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 » College memories flood Twitter after red Solo cup inventor dies

Thursday 29 December 23:53:54 UTC 2016

College students everywhere are saying cheers to a man they probably didn't know. But they certainly knew his famous invention, usually found by the beer keg or on the beer pong table. The man who invented the red Solo cup, Robert Hulseman, died on Dec. 21, and in recent days tributes have been flooding in on social media. He was 84. … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook Developing Copyright ID System To Stem Music Rights Infringement

Thursday 29 December 23:30:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Billboard: As Facebook continues to grapple with its role in proliferating "fake news" amidst the heated U.S. election this year, it has another showdown looming on the horizon — this one with the music industry. In the wake of NMPA president/CEO David Israelite's op-ed in Billboard in October, in which he called out … [Link]

Mashable » This is what astronauts see when they look out their window

Thursday 29 December 23:03:46 UTC 2016

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better view of Earth than the one offered to astronauts living and working on the International Space Station. While few people are afforded the opportunity to actually fly to the orbiting outpost, the ones who do often share their photos and videos of Earth from above on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  SEE ALSO: NASA … [Link]

Slashdot » Republicans Propose Bill To Impose Fines For Live-Streaming From House Floor

Thursday 29 December 22:50:00 UTC 2016

Likely in response to the 25-hour sit-in staged by Democrats earlier in 2016, protesting the lack of gun reform, House Speaker Paul Ryan has proposed new fines and ethics violations for House members that take photo and video from the floor of the chamber. Digital Trends reports: According to Bloomberg, the first violation will net violators a $500 fine, which … [Link]

Popular Science » Amazon patents warehouse blimps with packages delivered by drone

Thursday 29 December 22:46:40 UTC 2016

Aviation Airships? More like airshops Amazon patented airship warehouses for drone delivery. [Link]

Mashable » The most majestic mullet in sports deserves, nay, commands your respect

Thursday 29 December 22:37:42 UTC 2016

When Oklahoma State faces Colorado in the Alamo Bowl on Thursday night, the game's real star won't play for the Cowboys or the Buffaloes. No, the game's real star will be that, well, that thing that sits atop OSU coach Mike Gundy's head and spills down the back of his neck, untamed like a wild bronco galloping across the vast open … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » NCI Clinical Trials API Connects Doctors and Patients to Cancer Clinical Trials

Thursday 29 December 22:35:36 UTC 2016

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has developed an API to rethink how patients and oncologists uncover available cancer clinical trials. The NCI Clinical Trials API allows advocacy groups, academia, hospitals and other communities to build apps, integrations, platforms, and search tools that increase the ability to distribute clinical trial information to more providers and patients. [Link]

Popular Science » Why your brain makes New Year's resolutions impossible to keep

Thursday 29 December 22:23:36 UTC 2016

Science And what you can do about it On the first of every year millions of Americans make a New Year’s resolution that they won’t keep. Still, despite the ritual’s repeated failings, we keep making them. [Link]

Mashable » Fan brilliantly trolls Kiss Cam by smooching his beer, not his girl

Thursday 29 December 22:20:09 UTC 2016

We’ve seen some pretty great Kiss Cam moments this year, from this gay couple's adorable smooch to this girl essentially making out with a slice of pizza. A hockey fan just added his name to that list. SEE ALSO: An NBA player autographed a fan's weed grinder Attending the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Toronto, this man kisses his beer … [Link]

Mashable » For the first time ever, a non-GameCube controller is allowed in pro 'Melee'

Thursday 29 December 22:13:17 UTC 2016

Watch out, GameCube controller, the Smash Box is coming to a major Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament in January. Super Smash Bros. Melee came out for the GameCube in 2001. Since then, its competitive scene has burgeoned from basements to event halls to arenas, and every single Melee pro that has competed in any major Melee event over the past 15 … [Link]

Slashdot » Snowden Doc Shows NSA Blamed Russia For Hack of Murdered Journalist

Thursday 29 December 22:10:00 UTC 2016

The National Security Agency (NSA) knew that the Russian government hacked the email account of a prominent journalist the year before she was killed in Moscow, documents published by The Intercept show. The 2006 murder of longtime Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskaya — who was gunned down in the elevator of her apartment complex — is widely believed to have been … [Link]

Mashable » 7 things you didn't notice in 'Goodfellas,' including Martin Scorsese's parents

Thursday 29 December 22:00:00 UTC 2016

If you've seen Goodfellas, you know enough not to tell Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) that he's funny. You also know the movie is an icon of American film. But did you know these seven behind-the-scenes facts about this mob classic? Read more…More about Mashable Video, Goodfellas, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Things You Didn T Know [Link]

Mashable » Fnatic founder Sam Mathews on the future of esports' most ambitious brand

Thursday 29 December 21:59:51 UTC 2016

Fnatic has risen to become one of the largest and most successful esports teams of all time, with multiple championships almost 3 million social media followers.  Since Sam Mathews founded Fnatic in 2004, its players have competed in over 600 tournaments globally across Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter Strike, and Overwatch for a collective $7,000,000. Between sponsors and partnerships, Fnatic … [Link]

Mashable » It's just plain fun to watch this model's pants repeatedly fall down during a photoshoot

Thursday 29 December 21:59:33 UTC 2016

Every job comes with its own unique challenges. Extremely good looking models, for example, have to deal with high-fashion pants that are always comically falling down during photoshoots. Or at least that's what we assume happens. SEE ALSO: What models of diverse identities really think of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show A Japanese model's video of a photoshoot gone awry helps … [Link]

Mashable » Here are 8 of the best theater shows of 2016

Thursday 29 December 21:54:26 UTC 2016

In lots of different ways, 2016 was … far from ideal.  Which made various theatrical productions — both serious and not so serious — a welcome escape for many fans, whether that come in the form of taking in a show or listening to a cast album on repeat or marathoning YouTube clips in between rage-reading politics articles. In no particular … [Link]

