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 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[World's Largest Gadgets, 'Objectified' Documentary Airs on PBS]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/worlds-largest-gadgets-objectified-gadget-documentary-airs-o/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/worlds-largest-gadgets-objectified-gadget-documentary-airs-o/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/worlds-largest-gadgets-objectified-gadget-documentary-airs-o/#comments
There's a load of great tech news happening out there every day, and, unfortunately, we just can't cover it all. Here are a few of the other noteworthy things we saw today on our never-ending journey through the wild, wild Web.
  • Before the days of the Web, we had to get our giant technology fixes by watching hourlong cable shows that promised the "next big thing" right after the break. Fortunately, Wired's Gadget Lab is here -- don't miss the giant Antonov AN-255 and Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter planes. [From: Gadget Lab]
  • 'Objectified,' the latest film from the makers of typeface documentary 'Helvetica,' hits the airwaves tonight on PBS. PBS.org
  • With online shopping peaking during the holiday season, it's more important than ever to have a secure password. Slate offers tips for getting your shoddy password in shape in under five minutes. [From: Slate]
  • Firefox could be making laptops overheat by overusing your computer's CPU. DownloadSquad investigates and offers some solutions. [From: DownloadSquad]
Got a tip? Want to talk to us? In need of more choice links like these? Drop us a line on Twitter and check out our Tumblr blog.

World's Largest Gadgets, 'Objectified' Documentary Airs on PBS originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bestoftherestboeing 747Boeing747firefoxobjectifiedtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Thomas Houston) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[HDTV Listings for November 24, 2009]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/hdtv-listings-for-november-24-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/hdtv-listings-for-november-24-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/hdtv-listings-for-november-24-2009/#comments What we're watching tonight:
  • ABC (720p) has 'V' at 8 p.m. and the season finale of 'Dancing with the Stars' at 9 p.m.
  • CW (1080i) airs '90210' at 8 p.m. and 'Melrose Place' at 9 p.m.
  • CBS (1080i) has 'NCIS' at 8 p.m. 'NCIS: LA' at 9 p.m. and 'The Good Wife' at 10 p.m.
  • Discovery (1080i) has 'Dirty Jobs' at 9 p.m. and 'Ghost Lab' at 10 p.m.
  • FX (720p) has 'Sons of Anarchy' at 10 p.m.
  • DirecTV (1080i) has 'Eyes' at 10 p.m.
  • TLC (1080i) has 'Table for 12' at 8 & 8:30 p.m., '18 Kids & Counting' at 9 p.m. and 'The Little Couple' at 10 p.m.
  • ESPN (720p) has college basketball with Maryland/Cincinnati at 7 p.m. and Gonzaga/Wisconsin at 9:30 p.m.
  • ESPN2 (720p) has Ball State/Western Michigan college football at 7 p.m. and Texas/Pittsburgh college basketball at 10 p.m.

HDTV Listings for November 24, 2009 originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hdtvlistingstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Switched Staff) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:54:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Auto-Tune Your Facebook Status With Sony, Justin Timberlake]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/auto-tune-your-facebook-status-with-sony-justin-timberlake/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/auto-tune-your-facebook-status-with-sony-justin-timberlake/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/auto-tune-your-facebook-status-with-sony-justin-timberlake/#comments We should've seen this one coming a mile away. The hottest trend in the music business, Auto-Tune, has arrived on the hottest social-networking site on the Web, Facebook. Thanks to a new Facebook app from Sony, you can now Auto-Tune your status update. According to Mashable, after installing the app, you simply type your status (maybe something about being on a boat), choose a voice and a beat, and your very own robotic update will be posted on your Wall for all your friends to see. (We're not sure if that's a good thing or not.) You can thank the 'Auto-Tune the News' Web series creators, who recently signed a promotional deal with Sony, for piling on even more of the Auto-Tune content (check out the video after the break).

The time has come to ask: is Auto-Tune played out? The iPhone has the 'I Am T-Pain' app, you can Auto-Tune your vocals in GarageBand, and even those adorable Kidz Bop kids use the skeezy software program. Sounds like over-saturation to us. But we fear there's no stopping this trend. If Jay-Z couldn't kill it, who can? [From: Mashable and Tubefilter News]

Continue reading Auto-Tune Your Facebook Status With Sony, Justin Timberlake

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Auto-Tune Your Facebook Status With Sony, Justin Timberlake originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> autotunefacebookjustin timberlakeJustinTimberlakemusicsocialnetworkingsonystatus updateStatusUpdatetopweb switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['World of Warcraft' Turns Five]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/world-of-warcraft-turns-five/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/world-of-warcraft-turns-five/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/world-of-warcraft-turns-five/#comments 'World of Warcraft' Turns Five
Monday marked the fifth birthday of the most successful, massively multi-player online game in history -- 'World of Warcraft.' 'WoW,' as it's otherwise known, is an expansion of the popular 'Warcraft' franchise, and has become far more successful than publisher Blizzard could have possibly imagined.

With more than 12 million subscribers worldwide, 'WoW' is a phenomenon and pop culture icon. It's been referenced and mocked by 'The Simpsons' and 'South Park,' has inspired restaurants, and has legions of celebrity fans, including Ozzy Osborne, William Shatner, and Mr. T. Thanks to its notoriously addictive game play, it's even been cited in divorce proceedings and has almost driven one teen to commit suicide.

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'World of Warcraft' Turns Five originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blizzardgamingtopWorld of Warcraftworld-of-warcraftWorldOfWarcraftwow switchedtips@gmail.com (Terrence O'Brien) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[StreetView: 'Move Over, Robert Frank!' as Artist Finds Google's Oeuvre]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/streetview-move-over-robert-frank-as-artist-finds-googles/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/streetview-move-over-robert-frank-as-artist-finds-googles/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/streetview-move-over-robert-frank-as-artist-finds-googles/#comments It wasn't too long ago that Google Maps took to the streets with its army of camera-equipped cars as it embarked on its quest to photograph every avenue in the world. As they archived all these random images of daily life and human existence, they captured more than their fair share of comedic, and often downright embarrassing moments. One artist, though, recently trolled through that entire stockpile, and has uncovered some surprisingly beautiful -- and often powerful -- imagery.

