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.

Slashdot » Millions of Websites Vulnerable Due To Security Bug In Popular PHP Script

Tuesday 27 December 23:40:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes from a report via BleepingComputer: A security flaw discovered in a common PHP class allows knowledgeable attackers to execute code on a website that uses a vulnerable version of the script, which in turn can allow an attacker to take control over the underlying server. The vulnerable library is PHPMailer, a PHP script that allows developers … [Link]

Mashable » Princess no more: How some fans prefer to remember Carrie Fisher

Tuesday 27 December 23:20:52 UTC 2016

Everyone remembers Carrie Fisher from her Princess Leia days, but it was her role as General Organa that some fans cherish most. Toronto-based writer Anne Thériault made her case on Twitter today shortly after hearing of the Star Wars icon's death. For her role in The Force Awakens, Fisher was neither young nor traditionally Hollywood "sexy."  She was fierce, mature and … [Link]

Slashdot » Panasonic To Invest Over $256 Million In Tesla's US Plant For Solar Cells

Tuesday 27 December 23:00:00 UTC 2016

According to Reuters, Panasonic will invest more than $256 million (30 billion yen) in a New York production facility of Elon Musk's Tesla Motors to make photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. Reuters reports: Japan's Panasonic, which has been retreating from low-margin consumer electronics to focus more on automotive components and other businesses targeting corporate clients, will make the investment in … [Link]

Mashable » Cowboys fan gets revenge after fiancé dumps her via text

Tuesday 27 December 22:45:01 UTC 2016

This Cowboys fan definitely got what he deserved. After breaking up with his former fiancé over text (text!) message, the sports fan missed out on a Christmas gift he really would have loved: tickets to a Cowboys game. "My fiancé dumped me in a text message. He should have waited until after Christmas," Brenna Clanton wrote on a sign that she … [Link]

Mashable » Cinnabon fails the galaxy with terrible tweet about Carrie Fisher's death

Tuesday 27 December 22:41:46 UTC 2016

The brand-fail force is strong with Cinnabon.  Carrie Fisher died at age 60 on Tuesday and while fans of the galaxy's fiercest princess used Twitter to remember the actress and author, Cinnabon traveled to the dark side. The company best known for making malls smell like sweet saturated fat shared a likeness of Princess Leia made from cinnamon with the caption, … [Link]

Slashdot » Police Request Amazon Echo Recordings For Homicide Investigation

Tuesday 27 December 22:20:00 UTC 2016

Tulsa_Time quotes a report from CNET: Amazon's Echo and Echo Dot are in millions of homes now, with holiday sales more than quadrupling from 2015. Always listening for its wake word, the breakthrough smart speakers boast seven microphones waiting to take and record your commands. Now, Arkansas police are hoping an Echo found at a murder scene in Bentonville can … [Link]

Popular Science » Uber Freight goes after the trucking business

Tuesday 27 December 22:14:17 UTC 2016

Cars Autonomous 18-wheelers roll into an unknown future Uber is launching a tool for freight trucking. [Link]

Mashable » Girl on anesthesia is convinced fish are drowning

Tuesday 27 December 22:09:07 UTC 2016

Anesthesia can truly produce YouTube miracles. In this video, a girl named Leila is on anesthesia while she stares into an aquarium tank. Despite the pleas of her concerned friend, and basic common sense, she's convinced the fish in the tank are drowning. Her mild, passing misfortune is truly our great pleasure.  Dad pranks sassy kids by tossing an empty present … [Link]

Mashable » Hulu strikes major deal with Disney for more than 50 movies

Tuesday 27 December 22:00:01 UTC 2016

Next time you want to watch a Disney movie, head to Hulu.  The streaming provider on Tuesday announced it had acquired the licensing exclusive rights to more than 50 Disney theatrical films. The deal with Walt Disney Studios is Hulu's largest catalog deal for films with a studio to date.  The multi-year deal applies to subscription video on demand, or streaming … [Link]

Mashable » What you missed if you saw the 'Kick-Ass' film but never read the comic

Tuesday 27 December 22:00:00 UTC 2016

In an age obsessed with comic book movies, Kick-Ass occupies a special place in the genre. The film's hero is not only unlikely, he’s downright inappropriate. And the story was adapted from page to screen far more faithfully than we've seen in most other series, since the the Kick-Ass movie rights were actually purchased before the comic was even published.  Still, … [Link]

Slashdot » Fitbit Drops Lawsuit Against Jawbone

Tuesday 27 December 21:40:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Just before the Christmas holiday, Fitbit dropped a case it filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission claiming Jawbone had violated one of Fitbit's patents. The trial for this case had been set for March 2017, and if Fitbit had won, it would have prevented Jawbone from importing its devices into … [Link]

Mashable » Parents share photos of their kids as Princess Leia in honor of Carrie Fisher

Tuesday 27 December 21:33:07 UTC 2016

Tributes flooded in to Carrie Fisher Tuesday following the news that the actress and author had died at age 60 following a heart attack. On Twitter, fans celebrated her most famous role as badass Princess Leia by sharing photos of their daughters dressed up as the iconic character. SEE ALSO: A life in the stars: Carrie Fisher in pictures As the … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Realm.io Mobile Database Adds Professional Edition Service Tier

