Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Rare Conjoined Twins With Two Faces Born In Australia

In all of human history, there have only been 35 cases of a birth condition known as Diprosopus. Basically, it means that a baby is born with duplicated features on its head, resembling conjoined twins. That count went up to 36 last week when conjoined twins were born in Australia with Diprosopus.
Rare Conjoined Twins With Two Faces Born In Australia | Gizmodo Australia

You are a Gmail user

For years, Benjamin Mako Hill has paid to host his own mail, as a measure to enhance his privacy and independence from big companies. But a bit of clever analysis of his stored mail reveals that despite this expense and effort, he is a Gmail user, because so many of his correspondents are Gmail users and store copies of his messages with Google. And thanks to an archaic US law, any message left on Gmail for more than six months can be requested by police without a warrant, as it is considered "abandoned."
You are a Gmail user - Boing Boing

What Irreversible Antarctic Ice Melt Could Mean for Some U.S. Cities

New studies released on Monday show that a large portion of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may have begun a slow but "unstoppable" collapse, with the demise of these glaciers taking place sometime during the next few centuries to as many as 1,000 years from now.
What Irreversible Antarctic Ice Melt Could Mean for Some U.S. Cities

Thursday, May 08, 2014

A Street View Mashup Shows Your Suburb After Sea Levels Rise

Ever wondered what New York, London, Paris, Sydney or even your home town might look like when sea levels rise? World Under Water by Carbon Story uses Google’s Street View to do just that.
A Street View Mashup Shows Your Suburb After Sea Levels Rise

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Top 8 Best Airfare Price Predictor Tools and Apps

If you’re a traveler as I am, you sure know how important it is to know the fair value of your trip, and be able to save money while flying. But it takes a long time to check so many different websites for deals, and then go back to Google and check your favorite airline’s website once again. This is why tools have been created in order to help us make traveling easier, and cheaper.
Top 8 Best Airfare Price Predictor Tools and Apps

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Science Has Finally Figured Out How To Win Rock-Paper-Scissors

Turns out that all you rock-paper-scissors champions who chalk it up to skill over luck may be on to something. Because, according to science, there might actually be a winning strategy to this greatest of metacarpal match-ups.
Science Has Finally Figured Out How To Win Rock-Paper-Scissors

Friday, May 02, 2014

Tornadoes, Dust Storms and Floods: What the Hell Happened This Week?

The United States had its most unusual weather week of the year to date, with a massive, slow-moving storm system spawning dozens of killer tornadoes, generating widespread flooding and even whipping up hurricane force winds amid blinding dust in the Great Plains.
Tornadoes, Dust Storms and Floods: What the Hell Happened This Week?

Thursday, May 01, 2014

Malaysia Releases First Report on Flight 370

Malaysian authorities released its first preliminary report on the missing Flight 370 on Thursday.
The five-page report, below, details the history of the flight and the search and rescue efforts. It also recommends study into introducing real-time tracking of commercial aircraft.
Malaysia Releases First Report on Flight 370

Monday, April 28, 2014

Sleep Test Will Tell You If You Need to Catch More Zs [VIDEO]

Everyone can probably benefit from a few extra Zs at night, but is your lack of sleep at the level of sleep deprivation? In a new video from YouTube channel In 59 Seconds, Richard Wiseman explains the main indicators of sleep deprivation, including needing several cups of coffee a day, or needing an alarm clock to wake up.
Sleep Test Will Tell You If You Need to Catch More Zs [VIDEO]

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Editors say these are the 'Ten Best Sentences' in literature. Do you agree?

Editors at The American Scholar have published a list of what they believe to be the “Ten Best Sentences” from literature. There are more suggestions sent in from their readers.
Editors say these are the 'Ten Best Sentences' in literature. Do you agree?