Jon Rafman, an artist based out of Montreal, took it upon himself to find Google's artistic side, and has assembled a fascinating collection, NPR reports. The photos run the gamut from the complacently pensive (a barebacked woman staring at the Sea in Italy), to the humorous (the dilapidated facade of a Rod Stewart fan club in Scotland), to the downright harrowing (a series of curbside homeless).

Continue reading StreetView: 'Move Over, Robert Frank!' as Artist Finds Google's Oeuvre

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StreetView: 'Move Over, Robert Frank!' as Artist Finds Google's Oeuvre originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artgooglephotographystreetview switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Football Coaches Who Tweet (and Those Who Should)]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/switched-follows-football-coaches-who-tweet-and-those-who-shou/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/switched-follows-football-coaches-who-tweet-and-those-who-shou/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/switched-follows-football-coaches-who-tweet-and-those-who-shou/#comments Sports teams have a dubious relationship with Twitter. The LPGA loves the darn service, while the NBA penalizes on-court micro-bloggers. The NFL and college football are still feeling out their roles in the Twitterverse, and coaches are leading the way. For some, the service is tougher to figure out than the spread offense, while others excel in the limelight, like Tom Brady in a Manhattan bistro. Here, we've compiled a list of five coaches you should follow on Twitter and five who's wit we'd love to see in 140-character missives. After a grueling search (like, 1983-Chicago-Bears grueling), we have our exhaustive list. Now, are you ready for some football?

Continue reading Football Coaches Who Tweet (and Those Who Should)

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Football Coaches Who Tweet (and Those Who Should) originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featuresfootballncaanflsportsswitchedfollowstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New York Jets' David Clowney's Twitter Account Hacked]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/new-york-jets-david-clowneys-twitter-account-hacked/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/new-york-jets-david-clowneys-twitter-account-hacked/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/new-york-jets-david-clowneys-twitter-account-hacked/#comments After he heard the latest news about one of his players and Twitter, we're sure that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, from his towering New York office building, gave out a great barbaric yawp: "I told you so!" According to Mashable, New York Jets wide receiver David Clowney has had his Twitter account hacked within the past 24 hours. Unlike when hackers took over a number of high-profile celebrity accounts earlier this year, the tweets sent from Clowney's account aren't funny. They're downright mean and vulgar. Although Clowney has apparently regained control of his account and has issued an apology to his fans, the damage is done. The hacker directed a number of expletive-filled tweets at some of Clowney's 6,700 followers.

Aside from the tweet above, Clowney hasn't yet commented on the attack. According to an Associated Press report on ESPN, the Jets confirmed Monday that his account was hacked, but team officials didn't comment further. Seeing as he was benched earlier in the year for complaining about his playing time via Twitter, we'd suggest that Clowney just cut his losses and give up on the service, altogether. [From: Mashable and ESPN]

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New York Jets' David Clowney's Twitter Account Hacked originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> footballhackmicrobloggingnflsocialnetworkingtoptwitterweb switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:06:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Facebook Bikini Worm Hits Spreads via Scantily Clad Woman]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/facebook-bikini-worm-hits-spreads-via-scantily-clad-woman/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/facebook-bikini-worm-hits-spreads-via-scantily-clad-woman/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/facebook-bikini-worm-hits-spreads-via-scantily-clad-woman/#comments Facebook Worm Speads Thanks to Scantily Clad Woman Good rule of thumb when browsing the Internet: If it looks lurid, promises nudity, or displays scantily clad women, don't click on it.

For some reason or another, many out there haven't yet figured this out and have helped to spread around Facebook a nasty worm that tells users to "Click Da' Button" if they "Wanna C Somthin' HOT." Of course, some men, being the hapless idiots that so many of us are, clicked on the button that sat next to the beautiful, thong-clad woman. As a result, a link to the same infectious page was instantly posted on their Walls, continuing the cycle of misdirection.

Continue reading Facebook Bikini Worm Hits Spreads via Scantily Clad Woman

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Facebook Bikini Worm Hits Spreads via Scantily Clad Woman originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> facebookmalwarescamsecuritytopworm switchedtips@gmail.com (Terrence O'Brien) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:07:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Google Apologizes for Offensive First Lady Image, Twitter Could Go Public]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/google-apologizes-for-offensive-first-lady-image-twitter-could/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/google-apologizes-for-offensive-first-lady-image-twitter-could/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/google-apologizes-for-offensive-first-lady-image-twitter-could/#comments Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
  • Our beloved freedom of speech obviously entitles people to criticize government officials without fear of reprisal, but it also entitles people to be racist morons. Google has posted an apology over such behavior -- specifically for an offensive and juvenile photograph of the First Lady that wound up in the site's image search results. [From: Search Engine Land]
  • Twitter's monetary worth was recently valued at an astounding $1 billion, so it seems that it's probably time for the three-year-old site to actually start making some money. Co-founder Biz Stone says that while he has no plans to sell the site, going public is certainly an option. [From: The New York Times]
  • Roger Avary, the screenwriter behind 'Pulp Fiction' and numerous other hits, is currently serving time in prison on vehicular manslaughter charges. He also seems to be tweeting about his stay. Although impostors abound on Twitter, Wikipedia says it really is him, so it must be true. [From: The Los Angeles Times]
  • The unofficial rules of the Internet already exist, but the U.N. is apparently investigating the implementation of the Net Ten Commandments. The organization is currently laboring on the intense and grueling project from Sharm el Sheik, one of the most beautiful resort towns on the Red Sea. Must be nice. [From: Ars Technica]
  • Wikipedia claims to be the "free encyclopedia that anyone can edit." The site, though, has reportedly trimmed 50,000 editors from its ranks, leading to a flood of complaints about the editing process. Apparently, the remaining editors are also, by and large, white males. Someone needs to give Howard Zinn a call. [From: Gawker]
  • The University of Stirling in Scotland recently conducted a survey which found that adults are fooled by optical illusions more often than kids. This, the researchers think, is because kids don't recognize visual context to the same degree as adults. If you'd like to experiment with your own susceptibility, you can check out these trippy illusions. [From: Wired]
  • Automotive services like OnStar and SYNC have been around for years, but the technology is steadily and significantly evolving. The Economist recently profiled that evolution, highlighting one particularly impressive instance of a thwarted car-jacking. [From: The Economist]

Google Apologizes for Offensive First Lady Image, Twitter Could Go Public originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images:2010-11-23morningxtratop switchedtips@gmail.com (Warren Riddle) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Man Crashes Into FBI Building to Destroy 'Mind-Reading' Device]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/man-crashes-into-fbi-building-to-destroy-mind-reading-device/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/man-crashes-into-fbi-building-to-destroy-mind-reading-device/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/man-crashes-into-fbi-building-to-destroy-mind-reading-device/#comments It seems James Kromer had it all figured out. He was gonna do it, once and for all. The FBI had been controlling his brain with a mind-reading device for far too long. Kromer had to put an end to it. And he almost did -- until he messed up the address.

