Trevor Stinson

In the patent application, Google details a process that would allow its algorithms to automatically detect troublesome text by comparing the writing to a database of phrases previously identified as “problematic.” The tool could not only inform a person that they’ve written something that violates protocol, it could also tell an individual why she’s run afoul of the rules, suggest alternate wording that would be less risky and, crucially, alert third parties to the violation.

A creepy new spin on the “don’t be evil” motto. Talk about innovation.

My news feed is full of people checking into to places. So what value have I received from this? Absolutely nothing.

I have to agree with Alex Knight—checking into locations on social networks feels pretty pointless. I continue to use Foursquare, but I see little to no value from it. I trouble myself with being sure to check in, but there’s really no point. It’s one more thing to think about. I really should delete my Foursquare account (for the second time).

There is one exception for me; one situation where checking in is a useful feature. I will occasionally check in on Path if there’s a significant reason. Sometimes to show where a photo is from, but more often to show family that our plane has landed safely, we survived driving through a blizzard, or we’re using that gift card you gave us.

The feature he is complaining about is entirely optional.

Bono writes the following for TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2013. I am predictably pleased with these events.

Jony is Obi-Wan. His team are Jedi whose nobility depends on the pursuit of greatness over profit, believing the latter will always follow the former, stubbornly passing up near-term good opportunities to pursue great ones in the distance.

(via Daring Fireball)