Tuesday 27 December 21:32:23 UTC 2016

Realm, a mobile-first application development startup, recently announced the release of a new service tier. The Professional Edition aims to bridge the gap between the free developer-edition and the enterprise edition. [Link]

Mashable » George Lucas praises 'powerful princess' Carrie Fisher

Tuesday 27 December 21:23:24 UTC 2016

The actress, author and stage performer Carrie Fisher died Tuesday at age 60, Mashable has confirmed. In the midst of emotional and heartfelt tributes from celebrities and an outpouring of love from fans on Twitter, the legendary George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars franchise, spoke about losing his beloved Princess Leia. SEE ALSO: The best of Carrie Fisher's Twitter In … [Link]

Mashable » 2-year-old shreds down fresh powder like a ski pro

Tuesday 27 December 21:20:38 UTC 2016

This toddler's got some serious skills. YouTube user Blakech shared an impressive video of his 2-year-old son Hank skiing down freshly powdered slopes in Kingston, Ontario, for the very first time, and he's really good. With the amount of control he has over his skis, you would never guess it was Hank's first time. Watch him shred the slippery backyard … [Link]

Slashdot » T-Mobile Is Killing the Remaining Galaxy Note7 Units Today

Tuesday 27 December 21:00:00 UTC 2016

Samsung may only be in the planning stages for its Note7-disabling update in South Korea, but over in the U.S. things are in full swing. The company announced earlier this month that such an update would be sent out to all remaining Note7 units in the US starting on December 19. And now it's time for the first of the … [Link]

Popular Science » What the heck is a species anyway?

Tuesday 27 December 20:45:47 UTC 2016

Animals It’s harder than you’d think to define What makes a species a species? And does it even matter? [Link]

Mashable » Watch Carrie Fisher audition for the part of Princess Leia in 'Star Wars'

Tuesday 27 December 20:44:54 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack on Friday during a flight from London to Los Angeles. She was 60 years old. At the age of 19, Fisher starred as Princess Leia in Star Wars. To this day her portrayal is her most notable and easily recognized role. Fans and friends mourning the loss of Fisher quickly … [Link]

Mashable » We will deeply miss Carrie Fisher giving us the middle finger

Tuesday 27 December 20:41:54 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher was a woman of many great talents, chief among them flipping the bird. Shortly after her death, Twitter users came together to celebrate some of the actresses' greatest achievements. While few could forget the role she played in Star Wars or assisting people with mental illness, only a select, precious few remembered the author's penchant for putting up her … [Link]

Mashable » What a world without Carrie Fisher means for the Star Wars universe

Tuesday 27 December 20:36:05 UTC 2016

When Carrie Fisher, beloved author, actor and icon, passed away Tuesday at the far-too-young age of 60, Star Wars fans everywhere felt the grief as a gut punch — a great disturbance in the Force.  But they could at least take one crumb of comfort from this one fact: we haven't seen the last of Leia yet. And the performance she … [Link]

Mashable » The best of Carrie Fisher's Twitter

Tuesday 27 December 20:26:39 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher was an icon and an inspiration for her frank discussion of mental illness, her role as one of the strongest female heroes in film and her wide-ranging career as an actress and writer.  On Twitter, she was light-hearted and incisive in her commentary about herself, politics, her family and her dog.  Fisher died Tuesday at 60 years old. In … [Link]

Mashable » 4 times Carrie Fisher was cooler than all of us

Tuesday 27 December 20:24:35 UTC 2016

Hollywood has many heroines, but there was truly none like Carrie Fisher.  The iconic actress, who died Tuesday after suffering from a heart attack last week, was one of the most outspoken, candid and wickedly funny women in the entertainment industry. SEE ALSO: A life in the stars: Carrie Fisher in pictures The 60-year-old never shied away from sharing just about … [Link]

Mashable » Marine father gives his daughter a pride flag for Christmas, along with a beautiful surprise

Tuesday 27 December 20:23:34 UTC 2016

Christmas 2016 was apparently one long giant, heartwarming sob-fest. Twitter user @SatanKotah, otherwise known as Dakotah, asked her father for a gay pride flag this year. Not only did she receive the flag, she also received a genuinely sincere, moving response from her father, a United States Marine. SEE ALSO: Mike Pence's neighbors are calling him out with rainbow flags His … [Link]

Mashable » Carrie Fisher's literary legacy as shared by her fans

Tuesday 27 December 20:21:27 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher skyrocketed to global fame in 1977 after starring as Princess Leia Organa in the first Star Wars film. But it didn't take long for the actress to establish herself as more than just intergalactic and Hollywood royalty.  Fisher, who died Tuesday at age 60, also became an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. She filled pages with dry wit and raw … [Link]

Mashable » Carrie Fisher had one hilarious request for her obituary

Tuesday 27 December 20:13:56 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher will forever dazzle the world with her wit and humor, even in her obituary. Fisher died on Tuesday at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack during a flight from London to Los Angeles last Friday. The news is heartbreaking, and many remembered Fisher for inspiring both young and old. From Fisher bravely speaking publicly of her … [Link]

Slashdot » Iconic Star Wars Actress Carrie Fisher Dies at 60

Tuesday 27 December 20:05:00 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher, the actress, author and screenwriter who brought a rare combination of nerve, grit and hopefulness to her most indelible role, as Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" film franchise, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 60. From a report: "It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher … [Link]

