Microsoft has released the third platform preview of the upcoming Internet Explorer 9 web browser. The new version can be downloaded directly from the Internet Explorer test drive website. The release notes have not yet been updated have been updated and the IE blog features an in depth analysis of the new and improved features of Internet Explorer 9.
Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview 3 Download Available
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview 3 Download Available
Posted by Blacky at 9:41 pm 0 comments
Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2009
Australia's high population growth starts to slow: ABS
Preliminary estimates of Australia's annual population growth rate slowed to 2.0% over 2009, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The preliminary annual growth rate peaked at 2.2% in the year ended 31 December 2008.
Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2009
Posted by Blacky at 7:11 pm 0 comments
OpenDNS FamilyShield Blocks 18+ Contents Automatically
Users of the free DNS service OpenDNS are already familiar with additional blocking options that an OpenDNS account offers. It is for instance possible to configure web filters to block contents such as adult themes, pornography, proxies and anonymizers or gambling.
OpenDNS FamilyShield Blocks 18+ Contents Automatically
Posted by Blacky at 7:04 am 0 comments
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
4 Tools To Extract Multiple Zip And Rar Archives
Many files on the Internet are compressed to reduce the time it takes to transfer the files to users requesting them and to cut down on the monthly bandwidth bill. A negative aspect of this is that the files need to be decompressed on the user’s computer system before they can be used.
4 Tools To Extract Multiple Zip And Rar Archives
Posted by Blacky at 9:47 am 0 comments
10 Best UFO Hoax Videos on YouTube
While Unidentified Flying Objects have been reported since man first looked up at the sky, the modern phenomenon of the “flying saucer” has only been in the public’s consciousness since 1947, the year of both the Kenneth Arnold sightings and the Roswell incident.
10 Best UFO Hoax Videos on YouTube
Posted by Blacky at 8:14 am 0 comments
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Store Multiple Items to Clipboard in Windows
The clipboard in Windows only holds one item at a time and can be frustrating if you are working with multiple items. Clipboard Manager lets you store multiple items and access them as needed.
Store Multiple Items to Clipboard in Windows
Posted by Blacky at 9:38 pm 0 comments
Monday, June 21, 2010
Wipe your drives securely with a hidden Windows 7 tool
It’s always a worry when you get rid of a PC or hard drive that all sorts of personal data could be sitting on it waiting to be stolen. This is even more important when it comes to business computers. There have always been a huge variety of hard disk wiping packages available from third-parties, but did you know that Windows 7 has it’s own free in-built tool for securely erasing, not just whole hard disks, but specific folders as well?
Wipe your drives securely with a hidden Windows 7 tool
Posted by Blacky at 5:39 pm 0 comments
Sunday, June 20, 2010
10 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Google
“Google is not a conventional company. We do not intend to become one.” So began the “letter from the founders” penned by Sergey Brin and Larry Page in the company’s securities registration form in 2004. Despite ever-increasing commercial success since that date, Brin and Page have kept to their word.
10 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Google
Posted by Blacky at 10:43 am 0 comments
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 13/2010
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 13/2010
Posted by Blacky at 8:54 am 0 comments
Control Pretty Much Any Electrical Device With Your Computer
Over at DIY web site Instructables, user indestructable thoroughly describes the process of connecting an electrical device to your computer and controlling it with some simple programming. The set-up relies on a USB relay device such as USBmicro's U451, and you'll need some wire, wire cutters, crimpers, and nuts to hook it all up.
Control Pretty Much Any Electrical Device With Your Computer
Posted by Blacky at 8:30 am 0 comments
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Recorded Crime - Victims, Australia, 2009
From the ABS, this publication presents national crime statistics relating to victims of a selected range of personal and household offences that have been recorded by police. These statistics provide indicators of the level and nature of recorded crime victimisation in Australia and a basis for measuring change over time.
Recorded Crime - Victims, Australia, 2009
Posted by Blacky at 7:56 pm 0 comments
Monitor your Hard Drive’s Health with Acronis Drive Monitor
Are you worried that your computer’s hard drive could die without any warning? Here’s how you can keep tabs on it and get the first warning signs of potential problems before you actually lose your critical data.
Monitor your Hard Drive’s Health with Acronis Drive Monitor
Posted by Blacky at 7:10 am 0 comments
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Lifehacker’s Complete Office 2010 Guide
We first heard about Office 2010 back in April 2009, but that journey ends today with the retail version finally going on sale in Australia (and a few free copies being handed out in Sydney). Microsoft has long dominated the desktop software market with Office, but is a $209 product still relevant in an era where Google Docs and Microsoft’s own Office Web Apps appear to offer the same features for free?
