John Gordon Ross

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 » Entrepreneurial woman sells positive pregnancy tests on Craigslist to pay for college

Monday 19 December 23:57:41 UTC 2016

Well, that's one way to pay off your student loans.  One woman in Jacksonville, Florida, sold her urine and positive pregnancy tests on Craigslist to pay her way through college. SEE ALSO: Orangutan surprises zoo by getting pregnant despite taking birth control In a now-removed post on the Jacksonville-area Craigslist page, the woman said she offered "positive pregnancy tests or urine" … [Link]

Mashable » Team EnVyUs crowned MLG Vegas 'Overwatch' Invitational champions

Monday 19 December 23:45:23 UTC 2016

LAS VEGAS — Team EnVyUs defeated seven other MLG-invited teams to win the $100,000 Overwatch tournament at MLG Vegas this past weekend, completing a 4-0 sweep against the FaZe Clan despite it being their first tournament since last week's Overwatch balance update. EnVyUS took the $40,000 lion's share for first. FaZe Clan came second with $20,000 in winnings. Cloud9 and Fnatic … [Link]

Mashable » The Electoral College was never going to save you, despite what you wanted to believe

Monday 19 December 23:39:23 UTC 2016

Talk about something often enough and the idea can become real, especially if people around you are talking about the same thing. That, in short, gives a good indication why there had been so much chatter about the possibility of the Electoral College voting against Donald Trump on Monday, even though it was never likely to happen. Electors voted for Trump … [Link]

Mashable » 26 lawmakers defend Energy Department scientists against Trump

Monday 19 December 23:33:36 UTC 2016

Fallout over the Trump administration transition team's questionnaire to Energy Department employees continues.  The team sent a 74-question inquiry to the department which included a request for detailed information on the top salaried employees at national laboratories as well as a list of civil servants who attended the U.N. climate negotiations in the past four years. But last week, the Trump … [Link]

Mashable » Rise Nation overcomes mass player defection to win 'Call of Duty' tourney

Monday 19 December 23:27:07 UTC 2016

LAS VEGAS — Three days and 160 teams later, Rise Nation came out on top of the $100,000 Call of Duty World League tournament at MLG Vegas this weekend, the first time the CoD World League introduced CoD Infinite Warfare over Black Ops III. SEE ALSO: 'Overwatch,' 'CS:GO' and everything you need to watch in esports this weekend Rise Nation recently … [Link]

Mashable » A deer decided to stop by the gym for an unexpected workout

Monday 19 December 23:26:56 UTC 2016

Apparently, it's not just humans who want to work out.  On Friday, a gym in Anderson, South Carolina, got a surprise guest visitor looking to burn some serious calories. A deer burst through the window of a Gold's Gym and wreaked some havoc amongst the sweaty patrons, according to WLOS.  Thankfully no one was hurt and it was all caught on … [Link]

Slashdot » South Carolina Bill Wants To Put Porn Blocks On New Computers

Monday 19 December 23:25:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from ZDNet: People buying new computers and devices in South Carolina would be blocked from accessing porn under a newly proposed law. A bill, pre-filed earlier this month by state lawmaker Bill Chumley, is called the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, and would require computer makers and sellers to install filters that would prevent users … [Link]

Mashable » Now witness the beauty of the 'Death Star' moon floating above Saturn's rings

Monday 19 December 23:23:42 UTC 2016

One of Saturn's most photogenic moons gets its closeup in a new photo taken by the Cassini spacecraft.  The image, released by NASA this week, was taken by the spacecraft on Oct. 23, when it was about 114,000 miles away from Saturn's moon Mimas.  The small moon, which is known as Saturn's "Death Star" moon because of its distinctive crater (not … [Link]

Mashable » Tastemade launches new DIY channel with Michaels

Monday 19 December 23:17:29 UTC 2016

Tastemade is getting crafty this holiday season. The digital production company is launching a DIY/craft channel called "Crafted," Mashable has learned. Image: tastemadeThe channel, created in partnership with craft retailer Michaels, marks the company's latest efforts to branch out beyond just food programming. "Tastemade is committed to creating high-quality, addictive video for mobile consumption across the world's largest social networks," Oren … [Link]

Mashable » Discriminatory 'bathroom bill' on the chopping block, but there's a catch

Monday 19 December 23:15:40 UTC 2016

The end is in sight for North Carolina's so-called "bathroom bill," which banned transgender people from using the restroom of their choice. But the expected repeal comes with a catch. A deal between state lawmakers and the city of Charlotte sets the stage for the repeal of HB2, which started a domino effect of organizations, companies and celebrities pulling their financial … [Link]

Mashable » Fearless man jumps into partially frozen lake to rescue a dog

Monday 19 December 22:45:11 UTC 2016

A brave man risked his life by jumping into partially frozen lake to save a stuck dog. According to the clip's YouTube description, the incident occurred in Simferopol, a city on the Crimean peninsula. In the video, the man can be seen disrobing before hopping into the icy water, and swimming towards a small dog.  Thankfully, the man was able … [Link]

Slashdot » Google Releases Tool To Find Common Crypto Bugs

Monday 19 December 22:45:00 UTC 2016

Trailrunner7 quotes a report from On the Wire: Google has released a new set of tests it uses to probe cryptographic libraries for vulnerabilities to known attacks. The tests can be used against most kinds of crypto algorithms and the company already has found 40 new weaknesses in existing algorithms. The tests are called Project Wycheproof, and Google's engineers designed … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » How Microservices Offer Scale, Velocity, and Risk Reduction

Monday 19 December 22:14:35 UTC 2016

"Microservice architecture" is a topic that's hard to get away from in today's technology landscape. It's gotten to the point that the term is overloaded, and some would argue that nobody really knows what a microservice is, even though they're "so hot right now.” I would argue that, no matter the exact definition, there are lessons to be learned from … [Link]

Mashable » Sly Stallone's Netflix competition show 'Ultimate Beastmaster' is gonna fly now

Monday 19 December 22:13:56 UTC 2016

The beast awaits Netflix viewers. On Monday, the streaming service teased a trailer for its first global competition series from producers Sylvester Stallone and Dave Broome (The Biggest Loser). Ultimate Beastmaster, which launches Feb. 24, will pit 108 competitors from the U.S., Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, Germany and Japan (18 from each country) against one another. They "will take their shot … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook Messenger Launches 6-Screen Group Video Chat

Monday 19 December 22:05:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: Facebook Messenger is launching its own split-screen group video chat feature. Six users can appear in split-screen at the time and don Snapchat-style selfie masks, while 50 total can listen and talk over voice while sending text, stickers, emojis, and GIFs. Group video chat starts rolling out worldwide on iOS, Android, and … [Link]

Mashable » Homemade ‘Mortal Kombat’ trailer remake is just as fatal

Monday 19 December 22:00:00 UTC 2016

We know that just reading the headline got the theme song stuck in your head. (You’re welcome.) So you might as well check out CineFix's trailer for the 1995 cult film Mortal Kombat, re-created shot-for-shot on an effects budget of almost nothing. (Because the original was so high-budget, right? Uh-huh.) Subscribe to CineFix for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/cinefix Read more…More about Mashable … [Link]