Mashable » 5 gutsy highlights from Carrie Fisher's one-woman show

Tuesday 27 December 20:00:17 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher's memory will not not only live on as the indomitable Princess Leia, an outspoken advocate for people with mental illness, and a woman with wicked sense of humor — she also leaves behind a salty career on stage.  Never one to hide from her history or keep her past private, Fisher debuted a one-woman show in 2006 based on … [Link]

Mashable » From 'Sister Act' to 'Hook,' Carrie Fisher helped improve a bunch of movies

Tuesday 27 December 19:58:34 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher, who died at age 60 Tuesday following a heart attack, was known and loved across the galaxy for several things. To many, her turn as Princess Leia in Star Wars was up there with the all-time great movie roles. Others also loved her memorable appearance in When Harry Met Sally or her stint on 30 Rock. Still more celebrated … [Link]

Mashable » Ontario streets are so icy right now, people are blissfully skating on them

Tuesday 27 December 19:57:24 UTC 2016

Things are getting pretty crazy in Canada right now. Environment Canada warns that there could be 10-15 mm of ice accumulating in Ontario, particularly in the Ottawa Valley. While this accumulation makes the the roads absolutely treacherous for vehicles, people are finding that it is perfect for one thing: ice skating. SEE ALSO: Large parts of West Antarctic Ice Sheet could … [Link]

Mashable » Carrie Fisher was a bold advocate for people with mental illness

Tuesday 27 December 19:37:46 UTC 2016

One of the most beloved actresses, writers and speakers in the world just so happened to live with a mental illness. While many Americans choose to keep their mental illness hidden (and others aren't even aware that they have one in the first place), Carrie Fisher spoke candidly for more than a decade about living with bipolar disorder.  Fisher, who died … [Link]

Mashable » Here are the songs Paul Simon wrote about Carrie Fisher

Tuesday 27 December 19:34:53 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher inspired many during her lengthy career — including ex-husband Paul Simon who, the actress wrote in her autobiography Wishful Drinking, wrote several songs inspired by her and their life together. The actress, author, and beloved Hollywood badass died Tuesday at 60. The above song, "Hearts and Bones," was apparently about Simon's relationship with the beloved actress, opening with … [Link]

Mashable » This hilarious Carrie Fisher interview is how she should be remembered

Tuesday 27 December 19:26:45 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher was well-known for her bold personality.  News of Fisher's death broke on Tuesday, prompting countless fans to recall and share their fondest memories of the iconic actress and activist.  But among the many heartfelt responses, this interview with Amy Robach on Good Morning America before the launch of The Force Awakens showcases Fisher hilarious and witty presence. Robach … [Link]

Slashdot » Torrent Website ExtraTorrent Under DDoS Attacks; Pirate Bay Also Down

Tuesday 27 December 19:20:00 UTC 2016

It's getting harder for people who don't like paying for movies, music, and applications. Popular torrent website ExtraTorrent is suffering an outage Tuesday, the site confirmed. The site says it is on the receiving end of DDoS attacks, observing 40 to 50 million requests coming from the United States every hour. The site told TorrentFreak that it has been facing … [Link]

Mashable » 15 types of Facebook posts that need to die in 2017

Tuesday 27 December 19:00:00 UTC 2016

Love or hate Facebook, you've got to hate Facebook. Though a lonely few may have closed their accounts and joined the Facebook #resistance, nearly all of us are tied to the platform in some way or another. If we're going to survive out there, there's two things we need to do: 1.) Pressure them to eliminate fake news or otherwise lose … [Link]

Mashable » This magical remote can control everything in your home

Tuesday 27 December 19:00:00 UTC 2016

The 'Smart Remote' from 'Sevenhugs' adapts to whatever you point atusing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared command. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Kickstarter, Gadgets, Home Life, and Technology [Link]

Mashable » Celebrities react to the death of Carrie Fisher on Twitter

Tuesday 27 December 18:47:34 UTC 2016

News of the death of actress Carrie Fisher hit hard on Tuesday. Friends, family and fans were wishing for a fast recovery after Fisher suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles last Friday.  Best known for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, the brazen and gifted actress and author upheld an active social voice … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook's Safety Check Activated For Fake Bangkok Bombing

Tuesday 27 December 18:40:00 UTC 2016

Fake news has plagued Facebook over the last year, and now even the social media giant is falling for it. From a report on CNET: The site's Safety Check feature has been crucial during terrorist attacks and natural disasters, helping friends and families find out if their loved ones are safe during emergencies. It's been activated across the world more … [Link]

Mashable » How to stream Carrie Fisher's scene-stealing roles (besides Princess Leia)

Tuesday 27 December 18:16:01 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher was best known for her turn as Princess Leia in several Star Wars films, but her contribution to the worlds of film and TV went far beyond that iconic role. Though Fisher, who died Tuesday at age 60 following a heart attack, typically took on supporting roles outside of Star Wars and her stage work, she was always a … [Link]

Mashable » A life in the stars: Carrie Fisher in pictures

Tuesday 27 December 18:08:07 UTC 2016

Born to Hollywood stars, Carrie Fisher lived her life in lights from the beginning.  The beloved actress died Tuesday at age 60 in Los Angeles after suffering from a heart attack. The child of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds, Fisher made herself a household name starring as Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, as well as other classic … [Link]

