Prcog1

Simple, cheap and one of those activities that kids like playing with over and over.

Click over to see details and info on this fun idea!

A copy of Tape It & Make MORE just arrived on my doorstep — I’m a sucker for duct tape projects, and I’ve been waiting for this follow-up book written by Richela Fabian Morgan. Her earlier book, Tape It & Make It provided full-color instructions for creating 101 items with duct tape. And now, her follow-up book offers 101 more projects. Get your duct tape rolls ready… here’s what you’re going to learn to make in this book. (Note: I’ve appended a shortened copy of my earlier review of the first book to the end of this post.)

As with the first book, this new one opens up with an Introduction chapter that provides notes and suggestions for working with duct tape. You’ll also find a section that demonstrates how to weave duct tape strips together. You’ll get a list of recommended tools along with steps on squaring up edges of tape and creating both single and double-sided layers of duct tape in larger dimensions than the width of a roll of duct tape would normally provide.

From this point on, the book is broken into ten chapters: Chapter 1 Accessories; Chapter 2 Housewares; Chapter 3 Cushions, Pads, Mats, and Pillows; Chapter 4 Decorative Stickers; Chapter 5 Bags and Cases; Chapter 6 Flowers, Fruit, and Plants; Chapter 7 Toys; Chapter 8 Costumes; Chapter 9 Holiday; and Chapter 10 Just for Fun. These chapters almost match the format of Tape It & Make It, but the projects are all original.

Favorites or stand-outs for me? There are plenty.  The Chapter 1 Fisherman’s Rain Hat (in bright yellow!) is awesome. Just love it. The Chapter 2 Shoe Mat made from the Diamond Plate pattern duct tape is so obvious, but I would never have thought of it. (The shoe mats at my house wear out fast, and this one with the black shoe prints across it is genius.) Keyboard wrist pillow. The Chapter 5 Tablet Case is awesome as is the Tool Bag that is high on my list to get started on. I plan on having my sons make some of the amazing flowers from Chapter 6 to give to their mom — the easy-to-follow plans are unbelievably simple and the results are stunning. Chapter 7 has some interesting Kite plans and the Holiday Card in Chapter 8 is on my To Do list for my DIYer friends.

I’m certain you’ll find your own favorites. It’s incredible how many projects have been provided in Tape It & Make MORE… all made from duct tape. And most of them are perfect projects for kids — the full-color instructions are detailed, and, if your child can be trusted with scissors (and maybe an X-Acto knife or sharp blade for a few special cuts), this is one of those books you could give them (along with a bag of colorful duct tape) and let them go. Younger kids will obviously need your help.

Note: I’d like to thank Lucille for providing a review copy of the book.

—

Note: Edited/shortened version of my previous review of Tape It & Make It below:

Tape It & Make It is a 128 page book is a full-color manual for creating 101 different items from — you guessed it — duct tape.

The book starts out with some advice on creating a work area as well as cleaning supplies that make getting up the stickiness left behind from duct tape really easy. There are recommendations for tools to use and then some great advice on using different blends of duct tape — you’ll see photos showing you how to square up (create trimmed, 90 degree edges) single-sided layers (color on one side, sticky on other) as well as creating double-sided layers (colors on both sides, not necessarily the same color), and woven patterns using two different colors/patterns of duct tape. All of these techniques are used throughout the book in one or more projects.

The projects are broken up into chapters (color-coded with different colors of duct tape used to create the edges of the pages for easier location of your favorite project types). Chapter 1, for example, provides instructions for creating Accessories — a feather, headband, ring, bracelet, fingerless gloves, belt, barrette, and more.

Chapter 2 is Housewares; Chapter 3 is Cushions, Pads, Mats, & Pillows; Chapter 4 is Decorative Stickers; Chapter 5 is Bags, Holders, & Wallets; Chapter 6 is Flowers; Chapter 7 is Toys for Kids; Chapter 8 is Costumes, Disguises & Props; Chapter 9 is Seasonal; and Chapter 10 is Miscellaneous Projects.

There are dozens and dozens of hours’ worth of projects in this book, and for kids who can be trusted with scissors (and maybe an X-Acto knife), these projects are perfect for those budding DIYers in your family. Plus, many are quite functional and designed to last.

Take a trip to the author’s blog and you can see some of her more advanced duct tape work (including some bags that will blow you away with their detail as well as their look/design).

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Backpack Science is a summer series of easy at-home experiments geek dads can perform with their kids while school’s out. It is written by (San Francisco) Exploratorium science educator Ken Finn. This article is #4; you can find the whole series here.

Your Dear Old Mummy

Mummies are never a boring subject. They’re fascinating, shriveled examples of their former selves and look absolutely ancient. The experiment below gives dads and their kids the opportunity to make a mummy of their own. This one will take some time — so it teaches patience — but is well worth it. After you’ve perfected the hot dog mummy, try something more challenging, like a fish. If the fish still has guts, be sure to remove them first (and, of course, perform the proper ceremony before beginning).

What you’ll need:

• hot dog
• scale
• ruler
• string
• plastic box a bit bigger than the hot dog
• baking soda

How it’s done:

1. Ancient Egyptians mummified mostly famous folks, so pick a royal name for your hot dog. Set Empress Pupemhotep on a kitchen scale to get her weight. Use a ruler to measure her length, and a 3-inch- (7.5-cm-) long string to measure her diameter. Record the figures in a notebook.
2. Fill a plastic box a bit bigger than the hot dog with 2 inches (5 cm) of baking soda, and put on the box’s lid. Stick the box in a cabinet for a week. Unearth the hot dog, remeasure it, and record the stats.
3. Repowder it, store it for 10 more days, then dig it up and measure again. The baking soda has sucked out water and stopped rot, or bacterial growth, and the mummy is now yours for eternity.

