Sideswipe: June 23: The name is Pond…

Immortalised by Google Maps

As the internet has become a bigger part of our lives, tech companies have had to find ways to deal with what happens when people using their sites die. In November 2019, Twitter reversed its decision to delete inactive accounts, following a lot of users stating that they like to look back at their deceased friends' and relatives' tweets from time to time. Facebook, meanwhile, made it possible for people to memorialise an account of someone who has died, so that their photos and thoughts aren't lost. And people are using Google Maps to view their loved ones. Google keeps an archive, so even if the picture is updated, previous incarnations of the street are available.

Glad to be here, just quietly

Up to 10,000 Japanese fans will be permitted at Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues, despite warnings from health bosses. Overseas spectators are already banned but organisers said domestic fans could attend providing crowds did not exceed 50 per cent of a venue's capacity. Fans must wear face masks at all times while in venues and will not be allowed to shout or speak loudly.

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Instinct over data?

Managers who use their gut instinct together with simple decision-making strategies may make equally good, but faster, decisions as those who use data to reach an outcome. This may explain why 12 different publishers initially rejected the opportunity to publish "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" – because it had no data to inform its potential. A report by researchers from various business schools, after examining 122 different companies, found that when under extreme uncertainty, managers, particularly those with more experience, should trust the expertise and instincts that got them the job in the first place. The nous developed over years as a leader can be more effective than an analytical tool which, in situations of extreme uncertainty, could act as a hindrance rather than a driver of success.

Extreme togs

Never forget even the small transgressions

A reader writes: "Some friends from work planned a get-together at a local chain restaurant for my birthday. One of my co-workers found out and decided it should also be to celebrate her birthday because it's the day before mine. Already annoyed, but whatever. The night of the dinner, a friend bought us both slices of cheesecake and they were presented, with candles, and everyone sang Happy Birthday. At the end, she blew out her candle AND THEN MINE. AND LAUGHED ABOUT IT. It was MY candle. You were barely invited. I've never forgotten about it."

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