Mashable » How college football's biggest stars are changing the game by sitting out

Monday 19 December 21:55:55 UTC 2016

This has to give the authoritarian oligarchs of college football a real bad feeling about what's to come. But we'll get back to that in a minute. For now, good on Leonard Fournette. Good on Christian McCaffrey. Good on them for sizing up a corrupt system, then saying no thanks. And good on them for setting an example.  SEE ALSO: The … [Link]

Popular Science » The adorable 'Casper' octopod could be killed off by deep-sea mining

Monday 19 December 21:27:00 UTC 2016

Animals Scientists only recently discovered the precious critter Remember the "Casper" octopod? Scientists spotted it on the ocean floor last spring. Well, it might be extinct soon, thanks to deep-sea mining. [Link]

Slashdot » China Chokes On Smog So Bad That Planes Can't Land

Monday 19 December 21:25:00 UTC 2016

Major cities across northern China choked Monday under a blanket of smog so thick that industries were ordered shut down and air and ground traffic was disrupted. From a report: At least 23 cities issued red alerts for a swath of pollution that has hovered over much of the nation since Friday, China's Xinhua news agency reported. Alerts are expected … [Link]

Popular Science » New Airbus concept makes airliner interiors quickly customizable

Monday 19 December 21:24:10 UTC 2016

Aviation A window to a windowless future. Airbus concept makes airplane interiors modular and customizable. Read on. [Link]

Mashable » 'Barry' director on race, identity and why the young Obama matters

Monday 19 December 21:22:26 UTC 2016

Vikram Gandhi didn't direct the Netflix biopic Barry because he cared about Barack Obama. He made it because he cared about a kid named Barry. Gandhi set out to discover who Barack was before he was Barack, back in 1981. The film follows a portion of Obama's life then as a student at Columbia University, and how it shaped who … [Link]

Mashable » Esports takes over Sin City at MLG Las Vegas

Monday 19 December 21:04:23 UTC 2016

The first Infinite Warfare tournament and a major Overwatch showdown were the centerpieces at MLG Las Vegas.  Read more…More about Mashable Video, Faze Clan, Rise Nation, Team Envyus, and Call Of Duty Infinite Warfare [Link]

Mashable » Heroic, unstoppable subway rat fights against all odds to go down escalator

Monday 19 December 21:01:13 UTC 2016

Is there anything a New York City subway rat can't do? Take a look at this mighty rat, using all of his tiny rat strength to go down the wrong direction on the elevator. He doesn't let hordes of humans or simple mechanics get in his way. Not this rat. No way, no how. Empowered by the strength of his … [Link]

Mashable » This country is waging a war against Facebook

Monday 19 December 20:56:23 UTC 2016

In the latest chapter of the "fake news" saga, Facebook is now facing off against an entire country as German officials want to fine the social media platform for every fake story that makes its way to the newsfeed.  Thomas Oppermann, party chairman of the Social Democratic Party, told Der Spiegel that because Facebook hasn't gotten its act together yet despite … [Link]

Mashable » Twitter figured out why Camila Cabello quit Fifth Harmony

Monday 19 December 20:48:53 UTC 2016

Twitter has it all figured out. Early on Dec. 19, Fifth Harmony announced on Facebook that singer Camila Cabello had left the girl group. SEE ALSO: Kid's lip sync homage to Michelle Obama is truly sensational While many of the group's fans are struggling to find answers, Twitter users have already pieced the mystery together with one important video montage. No … [Link]

Slashdot » IBM Employees Protest Cooperation With Donald Trump

Monday 19 December 20:45:00 UTC 2016

Reader Presto Vivace shares a report on The Intercept: IBM employees are taking a public stand following a personal pitch to Donald Trump from CEO Ginni Rometty and the company's initial refusal to rule out participating in the creation of a national Muslim registry. In November, Rometty wrote Trump directly, congratulating him on his electoral victory and detailing various services … [Link]

Mashable » Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the 16 'CS:GO' teams in the ELeague Major

Monday 19 December 20:37:58 UTC 2016

The first Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major of 2017 is coming up in January, and all 16 teams are locked in after this weekend's qualifier for the $1 million ELeague Major. The eight "Legends" — teams that placed in the top eight at the previous Major in July — are champions SK Gaming, Team Liquid, Virtus.pro, Fnatic, Astralis, Na'Vi, Gambit Esports and … [Link]

Mashable » Warm ocean water is melting East Antarctica's largest glacier

Monday 19 December 20:37:14 UTC 2016

Right now, a team of about 30 researchers are sailing through the turbulent waters of the Southern Ocean aboard an Australian research vessel named the "Aurora Australis," hoping to collect vital intelligence on East Antarctic glaciers.  Their work on prior missions has already revealed some unsettling results. The information these scientists gathered during the Antarctic summer of 2014 and 2015 makes … [Link]

Mashable » Watch Ezekiel Elliot jump into a giant Salvation Army pot

Monday 19 December 20:25:10 UTC 2016

Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliot proved he is charitable in every sense of the word Sunday. Not only did Elliott's touchdown give the Cowboys a lead in the second quarter against Tampa Bay, but the 21-year-old running back also donated himself to the Salvation Army, jumping into a giant red pot as part of an elaborate touchdown celebration.  SEE ALSO: It was … [Link]

Mashable » Make your workout worth it on this exercise-powered boat

Monday 19 December 20:13:03 UTC 2016

Summoning the energy to get to the gym at all is enough of a challenge, but now an Italian design firm wants to harness your workout to power a boat. The firm, Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA) partnered with gym equipment makers, renewable energy and urban design groups, and architects to design what they are calling the "Paris Navigating Gym." It's a boat … [Link]

Mashable » Why do people think these 'Rogue One' characters are gay?

Monday 19 December 20:12:21 UTC 2016

Warning: This article contains a few serious spoilers for the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.  Contrary to the opinions of a tiny group of homophobic fans, there is nothing controversial about including gay characters in the increasingly diverse Star Wars galaxy.  Author Chuck Wendig has already done so explicitly, in the Force Awakens prequel novel Aftermath. Director J.J. Abrams, … [Link]

Mashable » Michelle Obama to Melania Trump: I'm here if you need me

Monday 19 December 20:05:44 UTC 2016

As CBS prepares to air a highly-anticipated interview between Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Michelle Obama on Monday night, the network released a clip in which Obama talks about her FLOTUS-to-FLOTUS outreach to Melania Trump. SEE ALSO: Michelle Obama doesn't want to run for president, and yet we continue to ask her In the clip, Obama talks about her interactions with … [Link]

Slashdot » Adobe Releases Flash Player 24 For Linux Four Years After the Last Major Update

Monday 19 December 20:05:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes: Adobe released today Flash Player 24 for Linux, after previously abandoning the application without explanation in 2012. The NPAPI architecture of Flash Player for Linux is now on par with Windows and Mac releases on version 24, after spending the last few years stuck at version 11.2 and only receiving small patches and security fixes, but … [Link]

Mashable » Kid is understandably terrified at the mere sight of his Elf on the Shelf