Your Dear Old Mummy (images included), excerpted with permission from Exploralab, 2013, published by Weldon Owen © Exploratorium, All Rights Reserved.

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Legalized weed is putting California’s drug dealers out of business, as well as its hippies.

Read The Blog Post Here »

In 1959, Volvo invented the 3 point seat belt we use today. Then they gave the design away for all other car manufacturers to use for free.

Read The Blog Post Here »

This morning we were shocked when we saw the red paint on the crucifix outside of Saint Anselm Church.  The red paint took the appearance of paint on such a sacred image. We saw the police tape and knew something was really wrong. On the side of the church was a statue also covered in [...]

The post Vandalism in Bay Ridge – Hate Crime? appeared first on .

Sweeping generalization: America loves Jennifer Lawrence because she acts human.

J-Law tripped walking up the stage to accept her Academy Award for Best Actress. Then she admitted to doing a shot before talking to reporters, and flipped the bird.

At Comic-Con last week, the "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" star interrupted Jeff Bridge's interview with Extra because she's his number one fan.

Her media circuit missteps have made her one of America's most loved, and relatable, young actresses.

Here are the best goofs she made during her first Comic-Con tour:

MTV's San Diego Comic-Con Live!:

• Josh Horowitz: Do you want to say something inappropriate right now just to start us off, or should we do it organically? No, no, no, I don't want you to expect it. It could come at any second, right? Yeah, yeah. I'm actually probably going to finish the interview, and then right as you're packing up, I'm gonna' [gooses him] ugh!
• So "Catching Fire," is this the one where you're in blue paint or is this the one where you a hunt a squirrel? I thought you said "hump squirrels." This is the one where I hump squirrels, yes.
• On the steamy scenes with Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair: "I can't wait to see how I flirt." 
• On prepping for the third installment, "Mockingjay": "I'm about to read the third book again. I'd like to refresh. Or, I've just never read it. I'm going to get the audio tapes." 

Clevver TV:

• Talk to us about the evolution of the relationship between Katniss and Peeta, because it is complicated to say the least. "It's complicated." That is her Facebook status.
• You won an Oscar. Did you use it to settle arguments on set? Did you take it with you? I used it to create arguments on set. After I got back I was a b---- that came on set and was like, 'Things are going to be a lot different around here, everybody.' I just carried [the award] around. Made sure nobody forgot. Did it change anything for you in a way? Yeah, it changed my personality and my value system, absolutely. Why wouldn't it?

HitFix:

• On the skintight wetsuits they wore in the arena: "Onesies are an issue when you're hot."
• On how she will spend her one-month break before "Mockingjay" production begins: "Maybe I'll try to share a bag of Cheetos with a cheetah."

Comic-Con Panel (via YouTube user magicinthenumbers): 

• At any point did the Victory Tour feel like the Oscar season? I see some similarities. I mean, the stakes weren't as high.
• "Wearing [the wedding dress] was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. It was huge. It was 5 feet in circumference. And, I'm not good at walking in giant dresses, as you know."
• Audience member: Jennifer, I love you! Thank you. You're a very secure woman.
• "I had to have running training because I'm not a very good runner. I run weird. ... The hardest stunt is probably basic running. And trying not to hit myself in the face with my bow, are my two greatest challenges."

After the panel, everyone was talking about an exchange between the movie's stars Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence. The pair spilled about a particularly steamy — and somewhat gross — kissing scene:

Moderator: How hot are the kissing scenes going to be?

Josh Hutcherson: So hot.

Jennifer Lawrence: Super hot. Oh! We should've brought the clip with the snot.

JH: We had one take—

JL: There was a lot of slobber. It was a resuscitation.

JH: When there was the resuscitation there was a kiss and there was slobber and it got connected to my face—

JL: There was slobber in the kiss, and I was crying, and there's a huge string of snot.

JH: It'll be very hot. If you're into snot and slobber.

JL: I want to show you. I'll put it on YouTube or something because you've got to see it. There's all this snot coming out of my nose, and when I go to kiss Josh, it connects to his mouth, and then there's a huge string of it and I go [coughs] and I try to wobble it. It's awesome. So yes, it's going to be very hot.

Watch the entire panel:

J-Law also appeared in the massive "X-Men: Days of Future Past" panel.

A member of the audience asked about the costumes — how Halle Berry felt being pregnant in Storm's outfit and how Lawrence enjoyed wearing body paint and 70s wardrobe.

• "She's pregnant, I'm naked, come see the movie! [Laughs] I personally loved the 70s, the moments where I do get to wear the 70s clothes, because I like that time and I like wearing clothes, when I can."

Watch a mash-up of her best answers:

SEE ALSO: Jennifer Lawrence Crashes Jeff Bridges Interview, Gets Totally Starstruck

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Ashton Kutcher was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno yesterday promoting his upcoming Steve Jobs film, "Jobs."

While on the program, Kutcher revealed that he passed up an opportunity to meet the co-founder of Apple, who he called "The Leonardo da Vinci of our generation." Kutcher had a work conflict, he explains, and six months later Jobs died.

We first heard about it over at 9To5Mac:

Join the conversation about this story »

Is Netflix ruining movies? The service that once performed the magical task of mailing DVDs directly to your house has expanded to the even more magical task of streaming movies directly to your screen, and in many, many ways they have completely transformed moviegoing for the good, allowing you to discover films you never would have seen before, giving you instant access to entire addictive seasons of "Breaking Bad," and inventing categories so insane they even made fun of them themselves. They're even revolutionizing television!

But there's a darker side to Netflix, and it's on the margins that you can't even see.