Mashable » RIP Carrie Fisher: Princess on screen, real-life queen

Tuesday 27 December 18:02:35 UTC 2016

Carrie Fisher, the actress, author and stage performer who forever changed what it meant to be Hollywood royalty, died Tuesday at age 60, Mashable has confirmed. Fisher suffered a heart attack Friday at the end of a long flight from London to Los Angeles. She was hospitalized and said to have been in stable condition. On Tuesday, her family issued the … [Link]

Slashdot » The US Government is Loaning Millions of Dollars To Jumpstart Urban Farming

Tuesday 27 December 18:00:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes: Every year, the US Department of Agriculture devotes millions of dollars to farmers in rural areas. The government is increasingly starting to offer assistance to urban farms, too. In 2016, the USDA funded a dozen urban farms, the highest number in history, Val Dolicini, the administrator for the USDA Farm Services Agency, tells Business Insider. In … [Link]

Mashable » The 9 tech fights to watch in 2017

Tuesday 27 December 17:45:29 UTC 2016

In 2017, tech companies will have to adapt to a new reality. President Trump and his cabinet of billionaires will shape government regulation for companies across the tech industry.  And while pre-election, many thought markets would collapse with a Trump win, and post-election, many questioned their naïveté that business wouldn't respond well to a Trump presidency, it's actually a mix of … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook's Safety Check feature was the latest victim of fake news

Tuesday 27 December 17:30:48 UTC 2016

Once again, fake news is having serious and terrifying implications on social media. On Dec. 26, Facebook's Safety Check feature was activated to alert locals of explosion in Bangkok, Thailand. The feature, however, was activated under false pretenses, apparently in response to a news story about a bombing that occurred in 2015. SEE ALSO: Can Facebook fix its fake news problem? … [Link]

Mashable » Cold drones can now brave winter with their own drone sweaters

Tuesday 27 December 17:30:00 UTC 2016

Poor little drones, forced to brave the winter skies with nothing but their tiny motors to keep them warm. Sure, drones may be completely inanimate objects with absolutely no need for outerwear, but that doesn't mean we grown adults can't imagine they do. That is exactly why San Francisco-based artist Danielle Baskin recently designed a hot new line of sweaters for … [Link]

Slashdot » China Renews Calls For Tighter Cyberspace Security

Tuesday 27 December 17:20:00 UTC 2016

China's top cybersecurity body reaffirmed its commitment to heightened cybersecurity surveillance on Tuesday, calling for increased scrutiny of local and foreign technology used in industries deemed critical to the national interest. From a report on Reuters: A strategy document, released by the Cybersecurity Administration of China (CAC), laid out the framework for a controversial cybersecurity law released in November, which … [Link]

Popular Science » Augmented reality apps that help you explore the world

Tuesday 27 December 17:05:17 UTC 2016

Technology Unlock hidden knowledge and virtual monsters all around you The naked eye may be limited, but your phone can find the hidden material all around you… [Link]

Mashable » 9 people the internet made famous in 2016

Tuesday 27 December 17:00:00 UTC 2016

In 2016, the internet gave us dancing teenagers, sad grandparents, Star Wars masks, red crewneck sweaters and more white Vans than we could count. SEE ALSO: 5 of the biggest fake news stories from 2016 From Chewbacca Mom to Ken Bone, for better or for worse, this year gave us a fresh batch of internet celebrities to keep track of or, … [Link]

Mashable » 50 thoughts I have while waiting for my Seamless order

Tuesday 27 December 17:00:00 UTC 2016

The stretch of time between placing your Seamless order and breaking a plastic fork out of its wrapper to eat that Seamless order is unlike anything else. The hunger takes over your body and mind, causing a stream of lucid thoughts, simultaneously propelling you closer to and further away from nourishment and contentment.  SEE ALSO: UberEats is going global, expanding into … [Link]

Mashable » Dog opening its Christmas gift brings pure joy to the world

Tuesday 27 December 16:53:31 UTC 2016

Never forget your pets during the holidays.  After opening her Christmas gift all by herself, this smart pup shows her gratitude with a healthy dose of doggy freakout. Forget kids — dogs deserve all the gifts.  Dad pranks sassy kids by tossing an empty present into the fire Sneaky cat totally ruins little girl's Christmas surprise Mom has heartwarming reaction to surprise Christmas … [Link]

Slashdot » With Cyanogen Dead, Google's Control Over Android Is Tighter Than Ever

Tuesday 27 December 16:40:00 UTC 2016

Last week, Cyanogen Inc announced it is shutting down all its services. A day later, CyanogenMod announced that it is going away too. Regardless of how you found Cyanogen's commercial operating system or open source fork CyanogenMod, the demise has bigger implications. From a report on GreenBot: Cyanogen might never have seriously threatened to take control of Android, but the … [Link]

Popular Science » In memory of Vera Rubin, the woman the Nobel Prize forgot

Tuesday 27 December 16:35:09 UTC 2016

Space Rubin, who died Sunday, was never recognized for her work on dark matter Vera Rubin, whose work was instrumental in the discovery of dark matter, was a favorite to win the Nobel Prize in physics for years. But she never received her… [Link]

