Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Should I Leave My Laptop Plugged In All The Time?

Should you leave your laptop plugged in and charging when you’re not on-the-go? What’s best for the battery? What’s best for your user experience?]
Should I Leave My Laptop Plugged In All The Time?

Discover Popular Alternative Products with Google Autocomplete

It's easy to find popular products, but sometimes you want something different than the mainstream option. Finding a good alternative isn't always easy, but Redditor wellnhoferia found a simple trick for discovering popular alternative products: Google autocomplete.
Discover Popular Alternative Products with Google Autocomplete

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The 20 Worst PINs: Is Your ATM Code This Easy to Crack?

Remember that list of the most frequently-used passwords? Did you have a good chuckle at the fact that “password”, “123456″ and “qwerty” were at the top? You, of course, would never use something so foolish.
The 20 Worst PINs: Is Your ATM Code This Easy to Crack?

Sunday, September 23, 2012

HOWTO use a phone (1917)

The 1917 Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company publication "How to Use the Telephone, 1917" is a clear, sensible guide to managing your "delicately adjusted instrument," including useful tips like finishing your calls with "good-bye" so that the other party doesn't suppose that the operator has cut them off.
HOWTO use a phone (1917)

Oldest recorded message in a bottle

Dropped into the Atlantic Ocean's North Sea on June 10, 1914, this is the oldest message in a bottle ever found. A fellow plucked it from the sea last year. The bottle was part of a study of ocean currents conducted by the Glasgow School of Navigation nearly a century ago.
Oldest recorded message in a bottle

Friday, September 21, 2012

Upcoming Space Station Cameras Will Give All Humans Live Imagery Of Their Houses From Space

An ambitious effort to broadcast real-time streaming video of Earth from space is closer to reality, after a new influx of cash and some new partnerships. By spring 2013, everyone on Earth will be able to watch the planet from the most unique vantage point ever built, the International Space Station.'
Upcoming Space Station Cameras Will Give All Humans Live Imagery Of Their Houses From Space

Swiss Federal Railways Says Apple Stole Its Clock

If you think Apple’s new clock design in iOS 6 looks like a Swiss watch, that may be because it is.
Swiss Federal Railways Says Apple Stole Its Clock

Windows Secrets Newsletter website hacked

It recently became known that the Windows Secrets Newsletter website got hacked. The attacker managed to brute force an administrator account to gain access to the site. Using the account, the hacker planted malicious code on the site to get access to the site’s database and information. When subscribers and editors started to receive spam that appeared to come from Windows Secrets, site administrators began an investigation to find out what was going on.
Windows Secrets Newsletter website hacked

Monday, September 17, 2012

iPhone 5: clearly the most exciting iPhone yet!

Although many of the digerati have dubbed Apple’s newest iPhone 5 as ‘boring’ or ‘unexciting’, nothing could be further from the truth, with this new iPhone clearly destined to smash all iRecords before it and emerge as the most popular iPhone yet.
iPhone 5: clearly the most exciting iPhone yet!

Amazeballs Joins Mummy Porn As New Additions To Collins Online Dictionary

More than 80 words and terms including blootered, amazeballs and mummy porn have been added to an online dictionary.
Amazeballs Joins Mummy Porn As New Additions To Collins Online Dictionary

Saturday, September 15, 2012

ResourceBlog Article: New List of Privacy Resources and Sites on the Internet

Privacy Resources and Sites on the Internet is a comprehensive listing of privacy resources currently available on the Internet. These include associations, indexes, search engines as well as individual websites and sources that supply the latest technology and information about privacy and how it relates to you and the Internet.
ResourceBlog Article: New List of Privacy Resources and Sites on the Internet

Why You Don't Need the iPhone 5, by an iPhone Owner

Can you feel it yet? The slow, subtle build-up in peer pressure. The smug, self-satisfied looks from that guy in the office who pre-ordered the iPhone 5 at midnight. The questions from friends who assume that, because you like tech, you're probably getting one. The calculations you catch yourself making, wondering if you could actually afford it, just in theory.
Why You Don't Need the iPhone 5, by an iPhone Owner

John Lennon interviewed by Jann Wenner, 1970

In December 1970, John Lennon sat down with Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner. This interview took place in New York City Shortly after Lennon and Yoko Ono finished recording the monumental "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band." The conversation is not to be missed, and you can hear them on the Rolling Stone podcast.
John Lennon interviewed by Jann Wenner, 1970

