Switched http://www.switched.com Switched. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[March Madness Contest Guide, With a Little Coaching from Bracketologist Brad Wachtel]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/ncaa-march-madness-bracket-guide/ http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/ncaa-march-madness-bracket-guide/ http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/ncaa-march-madness-bracket-guide/#comments March Madness serves as the ultimate sports equalizer. The seemingly infinite number of outcomes, and the requisite unforeseen upsets, annually level the bracket playing field. Even the most uncoordinated and uninformed Tournament rookies can -- and frequently do -- conquer the cocky braggarts who spend months poring over trends and statistics. And with myriad options of tracking the tournament online -- from Hooters to ESPN -- anyone with a Web connection suddenly becomes a powerful March Madness maven.

But, ambitious participants with lofty hoop dreams should certainly rely on more than just blind luck. And no one, in terms of accuracy and enduring reliability, provides guidance like the preeminent bracketologist Brad Wachtel. Wachtel joined the Rutgers coaching staff this year, so "a conflict of interest" prevents him from providing his full, round-by-round bracketology breakdown. However, he was generous enough to bestow our readers with his remarkable insight, and -- most graciously -- his essential tips for filling out a competitive, successful bracket on some of the great Web options out there.

Take his advice, and take ours: we've rounded up the ten best free bracket sites, so once you've gotten your Wachtel-approved strategy, you can hit the courts. Digitally, of course.

Continue reading March Madness Contest Guide, With a Little Coaching from Bracketologist Brad Wachtel

March Madness Contest Guide, With a Little Coaching from Bracketologist Brad Wachtel originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> basketballbest+march+madness+contestsbestmarchmadnesscontestsbracket guideBracketGuidebracketologybracketology+upsetsbracketologyupsetsbracketsbrad wachtelBradWachtelfeatureshooters+march+madness+contesthootersmarchmadnesscontestmarch+madness+bracketology+2011march+madness+contestmarchmadnessbracketology2011marchmadnesscontestncaancaa bracketsncaa brackets 2011NcaaBracketsNcaaBrackets2011sportstop Warren Riddle Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Online Romance Scam Suckers Bereft Man Out of $200,000]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/man-scammed-for-200000-online-romance/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/man-scammed-for-200000-online-romance/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/man-scammed-for-200000-online-romance/#comments A 48-year-old Illinois man recently learned, the hard way, that '419' scams involve more than just distressed bankers, contrite hitmen and forlorn princes. The unnamed victim reportedly discovered the agonizing truth when his online love interest -- of more than two years -- turned out to be a complete fabrication.

The heart- (and bank account-) breaking scam cost the man more than $200,000, but he did ignore a variety of sketchy signifiers. Perhaps the most glaring sign was that he'd never actually met the "woman." And, the jet-setting (although mysteriously destitute) girlfriend also requested that he wire his monetary gifts to exotic locations, including Nigeria, Malaysia, England and the United States.

Continue reading Online Romance Scam Suckers Bereft Man Out of $200,000

Online Romance Scam Suckers Bereft Man Out of $200,000 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 419419ScamNigerianScamsOnlineRelationshipstop Warren Riddle Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:05:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[REM Debuts New Record on Spotify]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/rem-uses-spotify-debut-collapse-into-now-record/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/rem-uses-spotify-debut-collapse-into-now-record/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/rem-uses-spotify-debut-collapse-into-now-record/#comments REM unveiled its "Accelerate" album one week early online. Today, the band embarks on a similar strategy with its new record, "Collapse Into Now" by debuting on Spotify. The music-streaming service still isn't available in the U.S., so European listeners will have exclusive access to the early action before the album officially lands on March 7th.

REM Debuts New Record on Spotify originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> musicmusic streamingmusic streaming serviceMusicStreamingMusicStreamingServiceremspotifytop Warren Riddle Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Toyota 'Partner' Bots Show Off Their Violin and Trumpet Skills]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/toyota-partner-bots-show-off-their-violin-and-trumpet-skills/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/toyota-partner-bots-show-off-their-violin-and-trumpet-skills/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/toyota-partner-bots-show-off-their-violin-and-trumpet-skills/#comments
Thanks to the engineering impresarios at Toyota, those unguided hordes of boogying robot dancers finally have mechanical musicians to move them. The company's updated 'Partner' 'bots recently demonstrated their automated violin and trumpet skills, both solo and with human accompaniment, at the Robot & Human Concert in Tokyo. Despite its impressive skills, the violin-'bot will still require years of dedicated training programming before its can rival this technological violin master.

Toyota 'Partner' Bots Show Off Their Violin and Trumpet Skills originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> PartnerRobotPartnerRobot2.0PartnerRobotsRobotHumanConcerttopToyotaRobotToyotaRobots Warren Riddle Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Legend of Zelda' Turns 25]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/21/legend-of-zelda-turns-25/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/21/legend-of-zelda-turns-25/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/21/legend-of-zelda-turns-25/#comments Last year, the seminal 'Super Mario' commemorated its 25th birthday, and today, another Nintendo superstar is celebrating the same milestone. 'The Legend of Zelda,' and its gleaming gold cartridge, first arrived in Japanese stores 25 years ago today. While it may not be a grand gesture like Mario's avenue honor, 1up pulled together the very best in theme songs, ridiculous Hyrule merchandise and 25 years of cringe-worthy advertising.

'Legend of Zelda' Turns 25 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> gaminglinknintendoretro gamingRetroGamingThe Legend of ZeldaTheLegendOfZeldazelda Warren Riddle Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:03:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Breakup Notifier' Facebook App Feeds the Obsession and Infatuation]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/21/breakup-notifier-facebook-app-feeds-obsession/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/21/breakup-notifier-facebook-app-feeds-obsession/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/21/breakup-notifier-facebook-app-feeds-obsession/#comments breakup notifier Programmer Dan Loewenherz has created a new app that could stimulate several Facebook groups, particularly lotharios, lovesick stalkers and appreciators of schadenfreude. According to Gawker, Loewenherz's 'Breakup Notifier' allows users to compile lists of their "taken" friends, so that "whenever those friends change their relationship statuses, the app will e-mail" the snooping stalker. Unfortunately, the app's release is a little too late for the Valentine's Day scavengers, but prime breakup season is right around the corner -- so get stalking, Spring Breakers.

