5 SECONDS OF SUMMER

Michael Clifford Fires Back at Abigail Breslin's Diss Track

Stars Most Stylish Selfie of the Week

Stars Most Stylish Selfie of the Week

GMAIL BLOCKED IN CHINA

5-Minute Outfit Idea

5-Minute Outfit Idea: An Effortless, Polished Look to Try This Weekend.

Facebook suffers outage

Facebook suffers outage affecting users worldwide!! .

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Robotic exoskeletons give dock workers superhuman lifting abilities

Robotic exoskeletons give dock workers superhuman lifting abilities

Jon Fingas
Engadget


















We talk a lot about robotic exoskeletons that give people almost supernatural lifting skills, but these tend to be confined to labs or science fiction. Not in South Korea, though. Daewoo has been testing suits that let shipyard workers carry objects as heavy as 66 pounds like they're nothing. The key is support for task-specific frames that put virtually all the load on the machine, giving you full dexterity -- whether it's an engine part or a piece of the hull, you can easily put it into place.
The hardware isn't ready to enter full service just yet. It doesn't currently cope well with slippery floors or twisting movements, and its 3-hour battery life isn't enough to cover someone's entire shift. Daewoo says that the trial has been going well, however, and it ultimately hopes that the exoskeleton will shoulder up to 220 pounds. If everything pans out, shipbuilding could take considerably less time -- and put much less strain on the people involved.

New Galaxy Alpha Leaks Show iPhone-Inspired Design

New Galaxy Alpha Leaks Show iPhone-Inspired Design

Darren Orf
Gizmodo 

The Samsung Galaxy line has been a smartphone stalwart for years. But unanticipated commercial and design criticism of its latest flagship, the Galaxy S5, has forced the company to go in a different creative direction—down a road that apparently leads straight to Cupertino, Calif.

New leaks from Weibo show off a purportedly reimagined Galaxy smartphone. If these leaks are accurate, Samsung has replaced the chrome-plastic ridges on the S5 with chamfered metal band that runs around the rim of the device. This rim also tapers on the edges most likely to comfortably fit your fingers and palm. The corners are still rounded but at a slightly sharper angle, more akin to current model iPhones than the S5, and Samsung also keeps its button front and center on the lower bezel but retains its familiar oval shape.

This radical revision isn't a complete surprise. Samsung replaced the head of its mobile division in May due, in part, to the S5's underwhelming performance, and just last week the company promised on an earnings call that there would an upcoming device using "new materials," according to The Wall Street Journal. I guess people weren't loving that plastic band-aid backing.

At first glance, this thing looks like a frankenstein monster stitched together from old iPhone 5 and Galaxy S5 parts, and thanks to another leak from a UK retailer, we may know a little bit about what will be power it. Unlike the S5, Samsung will reportedly be ditching Qualcomm for the Octa-core Exynos 5 processor, a 4.7-inch display (also similar to a rumored iPhone 6 size) delivering 320 pixels per inch, 32GB of storage, and a 12 mega-pixel camera. It's also rumored that the Alpha may have 6.7-inch phablet version as well, which would most likely skew some of these leaked specs—especially the screen. Let's hope through all this redesign, Samsung at least holds on to its removable battery.
These specs and designs are all tentative and are a pretty big leap from other Alpha leaks we've seen. Luckily, we won't have to wait long for the official release since Samsung will supposedly announced the device on Aug. 13. 

Verizon response to FCC's throttling concerns: everyone's doing it

Verizon response to FCC's throttling concerns: everyone's doing it

Chris Welch
The Verge 

Verizon Wireless has officially responded to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and his data throttling concerns. The Verge has obtained a copy of the carrier's response, dated August 1st, which was written by Kathleen Grillo, the company's SVP of Federal Regulatory Affairs. In it, Verizon underlines the notion that customers will only experience slowdowns "under very limited circumstances." It will only happen at "particular cell sites experiencing unusually high demand," the letter reads. We've outlined the other factors that could result in reduced data speeds previously.

