"We left the boxes in the village. Closed. Taped shut. No instruction, no human being. I thought, the kids will play with the boxes! Within four minutes, one kid not only opened the box, but found the on/off switch. He'd never seen an on/off switch. He powered it up. Within five days, they were using 47 apps per child per day. Within two weeks, they were singing ABC songs [in English] in the village. And within five months, they had hacked Android. Some idiot in our organization or in the Media Lab had disabled the camera! And they figured out it had a camera, and they hacked Android."

Via +Sandy Sandmeyer and +Jeremy Seifert 

Awesome.  In the original sense.

Stolen from +David Blunt.

Totally worthy.

Artists are rarely understood by the masses.

“Where morality comes from is a really hard problem,” says Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist at the University of California at Berkeley. “There isn’t a moral module that is there innately. But the elements that underpin morality—altruism, sympathy for others, the understanding of other people’s goals—are in place much earlier than we thought, and clearly in place before children turn 2.”

Thanks to +Jack Cain for alerting me to this article.  Very interesting.

RESHARE:
Via +Lisa Josephsdatter.

Gotta admit.  This one got me.  I lolled hard.

Reshared text:

Ealhswith Beatrix was born at 7:34.

Sometimes you just gotta be okay with reality.

“(B)irth control is nothing more or less than the facilitation of the process of weeding out the unfit, of preventing the birth of defectives or of those who will become defective.” - Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood

I stole this from someone on [REDACTED] and altered it slightly.

#Truth  

Via +Melanie Reed and +Imgur.

Via +Sheppe Pharis.

Boston Terriers are the best for all the wrong reasons.

It's good to know that there are people in the world who understand me.

I don't always post GIFs.

But when I do, they're of Randy Johnson annihilating a bird with a fastball.

Okay, everyone, another Friendfeeder is coming over here to enjoy the great bounty of +Google+ and is looking for a few people to circle.

Meet +Alan Simpson.  He's spiffy.

I want you to list 3 people that make your +Google+ experience amazing.

#adoptafriendfeeder  

RESHARE:
Not only does this demonstrate a ridiculous and frightening misunderstanding of what "church" means, it also uses every conceivable wrong reason as a draw to assemble.

Not only is the church not the building, nor is the purpose for lame attempts at second-rate entertainment, but the assembly is for people who are already faithful disciples. IF a visitor attends the assembly (out of curiosity or invitation), then what they are seeking is, hopefully, truth. If they only want a social club, political action committee or an entertainment opportunity, there are many that are better suited than the assembly of the Lord's body.

Indeed, if this is what is peddled as the purpose and activities of the church, then they likely left for good reasons.

Reshared text:
And now we know why they left. Tawdry.

Okay, +Jeremy Seifert.  This is my response.

This is why this show is so good.  They get me.

"American Reality Check: If Adam Lanza had a medical license in the U.S. he could have killed 20 'innocent children' in one day in the womb of their mothers without a tear shed by the president, any outcry from government officials or media, and without any hype on social media. There is a lot of mourning to do, not just for 'innocents lost,' but for the 'morality lost' in our modern day American hypocrisy.
(sarcasm alert) It's okay to kill innocent kids in America, just make sure you have a medical license... and parental consent."

Thank you +David Osteen for the perspective.

Not that I think that HuffPo is going to be fair to religious leaders, but Ol' Pat just needs to not talk anymore.  At all.

Ouch.  Hehe.

First read this: http://goo.gl/tCh9A and http://goo.gl/ifwBt

Then read the below.

With all the mass-deleting of #Instagram  accounts, I am almost sorry I didn't open one so I could join the fun of deleting it.

RESHARE:
100% LOL

Reshared text:
Bwahahahaha!

I guess Ross got a new idolatry section.

I'm not the first person to "flip out" about politics, but is is nothing but pants-on-head retarded.  I'm pretty sure we already have a "loyalty day" in America.  It's called July 4th.  Otherwise known as Independence Day.