Friday, April 25, 2014

This Busy Street Intersection With No Traffic Lights Is Just Pure Chaos

Anarchy. That’s what it’s like to drive on the streets of Ethiopia. There are no traffic lights, no painted lanes, no rules on who has the right of way, no fear of hitting the car in front of you, and basically no driver has any idea what the other driver is going to do until they do it. It’s chaos and probably inefficient — but, hey, it seems to work.
This Busy Street Intersection With No Traffic Lights Is Just Pure Chaos

Newspapers newly digitised to Trove

The National Library of Australia is pleased to announce the following newspapers which have issues that have been newly added to Digitised newspapers and more on Trove. Many of these newspapers are currently being added to Trove and further issues will become available shortly.
Newspapers newly digitised to Trove

Thursday, April 24, 2014

These Daredevils BASE Jumped From the World's Tallest Building

A daredevil duo set the the Guinness World Record for highest base jump from the tallest building by leaping off the Burj Khalifa. The 4K YouTube video shows Soul Flyers World Champions Vince Reffet and Fred Fugen jumping from a custom-made platform at the very top of the spire.
These Daredevils BASE Jumped From the World's Tallest Building

Debris Washed Ashore in Australia Could Be From Missing Flight 370

More than a month after Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 disappeared, authorities say possible airplane debris has surfaced in Australia. According to reports, Australian police have collected "material that has washed ashore" on the southwest coast of Australia. Officials in Australia and Malaysia are looking closely at images of the wreckage to determine whether it is related to the missing jetliner.
Debris Washed Ashore in Australia Could Be From Missing Flight 370

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Spotters' guide to UFOs, 1967

Found in Bruce Sterling's tumblr.
Spotters' guide to UFOs, 1967

Saturday, April 19, 2014

What Went Wrong Aboard the Sunken South Korean Ferry

Nearly 30 people are dead with hundreds still missing after a ferry listed and sunk off the southern coast of South Korea on Wednesday. While the cause has yet to be identified, prosecutors have asked a South Korean court to issue an arrest warrant for the captain, who was seen escaping the ship before his passengers.
What Went Wrong Aboard the Sunken South Korean Ferry

Awkward Moment Seal Is the Meme for All Your Slippery Situations

In case you tried to forget all those embarrassing moments when you just wanted to crawl out of your own skin, never fear: Awkward Moment Seal is here. The newest meme-ber of the advice animal kingdom is an adorable baby seal whose awkward captions match his nervous face.
Awkward Moment Seal Is the Meme for All Your Slippery Situations

Friday, April 18, 2014

Mathematicians' New App May Have the Answer for Jet Lag

Jet lag is a discomfort many of us will have experienced in the days following a long-haul flight across time zones. Mathematicians in the US may have a jet-lag cure in the form a new app called Entrain. But does it work?
Mathematicians' New App May Have the Answer for Jet Lag

Thursday, April 17, 2014

South Korean Coast Guard Releases Dramatic Footage of Sunken Ferry

The South Korean coast guard has released raw video showing the dramatic search and rescue efforts at the scene of the sunken passenger ferry. The videos, which are posted to the YouTube channels of euronews, Storyful and the Associated Press, show members of the Republic of Korea Coast Guard arriving at the listing ship on boats and in helicopters, reaching survivors and pulling them to safety.
South Korean Coast Guard Releases Dramatic Footage of Sunken Ferry

Monday, April 14, 2014

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on Beyond The Black Stump

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on Beyond The Black Stump.
The best and latest new sites

Heartbleed Bug

The Heartbleed Bug is a serious vulnerability in the popular OpenSSL cryptographic software library. This weakness allows stealing the information protected, under normal conditions, by the SSL/TLS encryption used to secure the Internet. SSL/TLS provides communication security and privacy over the Internet for applications such as web, email, instant messaging (IM) and some virtual private networks (VPNs).
Heartbleed Bug

Friday, April 11, 2014

It's Now Illegal to Answer Work Emails After 6 p.m. in France

Prepare to book your one-way ticket to France. France is banning employees from checking and answering work emails after 6 p.m. local time, as one of the most enchanting places to live becomes one of the most enchanting places to work. (This is the same country that created the 35-hour workweek in 1999, if you weren't jealous enough already.)It's Now Illegal to Answer Work Emails After 6 p.m. in France

Dangerous Tropical Cyclone Ita To Make Landfall in Australia

Tropical Cyclone Ita, which surprised forecasters by rapidly intensifying into a fierce, compact storm that packs winds up to 160 miles per hour, is bearing down on the coast of northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Dangerous Tropical Cyclone Ita To Make Landfall in Australia

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Windows 8.1 Update Power User Guide now Available for Download

