Geekish

Anyone who works as a freelancer these days has to be at least a bit familiar with techie things. But it isn’t just that. When I was a kid and those vaguely SF puppet shows were on the television and all the other kids wanted to be Greg Gogetem or Steve Savetheuniverse, I wanted to be the guy in a white coat and glasses called Doc or Brains. Here are some technology-related feeds I find useful and/or entertaining.

Slashdot » Facebook Pages Spreading Fake News Won't Be Able To Buy Ads

Monday 28 August 23:20:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: Facebook says it's taking another step against Pages that share fabricated news stories. The company has already been working with outside fact-checkers like Snopes and the AP to flag inaccurate news stories. (These aren't supposed to be stories that are disputed for reasons of opinion or partisanship, but rather outright hoaxes and … [Link]

Mashable » Elon Musk just casually posted a photo of a Telsa car in a Boring Company tunnel

Monday 28 August 23:06:45 UTC 2017

Https%3a%2f%2fvdist.aws.mashable.com%2fcms%2f2017%2f5%2fdaec53c7 38b0 bbc5%2fthumb%2f00001 Read more… {"player":{"descript~ next, Elon?","image":&quot~ Musk's vision for traffic-skipping underground tunnels looks pretty incredible","sources&quot~ musk,amber heard,real-time,real-time video,real time,the future,us & world,real time video,elon musk tesla,elon,boring company,rea,tunnels,the boring company","sec0":null~ musk,amber heard,real-time,real-time video,real time,the future,us & world,real time video,elon musk tesla,elon,boring company,rea,tunnels,the boring company","videoSeriesName~ More about Tesla, Hyperloop, Boring Company, Tech, and Elon Musk [Link]

Mashable » Joel Osteen's megachurch claims it's too flooded for Harvey relief. Internet sleuths call BS.

Monday 28 August 23:03:13 UTC 2017

UPDATE: Aug. 28, 2017, 10:28 p.m. EDT: This piece has been updated to reflect a report that Osteen's church is preparing to open its doors. Lakewood Church, the Houston arena-cum-megachurch home of celebrity preacher Joel Osteen, is reportedly preparing to open its doors to residents driven from their homes by Hurricane Harvey-related flooding. The move comes after Osteen received significant pressure … [Link]

Mashable » A Stephen King Movie for Every Taste

Monday 28 August 22:58:57 UTC 2017

Read more…More about Stephen King, Mashable Reels, Best Stephen King Movies, Entertainment, and Books [Link]

Mashable » A snake slithered into a bathroom skylight and we're never showering again

Monday 28 August 22:46:32 UTC 2017

Imagine looking up while sitting on the toilet to see a snake slithering around in your skylight. Snake catcher Luke Huntley from Snake Catcher Noosa was called out to a home in Noosaville, Australia to remove a pesky snake that made its way into the skylight of a home's bathroom. SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift says goodbye to old Tay Tay in … [Link]

Slashdot » New York City Cops Will Replace Their 36,000 Windows Phones With iPhones

Monday 28 August 22:40:00 UTC 2017

The New York City Police Department says it will give up its 36,000 Windows phones and transition to iPhones by the end of the year. The Verge reports: The switch is prompted in part by news in July that Microsoft was ending support for Windows Phone 8.1, which a large percentage of all Windows-powered phones are still using. It's a … [Link]

Mashable » Trump sends out fundraising email in middle of Texas emergency because bangs head on desk

Monday 28 August 22:35:19 UTC 2017

Natural disasters: a time when Americans of all backgrounds come together to help one another, and President Trump fundraises for his next campaign. On Monday afternoon, the Republican National Committee sent out a fundraising email with their typical hysterical-paranoid subject line: "ISOLATED?" The email harped on some of Trump's favorite political themes including his hatred of Hollywood and the mainstream media, … [Link]

Mashable » 'Overwatch' director shames a forum troll using the most brutal weapon of all: Facts

Monday 28 August 22:18:42 UTC 2017

Jeff Kaplan isn't taking any of your shit, Overwatch trolls. The game's outspoken director hasn't ever shied away from speaking up in the Blizzard Forums, but his latest post is downright artful. Let it be a lesson, too: don't whine about being punished for things you actually did do. Jeff is always watching. SEE ALSO: The heroes of 'Overwatch' face off … [Link]

Mashable » The most savage 'Game of Thrones' finale moment happened on 'Rick and Morty'

Monday 28 August 22:16:28 UTC 2017

It’s the Game of Thrones twist ending no one could've predicted. The bloodiest brutality from last night's finale didn't take place on HBO. It happened on an entirely different network several hours after "The Wolf and the Dragon" aired. Following one of the darkest episodes of the popular Adult Swim animated comedy show, Rick and Morty, the screen faded to black. … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Why Not to Overreact to Facebook's React Patents License

Monday 28 August 22:13:10 UTC 2017

Editor's Note: The following article was originally authored by Heather Meeker and originally appeared on FOSSA.io. In recent months, there has been some controversy over the BSD+Patents License that Facebook offers for React. [Link]