'Breakup Notifier' Facebook App Feeds the Obsession and Infatuation originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appsbreakup+notifierbreakup+notifier+facebookBreakupNotifierbreakupnotifierfacebookDanLoewenherzfacebookfacebook+breakup+notifier+appFacebookBreakupChartfacebookbreakupnotifierappFacebookStalkingtop Warren Riddle Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Worldwide Graffiti Captured With 'Street Art View']]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/17/worldwide-graffiti-captured-with-street-art-view/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/17/worldwide-graffiti-captured-with-street-art-view/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/17/worldwide-graffiti-captured-with-street-art-view/#comments blu on street art view Last Spring, the street artist Gaia began archiving his graffiti exploits with Google Maps. Now, courtesy of Red Bull and the Loducca advertising agency, Gaia has an illustrious -- and expanding -- crew of Google graffiti compatriots. Composed entirely of graffiti art, Red Bull's new Street Art View project aspires to become "the biggest art collection in the world" by incorporating various aspects of Google Street View and the Google Art Project.

The site, which allows users to pinpoint street pieces on a Google Map, catalogs individual artworks and their creators. Viewers can sort by chronology and views, or even by individual artists. Given the fleeting impermanence of graffiti art, the service provides an overdue method of collecting and appreciating an extremely undervalued art form. (Ahh, if only the Web had been around for the apex of Berlin's Mauerkunst movement.) Although some graffiti fans may relish the thrill of the hunt (for new pieces), a permanent exhibition that chronicles the daring exploits of sneaky, elusive masters like Banksy should prove to be invaluable.

Worldwide Graffiti Captured With 'Street Art View' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artbanksyblugoogleGoogle Art Projectgoogle street viewGoogleArtProjectGoogleStreetViewgraffitios gemeosOsGemeosred bullRedBullstreetartviewstreetviewtop Warren Riddle Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Whiny Teacher Blogs About 'Whiny' Students, Gets Suspended]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/natalie-munroe-suspended-lazy-whiners-blog/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/natalie-munroe-suspended-lazy-whiners-blog/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/natalie-munroe-suspended-lazy-whiners-blog/#comments natlie munroe A Pennsylvania teacher has proven that educators aren't so different (or more mature) than their supposedly petulant pupils. Thirty-year-old Natalie Munroe has reportedly been suspended with pay, and could possibly be terminated from Central Bucks East High School, because of repeated blog posts that labeled her students as "lazy whiners" and "disrespectful oafs." She also posted a "pithy joke," saying that a few harsh assessments, such as "simpering grade grubber with an unrealistically high perception of own ability level," should be standardized report card comments.

Munroe issued perhaps the most interesting statements outside of her blog, though. She apparently told the Bucks County Courier Times that upset students "have a problem within themselves," and that parents, students and school systems "take teachers who enter the education field full of life and hope and a desire to change the world and positively impact kids, and beat the life out of them and villainize [Umm, "vilify," maybe?] them and blame them for everything." So, she was excited about a job and then grew disillusioned? Wah. It seems like someone needs a lesson in hubris and hypocrisy.

Continue reading Whiny Teacher Blogs About 'Whiny' Students, Gets Suspended

Whiny Teacher Blogs About 'Whiny' Students, Gets Suspended originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blogblogginglazy+whiners+bloglazywhinersblognatalie+monroe+blognatalie+monroe+teacher+blognataliemonroeblognataliemonroeteacherblogNatalieMunroestudentssuspendedteacherstopweb Warren Riddle Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hi-Tech, Auto-Focus Eyeglasses Appearing in Stores This Spring]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/hi-tech-auto-focus-eyeglasses-appearing-in-stores-this-spring/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/hi-tech-auto-focus-eyeglasses-appearing-in-stores-this-spring/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/hi-tech-auto-focus-eyeglasses-appearing-in-stores-this-spring/#comments emPower glasses While much of the tech world's attention to eyewear has focused on creating non-dorky 3-D glasses, Dr. Ronald Blum has been developing an astounding -- and potentially revolutionary -- set of hi-tech specs. Now, after more than a decade of research and advancement, Dr. Blum's PixelOptics firm appears set to release emPower, "the world's first electronic focusing eyewear."

These loaded, enhanced bifocals house microchips, accelerometers and rechargeable batteries. The emPower's lenses feature liquid crystal displays that enable effortless perspective shifts, merely by touching the side of the frame. According to the New York Times, that simple touch triggers an electronic current that "changes the orientation of molecules in the crystals," which appropriately alters how the lenses refract light. The embedded accelerometers can even automatically activate the lenses' "reading power" based on certain movements, such as looking down at a book.

Continue reading Hi-Tech, Auto-Focus Eyeglasses Appearing in Stores This Spring

Hi-Tech, Auto-Focus Eyeglasses Appearing in Stores This Spring originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> AutoFocusempowerPixelOpticsPixelopticsEmpowersciencetopwearables Warren Riddle Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hacker Blackmails Nintendo With Personal Data From 4,000 Gamers]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/hacker-blackmails-nintendo-with-personal-data-from-4-000-gamers/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/hacker-blackmails-nintendo-with-personal-data-from-4-000-gamers/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/hacker-blackmails-nintendo-with-personal-data-from-4-000-gamers/#comments Earlier this month, an unnamed hacker reportedly infiltrated a Nintendo 3DS promotional site and uncovered the names, e-mail addresses and postal codes of 4,000 Nintendo members. The assailant then allegedly blackmailed Nintendo because he believed "the firm had shown negligence in not securing the information more effectively."

According to Naked Security, Nintendo alerted the Spanish Data Protection agency, but -- after the agency failed to respond -- the hacker apparently posted some of the information to an online gaming forum and threatened to divulge more. Well, the authorities certainly weren't negligent after that data exposure; Spanish police located and arrested the perpetrator in Malaga, Spain. Because of legal protocol, Nintendo and Spanish authorities have remained vague concerning the specific victims and where the personal information was posted.

So, just to be safe, gamers may want to reset the passwords for their Nintendo accounts, and any associated email addresses. Vigilantly monitoring that e-mail account for any suspicious activity or messages would also be a wise precautionary measure.