The latest system update for Windows 8.1 has finally arrived, and with its arrival Microsoft has released a new Power User Guide to help familiarize people with the new features and changes.
Windows 8.1 Update Power User Guide now Available for Download

Four Alternative, Useful Browsers Based On Google Chrome

Chrome is the most popular browser around, but even with its large extension library, one size does not fit all. Thankfully, there's a treasure trove of web browser brilliance built on Chrome's solid, open-source foundation—from browsers aimed at the security conscious to the multimedia hobbyists. Here are four Chrome-based alternatives worth checking out.
Four Alternative, Useful Browsers Based On Google Chrome

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

1 Month Since Flight 370 Vanished: The Complete Timeline

It's been one month since Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 mysteriously dropped off radar screens and vanished. Officials investigating the plane's disappearance said they believe its journey ended somewhere in the southern Indian Ocean. But after weeks of widespread search and false leads, we still don't know what happened to the Boeing 777 that was carrying 239 people. From March 8 to April 8, see the complete timeline below of the search for Flight 370.
1 Month Since Flight 370 Vanished: The Complete Timeline

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Man With World's Strongest Memory Crusades Against Alzheimer's

What does it take to have the best memory in the United States? Only four and a half years of training, for five hours each day, according to three-time national memory champ Nelson Dellis.
Dellis just won the 2014 USA Memory Championship on March 29 in New York City, where he bested his own national record by recalling 310 digits in five minutes. He also set a new record in the process by memorizing 193 names and faces in 15 minutes.
Man With World's Strongest Memory Crusades Against Alzheimer's

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2012-13

Capital cities packed in more than three times as many new residents as the rest of Australia in the year to June 2013, according to population estimates released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Today's release also explores how capital cities have grown over the past 40 years, and are projected to grow over the next 40.
Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2012-13

Gweek podcast 140: Understanding Bitcoin

Andreas M. Antonopoulos has founded three bitcoin businesses and is currently the the Chief Security Officer of Blockchain. Gweek asked him a lot of questions about bitcoin, and his answers were fascinating.
Gweek podcast 140: Understanding Bitcoin

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

The Ultimate Roundup of 2014's Biggest April Fools' Day Pranks

April Fools' marks the day when pranking goes corporate. A former president, along with major companies like Netflix, Lego and American Eagle, all got in on the foolish action today.

Below, we've compiled every joke, gag and scam we found online Tuesday that caused a chuckle or two on this most confusing holiday. We'll keep updating as more lies are unearthed.

Trust no one, especially the companies. You likely won't feel 100% safe again until May.
The Ultimate Roundup of 2014's Biggest April Fools' Day Pranks

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Causes of Death, Australia, 2012

Causes of death data are a significant and important input to health and social policy formulation and planning as well as health related research and analysis. For example, causes of death data provides insight into the diseases and factors contributing to life expectancy, potentially avoidable deaths, years of life lost and leading causes of death. Causes of death statistics, together with statistics pertaining to births and deaths, make up the ’vital statistics’ component of Australia's civil registration system, providing an important foundation for both population statistics as well as health statistics. Australia, as a member state of the World Health Organisation (WHO), supplies data annually to the WHO on deaths by age, sex and cause of death, as compiled from the civil registration system by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

3303.0 - Causes of Death, Australia, 2012

Malaysia Airlines: Flight 370 Lost With No Survivors

Citing new satellite data, the Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Rajak said in a press conference that Malaysia Airlines flight 370 "ended" in the Indian Ocean, effectively putting an end to speculation that survivors could still be found.
Malaysia Airlines: Flight 370 Lost With No Survivors

Friday, March 21, 2014

Search Intensifies for Missing Malaysia Airlines Plane

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 intensified Friday morning as authorities in Australia sought out two mysterious objects, spotted by a U.S. satellite, that could be a piece of the missing jetliner.
Search Intensifies for Missing Malaysia Airlines Plane

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The range of flight 370

Leaving aside less hopeful answers such as "the sea," where might Malaysia flight 370 have landed? The Atlantic's James Fallows created this interactive map, but warns that "if the plane had actually landed at any of these sites, we would know it by now."
The range of flight 370