The tumblr What Netflix Does has exposed what looks like a genuinely disturbing trend among Netflix's streaming options. Compare what "Planet of the Apes" is supposed to look like, based on the Blu-ray, to what you'll see on Netflix:

If it looks familiar, it's basically because it's a return to the bad old days of Pan-and-Scan, when VHS releases of films would be cropped or zoomed-in to make the picture fit the square ratio of a standard television set (that's the "this film has been formatted to fit this screen" warning you used to get).

These days most TVs are widescreen and avoid the issue, but when films are shot in Cinemascope — a.k.a. an aspect ratio that's more like 2.39:1 than the 1.85:1 that's more common in films-- you're going to see black bars at the top and bottom, so that the screen can accommodate the entire image. Or, in the case of some Netflix streaming titles, you're going to see the film cropped or otherwise altered to make it fill the whole screen. Look at this particularly egregious example from the Jim Carrey vehicle "Man on the Moon" (the Netflix version is second):

Before you start thinking that Netflix is just a dirty scheme to ruin movies forever, the company has spoken up for themselves over at The Verge and said that they're not the ones doing the cropping, but the people who provide them with the movies — namely the studios who made them — will deliver the wrong version.

When they notice this happening, Netflix says, "we work to replace that title as soon as possible." So far, "Man on the Moon" doesn't seem to have been replaced-- the aspect ratio when I checked this afternoon was the same 1.85:1. But that doesn't mean Netflix is the bad guys here.

Just as Blockbuster would carry some pan-and-scan titles back in the day, Netflix is going to get stuck with cropped versions as well. It's just that, in these "all the media in the world, right now!" times, we're not likely to hunt around to find the widescreen version if the cropped one is right there on Netflix. Proof that, while it's a wonderful thing for a single company to be able to provide you so much, it can severely limit your options too. 

SEE ALSO: Netflix Gets Its First Emmy Nominations

Join the conversation about this story »

The most exciting reveal from Google's event yesterday was its new streaming device, the Chromecast.

The Chromecast is a little "dongle" that plugs into the back of a TV's HDMI port, giving users the ability to wirelessly stream content from their computers and devices to their TV.

While its primary use will likely be with apps integrated with a Chromecast "cast" button, Google also announced that users can mirror anything playing in its Chrome browser, too.

This opens up the floodgates, allowing anything viewable on the web to be ported over to a user's television set.

And TV executives, who are notorious for drawing a line in the sand dividing web content and television content, can't be happy the Chromecast blends the two mediums together.

Peter Kafka of AllThingsD gives Hulu Plus as a prime example.

Right now, Hulu differentiates between its web streaming service and its TV streaming service. While you can watch plenty of Hulu's content for free online, the ability to watch Hulu content on a TV requires a Hulu Plus subscription.

Hulu says they are developing an app for the Chromecast, but it's a practically useless endeavor.

The Chromecast merges the two media, sidestepping the need for standalone apps, and this could quickly cause content providers and the TV executives they work with to become angry.

And if they get mad enough, Kafka writes, content providers could bar their websites from working with the Chrome browser.

Highly unlikely, but possible.

If enough fuss is made over the device, the Chromecast could potentially hamper Google's relationship with TV executives, a risky move if Google wants to compete with Apple's rumored television set.

Time will tell if the Chromecast truly has the power to affect change in the streaming industry, but it certainly has the potential.

Join the conversation about this story »

At San Diego Comic-Con, fans received a taste of what to expect in the anticipated "Avengers" sequel when director Joss Whedon presented the name of the next film: "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

Fans initially thought the film would follow the "Age of Ultron" comic series that came out earlier this year.

The comic is pretty dark. 

Spoilers: 

Tony Stark becomes part cyborg, Captain America loses an eye, and near the end most of the Avengers perish to a menacing, homicidal robot named Ultron.

Shortly after the announcement, Whedon spoke with Marvel to drive home that "Avengers: Age of Ultron" won't be a direct adaptation of the comic.

"A lot of people, because we called it 'Age of Ultron,' and there was a book 'Age of Ultron' just recently, assumed that was the storyline we're doing, which is not the case," says Whedon. "We're doing our own version of the origin story of Ultron."

Whedon also confirmed that one fan favorite Hank Pym the creator of the Avengers' main foe won't be in the sequel. Instead, Pym will have his own role in "Ant-Man," the film following the next Avengers movie.

"We're sort of crafting our own version of it where his origin comes more directly from the Avengers we already know about."

Whedon adds that the sequel will also be a bit darker, though we're sure it won't be Ultron comics dark.

In addition, Whedon says "Age of Ultron" will be globally-spanning with shooting taking place in London early of next year.

This isn't a surprise considering the added boost that the foreign box office can have on a film. 

Since Pym won't be in the film, speculation has been that Tony Stark will be the creator of Ultron.

Could be possible. 

Whedon revealed in the video interview that when the sequel title appeared on screen at Comic-Con it showed Tony Stark's "Iron Man" mask clash with that of Ultron's. 

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" opens in theaters May 1, 2015.

Watch the interview below:

More Avengers 2: Check out the logo for the film that debuted at Comic-Con

Read about the DC film that will go up against the Avengers sequel: A Batman / Superman film is coming in 2015

Join the conversation about this story »

While there’s still no way to determine the affect of Mercury’s retrograde on actual life, recent research has shown that lunar cycles do objectively impact sleep patterns. So add your ability to feel well-rested to the honored list of stuff that is affected by the Moon, previously limited to such things as high tides, werewolves, and the Sailor Scouts.

Lead by professor Christian Cajochen at the University of Basel’s Psychiatric Hospital, a team of researchers studied results of a decade-old experiment that tested thirty-three subjects’ sleep patterns in relation to cycles of the Moon over a period of 64 nights. Factors such as menstrual cycles and natural light were carefully controlled. To determine the differences in sleep, scientists monitored the volunteers’ brain patterns, eye movement, and hormone secretions.