Mashable » How your uncle's conspiracy theories trigger your brain's anxiety areas

Tuesday 27 December 16:02:01 UTC 2016

Perhaps you've been here this holiday season: A family member shares a political belief that is entirely the opposite of your own, and suddenly your blood is boiling. You either bite your tongue, and quietly fill with rage, or fire back with an impassioned rebuttal.  Neuroscientists say they now can track how this common experience unfolds in the brain. When our … [Link]

Slashdot » Amazon Prime Video's Global Launch Looks Soft, But It's Just a First Step

Tuesday 27 December 16:00:00 UTC 2016

Earlier this month, Amazon announced that it is expanding its Prime Video on-demand video streaming service to over 200 countries and territories. But how good is the content catalogue? A report on Variety explores: In several countries looked at by Variety, the company hasn't even bothered to translate the PrimeVideo.com website's interface from English into the local language. And its … [Link]

Mashable » British people are losing their minds over 2016's final insult

Tuesday 27 December 15:59:10 UTC 2016

Brexit, Toblerone… now Roses. What fresh hell must the UK endure before 2016 is over? This time, people are losing their minds over changes to their beloved Cadbury Roses. SEE ALSO: Controversial tweet ranking chocolate has caused online chaos The confectionary giant actually changed the packaging style in April from a twist tie to a packet. But it wasn't until people … [Link]

Mashable » Google pushes down Holocaust-denying search results, but only to the bottom of the first page

Tuesday 27 December 15:48:26 UTC 2016

Google is punishing websites that peddle Holocaust denials — at least a little.  The search engine reportedly tweaked its algorithm so that the alt-right site Stormfront's post "Top 10 reasons why the Holocaust didn't happen" showed up at the bottom of the first page of search results for the query "Did the Holocaust happen?"  Stormfront's Holocaust-denying post was the first search … [Link]

Mashable » Dad pranks sassy kids by tossing an empty present into the fire

Tuesday 27 December 15:42:21 UTC 2016

Threatening kids with their Christmas gifts in an attempt to get them to behave is an age-old holiday tradition. Some threaten their young ones with coal, others rely on Elf on the Shelf, but YouTuber Scotty B took things to a whole new level. After getting a bit of lip from his kids who weren't listening, the father decided to … [Link]

Mashable » Kodaline frontman surprises dad with new car in heartwarming video

Tuesday 27 December 15:27:27 UTC 2016

This father may have had the best Christmas of us all. Kodaline frontman Steve Garrigan shared a touching video on Twitter in which he surprises his father Des with a brand-new BMW for Christmas. And dad's reaction is everything. SEE ALSO: OK, calling it: This little boy stars in 2016's most heartwarming Christmas video "Easily the best thing I've ever done," … [Link]

Slashdot » Turkey Says It's Investigating 10,000 Social Network Users

Tuesday 27 December 15:20:00 UTC 2016

Turkey has been cracking down on internet activity at a frenetic pace ever since an attempted military coup in the summer, and it's now clear that there are a lot of people caught in the dragnet. From a report: The country's interior ministry has revealed that officials are investigating about 10,000 social network users suspected of backing terrorism. About 3,710 … [Link]

Popular Science » Could you fertilize Martian crops with human poop?

Tuesday 27 December 15:04:35 UTC 2016

Space Short answer: Sure, if you're willing to wait If humans ever settle on Mars, getting reliable food will be one of the ­major challenges they face. [Link]

Mashable » 'Absolver' shakes up everything you know about fighting games

Tuesday 27 December 15:00:00 UTC 2016

There are two main things to know about Absolver: it's visually gorgeous, and its combat will ask more of you than most other games would dare. It’s not just a brutally specific set of controls like the Dark Souls series, or an impressive array of stance-specific combos like in Ubisoft’s upcoming For Honor (with which Absolver shares a small amount of … [Link]

Mashable » 11 technologies to watch in 2017

Tuesday 27 December 14:47:00 UTC 2016

Much like The Force, technology surrounds us, penetrates us and binds together our galaxy, which is why it’s so hard to identify which technologies might have the most significant impact in the coming year. SEE ALSO: What you should expect from the iPhone in 2017 What we can count on in 2017 is that a myriad of innovations will arrive. Some … [Link]

Mashable » Sneaky cat totally ruins little girl's Christmas surprise

Tuesday 27 December 14:46:41 UTC 2016

Christmas for a kid is pure magic. Watching their little faces brighten up as they open their gifts is something every parent yearns for during the holidays, so gifting a pet such as a kitten is guaranteed to deliver an emotional reaction. So when Heather Brooker decided to give her 3-year-old daughter a kitten for christmas, she wanted to film … [Link]

Slashdot » Humans Marrying Robots? Experts Say It's Really Coming

Tuesday 27 December 14:40:00 UTC 2016

If you were rooting for fictitious chatacters Dolores and William to make it work on HBO's Westworld, just wait a few more decades and their relationship may be able to exist in real life. That's right, a few experts say marriage will be legal between humans and robots by 2050. From a report on Fortune: At a conference last week … [Link]