The 36-year-old Minnesotan crashed his car through what he believed to be the FBI building in Minneapolis. As it turns out, it was just the University of Minnesota Public Health building, which incurred $20,000 worth of damages from the incident. The entire case of mistaken location can be traced back to an extra zero that Kromer tacked on to the building number. (We're not sure whether it was GPS, or Google Maps, or what.) The real FBI building is at 111 Washington Ave. S in Minneapolis. The Public Health building, on the other hand, is at 1110 Washington Ave. S. Oops.

Continue reading Man Crashes Into FBI Building to Destroy 'Mind-Reading' Device

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Man Crashes Into FBI Building to Destroy 'Mind-Reading' Device originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> conspiracycrimefbifunnygpstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:25:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Daily Engadget: Older Androids Get Google Nav, Apple Strikes Back]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/the-daily-engadget-older-androids-get-google-nav-apple-strikes/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/the-daily-engadget-older-androids-get-google-nav-apple-strikes/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/the-daily-engadget-older-androids-get-google-nav-apple-strikes/#comments The Daily Engadget: Google Brings Navigation to Earlier Androids, Apple Strikes Back
 Our friends over at Engadget obsessively cover everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics, which is why we compile this daily roundup of their top stuff (or, at least, what we think is tops). For more details on any of these stories, click on the Engadget links in each story below.

Google Brings Navigation to Android 1.6
Just a few weeks after the impulsive members of the Android community ran to their closest Verizon Store to get a Motorola Droid and its navigation capabilities, leaving behind them a wake of discarded myTouches and reason, Google has given Android's first early adopters something to smile about: Google Navigation for older Android 1.6 handsets.

Apple Hits Back at Verizon
Verizon seems to have shaken a hornet's nest with its iPhone attack ads, and has been met with legal and advertising retaliation from AT&T. Now, Apple's getting into the game, too, with its own anti-Verizon ads.

Continue reading The Daily Engadget: Older Androids Get Google Nav, Apple Strikes Back

The Daily Engadget: Older Androids Get Google Nav, Apple Strikes Back originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsthedailyengadgettop switchedtips@gmail.com (Tim Stevens) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:25:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Extreme Gear for 'Star Trek' Home Makeovers]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/extreme-gear-for-star-trek-home-makeovers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/extreme-gear-for-star-trek-home-makeovers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/extreme-gear-for-star-trek-home-makeovers/#comments So, you just shelled out 2,700 big ones to relax in a replica of Captain's Kirk's space throne, but, as you bask in your geeky glory, you abruptly realize that the rest of the apartment is unacceptably barren of other 'Star Trek' accoutrements. Making your own paraphernalia is always an option, but in order to stand out from the hordes of amateur fans, hardcore Trekkies will seek out more realistic and authentic pieces.

To make that expedition a little easier, CNET UK has compiled an encyclopedia of 'Star Trek' gadgets and gizmos so fantastic that they would make Gene Rodenberry envious. Some of the offerings are pitiful, if playful, attempts to capitalize on the devoted fan base (e.g., the cologne and morbid urn), but even the most frugal die-hards would have difficulty dismissing the $1 million 'StarCave' holodeck. The list features a wide assortment of both inexpensive and luxurious devices, so pay attention and you'll no longer have to embarrass yourself, your family, or your pets with those cheap and shameful imitations. [From: CNET UK]

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Extreme Gear for 'Star Trek' Home Makeovers originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> geek chicGeekChiclistsnoveltyStar TrekStarTrektoptrekkies switchedtips@gmail.com (Warren Riddle) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Facebook and 'South Park' Blamed for Anti-Redhead Assault]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/facebook-and-south-park-blamed-for-anti-redhead-assault/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/facebook-and-south-park-blamed-for-anti-redhead-assault/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/facebook-and-south-park-blamed-for-anti-redhead-assault/#comments Facebook and 'South Park' Blamed for Anti-Red-Head Assault Police in Calabasas, California are investigating the assault of a 12-year-old boy that, they believe, may have been inspired by a Facebook post declaring this past Friday, November 20th "Kick a Ginger Day." "Kick a Ginger Day" began in 2008, borne out of a 'South Park' episode that satirically featured pale, redheaded, freckled children, or "gingers," as being singled out for abuse.

While the first, clearly tongue-in-cheek "Kick a Ginger Day" drew some criticism, it went largely unnoticed, due to a lack of any serious violence. This year's "celebration" was unfortunately not so uneventful, as a student at A.E. Wright Middle School found himself on the receiving end of punches and kicks from as many as 14 classmates, according to the Associated Press.

Continue reading Facebook and 'South Park' Blamed for Anti-Redhead Assault

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Facebook and 'South Park' Blamed for Anti-Redhead Assault originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> facebookGinger KidsGingerKidskick a gingerkick a ginger dayKickAGingerKickAGingerDayprejudicesouth parkSouthParktop switchedtips@gmail.com (Terrence O'Brien) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:28:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Really, Truly Uninstall Old Programs]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/how-to-really-truly-uninstall-old-programs/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/how-to-really-truly-uninstall-old-programs/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/24/how-to-really-truly-uninstall-old-programs/#comments
You'd think uninstalling applications, games, and the rest would be as simple as dumping the icon into the recycling bin, but the truth is that computer programs distribute their files all over your PC. While that may not seem like a big deal, after a while those bits and pieces add up and cause conflicts, errors, and registry issues. Check out Revo Uninstaller -- a free, easy-to-use utility that lets you fully delete whatever apps you want, as well as search out the fragments of old apps you thought you'd already deleted.