The results? When it was closer to the full moon, sleep-related brain activity dropped 30% and the volunteers slept 20 minutes fewer on average. Subjects also reported feeling that their sleep was not as restful, and showed lower levels of melatonin.

It’s important to note that while this study seems to have measurable impacts and is based on a reasonable hypothesis, the data was gathered ten years ago and the sample size is small. Still, Professor Cajochen believes the results are accurate. “Although cautious, we’re confident we have enough statistical power to detect an influence of the moon,” he said in a statement.

Researchers think this trait might be a lingering effect of the Moon synchronizing human behavior, an phenomenon that has been reported in other animals and which modern life (especially electricity!) has largely diminished.

(via Medical Press, New Scientist, image via Tracy Brandon)

Meanwhile in related links

• Computers can read your dreams, can’t explain your clown nightmares just yet
• Snooze alarm: friend or foe?
• Disappointed by the “Supermoon?” Here’s why: it isn’t super

What’s not to like about brands’ Facebook pages? Plenty, according to Facebook application developer Woobox, which created the infographic below to illustrate reasons why users of the social network don’t embrace certain pages.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Our minds did not evolve for philosophy seminars, they evolved to make decisions based on limited information. And that fact can be manipulated.

Read The Blog Post Here »

This morning The Doubleclicks released the fan-sourced video for “Nothing to Prove,” a standout track from their new Lasers and Feelings full-length. It features women (and a few men) from a wide range of nerdy disciplines holding signs that succinctly explain who they are, why they love what they love and, most importantly, why their gender doesn’t somehow relegate them to second-class geek status.

The ‘Clicks actually received more submissions than they had room for, and you can view stills from some of this bonus footage – not to mention submit your own statement of geeky affirmation – at the #nothingtoprove Tumblr.

Check it out via the embed below, and I dare you not to laugh at the Batman riff at 2:17!

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July 10th is celebrated around the world as Nikola Tesla day to honor the Serbian inventor who’s influence on the modern world is immeasurable. Tesla held over 300 patents in 26 countries and his inventions have made possible many of the technologies we take for granted. Wireless communications, fluorescent lighting, and most notably alternating current are just a small number of his contributions to our modern lifestyle.

The New York Hall of Science celebrates Tesla and his work in a new exhibit entitled Tesla’s Wonderful World of Electricity. The exhibit will run until October 10^th and features models of his facilities and several of his inventions. Included are his facility in Colorado Springs, the Tesla coil, and a model of his vertical take off airplane that he patented in 1928. Displays include photos, documents and awards chronicling the life of this visionary thinker.

The exhibit is free with admission to the New York Hall of Science, which includes many other exhibits and many hands on activities for children and adults. To plan your visit check out The New York Hall of Science website. For more information about the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla you can check The NikolaTesla Museum, which collaborated on this exhibit.

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We get lots of stuff in the mail and my kids have truthfully become rather blasé about new toys and games, just as I too have rather become more skeptical that the latest box on the doorstep is going to be something fabulous. Often, it’s quite the opposite. Worse, I’m a bit of a toy and game snob thanks to both my board game addiction (thanks to Days of Wonder, Fantasy Flight and Zman Games, among others) and the fact that we just have a lot of toys. Think home “Toy Store”.

When Hasbro sent us a Magic Jinn, a little gadget that uses voice recognition to play 20-questions, I wasn’t sure how it would go. I knew it’d be much more interesting to my 9yo K- than either of the older children. And, rather to my surprise, she loves it and think it’s fabulous!

It’s also a great demonstration of how modern tech can creep into toys in a way that’s quite engaging rather than debilitating of our children’s imagination.

We have the “animal” edition of the Magic Jinn and to play with it, you think of an animal, then the Jinn asks you yes/no/sometimes questions until it can ascertain exactly what you guessed.

It might ask “Is it bigger than a washing machine?” or “Does it have claws?” or “Is it dangerous to humans?” or even “Does it start with the letter ‘P’?” or similar. It’s a decision tree, but with a surprising depth to it (we’ve stumped it once in about 20 different animals we’ve picked: It didn’t know “prairie dogs”) and a fun interaction.

The voice of the Jinn is a smarmy British male who proves to have quite the amusing vocabulary. The closest actor’s voice I can come up with is the great Terry-Thomas, most memorable for his performance in the wonderfully madcap It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Comments include “I thought you’d say that!” and “I knew I’d get it, I’m smarter than you are!” and others in a similar tone. Quite hilarious.

What’s nice is that the Magic Jinn is also small so it’s very easy for K- to tote around: it’s about 5-inches tall. The nose is the on/off switch and it takes 3 AAA batteries. The only thing missing? A volume control. We quickly had to establish a “not in the car” rule since the older kids were going batty with the “I see” and “Interesting” and “I thought you’d say that” peppering our drives.

Otherwise it’s quite a fun little gadget, well worth its $19.99 price tag, and surprisingly smart. It successfully narrowed down and guessed dragons and unicorns, as well as ducks, lions, and even squirrels.

But you knew I’d say that!

It's a well-known fact that domains on Page 1 of search engine results pages get the majority of web traffic and clicks. Brafton recently reported that clicks on top domains might be higher than marketers think - 95 percent of all users default to web content listed on the first page, and around one-third of all clicks go to the very first listing. However, new data suggests SERPs might contain fewer organic listings than expected, which puts companies in even greater competition for those prime real estate spots. 

An investigation conducted for the Tutorspree Blog revealed that organic listings make up only 13 percent of Google SERPs for certain queries such as "auto mechanic." Think Google's pulling a fast one on SEOs? Think again.

