John Gordon Ross

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

Mashable » Very effective guard dog barks at dangerous feather

Thursday 25 January 23:58:50 UTC 2018

German shepherds are well known for making great guard dogs, but sometimes, they're a little too effective at protecting their owners from harm.  YouTuber Pomegranate Sunshine uploaded a clip to their channel on Tuesday of their protective pup barking away in the yard. Upon further investigation, the man discovered that their dog was barking at a lonely bird feather.  "Whatchu … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Ancient jawbone suggests humans left Africa 50,000 years earlier

Thursday 25 January 23:45:47 UTC 2018

We thought that Homo sapiens were confined to Africa until 120,000 years ago, but a jawbone from an Israeli cave reveals an exodus over 170,000 years ago [Link]

New Scientist – News » Are human clones next? Your trickiest cloning questions answered

Thursday 25 January 23:45:46 UTC 2018

We answer your technical and ethical concerns raised after the arrival of the world’s first cloned monkeys using the Dolly technique [Link]

New Scientist – News » How do you stop your smart glasses filming in the toilet?

Thursday 25 January 23:45:45 UTC 2018

Body cameras and smart glasses can capture your every waking move, so a new device stares at your eyeball to know when to record [Link]

New Scientist – News » Calm down – China is not racing ahead with human CRISPR trials

Thursday 25 January 23:45:44 UTC 2018

Despite treating 86 people since 2015, China's approach to CRISPR genome-editing in humans is basic and risky [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » ​Bank of America Gives its Corporate Customers an API

Thursday 25 January 23:36:55 UTC 2018

Bank of America, the second largest bank in the U.S., introduced a new API on Tuesday for its corporate treasury customers. Using the API, these customers can access their banking information and perform real-time transactions. [Link]

Mashable » Ford X incubator will research new transit ideas

Thursday 25 January 23:29:18 UTC 2018

Ford is getting experimental.  It acquired two companies to jumpstart an incubator for transit ideas called Ford X. The new team (with a name reminiscent of Google X) will look into new products and services with a focus on mobility businesses like Chariot, the ride-sharing shuttle service it bought in 2016. SEE ALSO: Ford will roll out a new self-driving car … [Link]

Slashdot » PSA: Google Chrome Now Lets You Permanently Mute Websites That Autoplay Videos

Thursday 25 January 23:20:00 UTC 2018

Google is releasing a new version of Chrome this week and it includes a number of new features, such as an improved ad blocker and Spectre mitigations. The best new feature in Chrome 64 is the ability to permanently mute websites that autoplay videos. This feature was teased for several months, but now it's finally here. The Independent reports: To … [Link]

Mashable » Here's how Twitter uses artificial intelligence to crop your photos

Thursday 25 January 23:05:41 UTC 2018

The artificial intelligence that crops your Twitter photos is getting a lot smarter.  In a new blog post, Twitter machine learning researchers Zehan Wang and Lucas Theis describe the company's new approach to cropping your photos into preview thumbnails. SEE ALSO: Why Twitter's future just got even darker Twitter has been working on this tool for a while, but the post … [Link]

Mashable » Today's best deals: Save on Samsung and LG smart TVs, Fire TV Sticks, and pre-order the Honor 7X

Thursday 25 January 23:05:31 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. February 4 and that big football game we all know and love is in just two short weeks. Yes, January is somehow almost over. If you don't have tickets and are staying … [Link]

Mashable » How to see the very special 'super blue blood moon' rising next week

Thursday 25 January 23:04:57 UTC 2018

A very special total lunar eclipse will grace skies above the Western United States on January 31.  That evening, a "super blue blood" moon will rise, giving millions along the West Coast of the United States a chance to witness a special kind of total lunar eclipse. SEE ALSO: Gorgeous photo shows space station cross the face of the moon The … [Link]

Mashable » Apple HomePod first impressions: Great sound is a good start

Thursday 25 January 22:56:41 UTC 2018

OK, yes, the HomePod sounds great. After spending a good chunk of the afternoon with Apple's new Siri-controlled speaker, listening to tunes in the company's tiny Tribeca apartment meeting space, I'm more convinced than ever that Apple has built an aural triumph in its initial entry to the "smart speaker" space. What I'm less convinced of, however, is whether customers will … [Link]

Slashdot » CNN Shutters Casey Neistat's Video Company Beme, Which It Bought 14 Months Ago For $25 Million

Thursday 25 January 22:40:00 UTC 2018

In late November 2016, CNN purchased YouTube star Casey Neistat's video-sharing app Beme for $25 million. The news network purchased the app in a bid to harness Neistat's (at the time) 6 million subscribers, with the hopes of turning the company into an independently operated daily online news show and a core part of CNN's offerings that would appeal to … [Link]

Mashable » Here's why 'This Is Us' fans are cursing their crockpots

Thursday 25 January 22:24:07 UTC 2018

After alluding to Jack’s death for 2 seasons, This Is Us fans witnessed the family home catch fire due to a faulty crockpot. The final moments of Jack's life will be portrayed in the series' special post-Super Bowl episode airing on Feb. 4th. Read more…More about Entertainment, Television, Mashable Video, Nbc, and Super Bowl [Link]

Mashable » Bye-bye, Bitcoin. It's all about bananacoins.