Monday 19 December 19:53:56 UTC 2016

Parents will do just about anything to keep their kids in line, and Elf on the Shelf seems to do a pretty good job during the weeks leading up to Christmas.  The concept is pretty simple and is based off of a children's book: a scout elf is propped up inside your house to keep tabs on kids' activities during … [Link]

Mashable » Adorable pup does her best human impression to keep hospital patients smiling

Monday 19 December 19:43:42 UTC 2016

Here's a creative way to keep patients smiling. While visiting her mother in the hospital, YouTube user Anne Grantham came across this well-dressed pup doing her very best human impression. Walking through the halls on her two hind legs, this dog can really pull off a dress. Check out the hospital's adorable visitor in the video above. Man turns malfunctioning bus-stop … [Link]

Mashable » Man turns malfunctioning bus-stop ad into makeshift rave

Monday 19 December 19:40:27 UTC 2016

A flickering light is usually seen as a nothing but a headache-inducing nuisance. But this Minnesota man saw the glaring potential in a bus stop's malfunctioning advertisement. Storyful reports that Jordan Hedlund used this bus stop's glitchy, strobe-like light to dance to Skrillex's "Kill Everybody." Who wouldn't? Watch a bunch of beagles lose their minds over a remote control car Extremely grateful … [Link]

Mashable » Make your holidays delightfully weird with a choir singing Christmas carols like goats

Monday 19 December 19:30:49 UTC 2016

This year, Christmas is getting meta.  The Swedish division of the charitable organization Action Aid released a very special Christmas album last December featuring some lively goats. Plastering goat squeals into normal songs has become a pretty popular internet trend in the last few years, so the charity created an entire album with goat bleating as the main instrument. Action … [Link]

Slashdot » House Committee Urges Congress To Pass Stingray Surveillance Legislation

Monday 19 December 19:25:00 UTC 2016

A bipartisan House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report released today urges Congress to pass legislation to regulate cell-site simulation surveillance devices like the Stingray. From a report: The devices, used by local and federal law enforcement agencies around the country, have been controversial, both for their power to track mobile devices and the secrecy often accompanying their use. As … [Link]

Mashable » This frozen lighthouse looks like a fairytale castle

Monday 19 December 19:18:17 UTC 2016

This lighthouse was transformed into an icy palace after below-freezing temperatures hit St. Joseph, Michigan. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Real Time Video, Natural World, Ice, and Frozen [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » How Connect IQ Helps You Tame the Wearable Wild West

Monday 19 December 19:01:06 UTC 2016

[Link]

Slashdot » Nigerian Man Charged in Hacking of Los Angeles County Emails

Monday 19 December 18:45:00 UTC 2016

A 'mere' 10.8% phishing success rate has forced Los Angeles County to notify approximately 756,000 individuals that their personal information may have been compromised. The attack occurred on May 13, 2016 when 1,000 County employees received phishing emails. 108 employees were successfully phished. A Nigerian national has been charged in connection with the hack. From a report on The Guardian: … [Link]

Mashable » Snow-shoveling dancers will make you want to move to Canada, now

Monday 19 December 18:39:05 UTC 2016

'Tis the season for mass protests, cyberhacking and national emergencies — except in Canada, of course. The Maritime Bhangra group recently posted this video of themselves bhangra dancing while shoveling snow. The video, which has since gone viral, almost makes hard, physical labor actually look enjoyable. The group is encouraging other people to learn how to Bhangra, and even included … [Link]

Mashable » 5 Lightning headphones to stuff in the stockings of iPhone 7 owners

Monday 19 December 18:33:00 UTC 2016

Since Apple killed the 3.5mm headphone jack for the iPhone 7, you now have three options for on-the-go music — go wireless, use an adapter or get special headphones with a Lightning connector. Wireless can be pricey and unwieldy and those pesky dongles are prone to getting lost, so we're taking a look at the last option. Here are five strong … [Link]

Mashable » You’re secretly being trained to break your iPhone on purpose

Monday 19 December 18:32:52 UTC 2016

Buying a new iPhone whenever a new one is released would sure help Apple's bottomline, but it's not so nice on your wallet. Of course, it's slightly easier to justify to yourself when you're forced to upgrade your phone when it's broken. But what if you're "accidentally" breaking your phone, on purpose, to justify the upgrade? According to a recent study, … [Link]

Mashable » The ultimate guide to sending holiday e-cards

Monday 19 December 18:23:27 UTC 2016

Don’t.* Easy, right? Listen, we get it: Putting together a paper holiday card is time-consuming and costly. So-called "e-cards" solve both of these problems in that they're quick to distribute and inexpensive, even free. SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert's 'Charlie Brown' Christmas special is extremely glum But have you ever considered that the core value of a paper holiday card is that… … [Link]

Mashable » Unicyclist playing Star Wars theme on flaming bagpipes is the real 'Rogue One'

Monday 19 December 18:22:46 UTC 2016

Things don't always have to make sense. Take this video of Portland's The Unipiper, for example. Do we know why he chose to ride a unicycle through some very thick snow? No. Do we know why his bagpipes are flaming? Definitely not.  Do we know why he's wearing a Darth Vader mask? Maybe because he's playing the Star Wars theme … [Link]

Mashable » Showtime orders Season 8 of 'Shameless'

Monday 19 December 18:22:28 UTC 2016

Showtime president David Nevins announced Monday morning that the hit series Shameless will be returning for an eighth season. SEE ALSO: An appreciation of the criminally underrated 'Shameless' Production will begin in 2017 on 12 new episodes whose release date has yet to be announced. Shameless Season 7 concluded on Dec. 18, with the Gallagher family dealing with shades of grief … [Link]

Mashable » Watch a bunch of beagles lose their minds over a remote control car

Monday 19 December 18:16:59 UTC 2016

When you need to exercise, what do you do?  If it's anything besides "chasing after a remote control car with a pack of beagles," we advise you to adjust your regimen accordingly.  Feel free to treat this adorable video like an old workout tape and follow the moves along with the pups. Snow-shoveling dancers will make you want to move to … [Link]

Mashable » Here's a solution to our plastic problem

Monday 19 December 18:16:11 UTC 2016

A German company is producing disposable plates entirely made out of leaves as an alternative to plastic packaging.  One plate, on average, costs around 50 cents and is 100% biodegradable. Read more…More about Real Time Video, Real Time, Plastic Waste, Craft, and Asia [Link]

Mashable » This proposal photo has the internet totally delighted

Monday 19 December 18:10:29 UTC 2016

A proposal photo blew up across the internet on Saturday thanks to a happy bystander pictured in the photo's background. Carlos Jair, a Twitter user from Houston, Texas, shared a photo of the moment his sister proposed to her girlfriend at the Art Institute of Chicago. In his tweet, he drew attention to the delighted older woman smiling at the happy … [Link]

Slashdot » Finland Will Give Some Unemployed Citizens a Basic Income

Monday 19 December 18:05:00 UTC 2016

Next month, the Finnish government is going to try something completely different to help its unemployed citizens: give them free money. From a report on The Outline: On Jan. 9, 2017, a randomly selected group of 2,000 unemployed citizens in Finland will receive a check for 560 euros (about $585) with no strings attached. They'll continue to receive that check … [Link]