Hacker Blackmails Nintendo With Personal Data From 4,000 Gamers originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 3dsDataTheftgaminghacknintendoNintendo3dsSecurityVulnerabilitiestop Warren Riddle Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Motion Gaming May Lift Spirits, Restore Self-Worth for Senior Citizens]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/wii-move-kinect-may-help-senior-citizens/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/wii-move-kinect-may-help-senior-citizens/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/wii-move-kinect-may-help-senior-citizens/#comments Scientists have already discovered a variety of health benefits that video games offer to elderly gamers, including heightened mental acuity and vision restoration. After performing a 10-week observational study, Dr. Patricia Kahlbaugh of Southern Connecticut State University now believes that motion control gaming alleviates other afflictions that commonly plague senior citizens, including feelings of depression, isolation and irrelevance.

Kahlbaugh initially selected 36 participants (with an average age of 82) from various retirement communities in New Haven County, Connecticut. Of those test subjects, 16 played the Nintendo Wii for one hour every week with one of Kahlbaugh's students. (Now that's fieldwork.) Another group, with 12 participants, spent that weekly hour merely watching television with a different student observer.

Continue reading Motion Gaming May Lift Spirits, Restore Self-Worth for Senior Citizens

Motion Gaming May Lift Spirits, Restore Self-Worth for Senior Citizens originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> elderlygamingkinectmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectMotionControlGamingMotionControllermovenintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisciencesony moveSonyMovestudytopwii Warren Riddle Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Radiohead Eliminates Freebies With New 'Newspaper' Album]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/radiohead-king-of-limbs-newspaper-album/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/radiohead-king-of-limbs-newspaper-album/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/radiohead-king-of-limbs-newspaper-album/#comments For their next record, the technologically driven members of Radiohead apparently want to pay homage to a noticeable victim of the Internet Age -- the newspaper. According to Wired, Radiohead has labeled its upcoming record 'The King of Limbs' as "the world's first newspaper album," and will fittingly release it in a variety of editions.

You'll be able to purchase digital copies online (for a set price this time) on February 19th. Physical editions, reportedly packed with artwork and other "goodies," will start shipping out on March 9th. Basic digital downloads will reportedly run around $10, while the loaded physical packages will cost approximately $50. The band hasn't specifically addressed what exactly constitutes a "newspaper album," but "the world's first"? Ian Anderson and his Jethro Tull bandmates might have a little something to say about that.

Radiohead Eliminates Freebies With New 'Newspaper' Album originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> DigitalDownloadsmusicNewspaperAlbumRadioheadTheKingOfLimbsThomYorketop Warren Riddle Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Let's Get Ready to Ruminate! Man Vs. Machine on 'Jeopardy' This Week]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/14/jeopardy-watson-takes-on-humans-this-week/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/14/jeopardy-watson-takes-on-humans-this-week/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/14/jeopardy-watson-takes-on-humans-this-week/#comments alex trebek, ken jennings, brad rutter and watson After almost two years of steady hype (including a fascinating recent preview on 'Nova'), the 'Jeopardy' battle between mankind and machine finally goes down this week. Beginning tonight, the three-day war for trivia supremacy pits Watson, the IBM supercomputer, against 'Jeopardy' heroes Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Watson actually vanquished the two humans in a recent practice round, so Jennings and Rutter had better get their game faces on. All hope for humanity (or, at least, humanity's future hopes of winning cash prizes and extended vacations) rests on the outcome.

Let's Get Ready to Ruminate! Man Vs. Machine on 'Jeopardy' This Week originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> BradRutterfutureibmIbmWatsonjeopardyjeopardy+february+14jeopardy+watsonjeopardyfebruary14jeopardywatsonKenJenningstopwatson Warren Riddle Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Seed Drawings' Crowd-Source Project Evolves as Living Artwork]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/13/clement-valla-seed-drawings-crowdsources-artwork/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/13/clement-valla-seed-drawings-crowdsources-artwork/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/13/clement-valla-seed-drawings-crowdsources-artwork/#comments clement valla 'seed drawing' Writers and directors sometimes implore the public to submit brief, incremental elements in order to build a larger story or movie. Brooklyn artist Clement Valla recently embarked on a similar crowd-sourcing project, called 'Seed Drawings,' but her goal was to construct living, evolving artworks. Valla initially created artistic building blocks, and then asked the public -- via Amazon Mechanical Turk -- to contribute bordering pieces that needed to be "as similar as possible to the original drawings."

Over a three month period, thousands of contributors augmented those original drawings in order to create "large scale structures." Those resulting structures may not impress highbrow art fans, but this artistic progression immediately ranks ahead of previous schemes. Similar crowd-sourcing projects frequently fail because of the obviously fickle and sometimes inferior nature of fan submissions. These particular pieces, though, prove rather extraordinary to watch -- regardless of the actual artistic or aesthetic merits -- as they evolve into massive and chaotic amalgamations of publicly generated randomness.

'Seed Drawings' Crowd-Source Project Evolves as Living Artwork originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amazonamazon mechanical turkAmazonMechanicalTurkartclement vallaClementVallacrowdsourcingdesignmechanical turkMechanicalTurkseed drawingsSeedDrawingstop Warren Riddle Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Obama Reveals Wireless Internet Expansion Plan, Targets Rural Areas]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/10/wireless-internet-expansion-plan-detailed-by-obama/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/10/wireless-internet-expansion-plan-detailed-by-obama/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/10/wireless-internet-expansion-plan-detailed-by-obama/#comments Last June, the Obama administration outlined an auction plan that could help double the U.S. broadband spectrum. According to Reuters, the White House has finally revealed the specific financial details concerning that strategy. As part of the overall plan, Obama will propose an additional $5 billion investment to bring wireless Internet to rural areas of the country. But, the spectrum auction process could ideally help secure $27.8 billion over the next 10 years.

$3 billion of that total would reportedly be invested in wireless technology research, while $9.6 billion would go toward reducing the nation's budget deficit. The 2012 White House budget plan, which will be announced next week, will also reportedly "call for $10.7 billion to be invested in developing a wireless network to support public safety agencies."

