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 » A 4-year-old saw ’Star Wars’ in 1977 and here’s what he drew

Thursday 25 May 23:57:07 UTC 2017

When Star Wars came out back in 1977, there was no merchandise — the toys came a year later — or fast-food tie-ins, or Funko Pops, or "character posters" or endless reels of online trailers to pore over in search of a fix. We had only the movie, and our memories of it, to go on. SEE ALSO: All the Star … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Huge impact could have smashed early Earth into a doughnut shape

Thursday 25 May 23:29:11 UTC 2017

Many rocky worlds may have spent time as a newly named planetary form called a synestia – a loosely connected blob of molten rock and dust with a dented middle [Link]

Mashable » Another social media marketing campaign just went horribly wrong

Thursday 25 May 23:22:53 UTC 2017

What started innocently enough as a giveaway of free soccer tickets to the UEFA Champions League final took a turn for the worse thanks to a handful of online trolls. SEE ALSO: Pepsi pulls cringeworthy Kendall Jenner ad after massive backlash Walkers, the snack company that brings the UK its flavored crisps and other treats, started a social media campaign Thursday, … [Link]

Mashable » Listen to the largest planet in our solar system sing its song

Thursday 25 May 23:22:26 UTC 2017

Take a moment and just let the universe sing to you.  A new audio file released by NASA on Thursday reveals the "sound" of Jupiter's plasma as recorded by the space agency's Juno probe, which is exploring the huge planet. SEE ALSO: Jupiter is the gigantic, stormy hellscape we always feared The two minutes of audio sounds pretty eerie, but also … [Link]

Slashdot » Devuan Jessie 1.0 Officially Released

Thursday 25 May 23:20:00 UTC 2017

prisoninmate quotes a report from Softpedia: Announced for the first time back in November 2014, Devuan is a Debian fork that doesn't use systemd as init system. It took more than two and a half years for it to reach 1.0 milestone, but the wait is now over and Devuan 1.0.0 stable release is here. Based on the packages and … [Link]

Mashable » Kids' Super-8 'Star Wars' from 1977 is the most charming remake ever

Thursday 25 May 23:19:42 UTC 2017

A long four decades ago, in the far, far away village of Whitinsville, Mass., two brothers and a friend were so thrilled by the movie they just saw that they decided to remake it shot for shot. The movie, of course, was Star Wars, 40 years old on May 25. It changed millions of lives — not least of which were … [Link]

Mashable » This NFL team's Twitter joke was so savage its own coach apologized

Thursday 25 May 23:19:23 UTC 2017

Dude. Lighten up a little.  NFL coach Dirk Koetter apologized through the media to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday … all because of a harmless joke made on Twitter by his team's social media department.  First things first: Remember how the Falcons blew a 28-3 Super Bowl lead against the New England Patriots a few months ago?  Of course you do; … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Why Twilio Function Strategy Is Revolutionary and Other API Providers Should Pay Attention

Thursday 25 May 22:50:32 UTC 2017

Today, Twilio announced Twilio Functions and while there are other very large API providers — most notably Amazon and Google — who offer serverless function capabilities as a part of their larger IaaS and PaaS portfolios, Twilio appears to be the first major API provider that, in addition to providing APIs, is also offering a serverless execution environment that’s specific … [Link]

Slashdot » Proposed Active-Defense Bill Would Allow Destruction of Data, Use of Beacon Tech

Thursday 25 May 22:40:00 UTC 2017

Trailrunner7 quotes a report from On the Wire: A bill that would allow victims of cybercrime to use active defense techniques to stop attacks and identify attackers has been amended to require victims to notify the FBI of their actions and also add an exemption to allow victims to destroy their data once they locate it on an attacker's machine. … [Link]

Popular Science »  Nest Learning Thermostat Review: Smart temperature control that sticks to your schedule

Thursday 25 May 22:35:32 UTC 2017

Gadgets It's one of the only Wi-Fi thermostats that can learn your daily routine and adjust accordingly. The third generation Nest improves on an already-excellent product. [Link]

Mashable » Uber uses a dinosaur to show how you'd control a self-driving car with a smartphone

Thursday 25 May 22:23:58 UTC 2017

Why just hail a self-driving car with your smartphone when you can control one, too?  That may soon be an option if Uber has its way.  SEE ALSO: Uber is losing a ton — and we mean a ton — of money As detailed by a patent application published May 25, the company envisions a system that allows a rider to … [Link]

Mashable » 'Minecraft' players on the autism spectrum find a safe space on the Autcraft server

Thursday 25 May 22:23:41 UTC 2017

One dad wanted to give people on the autism spectrum a safe space to play Minecraft, so he made a troll-free server called Autcraft that has ballooned in popularity. Stuart Duncan, also known as AutismFather, created Autcraft in 2013. Today it has more than 8,200 members, The Mighty reported, and people outside the community are taking notice. In a video, Duncan … [Link]

Slashdot » T-Mobile's 'Digits' Program Revamps the Phone Number

Thursday 25 May 22:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: T-Mobile has announced the launch of its "Digits" program, coming May 31. Digits is a revamp of how T-Mobile phone numbers work, virtualizing customer numbers so they can work across multiple devices. It sounds a lot like Google Voice — rather than having a phone number tied to a single SIM … [Link]

Mashable » Zuckerberg sheds tears and gets political in Harvard commencement speech

Thursday 25 May 21:52:12 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ Harvard dropout's address wa","image":"ht~ sheds tears and gets political in Harvard commencement speech","sources":[{~ More about Business, Facebook, Zuckerberg, Harvard, and Business [Link]

Mashable » 10 apps Donald Trump should download instead of Twitter (like, right now)

Thursday 25 May 21:45:25 UTC 2017

Donald Trump's using his iPhone wrong. The President reportedly (finally!) has an iPhone. And yet, he's only installed a single, solitary app on it: Twitter. Of course. SEE ALSO: Twitter has all the answers for Trump's 'orb of doom' photo No matter what side of the political aisle you fall on, most of us can probably agree that more access to … [Link]

Popular Science » These tree-climbing goats spread seeds by spitting

Thursday 25 May 21:39:57 UTC 2017

Animals Look out below. You knew a goat could climb a mountain. Did you know it could climb a tree? [Link]

Mashable » Guy freaks out after setting a new Plinko record on 'The Price is Right'

Thursday 25 May 21:38:38 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ freaks out after setting a new Plinko record on 'The Price is Right'","sources&quot~ More about Watercooler, The Price Is Right, Plinko, and Watercooler [Link]

Mashable » Apple asks if the iPhone believes in reincarnation

Thursday 25 May 21:20:19 UTC 2017

Apple dropped another entry in its animated Earth Day shorts series — and this one grapples with a pretty heady concept: Does my iPhone believe in reincarnation?  The 50-second spot was a tie-in to Apple's participation in the Sustainable Brands 2017 event, which explains the late rollout. The reincarnation angle comes via LIAM, the bot helping to fulfill the company's … [Link]

Slashdot » 83 Percent Of Security Staff Waste Time Fixing Other IT Problems

Thursday 25 May 21:20:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: A new survey of security professionals reveals that 83 percent say colleagues in other departments turn to them to fix personal computer problems. The study by security management company FireMon shows a further 80 percent say this is taking up more than an hour of their working week, which in a year could equate … [Link]

Mashable » Coating yourself in fish scales could be the answer to burn recovery

Thursday 25 May 21:18:43 UTC 2017

Researchers in Brazil are trying out a new treatment for severe burns using tilapia skin, a procedure they say can be a cheaper and more effective alternative to human skin grafts. Read more…More about Health, Mashable Video, Brazil, Recovery, and Burns [Link]

Mashable » Apple designer made a $12,000 hourglass and honestly WHO is going to buy this?