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How to Really, Truly Uninstall Old Programs originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> revotechtiptopuninstallerwindows switchedtips@gmail.com (Jon Chase) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Gadgets of the Decade, Carl Sagan Auto-Tuned v.3]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/best-of-the-rest-gadgets-of-the-decade-carl-sagan-autotuned-v/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/best-of-the-rest-gadgets-of-the-decade-carl-sagan-autotuned-v/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/best-of-the-rest-gadgets-of-the-decade-carl-sagan-autotuned-v/#comments
There's a load of great tech news happening out there every day, and, unfortunately, we just can't cover it all. Here are a few of the other noteworthy things we saw today on our never-ending journey through the wild, wild Web.
  • Net memes and mashups rarely get us excited, but the series of Carl Sagan Auto-Tune videos is a special type of genius. The latest, featuring Richard Dawkins, just debuted. [From: Symphony of Science, via: YouTube]
  • With both the end of the year and the end of the decade rapidly approaching, prepare yourself for a flood of lists. Kicking off the decade side of things, here's Paste's look at the 20 best gadgets of the decade, including the Xlerator Hand Dryer and the USB flash drive. Might want to reconsider that Dyson Air Multiplier, though, Paste... [From: Paste Magazine]
  • Speaking of popular Internet videos, the skateboarding dog captures the essence of mindless viral videos. Of course, Tillman the bulldog is back, this time playing Tony Hawk's new 'Ride' game. [From: Neatorama]
Got a tip? Want to talk to us? In need of more choice links like these? Drop us a line on Twitter and check out our Tumblr blog.

Best of the Rest: Gadgets of the Decade, Carl Sagan Auto-Tuned v.3 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bestoftheresttop switchedtips@gmail.com (Thomas Houston) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[HDTV Listings for November 23, 2009]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/hdtv-listings-for-november-23-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/hdtv-listings-for-november-23-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/hdtv-listings-for-november-23-2009/#comments What we're watching tonight:
  • CBS (1080i) has 'How I Met Your Mother' at 8 p.m., 'Accidentally On Purpose' at 8:30 p.m., 'Two and a Half Men' at 9 p.m., 'The Big Bang Theory' at 9:30 p.m. and 'CSI: Miami' at 10 p.m.
  • ABC (720p) has 'Dancing with the Stars' at 8 p.m. and 'Castle' at 10:01 p.m.
  • Fox (720p) has 'House' at 8 p.m. and 'Lie to Me' at 9 p.m.
  • NBC (1080i) brings 'Heroes' at 8 p.m. and 'Trauma' at 9 p.m.
  • CW (1080i) has 'One Tree Hill' at 8 p.m. and 'Gossip Girl' at 9 p.m.
  • USA (1080i) has 'WWE: Raw' at 8 p.m.
  • TLC (1080i) has the series finale of 'Jon & Kate Plus 8' at 9 p.m. and 'Cake Boss' at 10 & 10:30 p.m.
  • ESPN (720p) has Titans/Texans Monday Night Football at 8:30 p.m.
  • ESPN2 (720p) has Texas/Iowa college basketball at 10 p.m.

HDTV Listings for November 23, 2009 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> listingstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Switched Staff) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Revolutionizing Solar Energy by Taking It Underground]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/revolutionizing-solar-energy-by-taking-it-underground/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/revolutionizing-solar-energy-by-taking-it-underground/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/revolutionizing-solar-energy-by-taking-it-underground/#comments Want greener energy without having to install large, gaudy solar panels on your house? Join the club. But what was once wishful thinking might soon be reality. According to ABC Science, scientists have created a way to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity by connecting a photovoltaic cell to fiber-optic wiring that's barely wider than a human hair. (Note that it doesn't actually use human hair, like these guys.) The wires, which are coated with zinc oxide (the stuff lifeguards plaster on their noses), could be installed on a roof or, best of all, underneath a house or inside its walls -- as long as the tip of the wire is exposed to the sun.

Here's how it works. Light is absorbed at the tip of the wire, and zips down its length and back, letting the zinc oxide convert it into electricity along the way. How effective is this process? Dr. Zhong Wang, who led the team of researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, says the wires only convert about 3.3-percent of the light that passes through. He hopes, though, that the number will soon jump to 8-percent.

Continue reading Revolutionizing Solar Energy by Taking It Underground

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Revolutionizing Solar Energy by Taking It Underground originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breakthroughelectricityenergyfiber opticFiberOpticgreenhomesciencesolarsolar powerSolarPowertop switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Shazam' App Doubles As Lip-Synch Detector]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/shazam-app-doubles-as-lip-synch-detector/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/shazam-app-doubles-as-lip-synch-detector/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/shazam-app-doubles-as-lip-synch-detector/#comments Shazam Doubles As Lip-Synch Detector The New York Times Gadgetwise blog has found an interesting use for Shazam's iPhone app -- detecting lip-synchers. It turns out that true live performances will turn up as unrecognizable when you attempt to identify them with 'Shazam.'

The app takes the snippets of a song that you record, digitizes them, and creates a type of numerical signature based on the rhythm and melody. In a true live performance, a drummer won't hit the snare on the same millisecond he did while recording, and the vocalist will miss that high note by at least a few cents. These differences might be completely unnoticeable to the human ear, but a computer will catch even the tiniest variation.

Continue reading 'Shazam' App Doubles As Lip-Synch Detector

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'Shazam' App Doubles As Lip-Synch Detector originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> app storeAppStoreiphonemusicshazamtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Terrence O'Brien) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:19:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Cable Drawings' Take Cords Center Stage]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/cable-drawings-take-cords-center-stage/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/cable-drawings-take-cords-center-stage/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/cable-drawings-take-cords-center-stage/#comments
While most of us organize excess lengths of cable by hiding them from view, an artist named Maisie Maud Broadhead has decided to expose the detritus of modern technological life and put it to decorative use. Her 'Cable Drawings' are wonderfully simple in both concept and material, but it's really that Rococo panel-molding design that does it for us.