Slashdot » The Next iPhone Is Going To Be Unveiled On Sept. 12, Report Says

Monday 28 August 22:00:00 UTC 2017

According to CNBC, Apple will host its big iPhone 8 product launch event on September 12th. From the report: The tech giant is expected to announce a bevy of products, including two new iterative iPhone updates, possibly named the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus, in addition to a high-end iPhone 8. Apple is also reportedly gearing up to announce … [Link]

Mashable » Man catches a fish with his bare hands inside his flooded home

Monday 28 August 21:58:02 UTC 2017

A family in Houston decided to make the best out of a bad situation. Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Harvey caused flooding across southeastern Texas, bringing some unexpected visitors with it. After spotting a fish inside his flooded home on Saturday, Saul Saldana decided to do a little bit of fishing, with his bare hands. As his daughter Viviana filmed, Saldana … [Link]

Mashable » 16 times people were brilliantly trolled using AirDrop

Monday 28 August 21:57:46 UTC 2017

Apple’s AirDrop can be useful, dangerous, or hilarious, depending on how you use it. It can help you send locations and photos to those around you without using their number number, or it can help you completely troll strangers with unwanted memes and photos. The power is literally in your hands. We've found some unlucky (or lucky, depending on how you … [Link]

Popular Science » Fish might be shrinking

Monday 28 August 21:53:17 UTC 2017

two goldfish From Our Blogs: Nexus Media News And climate change is to blame. Rising temperatures are robbing the ocean of oxygen, causing fish to get smaller and smaller. [Link]

Mashable » Houston's mayor pleads with immigrants worried about 'show me your papers' law to call for rescue

Monday 28 August 21:49:08 UTC 2017

The mayor of Houston doesn’t want people who need to be rescued fearing deportation after Hurricane Harvey pummeled his city. SEE ALSO: Houston's local businesses pitch in as Harvey's flooding wreaks havoc At a press conference Monday, Mayor Sylvester Turner made bold statements about deportation concerns amid relief and rescue efforts. In no uncertain terms, he assured his city that anyone … [Link]

Mashable » Here's when the next iPhone will (almost definitely) go on sale

Monday 28 August 21:45:46 UTC 2017

As sure as kids going back to school and leaves changing color, September is also the time of year when Apple reveals new iPhones to the world. Now that we have a good idea of when it will happen — a new report says Apple will make its annual offering to the smartphone gods on Sept. 12 — we actually know … [Link]

Mashable » Surprise, surprise: the NYPD is replacing 36,000 Windows Phones with iPhones

Monday 28 August 21:38:38 UTC 2017

The slow death of Windows Phone continues. In what seems like the most predictable outcome of its plan to equip every officer with a Windows-powered smartphone, the NYPD reportedly plans to dump all 36,000 of its Windows Phones and replace them with iPhones. SEE ALSO: Does Microsoft’s new patent mean you’re finally getting a Surface Phone? The news, first reported by … [Link]

Mashable » The 'Super Troopers 2' trailer has finally arrived, so watch it right meow

Monday 28 August 21:36:25 UTC 2017

Way back in 2015, comedy group Broken Lizard successfully crowdfunded $2 million to create a sequel to the 2001 cop cult classic, Super Troopers. Good news—it's almost here. The Vermont Highway Patrol squad is back and you'll be able to keep up with all the shenanigans they pull on April 20, 2018. Yep, the movie drops on 420. The trailer, … [Link]

Mashable » Trump explains why he pardoned Joe Arpaio during a hurricane and oh please no

Monday 28 August 21:27:26 UTC 2017

President Trump is setting the record straight on why he felt the need to pardon Joe Arpaio in the middle of a hurricane. On Monday afternoon during a joint press conference with President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, Trump addressed the timing of his controversial decision to pardon the former sheriff of Arizona's Maricopa County. Arpaio was found guilty of contempt for … [Link]

Mashable » Ed Skrein exits 'Hellboy' over whitewashing controversy, everyone applauds

Monday 28 August 21:27:18 UTC 2017

Ed Skrien is stepping down from his role as Major Ben Daimio in the upcoming Hellboy reboot amid some all-too familiar controversy. Diamio, originally seen in the Hellboy book published by Dark Horse Comics, is of Japanese descent. Skrein — who you may recognize as the O.G. Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones, or baddie Francis Freeman/Ajax from Deadpool — is … [Link]

Slashdot » IP Lawyer Who Represented TiVo Is Trump's Pick As USPTO Chief

Monday 28 August 21:20:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: President Donald Trump has selected Andrei Iancu, the managing partner of a major Los Angeles law firm, to be the next head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Iancu has been a partner at Irell & Manella since 2004 and was an associate at the firm for five years earlier. … [Link]

Mashable » Mmm, yes, Whole Foods ground beef molded in the shape of the Amazon logo