Lifehacker’s Complete Office 2010 Guide
Posted by Blacky at 12:32 pm 0 comments
Monday, June 14, 2010
5 Great Sites for Exploring Cities Around the Globe
When Google launched its panoramic photomapping service back in 2007, it was the first time many netizens had the chance to explore a swathe of detailed street-level photos from their armchairs.
5 Great Sites for Exploring Cities Around the Globe
Posted by Blacky at 11:11 am 1 comments
100 Years Of Propaganda: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Propaganda is most well known in the form of war posters. But at its core, it is a mode of communication aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position, and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
100 Years Of Propaganda: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Posted by Blacky at 10:17 am 0 comments
How to Juggle Three Balls
An ancient performance art, juggling dates back four thousand years, with the first recorded evidence of juggling depicted by Egyptian tomb hieroglyphics. Always a pleasure to watch, juggling often appears so easy. Yet, as a beginner, it's all falling balls and less juggling. Nevertheless, with a little direction, and a lot of practice, you could be a great three ball juggler - just follow the steps outlined here to get started in the cascade method.
How to Juggle Three Balls
Posted by Blacky at 10:12 am 0 comments
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Skobbler Brings Free Turn-by-Turn Navigation to Your iPhone
If you've been stricken with Android-envy thanks to Google's fantastic and free turn-by-turn Maps Navigation—well, Skobbler isn't the cure. But it is a decent free option for directionally-challenged iPhone users.
Skobbler Brings Free Turn-by-Turn Navigation to Your iPhone
Posted by Blacky at 10:14 am 0 comments
Top 10 Strategies for Surviving Airports and Airplanes
You've packed your things and made it to the airport—now the real fun begins. Want a better way of protecting your stuff, getting online, and cutting through red tape? Try these 10 tips for a better air travel experience.
Top 10 Strategies for Surviving Airports and Airplanes
Posted by Blacky at 10:13 am 0 comments
How quickly can your password be cracked?
As more and more of us live more of our lives online with banking, shopping, photo galleries and social networking etc. a part of our daily lives, it becomes more and more important to have secure passwords. But there are problems in remembering complex passwords when there are so many websites you have accounts with.
How quickly can your password be cracked?
Posted by Blacky at 10:04 am 0 comments
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Lost in Translation
Going abroad is delightful, but culture clashes and language snafus can leave travelers shaking their heads. Have a laugh as we explore poorly translated signs, unusual bathroom plumbing, creative transportation options and particularly bizarre food.
Lost in Translation
Posted by Blacky at 10:23 am 0 comments
How To Permanently Delete Your Account on Popular Websites
We all have an increasing number of sites and online services we’re members of, and sometimes it all gets a little overwhelming. At times, we just need to delete our memberships to some sites, either in an effort to simplify our lives or just because we’ve grown tired of a particular site or service.
How To Permanently Delete Your Account on Popular Websites
Posted by Blacky at 10:20 am 0 comments
Friday, June 11, 2010
Australian Government Considers Logging All Web Activity
As if proposed mandatory censorship laws weren’t bad enough and unpopular enough, now the Federal Government is considering a proposal to require all ISPs to keep a detailed log of every site their customers visit. Yes, that’s every bit as unpleasant as it sounds.
Australian Government Considers Logging All Web Activity
Posted by Blacky at 10:29 pm 0 comments
Thursday, June 10, 2010
10 Tips for Living a Better Life, One Day at a Time--from Pope John XXIII
Pope John XXIII was pope from 1958-1963 and was known as “The Good Pope.” One aspect of the list that's worth noting is the emphasis on taking each day as it comes.
10 Tips for Living a Better Life, One Day at a Time--from Pope John XXIII
Posted by Blacky at 8:18 pm 0 comments
Microsoft Security Essentials Finds New Malware But Avoids False Positives, Still the Best Free Option
Microsoft's free Security Essentials package rates well at removing malware and running light, but what about dealing with brand-new, unidentified bad stuff? Turns out Security Essentials is still the best at figuring out what's bad—while also avoiding annoying false positives.
