Microsoft Skydrive: now with selective synchronization

Microsoft has improved its file hosting and synchronization service Skydrive in wake of the deeper integration into the Windows 8 operating system. Some features are only available to users of the operating system, like the synchronization of account related preferences and customizations, while the bulk of improvements are available for all systems. Microsoft Group Program Manager for SkyDrive apps Mike Torres revealed today that SkyDrive usage has doubled in the past six month period, which does not come as a surprise.
Microsoft Skydrive: now with selective synchronization

The Best Places To Hide Valuables In Your House

There’s more to hiding your valuables than making them hard to find. Whether you’re hiding a money stash from burglars or secret documents from an enemy spy, here are a few tips anyone can use to keep something under wraps.
The Best Places To Hide Valuables In Your House

Teller explains the psychology of magic

Teller had a great piece in last March's Smithsonian magazine, explaining the overarching principles behind all magic tricks. It's a great look at the way that our brains can be enticed to fool themselves.
Teller explains the psychology of magic

Oxford University Press Announces GIF as 2012 Word of the Year

Oxford American Dictionaries announced today that it chose the verb GIF as its 2012 Word of the Year. According to Oxford Dictionaries Online GIF is defined as:
GIF, verb; to create a GIF file of (an image or video sequence, especially relating to an event).
Oxford University Press Announces GIF as 2012 Word of the Year

Power A Laptop With AA Batteries

Laptop batteries are designed to deliver a specific voltage and amperage, and deviating from those can be bad for the device in the long term. However, it is possible to run a laptop off a set of AA batteries, and doing so is a good education in basic electronics.
Power A Laptop With AA Batteries

How To Be Happy

My inbox is often inundated with emails from readers all over the world, most of them have a problem, some have more than one. The issue though is not that they have problems, it is that they are unable to remain happy among such problems. It is therefore a common belief that if my problem disappears, so will my pain and if there is no pain, I will feel happy. That is rarely the case.
How To Be Happy

Australian Mazes: Lifehacker’s Complete List

With the Christmas break fast approaching, visiting a maze is a great way to entertain the family. We’ve gathered together all of Australia’s commercially-operated mazes on a single map so you can get lost in the maze of your choice.
Australian Mazes: Lifehacker’s Complete List

‘A Person Becomes Old When His Mind Is More Occupied By Memories Than Aspirations’

This quotation comes from web designer Navin Kulkarni in a Quora thread about the point in life when a person becomes old.
‘A Person Becomes Old When His Mind Is More Occupied By Memories Than Aspirations’

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 16/2012

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 16/2012

Would You Fly On An Airplane Without Any Seats?

Ryanair absolutely loves to stir up publicity by way of controversy, and it has another idea for its aeroplanes: no seats. As if charging to use the restroom wasn’t enough, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary believes that seatbelts on planes are useless, so therefore it’s a waste to even have seats. Make people stand!
Would You Fly On An Airplane Without Any Seats?

Insane Attempted Plane Theft Ends in Big Crash [VIDEO]

Here’s something you don’t see everyday: a man attempting to steal a plane from the airport and using reverse thrust — typically deployed to slow a plane down after landing — to drive the plane backward, then crashing into a terminal. This all happened at the SkyWest Airlines home base airport in St. George, Utah, back in July, according the news site NYCaviation.com, but the astonishing video of the incident (embedded above) just became available on Thursday.
Insane Attempted Plane Theft Ends in Big Crash [VIDEO]

How to Listen Music Online Legally and for Free

One of our most loved multimedia mediums is music. An art that has been around since the dawn of time and has risen up to become one of the biggest businesses in the world and one of the most influential media of all. This billion dollar industry has sculpted generations upon generations of people and has changed with the times, evolved and has now reached the Internet era. Nowadays, music is widely available on the Internet, be it legally posted by the artists or record companies, or illegally for anyone to download.
How to Listen Music Online Legally and for Free

The Filter Is Dead: Australian Government Dumps Controversial Filtering Project

Almost three years ago now, Senator Stephen Conroy stepped up to the plate to deliver a bold new vision. A vision of a filtered, “safer” internet. The plan was met by hostility from internet rights activists, poiticians, internet users, internet service providers and interest groups alike. Tonight, however, the Labor government’s proposed mandatory internet filter is dead.
The Filter Is Dead: Australian Government Dumps Controversial Filtering Project

Hurricane Sandy: Health-Related Resources

From the NIH:
Hurricane Sandy: Health-Related Resources

The 5 Biggest Myths About Slow PCs

Computers are supposed to make our lives easier, yet sometimes it feels like they exist only to cause us endless amounts of frustration. Popular advice for fixing slow computers includes checking for malware, upgrading your RAM, or even reinstalling Windows from scratch. However, many of these ideas are more myth than reality. We’re busting some of the more pervasive myths, and explained how to actually get your PC running fast again.
The 5 Biggest Myths About Slow PCs