Mashable » Group video calling lands on Facebook Messenger

Monday 19 December 18:04:20 UTC 2016

Facebook just added a feature to Messenger that may make even the most ardent skeptics want to use the app: group video calling. The chat app now allows groups of up to six friends to make video calls directly from their messages. SEE ALSO: Live 360-degree videos are coming to Facebook The feature, available now to anyone with the latest version … [Link]

Mashable » A chance encounter at a Chick-fil-A restaurant turned into a holiday story that will make you weep

Monday 19 December 18:03:50 UTC 2016

Here’s a holiday pick-me-up that took place at a fried chicken sandwich restaurant. A chance encounter at a Chick-fil-A in Indiana has ended with more the $40,000 raised for charity.  Local man Cameron Nelson recently stopped at the chicken sandwich fast-food eatery and noticed a man behind the cash register was in a neck brace and sling, according to a post … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Becoming a mother may change the brain to read baby’s mind

Monday 19 December 18:01:45 UTC 2016

Scans before and after pregnancy have revealed structural changes in areas of the brain important for empathy – changes not seen in new dads [Link]

New Scientist – News » Molten iron river discovered speeding beneath Russia and Canada

Monday 19 December 18:01:44 UTC 2016

A hot stream of molten iron that is 420 kilometres wide is moving westwards under North America and Siberia and has inexplicably tripled its speed over the past 15 years [Link]

New Scientist – News » Antimatter atom trapped and measured with a laser for first time

Monday 19 December 18:01:43 UTC 2016

An atom of antihydrogen has had its spectrum measured with a powerful laser. Luckily for the standard model, it seems to match its hydrogen counterpart [Link]

Mashable » Extremely grateful kid is excited to receive toilet paper for Christmas

Monday 19 December 17:34:52 UTC 2016

Move over avocado kid, toilet paper boy is here to steal the show.  Faking appreciation after receiving a less than stellar gift is an art form kids learn to perfect early. By the time they hit their fourth Christmas, kids know exactly how to pretend that they love every gift they unwrap. "Thank you. I love this toilet paper," the … [Link]

Mashable » Londoners' holiday messages to Syrian refugees will make you cry

Monday 19 December 17:26:00 UTC 2016

LONDON — As we travel home to be with our loved ones this holiday season, many of us will be thinking of those in less fortunate positions.  Given the recent events in Aleppo, many of us will also be casting our minds to the millions of people who've been displaced due to the crisis in Syria. SEE ALSO: These heartbreaking … [Link]

Mashable » Forget Google Home and just adopt this parrot instead

Monday 19 December 17:25:30 UTC 2016

This African grey parrot cannot order you a taxi, or play your holiday playlist or Google Mariah Carey's birthday. What it can do is mimic the sound some devices make before answering your "OK Google" question.  She won't make your life easier, but she's certainly entertaining. Neil Patrick Harris answers 73 questions while also rapping 'Hamilton' Queen of Shade Mariah Carey has … [Link]

Slashdot » Most Firefox Users Still Running Windows 7

Monday 19 December 17:25:00 UTC 2016

Microsoft is pushing hard for Windows 10 to become the operating system of choice for everyone across the world, but this isn't happening just yet, as Windows 7 keeps dominating the desktop market. From a report on Softpedia: The Firefox Hardware Report published recently by Mozilla shows that Windows 7 is the number one browser for users running the company's … [Link]

Mashable » Neil Patrick Harris answers 73 questions while also rapping 'Hamilton'

Monday 19 December 17:15:40 UTC 2016

If you've ever wanted a look inside Neil Patrick Harris' Harlem townhouse, Vogue's latest video will give you everything you've been dreaming of and more. SEE ALSO: Neil Patrick Harris really wants you to get a real Christmas tree this year NPH's casa is filled with treasures, including a Banksy painting, the original booth from How I Met Your Mother, … [Link]

Mashable » Adorable little boy really, really loves potatoes

Monday 19 December 17:07:04 UTC 2016

While some toddlers might not even realize that dirty potatoes are what french fries are made out of, one little boy is clearly well aware. Twitterer Sarah Coates shared a photo of her younger brother lusting after the starchy vegetable in a pretty impressive way. He latched his little hands on the counter, leaving his feet dangling off the ground and … [Link]

Mashable » Queen of Shade Mariah Carey has something to say about Demi Lovato

Monday 19 December 16:57:25 UTC 2016

If there's anyone who knows how to throw shade, it's Mariah Carey.  The festive singer played a game of "Plead The Fifth: Diva Edition" with Andy Cohen. Carey had some thoughts about Demi Lovato, who mistakenly inserted herself into Carey's drama with Jennifer Lopez.  "I don't know her either and so I wouldn't say anything to her," Carey said, before … [Link]

Mashable » Technology meets nature in beautiful 'Plant Your Mac' photo series

Monday 19 December 16:52:34 UTC 2016

Hey, technology, it's about time you meet this thing called nature. French artist Christophe Guinet works to combine components of nature with aspects of modern day culture and technology, and for his latest project, "Plant Your Mac," he's decided to merge classic Apple products with living plants. It's the best of both worlds. SEE ALSO: Batman goes all-natural with suit made … [Link]

Popular Science » Did China's first stealth fighter unit just go operational?

Monday 19 December 16:49:00 UTC 2016

Blog: Eastern Arsenal J-20s hit the air. Test pilots form the first operational squadron of J-20 stealth fighters, giving China a wing up in the Asian arms race. [Link]

Mashable » Rick Deckard comes out of hiding in first 'Blade Runner 2049' teaser

Monday 19 December 16:46:30 UTC 2016

Way before HBO brought us Westworld's humanoid robots, there was Blade Runner, Ridley Scott's 1982 cult hit about a dystopic Los Angeles populated by replicants. Over 30 years have passed since Scott's film — and also in its world, where things pick up in the trailer for Blade Runner 2049. SEE ALSO: New 'Twin Peaks' trailer consists of David Lynch … [Link]

Slashdot » Next Big Thing From Elon Musk? It Could Be 'Boring'

Monday 19 December 16:45:00 UTC 2016

A string of tweets put out by serial tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on Saturday hints that his entrepreneurial future may be a little "boring." USA Today reports: The Tesla and SpaceX founder got on Twitter on Saturday morning to rant about an issue he seems to find irksome — traffic. Musk has also been working on resolving his frustration with … [Link]

Mashable » Google's Pixel phones might have a serious audio problem

Monday 19 December 16:43:28 UTC 2016

Dull design aside, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are two of the best premium Android phones (if not the best) you can buy right now. But there might be an issue with their speakers, especially at high volumes. Reddit user Mark "badmark" Buckman brought to attention the problem after posting a video of his Pixel and Pixel XL exhibiting audio … [Link]

Mashable » This beautiful genius got a Game Boy Color to run 'Wolfenstein 3D'

Monday 19 December 16:11:24 UTC 2016

There are only three enemy types and the sounds effects are a jumble of bleeps and bloops, but here's first-person shooter classic Wolfenstein 3D running on a Game Boy Color. It's loaded onto a custom cartridge that features all 10 levels from the original game's first episode. The Game Boy Color in the above video is original Nintendo hardware, dating … [Link]