Verizon notes that any throttling will cease immediately when demand on a strained cell site returns to normal. "Our practice is a measured and fair step to ensure that this small group of customers do not disadvantage all others in the sharing of network resources during times of high demand." The carrier insists only big data users who "have an out-sized effect on the network" will be slowed down.

Verizon claims those same people almost always have unlimited data plans and have "no incentive not to" hog up network resources. The top 5 percent of data users will be subject to LTE throttling beginning in October. It may sound difficult to reach that level of data usage, but keep in mind that right now Verizon says exceeding 4.7GB of data would put you there. "We are providing this notice several months in advance to be open and transparent with our customers about network management practices that could affect their service."

"The rationale is to provide the best possible network experience for customers ..."

More importantly, Verizon also hammers on the fact that it's by no means la. Every other major wireless provider in the United States — AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile — has already implemented some form of data throttling or "network optimization" as it's often called. "This practice has been widely accepted with little or no controversy," writes Grillo. Verizon goes a step further and says its competitors often have "less tailored" policies that can impact customers even when network congestion isn't an issue. Here the company takes a shot at John Legere and T-Mobile, pointing out that the "Uncarrier" gives itself the right to throttle "regardless of whether customers are at a location experiencing congestion."

Comcast should probably pay attention here, since Verizon's letter essentially dismisses the idea of LTE being a viable replacement for home internet. "The network's capacity remains a shared and limited resource that we must manage to provide the best experience for all of our consumers," Verizon says. And yes, that's even with XLTE and other network initiatives factored in. In response to Wheeler's reference to C Block rules and the FCC's Open Internet Order, Verizon seems confident that everything it's doing is perfectly legal and already permitted under current law. "Our customers continue to be free to go where they want on the internet and to use the applications, services, and devices of their choice."

Some time playing video games can actually be good for kids

Some time playing video games can actually be good for kids

Hannah Newman
Quartz 

With research showing that video games can have both positive and negative effects on kids, parents can be forgiven for being confused. In the US, 31% of teens play video games daily, according to the Pew Research Internet Project, consuming up to one-half of their daily free time. Now a new study suggests there’s a sweet spot for just the right amount of time is good for gamers.

The study, conducted by Andrew K. Przybylski, an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford’s Internet Institute, looked at survey responses of nearly 5,000 British boys and girls aged 10 to 15—75% of whom reported playing video games everyday. The kids answered questions about their life satisfaction, friendships, willingness to help others, and levels of hyperactivity and inattention.
Those who played for less than one hour a day, Przybylski found, were happier with their lives and had more emotional stability than those who never grabbed a controller. Those who played for three hours or more a day were, perhaps unsurprisingly, the most maladjusted of the lot.

Why are non-gamers at a disadvantage? Since so many of their peers are active gamers, not having the experience as part of the conversation cab be socially harmful, Przybylski told the BBC. He suggests that the fun, social nature of video games works much like traditional face-to-face play by enhancing social skills and presenting opportunities for identity development.

Przybylski notes that his sample is quite small, and that video games are not the most important contributor to having having well-adjusted kids. Factors such as strong family relationships, a positive community, and school environment play an undeniably larger, more enduring role in a child’s development. Still, the study provide some reassurance to parents who are unable to completely detach their kids from the controller.

Monday 4 August 2014

Canadians rally in Toronto, Montreal to protest military action in Gaza

Canadians rally in Toronto, Montreal to protest military action in Gaza


CTVNews.ca
19 july 2014

Hundreds of people gathered at demonstrations across Canada Saturday to protest Israel's military action in Gaza, as the conflict in the Middle East continued to escalate.
In Toronto, demonstrators holding signs and chanting "free Gaza," gathered outside the Israeli Consulate. Organizer Hind Awwad said protesters were there to draw attention to what she called "Israel's ongoing aggression."
Saturday marked the second day of Israel’s ground operation in Gaza, as rockets continued fly from both sides. Israeli troops entered Gaza after a failed attempt to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.