Surviving a plane crash is surprisingly common

A few years ago, I learned that it's actually pretty common to survive a plane crash. Like most people, I'd assumed that the safety in flying came from how seldom accidents happened. Once you were in a crash situation, though, I figured you were probably screwed. But that's not the case.
Surviving a plane crash is surprisingly common

31 Arresting Photos of Hurricane Sandy's Destruction

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, millions of residents from Cuba to Canada continue to deal with unprecedented destruction -- from power outages to flooding and damaged property.
31 Arresting Photos of Hurricane Sandy's Destruction

Hurricane Sandy, as seen from the NYT building

3-days of storm & aftermath compressed into 4:35-minute video, from rooftop camera.
Hurricane Sandy, as seen from the NYT building

Google Earth 7 with tour guides and 3D imagery

Google released a new version of Google Earth, the company’s “world exploration” software yesterday. The new program version is already available on the official website where it can be downloaded for Windows, Mac and Linux. The two major changes in the new version of Google Earth are tour guides and 3D imagery of select cities.
Google Earth 7 with tour guides and 3D imagery

Australian Laws For Using Your Mobile Phone While Driving

NSW has introduced new laws, in effect from today, which make it illegal to handle your phone at all while driving. What rules apply in the rest of the country? We’ve rounded up the current laws for every state and territory.
Australian Laws For Using Your Mobile Phone While Driving

Top Windows 8 shortcuts you should know to speed up your work

This guide looks at the top new Windows 8 shortcuts that you may find useful when working with the operating system.
Top Windows 8 shortcuts you should know to speed up your work

Hurricane Sandy Superstorm Online News, Search & Social Media Resources

Along with the Crisis Map Google is making available and Barry writes about here, I’ve compiled a few more information resources that might be of interest as Hurricane Sandy and the resulting megastorm (aka “Frankenstorm”) pummels the east coast. We’ll be updating this page periodically as the storm continues.
Hurricane Sandy Superstorm Online News, Search & Social Media Resources

The Magical Professor

Todd Landman is a professor of government at the University of Essex. He's also a talented stage magician and mentalist. Now, Landman has combined his love of teaching with his passion for illusion to become the world's first official Visiting Professor of Performance Magic, an appointment at England's University of Huddersfield's new Magic Research Group.
The Magical Professor

The Best Windows 8 Shortcuts And Tricks

Windows 8 sports a radical new interface, designed for both touch-enabled devices and the more traditional keyboard/mice combination. Like any new system, it takes time to learn and adapt to the new options, as well as find the more familiar Windows features. These are our top Windows 8 shortcuts and tips for getting around.
The Best Windows 8 Shortcuts And Tricks

Top 10 Secret Features In Windows 8

Windows 8 is full of awesome features and handy shortcuts, but what you may not know is that it’s got a lot of handy, lesser-known settings under the hood. Here are 10 of Windows 8′s best kept secrets.
Top 10 Secret Features In Windows 8

Google Launches Crisis Map for Hurricane Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy moves near the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast, Google is helping those affected prepare for the storm with a dedicated crisis map.
Google Launches Crisis Map for Hurricane Sandy

New Earth Photo Shows Sandy’s Massive Size

If you had any doubts about the scale of frankenstorm Sandy, check out NASA’s latest image to see its size compared to the entire planet. It was taken by NOAA’s GOES-13 satellite on October 28 at 9.02am EDT (12.02am AEDT).
New Earth Photo Shows Sandy’s Massive Size

Spectacular Video Of Hurricane Sandy From The International Space Station

The International Space Station has just captured this spectacular dolly shot of hurricane Sandy as it approaches the United States. According to NOAA, the Category 2 hurricane is now near Cat Island in the central Bahamas, and its wind field is expanding.
Spectacular Video Of Hurricane Sandy From The International Space Station

How To Prepare Your Computer For Windows 8

Windows 8 has arrived. If you’re thinking of upgrading, here’s what you should do to prepare.
How To Prepare Your Computer For Windows 8

The Cheapest Places To Get Windows 8

An upgrade to Windows 8 Pro only costs $39.99 if you download it directly from Microsoft. If you want a boxed copy rather than a hefty download, the official price is $69.99, but shopping around can get you a much better price.
The Cheapest Places To Get Windows 8

Everything You Need to Know About Windows 8

Microsoft officially launched Windows 8 Thursday at an event in New York City. Available at 12:01 a.m. local time Friday, the operating system is a complete reimagining of the Windows OS and sports an entirely different look from its predecessor.
Everything You Need to Know About Windows 8

Trekking the Grand Canyon for Google Maps

Today, demonstrating the rocky and rugged paths we’ll travel to make Google Maps even more complete, we’re collecting imagery from a place no car, trike or snowmobile has ever been before. On its first official outing, the Street View team is using the Trekker—a wearable backpack with a camera system on top—to traverse the Grand Canyon and capture 360-degree images of one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on the planet.
Trekking the Grand Canyon for Google Maps

9 Things You Didn't Know About Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface is now a known quantity. It’s sold out on pre-order and has been tested to the hilt by tech pundits across the U.S (including this one). The Surface is an exceptional Windows tablet that, with its Touch Cover, can masquerade as a touch-screen Ultrabook. We know so much, but not everything.
9 Things You Didn't Know About Microsoft Surface