Monday 28 August 20:59:18 UTC 2017

Amazon’s $13.7 billion Whole Foods acquisition went through on Monday, and changes to the grocery chain have been swift. Avocados? A dollar cheaper! Bananas? $0.69 a pound, my friends! Eighty-five percent lean ground beef? Molded into the shape of a big Amazon logo! USA Today Money Reporter Zlati Meyer tweeted a photo of this dystopian burger crime, apparently spotted in a … [Link]

Mashable » Here's a bunch of awards we made up for 'Game of Thrones' Season 7

Monday 28 August 20:53:36 UTC 2017

So ends another season of Game of Thrones, which means we've got over a year to wait until we're back in Westeros. In the meantime, then, let's look back at the season that was. SEE ALSO: When will 'Game of Thrones' return for its final season? We've got a theory. If Season 7 was uniquely frustrating in some ways (seriously, what … [Link]

Popular Science » Last week in tech: New gadgets bask in the post-eclipse glow

Monday 28 August 20:45:00 UTC 2017

Fitbit Ionic smart watch Gadgets There are lots of new (and mostly expensive) devices to meet this week. Would you like some $2,000 headphones to go with your new Lamborghini smartphone? [Link]

Slashdot » Someone Published a List of Telnet Credentials For Thousands of IoT Devices

Monday 28 August 20:41:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader writes: A list of thousands of fully working Telnet credentials has been sitting online on Pastebin since June 11, credentials that can be used by botnet herders to increase the size of their DDoS cannons. The list includes an IP address, device username, and a password, and is mainly made up of default device credentials in the … [Link]

Mashable » Tropical Storm Harvey raises red flags on infrastructure, climate planning

Monday 28 August 20:35:42 UTC 2017

Tropical Storm Harvey, which has shattered longstanding weather records, would've spelled disaster for just about any city it struck. After all, parts of the Houston area have received half their annual rainfall in just a few days' time. Yet Houston is not an ordinary city when it comes to flood infrastructure. And this flood has lessons for policymakers at all levels … [Link]

Mashable » Brilliant IT guy has the perfect way to avoid 'Game of Thrones' spoilers

Monday 28 August 20:34:13 UTC 2017

Don’t mess with your IT professional. You will seriously regret it. The Game of Thrones season seven finale aired Sunday evening, and, like any episode of the hit HBO show, people who weren't around to watch it were desperate to avoid any spoilers. Well, one IT dude has (appropriately) threatened his coworkers with a dangerous scenario, should they ruin the end … [Link]

Mashable » Icelanders can get burgers and beer by drone, and we're all moving

Monday 28 August 20:27:05 UTC 2017

The future of drone delivery is now, and it's pretty wild. Lucky residents of Reykjavík are the first to benefit from a new service delivering online food orders like hamburgers, sushi, and even beer. SEE ALSO: Update your DJI Spark drone by September 1 — or say goodbye The system comes from a partnership between Israeli drone logistics company Flytrex and … [Link]

Mashable » A zombie dragon destroyed the Wall on 'Game of Thrones'

Monday 28 August 20:23:46 UTC 2017

In this episode of Good Day Westeros, we talk about Game of Thrones Season 7 episode 7: The Dragon and the Wolf. Meet the ice-breathing dragon. Or is it blue fire? We're not quite sure. Read more…More about Entertainment, Mashable Video, Entertainment, Talk Show, and Game Of Thrones [Link]

Mashable » How the 'GoT' finale delivered one of the series’ most satisfying deaths

Monday 28 August 20:22:21 UTC 2017

In the season 7 finale of Game of Thrones, karma finally caught up with master manipulator Petyr Baelish, AKA Littlefinger. After playing Littlefinger's game against him for weeks, Sansa and Arya Stark revealed they had been scheming against him and sentenced him to execution for murder and treason. Read more…More about Tv, Hbo, Karma, Game Of Thrones, and Death [Link]

Mashable » Fire ants survive Houston flooding by creating terrifying rafts made of their bodies

Monday 28 August 20:20:04 UTC 2017

Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint api production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fvideo uploaders%2fdistribution thumb%2fimage%2f81295%2fed16f1a1 9a2d 4443 b925 3c5d5d1d19fa Read more… {"player":{"descript~ building blocks.","image":&qu~ fire ants use their bodies to form mini Eiffel Tower-like structural marvels","sources":[~ skills,construction,eiffel tower,real-time video,rafts,real time video,georgia tech,architecture and buildings,fire ants","sec0":null,&q~ skills,construction,eiffel tower,real-time video,rafts,real time video,georgia tech,architecture and buildings,fire ants","videoSeriesName&qu~ More about Science, Animals, Weather, Houston, and Texas [Link]

Mashable » Uber’s (probable) new CEO is known to be 'fair and nice,' for a change

Monday 28 August 20:17:57 UTC 2017

Empathy. That's the first word that comes to mind when Geoff Mathieux, cofounder and CEO of ride-hailing company Wingz, thinks of Uber's potential new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. SEE ALSO: Uber's new CEO is Dara Khosrowshahi of Expedia "He's known to be fair and nice," said Mathieux, who has personally met with the former CEO of Expedia dozens of times at conferences … [Link]