Microsoft Security Essentials Finds New Malware But Avoids False Positives, Still the Best Free Option
Posted by Blacky at 8:04 pm 0 comments
Autoruns For Windows 10 Released
Autoruns is the program to analyze the Windows startup. It is the most complete offering a huge feature set (which can be at times intimidating).
Autoruns For Windows 10 Released
Posted by Blacky at 7:08 am 0 comments
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Eat Breakfast First Thing in the Morning for Better Sleep
It's long-standing wisdom that you shouldn't eat too close to bed time, or eat the right kinds of foods. One sleep specialist suggests it's really about how and when you eat breakfast that matters most to your sleep cycle.
Eat Breakfast First Thing in the Morning for Better Sleep
Posted by Blacky at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Update Microsoft Security Essentials On Computers Without Internet
Microsoft Security Essentials is a security software for Windows operating systems
that is offered as a free download by Microsoft. The program provides additional protection against all sorts of malware from viruses over trojans to keyloggers and computer worms
.
Update Microsoft Security Essentials On Computers Without Internet
Posted by Blacky at 8:36 pm 0 comments
The Step-by-Step Guide to Digitizing Your Life
Your increasingly digital lifestyle has left your analog media collecting dust. Save it from obsolescence and digitize your life.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Digitizing Your Life
Posted by Blacky at 7:26 am 0 comments
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Should I Buy An iPhone 4?
The one question Apple never answers at keynotes – their opinion is implicit – is always the most pertinent: Should I buy this new thing? Here’s a simple guide.
Should I Buy An iPhone 4?
Posted by Blacky at 9:37 am 0 comments
The Complete Guide to Creating a Consolidated, Master Contact List
Ever wanted to consolidate all your contacts—from Google Contacts, Facebook, LinkedIn, your desktop address book, and your phone—into one comprehensive bucket you can effortlessly sync and export anywhere? You've come to the right place.
The Complete Guide to Creating a Consolidated, Master Contact List
Posted by Blacky at 9:31 am 0 comments
Ignore Airplane Food and Other Distractions to Sleep Well on a Long Flight
Sleeping well on long flights is an art that most people haven't mastered. Software developer and frequent flier John Graham-Cummings has put a lot of thought and practice into getting good sleep on a long-haul flight, and he's full of helpful tips.
Ignore Airplane Food and Other Distractions to Sleep Well on a Long Flight
Posted by Blacky at 9:30 am 0 comments
Beginner Geek: Scan Files for Viruses Before Using Them
To help avoid getting your computer infected by malicious software, it’s a good idea to scan files before executing them. Today we take a look at a couple of options that will let you scan files easily from your desktop.
Beginner Geek: Scan Files for Viruses Before Using Them
Posted by Blacky at 8:55 am 0 comments
Monday, June 07, 2010
UFO in Australia explained: Falcon 9
Reports from eastern Australia of an UFO spiraling around in the sky Saturday morning (June 5, 2010) has been explained as the Falcon 9 rocket that was launched by private space transport company SpaceX from Cape Canaveral in the United States.
UFO in Australia explained: Falcon 9
Posted by Blacky at 7:03 am 0 comments
BP Oil Spill Resources
More BP Oil Spill (Deepwater Horizon) Resources: Maps and Mashups
BP Oil Spill Resources
Posted by Blacky at 7:02 am 0 comments
How To Improve Uninstall A Program In Windows
Many experienced Windows users do not use the default Uninstall A Program control panel applet in Windows. Not so much because it is not comfortable to use but more because of it solely relying on the uninstall routine of the application itself. Data leftovers in the Registry and file system tend to clutter the system and can influence a system’s stability in worst case.
How To Improve Uninstall A Program In Windows
Posted by Blacky at 7:00 am 0 comments
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week [CHART]
Korean boy band Super Junior takes the top spot on this week’s list, demonstrating once again that Twitter is truly an international affair.
Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week [CHART]
Posted by Blacky at 10:04 am 0 comments
Critical Adobe Reader And Flash Vulnerabilities Emerge
Two new vulnerabilities affecting the Adobe products Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash were reported by Secunia earlier this day. They have in common that they have been both rated as extremely critical, the highest available severity rating for vulnerabilities posted at Secunia.
Critical Adobe Reader And Flash Vulnerabilities Emerge
Posted by Blacky at 9:40 am 0 comments
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 12/2010
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 12/2010
Posted by Blacky at 3:02 pm 0 comments
Year Book Australia, 2009–10
Year Book Australia is the principal reference work produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It provides a comprehensive and detailed statistical overview of various aspects of the economy and social conditions in Australia. In addition, it contains descriptive matter dealing with Australia's geography and climate, government, international relations, defence, education and health and welfare support systems.