Mashable » This is what it sounded like the moment Derek Carr broke his leg

Thursday 29 December 21:49:07 UTC 2016

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr left Sunday's game with a broken leg, a headline sad enough for Raiders fans as is, considering Carr's MVP-caliber performance during Oakland's best season in 14 years. It's also a story that becomes even more heartbreaking when you see Carr's reaction the moment it happens. Footage surfaced on Thursday of Carr being mic'd up for all … [Link]

Slashdot » Amazon Patents Floating Airship Warehouse For Its Delivery Drones

Thursday 29 December 21:30:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: We've known about Amazon's drone delivery ambitions since 2013. But patent filings from Amazon, circulated today by CB Insights' Zoe Leavitt, reveal more details about how the e-commerce titan could make drone deliveries work at scale, namely through "airborne fulfillment centers." Yes, that's a warehouse in a zeppelin. The airborne fulfillment centers, … [Link]

Mashable » Russian Embassy just responded to U.S. sanctions with a meme. Really.

Thursday 29 December 21:25:51 UTC 2016

After President Barack Obama announced sanctions against Russia Thursday in retaliation for tampering with the U.S. presidential election, the Russian Embassy in London shot back. SEE ALSO: President Obama sanctions Russia for hacking In a tweet Thursday afternoon, the embassy's UK Twitter account (which is verified as the official account) posted a photo of a duckling with the word "Lame" over … [Link]

Mashable » Congratulations, internet: The Mannequin Challenge finally made it to space

Thursday 29 December 21:25:49 UTC 2016

These astronauts took the mannequin challenge to new heights. Literally.  Thomas Pesquet, a European Space Agency astronaut currently onboard the International Space Station for a six-month mission, tweeted a video of himself and the station's other five crewmembers doing the viral challenge in space. SEE ALSO: This rocket company clearly wants to be as cool as SpaceX Watch their other-worldly take … [Link]

Mashable » Produce worker admiring his work gets the Photoshop battle he deserves

Thursday 29 December 21:10:15 UTC 2016

Finishing a task can give you a great sense of accomplishment, especially if your job requires you to neatly line up objects, like a stocker for a grocery store.  Taking pride in your work, even something as small as organizing vegetables, is important. But that doesn't keep you safe from getting Photoshopped. Image: rynansmith/redditThis grocery store employee admiring the produce section … [Link]

Slashdot » Jack Dorsey Says Twitter Needs An Edit Function

Thursday 29 December 20:50:00 UTC 2016

Twitter is considering an edit function for tweets. In a seemingly impromptu chat on his platform Thursday, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey gave hope to those who have long advocated for the feature, telling one user that "a form of edit is def needed" and another that an edit function is something the company is "thinking a lot about." From a … [Link]

Mashable » Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey asks Twitter for help with his two jobs

Thursday 29 December 20:45:37 UTC 2016

Jack Dorsey is one of the guys who founded Twitter. He's also the guy who cofounded payment company Square. The 40-year-old entrepreneur is heralded as the product visionary for the two Silicon Valley startups, and he currently presides as CEO of both.  SEE ALSO: Trump didn't invite Twitter's CEO to Trump Tower tech summit Clearly, Dorsey has a lot to juggle. … [Link]

Mashable » He had a pro-Hillary meltdown on live TV. Then the conspiracy theories started.

Thursday 29 December 20:42:08 UTC 2016

John Grkovic is a passionate guy. We saw that in a CNN man-on-the-street interview the day after the election during a protest in Chicago. His fervor shone through the dark Chicago streets, as did his ardent Hillary Clinton support and frustration with the electoral college system in a two-minute clip that aired live. Soon after his appearance on CNN, his TV … [Link]

Mashable » President Obama sanctions Russia for hacking

Thursday 29 December 20:41:29 UTC 2016

UPDATE (3:55 p.m. ET): Story updated to include statements from Rep. Paul Ryan and spokesman for Vladimir Putin. President Obama has issued an executive order that levies a multitude of sanctions against Russia in retaliation for what the president calls, "the Russian government's aggressive harassment of U.S. officials and cyber operations aimed at the U.S. election." SEE ALSO: Obama orders review … [Link]

Mashable » Ryan Gosling to play Neil Armstrong in 'La La Land' director's moon landing biopic

Thursday 29 December 20:41:27 UTC 2016

Brace for a La La landing. Ryan Gosling is set to play astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, in director Damien Chazelle's followup to La La Land, Mashable has confirmed. SEE ALSO: The 8 most Bollywood things about 'La La Land' Titled First Man, the biopic will adapt author James Hansen's biography "First Man: The Life … [Link]

Mashable » Book service helps black children find empowering stories they can relate to

Thursday 29 December 20:36:23 UTC 2016

When her son was 6 months old, Tamara McNeil started looking for children's books that would feed his growing curiosity. While shopping at big retailers, however, she couldn't find books that prominently featured black characters.  "There weren't a lot of books that were reflective of him," McNeil tells Mashable in a phone interview, as her now 19-month-old son babbles in the … [Link]

Mashable » It's official: Russia tampered with the 2016 election via hackers

Thursday 29 December 20:27:25 UTC 2016

The United States formally accused Russia of tampering with the 2016 election. According to a joint report by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued Thursday, Russian intelligence operatives gained access to "a U.S. political party"—presumably the Democratic National Committee—in two separate instances, and were able to steal files from the organization and people involved with it. The report's release … [Link]

Mashable » Serena Williams engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian

Thursday 29 December 20:24:27 UTC 2016

Tennis superstar Serena Williams is engaged to Reddit co-founder and author Alexis Ohanian. Yes, they made the happy announcement in their own dedicated Subreddit: r/ISaidYes.  Image: redditSEE ALSO: Serena Williams pens letter on sexism and perseverance According to the poem Williams kicked off a thread with, Ohanian popped the question on a surprise trip to Rome where they initially met.  Ohanian … [Link]

Mashable » A comet will fly past Earth on New Year's Eve. No, it's not a sign of the apocalypse.