Where's the Plane, Day 10: The Search Grows to 26 Nations

The number of countries involved in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane grew to 26 over the weekend — a "significant diplomatic, technical and logistical challenge," according to Hussein Hishammuddin, Malaysia's minster of defense and acting minister of transport.
Where's the Plane, Day 10: The Search Grows to 26 Nations

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Sorry, Math Nerds — Pi May Not Be That Special

Math nerds, rejoice! March 14 is represented numerically as 3.14 or Pi Day. Before you go and ruin your dinner by eating an assortment of baked pastries in celebration, we reluctantly inform you that pi may not be as special as your middle school math teacher said.
Sorry, Math Nerds — Pi May Not Be That Special

Nuclear crisis at Fukushima continues to unfold: a trilogy of reports by PBS NewsHour's Miles O'Brien (video)

Miles O'Brien, science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, has produced a series of three must-see investigative reports revisiting the Fukushima nuclear crisis in Japan. His stories explore how the radiation leaks triggered by the earthquake and tsunami are continuing to affect life there, and beyond.
Nuclear crisis at Fukushima continues to unfold: a trilogy of reports by PBS NewsHour's Miles O'Brien (video

Friday, March 14, 2014

I'm A Telemarketer. Here's How To Get Rid Of Me

Not all companies run exactly the same way, but most calls follow a similar pattern. Successful telemarketers generally have a 96 per cent chance of getting turned down. With such terrible odds, they will be relentless in trying to keep you on the phone.
I'm A Telemarketer. Here's How To Get Rid Of Me

Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Five-Second Rule Is Now Supported By Actual Scientific Evidence

Looks like it’s time to start giving 10-year-olds a little more credit where there scientific claims are concerned. According to a new study from Aston University in Birmingham, England, they were right all along — five seconds really does make a difference in terms of food safety.
The Five-Second Rule Is Now Supported By Actual Scientific Evidence

Monday, March 10, 2014

Five Best Home Wi-Fi Routers

A good Wi-Fi router is the most essential component for your home network. The best ones offer great range, speedy communication, broad management features and customisability. This week, we’re looking at five of the best on the market right now.
Five Best Home Wi-Fi Routers

Friday, March 07, 2014

All The Crazy Stuff People Tried To Bring On Aeroplanes Last Year

The US Transportation Security Administration screened 638,705,790 passengers in 2013. As as we learned last year, if you look deeply within the possessions of that many people, you’re gonna find some weird stuff. Lots of weird stuff. Here’s a rundown of the craziest objects TSA found in 2013.
All The Crazy Stuff People Tried To Bring On Aeroplanes Last Year

StopFake - Struggle against fake information about events in Ukraine during crisis in Crimea.

Like a Snopes for Ukraine, StopFake’s main objective is to check facts, verify information and refute incorrect reports and perceived propaganda about events in Crimea covered in the media.
StopFake | Struggle against fake information about events in Ukraine during crisis in Crimea

Crisis in Crimea: A Story Map of the Place Everyone's Watching

Following a change of government in Ukraine, Russian forces effectively seized control of the Crimea, an autonomous republic with historical ties to Russia. Explore locations and events in Crimea, and language differences in Crimea and throughout Ukraine.
Crisis in Crimea: A Story Map of the Place Everyone's Watching

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 2/2014

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on Beyond The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 2/2014

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Choosing a Secure Password

As insecure as passwords generally are, they're not going away anytime soon. Every year you have more and more passwords to deal with, and every year they get easier and easier to break. You need a strategy.
Choosing a Secure Password

Monday, February 24, 2014

12 YouTube Easter Eggs Worth the Distraction

You can't find everything YouTube has to offer just by using the search bar.
12 YouTube Easter Eggs Worth the Distraction

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

What are the Security Implications if a Password is Submitted in the Username Field?