Year Book Australia, 2009–10
Posted by Blacky at 2:21 pm 0 comments
Strategies for Winning Consumer Disputes
THE HAGGLER asked readers to send their favorite techniques and stratagems for prevailing in consumer disputes, and let’s just say you came through. Loud and clear. And in very large numbers, with some rather novel ideas.
The Haggler - Strategies for Winning Consumer Disputes
Posted by Blacky at 1:59 pm 0 comments
The Happiness Project: "People Who Knit Are Usually in a Good Mood. People Who Stare into Their iPhones AND Demand Your Attention Aren't as Much Fun."
Mark Frauenfelder from Boing Boing has a fascinating book that just came out, Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World. As you can tell from the title alone, this book has a lot to do with happiness, work, DIY, and...handiness, learning to make and do things with your own hands instead of running out to get cheap, mass-produced items that provide no larger meaning or connection.
The Happiness Project: "People Who Knit Are Usually in a Good Mood. People Who Stare into Their iPhones AND Demand Your Attention Aren't as Much Fun."
Posted by Blacky at 1:36 pm 0 comments
As Sure as Night Follows Day, You're Going to Get a Traffic Ticket Soon
How soon? Well that depends on what kind of shape your state's economy is in. But from the experiences I have been gathering from friends, relatives, co-workers, and of course my own life, I think it's safe to say you'll be paying some sort of penalty within one year.
As Sure as Night Follows Day, You're Going to Get a Traffic Ticket Soon
Posted by Blacky at 1:29 pm 0 comments
Clear Google Search History and Safeguard Your Privacy
My primary (and secondary and tertiary) search engine is Google, I use Google mail, my primary IM is Google Talk, I use Google apps for work, Google docs has kicked out MS Office on my PC, Google Chrome is my default browser and worst of all, my DNS provide is Google again. Add Google Reader, maps, News, Picasa and Youtube to the list, hardly 10% of my online life is sans Google.
Clear Google Search History and Safeguard Your Privacy
Posted by Blacky at 1:20 pm 0 comments
A Beginner's Guide to Growing New Plants with Cuttings
When you're starting out with a garden, buying enough plants to cover the ground can seem really expensive. Do what the pros do instead—cut and plant stems and leaves, divide roots, and use ground layering to re-grow your good plants.
A Beginner's Guide to Growing New Plants with Cuttings
Posted by Blacky at 1:12 pm 0 comments
Friday, June 04, 2010
How to Crop Pictures in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2010
When you add pictures to your Office documents you might need to crop them to remove unwanted areas, or isolate a specific part. Today we’ll take a look at how to crop images in Office 2010.
How to Crop Pictures in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2010
Posted by Blacky at 7:51 am 0 comments
Analyze Windows Startup Time With Soluto
Soluto is a software program that can be used to analyze the Windows startup. It provides in depth information about each item and program that gets loaded during startup so that the computer user can make the right choices to speed up the start of the Windows operating system.
Analyze Windows Startup Time With Soluto
Posted by Blacky at 7:49 am 0 comments
Thursday, June 03, 2010
How to Treat a Concussion
When a blow to the head shakes the brain within the space between the brain and the skull, the resulting shaking is known as concussion. A concussion is the most common type of head injury. While most concussion is a temporary disturbance that doesn't leave lasting damage, it can lead to associated serious problems if not treated promptly and effectively.
How to Treat a Concussion
Posted by Blacky at 9:57 pm 0 comments
Lifehacker Pack 2010: Our List of Essential Windows Downloads
We feature hundreds of different downloads every year at Lifehacker. If all you want is the best of the best, look no further than our annual Lifehacker Pack: One download that installs only our favorite, must-have Windows applications in a few clicks.
Lifehacker Pack 2010: Our List of Essential Windows Downloads
Posted by Blacky at 9:56 pm 0 comments
Top 1000 sites
The 1000 most-visited sites on the web.
Top 1000 sites
Posted by Blacky at 9:36 pm 0 comments
The Best Supermarket Meat Pies
Apparently, Australians eat 18,500 tonnes of meat pies every year, which potentially adds up to a whole heap of grease and not much meat. Choice has ranked the meat content and overall nutritional value of supermarket meat pies.