Thursday 25 January 22:22:51 UTC 2018

Bananacoin is a cryptocurrency that is linked to banana prices. It’s investing in Laotian banana farms in exchange for digital “tokens." One token based on Ethereum is equal to the export price of 1 kilogram of bananas. Investing in bananacoin could be for a good cause, considering the most common types of banana are endangered.  Read more…More about Tech, Watercooler, Twitter, … [Link]

Mashable » Lyft investigates claim that employee improperly accessed Mark Zuckerberg's account

Thursday 25 January 22:22:50 UTC 2018

An anonymous "current or former Lyft employee" has alleged online that his or her colleagues had improperly accessed the ride history and account details of romantic partners, various celebrities, and, yes, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.  So reports The Information, which broke the story Thursday afternoonLyft, for its part, is taking this claim seriously enough that it has launched an internal investigation.  … [Link]

Mashable » Apple's iBooks to get a revamp soon, report claims

Thursday 25 January 22:20:46 UTC 2018

Every product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work. Apple is working on a major revamp of its iBooks reading app on iOS devices, Bloomberg reported Thursday.  The iBooks app was renamed to just Books in iOS 11.3, which was recently released to developers, but … [Link]

Mashable » We could learn a thing or two about relaxation from this elephant seal

Thursday 25 January 22:20:03 UTC 2018

Elephant seals really know how to unwind. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Baby Animals, Relax, Seals, and Real Time [Link]

Mashable » Man avoids rain puddle by pressing button and summoning his Tesla

Thursday 25 January 22:13:46 UTC 2018

To avoid a rather sizable puddle of rainwater, a Reddit user employed a helpful piece of Tesla technology, the "Summon" feature. The video, uploaded Thursday, shows a Tesla Model X inching out of a mildly-flooded parking space and then opening its front door for the driver.  SEE ALSO: Elon Musk will get nothing if Tesla fails, almost everything if it succeeds … [Link]

Mashable » Shots fired at HomePod with new Sonos One deal

Thursday 25 January 22:05:48 UTC 2018

Shots. Fired. Sonos will offer a Sonos One bundle deal starting on Friday that includes two of their Alexa-equipped smart speakers for $349, according to 9to5Mac. For those of you keeping track, that's the same price as Apple's HomePod, which goes on sale the exact same day (but will ship in two weeks). SEE ALSO: The smart home is officially here, … [Link]

Mashable » What's really romantic is saving money. Here are the best Valentine's Day gifts for under $20.

Thursday 25 January 22:04:55 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. We're sure you've been bombarded with Valentine's Day gift guides full of suggestions more expensive than your next electric bill. Whether you went a little overboard in December and are trying to … [Link]

Slashdot » The Legislative Fight Over Loot Boxes Expands To Washington State

Thursday 25 January 22:00:00 UTC 2018

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: The government backlash against video game loot boxes — the randomized in-game item purchases that some observers and legislators consider a form of gambling — moved from Hawaii to Washington state earlier this month. That's when a group of three Democratic state senators introduced a bill that would require the state … [Link]

Mashable » Meryl Streep is joining the cast of 'Big Little Lies'

Thursday 25 January 21:59:32 UTC 2018

Meryl Streep will be playing Perry's grieving mother who is looking for answers over her son's death. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman are also returning. Big Little Lies hopes to return with 7 new episodes in 2019. Read more…More about Hbo, Real, Mother, Son, and Mashable Video [Link]

Mashable » Dog is flippin' excited to see owner

Thursday 25 January 21:55:54 UTC 2018

Dogs are too good for this world. That's an undisputed fact, but in case you needed some convincing, check out this dog enthusiastically greeting his owner who's just returned from vacation. The dog is so excited that he leaps from the car window and races over to his owner, skidding across the ground. There enough barks and tail-wags to warm … [Link]

Mashable » AI will become the criminal hacker's best friend—and worst enemy

Thursday 25 January 21:53:12 UTC 2018

Like in any battle, the ability to harness new technologies can be a decisive factor in victory. In cybersecurity, that new technology is artificial intelligence, and it will benefit both sides. Read more…More about Mashable Video, Cybersecurity, Hacking, Data, and Artificial Intelligence [Link]

Mashable » Betty Boo the salon cat has an important job

Thursday 25 January 21:40:38 UTC 2018

In her four years of working at Babar Hair in Melbourne, Australia, employee Betty Boo has never taken a day off.  The hardworking salon cat has an vital task: she cuddles with clients while they get their hair cut. Betty Boo's heartwarming lap naps are not only adorable, but can also reduce anxiety in clients.  Chris Guglielmi, salon owner and Betty … [Link]

Mashable » In wake of #MeToo and #TimesUp, Casey Affleck decides not to present at the Oscars

Thursday 25 January 21:32:14 UTC 2018

Casey Affleck has decided to recuse himself from presenting the Oscar for best actress at the 2018 Academy Awards, likely due to the two sexual harassment allegations laid against him in 2010. Affleck withdrew from presenting at the Oscars so as not to be a "distraction from the focus that should be on the performances of the actresses in the category," … [Link]

Mashable » All my great ideas for food-based cryptocurrencies

Thursday 25 January 21:29:23 UTC 2018

Yes, Bananacoin is a real cryptocurrency. Yes, it's linked to the actual export price of bananas. And yes, people are already making "banana stand" jokes about it. But bananas are a pretty boring food. As someone who knows little to nothing about cryptocurrency, I think we could be having a lot more fun with the treats to which we are pegging … [Link]

Slashdot » Tech Firms Let Russia Probe Software Widely Used by US Government

Thursday 25 January 21:20:00 UTC 2018

Major global technology providers SAP, Symantec, and McAfee have allowed Russian authorities to hunt for vulnerabilities in software deeply embedded across the U.S. government, Reuters reported on Thursday. From the report: The practice potentially jeopardizes the security of computer networks in at least a dozen federal agencies, U.S. lawmakers and security experts said. It involves more companies and a broader … [Link]

Mashable » Judge Rosemarie Aquilina: Who is the woman responsible for Larry Nassar's 'death warrant'