Friday, September 14, 2012

iPhone 5: All the New Stuff

The iPhone 5 is finally here, and it’s — in a word — different. The new iPhone is the most radical redesign of Apple‘s flagship product since its inception, sporting a larger screen, a different shape, more features and even new accessories in the box.
iPhone 5: All the New Stuff

September 11, 2001 as experienced on the International Space Station

On September 11, 2001, US astronaut Frank L. Culbertson watched the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks from the International Space Station. He wrote up his experience that day and the days following in a letter posted on NASA's site.
September 11, 2001 as experienced on the International Space Station

Monday, September 10, 2012

Classic UFO Identification Chart from March 1967

If you love classic sci-fi goodness, then you will definitely enjoy looking through the various ‘alien’ starcraft featured in this classic chart from yesteryear!
Classic UFO Identification Chart from March 1967

A is for Amazon: Google's autocomplete alphabet

A is for Amazon: Google's autocomplete alphabet
Have you done your ABCs with Google lately? Autocomplete for single letters tells us a few things about what's on our minds and who's top dog from A to Z.
A is for Amazon: Google's autocomplete alphabet

Thursday, September 06, 2012

How to Check If Your Apple Device ID was Compromised

A hacker group called AntiSec said it has compromised 12 million Apple iOS Unique Device IDs (UDIDs) and personal information from Apple product owners — and there’s a good chance your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch devices could be at risk.
How to Check If Your Apple Device ID was Compromised

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

WolframAlpha Can Now Do In-depth Analysis of Your Facebook Account

If you’re a big fan of WolframAlpha’s ability to crunch the numbers on just about anything–and we certainly are–you’ll likely be just as delighted as we were to watch it massage the data from your Facebook account. Find out your most liked, discussed, and shared posts, see your Facebook habits, and other neat trends.
WolframAlpha Can Now Do In-depth Analysis of Your Facebook Account

Monday, September 03, 2012

Watch Out for This Sneaky Facebook Scam Disguised as a Photo Notification

The next time Facebook sends you an email about a friend tagging you in a new picture, be cautious -- it could be a trap.
Watch Out for This Sneaky Facebook Scam Disguised as a Photo Notification

Man Finds Magical Disneyland Footage From 1956

It’s been 57 years since Walt Disney opened the first of several theme parks. How did these theme parks become known for their magic? Let’s take a look back in time.
Man Finds Magical Disneyland Footage From 1956

12 Most Cliché Photos on Instagram

A steaming broccoli and cheese casserole straight from the oven … a bed of clouds gathering above the sunset … your feet in a warm mountain of sand. It’s true, cliché photographs can be the most comforting and captivating images. And where does much of it live? You guessed it — Instagram.
12 Most Cliché Photos on Instagram

10 programs that make Windows 8 better

So you have made the jump and installed Windows 8 on a computer, or, you are planning to buy a tablet, laptop or desktop PC running Microsoft’s latest operating system. If this is your first contact with the OS, chance is that you will need some time adjusting to the new startpage, missing start menu, and all the smaller changes that come with it.
10 programs that make Windows 8 better

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Prepare for Isaac With Google Crisis Map

While residents of the Gulf Coast are buying up supplies and boarding up windows, they are also likely noting that Hurricane Isaac is, coincidentally enough, arriving on the 7th anniversary this week of Hurricane Katrina. That leaves many people seeking shelter elsewhere, and wondering about the projected path of the storm.
Prepare for Isaac With Google Crisis Map

Send Us Your Hurricane Isaac Photos

Seven years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Gulf Coast residents are bracing themselves for Hurricane Isaac.
Send Us Your Hurricane Isaac Photos

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Blue Moon set to appear August 31, 2012

A Blue Moon will be present for all to see on Friday, August 31, 2012. Don’t miss this one, because you’ll not get another one for almost three years.
Blue Moon set to appear August 31, 2012

The Best Ways To Open A Stubborn Jar Lid

We each have our own favourite method for opening a stubborn jar lid. The folks at America’s Test Kitchen have a great selection of tips that will open any stubborn lid if your preferred way doesn’t work.
The Best Ways To Open A Stubborn Jar Lid

Watch Neil Armstrong narrowly escape a 1968 training accident

This silent film clip is posted at the Smithsonian's Air & Space Magazine blog.