Warning to all those who have circled me: When it comes to my own threads, I AM THE 1%. I will delete or report the snot out of responses or users that are intentionally rude, inflammatory or disrespectful toward another user. Don't like it? You can #occupy my "blocked" circle.

You have been warned.

WOW!  FREE?

RESHARE:
BANGS HEAD

Reshared text:

Yup.

How dare those raving, maniacal, child abusers appear so calm?!?

Well, when you say it like that.

The personal hurdles I had to overcome to post this...

Thank you, God, for coffee.

Via +Steph Kirby.

This is the only video I will post of the Harlem Shake nonsense.

They didn't have Him as a doodle last Lord's day either.

#Chillout  

Go ahead and shave you buncha girls. This beard won't run. #morethanmovember

I'm working on a new saying. "Grumpier than a preacher on Monday."

I know this is going to be me one day.

What's the ruckus?  It's just a clump of cells.
She was just unapologetically pro-choice.

<Insert disclaimer pertaining to holiday observance.>

Heh.

RESHARE:
Via +Kat Meredith.

I need demon bunnies now.

Reshared text:

It was supposed to be easy...

#funny   #bakery   via imgur

Yea verily.

Correcting other people's grammar is petty and means your insecure.

 #internetsacrilege

RESHARE:
Nailed it.

Reshared text:
This GIF perfectly sums up every Mumford & Sons song

Too soon?

RESHARE:
Excellent.

Reshared text:
Make sure you save this for the next time you get turned down for a job :) 

From the OTHER social network:

"Went on google+ today just to see what's going on it reminds me of the shopping mall that is devoid of everything that isn't a nail salon, 99 cent store, or t-shirt retailer wonder where it went wrong?"

So, I looked at his profile.  No pic.  No posts.  No info.  Following 6 people.

Seems Legit.

RESHARE:
Dude.  Minas Tirith.  In Minecraft.

Reshared text:
Since 2009, there have been two kinds of Minecraft players: those who simply enjoy exploring and building in its blocky, procedurally-generated worlds; and those who create monumental works of mind-blowing art and machinery.

Check out 25 Minecraft creations that will blow your mind: http://on.mash.to/14TpmB1

I just accidentally watched my first ever clips of Firefly and I can really see why it was cancelled. What's more is, I'm kinda glad.

It might say something about me that I had to use a graphics program to fix the punctuation error on this before I could post it in good conscience.

Via +David Blunt on [REDACTED].

Serious laughter over here.

RESHARE:
Oh my.

Reshared text:

WARNING: POLITICAL OPINION

I try not to delve into politics too strongly, as I'm not really vying for one party or another, but I think that it isn't quite appropriate to denounce Romney for criticizing the administration of President Obama's initial comments following the Libya incident.

Between Clinton's references to "inflammatory material," the Cairo Embassy's reference to "misguided individuals," and the President's assurances that Americans "reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others" it sounds suspiciously like blaming the victim.

The attacks were not against the victims personally, but against this country, which prides itself on free speech, even if that speech is inflammatory.  To even bring up the speech that was reported to be the cause of the violence is missing the point entirely and is akin to making statements about the inappropriateness of a rape victim's choice of clothing.

Yes, this administration's response to the crisis is a valid concern in view of the upcoming election.  Just as President Bush's response to 9/11 were a valid concern for many.  If Romney is wrong for questioning the Administration's policies in response to this attack, then all of the criticism of Bush's administration was also wrong.

There is another issue that is a part of this, and that is American credibility in the arena of responding to inflammatory speech.  I wonder if President Obama would use the same strong language for other filmmakers as he did for this internet film.  Would he also condemn Scorsese for The Last Temptation of Christ, or Kevin Smith for Dogma?  I wonder if the Administration would classify Life of Brian or the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon as "inflammatory material."  Perhaps not all "religious beliefs" are equal to this Administration.

Again, this is in no way a support for either candidate, but it is a support for free speech, both in the private sector and in the public arena.

One of the most brilliant things ever.
(actually stolen from FB)

RESHARE:
This really caught me as funny this morning.

Reshared text:
Weird humour

RESHARE:
Dude.  Just, dude.