Thursday 25 May 20:45:52 UTC 2017

If you've got $12,000 to blow and already own every Apple product under the sun, we've got great news — you can now buy this impeccably sophisticated hourglass to fill the void in your life. Channelling the tech company's innovation, Apple designer Marc Newson revamped the traditional hourglass to create this ridiculously expensive, limited-edition product for HODINKEE, a publication specializing in … [Link]

Mashable » Witness Katy Perry's intimate gig live in London

Thursday 25 May 20:43:16 UTC 2017

Katy Cats are in for a treat — Katy Perry is playing a surprise show in front of 90 fans in London and live streaming the whole thing.  Perry just announced the intimate gig at the Water Rats, where she played nine years ago, on Twitter. You can tune into the show on YouTube now.  SEE ALSO: Katy Perry brings … [Link]

Slashdot » Firefox Marketing Head Expresses Concerns Over Google's Apparent 'Only Be On Chrome' Push

Thursday 25 May 20:40:00 UTC 2017

Eric Petitt, head up Firefox marketing, writing in a blog: I use Chrome every day. Works fine. Easy to use. There are multiple things that bug me about the Chrome product, for sure, but I'm OK with Chrome. I just don't like only being on Chrome. And that's what Chrome wants. It wants you to only use Chrome. Chrome is … [Link]

Mashable » Jupiter is the gigantic, stormy hellscape we always feared

Thursday 25 May 20:29:36 UTC 2017

Jupiter looks like hell. The huge planet in the middle of our solar system has giant Earth-sized storms, a powerful magnetic field, and extreme auroras, a series of new scientific studies published this week show.  The new findings come from data collected by NASA's Juno spacecraft, which has been studying Jupiter since it arrived in orbit around the huge world in … [Link]

Mashable » Target pours money into mattress startup Casper after sale falls through

Thursday 25 May 20:14:13 UTC 2017

Target is betting big on mattresses in the mail. The big box chain is investing $75 million in bedding delivery startup Casper as it looks to bolster its e-commerce offerings in the face of the tanking brick-and-mortar market, Recode reported Thursday. A source familiar with the deal confirmed that amount.  SEE ALSO: The mobile online shopping revolution is definitely coming—but nobody's … [Link]

Mashable » Harvard newspaper hacked just to make fun of grad speaker Mark Zuckerberg

Thursday 25 May 20:07:38 UTC 2017

Harvard dropout and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg found himself the subject of fake news on Thursday after the school's newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, was hacked. Instead of the Crimson's regularly planned special commencement issue, the website showcased some not so flattering photoshops and strange headlines. Zuckerberg was parodied in a hack on the student paper's website.Image: crimson archiveSEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg … [Link]

Mashable » Trump's budget would put America's wild horses on dinner plates

Thursday 25 May 20:04:37 UTC 2017

President Donald Trump's budget proposal would save an estimated $10 million in 2018 by allowing the United States's wild horses to wind up on someone's plate. The U.S. has long rounded up and sold wild horses that roam through Nevada and other Western states, but buyers have always legally had to promise not to ship horses for slaughter. Horse slaughterhouses are … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple's Jonathan Ive Says Immigration Vital For UK Firms

Thursday 25 May 20:00:00 UTC 2017

The UK must keep its doors open to top talent from around the world if its technology firms are to thrive, Apple's chief designer has told the BBC. An anonymous reader shares the article: Sir Jonathan Ive, who has just been appointed Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, also said that technology hubs like Silicon Valley had a "tremendous … [Link]

Mashable » T.J. Miller is leaving 'Silicon Valley' so what's the point anymore?

Thursday 25 May 19:43:43 UTC 2017

The Bachmanity Insanity is officially over.  Silicon Valley is saying Avia-dios (get it, like Aviato and adios? Oh, never mind!) to star T.J. Miller for the show's upcoming fifth season, Mashable has confirmed.  HBO renewed the Emmy-winning comedy — along with Veep — for a new season on Thursday, shortly before news broke that Miller would not be returning after the … [Link]

Slashdot » It's Time For Academics To Take Back Control Of Research Journals

Thursday 25 May 19:20:00 UTC 2017

Stephen Curry, a professor of structural biology at Imperial College London, has a piece on The Guardian today in which he outlines the history of the relationship between commercial interests, academic prestige and the circulation of research. An excerpt from the article: "Publish or perish" has long been the mantra of seeking to make a success of their research career. … [Link]

Mashable » Break the mold and get a cookie fidget spinner instead

Thursday 25 May 19:19:16 UTC 2017

You know what they say: this fidget spinner craze isn't over yet until the cookie crumbles. Clearly Cookies, a Dallas based custom cookie company, has created a cookie fidget spinner. It looks exactly like the original toy and it even spins.  Image: clearly cookies/facebookSEE ALSO: Fidget spinner nail art is a thing now so there's no where left to hide "The … [Link]

Mashable » There's finally a federal bill to help workers in the gig economy

Thursday 25 May 19:16:18 UTC 2017

We know about the problems with the gig economy: workers who drive for Uber, deliver food for Postmates, and run errands on TaskRabbit don't have health insurance or any other guarantees or benefits from their employers — and their ranks are only growing.  While the growth of gig jobs has gotten lots of attention from major companies, research firms, and startups, … [Link]

Mashable » Rosario Dawson will not rest until she is in every superhero universe

Thursday 25 May 19:06:40 UTC 2017

We don't know if Rosario Dawson set out to join every single superhero universe in existence, but she couldn't be doing a better job if she tried. The Lego Batman and Daredevil actress is now in negotiations to join New Mutants, Mashable has confirmed. The X-Men spinoff is being directed by Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars) and already has … [Link]

Mashable » Behind the scenes video of 'Beauty and the Beast' shows how much work went into the Beast

Thursday 25 May 18:57:52 UTC 2017

A lot of movie magic went into the making of Beauty and the Beast, especially when it came to make the Beast as real as possible. A behind the scenes video about the process of creating the Beast on screen has been released, showing us just how much work Dan Stevens had to do to become the Beast. Yes, it … [Link]

Mashable » All the Star Wars tech that seemed cool in 1977, but we're light years beyond now

Thursday 25 May 18:53:29 UTC 2017

“Star Wars is not science fiction" is one of those arguments that gets trotted out a lot, and it's fundamentally true — but tell that to a 4-year-old kid who's just seen the original George Lucas film in a theater in 1977.  Because that kid is marching straight home to pretend to use a lightsaber, fly a freighter in hyperspace and … [Link]

Mashable » How whales went from just big to absolutely enormous

Thursday 25 May 18:48:56 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ whales went from just big to absolutely enormous","sources":~ More about Climate, Science, Animals, Global Warming, and Glaciers [Link]

Mashable » Donald Trump's happiest moments at the NATO summit

Thursday 25 May 18:45:04 UTC 2017

President Donald Trump met with European leaders and attended his first NATO summit in Brussels on Thursday, and boy did he have a great time. While there, Trump shoved Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic so that he could get a better spot for a photo opportunity, and he also scolded a bunch of US allies. It was a great time for … [Link]