Watch Neil Armstrong narrowly escape a 1968 training accident

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Neil Armstrong, 1930-2012: One Giant Loss for Mankind

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon or any other world beyond Earth, died today. The former test pilot and NASA astronaut recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, and underwent heart surgery just weeks ago.
Neil Armstrong, 1930-2012: One Giant Loss for Mankind

Neil Armstrong, First Man on the Moon, Dead at 82

Neil Armstrong, the first man to land on the moon as commander of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, has died at 82 according to a report by NBC.
Neil Armstrong, First Man on the Moon, Dead at 82

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Curiosity’s Descent to Mars in HD [Video]

Thanks to the Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) mounted on the fore-port side of Curiosity we’re treated to a high-resolution video of Curiosity’s descent to Mars.
Curiosity’s Descent to Mars in HD

Friday, August 24, 2012

“Avoid These Fast Food Items,” Say Fast Food Employees

We all know fast food is not good for us. Most nutrition experts agree that it should be eaten “rarely or never.” But having said that, most of us will grab a meal from a fast food restaurant sometimes.
“Avoid These Fast Food Items,” Say Fast Food Employees

Aussie In Hot Water After Tracking His Stolen iPad

Presumably, when one of your iDevices is stolen with iCloud activated it means you can find where it’s gone with the help of the police, right? After all, Apple helps you track the thing on a satellite map? Not so much for one Canberra man who is currently up on charges of digital trespass for tracking down his allegedly stolen iPad.
Aussie In Hot Water After Tracking His Stolen iPad

How To Beat Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition technology isn’t part of science fiction anymore, it’s something that’s being employed by a handful of governments around the world, and even private enterprise is getting in on it with applications like Facedeals. If you don’t want to be pinged in public by a surveillance suite though, hacktivist group Anonymous have made a handy instructional video to keep you safe.
How To Beat Facial Recognition Technology

Unfortunate vintage ads

Unfortunate-in-hindsight vintage ads over at Collectors Weekly.
Unfortunate vintage ads

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 13/2012

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 13/2012

Lolz! Oxford Dictionary Adds Ridic New Words

Hey, tweeps. Done any photobombing lately? You know, while you lifecasted your date night with that ripped Wikipedian; he said he was an ethical hacker, but turned out to be a douche who just wanted to talk vajazzling. Totes ridic, right? Lolz.
Lolz! Oxford Dictionary Adds Ridic New Words

New Zealand Roaming Rorts To Continue

Australia and New Zealand often boast of their close relationship, but if you use a mobile phone from Australia in New Zealand or vice versa, you’ll pay the same ludicrous roaming charges that apply to countries on the other side of the world. A joint government investigation which began back in May 2010 has finally issued a draft report, but all we’re going to get from it is a direction to make pricing clearer. Fat lot of help that is.
New Zealand Roaming Rorts To Continue

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Little Games We All Play Inside Our Heads [VIDEO]

Do you still avoid stepping on sidewalk cracks for fear of breaking your mother’s back? Or embrace your inner Gabby Douglas and teeter on railroad tracks, retaining walls or anything that resembles a balance beam?
The Little Games We All Play Inside Our Heads [VIDEO]

How to Identify a Scam Email

Remember the good-old days, when a Nigerian Prince would offer you riches beyond belief if you’d just help him get some of his ill-gotten gains out of the country? That prince hasn’t e-mailed me in years. He’s been replaced by a wide variety of scam tales, all of them just as hell-bent on making you do things you’re sure to regret later on.
How to Identify a Scam Email

The Most Difficult Security Questions You Will Ever See

This security check is used to prevent the creation of fictitious accounts. Please provide answers to the 2 security questions listed below.
The Most Difficult Security Questions You Will Ever See

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

‘You Can Do Anything, But Not Everything’

The world is filled with things to do, make and accomplish, but not with a lot of time. This quotation from David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done productivity system, is a reminder that we have to remember what’s important to do rather than trying to do it all.
‘You Can Do Anything, But Not Everything’

The Most Amazing Humpback Whale Photos You’ve Ever Seen

Humpback whales swimming in the waters off San Luis Obispo, Calif. created an unexpected and incredible photo opportunity for Bill Bouton.
The Most Amazing Humpback Whale Photos You’ve Ever Seen

