David Lidsky's Blog, page 3092

December 22, 2014

Before Bed, Switch Off The E-Reader And Pick Up A Paperback

A new study suggests that blue light from the popular devices interferes with circadian rhythms—and leaves us drowsier.

Researchers have recommended that couples banish cellphones from the bedroom, thanks to the dark allure of their constant dings and smiley-face alerts. Now add another item to that list of forbidden devices: the humble e-reader.

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Published on December 22, 2014 12:45

Experts Skeptical North Korea Hacked Sony

A chorus of cyber experts question the FBI's evidence.

The FBI declared last Friday that the North Korean government was responsible for hacking Sony—but for many security experts and hackers, the case is far from closed.

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Published on December 22, 2014 12:00

In PR Tailspin, Sony Hires Real-Life Olivia Pope

Judy Smith's list of Scandal-esque clients include Monica Lewsinky, NFL quarterback Michael Vick, and the World Health Organization.

Sony Entertainment is still reeling from cyber-attacks that leaked hundreds of gigabytes of private emails and other internal documents for the public to comb through. Now to deal with its PR nightmare, The Hollywood Reporter reports that the studio has hired Judy Smith—George H.W. Bush's former press secretary and the inspiration behind one of TV's most iconic characters.

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Published on December 22, 2014 11:45

Are Ride-Hailing Apps Safe For Drivers?

More questions are raised about Uber and Lyft—this time it's about distracted driver syndrome.

In most states you aren't allowed to send a text or answer your phone without the right kinds of hands-free gadgetry. In fact, just glancing at your phone is likely to earn you a ticket, which sounds about right: Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that texting while driving is the leading cause of death for teen drivers.

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Published on December 22, 2014 08:00

The Most Controversial Productivity Hack: Getting High At Work

People have been consuming illicit substances on the job since time immemorial. But, in an era of legal pot, is this okay?

Inspiration, they say, can come from anywhere. When creative director Richard Hatter wants to finish an 80-hour illustration, he doesn't restrict himself to a strong cup of coffee.

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Published on December 22, 2014 07:00

The Best Christmas Tree Money Can Buy

With our help, you can figure out which tree is best for you. You're welcome.

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Christmas is near, and you've probably picked out your tree by now. But did you pick out the right one? Ever wonder why your neighborhood tree salesman has the types of trees he has? A quick glance at this infographic will not only reveal the relative pros and cons of each tree, but also what region of the United States they generally come from.

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Published on December 22, 2014 06:33

Snøhetta To Build Prototype For Martian House

Artist Bjarne Melgaard calls it "an opportunity to simply clear the Earth of the degenerate humans who inhabit it."

Norwegian artist Bjarne Melgaard has a pretty pessimistic view of the future. Speaking about his installation Life on Mars, which appeared at the NADA fair in Miami earlier this month, he told The Art Newspaper, "disasters are no longer something we might fear but an opportunity to simply clear the Earth of the degenerate humans who inhabit it."

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Published on December 22, 2014 06:16

The Enduring Pay Gap: Women Are Still Paid Less For The Same Work

In the U.S., discrimination actually isn't so bad until you get to the highest wage earners.

A number of factors explain the persistent wage differences between men and women. In some countries, men may be better educated. But in most places, the reasons are murky: there's really no reasonable explanation other than simple discrimination.

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Published on December 22, 2014 05:58

In Atlanta, An Elf Will Deliver Your Christmas Tree And Then Pick It Up For Composting

Bonus: the elves will sing to you and give you popsicles.

If you live an Atlanta and want a Christmas tree, you can call up an elf. Tree Elves, a spin-off of a local startup, shows up at your door in full costume, with a freshly cut tree. After the holidays, they come back to cart the tree off to their farm, where it's turned into compost. The elves also plant a native Georgia tree to replace the one that was cut down.

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Published on December 22, 2014 05:49

WWWTXT: The Oldest Internet Archive

Los Angeles archivist Daniel Rehn has found a cache of "web text" that dates back to 1980. What's amazing is how much hasn't changed.

When it was announced via Twitter that Twin Peaks would return to television in early 2016, Daniel Rehn knew what to do. He had done the same thing when the new My Bloody Valentine album was released in 2012, and when Bitcoin began its meteoric rise in late 2013.

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Published on December 22, 2014 05:00

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