Anyone who works as a freelancer these days has to be at least a bit familiar with techie things. But it isn’t just that. When I was a kid and those vaguely SF puppet shows were on the television and all the other kids wanted to be Greg Gogetem or Steve Savetheuniverse, I wanted to be the guy in a white coat and glasses called Doc or Brains. Here are some technology-related feeds I find useful and/or entertaining.
Mashable » Here's what the first Ubuntu phone will look like
It’s been promised for years, but now it looks like the first Ubuntu phone is actually happening. The Aquarius E4.5 Ubuntu Edition is expected go on sale in parts of Europe within the week. Canonical, the company that leads the development of the open-source Ubuntu OS, will sell the Aquarius phone on BQ.com for just 169.90 euros, putting it in competition … [Link]
Slashdot » TurboTax Halts E-filing of State Tax Returns Because of Potential Fraud
mpicpp writes with this news from Marketwatch: Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, has stopped e-filing all state tax returns due to increased suspicion of fraud. The company says it is investigating criminal attempts to use stolen data to file fraudulent returns and claim refunds, after hearing concerns from a handful of states, Intuit spokeswoman Diane Carlini told MarketWatch. After … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Watch This Acorn Grow into an Oak: 8 Months in 3 Minutes [Time-Lapse Video]
From Neil Bromhall: The acorn was collected in September and filmed in an underground set using a 2 hour interval between exposures. The acorn split soon after it was planted and continued to split during the winter months. In January the first sign of root growing could be seen followed in February by the emergence of shoot. In March the … [Link]
Mashable » Community rallies to help injured Girl Scout meet her cookie goals
Nine-year-old Sinai Miller had been looking forward to picking up her Girl Scout cookies on Tuesday, in hopes of starting to sell them around her apartment complex in Indiana. But her plans were significantly derailed after she was caught amid gunfire while waiting to pick up her order. Thankfully, Miller survived the gunshot wound. And now, thanks to the kindness of … [Link]
Slashdot » Kickstarted Firefox OS HDMI Dongle Delayed, DRM Support Being Added
An anonymous reader writes: You may recall last September when Mozilla and a new company named Matchstick announced a Kickstarter project for a new device that would compete with Google's Chromecast. It was an HDMI dongle for streaming media that runs on Firefox OS. They easily quadrupled their $100,000 funding goal, and estimated a ship date of February, 2015. Well, … [Link]
Mashable » S#!t gets real in 'Silicon Valley' Season 2 promo
It's almost time to return to Silicon Valley The Season 1 finale may have left the characters making high-brow penis jokes, but this year, as teased in the promo above, s—t's about to get real See also: 5 Ways HBO's 'Silicon Valley' Is Just Like the Real Thing What does that mean exactly? TBD. But it may have something to … [Link]
Mashable » 'Welcome to hell': An eerie silence washes over war-torn eastern Ukraine
HORLIVKA AND DONETSK, Ukraine – The two sparsely bearded young rebels raised their hands and automatic rifles, as we approached their rickety block post comprised of sand bags and linden tree trunks, stacked like Lincoln Logs and dusted with fresh snow. It wasn’t the first nor would it be the last to pass through, as we approached Donetsk, the pro-Russian rebel … [Link]
Mashable » Netflix reportedly developing 'Legend of Zelda' live-action series
LOS ANGELES — Netflix is in very early development of a potential live-action show based on The Legend of Zelda, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. The streaming network had no comment when contacted by Mashable, while Nintendo, which owns the title, did not immediately respond to messages SEE ALSO: What's coming to Netflix in February and what's disappearing Something to … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Nighttime Me vs. Daytime Me [Comic]
Yep, been there, done that. [Source: Exploding Dinosaur Comics] The post Nighttime Me vs. Daytime Me [Comic] appeared first on Geeks are Sexy Technology News. [Link]
Slashdot » Why It's Important That the New Ubuntu Phone Won't Rely On Apps
tedlistens writes: To tackle the chicken-and-egg problem faced by the Windows Phone or Blackberry — you need an app ecosystem to gain market share, but you need market share in order to entice developers to your platform — Canonical, the creators of the free, open-source Linux-based OS Ubuntu, have taken a novel approach with their new phone, which will be … [Link]
Mashable » Google-backed experts want 'right to be forgotten' limited to EU
A Google-backed advisory group has sided with the search giant in the debate in the so-called "right to be forgotten," which gives citizens of the European Union the option to have some personal information erased from search engines On Friday, the advisory group of experts — including advocates, politicians, academics and even Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales — published a 44-page report … [Link]
Mashable » Kerry Washington's 'InStyle' cover isn't the first to get it wrong
Scandal star Kerry Washington is on the cover of InStyle — but it's not exactly a celebratory moment Washington, who is a dark-skinned actress, appears noticeably lighter on the cover, which she posted on Instagram. Commenters quickly took note of her washed-out shade I'm THRILLED to share with you all that I'm on the cover of this year's March @instylemagazine! Can't … [Link]
Slashdot » Linux Mint Debian Edition 2 Will Be Rolling-Release
jones_supa writes: Following the trend of rolling-release Linux distributions, Linux Mint brings you some news and information about Linux Mint Debian Edition 2, aka. "Betsy." As you might know, the Linux Mint team maintains two distributions: Linux Mint and LMDE. LMDE was a rolling distro for a while and eventually turned into a semi-rolling one. This was good at the … [Link]
Slashdot » CrunchBang Linux Halts Development
An anonymous reader writes: Philip Newborough, the developer behind CrunchBang Linux, has put an end to work on the distro. CrunchBang was built as a layer on top of Debian using the Openbox window manager that focused on performance and customization. Newborough says the changing landscape of Linux over the past decade has obviated the need for a distro like … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » An Epic Supercut of Robots in Movies: From 1921 to Today [Video]
From Fusion: Watch 93 years flash before your eyes as your favorite robots, cyborgs and humanoids, stomp, roll and swarm their way across the silver screen, in this epic supercut of robots on film. [Fusion | Via LS] The post An Epic Supercut of Robots in Movies: From 1921 to Today [Video] appeared first on Geeks are Sexy Technology News. … [Link]
Mashable » The 'digital Jedi' who started an online humanitarian revolution
When a PhD student at Tufts University couldn't verify if a loved one was alive after a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti, a movement that would transform big data's relationship to humanitarian response was born. Five years ago, rather than waste time worrying, Patrick Meier and a few colleagues got to work. They built a real-time crisis map using data collected via … [Link]
Slashdot » Firefox Succeeded In Its Goal — But What's Next?
