John Gordon Ross

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

Slashdot » Trump Signs Into Law US Government Ban on Kaspersky Lab Software

Tuesday 12 December 23:59:00 UTC 2017

President Donald Trump signed into law on Tuesday legislation that bans the use of Kaspersky Lab within the U.S. government, capping a months-long effort to purge the Moscow-based antivirus firm from federal agencies amid concerns it was vulnerable to Kremlin influence. From a report: The ban, included as part of a broader defense policy spending bill that Trump signed, reinforces … [Link]

Mashable » Santa Claus shows true Christmas spirit by saving a woman after a fall

Tuesday 12 December 23:45:37 UTC 2017

Santa Claus is coming to town and he's jumping out of a vehicle for a good cause.  A woman slipped on ice and was having trouble getting up with none other than Santa Claus came to save the day. The Good Samaritan helped her up before retrieving her items for her and even putting her hat back on.   Someone … [Link]

Mashable » Watch a man play the 'Star Wars' theme with an innovative prosthetic hand

Tuesday 12 December 23:43:26 UTC 2017

Jason Barnes lost one of his hands after an accident at work in 2012. Now, five years later, a new prosthesis developed at the Georgia Tech College of Design allows Barnes, a musician, to play the piano again with both hands. The feat is made possible by an ultrasonic sensor fitted into the device. While Barnes lost his hand and … [Link]

Mashable » The net neutrality vote, explained

Tuesday 12 December 23:42:07 UTC 2017

It’s finally here. The Federal Communications Commission will vote Thursday on a measure that would completely gut regulations to internet providers and open the door for net neutrality to be destroyed.  The vote will likely make it easier for companies such as Verizon and Comcast to start divvying up the internet and turn it into something more akin to cable TV: … [Link]

Mashable » Chief Hopper from 'Stranger Things' is the newest holiday victim in a Photoshop battle

Tuesday 12 December 23:39:36 UTC 2017

Stranger Things and Stranger Things 2 actor, David Harbour has some major holiday vibes, but it could still use some work.  The actor who portrays our favorite fearless and beloved officer, Chief Jim Hopper, sported one of the most festive holiday sweaters in honor of his appreciation for his first ever Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.  I tip my … [Link]

Mashable » All 10 Star Wars movies, ranked — including 'The Last Jedi'

Tuesday 12 December 23:25:06 UTC 2017

With the release of The Last Jedi on Friday, Lucasfilm marks a major milestone. Believe it or not, this is the 10th Star Wars movie released in theaters.  Yeah, 10 movies, not just the eight Skywalker saga films plus Rogue One. There's one red-headed cinematic stepchild Lucasfilm would rather forget. Still, 10 is a significant achievement. One worth commemorating with — … [Link]

Slashdot » Twitter Officially Launches 'Threads,' a New Feature For Easily Posting Tweetstorms

Tuesday 12 December 23:20:00 UTC 2017

New submitter FatdogHaiku writes: For those people that must use multiple tweets to rant (or educate) on Twitter, a feature called "Threads" is being rolled out to aid in creating "tweetstorms" (i.e. gang tweets). Given how tweetstorms are normally used, how about we call them twitphoons? TechCrunch explains just how easy to use the new threads feature is: "There's now … [Link]

Mashable » A NYC subway trash can: Your $300 dream home purchase

Tuesday 12 December 23:04:21 UTC 2017

For those who would willingly opt to bring pieces of the New York City subway system into their homes, the MTA's memorabilia and collectables sale is shopping heaven.  As Time Out New York reports, the transit authority's added a few pieces to its offerings. Among the new additions: a MTA station trash can for $300. SEE ALSO: Subway rat seizes free … [Link]

Mashable » Alabamian Channing Tatum asks his home state to do the right thing, for the love of God

Tuesday 12 December 23:00:55 UTC 2017

When it comes to politics, celebrity endorsements can be game changers.  In an Instagram video posted today, native Alabamian Channing Tatum enjoined people from his home state to get out and vote today for Democrat Doug Jones in the Alabama special election. For Tatum, Moore has "done things that in my opinion go beyond the line of trust." SEE ALSO: Someone … [Link]

Mashable » A side-by-side comparison of the 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Homemade Trailer

Tuesday 12 December 23:00:00 UTC 2017

Take a ride on the Millennium Falcon made of cardboard, because you don't need CGI to visit a galaxy far, far away—just your imagination. Join the Homemade Movies crew for their last episode, on the appropriately titled, The Last Jedi. Subscribe to CineFix for more related videos  Watch the full Homemade Trailer here Watch the behind-the-scenes here Read more…More about Diy, … [Link]

Geek Culture » Battle for the Net!

Tuesday 12 December 22:45:45 UTC 2017

Join the protest to save Net Neutrality! [Link]

Slashdot » Former Uber Employees Have Gone Into Debt To Hang Onto Shares They Can't Sell

Tuesday 12 December 22:40:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Quartz: Uber employees are lining up to sell their stock to Japanese technology giant SoftBank, which will buy up to 17% of outstanding shares for $33 each. The price represents a 30% discount to Uber's last valuation, of nearly $70 billion, but for current and former employees, the SoftBank tender offer is a … [Link]

Mashable » Grandma accidentally buys super sexy Christmas decorations

Tuesday 12 December 22:22:36 UTC 2017

A sweet older woman with the best intentions accidentally decorated her Christmas tree with a sparkly purple g-string.  Twitter user Alex_Bermingham from Cork, Ireland shared the short story of her grandmother's hilarious accident on Monday. According to the tweet, her 74-year-old grandmother bought six Christmas ornaments that are see-through balls with g-string insides. And it looks like at least one ended … [Link]

Mashable » Roy Moore can't ride a horse for his life, and everyone noticed

Tuesday 12 December 22:01:52 UTC 2017

Alabama election day has finally arrived, and Republican Senatorial candidate Roy Moore made his grand entrance to the polls on horseback.  Moore — who's been banned from a mall, accused of sexual misconduct by 9 women, and alleged to have initiated a sexual encounter with a 12-year-old girl when he was 32 — probably thought arriving on a horse would be … [Link]

Slashdot » Searchable Database of 1.4 Billion Stolen Credentials Found On Dark Web