Friday, August 17, 2012

Everyday Items Developed By NASA

NASA is often criticized for wasting taxpayer dollars. The $2.5-billion rover that recently landed on Mars has brought this issue to center focus once again.
But the Space Program's research and advancements extend well beyond spaceflight into everyday life. Since the agency's creation in 1958, technologies originally developed for space missions have been adapted for commercial products and services on Earth.
Everyday Items Developed By NASA

Tightrope Walker Defies Death in Heart-Stopping Volvo Ad

Volvo’s new advertising plan for its line of trucks could give potential customers a case of sweaty palms before they ever get behind the wheel.
The Swedish automaker hired Hollywood stunt director Peter Pedrero to coordinate a daredevil feat that involved two speeding semis, a tightrope and a few moments of pure terror.
Watch and then take a deep breath.
Tightrope Walker Defies Death in Heart-Stopping Volvo Ad [VIDEO]

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Why You Should be Careful About Cloud Storage

This is not an article meant to compare the advantages and the disadvantages of cloud storage. You already know what the cloud can do for you, but maybe because it’s so easy accessible and at hand, you might not be aware of the minuses that cloud storage presents. While you might be lured into the beauty and versatility of cloud storage, you should be aware of the dangers that it represents.
Why You Should be Careful About Cloud Storage

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Top 10 Memes of the Olympics Will Impress Even McKayla

The London 2012 Olympics bid a British song-and-dance farewell Sunday night, but the memes spawned at the Games will live forever. Or at least until something else catches the Internet’s attention.
The Top 10 Memes of the Olympics Will Impress Even McKayla

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Science of Total Recall

Like many people, I went to see Total Recall recently. Much of the story for this science fiction thriller (based loosely on a short story by Philip K. Dick) concerns “The Fall.” As explained in the introduction for the movie, “The Fall” is a tunnel bored through the center of the Earth that connects the fictional United Federation of Britain and The Colony, which is located in present day Australia.
The Science of Total Recall

For his birthday, (almost) all of Alfred Hitchcock's cameos

In honor of Alfred Hitchcock's birthday - which would have been his 113th - here is a very decent compilation of nearly all the cameos made by the Master of Suspense. He may not have been an angel, but he made us some pretty excellent movies, in which he made some pretty clever cameos.
For his birthday, (almost) all of Alfred Hitchcock's cameos

Google Earth locates lost pyramids

A recent survey using a satellite that provides data to Google Earth found two previously unknown pyramid groupings about 145 kilometers (90 miles) apart in Egypt. Further research will verify the archaeological find.
Google Earth locates lost pyramids

Monday, August 13, 2012

Cloud Storage

Want your files to be everywhere you are? Throw away your thumb drives, and think cloud storage. With so many big companies clamoring to give you free online storage, cloud storage is hot. And, as with many online tools, there is no rule saying you have to stick to just one vendor.
Cloud Storage

10 Terrifying Shark Clips on YouTube

Hurrah! It’s the most wonderful time of the year again. No, we don’t mean the holidays — we mean Shark Week. To celebrate all things great-big-scary-fish-related, we have collected some awesome, user-generated shark clips.
10 Terrifying Shark Clips on YouTube

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Tips From A Baggage Handler On How To Avoid Damage To Your Luggage

Baggage handlers have to pick up and move luggage hundreds of times day. The ones that get treated the most carelessly are those that are heaviest, according to a baggage handler, who offers other tips for keeping your luggage intact.
Tips From A Baggage Handler On How To Avoid Damage To Your Luggage

These 11 Olympic Fails Will Make You Cringe

Olympic athletes are at the top of their game, having labored tirelessly for years to prepare their bodies for the grandest of stages. And because of this ceaseless conditioning, no athlete ever makes an error.
These 11 Olympic Fails Will Make You Cringe

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

7 Tricks Your Mind Plays On You (And How To Fight Back)

Have you ever noticed that your own mind is sabotaging your path to happiness? While your mind may not be the sole culprit, it is a clever foe. Your brain can mislead you and make you miserable… and you won’t even know it.
7 Tricks Your Mind Plays On You (And How To Fight Back)

Sunday, August 05, 2012

Top 10 Ways To Boost Your Home Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is one of the most useful and important parts of using a computer, and yet it’s also one of the most frustrating. If you’re plagued by slow speeds, bad reception, and other Wi-Fi issues, here are 10 ways you can power up the Wi-Fi in your home.
Top 10 Ways To Boost Your Home Wi-Fi

Learn How to Tie a Bow Tie with Bill Nye the Science Guy [Video]

You’ve got the lab coat, you’ve got the slacks and sensibly comfortable shoes, you almost have your dashing scientist look down pat–you just need the nail that bow tie. Who better to teach you than the bow tie wearing Bill Nye?
Learn How to Tie a Bow Tie with Bill Nye the Science Guy [Video]

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Increase the Security of Your LastPass Account with Two New Options

Two new security options are now available to LastPass users in the account settings dialog, which can be opened from the LastPass vault: the ability to restrict logins to selected countries and to disable access from TOR.
Increase the Security of Your LastPass Account with Two New Options

Beating The Australia Tax: Can The Government Do Anything To Stop It?

