Geekish

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

Mashable » If you're not following Adam Rippon on Twitter during the Winter Olympics, you're doing it wrong

Thursday 15 February 23:44:52 UTC 2018

Fun fact: Adam Rippon is good at figure skating. Another fun fact: Adam Rippon is also good at tweeting. Like, VERY good at it. Like, make-Twitter-an-Olympic-sport-then-~ levels of good at tweeting. SEE ALSO: Adam Rippon at the Winter Olympics has captured all of our hearts Since he arrived at Pyeongchang, Rippon — a.k.a America's sweetheart — has been tweeting up a … [Link]

Mashable » Determined woman accompanies bags into x-ray machine

Thursday 15 February 23:35:25 UTC 2018

Having personal items checked by an x-ray conveyor belt is a necessary hindrance that no one really enjoys. One woman at the Dongguan Railway Station in China, however, felt particularly strongly about having to give up her bags to the security machine and decided to crawl right in there after them. Needless to say, the images are quite interesting, looking … [Link]

Mashable » McDonald's ruins Happy Meals by taking cheeseburgers away from kids

Thursday 15 February 23:25:33 UTC 2018

Road trip lunchtime will never be the same. On Thursday, McDonald's announced the removal of cheeseburgers from its Happy Meals, as well as smaller french fry serving sizes and reformulated chocolate milk. Today, we are announcing our new 2022 global #HappyMeal goals. Over the next several years, we'll be focusing on nutrition criteria, simplifying ingredients, transparent nutrition information, recommended food groups … [Link]

Mashable » This might be the best grocery shopping life hack ever

Thursday 15 February 23:23:34 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. Whether you use plastic bags (stop) or environmentally-friendly ones (good for you), chances are you know that painful feeling of having too many bags in one hand. It's the worst, especially if … [Link]

Slashdot » Google To Kill Off 'View Image' Button In Search

Thursday 15 February 23:20:00 UTC 2018

Google is removing the "view image" button that appeared when you clicked on a picture, which allowed you to open the image alone. The provision to remove the button is part of a deal Google has made with stock-photo agency Getty to end their legal battle. The Register reported last week that the two companies announced a partnership that "will … [Link]

Mashable » Everything you need to know before watching 'Black Panther'

Thursday 15 February 23:06:32 UTC 2018

This week's Black Panther marks the first solo feature film for, well, Black Panther. However, this isn't the first time we've seen him onscreen. SEE ALSO: Meet the cast of 'Black Panther' Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman, actually made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2016, while his nemesis, Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), appeared even before that, in 2015. But … [Link]

Mashable » Presidents Day tech deals include the Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch, Dell laptops, and camera drones

Thursday 15 February 23:01:51 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. Presidents Day is around the corner, and if you're sitting there wondering why you should care, we'll tell you: Everyone gets off work and tons of tech stuff goes on sale. We'd … [Link]

Mashable » Sorry haters, Evan Spiegel is not sorry about Snapchat's redesign

Thursday 15 February 22:49:56 UTC 2018

Hate Snapchat's redesign? Chances are, you're not alone. Not that it matters much, though, because Snap CEO Evan Spiegel just confirmed that he's not too concerned about the haters. SEE ALSO: Snap gives influencers analytics as everyone else rages about Snapchat's redesign Speaking at Goldman Sach's Internet and Technology conference in San Francisco Thursday, the Snap CEO acknowledged that "it will … [Link]

Mashable » When school shootings are broadcast on Snapchat, the effects reverberate

Thursday 15 February 22:46:33 UTC 2018

On Wednesday afternoon, some of the terrified teenagers of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, used social media to bear witness to the recurring tragedy of our time: a mass shooting. These children, who've grown up with smartphones at the ready, did what comes naturally to them and shared their experiences on platforms like Twitter and Snapchat. The images, … [Link]

Slashdot » Windows 10 Compatibility Issues Forcing US Air Force To Scrap a Significant Number of Computers

Thursday 15 February 22:40:00 UTC 2018

The US Department of Defense has decreed that the Air Force must complete its migration to Windows 10 by March 31 2018. From a report: Failure to do so will result in any systems not running Microsoft's latest operating system being denied access to the Air Force Network. However, because Windows 10 is not compatible with many of the Air … [Link]

Mashable » There's a storm dying on Neptune, and it probably smells like rotten eggs

Thursday 15 February 22:39:38 UTC 2018

A darkly colored storm on Neptune that's the diameter of the Atlantic Ocean is shrinking. The Hubble Space Telescope first spotted the dying storm in 2015 and has kept an eye on it over the past few years. The most recent photos from the Hubble show that the storm is shrinking. SEE ALSO: Never-Before-Seen Alien Planet Caught on Camera This isn't … [Link]

Mashable » The lighting is always flattering with these smart home light bulbs

Thursday 15 February 22:32:02 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. Smart homes are taking over and it seems like smart light bulbs are the gateway drug to all things Internet of Things. However, as with any new fangled device, the smart light … [Link]