Thursday 29 December 20:16:17 UTC 2016

If you're looking for an extra dose of fireworks this New Year's Even, look to the skies for the chance to see a comet that only comes around every five years. The comet — named Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáko~ — is set to appear somewhere near the crescent moon on Dec. 31. It won't be visible to the naked eye, however.  SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Slashdot » OpenELEC 7.0 Linux Distribution Now Available For PC and Raspberry Pi

Thursday 29 December 20:10:00 UTC 2016

Readers BrianFagioli writes: Some operating systems are targeted at a single use to minimize the overhead and maximize the power of the hardware. One such focused OS is OpenELEC. This Linux distribution is designed to serve as a media center — nothing more, nothing less. Today, the popular distro reaches stable version 7.0. There are images for both x86 and … [Link]

Popular Science » How the heck do you even add a leap second to the year?

Thursday 29 December 20:05:43 UTC 2016

Science The intricate system working to make your New Year’s Eve a little longer Never has one second required so much effort (except the last time this happened)… [Link]

Mashable » The crucial role of women in the United States Air Force

Thursday 29 December 20:04:57 UTC 2016

Paid Content by USAF Women in the United States Air Force have their sights set far higher than the glass ceiling – they’re aiming to tackle the heavens themselves.USAF, one of the most technologically advanced air forces in the skies today, has welcomed women into its ranks since the early days of the organization. In fact, women have held positions of … [Link]

Mashable » People are accusing Kylie Jenner of Photoshopping her butt to sell jeans

Thursday 29 December 20:04:35 UTC 2016

If the peach emoji isn't sacred, what is? Kylie Jenner is the latest Kardashian sister kaught in a Photoshop kontroversy after she Instagrammed a sponsored post for jeans with what appears to be a digitally enhanced backside.  Obsessed with my new @fashionnova jeans 🍑Get them at FashionNova.com 😍 #ad A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Dec 27, 2016 at 6:57am … [Link]

Mashable » The surprising 'Home Alone' and 'Friends' connection you never noticed

Thursday 29 December 20:01:42 UTC 2016

Could your mind BE anymore blown?  After a thorough investigation, production company 22 Vision has discovered that the house Monica and Chandler Bing move into in the final season of Friends is, in fact, the same house the McAllisters lived in in the 1990s holiday classic Home Alone. SEE ALSO: You won't guess what produce was used to create the snow … [Link]

Slashdot » US Announces Response To Russian Election Hacking [Update]

Thursday 29 December 19:40:00 UTC 2016

Dustin Volz and Joel Schectman, reporting for Reuters: The Obama administration plans to announce on Thursday a series of retaliatory measures against Russia for hacking into U.S. political institutions and individuals and leaking information in an effort to help President-elect Donald Trump and other Republican candidates, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday. Both officials declined to specify what actions President … [Link]

Mashable » Alt-right troll Milo Yiannopoulos got a big book deal and Twitter is furious

Thursday 29 December 19:22:28 UTC 2016

Breitbart editor and notorious troll Milo Yiannopoulos has secured a $250,000 book deal, infuriating his critics, who were pleased to see him banned from Twitter earlier in 2016. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Yiannopoulos landed a $250,000 advance for the book, titled Dangerous, which is expected in March 2017 via Simon & Schuster imprint Threshold Editions.  "The threats to free speech … [Link]

Mashable » Carrie Fisher's dog Gary is at his new home, but he's not tweeting

Thursday 29 December 19:20:36 UTC 2016

Though it was always pretty safe to assume that Twitter user @Gary_TheDog isn't really Carrie Fisher's beloved Frenchie pawing away at a keyboard, now we know for certain. We also know that "Carrie Fisher's Dog" is just a fan account — not connected to the family — because whoever's been running it cleared things up once and for all. SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Slashdot » Google Mobile Search Shows Recipe Suggestions When You Look For Food

Thursday 29 December 19:20:00 UTC 2016

In the past few years, Google has used its so-called "knowledge graph" to make search results far more useful than just a list of links — you can get lots of info on a variety of topics right in Google without having to click on any search results. The latest addition to Google search is something foodies should take note … [Link]

Mashable » Relive 1997 with 20 songs turning 20 in 2017

Thursday 29 December 19:00:00 UTC 2016

You may not totally remember it, but 1997 was a pretty great year in music. From The Notorious B.I.G. to Céline Dion, the '97 Billboard charts were stacked with bangers and ballads set to stand the test of time. SEE ALSO: Here are the top 11 songs of 2016 Allow us to take you on a journey back to when Hanson … [Link]

Mashable » Why 2016 was a huge year for women's health tech

Thursday 29 December 18:41:41 UTC 2016

Last month, Ida Tin raised $20 million for her period-tracking app.  A few weeks earlier, the telemedicine startup Nurx brought in $5.3 million for prescribing birth control through an app, and the company Ava rounded up $9.7 million for a wearable fertility tracker. Add to that some notable raises from earlier this year — $200 million in private equity funding for … [Link]

Slashdot » Nintendo's Super Mario Run For Android is Coming Soon

Thursday 29 December 18:40:00 UTC 2016

Following its huge launch on iOS this month, Nintendo's Mario auto-runner, Super Mario Run, comes to Android in 2017. We still don't have a specific release date, but Nintendo has now announced that Android users can now pre-register to learn precisely when the game will be available. From a report: Super Mario Run is up for pre-registration on the Google … [Link]

Mashable » This unique reflective spray could save your life

Thursday 29 December 18:39:55 UTC 2016

Volvo’s 'LifePaint' is part of their pledge to prevent all cyclists from being injured in auto collisions by 2020.  It's a water-based reflective spray that is invisible by day and lights up at night in the direct glare of headlights. It's now available for purchase online for $13.99. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Reflective Spray, Bicycle, Volvo, and Safety [Link]