The Government’s inquiry into local price gouging for tech seems to be going swimmingly, but now that the first hearings are over and the dust is beginning to settle, questions are emerging as to what the government can actually do to stop these companies charging Australians through the nose. Can the government actually stop industry gouging? We can reveal new information that says that perhaps it can.
Beating The Australia Tax: Can The Government Do Anything To Stop It?

How bus passengers avoid each other

Yale University sociologist Esther Kim traveled thousands of miles on buses to study "nonsocial transient behavior," basically how passengers keep their distance. Of course, the most obvious unspoken rule is that you should never sit beside someone if you can avoid it.
How bus passengers avoid each other

Gmail vs Outlook - Ten Reasons to Love the new Outlook.com

Several unique and useful features in Outlook.com that you will surely miss inside Gmail.
Gmail vs Outlook - Ten Reasons to Love the new Outlook.com

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Revealing the Psychology of Playing Card Magic

For thousands of years, magicians have amazed audiences by developing and applying intuitions about the mind. Skilled magicians can manipulate memories, control attention, and influence choices. But magicians rarely know why these principles work. Studying magic could reveal the mechanisms of the mind that enable these principles, to uncover the why rather than just the how.
Revealing the Psychology of Playing Card Magic

How to Get the Outlook.com Email Address You Want

Microsoft just completely overhauled Hotmail, rebranding it as Outlook and moving the whole email service to Outlook.com. The app is actually much improved, but longtime Hotmail users will probably have tons of questions — the most important being: What’s my email address now?
How to Get the Outlook.com Email Address You Want:

Microsoft pushes out Outlook.com mail preview

Todays craze in the tech world is Microsoft’s launch of outlook.com, a preview of an email service that may replace Hotmail eventually, or act as a completely independent service. No on knows yet for sure. What everyone suggests though is that you grab your outlook.com email address before it is picked up by someone else.
Microsoft pushes out Outlook.com mail preview

[How to] Upgrade to Outlook.com Email from Hotmail or Live.com

Hotmail, the world’s first webmail service is no more. Technically, it isn’t dead yet, but Microsoft is rebranding Hotmail.com as Outlook.com and will soon phase it out of the interwebs.
[How to] Upgrade to Outlook.com Email from Hotmail or Live.com

Friday, July 27, 2012

Gender Indicators, Australia, Jul 2012

The indicators presented in the July 2012 issue of Gender Indicators, Australia, are organised in six domains representing major areas of social concern for gender equality - Economic security, Education, Health, Work and family balance, Safety and justice, and Democracy, governance and citizenship.
Gender Indicators, Australia, Jul 2012

10 Budget Airfare Tools Every Traveler Should Know

If you’re daydreaming about white sand, cobbled streets or medieval cityscapes, you’re probably in need of a vacation. Being strapped for cash shouldn’t keep you from traveling.
10 Budget Airfare Tools Every Traveler Should Know

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 12/2012

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 12/2012

Facts at your Fingertips: Health, 2011

The average Australian is a little heavier and taller than a decade ago, according to health reports released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

On average, men and women aged 18 and over were both around 3 kilograms heavier in 2007–08 than they were in the mid-nineties. However the height increase of men was almost twice that of women, at 1.2 cm for men and 0.7 cm for women.
Facts at your Fingertips: Health, 2011:

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Google Maps Adds Sydney Public Transport Directions (At Last!)

Sydneysiders rejoice! Google Maps has finally added public transport directions for buses, trains and ferries.
Google Maps Adds Sydney Public Transport Directions (At Last!)