Slashdot » Egypt Blocks 21 Websites For 'Terrorism' And 'Fake News'

Thursday 25 May 18:40:00 UTC 2017

Ahmed Aboulenein, reporting for Reuters: Egypt has banned 21 websites, including the main website of Qatar-based Al Jazeera television and prominent local independent news site Mada Masr, accusing them of supporting terrorism and spreading false news. The blockade is notable in scope and for being the first publicly recognized by the government. It was heavily criticized by journalists and rights … [Link]

Mashable » Instagram finally adds link sharing to direct messages

Thursday 25 May 18:38:37 UTC 2017

Instagram DMs just got a whole lot more useful. Instagram has infamously not allowed links in the app for years, except in a user's bio (which led to the "link in bio" phenomenon).  But it looks like the photosharing app is finally easing up (partially) on its DM aversion — Instagram's new update just added the ability to share links in direct … [Link]

Mashable » MashReads Podcast: If you only ready one book this year, it should be 'The Hate U Give'

Thursday 25 May 18:37:38 UTC 2017

If good literature moves you, then The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a punch to the gut — sharp, visceral, and raw. The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter, a black teen who witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil get shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop. In addition to having to face the trauma of … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Monkey mafia steal your stuff, then sell it back for a cracker

Thursday 25 May 18:35:43 UTC 2017

Long-tailed macaques living near an Indonesian temple have learned how to steal human possessions, including cash, and then trade them for food [Link]

Mashable » Netflix cancels 'The Get-Down,' which puts it in a very exclusive club

Thursday 25 May 18:35:03 UTC 2017

The Get Down was one of Netflix's most divisive shows from the get-go, with critics alternately describing Baz Luhrmann's hip-hop drama as a "masterpiece" and a "mess."  It was also rumored to be one of the streaming network's most expensive projects to date, with a budget reportedly in the ballpark of $120 million for its first and only season. The series … [Link]

Mashable » Dany in Westeros makes 'Game of Thrones' 'a new show,' says producer

Thursday 25 May 18:23:29 UTC 2017

Game of Thrones isn't one for fan service — unless it's the service of mashing our hearts to pulp — but Entertainment Weekly's latest cover story suggests we'll finally get to see Daenerys stir shit up in Westeros. SEE ALSO: 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 trailer is finally here and we're still shaking “Dany in Westeros makes Game of Thrones … [Link]

Mashable » J.K. Rowling calls Trump a 'tiny, little man' for shoving a foreign leader

Thursday 25 May 18:22:12 UTC 2017

In what is now the natural order of things, Donald Trump made a mistake and J.K. Rowling tweeted about it. On Thursday, President Donald Trump — currently in Brussels attending the NATO Summit — appeared to shove Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic while making his way to the front of a small crowd. Later the White House reportedly defended the gesture … [Link]

Mashable » Sony nets a female director for its female-led 'Spider-Man' spinoff

Thursday 25 May 18:19:41 UTC 2017

Sony’s been busy spinning its own Marvel universe, and they've just netted their first female director. Mashable has confirmed that Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights) has entered negotiations to direct Silver & Black, a comic book movie centered around the characters Silver Sable and Black Cat.  SEE ALSO: Spider-Man spinoff 'Venom' ropes in Tom Hardy The news follows last week's reveal … [Link]

Popular Science » We finally have the Juno spacecraft's first results on Jupiter

Thursday 25 May 18:18:57 UTC 2017

Space Here are eight surprising things NASA has learned so far. Scientists are still analyzing all the juicy data from Juno's first flyby of Jupiter, but the first results have just been published. [Link]

Popular Science »  Scientists are using gene editing to try to slow cancer growth

Thursday 25 May 18:18:56 UTC 2017

Health With more research, CRISPR could give us a new cancer treatment. A group of researchers recently used the CRISPR gene editing technique to try to eliminate one of the key proteins that allow cancer cells to proliferate out of control. [Link]

Mashable » Why you should probably update your LinkedIn profile

Thursday 25 May 18:13:49 UTC 2017

Okay, so you’ve created a LinkedIn profile with your name, current job and title. You’ve got a thorough and well-formatted Word Doc resume, ready to hand off to hiring managers. Done, right? Wrong. You’re missing the point of LinkedIn if you think having a print resume, and a short LinkedIn profile is the entire arsenal your job search requires.   Keeping … [Link]

Mashable » Feel the power of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket test in new video

Thursday 25 May 18:01:58 UTC 2017

SpaceX is marching ever closer to launching a brand new, huge rocket for the first time this summer. A new video released by the Elon Musk-founded spaceflight company shows a test firing of one of the boosters that will be used for a Falcon Heavy rocket launch.  SEE ALSO: SpaceX's most recent rocket landing looks like something out of science fiction … [Link]

Popular Science » Study: Magic mushrooms are the safest drug

Thursday 25 May 18:00:47 UTC 2017

Health But they're still illegal. If you’re looking to play it safe when it comes to illicit substances, look no further than the humble shroom. Read on. [Link]

Mashable » Mexico politician's campaign hashtag is so wrong it's perfect

Thursday 25 May 18:00:26 UTC 2017

Political campaigns are very important opportunities for candidates to show the world what makes them so special. But since everyone hoping to be elected focuses on promoting their skills, beliefs, and the issues they care about, Mexican politician Javier Zapata, decided to stand out from his competition by crafting an utterly flawless campaign … about his mustache and less than original™ … [Link]

Slashdot » Newly Discovered Vulnerability Raises Fears Of Another WannaCry

Thursday 25 May 18:00:00 UTC 2017

A newly found flaw in widely used networking software leaves tens of thousands of computers potentially vulnerable to an attack similar to that caused by WannaCry, which infected more than 300,000 computers worldwide, cybersecurity researchers said on Thursday. From a Reuters report: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday announced the vulnerability, which could be exploited to take control … [Link]

Mashable » Finally, an easier way to park at the airport

Thursday 25 May 17:47:36 UTC 2017

Stan is a robot valet that's designed to make car parks more efficient by parking your car for you. Created by Stanley Robotics, the system is already in use at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.  Read more…More about Travel, Cars, Transportation, Paris, and Travels [Link]

Mashable » Americans have started to ditch their cars for Uber and Lyft

Thursday 25 May 17:46:53 UTC 2017

Private car ownership in the United States is still holding strong as the dominant form of transportation, but the base of that paradigm is starting to crack.  Americans are beginning to trade in their private cars and depending on ride hailing apps to get around, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll. Nearly a quarter of US adults sold or traded … [Link]

Mashable » DJI is requiring owners to register their drones… or else

Thursday 25 May 17:45:13 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ hand control.","image":&q~ drone uses your palm as a helipad and your gestures as its ultimate commander","sources"~ video,hand gesture,real time video,sensors","sec0&quot~ video,hand gesture,real time video,sensors","videoSeri~ More about Drones, Dji, Faa, and Tech [Link]

Mashable » Sarah Hyland responds to body shamers with powerful message

Thursday 25 May 17:42:51 UTC 2017

Sarah Hyland has an important message for everyone telling her to eat burgers. In an moving essay posted to Twitter, Hyland explained that an influx of negative comments on her social media accounts about her appearance and weight-loss prompted the actress to address those critiquing her body with a two-part story.  SEE ALSO: A woman's body is incredible because it's never … [Link]