Tuesday 12 December 22:00:00 UTC 2017

YVRGeek shares a report from IT World Canada: A security vendor has discovered a huge list of easily searchable stolen credentials in cleartext on the dark web, which it fears could lead to a new wave of cyber attacks. Julio Casal, co-founder of identity threat intelligence provider 4iQ, which has offices in California and Spain, said in a Dec. 8 … [Link]

Mashable » The force is strong with this DIY 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' trailer

Tuesday 12 December 21:45:31 UTC 2017

Take a ride on the Millennium Falcon made of cardboard, because you don't need CGI to visit a galaxy far, far away—just your imagination. Join the Homemade Movies crew for their last episode, on the appropriately titled, The Last Jedi. Subscribe to CineFix for more related videos  Watch the comparison with the original here Watch the behind-the-scenes here Read more…More about … [Link]

Slashdot » SEC Shuts Down Munchee ICO

Tuesday 12 December 21:20:00 UTC 2017

The Securities and Exchange Commission has shut down Munchee, a company that built a $15 million token sale. According to TechCrunch, "The Munchee ICO aimed to fund the MUN coin, a payment system for restaurant reviews." However, the company "received a cease and desist from the SEC on December 11" because it constituted the offer and sale of unregistered securities. … [Link]

Mashable » 9 reasons why 2018's smartphones are going to kick major ass

Tuesday 12 December 21:15:43 UTC 2017

Get ready: Faster, smarter, and more secure smartphones are coming in 2018.  Like clockwork, Qualcomm, the world's largest mobile chipmaker, announced its latest system-on-chip (SoC), the Snapdragon 845. It will likely make its way into every major flagship smartphone coming out next year. As the brain of many new phones, it'll impact just about everything from performance to battery life to … [Link]

Mashable » Win some of Apple's top products in this giveaway — a $3,050 value

Tuesday 12 December 21:09:11 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Apple products are always at the top of our wishlist: They’re fast, they’re intuitive, and they seamlessly integrate into our lives. But they’re also expensive. Like, really expensive. That iPhone X that everyone’s coveting is $999 – and that’s just for the base model. … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » ALFAcashier Opens API to Electronic Currency Exchange

Tuesday 12 December 21:03:14 UTC 2017

ALFAcashier, an electronic currency exchange service, has opened API access to its cyrptocurrency-related services. The ALFAcashier API allows integrated apps and workflows to exchange currencies without needing to visit the ALFAcashier site. Customers have long requested API access to ALFAcashier's exchange, and the company is happy to deliver upon that request. [Link]

Mashable » Why Exes Slide Into Your DMs Over the Holidays

Tuesday 12 December 20:58:03 UTC 2017

Read more…More about Mashable Reels, Sn Reels, Culture, and Sex Relationships [Link]

Mashable » The Rock says he's 'seriously considering' running for president on 'Ellen'

Tuesday 12 December 20:54:33 UTC 2017

Get ready for the the possibility of President The Rock. Maybe it's President Rock?  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a lovable and charismatic pro wrestler turned movie star continues to hint at the possibility of a presidential run in the 2020 election. While this would probably sound insane two years ago, Donald Trump sorta changed all that. SEE ALSO: 'The Rock' … [Link]

Slashdot » Ajit Pai Offers No Data For Latest Claim That Net Neutrality Hurt Small ISPs

Tuesday 12 December 20:40:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: With days to go before his repeal of net neutrality rules, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued a press release about five small ISPs that he says were harmed by the rules. Pai "held a series of telephone calls with small Internet service providers across the country — from Oklahoma to Ohio, … [Link]

Mashable » San Francisco's tech community reflects on mayor Ed Lee's support after his death

Tuesday 12 December 20:28:22 UTC 2017

San Francisco mayor Ed Lee died early Tuesday morning, leaving behind a conflicted legacy in a city known for innovation but afflicted with homelessness, income inequality, and rising housing costs. The champion of local tech and industry died of undisclosed causes at age 65 in the recently renamed Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, which had benefitted from a $75 million-donation from … [Link]

Mashable » This dip holder is for people who love drive-thrus

Tuesday 12 December 20:24:11 UTC 2017

DipClip is a dip holder for your car. It's made of steel and can accommodate the five most common sauce containers. Slide the clip onto your car's air vent, and dip those chips.  Read more…More about Watercooler, Kickstarter, Mashable Video, Dip, and Container [Link]

Mashable » Oh man, oh geez, 'Rick and Morty' gets an Avengers-style comic book spin-off … with Pickle Rick

Tuesday 12 December 20:20:04 UTC 2017

Season 3 of Rick and Morty might be over, but the gift of life-threatening, soul-crushing adventures continues. In one meta ass move, the Vindicators (aka the show's Avengers-like intergalactic super team) is getting its own spin-off comic book series. And we can't imagine a worse nightmare for Rick Sanchez. SEE ALSO: Why 'Rick and Morty' is the realest show on TV … [Link]

Mashable » 'Ugly Sweater Nails' are the merriest trend in holiday nail art

Tuesday 12 December 20:19:41 UTC 2017

We’ve all seen our fair share of odd beauty trends this year, and the holiday season gives us one more.  There's a new festive fad on the rise ready to bring you some Christmas cheer. If you've ever been to an ugly-sweater holiday party, you know they can get pretty competitive. From the decorative lightbulb cardigans to the Rudolph hoodies, you … [Link]

Mashable » If robot vacuums aren't your thing, just use someone's baby instead

Tuesday 12 December 20:03:48 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Robot vacuums and mops are all the rage right now. Everyone wants clean floors without lifting a finger, but not everyone wants to pay for it. Well, there is one autonomous vacuum/mop that we left out of our robotic vacuum roundup — so if … [Link]

Slashdot » Tech Support Scammers Invade Spotify Forums To Rank in Search Engines

Tuesday 12 December 20:00:00 UTC 2017

Tech support scammers have been aggressively posting on Spotify forums to inject their phone numbers in a bid to vastly improve their odds of showing up on Google and Bing search results, a new report claims. And that bet seems to be working. From the report: They do this by submitting a constant stream of spam posts to the Spotify … [Link]

Mashable » Apple releases new ads to sell millennials on the iPhone X

Tuesday 12 December 19:55:41 UTC 2017

Still haven't bought the iPhone X? Maybe these videos will convince you.  Apple posted three new videos to its Youtube channel Monday, all of which advertise features of the iPhone X.  SEE ALSO: Apple and Stanford team up for app that looks for irregular heart rhythms These aren't the first ads Apple has released for the iPhone X — the device … [Link]