Continue reading Obama Reveals Wireless Internet Expansion Plan, Targets Rural Areas

Obama Reveals Wireless Internet Expansion Plan, Targets Rural Areas originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> barack obamaBarackObamagovernmentinfrastructureobamatopwhite houseWhiteHousewireless internetwireless internet expansionWirelessInternetWirelessInternetExpansion Warren Riddle Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Boy Opens, Exploits Xbox Live Account With Mom's Credit Card]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/brendan-matthews-2000-xbox-live-spending-spree/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/brendan-matthews-2000-xbox-live-spending-spree/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/brendan-matthews-2000-xbox-live-spending-spree/#comments Single mother Dawn Matthews received an extremely unwelcome (although increasingly common) letter recently. After she allowed her 11-year-old son, Brendan Jordan, to create an Xbox Live account -- with her credit card information -- he subsequently racked up £1,082.52 (almost $2,000) in charges. The compassionate mother apparently hasn't punished her son, but she did tell the Daily Mail that Brendan remorsefully "burst into tears." Well, that statement should certainly be punishment enough. Have fun in school tomorrow, kid.

Boy Opens, Exploits Xbox Live Account With Mom's Credit Card originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> brendan matthewsbrendan+jordanbrendanjordandawn matthewsDawnMatthewsgamingtopxboxxbox liveXbox Live Marketplacexbox+live+accountXbox-360XboxLivexboxliveaccountXboxLiveMarketplace Warren Riddle Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Academy Award 'Mominees' Invited to Live-Tweet Oscar Insight]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/academy-award-mominees-invited-to-live-tweet-oscar-insight/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/academy-award-mominees-invited-to-live-tweet-oscar-insight/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/academy-award-mominees-invited-to-live-tweet-oscar-insight/#comments The producers of this year's Academy Awards have initiated a "You're Invited" campaign, in hopes of sparking increased fan interest and interaction. As part of that campaign, the producers have asked the mothers of Oscar nominees (or "mominees") to share memories and insight live on Twitter. The producers have also implemented other methods to foster a feel-good, fan-friendly Oscar atmosphere, so the awards should definitely be heavy on sappy nostalgia and celebrity backslapping. Yech. Is is too late to replace co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco with Ricky Gervais?

Academy Award 'Mominees' Invited to Live-Tweet Oscar Insight originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Academy AwardsAcademyAwardscelebritiesmomineesmoviesoscarstoptweettweetingtwitter Warren Riddle Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[John Woo Reprising Classic Film 'The Killer' With 3-D Tech]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/john-woo-the-killer-goes-3-d/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/john-woo-the-killer-goes-3-d/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/john-woo-the-killer-goes-3-d/#comments 'the killer' 3-D technology affords directors and screen writers with an excellent excuse for rejuvenating (or regurgitating) older, somewhat outdated films. John Woo, the renowned director of stylized action films like 'Face/Off' and 'Mission: Impossible II,' reportedly now intends to add another dimension to his 1989 thriller 'The Killer.'

Woo will apparently produce the 3-D redux, while John H. Lee will assume the director's role and Jung Woo-sung will replace preeminent Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat in the protagonist's role. The updated film should showcase Woo's stunning cinematic techniques, but -- one has to wonder -- will 3-D impress in a movie with so much slow-motion?

Continue reading John Woo Reprising Classic Film 'The Killer' With 3-D Tech

John Woo Reprising Classic Film 'The Killer' With 3-D Tech originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 3-d3-d movies3-dMoviesJohn WooJohnWoomediamoviesthe killerTheKillertop Warren Riddle Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Scientists Create Ominous Baby 'Bot, Needs Diaper-Changing Skills]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/creepy-affetto-baby-robot/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/creepy-affetto-baby-robot/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/creepy-affetto-baby-robot/#comments
Studies have indicated that if a robot appears and acts like a human, then babies will actually believe the robot is a human. But, what if the baby is a robot? Will it grow up thinking it, too, is human? Robot researchers at Osaka University don't have to worry about that realism uncertainty, for now, because their new AFFETTO baby 'bot may just be the creepiest creation to ever roll off a robot production line.

The scientists apparently hoped to engineer a "child robot with realistic facial expressions," so that it could endear itself to human caregivers. (Umm, why exactly would a robot need a human caregiver? This just keeps getting creepier.) It's hard, however, to notice anything other than those soulless, shifty eyes. Watch the video above for a demonstration of the simulated, synthetic emotions, and (if you'd also like to see what a baby Terminator looks like) check out the follow-up for an inside view of the gears and guts, after the break.

Continue reading Scientists Create Ominous Baby 'Bot, Needs Diaper-Changing Skills

Scientists Create Ominous Baby 'Bot, Needs Diaper-Changing Skills originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> AFFETTObaby robotBabybotBabyRobotosaka universityOsakaUniversityrobotrobotstop Warren Riddle Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:25:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Scientists Build a Fake Twitter to Predict Twitter Activity]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/07/social-network-write-generator-predicts-twitter/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/07/social-network-write-generator-predicts-twitter/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/07/social-network-write-generator-predicts-twitter/#comments twitter graphs Various scientists believe Twitter possesses significant benefits as a predictive tool for cultural events. Researchers already analyze overall Twitter use in order to forecast and gauge various financial scenarios, including stock market activity and the potential box office success of movies. A group of analysts with Telefonica Research now believe they could predict potential Twitter activity with a virtual Twitter called the Social Network Write Generator (SONG).

According to Technology Review, the group hopes to "use the virtual Twitterverse to create massive datasets that researchers can then use to study how various scenarios might play out in the real world." To generate the data sets, the researchers used 16 connected Pentium class machines over a ten day period to simulate "a virtual network of synthetic tweeters." The group believes its virtual network can conceivably facilitate Twitter analysis, simply because of the massive, overwhelming activity on the real site. The analysis could aid advertising firms, website creators and other businesses that hope to predict the future market success of their services and campaigns.

For folks who'd like to read the published report (and for those who actually understand statistical terms like "diurnal variations"), it can be found at Cornell University's online library.

Scientists Build a Fake Twitter to Predict Twitter Activity originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> sciencesocial network write generatorSocialNetworkWriteGeneratorSONGtelefonicatoptwitterTwitterAnalytics Warren Riddle Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['The Wii Plays' Takes Gameplay to the Live Stage]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/06/the-wii-plays-takes-gameplay-to-the-live-stage/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/06/the-wii-plays-takes-gameplay-to-the-live-stage/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/06/the-wii-plays-takes-gameplay-to-the-live-stage/#comments The Ars Nova theater in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood hopes to translate a collection of eminent, famous fables to the live stage. The series of stories may surprise some avid playgoers, though, because the playwrights actually sought inspiration from the Nintendo Wii. 'The Wii Plays,' devised by the theater's Play Group, includes an assortment of legendary Nintendo titles, including 'Wii Tennis' and 'Marvel Super Hero Squad', as well as seminal characters like Mario and Sonic.