Mashable » Mom's innocent gift looks very NSFW

Thursday 29 December 18:26:59 UTC 2016

There’s always a ton of pressure to get your friends and family the perfect gift during the holidays. You want to get them something special, something memorable or something useful for their everyday lives.  Kerri Roberts attempted to buy her 18-year-old daughter Shelby Donovan a useful gift, but instead she ended up scarring her for life and launching her into viral … [Link]

Mashable » 2016: The year Facebook became the bad guy

Thursday 29 December 18:24:16 UTC 2016

Facebook numbs us.  It's supposed to: As an app and social network, it offers an unending feed of comforting memories, photos from friends and updates from trusted brands. ("Not enjoying pooping at work?" Let Charmin help.) SEE ALSO: Facebook's ideals: As fake as its fakest news But we felt a little sting in 2016, when Facebook, despite its best efforts, became … [Link]

Slashdot » US To Announce Response To Russian Election Hacking Today – Reuters

Thursday 29 December 18:00:00 UTC 2016

Dustin Volz and Joel Schectman, reporting for Reuters: The Obama administration plans to announce on Thursday a series of retaliatory measures against Russia for hacking into U.S. political institutions and individuals and leaking information in an effort to help President-elect Donald Trump and other Republican candidates, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday. Both officials declined to specify what actions President … [Link]

Mashable » This app wants to help you invest in companies that align with your morals

Thursday 29 December 17:52:10 UTC 2016

Keeping track of which companies are under investigation, which invest in fossil fuels and which dodged taxes can be tough for a new investor.  Shape, a new iOS app founded in the United Kingdom, wants to help new people navigate the complex ethical terrain of investing.  Founded by an investment banker and a computer science alum, the app allows potential investors … [Link]

Mashable » Ford's new self-driving Fusion looks like a actual car

Thursday 29 December 17:44:31 UTC 2016

If you pull up alongside a self-driving car today, you'll probably know it immediately — bulky external sensors make most of the current models logging test miles for Waymo, Chevy and others stick out on the streets like a sore thumb. There are a few less goofy-looking models on the road with autopilot features, like the Audi R7, but they're not … [Link]

Mashable » Student handwrites entire 'Bee Movie' script for his girlfriend in most romantic gesture of the season

Thursday 29 December 17:43:33 UTC 2016

If holiday movies are to be believed, this season is all about making huge romantic statements to let someone know how you feel about them. In 2016, that means handwriting the full Bee Movie screenplay into a Christmas card. SEE ALSO: This is crazy but our snowman came to life and it has a great plan to unify the Democratic Party … [Link]

Popular Science » Here's how 'staying the night' has evolved through human history

Thursday 29 December 17:42:01 UTC 2016

Technology All the ways we've changed where we sleep Where we stay has ­drastically changed over time. Now uncovering a place to crash can ­happen in a matter of moments. [Link]

Mashable » The book 'Why Trump Deserves Trust, Respect and Admiration' isn't what you think

Thursday 29 December 17:30:09 UTC 2016

Post-election, Donald Trump supporters are asking Hillary Clinton backers to give the president-elect their support and respect — without exactly explaining why he deserves it. A new book titled Why Trump Deserves Trust, Respect and Admiration, written by "political analyst" David King, hopes to fill in that gap. The book bravely attempts to give readers a list of reasons why they … [Link]

Slashdot » Music Streaming Hailed as Industry's Saviour as Labels Enjoy Profit Surge

Thursday 29 December 17:20:00 UTC 2016

Not long ago, the music industry was losing money left and right. Recession, rampant piracy, falling CD sales and a fear that "kids just don't buy music any more" had giant record labels, once oozing wealth, counting the pennies. But that all changed this year, and the industry's saviour is not what many predicted. From a report on The Guardian: … [Link]

Mashable » This pilot wants to wish you a Happy New Year

Thursday 29 December 17:05:58 UTC 2016

Well here's a creative New Year's message.  A pilot used his private aircraft — a Evektor EV-97 EuroStar — and approximately 20 minutes of his time, to trace a "Happy NY" message from the skies over Milton Keynes in the UK. Flightradar24 — a service that allows users to track flight patterns all around the world — tweeted  the greeting.  This … [Link]

Mashable » The time I stole my GF's identity

Thursday 29 December 17:00:00 UTC 2016

We’ve all done something we regret. Something deep in our past. Do you want to confess? Read more…More about Mashable Video, Aol, Aim, Girlfriend, and Gf [Link]

Mashable » The 10 best movies to see in 2017

Thursday 29 December 16:59:43 UTC 2016

We can't wait to see these amazing flicks coming to the big screen next year. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Snatched, The Circle, The Lego Batman Movie, and Wonder Woman [Link]

Mashable » 7 things to expect in esports in 2017

Thursday 29 December 16:54:07 UTC 2016

Esports had a big year in 2016, and it's aiming to have an even bigger year in 2017. After examining how different esports progressed over the past year and looking at some of the recent rumblings and happenings in competitive gaming, Mashable compiled a list of things to expect in the world of esports in 2017. We aren't predicting who's going … [Link]

Slashdot » Android Users Are So Committed that Exploding Note 7 Did Little To Help Apple: NPD

Thursday 29 December 16:40:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes: Like loyalty to a political party or hometown sports team, smartphone users are extremely passionate about their choices — a commitment that led many customers to stick with Samsung, despite the disaster of its downright dangerous Galaxy Note 7. Earlier this week, mobile analytics firm Flurry published data from the holiday season, showing that Apple saw … [Link]

Mashable » 8-year-old transgender boy kicked out of Cub Scouts because of his identity