Reshared text:
Bryan Berg, world record holder for card stacking

goo.gl/4jNWO

Via +Melanie Reed.

For +Jennifer Hodges and Toric.

Forgive the title.  :(

Circle Maintenance
It has now become impossible for me to manually do circle maintenance or go through all of my new followers and weed out the weak. Therefore, I will give you the chance to tell me if I need to put you in a particular "interest" circle to which I will post relevant content. Choose wisely!

Tech (self explanatory)
XTIANS (Christian related information as well as bible-study items)
Local (Houston Area)
Home Schooling
Politics (Particularly [but not limited to] slightly Right of Center, but Left of Tea Party)
Disc Golf (The solitaire version of fetch)
Whovians (Th' Doctah)
Science (She blinded me with...)
Religion - Other (Specifically other-than-Christian)
Nerdity (With a subset of geekery)
Texas (It needs its own interest circle)
Music

Sometimes a random tumblr post is pretty funny.

So, with almost 20-some-odd hours of kicking the tires on the new #googleplusupdate , are you in a different head-space than at first?  Is the structure growing on you?

Are there things you appreciate?

Are there things you will always hate?

What is the best new innovation?

What is the worst mistake?

RESHARE:
Real LOL.

Reshared text:

I can't decide if I'm proud of his attention to UI structure, or worried that he spends too much time reading my +Google+ stream over my shoulder.

We heard you like scrollbars...

Sometimes 100% technically correct isn't the best policy.

RESHARE:
I'm crying laughing here.

Reshared text:
Got a call from the credit union offering me 30 days of life insurance at no charge. Apparently I am allowed to try it and if I am not completely satisfied I am under no obligation.
Me (being a troll): So how much does it cost after 30 days
her: Depending on age and Health the policies start at 30 dollars a month and cap out at 45
me (still trolling): So worst case scenario 45 bucks a month and you guarantee that I don't die for the next 30 days.
her: Yes sir
me (super troll mode activated): so basically 45 dollars a month and you guarantee me immortality. Does it cap out at like 100 years, because obviously it'll take a lot more to keep me alive?
her: wait what...(long pause as she thinks about what I asked) No sir we pay you money if you die life insurance.
Me (dialing down the troll to keep her on the line): oh I thought you said life assurance.
her: no sir no sir (laughing at me) I said life insurance.
Me: so you'll pay me if I die, how much?
her: 250,000.00
me: ooh that's nice I could do a lot with that
her: yes sir...yes sir you could
me: but what will I spend it on if I'm dead
her: (long pause) well we would pay your wife Lauren Franks (10 years and they still have not changed her name.)
me (knowing I don't have long before this unravels I can ask why would you pay her she didn't die?... or take the road less traveled switch up the conversation and see if I can get her to hang on) (Ninja troll activated): I don't know that seems like a big commitment.
her: No sir, no commitment for 30 days.
me (can't resist activating mega troll): Maybe not for you but I'd have to die to test it. How else I am going to be sure it works and tell you how satisfied I am?
her: (silence this question actually has her thinking.  I hear her turning pages in her script looking for answers)
me: So what do the revival policies cost?
her: (sounding momentarily grateful for the change of direction) Revival Policies sir?
me: Yes, so that I can continue without consequence after testing your policy.
her: I don't know sir...(really really really long pause) actually I'm not familiar with that and that's the kind of question my manager should answer.
me: Okay...I'll wait
Manager Greg (can barely contain his laughter, he's obviously been listening to this call): Hello Mr. Bollman
me: yes sir
Manager Greg: I just want to say well played sir.  I wish I could high five you over the phone. You had everyone on the training call cracking up.
me (instantly liking Greg): I do what I can.
Manager Greg:  This is an offer from the credit union would you be interested in such a policy.
Me: I might. If you send me the details I'll look them over.
Manager Greg: Will do sir you have blessed day.
Call ends.

They must know something.

The NDA is over. We're pregnant. Well, not ME, but +Jennifer Hodges is. Let the name auditions begin.