Mashable » This perfect fan theory predicts how Cersei will die in 'Game of Thrones' Season 8

Monday 28 August 20:09:04 UTC 2017

Throughout Game of Thrones Season 7 it's felt like Cersei is living on borrowed time. But a new fan theory not only proposes the perfect, bittersweet end to her entire house's reign of terror, but also would give Tyrion the long-awaited justice he deserves. First, let's get one thing out of the way: Cersei is destined to die. And considering Season … [Link]

Slashdot » The Mayweather-McGregor Fight Shows It's Impossible to Stop Social Media Streaming of Big Events

Monday 28 August 20:08:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: Nearly 3 million viewers are estimated to have watched the fight this weekend via online streams, according to Irdeto, a digital security firm. Though many of these were slick, traditional streaming websites, there was also a new surge in social streams. Between Periscope, Instagram live, Facebook live, YouTube, Twitch, and smaller platforms like Kodi, … [Link]

Mashable » Mobile internet, texting cut off for 50 million because of a guru’s rape trial

Monday 28 August 20:05:16 UTC 2017

A major trial of a spiritual leader convicted of raping two females in India is blocking millions of people from getting the internet on their phones. SEE ALSO: What is the Internet of Things and what does it mean for India? In an effort to control rumors and chaos sparked from online comments and social media, the government shut down mobile … [Link]

Mashable » These Houston rescuers will temporarily restore your faith in humanity

Monday 28 August 20:02:29 UTC 2017

When Hurricane Harvey came ashore Friday, it was the most powerful storm to hit Texas in 50 years — and it's not over yet. Over the weekend, everyone from members of the National Guard to strong-willed moms on boats came together to rescue people trapped in their homes and cars. Most of this kind of labor won't be captured on camera … [Link]

Popular Science » The best gear for going back to school

Monday 28 August 20:00:00 UTC 2017

back to school Gadgets You should never stop learning—or getting excited about truly excellent highlighters. PopSci's back to college gear guide. Here is a list for students—and their parents hint hint—of gear that will make your collegiate experience more organized, more… [Link]

Mashable » One deliciously nerdy 'Destiny 2' change will cut down on so much dumb tedium

Monday 28 August 19:59:15 UTC 2017

Great news, Destiny fans: identifying your new loot in Destiny 2 no longer benefits from the tedious process of re-dressing your Guardian in all of his or her best gear. Let me explain. Destiny loot comes in the form of glowing objects called "engrams." They're color-coded by rarity and fall into different categories — helmets, boots, power weapons, that sort of … [Link]

Mashable » 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 finale smashes ratings records

Monday 28 August 19:31:47 UTC 2017

As everyone learned this season on Game of Thrones, you don't need three fire-breathing dragons to dominate the competition, but it certainly helps. Just ask HBO, which has shattered records yet again with the seventh season of the fantasy drama series. SEE ALSO: 'Game of Thrones' just scored its highest ratings yet after episode leaked online According to the network, Game … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook's 21-Year-Old Wunderkind Leaves For Google

Monday 28 August 19:28:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: Facebook hired Michael Sayman for an internship when he was 17 years old, and gave him a full-time engineering job at 18. Now, the wunderkind is leaving for Alphabet's Google. He turned 21 last week. At Facebook, Sayman was a product manager who helped the social-media giant understand how his generation uses their phones, … [Link]

Mashable » France's new First Dog keeps a close eye on President Macron

Monday 28 August 19:22:39 UTC 2017

Per adorable tradition, French President Emmanuel Macron has adopted a new pup, who will now hold the esteemed title as "First Dog." According to BBC, Nemo is a labrador-griffon mix and almost two-years-old. He comes from the SPA animal refuge in Hermeray and cost the president around $300. SEE ALSO: French President paid €26,000 for make-up, and the french are like … [Link]

Mashable » Alligator swims over fence and enters woman's flooded backyard in Texas

Monday 28 August 19:13:59 UTC 2017

Hurricane Harvey dumped a ridiculous amount of rain on southeastern Texas this weekend, bringing with it some unwanted guests. Arlene Kelsch's backyard faces Lake Olympia, so spotting an alligator is not too uncommon. But thanks to Harvey, which has since been declassified to a tropical storm, heavy rains caused her yard to flood, and Kelsch has spotted multiple gators swimming over … [Link]

Mashable » Daenerys and Jon Snow are awful at the sex and it was so disappointing, can we please talk about why

Monday 28 August 19:12:11 UTC 2017

Jon Snow finally humped his aunt Daenerys. And it was terrible. It was like two naked babies, planking. It was virginal, restrained, un-sexy sex in a show known for nothing if not splashy sex (sometimes literally). Questions: Why were both pairs of legs closed? Why doesn't Jon Snow have body hair? Is Daenerys a sentient Willa™ doll? Had the two met … [Link]

