Targeted Ads: Basic Things You Need To Know

A few days ago, I needed to get a new battery for my phone. So I checked Google for suggestions on where I could get some. Konga, Jumia (the usual suspects) popped up and I checked around their websites. After sometime, I logged off and ended up not buying.

A day later, I logged into my Facebook account to do some gossip. Guess what I saw on the suggested ad section? The same exact battery model I searched earlier and more similar suggestions. I was surprised. How did Facebook know I checked up this battery model earlier? Same thing on almost all other sites I visit.

Did a little research and learned something. It’s called Ad Targeting. This is how it works…When you visit online retail sites, your browser submits what you have searched to third-party ad networks. Such information are like codes stored in what we called browser cookies. These allow the ad networks share info on what you view and buy. [You can clear and disable cookies on your browser]

When you then visit other sites in the same ad network, since they have your info, the ads you viewed could be displayed again, hoping to tempt you one more time.

image credit: IPdigIT

My Name Isn't on the Forbes List

When Forbes released their 2015 list of the richest people in the world, 24 years old co-founder of Snap Chat also made the list. He made it as the youngest billionaire in the world at the young age of 24. That is my age presently. Then I began to ponder, we are of the same age but that's just about it. In terms of net worth, finances, influence we are billions of miles apart. Why is this so? Does he have two heads? I am here eagerly expecting a meager #19,800 from the federal government. Where was I when my mates where utilizing their talents and potentials. Where was I when my mates where grabbing opportunities? Where was I when my mates were solidifying their networks?
I know life isn't all about money. Yet I believe that having a measure of it goes a long way. I believe it isn't too late though. I can still make it. I can still succeed. I can still find my name in the Forbes list..heck, I can even write my own Forbes list. I can still be a person of influence in my generation. I can still be someone that people look up to. It takes hard work, smart work, diligence and unflinching trust in God.

I am ready.

Chioma.

Open the windows of your heart
Let me take a look or just a peek
Of all you feel, think and need
In the deep recesses of your soul
Is there a lake or a raging sea
Is there a storm or blissful sunshine

What drives you, what makes you tick
What makes you happy, I really want to know
Eyes so pure, so full of  promises
A smile so surreal 'terflies buzz in my belly
That is as much as I know
If you allow me, I want to know more
Open the windows of your heart
Let me take a look or just a peek

Whose Script Are You Living

Life is simple. Life is easy. We get to experience difficulty when we live our lives based on scripts written by others. God has the perfect script for your life. He knew you before He formed you. He mapped your life, gave it an accurate sense of direction and purpose. The owner of the heavens and Earth has got plans for you. All you need to do is to align your will and purpose with His,  not with your parent's, nor friend's, nor spouse's..not even yours. Then you will discover how simple, fulfilling and full life is.... the God kinda life :)

How Did We Get Here

We now live in a world where evil is being trivialized
Where the dignity of human life is no longer respected
Where the sanctity of marital vows is no longer relevant
Where honesty and integrity are outdated
Where people kill en masse as a way of worship of some god
Where perpetrators of evil are praised and victims are condemned
Where widows and orphans are detested
Where the handicapped are mocked for their condition
Where rapists walk free and rape victims are ridiculed
Where gentleness and kindness are seen as signs of foolishness
The list goes on and on.....

How did we get here? What happened to you? What happened to me? What happened to us? These are questions that require deep and personal sober reflections, because we must be the change the world needs. The light that shines in darkness. The salt that sweetens lives. The agents of love, honesty, integrity and moral uprightness. And the time to start is NOW.

Butterflies In My Room

I laid on my back
Eyes opened, mind blank
I was down and depressed
I want to give up, for I'm stressed

Then I saw them, even in the gloom
Butterflies in my room
Gliding without a fear
All beauty and fair

How I wish I could fly
Fly above my limitations
Gliding without worry
In all the beauty
Which God has given me.

(The Samguine)

Just A Moment

I looked at her
And she looked at me
Our eyes met

For a moment or two
She felt it
And I felt it
That moment or two
Was all we need

(Sam-uQuah : Love and other Afflictions)