Mashable » Luxury phone from China has crazy specs and a 7,000mAh battery

Tuesday 27 December 14:33:13 UTC 2016

One way to solve the battery life issues plaguing smartphone users ( (so, basically, everyone) these days is to go bigger. China's Gionee has done exactly that: its new luxury phone boasts a pretty outlandish 7,000mAh battery paired with some really good specs.  The Gionee M2017 is a 5.7-inch smartphone in a metal and leather case that, while fatter than your … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » ProgrammableWeb's Most Interesting APIs in 2016: Big Data and Data Analytics

Tuesday 27 December 14:30:01 UTC 2016

This list of interesting APIs from 2016 encapsulates two of the hottest categories on ProgrammableWeb: Data and Analytics. Also featured are a few popular APIs from the Data Visualization, Big Data, and Database categories. [Link]

Mashable » Here’s what it’s reaaaally like to own Hatchimals

Tuesday 27 December 14:04:58 UTC 2016

The hottest toy of the holidays isn't as great as you think. This year, Hatchimals — hatch-able electronic eggs that hold furry little interactive creatures — were at the top of so many holiday wish lists that they became impossible to find in stores. Many parents tried and failed, but when it came time to hatch the re-vamped Furbys, some who … [Link]

Slashdot » Cheetahs Heading Towards Extinction as Population Crashes

Tuesday 27 December 14:00:00 UTC 2016

The sleek, speedy cheetah is rapidly heading towards extinction according to a new study into declining numbers. From a report on BBC: The report estimates that there are just 7,100 of the world's fastest mammals now left in the wild. Cheetahs are in trouble because they range far beyond protected areas and are coming increasingly into conflict with humans. The … [Link]

Popular Science » Why does red wine make me feel sick?

Tuesday 27 December 14:00:00 UTC 2016

Health The answer depends on your symptoms Drinking too much alcohol can give anyone a terrible hangover. But for some people, even one glass of red wine can make them incredibly sick, with symptoms ranging from… [Link]

Mashable » This innovative ironing board will make ironing a breeze

Tuesday 27 December 14:00:00 UTC 2016

No matter which way you spin it, ironing is such a pain. But this product, which has been a BIG hit on Kickstarter, might have you enjoying the chore…maybe.  Read more…More about Mashable Video, Iron Board, Real Time Video, Real Time, and Us World [Link]

Mashable » This musical remix of the UK news in 2016 is hilariously brutal

Tuesday 27 December 13:49:15 UTC 2016

LONDON — Cassetteboy, the viral king of UK political remixes, has done it again. SEE ALSO: Hilarious remix trolls the UK government's 'snooping' bill His latest video — published this morning on the Guardian — takes aim at former Prime Minister David Cameron, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and current Prime Minister Theresa May — all to the gloriously familiar beat of … [Link]

Mashable » From the sun to planet nine: A stunning tour of our solar system

Tuesday 27 December 13:40:40 UTC 2016

Our solar system is a fascinating place.For decades, ambitious engineers and scientists around the world have been sending brave humans and robotic emissaries deep into our solar system to see what they could find.They've learned a lot, with 2016 marking major milestones in space exploration.The Cassini spacecraft has revealed previously unknown truths about Saturn and its moons and, now, NASA's Juno spacecraft … [Link]

Mashable » India's public bank blocks largest mobile wallet, promotes its own

Tuesday 27 December 13:18:49 UTC 2016

What happens when the country's biggest bank, state-owned, and its largest mobile wallet firm, privately-owned and backed by Chinese investors, cannot co-exist? India knows the answer. SEE ALSO: Indians sign up for mobile wallets after most cash rendered useless Over the last one week, customers using the State Bank of India's (SBI) internet banking system have been disallowed from transferring money … [Link]

Mashable » Google's free Wi-Fi to reach 200 railway stations in India in 2017

Tuesday 27 December 13:13:26 UTC 2016

Google is gearing up to bring millions of more Indians online next year.  SEE ALSO: Inside Google's plan to conquer India's internet users Google and state-run internet service provider RailTel will push their free Wi-Fi internet to another 100 railway stations in India next year, said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.  Google and RailTel partnered earlier this year and announced plans to … [Link]

Mashable » How to spend less time on the internet in 2017

Tuesday 27 December 13:00:00 UTC 2016

If your New Year's resolution is to spend less time online, congratulations: you're about to embark on an extremely daunting journey. Frankly, cutting out the internet completely is unrealistic and maybe unwise. It's how we communicate with others, how we get our hopefully real news, how we keep up with film and music. (Yes, streaming services like Netflix and Spotify still … [Link]

Slashdot » Unannounced ASUS C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook Hits Newegg, and It Looks Great

Tuesday 27 December 13:00:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader shares a BetaNews article: If you have been looking for a new Chromebook with some modern specifications and features, I have some good news. An all-new convertible touchscreen ASUS Chromebook has hit Newegg. Apparently, the company has not yet announced the laptop, making it quite the surprise. Called "C302CA-DHM4," it has solid specifications, looks great, and best … [Link]

Mashable » People are loving this brother's touching RuPaul-themed Christmas gift

Tuesday 27 December 12:50:43 UTC 2016

LONDON — When you get a present from someone, you can normally tell how much effort has gone into it. The ones that you remember the most — the ones that really mean something — aren't always the biggest or most expensive gifts, either; they're often the ones that are the most personal to you. SEE ALSO: Total stranger pays for … [Link]

Mashable » Mom has heartwarming reaction to surprise Christmas holiday gift

Tuesday 27 December 12:44:36 UTC 2016

If the mark of a good Christmas present is seeing how someone reacts when they open it, then the people who clubbed together to get the woman in the clip above a surprise holiday to Scotland have done a pretty damn good job. "My mom's been wanting to go to the UK for 10+ years, and as a 60-year-old woman … [Link]

Popular Science » These will be the best places to live in America in 2100 A.D.