A SERP audit shows this proportion is common for internet queries, with 12 percent of the page going toward AdWords results at the top of the page. Meanwhile, 7 percent of search real estate is dedicated to a map for local listings and another 17 percent to paid search ads to the right of organic listings.

This breakdown might shed light onto Google's recent introduction of the Local Search Results Carousel, the study reports. Unlike traditional SERPs, the pages display a sliding display that features numerous local listings for bars and restaurants. The carousel takes up about 30 percent of the page and gives real estate back to relevant domains.

Because most marketers have aspirations to drive organic search traffic back to their sites by ranking on Page 1 for select key terms, regular SERP updates force brands to develop smarter SEO campaigns.

they will need to work harder to earn places in those small areas of SERPs. In addition to SEO best practices, webmasters must also consider whether they're giving site visitors the kind of experiences worth visiting and make changes accordingly.

For better or worse, the internet has changed the way people create and read content. The shift away from print materials, along with the time it takes to create and distribute them, is the ire of some traditional marketers. Modern readers demand real-time updates that regularly require writers to be checked-in and agile, rather than thoughtfully mulling over ideas until they're polished gems of insight. Despite shorter publication timelines, the Pew Internet and American Life Project finds that digital tools actually encourage writing and reading through seamless distribution.

To assess how technology has impacted composition, the study examined digital natives who were taught to type papers on keyboards. The research firm surveyed 2,462 Advanced Placement (AP) and National Writing Project (NWP) teachers and found digital content creation and distribution merits praise.

Digital natives still invested in writing

Overall, the survey's findings indicate that creating content for the web does not sever investment in the end product - it amplifies engagement. Nearly all teachers (96 percent) said digital technology enables their students to share written content with wider audiences. As a result, approximately 80 percent said these tools spark better collaboration among writers. Contrary to what you might expect, 78 percent noticed tech tools sparked creativity and personal expression.

Creating content for the web does not sever investment in the end product - it amplifies engagement.

That being first established, the study also confirmed what many traditional authors fear - digital tools that allow writers to speed through the creation and publication process can also lead to mistakes. While 40 percent of teachers say technology reduces grammar and spelling errors in text, another 46 percent admit new tools propel students toward writing too quickly and carelessly. More than two-thirds say young writers use technology to take short-cuts when drafting documents, meaning they put forth less effort.

Fundamental disconnect between writers and readers

This is in direct conflict with readers' expectations. A study recently conducted by Forrester for Silverpop found that today's consumers have been empowered by the wealth of information at their disposal. These informed shoppers are unimpressed and unlikely to convert if presented with lackluster content on any channel.

Accuracy is the most important prerequisite for 82 percent of today's news content readers.

In fact, data compiled by Mobiles Republic revealed that accuracy is the most important prerequisite for 82 percent of today's news content readers.

It's up to marketers and their team of content writers to bridge this gap. By publishing timely collateral that also adheres to high editorial standards, companies will gain readers and brand advocates. This will ultimately put them ahead of competitors producing SEO content just to appease search engines.

​Are marketers growing tired of scare tactics being used to convince them Google+ marketing is essential for future SEO success? A recent study from Econsultancy and NetBooster suggests that companies have grown complacent of the social network's inability to influence search visibility or social traction. While this wariness isn't enough to turn brands away from Google+ completely, it's likely a growing concern of the search engine, and it may lead to its ultimate launch of AuthorRank.

In the U.K. Search Engine Marketing Benchmark Report for 2013, client-side respondents and agencies were surveyed about their perceived impact of Google+ on search. Sixty-three percent of clients indicated they weren't sure if Google+ had any impact on their search campaigns, and 30 percent said the social network had a neutral impact on their efforts. As for agencies, 28 percent said they didn't know, while 51 percent reported a neutral impact, as well. It's clear businesses are unsure of how Google+ or social media content published to the network plays into their overarching search marketing campaigns.

Brands may have embraced Google+ because they believed it would impact their PageRank or visibility in SERPs. However, data suggests that, at the moment, it still operates solely as a social network​ with shares climbing higher each year. According to recent insights reported by Brafton, Google+ social shares are expected to outpace Facebook by February 2016. This could be beneficial for companies using the network to fuel social chatter, but for those organizations wanting an SEO edge over the competition, organic content creation may be the only route worth taking today. That is, until Google finally speaks out about its theoretical AuthorRank technology.

Article courtesy of Morrison & Foerster’s Mobile Payments Practice

On May 30, 2013, the California Department of Financial Institutions (CADFI) issued a cease and desist letter to Bitcoin Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established to standardize, protect and promote the use and adoption of Bitcoin. CADFI stated in its letter that Bitcoin Foundation “may be engaged in the business of money transmission without having obtained the license or proper authorization required by” California’s Money Transmission Act. CADFI’s issuance of the letter, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) recent guidance regarding virtual currencies and the subsequent asset seizures of prominent Bitcoin exchanges all reflect increased scrutiny of the use of virtual currencies.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS’ CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

CADFI’s letter notes that Bitcoin Foundation may be in violation of California’s money transmitter licensing law (Cal. Fin. Code § 2030), as well as federal statutes that impose penalties for the failure to have a required state money transmission license and the failure to register as a money transmission business. (18 U.S.C. § 1960, 31 U.S.C. § 5330.)

Section 2030 of the California Financial Code prohibits persons from engaging in “the business of money transmission in California without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.” A person in violation of this statute may be subject to civil money penalties under § 2151, and possibly criminal prosecution under § 2152. The California Attorney General may also sue under §§ 17200, 17205 and 17206 of the California Business and Professions Code.

In addition, CADFI noted that under 18 U.S.C. § 1960, it is a felony to own, control or conduct the business of money transmission without the appropriate state license, or without registering with FinCEN. Violations of this Section are punishable by “up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.” CADFI stated that this same activity without a license is also a “felony under California law, pursuant to [California] Financial Code § 2152(b).”

