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
Monday, September 03, 2012
Man Finds Magical Disneyland Footage From 1956
Posted by Blacky at 9:43 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:38 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:26 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:00 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:59 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:02 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:53 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:38 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:52 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:50 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 3:36 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 2:39 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 1:48 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 1:09 pm 0 comments
Unfortunate vintage ads
Unfortunate-in-hindsight vintage ads over at Collectors Weekly.
Unfortunate vintage ads
Posted by Blacky at 10:04 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 7:58 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 5:56 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:05 am 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 6:05 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 6:04 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 5:53 pm 0 comments
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’
Posted by Blacky at 7:42 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 7:38 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 1:10 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 1:06 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 5:21 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 6:50 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:47 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:41 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 7:59 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 4:07 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 2:17 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:11 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 6:09 pm 0 comments
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)
Posted by Blacky at 11:03 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:12 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 8:49 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 5:52 pm 0 comments
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?
Posted by Blacky at 4:23 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:03 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:59 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 7:15 pm 0 comments
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:
Posted by Blacky at 7:11 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 5:16 pm 0 comments
[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
Posted by Blacky at 7:50 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 12:58 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:16 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:55 pm 0 comments
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:
Posted by Blacky at 3:59 pm 0 comments
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!)
Posted by Blacky at 7:27 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 7:08 am 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 5:51 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:03 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:22 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 11:15 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:13 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:07 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 2:49 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 2:45 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:51 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 11:57 am 0 comments
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?
Posted by Blacky at 11:23 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 7:49 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:01 pm 0 comments
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?
Posted by Blacky at 11:47 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:30 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 9:59 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 10:42 pm 0 comments
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?
Posted by Blacky at 4:22 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 11:53 am 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 11:52 am 0 comments
My stupidest moment as a customer, ever
Reddit thread on stupid customer stories.
My stupidest moment as a customer, ever
Posted by Blacky at 11:44 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 11:41 am 0 comments
Friday, July 06, 2012
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 11/2012
The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 11/2012
Posted by Blacky at 8:37 am 0 comments
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?
Posted by Blacky at 2:46 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 6:26 pm 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 8:00 am 0 comments
'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
Posted by Blacky at 7:57 am 0 comments
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
Posted by Blacky at 1:08 pm 0 comments
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]
Posted by Blacky at 1:03 pm 0 comments
Saturday, June 30, 2012
This Is The Oldest Vinyl Album In The History Of The World
Sometime in 1890, Emile Berliner recorded the first album in the history of the world. Then, that record by the father of the gramophone was destroyed. Today, Patrick Feaster, a sound historian at Indiana University, recreated the album using just a printed photograph of the album. His technique defies belief.
This Is The Oldest Vinyl Album In The History Of The World
Posted by Blacky at 1:49 pm 0 comments
Friday, June 29, 2012
Data after a death?
Open question: when a friend dies, what should her loved ones do with the data on her hard-drives?
Data after a death?
Posted by Blacky at 7:49 am 0 comments
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Causes of death: 1900 and 2010
An editorial in the 200th anniversary issue of the New England Journal of Medicine looks at mortality and health through the centuries, and includes this chart of causes of death from the turn of the last century, which makes for quite a comparison. We're doing great on kidneys, but hearts not so much.
Causes of death: 1900 and 2010
Posted by Blacky at 9:35 pm 1 comments
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
How to Banish Duplicate Photos with VisiPic
You meant well, you intended to be a good file custodian, but somewhere along the way things got out of hand and you’ve got duplicate photos galore. Don’t be afraid to delete them and lose important photos, read on as we show you how to clean safely.
How to Banish Duplicate Photos with VisiPic
Posted by Blacky at 9:01 am 0 comments
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Facebook Switched Your Email to One You've Probably Never Used
Whether you’ve noticed or not, you have a new primary email address listed as your Facebook contact and most likely, it’s an address you’ve never used.
Facebook Switched Your Email to One You've Probably Never Used
Posted by Blacky at 5:42 pm 0 comments
Facebook’s Six Sneakiest Settings (And How To Fix Them)
Facebook’s sneaky change to email settings reminds us that the social networking giant rarely has the interests of its users front and centre. Here are seven sneaky Facebook settings you might have forgotten about.
Facebook’s Six Sneakiest Settings (And How To Fix Them)
Posted by Blacky at 5:41 pm 0 comments
Do You Live Near A High Containment Biohazard Laboratory?
The Federation of American Scientists has a very interesting map for all the hypochondriacs and people living in permanent fear of a deadly virus epidemic. Or a zombie outbreak. These are all the (known) Biosafety Level 3 and 4 facilities in the world — high containment laboratories that work with “dangerous and emerging pathogens.” Zoom in the image to see if there’s any near you.
Do You Live Near A High Containment Biohazard Laboratory?
Posted by Blacky at 5:32 pm 0 comments
Monday, June 25, 2012
How to Find Your Computer’s Private & Public IP Addresses
An IP address (or Internet Protocol address) identifies each networked computer and device on a network. When computers communicate with each other on the Internet or a local network, they send information to each other’s IP addresses. Your computer likely has public and private IP addresses. You’ll need the IP address if you’re hosting server software – the client computers will need your computer’s IP address to connect to it.
