book reviews
Reviews of must-read books that explore the history of technology, what our future looks like and how these scientific advancements impact the way humans think, work, live and communicate.
Google Set To Shut Down Dev Access to Fit APIs. .... I barely knew about nudges and birthday reminders in Google Messages.
I barely knew about nudges and birthday reminders in Google Messages. Google has recently been making moves that suggest an aggressive move away from the traditional Google Fit Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This was made even clearer this week when the company fully detailed how the “Google Fit APIs have been deprecated and will be supported until 30th June 2025.”
By Kelly Munala Brookes2 years ago in 01
The Last Countdown
Diane sat in her vehicle, the downpour pattering on the windshield like a fretful metronome. The ticking of the dashboard clock synchronized with her pulse, each passing second a horrible update that she was using up all available time. White noise filled the vehicle, including the engine's constant hum, the distant drone of traffic, and the gentle hiss of rain hitting the windows. But Diane was concentrating on the courthouse across the street, and as she gripped the wheel, her knuckles turned white. She had not seen her son Ben in two years. He'd been just 18 when a terrible choice with some unacceptable group landed him in prison, and presently he was at long last being delivered. During the trial, Diane had been present and had to put up with lawyers who had told her that he would "bounce back." However, the truth was more extreme. She was aware that his time in prison had taken its toll and that he had lost some of his spirit with each passing day. Presently, with just 53 seconds to go, Diane's heart hustled quicker. She looked at the town hall, attempting to look through the downpour streaked windshield, her breath hazing up the glass. Numerous stories of hopelessness and despair had been told in the old building, and the clock tower there seemed to make fun of her anxiety. In an effort to get a clear view of the steps from which Ben would soon emerge, she wiped away the fog. Her surroundings continued to move at an indifferent pace. She heard a canine yapping somewhere out there, saw walkers clustering under umbrellas, and vehicles passing by without a subsequent look. However, for Diane, the universe had condensed to a single time and place. Everything was contingent on what would transpire in the following few seconds. Her throat tightened when the doors to the courthouse opened. The downpour and her own tears blurred the figures as they began to emerge. She immediately cleaned her eyes, looking for the recognizable step and hair wave that had a place with her child. Milliseconds felt like hours, and it seemed like time was expanding and contracting simultaneously. She paused her breathing, filtering each face for a brief look at Ben's elements, trusting that jail hadn't transformed him to an extreme. Then, he was right there. Unsure of his surroundings, a young man cautiously stepped outside while glancing around in the rain. The beat of Diane's heart stopped. He had a sharper edge to him than she remembered, and he was thinner than she remembered. However, it was her Ben—him. She pushed open the vehicle entryway, not thinking often about the ticking clock or the motor actually running. She barely noticed that the rain had soaked her hair and clothes. "Ben!" she called out, her voice breaking with urgency. Her words made it to him, but the wind swept them away. Their gazes met as his head jerked upward. Time stood still as he was recognized and trusted in his gaze. Maybe the whole world had contracted to the space between them, as though all the other things failed to issue. Ben moved cautiously forward, followed by another. Each step was loaded up with vulnerability, like he was trying the ground underneath him. As she watched him approach, Diane felt her heart pound. "Mom?" he said, his voice speculative and loaded up with doubt. She didn't pause. She surged toward him, her arms outstretched, prepared to close the hole between them. At the point when they at last impacted, maybe the most recent two years dissolved away. Diane clutched her child as though she could never give up, the tears and downpour blending on her cheeks. She reenacted each and every time they had been apart, including every moment of worry and fear, every night without sleep, and every prayer for his safety. Time restarted in that embrace, but now each tick of the clock was a new moment. The aloof world went on around them, however it at this point not made a difference. Despite everything, Diane and Ben had reunited, and their bond was stronger than ever. The downpour washed away the long stretches of torment and uncertainty, leaving them with a new beginning. The last commencement had finished, and their fresh start had quite recently started.
By Hira nadeem2 years ago in 01
Revolutionizing Comfort: The Rise of Underfloor Heating Actuators in China
The pursuit of comfort and energy efficiency, the global market for underfloor heating systems has seen a significant surge in recent years. Among the many components that contribute to the seamless functioning of these systems, underfloor heating actuators stand out as crucial elements. In China, a country experiencing rapid urbanization and a growing demand for sustainable living solutions, the adoption of underfloor heating actuators has been particularly noteworthy. This article delves into the dynamics driving the popularity of underfloor heating actuators in China, exploring their functionality, benefits, and market trends.
By yuhuan Henglihvac2 years ago in 01
The Power of CRISPR: Transforming Genetics and Beyond. Content Warning.
**Title: The Power of CRISPR: Transforming Genetics and Beyond** In the realm of biotechnology, a revolutionary tool has emerged, poised to redefine the boundaries of genetic engineering and reshape the future of medicine, agriculture, and beyond. This tool, known as CRISPR-Cas9, represents a monumental leap forward in our ability to edit DNA with unprecedented precision, unlocking new possibilities for treating genetic diseases, enhancing crop resilience, and unraveling the complexities of life itself.
By William Smith2 years ago in 01
Book Report: The Three-Body Problem
"The Three-Body Problem" by Liu Cixin, translated by Ken Liu, is a science fiction novel that kicks off the "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy. It combines complex scientific ideas with historical events, particularly the Cultural Revolution in China, to explore the potential first contact with an alien civilization and its ramifications.
By AudiblyAdept2 years ago in 01
Book Review: Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones James Clear's "Atomic Habits" offers a comprehensive guide to understanding how tiny changes can lead to remarkable results. This book is structured around the idea that small adjustments in our daily habits can lead to profound outcomes over time. Clear introduces the concept of atomic habits - tiny behaviors that are easy to do but incredibly powerful when compounded over time.
By AudiblyAdept2 years ago in 01