CADFI requested that Bitcoin Foundation “advise [it] in writing within [20] days” of the date of the letter regarding the “steps [] taken to comply with [CADFI’s] order.” In addition, CADFI noted that “[n]othing in [its] letter is intended to affect any legal remedies, criminal or civil, which the State of California or the Commissioner might pursue for past or future violation of [the] laws [cited].”

WHAT IS BITCOIN?

Introduced in 2009, Bitcoin is a virtual currency that is controlled by a software algorithm (“Bitcoin Algorithm”) running on the Internet. Both the creation and transfer of Bitcoins is performed by this algorithm. Bitcoins are created by a procedure called “mining,” where users provide their computer resources to help the Bitcoin Algorithm process Bitcoin transactions. In exchange, users are compensated with Bitcoins. The Bitcoin Algorithm restricts the total number of Bitcoins to be “mined” to 21 million Bitcoins. Currently, there are approximately 11 million mined Bitcoins that are in circulation.

Like other forms of currency, Bitcoins can be exchanged for goods and services. However, the value of a Bitcoin (how many goods or services can be exchanged for a Bitcoin) is volatile. This volatility is attributable to the fact that, unlike currencies like the U.S. dollar or the Euro, which are issued by their respective governing bodies, Bitcoins are not supported by any sovereign entity. As a result, the value of a Bitcoin is driven and determined by public perception.

Since Bitcoin’s inception, the virtual currency has been gaining popularity and acceptance. Currently, several Bitcoin exchanges and payment websites allow users to exchange (buy and sell) Bitcoins with popular currencies, such as the U.S. dollar. In addition, some merchants, both online and in person, are beginning to accept Bitcoins as an alternative to traditional currencies for payment. The value of a Bitcoin has fluctuated from about $0.0025 since its inception to a high of about $266 on April 10, 2013. The current value is approximately $78 per Bitcoin.

Why Do Individuals Use Bitcoin?

A major reason why individuals may prefer to use Bitcoin transfers instead of traditional electronic transfers is for anonymity and privacy. Bitcoins are transferred from peer to peer without the need for an intermediary financial institution to process payments. The Bitcoin-transmitting party merely needs to know the receiving party’s Bitcoin address to execute a transfer. In contrast, when a traditional payment card is used to make a transaction, there typically are records identifying the transferor, transferee and the amount transferred. Because Bitcoin transfers do not rely on established payment systems to process transactions, Bitcoin transfers allow the transferor and transferee to remain anonymous.

Concerns Driving Regulatory Interest

In issuing the cease and desist letter to Bitcoin Foundation, CADFI was likely concerned about the same aspects of Bitcoin that attracts its users—anonymity and privacy. Specifically, the concern regarding the anonymous aspects of Bitcoin is its potential for facilitating criminal activity, money laundering and illegal transactions. On the other hand, by classifying Bitcoin Foundation as a money transmitter and, by extension, classifying the transfer of Bitcoins as transmission of money, CADFI can subject Bitcoin Foundation to the same requirements as traditional money transmitters. The resulting mandatory record keeping could significantly diminish the anonymous aspects of Bitcoin, and in turn diminish the attractiveness of using Bitcoin for the transfer of funds related to criminal activity.

CADFI’S ACTION COMES ON HEELS OF RECENT FINCEN GUIDANCE

On March 18, 2013, FinCEN issued interpretive guidance, entitled “Application of FinCEN’s Regulations to Persons Administering, Exchanging, or Using Virtual Currencies.” The guidance is intended by FinCEN to clarify the applicability of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and its implementing regulations to persons creating, obtaining, distributing, exchanging, accepting or transmitting virtual currencies. The guidance addresses “convertible” virtual currency, which is described as a type of virtual currency that either has an equivalent value in real currency, or acts as a substitute for real currency.

The guidance defines “users,” “administrators” and “exchangers” of convertible virtual currency and explains which of these participants in a virtual currency environment is a Money Services Business (MSB) for purposes of the BSA and FinCEN’s implementing regulations. Under the guidance, an administrator or exchanger that accepts and transmits a convertible virtual currency, or that buys or sells convertible virtual currency for any reason, is a money transmitter under FinCEN’s regulations (unless a limitation or exemption from the money transmitter definition applies). The guidance also explains that accepting and transmitting anything of value that substitutes for currency makes a person a money transmitter under the BSA’s implementing regulations.

SEIZURES OF ASSETS OF BITCOIN EXCHANGES

Since FinCEN’s virtual currency guidance was issued, U.S. regulators have seized assets of several virtual currency exchanges. Notably, on May 14, 2013, one of the world’s largest Bitcoin exchanges, Mt. Gox, had its U.S.-based assets seized by U.S. authorities.

On April 15, 2013, the Associated Press’s Twitter account reported that President Obama had been injured in an explosion at the White House. Within seconds of the announcement, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted more than 150 points. Fortunately, the President’s Press Secretary quickly confirmed that the President was unharmed and, soon after, the Associated Press announced that its Twitter account had been hacked. Although this was perhaps the most significant instance of a Twitter account being hacked, it was only one of many similar events—the Twitter accounts of the BBC, the CBS News programs “60 Minutes” and “48 Hours” and even Burger King have all been the victims of recent hacker attacks.

In late May 2013, possibly in response to calls by various news organizations and blogs to institute a more stringent authentication system, Twitter announced the launch of an optional two-factor authentication feature.