Slashdot » Samsung Could Look To LG For Phone Batteries After Note 7 Debacle

Monday 19 December 16:05:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes: Samsung seems to be doing everything within its power to avoid a repeat of the great Galaxy Note 7 battery crisis of 2016. That might even include buying in batteries from LG, according to a report published on Monday. Samsung currently sources its phone batteries from Samsung SDI, a subsidiary of the company, and China's Amperex … [Link]

Mashable » 6 gadgets that will keep you warm in your cold, lonely office

Monday 19 December 16:01:56 UTC 2016

Does your evil employer keep your workplace at a temperature you could hang meat in? Fight back against the cold with gadgets that will warm you up while you're stuck at your desk. From heated feet warmers to cosy headphones, we've got your cold spell covered. Layer up and take a look through our cool selection of winter warmers.  Narwhal heated … [Link]

Popular Science » Pregnancy actually re-wires your brain

Monday 19 December 16:00:00 UTC 2016

Health The structure changes could help with mom-baby bonding Becoming a parent is a life-altering experience. It's also a brain-altering experience, according to new research. [Link]

Popular Science » Antimatter just got a little bit less mysterious

Monday 19 December 16:00:00 UTC 2016

Science Scientists hit a new milestone for antihydrogen Researchers at CERN's ALPHA experiment have made the first measurements of antihydrogen’s internal structure… [Link]

Popular Science » How did music get its groove? Scientists made rhythm evolve in a lab to find out.

Monday 19 December 16:00:00 UTC 2016

Science Mistakes help rhythm to emerge from randomness A drum-based game of telephone has revealed how rhythm might have taken shape in human music. [Link]

Mashable » Robots will walk you and drive you: Hyundai reveals its future

Monday 19 December 15:51:14 UTC 2016

LAS VEGAS — A conference room at the Mandarin Oriental is not the place I'd expected to finally get captured by the robots. But there I am in a smart exoskeleton, unable to move.  It's lightweight and plastic, but my legs are locked in place by struts at the hips and knees. Luckily, the engineers from Hyundai hand me a pair … [Link]

Mashable » Alphabet's Waymo unveils its autonomous Chrysler minivan

Monday 19 December 15:50:01 UTC 2016

Google’s parent company Alphabet announced last week it had spun off Google's self-driving cars division into a new company called Waymo.  And on Monday, Waymo CEO John Krafcik shared some info about the company's first car, a modified, self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan.  SEE ALSO: Google's driverless cars will now have to prove themselves as a real business In May, Google … [Link]

Mashable » Merriam-Webster's word of the year perfectly describes 2016

Monday 19 December 15:48:18 UTC 2016

“Surreal” has beaten "fascism" to become Merriam-Webster's 2016 word of the year.  Defined by the dictionary as "marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream," "surreal" is a relatively new word in English, having been first included in the dictionary in 1967. SEE ALSO: Dictionary.com's word of the year will break your heart But never before have so many people … [Link]

Mashable » This bed makes itself

Monday 19 December 15:41:55 UTC 2016

Smartduvet uses an inflatable sheet to reset bedding in place on its own giving you one less thing to worry about before your morning coffee. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Duvet, Real Time Video, Sleep Products, and Smart Home [Link]

Mashable » How to heat up your style during the cold season

Monday 19 December 15:35:31 UTC 2016

The dress code at the Mashable office has always been relaxed. But now that the weather is getting colder, we started to think that a few of the guys might enjoy a little style upgrade. Sure they looked good before, but after — they were ready for the runway.    The men of Mashable got some help turning up the heat … [Link]

Mashable » Here's the biggest cosmic event that will captivate America in 2017

Monday 19 December 15:33:42 UTC 2016

A total solar eclipse will take place in August 2017 and it's going to sweep across the United States.  Read more…More about Mashable Video, Usa, American, Cosmic, and Solar Eclipse [Link]

Mashable » Someone made a gingerbread Big Ben and it's ridiculously realistic

Monday 19 December 15:26:42 UTC 2016

LONDON — Put away your woefully inadequate DIY gingerbread houses. Someone's just made a gingerbread monument.  SEE ALSO: This is probably the most over the top gingerbread house ever London's iconic Big Ben has been recreated in gingerbread, fondant icing and sweets by Buns of Fun bakery as part of an exhibition at historic house Holkham Hall in Norfolk, UK.  It … [Link]

Slashdot » Turkey Blocks Tor's Anonymity Network

Monday 19 December 15:25:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes: Turkey's President Erdogan and the ruling AKP party are increasingly bent on silencing online dissent, and that now affects you even if you're smart enough to evade typical censorship methods. Watchdog group Turkey Blocks has confirmed that Turkey is blocking the Tor anonymity network's direct access mode for most users. You can still use a bridge … [Link]

Mashable » This innovative performance of ‘The Tempest’ will change the way you experience live theatre

Monday 19 December 15:21:58 UTC 2016

Paid Content by IntelWhat’s past may be prologue, but the latest production of The Tempest by The Royal Shakespeare Company is nothing short of the future.The RSC, in partnership with Intel and The Imaginarium Studios, has embarked on an exciting theatrical endeavor that’s redefining the technical capabilities of live performance. In the new and groundbreaking show, Ariel the sprite makes a … [Link]

Mashable » Good news: Samsung reportedly knows what ruined the Galaxy Note7

Monday 19 December 15:21:04 UTC 2016

It’s not going to be an easy task, but before Samsung can earn back consumer trust, it'll need to explain what went ultimately went wrong with the Galaxy Note7 and caused it to be discontinued. A month after publicly apologizing for the Note7 and promising to launch a thorough investigation into the disastrous phone launch, Samsung has now reportedly concluded its … [Link]

Mashable » Americans still prefer physical stores, but online shopping continues to grow

Monday 19 December 15:19:15 UTC 2016

As Americans power through holiday shopping season, a vast majority now say they shop online.  A new survey from the Pew Research Center found that eight in ten people in the United States have made purchases on the web, though only around 28 percent do so at least multiple times per month. While that number might not sound significant to you … [Link]

Mashable » Camila Cabello quits Fifth Harmony and fans are struggling

Monday 19 December 15:19:12 UTC 2016

Miss Moving On now has a new relevance: Fifth Harmony announced the departure of singer Camila Cabello on Sunday night via Twitter statement, leaving just four members of the group formed on The X Factor in 2012. SEE ALSO: Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui arrested for possession of marijuana pic.twitter.com/YlWylsw5uE — Fifth Harmony (@FifthHarmony) December 19, 2016 "After four and a half … [Link]

Mashable » How esports players face the challenges of a changing game

Monday 19 December 15:15:00 UTC 2016

Frequent game updates and rule changes can be obstacles for esports teams and players, who must adapt quickly when competing for millions of dollars and recognition. Developers of competitive titles face the challenge of pleasing casual players and professionals alike. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Valve, Counterstrike, Gaming, and Esports [Link]