Mashable » #Breaktheinternet protest offers one last gasp for net neutrality

Tuesday 12 December 19:46:47 UTC 2017

The internet is offering one last gasp in its fight for net neutrality.  Various websites are putting up warnings or even limiting usability on Tuesday to make sure their users know that the Federal Communications Commission is voting on Thursday to essentially hand control of the internet over to massive corporations. The protest, organized by nonprofit organization Fight for the Future, … [Link]

Mashable » 'Game of Thrones' actor: Season 8 puts characters in 'alien environment'

Tuesday 12 December 19:45:52 UTC 2017

Game of Thrones went full throttle in Season 7, and it's no surprise that the show won't slow down now.  Actor John Bradley, who plays Sam Tarly, told TV Guide that characters are going to keep being pushed by new elements and traveling the seven kingdoms deeper and faster than ever before.  SEE ALSO: The 'Game of Thrones' pacing is completely … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook responds to criticism that the network is 'destroying how society works'

Tuesday 12 December 19:38:03 UTC 2017

In an unexpected move, Facebook PR just pushed back against criticism after a former executive's critical words of the company affecting our behavior and society spread this week. “The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops we’ve created are destroying how society works," said Chamath Palihapitiya, who joined Facebook in 2007 and served as its vice president for user growth.  SEE ALSO: Former Facebook … [Link]

Mashable » A hilarious new Harry Potter chapter was written by a predictive keyboard — and it's perfect

Tuesday 12 December 19:24:09 UTC 2017

There’s a new Harry Potter chapter that was written using a predictive keyboard trained on the Harry Potter series. Let's just say we're glad it's not canon. SEE ALSO: These 'Harry Potter' ebook covers were never released (but should have been) The team over at Botnik Studios, a community of creatives concocting weird project including the Predictive Writer, gave the world … [Link]

Slashdot » Nintendo Switch Sales Hit 10 Million Units, Could Outdo the Wii

Tuesday 12 December 19:21:00 UTC 2017

Nintendo's big bet on a hybrid portable and home game system is paying off, with 10 million Nintendo Switch units sold in nine months. From a report: Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime told Variety that the Switch could even top first-year sales of the Wii, the company's best-selling console yet — if momentum holds up through the holidays. Strong … [Link]

Mashable » This tangle-free cord might just change your life, and it's $20 off

Tuesday 12 December 19:16:31 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. It's a fact of modern life that you will always need access to a charger, whether it's for your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. But lugging around a bunch of different chargers can be a hassle, especially if you're the kind of person who carries … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Weaponised microwave may be behind alleged sonic attacks in Cuba

Tuesday 12 December 19:13:33 UTC 2017

Headaches, nausea and hearing loss felt by US diplomats in Cuba might be the result of a beam of pulsed microwaves in which the microwaves are heard as sound [Link]

New Scientist – News » Giant pelicans in danger after spate of wildfires in key wetland

Tuesday 12 December 19:13:31 UTC 2017

The Hutovo Blato wetland in Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered its latest severe fire in October, and if the blazes continue the resident Dalmatian pelicans will struggle to survive [Link]

New Scientist – News » Joke Christmas medical journal papers make unfunny bad science

Tuesday 12 December 19:13:30 UTC 2017

Respected medical journal the BMJ has a long history of publishing silly papers at Christmas, but the joke is wearing thin – and actually harming science [Link]

Mashable » Not home to get a package? Keep it safe with this device

Tuesday 12 December 19:06:07 UTC 2017

BoxLock keeps your packages safe from 'porch pirates' or people who steal packages. All you need to do is put this lock on your outdoor storage container. When your delivery person comes to the door, they can use the lock to scan your package. If the tracking number is connected to your name, it will unlock and the delivery person can … [Link]

Mashable » North Korea, exiled from the global economy, turns to bitcoin

Tuesday 12 December 18:58:01 UTC 2017

It’s tough to maintain a healthy national economy when most banks on the planet won't accept your business. That's the dilemma facing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as mounting economic sanctions cut his country out of the world economy. To stave off the looming financial crisis, Kim has turned to what may be the nation's best hope: Bitcoin. SEE ALSO: Could … [Link]

Slashdot » Paris Summit Finds New Money, Tech To Fight Climate Change

Tuesday 12 December 18:41:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares an Associated Press report: World leaders, investment funds and energy magnates promised Tuesday to devote new money and technology to slow global warming at a summit in Paris that President Emmanuel Macron hopes will rev up the Paris climate accord that U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected. Trump wasn't invited to the event but his name … [Link]

Mashable » Critics swoon over 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

Tuesday 12 December 18:33:27 UTC 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is only days away, but the first reviews are in and not only does it live up to the hype – it surpasses it. For the first time in many of our lifetimes, here is a Star Wars film being compared to A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, and we could not be more … [Link]

Mashable » De-wrinkle your clothes on the go with this travel steamer

Tuesday 12 December 18:32:48 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Picture this: You're traveling for a special occasion, so you head to the airport early only to find out that your flight got delayed. And when you're finally up in the air, you have the bumpiest ride of your life. When you get to … [Link]

Mashable » The last great internet debate of 2017 is: How should you cut your toast?

Tuesday 12 December 18:27:00 UTC 2017

How do you cut your toast? It matters.  Just as 2017 comes to a close, the internet isn't done arguing with itself for the year yet. The most recent flame war is over how people cut their toast, and why any other answer than the one you choose is wrong. Twitter user, hallamnation fired the first shots over the weekend by … [Link]

Mashable » Carrie Mathison is having a very bad time in trailer for 'Homeland' Season 7

Tuesday 12 December 18:26:57 UTC 2017

Carrie Mathison is pissed in the first trailer for Homeland Season 7. The promo ends with her beating the crap out of someone and barking, "I will hunt you down and I will kill you." And you can tell from the look on her face that she means it, too. SEE ALSO: 'Homeland' Season 6 finally got our attention with … [Link]

Mashable » Recent Arctic warming and ice melt are 'unprecedented' in human history

Tuesday 12 December 18:26:15 UTC 2017

Each year for the past 12 years, an international team of scientists have issued a "report card" on the Arctic climate system. The report amounts to a physical exam of the vast, rapidly changing region, including details on everything from surface air temperatures to sea ice melt and permafrost loss.  With each passing year, the report cards have become more dire, … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Why You Should Test Your APIs and Test Them Often