In a two-factor authentication system, accessing an account requires a second level of authentication in addition to the single level of authentication that a login system typically requires. Login systems with a single level of authentication ordinarily require a user to simply enter a username and password to log in. Two-factor authentication further requires a user to provide an extra set of credentials to log in, which could consist of anything from the individual’s fingerprint or voice print, to a physical ATM card or a code provided by telephone. With Twitter’s two-factor authentication system, as a second layer of authentication, a user is required to enter a verification code that is sent to the user’s mobile phone. Therefore, in order to hack into a Twitter user’s account that has enabled two-factor authentication, a hacker would not only need to know the user’s username and password, but also would need access to the user’s mobile phone (or some other means of accessing the user’s mobile phone messages) in order to obtain the verification code.

For users who wish to enable this additional level of security, Twitter has provided a helpful walkthrough of the activation process. To activate two-factor authentication, a user can visit his or her account settings page, scroll down to the “Account Security” section, and select the box that reads, “Require a verification code when I sign in.” Twitter has provided the following image to help users easily locate this option:

After selecting this option, a user will be prompted to enter his or her phone number, after which Twitter will send the user’s mobile phone a text message that includes a one-time, six-digit verification code. Assuming the user receives that text, he or she would need to return to Twitter, click “yes” in the “Did you receive our message?” window, and enter the code from Twitter’s text message.

From that point forward, each time the user attempts to log in to the Twitter site, a new six-digit code will be sent to the user’s phone, to be entered in the following window:

Twitter’s decision to implement two-factor authentication is a welcome step towards greater account security in the digital world. And Twitter is hardly alone in shifting towards this system. Two-factor authentication is part of a broader trend toward heightened security that is currently being adopted by many similarly situated online service providers. Both Facebook and Google have provided their users with the option of turning on two-factor authentication since 2011, and there have been recent reports that Google may make two-factor authentication mandatory. Further, shortly after Twitter announced its implementation of two-factor authentication, LinkedIn announced that it also had introduced an optional two-step verification feature.

Twitter’s introduction of two-factor authentication following the hacking of the Associated Press’s Twitter account is just one example of how the social media world seeks to rapidly adapt to increasing threats to user security. Moreover, it clearly illustrates why companies with social media accounts should consider switching to two-factor authentication on platforms that offer it, to help mitigate the risks of potentially embarrassing or injurious online situations.

The NYPD is asking the public for help in locating a suspect in a horrendous crime: The attempted murder and rape of a 16-year-old girl in Brooklyn. [ more › ]

"Pedi cabs are for tourists, and tourists are for swindling," went the logic of the pedi cab...driver (cyclist?) who fleeced a Japanese couple out of $720 after pedaling them from Midtown to Greenwich Village last month, the Post reports. [ more › ]

[UPDATE BELOW] Sweltering workers in an un-air-conditioned Washington Heights McDonald's decided enough was enough this afternoon, abandoning their posts to instead protest the dismal conditions they said they were forced to endure on the hottest day of the year. [ more › ]

So, this thing is supposed to “explore the spatial structures of Flickr tags” to “generate temporal city level maps,” which, okay, fine, whatever–but really it’s just a nice way to see photos from NYC (and a bunch of other cities) laid out on a map based on where they were taken. Yes, there are fancy features that let you filter by tag–let’s see what’s tagged “sexy” in your area, heh heh heh–but really they’re just icing on a cake. And it works really well! Here’s a photo of some dogs in our office I just found. Check it out below.

The post Flickr-Generated Photo Map of NYC Is Wonderful appeared first on ANIMAL.

Last month, Alaska Bar caught fire. It was a little electrical issue, but to be safe, the fire department chopped at the walls and the ceiling. We were standing by the entrance with the owner and the bartenders, kicking around a singed wall hunk. Debris was spilling out across the sidewalk in heaps. A group of eight walked up: “So, like, are you guys open?”

Yes. This Saturday, Alaska will be open again. You can come back now, everybody.

If you work long, sporadic hours you know the meaning of “a neighborhood bar.” Alaska just celebrated its one year anniversary. Founder/co-owner Skyler Insler just took the entire staff for a celebratory weekend in Atlantic City. And then, fire. Fuck fire.

ALASKA, WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!!

All the Brooklyn sites echoed the frustration. On July 4th, hundreds of people showed up at Skyler’s rooftop party. It was a hell of a reunion. Bands. More bands. Donations for Alaska bartenders. Recently having broken his leg, Skyler was limping around on crutches, but we were all smiling. A couple of us showed up to clean up the bar and get ready for the roof repair guys. That floor is so fucking clean, you guys.

I asked Skyler how the bartenders felt.

“They seem pretty excited,” he wrote. “I think we realized we have a bunch of friends that we don’t end up seeing much unless it’s at Alaska, so it’ll be nice to see everyone again. Also, surprised that we’re able to get back up so quickly. Also, probably relieved to get their jobs back!”

For the last few weeks, displaced regulars roamed Brooklyn unsatisfied. I dreamt about red wallpaper with a golden stagg motif and taxidermied fox head in bunny ears, about having a place to go to where they had your drink ready before you reached the bar, where your friends were already waiting for you, where the music was incapable of sucking and that T-Rex song over a very meta Cheers episode projection would make everything better.

The DJs were good. The people were good. Everything was good. You know how that is, right? Shut up. You know. 

“I don’t like shitty parties,” Skyler says. “Even just a house party that’s awkward or too bright or not playing the right music… It bothers me, wasting all the good people there on a bad party. So I’ve always tried to create a good time for people. I’ve been throwing big DIY shows/parties for the past five years that I’ve been in NY. A couple of years ago, there were no good bars in the neighborhood that had the kind of atmosphere that I and mostly everyone I know was looking for, and so we decided to take it upon ourselves to build it.”

You feel it when you’re there.

So look at all this ruins porn from the inside of the bar. Make yourself feel sad. Then, come back tomorrow night for drinks specials all night, BBQ burgers and hot dogs, flaming shots and “an INORDINATE AMOUNT of open flame candles!!! FIRE JUGGLERS*!!! * Just kidding(?)”