Broadhead calls the cable arrangement an "installation," but we see it as more of a design concept. We're immediately going down to the hardware store for more cable fixings, so we can fancy up our walls with those gnarly heaps of ethernet cords piled under our desks. [From: Maisie Maud Broadhead, via 1 Design Per Day]

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'Cable Drawings' Take Cords Center Stage originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artcablesdesignhomeorganizationtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Matthew Zuras) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:23:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Readability Bookmarklet Simplifies Your Web Reading, Saves Your Eyes]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/readability-bookmarklet-simplifies-your-web-reading-saves-your/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/readability-bookmarklet-simplifies-your-web-reading-saves-your/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/readability-bookmarklet-simplifies-your-web-reading-saves-your/#comments Much of our Web perusal can be broken down into two distinct types: scanning and in-depth reading. Longer-form articles tend to be easier to read on a single, scrollable page, so the print/one-page option (if available) and some ninja-fast text-resizing can sometimes improve a piece's readability. Unfortunately, many sites no longer offer print-ready versions of articles.

Readability, a tool from arc90 labs, will take an article and reformat it for easier reading at the click of a mouse. Simply set up your reading settings on the Readability site (display style, text size, margin width), and add the bookmarklet to your browser bookmark bar. If you're reading an article for Thanksgiving, just click the new bookmarklet, and watch in wonder as ads, site navigation tools, and other extraneous information disappear.

Continue reading Readability Bookmarklet Simplifies Your Web Reading, Saves Your Eyes

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Readability Bookmarklet Simplifies Your Web Reading, Saves Your Eyes originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bookmarkletreadabilityreadingsighttopvision switchedtips@gmail.com (Thomas Houston) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Boy Calls 911 to Question Legality of Xbox Punishment]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/boy-calls-911-to-question-legality-of-xbox-punishment/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/boy-calls-911-to-question-legality-of-xbox-punishment/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/boy-calls-911-to-question-legality-of-xbox-punishment/#comments When we were kids, it was the worst punishment imaginable. How could our parents, the heartless tyrants that they were, take away our video game consoles? There was nothing we could do about it, except huddle up in our rooms and stare at those lonely, desolate, blank screens. At least, that's what we thought.

But a 15-year-old from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, decided he wouldn't take his punishment lying down. According to the Chicago Tribune, the unnamed boy dialed 911 Sunday because he wanted to know if his parents were within the law when they took away his Xbox. He hung up the phone before asking the question, but police still came to his house and backed up the parents' decision, telling the boy he should respect his elders.
Apparently, people abuse the emergency call service quite often -- calling to complain about fast food service or to prank authorities. But this kid should know better. Even that guy whose dog spent all his Xbox Live money didn't call the cops. [From: Chicago Tribune, via Kotaku]

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Boy Calls 911 to Question Legality of Xbox Punishment originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 911funnykidsparentsphonepolicetopvideogamesxbox360 switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:41:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Your Friends' Tweets Could Actually Be Ads]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/your-friends-tweets-could-actually-be-ads/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/your-friends-tweets-could-actually-be-ads/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/your-friends-tweets-could-actually-be-ads/#comments As part of the latest trend in online advertising, ad companies are paying normal people to pimp companies or products to their online friends or followers. According to the New York Times, companies think that consumers will be more likely to trust the opinions of their Facebook friends than they are a faceless commercial -- even if those "opinions" are formed with the promise of financial incentive. Ad agencies are willing to pay staggeringly high sums to not only celebrities, but to targeted civilian bloggers and tweeters, as well. One everyday guy interviewed for the article said he made $3,000 in October -- just from clicking a button on behalf of an agency. Amazon.com has also announced that it'll start paying customers who refer their friends to the site via Twitter.

The trend, not surprisingly, has been met with controversy. Technology blogger Robert Scoble told the Times that "[it] interferes with your relationship with your friends and your audience," and claims that he unfriends people who send him ads. Joey Caroni, co-founder of the Peer2, a division of a major Hollywood ad agency, insists that he and his peers aren't trying to "create an army of spammers" (although that's sort of what it seems like to us).

Continue reading Your Friends' Tweets Could Actually Be Ads

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Your Friends' Tweets Could Actually Be Ads originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> advertisingblogsendorsementsethicssocialnetworkingtoptwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Google Bans Scammy Ads, Radiation Leak at Three-Mile Island]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/google-bans-scammy-ads-radiation-leak-at-three-mile-island/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/google-bans-scammy-ads-radiation-leak-at-three-mile-island/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/google-bans-scammy-ads-radiation-leak-at-three-mile-island/#comments

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
  • Google is taking a heavy-handed stance on scams, as it has declared an outright ban on advertisers that attempt to entice people with false promises. The folks at Facebook, which is currently being sued for allowing such duplicitous ads, must be kicking themselves right now. [From: The Consumerist]
  • The 1979 partial nuclear meltdown at Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island terrified the entire nation. The plant experienced another frightening incident over the weekend, when a radiation leak forced the evacuation of 150 employees. Authorities claim the leak was isolated to the plant, and did not pose a threat to the public. [From: CNN, via: Gawker]
  • AOL (Ed. note: We're part of the AOL network) is set to split from Time Warner next month, and the company plans to mark the occasion by officially unveiling a new logo. The new, punctuated logo, which will replace the circle enclosed by a triangle, will represent "confidence, completeness." [From: Huffington Post and The Guardian]
  • Apple claims that its computers are impervious to viruses, but the company can't make the same statement about its consoles and cigarette smoke. The company reportedly refused to perform maintenance on computers for two customers because the consoles were located in smoking households. [From: TUAW]
  • It might be time for Microsoft and Google to finally throw down the gauntlet and engage in a sanctioned 'Gangs of New York'-style search engine brouhaha. Following News Corp.'s lead, Microsoft, which is trying to gain support for its search engine Bing, has reportedly been stealthily approaching various publishers and sites about removing their content from Google. [From: CNN]
  • Geeks famously celebrate brainy inside jokes through mysterious T-shirts, but folks don't typically expect such shenanigans from Christian groups. Cafe Press, though, is removing a shirt that says, "Pray for Obama: Psalm 109:8," basically imploring people to pray for God to smite down the President of the United States. Whatever happened to that Golden Rule thing and those pesky Ten Commandments? [From: Gawker]

Google Bans Scammy Ads, Radiation Leak at Three-Mile Island originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> morningxtratop switchedtips@gmail.com (Warren Riddle) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How Do You Say 'Twitter' in French?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/how-do-you-say-twitter-in-french/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/how-do-you-say-twitter-in-french/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/how-do-you-say-twitter-in-french/#comments The mellifluous, oh-so-romantic French language may be dying a slow death throughout much of the world, but on Twitter, at least, it's as vivant as ever.