Mashable » How game updates can change the esports landscape

Monday 19 December 15:13:21 UTC 2016

Esports professionals face a unique challenge not known to traditional sports. With frequent game updates and a constantly evolving ruleset, players and teams must adapt quickly to changes in order to stay at the top. Meanwhile, game developers face a dilemma: prioritize the wishes of the vast majority of players (and potential players), or cater to the esports stars who … [Link]

Mashable » 5 of the biggest fake news stories from 2016

Monday 19 December 15:12:23 UTC 2016

We live in a 'post-truth' era, or at least according to Oxford Dictionaries which named it 'word of the year' in its annual poll.  SEE ALSO: No, the Corona beer founder is not making everyone in this village millionaires Facebook is getting intense scrutiny for failing to filter out fake news from the platform, forcing Mark Zuckerberg, after initial hesitation, to … [Link]

Mashable » These augmented reality robots will turn your living room into a battlefield

Monday 19 December 14:58:09 UTC 2016

MekaMon are advanced battlebots with augmented reality capabilities. They're made by a British startup called Reach Robotics and are priced at $329.  Read more…More about Mashable Video, Ar, Augmented Reality, Real Time Video, and Real Time [Link]

Popular Science » Gift ideas for your favorite stylish nerd

Monday 19 December 14:54:02 UTC 2016

Gift Guides Bowties, cufflinks, collar pins, and more. Holiday gift ideas for that friend who makes geekery look like it belongs on the runway. [Link]

Slashdot » Bad Reviews For Super Mario Run Are Sending Nintendo's Stock Tumbling

Monday 19 December 14:45:00 UTC 2016

People aren't loving Nintendo's newly released Super Mario Run. Nintendo's stock plunged 7.1% Monday, bringing its total drop since the game's release last week to more than 11%, Bloomberg reports. The game's mediocre reviews had a similar impact on DeNA, the Nintendo partner that helped with the game's development: Since the game's introduction, its stock has fallen 14%. From a … [Link]

Mashable » Airbnb is getting in the airline booking disruption game with 'Flights'

Monday 19 December 14:43:11 UTC 2016

Airbnb wants to be more than just your next vacation lodging solution—the home rental startup's now looking to offer flight booking service within the next 18 months, Bloomberg reported Monday.  SEE ALSO: Airbnb thinks it's all set for Trump's America The project, known as Flights, may either involve building its own proprietary tool, acquiring an online travel agency, or licensing data … [Link]

Mashable » The Golden Globes red carpet will stream on Twitter, because you'll already be there

Monday 19 December 14:30:36 UTC 2016

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is giving Twitter its due. In a partnership with dick clark productions and Twitter, the HFPA will stream the Golden Globes red carpet pre-show exclusively on Twitter. For two hours before the Golden Globes ceremony, hosts will interview the attending celebrities and integrate Twitter content and fan questions from the web. This is part of an … [Link]

Mashable » Samsung Pay may launch in India next year

Monday 19 December 14:27:02 UTC 2016

Even as India struggles in the aftermath of invalidation of much of its cash and shows interest in mobile wallets, top Silicon Valley companies haven’t jumped in on the opportunity yet with their epayment solutions. One company however seems interested now.  SEE ALSO: India's futile attempt to go cashless is a reality check for our dream epayments future Samsung is said … [Link]

Mashable » Asiatic lioness kills cow, terrorizes village in India

Monday 19 December 14:15:13 UTC 2016

An Asiatic lioness shocked villagers in India as she ventured into a village close to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular tourist destination in the state of Gujarat. The lioness had also killed a calf in the Virpur-Gadhia village and terrorized villagers, who captured the incident on video, ANI reported.  The sanctuary is home to 45 Asiatic lions, and this … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple Appeals EU Tax Ruling, Says It Was a 'Convenient Target'

Monday 19 December 14:00:00 UTC 2016

Apple has launched a legal challenge to a record $14 billion EU tax demand, arguing that EU regulators ignored tax experts and corporate law and deliberately picked a method to maximize the penalty, senior executives said. From a report on Reuters: Apple's combative stand underlines its anger with the European Commission, which said on Aug. 30 the company's Irish tax … [Link]

Mashable » 12 of the most ridiculous 999 calls received by London police in 2016

Monday 19 December 13:52:19 UTC 2016

LONDON — Being the person on the other end of the phone when someone dials 999 must be one of the hardest jobs in the world. Not only do you have to remain calm in the face of extremely stressful situations, but you also have to deal with people who haven't quite grasped the definition of "emergency". SEE ALSO: 86-year-old British … [Link]

Mashable » Paypal accuses India's largest mobile wallet company of copying its logo

Monday 19 December 13:32:26 UTC 2016

Global payments company Paypal has filed a copyright infringement notice against Indian mobile wallet provider Paytm citing similarities between the logos of both brands. Paytm, backed by Chinese e-commerce major Alibaba, is India’s largest mobile wallet company. SEE ALSO: Paytm's mobile wallet surpasses all plastic card transactions in India In a notice filed to the Indian Trademark office, the Silicon Valley firm … [Link]

Mashable » The Queen got an official portrait because her birthday celebrations were ending

Monday 19 December 13:04:48 UTC 2016

LONDON — For many of us, the end of our birthday celebrations is heralded the moment the party ends and we have to clean up and deal with the inevitable champagne-induced hangover.  SEE ALSO: 'The Crown' is a low-key guide to outfoxing the men in your way But, if you're Queen Elizabeth II, you don't have to worry about any of … [Link]

Mashable » Microsoft is using machine learning to help fight blindness

Monday 19 December 12:48:27 UTC 2016

Though robots and artificial intelligence may not replace our doctors entirely in the foreseeable future, they are already starting to make a difference.  Microsoft is now using machine learning and artificial intelligence to help doctors in India to diagnoze and treat eye diseases. SEE ALSO: How the scary potential of AI brought tech competitors together Earlier this year, Microsoft began working … [Link]

Slashdot » Can Consumers Fight Package Thieves With Technology?

Monday 19 December 12:34:00 UTC 2016

Every year more than 10 million packages are stolen off doorsteps, according to a study by August Home Inc. — a company which sells a "smart" door lock that's controlled by your cellphone so you can remotely let a delivery person into your house. But that's just one of the weird ways consumers are using technology to try to fight … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Scientists won’t stop discovering stuff, no matter what

Monday 19 December 12:18:08 UTC 2016

2016 often felt like a jaw-dropping year where the unexpected and impossible kept on happening. Welcome to our world, say scientists [Link]

Mashable » Little girl sends BBC anxious letter about Big Ben, gets the perfect reply

Monday 19 December 12:07:43 UTC 2016

LONDON — There are few things in Britain more iconic than Big Ben, the giant clock that stands out above London and spends its day cheerfully bonging away the hours. Big Ben has appeared in films and TV series, and — crucially to this story — the sound of its bongs regularly feature on the intro to BBC Radio 4's news … [Link]

Mashable » This guy just faced America's top 5 fears

Monday 19 December 12:00:00 UTC 2016

I decided to experience the top five phobias of most Americans. What are you so afraid of? Nicole Kidman's early modelling photos are spectacularly awkward ‘Rogue One' star Felicity Jones reacts to a fan's gigantic tattoo Sobering political statements disguised as 'Aussie Christmas Carol' Merry Christmas, from hell: Santa army fights penguin empire in epic virtual war Read more… More about Dogs, Snakes, Claustrophobia, … [Link]