Thursday 29 December 16:38:00 UTC 2016

SECAUCUS, New Jersey — The family of an 8-year-old New Jersey boy says he was kicked out of Cub Scouts because he is transgender, a move that could open a new front in the debate over discrimination in Scouting. Joe Maldonado joined Pack 87 in Secaucus in October, and was asked to leave about a month later, according to The Record. … [Link]

Slashdot » 8,000 New US Jobs? Trump Takes Credit For Sprint, Startup Decisions

Thursday 29 December 16:00:00 UTC 2016

President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Sprint is moving 5,000 offshore jobs back to the United States and OneWeb, a satellite Internet startup, is adding 3,000 more jobs in the U.S. From a report on USA Today: The jobs were made possible, Trump said, through Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, a Japanese billionaire and technology investor, who met with Trump in … [Link]

Mashable » LG might be done with modular phones

Thursday 29 December 15:57:54 UTC 2016

So much for modular design becoming the next big thing for smartphones. LG, the first major phone maker to launch a modular phone, might scrap the G5's swappable design in favor of a more traditional metal-and-glass design if a a new leak is to be believed. SEE ALSO: LG's 'necklace' surround sound speaker is as dorky as wearables get Korea's ETNews, … [Link]

Mashable » 2016 recut as a horror movie is actually pretty terrifying

Thursday 29 December 15:47:34 UTC 2016

Despite any good that came of 2016, the year will go down as one of the worst in recent memory. But how bad was it really? From Brexit, to Donald Trump's filthy mouth, exploding phones and Harambe's tragic death, the year was filled with upsetting moments. And if you take a step back and look at the year as a … [Link]

Popular Science » How to survive a polar bear plunge (and why you shouldn't do one)

Thursday 29 December 15:47:02 UTC 2016

Health Wading in makes it a little safer This seems like a dumb idea: In the middle of winter, strip down into your bathing suit and take a running leap into the ice-cold, freezing ocean water. Yet every year,… [Link]

Mashable » 'Star Wars'-loving fast food employee gives Darth Maul a run for his money

Thursday 29 December 15:34:07 UTC 2016

The force is strong with this parking attendant. Garrett Robinson caught (and hilariously narrated) a Chick-fil-A employee having the time of his life in the restaurant's parking lot with two toy light sabers and some seriously impressive Darth Maul-inspired moves.  Energized by what he saw, YouTube user GameKiller48 edited the video into its truest form, including the proper lightsaber glow … [Link]

Mashable » 5 innovative ways art is becoming more accessible to the blind community

Thursday 29 December 15:25:38 UTC 2016

Art is a universal medium of expression, bridging gaps across language, time and culture. But galleries and museums aren't always accessible to everyone, often excluding blind people and those with low vision from truly experiencing the art world. With about 285 million blind or visually impaired people in the world, that's a sizable part of the global population being left out. … [Link]

Slashdot » Microsoft Tests New 'Green Screen of Death' On Latest Windows 10 Builds

Thursday 29 December 15:20:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader writes: Windows 10 Insider builds will now feature Green Screen of Death (GSOD) instead of the classic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error page we have all become accustomed to. The change was teased on Twitter by Matthijs Hoekstra, Senior Program Manager for Windows Enterprise Developer Platform, and spotted by a user that goes by the nickname … [Link]

Mashable » I stole my GF's online identity

Thursday 29 December 15:05:36 UTC 2016

We have all done things in our past we're not proud to admit. What are some of yours? 2016 recut as a horror movie is actually pretty terrifying Wild wallaby really appreciates the sweet sounds of this guitarist ‘Star Wars'-loving fast food employee gives Darth Maul a run for his money Spoof TV reporter Jonathan Pie's stark message about homelessness in Britain Read more… … [Link]

Slashdot » Singapore Will Add Iris Scans As Identifier For Citizens And Permanent Residents Starting January 1

Thursday 29 December 14:40:00 UTC 2016

From the beginning of next year, authorities will start collecting iris images from Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) when they register or re-register for their NRIC, or apply for or renew a passport, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). From a report: The iris images will serve as another identifier to boost verification methods, in addition to the … [Link]

Popular Science » Here are the last uncharted corners of the globe

Thursday 29 December 14:30:00 UTC 2016

Science Despite modern navigation systems, the world is still full of mystery Some areas remain unknown… [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » ProgrammableWeb's Most Interesting APIs in 2016: Cognitive Computing

Thursday 29 December 14:25:36 UTC 2016

This next section of interesting APIs from 2016 contains notable choices from our Recognition, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Predictions, and Natural Language Processing categories. [Link]

Mashable » Why wireless headsets for Oculus and Vive could be a step backward for VR

Thursday 29 December 14:11:00 UTC 2016

On the eve of CES, where virtual reality is set to dominate, the loudest chatter around VR seems to be focused on the dawn of tetherless, high-end VR headsets.  The basic idea: to bring the kind of mobility you enjoy with something like the mobile phone-based Samsung Gear VR to premium VR devices like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Some … [Link]

Mashable » People are posting photos showing the love Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher shared

Thursday 29 December 14:08:11 UTC 2016

Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds has died at the age of 84, just a day after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher. Reynolds's son, Tod Fisher, speaking to the Associated Press, has said, "She's now with Carrie and we're all heartbroken.'' Read more…More about Standalone Featured, Featured, Star Wars, Eddie Fisher, and Real Time Video [Link]

Mashable » Spoof TV reporter Jonathan Pie's stark message about homelessness in Britain

Thursday 29 December 14:02:51 UTC 2016

Jonathan Pie is at it again.  The left-wing fictional TV reporter (played by comedian Tom Walker) has launched a heart-felt tirade against the British government's perceived inaction over homelessness.  "I live in a society where the government does nothing about it apart from cut funding," Pie says, adding that sleeping rough doubled since 2010 while homelessness services have been halved. … [Link]

Slashdot » Amazon's Digital Day is Like Cyber Monday But For Downloads

Thursday 29 December 14:00:00 UTC 2016

Amazon is hoping to replicate the success of its online-only sales. It has announced a "Digital Day" sale on December 30, where it will offer discounts of up to 50 percent on apps, ebooks, games, movies, and music. From a report on CNET: Now, the Seattle-based online retailer giant is hoping to do the same with Digital Day. Movies like … [Link]

Mashable » Google Doodle celebrates the man who invented waterproof 'Mac' raincoats

Thursday 29 December 13:39:21 UTC 2016

LONDON — Google has today paid homage to the Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh, creator of the iconic 'Mackintosh' waterproof raincoat — by creating an animated Doodle in celebration of his 250th birthday.  SEE ALSO: Google Doodle Honors Charles Addams, Creator of "The Addams Family" While waterproof raincoats might not sound terribly groundbreaking in 2016, Macintosh's invention of a water-resistant fabric in … [Link]

Popular Science » Will we ever invent a teleportation device?