Sharing Works: 100,000 concert recordings for free

We just hit a milestone: 100,000 free concert recordings from over 5,200 bands!
Sharing Works: 100,000 concert recordings for free

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

What You Probably Didn't Know About London [VIDEO]

The Olympic Games direct the attention of the world to London this summer, but how much do you really know about the UK capital? YouTube’s resident knowledge bestower C.G.P. Grey shares a fascinating lesson on London and the City of London — yes, they’re two different places.
What You Probably Didn't Know About London [VIDEO]

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Cloud: questions you should ask yourself before storing data in it

Hosting data in the cloud has consequences though, and it is highly recommended to understand what those consequences will be before making any data available in the cloud. The following questions can help you significantly in making that decision.
The Cloud: questions you should ask yourself before storing data in it

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

ExpenseMagic Turns Receipts Into Reports By Photographing Them

iOS: Got a wallet or drawer full of receipts you need to track? ExpenseMagic is a service that lets you photograph them on your iPhone and then has the data from them typed into a monthly expense report for you
ExpenseMagic Turns Receipts Into Reports By Photographing Them

Heroic Bus Driver Catches Girl in Three-Story Fall [VIDEO]

Stephen St. Bernard braced himself for impact and in a flash, the weight of a 7-year-old child plummeting three-stories crashed into his arms.
Heroic Bus Driver Catches Girl in Three-Story Fall [VIDEO]

Bleeding Virgin Mary statue attracts crowds in Baton Rouge

Believers are flocking to this Baton Rouge neighborhood to see a statue of Mother Mary with their own eyes. You see, everyone here believes the statue is bleeding.
Bleeding Virgin Mary statue attracts crowds in Baton Rouge

Become an Antarctic explorer with panoramic imagery

Today we’re bringing you additional panoramic imagery of historic Antarctic locations that you can view from the comfort of your homes.
Become an Antarctic explorer with panoramic imagery

Sunday, July 15, 2012

NASA Releases Awesome Images of Massive Solar Flare Heading Toward Earth [VIDEO]

NASA is keeping a close eye on that solar flare that started on Thursday, July 12, and now it’s released dramatic time-lapse video and photos of the flare that’s found its way to Earth.
NASA Releases Awesome Images of Massive Solar Flare Heading Toward Earth [VIDEO]

Billabong website hacked; reveals passwords of 21,000 users

In order to make life easy for all concerned, Billabong chose to store details for their web site subscribers in plain text. How very thoughtful.
Billabong website hacked; reveals passwords of 21,000 users

Friday, July 13, 2012

Microsoft Malware Prevention troubleshooter

The Microsoft Malware Prevention trouble shooter is designed to scan your computer and make recommended changes based on your current settings to provide you with the most up to date security for your Windows operating system. Building up your computer’s defenses helps secure your computer against viruses and other malicious software.
Microsoft Malware Prevention troubleshooter

Watch How Snake Venom Destroys Your Blood [VIDEO]

It’s bad to get bitten by a poisonous snake. That’s obvious. But just what does snake venom do once it’s released from the fangs that have pierced your flesh? This video provides a terrifying illustration.
Watch How Snake Venom Destroys Your Blood [VIDEO]

Why is 98.6 just right for your body but too hot for the weather?

Slate has a nice explainer covering heat wave health problems. The central question: If my body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, why am I uncomfortable when it's 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors?
Why is 98.6 just right for your body but too hot for the weather?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Windows 8 RTM Coming in First Week of August, General Availability in October

Today at Microsoft’s annual Partner Conference, Tami Reller, Windows Chief Marketing Officer, revealed some big news about Windows 8. She announced that Windows 8 RTM will be released in the first week of August, and Windows 8 will reach general availability by the end of October.
Windows 8 RTM Coming in First Week of August, General Availability in October

Monday, July 09, 2012

These Pool Trick Shots Defy The Laws Of Physics

This video is amazing, but it serves as more of a public service announcement than a trick shot video. The announcement? Never make a bet involving with these guys. You will lose all of your money, all of your dignity and maybe even your significant other to these gravity-defying masters of felt.
These Pool Trick Shots Defy The Laws Of Physics

DNSChanger - what should you do?

Midnight tomorrow, Eastern US Daylight time, the FBI's DNSChanger redirector will be turned off. If you're affected by the DNSChanger malware, you will lose your ability to navigate the Internet. Here's what you should do.
DNSChanger - what should you do?

