firehose

The ricin-laced letters sent to President Obama and Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker were both postmarked April 8 and sent from Memphis, Tenn., signed "I am KC and I approve this message." A third letter went to Michigan Sen. Carl Levin.

Coffee and Obituaries, new on Haute Macabre

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“Now, the daily seating calculations of subway riders have been recorded for academic use, as part of an observational study conducted by researchers of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. A draft of their report, published on the Web site of the Transportation Research Board, drew on data collected over three weeks in late winter 2012. Some of the findings might seem intuitive to the veteran subway rider, even if the rationale is not.”

- Subway Riders’ Quirks Studied - NYTimes.com

Cat Scores A Soap Opera (by tvboy88)

Google has laid out some pretty specific guidelines on what developers working on "Glassware" apps will be able to do, but it turns out owners of the Google Glass Explorer Edition will be facing some limitations as well. As spotted by Wired, the Terms of Sale for the device specifically state that owners may not "resell, loan, transfer, or give your Device to any other person" without Google's approval. If an owner does, Google has the right to deactivate the device without offering a refund or any further warranty support. While the move may seem extreme, it's important to remember that the Explorer Edition of Glass isn't a true commercial product; it's mainly aimed at encouraging developers to adopt the platform while driving buzz via . Still, for $1,500 one would hope for a little more latitude.

• Via Wired
• Source Google Glass Terms of Sale
• Related Items google glass explorer edition selling restriction google glass explorer edition terms of sale Google

By Dome in Karlsruhe, Germany (http://www.domeone.de).

Sometimes, imagined spaces are not as imagined as one might imagine. Chernarus (shown below; submitted by @jalkion) is a fictional post-Soviet country that serves as the setting of both the notoriously unforgiving military simulation game ArmA 2, and the notoriously unforgiving zombie mod that put it on the map (so to speak), DayZ. But Chernarus is only fictional within the confines of those games. ArmA 2 developer Bohemia Interactive is based in the Czech Republic, and has based the map on the area surrounding the Czech town of Povrly. (Chernarus’s coastline is the Labe River south of the Czech city of Decin — aka The Elbe.) It is said that one can navigate the real-world area quite well based on the game’s map, and indeed, Bohemia at one point published a paper collection of Chernarus maps. The setting is apparently so faithful a re-creation of the real place that buildings and even vegetation is recognizable. The interesting question here: Do the games take place in imaginary spaces or not? Or do they exist in someplace in between the real and the imagined? The unimaginary world?

carmem:

:D

betype:

i fucking swear (by manishmansinh)

meme4u:

http://memeblock.com/

The first season of NBC's Heroes was a surprisingly enjoyable superhero drama when it debuted back in 2006 — but unfortunately, things went down the tubes pretty rapidly after season one until it was mercifully shelved in 2010 after its fourth season. However, it sounds like that might not be the end of the Heroes story: TV Line is reporting that Microsoft is interested in bringing the series back to life as exclusive original programming for Xbox Live. Apparently, the revived show likely will focus on a new cast of characters, with older heroes potentially making cameo appearances based on schedule availability (and interest). Talks are still said to be in the early stages, and there's no word on any potential cast or crew members, including creator Tim Kring.

The strategy Microsoft is pursuing makes sense, even if the content is questionable. The company is already exclusively offering the indie comedy Pulp, and companies from Netflix to Amazon to Redbox are working up exclusive content, so we're not surprised to see Microsoft look to expand its offerings. However, it'll have its work cut out for it if it wants to make Heroes the kind of show that'll drive viewers — though a fresh start with a new creative team and cast might just be what the franchise needs to regain some of the enjoyable highlights found during the first season.