Suppose you are having a bad day and in a hurry to login to a favorite website, then accidentally submit your password in the username text box instead. Should you be worried and change your password for that website, or is it just groundless fear?
What are the Security Implications if a Password is Submitted in the Username Field?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Trivium: Flappy Bird special issue

We interrupt our regular schedule for a Flappy Bird special issue.
Trivium: 11feb2014

The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Flappy Birds

Dong Nyugen's Flappy Bird, the addictive and frustrating tapping 'n' timing game, is gone forever, he says. But here come the replacements!
The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Flappy Birds

Saturday, February 08, 2014

The Best Ways to Follow the Winter Olympics on Facebook

All you need to stay connected to the 2014 Winter Olympics is a Facebook page. The social networking site is helping fans tap in to this year's games in Sochi through a variety of different pages and tools.
If you want to stay updated on your favorite athletes, check out their official individual Facebook pages. Want to celebrate the games from your hometown? Search for Olympics-themed happenings with the social network's Events tool.
The Best Ways to Follow the Winter Olympics on Facebook

Curiosity Rover's First Photo of Earth From Mars

NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars has captured its first view of Earth from the surface of the Red Planet — a striking image that shows our home planet as a bright light in the Martian sky, with the moon shining nearby.
Curiosity Rover's First Photo of Earth From Mars

Friday, February 07, 2014

Amazing Photos From The Sony World Photography Awards

The 2014 Sony World Photography Awards has recently announced its finalists and shortlists of its contestants. The annual competition is hosted by the World Photography Organisation, and photographers from 166 countries submitted nearly 140,000 images, the highest number of entries in the awards’ seven year history.
Amazing Photos From The Sony World Photography Awards

12 Sochi Photos That Russia Probably Doesn't Want You to See

As more athletes and reporters share their Sochi horror stories, many are realizing that the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics isn't quite prepared for the global attention it will receive when the games begin on Friday.
Photos from Sochi over the past two weeks have revealed that parts of the city's Olympic venues remain unfinished. Reporters are complaining very publicly that their hotels are still under construction. Sochi officials are also collecting and killing off stray dogs ahead of the games to clean up the city's image before cameras arrive.
12 Sochi Photos That Russia Probably Doesn't Want You to See

Weird true facts that sound false

A great and endlessly entertaining Reddit thread asks for weird facts that sound made up, but aren't, like "The Ottoman Empire still existed the last time the Cubs won the World Series" and "When you get a kidney transplant, they usually just leave your original kidneys in your body and put the 3rd kidney in your pelvis."
Weird true facts that sound false - Boing Boing

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

First High-Quality Moon Panorama Since The Apollo 17 In 1972

At last, a good panorama from China’s Chang’e 3 lander. It shows a three-step time-lapse of the Jade Rabbit robotic rover heading south, getting away from its mothership “likely never to return again”.
First High-Quality Moon Panorama Since The Apollo 17 In 1972

The Best Sites For Learning About The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day...
The Best Sites For Learning About The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 1/2014

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on Beyond The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 1/2014

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Why is [state] so...

Google's autocomplete, as visualized by @Amazing_maps, discloses the questions that everyone is asking.
Why is [state] so...

Pope's Message for World Communications Day

"Communication at the Service of an Authentic Culture of Encounter" - Pope's Message for World Communications Day

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Repairing Christ the Redeemer Is Not for the Faint of Heights

High above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a few brave workers began repairs on the 92-year-old Christ the Redeemer statue on Tuesday. The famous monument suffered damage to its fingers and head during a lightning storm last week. Fixing the 98-foot-tall Art Deco piece of architecture that stands atop of Corcovado Mountain is not a job for anyone with a fear of heights.
Repairing Christ the Redeemer Is Not for the Faint of Heights

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Worst Passwords of 2013

Sadly enough, another year has come and gone with what ‘feels’ like little progress made on getting people to choose better passwords. Password management software maker SplashData has compiled a list of the worst 25 passwords of 2013, a ‘top offenders’ list that contains some old favorites along with some new entries as choices people should not be making.
The Worst Passwords of 2013

Saturday, January 18, 2014

14 Secrets of the Devil Baby

The first monster viral video of 2014 has landed and it stars the most frightening baby on the planet: Devil Baby. The video, which depicts an animatronic Devil Baby scaring the wits out of unsuspecting New Yorkers has, after just a few days, well over 25 million views.
The tale of how the small digital agency Thinkmodo created the viral sensation, which is really an ad for the new 20th Century Fox film Devil’s Due, is now well known. However, how the special effects team actually created the prank is not — until now.
14 Secrets of the Devil Baby

Thursday, January 16, 2014

The Net Neutrality ruling in a nutshell

A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected Federal Communications Commission rules that required Internet service providers to treat all traffic equally. The so-called network neutrality rules were championed by Internet companies worried that the carriers could start charging for preferential treatment to information carried on their networks. Here is a look at the basic questions regarding this debate, starting with a definition.
The Net Neutrality ruling in a nutshell

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Why Are Pilots Still Landing at the Wrong Airport?