Thursday 25 January 21:08:11 UTC 2018

The sentencing hearing that will go down in history featured more than 150 brave women speaking out about their traumatic experiences with Larry Nassar and ended with a judge sentencing the former USA Gymnastics doctor to 40 to 175 years in prison.  In doing so Judge Rosemarie Aquilina powerfully condemned his behavior and advocated for the women he's hurt. Aquilina's actions … [Link]

Mashable » Even Twitter is trying to be like camera-friendly Snapchat now

Thursday 25 January 20:54:26 UTC 2018

Another company is cribbing off Snapchat. And for once, it's not Facebook. Twitter is reportedly working on a feature that mimics Snapchat's camera-centered design. According to Bloomberg, the new design would eliminate steps for Twitter users who want to post photos and videos, which they hope will increase engagement on the platform. SEE ALSO: Why Twitter's future just got even darker … [Link]

Mashable » Just say no to flowers and get your boo a super geeky plush bouquet as a Valentine's Day gift instead

Thursday 25 January 20:54:20 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. As far as Valentine's Day gifts go, the standard choices usually include things like chocolates, a bouquet of roses, or a stuffed animal holding a heart that says "I Love You." (Yawn.) … [Link]

Mashable » The XFL is coming back because time is a flat circle

Thursday 25 January 20:53:17 UTC 2018

After weeks of speculation, WWE chairman Vince McMahon announced on Thursday that he's bringing back his short-lived professional football league, the XFL. SEE ALSO: The NFL signs a new Verizon deal that's great for consumers Announced for the 2020 season, McMahon says the new version of the league will "give the game back to the fans," during an announcement streamed across … [Link]

Slashdot » Scientists Calculate Carbon Emissions of Your Sandwich

Thursday 25 January 20:40:00 UTC 2018

An anonymous reader shares a report: It's a staple of the British diet and a popular choice for a quick and easy lunch. But new research reveals the carbon footprint of the humble sandwich could be fuelling harmful greenhouse emissions. The worst offender is revealed as the ready-made "all-day breakfast" sandwich, crammed with egg, bacon and sausage. Researchers at the … [Link]

Mashable » The new Park Service head once allowed a billionaire to chop down 130 protected trees

Thursday 25 January 20:37:07 UTC 2018

The new acting head of the National Park Service, Paul Daniel Smith, once let the billionaire owner of the Washington Redskins football team chop down 130 trees on protected park land.  Redskins owner Dan Snyder, whose riverfront mansion abutted the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, desired a better view of the Potomac River. As a high ranking special assistant … [Link]

Mashable » 'Get Out' and 'Dunkirk' are taking an Oscars victory lap in theaters

Thursday 25 January 20:35:18 UTC 2018

Get Out and Dunkirk are returning to theaters after receiving a handful of Oscar nominations, including best picture. Both movies are coming back to theaters this week in celebration of their collective 12 Academy Award nominations, Variety reported Wednesday, with Dunkirk already hitting some theaters Wednesday and Get Out returning to some theaters on Friday. SEE ALSO: Gal Gadot, Adam Driver … [Link]

Mashable » Reese Witherspoon appears to have 3 legs on the cover of 'Vanity Fair'

Thursday 25 January 20:21:52 UTC 2018

UPDATE: Jan. 25, 2018, 5:21 p.m. EST According to several tweets from Vanity Fair, Reese's "third leg" was, in fact, just the lining of her dress. Oprah's third hand, however, was the result of an editing mishap, and will be fixed online. Welcome, friends, to this installment of Photoshop Fails. On the docket today, we have the 2018 Hollywood Portfolio issue … [Link]

Mashable » The number of teens eating Tide Pods is skyrocketing

Thursday 25 January 20:07:53 UTC 2018

Brace yourselves: there has been an embarrassing uptick in the number of teens eating Tide Pods. With a "HIGH ALERT," the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) shared an urgent press release on the current state of Tide Pod consumption in the United States.  SEE ALSO: Some genius made Tide Pod sushi you can actually eat "Last week, AAPCC reported … [Link]

Slashdot » The World's First Graphical AI Interface

Thursday 25 January 20:01:00 UTC 2018

FastCompany reports: Machine learning and artificial intelligence are so difficult to understand, only a few very smart computer scientists know how to build them. But the designers of a new tool have a big ambition: to create the Javascript for AI. The tool, called Cortex, uses a graphical user interface to make it so that building an AI model doesn't … [Link]

Mashable » The Doomsday Clock is a gimmick, but why it just moved closer to midnight is deadly serious

Thursday 25 January 19:55:03 UTC 2018

The "Doomsday Clock" is now at 2 minutes to midnight. Are you scared? Because according to the experts at the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, you should be. This is the closest the clock (THE clock) has been since 1953, people. And that was a scary time in the midst of the Cold War, when duck and cover drills were being held … [Link]

Mashable » Snapchat will no longer shame you with white borders around old photos

Thursday 25 January 19:43:33 UTC 2018

Snapchat is finally letting us share anything we want to Stories. The app will no longer add an ugly white border around photos you share from your camera roll to your Story.  SEE ALSO: Snapchat update lets Stories spread via text, email, even Facebook Previously, Snapchat included the white space any time you shared an old photo to your Story unless … [Link]

Mashable » Katy Perry just went all in on cryptocurrency

Thursday 25 January 19:36:46 UTC 2018

You’re hot, then you're coldYou're up, then you're down.  You're cryptocurrency, and in Katy Perry's world, you're blockchained to the rhythm.  SEE ALSO: Even Coinbase thinks you should maybe chill for a goddamn minute on Bitcoin The pop sensation perhaps best known for kissing a girl and liking it dropped a major truth bomb on Instagram early Thursday morning, and, well, … [Link]

Mashable » Astronomers really hate that bright disco ball satellite secretly launched to space

Thursday 25 January 19:28:52 UTC 2018

On Thursday, the rocket company Rocket Lab announced that it had secretly launched the Humanity Star, a satellite in the shape of a reflective sphere that effectively works as a disco ball and could at times become the brightest object in the night sky.  The Humanity Star was launched as a way to unite all who see it under the night … [Link]

Mashable » Trump is attending Davos this week. Here's why you should care.