Popular Science » Flame retardants may be messing with women’s fertility—and they’re in way more than yoga mats

Monday 28 August 19:05:00 UTC 2017

couch on fire Health Potentially harmful chemicals are in everything from car seats to nail polish. We might not be that great at retarding fires, but we’re fantastic at putting retardants in things that then leach into our bodies. [Link]

Mashable » Drake, Kevin Hart, Beyoncé, and more are supporting those effected by Hurricane Harvey in different ways

Monday 28 August 19:02:18 UTC 2017

As Hurricane Harvey continues to deliver devastating amounts of rain onto the city of Houston, folks are using social media to help those in need, spread information, and share their prayers and condolences to those in the hurricane's path. Celebrities are also using their vast networks to share messages of support. Everyone from Kevin Hart to Lady Gaga have shared their … [Link]

Mashable » When will 'Game of Thrones' return for its final season: Our prediction

Monday 28 August 18:57:16 UTC 2017

In terms of staying on an annualized schedule, Game of Thrones is about to break the wheel. I'm going on record here, but hardly out on a limb: There is no way the show's finale lands in 2018, the first time in its run that HBO's crown jewel will skip a calendar year altogether. With a 2019 start all but assured, … [Link]

Mashable » Brock and Misty will make a triumphant comeback in the 'Pokémon' TV show

Monday 28 August 18:53:27 UTC 2017

Brock and Misty, the two best friends that any Pokémon master could ever ask for, are returning to the Pokémon TV show. SEE ALSO: Pikachu has invaded Snapchat with a face lens that's too awesome for words The cover of the upcoming issue of Japanese magazine Televi-Kun was posted on an anonymous confession board, according to Twitter user Karubiimunomono. And according … [Link]

Slashdot » To Survive in Tough Times, Restaurants Turn to Data-Mining

Monday 28 August 18:45:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: The early diners are dawdling, so your 7:30 p.m. reservation looks more like 8. While you wait, the last order of the duck you wanted passes by. Tonight, you'll be eating something else — without a second bottle of wine, because you can't find your server in the busy dining room. This is not … [Link]

Popular Science » Hurricane Harvey is far from over

Monday 28 August 18:38:09 UTC 2017

Environment The storm is unprecedented, and it isn't going anywhere. Hurricane Harvey looks like it will extend its misery until at least the end of this week. [Link]

Mashable » The ACLU sues Trump over transgender military ban

Monday 28 August 18:17:49 UTC 2017

President Donald Trump on Friday officially issued a ban on transgender people serving in the military, and now, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is taking him to court. The organization joins the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), who jointed filed a similar lawsuit earlier in August on behalf of five transgender service … [Link]

Slashdot » How the NSA Identified Satoshi Nakamoto

Monday 28 August 18:05:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: The 'creator' of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, is the world's most elusive billionaire. Very few people outside of the Department of Homeland Security know Satoshi's real name. In fact, DHS will not publicly confirm that even THEY know the billionaire's identity. Satoshi has taken great care to keep his identity secret employing the latest encryption … [Link]

Mashable » Woman shuts down a guy's attempt at 'sexy' role play in the best way possible

Monday 28 August 17:56:45 UTC 2017

New sexting tip: when in doubt, pretend to be in an Ikea. That's the genius strategy Redditor TheOwlAndTheFinch used recently when a guy she was texting with kept insisted she take part in some sexy role play. SEE ALSO: Dude's definition of 'role play' is not exactly what his Tinder match had in mind She wasn't into his idea, but … [Link]

Mashable » Show your support for the Rebels with this Star Wars space skirt

Monday 28 August 17:53:25 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Your black tie, Jedi wardrobe has arrived. This adorable, Star Wars-themed skirt features the Millennium Falcon, X-Wings, and a TIE Fighter all on one piece of clothing, proving that geek chic for women (or boys who wear skirts and dresses) just keeps getting better. … [Link]

Popular Science » Five essential Dropbox tools you might be missing

Monday 28 August 17:50:50 UTC 2017

Dropbox app DIY Get more out of the app. Do you back up your files with the storage and syncing service Dropbox? These five expert tips and tricks will help you get the most out of the essential app. [Link]

Mashable » This is why Harvey and Hurricane Katrina are two very different storms

Monday 28 August 17:48:24 UTC 2017

As Tropical Storm Harvey continues to rage on, causing unprecedented flooding in Houston and surrounding areas, it makes sense that forecasters and the public have started trying to compare the floods to previous extreme weather events. Namely, the extreme flooding calls to mind another storm that devastated New Orleans in 2005: Hurricane Katrina. SEE ALSO: Hurricane Harvey: A weather geek's live … [Link]

Mashable » 6 Reasons the iPhone 8 Could Suck

Monday 28 August 17:44:45 UTC 2017

Read more…More about Iphone, Iphone 8, Mashable Reels, Tech, and Consumer Tech [Link]