Windows 8 Launch Liveblog: Everything You Need To Know

The Australian launch of Windows 8, at 0930 AEST on Friday October 26, marks the official global debut of the product. Lifehacker and Gizmodo will be live-blogging direct from the Sydney event, bringing you all the action as it happens.
Windows 8 Launch Liveblog: Everything You Need To Know

Windows Surface reviews

All the opinions you need...
Windows Surface reviews

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 15/2012

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 15/2012

A Viral Video Compilation Sure to Stir Your Emotions

Prepare yourself for a spin on the roller coaster of emotions while watching a potpourri of viral videos set to music. You’ll giggle, you’ll tear up, you will have to explain to your coworkers why you seem a tad bit bananas.
A Viral Video Compilation Sure to Stir Your Emotions

Follow These 8 Simple Rules of Social Media

Is your social media behavior cringe-worthy? Will you look back on your 140 characters today with remorse tomorrow? There’s no one arbiter of good taste on social media. In fact, ‘experts’ have been doling out advice since the Internet came into being. From Ann Landers writing about Internet addiction in 1998 to manners maven Emily Post and her kids and grandkids who are trying to bring good mannered sensibility to the Internet.
Follow These 8 Simple Rules of Social Media

When geology meets meteorology

Dust from the Sahara desert could leave Sweden soaked in red "blood rain" this weekend.
When geology meets meteorology

99 useful hints and tips for everyday life

99 Life Hacks to make your life easier!
99 useful hints and tips for everyday life

Video Captures 100,000-Mile Solar Flare

A new video from NASA‘s Solar Dynamics Observatory shows a solar flare that took the shape of a light bulb on Oct. 14. The glowing “light bulb” plasma display stretches 100,000 miles long. Located on the left side of the Sun, the active region was not facing Earth at the time, but it has since moved over the eastern limb of the Sun and will travel in that direction over the next 12 days.
Video Captures 100,000-Mile Solar Flare

What ‘Do Not Track’ Doesn’t Do

The “Do Not Track” feature available in most web browsers is a great option to have if you don’t want websites tracking your browsing history. However, as How-To Geek points out, “Do Not Track” provides a false sense of security because it doesn’t block as much as you might assume.
What ‘Do Not Track’ Doesn’t Do

5 Best Anti-Spam & Anti-Malware Software

Protection is a rule of gold, I have always heard. Right after we format a standard computer, the first thing after installing the drivers is the anti-malware and spam protection solutions, to ensure that the equipment is kept out of the harms way, right from the start. This is what probably most people should do, to avoid infections and the flood of emails, but before relying on protection software, you must first know the best alternatives.
5 Best Anti-Spam & Anti-Malware Software

8 Apps You Don't Want To Miss

It can be tough to keep up with all the new apps released every week. But you’re in luck — we take care of that for you, creating a roundup each weekend of our favorite new and updated apps.
8 Apps You Don't Want To Miss

How To Take Better Photos With Your Smartphone

There’s a large contingent of photo enthusiasts online who will dismiss a photo straight away if they find out it was taken with a smartphone. The rally cry of “get a real camera” can be heard echoing through the rafters of comment sections for many websites. We think everyone should have a dedicated camera, but a good photo is a good photo, regardless of the gear used to take it.
How To Take Better Photos With Your Smartphone

A Cat's Nifty Guide to Life

Be curious. Eat properly. Chase lasers. Who needs a life coach when cats provide all the wisdom you could ever need?
A Cat's Nifty Guide to Life [VIDEO]

Why Is the Localhost IP 127.0.0.1?

Geeks the world over know their local host as 127.0.0.1, but why is that specific address, of all available addresses, reserved for the local host? Read on to delve into the history of local hosts.
Why Is the Localhost IP 127.0.0.1?

What Happens if you Forget your Yahoo Account Password

How do you login to any web service if do not remember the password? The answer is easy.
You will click the “forgot password” link on the sign-in page, the website will ask you to provide an alternate email address associated with your account and a password reset link will be sent to that address. Simple.
However, if you are using Yahoo Mail, Flickr or any of the other Yahoo services, recovering your account’s password involves a few more steps.
What Happens if you Forget your Yahoo Account Password

Unbelievable Footage Shows A Bird’s Eye View Of The Entire World

Everyone has wanted to fly at some point in their life. Unfortunately for most of us, watching this unbelievable trailer about Discovery’s Winged Planet is the closest we’ll ever come to actually flying. That’s OK thought because the footage is unbelievable — cameras were mounted onto birds to see life from their point of view.
Unbelievable Footage Shows A Bird’s Eye View Of The Entire World

6 Ways to Get Your Beatles Fix on the Web

Today is the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ first single, “Love Me Do.” Oct. 5, 1962 marked the beginning of an eight-year period that would transform the four young Liverpudlians into rock/pop music demigods. Having survived the test of time, The Beatles’ music is incredibly popular around the globe to this day.
6 Ways to Get Your Beatles Fix on the Web