In Montreal, several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through streets.
Jaoudat Abouazza, who emigrated to Canada from the West Bank in 1977, attended the demonstration. He said he still has family in the region.
"It's very upsetting,” he said. “It's hard to accept what's been happening there."
The rally in Montreal briefly became tense when a woman showed up waving a small Israeli flag and told demonstrators that Israel "has the right to defend itself."
While one demonstrator tried to rip the flag away from her, another woman gave her hug, saying everyone is hoping for peace.
On Friday, a similar rally took place in Calgary, where a fight broke out when a group of Israel supporters showed up at the demonstration.
In Vancouver, protesters called on Israel to stop its military operations. Demonstrators also criticized Stephen Harper’s support for Israel.
“Our government has been pro-Zionist and we want to stand against that,” said rally organizer Dania Kallas.
A spokesperson for Harper said the prime minister spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. They discussed the need to “make every effort to minimize civilian casualties.”


Must See Celeb Nails of the Week

Must See Celeb Nails of the Week

Certain celebrities' creative nail art is so cool that it practically deserves its own holiday — or in Zendaya's case, maybe even an entire month! Luckily we have Must-See Celeb Nails of the Week  to celebrate and show off amazing styles every week


Credit:Instagram
We're loving Peyton List's baby pink mani! The Jessie actress showed off her beautiful nail shade in a pretty Instagram pic showcasing her stylish  jeans and gold ring, and we love the neutral look.


Credit:Instagram
G. Hannelius has the perfect nail polish shade for fall! The Dog with a Blog actress showed off her moody looking deep purple mani hue in a pretty new Instagram pic, and we're obsessed with the classic style. We also love her dainty stacked rings!



Credit:Instagram
Dove Cameron looked so gorgeous showing off her red-hot "fall nails" in a glam new Instagram pic. We love her vibrant nail polish shade for autumn because it really looks cool.


Credit:Instagram
Woah! Vanessa Hudgens' latest manicure style is way over the top! We love how she kept her talon-like nail shape simple with a beige nail polish but kicked up her style with a cool 3D floral design on her accent nail.


Credit:Instagram
G. Hannelius wowed us with another gorgeous mani! This week, she showed off cool floral nail wraps and solid colored pastel accent nails. We love nail stickers because they're the quickest way to rock flawless and artistic designs!


Credit:Instagram
Call us obsessed with Bella Thorne's vibrant green and navy manicure that she rocked during New York Fashion Week! Not only are we crazy about the cool alternating colors and metallic studded accents, but we love how she stacked tons of dainty rings on each of her fingers.


Credit: Getty
We love the simple blue and white striped nails Zendaya showed off at her friend Trevor Jackson's 18th birthday party. Her dainty designs really popped against her all-white party outfit!


Credit:Instagram
We are so envious of Shay Mitchell's latest glittery manicure! Her pastel colored style reminds us of the mix of sea glass and sand at the beach.


Credit:Instagram
If you're not sure which shade of nail polish to wear, take Sarah Hyland's advice and try out different designs and shades on each nail! The Modern Family star tested out a bunch of her pre-MTV VMAs nail looks and showed off a totally cute custom mani on Instagram!


Credit:Instagram
Actress Hailee Steinfeld's glam nails from the Teen Choice Awards are so amazing! She showed off a pic of her black-rimmed mint nails on Instagram, and they looked so great against her colorful, lacy textured dress. We're also obsessed with her edgy metal bangle bracelets and stunning opal ring!


Credit:Instagram
Woah! Vanessa Hudgens' latest manicure is totally fierce! She showed off her cool claw-like talons in a pretty Instagram pic, and we love how she was inspired by a classic French manicure look but kicked her style up with accents of tribal print and triangle designs.


Credit:Instagram
Call us obsessed with Zendaya's latest fierce manicure! We love her latest navy blue nail look, which features a fun, red-plaid accent nail and a cool glittery letter detail on her thumb.