Thursday 25 January 19:22:14 UTC 2018

Donald Trump made a grand departure to Switzerland on Wednesday night, where he's attending a big to-do often referred to in the short-hand as Davos. Once there, he's scheduled to deliver a speech on Friday.  SEE ALSO: If Trump's tweets have this much influence over foreign policy, we're all screwed The event is a pretty big deal, and includes business and … [Link]

Slashdot » The Doomsday Clock Just Ticked Closer To Midnight

Thursday 25 January 19:20:00 UTC 2018

Scientists moved the hands of the symbolic "Doomsday Clock" closer to midnight on Thursday amid increasing worries over nuclear weapons and climate change. From a report: The clock is now two minutes to midnight. "Because of the extraordinary danger of the current moment, the Science and Security Board today moves the minute hand of the Doomsday Clock 30 seconds closer … [Link]

Mashable » MashReads Podcast: Can Joe Hill's horror books stand out from his father's works?

Thursday 25 January 19:10:04 UTC 2018

What happens when the master of horror's son follows in his footsteps?  Joe Hill's writing career is nothing new; his first book, 20th Century Ghosts, was published in 2005. But the son of Stephen King has still had to constantly try and escape from the shadow of his father's legacy. Especially, since his books bear a striking similarity to many of … [Link]

Mashable » Tom Cruise finally joined Instagram and we can't help but stare at this fire

Thursday 25 January 18:53:55 UTC 2018

Everyone’s second favorite Scientologist (behind Golden Globe winner Elisabeth Moss) is now on Instagram. Tom Cruise, welcome to the party. We guess. SEE ALSO: Tom Cruise teases 6th 'Mission: Impossible' with death-defying stunt So far Cruise's only two posts promote his upcoming Mission Impossible film. His bio reads "Actor" (a stretch). "Producer" (I mean technically sure). "Running in movies since 1981" … [Link]

Mashable » We can guess how you vote based on the brands you like

Thursday 25 January 18:49:49 UTC 2018

Forget immigration. Democrats and Republicans can't even agree on where to get chicken nuggets (Wendy's, duh). A survey from Morning Consult published Thursday identified some of the most polarizing brands in America based on party affiliation. Brands that were once seen as studiously neutral have become explosively divisive. Even chain pizza, the last bipartisan cultural good in America, has found a … [Link]

Mashable » What's coming to Netflix in February

Thursday 25 January 18:44:33 UTC 2018

Bad news: It's still winter. Good news: It's still peak TV binge season and Netflix, as always, has you covered. They may be gradually losing TV greats to Hulu, but the streaming titan is still churning out inventive originals and knows you'll never cancel your subscription. Here's what's coming to Netflix in February.  SEE ALSO: What to watch on Hulu in … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple's 'What's a Computer?' Ad is Annoying People: Business Insider

Thursday 25 January 18:40:00 UTC 2018

Can an iPad replace your computer? It has been the topic of debate for years, with plenty of people advising against it. Apple sure begs to differ. It has been running a commercial in which it predicts a world where a computer is extinct and a child with an iPad doesn't even know what the word "computer" means. Business Insider … [Link]

Mashable » This portable 'Super Smash Bros. Melee' system is a dream come true

Thursday 25 January 18:24:47 UTC 2018

A technological genius has created a portable way to play one of the greatest fighting/party games of all time: Super Smash Bros. Melee. SEE ALSO: SupaBoy is the handheld SNES console for people who just can't let go of their Nintendo cartridges Jeff Longo created a portable system that can play the GameCube game Super Smash Bros. Melee on the go … [Link]

Mashable » Michelangelo, the turtle, visited a Met exhibition devoted to Michelangelo, the artist

Thursday 25 January 18:03:51 UTC 2018

Michelangelo the Ninja Turtle stopped by the Met today to take in an exhibition devoted to his namesake, Michelangelo the Renaissance artist. And the pictures … honestly, they're works of art in themselves. This morning we welcomed Michelangelo, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (@TMNT) at The Met. Our celebrity guest came to see the work of an artist who … [Link]

Slashdot » San Jose Mayor Quits FCC Advisory Committee, Says It is Dealing ISPs a 'Very Favorable Hand'

Thursday 25 January 18:00:00 UTC 2018

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo resigned today from a panel that advises the Federal Communications Commission on broadband deployment, alleging that the committee is dealing internet service providers "a very favorable hand" of policy recommendations, Axios reports. From the report: The Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee is a key element of Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's priority of making sure broadband … [Link]

Mashable » The cold won't stop this swimmer

Thursday 25 January 17:53:10 UTC 2018

‘Wild swimmer,' Norman Todd, braves the icy cold waters of the Scottish Highlands for his workout. Read more…More about Sports, Mashable Video, Cold, Swimming, and Scotland [Link]

Slashdot » Chrome 64 Released With Stronger Popup Blocker, Spectre Mitigations

Thursday 25 January 17:20:00 UTC 2018

Google on Thursday pushed an update to its marquee Web browser Chrome, now at v64, which offers a handful of new features including an improved ad blocker. From a report: Most of the new features included with Chrome 64 are meant to improve the browser's support for the ever-changing web standards that drive the modern Internet. For example, Chrome 64 … [Link]