On the list of awkward and embarrassing occurrences, somewhere slightly above calling someone the wrong name and dialing the wrong number, you'll find landing an airplane full of people at the wrong airport.
Why Are Pilots Still Landing at the Wrong Airport?

Monday, January 13, 2014

Ask LH: Should I Buy Expensive HDMI Cables?

Dear Lifehacker, I am thinking about a UHD TV as my next TV. But the big name stores all tell me I need to throw away any HDMI cable I have now that is more than two years old because the technology has moved so rapidly. In my experience, they work or they don’t. Do I need new cables now? Should I wait until I get the TV? Thanks, Cable Cynic
Ask LH: Should I Buy Expensive HDMI Cables?

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Drinking Up To Four Cups Of Coffee Won't Dehydrate You At All

The received wisdom is that coffee dehydrates you. Fact. Period. No arguments. But a new study shows that, actually, in moderation, coffee is no less hydrating than water.
Drinking Up To Four Cups Of Coffee Won't Dehydrate You At All

Giant Ice Balls In Lake Michigan Look Like Dirty Alien Eggs Hatching

It’s cold out there, guys. So cold that lakes are so frozen that they look like they’re from the moon. So cold that freaking grounds explode. But now that it’s a little less cold, the ice is melting from our frigid Earth and forming giant ice balls in our lakes.
Giant Ice Balls In Lake Michigan Look Like Dirty Alien Eggs Hatching

The Physics Behind Why Sausages Split Lengthwise

I like sausages. I like grilled sausages. I like fried sausages. I like beef, pork and chicken sausages. I even like vegetarian sausages. Sometimes when you cook sausages, they burst. This occasionally happens if you try and cook them too fast. It can also happen if the brand of sausage you are cooking is overly generous with their filling.
The Physics Behind Why Sausages Split Lengthwise

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

How to Wash a Vehicle with Micro Fiber Cloths: 7 Steps

Micro fiber cloths appeared for non-commercial use about four years ago. They are sold mostly for automobile care, but can be used for house cleaning and other maintenance needs. This article will focus on cleaning a vehicle.
How to Wash a Vehicle with Micro Fiber Cloths: 7 Steps

Iced Out: America's Polar Vortex in 10 Chilling Photos

Wind chill in Minnesota reached -50 degrees Fahrenheit — that's cold enough for exposed skin to get frostbite in 5 minutes. Plenty of other places saw sub-zero weather, temperatures so cold that many officials shut down schools, highways and tourist attractions as a means to try to keep people inside. Here are few spine-shivering photos.
Iced Out: America's Polar Vortex in 10 Chilling Photos

Saturday, January 04, 2014

The Interesting Mistakes That Surround Us Every Day

Whether it is spelling versus pronunciation of words, incorrect scientific knowledge from years gone by, production errors in popular music, and more, our history is full of interesting mistakes, formerly lost knowledge, and mind boggling coincidences that some would classify as missed opportunities.
The Interesting Mistakes That Surround Us Every Day

The Wackiest Weather Bloopers of 2013 [VIDEO]

In this thunderingly funny compilation, we see some of the wackiest, oddest and most insane weather bloopers of last year — from hiccup fits to broken green screens to rapping reporters.
The Wackiest Weather Bloopers of 2013 [VIDEO]

Thursday, January 02, 2014

Chrome vs. Firefox: where Firefox beats the Google browser

If you look at desktop computers, you will notice that there are three core Internet browsers left for those systems. There are also forks of two of those browsers available that increase the number of programs that you can download and use, but in the end, it all comes down to those three browsers.
There is Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chromium. If you compare Firefox and Google Chrome -- the most popular Chromium-based browser, with each other, you will notice many similarities, but also differences.
Chrome vs. Firefox: where Firefox beats the Google browser

Scientists' Favourite Jokes

The Observer has a great collection of scientists' favourite jokes, along with anecdotes and background about each joke.
Scientists' favourite jokes