Credit:Instagram
Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall showed off her cool glittery nails by Elegant Touch on Instagram, and we love her sparkly style! Jade alternated between nude nail polish shades and gold glitter accent nails for her latest powerful manicure style


Credit:Instagram
Peyton List showed off her chic manicure – and incredible view of the "Eiffel Tower"! – in a cool pic she snapped in Las Vegas! We love how classic and glossy her white nails are, but a fun graphic black design on her accent nail gives her look a bit of fun edge!

Credit:Instagram
Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario showed off the coolest feathered nails we've ever seen! We love how some of her nails are cute polka dots and others look like more natural wispy bird feathers.

Credit:Instagram
We love the cool rainbow manicure style that Demi Lovato wore performing at New York City's Pride. Each almond-shaped nail features a cool ombre fade of multiple vibrant glittery polishes.


Credit:Instagram
Shay Mitchell's latest manicure is perfect for summer! The Pretty Little Liars star shared a stylish snap of her "vacay nails," before heading out on a tropical vacation, and her nail art definitely reflects that summer getaway vibe!


Credit:Instagram
Beyonce is officially the queen, and her latest mani knows it! She showed off her gold foiled nails that were embellished with tiny crowns


Credit:Instagram
Bella Thorne shared a fun mani featuring nude sparkly nails accented with colorful animal-themed accents.


Credit:Instagram
Victoria Justice showed off her pretty teal mani, adorable Alisa Michelle rings, amazing lime green Danielle Nicole clutch bag, and cool printed pants all in one stylish Instagram snap


Credit:Instagram
Alli Simpson showed off one of the cutest cartoon manicures ever! She painted her Broadway Nails a glittery light pink shade before applying fun sticker decals on top. We love how creative the look is!

 Credit:Instagram
We're 100% obsessed with Shay Mitchell's colorful and cute ice cream manicure! The Pretty Little Liars star showed off her speckled nails on Instagram, and they seriously looked good enough to eat!


Credit:Instagram
We're seriously obsessed with the fun, sparkly nails Cher Lloyd showed off on Instagram! The singer's glittery gold nail polish is wonderful on its own, but she really kicked up her style by adding a cluster of shimmering rhinestones to one accent nail



You Won't Believe the Adorable Thing Harry Styles Did for a Fan

You Won't Believe the Adorable Thing Harry Styles Did for a Fan

Even though we know One Direction cares a lot about their Directioners, we're still touched when the 1D boys make truly amazing gestures that show how much their fans mean to them. While in New Jersey for their Where We Are tour, Harry Styles made a special stop at Campbell Hoyt's house to fulfill her greatest wish.
Cam, who is battling brain and spine cancer, dreamed of meeting One Direction, specifically Harry. When her mom Robin Hoyt asked for help to make Cam's dream come true, Harry tweeted his support and sent her "all the love in the world."
Still, no one expected that Harry would visit her instead of just calling or video messaging her.
Robin said, "He was emphatic that he did not do this for publicity. He truly just wanted to meet Cam."
Their family friend Katie Borghese says that Cam's parents were "very moved by Harry's kindness," 

Find Out Who Zendaya Hates Being Compared To

Find Out Who Zendaya Hates Being Compared To:



While Zendaya is definitely one-of-a-kind, she isn't immune to being compared to other actresses and artists — but that doesn't mean she likes it. Zendaya told Gossip Cop that she hates being compared to Miley CyrusSelena Gomez, and Demi Lovato because she's "not like the other Disney stars."


“Things that they’re doing are not what I’m gonna do because I’m not them. We’re completely different people,” she said. “You can’t really [say] ‘Oh because they did it, now [this one will].’ That doesn’t make any sense.”
However, she doesn't judge Miley, Selena, and Demi for who they are, and even says that she admires them.
“I don’t want to ever bring anyone else down for any decisions they made when they grew up, because everyone’s growing process is different, everyone learns differently. We’re all human beings. We’re all growing up. We’re all different. We’re all going to have different lives," she said.
“I admire some of them because they have had so much success at a young age, and they continue to handle themselves and persevere through any kind of problem that they have, which I think is most important."