The Best Supermarket Meat Pies
Posted by Blacky at 8:19 pm 0 comments
EasyWords Teaches Languages Through Regular System Tray Questions
Windows: Big boxes of Rosetta Stone CDs and language dictionaries sit untouched more often than not due to their imposing heft. EasyWords just asks you a multiple choice or write-in question every so often, helping you learn or hone a language.
EasyWords Teaches Languages Through Regular System Tray Questions
Posted by Blacky at 7:01 am 0 comments
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Hide Files In Pictures With JPG FileBinder
There are numerous options for users who want to hide files. All of these options can be rated by the two parameters accessibility and level of protection. Hiding files in directories might be very comfortable but someone who is looking for these files might find them nevertheless. Using an encrypted volume on a disk protects the files from unauthorized access but requires a password that needs to be entered before the files can be accessed. It is also not practical to send containers to other users.
Hide Files In Pictures With JPG FileBinder
Posted by Blacky at 10:24 am 0 comments
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Pac-Man Creator Reflects on 30 Years of Dot-Eating
30 years ago, videogames changed forever. On May 22, 1980, the Japanese gamemaker Namco installed the first Pac-Man machine in a movie theater in the trendy Shibuya section of Tokyo. On Saturday, the company celebrates the 30th anniversary of the little yellow circle that became videogames’ first enduring character.
Pac-Man Creator Reflects on 30 Years of Dot-Eating
Posted by Blacky at 8:37 am 0 comments
Friday, May 28, 2010
How to Return Facebook's Privacy Settings to What You Signed Up For
Online privacy expectations are evolving, but whether Facebook likes it or not, a lot of us want the privacy settings we signed up for when we joined the service. Here's how to use Facebook's new privacy controls to regain your original privacy.
How to Return Facebook's Privacy Settings to What You Signed Up For
Posted by Blacky at 7:52 am 0 comments
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Lists & Rankings: Quality of Life Worldwide City Rankings, 2010 from Mercer
Vienna retains the top spot as the city with the world’s best quality of living, according to the Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey. Zurich and Geneva follow in second and third position, respectively, while Vancouver and Auckland remain joint fourth in the rankings.
Lists & Rankings: Quality of Life Worldwide City Rankings, 2010 from Mercer
Posted by Blacky at 7:06 pm 0 comments
The Top 4 Sites To Find Free Printable Posters
When you’re one Picasso short, the second most obvious decorating choice are regular posters. With little effort, they allow you to define your room (or house) and give it character. Put them in a frame, and it looks as classy as a painting.
The Top 4 Sites To Find Free Printable Posters
Posted by Blacky at 7:12 am 0 comments
Remotely Reboot Your Router From Any Browser
We've all had those routers that just don't cooperate, and every once in a while lose connection and need to be rebooted (or rather, unplugged and then plugged back in). Here's how to do it without walking across your whole house.
Remotely Reboot Your Router From Any Browser
Posted by Blacky at 7:09 am 0 comments
Pick Better Cuts Of Meat By Checking The Texture
If your meat-buying routine just involves pointing at the meat you want in the butcher case and saying, “that one”, you can brush up on the finer points of meat purchasing with these tips.
Pick Better Cuts Of Meat By Checking The Texture
Posted by Blacky at 7:08 am 0 comments
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
How to Tie a Reef Knot
The reef knot is a basic knot with the primary purpose of joining together two ropes of equal thickness in a flat and non-high strain situation. It is also known as the square knot, and sometimes as the scout knot, appearing on the World Scout Badge, which is worn by every scout from all over the world. Follow the easy steps in this article to learn the method for tying a reef knot.
How to Tie a Reef Knot
Posted by Blacky at 8:49 pm 0 comments
Scan For Viruses From The Windows AutoPlay Dialog
Thumb drives are a standard part of any PC repair toolkit, but once you’ve used them on a suspect PC, you should always scan them for viruses. Here’s how to scan for viruses directly from the AutoPlay dialog.
Scan For Viruses From The Windows AutoPlay Dialog
Posted by Blacky at 8:04 am 0 comments
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Packing Tips From Professional Travelers
Now that nearly every airline is charging baggage fees, travelers are motivated to pack as efficiently as possible. And who knows more about packing than professional flight crews? In interviews with a dozen flight attendants and pilots, one theme emerged: to pare down and still have everything needed at the destination, think strategically.