Mashable » Welp, looks like the Sonos One also damages furniture

Thursday 15 February 22:26:44 UTC 2018

In the past few days, owners of Apple's HomePod have found that the device leaves visible white rings on their furniture. But it turns out the HomePod isn't the only speaker that can damage furniture. A reviewer from Tom's Guide found Thursday that the Sonos One speaker left distinctive white marks on their wooden shelf. A week after the reviewer moved … [Link]

Mashable » This guy built his own Boring Company flamethrower

Thursday 15 February 22:20:52 UTC 2018

Jason Salerno didn't want to wait 3 months to buy The Boring Company's sold out flamethrower, so he decided to build his own. He disassembled an airsoft gun, put in a blow torch, and added a propane tank on top. It worked… and cost him $200 to build compared to Elon Musk's $500 flamethrower. Read more…More about Tech, Watercooler, Youtube, Mashable … [Link]

Slashdot » 119,000 Passports, Photo IDs of FedEx Customers Found On Unsecured Amazon Server

Thursday 15 February 22:20:00 UTC 2018

FedEx left scanned passports, drivers licenses, and other documentation belonging to thousands of its customers exposed on a publicly accessible Amazon S3 server, reports Gizmodo. "The scanned IDs originated from countries all over the world, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, and several European countries. The IDs were attached to forms that included several pieces … [Link]

Mashable » This Lego controller lets you fly a flock of drones

Thursday 15 February 22:11:46 UTC 2018

Lego’s Creative Play Lab has teamed up with the Human Media Lab at Queen’s University in Canada to create a truly unique Lego set. Guests at the Lego World Expo in Copenhagen can create their own Lego drone controller and control a group of drones in real time. Read more…More about Technology, Games, Mashable Video, Drones, and Lego [Link]

Slashdot » France's Telecom Regulator Thinks Net Neutrality Should Also Apply To Devices

Thursday 15 February 22:00:00 UTC 2018

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: The ARCEP, France's equivalent of the FCC in the U.S., wants to go beyond telecommunications companies. While many regulatory authorities have focused on carriers and internet service providers, the French authority thinks Google, Apple, Amazon and all the big tech companies also need their own version of net neutrality. The ARCEP just … [Link]

Mashable » Here's how to take action on gun control

Thursday 15 February 21:57:33 UTC 2018

In the gut-wrenching days following a mass shooting, people often attempt to cope with the tragedy by sharing their feelings online. After the deadly shooting this week in Parkland, Florida — as well as recent shootings in Orlando, Las Vegas, Nevada, and beyond — discouraged people have taken to social media to express their outrage and grief about gun violence. It's … [Link]

Mashable » 'Black Panther' has one of the highest ticket presale rates of all time

Thursday 15 February 21:45:57 UTC 2018

Who's ready for Black Panther to shatter every major movie record? The superhero blockbuster is finally here, and as U.S. theaters prep for the first screenings, Black Panther boasts the highest presale rates of any movie besides the three most recent Star Wars stories. SEE ALSO: 'Black Panther' has highest Rotten Tomatoes score of any live-action superhero movie Black Panther … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Amazon Launches New Alexa Skills Kit Developer Console in Beta

Thursday 15 February 21:22:21 UTC 2018

Amazon today announced the beta launch of a new version of the Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) developer console that aims to streamline the experience of creating, managing and publishing Alexa skills. [Link]

Mashable » Explore the deep sea without all the bulky equipment

Thursday 15 February 21:15:46 UTC 2018

‘Nomad’ is a lightweight dive system that easily attaches to your backpack and pumps fresh air down to you while you swim. Read more…More about Travel, Mashable Video, Adventure, Water, and Ocean [Link]

Mashable » Jeffrey Tambor officially fired from 'Transparent' following sexual harassment allegations

Thursday 15 February 21:07:05 UTC 2018

Actor Jeffrey Tambor has officially been fired from Amazon's Transparent over claims of sexual harassment, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Amazon investigated the harassment claims of Tambor's former assistant Van Barnes and costar Trace Lysette. SEE ALSO: 'Maze Runner' author dropped by agent after harassment allegations Tambor denied Barnes' allegations when they first surfaced in November, adding that he didn't see … [Link]

Mashable » FedEx customer information exposed in data breach

Thursday 15 February 20:57:10 UTC 2018

An unsecured FedEx server was breached, exposing thousands of customers' personal information, a prominent security research firm discovered earlier this month. Package forwarding service Bongo International was acquired by FedEx in 2014 and now serves as a e-commerce service called FedEx Cross Border. But an unsecured Amazon S3 server, according to the white hat research group Kromtech, was holding more than … [Link]

Mashable » During the shooting, Snap Maps took viewers inside the Florida high school

Thursday 15 February 20:31:40 UTC 2018

On Wednesday, the world watched as scared and confused teenagers huddled in the corners of classrooms while gunshots rang out at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The unnervingly intimate view of the tragic high school shooting came from social media, and particularly, from Snapchat and its new desktop feature, Snap Maps. SEE ALSO: Donald Trump contradicts himself on … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Three photons stick together to create a new form of light