Taylor Swift Serenading Young Cancer Patient

Taylor Swift Visits a Young Cancer Patient:


Taylor Swift always puts her fans first, from giving a Swiftie an amazing birthday gift to dispensinglove advice to a heartbroken fan on Instagram. But her latest visit to the Boston Children's Hospital is totally making her fans cry — it is so heartwarming.
Taylor surprised six-year-old Jordan Lee Nickerson with a visit, but it wasn't a quick meet-and-greet. Instead, she talked to him about Spider-Man, joined him for a round of air hockey, and even performed a rendition of "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Jordan looks thrilled that the singer visited him, and they both seemed like they had a great time together.

Palestine supporters protest at Zionist rally


Palestine supporters protest at Zionist rally


Johannesburg - Pro-Palestine supporters had gathered outside the Huddle Park Golf Course in Linksfield on Sunday, to protest against a rally being held by the SA Zionist Federation in support of the end the Middle East conflict.

Heavily armed police and security guards were stationed at the entrance to the venue.

The security guards requested that anyone that wanted to go inside the venue should produce an identity document.

The venue was filled with people who arrived in several cars and buses.

Pro-Palestine supporters, who stood at the entrance of the venue, were prevented by police and security guards from entering.

The supporters shouted anti-Israel slogans, while others displayed placards portraying anti-Israel messages.

One placard read, “Down with the Zionists,” while another read “Free Palestine.”

Some people shouted at Israeli supporters saying they were “child killers.”

Police were monitoring the situation. - Sapa



Thousands from across country protest in support of Palestinians near White House

Thousands from across country protest in support of Palestinians near White House


 August 2


A demonstration drew thousands to the White House and the streets of downtown Washington on Saturday afternoon as participants from across the country called for an end to the continued violence between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“Free, free Palestine, killing children is a crime,” the crowd chanted, several holding Palestinian flags, cardboard boxes decorated as coffins and posters with graphic images of the wounded.
Demonstrators started arriving around 1 p.m. for the event, which was organized online by a diverse collection of more than 40 groups. Organizers said many arrived by bus from cities such as Chicago and New York, and many others drove from as far as Florida to participate. Police blocked off several streets, including 15th Street NW in front of The Washington Post’s offices, so that protesters could march.
“It’s an exceptionally large number of protesters,” said Araz Alali, a D.C. police spokesman, who said there were no disturbances during the protest.
Sab Sab, 25, took a bus from Ohio to contribute his voice to the chants.
“I’ve been protesting every Friday in Cleveland, so I wanted to come out to the national protest,” Sab said, walking with his wife and cousin. “I’m here to ask for an end to the war and the siege on Gaza.”
Mounia Bounkenafet, 38, of Falls Church, Va., marched with her four children, ages 3, 5, 7 and 12.
“Sometimes when they watch the news on Gaza, they start crying in front of the TV,” Bounkenafet said. “I don’t even want them to watch, but they’re curious, and when they ask I tell them the truth: ‘This is a big crime.’ ”
“We have Arab Americans, Jewish Americans, people from Pakistan, people from all walks of life here,” she said. “There are many Jewish Americans who are very upset by the very disproportionate situation — it’s not a war, it’s an assault and an invasion.”
Caya Cagri, 60, of Kensington, Md., and her sister, Beyhand Trock, 59, of Bethesda, Md., don’t agree in all their views about the conflict, but both showed up to support peace in Gaza.
“Our mother’s Jewish and our father’s a Muslim,” Cagri said, explaining the family’s Turkish roots. “They had three daughters; one married a Jew, one married a Muslim and one married a Catholic.”
Cagri’s husband is Catholic and Trock’s is Jewish.
“They taught us to be accepting of other people, we’re all in one world — it’s about treating people with humanity,” Cagri said. “There are so many commonalities if people took the time to understand.”
“People have to leave their racism at the door,” Trock said. “Palestinians have the right to exist as humans and not under occupation.”
The sisters said the Muslim side of the family was in attendance Saturday but the Jewish side was not. They said that even in their family, conversations about the conflict were difficult to sustain without becoming emotional.
“Both sides feel victimized,” Trock said. “We also have our disagreements,” she added, gesturing at her sister, “but we don’t shoot each other.”
Zainab Chaudry, 32, of Columbia, Md., who is Maryland outreach director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that Florida teenager Tariq Abu Khieder , 15, who drew national attention for a video that appeared to show Israeli soldiers beating him while he was on a family trip in the West Bank, was among those in the crowd. Khieder posted a photo to his Instagram account showing his now-healed face as he posed in front of the White House on Saturday.