Mashable » Take a nap on this giant Pokémon Snorlax bean bag chair

Monday 28 August 17:28:10 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. It's time to get your snore on and block the road with a Pokémon Snorlax bean bag chair. SEE ALSO: Live long and prosper in style with this 'Star Trek' swimsuit line Measuring 4 feet tall and over 2 feet across, this big … [Link]

Mashable » 'Smash Bros.' expert playing with upside-down controller is actually kind of terrifying

Monday 28 August 17:26:35 UTC 2017

At a Super Smash Bros. tournament in Boston this past weekend, one of the best Melee players in the world came across a player in the middle of a match who was playing with his controller upside down. He wasn't half bad. Pro Melee player Juan "Hungrybox" DeBiedma posted a video of the unorthodox player on Twitter, who you can see … [Link]

Slashdot » Hit App Sarahah Quietly Uploads Your Address Book

Monday 28 August 17:25:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: Sarahah, a new app that lets people sign up to receive anonymized, candid messages, has been surging in popularity; somewhere north of 18 million people are estimated to have downloaded it from Apple and Google's online stores, making it the No. 3 most downloaded free software title for iPhones and iPads. Sarahah bills itself … [Link]

Mashable » Janet Mock asks Kim Kardashian tough and important questions in new interview

Monday 28 August 17:14:55 UTC 2017

Kim Kardashian doesn't normally hold back in interviews, but in her latest cover with Interview magazine, she kept things extra real and raw — thanks to tough questions from author and activist Janet Mock. Throughout the expansive interview, Mock doesn't shy away from asking pointedly about identity, public perceptions, race, controversy, and more. Here's what you need to know. SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Mashable » The iPhone 8's wireless charging might be super slow

Monday 28 August 17:12:11 UTC 2017

Apple is expected to introduce wireless charging to the next iPhone at its September 12 event — but the feature might not be as impressive as we originally thought, at least to start. The iPhone's wireless charging capability will be less powerful than other phones that currently offer the same feature, according to a new report Japanese site Macotakara that was … [Link]

Mashable » Kit Harington's 'Gunpowder' teaser isn't technically a 'Game of Thrones' remake, but it might as well be

Monday 28 August 17:05:20 UTC 2017

BBC's Gunpowder is not, in any way, shape, or form, a Game of Thrones remake. But you'd be forgiven for thinking it was. The trailer opens with the all-too-familiar voice of Jon Snow, ruminating on how his name has been dragged through the mud and his loved ones tormented and killed. So far, we're in very familiar territory. SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Mashable » HBO announces new series about 'Game of Thrones'

Monday 28 August 17:01:55 UTC 2017

Game of Thrones season seven may be over, but fans of the hit show don't have to wait until next season to get their fill of GoT content. HBO has released the first of a seven-episode, behind the scenes series about the latest season called The Game Revealed, according to Deadline. SEE ALSO: 'Game of Thrones' Season 7 finale gave us … [Link]

Mashable » 'Mario + Rabbids' reviews are in: Here's what the critics think

Monday 28 August 17:01:55 UTC 2017

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battles is truly the most bizarre game for Nintendo Switch. In so many ways. The game was first announced at E3 in June 2017, and now, just over two months later, it's about to be released. That kind of reveal-to-release timeline is unheard of for a major release from top publishers and for a machine that's still … [Link]

Mashable » You know that shark in Houston floodwater photo? It's totally fake.

Monday 28 August 16:55:14 UTC 2017

There are many reasons to avoid floodwater whenever possible, but residents of Houston struggling under Tropical Storm Harvey's unprecedented downpour needn't fear a shark. A photo of a shark supposedly swimming through Houston's flooded streets went viral on Monday … but the photo's fake. SEE ALSO: Hurricane Harvey's deadliest threat is just beginning The shark in this photo isn't native to … [Link]

Mashable » Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan welcome second baby girl with family Facebook photo

Monday 28 August 16:54:58 UTC 2017

Welcome to the newest future Facebook user. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg announced via a Facebook post the birth of their second child, August. The parents shared a photo of August with her sister Max. Zuckerberg also posted a letter, which is focused on childhood. SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg is taking two months off to spend time with his second daughter … [Link]

Slashdot » 'The MacBook Pro's One-Year-Old Signature Feature Touch Bar Has No Future, But Users Are Required To Pay a Premium For It'

Monday 28 August 16:45:00 UTC 2017

Chuq Von Rospach, a former Apple employee and commentator, has criticized the MacBook-maker to force consumers to pay extra for the Touch Bar — a signature feature of the last year's MacBook Pro lineup — in order to have the highest-end MacBook Pro currently available. He writes: The current [MacBook Pro] line forces users to pay for the Touch Bar … [Link]

Mashable » GIPHY's latest feature will help you find the hottest GIFs

Monday 28 August 16:38:06 UTC 2017

Sure GIFs are everywhere on the internet, but how popular are your favorite animations really? Now, thanks to GIPHY's newest feature, you'll be able to see just that. GIPHY announced in a blog post on Monday that the site is adding a view counter so users can tell just how many times people have watched James Harden throw serious shade (spoiler … [Link]