Tuesday 27 December 12:30:46 UTC 2016

Science The climate is changing, but it's not too late to secure yourself some prime future-proof real estate Season after season, extreme weather bombards the continental United States. Over the next 83 years, its cascading effects will force U.S. residents inward, upward, and… [Link]

Mashable » Frank Sinatra's open letter to George Michael is a good pep talk for us all

Tuesday 27 December 11:45:10 UTC 2016

“Loosen up. Swing, man." Frank Sinatra had some very Frank Sinatra-like advice for a young George Michael, who had complained about fame in a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times' Calendar magazine. SEE ALSO: Details emerge of George Michael's many quiet acts of kindness After George Michael's death, reported on Christmas day, people are sharing this open letter from Ol' … [Link]

New Scientist – News » End of species extinctions is in sight as we bring animals back

Tuesday 27 December 11:43:05 UTC 2016

Novel cell technologies could bring endangered animals back from the brink – and maybe even revive long gone species like the passenger pigeon [Link]

O'Reilly News and Commentary » #Ebook Deal/Day: Zero Trust Networks – $25.49 (Save 50%) Use code DEAL

Tuesday 27 December 11:27:24 UTC 2016

Get "Zero Trust Networks" today using code DEAL and save 50%!This sale ends at 2:00 AM 2016-12-28 (PDT, GMT-8:00). [Link]

Slashdot » Sony Music Apologises To Britney Spears, Fans After Fake RIP Tweet Sent

Tuesday 27 December 11:00:00 UTC 2016

Sony Music Entertainment has apologised to Britney Spears fans after its Twitter account was hacked and fake statements saying that the pop music icon had died were posted online. From a report: Sony Music, a unit of Sony Corp, said in a short statement that its social media account was "compromised" but that the situation "has been rectified." The company … [Link]

Mashable » Richard Hammond says ice cream isn't 'straight.' Really?

Tuesday 27 December 10:56:26 UTC 2016

LONDON — Richard Hammond has come under fire for saying that he doesn't eat ice cream because he's straight. SEE ALSO: 'The Grand Tour' has just become the most illegally downloaded show ever During Episode 6 of The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson said that wouldn't be able to "enjoy a chocolate Magnum ice cream" inside a Rolls Royce. Richard Hammond responded … [Link]

Mashable » Pet Widget is the upgraded dog tag your best friend deserves

Tuesday 27 December 10:52:11 UTC 2016

Pet owners who've had to go through the trauma of having a dog run away will understand: its microchip alone may not be enough to help you trace your dog. The Pet Widget is a $29 collar tag that's just hit the market, supported by a social network for pets and their humans. Its creator, Ivan Loh, told Mashable that many … [Link]

Mashable » India's ruling party got volunteers to troll its critics, claims new book

Tuesday 27 December 9:59:00 UTC 2016

There is no escaping trolling if you are on social media. More so, if you happen to be a popular figure.   The country with the second-largest internet population in the world saw its ruling party sponsor online trolls to chase down its opponents, including politicians, journalists and celebrities, claims a new book.  SEE ALSO: India goes berserk as Bollywood couple … [Link]

Mashable » Woman wakes up to find $15 million in her bank account, informs Prime Minister's office

Tuesday 27 December 9:48:03 UTC 2016

Imagine waking up one day to find that millions of dollars have been credited to your account. An Indian woman has been living that life for two days, and things continue to get stranger for her. SEE ALSO: This online retailer is now selling cash! Uttar Pradesh-based Sheetal Yadav says she was taken by surprise when she walked to an ATM … [Link]

Mashable » Taiwan is one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage

Tuesday 27 December 9:31:14 UTC 2016

Taiwan is now a step closer to marriage equality, and will become the first Asian government to make same-sex marriage legal, if it eventually passes a new amendment to civil law. On Monday, parliament passed the first draft of a marriage bill, which adds a line to recognise "both parties of a same-sex marriage," in addition to marriage between "man and … [Link]

Mashable » 5 times India topped the world in 2016

Tuesday 27 December 8:11:57 UTC 2016

If India had to summarize the outgoing year in a single phrase, it would be this: a mixed bag. What else explains the distinction of being the country with the most selfie deaths in the world and also the one with the world's largest solar power plant?  SEE ALSO: 8 crazy things Indians did in 2016 to get into Guinness World … [Link]

Mashable » LG has a levitating speaker because it's about time for gadgets to start flying

Tuesday 27 December 7:57:30 UTC 2016

We’re living in the future. Although they're not yet available to everyone, we do have jetpacks, self-driving cars and spaceships. So it's our right to demand gadgets that are levitating in the air for no apparent reason, right? LG just announced one such gadget, the imaginatively named Levitating Portable Speaker (or PJ9). SEE ALSO: The crazy reason nearly every phone in … [Link]