Tuesday 12 December 18:21:46 UTC 2017

This is the first part of our API testing series. In this series we'll look at why you should test your APIs, how to do it effectively, and present a number of tools to help you do it. [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Getting Started With API Test Planning and Design

Tuesday 12 December 18:19:29 UTC 2017

This is part 2 of our API testing series. In part 1, we looked at why you want to test your APIs earlier and how to be more effective with your tests. [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Tool Options for API Testing

Tuesday 12 December 18:15:27 UTC 2017

This is part three of our API testing series. In part 2 we looked at how API testing workflows help teams figure out where to start, and know when they're done. [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » What's Next in API Testing

Tuesday 12 December 18:11:33 UTC 2017

This will be the last piece in our series on API testing. This time around, we talk about what's coming up in the near future that will change how we test and deliver new APIs. [Link]

Mashable » Everyone can relate a little too well to this insane ice skating fail

Tuesday 12 December 18:05:52 UTC 2017

Two Japanese teenagers just unintentionally gave us the perfect viral video that epitomizes life itself.  After not having ice skated in four years, Madoka Takayama's first moment back on an ice rink was filmed by her friend Kyoka Tanaka. And well, you've just got to see for yourself what happens next. It's 37 seconds of pure chaos and unadulterated hilarity. SEE … [Link]

Mashable » Twitter is rolling out a new tweetstorm feature

Tuesday 12 December 18:00:00 UTC 2017

Twitter is finally embracing the tweetstorm. In yet another admission that 140 characters (or 280 characters) just isn't enough for some people, today Twitter is introducing a feature that makes the so-called tweetstorm an official part of its service.  SEE ALSO: Ditch Twitter's annoying new character-count circle with this Chrome extension The new feature is rolling out now (though it may … [Link]

Slashdot » Why Is Anime Obsessed With Power Lines?

Tuesday 12 December 18:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: Why are there so many shots of power lines in Japanese anime cartoons? The Tumblr Power Lines in Anime is dedicated to appreciating the truly lovely and surprisingly ubiquitous depictions of mundane power lines that appear in a large number of Japanese animation series. The blog is run by Tumblr user whitequark, who first … [Link]

Mashable » A robot sawed through a wall while carrying the Olympic flame (and yet humanity still stands)

Tuesday 12 December 17:51:18 UTC 2017

It's 2017 so of course the phrase, "a robot cut through a wall to pass the Olympic torch on to its creator" is a real sentence to describe a real thing that actually happened.  On Monday, "Hubo," a robot created at the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, passed the Olympic flame through a hole it cut in a … [Link]

Mashable » Now is the worst time to bring back the Facebook Poke

Tuesday 12 December 17:46:55 UTC 2017

I find that the absolute best way to introduce yourself to someone is to sneak up behind them, tap them on the shoulder, and then run away as fast as you can. Or… hold on, no. What I meant to say is that's bizarre, anti-social behavior that no one should ever do outside of schoolyard playground. Yet Facebook appears determined to … [Link]

Mashable » This 72-year-old just completed his 2,000th marathon

Tuesday 12 December 17:34:51 UTC 2017

After taking on his first marathon at age 52, Larry Macon has completed 2,000 races in just 20 years. Read more…More about Sports, Health, Mashable Video, Cute, and Running [Link]

Mashable » This mutt has a complex doggy DNA that stumped everyone

Tuesday 12 December 17:28:44 UTC 2017

On What's Your Mutt?, we test the doggy DNA of one pooch to reveal its exact breed mix and genetic makeup, once and for all! Don't miss the shocking results of our “pawternity” tests, each week! How many different breeds can you cram into one dog? According to Scout's DNA test results, the super official, very scientific answer is "Geez, like … [Link]

Slashdot » We've Toned Down the 'Destroying Society' Shtick, Facebook Insists

Tuesday 12 December 17:20:00 UTC 2017

Facebook has taken the unusual step of responding to comments by former VP Chamath Palihapitiya that the social media giant was "destroying how society works." Palihapitiya said that executives ignored cautionary instincts when creating Facebook, and he now regretted the consequences. In a statement, Facebook said: Chamath has not been at Facebook for over 6 years. When Chamath was at … [Link]

Mashable » This suitcase can transform into a stroller for your child

Tuesday 12 December 17:13:35 UTC 2017

Traveling with young kiddos is no easy taskBagrider has designed a rolling suitcase that can be used as a stroller for your toddler, making travel a bit easier for families.  Read more…More about Tech, Travel, Children, Airplane, and Air Travel [Link]

Mashable » Could Bitcoin's secretive creator become the world's first trillionaire?

Tuesday 12 December 17:06:51 UTC 2017

We don't know the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin. We don't know if Nakamoto is a singular person or a group of people. We don't even know if Nakamoto is alive or dead.  But if Nakamoto is a single person, they're currently the 52nd richest person in the world when measured against Forbes' list of billionaires. And … [Link]

Mashable » Sorry, Snapchat: Facebook just unleashed its own 'dancing hot dog' studio

Tuesday 12 December 17:00:00 UTC 2017

Get ready for the next dancing hot dog.  Facebook opened up its AR studio on Tuesday to everyone and released its own "world effects," AKA features that let users augment the world around them through their smartphones and adapt as objects move like we've seen in Pokémon Go and in Snapchat.  SEE ALSO: Snapchat just completely redesigned its app. Here's why. … [Link]

Mashable » 'The Last Jedi' zero-spoiler review: See it. Just see it.