A Guide on Self-Destructing Emails, SMS, Facebook Photos, Tweets and More

The internet is written in ink and not pencil. That’s what Erica Albright told Mark Zuckerberg in the movie The Social Network. If you follow the timeline of that movie, she almost got all her facts right. But things have changed since, as with most of the medicines, a lot of things you share on the interweb too come or could come with an expiry date.
A Guide on Self-Destructing Emails, SMS, Facebook Photos, Tweets and More

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Watch One Woman's Face Morph Into Many Different Faces With Lighting

Your eyes might tell you differently, your brain might make you believe something else and that gut of yours will say you’re right but you’re not. There is only one person in this video. You will only see one woman’s face. It may look like a different person, but it’s not. The magic is in the lighting. Simple lighting changes can change a person’s face so much that they look like different people.
Watch One Woman's Face Morph Into Many Different Faces With Lighting

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Three Great Scientific Discoveries of 2013

2013 has been a terrific year in the field of science with so much having been accomplished, but what are the biggest discoveries of the year? YouTube channel SciShow looks at three very big scientific discoveries that changed how we look at physics, Mars, and our ourselves!
Three Great Scientific Discoveries of 2013

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Saturday, December 28, 2013

The Most Cringe-Worthy News Fails of 2013 [VIDEO]

Just because you're responsible for reporting the news doesn't mean you can't be the news. News anchors and reporters alike made plenty of headlines this year for their gaffes, hot mic snafus and awkward on-camera moments.
The Most Cringe-Worthy News Fails of 2013 [VIDEO]

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Fire Ready Kit - Country Fire Authority

The Fire Ready Kit has been designed to help you plan for survival, beginning with the basics of preparing before the fire season, through to planning what to do if fire is in your area and you cannot leave.
Fire Ready Kit - Country Fire Authority

Friday, December 20, 2013

Insane Bike Trick Seems To Murder The Laws Of Physics

We no longer live on Earth, my friends. We’re in some weird world where people can do the impossible. Do you want to fly? You should try. Do you want to spin in the air in both directions? I think you can. Because this insane Superman double backflip bicycle trick destroys everything that should be humanly possible. The rider does a full back flip while fully extended in a Superman pose, somehow re-gathers himself onto the bike and then does another full back flip. All in one jump. Sweet.
Insane Bike Trick Seems To Murder The Laws Of Physics

Free-range Scanning

The other day my desktop printer/scanner decided it would no longer scan. I may be the last person in the world to make this discovery, but just in case you were equally unaware: your cell phone and your tablet are scanners too.
Free-range Scanning

Thursday, December 19, 2013

50 Stunning Sports Photos From 2013

Some are silly. Some are poignant. Some are action-packed, others reflective and still others defy any simple description. Some show iconic athletes and seminal sports moments. Others show athletes you've never heard of and never will again.
50 Stunning Sports Photos From 2013

Sports! YouTube! 2013's 10 Hottest Videos

Sports and YouTube are a match made in heaven. Here above are the 10 most popular sports videos of 2013, according to — you guessed it — YouTube.
Sports! YouTube! 2013's 10 Hottest Videos

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Five Surprising Things That Will Happen In The Next Five Years

IBM Research’s 5 in 5 list — five things that will happen in the next five years — is here. Some are quite surprising and awesome. The bad news: no flying cars and/or realistic sex robots yet. The good news: doctors routinely using your DNA information to heal you effectively.
Five Surprising Things That Will Happen In The Next Five Years

Monday, December 16, 2013

9 Fun Facts That Are Total Lies

Everybody loves fun facts. But sometimes these little nuggets of trivia can be more fun than they are fact. And sometimes, they’re outright lies. Like these!
9 Fun Facts That Are Total Lies

Rat trapped on an escalator

This poor rat got stuck on the escalator at the Civic Center BART Station, and there's something infinitely poignant about its treadmill race.
Rat trapped on an escalator

Sunday, December 15, 2013

China's on the Moon

A little after 8:00 am Eastern Time today, China's Chang'e 3 became the first object to make a soft landing on the surface of the Moon since 1976. That's a shot of the Moon's surface above, taken by the lander after it made touchdown.
China's on the Moon