Mashable » Gymnast Aly Raisman took out a full-page ad to thank survivors of Larry Nassar's sexual assault

Thursday 25 January 16:49:55 UTC 2018

The trial of Larry Nassar has ended, but the conversation about sexual assault and accountability continues on — in part thanks to the outspoken Olympic gold-medalist Aly Raisman.  In Lansing, Michigan, under the gavel of Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, the sexual abuser received a 40- to 175-year sentence on Wednesday. The punishment was given after more than 150 women and girls, some … [Link]

Slashdot » Admiral Charges Hotmail Users More For Car Insurance

Thursday 25 January 16:41:00 UTC 2018

One of Britain's biggest car insurers has admitted increasing premiums for drivers who apply using a Hotmail account. From a report: Motorists seeking cover from Admiral could be charged $45 extra if they use certain email addresses. The insurer said some domain names were "associated with more accidents" than others, raising applicants' risk profile. Figures from the Association of British … [Link]

Mashable » Google may have just revealed Android P's official name on its cryptic I/O conference website

Thursday 25 January 16:33:11 UTC 2018

Mark your calendar because Google just announced dates for this year's I/O Developer Conference. The annual conference will be held May 8-10 in Mountain View, Calif., where the company could announce the next version of Android, tentatively dubbed "P."  So what will Android P officially be named? Google's not saying yet, but a cryptic code teased by the company might have … [Link]

Mashable » Japanese swordsman absolutely destroys a few unlucky snowmen

Thursday 25 January 16:28:06 UTC 2018

Tokyo saw its heaviest snow in four years on Monday, and on Tuesday morning Twitter user @kodomokyojin took the opportunity to play samurai.  While using some very legit moves, he mows down Frosty's entourage. His sword techniques are badass, but what's especially impressive about this video is the attention to detail on the first three snowmen.  SEE ALSO: Is it … [Link]

Mashable » 'A Wrinkle In Time' Barbies exist and we're sobbing tears of joy

Thursday 25 January 16:21:25 UTC 2018

Every product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work. Your Barbie dolls are about to become warriors.  The fierce and stunning celestial beings from Disney's A Wrinkle in Time — based on Madeleine L’Engle's science fantasy novel —just got transformed into the three coolest Barbies … [Link]

Mashable » CNN throws in the towel on Casey Neistat and Beme

Thursday 25 January 16:21:05 UTC 2018

UPDATE: Jan. 25, 2018, 1:03 p.m. EST This piece has been updated after Casey Neistat removed his video announcing his split with CNN. Almost two years ago, CNN made a blockbuster move to bring in one of YouTube's biggest stars with the dream of making a next-generation news outlet for young people. On Thursday, CNN announced that it's throwing in the … [Link]

Mashable » Google Chrome just fixed the worst thing about the internet

Thursday 25 January 16:18:54 UTC 2018

The latest Google Chrome update, announced Wednesday, includes an update that allows users to mute super annoying autoplay audio on websites — forever.  Previously, a chrome user could right click on a website's tab to reveal a menu that included "Mute Tab." With the update, right clicking on the tab now reveals "Mute Site." SEE ALSO: Here's what every Chrome user … [Link]

Mashable » Monkeys are being cloned inside a Chinese lab. This is what they look like.

Thursday 25 January 16:07:28 UTC 2018

Two identical macaque twins were cloned inside a lab in China. In a research paper published in the journal Cell, the researchers in the study say the monkeys will be used only to further human medicine. Read more…More about Science, China, Animals, Medicine, and Research [Link]

Slashdot » Senator Asks FBI Director To Justify His 'Ill-Informed' Policy Proposal For Encryption

Thursday 25 January 16:01:00 UTC 2018

In a speech earlier this month, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the inability of law enforcement authorities to access data from electronic devices due to powerful encryption is an "urgent public safety issue." He proposed that Silicon Valley companies should add a backdoor to their encryption so that they could both "provide data security and permit lawful access with a … [Link]

Mashable » A mini handbag light can keep you from digging around in the dark for your keys

Thursday 25 January 16:00:04 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. It's dark, you're in the parking lot, and can't see the contents of your bag to save your life. You pull out an expired chapstick, an ancient Starbucks receipt, and every other … [Link]

Mashable » How to Repurpose Your Old Phone

Thursday 25 January 15:54:03 UTC 2018

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

Mashable » SupaBoy is the handheld SNES console for people who just can't let go of their Nintendo cartridges

Thursday 25 January 15:46:29 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. With Nintendo's volcanic debut of the SNES and the stampedes to get one before they're sold out again, it's important to remember our roots: where would society be without those original Nintendo … [Link]

Mashable » Grobox is the soilless, aesthetically pleasing indoor greenhouse that you need

Thursday 25 January 15:45:07 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Hey, plant parents: It's winter, it's gross outside, and both you and your indoor plants are having a hard time staying cozy. If your green thumb (or lack thereof) is itching to … [Link]

Mashable » Tom Cruise teases 6th 'Mission: Impossible' with death-defying stunt

Thursday 25 January 15:44:54 UTC 2018

The sixth Mission: Impossible movie has a title and expected release window, Tom Cruise revealed on Instagram Thursday. SEE ALSO: Tom Cruise and Jimmy Fallon perfectly recreate 'Top Gun' duet Mission: Impossible – Fallout will be coming to theaters July 27, Cruise revealed in his first-ever Instagram post.  In a follow-up post, the star of the series shared a photo of … [Link]

Mashable » Amazon has deals today on HP EliteBooks, plus vacuums, kitchenware, and gadgets for every room in your house

Thursday 25 January 15:40:20 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. If you resolved to improve yourself throughout the first month of the new year, then the things around your house deserve an upgrade too. Amazon has a great deal on an HP … [Link]

