an INTJ so human contact is not necessary for me to maintain my sanity. And they recently shipped the Dos Equis man there. We could start a whole new race of the most interesting people in the world! Baha! #MarsMeAndDos #NASA

SLT


Great article by Claire Lew! I believe that in order to deliver constructive feedback you have to have established a relationship with the recipient built on trust and honesty. Believe it or not, that doesn’t take long to develop particularly if you come across as knowledgeable and looking out for the best interest of the learner. When I climb sometimes I’m with people I’ve never met before. If my instincts are strong about this person, I’ll listen to her/him even if that means overriding my fear and better judgement. In high-stake environments, it’s critical to provide timely feedback as well articulate clearly and efficiently your expectations and observations. Learners soon understand that this is a feedback style based on authenticity. As the article indicates, it’s essential to come from a place of care, observation, fallibility, and curiosity. More on Shit Sandwiches here.

 

MI5

Phones, TVs spy on you: A team within the CIA developed spy software that infects Samsung smart TVs — placing televisions on a “fake-off” mode that still listens to conversations and sends them back to American spies, WikiLeaks claimed. The program, called “Weeping Angel,” was created with the help of the British spying agency MI5, it said.

WikiLeaks reports that another team within the CIA built hacking tools that can remotely control iPhones, iPads and Android devices — secretly taking video from the camera, listening with the microphone, and tracking your location.

In the past, consumers have been warned that Samsung TVs were eavesdropping on private conversations — with the microphones implanted into the TV.

CNN has also reported how the NSA can “turn on” your phone remotely. But it was not previously known that the CIA has a similar capability.

Apple and Samsung — whose products were mentioned by WikiLeaks — did not immediately provide comment to CNN. Google declined to comment. Microsoft said: “We’re aware of the report and are looking into it.”

People who are careful about their privacy have resorted to encrypted apps to place phone calls and send text messages. The most common are Signal and WhatsApp.” (CNN on latest Wikileak)

Holistic

So cool! My former prof, Dr. Peper, is featured in SF News! I took his courses in the early 90s and he was an amazing instructor. Taught me loads about both eastern and western holistic health perspectives. Inspiring! Here’s a blurb from this recent piece (can’t reinforce #1 enough!!!):

“For students who have yet to take a holistic health class, Peper has tips that can improve health during midterms and finals.

  1. Don’t go to class ready to absorb information like a sponge; arrive primed with questions so you’re actively listening.
  2. Try to snag a seat in the front of the class and take notes.
  3. After class, find a study group with peers so you can discuss materials in multisensory ways.
  4. After studying, call a friend and talk about what you just absorbed. This helps the information sink in.
  5. Consider reviewing materials before going to bed, so it’s fresh in your mind when you wake up.
  6. Learn a simple relaxation technique, such as tightening and releasing various muscle groups in your body.
  7. Notify instructors as soon as you have questions.
  8. Learn a breathing exercise.
  9. When studying, sit at a desk and avoid checking emails and social media.
  10. Learn more holistic health concepts and skills by taking holistic health classes.”