Wow, this has been neglected. I thought my domain pointed to my G+ page, and rediscovered this. Anyway, nowadays most of my postings are on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunsnee/ Currently, I'm not sure if I'll resurrect this platform of just jump ship as it seems the "new" Google has changed focus.

Why my "Have You in Circles" number is not shared

The first reason dates back to when I started using G+.  Two of my first three circlers were, and still are as far as I can tell, bots.  Out of vanity, I decided not to display that number until the percentage of real circlers increased.

The second reason, and the reason the number remains blocked, is that it doesn't matter.  It may reflect on the quality of my posts, but it has no relationship to me as a person.  

This second point was brought home when I read a tweet from a well known figure in which he belittled someone's opinion based on the number of followers that person had.  He was equating a person's value with their popularity; and that is shortsighted.

I'll let my posts and comments stand on their own, without a circle count to give them validity.  It's simpler that way.

Review: Isotoner SmarTouch Stretch Leather Gloves

Isotoner SmarTouch gloves incorporate conductive thread in the tips of the fingers.  The thread conveys electrical impulses from the fingers to touchscreens.  There is a "small print" note on the packaging that states: "Fingertips must reach end of glove to properly engage conductive thread.

I decided to try these as the temperature started dropping a few weeks ago.  I had started walking (OK, playing Ingress ) during my lunch break, and didn't want to have to stop just because it was getting too cold to operate the phone.

These gloves are the same design as the regular isotoner leather gloves I have been using for the better part of a  decade.  I expect that if you have used Isotoners in the past, you can find a conductive version somewhere.  I suggest going to a retail store and trying them on for size.

The Stretch Leathers have conductive thread in the tips of the thumbs and forefingers.  The thumbs seem to work better than the forefingers, but they all work.  In general, you are looking at two-handed operation; both when holding the phone in one hand and tapping with the other and when using both hands for two finger operations.

The patches of conductive thread are on the large side; if your fingers reach the end of the glove they should work.  One issue I had was that the lining interfered with the contact in one finger.  It turns out that the lining, in the fingers, is not secured to anything. In the fingers with the patches, the lining is just folded back upon itself.  All I had to do to "fix" the glove was invert the finger and tuck the lining out of the way - since then... no problems.

Using the gloves is not foolproof. The pads have less accuracy than your fingers as they are stiff and have a sizable surface area. Sometimes it takes a few attempts to register an input and at least twice I have had to curse to get them to work.  Some patience is required and it can get a bit frustrating at times.

I am happy with the gloves and will continue to use them.

tl;dr They work, but it takes a bit of practice to figure out their limitations.