Mashable » Samantha Bee says Trump aide Stephen Miller is a result of '10,000 spiders who really made a commitment'

Thursday 25 January 15:23:10 UTC 2018

We need to talk about Stephen Miller. And thankfully, Samantha Bee is up to the task. On Full Frontal last night, Bee called Miller an "enterprising slime mold on the Wonder Bread of democracy," and that was just the beginning. Whenever we can't find the words, Sam Bee does.  Read more… More about Watercooler, Entertainment, Samantha Bee, Full Frontal With … [Link]

Slashdot » UK PM Seeks 'Safe and Ethical' Artificial Intelligence

Thursday 25 January 15:21:00 UTC 2018

The prime minister of UK says she wants the country to lead the world in deciding how artificial intelligence can be deployed in a safe and ethical manner. From a report: In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Theresa May said a new advisory body, previously announced in the Autumn Budget, will co-ordinate efforts with other countries. … [Link]

Mashable » Octavia Spencer told Jessica Chastain about women of color's salaries, and here's what she did

Thursday 25 January 15:11:17 UTC 2018

Jessica Chastain is here to prove to you that Time's Up is more than just a pin and a website. When her Academy Award-winning costar Octavia Spencer wanted to discuss the gender wage gap in Hollywood and how severely it affects women of color, Chastain was shocked and spurred to action. "She said, 'You and I are gonna be tied together,'" … [Link]

Mashable » PEN America announces finalists for the 2018 PEN Literary Awards

Thursday 25 January 15:01:00 UTC 2018

Make room on your to-be-read list. On Thursday, PEN America announced its lists of finalists for the 2018 PEN Literary Awards.  Each year, the PEN Literary Awards honors great new literature in fiction and a wide array of non-fiction, including sports writing, science writing, essays, and more. Past winners have included Matthew Desmond's deep dive into eviction practices in the U.SEvicted … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple's Getting Back Into the E-Books Fight Against Amazon

Thursday 25 January 14:43:00 UTC 2018

Mark Gurman, reporting for Bloomberg: Apple is ready to take on Amazon.com in the digital book market again, years after regulators forced the iPhone maker to back down from an earlier effort to challenge the e-commerce giant's lead. Apple is working on a redesigned version of its iBooks e-book reading application for iPhones and iPads and has hired an executive … [Link]

Mashable » This baby rhino having its first shower is bound to brighten your day

Thursday 25 January 14:34:11 UTC 2018

You know how it is, you get home from a long day at work, climb in the shower, and just frolic. SEE ALSO: Cute baby aardvark is fussy about being weighed The Toronto zoo shared footage of an 11-day-old rhino calf enjoying his first shower. Apparently he'd had the opportunity at 4-days-old, but didn't know what to make of the … [Link]

Mashable » Sorry world, Oprah says she's definitely not running for president

Thursday 25 January 14:24:52 UTC 2018

Looks like the path to the presidency has widened for Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Joe Biden, and a thousand other 2020 Democratic contenders. Oprah Winfrey is not running.  After the TV mogul gave a barnburner of a political speech at this years Golden Globes, speculation buzzed that she would turn her attention toward the presidency. In the past few weeks, a … [Link]

Slashdot » Tim Cook: Coding Languages Were 'Too Geeky' For Students Until We Invented Swift

Thursday 25 January 14:00:00 UTC 2018

theodp writes: Speaking to a class of Grade 7 students taking coding lessons at the Apple Store in Eaton Centre, the Toronto Star reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook told the kids that most students would shun programming because coding languages were 'too geeky' until Apple introduced Swift. "Swift came out of the fundamental recognition that coding languages were too … [Link]

Mashable » Are you closer to death or hearing back from that job you applied for?

Thursday 25 January 14:00:00 UTC 2018

Waiting to hear back from a job can take a long time, and sometimes, it can take a lifetime. SEE ALSO: Will this list of sexual cartoon bees finally convince you to start applying for jobs? Take a look at these questions to find out if you're closer to death or closer to hearing back from that job you applied for.  … [Link]

New Scientist – News » These are the worst ready-made sandwiches for the climate

Thursday 25 January 13:43:04 UTC 2018

Producing ready-made sandwiches can generate twice as much carbon dioxide as simply making them at home, and one particular filling is egregiously bad [Link]

Mashable » Type faster with a text expander that can autofill your most frequently used information

Thursday 25 January 13:00:00 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Typing the same thing over and over is tedious. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly enter your address or contact details and waste valuable time typing.  You should be able to type “address” … [Link]

Mashable » Put a funky spin on your charging experience with this light-up cable

Thursday 25 January 13:00:00 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. In today's episode of "Why don't you own this yet?" is the TAMO Charge-N-Glow Lightning Cable. The $19 cable puts a funky spin on your charging experience by emitting a subtle glow … [Link]

Mashable » Learn how to use Excel to automate complex tasks and more with this $9 course

Thursday 25 January 13:00:00 UTC 2018

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable's commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Microsoft Excel can do a lot of things. It can organize and manipulate data, execute math functions, create professional reports, and do a bunch of administrative tasks. But what it can't do … [Link]

Slashdot » Study Links Decline In Teenagers' Happiness To Smartphones

Thursday 25 January 13:00:00 UTC 2018

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Press Herald: In a study published Monday in the journal Emotion, psychologists from San Diego State University and the University of Georgia used data on mood and media culled from roughly 1.1 million U.S. teens to figure out why a decades-long rise in happiness and satisfaction among U.S. teenagers suddenly shifted course in … [Link]

Mashable » Lisa Kudrow is gloriously protective of her 19-year-old son at college