Thursday 29 December 13:15:37 UTC 2016

Science It would make holiday travel so much easier Yeah. No. Not going to happen. [Link]

Slashdot » Automatic Brakes Stopped Berlin Truck During Christmas Market Attack

Thursday 29 December 13:00:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Deutsche Welle: The truck that plowed into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12, came to a halt due an automatic braking system, according to German media reports on Wednesday. The automatic braking system potentially saved the lives of many more people in the recent terrorist attack. An investigation by newspaper "Suddeutsche Zeitung" and … [Link]

Mashable » Star Wars gamers gather to honor Carrie Fisher

Thursday 29 December 12:22:31 UTC 2016

Thousands of gamers have gathered online to honour the death of Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars.  SEE ALSO: 5 gutsy highlights from Carrie Fisher's one-woman show The most impressive celebrations took place in The Old Republic — a multiplayer role-playing game based in the Star Wars universe. A video that emerged on Reddit shows players congregating … [Link]

Mashable » India is anxious as PM Modi prepares to address nation on New Year's Eve

Thursday 29 December 12:07:15 UTC 2016

The last time Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a televised address to the nation, citizens found most of the money in their wallets was useless and they had to camp outside banks and ATMs for hours and even days. SEE ALSO: You could land in jail for 4 years if caught in possession of demonetized currency notes What ensued in … [Link]

Mashable » 20 tweets from Cher that will help you remember 2016 in a better light

Thursday 29 December 12:00:00 UTC 2016

Cher’s charisma and talent has stood the test of time. At 70 years old, she’s still a living legend with a very active Twitter account.  And she's also the hope we needed in 2016 Her timeline is filled with politically-charged gems, cat pics and words of encouragement. Here are some of the best tweet’s the goddess of pop Cher’d (apologies) in … [Link]

Mashable » Stunning George Michael tribute by artist who met his hero 14 years ago

Thursday 29 December 11:29:19 UTC 2016

LONDON — A George Michael fan has painted a moving tribute to the music legend following his death on Christmas Day.  SEE ALSO: Details emerge of George Michael's many quiet acts of kindness As fans around the world mourn the star's death, artist Pegasus took to the streets of Hackney in London, to paint a mural of his hero.  The artwork … [Link]

O'Reilly News and Commentary » #Ebook Deal/Day: DevOps for Web Development – $19.99 (Save 50%) Use code DEAL

Thursday 29 December 11:26:58 UTC 2016

Get "DevOps for Web Development" today using code DEAL and save 50%!This sale ends at 2:00 AM 2016-12-30 (PDT, GMT-8:00). [Link]

Mashable » 8 ways in which India chilled with Netflix in 2016

Thursday 29 December 11:06:54 UTC 2016

Video streaming giant Netflix, which launched in India in January, has observed some fascinating things about Indian viewers in the last one year.  Besides lapping up Netflix's refreshing, original content, Indians turned out to be both similar and dissimilar to global audiences.   SEE ALSO: Inside Amazon's playbook to take on Netflix in India Here are some trends from 2016. 1. … [Link]

Mashable » Mindy Kaling finally watched 'Game of Thrones' and has so many thoughts about it

Thursday 29 December 11:03:32 UTC 2016

LONDON — It's not easy showing up late to the party. Especially when it relates to Game of Thrones.Firstly, there are all of the spoilers to avoid from your colleagues and friends who've watched every single episode and can't wait to spill the beans. SEE ALSO: Here's your first sweet glimpse of 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 And, then there's the … [Link]

Mashable » This girl found a genius way to buy Pokémon toys on Amazon

Thursday 29 December 10:43:38 UTC 2016

A 6-year-old girl from Little Rock, Arkansas has possibly become the envy of children around the world.  SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Go' is now officially live in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka While Ashlynd Howell's mum Bethany was napping on the couch after a movie, she used her mother's thumb to unlock her iPhone and purchase toys on Amazon.  Bethany received 13 … [Link]

Slashdot » Florida Senator: No Permit Needed For Driverless Cars In Florida

Thursday 29 December 10:00:00 UTC 2016

In response to the California Department of Motor Vehicles ordering Uber's autonomous vehicles off the roads in San Francisco due to a lack of a permit, Florida state Sen. Jeff Brandes said he welcomes the company with open arms. Brandes tweeted: "Hey @Uber, unlike California we in Florida welcome driverless cars — no permit required. #OpenForBusiness #FlaPol." PolitiFact reports: Several … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Gene editing starts to save lives as human trials get under way

Thursday 29 December 9:20:08 UTC 2016

At least one life has already been saved by gene editing, and by the end of 2017 it might be dozens [Link]

New Scientist – News » Invasive parakeets muscle in on native bird’s nests in Israel

Thursday 29 December 9:20:07 UTC 2016

Eurasian hoopoe are the latest native victims as ring-necked parakeets spread around the globe [Link]

Mashable » Apple wants India to relax rules that disturb its minimalist product design