Mashable » Here are the most popular 'Saturday Night Live' sketches of the year

Thursday 25 May 17:42:09 UTC 2017

On top of the highest ratings in 20 years, Saturday Night Live's YouTube channel has garnered over a billion hits since October. The channel, which launched in 2013, racked up 750 million views and counting for Season 42, which wrapped up on May 22. Unsurprisingly, this is the most-viewed season for SNL in the history of its YouTube channel. SEE … [Link]

Mashable » Lyft finally gets around to trying out black cars with Lyft Lux

Thursday 25 May 17:36:24 UTC 2017

Five years later, Lyft is finally competing with Uber's roots.  The No. 2 ride-hailing company on Thursday launched Lyft Lux, its version of premium black car rides — the service that Uber launched with in 2009, but that Lyft never really tried out after it launched in 2012.  "You do it all. Your ride should, too. We’ve added two black car … [Link]

Mashable » New tool backed by Mark Zuckerberg and Google aims to make prison data more transparent

Thursday 25 May 17:36:23 UTC 2017

You can't change what you can't see.  That's the motto of Measures for Justice, a nonprofit that just launched an online data portal to address unanswered questions about the American criminal justice system. Though the prison system is highly critiqued by activists, we know very little about what life looks like for the more than 2 million prisoners currently held in … [Link]

Mashable » Justin Bieber forgets Spanish lyrics to 'Despacito,' ad libs nonsense instead

Thursday 25 May 17:36:22 UTC 2017

Whoever handed a mic to Justin Bieber at New York's 1Oak on Tuesday night should consider what he hath wrought. First, the internet found footage of Bieber trying his hand at an ill-advised remix of Kendrick Lamar's latest single, "HUMBLE."  SEE ALSO: Justin Bieber just covered Kendrick Lamar's 'Humble' because we can't have nice things Now TMZ has footage of Bieber … [Link]

Mashable » These science emoji could appear on your keyboard soon

Thursday 25 May 17:36:21 UTC 2017

The tool section of the emoji keyboard boasts an array of knives, a syringe, a water gun, a beeper, a battery, and a bomb. But when it comes to objects you might find in a laboratory, the options are slim to none. Scientists are hoping to change that by proposing a slate of science-specific emoji. If approved, items such as lab … [Link]

Mashable » Samsung shows off stretchable screen, and it's both awesome and weird

Thursday 25 May 17:36:20 UTC 2017

You can always count on Samsung to show you a glimpse of the future. Samsung Display unveiled the world's first stretchable touchscreen display at the Society for Information Display (SID) in Los Angeles this week, and it's absolutely as bonkers as it sounds. SEE ALSO: It's 2017, and Samsung is still launching flip phones Samsung's no stranger to showing off non-flat … [Link]

Mashable » Alamo Drafthouse announces a women-only screening of 'Wonder Woman' and of course men are upset

Thursday 25 May 17:35:52 UTC 2017

Behind every great women's event is a man upset that he wasn't invited. This week, the Alamo Drafthouse theater in Austin announced a women-only screening of Wonder Woman – and predictably, it didn't take long for a bunch of dudes to show up in the comments, crying about the sheer injustice of it all. SEE ALSO: The first 'Wonder Woman' reactions … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Three major UK parties respond to our technology manifesto

Thursday 25 May 17:33:31 UTC 2017

Proposals suggest liberals will again be drowned out by the drafters of the most extreme digital policy yet made by any democratic government [Link]

New Scientist – News » Tree-climbing goats spit out and disperse valuable argan seeds

Thursday 25 May 17:31:00 UTC 2017

Popular lore has it that goats defecate the seeds of fruits from the argan tree, but instead they must spit them out, helping to effectively disperse them [Link]

Mashable » Your office needs innovation — here’s how it can happen

Thursday 25 May 17:27:07 UTC 2017

Having an open and honest line of communication with your supervisor at work is easier said than done, but as more research takes place around workplace dynamics, evidence is emerging on how the lack of dialogue between employer and employee can lead to miscommunications — specifically on the topic of innovation.    With recent data showing how managers and employees often … [Link]

Slashdot » Cord-Cutters Are Ditching Their Cable Packages At the Fastest Rate Ever

Thursday 25 May 17:20:00 UTC 2017

Sara Fischer, writing for Axios: Cord-cutters are ditching their cable packages at the fastest rate ever, opting instead for cheaper, bundled digital TV options, according to the latest Magid Broadcast Study. The trend reflects consumers' preferences to ditch bundled cable packages for more affordable, niche bundled services that can be accessed on TV box tops or on mobile. For consumers, … [Link]

Mashable » 10 years of Pornhub has taught us a lot about our desires

Thursday 25 May 17:11:54 UTC 2017

It’s been 10 years to the day since Pornhub launched. A lot has changed since then, but one thing remains the same: we are obsessed with lesbian porn.  To celebrate their big anniversary, Pornhub took a look back at what their users have enjoyed over the past decade. And the results are… revealing. It turns out we’ve got a pretty voracious … [Link]

Mashable » Love 'Cars'? You can now talk to Lightning McQueen for real

Thursday 25 May 16:59:11 UTC 2017

It looks, sounds, and moves like Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars. This toy car is more like a robot. It's able to speak your favorite lines and react to your touch from its capacitive touch panels. Even when you're driving the car, it leans side to side and lifts up the front. This Lightning McQueen robot costs $299. Read more…More … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook's AMBER Alerts tool is transforming how we find missing children

Thursday 25 May 16:56:51 UTC 2017

Since it launched 21 years ago after the tragic death of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas, the AMBER Alert system has helped families and authorities successfully recover 868 missing children. But more than 460,000 children — runaways, abductions, lost or injured kids — go missing every year in the U.S., plus many more around the world. Facebook, whose user base … [Link]

Popular Science » Global warming is not ‘leveling off’, so stop saying it is

Thursday 25 May 16:54:56 UTC 2017

Environment Look to the satellite data. Researchers publish a study detailing how the so-called “leveling off” of climate change is not supported by satellite data. [Link]

Mashable » Little girl accuses teacher of committing a war crime in teacher evaluation. Casual.

Thursday 25 May 16:52:19 UTC 2017

Sorry, did you not cite humanitarian guidelines in your teacher feedback form at age 11? Catch up.  Like most students about to head to summer vacation, writer Mason Cross' young daughter was prompted to give her teacher feedback on an end-of-year survey. But unlike most students, Cross' daughter pointed out that her teacher may be committing a war crime. My daughter … [Link]

Mashable » Trump shoves another foreign leader in his latest big boy diplomacy move

Thursday 25 May 16:51:03 UTC 2017

President Trump isn't content to be leader of the free world. He wants to be head of all lines, too. In yet another humiliating moment for the country, President Trump seemingly shoved Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic while at the NATO conference in Brussels today. After pushing Markovic, the president subtly demonstrated his dominance by pulling on his jacket like the … [Link]

Mashable » Uber and Lyft are coming back to Austin as soon as Monday

Thursday 25 May 16:45:28 UTC 2017

Keep Austin mobile. Uber and Lyft are coming back to the capital of Texas after the state passed sweeping ride-hailing rules that negated the city's more stringent driver checks, according to a local Austin ABC affiliate.  They are both slated to resume service on Monday. Uber and Lyft both left Austin a little more than a year ago when the city's … [Link]