• Via io9
• Source TV Line
• Related Items nbc heroes exclusive xbox live xbox live exclusive Xbox 360 Microsoft Home consoles

The Federal Trade Commission is taking Wise Media to court, accusing the Georgia-based company of "cramming," or placing false charges on consumer cellular bills without their permission or knowledge. In a document filed today, the FTC says Wise, its CEO Brian Buckley, and owner Wiston Deloney "operate a scam in which they bill consumers for text message-based subscription services even though the consumers did not authorize any purchase of the services." Those services, according to the suit, include "sending periodic text messages containing horoscope alerts, 'flirting tips,' 'love tips,' and similar kinds of information." Wise allegedly collects the monthly $9.99-per-service fee through the use of shortcodes, a billing mechanism supported by all major carriers that's typically used for wholly legitimate purposes like donations and political contributions.

Yet many affected consumers insist they never signed up for any of the premium SMS offerings. Instead, they aparently received an unprompted message from Wise acknowledging their "subscription" and merely dismissed it as spam. Recognizing the unwanted charges proved to be a challenge in and of itself; the FTC says Wise's fees appeared in an "abbreviated manner" on bills, leaving consumers with few clues as to how they could dispute the added cost. Those who actually managed to unearth a phone number for the company were promised refunds that never came. The FTC maintains that Wise has earned millions of dollars thanks to the scheme and, among other penalties, has asked the court to freeze the company's assets and order Buckley and Deloney to repay affected individuals in full.

The lawsuit is the FTC's first offensive against mobile cramming, though just the latest salvo in the commission's war against mobile spam. (Both it and the FCC have previously sought to combat cramming on landlines.) The FTC has also scheduled a May 8th roundtable discussion where it will discuss other ways of protecting consumers against similar scams.

• Via PCMag
• Source FTC court filing (pdf)Federal Trade Commission
• Related Items spam federal trade commission ftc mobile spam cramming

By Dave Tach on Apr 17, 2013 at 6:00p

The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles have teamed up with Women in Games International to create a new patch that scouts can earn for designing video games, according to a report in Girl Gamer.

Girl Scouts can use E-line's Gamestar Mechanic, software that allows you to design video games, to earn the badge. The developer will work with Women in Games International, an organization that "works to promote the inclusion and advancement of women in the global games industry" to create a program that meets Girl Scout patch requirements while also focusing on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) academic initiative.

"Our ultimate goal is to create a STEM-aligned video game badge for the Girl Scouts of the United States of America," said Amy Allison, Women in Games International's vice president. "Creating this badge will get young girls excited in technology and science and let them know that they, too, can have a career in the video game industry."

In early March, the Boy Scouts of America revealed a similar merit badge program.

Other video game-related STEM projects announced over the past few months include a first-person shooter game design course using ShootMania Storm and the 2013 STEM Video Game Challenge, which began accepting nationwide submissions in February.

• Source
• Girl Gamer
• Gamestar Mechanic
• Women in Games International

• Image Source
• Flickr user Steve Snodgrass

“While it’s well known that “Star Wars: Episode VII” is in the works and poised for release in the summer of 2015, Disney is saying after that, fans can expect a new “Star Wars” movie every summer for at least five years, with installments in the official series alternating with stand-alone films that will focus on well-loved characters in the “Star Wars” universe.”

-

Disney Uses The Force: New ‘Star Wars’ Movies Annually Starting in 2015 | Movie Talk - Yahoo! Movies

milk milk milk milk

Nine years ago Steve and Jeri Wakefield of Dallas began work on an incredibly elaborate tree house for their two grandsons. They commissioned an architect friend, James Curvan, to design and build the house in a pecan tree in the couple’s backyard. The 100 square foot tree house took three months to build, and over the years it was upgraded to keep pace with the growing grandchildren. The finished tree house features two decks, two sleeping lofts, a zipline, suspension footbridge, and crow’s nest. It is also air-conditioned—a necessity in Texas. The interior is laid out like a miniature family home and features vintage furniture and decor. The Wakefield’s grandchildren are now grown up, but the couple keeps the house lively by opening it up to neighborhood kids.

photos by Sarah Greenman

via everlasting blort, Neatorama

Fakevertising

The Police Box Fridge Kit from Glass Sculpture allows anyone to turn their refrigerator into the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Not only is the kit custom designed to make any refrigerator look like the Doctor’s blue box, it also comes with an audio module that will play the TARDIS’ iconic sound whenever the doors open. The kit is available for purchase from Glass Sculpture, and you can read more about how it was made on Joy Alyssa Day’s blog.