Thursday 15 February 20:14:19 UTC 2018

Photons don’t normally make friends, but now three have been bound together into a brand-new form of light by tricking them into acting like atoms [Link]

New Scientist – News » Shampoo is causing air pollution, but let’s not lose our heads

Thursday 15 February 20:14:18 UTC 2018

In Western cities, household products like deodorants and paints are a bigger source of air pollution than vehicle exhausts – so here’s what we need to do [Link]

New Scientist – News » People are slaughtering orangutans and wiping them out

Thursday 15 February 20:14:17 UTC 2018

The population of Bornean orangutans fell by almost half in just 16 years, and it was not a sad by-product of deforestation: many apes were killed deliberately [Link]

New Scientist – News » CRISPR has fixed the genetic cause of a learning disability

Thursday 15 February 20:14:16 UTC 2018

CRISPR gene editing has been used to alleviate the genetic disorder fragile X syndrome, but the technique has only been tried in cells in a dish so far [Link]

New Scientist – News » Stem cells zapped with radiation can protect mice from cancer

Thursday 15 February 20:14:15 UTC 2018

Injections of killed stem cells, designed to help the immune system recognise cancers, have been found to protect mice from developing tumours [Link]

New Scientist – News » Bats’ hairy tongues are perfectly adapted for lapping up nectar

Thursday 15 February 20:14:14 UTC 2018

If you're a greedy bat, it helps to have a hairy tongue. The hairs will ensure that you can slurp as much nectar as possible from flowers into your mouth [Link]

Slashdot » EFF Urges US Copyright Office To Reject Proactive 'Piracy' Filters

Thursday 15 February 20:13:00 UTC 2018

TorrentFreak: As entertainment companies and Internet services spar over the boundaries of copyright law, the EFF is urging the US Copyright Office to keep "copyright's safe harbors safe." In a petition just filed with the office, the EFF warns that innovation will be stymied if Congress goes ahead with a plan to introduce proactive 'piracy' filters at the expense of … [Link]

Mashable » Windows 10 is adding an 'Ultimate Performance' mode for high-end PCs

Thursday 15 February 20:07:37 UTC 2018

Microsoft is adding a new enhanced power mode to Windows 10 Pro for users who need to squeeze every ounce of performance out of their computer. The new power mode is a feature of the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17101, released Wednesday. The preview is an early look for select users at the upcoming Windows 10 update, expected to roll … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Surgical instruments may spread Alzheimer’s proteins

Thursday 15 February 20:00:00 UTC 2018

Amyloid protein, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, may be spread via surgical implements, but there isn’t evidence yet that this can transmit the disease [Link]

Mashable » How to calm your nerves while watching the Olympics

Thursday 15 February 19:58:37 UTC 2018

Viewing the Winter Olympics is a deeply nerve-wracking experience. Yeah, yeah, it's worse for the athletes who are actually in Pyeongchang. But you're not in Pyeongchang. You're sitting on your couch, eating the Valentine's Day candy that you bought on sale, and watching one figure skater fling another figure skater into the air. Then, for one excruciating second, you're praying that … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Virtual reality walking stick tutors blind people to cross roads

Thursday 15 February 19:51:00 UTC 2018

Microsoft's “canetroller” offers vibrating feedback in a virtual environment, letting people who are blind experience digital simulations of risky scenarios [Link]

Mashable » Coinbase is mistakenly draining customers' bank accounts, and people are freaked

Thursday 15 February 19:50:17 UTC 2018

All your money is gone. Whoops! Sorry for your loss. The world of cryptocurrency trading is notoriously risky, but it wasn't supposed to be like this. Some Coinbase account holders are losing their shit today as they look to their bank statements to find that the exchange has withdrawn excessive amounts of money from their accounts. SEE ALSO: Even Coinbase thinks … [Link]

Mashable » Sony apologizes following calls to boycott 'Peter Rabbit' over allergy scene

Thursday 15 February 19:48:26 UTC 2018

Viewers and parents are furious over a scene in 'Peter Rabbit' that's been accused of making fun of food allergies and encourages bullying. Others argue the reaction and the hashtag #boycottpeterrabbit are oversensitive. Was this a case of plot-driven self-defense or an tone-deaf joke? Read more…More about Movies, Mashable Video, Allergies, Sony Pictures, and Apology [Link]

Mashable » Behold: the glory of Mario's nipple, magnified to 24 times its natural size

Thursday 15 February 19:44:52 UTC 2018

Ever since Super Mario Odyssey gave the world its first tantalizing glimpse at Mario's nipples, the internet has been set aflame with curiosity and thirst for more details. Previously, Nintendo was even forced to answer questions about the digital character's intimate body parts. But the latest news from Mario Nipple Watch comes courtesy of Twitter user Mario Broth Blog. Yesterday, they … [Link]