Slashdot » And Now, a Brief Definition of the Web

Thursday 25 May 16:40:00 UTC 2017

Dieter Bohn, writing for The Verge: Traditionally, we think of the web as a combination of a set of specific technologies paired with some core philosophical principles. The problem — the reason this question even matters — is that there are a lot of potential replacements for the parts of the web that fix what's broken with technology, while undermining … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Strange cosmic radio burst pinned down to giant stellar nursery

Thursday 25 May 16:36:00 UTC 2017

A young neutron star is probably the source of a strange repeating signal previously tracked to a dwarf galaxy 2.4 billion light years away [Link]

Mashable » Tesla leak reveals just how quickly the Model 3 can hit 60 mph

Thursday 25 May 16:31:02 UTC 2017

The Tesla Model 3 is no Model S, as the electric car manufacturer keeps reminding us, but it's still going to have quite the kick. A leaked document posted May 22 to the Model 3 Owners Club message boards provides Tesla enthusiasts the chance for a side-by-side comparison of the new ride and its older sibling.    The main takeaway? The … [Link]

Mashable » The internet did not have the time of their lives watching the 'Dirty Dancing' remake

Thursday 25 May 16:29:02 UTC 2017

In 2017, let's agree on one thing: no more remakes. Please. For some unknown reason, the original masterpiece known as Dirty Dancing wasn't cool enough for a modern audience, so ABC green lit a TV movie remake starring Abigail Breslin as Frances "Baby" Houseman and Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle. SEE ALSO: Do you recognize the A-list leads of the 'A … [Link]

Mashable » Little boy throws totally adorable tantrum after realizing golf is just too hard

Thursday 25 May 16:26:13 UTC 2017

Who hasn't wanted to throw a tantrum while playing mini golf with friends who are way too into it?  Professional golfer Amanda Blumenherst's two-and-a-half-year-old son Will knows the feeling. His mom is a professional golfer and he just … doesn't get it. His feelings get the best of him while putting on the green. Turns out , he's completely over it.  … [Link]

Mashable » Did you spot the man quietly photobombing Donald Trump and the Pope?

Thursday 25 May 16:21:33 UTC 2017

The president's visit to the Vatican has brought the world plenty of memes, but amidst all the images of Pope Francis glaring in the presence of Donald Trump, there's one thing we all almost missed — the mysterious figure quietly lurking in the back of the photos. Image: Pool/AGF/REX/ShutterstockSEE ALSO: Pope Francis just threw some serious papal shade at Donald Trump … [Link]

Mashable » Even Captain America knows Twitter will be outraged by jailed reporters

Thursday 25 May 16:18:50 UTC 2017

[NOTE: The below story contains spoilers from Steve Rogers: Captain America #17 so if you don't want to know, read it first and then come back.]  Captain America is now jailing reporters and talking about the outrage it will spark on Twitter. Talk about timely. SEE ALSO: First Hydra took Captain America, now they're taking the White House In Steve Rogers: … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Twilio Announces Proxy API and Suite of Declarative APIs

Thursday 25 May 16:14:28 UTC 2017

Twilio has introduced the Twilio Proxy API, a new API for building private text and voice conversations between customers and mobile workers. This new API is part of the Twilio Engagement Cloud, a suite of Declarative APIs embedded with communications logic for common types of multi-channel customer engagement use cases. [Link]

Mashable » Pink pineapples are here to make fruit even more Instagrammable

Thursday 25 May 16:11:50 UTC 2017

If you aren't prepared yet for a summer full of cute pics, maybe some pineapple will help. No, we aren't talking about those gold pineapple mugs that everyone seemed to be sipping drinks from last summer. This is 2017, people. New summer, new pineapple. And this year, our pineapples are pink. SEE ALSO: Bye rosé! Blue prosecco is this summer's go-to … [Link]

Slashdot » The Cable TV Industry Is Getting Even Less Popular

Thursday 25 May 16:00:00 UTC 2017

Aaron Pressman, writing for Fortune: It seems nobody loves their cable TV or home Internet provider. Wireless carriers, however, are on the upswing.That's the news from the huge annual survey of 43 industries from the American Customer Satisfaction Index. In 2017, cable operators and ISP tied for last place, with an average customer satisfaction rating of just 64 percent. The … [Link]

Popular Science » How to choose the right laptop for you

Thursday 25 May 15:57:30 UTC 2017

DIY Everything you need to know. Companies release dozens of new laptop models each year. How do you choose? This guide explains each option to help you pick the best one for you. [Link]

Mashable » The only app on Donald Trump's iPhone is Twitter

Thursday 25 May 15:50:01 UTC 2017

Maybe this is one of those things we shouldn't be so surprised about but — President Donald Trump reportedly has a phone dedicated solely to tweeting. SEE ALSO: The real losers in Trump's NASA budget are kids and the Earth Yep, you read the right. The president has an iPhone without any apps aside from Twitter, according to Axios.  This gives … [Link]

Mashable » The Evolution of Spider-Man

Thursday 25 May 15:38:11 UTC 2017

Read more…More about Watercooler, Entertainment, Mashable Reels, and Watercooler [Link]

Mashable » Tom Hardy is fundraising for Manchester bombing victims

Thursday 25 May 15:31:05 UTC 2017

Despite his surly, intense exterior, Tom Hardy has a golden heart.  In the aftermath of the recent bombing at an Ariana Grande concert that killed 22 people, Hardy has launched a fundraising campaign for the British Red Cross.  SEE ALSO: No, this is not a photo of Ariana Grande after the Manchester attack The aim was to raise £15,000 for the … [Link]

Mashable » New 'Pokémon' mobile game is all about the most useless Pokémon ever: Magikarp

Thursday 25 May 15:20:47 UTC 2017

Magikarp, the most useless Pokémon ever, is the star of a brand new Pokémon mobile game: Magikarp Jump. Magikarp Jump, released yesterday on iOS and Google Play, is all about catching Magikarp, training them to jump as high as possible, and competing against other Magikarp in jumping contests. That's pretty much all this dopey-looking fish-mon can do. Such a sense … [Link]

Slashdot » Google AI AlphaGo Wins Again, Leaves Humans In the Dust

Thursday 25 May 15:20:00 UTC 2017

Google's AlphaGo has defeated the world's best Go player in the second out of three games, scoring an overall win for the artificial intelligence algorithm in the fiendishly complex board game. CNET adds: The human gave it his all. "Incredible," wrote DeepMind founder and CEO Demis Hassabis on Twitter while the match was underway. "According to AlphaGo evaluations Ke Jie … [Link]

Mashable » Priyanka Chopra talks skydiving, fashion, and eating worms

Thursday 25 May 15:13:09 UTC 2017

Baywatch star Priyanka Chopra is not only slaying on the big and small screen, but she's also been dominating in the fashion world (see: her gorgeous Met Gala gown).  In her 73 Questions with Vogue video, Chopra talks travel, her home in India, her pageant days, and much, much more, all while keeping it very chic and cool. She even … [Link]

Mashable » What the actual hell is going on with Google's newly redesigned Android emoji

Thursday 25 May 15:06:02 UTC 2017

Google announced last week that Android emoji would be getting a complete revamp with the next version of Android, Android O. As my colleague Stan wrote after the announcement, the redesign was long overdue. Android users have long had objectively worse emoji than their iOS counterparts. SEE ALSO: Google is completely revamping Android emoji and it's about damn time For example, … [Link]