Just a few weeks after the site unveiled its new Spanish version, Twitter has now made itself available in French, as well. The site commemorated the latest achievement in its ongoing translation project with a French post on its blog. (You can find the English translation here.) If you don't live in a Francophone country, that doesn't mean you can't tweet in French. All you have to do is change your settings, and voila.

Continue reading How Do You Say 'Twitter' in French?

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How Do You Say 'Twitter' in French? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> frenchlanguagetoptranslationtwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Woman Uses Facebook to Track Down Attacker]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/woman-uses-facebook-to-track-down-attacker/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/woman-uses-facebook-to-track-down-attacker/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/woman-uses-facebook-to-track-down-attacker/#comments When regular old police forces can't hunt down an evildoer, Facebook, like Batman, is there.

The social networking site swept into crime-fighting action recently when the victim of a brutal attack used it to track down her assailant. The Telegraph reports that, on the night of March 20th, 20-year-old Jennifer Wilson, of Hertfordshire, England, was at a nightclub when another woman, Ashleigh Holliman, slammed a pint glass into her face for no apparent reason. Police who arrived at the scene found much of the evidence to have been cleared away by the club's staff members, and weren't able to sufficiently identify Holliman in security tapes. The club's bouncers had been unable to apprehend Holliman, who wasted no time in getting out of Dodge. Wilson, who got an inch-long scar from the incident, decided to take matters into her own hands -- with the help of Facebook.

Continue reading Woman Uses Facebook to Track Down Attacker

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Woman Uses Facebook to Track Down Attacker originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crimefacebookpolicesocialnetworkingtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:24:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Daily Engadget: Worm Hits iPhones, Windows 8 in 2012?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/the-daily-engadget-worm-hits-iphones-windows-8-in-2012/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/the-daily-engadget-worm-hits-iphones-windows-8-in-2012/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/the-daily-engadget-worm-hits-iphones-windows-8-in-2012/#comments
Our friends over at Engadget obsessively cover everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics, which is why we compile this daily roundup of their top stuff (or, at least, what we think is tops). For more details on any of these stories, click on the Engadget links in each story below.

Second Worm Hits Jailbroken iPhones
Not too long ago, a million iPhone users gasped when they learned that some of their handsets were vulnerable to a virus. Unfortunately, that first worm was a pussycat compared to this one. Thankfully, this newest evildoer only affects hacked phones.

Windows 8 Coming in 2012
If you believe your conspiracy theorist uncle, 2012 is the year the world will end. It's also apparently the year that the next major installment of Windows will ship. Coincidence?

Continue reading The Daily Engadget: Worm Hits iPhones, Windows 8 in 2012?

The Daily Engadget: Worm Hits iPhones, Windows 8 in 2012? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsthedailyengadgettop switchedtips@gmail.com (Tim Stevens) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:34:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Mussolini's Brain for Sale on eBay?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/mussolinis-brain-for-sale-on-ebay/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/mussolinis-brain-for-sale-on-ebay/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/mussolinis-brain-for-sale-on-ebay/#comments Because the world will never be able to get enough of Benito Mussolini, some compassionate individual has done all of humanity a favor and put the Italian dictator's brain for auction on eBay.

The Telegraph reports that Alessandra Mussolini, the granddaughter of the man who led Italy into World War II, is furious about reports that her grandfather's brain had been stolen and put up for auction, along with vials of his blood. The asking price was originally 15,000 Euros (about $22,000), but eBay, which outlaws the selling of body parts, took down the post before anyone could place a bid. Ms. Mussolini, herself a right-wing politician in Italy (and former showgirl), is not satisfied, claiming that "This is very serious, these are the kinds of things we have to guard against." The Policlinico Hospital, however, which housed Mussolini's remains after his assassination, maintains that all samples were destroyed over 60 years ago.

Continue reading Mussolini's Brain for Sale on eBay?

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Mussolini's Brain for Sale on eBay? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ebaytop switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:37:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Steering Wheel-Mounted Desk Guaranteed to Make You a Worse Driver]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/steering-wheel-desk-guaranteed-to-make-you-a-worse-driver/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/steering-wheel-desk-guaranteed-to-make-you-a-worse-driver/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/steering-wheel-desk-guaranteed-to-make-you-a-worse-driver/#comments Lets face it, driving safely can be kinda... boring. Paying attention to the road, having no distractions, not running into telephone
poles? Yawn.

So to spice things up, and give your hands something to do while you're doin' 70 on the freeway, the geniuses at Mobile Office have created the Laptop Steering Desk. That's right. A desk that attaches to your steering wheel. Really, it's just like one of those fold down trays on commercial airplanes... except that you're behind a two-ton killing machine, not a baby crying its way through the on-flight screening of 'Mean Girls' (psh, details).

Yeah, it's theoretically designed for use with parked cars. But seriously, who are we kidding? The most good this laptop desk can do is to help cops more legibly write citations... for drivers who total their cars while trying to do Sudoku on their laptop desks. [From: DVICE]

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Steering Wheel-Mounted Desk Guaranteed to Make You a Worse Driver originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> steering wheelSteeringWheeltop switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Get HD for Free]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/get-hd-for-free/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/get-hd-for-free/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/23/get-hd-for-free/#comments
All of the major TV networks currently broadcast HD video over the air and in better quality than what you likely receive from your cable/satellite company. And despite any techno-babble you may read, you can receive HD television signals over the air using a regular old TV antenna (as long as your HDTV has a built-in tuner, which most do). To figure out what channels are available in your area, and in what direction your antenna should be pointing, consult antennaweb.org. Hit up hdtvantennalabs.com for reviews of antennas, how-to guides, and helpful forums.