Thursday 25 January 12:11:25 UTC 2018

Lisa Kudrow wants you to know that she's chill about her son going away to college. Totally, totally chill. OK, alright, maybe she's not 100% chill. SEE ALSO: Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow sure know their 'Friends' trivia During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kudrow spoke about her own school days before moving on to talk about her 19-year-old … [Link]

Mashable » Are you a passive-aggressive fast walker? Then check this out…

Thursday 25 January 11:45:24 UTC 2018

Sometimes someone says something that just rings so true the internet sits up and listens. SEE ALSO: Jordan Peele's tweets following 'Get Out' nominations are solid gold Recently Twitter user Gabe Rivera articulated a modern annoyance that resonated deeply. You know how when you're a fast walker and the guy ahead of you is fast too but only 90% as fast … [Link]

Mashable » This 2D game is so frustrating it'll hurt your eyes just to watch someone else playing

Thursday 25 January 10:55:55 UTC 2018

Every product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work. There are some games out that are so mind-numbingly rage-inducing that just the simple act of watching another human playing them is enough to bring on a cold sweat. SEE ALSO: Create your own retro gaming … [Link]

Mashable » The Slow Mo Guys have a new show of epic proportions

Thursday 25 January 10:39:10 UTC 2018

Because blowing things up in a regular old garden is BORING. SEE ALSO: Here's how your TV works… in slow motion The Slow Mo Guys are knocking things up another notch with a new show. YouTube has flown them out into the desert with a tonne of huge props, ridiculously sophisticated equipment, and celebrity guests. All the yes, all the … [Link]

Mashable » The Rock just totally slammed someone who had the audacity to question 'Jumanji'

Thursday 25 January 10:22:24 UTC 2018

If you dare to question The Rock on Twitter, you'd better understand that you're just one tweet away  from getting digitally people's elbowed into oblivion. Still, every now and again people still try it. SEE ALSO: Kevin Hart and The Rock traded insults for 5 minutes and things got real brutal, real fast On Thursday, James McMahon decided to call out … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Chimps are now dying of the common cold and they are all at risk

Thursday 25 January 10:20:11 UTC 2018

The deaths of five Ugandan chimpanzees have been traced to a human cold virus, and DNA tests suggest all African chimps are vulnerable [Link]

Slashdot » Scientists Develop Glucose-Tracking Smart Contact Lenses Comfortable Enough To Wear

Thursday 25 January 10:00:00 UTC 2018

A team of Korean scientists have developed a smart lens that could help diabetics track blood glucose levels while remaining stretchable enough to be comfortable and transparent enough to preserve vision. Engadget reports: The lens achieves its flexibility thanks to a design that puts its electronics into isolated pockets linked by stretchable conductors. There's also an elastic material in between … [Link]

Mashable » Virginia Woolf gets a Google Doodle of her own

Thursday 25 January 9:32:15 UTC 2018

As Virginia Woolf's most famous quote says, a woman must have money and a Google Doodle if she is to write fiction. OK, actually having a room first is probably more important for writing novels. But, Woolf just got a Google Doodle of her own to celebrate her 136th birthday. And, it is nothing short of beautiful.  SEE ALSO: Google Doodle … [Link]

Mashable » So there's a banana with an edible peel now, if you were keen for that

Thursday 25 January 8:53:09 UTC 2018

Banana fiends, this could be a-peel-ing to you. A Japanese company has developed and begun selling a banana with an edible skin, dubbed the Mongee (pronounced "mon-gay"). SEE ALSO: This avocado looks like a pickle and has no pit Developed by D&T Farms, the creation started out as a "hobby" for the company's technical development manager Setsuzo Tanaka, according to a … [Link]

Slashdot » Trump Administration Wants To End NASA Funding For ISS By 2025

Thursday 25 January 7:00:00 UTC 2018

According to budget documents seen by The Verge, the Trump administration is preparing to end support for the International Space Station program by 2025. As a result, American astronauts could be grounded on Earth for years with no destination in space until NASA develops new vehicles for its deep space travel plans. From the report: The draft may change before … [Link]

Mashable » Celebrities at the Grammys will wear white roses in support of Time's Up

Thursday 25 January 5:05:24 UTC 2018

#TimesUp is set to make its mark on the Grammys, too. Celebrities attending the awards ceremony on Sunday have been asked to wear a white rose in support of the campaign. SEE ALSO: All the fiercest signs from the Time's Up rally in London The encouragement comes from a letter penned by a group calling itself Voices in Entertainment, consisting of … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Just one cigarette a day can cause serious heart problems

Thursday 25 January 3:39:12 UTC 2018

Among men, half of the risk associated with smoking a pack of 20 comes from just the first cigarette [Link]

New Scientist – News » Smart contact lens monitors sweetness of diabetics’ tears

Thursday 25 January 3:39:11 UTC 2018

The contact lens measures glucose levels in tears and alerts the wearer to dangerous levels using a tiny light that looks like a speck of glitter [Link]

New Scientist – News » First monkeys, and then us? Human cloning must stay off limits

Thursday 25 January 3:39:10 UTC 2018

The ability to clone monkeys will rekindle speculation about doing the same with humans. There are many reasons to oppose it, says Marcy Darnovsky [Link]

New Scientist – News » YouTube’s bots aren’t protecting kids from all its nasty videos

Thursday 25 January 3:39:09 UTC 2018

YouTube has become the top source of videos for kids of all ages, but without transparency on its algorithms, it is hard for parents to trust [Link]

New Scientist – News » 3D ‘holograms’ made with lasers by moving one particle at a time

Thursday 25 January 3:39:08 UTC 2018

By moving a single particle with an invisible laser beam, we can create three-dimensional images like the holograms in sci-fi movies that float in thin air [Link]