Here's the Most Stunning Photo of Mars the World Has Ever Seen

NASA has released a new panorama from its Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, showing the terrain where the robot spent the four-month Martian winter. The full-circle scene combines 817 images shot by the panoramic camera (Pancam). You can download the complete image and learn more about the expedition on NASA’s website.
Here's the Most Stunning Photo of Mars the World Has Ever Seen

Common Questions When Buying an HDTV Set

With the Summer Olympics about to start and lots of great things to view on a big screen TV like games, streaming movies, Blu-ray movies and more, here's a set of questions we are commonly asked about buying a new HDTV set.
Common Questions When Buying an HDTV Set

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Stay Smart Online unsmartly loses user data offline

Stay Smart Online, the Federal Government website designed to educate Australians about cyber security risks, has managed to lose details of a large number of its subscribers.
Stay Smart Online unsmartly loses user data offline

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Are You Comfortable With Airlines Researching You On Google?

According to the London Evening Standard, British Airways is beginning a program in which employees google the faces of passengers for upcoming flights so that they may immediately greet them upon entry to the airport gate/aeroplane.
Are You Comfortable With Airlines Researching You On Google?

Man Interviews His 12-Year Old Self [VIDEO]

What would it be like if you could go back in time and talk to a younger version of yourself? Filmmaker and actor Jeremiah McDonald got to experience that process — in a way — thanks to a video tape he made for his future self back in 1992.
Man Interviews His 12-Year Old Self [VIDEO]

Wimbledon Fan Advises Backhand; Player Agrees, Wins Point [VIDEO]

Can crowdsourcing work at a tennis match? If one piece of shouted advice at Wimbledon is any clue, the answer is yes.
Wimbledon Fan Advises Backhand; Player Agrees, Wins Point [VIDEO]

My stupidest moment as a customer, ever

Reddit thread on stupid customer stories.
My stupidest moment as a customer, ever

Infographics from 1917 on the exciting future of aviation

A page of charts and graphs from the July 7, 1917 issue of The Graphic displays, among other things, Lord Montagu's ideas for how to divvy up airspace, the estimated annual cost of running a London-Paris air route, and the distances covered in one hour by different methods of transportation of the day. Perhaps the most entertaining part is its warning that with the coming age of non-military aviation, 'there may be a revival of smuggling.
Infographics from 1917 on the exciting future of aviation

Friday, July 06, 2012

Thursday, July 05, 2012

When Will You Get Your Tax Refund?

From today, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) begins processing 2011-2012 tax returns. If you have submitted using e-tax, you should get a refund within 12 business days. That’s slower than the ATO promised last year, and there are some caveats.
When Will You Get Your Tax Refund?

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Know The Effects Of Dehydration To Stop Them Before They Start

In most cases, knowing you’re dehydrated is as simple as feeling thirsty. However, sometimes you might miss that feeling or your body will tell you in other ways. Health blog Greatist breaks down the common signs of dehydration so you can fend it off before it starts.
Know The Effects Of Dehydration To Stop Them Before They Start

Monday, July 02, 2012

Telstra: Oh what a tangled web we weave

It all started with a simple query on Whirlpool from a somewhat perplexed new contributor. We now see Telstra in a world of trouble from the Privacy Commissioner and Telecommunications authorities.
Telstra: Oh what a tangled web we weave

'Leap Second Bug' Causes Glitches for LinkedIn, Reddit, More

After an extra second was added to the clock on Saturday to better align it with the Earth’s rotation schedule, a whole slew of websites from LinkedIn, Foursquare and Reddit to Mozlila, Yelp and Gawker sites experienced technical issues.
'Leap Second Bug' Causes Glitches for LinkedIn, Reddit, More

Sunday, July 01, 2012

This World Map Of Earthquakes Is As Terrifying As It Is Beautiful

Compared to the rest of the world, Australia is quite fortunate when it comes to earthquakes. The worst we’ve had recently was Melbourne’s rumble a few weeks back — a joke really, when you consider the suffering countries like Japan and New Zealand experienced in 2011. The image above, which plots earthquakes of magnitudes 4.0 or greater from 1898 onwards, shows just how active our planet is, especially near the aforementioned hot spots.
This World Map Of Earthquakes Is As Terrifying As It Is Beautiful

Texting and Driving: A Crash Course [INFOGRAPHIC]

Texting and driving a car at the same time is a dangerous and irresponsible combination — but people do it anyway. A series of sparse, haunting public service ads from AT&T provides a spooky reminder that even sending or receiving short messages can lead to death or lifelong crippling injury.
Texting and Driving: A Crash Course [INFOGRAPHIC]