Thursday 29 December 7:13:42 UTC 2016

Now that Apple intends to start manufacturing iPhones in India, it has decided to get a few things sorted upfront.  India has strict labeling rules for products and Apple wants its government to relax them. The smartphone giant will not disturb its minimalist design by printing product-related information directly onto devices, the Economic Times reported.  SEE ALSO: Apple might finally start … [Link]

Slashdot » Chinese Rocket Fails To Put Two Satellites Into Correct Orbits

Thursday 29 December 7:00:00 UTC 2016

schwit1 writes: Tracking data suggests that two Earth-observation satellites launched today by China's Long March 2D rocket were placed in the wrong orbits. Spaceflight Now reports: "The two SuperView 1, or Gaojing 1, satellites are flying in egg-shaped orbits ranging from 133 miles (214 kilometers) to 325 miles (524 kilometers) in altitude at an inclination of 97.6 degrees. The satellites … [Link]

Mashable » Debbie Reynolds' Hollywood scandal puts today's gossip to shame

Thursday 29 December 6:51:38 UTC 2016

Today, the late, great Debbie Reynolds is best remembered for her sunny appearances in films like Singing in the Rain, but she also played an unwilling role in one of classic Hollywood's most famous scandals. The love triangle between herself, her husband Eddie Fisher and the actress Elizabeth Taylor more than rivalled the machinations of Brad, Jennifer and Angelina — a … [Link]

Mashable » Send kisses to a loved one via iPhone with this 'kiss messenger'

Thursday 29 December 6:38:44 UTC 2016

Every now and then, another gadget comes along that tries to add a human touch to bare, cold metal. The Kissenger is a "kiss messenger" that promises to replicate your kiss to a paired device, that will kiss the recipient for you. SEE ALSO: Best kisses of 2016 The gadget looks like a large phone dock with a silicone pad in … [Link]

Mashable » Multiple cities hold light saber vigils in honour of Carrie Fisher

Thursday 29 December 6:31:42 UTC 2016

The last few days have been almost too much to bear for Star Wars fans, who lost not only their Princess, actress Carrie Fisher — but only one day later, said goodbye to her mother, the legendary Debbie Reynolds. In Austin and Los Angeles Wednesday night, fans gathered to honour the legacy of Fisher, after her death at 60 years old.  … [Link]

Mashable » You could land in jail for 4 years if caught in possession of demonetized currency notes

Thursday 29 December 6:26:02 UTC 2016

India took its citizens by surprise last month when it invalidated the most circulated currency notes. Now, it is making it a criminal offence to possess those tender bills.  SEE ALSO: India's federal bank just can't make up its mind on demonetization The country’s government today approved an ordinance to impose penalties on anyone who has more than 10 bills of … [Link]

Mashable » World map proves basically every country has a terrible tourism slogan

Thursday 29 December 4:50:39 UTC 2016

When looking for somewhere to go on holiday, you might consider things like affordability and even Instagram-ability. But one you'd probably never consider is a country's tourism slogan. And that's a good thing, because nearly all of them are terrible. SEE ALSO: Son travels 5,000 miles to surprise his mother, scares the sh*t out of her Go on, just try and … [Link]

Mashable » We put too much trust in algorithms and it's hurting our most vulnerable

Thursday 29 December 3:55:51 UTC 2016

If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that algorithms should not be blindly trusted. The latest math-induced headache comes from Australia, where an automated compliance system appears to be issuing incorrect notices to some of Australia's most vulnerable people, asking them to prove they were entitled to past welfare benefits. Politicians and community advocates have called foul on … [Link]

Mashable » Charlie Sheen just made Debbie Reynolds' death about Trump

Thursday 29 December 3:45:45 UTC 2016

Charlie Sheen has jumped in on the online reaction to Hollywood star Debbie Reynolds' death, who died only a day after her daughter Carrie Fisher. Except instead of posting a touching memory or heartfelt thought, the TV and film actor voiced his thoughts on Twitter about President-elect Donald Trump.  They were unkind, to say the least. Dear God;Trump next, please!Trump next, … [Link]

Mashable » From 'Singin' in the Rain' to 'Halloweentown': A look at Debbie Reynolds' memorable roles

Thursday 29 December 3:43:50 UTC 2016

Long before Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone serenaded viewers with La La Land, Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly were Singin' in the Rain. Reynolds, who died Wednesday just one day after her daughter actress Carrie Fisher, was Hollywood's "lucky star" (exactly how her character was described in the iconic 1952 musical). After the film's release, Reynolds went on to have a … [Link]

Slashdot » Scientists Develop a Breathalyzer That Detects 17 Diseases With One Breath From a Patient

Thursday 29 December 3:30:00 UTC 2016

randomErr quotes a report from Quartz: In the last 10 years, researchers have developed specific sniff tests for diagnosing tuberculosis, hypertension, cystic fibrosis, and even certain types of cancer. A group of global researchers led by Hossam Haick at the Israel Institute of Technology have taken the idea a step further. They've built a device — a kind of breathalyzer … [Link]

Mashable » This old Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds 'Oprah' interview will break your heart

Thursday 29 December 3:05:46 UTC 2016

Following the sad news that Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds passed away just a day after her daughter Carrie Fisher, this old Oprah interview with the two of them from 2011 is resurfacing online. SEE ALSO: Debbie Reynolds, Hollywood royalty and mother of Carrie Fisher, dies In the 40-minute chat, which fans can watch in full above, the duo discussed their … [Link]

Mashable » Wild wallaby really appreciates the sweet sounds of this guitarist

Thursday 29 December 2:42:17 UTC 2016

When someone pulls out a guitar, the people around them usually pray they're not about to hear a cover of Oasis' "Wonderwall."  But this captive wallaby isn't most people, and lucky for it, the guitarist in question ain't no amateur.  When Nashvile-based Australian musician Joe Robinson came across the little critter, he decided to  serenade it with a version of … [Link]

Mashable » Fans mourn Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher with touching mother-daughter photos