How to Find Your Computer’s Private & Public IP Addresses
Posted by Blacky at 7:16 am 0 comments
Live Capture is a versatile screen capturing program
Taking full screen screenshots has always been an easy process in the Windows operating system. Just hit the print key and the current screen is saved to the Clipboard, from where you can be paste into an image editor to edit and finally save it. Screenshot software for Windows usually optimizes the process in two ways: most programs allow you to save screenshots automatically once you tap on the print screen, and also offer to capture only part of the screen, or even elements that are not visible. The latter may include a window, a scrolling web page, a rectangular block, or even a freehand option.
Live Capture is a versatile screen capturing program
Posted by Blacky at 7:15 am 0 comments
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Growing Plants that have been Exposed to Lunar Soil [Video]
Lunar soil was brought back to Earth during the days of NASA’s Apollo program and scientists eagerly started conducting experiments with it. This short video discusses some of the research and results when plants from Earth were exposed to soil from the Moon.
Growing Plants that have been Exposed to Lunar Soil [Video]
Posted by Blacky at 5:32 pm 0 comments
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Microsoft Surface: Everything You Need to Know
Microsoft made waves in the tech world on Monday night with the announcement of Surface, its new Windows tablet. Everything about Surface—from the shroud of mystery around the Los Angeles launch event to the presentation’s focus on hardware and design—is out of character for Microsoft.
Microsoft Surface: Everything You Need to Know
Posted by Blacky at 2:05 pm 0 comments
Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2011
Australia's annual population growth rate was 1.4% for the year ending 31 December 2011, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Over the same period, Australia's population increased by 302,600 people to 22.5 million (22,485,300) people. Net overseas migration accounted for 55% of the growth for the year ending December 2011, with the remaining 45% due to natural increase (births minus deaths).
Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2011
Posted by Blacky at 12:51 pm 0 comments
Switzerland is one gigantic booby-trap
Geoff Manaugh at BLDGBLOG has been exploring the bizarre world of Swiss self-destructing infrastructure, documented in La Place de la Concorde Suisse, John McPhee's "rich, journalistic study of the Swiss Army's role in Swiss society." It turns out that the Swiss Army specifies that bridges, hillsides, and tunnels need to be designed so that they can be remotely destroyed in the event of societal collapse, pan-European war, or invasion. Meanwhile, underground parking garages (and some tunnels) are designed to be sealed off as airtight nuclear bunkers.
Switzerland is one gigantic booby-trap
Posted by Blacky at 9:02 am 0 comments
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Why Sitting Too Much Is Dangerous
Sitting is one of the worst positions for the body to maintain. After just 20 minutes hunched over in a chair, blood pools in the legs and immense pressure builds on the spine. Now, imagine the effects of sedentary workdays long term.
Why Sitting Too Much Is Dangerous
Posted by Blacky at 5:37 pm 0 comments
10 Best Yo-Yo Tricks on YouTube
Not a lot about the yo-yo itself has changed over the decades, but its tricks have become a thousand times more complicated. Ever heard of Buddha’s Revenge? The Brain Buster? What about the Mach 5, the Spaghetti, the Zipper, the World Tour, the 3-Leaf Clover or the Double Gerbil?
10 Best Yo-Yo Tricks on YouTube
Posted by Blacky at 5:34 pm 0 comments
Monday, June 18, 2012
Australian Government Agencies Asking Google To Remove Even More Content
Someone in a Canberra office has been busy with their browser. Between July and December last year, Australian government agencies asked Google to remove 646 items online.
Australian Government Agencies Asking Google To Remove Even More Content
Posted by Blacky at 11:28 pm 0 comments
Turn the Internet connection on or off
Sometimes you may want to turn off your Internet connection in an instant, for instance if you have noticed that malware is running on a system to avoid it leaking information or data. A switch to turn off the Internet can be useful in other situations as well, like during software installations to block applications from phoning home, or cutting off all network traffic to have those resources available for other more important tasks on the system. Lastly, you could also use it to avoid distractions during work by turning of the connection.
Turn the Internet connection on or off
Posted by Blacky at 10:50 pm 0 comments
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Rare photo of honeybee leaving its stinger behind
Kathy Keatley Garvey has won the Association for Communication Excellence gold medal for her rare photo of a honeybee leaving behind its stinger in an unfortunate (but now immortalized) human. Ms Garvey comes from a line of California dairy farmers who have kept bees since the mid 19th century.
Rare photo of honeybee leaving its stinger behind
Posted by Blacky at 11:02 am 0 comments
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Carat Tells You Which Apps Drain Your Battery
Battery power on an iPhone or Android phone is always a bit of a crapshoot. However, Carat is an app that shows you which apps suck up power so you can shut them down and improve battery life.
Carat Tells You Which Apps Drain Your Battery
Posted by Blacky at 12:04 pm 0 comments
Montage of car dashboard camera incidents
Miss Cellania of Neatorama says: "Many Russian drivers use a constantly-recording dashboard camera for legal defense in case of trouble, which leads to some awesome clips for the internet audience."
Montage of car dashboard camera incidents
Posted by Blacky at 11:55 am 0 comments