Packing Tips From Professional Travelers
Posted by Blacky at 8:25 am 0 comments
The World Touristiness Heatmap Helps You Avoid Tourist Traps
Need a friendly escape, or do you just want to go lone wolf? The World Touristiness Map helps you pick an offbeat, remote locale or a foreign-friendly destination for your next vacation with a heatmap detailing the relative tourist-iness of a location.
The World Touristiness Heatmap Helps You Avoid Tourist Traps
Posted by Blacky at 7:46 am 0 comments
Monday, May 24, 2010
PAC-MAN rules!
We've been overwhelmed — but not surprised :) — by the success of our 30th anniversary PAC-MAN doodle. Due to popular demand, we’re making the game permanently available at www.google.com/pacman.
PAC-MAN rules!
Posted by Blacky at 7:02 am 0 comments
24 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed
If we had to choose one word to sum up this week’s essential resources, it would have to be “business.” If you own a business, work for a business, or even give money to businesses in exchange for goods and services, you’ll want to scroll on down and take a look at how even one week’s worth of social media news has shaped your industry.
24 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed
Posted by Blacky at 7:00 am 0 comments
Download Google Pacman Game for Free [HOW TO]
If Friday’s Google Doodle didn’t feed your Pacman Fever, you download the special Google version of Pacman and play on your own time! Over at StackOverflow, users worked together to figure out how to extract and host the special version of Pacman, created by Google in honor of the yellow guy’s 30th birthday, for play online or off.
Download Google Pacman Game for Free [HOW TO]
Posted by Blacky at 6:58 am 1 comments
Australia: Library and Information Week, 2010 Underway Down Under
Since it’s already Monday in Australia as we post this item, ResourceShelf would like to say have a wonderful, enjoyable, and productive National Library and Information Week, 2010 (LIW).
Australia: Library and Information Week, 2010 Underway Down Under
Posted by Blacky at 6:53 am 0 comments
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week [CHART]
This week’s list of trends illustrates the enormous international breadth of Twitter and its users. The Korean music group Super Junior, a popular trending topic for many weeks, has finally toppled Justin Bieber and claimed the number one spot. Whether this is due to sheer number of tweets, or a change in Twitter’s trend-identifying algorithm, remains to be seen.
Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week [CHART]
Posted by Blacky at 9:55 pm 0 comments
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 11/2010
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 11/2010
Posted by Blacky at 3:39 pm 1 comments
Manner Mistakes When People are Sick
Here follow, in no particular order, suggestions to help your fellow human beings (regardless of their emotional connection to you) survive the mundane week-long "bug of the week" to traumatic ordeals that demand years of recovery.
Manner Mistakes When People are Sick
Posted by Blacky at 3:12 pm 0 comments
The Shroud Crowd: a dispatch from Torino, Italy
Since April 10th of this year, Torino, Italy has been crowded by a strange mob of tourists: endless streams of international and local people, old and young, pious and less pious. They are Catholics, and believers of other religions, too.
The Shroud Crowd: a dispatch from Torino, Italy
Posted by Blacky at 12:56 pm 0 comments
Keeping up-to-date on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill
It is estimated that at least 6 million gallons of oil have leaked into the Gulf of Mexico since the Deepwater Horizon explosion a month ago. Cleanup efforts are underway, but the oil has spread extensively around the Gulf and along the southern U.S. coastline. Oil has begun washing up on the beaches of Louisiana and the delicate wetlands along the Mississippi River, and can spread to Florida and throughout the Gulf as weather conditions change. This sequence of images, coming from NASA’s MODIS satellites, illustrates the movement and growth of the oil slick over the past few weeks.
Keeping up-to-date on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill
Posted by Blacky at 12:48 pm 0 comments
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Cleverest Geeky Windows Tricks Everyone Should Know
Anyone can sit down at a Windows PC and get along fine, but with the right tips and tricks, you can get around much faster. Here's a handful of clever tricks to boost your Windows skills (and show off to friends).
The Cleverest Geeky Windows Tricks Everyone Should Know
Posted by Blacky at 8:03 am 0 comments
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Why Google Public DNS Sucks For Aussies
Google Public DNS is designed to speed up browsing, but depending on the kind of content you want to access, it can often have the reverse effect. Dan Warne at APC points out that while Google Public DNS (or other alternative DNS services such as OpenDNS) can speed up general browsing to sites by resolving domain names faster, it will often have a damaging effect on services like iTunes and Windows Update which use Akamai’s load balancing technology to spread server load. Using Google for lookups will convince Akamai that you’re actually located in the US. It will also (as several Lifehacker readers have noted in the past) play havoc with any unmetered content your ISP offers (such as iView access), since it won’t be routed through the appropriate servers.
