Mashable Articles: March 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Samsung Builds Up Galaxy S IV Announcement With Cheesy Flash Mob

Anita Li2013-03-13 07:44:58 UTC

With just a day away from the Galaxy S IV's big unveil, Samsung is pushing hard to ensure its next-generation flagship smartphone is on everyone's mind.

Hence, the company's ill-advised flash mob, which took place in New York City's Times Square. Chock full of winks and grins, several men dance around while clad in bowler hats and black and white suits emblazoned with the number "4."

The men, who are each holding rectangular boards, merge together several times during their performance to display a larger sign that says, "BE READY 4 THE NEXT GALAXY." Watch the entire video, above.

This flash mob is just the latest in a line of promotional tactics for its "Unpacked" marketing campaign, which also includes a poster and video teasing the S IV.

Samsung is set to formally launch its next-generation Galaxy phone on Thursday, March 14, in New York City.

What do you think of the flash mob? Give us your take in the comments, below.

Screenshot image courtesy of Samsung Tomorrow via YouTube

PayTango Lets You Pay With the Touch of a Finger

The Launchpad is a series that introduces Mashable readers to compelling startups. If you would like to have your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here.

Name: PayTango

One-Line Pitch: PayTango lets you pay by scanning your fingerprint instead of a card so you can leave the plastic behind.

Why It's Taking Off: The startup aims to provide universities and gyms with a special scanner that connects the customer's fingerprint with a credit card, debit card or loyalty card.

Forget paying with credit cards or even your phone, a new service is aiming to let you pay with just the touch of your finger.

PayTango, a startup founded by four students at Carnegie Mellon University, has developed a special scanner that prompts consumers to record their fingerprint and swipe a credit card, debit card or loyalty card to be associated with it in the system. The scanner is designed to be quick and easy to use (as the company demonstrated in a recent Vine video, below), and to integrate right into the retailer's existing payment processing systems.

"What we can do is take biometric data and transmit it as hard data," Brian Groudan, co-founder of PayTango, told Mashable. "The computer looks at it the same way."

The PayTango team built an early prototype of the device at a hackathon last year while still in school and started piloting the technology at a restaurant at Carnegie Mellon. Since then, they have expanded to three other locations at their university and are currently in talks to bring PayTango to other universities as well as gyms and health clubs around San Francisco. It is also part of Y Combinator's Winter 2013 class of startups, which demoed their products earlier this week.

Groudan says he and his co-founders were initially interested in trying to help consumers "consolidate all of your cards into one card," but then they heard about a group of researchers at their university who used gesture-recognition technology to create doorknobs and other objects that recognize how they're being touched. This changed the team's thinking. "Our idea eventually evolved to 'why do you even need a card?'"

PayTango certainly isn't the first company to try using biometric data for payments. Several retailers and credit card companies have tested fingerprint payments in select markets over the years, including Discover and Mastercard. Groudan says PayTango hopes to differentiate itself by offering a more intuitive user experience and focusing on venues with "tight networks" like universities and health clubs. Eventually, the team hopes to roll the service out for transportation use and health care as well.

The startup has so far only raised money through Y Combinator, but is currently looking to raise a round.

Image courtesy of YouTube, PayTango

8 Vendors You Didn't Know Accepted Bitcoins

The Bitcoin â€" the first decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency â€" was introduced on the web in 2009, but interest is bubbling up once again.

Building on the idea that money is essentially a medium for translating value, the Bitcoin uses cryptography (or encrypting digital information to transmit something securely) for its creation and transactions, rather than a central authority. To learn more about how Bitcoins are created and acquired, we've included a handy explainer video from WeUseCoins.com below.

Bitcoins, while often used for games and even tied to illicit activities every now and then, have been adopted by reputable vendors in addition to traditional forms of payment.

You can even find them implemented in real-life settings. In 2011, a Meze Grill location in midtown New York City accepted Bitcoins for a short time. Across the East River in the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO, Brooklyn, a creperie called O'Crepe's sells organic creations in exchange for Bitcoins. In San Francisco, you can buy a variety of treats with your Bitcoins at Cups and Cakes Bakery. And soon, Cyprus will set up the world's first Bitcoin ATM. There's even a man in Alberta, Canada, trying to sell his house for Bitcoins.

At the time of this post, one Bitcoin is roughly equivalent to $94 USD, but like all currency, the Bitcoin's value is constantly fluctuating. Nevertheless, the current exchange rate is a major increase from the $30 USD exchange rate in late February. Within a little more than a month, the Bitcoin's value has increased by more than 300%.

The bottom line: If you own Bitcoins, you've got something going for you. But where should you spend your "crypto-currency?"

We've rounded up eight online places you probably didn't know accepted Bitcoin payments. Get a domain name, score some sweet handmade items on Etsy and even donate to a good cause with your web wallet.

Do you use your Bitcoins anywhere else? Share your recommended vendors in the comments.

Homepage image courtesy of Flickr; Zach Copley

Report: Google Glass to Be Manufactured in the U.S.

Stan Schroeder2013-03-28 09:57:27 UTC

Google Glass will be manufactured in Silicon Valley, the Financial Times reports citing people familiar with Google's plans.

The much-hyped gadget will be produced by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn â€" the company that builds Apple's iPhone. However, it will be built at a facility in Santa Clara, California.