trawg writes: It's been more than 10 years since Mozilla released version 1.0 of Firefox, one of their first steps in their mission to 'preserve choice and innovation on the Internet'. Firefox was instrumental in shattering the web monoculture, but the last few years of development have left users uninspired. "Their goal was never to create the most popular browser … [Link]
Mashable » Chris Pratt makes good on bet to visit kids with cancer as Star-Lord
Your move, Captain America. Seahawks fan Chris Pratt made good on his Twitter Super Bowl bet with Patriots fan Chris Evans by visiting Christopher's Haven in Boston on Feb. 6. The nonprofit offers support and housing to children with cancer and their families. See also: Super Bowl 2015 commercials: Watch them all, here As part of his agreement with Evans, after … [Link]
Mashable » UK government asks: How's our hacking?
We know that the NSA likes taking unsolicited action inside the computers of others. We know the FBI is also very much into hacking Now, the UK government is telling the world that its spies and cops are hackers too — and has asked the public what they think about it In a new unprecedented document released on Friday, the UK … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Google and Twitter Become Friends Again
There was a time when you could Google search something and related, topical tweets would come up in your search. Over time, this stopped (for business reasons far too complicated for my feeble mind to understand). But recent news that the two giants have met up and worked out their differences has resulted in some great news for people who … [Link]
Slashdot » Ask Slashdot: With Whom Do You Entrust Your Long Term Data?
jppiiroinen writes: F-Secure, a company based in Finland, has sold its cloud storage business to a U.S. company (Synchronoss Technologies, Inc) speculated to have ties to the NSA. In previous, public announcements, they used arguments equivalent to, "trust us, your data will be safe." Now, it's likely F-Secure simply realized that competing against the big players, such as Google and … [Link]
Mashable » The many celebrities who fibbed about war stories
NBC News anchor Brian Williams is catching a lot of heat for misremembering a near-death experience during the Iraq War in 2003. Some pundits are wondering if the career of America's top news anchor is damaged beyond repair. But he's far from the only American who's embellished a war story, and plenty of them carried on with successful careers. Inflated war … [Link]
Mashable » Lumos! J.K. Rowling sheds light on 3 Harry Potter mysteries
Just when we think we can't love J.K. Rowling more, she comes out of the woodwork (i.e., Twitter) and solves some of Harry Potter riddles that have been troubling us for years The Q&A was inspired by a question that recently popped up on tumblr asking why the Horcrux inside Harry wasn't destroyed when he was bitten by a Basilisk in … [Link]
Mashable » 10 environmental regulations that Republicans want to eliminate
Committee rosters are set, oversight plans are signed and witnesses are being called up to the Hill. For congressional Republicans, it's regulation-hunting season. Republicans have made no secret of their plans to swipe at what they've deemed an overly burdensome environmental agenda from the Obama administration, and the change in power in the Senate provides both some new turf and leverage … [Link]
Mashable » New 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2' trailer has a great kicker
LOS ANGELES — Paul Blart is on vacation in the sequel to Paul Blart: Mall Cop, but when duty calls, duty calls. The six-years-in-the-making follow-up to the $146 million domestic hit dropped its first trailer in November, and a lot of that material is here — but this one has an extra kick at the end. "Officer" Blart gets mixed … [Link]
Mashable » 67% of millennials regret not taking a last-minute trip in 2014, survey says
Not planning to take a trip for President's Day weekend? Maybe you should. Forty-nine percent of U.S. adults who did not take a last-minute vacation in 2014 now regret it, according to a survey by discount travel site Priceline. See also: 10 gorgeous beaches to wash away your winter blues Among millennials, that number was even higher: 67% of 18- to … [Link]
Slashdot » Students Demo Firefighting Humanoid Robot On US Navy Ship
An anonymous reader sends this report from Robohub: In fall 2014 in Mobile Bay, Alabama, Virginia Tech engineering students made history during a five-minute demo that placed an adult-sized humanoid robot with a hose in front of a live fire aboard a U.S. Navy ship.The robot located the fire and sprayed water from the hose. Water blasted the flames. The … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Super Smash Bros Live Action! Little Mac vs Dark Ness [Video]
After having appeared in more Smash Bros games than his own, Ness has turned evil. His mission, destroy all other video game characters. His first target, newcomer Little Mac. [Tim Wang] The post Super Smash Bros Live Action! Little Mac vs Dark Ness [Video] appeared first on Geeks are Sexy Technology News. [Link]
O'Reilly News and Commentary » Experience Design Links and Fodder: February 6, 2015
Each week our design editors curate the most notable, interesting, and important material they come across. Below you’ll find their recent selections. You can get these and more in our weekly Design Newsletter. Focus groups on demand User experience start-up … [Link]
Mashable » Who is Kayla Mueller, the last American hostage held by ISIS?