Now excuse me. I have some feelings to take care off. See you tomorrow.

(Photos: Marina Galperina/ANIMALNewYork, Skyler Insler/Alaska Bar)

The post Beloved Brooklyn Bar Alaska Is Reopening Saturday! appeared first on ANIMAL.

In late 19th century America, mushrooming clubs were the place to be. As mushrooms became a more important part of fashionable French cuisine, American cooks (who took their culinary inspiration from France) went crazy for mushrooms. Clubs began popping up all over the country dedicated to foraging, identifying and cooking various varieties of fungi. Entire cookbooks were devoted to mushrooms, including Kate Sargeant’s One Hundred Mushroom Receipts (1899). The first English language mushroom cookbook, Sargeant’s work includes some fabulous Harry Potter-sounding recipe titles including “Coprinus Comatus Soup (Shaggy Mane),” “Lepiota Procera Stew,” and “Baked Tricholoma Personatum.” In the book’s introduction, Sargeant describes the changing American attitude towards mushrooms at the turn of the century:

The general opinion in this country regarding mushrooms has been, that with one or two exceptions, all forms of fungus growth are either poisonous or unwholesome, but it is very gratifying to observe the change that is rapidly taking place in the public mind. Soon public opinion will acknowledge that it is an established fact that the great majority of the larger funguses, especially of those that grow in fields and other open places, is not only wholesome but highly nutritious.

- Kate Sargeant, One Hundred Mushroom Receipts (1899)

What Kate says may be true, however I don’t recommend that you eat any wild mushrooms without first knowing exactly what they are. Better yet, stick to the ones sold at the grocery store, unless you’re friends with a foraging expert (mistakes can happen!).

In this recipe, mushrooms are the magic ingredient. I make this super simple vegan Chickpea, Spinach and Mushroom Sauté once or twice a week for my husband. It’s one of his favorites. The seared mushrooms, seasoned with garlic and spices, taste almost meaty when combined with the nutty chickpeas and steamed spinach. It’s a homey, comforting sort of dish with no grains and a fairly low glycemic index. I find this recipe to be very nourishing, what we like to call “clean eating.” It’s Mediterranean-inspired, low in calories, loaded with fiber and heart-healthy. Don’t skimp on the olive oil, it adds a lot of flavor. We consider it a one-pot meal; it satisfies as either a lunch or a dinner. I’ve also served this as a side dish to rave reviews from family and friends. The sprinkle of roasted sunflower seeds gives it a lovely crunch. It may not be the prettiest dish, but it’s certainly one of the yummiest. No need to go foraging, common white mushrooms will do just fine. I think Kate Sargeant would approve.

Other Great Recipe Ideas

The Pioneer Woman: Pan Seared Mushrooms

Tasty Kitchen: Grilled Chili Garlic Mushrooms

Weelicious: Mushroom Barley

Recipe Girl: Mushroom and Parmigiano Bruschetta

It’s not the most famous “pitch drop” experiment in the world — that’s the original at the University of Queensland in Australia — but the fact that hard pitch-tar is a viscous liquid has been definitively proven. Researchers at Trinity College in Ireland set up a web cam to catch a never-before-seen glimpse of a drop of the hard, black substance, which is almost two hundred times thicker than honey, falling through the funnel in which it’s been sitting for almost seven decades.

Started in 1944, the simple test has left a few drops of pitch in the jar below it over the course of decades, but it’s never been viewed doing so until now. While it’s not exactly a groundbreaking study, it is nice to see an experiment that has been in the care of multiple generations of scientists finally bear fruit — and if that fruit is something that has never been seen by human eyeballs before, well, so much the better!

(via Trinity College, image via YouTube)

Meanwhile in related links

• You can still watch the original in slow, slow, slow action here
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Going to the gym is a great idea in theory. Once you get there, though, I think we can all agree that it almost always seems like a terrible idea. A terrible idea full of grunting and being sore where all of the things around you are covered in a fine sheen of other peoples’ sweat. Luckily, researchers may have made a breakthrough that could finally release humanity from the curse of going to the gym without dooming them to life as a grotesque shut-in — a pill that simulates some of the effects of physical exercise. In case there was any doubt, yes, we live in the future now.

If research from the Scripps Institute is any indication, “Do you even lift?” jokes could soon be a thing of the past. In a paper published today in the journla Nature, a team from the institute describes a compound that, in tests on lab mice, stimulated the production of a protein known as Rev-erb which is responsible for regulating the body’s internal clock. When they produced more Rev-erb, lab mice developed new mitochondria — the organelles that power cells — and strengthened their existing ones, basically entering Super Saiyan mode.

Mice treated with the drug were kicked into metaboloic hyperdrive, using more oxygen and burning more energy throughout the course of the day. The result was that even when kept on a high fat diet, mice creating more Rev-erb lost more weight and had improved cholesterol when compared to their untreated peers. According to a report in The New York Times, some of the treated mice got even lazier after the treatment and still continued to lose weight.

Though the research is still years away from being relevant to humans, researcher Thomas Burris is already being kind of a killjoy about the fact that we could one day have a pill that replaces going to the gym. Burris told reporters his team is more interested in developing compounds that can simulate the effects of exercise for people who can’t be physically active, rather than a fitness aid for those who just don’t want to. Clearly, that is needlessly discriminatory against millions of perfectly decent and utterly lazy people the world over. Speaking as one of them, we want a drug to replace physical activity, we want it now, and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Just as long as we don’t have to resort to getting off of the couch.

(via Medical News Today)

Meanwhile in related links

• If we could work more video games into exercise, that would be great
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• This mouse could use this pill, because man is it bad at exercise wheels