Scholas - peace and interfaith dialogue for youth

Recently Pope Francis joined students in Australia, Cameron, Israel, Turkey and South Africa for a Hangout on Air to celebrate the launch of Scholas―a new education initiative sponsored by the Vatican to suport peace and interfaith dialogue.  It aims to connect 500,000 schools from various cultures and beliefs across the world in projects and learning opportunities that will increase collaboration, knowledge and awareness.

The Pope spoke to the students about the influence of education, sport and culture as a basis for communication and peace.  In response to a student who wanted a world less overwhelmed by 'wars, crimes and poverty, he responded positively saying that the future is "... in your heart, it's in your head and it's in your hands".  This is a powerful message for young people in a world that seems overwhelmed with violence and conflict.  I look forward to following up on this project.

Google - Shared Endorsements

How often do you click the 'Accept' the terms of service of a site as a matter of course, anxious to get on with the business of using the site?  Some people will say 'never', however many like myself, will click their way through to the action as quickly as possible.  Hence this word of CAUTION with regard to Google's latest change to security settings involving 'Shared Endorsements'.

Endorsements are content where you have clicked on the +1 option.  It's Google's equivalent of the 'Like' button and is undergoing a major shift of focus.  Google will be asking you to accept the change in terms whereby you agree for your name and photo to be used to advertise products or sites that you have +1'd.  The default option for this setting is 'On' and Google are warning of this change so take note and read the fine print.  It's easy to protect your profile by simply logging into Google+ > Settings > Shared Endorsements and selecting the 'off' option.

If you are happy to see your name and photo flashed around the Internet endorsing various products, places etc you don't have to do anything.  Personally, I'd prefer to have more granular control over how my profile is used so have selected the 'off' option.

Google have put this change into plain language with the explaination below, so you make the choice!  I've unticked this option.  The default setting has this box ticked.

Google Inactive Account Manager

As we share and store increasing amounts of our personal data online whether it be through email, photo-sharing or blogging, the thought of what happens to this when we are no longer able to maintain it is an issue.

Google has addressed this matter with the news that it is now possible to Plan your digital afterlife with Inactive Account Manager.  You set the parameters regarding length of inactivity before action is taken, who (if anybody) you wish to nominate as the person/s (up to 10) you entrust with the task of managing the data on your behalf, or maybe you'd request Google to simply delete all data.  

CNET have provided an easy walk-through for setting this up for your Google account at How to set up Google's Inactive Account Manager.  Setting it up is a thought provoking process but very worthwhile.  Thanks Google.

Google Knowledge Graph

Google's new search engine has similarities to the Wonder Wheel.  It's a fascinating means of building a biographical snapshot of an individual and associated personnel.  A semantic web type search that gathers related data in the search results.

See more detail at Google Inside Search