Why Google Public DNS Sucks For Aussies
Posted by Blacky at 5:29 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Have these Allusions Eluded You?
Have you ever wondered where the titles of novels, plays, films and the like come from? Some are obvious, at least after you’ve read the book or seen the movie, as with Star Wars and The English Patient, but many titles are not transparent and leave you wondering just why the author chose them.
Have these Allusions Eluded You?
Posted by Blacky at 12:49 pm 0 comments
Password Protect And Disguise Folders With PenyuLocker
Encryption is the only way to go if you are serious about protecting data from unauthorized access. Programs like True Crypt or Microsoft’s Bitlocker ensure that data is protected by a secure algorithm so that it can only be accessed by the user who knows the password to unlock the data.
Password Protect And Disguise Folders With PenyuLocker
Posted by Blacky at 7:11 am 0 comments
Monitor File Changes With Disk Pulse
Windows freeware Disk Pulse monitors file changes on connected and configured hard drives. This can be interesting for several purposes including monitoring installations of software, server environments or security.
Monitor File Changes With Disk Pulse
Posted by Blacky at 7:07 am 0 comments
Scan Your Facebook Settings for Privacy Loopholes
Facebook has run into multiple problems in recent times mainly due to their handling of privacy concerns of their users. The most popular social networking site constantly changes its privacy terms and their latest changes have resulted in people ending up sharing more than what they actually intended to the general public. This has happened because of changes in Facebook’s default privacy settings.
Scan Your Facebook Settings for Privacy Loopholes
Posted by Blacky at 7:01 am 0 comments
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Ask Lifehacker: How Do I Get Australia-Only Results On Google?
Dear Lifehacker,
Not sure if you have done a story on this, but with Google’s site redesign they have removed the “pages from Australia” button. How do you only search Aussie sites now?
Thanks, Peter
Ask Lifehacker: How Do I Get Australia-Only Results On Google?
Posted by Blacky at 3:34 pm 0 comments
Web Browsers Leave 'Fingerprints' Behind as You Surf the Net
New research by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has found that an overwhelming majority of web browsers have unique signatures -- creating identifiable "fingerprints" that could be used to track you as you surf the Internet.
Web Browsers Leave 'Fingerprints' Behind as You Surf the Net
Posted by Blacky at 10:58 am 0 comments
Nachofoto Is Not Your Average Image Search Engine
Nachofoto is a real-time image search engine with a focus on trending topics and rising search terms.
Nachofoto Is Not Your Average Image Search Engine
Posted by Blacky at 10:52 am 0 comments
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Facebook News & Commentary
A Review of Facebook News & Commentary (And Lots of It)
Facebook News
Posted by Blacky at 10:49 pm 0 comments
How To Quit Facebook Without Actually Quitting Facebook
With all the recent privacy issues surrounding Facebook, a lot of people are considering quitting Facebook altogether. If you’re not ready to take it that far, here’s how to avoid the privacy breaches without completely deleting your account and losing touch with your friends.
How To Quit Facebook Without Actually Quitting Facebook
Posted by Blacky at 10:45 pm 0 comments
Friday, May 14, 2010
Facebook: Facts You Probably Didn't Know
Did you know that the second most popular Facebook Page is that of Homer Simpson, right behind Michael Jackson? Or that the overall amount of time spent on Facebook each month is 8.3 billion hours? (We shudder to think how much of that time is spent on FarmVille).
Facebook: Facts You Probably Didn't Know
Posted by Blacky at 7:45 am 0 comments
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Optical illusion: impossible anti-grav ramps
Koukichi Sugihara's "Impossible motion" -- a cunning arrangement of cardboard ramps carefully skewed to create the illusion that balls roll up them -- won top honors at the Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences' Best Visual Illusion of the Year Contest 2010. It has a delightful 3D physicality, being a real object made out of atoms, that makes it especially wonderful.
Optical illusion: impossible anti-grav ramps
Posted by Blacky at 7:01 am 0 comments
The Alphabets of Technology [Geeky Fun]
This post is dedicated for all the geeky readers (and their kids) of TechPP! I am sure you know about the English alphabet, but here is an easier and interesting way to remember them! Learn the ABC of Technology the right way.