Slashdot » Coinbase is Erratically Overcharging Some Users and Emptying Their Bank Accounts

Thursday 15 February 19:35:00 UTC 2018

A growing number of Coinbase customers are complaining that the cryptocurrency exchange withdrew unauthorized money out of their accounts. From a report: In some cases, this drained their linked bank accounts below zero, resulting in overdraft charges. In a typical anecdote posted on Reddit, one user said they purchased Bitcoin, Ether, and Litecoin for a total of $300 on February … [Link]

Mashable » Viola Davis tells Hollywood 'pay me what I'm worth'

Thursday 15 February 19:33:48 UTC 2018

As Time's Up battles for women's equal pay, advocates can't ignore that the wage gap is even more glaring for women of colorViola Davis reiterated this on Wednesday in a conversation with Women in the World CEO Tina Brown. "We get probably a tenth of what a Caucasian woman gets," Davis said regarding actresses of color. "And I'm number one … [Link]

Mashable » You're Using Your iPhone Wrong

Thursday 15 February 19:27:41 UTC 2018

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

Mashable » Chill cat doesn't care about your commute, humans

Thursday 15 February 19:14:43 UTC 2018

This cat just wants to nap, even if it's blocking a busy subway exit in Taksim, Instanbul. The street cat seemed perfectly content relaxing in front of the escalator, despite multiple commuters almost tripping over it. In true cat fashion, the feline didn't really care that it was getting in the way of others, as long as it was comfortable. … [Link]

Slashdot » Gmail Go, a Lightweight Version of Google's Email App, Launched on Android

Thursday 15 February 18:57:00 UTC 2018

Google has added a notable addition to its line of "Go" edition apps — the lightweight apps designed primarily for emerging markets — with the launch of Gmail Go. From a report: The app, like others in the Go line, takes up less storage space on users' smartphones and makes better use of mobile data compared with the regular version … [Link]

Mashable » This London farm is growing millions of soldier fly larvae for a very good reason

Thursday 15 February 18:49:57 UTC 2018

Keiran Olivares Whitaker is the founder and CEO of Entocycle, UK's first automated insect protein farm. Whitaker is firmly committed to producing the most efficient, sustainable protein on the planet, at scale. For the more curious ones – black soldier fly larvae taste like peanuts. Read more…More about Science, Food, London, Mashable Video, and Farm [Link]

Mashable » Meet the artist who programmed a robot to create his artwork for him

Thursday 15 February 18:45:19 UTC 2018

Patrick Tresset is an artist who was not a fan of his own work. So, he came up with an idea: program a bunch of robots and let them do all the drawing. Some of Tresset's work is currently on exhibit in Berlin's DIXIT AlGORIZMI gallery. Read more…More about Art, Technology, Design, Mashable Video, and Robot [Link]

Mashable » Target, Best Buy, Macy's, and tons of other stores are having huge Presidents Day sales

Thursday 15 February 18:38:01 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. Presidents Day: Originally George Washington's birthday celebration, but more importantly, a day that most of us get off of work and can spend shopping all the online sales. Thanks George, for being … [Link]

Slashdot » AI is Helping Seismologists Detect Earthquakes They'd Otherwise Miss

Thursday 15 February 18:10:00 UTC 2018

Using the same tools we use for voice detection, scientists are uncovering tiny earthquakes hidden in the data. From The Verge: Oklahoma never used to be known for its earthquakes. Before 2009, the state had roughly two quakes of magnitude three and above each year. In 2015, this tally rocketed to more than 900, though it's calmed since, falling to … [Link]

Mashable » The polar vortex just split in two. Get ready for some wild weather from Europe to the U.S.

Thursday 15 February 18:08:03 UTC 2018

The polar vortex, the notorious swirl of winds around a low pressure area in the upper atmosphere over the Arctic, has split in two. Since the polar vortex tends to be associated with some of the coldest air during the winter, the split — which is more like a temporary separation than a lasting divorce — means that ultra cold air … [Link]

Mashable » Netflix's 'The Innocents' already looks addictive

Thursday 15 February 18:00:55 UTC 2018

The announcement for Netflix's upcoming The Innocents declares "What you see is not what you see," followed by the thrilling "Love changes everything." We know right away that this is a twisted – possibly tragic – love story shrouded in mystery, and we're ready for it. SEE ALSO: Netflix has your new teen TV addiction, 'On My Block' The Innocents … [Link]

Slashdot » Hey Microsoft, Stop Installing Apps On My PC Without Asking

Thursday 15 February 17:28:00 UTC 2018

Chris Hoffman, writing for How To Geek: I'm getting sick of Windows 10's auto-installing apps. Apps like Facebook are now showing up out of nowhere, and even displaying notifications begging for me to use them. I didn't install the Facebook app, I didn't give it permission to show notifications, and I've never even used it. So why is it bugging … [Link]

Mashable » Why solving the world's water crisis means more than just quenching thirst