I was walking into my kitchen and looked at my Maytag fridge that I’ve had for about 8 years and thought out of the blue “I should make that into a TARDIS”. I’m not sure why I thought that, as it was first thing in the morning and I wasn’t thinking about Dr. Who, but I seem to get my best and weirdest ideas just out of the blue.

images via Glass Sculpture

via Doctor Who, The Mary Sue, That’s Nerdalicious!, Geek Alerts, TechHive

Many futurists predict that one day we'll upload our minds into computers, where we'll romp around in virtual reality environments. That's possible — but there are still a number of thorny issues to consider. Here are eight reasons why your brain may never be digitized.

Read more...

Looks like the IRS isn't the only government agency to try and instruct its subordinates with the power of nerdiness. The Army has apparently made this PSA starring "Bagram Batman," who teaches a foolish soldier that wearing headphones can kill you.

Read more...

For all you patient PC players itching to get your mitts on XBLA indie hit Fez, mark your calendars (probably take off those mitts first): Fez pre-orders open on April 22 via Steam and GOG, and the game will be 10 percent off - $9 - until it launches on May 1.

"No more waiting for a thing to actually be out before you can buy it! No more keeping all that pesky money to yourself! With our patented pre-order technology, we take your money today and give you something later!" Polytron's official pre-order announcement evangelizes. "Spend money and save money! At the same time!" Now that's a deal.

We found 2012's XBLA version of Fez to be joyful, challenging and deeply satisfying as a puzzle platformer. That edition has sold 200,000 copies to date, and eventually, the game should be out on "pretty much everything," including Mac, Linux, Vita, Ouya and iOS.

Fez PC pre-orders turn the tables on Steam, GOG on April 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NDTV

Executive of troubled UTOPIA sees hope in Google Fiber deal Salt Lake Tribune The head of Utah's other municipally run fiber-optic Internet network, UTOPIA, said Wednesday's news that Google Fiber is coming to Provo is "music to our ears." "It does validate the value of these networks," said Todd Marriott, executive director of the Utah ... North Kansas City leases network to Google FiberKansas City Business Journal Provo, Utah, next city for ultra-fast Google Fiber - News 12 BrooklynNews 12 Brooklyn Google Fiber Going To Provo, UtahFast Company all 89 news articles »

Jonathan Soma has created TodoCat, a browser-based to-do list modeled on the Sophisticated Cat meme. Users can save their to-do lists in their browser, or make an account to sync their list with multiple computers.

via Matt Haughey

Evernote is best known today as a cross-platform note-taking service, but someday it could branch out into making devices of its own. In an interview published today at PC World, Evernote founder and CEO Phil Libin says hardware is on its way — beginning with Evernote-branded devices the company will develop with partners, and later with gadgets built by the company itself.

"Eventually, in a few years — three, four, five — I think we’ll be ready to do something ourselves,” Libin was quoted as saying.

Evernote has previously partnered with companies to integrate its service into a variety of consumer products. Camera and scanner manufacturers have integrated Evernote into their products. Evernote released a co-branded notebook with Moleskine last year designed to make it easier for Evernote users to scan their paper notes into the service. More recently, Samsung made a splash at this year's Consumer Electronics Show by building an Evernote client into its T9000 refrigerator.

Libin told PC World that the company would attempt to create devices that are "new and magical," rather than enter an existing market like tablets or smartphones. The move would give users more reasons to subscribe to Evernote's premium service, which offers additional storage and other features.

Evernote declined to elaborate on Libin's statements.