Mashable » 5 important things we learned from North West's very first interview

Monday 28 August 16:33:14 UTC 2017

Not every four-year-old can claim their first interview happened in the pages of Interview magazine, but then again, North West isn't an ordinary kid. In her magazine debut, North is interviewed by other famous children — everyone from Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown to her cousin, Kourtney's daughter, Penelope Disick. Oh, and even Andy Warhol makes gets in on the action … [Link]

Mashable » Houston's local businesses pitch in as Harvey's flooding wreaks havoc

Monday 28 August 16:22:17 UTC 2017

If you live in Houston, you know Jim McIngvale—or rather, "Mattress Mack." As local businessmen go, he's among the most recognizable thanks to the local TV ads for his Gallery Furniture stores. Those stores are now serving a new role—emergency shelters for families in Houston driven from their homes by flood waters. Our GF N FWRY & GF Grand PKWY stores … [Link]

Mashable » Dude finds a huge kelp whip and can't stop accidentally hurting himself with it

Monday 28 August 16:19:22 UTC 2017

File this one under "Bad Ideas That Make For Great Videos." YouTube user Viva Frei happened upon a long piece of kelp in the shape of a whip and decided to see if it acted like a whip. Spoiler alert: it absolutely does not. I can't believe I even have to say this but if you find a huge long … [Link]

Mashable » Bride-to-be shuts down personal trainer who tried to body-shame her

Monday 28 August 16:12:03 UTC 2017

Some people still don't seem to understand that all body types are worthy of love. A woman named Cassie Young saw this first hand recently after she was approached on Twitter by a personal trainer who offered to help her lose weight before her wedding day. But when she explained that she was already happy with how she looked, the conversation … [Link]

Slashdot » Google Takes Blame For Internet Disruption Across Japan

Monday 28 August 16:10:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: Google on Saturday accepted responsibility for the widespread internet disruptions Japan experienced the previous day. The search engine giant apologized for the trouble, saying it was caused by an errant network setting that was corrected within eight minutes of its discovery. Google did not say whether human error or a technical malfunction was to … [Link]

Mashable » This tiny dog braved Harvey flooding in his very own bucket boat

Monday 28 August 15:41:07 UTC 2017

Brave Houston residents are doing their best to stay safe in the wake of historic flooding that's rocked their city since Friday. SEE ALSO: Apple is accepting donations through iTunes to aid Harvey storm relief On Saturday, a resourceful dog became an internet hero for dragging an entire bag of pet food with him while wandering the Houston streets. And now … [Link]

Slashdot » Thousands of ATMs Go Down in Indonesia After Satellite Problems

Monday 28 August 15:30:00 UTC 2017

Thousands of ATMs and electronic card payment machines in Indonesia went offline over the weekend, and it might take two more weeks before full service is restored, after an outage from a satellite belonging to state-controlled telecom giant PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom). From a report: Around 15,000 ground sites across Indonesia were affected by the problem on the 'Telkom-1' satellite, … [Link]

Mashable » The National Weather Service had to add a new color to its maps to show Harvey's rainfall

Monday 28 August 15:28:32 UTC 2017

Sometimes a weather event comes along that is so extreme it exceeds the ability of weather forecasters to accurately represent it on a map. That is the case with Hurricane Harvey, which weakened to a tropical storm on Saturday and dumped so much rain on southeastern Texas that the National Weather Service's (NWS) maps needed to be altered. With more than … [Link]

Mashable » Woman stuck on roof in Houston gives emotional plea for help in live interview

Monday 28 August 15:25:37 UTC 2017

In an emotional interview on Good Morning America on Monday, a Houston resident stranded on the roof an apartment building due to flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey made a desperate plea for help. Aishia Nelson called into GMA live from her phone, telling the anchors she is stranded on the roof of her neighbor's house in downtown Houston with all of … [Link]

Mashable » Mount your phone absolutely anywhere with this adaptable phone holder

Monday 28 August 15:23:34 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Mounting your phone to your car? Puh-leeze. Welcome to the year 2017, where you can attach your iPhone, Android, or even your Blackberry (cc: Paris Hilton) to almost any surface your technology-obsessed heart desires using the ClutchIt Double-Sided Magnetic Phone Mount. SEE ALSO: Forget smart watches, this voice-powered … [Link]

Mashable » Sweet, sweet justice has a name in Westeros, and it's Sansa Motherf*cking Stark

Monday 28 August 15:16:29 UTC 2017

Way back in Season 5 of Game of Thrones, Littlefinger shared with Sansa Stark a cold, hard truth. "There is no justice in the world," he told her. "Not unless we make it." And make it she did, in the Season 7 finale. SEE ALSO: Littlefinger's fatal flaw in 'Game of Thrones' was underestimating women Though "The Dragon and the Wolf" … [Link]

Mashable » Paris Jackson made a powerful statement against white supremacy at the VMAs