Thursday 15 February 17:23:06 UTC 2018

Six hours. For some, this amount of time is a typical workday spent tapping away at a laptop. For others, it's a Sunday spent watching football and bonding with family. But in some parts of the world, six hours is the amount of time a child may have to wait for a glass of clean drinking water. Women, kids, and other … [Link]

Mashable » Sorry Frank Ocean fans, but his new song is actually an Audrey Hepburn cover

Thursday 15 February 17:10:51 UTC 2018

On Wednesday night, Frank Ocean did what Frank Ocean does best: he released a song unexpectedly on his Tumblr and sent the internet in a frenzy. In the midst of a delightful panic that new sweet, sweet Frank vocals were out in the world, many people assumed the late Valentine's Day surprise from the singer was his own original track—and a … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Scale API Launches Sensor Fusion Annotation API for LIDAR and RADAR Point Cloud Data

Thursday 15 February 17:07:56 UTC 2018

Scale API, a training data and human microtasks platform, has announced the launch of Sensor Fusion Annotation API for LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) point cloud data. The company has released these two products to help automobile OEMs and self-driving car companies accelerate the development of perception algorithms for autonomous vehicles. [Link]

Mashable » Donald Trump contradicts himself on gun violence and mental illness

Thursday 15 February 16:59:42 UTC 2018

Displaying a cognitive dissonance that's become common with him, President Donald Trump on Thursday made a reference to the alleged mental instability of the young man accused of the deadly Parkland, Florida school shooting. Though just last year he signed a bill that made it easier for those with mental illnesses to obtain guns. SEE ALSO: Guns are banned from Trump's … [Link]

Slashdot » Mac and iOS Bug Crashes Apps With a Single Indian-Language Character

Thursday 15 February 16:54:00 UTC 2018

A lone Indian-language character is crashing a number of messaging apps on iOS, users are reporting. The problem also extends to the Apple Watch and even Macs, all of which struggle to process the character specific to the Telugu language spoken in India. Share on Google+ Read more of this story at Slashdot. [Link]

Mashable » An extra thick mat could actually make yoga more enjoyable — and it's on sale

Thursday 15 February 16:53:53 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're still sticking to your "get fit" resolution in February, or if you're just finally getting around to starting, then you deserve this extra plush yoga mat that's on sale. SEE … [Link]

Mashable » Get a 5-pack of Etekcity smart plugs for just $25, an Amazon lighting deal for Feb. 15

Thursday 15 February 16:43:10 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. These Etekcity smart plugs go on sale pretty regularly, and Thursday is one of those days. Get more bang for your buck and save on a five-pack plus two remotes with today's … [Link]

Mashable » The 2018 Mashable House will warp you into another dimension

Thursday 15 February 16:13:58 UTC 2018

It’s that time of year again, people. No, not the Olympics. We're talking about this year's SXSW in Austin, TX. As usual, it's where the best of tech and culture converge — and Mashable is right there in the middle of everything. The Mashable House will be returning to SXSW Interactive from March 9 to 11. Come find us at 610 East … [Link]

Slashdot » Snapchat Petition Attracts One Million Signatures

Thursday 15 February 16:12:00 UTC 2018

One million people have signed a petition calling on Snapchat to roll back its latest redesign. From a report: The changes were intended to separate interactions with friends from branded content — including that of celebrities and influencers. Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel wrote in a blog post that he believed blurring the two had contributed to the rise of fake … [Link]

Mashable » This beauty device shattered its Kickstarter goal and wants to help you achieve flawless skin

Thursday 15 February 16:09:11 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. Remember when skin care just meant not sleeping in your makeup? Yeah, that ship has sailed and full on beauty routines have taken over. While a mask here and there will make … [Link]

Mashable » Warren Buffett's investment chief just called Bitcoin 'noxious poison'

Thursday 15 February 15:58:50 UTC 2018

Who woulda guessed: an old school investor is really, really anti-Bitcoin. On Wednesday, Charles Munger, the vice chairman of Warren Buffett's investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, described Bitcoin as "noxious poison." SEE ALSO: The cryptocurrency market has halved in less than a month While at the annual meeting of the Daily Journal, which Munger chairs, the Guardian reports that he also called … [Link]

Mashable » Save on a wireless charger that doubles as a smartphone stand

Thursday 15 February 15:56:59 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. Plugging things in is just the worst, right? Get those precious seconds back by investing in a wireless charging pad for your new phone. This vertical one by Anker is just what … [Link]

Mashable » This single-character message can crash your iPhone

Thursday 15 February 15:40:40 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's a new iOS bug in town, and — like so many times before — it appears to be fairly easy to exploit. Italian blog MobileWorld first reported its existence, and The Verge noticed and tested … [Link]

Slashdot » UK Blames Russia For Cyber Attack, Says Won't Tolerate Disruption

Thursday 15 February 15:30:00 UTC 2018

Britain blamed Russia on Thursday for a cyber-attack last year, publicly pointing the finger at Moscow for spreading a virus which disrupted companies across Europe including UK-based Reckitt Benckiser. From a report: Russia denied the accusation, saying it was part of "Russophobic" campaign it said was being waged by some Western countries. The so-called NotPetya attack in June started in … [Link]