Tuesday 12 December 16:59:42 UTC 2017

There has been an awakening of Star Wars reviews. Have you felt it? At 12pm ET on Tuesday December 12, hardcore fans of the Star Wars franchise faced a choice as perilous as any Jedi. The Disney embargo for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi dropped, and seemingly every news outlet across the planet rushed out their review at once.  … [Link]

Mashable » Han Solo is trapped inside this mini-fridge, but at least it's got warm and cool settings

Tuesday 12 December 16:58:39 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Looking for a great gift for a Star Wars fan? Commemorate the iconic moment when Hal Solo got trapped in carbonite during The Empire Strikes Back with this geeky mini-fridge that's 25% off. SEE ALSO: Get this talking Chewbacca toy to comfort you after … [Link]

Mashable » 'The Last Jedi' review: Laughing and crying, Star Wars reaches full throttle

Tuesday 12 December 16:58:18 UTC 2017

Want a completely spoiler-free 'The Last Jedi' review? Click here. Very early in the excellent Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi comes the moment an entire planet has been waiting for. It does not go the way you think.  Episode VII: The Force Awakens ended with a scene that was, like much of the movie, a little too on-the-nose. It … [Link]

Slashdot » SEC Warns 'Extreme Caution' Over Cryptocurrency Investments As Many People Take Out Mortgages To Buy Bitcoin

Tuesday 12 December 16:40:00 UTC 2017

The head of the US Securities and Exchange Commission has warned bitcoin and other cryptocurrency investors to beware of scams and criminal activity in the sector. In the financial regulator's strongest statement yet, SEC chair Jay Clayton said: "If a promoter guarantees returns, if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, or if you are pressured to act quickly, … [Link]

Mashable » Instagram will now let you follow your favorite #trends

Tuesday 12 December 16:30:00 UTC 2017

Instagram is widening the scope of its feed and officially opening up its follow feature to your interests by allowing users to follow hashtags. That's right, you've been #blessed — and now you can give that topic a follow, too.  SEE ALSO: Splitting Instagram Direct into its own messaging app might be a big mistake No longer will you be forced … [Link]

Mashable » AI could discover the next best esports pro player

Tuesday 12 December 16:28:59 UTC 2017

Earlier this year, Elon Musk's 'OpenAI' machine learning researchers built a prototype artificial intelligence to compete against (and beat) pro Dota 2 players. Now, neuroscientist Wayne Mackey and his company 'Statespace' are pushing the envelope further, creating AI-powered training and scouting tools, which could revolutionize esports and traditional sports alike. Read more…More about Gaming, Microsoft, Xbox, Artificial Intelligence, and Elon Musk … [Link]

Mashable » Vinci 2.0 smart headphones are looking to take your phone out of the equation

Tuesday 12 December 16:24:08 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Isn't it about time for your wireless headphones to do more than just play music and answer your calls? Vinci 2.0 is a set of headphones on Kickstarter that are aiming to take the technology to the next level — sans smartphone.  SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Mashable » Watch what could happen if you forget to water your Christmas tree

Tuesday 12 December 16:21:43 UTC 2017

The last thing you want to do is ruin Christmas… and your entire house. You probably don't want that either.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission posted a video Dec. 5 of the difference between a dry and watered tree. The outcome of the dry tree is something out of the pits of hell.  It takes less than a minute … [Link]

Mashable » Get this talking Chewbacca toy to comfort you after watching 'The Last Jedi'

Tuesday 12 December 16:04:44 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. The Last Jedi is probably going to leave us with a lot of questions and even more feels after the credits roll. You might want to have a talking Chewbacca plush to hug and squeeze while you process all of those emotions. Lucky for … [Link]

Mashable » The iMac Pro release date is officially December 14

Tuesday 12 December 16:02:56 UTC 2017

The new iMac Pro will released in a matter of days, giving Apple fans something to get excited about this holiday season. The computer was unveiled as a surprise at the company's WWDC conference in June with a vague December launch date. Apple SVP of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller initially mentioned the imminent release date in a wide-ranging interview with the … [Link]

Mashable » This sleeping companion is your new best friend

Tuesday 12 December 16:01:17 UTC 2017

Somnox is the bean-shaped sleep robot that makes getting your nights rest much easier. You can cuddle it like a teddybear and it'll play soothing sounds that'll lull you to sleep.  Read more…More about Kickstarter, Robots, Mashable Video, Resting, and Sleep [Link]

Mashable » Your next flu shot may be replaced with this patch

Tuesday 12 December 16:00:00 UTC 2017

Researchers from Georgia Tech and Emory University has conducted phase I clinical trials to see whether microneedle patches are an effective tool to deliver the flu vaccine. The patch could be a viable alternative to the current method, which some refuse to get due to fear of needles. Read more…More about Science, Mashable Video, Medicine, Vaccine, and Vaccines [Link]

Slashdot » Inside Faraday Future's Financial House of Cards

Tuesday 12 December 16:00:00 UTC 2017

Sean O'Kane, reporting for The Verge: When Faraday Future emerged from stealth mode in 2015, it promised to transform the car industry with an American-made luxury electric vehicle that would someday be fully autonomous, maybe even sold through a subscription service. As we learned at CES 2017, the company was taking aim at Tesla with a car — the FF91 … [Link]

Mashable » 'Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery' finally lets you fulfill your fantasy of attending Hogwarts

Tuesday 12 December 15:56:09 UTC 2017

Hogwarts is finally opening its doors to you. Yes you. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, announced today, is a mobile game that fulfills the lifelong fantasies of Harry Potter fans, allowing them to create their own characters and attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from years one through seven, learning the ins and outs of magic. SEE ALSO: You can … [Link]

Mashable » The GOP created a Trump-themed calendar and the possibilities are endless

Tuesday 12 December 15:54:10 UTC 2017

New year, new you, new Trump calendar. To usher in 2018, the Republican National Committee is releasing an official Trump-themed MAGA calendar. But with so many stunning Trump images to choose from, the world is dying to know which 12 made the final cut. Will February include a shot of the Trump/Putin bromance? Will August show POTUS staring directly at the … [Link]

Mashable » Bitcoin's competitors are also at all-time highs — and rising fast

Tuesday 12 December 15:39:47 UTC 2017

It’s a good day for someone who believes in cryptocurrencies that aren't Bitcoin. Don't get me wrong — Bitcoin is doing just fine. At $17,459, it's grown more than 5 percent in the last 24 hours. But Ethereum and Litecoin, as well as numerous other cryptocurrencies, are doing even better. Ethereum rose 21 percent in the last 24 hours and is … [Link]

Slashdot » Why Google and Amazon Are Hypocrites

Tuesday 12 December 15:22:00 UTC 2017

Amazon earlier this month responded to Google's decision to remove YouTube from all Fire TV products and the Echo Show. Google says it's taking this extreme step because of Amazon's recent delisting of new Nest products (like Nest Secure and the E Thermostat) and the company's long-running refusal to sell Chromecast or support Google Cast in any capacity. Veteran journalist … [Link]

Mashable » This building's exterior can completely transform in seconds

Tuesday 12 December 15:02:22 UTC 2017

Designed by Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner, Kiefer Technic Showroom features a shapeshifting facade that actually moves according to the weather conditions. The building's exterior face consists of glass and 112 perforated aluminum tiles. Read more…More about Tech, Technology, Design, Mashable Video, and Weather [Link]