New Scientist – News » Our best way to geoengineer the climate may well trash Earth

Thursday 25 January 3:39:07 UTC 2018

A key plan to reduce global warming is to grow crops for fuel then capture and bury the carbon released when it's burned. This risks ecocide, says Olive Heffernan [Link]

New Scientist – News » Scientists have cloned monkeys and it could help treat cancer

Thursday 25 January 3:39:06 UTC 2018

Meet the first of a possible army of cloned monkeys that could treat many diseases, but is this a step to human cloning, and will anyone but China accept them? [Link]

New Scientist – News » The origin of insect wings has been revealed by gene editing

Thursday 25 January 3:39:05 UTC 2018

Wings have helped insects to dominate the skies for 400 million years, and now CRISPR is revealing exactly how the first wings evolved [Link]

Slashdot » How a PhD Student Unlocked 1 Bitcoin Hidden In DNA

Thursday 25 January 3:30:00 UTC 2018

dmoberhaus writes: A 26-year-old Belgian PhD student named Sander Wuytz recently solved a 3-year-old puzzle that had locked the private key to 1 Bitcoin in a strand of synthetic DNA. Motherboard spoke with the student about how they managed to crack the puzzle, just days before it was set to expire. From the report: "As detailed by Nick Goldman, a … [Link]

Mashable » That weird 'Crocodile Dundee' sequel trailer may just be a marketing stunt

Thursday 25 January 2:58:08 UTC 2018

Well, you got us good. Two trailers for an alleged Crocodile Dundee spinoff hit the internet in the last week, raising eyebrows for what appeared to be a very odd casting choice: American actor Danny McBride as the son of the Australian hero. SEE ALSO: Most anticipated films of 2018 Titled Dundee: The Son of a Legend Returns Home, the … [Link]

Mashable » The NSA literally deleted 'trust' and 'honesty' from its core values

Thursday 25 January 2:04:28 UTC 2018

The National Security Agency — which as  whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed, hasn't been truthful about how much data it collects on phone calls and internet traffic — just removed "honesty" from the core values listed on its website. "Honesty" has been listed as a priority on the NSA's website since at least May 3, 2016. But in an updated version on … [Link]

Mashable » Samsung teases big camera updates with Galaxy S9 invites

Thursday 25 January 1:33:11 UTC 2018

Samsung has finally revealed the date of the Galaxy S9 launch. The company just sent out invites to a Feb. 25 press event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona where Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy S9. SEE ALSO: If the rumors are true, Samsung's Galaxy S9 will not be able to compete with the iPhone X Launch date aside, Samsung … [Link]

Mashable » Grandma sends savage 7 a.m. text to grandson because she didn't get a 'happy birthday' yet

Thursday 25 January 1:30:43 UTC 2018

Grandmothers have no time for sleeping in, especially on their birthday.  Twitter user dae_gore shared an absolutely savage text from his grandmother on Tuesday, which was apparently her birthday. SEE ALSO: Grandma makes a great case for snail mail as social media My grandma ain’t give nobody time to wake up good and brush they teeth this morning pic.twitter.com/28ld3tZPhV — Dae … [Link]

Slashdot » Fitbit Will End Support For Pebble Smartwatches In June

Thursday 25 January 1:30:00 UTC 2018

Today, Fitbit announced that it will extend its support of the Pebble smartwatch ecosystem, including devices, software, and forums, until June 30, 2018. "During this time, we invite the Pebble community to explore how familiar highlights from the Pebble ecosystem are evolving on the Fitbit platform, from apps and clock faces to features and experiences," the company's blog post states. … [Link]

Mashable » Apple wants to put medical records on your iPhone. Here's how it works.

Thursday 25 January 1:15:45 UTC 2018

Apple wants to change how you access your medical records.  Today the company officially unveiled its plan to make iPhone owners' medical records available at the touch of a button via its Health app. SEE ALSO: Apple is testing a new feature to give you access to medical records on your devices Though not entirely unexpected (rumors of Apple's plans have … [Link]

Mashable » What putting medical records on an Apple Watch means for your privacy

Thursday 25 January 0:56:32 UTC 2018

Apple wants to put your medical history in the palm of your hand. And, for good measure, on your wrist as well.  The tech giant confirmed Wednesday that it intends to allow customers access to their medical records via iPhones and Apple Watches on iOS 11.3 beta. But like with so many things in the world of highly personal data, putting … [Link]

Mashable » Bumble bans Pizzagate-pusher Jack Posobiec, and his reaction is really something

Thursday 25 January 0:55:19 UTC 2018

The dating app and social network Bumble has banned a profile connected to conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec. The account came to the attention of Bumble when Twitter user Lindsey Ledford‏ shared an image of a profile on the app for a 33-year-old man named Jack, which looks an awful lot like Posobiec.  SEE ALSO: Bumble just made it way easier to … [Link]

Slashdot » Google X Is Launching a Cybersecurity Company Called Chronicle

Thursday 25 January 0:50:00 UTC 2018

Google's parent company Alphabet today announced the launch of Chronicle, a new cybersecurity company that aims to give companies a better chance at detecting and fighting off hackers. "Chronicle is graduating out of Alphabet's X moonshot group and is now a standalone company under the Alphabet umbrella, just like Google," TechCrunch reports. From the report: Stephen Gillett, who joined X … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple Adds Medical Records Feature For iPhone

Thursday 25 January 0:10:00 UTC 2018

On Wednesday, Apple released the test version of a new product that lets users download their health records, store them safely and show them to a doctor, caregiver or friend. "We view the future as consumers owning their own health data," Apple COO Jeff Williams said in an interview with CNBC. From the report: It all works when a user … [Link]

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