ISIS claims the last remaining American hostage known to be held by the group was killed in coalition airstrikes near the group's de facto capital Raqqa, Syria, on Friday. ISIS named the woman as 26-year-old Kayla Jean Mueller in a statement. While the information is currently unverified, Mueller is believed to have been held by the group after disappearing in the … [Link]
ProgrammableWeb.com » Smarsh Launches E-Discovery Compliance API
Archiving and compliance solutions provider Smarsh this week launched a developer program and API aimed at helping companies meet their e-discovery needs.
[Link]
Mashable » Samsung Galaxy S6 leaked photo hints at 5 different versions
It’s been rumored there could be more than one version of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone, but now it looks like we could see as many as five different body types when it launches next month. According to alleged leaked photos obtained by CNET Korea, Samsung is working on five variants of its next-generation flagship smartphone, which will likely debut … [Link]
Mashable » Florida man lists 'drug dealer' as his occupation on arrest report
In another bold Florida-man move straight out of the Sunshine State, a West Palm Beach man listed "drug dealer" as his occupation on an arrest report Twenty-five year old Richard Phillips was arrested after cutting off an unmarked Palm Beach County Sheriff's vehicle, the Associated Press reports. Record checks later revealed that Phillips was driving a stolen car See also: Taco … [Link]
Mashable » BBC creates 'Game Of Thrones'-style Six Nations rugby promo video
LONDON — "Which one of six will wear the crown?" That's the question posed by the BBC's new Game of Thrones-style Six Nations video, which marks the commencement of the fiercely fought rugby tournament. England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales begin playing for glory on Friday, with England and Wales squaring off first at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Italy plays … [Link]
Slashdot » The Search For Neutrons That Leak Into Our World From Other Universes
KentuckyFC writes: One of the more exciting predictions from "braneworld" theories of high energy physics is that matter can leak out of other universes into our own, and vice versa. The basic idea is that our three-dimensional universe or brane is embedded in a much larger multi-dimensional cosmos. These branes can become coupled so that a quantum particle such as … [Link]
Mashable » Birmingham clubs introduce breath tests to keep out drunk revellers
LONDON — There was a time when bouncers would just take a look at you to see if you were allowed into their club. Standing just about upright? You're good to go in. Stumbling headfirst into a wall or shouting gibberish at inanimate objects? You've had one too many my friend. Taxi time. The rules were pretty clear: hold it together … [Link]
New Scientist – News » Pluto's evaporating ice leaves it with a blank face
Astronomers hoped Pluto's craters would hold a record of impacts from its neighbours, which are too small to see – a new study dashes those hopes 
[Link]
ProgrammableWeb.com » FDIC Bank Data API Available, Official Announcement Pending
The U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) looks to be reorienting its data architecture toward an API-enabled approach, yet official confirmation is as yet unavailable. Despite this, a key resource — the FDIC’s BankFind search tool, which lets users confirm whether a specific bank has insured deposits made through its institution — is now accessible via API.
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Mashable » Do you even need a tablet?
The iPad had its fifth birthday last month. Over the years, the device has evolved quite a bit and has inspired competition from Microsoft (the Surface Pro 3) and Dell (the Venue 7 8000). But as smartphone screens grow in size, the question persists: Is a tablet even necessary? See also: The best iPad apps of 2014 To answer this … [Link]
Mashable » Teen goes to Target for a tie, leaves totally prepped for first job interview
Sometimes, you really can depend on the kindness of strangers. A teenager in Raleigh, North Carolina, was only shopping for a clip-on tie at his local Target, but left with much more than he bargained for, thanks to a helpful employee. See also: Detroit man's daily 21-mile commute on foot inspires hundreds to give back That particular Target didn't sell clip-on … [Link]
New Scientist – News » The secret of the world's largest seed revealed
Charismatic coco de mer palm trees of Seychelles seem to be unique among plants in caring for their seedlings with a novel use of leaves 
[Link]
Slashdot » Automakers Move Toward OTA Software Upgrades
Lucas123 writes: While some carmakers today offer over-the-air software upgrades to navigation maps and infotainment head units, Tesla became the first last week to perform a powertrain upgrade overnight. But as the industry begins adopting internal vehicle bus standards with greater bandwidth and more robust security, experts believe vehicle owners will no longer be required to visit dealerships or perform … [Link]
Mashable » Sheryl Sandberg's bold plan to get more women to code
For all its cutting-edge innovation, tech remains a male-dominated industry — a reality Sheryl Sandberg knows well. Before she joined Facebook as its Chief Operating Officer in 2008, the 45-year-old author and mother of two worked at Google for nearly seven years as vice president of Global Online Sales and Operations. While Sandberg built an impressive career, she couldn't ignore tech's gender equality gap. … [Link]
New Scientist – News » Today on New Scientist
All the latest on newscientist.com: the secret life of your home, breaking the great genetic taboo, ferocious lemming, first stars get younger and more 
[Link]
Mashable » NBC's Brian Williams isn't the only one having trouble remembering Iraq
NBC's Brian Williams is not the only one having trouble recalling the details of that fateful 2003 helicopter mission in Iraq After Williams was forced to apologize Wednesday on NBC Nightly News for telling an incorrect story about being aboard a helicopter that was downed by RPG fire during the Iraq War, a man who identified himself as a pilot … [Link]
Mashable » Time out: Baseball team will wear 'Saved by the Bell' jerseys
Bayside High is relocating to Brooklyn this summer On June 24, the Brooklyn Cyclones will wear Saved By The Bell-inspired jerseys, complete with pink flamingoes and Zack Morris' oversized cellphone See also: On the scene of Jimmy Fallon's big 'Saved by the Bell' reunion The New York Mets minor league Class A affiliate team plans to not only don totally rad … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Tough Guy Scientists [Comic]
[Source: The Gentleman’s Armchair | Like The Gentleman’s Armchair on Facebook] The post Tough Guy Scientists [Comic] appeared first on Geeks are Sexy Technology News. [Link]
Mashable » ISIS claims American woman killed in Jordanian airstrikes
A statement purportedly from the Islamic State claims a young American held hostage was killed in an airstrike on Friday According to the group, the 26-year-old humanitarian worker died as a result of Jordanian airstrikes just outside the Syrian city of Raqqa, the group's de facto capital in the country's east. ISIS did not provide proof of her death or evidence … [Link]
Slashdot » Does Showing a Horrific Video Serve a Legitimate Journalistic Purpose?