According to the New York Times, the short plays each run approximately 8 minutes, and attendees will be able play real Wii games prior to the show. Ars Nova's associate artistic director, Emily Shooltz, reportedly hopes the "fun and upbeat" atmosphere helps people "embrace the spirit of game night." The fact that the Play Group's 12 members took creative license with their narratives should definitely help contribute to that frivolity. In one particularly intriguing redux, 'Oedipus' meets 'Wii Sports Resort' when a son and stepfather duel for the affections of the family matriarch.

Continue reading 'The Wii Plays' Takes Gameplay to the Live Stage

'The Wii Plays' Takes Gameplay to the Live Stage originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ars novaArsNovagaminglolznintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiithe wii playsTheWiiPlaystopvideo gamesVideoGameswii Warren Riddle Sun, 06 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Archaeologist May Have Found Over a Thousand Tombs with Google Earth]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/05/david-kennedy-used-google-earth-find-tombs/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/05/david-kennedy-used-google-earth-find-tombs/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/05/david-kennedy-used-google-earth-find-tombs/#comments photo of potential archaelogical site With the aid of revolutionary technology, archaeologists continue to expose exciting historical discoveries. According to The New Scientist, University of Western Australia professor David Kennedy has utilized Google Earth in hopes of identifying archaeological sites, and he just may have stumbled across nearly two thousand potentially significant locations.

Using the satellite software from Perth, Kennedy analyzed approximately 500 square miles of the Arabian Peninsula and pinpointed 1,977 specific areas of interest, with 1,082 representing what he believes may be ancient "pendant" tombs. An associate within Saudi Arabia photographed two of the sites from the ground, and then Kennedy compared the resulting images to similar tombs in Jordan. Further site analysis is still needed from actual diggers, though, because Kennedy asserts that, "Just from Google Earth it's impossible to know whether we have found a Bedouin structure that was made 150 years ago or 10,000 years ago."

Archaeologists have utilized satellite imagery for years, but Google makes the practice universally and easily available. Coupled with the fact Google is publishing the Dead Sea scrolls for public consumption for the first time, a search engine may have shockingly eclipsed the standard, ancient trowel as an archaeologist's most significant tool.

Archaeologist May Have Found Over a Thousand Tombs with Google Earth originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> archaeologygooglegoogle earthGoogleEarthsciencetopuniversity of western australiaUniversityOfWesternAustralia Warren Riddle Sat, 05 Feb 2011 09:08:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Swedish Street Artist Constructs Rainbow-Painting Robot]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/akay-robo-rainbow/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/akay-robo-rainbow/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/akay-robo-rainbow/#comments
Geeks, tinkerers and amateur engineers obviously love Rube Goldberg devices, those overly complicated, ridiculous contraptions that accomplish mundane, everyday tasks. Akay, a Swedish street artist, has assembled one impressively complex technical apparatus that both defiles and brightens the urban landscape with a single and (seemingly) simple swoosh.

Using a bicycle and a diverse array of components, Akay constructed a mobile "Instrument of Mass Destruction," or, as he has called it, the 'Robo-Rainbow.' The mobile, self-powered graffiti-bot employs a swinging arm -- with spray paint cans attached -- to produce a symmetrical rainbow arc. Some observers don't appreciate the aesthetic value of street art, but there's at least one guy who must certainly be enthralled with this device. Although, he might just scoff -- since it does produce a mere single spectrum.

Swedish Street Artist Constructs Rainbow-Painting Robot originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> akayartdiygoldbergcontraptionsgraffitirobotsRubeGoldbergMachinestreet artStreetArttop Warren Riddle Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Super Bowl XLV on Twitter: Who to Follow]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/super-bowl-xlv-twitter-who-to-follow/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/super-bowl-xlv-twitter-who-to-follow/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/super-bowl-xlv-twitter-who-to-follow/#comments Super Bowl Twitter Accounts Super Bowl XLV presents a particularly intriguing juxtaposition of established tradition and revolutionary technology. The Steelers and Packers represent perhaps the two most storied franchises in NFL history, with each carrying a lunch-pail reputation as a blue-collar, working-class organization. Now, 21st-century tech is allowing unprecedented Super Bowl access to those timeless teams' players, fans and reporters -- putting the everyman player online.

Twitter, in particular, allows observers to instantly follow and discuss every aspect of the NFL's championship game, including the players' preparation, the exhaustive media coverage, the celebrity spectacle and the onslaught of creative commercials. The NFL recently constructed an incredible and exhaustive Twitter aggregation page that "displays a real-time visualization of trending Super Bowl related topics" based on size and "number of mentions." Twitter also features a cornucopia of individualized commentary for each of those Super Bowl scenes, and the tweeting action should undoubtedly kick-off (since there is, you know, an actual game being played) with the players the fans love -- and love to hate.

Continue reading Super Bowl XLV on Twitter: Who to Follow

Super Bowl XLV on Twitter: Who to Follow originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featuresgreen bay packersGreenBayPackersNFLpittsburgh steelersPittsburghSteelerssportssuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl on twittersuper bowl xlvSuperBowlSuperBowlAdsSuperBowlOnTwitterSuperBowlXlvtoptwittertwitter feedTwitterFeedwho to followWhoToFollow Warren Riddle Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Inventor Constructs Phenomenal DIY Propulsion Pack]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/sergei-khvalin-propeller-powered-backpack/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/sergei-khvalin-propeller-powered-backpack/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/03/sergei-khvalin-propeller-powered-backpack/#comments

A Russian inventor may have found an easy and awesome solution for stranded sufferers of the winter, snowbound blues. According to ITN News, Sergei Khvalin has assembled an incredible propeller-powered backpack, incorporating various lawnmower and paraglider components. Coupled with skis, Khvalin can bomb across frozen terrain at speeds of up to 25 mph. Amateur inventors frequently produce astounding DIY creations, but this particular masterpiece may be difficult to top (unless someone upgrades it with flying capabilities, of course).