Thursday 29 December 2:32:46 UTC 2016

Debbie Reynolds, Singin' in the Rain star and beloved actress, passed away on Wednesday — just a day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, died. On Wednesday afternoon TMZ reported that the 84-year-old was rushed to the hospital from her son Todd Fisher's home in Beverly Hills where the family was discussing funeral plans for Carrie, who passed away on Tuesday … [Link]

Mashable » The Young Turks raise more than $500,000 to fund investigative journalism

Thursday 29 December 2:27:55 UTC 2016

The Young Turks team is gearing up for the Trump administration. The progressive online news program announced Wednesday that it has raised more than $500,000 to help fund four new  investigative journalist teams. Their end goal is to raise $2 million.  With the funding, The Young Turks were able to bring on Sirius XM's Nomiki Konst as an investigative reporter and the New … [Link]

Mashable » Parents say their Hatchimals are swearing like sailors in their sleep

Thursday 29 December 2:07:34 UTC 2016

As the dust settles on the holidays, and millions of parents around the world regret buying their ungrateful precious children noisy toys, one word conjures more fear and concern than any other: Hatchimals. The hatchable duck things aren't just the bane of parents because of their talkative, possibly demonic nature. It's also their vocabulary. Some parents say their Hatchimals are swearing … [Link]

Mashable » Debbie Reynolds, Hollywood royalty and mother of Carrie Fisher, dies

Thursday 29 December 2:01:27 UTC 2016

LOS ANGELES — Debbie Reynolds, megastar of the stage and screen, pop music singer, entrepreneur and mother of Carrie Fisher, died Wednesday, just a day after her daughter succumbed to a heart attack. Reynolds was 84. She was rushed to a hospital Wednesday afternoon with what was reported to be symptoms of a stroke. According to TMZ, which first reported … [Link]

Mashable » Bowie and Prince to be remembered with huge, streamable NYE fireworks

Thursday 29 December 1:33:11 UTC 2016

The city of Sydney, Australia is saying goodbye to a terrible 2016 with one final bang. Organisers of the city's much-loved, multi-million dollar New Year's Eve fireworks will be using the occasion to pay tribute to lost legends from the past year, including musicians Prince, David Bowie and Gene Wilder. SEE ALSO: Mind-blowing Croatian sunset is serious Instagram goals It's a … [Link]

Slashdot » More Than One-Third of Schoolchildren Are Homeless In Shadow of Silicon Valley

Thursday 29 December 1:25:00 UTC 2016

Alastair Gee writes via The Guardian about Palo Alto's problem with homeless children. Palo Alto is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, yet "slightly more than one-third of students (1,147 children) are defined as homeless here, mostly sharing homes with other families because their parents cannot afford one of their own, and also living in RVs … [Link]

Mashable » 9 shows to get excited about in 2017

Thursday 29 December 1:21:00 UTC 2016

There will soon be more shows to add to your must-watch list. From book adaptations (Lemony Snicket and Big Little Lies) to new superhero stories, 2017 will be jam-packed with binge-worthy shows.  Here are 10 to have on your radar in the new year. 1Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (January) The Netflix newcomer is an adaptation of a series … [Link]

Mashable » Kyrie Irving and Questlove make basketball music in hypnotic new Nike ad

Thursday 29 December 1:13:46 UTC 2016

On drums: Percussionist extraordinaire Questlove.  And on, um, dribbles: NBA point guard Kyrie Irving.  SEE ALSO: How the Air Jordan XXXI became a high-tech basketball sneaker That combination is the crux of a very cool new Nike ad, which features the Cleveland Cavaliers star and the hip-hop legend making music together. Questlove plays his typical drum kit — but some rhythmic … [Link]

Mashable » 5 things left unsaid between us and our building's super in 2016

Thursday 29 December 1:00:00 UTC 2016

We’ll say it: it's hard to be young. The hardest part of being young but trying to be an adult? Interacting with your super in order to make the apartment you’re privileged enough to have work properly.  Ken, our super, has been nothing but kind, but sometimes the thought of having to call him up isn’t worth getting the problem solved. … [Link]

Mashable » Watch these college football players do their best Rockettes impression

Thursday 29 December 0:51:36 UTC 2016

It looks like the Northwestern football team, which won the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Wednesday, has fully embraced New York City culture. SEE ALSO: Simone Biles is too busy shining to worry about body-shaming trolls High-kicking in unison on the sidelines, Northwestern players paid homage to Radio City Music Hall's legendary dance company, The … [Link]

Slashdot » Some Google Pixel Devices Are Shutting Down At 30% Battery

Thursday 29 December 0:45:00 UTC 2016

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Android Authority: It seems that some Pixel devices are affected by the same infamous shutdown bug that plagued the Nexus 6P where the device would prematurely turn off at 25 to 35 percent. The Huawei Nexus 6P has finally received the Nougat update. But ever since, Google's last ever Nexus device has been … [Link]

Mashable » Obama names 2 new national monuments before Trump takes office

Thursday 29 December 0:13:19 UTC 2016

Add two more national monuments to President Barack Obama's conservation legacy. On Tuesday afternoon Obama announced the designation of the Bears Ears and Gold Butte national monuments in Utah and Nevada. Just last week he announced a ban on Arctic gas and oil drilling, only a month before pro-drilling Donald Trump takes office. SEE ALSO: Obama trumps Trump and permanently bans … [Link]

Slashdot » Czech Republic Sets Up Counter-Terrorism Unit To Counter Fake News Threat

Thursday 29 December 0:05:00 UTC 2016

According to CNN, the Czech Republic is setting up a new counter-terrorism unit to combat the rise of fake news or "foreign disinformation campaigns." The counter-terrorism unit is called "The Center Against Terrorism and Hybrid Threats," and is due to start operating on Sunday, according to an interior ministry statement. CNN reports: The new center is intended to monitor internal … [Link]

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