HughPickens.com writes: Erik Wemple writes at the Washington Post that Fox News recently took the controversial step of posting a horrific 22-minute video online that shows Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh being burned to death. Fox warned internet users that the presentation features "extremely graphic video." "After careful consideration, we decided that giving readers of FoxNews.com the option to see … [Link]
Mashable » Weatherman strips down on TV for Working Naked Day
The law of local news states that anchors can subject weathermen to pretty much any and all humiliating stunts. In keeping with this age-old code, FOX DC WTTG's Good Morning DC forced weatherman Tucker Barnes to shed his suit on Friday in honor of Working Naked Day (which is apparently a thing). Dressed in only an inexplicable fox tail necktie (from … [Link]
Mashable » Bevy of new leaks gives closer peek at Windows 10 for phones
More screenshots of Windows 10 for phones have leaked, giving us a closer look at Microsoft's mobile operating system. We got a brief look at the platform at Microsoft's Windows event last month. Unlike previous versions of Windows Phone, the latest version is simply being called "Windows 10"; it's a way to highlight a sort of cross-platform unity, showing how someone … [Link]
Mashable » On the right side of science: Where the potential 2016 GOP candidates stand
Many likely 2016 Republican presidential candidates have expressed opinions about mandatory vaccination this week amid a measles outbreak in the United StatesNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie kicked things off on Monday when he said parents should have “some measure of choice” to decide whether to vaccinate their kids. But the vaccine question isn’t the first time potential GOP candidates have taken … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Ubuntu Smartphone Finally On Sale
The first Ubuntu smartphone goes on sale next week. But it’s more of a publicity drive than a serious launch. The Aquarius E4.5 from Spanish manufacturer BQ normally runs on Android, but a new model will run on a version of Ubuntu developed by Canonical. Rather than go on full sale, a limited number will go on sale at various … [Link]
Mashable » How an algorithm could help spread HIV information among homeless teens
“Algorithm” has become a dirty word. While many websites and social networks set up algorithms to anticipate and meet their users' needs, they also use them to manipulate our data for advertising, making money off every digital step we take. But we can use algorithms for social good, too. Social workers and computer scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) … [Link]
ProgrammableWeb.com » Long Live The Private API
Over at APIevangelist.com, the site's editor Kin Lane has published a blog — one that I disagree with — that insults the tech blogosphere in the same breath that it claims there will be no such thing as public vs. private APIs. In that blog, Lane writes:
[Link]
New Scientist – News » Both cause and cure for diabetes could be in your gut
Changes in children's gut microbes could signal the onset of type-1 diabetes, but engineered probiotic bacteria could help treat the disease 
[Link]
Slashdot » GnuPG Gets Back On Track With Funding
jones_supa writes: Soon after the poor state of the GnuPG was unveiled, the online community has rallied to help Werner Koch. He wanted to hire a full-time programmer to work on the project alongside him and to ensure that he's not living on the brink of bankruptcy all the time. Immediately after the article was published, it was revealed that … [Link]
New Scientist – News » Secrets of the home: What your house says about you
From the way you arrange your furniture to the junk on your table, your living space speaks volumes about your personality (full text available to subscribers) 
[Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Japan “Hoth-ifies” Mount Rushmore [Pics]
That’s right, Hoth-ifies. Behold: 
This gigantic Star Wars-themed sculpture is the centerpiece of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which started today in Japan. The piece took a month to complete and is 15 meters tall, 22.6 meters across, and 20 meters deep. Impressive. Most impressive. 