Inventor Constructs Phenomenal DIY Propulsion Pack originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> PropellerBackpackpropulsionSergeiKhvalintoptransportation Warren Riddle Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Study Says Video Games Breed Reckless, Risky (and Skilled) Drivers]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/02/video-games-breed-reckless-risky-and-smarter-drive/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/02/video-games-breed-reckless-risky-and-smarter-drive/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/02/video-games-breed-reckless-risky-and-smarter-drive/#comments Well, 'Grand Theft Auto,' you've done it again. According to a Continental Tyre study, enthusiasts of driving games "take more risks than non-gaming drivers" and more frequently engage in dangerous street maneuvers. The statistics (culled from 1,000 gamers and 1,000 non-gamers) indicate that driving gamers crash, hit parked vehicles, sideswipe other cars, violate one-way streets and run red lights far more often than motorists who don't partake in driving games.

Extremely devoted driving gamers apparently represent the worst and most overconfident segment. People who spend more than eight hours per day behind the controller reportedly crash three times more often than gamers who spend less than an hour playing. Tim Bailey, a Continental Tyre safety expert, believes that, "while gamers develop useful skills and are more confident, they need to apply some balance with a sensible assessment of risk."

Continue reading Study Says Video Games Breed Reckless, Risky (and Skilled) Drivers

Study Says Video Games Breed Reckless, Risky (and Skilled) Drivers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> carCarAccidentsContinentalTyresDistractedDrivingdrivingDrivingGamegamingstudytoptransportation Warren Riddle Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Behavioral Study Shows Video Games Great for Girls (and Parents)]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/video-games-great-for-girls-parents-study/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/video-games-great-for-girls-parents-study/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/video-games-great-for-girls-parents-study/#comments Girls continue to represent a steadily expanding video gamer demographic. According to a recent study from Brigham Young University's School of Family Life, that's definitely a positive trend -- and not just for game manufacturers. The study involved 11- to 16-year-old girls, and determined that the ones who actually game with their parents perform better in many social areas than girls who play alone or solely with friends.

The study's director, psychology professor Sarah Coyne, told the Wall Street Journal, "It's the face-to-face time, the interaction, that matters." That familial gaming interaction purportedly produces girls who are better behaved, feel tighter family bonds and demonstrate "better mental health" than girls who don't play with their folks. Previous studies correlate perfectly with that dynamic, because research has shown that a majority of kids want their parents to game with them. So, parents, get on that couch and start gaming with your girls!

Behavioral Study Shows Video Games Great for Girls (and Parents) originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Brigham Young UniversityBrighamYoungUniversitychildrengamingstudytopvideogames Warren Riddle Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gogo Inflight Offers Free Facebook for February on North American Routes]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/free-facebook-on-airlines-with-gogo/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/free-facebook-on-airlines-with-gogo/ http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/free-facebook-on-airlines-with-gogo/#comments Airlines began offering in-flight Wi-Fi several years ago, but for some reason (exorbitant prices or misleading offers of "free" access, maybe?) people haven't exactly been jumping on board. An enticing new promotional plan from Gogo Inflight Internet could inspire a significant wave enthusiasm, though. Seven major airlines (Virgin America, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, AirTran, US Airways and Alaska Airlines) have agreed to provide free Facebook access on North American flights for the remainder of February.

Gogo's prices for overall Internet access will remain unchanged (beginning at $4.95 for shorter flights). But, Facebook does reportedly rank as Gogo's "most-visited site," so the company is at least giving the people what they want. So, go ahead and start cluttering your friends' timelines, for free, with those mundane airborne updates about that mundane over-sharer next to you.

Gogo Inflight Offers Free Facebook for February on North American Routes originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> facebookgogo inflightGogo internetGogoInflightGogoInternetinflight wifiInflightWifitopwireless Warren Riddle Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[WikiLeaks Alternative OpenLeaks Goes Live Following Site Leak]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/28/openleaks-wikileaks-alternative-goes-live-following-site-leak/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/28/openleaks-wikileaks-alternative-goes-live-following-site-leak/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/28/openleaks-wikileaks-alternative-goes-live-following-site-leak/#comments According to Fox News, an unnamed snitch recently leaked details concerning the WikiLeaks alternative OpenLeaks, to yet another whistleblower site called Cryptom. OpenLeaks reportedly just happens to be the brainchild of Daniel Domscheit-Berg, who previously operated as the "deputy" to head-man Julian Assange at WikiLeaks.

OpenLeaks plans a larger beta launch in the second half of 2011, but it's apparently already "drowning in applications." Domscheit-Berg hopes OpenLeaks provides an accurate and forthright alternative to WikiLeaks, which he claims has "lost its open source promise." Late last year, Domscheit-Berg explained to OWNI that OpenLeaks will be more transparent, which -- given the predecessor's troubling history -- should definitely be a reasonable goal.

Continue reading WikiLeaks Alternative OpenLeaks Goes Live Following Site Leak

WikiLeaks Alternative OpenLeaks Goes Live Following Site Leak originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> daniel domscheit-bergDanielDomscheit-bergJulian AssangeJulianAssangeopenleakspoliticswebWikileaks Warren Riddle Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:51:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Kuka the Dancing Robot Translates Music Into Art, With a Blow Torch]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/27/kuka-dancing-robot-sculpts-wax/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/27/kuka-dancing-robot-sculpts-wax/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/27/kuka-dancing-robot-sculpts-wax/#comments A dancing robot in Germany is providing an entirely new, and high-tech, meaning to the ol' musical phrase "spinning wax." Created by designer Hermann August Weizenegger and composer Michalj Kekenj for Berlin's Made art studio, the Kuka robo-dancer possesses unprecedented moves and skills. According to Wired, "the robot is programmed to process and interpret Kekenj's musical compositions -- which he plays on the violin -- into digital data." Equipped with a rotating drill bit, a blowtorch and other armaments, Kuka then carefully sculpts a physical representation of that digital musical data from a block of wax. (Check out a video of Kuka after the break.) And, for the heavy metal art fans, Weizenegger and Kekenj apparently hope to cast their favorite pieces in bronze.

Continue reading Kuka the Dancing Robot Translates Music Into Art, With a Blow Torch

Kuka the Dancing Robot Translates Music Into Art, With a Blow Torch originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artDancingRobotDancingRobotskukaRobotArtrobotstop Warren Riddle Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Anti-Pirate Law Firm Succumbs to Coordinated Hacker Assault]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/25/anti-pirate-acs-law-firm-hacked-operation-payback/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/25/anti-pirate-acs-law-firm-hacked-operation-payback/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/25/anti-pirate-acs-law-firm-hacked-operation-payback/#comments Andrew Crossley, the manager of the law firm ACS:Law, made a concerted effort last year to individually punish purported file-sharers. The dismissive Crossley learned a painful and public lesson in hubris, though, when agitated Web vigilantes launched 'Operation Payback is a B****' and specifically targeted the law firm. After having suffered site attacks, network hacks, leaked confidential information and government investigations, ACS:Law has apparently succumbed to the disruptive pirate pressure.