• Source PC World
• Related Items evernote moleskine samsung refrigerators

In the Windows 8 world there are high-end laptops, and there are thin laptops, and never the twain shall meet. But Toshiba's new Kirabook, the first in a new line of laptops from the Japanese company, is very much both, and in doing so provides a legitimate Windows-based competitor to the MacBook Pro with Retina Display and the MacBook Air, in a single package.

Its spec sheet is where the Kirabook competes most with the MacBook Pro — and Toshiba's reps said as much, over and over. The Kirabook has a Core i5 or i7 processor, 256GB of solid state storage, and an 8GB hard drive. You may need that i7 chip, too, because the Kirabook's 13.3-inch display's 2560 x 1440 resolution is going to require some horsepower — that kind of pixel density is rivaled only by the MacBook Pro with Retina Display and the Chromebook Pixel.

In person, it's gorgeous. Toshiba reps showed us the same Timescapes trailer that so many companies use to show off their high-res wares, and the color reproduction and sharpness were stunning. Viewing angles are unfortunately pretty bad, but as long as you're sitting in front of your computer the Kirabook's screen is a winner. Its touchscreen was responsive, too, running Windows 8 Pro smoothly. Toshiba's bundling a simple tool for managing all that display real estate, too, making it easy to toggle between larger text and more available screen real estate — though in our time with the machine the default option seemed to be about right, and unfortunately these tools can't make the Windows 8 desktop's tiny buttons any larger.

Toshiba Kirabook pictures

The most impressive thing about the Kirabook is that its impressive power fits into a wedge-shaped magnesium shell considerably smaller than the 13-inch MacBook Air — and it kind of looks like the Air, too. The whole machine weighs 2.6 pounds, and feels more like an 11-inch device than a 13-inch model. Reps made repeated mention of the Kirabook's build quality — it uses a honeycomb pattern in the palmrest to make it more resilient when carried in one hand, and the whole design started with the battery — and said that the Kira line represents a move back to a focus on quality from Toshiba, a company that lost that focus during a race to the pricing bottom.

The machine is sturdy and rigid, and definitely doesn't feel fragile or cheap in any way. It has a decent keyboard, though it felt a little shallow during our time with the device, and a smooth, glassy trackpad. It also has no stickers, few logos — Harmon Kardon for the surprisingly powerful speakers, plus Toshiba and Kira in case you forget what your device is called.

It doesn't feel cheap because, well, it isn't cheap. The Kirabook starts at $1,599.99 — firmly MacBook Pro territory — and can go up to $1,999.99 when you bump up its specifications. Part of Toshiba's justification for the price is a support team dedicated to Kirabook owners, there to help 24 hours a day with any problems — reps called them "our Geniuses." Customers' calls will be answered in 45 seconds, and they can call with everything from problems to simple questions.

Whether or not the Kirabook sells at MacBook Air levels is less important than what the device represents, though. This is the first truly premium Windows 8 laptop we've seen in a long time, competitive across every spec and feature with the best of what Apple can offer. It's not perfect — the hinge is still a bit wobbly, and the screen's bezel looks cheap next to its metal parts – but it's a high-end, high-res laptop. The Windows 8 desktop desperately needed that.

• Related Items windows windows 8 ultrabook kirabook kira Toshiba Laptops

A new update to Pocket overhauls the read-it-later service's social features with a more robust experience. While you could previously share articles to Facebook, Twitter, email, and so on, the new version allows you to send links to specific Pocket-using friends, who'll then be alerted of it within the app (or via a push notification) in addition to receiving an email. There's also a new share menu that displays the services or friends that you've most recently sent links to.

Pocket says that its users share links over email more than twice as often as doing so via social networks, so the aim was to improve that side of things in particular. The update comes one year after Pocket rebranded itself from its former identity as Read It Later; it's available for the Pocket apps on iOS, Android, Mac, and the web.

• Related Items update email pocket social sharing read it later friend send to friend