Mashable » Amazon daily deals for Feb. 15: Smart plugs, travel gear, speakers, and more

Thursday 15 February 15:25:26 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. Today's best deals include plenty of different outlet and charging options. There's a $50 4-port USB charger for 60% off, a couple of USB-compatible power strips, and even smart plugs to upgrade … [Link]

Slashdot » MIT Develops New Chip That Reduces Neural Networks' Power Consumption by Up to 95 Percent

Thursday 15 February 15:01:00 UTC 2018

MIT researchers have developed a special-purpose chip that increases the speed of neural-network computations by three to seven times over its predecessors, while reducing power consumption 94 to 95 percent. From a report: That could make it practical to run neural networks locally on smartphones or even to embed them in household appliances. "The general processor model is that there … [Link]

Mashable » Companies and nonprofits can now post on Facebook's Community Help during a crisis

Thursday 15 February 15:00:00 UTC 2018

When crisis strikes, Facebook users often turn to the platform to let friends and family know they're safe. In the last year, since the social media company launched its Community Help tool, people have also used Facebook to ask for emergency assistance and aid, or offer help to those who've been affected. SEE ALSO: Facebook tool lets you see if you … [Link]

Slashdot » Ubuntu Wants To Collect Data About Your System — Starting With 18.04 LTS

Thursday 15 February 14:10:00 UTC 2018

In an announcement on Ubuntu mailing list, Will Cooke, on behalf of the Ubuntu Desktop team, announced Canonical's plans to collect some data related to the users' system configuration and the packages installed on their machines. From a report: Before you read anything further, it's important to note that users will have the option to opt-out of this data collection. … [Link]

Mashable » Han Solo's BFF Chewbacca is now the cutest, cuddliest toy in the galaxy

Thursday 15 February 14:07:44 UTC 2018

Everyone’s favorite wookie is now cuter and cuddlier than ever before. Ahead of New York Toy Fair, Hasbro has announced the "Star Wars Ultimate Co-pilot Chewie," a 16-inch tall furry version of Han Solo's BFF that roars when it's pet and detects movement and sounds. And here's the craziest part: rock Chewie and he'll fall asleep like a baby. SEE ALSO: … [Link]

Mashable » There's a powerful story behind today's Dictionary.com 'Word of the Day'

Thursday 15 February 14:01:00 UTC 2018

Words are powerful beyond measure, but they hold different meanings for each person. With that truth in mind, Save the Children — an international organization that fights for children's rights – enlisted the help of Dictionary.com to show how definitions can vary under different circumstances. On Thursday, Dictionary.com chose "SOS," a noun defined as “any call for help,” as its Word … [Link]

Slashdot » Windows 10 Is Adding an Ultimate Performance Mode For Pros

Thursday 15 February 13:00:00 UTC 2018

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Engadget: When you're creating 3D models or otherwise running intensive tasks, you want to wring every ounce of performance out of your PC as possible. It's a good thing, then, that Microsoft has released a Windows 10 preview build in the Fast ring that includes a new Ultimate Performance mode if you're running … [Link]

Mashable » Activists use 'Three Billboards' to make a powerful point about Grenfell Tower fire in London

Thursday 15 February 12:45:57 UTC 2018

Activists in London recreated an iconic scene from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri to draw attention to what they say is a lack of progress made in the investigation since the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 71 people in June 2017. SEE ALSO: Adele pays an emotional visit to Grenfell Tower in London after the fire Three billboards—identical in colour, and … [Link]

Mashable » Kristen Bell reacts to some twisty fan theories about 'The Good Place'

Thursday 15 February 12:16:02 UTC 2018

Seeing as The Good Place is set in an afterlife where not everything is as it seems, it's not surprising people have come up with a fan theory or two about the show. SEE ALSO: Kristen Bell shared a super-sweet list of marriage tips for Valentine's Day Kristen Bell is a harsh critic, though. In the video above filmed for … [Link]

Mashable » This restaurant's egg-themed 'pun' is so spectacularly bad it's good

Thursday 15 February 11:30:24 UTC 2018

Most adverts are largely terrible, but every now and then a piece of marketing comes along that just absolutely hits the nail on the head. SEE ALSO: Man's gloriously dumb video of a salt shaker has the most hardcore dad joke ending Well step aside, inferior breakfast venues, because Lenwich restaurant has only gone and come up with the pun to … [Link]

Mashable » Dude raps about his extreme hatred of the new Snapchat update and he kind of has a point

Thursday 15 February 11:16:35 UTC 2018

People are all up in their feelings about the new Snapchat redesign. One million people have signed a petition urging Snapchat to revert back to its original design. Even Chrissy Teigen's spoken out against it. And, now, someone's actually created a rap about how much they dislike the update. SEE ALSO: Chrissy Teigen also hates the new Snapchat update, so maybe … [Link]