Mashable » The newest $1 billion startup is this at-home cycling company

Thursday 25 May 14:57:45 UTC 2017

At-home exercise has always been a weird — but lucrative — market. Why do you think you've seen Bowflex commercials for the past three decades?  And where there's money, there are tech companies looking for their piece of the pie. Enter Peloton, a four-year-old startup that sells internet-connected stationary bikes tied to a livestreamed subscription workout experience. Peloton is now worth … [Link]

Mashable » Jimmy Kimmel breaks down Trump's visit with the Pope

Thursday 25 May 14:57:00 UTC 2017

Jimmy Kimmel broke down Donald Trump's visit with the Pope on Wednesday, and boy is there a lot to tackle.  Trump and Melania's hand holding (or aggressive lack thereof), the Pope's stony non-smile, and Trump's new altar boy Twitter cover photo — and so, so much more went down. And down, and down.  Perhaps the best way to sum it … [Link]

Mashable » This dress is made of jeans, but it's way worse than it sounds

Thursday 25 May 14:51:57 UTC 2017

Hybrid fashion is so in right now. 2017 has become the year of new and unusual jean trends from detachable cut out jeans to jeans that fashionably show off your butt crack. Now, ShopBop has added a new item to the list: "2 Jeans Dress." SEE ALSO: Nordstrom is selling fake mud jeans for the unbelievably low price of $425 The … [Link]

Mashable » Val Kilmer is ready for 'Top Gun 2'

Thursday 25 May 14:51:15 UTC 2017

Top Gun 2 is on its way, which means it's time to get the gang back together. After Tom Cruise confirmed that the sequel will start filming, the first person we needed to hear from was his costar Val Kilmer. If there were any doubts as to Kilmer's willingness, he laid them to rest immediately with a tweet. SEE ALSO: The … [Link]

Mashable » If you hate the eye doctor, you're going to love Warby Parker's futuristic vision test app

Thursday 25 May 14:44:24 UTC 2017

Going to the eye doctor is one of those yearly errands I always dread. I like my eye doctor well enough and, no, I don't have some eye-related phobia — I just really, really, dislike the whole process. Getting an appointment can take weeks, or even months. Inevitably, I'll have to go in the middle of a workday, and appointments always … [Link]

Slashdot » US Intelligence Community Has Lost Credibility Due To Leaks

Thursday 25 May 14:40:00 UTC 2017

Two anonymous readers and Mi share an article: U.K. police investigating the Manchester terror attack say they have stopped sharing information with the U.S. after a series of leaks that have so angered the British government that Prime Minister Therese May wants to discuss them with President Donald Trump during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization meeting in Brussels. What can … [Link]

Mashable » OnePlus 5 confirmed to be a performance beast

Thursday 25 May 14:38:24 UTC 2017

Hey, OnePlus fans: You can rest easy knowing the OnePlus 5, slated for launch sometime this summer, will be just as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy S8. Chipmaker Qualcomm has confirmed the much-rumored and highly anticipated phone will come with its latest Snapdragon 835 chipset. SEE ALSO: The OnePlus 5 could be the phone that destroys Samsung's Galaxy S8 "When we … [Link]

Mashable » Tiny drone uses your palm as a helipad and your gestures as its ultimate commander

Thursday 25 May 14:38:01 UTC 2017

Flying a drone that takes your photos and videos has never been easier. The 'DJI Spark' drone camera is no bigger than a coke can but it's got some great potential. It's almost entirely controlled by hand gestures, making it super easy to maneuver. Read more…More about Drones, Jedi, Selfie, Real Time Video, and Hand Gesture [Link]

Mashable » Ariana Grande's manager, Scooter Braun, tweets message in wake of Manchester attack

Thursday 25 May 14:35:32 UTC 2017

Ariana Grande's manager, Scooter Braun, tweeted an emotional message Thursday morning urging his followers to "appreciate every day" in the wake of Monday's terrorist attack in Manchester. "With extraordinary evil we must fight with extraordinary greatness," he wrote. "Fight on … Tomorrow I live full." SEE ALSO: People are pissed Kim Kardashian posted, and deleted, this photo after Manchester attacks Read … [Link]

Mashable » At least 'Baywatch' has one thing going for it (and no, it's not The Rock)

Thursday 25 May 14:24:00 UTC 2017

How do you update Baywatch for 2017?  The original was a cheesy TV drama mostly remembered for its slow-mo shots of busty women running down the beach, if it's remembered at all — if you missed this property the first time around, you probably never bothered seeking it out in reruns. Based on the Baywatch movie, it's clear what the filmmakers … [Link]

Mashable » Wonder Woman has taken over the world (wide web) and it’s about damn time

Thursday 25 May 14:21:35 UTC 2017

Wonder Woman has long been a pillar of feminine strength. She stands alongside Rosie the Riveter as an icon of female empowerment, and of women getting things done.    But she's more than that.     In comics, she often shows kindness and compassion, even to those who oppose her. She fights for what is right, even when the odds are stacked … [Link]

Mashable » Macron annihilates Trump in the most awkward handshake battle of all time

Thursday 25 May 14:15:49 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ annihilates Trump in the most awkward handshake battle of all time","sources":[{&q~ More about Watercooler, Conversations, Politics, France, and Donald Trump [Link]

Mashable » An Indonesian village got a rainbow makeover, now it's an Insta-worthy hot spot

Thursday 25 May 14:10:18 UTC 2017

A village in Indonesia got a colorful makeover to help attract visitors and tourists are flocking to the picturesque destination. Read more…More about Travel, Art, Tourists, Tourism, and Tourist Attraction [Link]

Mashable » South Korea has the highest concentration of robots in the world

Thursday 25 May 14:09:50 UTC 2017

Robots are rapidly becoming a part of manufacturing, but the results of who's winning the robot game are in: South Korea has the highest concentration of industrial robots in the world. According to the International Federation of Robotics, South Korea towers over the rest of the world with 531 multipurpose industrial robots for every 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry. SEE … [Link]

Mashable » 'Star Wars' was born with a nuclear explosion, and other weird news from May 25, 1977

Thursday 25 May 14:07:26 UTC 2017

Exactly 40 years ago Thursday morning, there was a nuclear explosion in the United States. No, I don't mean that as a metaphor for the birth of 'Star Wars,' which premiered in 32 theaters that day and went on to transform popular culture. I'm not referring to the planet Alderaan, obliterated by the Death Star, that avatar of our nuclear nightmares.  … [Link]

Slashdot » Bitcoin Surges 10% To All-Time High Above $2,700, Has Now Doubled in May

Thursday 25 May 14:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader writes: In another intraday jump of more than $200, bitcoin surged to a record Thursday on strong Asian demand overnight. Bitcoin jumped more than 10 percent to an all-time high of $2,752.07, more than twice its April 30 price of $1,347.96 according to CoinDesk. The digital currency last traded near $2,726. At Thursday's record, Bitcoin has now … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Quit nature to save wolves and bears? There are better ways

Thursday 25 May 13:45:00 UTC 2017

Wild predators bounce back as nations modernise, people shift to cities and attitudes change. But we don't have to seal ourselves off to save them, says Niki Rust [Link]

Mashable » Those old-school jellies you loved as a kid are back, thanks to Rihanna