According to the Telegraph, Crossley recently decided to drop 26 file-sharing cases, supposedly because he endured "death threats and bomb threats." London's Metropolitan Police, however, expressed "no knowledge of any bomb threat against Mr. Crossley or ACS:Law." It might also be purely coincidental, but the chances for Crossley's success in court also began to seem suspiciously and increasingly slim. Because of apparently "weak" evidence, a judge told Crossley, "I am getting the impression with every twist and turn since I started looking at these cases that there is a desire to avoid any judicial scrutiny." So, before you start feeling sorry for poor Mr. Crossley and his beleaguered firm, just remember, the presiding judge apparently isn't prepared to offer any sympathy.

Anti-Pirate Law Firm Succumbs to Coordinated Hacker Assault originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 4chanAndrewCrossleyfilesharingFilesharingLawsuitshackersOperationPaybacksecuritytopweb Warren Riddle Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Deadheads Grateful to Play in (and With) the Band, Thanks to New Online Game]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/25/grateful-dead-building-online-game-with-curious-sense/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/25/grateful-dead-building-online-game-with-curious-sense/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/25/grateful-dead-building-online-game-with-curious-sense/#comments Grateful Dead fans have sought haven online since the Web's inception. Deadheads populate message boards, fan sites and tape-trading forums in inordinate numbers, but a new interactive experience could provide unprecedented access to the band's voluminous history. According to ABC News, The Dead has signed on with game developer Curious Sense to build "an online world based on the music and culture of the seminal San Francisco band."

The online Dead gaming experience purportedly associates various interactive realms with individual songs and themes. Adam Blumenthal, the founder of Curious Sense, indicates, "It could be 'Terrapin Station' or it could be 'Dark Star,' and [players] will be taken into a game specific to a song." Blumenthal also hints that the highly successful 'Angry Birds' model of destruction could be followed for certain tracks. ('Cream Puff War,' anyone?) Decades ago, The Dead famously claimed that, "There ain't a winner in the game." Well, with this actual game tentatively set for an August arrival, even the band's most diehard fans might soon find exception to that statement.

Deadheads Grateful to Play in (and With) the Band, Thanks to New Online Game originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> CuriousSensegamingGratefulDeadmusicOnlineGamestopvideogames Warren Riddle Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Auburn Developing Hi-Tech, Remote Doggie Guidance System]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/22/remote-control-dog-guidance-system/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/22/remote-control-dog-guidance-system/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/22/remote-control-dog-guidance-system/#comments auburn university dog harness Auburn University's Canine Detection Research Institute (CDRI) endeavors "to develop and innovate unique and novel applications for detection dogs." Well, the renowned Institute's new high-tech harness certainly seems to adhere to that innovative standard. The CDRI, whose furry bomb-sniffers and drug-detectors have been drafted by government and military organizations, reportedly equipped the harness with a variety of advanced guidance features.

According to Gizmodo, the device houses "GPS sensors, a processor and a wireless radio," so that human handlers can safely guide the dogs from a remote location. The handler conceivably commands the detection-dog via auditory tones, and steers it by triggering vibrations on the sides of the harness's "backpack." Initial tests apparently generated positive results, as subject "Major" responded to commands with an 80-percent accuracy rating.

Continue reading Auburn Developing Hi-Tech, Remote Doggie Guidance System

Auburn Developing Hi-Tech, Remote Doggie Guidance System originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> animalsAuburnUniversityBombDogdogsPaulWaggonerRescueDogsciencetop Warren Riddle Sat, 22 Jan 2011 11:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Texting Fountain Lady Lawyers Up, Goes on Weepy Offensive]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/22/cathy-marrero-texting-fountain-weepy-offensive/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/22/cathy-marrero-texting-fountain-weepy-offensive/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/22/cathy-marrero-texting-fountain-weepy-offensive/#comments With her identity finally revealed, the infamous fountain lady should be joyously reveling in an undoubtedly fleeting moment of Internet fame. Instead, Cathy Cruz Marrero (who actually works, or worked, at the mall where she fell) has hired a lawyer and is publicly crusading for sympathy and an apology. Speaking with George Stephanopoulos, Cruz Marrero and her attorney recently explained the self-explanatory misstep, and expressed a determination "to hold all parties accountable." (Parties? Really?)

Seeking compassion and favor from the Web community (which obviously thrives on embarrassing slapstick hilarity) definitely seems like a hopeless cause. Ms. Cruz Marerro would probably be better suited by hiring an agent, crafting an auto-tune ditty or adding the 'Benny Hill' theme as background music. But, the time for those actions may have passed, because the fountain lady's ongoing media crusade has provoked some unintended, and particularly unflattering, publicity.

Continue reading Texting Fountain Lady Lawyers Up, Goes on Weepy Offensive

Texting Fountain Lady Lawyers Up, Goes on Weepy Offensive originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cathy cruz marreroCathyCruzMarrerofountain ladyFountainLadylolzmemesTextingtexting fountainTextingFountaintop Warren Riddle Sat, 22 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Pioneer Developing Powerful Android Computer, for Your Handlebars]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/21/pioneer-cyclocomputer-android-computer-handlebars/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/21/pioneer-cyclocomputer-android-computer-handlebars/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/21/pioneer-cyclocomputer-android-computer-handlebars/#comments pioneer bike computer Parrot's Asteroid -- an Android-powered, in-dash computer -- drew rave reviews from CES attendees earlier this month. Pioneer apparently hopes to produce a similarly impressive Android vehicular device, but this "cyclocomputer" is specifically designed for handlebars, not dashboards.

Pioneer's "graphically enhanced" bike computer will feature wireless sensors that monitor cadence, power, torque and the "graphical vectors for each foot." Judging from a photo, the device also tracks the progress of other riders and stores split times, which would make it ideal for teams or training partners. Its battery life and charging capabilities might present a few issues, but -- given the rapid recent advancement of bike technology and DIY mods -- those minor roadblocks shouldn't derail this Pioneer project.