Mashable » Kristen Bell shared a super-sweet list of marriage tips for Valentine's Day

Thursday 15 February 10:51:11 UTC 2018

Kirsten Bell may be a bit of a mess in The Good Place, but it sounds like she's got things pretty much nailed IRL. SEE ALSO: Ryan Reynolds totally nails Valentine's Day with a glorious Instagram post On Valentine's Day, Bell took to Instagram to share a note she wrote for a couple getting married. She was going to write something … [Link]

Mashable » Julia Louis-Dreyfus says FU to cancer in defiant post-surgery Instagram photo

Thursday 15 February 10:41:35 UTC 2018

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has posted a stunningly defiant photo of herself following surgery for breast cancer, alongside a "fuck you cancer" message. In September 2017, the Veep star announced her breast cancer diagnosis, and called for universal health care. SEE ALSO: Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals breast cancer diagnosis, calls for universal health care Louis-Dreyfus has shared updates on Instagram throughout her treatment, including … [Link]

Slashdot » Cryptocurrency Miners Are 'Limiting' the Search For Alien Life Now

Thursday 15 February 10:00:00 UTC 2018

Since the latest graphics processing units (GPUs) are so popular with cryptocurrency miners, the SETI project — short for "Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" — can't find the graphics cards it needs to expand its operations. The SETI@home project helps provide some computing power, as it involves thousands of volunteers who turn the power of their computers over to the project, … [Link]

Mashable » Ryan Reynolds totally nails Valentine's Day with a glorious Instagram post

Thursday 15 February 9:58:35 UTC 2018

It’s common knowledge by now that Ryan Reynolds is the king of social media, but did you know he's also the king of valiant Valentine's Day baking attempts? SEE ALSO: 69 times Ryan Reynolds was hands down the funniest actor on Twitter Well, he is. On Wednesday, everybody's favourite spandex-clad superhero shared the following Instagram post. I baked this cake for … [Link]

Mashable » Australia's government bans politicians from sleeping with their staff

Thursday 15 February 7:56:47 UTC 2018

Sleeping with a co-worker is pretty much a no-no in all workplaces, especially so in the sensitive world of politics. Not that Australia's deputy prime minister stuck to the unspoken rule. SEE ALSO: What to do when someone you love has terrible internet taste Barnaby Joyce been under significant pressure in the past week after it was revealed he had an … [Link]

Mashable » People are getting into snow volleyball at the freezing cold Winter Olympics

Thursday 15 February 7:45:35 UTC 2018

The average temperature Pyeongchang right now is 23° F (-5 °C), but some athletes still thought it the perfect time for a spot of… beach volleyball? On Valentine's Day, a snow volleyball match took place outside the Austrian Olympic team's lodgings at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. SEE ALSO: Olympic Austrian skier dramatically crashes into cameraman According to Reuters, Wednesday's exhibition match, which … [Link]

Mashable » People are mesmerised by this snake's elegant movement along a fence

Thursday 15 February 7:00:52 UTC 2018

Snakes move in mysterious ways, but perhaps not always as mesmerisingly as this. A video posted on the Facebook page of Bangor Vineyard Shed in Australia shows a Tasmanian tiger snake trying to navigate a thin fence line, which looks to be pretty challenging. SEE ALSO: Snake slithers into a Gryffindor backpack, seriously "I guess when you are a snake for … [Link]

Slashdot » SpaceX Hits Two Milestones In Plan For Low-Latency Satellite Broadband

Thursday 15 February 7:00:00 UTC 2018

SpaceX is about to launch two demonstration satellites, and it is on track to get the Federal Communications Commission's permission to offer satellite internet service in the U.S. "Neither development is surprising, but they're both necessary steps for SpaceX to enter the satellite broadband market," reports Ars Technica. "SpaceX is one of several companies planning low-Earth orbit satellite broadband networks … [Link]

Mashable » NBC host suggests it's 'challenging' to race slalom after you're married, seriously

Thursday 15 February 4:59:43 UTC 2018

Marriage: It'll affect your sporting performance. Wait, what? NBC commentator and former U.S. skier Bode Miller has apologised after foolishly suggesting an Olympian's marriage impacted her performance at the Winter Olympics. SEE ALSO: Figure skating wins gold in the sexual tension Olympics Speaking of Austrian skier and 2014 gold medallist Anna Veith during Wednesday's broadcast of the women's giant slalom, Miller … [Link]

Mashable » Here's another sneak peek of the forthcoming 'Incredibles 2'

Thursday 15 February 4:44:26 UTC 2018

Your favourite superhero family is back on the big screen. Disney's Pixar has just released a new trailer for Incredibles 2, set to release on Jun. 15. The sequel comes 14 years after the original film, with Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack making their return. There's also the addition of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk, as … [Link]

Mashable » Yep, chicken nuggets and french fries combined with ramen really exists

