Replication

I'm not a Snapchat user. I'd tried it for all of three seconds and I thought it was silly, so I'd deleted the app (though I still, technically, have the account).

So, when Instagram brought Stories to their network, I was fine with it because it didn't duplicate functions, I could still use Instagram, and it was something of added value (most of the time). It still didn't have as many bells and whistles as Snapchat does, from what I've gleaned, but it's been relatively okay.

And the. Facebook Messenger came out with a stories interface (calling it "My Day"). And then WhatsApp. And now the main Facebook app itself!

 

Facebook just can't quit!

I understand there may be people who use only one of the four apps (though more than likely it's at least two). If you're in iOS and want to use the Messenger feature of Facebook, I believe they're still forcing you to use Messenger (though sideline reading just now, I've just discovered one can actually use it on its own, and that it's an Android thing, too) if you want to chat with your Facebook friends.

As a person who has all four apps, though, it's just plain annoying! I just want one, ubiquitous app! I remember I'd felt kind of fuming when Google decided they were going to spur Photos and Hangouts out of Google+. So, I have a bunch of apps when I used to have just one go-to app.

I don't like it.

Google stops censoring in China

"Google says it has stopped censoring its search results in China, risking confrontation with the country's authorities."

Go to BBC to read the original article.

Now, I've been conservative on a number of subjects in my life. I remember there was a discussion in my Honors Colloquium class in my third year about pre-marital teenage sex, and I'd said I wish there were a pill that would block such thoughts and then alternative treatment would occur in the period when two come into an agreement to wed.

My mind has changed somewhat on this subject because it's a little hypocritical to want to curb human nature in one regard but want complete openness - in this case uncensored Internet use - in another.

The reason the Chinese government wants to censor people is because they know what they do is wrong. They stomp on people, they keep them from knowing things, and they keep them in a state of hopelessness and ignorance. This, I believe, is wrong, and Google stepping in - even at the risk of China throwing them out, thus losing a vital Internet-using market - and standing up for freedom of Internet use in China.

I have issues with that China has grown so vital to the United States' economic function without making any changes whatsoever in their human rights policies, stances on freedom of speech and expression, and general arrogance.

May something change.

Walking Directions Now Available On Google Maps

TreeHugger: Four-day-old news, but still worth saying/posting.