Sunday 3 August 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo Fun Facts

Cristiano Ronaldo Fun Facts:


  • NAME: Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Ronaldo’s full name is “Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro”, he was named after former american president Ronald Reagen. Ronaldo name was choosen by his father who was admired of the american president.
  • OCCUPATION: Soccer Player
  • BIRTH DATE: February 05, 1985 (Age: 28)
  • PLACE OF BIRTH: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
  •  ZODIAC SIGN: Aquarius
  • Ronaldo was nicknamed "cry-baby" as a child. His mother Dolores Aveiro said: "When he got home from school I'd tell him to do homework but he'd say he didn't have any. I'd be making dinner and he would jump out of the window and run off until late. He used to cry when he passed and his friends didn't score. People called him 'cry-baby' and 'little bee' because nobody could catch him."

  • He was an amazing player even at 11 years old. Paulo Cardoso, his first coach at Sporting Lisbon, said: "When he got the ball he went past two or three players. At the end of the game the players gathered around him, they knew he was a special kid."
  • Jose Mourinho likened Ronaldo to Marco van Basten, the former Holland striker. Mourinho said: "I remember the first time I saw him play. It was for Sporting youth. I told my assistant, 'There goes Van Basten's son.' He had great technique. He stood out."
  • As a teenager Ronaldo would train in the gym using weights on either foot and then dribbling with the ball. He thought it would improve his technique because without weights he would be even faster.
  • Liverpool decided Ronaldo wasn't good enough a year before he signed for United for £12.2 m from Sporting in 2003. After the winger played against United in a friendly Sir Alex Ferguson said: "At half-time I knew I had to sign this boy. He was sensational."
  • There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo but there are two Ronaldos. As coach of Brazil, Luiz Felipe Scolari, who worked with the other Ronaldo, said: "I hoped Cristiano would be as good one day. He just doesn't stop, no matter how much you demand of him."
  • Ronaldo’s father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, passed away at the age of 52 due to alcoholism. As a result, Ronaldo does not drink alcohol because drinking it reminds him of the death of his father.
  • It would take Cristiano Ronaldo just 6 days, 9 hours, 17 minutes and 5 seconds to earn what Barack Obama earns in one year! This is the most powerful man on the planet! he is currently earning £274,000/$452,182 in a week. It would take Cristiano Ronaldo 3 days, 19 hours, 40 minutes and 16 seconds to earn enough money to buy a 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. Ronaldo is the Highest Paid Footballer in the World.
  • Ronaldo grew up in a largely working class neighborhood, his home a small tin roofed shack that overlooked the ocean. His early life was shaped by hardship; his father, a gardener, often drank too much, and eventually died from kidney problems in 2005. To help keep the children fed, and maintain some financial stability, Ronaldo's mother worked as a cook and cleaning person.
  • It was through his dad's work as an equipment manager at a boy's club that Ronaldo was first introduced to the game of soccer. By the time he was 10 years old, he was already recognized as a phenomenon—a kid who ate, slept and drank the game. "All he wanted to do as a boy was play football,"
  • If you have seen Ronaldo often in football games you would know that he has this amazing ability of jumping head and shoulders higher than the other footballers. Which gives him many headed goals. He can easily out jump an average NBA player.
  • Ronaldo's freekick speed is around 130 kilometres an hour, which means 31.1 metres per second more than four times of Apollo 11 rocket's launching speed which was 7.3 metres per second.