Thursday 15 February 4:05:32 UTC 2018

Of all the wild food combinations one could come up with, the crispiness of chicken nuggets and fries and soupy ramen don't strike as the best of partners. Well you'd think that, but Cup Noodle in Japan has released a product combining the three classic fast foods in one package. SEE ALSO: Here's how to make super long French fries at … [Link]

Slashdot » Ultra-Processed Foods May Be Linked To Cancer, Says Study

Thursday 15 February 3:30:00 UTC 2018

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Guardian: Ultra-processed" foods, made in factories with ingredients unknown to the domestic kitchen, may be linked to cancer, according to a large and groundbreaking study. Ultra-processed foods include pot noodles, shelf-stable ready meals, cakes and confectionery which contain long lists of additives, preservatives, flavorings and colorings — as well as often high … [Link]

Mashable » Race your friends down this outrageous 93-foot slide

Thursday 15 February 2:17:32 UTC 2018

A giant metal slide has opened in one of the hottest cities in the U.S. Belgian artist Carsten Höller brought one of his world famous spiral slides to Miami's Aventura Mall. The 93-foot-tall double slide opened on Saturday, and is the artist's first permanent American installation. SEE ALSO: The 'darkest building on Earth' is at the Winter Olympic Games Accessed by … [Link]

Mashable » Sorry, 'Game of Thrones' fans, we probably won't get 'Winds of Winter' in 2018 either

Thursday 15 February 2:17:03 UTC 2018

Ice and fire are once again at odds in the latest news for Winds of Winter, the long-awaited (and long-delayed) next installment of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice saga. The news is not good. There's a delay in the processAgain. This time, in a manner of speaking, it's the dragons' fault. In exchanging comments with fans … [Link]

Mashable » 'Maze Runner' author dropped by agent after harassment allegations

Thursday 15 February 2:12:24 UTC 2018

The #MeToo movement continues to spread into the world of young adult and children's fiction — fast. Most recently it's led to The Maze Runner author James Dashner being dropped by his literary agent, according to a report from the Associated Press. Dashner was one of multiple authors accused of inappropriate behavior and harassment by various anonymous sources on an online … [Link]

Mashable » Mike Pence may have just bought his wife a Valentine's Day gift at CVS

Thursday 15 February 1:40:36 UTC 2018

Nothing says "Mother, I love you" like a $11.99 box of chocolates from a drug store. Or maybe some flowers. Or even a teddy bear holding a heart. Vice President Mike Pence was reportedly spotted at a CVS in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening. While that normally would be no big deal, today is Valentine's Day, and Pence apparently bought a … [Link]

Mashable » Leaked Wikileaks chats reveal it actually thought we'd be better off with the GOP in power

Thursday 15 February 1:27:30 UTC 2018

No one can know the future, but man did Julian Assange really not have a clue. The founder and publisher of Wikileaks is a controversial figure, and a series of leaked private chats published by The Intercept demonstrate that his lightning-rod persona is not just for the public's benefit. Those chats also reveal several truths about the man, including the nugget … [Link]

Mashable » This couple accidentally proposed at the same exact time, and it was precious

Thursday 15 February 1:17:05 UTC 2018

In pretty much the most adorable thing to happen since Paddington 2, a couple accidentally proposed to each other at the same time. On Saturday, Tori Monaco asked her girlfriend of a year to marry her. Then her girlfriend (and now fiancée) Berkley Cade, pulled out a ring and got down on one knee too. Double proposal playing Pictionary 😭 … [Link]

Slashdot » Tickbox Must Remove Pirate Streaming Add-ons From Sold Devices

Thursday 15 February 1:00:00 UTC 2018

TickBox TV, the company behind a Kodi-powered streaming device, must release a new software updater that will remove copyright-infringing addons from previously shipped devices. A California federal court issued an updated injunction in the lawsuit that was filed by several major Hollywood studios, Amazon, and Netflix, which will stay in place while both parties fight out their legal battle. TorrentFreak … [Link]

Mashable » A fake Kim Jong-Un said hi to North Korean cheerleaders, who didn't take it well

Thursday 15 February 0:40:38 UTC 2018

Guess someone was going to do it. A Kim Jong-un impersonator went to greet North Korean cheerleaders at the Winter Olympics, and you can bet it caused quite the stir. SEE ALSO: Olympics volunteer could not be more unimpressed with winter games Only identified as Howard, the Australian man of Chinese descent attended the women's ice hockey match between a unified … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook Is Spamming Users Via Their 2FA Phone Numbers

Thursday 15 February 0:20:00 UTC 2018

According to Mashable, Facebook account holder Gabriel Lewis tweeted that Facebook texted "spam" to the phone number he submitted for the purposes of 2-factor authentication. Lewis insists that he did not have mobile notifications turned on, and when he replied "stop" and "DO NOT TEXT ME," he says those messages showed up on his Facebook wall. From the report: Lewis … [Link]

John Gordon Ross

A Man for All Reasons