Thursday 25 May 13:44:26 UTC 2017

Rihanna is a fashion-forward kind of gal. But as all stylish people know, sometimes, in order to be fashion forward, you have to look backwards. Meet the Puma x Fenty Jelly Slide, which comes out on May 25 as part of the continued collaboration between Rihanna and Puma. For $90, you can buy yourself a nostalgia-filled piece of slip-on footwear updated … [Link]

Mashable » That 'Castlevania' series from Netflix looks LEGIT

Thursday 25 May 13:22:28 UTC 2017

This July, Netflix will wade into the crowded world of video game-to-some-other-screen adaptations with an animated series based on the NES classic, Castlevania. After watching this first-look trailer, just one word springs to mind: hype. The anime-inflected take on Simon Belmont's forever war against Dracula and his army of minions strikes the right tone in this minute-long teaser. Maybe it's … [Link]

Mashable » 'Star Wars' turns 40: Looking back at the (mostly glowing) reviews from 1977

Thursday 25 May 13:22:13 UTC 2017

Happy birthday, Star Wars.  This week marks the 40th anniversary of the film that launched not just a franchise, but an entirely new universe of thrilling stories, lovable characters, and more tie-in merchandise than you can shake a stick at. SEE ALSO: This photo of Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd in 'Star Wars' costumes will ruin you But back in 1977, … [Link]

Mashable » Xiaomi's Mi Max 2 promises the holy grail of smartphone battery life

Thursday 25 May 13:06:16 UTC 2017

How many times have you seen claims of a smartphone with long battery life, only to be disappointed when, in real life, said smartphone barely lasts a day? Xiaomi's new Mi Max 2 phablet, however, might actually live up to its promise of two-day battery life.  SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Mi 6 brings Galaxy S8-level specs for half the price The 6.44-inch … [Link]

Slashdot » How Facebook Flouts Holocaust Denial Laws Except Where It Fears Being Sued

Thursday 25 May 13:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Guardian: Facebook's policies on Holocaust denial will come under fresh scrutiny following the leak of documents that show moderators are being told not to remove this content in most of the countries where it is illegal. The files explain that moderators should take down Holocaust denial material in only four of the … [Link]

Mashable » The Queen makes heartwarming visit to children's hospital in Manchester

Thursday 25 May 12:40:01 UTC 2017

The Queen certainly knows how to bring comfort and care in time of distress.  In the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing, Queen Elizabeth visited Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to speak to those injured.  Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with a nurse during a visit to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.Image: Getty ImagesThe Queen, who called the massacre "wicked" spoke to … [Link]

New Scientist – News » See-through frog has heart you can see beating through its chest

Thursday 25 May 12:38:00 UTC 2017

The beautiful Hyalinobatrachium yaku is a previously unknown glass frog from Ecuador, but its habitat is threatened by oil exploitation [Link]

New Scientist – News » Trump’s budget jettisons ‘irreplaceable’ marine mammals agency

Thursday 25 May 12:36:00 UTC 2017

The US Marine Mammal Commission, charged with restoring oceans’ mammal populations, is set for the chop in president Donald Trump’s budget proposal [Link]

Mashable » Stephen Colbert helpfully explains the $2 trillion math error in Trump's budget

Thursday 25 May 12:34:26 UTC 2017

Trump just released a budget proposal that no one seems particularly interested in. What's more, it's based on a — wait for it — $2 trillion math error! However, says Stephen Colbert, there's a simple explanation for this little goof. "Trump is an idiot," he says. "Or he's lying." Wow, incompetent vs. diabolical? What a familiar choice. Read more… More … [Link]

Mashable » 'Game of Thrones' fans are all making the same joke about the Mountain

Thursday 25 May 12:30:54 UTC 2017

We’d never say it to his face, but the Mountain does look just a teeny bit ridiculous in his new battle armour. SEE ALSO: A full breakdown of that battle map in the 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 trailer Not long after the Game of Thrones Season 7 trailer was released, people on Reddit and Twitter began making similar observations about … [Link]

Mashable » Metal heads are building a massive pipeline to funnel 400,000 litres of beer

Thursday 25 May 12:11:45 UTC 2017

Metal heads are building a 7-km long, underground pipeline to send 400,000 litres of beer to a festival in northern Germany.  SEE ALSO: Watch Korn's 12-year-old bassist casually shred in his tour debut No, that's not a line from Jack Black's latest movie, but an actual initiative put in place for Wacken Open Air Festival, the world's biggest metal music festival.  … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Newly-evolved microbes may be breaking down ocean plastics

Thursday 25 May 12:08:58 UTC 2017

There is less plastic in our oceans than expected because life is evolving the ability to biodegrade it, one team is claiming   [Link]

Mashable » People are sharing their amazing love stories after Taiwan's same-sex marriage ruling

Thursday 25 May 11:53:16 UTC 2017

In a landmark development on Wednesday (May 24), Taiwan's top court issued a ruling that would pave the way for the island to become the first territory in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.  10 of the top court's 14 judges voted to rule that marriage should not be restricted to a man and a woman. The island's government has two years … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Giant octopus suffocates foolhardy dolphin that tried to eat it

Thursday 25 May 11:52:00 UTC 2017

Dolphins have a special way of preparing the octopuses they eat – but when that goes awry the consequences can be deadly [Link]

Mashable » J.K. Rowling slams Fox contributor in the wake of the Manchester attack

Thursday 25 May 11:37:52 UTC 2017

Tributes and vigils have been taking place across the world in the days following Monday's bomb attack in Manchester.  The Eiffel Tower went dark on Tuesday to honour the victims. This is something that's been done before in the wake of previous terror attacks. It's meant as a show of solidarity, and a way to pay tribute to those who lost … [Link]

Mashable » Mariah Carey's moving tribute to fan who died in Manchester attack

Thursday 25 May 11:26:51 UTC 2017

Mariah Carey has posted a heartbreaking tribute to a fan who was killed in the Manchester attack.  SEE ALSO: When no one bought this mom's crafts, Twitter stepped up to help 29-year-old Martyn Hett was a Mariah super-fan who penned a piece for the Manchester Evening News professing his love for the pop legend.  Hett, who was a YouTuber, posted a … [Link]

Mashable » Here's how big Drogon will actually be in 'Game of Thrones' Season 7

Thursday 25 May 10:28:42 UTC 2017

This is exactly the kind of Game of Thrones analysis detail I fully, fully approve of. Following the release of that Season 7 image which showed Daenerys riding a very huge-looking Drogon, the people behind YouTube channel bridge4 have analysed exactly how big aenerys' pet will be next Season — and how his size compares to Balerion, the biggest dragon … [Link]

O'Reilly News and Commentary » #Ebook Deal/Day: Hacking the Hacker – $12.49 (Save 50%) Use code DEAL

Thursday 25 May 10:27:40 UTC 2017

Get "Hacking the Hacker" today using code DEAL and save 50%!This sale ends at 2:00 AM 2017-05-26 (PDT, GMT-8:00). [Link]

Mashable » Photo of armed policeman blowing a kiss to ladies in Manchester will melt your heart

Thursday 25 May 10:15:05 UTC 2017

A photo taken during a vigil in Manchester city centre has captured the spirit of city in the face of extreme challenges.  SEE ALSO: No, this is not a photo of Ariana Grande after the Manchester attack The image showing a heavily armed policeman blowing a kiss to two ladies offering free hugs, has gone viral on social media.  Natalie Thornley … [Link]

Slashdot » 8 In 10 People Now See Climate Change As a 'Catastrophic Risk,' Says Survey