Mashable » Pornhub gives you a whole new way to celebrate Hanukkah

Tuesday 12 December 15:00:00 UTC 2017

Searching for a way to fill the long, dark nights of Hanukkah? Pornhub has you covered. The adult entertainment platform is offering free access to Pornhub Premium, their on-demand HD streaming service, beginning today through Dec. 20. They've even created a SFW ad that's heavy on the Hava Nagila to go along with the promotion. So why have they decided to … [Link]

Mashable » Snag these stylish neckband headphones for less than $25

Tuesday 12 December 14:51:20 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. These rose gold wireless earbuds are exactly what your commute needs to be a little smoother, and they're currently 73% off.  SEE ALSO: 10 stocking stuffers under $25 for everyone in your squad Unlike regular earbuds or Airpods, which are separate and can easily … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple iMac Pro Goes on Sale December 14th

Tuesday 12 December 14:40:00 UTC 2017

Apple vowed to ship the iMac Pro in December, and it's making good on that promise. From a report: The company has confirmed that its workstation-grade all-in-one will be available on December 14th. It has yet to reveal the exact configuration options, but the $4,999 'starter' model ships with an 8-core Xeon processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of solid-state storage … [Link]

Mashable » The Pope has way too much faith in the way we use social media

Tuesday 12 December 14:09:21 UTC 2017

Pope Francis had some wild optimism to share with Twitter timelines on Tuesday.  He celebrated the fifth anniversary of his Twitter account with a tweet, thanking his followers for their support. But then he threw in an interesting line, that places entirely too much faith in the people who use social media—and in the most loving of ways, people called him … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple's Alleged Throttling of Older iPhones With Degraded Batteries Causes Controversy

Tuesday 12 December 14:01:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: A Reddit post over the weekend has drawn a flurry of interest after an iPhone 6s owner reported that a battery replacement significantly increased the device's performance running iOS 11. The ensuing discussion thread, also picked up by readers in the MacRumors forum, has led to speculation that Apple intentionally slows down older phones … [Link]

Mashable » Amazon's top books of 2017 reflect the crazy-ass year we just lived through

Tuesday 12 December 14:00:00 UTC 2017

Not even our reading habits were safe from 2017. On Tuesday, Amazon Charts, Amazon's book ranking team, released data highlighting the top books and reading trends of 2017 … and, well, the results are truly reflective of the crazy-ass year we just lived through. SEE ALSO: Amazon just revealed the most popular Kindle books of all time Topping the list for … [Link]

Mashable » Tinder's new feature lets you stalk your match's Insta without leaving the app

Tuesday 12 December 14:00:00 UTC 2017

Tinder is making it easier to subtly stalk your matches.  The dating app is now testing a new "feed" feature that's meant to make it easier to strike up a conversation with a match. SEE ALSO: Reading 11 of 2017's funniest Tinder interactions probably won't get you laid, but what else are you doing? Currently live in Australia, New Zealand, and … [Link]

Mashable » Why everyone suddenly got religion about electric cars

Tuesday 12 December 13:00:00 UTC 2017

This year, the automotive world had a collective come-to-God moment around electric vehicles.  Major auto players from all corners of the industry announced their plans to replace internal combustion engines with all-electric and hybrid systems, laying the groundwork for a world filled with battery-powered cars and the lower vehicle emission levels that come with them.   The shift away from gasoline … [Link]

Slashdot » 129 Million Americans Can Only Get Internet Service From Companies That Have Violated Net Neutrality

Tuesday 12 December 13:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Motherboard: Based on the Federal Communications Commission's own data, the Institute for Local Self Reliance found that 129 million Americans only have one option for broadband internet service in their area, which equals about 40 percent of the country. Of those who only have one option, roughly 50 million are limited to a … [Link]

Mashable » Video surfaces of Roy Moore being interviewed by 12-year-old girl ahead of Alabama election

Tuesday 12 December 12:49:09 UTC 2017

It’s the day of the Alabama senate election and a video has just emerged showing Republican candidate Roy Moore sitting down with 12-year-old Millie March for a campaign interview.  SEE ALSO: Roy Moore thinks America was at its best when slavery existed Moore has been accused of initiating a sexual encounter and pursuing a relationship with a 14-year-old when he was … [Link]

Mashable » The war for wearables is over, and Apple won

Tuesday 12 December 12:45:00 UTC 2017

The Apple Watch conquered all comers and became the most important wearable in the world in 2017.   SEE ALSO: AirPods will be even more ubiquitous in 2018, says report The iPhone maker flexed its muscles to take over the young wearable space in a relatively short period. Apple only released its first smartwatch in April 2015, and its latest, the … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook killed the Ticker and that's a bad sign for News Feed

Tuesday 12 December 12:15:00 UTC 2017

When it comes to your News Feed, Facebook knows best.  That's the message the social network has been broadcasting pretty much since it introduced the first version of its News Feed algorithm in 2011. SEE ALSO: This was the year we turned on social media Six years later, and the company has only doubled and tripled down on that message — … [Link]

Mashable » Disney put out an image of 'Incredibles 2' because they know how darn needy we are

Tuesday 12 December 12:03:33 UTC 2017

After the long awaited return of the Incredibles, Disney knows they have fans pretty much on tenterhooks. SEE ALSO: 'The Incredibles 2' trailer focuses on Jack-Jack, the most adorable laser-spewing baby The official Disney Twitter account tweeted a sneak peek of the Incredibles 2 and the amount of visual information is frankly overwhelming. Here's your first look at #Incredibles2, in theatres … [Link]

Mashable » Sean Spicer is writing a book about the Trump administration because of course is

Tuesday 12 December 11:37:43 UTC 2017

Just as we predicted, former White House press secretary has a new mission in life.  SEE ALSO: A toilet seat for Trump and a coin case for Spicer: The thrill of White House work orders He's writing a book, a tell-all memoir to "set the record straight" about the Trump administration, from the 2016 campaign to the transition and his short … [Link]

Mashable » George Clooney has a very good reason for wanting a moose for a pet

Tuesday 12 December 11:34:27 UTC 2017

Moose don't tend to make popular pet choices, but George Clooney is here to fight their corner. "Think of all the things you get from a moose," Clooney tells Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above. "It's a mobile coatrack; 'Hey moose, bring me my coat'." SEE ALSO: George Clooney gets Kimmel back for showing him his penis For context, Clooney … [Link]