Mashable » The government wants to block your mobile phone signal while you’re driving

Monday 19 December 11:58:34 UTC 2016

Tempted to make a phone call while driving? Well, in the near future you won't even be able to use your phone behind the wheel — at least in Britain.  SEE ALSO: India's Paytm announces toll-free mobile number to serve offline users A new technology to block mobile signal for drivers is being considered by the Department of Transport to crack … [Link]

Mashable » People queued overnight just to get a taste of this fast food outlet

Monday 19 December 11:57:52 UTC 2016

After toying with the idea of opening a Canadian outlet for a couple of years, Filipino fast food giant Jollibee is finally welcoming diners in Winnipeg. Fans have been standing in line and braving sub-zero temperatures over the weekend for Jollibee's signature fried chicken and sweet spaghetti. SEE ALSO: Fast food giant Jollibee is coming to Australia, but what is it? … [Link]

O'Reilly News and Commentary » #Ebook Deal/Day: Building Software Teams – $10.99 (Save 50%) Use code DEAL

Monday 19 December 11:28:11 UTC 2016

Get "Building Software Teams" today using code DEAL and save 50%!This sale ends at 2:00 AM 2016-12-20 (PDT, GMT-8:00). [Link]

Mashable » Taking on America's worst fears

Monday 19 December 11:00:00 UTC 2016

I decided to experience the most common phobias in America. What are you afraid of? Read more…More about Mashable Video, Germs, Scary, Snakes, and Claustrophobia [Link]

Mashable » This photo of 'Superman' Henry Cavill holding a tree is baffling the internet

Monday 19 December 10:58:56 UTC 2016

LONDON — The British actor Henry Cavill is a large man who clearly spends time at the gym, but — despite what his on-screen persona might suggest — he does not possess super-human strength. SEE ALSO: This Mashup of Every Single Superman Is Totally Dreamy So how on earth is he holding up this large tree with only one hand? Is … [Link]

Mashable » New 'Twin Peaks' trailer consists of David Lynch eating a doughnut, and nothing else

Monday 19 December 10:41:51 UTC 2016

Are you excited about the upcoming Twin Peaks reboot? Do you like doughnuts? Do you like watching someone eating a doughnut? If the answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes, then there's a slight chance you might enjoy watching the new Twin Peaks trailer.  Because yes, the trailer is a short video clip of Lynch, which is … [Link]

Mashable » I've never had a boyfriend at Christmas and I couldn't be happier

Monday 19 December 10:22:31 UTC 2016

LONDON — I don't want a lot for Christmas. There's just one thing I need. In fact, all I want for Christmas is for singleton shaming to be a thing of the past. That, and a bottle of Coco Mademoiselle, of course.  SEE ALSO: 12 gifts for your kinda-sorta-not-quite boyfriend or girlfriend If you've ever been single at Christmas, you'll know … [Link]

Mashable » The 7-year-old Syrian girl Bana Alabed is finally safe

Monday 19 December 10:10:30 UTC 2016

Bana Alabed, the 7-year-old girl whose Twitter account documented her experience of living in besieged Aleppo, has arrived safely outside the city.  SEE ALSO: The trolls who believe Bana, 7-year-old Syrian girl, isn’t real Photos from a number of journalists and activists showed Bana after the evacuation, which is still taking place on buses or Red Cross ambulances despite multiple delays. … [Link]

Mashable » 'Rogue One' star Felicity Jones reacts to a fan's gigantic tattoo

Monday 19 December 10:02:22 UTC 2016

You know you've made it when a random member of the public gets a giant tattoo of your face on his leg. SEE ALSO: 'Rogue One' steals away with $155 million at the domestic box office During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Felicity Jones told the story of a Rogue One fan whose calf is now decorated with … [Link]

Mashable » This airline sacrificed a goat on the tarmac before its flight took off

Monday 19 December 9:46:06 UTC 2016

Pakistan International Airlines may have resumed flying operations for its ATR planes, but mere clearance wasn’t apparently sufficient for the company. To ward off 'evil eye', they have reportedly sacrificed a black goat on the tarmac before the plane took off.  SEE ALSO: Astronaut Tim Peake shows what it's like to orbit Earth in real time Staff from the airlines slaughtered … [Link]

Mashable » WhatsApp group administrators not liable for content: Indian court

Monday 19 December 9:24:15 UTC 2016

WhatsApp group administrators can heave a sigh of relief.  Following two directives issued in April by two separate state governments that made social media group administrators liable for content circulated by other members of the group, the Delhi High Court has now ruled out any such possibility. SEE ALSO: WhatsApp hits 160 million active users in India, its biggest market Legally … [Link]

Mashable » Nicole Kidman's early modelling photos are spectacularly awkward

Monday 19 December 8:40:01 UTC 2016

Looking at photos of yourself as a baby can be sort of cute and endearing, but nobody likes looking at photos of themselves as a teenager. Not even Hollywood actors are immune to this. SEE ALSO: Jimmy Fallon is not over his bad date with Nicole Kidman During an appearance on last Friday's Graham Norton Show, Nicole Kidman's old modelling … [Link]

Slashdot » BlackBerry Unveils Autonomous Vehicle Hub In Canada

Monday 19 December 8:34:00 UTC 2016

BlackBerry's Unix-like OS, QNX, is already in millions of cars. But today they're expanding their facility in Ottawa "to focus on developing advanced driver assistance and autonomous vehicle technology," according to Reuters. And one analyst says "If they can prove that they have the whole package and the security, they could absolutely dominate the market." After a detour where QNX's … [Link]

Mashable » This driverless bus is about to roll out in Singapore

Monday 19 December 8:32:35 UTC 2016

By the first quarter of 2017, this driverless shuttle bus will begin service in Singapore. The autonomous vehicle can hold 15 passengers, and will ferry them between the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus and the CleanTech eco-business park roughly 1.5 km (0.93 miles) away. Image: nanyang technological university/facebookSEE ALSO: Google's driverless cars will now have to prove themselves as a real … [Link]

Mashable » Acer is done selling smartphones in the world's fastest growing market

Monday 19 December 7:40:12 UTC 2016

Even as smartphone brands are charting plans to aggressively expand their businesses in India, Acer is calling it quits — for now, at least.   The Taiwanese company is putting its insignificant mobile business aside to focus on its growing laptops and other hardware businesses in India, it said over the weekend. The move comes as India, the world's fastest growing … [Link]

Mashable » Veteran soldier becomes the face of demonetization woes in India

Monday 19 December 6:40:17 UTC 2016

India has been severely hit by a currency crunch following the government’s ban on high-value notes that sucked in about 86% of the cash in circulation. Since then, banks have been a sorry sight with serpentine queues at counters and much restless chaos among people. One such bank branch situated in a colony in Gurgaon, close to the national capital, saw … [Link]