[Picture Sources: Game Impress Watch, itmedia, momoko_f | Via Gizmodo] The post Japan “Hoth-ifies” Mount … [Link]
Mashable » Adidas is the first major brand to use Twitter's Group DM for marketing
Well, that was quick. Less than two weeks after rolling out its Group Direct Messages, a marketer has jumped onto the platform On Friday, Adidas started rewarding fans for their support of the brand's #ThereWillBeHaters campaign by offering a private group conversation with some soccer stars on Twitter, including Real Madrid CF star Karim Benzema See also: When to use Twitter … [Link]
Mashable » Yemen's Houthi rebels are taking over the country and dissolving parliament
Yemen’s powerful Shiite rebels announced on Friday that they have taken over the country and dissolved parliament, a dramatic move that finalizes their months-long power grab. The development also plunges the impoverished country deeper into turmoil, and threatens to turn the crisis into a full-blown sectarian conflict, pitting the Iran-backed Houthi Shiites against Sunni tribesmen and secessionists in the south. See … [Link]
Mashable » Marvel assembles first all-female Avengers team, the 'A-Force'
LOS ANGELES — Not since Pulp Fiction's fictitious "Fox Force 5" has an all-female hero team-up sounded this kick-ass. Marvel Comics, which is already light years ahead of the entertainment industry when it comes to awesome female characters, announced its first all-women Avengers team on Friday. And they are very much in charge. SEE ALSO: Carol Danvers, Marvel's first female superhero, … [Link]
Mashable » Hawks vs. Warriors: Why the NBA's game of the year is Friday night
You could call it a potential NBA Finals preview. You could call it a bicoastal clash of surprise NBA powers. But we'll just call it the NBA's game of the year The Golden State Warriors visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. It's a chance to see basketball played with a rarified level of beauty and flow … [Link]
Slashdot » Google-Advised Disney Cartoon Aims To Convince Preschool Girls Coding's Cool
theodp writes: Cereal and fast food companies found cartoons an effective way to market to children. Google is apparently hoping to find the same, as it teams with Disney Junior on a cartoon to help solve its computer science "pipeline" problem. The LA Times reports the tech giant worked with the children's channel on the new animated preschool series Miles … [Link]
New Scientist – News » Ferocious lemming roars at predators to scare them off
This lemming is more likely to push you off a cliff than jump off itself. It turns out that Norwegian lemmings put up quite a fight against predators 
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Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Amazon Deal of the Day 27% Off Funko POP! Dancing Groot Bobble Action Figure – $8.05
For today’s edition of Deal of the Day, Amazon has the Funko POP! Dancing Groot Bobble Action Figure for just $8.05! That’s 27% off on the figure’s regular list price of $10.99. -Funko POP! Dancing Groot Bobble Action Figure – $10.99 $8.05 (27% Off) Please note that you can also get the Funko POP! Star-Lord for just $7.49 (32% Off) … [Link]
Mashable » 2-year-old sings her ABCs in the most metal way possible
Forget the traditional "Alphabet Song"— metal ABCs are way more fun Take it from this angry little 2-year-old who prefers her children's music with extra distortion. Maybe she and drummer baby should start a band together. Chic 84-year-old grandma bowls a strike on her first try Will Smith and Jimmy Fallon rap with an iPad app Confused lamb thinks it's … [Link]
Mashable » Passenger video shows engine fire on plane landing in Colombia
A passenger recorded an engine fire on a plane, which made an emergency landing in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday night. VivaColombia Flight 8023, which was headed for Rionegro, took off from El Dorado International Airport in Bogota; but soon after takeoff, passengers heard a loud noise, according to local outlet Las 2 Orillas. See also: Both TransAsia plane engines lost … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Trust Nothing [Comic]
[Source: Kelly Angel Comics on Tumblr | Like Kelly Angel Art on Facebook] The post Trust Nothing [Comic] appeared first on Geeks are Sexy Technology News. [Link]
Mashable » Chic 84-year-old grandma bowls a strike on her first try
Sometimes you don't find out that you're a natural at something until you're 84 That's what happened to this Italian grandmother when she went bowling for the first time and scored a strike on her first try. The entire bowling alley recognized her talent and gave her a standing ovation. Of course, if her flawless fashion sense is any indication, … [Link]
Mashable » Inside the pages of a 1981 Radio Shack catalog
Image: Jason Scott / Internet Archive>Once upon a time, Radio Shack was saved from bankruptcy — in the 1960s. The British Tandy corporation, at that time a leather goods retailer, bought the company in a resulting merger called Tandy Radio Shack & Leather. In 1977, Radio Shack's 3,000 stores started selling the TRS-80 (Tandy/Radio Shack, Z-80 microprocessor). Largely forgotten by the general public, the … [Link]
Slashdot » Bipartisan Bill Would Mandate Warrant To Search Emails
jfruh writes: Bills were introduced into both the House and Senate yesterday that would amend the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, requiring a warrant to search Americans' email messages stored on third-party servers even if they're more than 180 days old. The current version of the law was passed in 1986, and was written in an environment where most email users … [Link]
Mashable » Why Twitter stock is up 15% despite disappointing user growth
Ever since Twitter became a public company, investors have punished and rewarded (but mostly punished) the stock based on the strength of the social network's user growth each quarter. But not this time On Thursday, Twitter reported having 288 million monthly active users, compared to estimates for upward of 295 million. That represented a gain of just 4 million active users … [Link]
Mashable » Tom Hanks had an adorable reunion with Wilson from 'Castaway'
You know when you haven't seen your best friend for a while and then he shows up, unannounced, at a hockey game to remind you of the good ole days when you were stranded together on an island? Of course you do See also: 16 Unexpectedly Amazing Celebrity Friendships on Instagram Tom Hanks and his unequivocal BFF since shooting Castaway in … [Link]
Mashable » UK voters, you're about to get bombarded with targeted ads
Picture this: It's 16 April 2015. You're a male iPad owner sitting on your sofa in your flat in BH24, watching the televised political debates. You've just Tweeted an angry response to a comment David Cameron has made. Moments later a sponsored Tweet from the Labour party shows up in your Twitter timeline urging you to join its #forthemany campaign That … [Link]
Mashable » New law in Japan would force overachievers to take more vacation
TOKYO — College-educated and gainfully employed 36-year-old Eriko Sekiguchi should be a sought after friend or date, planning nights on the town and faraway resort vacations. But she works in Japan, a nation where workaholic habits die hard. Often toiling 14 hours a day for a major trading company, including early morning meetings and after-hours "settai," or networking with clients, she … [Link]
Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene from “The Walking Dead”) Talks About Getting Pulled Over by a Cop While Covered in Blood and Guts
Listen as Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene from “The Walking Dead”) talks about the time where after a day of work on the set of the show she got pulled over by a cop while still being covered in fake walker blood and guts. [Jimmy Kimmel Live] The post Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene from “The Walking Dead”) Talks About Getting Pulled … [Link]
Slashdot » Farmers Struggling With High-Tech Farm Equipment
An anonymous reader writes: Farming is a difficult profession. One of the constants throughout the generations is that if you're working out in the field all day, machinery eventually breaks down. Farmers tend to deal with this harsh reality by becoming handy at basic repair — but that strategy is starting to fail in the digital age. Kyle Wiens, founder … [Link]
New Scientist – News » Crossing the germ line – facing genetics' great taboo
Let's stop drawing lines in the sand when it comes to genetically modifying people and talk about engineering everybody, says Michael Le Page 
[Link]
Mashable » British jihadist nicknamed 'barbie' who faked his own death jailed for 12 years
LONDON — British jihadist Imran Khawaja has been jailed for 12 years. The 27-year-old, who faked his own death to return to the UK after fighting in Syria, pleaded guilty to four terror offences. He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court Friday. See also: Hoax radio message sparks search for fake missing plane Khawaja travelled to Syria in January 2014, and … [Link]
Slashdot » UK's Most Secretive Court Rules GCHQ Mass Internet Surveillance Was Unlawful
Hammeh writes: Today marks the first time in its history that the Investigative Powers Tribunal (IPT), who are responsible for oversight and complaints relating to all of the UK intelligence agencies, upheld a complaint against GCHQ, stating that accessing data provided to them by the NSA was in breach of human rights. The ruling comes as the saga into online … [Link]
Mashable » Queen of Jordan joins thousands in rally for pilot
Jordan’s Queen Rania joined took to the streets of Amman with demonstrators on Friday following the brutal killing of a Jordanian pilot at the hands of the Islamic State that prompted airstrikes in Syria See also: Anger boils over in Jordan after ISIS burns pilot to death ISIS militants burned captive Jordanian pilot, Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, in a cage and released … [Link]
Mashable » Alaska man takes 46-mile stroll in sub-zero temperatures
An Alaska man who attempted to walk 50 miles between two villages at 35 below zero was found in good shape 4 miles from his goal by searchers called by his family. Lawrence James, 52, wore heavy winter gear and carried water and a .22-caliber rifle. He walked nonstop for 15 hours and told searchers he didn't get cold on the … [Link]
Mashable » 'Scandal' season 4, episode 11 recap: Doing it for love
What will you do for love? Will you go to war to save the one you love? Will you launch a thousand ships? That is the question at the centre of Thursday's episode of Scandal. We also find out who's really behind Olivia's kidnapping, and it's nothing short of a coup. See also: 'Scandal' Season 4, Episode 10: Possibly the most … [Link]
Mashable » Smartphone attachment brings cheap HIV tests to remote areas
There are gizmos that let your smartphone read credit cards, sync with your fitness wristband and even function as a TV remote control. Now you can add "run an HIV test" to the list. A device invented by biomedical engineers at Columbia University turns a smartphone into a lab that can test human blood for the virus that causes AIDS or … [Link]
Slashdot » MPAA Considers Major Changes After Sony Hack
Earthquake Retrofit shares this story about changes that may be coming to the MPAA prompted by the Sony hack. "Fissures revealed by the hacking at Sony Pictures Entertainment have raised the prospect of profound change at one of Hollywood's oldest institutions: the Motion Picture Association of America. In a behind-the-scenes drama, the Sony Pictures chairman, Michael Lynton, last month told … [Link]
Mashable » Will Smith and Jimmy Fallon rap with an iPad app
Jimmy Fallon proves it's easy to be a rapper, provided you have two things: an iPad and Will Smith. Fallon, who described himself as a "classically trained beatboxer," used an iPad app called Loopy to quickly re-create the beat of "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. Then, the two proceeded to lay down the lyrics. By … [Link]
Mashable » Both TransAsia plane engines lost power before crash, data shows
One of the engines on TransAsia Airways Flight 235 went idle 37 seconds after takeoff, and the pilots apparently shut off the other before making a futile attempt to restart it, Taiwan's top aviation safety official said Friday. The details were presented at a news conference in Taipei by Aviation Safety Council Executive Director Thomas Wang as preliminary findings from the … [Link]
New Scientist – News » Feedback: Where little fears grow great
Self-awareness by the link elf, the time itself unsorted soon, when news comes round again and more (full text available to subscribers) 
[Link]
Mashable » Not again: Comcast changes customer name to 'SuperBitch'
Days after it was revealed that Comcast changed one customer's first name to "Asshole," the company pulled a similar stunt again, changing 63-year-old Mary Bauer's name to "SuperBitch." Bauer, who lives in Addison, Illinois, told her story on Chicago's TV station WGN, claiming Comcast's cable service has been very poor, with 39 technicians showing up at her home to fix technical … [Link]
Mashable » 4 common productivity tips that are actually the worst
You’ve heard the same "tried and true" advice from productivity experts for years. And I'll admit it — I've given and taken this advice myself. But the truth is: A lot of it is a lie. Most of the "best" productivity advice doesn't work. Here's why — and what to do instead. 1. "Don't check email first thing in the morning" … [Link]
Mashable » Africa Cup of Nations game turns into a 'war zone'
Helicopters and riot police armed with tear gas were called to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match on Thursday evening amid scenes that the Ghana Football Association (FA) called a "war zone." Trouble began at half-time in the football (soccer) game between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea in the latter's capital city of Malabo. With Ghana 2-0 up, and some of … [Link]
Mashable » U.S. and UK's mass surveillance sharing program was illegal
LONDON — A UK tribunal ruled on Friday that intelligence sharing between GCHQ and the NSA before December 2014 was not lawful because of a lack of transparency See also: Top UK Security Official: It's Legal to Spy on You Online This is the first time the secretive Investigative Powers Tribunal, which oversees the actions of the UK's intelligence services GCHQ, … [Link]
