Reading Time: 3 minutes.

Full disclosure: this is a 2 week rewind. I was traveling last Sunday and, rather than wait until Monday, I decided to put off the rewind by a week. Besides, with my traveling, I didn’t have a whole lot of time to write.

I once heard a blogger should never apologize for not posting. It’s a bad habit to get into, and I’ve got enough bad habits. So, without further ado, let’s take a look back at the last (two) weeks on Leaf and Core and around the web!

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Leaf and Core Recap

Facebook, Google, and Microsoft Support Climate Change Deniers

There’s no debate. Climate change is real, it’s driven by humans, and it’s one of the greatest threats to life on this planet. However, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft sponsored LibertyCon, a libertarian convention that actively denies humanity’s role in climate change and insists that nothing should be done to fix the problem. Lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) wrote an open letter to the companies demanding an explanation. For the most part, they got one.

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Apple’s Smart Battery Case Reviewed

The iPhone’s battery life has always been a disappointment. We don’t just need to charge it daily, we have to charge it throughout the day. On its own, the iPhone cannot last a full day. However, there are solutions. One of them is Apple’s Smart Battery Case. If you’re tired about worrying about your phone dying and want to protect your phone, it might be the perfect accessory for you. Read the full review for more insights!

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Apple Revokes Certificates from Facebook and Google Following App Store Dodge

Facebook and Google found their internal apps and internal beta builds would no longer run on iOS. That’s because the companies were bypassing the App Store approval process to put out apps made to spy on users in exchange for financial compensation. Facebook and Google’s apps have been restored, but did Apple overplay their hand or protect their customers?

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Sprint is Suing AT&T for Deceiving Consumers

AT&T does not have widespread 5G. But looking at the label on your phone could have fooled you. AT&T is slapping a “5G E” label on their 4G smartphones, and neither Sprint nor consumers are happy about the deception. This is a repeat for AT&T, who used similar tactics when 4G came out. AT&T is behind the curve, but their deceptive marketing may get them in more trouble.

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Around the Web!

Why Stressed-Out STEM Workers Should Learn to Play Music: Tristan Green, The Next Web

Learning to play an instrument isn’t just a fun hobby that allows you to become more creative, it can actually make you more creative. Research shows that making music can reduce anxiety, help you destress, and make you more creative and productive in other areas of your life. Those in STEM careers could especially benefit from a creative outlet.

Now, if you don’t mind me, I’ll be dusting off my old electric guitar and getting to work.

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Companies Are (Still) Selling Your Phone Location Data Without Consent: Jerry Hildenbrand, Android Central

You thought Google’s invasive tracking was scary? What about the fact that your cell phone company could sell that same data to anyone without your consent? Businesses, debt collectors, salespeople, bounty hunters, and more can buy cellphone location data, even live updates, whenever they want. The U.S. government currently allows this. With Trump appointee Ajit Pai in charge of the FCC, that’s unlikely to change until at least 2020.

The cost of your location? $300. Or just $8.42 per location when you buy in bulk. Don’t let your stalkers know.

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Apple’s Health Plans Turn to Women with Hiring of Famous Obstetrician: Roger Fingas, Apple Insider

Women’s health issues are often overlooked by insurance plans, politicians, and even doctors. When Apple’s Health app first launched, it lacked support for tracking important health metrics that half the population experience at some point in their lives. Apple rectified their mistake, adding women’s reproductive health to the Health app. Now they may do more. Apple has hired Dr. Christine Curry, a well-known obstetrician who will help Apple better support tracking and predictions around women’s health.

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Google Maps AR Navigation is Rolling Out to a Handful of Users: Jon Fingas, Engadget

Last year at Google IO, Goole revealed augmented reality (AR) directions for Google Maps. In true Google fashion, however, we haven’t seen or heard anything else about it for some time. With only three months left until Google IO 2019, Google has started rolling out the feature. Only a small number of testers can use the future right now, but we could see a full rollout by Spring or Summer.