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Harry Potter Wedding Spoiled by Failed Owl Delivery Service

Hiring the Owl Post to act as the official ring-bearer is a great idea for a magical, Harry Potter-esque wedding is a wonderful, romantic idea. Unless that owl turns out to be a total dick. One couple had the cute idea to hire an actual owl and falconer to fly their wedding rings down the…

That Famous Photo of Teddy Roosevelt Riding a Moose Is Fake

This one is a pre-photoshop fake.

The human nose can sense 10 basic smells

We’ve got categories to describe our perceptions of taste, colors, and sounds. But things aren’t as clear-cut when it comes to our sense of smell. Looking to overcome this surprising limitation, a team of researchers have proposed a list of 10 basic smells. Indeed, we’re all set when it comes to describing the way our…

Start using mind maps to boost your creative power and memory

“Mind maps can help you become more creative, remember more, and solve problems more effectively,” says Melanie Pinola in Lifehacker. She explains how to use them in this guide. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-use-mind-maps-to-unleash-your-brains-creativity-1348869811

That gold iPhone 5S sure is popular (or Apple didn’t make very many of them) — if you try to order through Apple’s website, it won’t ship until October. What a champagne pain.

The grumpy history of the smiley emoticon

Scott Fahlman, computer scientist and typography genius, invented the smiley emoticon. But today’s ubiquitous smiley had a few precursors. One involved a tongue, and the other involved Ambrose Bierce. Pick your favorite. In 1982, Scott Fahlman decided to help computer users out by inventing a little sign that could let others know when they were…

Why We Don’t Need Parking Day Anymore

As you’re driving around town today, you may find yourself asking these questions: Why are they sold out of astroturf at the hardware store? How did this cello end up in the street? Who are these people doing yoga in my parking spot? Welcome to the ninth annual Parking Day. Parking Day (or, one of…

Louis C.K.’s Daughters Can’t Have Smartphones Because of Sadness

Louis C.K.’s daughters won’t be getting cell phones anytime soon, because the famous dad/funnyman explains as only he can, phones take away his kids’ ability to just feel sadness. It’s a valid point; when was the last time you were able to sit idly doing nothing without reaching for your iPhone to check Twitter or…

Which of today’s current technologies will be around in 50 years?

Your laptop and phone will start becoming obsolete almost as soon as you take them out of the box, but some of the tech we use — like radio, and the QWERTY keyboard layout — has stood the test of time. What current tech do you think will still be around in 50 years? Make…

ASICS’ Adaptive Running App Trains You By Learning From You

If you’re looking for guidance in creating a running plan, there aren’t a whole lot of ways you can go. You could cut something out of a magazine, you could use a stock program that comes with an app, or you could pay serious coin for a personal trainer. ASICS thinks it’s got a better…

Hilariously crazy guy trolls rich guys in expensive sports cars

“You’re driving top down! God’s a pimp! You’re an angel! I pray that I may die for you!” Enjoy Vine user Conner O’Malley and his mad trolling of rich guys in expensive sports cars, driving around NYC and other cities. https://autoweekusa.kinja.com/meet-conner-omalley-vines-car-troll-1331994860

Why We Need to Think Differently About Our Genomes

If—like most of us—your entire understanding of DNA and genetics can be traced back to CSI reruns, you’re probably under the impression that your genome is unique; that it defines you completely. But scientists increasingly believe that’s not that case. In fact, we need to start thinking about our genomes differently. The Common Chimera A…

See the explosion that mimics the strike of a match

Striking a match isn’t a particularly dramatic process. But an explosion that goes off with the tap of a glass rod? Much more dramatic. Yet they both stem from the same reaction. Potassium chlorate isn’t particularly dangerous. It’s nothing but a potassium atom, a chlorine atom, and three oxygen atoms. Hardly sinister. If anything, it’s…

First iPhone 5S and 5C Drop Test: Only One of Them Shatters

Clad in a plastic back, the iPhone 5C might be cheaper, but is it more durable than the 5S? Obviously, the only way to find out is by dropping the new phones. https://gizmodo.com/iphone-5c-apples-colorful-budget-phone-is-real-1278630584 Android Authority tested the two devices by dropping them from chest level on their backs, sides, and fronts. In the end, no…

New message to aliens could be uploaded to New Horizons spacecraft

Astronomical artist Jon Lomberg — the same guy who helped develop the Voyager Interstellar record back in 1977 — is launching a new initiative to persuade NASA to upload a new message to the New Horizons spacecraft once its mission to Pluto is complete. He’s calling it Voyager Record 2.0. https://gizmodo.com/the-contents-of-humanitys-first-space-postcard-and-how-1308684243 As it stands, New…

Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney will not be making Pirates of the Caribbean 17 together. Disney has ended their long-standing deal with the blockbuster maker. Was it The Lone Ranger? (Probably). [Via Cinemablend]

KFC defies the laws of physics and decency with unholy Deep Fried Soup

“A creamy soup corn potage deep fried to a crisp,” says Richard Blackeley’s This Is Why You’re Fat. An unholy invention that is only available in Japan. https://thisiswhyyourefat.kinja.com/kfcs-deep-fried-soup-1244245151

All the Latest on S.H.I.E.L.D., Walking Dead, Orphan Black, and More!

J.J. Abrams reveals his ideas for the tone of Star Wars: Episode VII. Check out tons of new images for Thor: The Dark World and Catching Fire. RoboCop is headed to IMAX. Terry Gilliam reveals why his low-budget dystopian movie Zero Theorem is a little bit like Brazil. It’s time for spoilers! Top image from…

11 of the Best Damn Astronomy Photos You’ll See This Year

Yesterday, the winners of the fifth annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition were finally announced—and man oh man, are they stunning. Over 1,200 amateurs and pros submitted shots, ranging from stunning aurora borealis images to a panorama taken by a ten-year-old whiz kid. The photos hail from an incredibly diverse set of locations too,…

A Fully Flushable Toilet That Comes To You

Though it’s designed for use in hospitals and other medical facilities where a patient’s mobility is limited, Toro’s new movable Bedside Flushable Toilet also seems like the perfect way to never miss the game or your favorite TV show. Unlike a bedpan which has to be later cleaned—and is also kind of gross—Toro’s new toilet…