O'Reilly News and Commentary » Four short links: 6 February 2015
Real World Active Learning — the point at which algorithms fail is precisely where there’s an opportunity to insert human judgment to actively improve the algorithm’s performance. An O’Reilly report with Crowdflower. Hearing With Your Tongue (BoingBoing) — The tongue … [Link]
O'Reilly News and Commentary » Save 50% – Learn SQL, Advanced SQL, Relational Theory, and more Use code DEAL
View the ebooks now > [Link]
Mashable » It's now up to Putin: Merkel and Hollande make final peace plea for Ukraine
Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss the escalating fighting in eastern Ukraine. The French president and German chancellor traveled to Moscow a day after they went to Kiev to present a peace plan to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. Merkel's visit signals the seriousness of the conflict as it's the first time … [Link]
Slashdot » The US Navy Wants More Railguns and Lasers, Less Gunpowder
coondoggie writes Speaking before nearly 3,000 attendees at the Naval Future Force Science and Technology EXPO in Washington, D.C., Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert charged his audience to reduce reliance on gunpowder in a wide-ranging speech on the future technological needs of the Navy. "Number one, you've got to get us off gunpowder," said Greenert, noting that Office … [Link]
Mashable » Midnight surfers ride moonlit waves in Israel
Surfers in Ashdod, Israel took to the waves of the Mediterranean Sea after sundown on Feb. 4, when air temperatures were cool, and the water was a chilly 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Nearly 40 Israelis vied for the top spot in the surfing competition, illuminated solely by the moonlight. See also: Cross-dressers break the mold of traditional Pakistan Read more… More about … [Link]
Slashdot » Uber Will Add Panic Button and Location/Journey Sharing In India
mpicpp sends word about new Uber safety measures coming soon to India. "Late last year, Uber announced plans for tighter safety measures in India following the rape of a passenger using its service in December. Now it has confirmed that two major features — an in-app panic button and journey/location sharing — will roll out to users in India on … [Link]
Mashable » The Reformed Jedi Order: A club you've always wanted to be a part of
Carl Williams’ love for the galaxy far, far away started not so long ago, when he was five years old. His grandmother had taken him to see Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. By the time Episode II: Attack of the Clones came out in 2002, he had watched the original trilogy “to near death.” See also: 'Star Wars: Episode … [Link]
ProgrammableWeb.com » RentPath Releases API for ReviewPush Reputation Management Software
This article is a company-provided press release and ProgrammableWeb cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statements within. If you have questions regarding the information below, please contact the company that issued the press release.
[Link]
Mashable » Australia's prime minister thought it was a good idea to wear these sunglasses
In the hours before Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott took a step closer to the chopping block, he was touring around a timber yard in Victoria. It was here that he made a last-ditch attempt to relate to the people of Australia and breath life into his crumbling leadership — Victorian prankster and part-time worker Emerson Smith decided to lend the … [Link]
Slashdot » With Insider Help, ID Theft Ring Stole $700,000 In Apple Gift Cards
itwbennett writes The Manhattan District Attorney's office has indicted five people for using personal information stolen from around 200 people to fund the purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Apple gift cards, which in turn were used to buy Apple products. "Using stolen information to purchase Apple products is one of the most common schemes employed by cybercrime … [Link]
Mashable » Design firm wants cyclists to take over London's abandoned tube tunnels
If you love riding your bike but hate the sun, a solution may be on the horizon San Francisco-based design firm Gensler proposes to take advantage of untapped resources and turn London's abandoned tube tunnels into usable underground streets See also: 14 Ways to Achieve Zen on Your Morning Subway Commute According to Gensler's website, the proposed "London Underline" aims to … [Link]
Mashable » Tuna-dwelling creature could either be tongue-eating louse or tiny crab
The weeks-long quest to identify a tiny creature that made a surprise appearance in a British woman's can of tuna may be nearing an end. Zoe Butler was more than a little taken aback when she opened the can of Princes tuna chunks to find a small set of eyes staring up at her "I opened the top of the lid … [Link]
Mashable » Canon's new pro DSLRs shoot monster 50-megapixel photos
Canon’s 22.3-megapixel full-frame 5D Mark III may be regarded as one of the best DSLRs for shooting stills and HD video, but it's a lightweight compared to the company's new EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R. The 5Ds and 5Ds R have more than twice the resolution of the 5D Mark III. Canon's new DSLRs aren't 5D Mark III replacements — … [Link]
Mashable » Canon T6i and T6s DSLRs: Not entry-level any more
Did somebody say DSLRs are dead? I guess Canon didn't get the memo then, because it just announced the addition of the the EOS T6i and T6s to its popular EOS Rebel DSLR lineup. Over the years, the Rebel line has inched from being Canon's entry-level DSLR toward one aimed at the the advanced amateur shooter in terms of features and … [Link]
Mashable » WhatsApp testing voice calls on Android
WhatsApp may be getting closer to launching its voice calling features The company is currently testing the feature with a "small group" of Android users, a spokesperson confirmed to Mashable. See also: The 12 best Android apps of 2014 It's not clear when the feature may be rolled out more widely or when the app's iPhone users will be able to … [Link]
Mashable » It's on: Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott faces a leadership vote and meme smackdown
It is on After a week of heated leadership speculation, it has finally been confirmed: Prime Minister Tony Abbott will face a secret vote by his colleagues over the future of his leadership of Australia Following a disastrous start to the year that included knighting the Queen's husband Prince Philip and an unimpressive Press Club speech, Abbott may have a leadership … [Link]
The Joy of Tech » JoT #2103: When listicles become natural conversation…
You won't believe what happens next! If you enJoyed the comic, please retweet or share the URL… thank you! [Link]
Mashable » Toddler sums up how we all feel about 'Frozen' with one word
Parents around the world know what we're talking about: We all just need to let Disney's Frozen go The exceptionally catchy animated musical was a success to say the least. Even today — over a year after the movie's release — we cannot escape the brain-numbing lyrics from getting deeply embedded into our brains But finally, out of the darkness … [Link]
Mashable » More babies get the measles as Disneyland outbreak spreads across U.S.