The Alphabets of Technology [Geeky Fun]
Posted by Blacky at 6:56 am 0 comments
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Greens propose three-pronged alternative to mandatory filtering
In a lengthy speech in the Senate, Greens communications spokesman, senator Scott Ludlam, has roundly condemned the Government's mandatory filtering plan and set out a three-pronged alternative approach to protecting children online.
Greens propose three-pronged alternative to mandatory filtering
Posted by Blacky at 8:04 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
169 Best Illusions--A Sampling
169 Best Illusions, contains a smorgasbord of static images that appear to be moving, “impossible” sculptures, freaky faces, ghostly afterimages and even some edible illusions.
169 Best Illusions--A Sampling
Posted by Blacky at 7:07 am 0 comments
Monday, May 10, 2010
Lifehacker’s Australian Airport Public Transport Guide, 2010 Edition
Cheap airfares don’t look so cheap if you have to spend a fortune getting to the airport in the first place. Lifehacker rounds up the public transport options to get to and from Australia’s capital city airports.
Lifehacker’s Australian Airport Public Transport Guide, 2010 Edition
Posted by Blacky at 8:39 pm 0 comments
10 Free iPhone Apps To Learn A New Skill In 10 Minutes
As well as options for almost unimaginably varied entertainment, the powerful iPhone platform can be used as a learning tool. Thanks to kind-hearted developers, many of the phone’s best educational apps are available completely free.
10 Free iPhone Apps To Learn A New Skill In 10 Minutes
Posted by Blacky at 6:19 am 0 comments
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 10/2010 - May 23, 2010
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 10/2010 - May 23, 2010
Posted by Blacky at 8:29 pm 0 comments
Use Windows 7 Libraries To Quickly Load And Save Files
Libraries are a new feature of the Windows 7 operating system. They are basically an advanced version of the documents and settings folder hierarchy as they allow the user to select multiple folders into a library. Each folder’s contents are then accessible in the library folder. But libraries have another useful use. They are displayed prominently in Windows Explorer. This means it is easier to access them than most other folders in Windows. Even better is the fact that they are also displayed in every standard save and load window making them ideal for quick save and load selections in Windows.
Use Windows 7 Libraries To Quickly Load And Save Files
Posted by Blacky at 12:06 am 0 comments
Friday, May 07, 2010
Depressing App Shows You What You'll Look Like in 20 Years
From the people who brought you MakeMeBabies and PicTreat comes In20Years, the web app that’s sure to give the plastic surgery industry a swift kick in the you-know-what. In 20 Years is basically what it sounds like — a tool that purports to show you your deteriorated mug two or three decades from now.
Depressing App Shows You What You'll Look Like in 20 Years
Posted by Blacky at 7:18 am 0 comments
How To Remove The Folder Lock Icon
If you open Windows Explorer in the Windows operating system you will eventually come upon some folders with a lock icon. If you try to open those folders you will get an access denied error message. The lock icon indicates a file or folder with special permissions and that the active user is restricted from performing some – or even all – operations on that file
or folder.
How To Remove The Folder Lock Icon
Posted by Blacky at 7:16 am 0 comments
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Mapping the Gulf oil spill in Google Earth
Two weeks ago, there was a fatal explosion on the offshore oil rig Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. The rig sank shortly afterwards, and since then the well has been leaking crude oil into the Gulf, spreading an oil slick towards the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Mapping the Gulf oil spill in Google Earth
Posted by Blacky at 10:57 pm 0 comments
Detect a Good Liar By Knowing Their Most Effective Tactics
Breaking someone's poker face doesn't require a piercing look so much as knowing what makes some liars so effective. Pyschology Today details the most effective strategies of good liars.
Detect a Good Liar By Knowing Their Most Effective Tactics
Posted by Blacky at 9:45 pm 0 comments
Foreign Language Courses, Free Online
The site covers 41 languages, from Amharic to Yoruba. Pick a language from the list on the left, click it, and you’ll get a list of student materials on the right.
Foreign Language Courses, Free Online
Posted by Blacky at 9:37 pm 0 comments
Scholarly essay nails Gilligan's Island's hidden subtext
The tragedy of the tale is not that they can never go back. The real affliction is the wish itself. They are all so preoccupied with the notion of going back that they never realize they are already in paradise.
Scholarly essay nails Gilligan's Island's hidden subtext
Posted by Blacky at 9:35 pm 0 comments