Mashable » Lin-Manuel Miranda celebrates 2M followers the only way he knows how, with rhymes

Tuesday 12 December 11:05:09 UTC 2017

Lin-Manuel Miranda is about as ubiquitously popular as it's possible to be. This was reflected when he hit two million Twitter followers. SEE ALSO: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Weird Al were given amazing news by Larry David Most would celebrate such a milestone, perhaps with a glass champagne or a self-satisfied smile. Not Miranda.  It's rounding up. Still a ways away. But … [Link]

Mashable » Merriam-Webster's word of the year is a beacon of hope after an eventful 2017

Tuesday 12 December 10:58:21 UTC 2017

It’s that time of the year again when online dictionaries declare their Word of the Year which is usually the perfect commentary to look back at the past 12 months with renewed insight. SEE ALSO: The Trump family might not love Dictionary.com's word of the year This year, "feminism" ranked first in the Merriam-Webster selection, beating "complicit" which Dictionary.com picked as … [Link]

Mashable » Please enjoy this remix of the 'Star Wars' characters singing 'MMMBop'

Tuesday 12 December 10:27:47 UTC 2017

In this never-ending world of internet mashups, it was really just a matter of time before someone brought Star Wars and Hanson together. The only surprise is just how darn well the two work in tandem. SEE ALSO: 6 innovative design concepts that helped make ‘Star Wars’ a massive success The video above was made for The Tonight Show Starring … [Link]

Mashable » A definitive ranking of Midge's fabulous costumes in 'The Marvelous Mrs Maisel'

Tuesday 12 December 10:16:24 UTC 2017

Yep, you guessed it: this story contains literally loads of spoilers. If you haven't watched The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, you should probs just hit "x" now.  Miriam "Midge" Maisel breezed onto our screens like a breath—nay, gale—of fresh air.  At a time when we needed it the most, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel offered up a delicious tale of female triumph, talent … [Link]

Mashable » Harry Styles full-on kisses James Corden in Christmas 'Carpool Karaoke'

Tuesday 12 December 10:05:19 UTC 2017

Another year of Carpool Karaoke, another glorious Christmas sing-a-long. SEE ALSO: James Corden casually fills in as a backing dancer for Taylor Swift This festive season sees the likes of Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars, and Katy Perry (plus a whole bunch more) rocking along to "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town". Oh, and Harry Styles is also there to share … [Link]

Mashable » The Rock just announced another baby girl with the most adorable Instagram post

Tuesday 12 December 10:01:25 UTC 2017

Time for some Instagram goodness from everyone's favourite Rock. SEE ALSO: 'The Rock' discusses the possibility of running for President in 2020 On Monday, Dwayne Johnson took to Instagram to share some pretty special news — and he shared it in typical Johnson fashion. Our Jasmine Lia would like to make a big announcement – IT’S A GIRL! 🌺 @laurenhashianofficial and … [Link]

Slashdot » France To Ban Mobile Phones In Schools

Tuesday 12 December 10:00:00 UTC 2017

The French government is planning to ban students from using mobile phones in the country's primary, junior and middle schools. While children will be permitted to bring their phones to school, they will not be allowed to get them out at any time until they leave, even during breaks. The Guardian reports: Jean-Michel Blanquer, the French education minister, said the … [Link]

Slashdot » Ask Slashdot: What Is Your View On UFO Sightings?

Tuesday 12 December 7:00:00 UTC 2017

dryriver writes: UFOs sightings have been reported in the tens of thousands over the last decades. In the past, some have seen flying cigar-shaped craft (blimps?), some flying triangles, some more rounded-looking flying saucers. Often the apparent spacecraft does something improbable like standing completely still in the sky and then shooting off to somewhere at an incredible speed. Some sightings … [Link]

Mashable » Spy agency launches interactive online test to see if you're cut out for the job

Tuesday 12 December 6:08:32 UTC 2017

Recruiting spies is seldom a public exercise, but Australia's intelligence agency is doing something different. The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), equivalent to the CIA and Britain's MI6, has launched an online interactive test to discover people who are cut out for the job.  SEE ALSO: How to check if your Airbnb host is secretly filming you Through a series of … [Link]

Mashable » Jimmy Kimmel returns with his little son Billy, after his second heart surgery

Tuesday 12 December 5:49:34 UTC 2017

Jimmy Kimmel’s son Billy, who was born with congenital heart disease and who has been at the center of the talk show host's arguments around U.S. healthcare, had his second open heart surgery last week. So, Kimmel brought him on Monday's show. Kimmel has taken time off during Billy's surgery, instead inviting guest hosts Chris Pratt, Melissa McCarthy, Tracee Ellis … [Link]

Mashable » Hey, look: A fingerprint scanner under a smartphone screen

Tuesday 12 December 5:00:00 UTC 2017

Could the future of smartphone biometrics look a lot like a shinier version of the past? The answer is most definitely yes — that is, if Synaptics Incorporated has anything to say about it.  The San Jose-based hardware manufacturer announced plans on Monday to mass produce an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, and, according to the company, it has a very big … [Link]

Mashable » Outside of a Roy Moore rally, the father of a gay daughter lost to suicide speaks up

Tuesday 12 December 4:59:59 UTC 2017

Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore once said he thinks "homosexual conduct should be illegal." He's also said plenty of other racist and intolerant things — along with being accused of sexually assaulting teenage girls.  Well, one man wasn't going to take it. Nathan Mathis, an Alabama farmer who lost his gay daughter to suicide, stood outside of Roy Moore's rally on … [Link]

Mashable » 'Stranger Things' VR experience comes to PlayStation

Tuesday 12 December 4:53:41 UTC 2017

It’s rather late in the game, but PlayStation just dropped its Stranger Things VR experience — and it's free. While the insane amount of hype surrounding Season 2 of the series has subsided, the experience is now available on PlayStation VR, announced by Sony on Tuesday.  SEE ALSO: We might not get another season of 'Stranger Things' until 2019 because next … [Link]

Slashdot » Synthetic DNA-Based Drug Is First To Slow Progress of Huntington's Disease