Thursday 25 May 10:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from the Thomas Reuters Foundation: Nearly nine in 10 people say they are ready to make changes to their standard of living if it would prevent future climate catastrophe, a survey on global threats found Wednesday. The survey of more than 8,000 people in eight countries — the United States, China, India, Britain, Australia, … [Link]

Mashable » A full breakdown of that battle map in the 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 trailer

Thursday 25 May 9:52:42 UTC 2017

After weeks of Game of Thrones teasers and promotional images (HBO toying with us, in other words), we finally have some new footage to work with. The new Season 7 trailer has officially landed. And it wouldn't be a new trailer if we didn't analyse it obsessively, would it? SEE ALSO: These 7 'Game of Thrones' trailer moments mean more than … [Link]

Mashable » Helen Mirren has sage advice for a certain president fond of late-night tweeting

Thursday 25 May 9:28:52 UTC 2017

Shakespearean kween and all-round national treasure Helen Mirren offered some sage advice to Donald Trump, about his love of late-night and early-morning tweetingAs Mirren delivered the commencement address at Tulane University, she said she wanted to tell graduates something they'd remember 40 years from now.  "Something you'll remember in the year 2047 because it is so true," says Mirren. "Whether … [Link]

Mashable » Air New Zealand wants to use augmented reality to see how you feel inflight

Thursday 25 May 9:16:10 UTC 2017

Airlines already have a whole bunch of information about you when you fly. So just imagine if augmented reality could remind attendants about your favourite drink and even figure out how you're feeling? It's a future that Air New Zealand is exploring, with the help of Microsoft's HoloLens AR headset. SEE ALSO: That massive plane that looks like a butt … [Link]

Mashable » The king of Go is no longer a human

Thursday 25 May 9:12:02 UTC 2017

Google’s AlphaGo AI has won over world champion and number one ranked Go player Ke Jie for the second time in a row.  Since there's only one match left to play, AlphaGo has clutched the overall win in the mini tournament, held from May 23-27 in Wuzhen, China. The best Ke Jie can hope for now is winning the last match … [Link]

Mashable » Apple's first store in Southeast Asia is here, and this is what it looks like

Thursday 25 May 9:01:33 UTC 2017

Apple’s first destination in Southeast Asia? Singapore.  The doors of the two-storey high store, which features a stunning glass facade spanning 120 feet, opened briefly on Thursday for a media preview into the store.  SEE ALSO: Apple shares photos and video of its fancy new store in Dubai Inside, the store embodies the sleek designs Apple is well-known for. Image: YVETTE … [Link]

Mashable » Chinese authorities banned the broadcast of a match between top Go player and AlphaGo AI

Thursday 25 May 7:57:22 UTC 2017

A Go match between the world's top player, Ke Jie, and Google's AlphaGo that took place this week was censored by authorities, reports Quartz. The AI beat Ke Jie in yet another match today, securing a win in the three-part match. SEE ALSO: Is the AlphaGo AI the best in the world? We're about to find out. Three journalists have reported … [Link]

Mashable » Rocket Lab successfully launches rocket into space from New Zealand

Thursday 25 May 7:53:06 UTC 2017

After several weather delays, Rocket Lab successfully launched its Electron rocket from its Mahia peninsula site on New Zealand's North Island Thursday afternoon, as part of a series of tests.  SEE ALSO: Rocket Lab plans to launch its rockets off a cliff The 17 metre (56 feet) long Electron finally took off at 4:20 p.m. local time, marking the first orbital-class … [Link]

Slashdot » Boeing Will Make the Military's New Hypersonic Spaceplane

Thursday 25 May 7:00:00 UTC 2017

The Department of Defense has selected Boeing to make a new hypersonic spaceplane that can be reused frequently over a short period of time to deliver multiple satellites into orbit. "DARPA, the agency that tests new advanced technologies for the military, has picked Boeing's design concept, called the Phantom Express, to move forward as part of the agency's Experimental Spaceplane … [Link]

Mashable » Ben & Jerry's bans 2 scoops of the same flavour in marriage equality statement

Thursday 25 May 4:13:20 UTC 2017

The battle to make marriage equality legal in Australia has been a protracted and frequently ugly process, inhibited by the government. So Ben & Jerry's is trying to speed up the case for legalisation by banning two scoops of the same flavour at their 26 stores across Australia. SEE ALSO: Teen turns in 127-page 'Gay Marriage is Fabulous' manifesto to defend … [Link]

Slashdot » Manchester Attack Could Lead To Internet Crackdown

Thursday 25 May 3:30:00 UTC 2017

New submitter boundary writes: The UK government looks to be about to put the most egregious parts of the Investigative Powers Act into force "soon after the election" (which is in a couple of weeks) in the wake of the recent bombing in Manchester. "Technical Capability Orders" require tech companies to break their own security. I wonder who'll comply? The … [Link]

Mashable » 'Spoon bandit' bathes in 1,500 spoons he 'stole' from school

Thursday 25 May 3:19:21 UTC 2017

A self-described "spoon bandit" lavished in his hard work after claiming to heist 1,500 spoons from his high school cafeteria. Warning: The following tweet may be too badass for some readers.  SEE ALSO: Teen who took her Harvard acceptance letter to prom deserves a crown Over this past school year I have stolen over 1500 spoons from the Lincoln Way Central … [Link]

Slashdot » Vermont DMV Caught Using Illegal Facial Recognition Program

Thursday 25 May 1:25:00 UTC 2017

schwit1 quotes a report from Vocativ: The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles has been caught using facial recognition software — despite a state law preventing it. Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont describe such a program, which uses software to compare the DMV's database of names and driver's license photos with information with state and federal … [Link]

Mashable » Listen to the audio of a Republican candidate for Congress bodyslam a journalist

Thursday 25 May 0:55:42 UTC 2017

This post was updated to reflect an eyewitness report from Fox News.  So 2017 has reached a new low. On the eve of Montana's special election, Guardian political reporter Ben Jacobs reported that Republican candidate Greg Gianforte body-slammed him at Gianforte's campaign headquarters in Bozeman. Greg Gianforte just body slammed me and broke my glasses — Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) May … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook Signs BuzzFeed, Vox, Others For Original Video Shows

Thursday 25 May 0:53:00 UTC 2017

Facebook has signed deals with Vox Media, BuzzFeed, ATTN, Group Nine Media and others to make shows for its upcoming video service, which will feature long and short-form content with ad breaks. The social media company is reportedly set to pay up to $250,000 for the longer, scripted shows. Reuters reports: Facebook is planning two tiers of video entertainment: scripted … [Link]

Mashable » Trump didn't let Sean Spicer meet the pope even though he really wanted to

Thursday 25 May 0:50:56 UTC 2017

The Trumps and some White House officials met with Pope Francis on Wednesday, but one figure was notably missing: Sean Spicer. And apparently, he's pretty upset about it. A source close to the White House told CNN that Spicer not being brought along to the meeting was "a slight," and that to meet Papa Francesco was "all he wanted." SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Slashdot » Study Finds Magic Mushrooms Are the Safest Recreational Drug

Thursday 25 May 0:20:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Guardian: Mushrooms are the safest of all the drugs people take recreationally, according to this year's Global Drug Survey. Of the more than 12,000 people who reported taking psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms in 2016, just 0.2% of them said they needed emergency medical treatment — a rate at least five times lower than … [Link]

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