Pioneer Developing Powerful Android Computer, for Your Handlebars originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> androidbikeBikeComputercyclocomputerdesignPioneertoptransportation Warren Riddle Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Essential BlackBerry Keyboard Shortcuts for Fighting RSI]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/20/essential-blackberry-keyboard-shortcuts-for-fighting-rsi/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/20/essential-blackberry-keyboard-shortcuts-for-fighting-rsi/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/20/essential-blackberry-keyboard-shortcuts-for-fighting-rsi/#comments Yesterday, we showed you how to set up your basic AutoText and predictive text settings, but you can do much more to relieve the dreaded BlackBerry thumb by taking advantage of keyboard shortcuts. Since so many exist, though, you'll want to get started with learning the basics. Some shortcuts work for both e-mail and messaging, but others are exclusive to individual services.

Continue reading Essential BlackBerry Keyboard Shortcuts for Fighting RSI

Essential BlackBerry Keyboard Shortcuts for Fighting RSI originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blackberryrimtextingtipstoptyping Warren Riddle Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Soothe Your BlackBerry's Spell Check, AutoText and Predictive Text Turmoil]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/19/blackberry-auto-text-predictive-text-tips/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/19/blackberry-auto-text-predictive-text-tips/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/19/blackberry-auto-text-predictive-text-tips/#comments Many BlackBerry owners bemoan -- and remain ignorant of -- their devices' various messaging and keyboard settings. BlackBerry does, however, offer an impressive variety of shortcuts and alternative options, although those features are located within an extensive and disorganized menu arrangement.

When sending messages, typing purists may want to manipulate the AutoText predictive text and spell check features, which -- for some reason -- are all located in different menu categories. For AutoText, simply go to the 'Options' menu (the monkey-wrench icon), and then choose 'SMS Text.' Select the 'Disable AutoText' box, and then save as you go back to the main menu. To address predictive text, which guesses what you are typing as you pound it in, go to 'Options' and then choose 'Language and Text Input.' Click 'Show Text Input Options,' and then customize the individual predictive settings, or uncheck the feature completely.

Continue reading Soothe Your BlackBerry's Spell Check, AutoText and Predictive Text Turmoil

Soothe Your BlackBerry's Spell Check, AutoText and Predictive Text Turmoil originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blackberryrimtips Warren Riddle Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:05:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hackers Storm Medical Server -- In Order to Play 'Call of Duty']]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/16/call-of-duty-hackers-storm-medical-server-230k-patient-records/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/16/call-of-duty-hackers-storm-medical-server-230k-patient-records/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/16/call-of-duty-hackers-storm-medical-server-230k-patient-records/#comments Back in November, a group of hackers broke into a New Hampshire medical sever hosting 230,000 patient records, but the data itself was apparently just a collateral-damage afterthought. According to the Register, the ne'er-do-wells breached the Seacoast Radiology server in order to appropriate its bandwidth capabilities for playing 'Call of Duty.'

Although the server housed names, Social Security numbers, medical diagnosis codes, addresses and other specific personal data, it seems that the hackers didn't put the information to any use. After administrators noticed the loss in bandwidth, investigators determined the vulnerability, patched it, and alerted the Department of Health and Human Services. And, for those curious about which 'COD' title inspired the assault, it was -- more than appropriately -- 'Black Ops.'

Hackers Storm Medical Server -- In Order to Play 'Call of Duty' originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> CallOfDutyBlackOpsgaminghackhackersHealthRecordsMedicalRecordssecuritytopweb Warren Riddle Sun, 16 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Medvedev Shooting Game Draws Russian Police Inquiry]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/dmitry-medvedev-shooting-game-draws-russian-police-inquiry/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/dmitry-medvedev-shooting-game-draws-russian-police-inquiry/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/dmitry-medvedev-shooting-game-draws-russian-police-inquiry/#comments While political observers in the U.S. discuss and criticize metaphorical "hit lists" and cross-hairs, Russian authorities are currently investigating a far more graphic, and interactive, assassination innuendo. A pop-up game, which appears as a banner on the Alyans-Telekom website, invites participants to blast a floating caricature of President Dmitry Medvedev. Once executed, the virtual Medvedev reportedly dons a halo, and ascends out of the screen.

Russian prosecutors in the Primorye province have apparently initiated an "inquiry" into the telecom firm, and have also asked the site to remove the banner. According to Reuters, politician Galust Akhoyan expressed particular disdain, saying, "Caricatures of politicians in civilized societies -- that is business as usual. But to use the head of state as a target, that is extremism." The inquiry will probably force the website to remove the banner game soon, and the Alyans-Telekom director has already apologized for the "wild PR people" who "are not from this world."

Medvedev Shooting Game Draws Russian Police Inquiry originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> DmitryMedvedevgamingmedvedevOnlineGamespoliticsrussiaTargetPracticeweb Warren Riddle Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:05:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Courtney Love's Twitter Slander Suit Inches Closer to the Courtroom]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/courtney-love-twitter-slander-suit-inches-closer-to-the-courtr/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/courtney-love-twitter-slander-suit-inches-closer-to-the-courtr/ http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/courtney-love-twitter-slander-suit-inches-closer-to-the-courtr/#comments Last spring, fashion designer Dawn Simorangkir sued Courtney Love after the eccentric musician unleashed a Twitter tirade of raving, explicit and extremely disjointed insults. Barring a last minute settlement, that defamation suit is now officially headed for the courtroom. February 6th remains the target date, and Judge Debre Weintraub has received the (dis)honor of presiding over -- and suffering through -- what promises to be an extremely unsettling experience.

Despite the seemingly frivolous nature of the suit, Fast Company contends that Weintraub's ruling could actually have a profound impact on "Twitter -- and how users go about their business on the site -- forever." According to the Hollywood Reporter, though, First Amendment lawyer Alonzo Wickers hopes the judge takes a lenient "free speech" approach, and will "give tweets the same latitude [the courts] do an op-ed piece or a letter to the editor."

Continue reading Courtney Love's Twitter Slander Suit Inches Closer to the Courtroom

Courtney Love's Twitter Slander Suit Inches Closer to the Courtroom originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> celebritiesCourtneyLoveCourtneyLoveTwitterDawnSimorangkirlawtoptwitter Warren Riddle Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST Switched