Tuesday 12 December 3:30:00 UTC 2017

John.Banister writes: The Guardian reports of early success in the trial of a synthetic DNA based drug, Ionis-HTTRx, at University College London's Huntington's Disease Center. Bionews explains that this gene silencing drug binds to the RNA transcript of the faulty huntingtin gene, triggering its destruction before it can go on to make the huntingtin protein. There's much excited speculation that … [Link]

Mashable » Test audiences didn't think 'The Disaster Artist' was based on a true story

Tuesday 12 December 3:01:23 UTC 2017

There’s always a story out there you can't make up. It certainly applies to The Disaster Artist, which is based on the true story of the ever-enigmatic Tommy Wiseau and his best-worst movie ever, The Room. SEE ALSO: A delightful side-by-side comparison of 'The Room' and 'The Disaster Artist' The writers behind The Disaster Artist, Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, … [Link]

Mashable » Courtney Barnett joins #MeNoMore campaign against sexual abuse in the music industry

Tuesday 12 December 3:01:02 UTC 2017

It’s the music industry's turn to unite against systemic sexual abuse. Musician Courtney Barnett is one of hundreds of women in the Australian music industry to join a campaign against sexual harassment and assault. SEE ALSO: Time Person of the Year poll honors the women who broke the silence with #MeToo Over 300 Australian women have signed an open letter slamming … [Link]

Mashable » Ellen DeGeneres, Uma Thurman urge voters to ditch Roy Moore

Tuesday 12 December 2:11:01 UTC 2017

Alabama heads to the polls Tuesday, and the Senate race between Democrat Doug Jones and beleaguered Republican candidate Roy Moore is exceptionally tight with just hours to go. No Democrat has won an election for Senate (or even governor) in Alabama in nearly two decades, but the litany of allegations of sexual misconduct against Roy Moore have helped push Jones to … [Link]

Mashable » Apple now lets you pre-order apps

Tuesday 12 December 1:58:17 UTC 2017

Apple launched a new feature that lets you pre-order from the App Store. Announced on Monday, the change allows developers to make new iOS 11 apps available for pre-order up to 90 days before release. SEE ALSO: Download this: Bitcoin apps are riding high as its price skyrockets Compared to the App Store's overhaul that Apple revealed in September, it's not … [Link]

Slashdot » Bitcoin Fees Are Skyrocketing

Tuesday 12 December 1:40:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: The cost to complete a Bitcoin transaction has skyrocketed in recent days. A week ago, it cost around $6 on average to get a transaction accepted by the Bitcoin network. The average fee soared to $26 on Friday and was still almost $20 on Sunday. The reason is simple: until recently, … [Link]

Mashable » Taxify launches in another country to challenge Uber's ride-sharing dominance

Tuesday 12 December 1:37:06 UTC 2017

Uber’s stronghold in Australia is about to face a challenge. Estonian ride-sharing company Taxify launched in Sydney on Tuesday, with more than 4,000 drivers signed up so far. SEE ALSO: Your next taxi driver might be a robot "Sydney is a huge and vibrant city, and we are excited to launch in the Australian market. We are confident that locals are … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Joke Christmas medical journal papers make unfunny bad science

Tuesday 12 December 1:09:26 UTC 2017

Respected medical journal the BMJ has a long history of publishing silly papers at Christmas, but the joke is wearing thin – and actually harming science [Link]

New Scientist – News » Trump directs NASA to send astronauts to the moon and then Mars

Tuesday 12 December 1:09:25 UTC 2017

The US space programme has a new focus on an old destination. President Trump has directed NASA to focus its efforts on crewed missions to the moon before Mars [Link]

New Scientist – News » We may know why younger brothers are more likely to be gay

Tuesday 12 December 1:09:24 UTC 2017

An immune response in some pregnant women’s bodies may explain the “fraternal birth order effect” – that men are more likely to be gay the more older brothers they have [Link]

New Scientist – News » Bumblebees solve the travelling salesman problem on the fly

Tuesday 12 December 1:09:23 UTC 2017

While buzzing between flowers, bees can solve the maths dilemma called the travelling salesman problem by finding the shortest route that visits every blossom [Link]

New Scientist – News » Ancient microbes caused Earth’s first ever global warming

Tuesday 12 December 1:09:21 UTC 2017

Over 3 billion years ago, the sun was faint so our planet should have been a snowball. But it wasn’t – and microorganisms may have been what kept it warm [Link]

Mashable » Ludicrously Expensive iPhone Cases Fit for Royalty

Tuesday 12 December 1:04:33 UTC 2017

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

Slashdot » Ask Slashdot: Biggest IT Management Mistakes?

Tuesday 12 December 1:00:00 UTC 2017

snydeq writes: Sure, nobody's perfect. But for those in charge of enterprise technology, the fallout from a strategic gaffe, bad hire, or weak spine can be disastrous, writes Dan Tynan, in an article on the biggest management mistakes in IT. "Some of the most common IT gaffes include becoming trapped in a relationship with a vendor you can't shake loose, … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Fasting may boost brainpower by giving neurons more energy

Tuesday 12 December 0:49:00 UTC 2017

Some people who fast regularly, like those following the 5:2 diet, feel mentally sharper. Now evidence in mice may explain how fasting boosts brainpower [Link]

Slashdot » Microsoft Releases Free Preview of Its Quantum Development Kit

Tuesday 12 December 0:30:00 UTC 2017

Microsoft is releasing a free preview version of its Quantum Development Kit. "The kit includes the Q# programming language and compiler and a local quantum computing simulator, and is fully integrated with Visual Studio," reports ZDNet. "There's also an Azure-based simulator that allows developers to simulate more than 40 logical qubits of computing power, plus documentation libraries, and sample programs, … [Link]

Mashable » American Express finally ditches the need for signatures with its credit card

Tuesday 12 December 0:08:24 UTC 2017

Like MasterCard and Discover before it, American Express is eliminating signatures for all credit card purchases. The company announced Monday that merchants won't need customers to sign for anything starting in April 2018. This affects all shoppers everywhere around the world where American Express is accepted.  SEE ALSO: Discover won't force you to sign for purchases anymore The payment process has … [Link]

Slashdot » FCC Explains How Net Neutrality Will Be Protected Without Net Neutrality Rules

Tuesday 12 December 0:03:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: The Federal Communications Commission is still on track to eliminate net neutrality rules this Thursday, but the commission said today that it has a new plan to protect consumers after the repeal. The FCC and Federal Trade Commission released a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) describing how the agencies will work … [Link]

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