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Get HD for Free originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> antennaantennawebhdhdtvtech tipstechtipTechTipstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Jon Chase) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:34:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: 27-inch Apple iMac]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/gift-guide-27-inch-apple-imac/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/gift-guide-27-inch-apple-imac/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/gift-guide-27-inch-apple-imac/#comments 27-inch Apple iMac (Creative, Under $2500)

We generally agree that Mac users get hit with the legendary Apple Tax for some models, but the recently updated iMacs have us buzzing about bargains. Overall the 27-inchers are very respectably spec-ed out for starting at $1700, with a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (or 2.66Ghz quad-core Intel Core i5), 4 gigabytes of memory, a 1 terabyte hard drive and a standard dual-layer CD/DVD drive, along with a wireless keyboard and mouse and Apple's iLife software -- a rock-solid setup for any student. But the 27-inch 16:9 LED-backlit screen is the killer app for us, as it's big enough to serve as a perfect HDTV for a dorm room or even a small living room. (The iMac also accepts video input from other sources that have a mini DisplayPort but, despite rumors it won't work with any current adapters on the market so for now that's basically reserved for other Macs.) Coupled with an Elgato EyeTV or a simple Netflix WatchNow account, your student has access to all the (legally purchased) media they'll need. You've done your job -- the grades are up to them.

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Gift Guide: 27-inch Apple iMac originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 27-inch imac27-inchImacall-in-one desktop pcall-in-one pcAll-in-oneDesktopPcAll-in-onePchgghgg-2500hgg-creative switchedtips@gmail.com (Jon Chase) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:39:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Switched's Holiday Gift Guide 2009]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/switcheds-holiday-gift-guide-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/switcheds-holiday-gift-guide-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/switcheds-holiday-gift-guide-2009/#comments Those well-worn holiday tunes are filling the radio waves and stores again, even though Thanksgiving isn't even here yet. Get a jump on your holiday shopping (and retaining your sanity) with our handy Holiday Gift Guide for 2009. We've got you covered whether you're looking for an affordable gift for the creative in your family or have an unlimited budget for the gadget head in your close group of friends.

We know the frustration of finding the perfect gift, so we built this year's guide around types of people and several price ranges (ranging from Under $50 to unlimited budget). Select the type of person you're looking for, click an appropriate price, and the guide will reveal everything that fits.

Pour yourself some eggnog, boot up the guide and your favorite online retailer, and knock out your gift-giving in no time!

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Switched's Holiday Gift Guide 2009 originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hggtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Thomas Houston) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Meet Bandit, Your New Robotic Personal Trainer]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/meet-bandit-your-new-robotic-personal-trainer/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/meet-bandit-your-new-robotic-personal-trainer/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/meet-bandit-your-new-robotic-personal-trainer/#comments With the holiday season just coming into full swing, everyone's gonna be looking for new ways to shed that extra turkey tummy that we'll inevitably be accumulating pretty soon. And though personal trainers may be a popular choice among a certain demographic, why spend hours with an actual human being when you can spend quality time with your own robotic workout coach?

USC's Viterbi School of Engineering has designed a robot named Bandit that can do just that (video after the break). Unlike most personal trainers, Bandit's not there just to make you feel fat -- he can actually lead you through your exercise routine and even watch you to mimic your every move (see the video below). But, like most personal trainers, Bandit can also be sort of a jerk. He'll drop the occasional sarcastic remark about how much fun it is to sit and watch you work out in a chair, and wax poetic about how great it is to work up a sweat with you (full disclosure: he's not actually sweating).

Continue reading Meet Bandit, Your New Robotic Personal Trainer

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Meet Bandit, Your New Robotic Personal Trainer originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> robotstop switchedtips@gmail.com (Amar Toor) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Net Vices: The Dark Truths Behind Twitter and Facebook]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/net-vices-the-dark-truths-behind-twitter-and-facebook/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/net-vices-the-dark-truths-behind-twitter-and-facebook/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/net-vices-the-dark-truths-behind-twitter-and-facebook/#comments
The Web may be a wonderful, always expanding source of fun and inspiration, but we probably spend more time connected than we prefer. We've probably spent entire days by now diving deep into the depths of YouTube in search of nothing in particular. You start out searching for a jazz video you heard about, and before you know it, you'll have gathered anyone within shouting distance to show them "the greatest thing ever," usually ranging from dogs parasailing to a clip showing every instance of "father" spoken in Stanley Kubrick's movies.

Illustrator Patrick Moberg (also known for that NYgirlofmydreams business) captures the essence of popular sites like Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo, MySpace, and more by comparing them to common vices. MySpace, of course, gets compared to huffing spray paint ("destroys any chance of looking credible. You will be perceived as having the mindset of a middle schooler..."), while tequila best captures YouTube's sense of entirely forgettable fun. And Google? Don't even want to touch that stuff. [From: Patrick Moberg via Urlesque]

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Net Vices: The Dark Truths Behind Twitter and Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artfacebookhumorillustrationtwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Thomas Houston) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[PETA Feasts on Brutalized Flesh When Lobster-Stunners Get Lost in Transit]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/peta-feasts-on-brutalized-flesh-when-lobster-stunners-get-lost-i/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/peta-feasts-on-brutalized-flesh-when-lobster-stunners-get-lost-i/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/peta-feasts-on-brutalized-flesh-when-lobster-stunners-get-lost-i/#comments If Terrence O'Brien hadn't tipped us to this disturbing little number a few days ago (not for those with weak stomachs), we wouldn't hesitate to lambaste Simon Buckhaven and his "humane," lobster-stunning device. Well, we've hesitated. Let the lambasting begin.

In that grand old, absurdist tradition of animal rights crazies activists, the British entrepreneur sat down with Canada's Chronicle Herald to discuss his CrustaStun system. According to Buckhaven's claims, the device kills lobsters without causing them "pain or distress," and thus allows a chef to dump them into a pot of boiling water with a clear conscience. Unfortunately, since our calls to Sebastian have gone unanswered, we're not prepared to comment on lobsters' preferred form of execution.

Continue reading PETA Feasts on Brutalized Flesh When Lobster-Stunners Get Lost in Transit

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PETA Feasts on Brutalized Flesh When Lobster-Stunners Get Lost in Transit originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> animal rightsAnimalRightscrustastunfunnypetatopweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Lee Bains) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[High-Tech Fire Pit Keeps You Warm at Outdoor Eggnog Parties]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/high-tech-fire-pit-keeps-you-warm-at-outdoor-eggnog-parties/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/high-tech-fire-pit-keeps-you-warm-at-outdoor-eggnog-parties/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/22/high-tech-fire-pit-keeps-you-warm-at-outdoor-eggnog-parties/#comments
With winter in full swing, most people have moved their parties indoors. But if you're like us, nothing beats kicking back a few drinks on an outdoor patio with some close friends. Before you give in to Mother Nature and her cooler temperatures, consider investing in the Cal Flame G5000 fire pit and cocktail table. According to Born Rich, this heavenly creation features a round, glass tabletop around which as many as six people can huddle, and it's perfect for holding all those essential cold-weather drinks and snacks. Underneath, faux logs and lava rocks sit in the base of the pit, which features a 55,000 BTU burner.