Monday 28 August 15:16:05 UTC 2017

During Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, Paris Jackson, a presenter for best pop video, took a moment to condemn white supremacy and call for resistance. "We must show these Nazi white supremacist jerks in Charlottesville and all over the country that as a nation with liberty as our slogan, we have zero tolerance for their violence, their hatred, and their discrimination," … [Link]

Mashable » Cuddly cat gets purrfect job at Scottish hospital

Monday 28 August 15:15:54 UTC 2017

If you thought your life was busy, you have nothing on this cuddly cat that has two — yes TWO — jobs. The black and white cat, nicknamed Kyle by locals, has recently taken on the important job of patrolling the Hyndland station in Glasgow, Scotland, and protecting its travelers. Just making sure this top step is nice and level…wouldn't want … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook is going after one of the big ways fake news spreads

Monday 28 August 15:00:00 UTC 2017

Facebook is continuing its crackdown on fake news. The social network Monday announced Facebook Pages will no longer be able to advertise on the site if they repeatedly share news articles that are marked as false by third-party fact-checking organizations. Page owners can win back the ability to run ads if they later choose to act responsibly. The move would limit … [Link]

Mashable » This amazing Texan started a dance battle in the middle of Hurricane Harvey

Monday 28 August 14:57:55 UTC 2017

In times of darkness, even the smallest ray of light can lift your spirits. That's what Deandre Wilson, a man from Austin, Texas, has given us. Wilson posted a video of himself dancing on Sunday while Harvey was blanketing his area with rain — and he even incorporating the water into his moves. Honestly, we are impressed. WTF IS A HURRICANE … [Link]

Slashdot » Amazon Just Made Shopping at Whole Foods Cheaper

Monday 28 August 14:50:00 UTC 2017

Whole Foods just got less expensive. From a report: On Monday, the day that Amazon's $13.7 billion acquisition of the grocer went through, prices on certain Whole Foods items immediately dropped. On Friday, Business Insider visited a Whole Foods location in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and checked the prices on 15 items (including a few variations on … [Link]

Mashable » Take your Snapchat game to the next level with the help of this online course

Monday 28 August 14:43:20 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Everyone and their mom is on Snapchat nowadays, but you can bet that most don't know how to use it to its full potential. Look beyond all those puppy dog-filtered selfies and your college roommate's 200-second-long Story (ugh) and you'll find a lucrative brand-building platform. … [Link]

Mashable » Amazon is already slashing Whole Foods prices by up to 43%

Monday 28 August 14:34:00 UTC 2017

Amazon has already made some changes to Whole Foods — the kind of changes that customers will seriously appreciate. The major e-commerce company officially acquired Whole Foods Market on Monday after purchasing the grocery chain for $13.7 billion. And according to Bloomberg, prices for certain items have already been cut by up to 43 percent. SEE ALSO: Amazon is lowering prices … [Link]

Mashable » As disaster unfolds in Houston, local media meet the challenge

Monday 28 August 14:30:57 UTC 2017

Brandi Smith, a reporter for CBS affiliate KHOU in Houston, stood on a highway overpass as floodwaters below engulfed a tractor-trailer. Smith was live on air reporting on the flooding that continued to devastate the city. The immediate concern, however, was for the driver's safety. Smith, recognizing the situation, flagged down a passing sheriff's deputy, who was able to get help … [Link]

Mashable » Incredible moment reporter helps rescue man caught in Harvey floods, live on TV

Monday 28 August 14:24:02 UTC 2017

The saying "not all superheroes wear capes" feels trite at the best of times. But in this case, it's rather appropriate. SEE ALSO: Apple is accepting donations through iTunes to aid Harvey storm relief A local TV reporter covering the flooding in Houston, Texas (as a result of Hurricane Harvey) came to the aid of a truck driver who was stranded … [Link]

Mashable » Apple has finally scheduled the day it will unveil the iPhone 8, says report

Monday 28 August 14:17:06 UTC 2017

Apple has reportedly settled on the date for its highly anticipated fall keynote where we'll finally see the iPhone 8 — Sept. 12 — according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal citing sources who are aware Apple's plans. The company's annual fall keynote event, which has become one of the biggest days of the year for tech enthusiasts, … [Link]

Slashdot » Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Will Be Offered the Job as Uber's New CEO

Monday 28 August 14:10:00 UTC 2017

Kara Swisher, reporting for Recode: The board of Uber has voted and wants Expedia Dara Khosrowshahi to be its next CEO. But here is a shocking twist for those who have had to endure this awful, messy and convoluted process: He has not been officially offered the job as of 15 minutes ago, said sources. Still, most expect him to … [Link]

Popular Science » Five rad and random backpacks I found this week

Monday 28 August 13:10:00 UTC 2017

Gadgets The end-of-week dispatch from PopSci's commerce editor. Vol. 22. Five rad and random backpacks for a stylish return to school. The end-of-week dispatch from PopSci's commerce editor. Vol. 22. [Link]