Mashable » 7 reasons why 2016 was a great year for bizarre robbery fails

Monday 19 December 6:33:05 UTC 2016

Robbers like Robin Hood, Jesse James and Australia's Ned Kelly are folklore heroes thanks to their depictions in pop culture.  But in 2016, brazen thieves have proven to be little more than bumbling idiots. They've had to face shopkeepers ignoring their demands for money, they been forced to retreat after having bags of candy thrown them, and they've had shirtless dudes … [Link]

Mashable » Mark Cuban publicly asks Trump to become the robotics president

Monday 19 December 5:22:12 UTC 2016

One of the most outspoken critics of President-elect Donald Trump leading up to the election was Mark Cuban, tech mogul, owner of the NBA's Mavericks and Shark Tank co-host.  Now Cuban has apparently decided to move past his previous, and at times quite harsh, critiques of Trump to instead implore him make the U.S. the world leader in robotics.  SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Mashable » 'My Horse Prince' is the bizarre dating simulator everyone's talking about

Monday 19 December 5:00:57 UTC 2016

The greatest love stories are oft met with obstacles. No greater odds have been stacked against a couple than the star-crossed lovers in the new game My Horse Prince: The story of a woman (you, the player) and her human-faced horse. SEE ALSO: 7 practical gifts for people who always break their phones The choose-your-own-adventure style app comes from Japanese developers … [Link]

Slashdot » Is Microsoft 'Reaping the Rewards' From Open-Sourcing Its .NET Core?

Monday 19 December 4:34:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quote InfoWorld: Two years ago Microsoft did the unthinkable: It declared it would open-source its .NET server-side cloud stack with the introduction of .NET Core… Thus far, the move has paid off. Microsoft has positioned .NET Core as a means for taking .NET beyond Windows. The cross-platform version extends .NET's reach to MacOS and Linux… Developers are … [Link]

Mashable » Twitter has a field day noting the glaring plot holes in 'Home Alone'

Monday 19 December 4:28:56 UTC 2016

Love it or hate it, the viewing of Home Alone on TV during December is a universal must.  No matter where you stand on the question of whether the 1990 classic is a totally rubbish movie or not, we can all agree that annual discussions of its free-to-air broadcast brings people together, like a kind of annoying holiday glue.  SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Mashable » Cats on Instagram wish you a meowy Christmas and a happy mew year

Monday 19 December 4:09:18 UTC 2016

One of the saving graces of the holiday season and all the stress that comes with it, are those certain pet owners with iron wills and a love of costumes. SEE ALSO: Watch this voguing Santa officially 'sleigh' Christmas #ChristmasCatsOfInstagram is a hashtag that exists — for no other purpose than our pure enjoyment. And it's life changing — just see … [Link]

Mashable » Honda uses Oculus Rift to bring holiday VR light show to hospitalized children

Monday 19 December 4:02:00 UTC 2016

If you're lucky enough to be healthy and with family this holiday season, you'll appreciate a recent tech-powered effort Honda undertook to bring the magic of Christmas to children unable to leave a hospital in Orange County, California. SEE ALSO: 2016 was supposed to be the year of VR. Instead, augmented reality ruled Working in conjunction with the Children's Hospital of … [Link]

The Joy of Tech » JoT #2364: Someone's gotta tell Trump!

Monday 19 December 3:12:43 UTC 2016

Essential briefing! [Link]

Slashdot » A Century of Surveillance: An Interactive Timeline Of FBI Investigations

Monday 19 December 2:34:00 UTC 2016

"Over a century of fear and filing cabinets" at the FBI has been exposed through six years of Freedom of Information Act requests. And now MuckRock founder (and long-time Slashdot reader) v3rgEz writes: MuckRock recently published its 100th look into historical FBI files, and to celebrate they've also compiled a timeline of the FBI's history. It traces the rise and … [Link]

Mashable » Sobering political statements disguised as 'Aussie Christmas Carol'

Monday 19 December 2:07:31 UTC 2016

If you've ever met an Australian, you'll know that they love talking about how different and special they are because they have nice weather during Christmas. Opposite seasons — who knew?!  But unlike the wealth of "Aussie Christmas carols" that came before it (yes, they're a thing), the latest carol from Down Under turns the "holidays in hot weather" cliché … [Link]

Mashable » Rescued pigs frolic like puppies towards their human when called

Monday 19 December 2:07:26 UTC 2016

When language fails, we will always have videos of animals being cute. And an animal sanctuary in Australia may just have the holy grail of animal #content. The Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary is a charity-run sanctuary in the Hunter Valley that acts as a home to farm animals in need of a little TLC and a lot of freedom to … [Link]

Mashable » Jimmy Fallon plays virtual reality Pictionary using the HTC Vive

Monday 19 December 1:53:26 UTC 2016

Conan O'Brien figured out how to make VR work on late night TV and now Jimmy Fallon is taking a shot at it, too. SEE ALSO: 2016 was supposed to be the year of VR. Instead, augmented reality ruled Fallon set up a massive video display connected to the HTC Vive VR headset to play what he calls "Virtual Reality Pictionary" … [Link]

Mashable » Fans go wild for kid on JumboTron; boo relentlessly when he isn't

Monday 19 December 1:29:42 UTC 2016

The roving fan cameras at sports games have brought the world so much joy, and Saturday night was no different. A little kid stole the spotlight on the JumboTron display, during a game between ice hockey teams the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks in the U.S. SEE ALSO: Dancing Golden State Warriors fan returns when America needs her most … [Link]

Mashable » These photos are your holiday travel nightmare come to life

Monday 19 December 1:02:54 UTC 2016

Christmas is just a week away, so we're now officially near the height of holiday travel season, which is full of hiccups and snarls. Travel veterans won't flinch, but new photos out of Denver International Airport on Sunday might make anyone's heart skip a beat, especially if they're worried about making an upcoming flight. SEE ALSO: TSA's tragic tale of a … [Link]

Mashable » Highly venomous snake makes like tinsel and chills on a Christmas tree

Monday 19 December 0:43:10 UTC 2016

While the holidays are often accompanied by snowmen imagery and freezing weather, in Australia, you'll just experience searing heat. And snakes. This particular tiger snake was found chillin' on a Christmas tree belonging to a woman in Melbourne, on Sunday morning.  While tiger snakes are known for being shy, it's also highly venomous. SEE ALSO: Afternoon of casual golf interrupted by … [Link]

Slashdot » Ask Slashdot: How Should I Furnish (And Secure) My Work-From-Home Office?

Monday 19 December 0:34:00 UTC 2016

"If someone gave you a big chunk of change to build a small one- or two-room office, what would you do?" asks long-time Slashdot reader darkpixel2k, as he plans to build a small office out in his backyard. My plan is to trench CAT6 from our ISP fiber DMARC over to the ~12×20 building, wire the structure up for network … [Link]

Mashable » 10 realistic holiday traditions to start with your family this year

Monday 19 December 0:00:00 UTC 2016

Many families — maybe even yours — honor holiday traditions that have spanned generations. You know, like choosing a yearly Christmas tree ornament, or pulling apart that turkey wishbone with Aunt Patricia. In fact, festive traditions are so fun that it's tempting to start a few more this year. But in 2016, a year already fraught with holiday political arguments and … [Link]

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