Mashable » Google CEO Sundar Pichai to kickstart New Year with an event in India

Tuesday 27 December 7:33:48 UTC 2016

Google’s Sundar Pichai will kick off the new year with some major announcements for small businesses in India. SEE ALSO: The surprising rise of Google's new CEO The company will hold a media event in New Delhi on Jan where Pichai will be present, Google said in a media invite. The event will also be attended by India's IT Minister, Ravi … [Link]

Slashdot » Top Spotify Lawyer: Attracting Pirates is in Our DNA

Tuesday 27 December 7:00:00 UTC 2016

Spotify is not only one of the world's most popular music services, it's also one that's proven particularly popular with both current and former pirates. From a report on TorrentFreak: Today Spotify is indeed huge. The service has an estimated 100 million users, many of them taking advantage of its ad-supported free tier. This is the gateway for many subscribers, … [Link]

Mashable » Jet Airways flight spins 360-degrees in Goa, 2 planes in near-miss incident in Delhi

Tuesday 27 December 6:26:24 UTC 2016

It’s not shaping up to be a good day for air travel in India.  SEE ALSO: Pilot congratulates passengers for finishing all the booze aboard a plane A Jet Airways flight in Goa earlier today skidded and took a 360-degree spin on the runway after aborting takeoff. In a separate incident, two flights came dangerously close at the Delhi IGI airport. … [Link]

Mashable » Having your 15th birthday party invitation go viral looks kinda intense

Tuesday 27 December 5:30:59 UTC 2016

What do you do when your birthday becomes a meme? Put on a stunning dress and just make it work. Rubi Ibarra Garcia's quinceañera celebrations in central Mexico on Monday were attended by "thousands" after a video invitation to the festivities went viral.  SEE ALSO: The 'Om Telolet Om' meme has a bizarre origin In the notorious clip, her father, Crescencio … [Link]

Slashdot » The Farmer Who Built Her Own Broadband

Tuesday 27 December 4:00:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes from a BBC article: "I'm just a farmer's wife," says Christine Conder, modestly. But for 2,300 members of the rural communities of Lancashire she is also a revolutionary internet pioneer. Her DIY solution to a neighbour's internet connectivity problems in 2009 has evolved into B4RN, an internet service provider offering fast one gigabit per second broadband … [Link]

Mashable » P.S.A. for everyone who got a drone this Christmas: Don't break the law

Tuesday 27 December 2:48:44 UTC 2016

Whether a beginner, a serious aviation enthusiast, or just a fan of gadgets, many of you will have received drones as Christmas gifts. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have surged in popularity and affordability in recent years, and there's no doubt that recreational drone use is on the rise as a result. But not all recreational drone users know the law — … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple Publishes Its First AI Research Paper

Tuesday 27 December 2:00:00 UTC 2016

When Apple said it would publish its artificial intelligence research, it raised at least a couple of big questions. When would we see the first paper? And would the public data be important, or would the company keep potential trade secrets close to the vest? At last, we have answers. Apple researchers have published their first AI paper, and the … [Link]

Mashable » Torrential rain turns Australia's desert heart into a series of waterfalls

Tuesday 27 December 1:59:31 UTC 2016

Located in the desert centre of Australia, Uluru is known for its size and striking red colour as well as its sacred significance for Anangu, its traditional Aboriginal Australian owners, but rarely for rain.  Taller than the Eiffel Tower, its banks became temporary waterfalls at Christmas after downpours swept the area. The Bureau of Meteorology called the conditions a one-in-fifty-year event. … [Link]

Mashable » Taylor Swift gave one of her oldest fans the best Christmas surprise ever

Tuesday 27 December 1:50:45 UTC 2016

Taylor Swift casually dropped in to one of her fans homes this Christmas — which actually isn't that unusual for the pop star. But this fan is a little different than your average Swiftie.  Cyrus Porter is 96 years old and was just profiled by his local TV news station in New Madrid, Missouri, for his Taylor Swift fandom — that's … [Link]

Mashable » OK, calling it: This little boy stars in 2016's most heartwarming Christmas video

Tuesday 27 December 0:24:51 UTC 2016

Christmas is the time of year miracles happen, and because it's 2016, sometimes those miracles get caught on camera. Janelle Rice shared a touching video Sunday on Facebook of her 11-year-old biological son, Landon, opening the present he's always dreamed of: his adoption certificate. SEE ALSO: Boyfriend has tear-jerkingly beautiful reaction to girlfriend's thoughtful gift "[Landon] really wanted to be adopted … [Link]

Archive

23 Apr 2024  22 Apr 2024  21 Apr 2024  20 Apr 2024  19 Apr 2024  18 Apr 2024  17 Apr 2024  16 Apr 2024  15 Apr 2024  14 Apr 2024  13 Apr 2024  12 Apr 2024  11 Apr 2024  10 Apr 2024  09 Apr 2024  08 Apr 2024  07 Apr 2024  06 Apr 2024  05 Apr 2024  04 Apr 2024  03 Apr 2024  02 Apr 2024  01 Apr 2024  31 Mar 2024  30 Mar 2024  29 Mar 2024  28 Mar 2024  27 Mar 2024  26 Mar 2024  25 Mar 2024  24 Mar 2024  23 Mar 2024