Saturday, December 14, 2013

How to block Gmail from displaying images in emails by default

Most email providers and programs nowadays do not display images and other data linked to third party servers by default when you open emails on their websites or in email clients. Google announced a change to the way images are handled on Gmail. Starting with today, images are automatically displayed in emails thanks to a new proxy technology that it has implemented on the site.
How to block Gmail from displaying images in emails by default

Friday, December 13, 2013

12 Web Acronyms You've Never Heard Of

Ever heard of FTFY? How about GOMB, DIAF or GLHF? If these new Internetisms don't seem worth your time, you can just FGDAI (Fuhgedaboudit).
12 Web Acronyms You've Never Heard Of

Thursday, December 12, 2013

New Video Shows Asiana Plane Flipping in the Air Before Crash

On July 6, a Boeing 777 operated by Asiana Airlines crashed while landing in San Francisco. The reasons for the crash are still unclear, which is why the National Transportation Safety Board called an 11-hour marathon hearing Wednesday.
New Video Shows Asiana Plane Flipping in the Air Before Crash

'60-Year-Old-Girl' Meme Is Funny Enough to Give You Hot Flashes

Benjamin Button, meet your match. The "60-year-old Girl" meme hit Reddit on Wednesday and the jokes haven't aged yet. The memes, which poke fun at a little girl who resembles an older woman, stem from an image posted on Reddit one day earlier.
'60-Year-Old-Girl' Meme Is Funny Enough to Give You Hot Flashes

Pope Francis Is Time's Person of the Year

Pope Francis is TIME magazine's person of the year. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the current Pope of the Catholic Church was elected on March 13, 2013. In his nine months of office, he shunned many of the perks of his position (papal Mercedes included), and opted for a much more modest appearance than his predecessor, Pope Benedict, capturing the sympathies of many.
Pope Francis Is Time's Person of the Year

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

It's official: the coldest place on Earth

The coldest place on Earth is a high ridge on the East Antarctic Plateau where temperatures plunged to a record minus 93.2°C on 10 August 2010, according to NASA.
It's official: the coldest place on Earth

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Shanghai's Disappearing Skyline: 21 Images of Record Pollution

Shanghai's iconic skyline has been slowly disappearing all week, cloaked by a thick acrid haze of smog. Reports of heavy pollution have circulated since Monday, but levels hit a new high on Friday.
Shanghai's Disappearing Skyline: 21 Images of Record Pollution

Friday, December 06, 2013

Air travel in the 50s and 60s sucked

Smoke, vomit, boredom, segregation and death: and you paid about five times as much for the privilege.
Air travel in the 50s and 60s sucked

Thursday, December 05, 2013

How-To Geek’s Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Toys for Geeks of All Ages

One of the best things about geek culture is that you’re never too old to play with toys big and small. Read on as we highlight great picks from the toy aisle for geeks of all ages on your holiday gift list.
How-To Geek’s Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Toys for Geeks of All Ages

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Dramatic Footage Shows Survivor of Sunken Ship's Unlikely Rescue [VIDEO]

In a remarkable story of survival that made headlines last June, a Nigerian chef miraculously lived through three days trapped at the bottom of the sea in an air pocket of a sunken ship. Six months later, newly-released footage shows the survivor's dramatic and unlikely rescue.
Dramatic Footage Shows Survivor of Sunken Ship's Unlikely Rescue [VIDEO]

The 25 Best Films of 2013 in 11 Minutes

Ain't nobody got time to go to the movies. So it's a good thing David Ehrlich has you covered. This 11-minute montage for Film.com counts down the 25 best films of 2013. This year's roundup includes blockbusters like The Bling Ring and The Great Gatsby, Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine and even films yet to be released like Wolf of Wall Street.
The 25 Best Films of 2013 in 11 Minutes

NORAD's Santa Tracker Is Back With A Touch-Friendly Website

The holidays are all about traditions, and once again NORAD is back with an updated version of its Santa tracker, letting kids keep tabs on Saint Nick as Christmas Eve creeps closer and closer. In addition to updated apps for iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices, the NORAD Tracks Santa website has also been spiffied up with a new design that makes it a little easier to use on touch-friendly devices.
NORAD's Santa Tracker Is Back With A Touch-Friendly Website