Unleash your inner techie with today’s links.
Technology
Want a Federal Government-Approved Baby Name? There’s an App for That
If you need baby-naming help, shove aside those endless books and websites. Now you can get your options served up by a faceless government organization.
Is the Age-Old ‘Elevator Pitch’ On Its Way Out?
For those unfamiliar, an elevator pitch is a short, snappy, attention-grabbing presentation of an idea that anyone looking to climb the ranks has ready for any chance meeting with a head honcho, well, in an elevator. More …
Bird Watchers, Beware: Electronic Bird Calls May Harm the Creatures
What if all the bird lovers out there clamoring to use their new technology were really driving birds mad? As new bird-calling technology, whether applications for your smartphone or recorded onto your iPod, lure birds to where …
Webby Awards: Further Proof That Justin Bieber Rules the Internet
At this point, the actual awards in question are irrelevant. The important thing is that Justin Bieber and Angry Birds always walk away winners. And that’s exactly how the 15th annual Webby Awards played out.
Hail the Cab of the Future: NYC Selects Nissan Van As New Official Taxi
The iconic Crown Vic is driving off into the sunset. And NYC is looking to Japan for its official cab.
Paging Michael Scott: ‘That’s What She Said’ Computer Algorithm Developed
Computers! They can now make terrible jokes just like us.
Sign of the Times: Is Cursive a Dying Art in Classrooms?
Kids these days. They’re allowed to write in plain old Times New Roman and don’t have to spend tedious hours learning the cursive transition from an o to an r. (via New York Times)
Flash of Genius: Lasers Could Replace Spark Plugs Under Your Hood
Scientists are looking to harness the intensely focused light from laser beams to fire the cylinders in combustion engines.
Where’s the Happiest State in the Union? Twitter May Hold the Answer
Where can you find happiness? In a bunch of different places, as this Twitter map shows.
Look Out Gwyneth: Jay-Z Launches Lifestyle Website
Dads beware: If Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop newsletter makes mothers feel slightly inadequate about themselves, will Jay-Z’s new website have the same impact upon fathers? We’ve already got 99 problems (and this wasn’t one).
But Amazon Doesn’t Have Free Bathrooms: The Downside to the Decline of Borders Stores
A closing Borders bookstore in Chicago has told customers where they can find a restroom. “Try Amazon,” the sign reads.