Babies at a second day care center have contracted measles following an outbreak linked to Disneyland in late December. Five children too young to be vaccinated in a Chicago-area day care center have contracted the contagious virus, Illinois health officials said Thursday. The announcement comes after a baby at a Santa Monica, California nursery also became infected, prompting the center to … [Link]
Slashdot » LEGO Contraption Allows Scientists To Safely Handle Insects
sciencehabit writes Researchers have built contraption from LEGOs that can move and rotate insects every which way while keeping them stable and positioned under a microscope. The design improves on previous insect manipulators because it's cheap, customizable, and easy to build. As natural history museums work on digitizing their voluminous collections—taking high-resolution photographs of each precious beetle, bee, and dragonfly … [Link]
Mashable » Vine couple Us the Duo calls viral success, record deal an 'accident'
LOS ANGELES — YouTube had Justin Bieber as its first viral musical sensation. Vine has Us the Duo, the heart-melting married couple of Michael and Carissa Alvarado After uploading their first #6SecondCover of John Legend's "All of Me" in 2013, the lovebirds' account attracted 1 million followers in 30 days. Millions more followers later, and after signing a record deal, the … [Link]
Mashable » How to eat like Bond: 72 European eateries where you can live and let dine
Make the reservation under Bond. James Bond. The secret agent is well known for his drink order, but the character's love of food was just as sophisticated — and well documented in the series of books. See also: 24 restaurants foodies couldn't stop talking about in 2014 Ian Fleming's favorite food was eggs, and he gave his titular character a healthy … [Link]
Mashable » Robots to staff a self-titled 'Strange Hotel' in Japan
These aren't your typical bell boys. A hotel in Japan, opening this July, claims that it will eventually be staffed almost entirely by humanoid robots. Fittingly, the hotel's name — Henn-Na Hotel — translates to "Strange Hotel." See also: 9 jobs robots could replace in 2015 Henn-Na will be housed on the grounds of Huis Ten Bosch, a Japanese theme park, … [Link]
Mashable » Why Twitter struck a deal with Google
During Twitter's fourth quarter earnings on Thursday, CEO Dick Costolo confirmed the reports: Twitter and Google are partners once again. Costolo declined to share many details about the deal, which was widely reported on Wednesday. That left plenty of unanswered questions, such as how much Twitter stands to make from the deal and what kind of data would be shared. "The … [Link]
Slashdot » Homemade RC Millennium Falcon Is the Drone You've Always Dreamed of Flying
MojoKid writes Here's a dose of Rebel goodness to tide you over while you wait for the next Star Wars trailer. A drone enthusiast in France recently graced the web with a few videos of a self-built quadcopter with a shell designed to look like the Millennium Falcon. It's enough to make a Star Wars fan tear up. The drone … [Link]
ProgrammableWeb.com » OneMusicAPI Now Includes Artist Metadata Searches
This article is a company-provided press release and ProgrammableWeb cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statements within. If you have questions regarding the information below, please contact the company that issued the press release.
[Link]
Slashdot » YouTube Launches Multi-Angle Video Experiment
jones_supa writes YouTube is experimenting with a fun feature already known from DVDs: videos that let you switch between different camera angles while the video is playing. These multi-angle videos are only an experiment right now and there's only one demo video that actually showcases this feature so far. Provided that the user can supply multiple camera streams, YouTube tells … [Link]
Mashable » Twitter: an Apple 'bug' lost us 4 million monthly active users
In Twitter's fourth-quarter earnings report Thursday, the company beat its revenues estimates — but came up short when it came to user growth. Strangely enough, the company blamed some of that user growth problem on changes Apple made to iOS 8. In the earnings call, Twitter CFO Anthony Noto said the company lost 4 million monthly active users (MAUs) due to … [Link]
Slashdot » GPG Programmer Werner Koch Is Running Out of Money
New submitter jasonridesabike writes "ProPublica reports that Werner Koch, the man behind GPG, is in financial straits: "The man who built the free email encryption software used by whistleblower Edward Snowden, as well as hundreds of thousands of journalists, dissidents and security-minded people around the world, is running out of money to keep his project alive. Werner Koch wrote the … [Link]
Mashable » John Mayer interviews Katy Perry's halftime sharks, says 'both did a fine job'
Though Craig Ferguson's last episode of the Late Late Show aired in December, his successor James Corden won't start his hosting gig until March. In the meantime, CBS has been filling time with guest hosts, and on Wednesday night's host, John Mayer took the reins. His guests included Andy Cohen and John Legend, but his most notable guests were Katy … [Link]
Mashable » Akon is throwing a charity concert in Iraqi Kurdistan
Akon, the multi-platinum hip-hop artist best known for hits like "Smack That" and "Belly Dancer," is set to perform in Iraqi Kurdistan. In a video posted on Thursday morning, he announced plans to perform a charity concert in the city of Erbil. Tickets will be free, though any proceeds from the March concert will go to family members of Kurdistan's unofficial … [Link]
Slashdot » Radioshack Declares Bankruptcy
gemtech writes RadioShack has declared bankruptcy today. As reported Monday, the company has struck a deal to sell up to 2,400 of its approximately 4,000 stores to Sprint. From the article: "RadioShack said the remaining stores are expected to close. The company's franchise locations, as well as stores in Mexico and Asia, are not included in the deal. The bankruptcy … [Link]
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