But if you want to keep the party going outdoors with this fancy furniture, it'll cost you a large chunk of change. The Cal Flame G5000 retails for a whopping $6,900, and the addition of optional bar stools only increases the cost. Let's hope the recession hasn't put a hurting on good ol' St. Nick, because our Christmas wish list just got a lot more pricey. [From: Born Rich, via Oh Gizmo!]

High-Tech Fire Pit Keeps You Warm at Outdoor Eggnog Parties originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cal flameCalFlamecocktailsdesignfirefirepitfurniturehomeoutdoorwinter switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Facebook Photos Lead to Underage Drinking Fines]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/facebook-photos-lead-to-underage-drinking-fines/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/facebook-photos-lead-to-underage-drinking-fines/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/facebook-photos-lead-to-underage-drinking-fines/#comments We've seen wives pose as teens to bust cheating husbands and collections agencies impersonate cute girls to catch debt dodgers, but this is the first time we've ever heard of police using their precious time to send teens friend requests on Facebook just to troll their photos for evidence of underage drinking.
Students at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse have found themselves on the wrong end of a seemingly major sting operation. According to the La Crosse Tribune, at least four students from the school have been invited to court and fined for underage drinking over the past few weeks. The pieces of evidence presented in all the cases have been photos taken from the students' Facebook pages. One of those in trouble, Adam Bauer, told the Tribune that he believes the photos were obtained by police who posed as a "good-looking" 19-year-old girl and sent him a friend request about a month ago. Shortly thereafter Bauer was asked to come into the local police precinct.

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Facebook Photos Lead to Underage Drinking Fines originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crimefacebooklawpoliceprivacytopunderage drinkingUnderageDrinking switchedtips@gmail.com (Terrence O'Brien) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Google's New Permanent Search Sidebar Could Streamline Searches]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/googles-new-permanent-search-sidebar-could-streamline-searches/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/googles-new-permanent-search-sidebar-could-streamline-searches/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/googles-new-permanent-search-sidebar-could-streamline-searches/#comments
Despite Google's clean and simple design, users can still feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the freewheeling way in which search results appear on the site. To combat this problem, Marissa Meyer, Google's vice president of search product and user experience, told Mashable that the search giant will soon begin testing a new permanent sidebar on its results page, but only for a small number of users.

We know it's not often that Google changes anything, but before we get too excited, the feature is similar to the "Show options" sidebar. The new version, however, allows you to narrow a search to specific categories, and is simply more attractive. Plus, the sidebar will be, conveniently enough, permanently displayed on the left side of the page.

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Google's New Permanent Search Sidebar Could Streamline Searches originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> googlesearchsearch enginesSearchEnginesweb switchedtips@gmail.com (Caleb Johnson) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Philip's Interactive LED Tattoos Could Be the Future of Body Art]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/moveable-interactive-led-tattoos-may-be-the-next-wave-for-phili/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/moveable-interactive-led-tattoos-may-be-the-next-wave-for-phili/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/moveable-interactive-led-tattoos-may-be-the-next-wave-for-phili/#comments
Ah, human progress. It's long been possible to get drunk with your friends and make a permanent mistake on your body on spring break in Mexico, but soon you'll be able to do it electronically, too. That's right, we are entering the era of the LED tattoo.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have been developing micro-thin, flexible, silicon electronics that have already been successfully implanted under the skin of mice without any harm. These devices can conform to the body's shape without causing any irritation or interfering with its normal physiological processes. (The silk is eventually dissolved and absorbed by the body.)

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Philip's Interactive LED Tattoos Could Be the Future of Body Art originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cyborgledmedicalphilipsresearchtattootopweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Matthew Zuras) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:18:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Man's Coffee Cup Twitter Account Restores Faith in Humanity]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/mans-coffee-cup-twitter-account-restores-faith-in-humanity/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/mans-coffee-cup-twitter-account-restores-faith-in-humanity/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/mans-coffee-cup-twitter-account-restores-faith-in-humanity/#comments

Every generation laments the passing of those utopian good-ole days when people apparently always treated one another with respect and compassion. The Internet has only exacerbated those grumblings, as people constantly bemoan living in an instantly gratified society with increasingly narcissistic attitudes.

But, at least one crusader is using a so-called narcissistic and shallow avenue to disprove those Information Age haters. The RoofCoffeeCup Twitter account is attempting to prove that people really do care about one another, or, at least, one another's coffee. According to Boing Boing, a guy known as GitEmSteveDave has magnetically attached a Starbuck's coffee cup to the roof of his car and tweets about people's reactions to the precarious cup in peril.

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Man's Coffee Cup Twitter Account Restores Faith in Humanity originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> GitEmSteveDavegood deedgood deedsGoodDeedGoodDeedsRoofCoffeeCuptopTwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Warren Riddle) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Sunday's Engadget Show Features Joystiq, HTC's Drew Bamford]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/sundays-engadget-show-features-joystiq-htcs-drew-bamford/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/sundays-engadget-show-features-joystiq-htcs-drew-bamford/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/21/sundays-engadget-show-features-joystiq-htcs-drew-bamford/#comments Gadget and gaming fans are in for a treat at this Sunday's Engadget Show taping. Our friend Chris Grant, Editor-in-chief of Joystiq, joins the Engadget crew for a special gaming-focused roundtable. Plus, for you mobile interface junkies, HTC's Drew Bamford will be there as well. Plus, a very lucky audience member will go home with a 'Modern Warfare 2' Xbox 360 bundle. If you're in the New York area this weekend, head on down to the Tishman Auditorium at Parsons The New School for Design for the free event. Doors open tomorrow at 4:30PM, show starts at 5:00PM.

Sunday's Engadget Show Features Joystiq, HTC's Drew Bamford originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> TheEngadgetShowtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Thomas Houston) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST Switched