RESHARE:
Public Service Trolling.

Via +Meirav M.

Reshared text:
I think, most of people need this recommendation ;-DD..... 

#fridayfunposts  

In a way, I'm kinda daring someone to talk to me today.

"I caught the ugly."

RESHARE:
Make him stop.

Reshared text:

RESHARE:
#Truth  

Reshared text:

What could you not go 24 hours without?

Most people who know me understand that without coffee - avoid me at all costs!

Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy. Let the jealousy begin.

One thing I know is different, is with the new layout, I'm seeing a lot more posts from my different circles.  I'm seeing posts from people that I would have had to hunt down before, or had honestly forgotten about.

Now, with this new glut of information, there has to be a way to consume it in a manner that doesn't take all day, so the multi-column format works for that.

I think what we're seeing here is a way to consume more information faster.  What we're having to get used to is drinking from the firehose.

This is what love looks like.  I think this really is my favorite photo of us.

For #throwbackthursday  I will allow this to exist for a few hours.  Then it's back down the memory hole.

Before you ask, the answer is yes.  That's me.

Dear Jeremy,

Underscores don't italicize outside of +Google+ and Gtalk.  Stop trying to use them for such.

- Your Word Processor

There is simply no scenario in which Texas secedes from the Union without a war.  All calls for secession are arrogant and short-sighted.

That isn't to say that isn't possible, but the unintended consequences would be devastating to many.

File under: Trolling

http://www.businessinsider.com/google-plus-is-a-desolated-wasteland-2013-5

RESHARE:
This is true art.

Thanks to +Dheeraj Chand for this.

Reshared text:
Ladies and gentlemen, I think we've found Microsoft's new IE logo.

(via +Juhani Lehtimäki)

After last year when this was brought to my attention, it's tradition.

I think I've passed from Shady Military Contractor into Fishing Boat Captain territory.

Dueling Grumpy Cats with +Caleb McCallister is the next national pastime.

#Truth  

Now let’s add polygamy to the scene. It probably won’t happen through a vote, but through court action. The Supreme Court is looking at changing the definition of marriage right now, and if they’re not careful, they could change it a whole lot whether they intend to or not. Who wants to bet that the same court that found the ObamaCare mandate a tax when it wasn’t written into the legislation as such will be careful? That the same court that opened Pandora’s Box with Dred Scott and Roe v Wade will be careful? History doesn’t back up that faith, but then again, who bothers to learn from history?

File under: (Un?)intended consequences.

RESHARE:
100% LOL

Via +Simon Cousins.

Reshared text:
I love it, I'm going to memorize this one and use it every time people are in my offices talking about their Iowa and ISU:

I hear Friendfeed is down. I hope we end up with some of the users here.

Wow.  A bathroom door that caters to the germophobes.

RESHARE:
Totally.

Via +Joman Good.

Reshared text:
15 new Hobbit stills!

#Hobbit #anunexpectedjourney

Posted on [REDACTED].  Made me giggle.

RESHARE:
Snort!

Reshared text:
also want!

#lionking  

via: http://cheezburger.com/6920404480

RESHARE:
Thanks to +Ander Son for this inspirational gem.

Reshared text:
Parenting done right
http://9gag.com/gag/6440059

Best fun on your iPhone & iPad now:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/9gag/id545551605

Here is the aforementioned house for which we signed the lease.

RESHARE:
#TRUTH  

Reshared text:
I seem to always get stuck with duck food then..

#communities  

I'm sure you've seen this by now.  But it's great.  Heartless parenting at its best.  +Ryan Ostendorf should do one completely of kids making lemon-faces.

RESHARE:
Any arguments?

Reshared text:
It’s hard to imagine a world without video games. For some, they’re a simple diversion — a way to pass time. For others, they’re a portal to strange and wonderful alternate universes.

From Adventure to Zork, here are our picks for the All-TIME 100 greatest video games: http://ti.me/Usgr1P

Weigh in: What's your favorite video game of all time? Let us know in the comments.

Is this #combstache  doing it right?