My First Unsettling Experience With Google's Artificial Intelligence

The new notification scared the daylights out of me. There was only one explanation for this. Gmail had smartly read through my document and picked out dates, locations and other details. She/He/It then decided to update my calendar for me. Thanks, that was not scary at all.

Google has pumped a lot of resources into artificial intelligence and the outcomes are breathtaking. Earlier, we got a glimpse of Google Duplex, a smart robot that can make phone calls on your behalf and even make bookings for you. While this seemed a development in the distant future, it might be closer than we think. I believe when a tech company releases technology to the world, it's usually the most stable version and not necessarily the most advanced version. Google is miles ahead.

A few months ago I traveled out for work and my travel agent sent me my itinerary through my work email. I downloaded it to my PC and true to my forward-thinking nature, I uploaded the document to my Gmail then sent it to myself. This was my fall back plan in case I lost my itinerary during my flight or elsewhere. I would go to the nearest internet cafe or use my phone to download the itinerary and reference numbers.
I went on with my work then at about 3pm, I received a notification in my email. My google calendar had been updated with details of where I would be for the next few weeks. In addition, all my flight times were integrated into my calendar.
Wait.
I thought I had the freedom to add events to my calendar. Google bots had gone through the document, 'verified' my name and updated my calendar for me. Make life easier, huh?
So it's possible during the numerous 'privacy updates' i agreed to something I am not aware of. I did not read the Terms and Conditions. Just like you. I just skimmed through the first few lines and clicked on 'I Agree'.
Now I see what I agreed to.
Please do not read my documents again. Thank you.

Wanna learn more about Artificial Intelligence?

READ: Smart Home Devices Being Exploited By Domestic Abusers

Five Myths Kenyans Have About Travel

How many countries have you traveled to? Did you know that there are 195 countries in the world?
Travel is only for the rich. That is the most common myth peddled by people who do not believe in themselves and their ability to travel the world.

In the exciting age of digital nomads and travel vloggers, we get to see videos and pictures that capture moments that other people have experienced.
While we do not know how long we shall live, one fact we should embrace is that you are a citizen of the world and you should aim to see most of it. You have every right to apply to and be invited to a country of your choice. You were born to meet other people other than your compatriots and you can go and experience the world and learn about other cultures.
Here are five myths about travel;

Travel is too expensive
Too much TV and social media make us associate travel with luxury. This is not always true. You can travel cheaply if you plan well and in advance.

When you travel you must stay in a hotel
In 2018, disruptive companies such as Airbnb have made accommodation more affordable and you can get a fantastic experience at a very low price.

Travel is dangerous for women
This is the danger of a single story. Many believe that traveling is dangerous for women and they might be attacked etc. However, as long as you take the necessary precautions, you have nothing to worry about. All you need to do is do some prior research of your destination. In addition, many women have successfully traveled alone.

You can only travel while young and single
You might be married and with 5 kids but if you plan well, you can still travel. Take advantage of available deals and combine efforts to raise more funds to cater for your family. Bonding in a distant location is something you will appreciate for the rest of your lives.

Package deals are the best deals
While economies of scale make package deals cheaper in some instances, there is one disadvantage. Package deals lack the flexibility of an independently organized trip. Plan on your own and you can squeeze much more into your schedule and can even bump into new things and new people.

So get a passport if you do not have one and pack your bags. You did not come to this earth to be stuck in one corner. The world is your playground so go yee forth and explore.

Are there any other myths you have debunked? Comment below.

Brazil Dives Into The QuarterFinals As Fellaini Blow-dries Japan in The World Cup

Brazil went on to proceed to the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals as Belgium overturned an impending defeat to beat Japan 3-2. The World Cup keeps on getting more entertaining as 'weak' teams harass the big boys and ensure fans get matches worth watching.
Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 assisted by Neymar's goal and his assist that led to Roberto Fermino's goal. The match was full of controversy due to the theatrics displayed by Neymar with many saying he was overreacting to tackles.
Former football stars vented their frustrations online;

FFS @neymarjr man. STOP IT. We are fed up of it. #BrazilvsMexico

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 2, 2018

Brazil now gets to face Belgium who had a serious scare from Japan despite having an excellent squad.  Belgium clawed back from two goals down to overcome Japan with an extra-time goal from substitute Nacer Chadli, who came in as a substitute.
Belgium became the first side to overturn a two-goal deficit and win a World Cup knockout match since Germany beat England 3-2 after extra time in Mexico in 1970,
After a goal from Jan Vertongen in the 69th minute,  a towering Marouane Fellaini set Belgium level and it was from then that Belgium realized what was at stake.

Japan had a solid game but Belgian quality denied them a chance to rewrite history.

Ugandans To Soon Pay Social Media Tax. First Of All, That's Insane!!..

The Government of Uganda has decided to become the mother that eats her own children. In a dizzying announcement, the authorities announced that they will roll out taxes for social media users. This move shocked many and has met harsh criticism and throws the East African nation's progress in freedom of expression into disarray.
The announcement said;

Social media went wild with users complaining and expressing their anger towards the uncivilized move, which does not add any value according to them.

Ugandans paying dearly for tolerating a dictator for all this long. Until he auctions Uganda, most Ugandans are just blind and too afraid to confront their own devil. #SocialMediaTax pic.twitter.com/aIPbSPUwJt

— Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) July 2, 2018

New taxes came into effect yesterday July 1st, 2018.
What are your new financial year resolutions?#SocialMediaTax, #MobileMoneyTax #ExciseDuty pic.twitter.com/kbvKRto6WX

— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) July 2, 2018

I will join five other friends in taking a case to the constitutional court to challenge the #SocialMediaTax in so far as it seeks to impose limitations on freedom of expression and freedom of the press by extension. 1/2

— Mujuni Raymond (@qataharraymond) July 2, 2018

Dear African Governments, Taxes can't raise any money if they kill the economies.... #SocialMediaTax #MobileMoneyTax pic.twitter.com/9XgvLXnEWg

— Jeff HARDY (@andsjeff) July 2, 2018

Who said #UnFollowTheGovt was not working, Retweet when you see it. Say no to #SocialMediaTax pic.twitter.com/t5SyINVAar

— #UnfollowGovt (@Ugaman01) July 2, 2018

We have filed our suit challenging the #SocialMediaTax. Lawyers are currently serving the attorney general, UCC and URA and actively seeking a date for when the petition can be heard and disposed off.

Our suit raises fundamental disagreement with the tax. pic.twitter.com/YFLyHb06Os

— Mujuni Raymond (@qataharraymond) July 2, 2018

Telecommunication companies have already noticed the negative effect the announcement has had to their revenue and they encouraged customers to use VPN(virtual private networks) until all is sorted.
The matter is now in court but Ugandans need to stand up and fight for their rights.