Google announced Wednesday it would soon be shipping the first batch of Google Glasses to 8,000 selected users. According to the report, it's practical for Google to keep the manufacturing operations near its headquarters due to the small scale, high cost and complexity of the initial run.

If the report is true, this would not the first time Google has decided to have a gadget built in the U.S.; its ill-fated streaming media player, the Nexus Q, was meant to be built in the U.S.

Apple has also shown interest in moving some of its manufacturing to the U.S. Some of Apple's Mac computers are assembled in the U.S., and the company CEO said Apple would invest more than $100 million in manufacturing on U.S. soil.

Image credit: Google

iPhone 5 Case Has an iEqualizer on the Back

Charlie White2013-03-23 21:04:53 UTC

There's no shortage of iPhone cases, but here's one that will really make you stand out at the disco: The iEqualizer iPhone 5 case from Strapya World shows off a set of lovely blinking lights on the back that look exactly like a graphic equalizer.

First, the good news: Those attractive illuminations are powered by their own button-sized batteries that reside inside this case. That means your iPhone 5's battery won't have to pay the price for all this frivolity.

Better yet, from the looks of the video above, you'll agree that it's a pretty cool effect, especially in the dark.

The bad news? Like all cases, you'll sacrifice the svelte design of the iPhone 5 for this enclosure, which also includes a plastic appendage at the top that functions as an on/off switch. In fact, the case is so thick, it will make your iPhone nearly twice its present girth.

For purists, this won't qualify as an equalizer, especially since each of the bars isn't reacting to specific frequencies. Nay, it's just the whole array of blinkenlights reacting to any sound nearby.

Available for preorder now, look for it in late March or early April for $32.30.

Photo and video courtesy Strapya World

[Strapya World, via Gizmodo]

Forecast the Weather With This Fancy Mechanical Watch

Vignesh Ramachandran2013-03-23 03:40:53 UTC

Weather apps, shmeather apps: leave the smartphone in your pocket. You're going to have watch envy when you see what's being claimed as the world's firstÂ mechanical wristwatch that can measure pressure and altitude.

Though high-techÂ smart watches are all the rage these days, the BrevaÂ GÃ©nie 01 features a mechanical barometer and altimeter, as explained in the video above. So not only can you tell the time with style, you can forecast the weather.

The mechanical watch's proprietary pressure chamber measures altitude and local pressure with specialized meters for each. TheÂ GÃ©nie 01 is water-resistant up to about 100 feet (30 meters).

There will only be 110 of these watches produced: 55 in white gold and 55 in pink gold.

With this weather station watch, you could play weather guy/gal at the next dinner party you go to. But at a price point of $158,000, you could probably just go get aÂ meteorologyÂ degree â€" multiple times.

Drooling yet? In addition to the video above, watch this one that woos you via a journey through the mechanical watch's components.

Image and thumbnail courtesy of Breva.

This Week's Biggest Moments in 20 Photos

This week there were many photo-worthy moments. From Perez Hilton introducing the world his one-month-old son, Mario Lavandeira III a.k.a. Sweet Pea or Perez Jr., to President Obama making his first official visit, to Israel and the newly appointed Pope Francis' official inauguration mass â€" the week was certainly eventful.

In sports, the Dominican Republic made history with its 8th consecutive victory in the World Baseball Classic. We also had Saint Patrick's day last week, which was celebrated in Chicago by dying the Chicago River green.

These moments and many more can be admired in this week's biggest moments collection. Which photo is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Chicago River Dyed Green for Saint Patrick's Day

Workers dye the Chicago River green to kick off the city's St. Patrick's day celebration in Chicago, Illinois. The dying of the river has been a tradition in the city for 43 years. ( Image via Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Krystian Herba Breaks World Record For Climbing Stairs

Krystian Herba set a new Guinness World Record after climbing 2,754 stairs (100 floors) in 1:21:53 on a bicycle at the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third-tallest building in the world. (Image via ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images)

Las Fallas Festival In Valencia

Bullfighter Juan Jose Padill performs during a bullfight as part of the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, Spain. The Fallas Festival, which runs from March 15 until March 19, celebrates the arrival of spring with fireworks, fiestas and bonfires made from large ninots (puppets). (Image via David Ramos/Getty Images)

Sculptures By Artists Henry Moore And Auguste Rodin Brought Together For The First Time

Conservator Rupert Harris waxes Rodin's "The Burghers" at The Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green, England. This major exhibition compares the work of English sculptor Henry Moore with one of the pioneers of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin. It's the first time any artist has been shown alongside Henry Moore on his estate. The exhibition runs from March 29 to October 27, 2013. (Image via Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

The Original Of The World's Most Reproduced Picture On Display

A gallery assistant at Bonhams looks at "Chinese Girl" by Vladimir Tretchikoff in London. "Chinese Girl" is the most iconic work by Tretchikoff, and is said to be the most widely reproduced and recognizable picture in the world. The picture will be sold at Bonhams South African art sale for an estimated Â£400,000. (Image via Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

The Inauguration Mass For Pope Francis

Vatican members prepare communion before the Inauguration Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The inauguration of Pope Francis was held in front of an estimated crowd of one million pilgrims and faithful who have crowded into St Peter's Square and the surrounding streets to see the former Cardinal of Buenos Aires officially take up his position. (Image via Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Israel Prepares For President Obama's Visit

Israeli children wave flags during a rehearsal, a day ahead of the arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama at the president's residence in Jerusalem. Obama made his first visit as president to the region and his itinerary included meetings with the Palestinian and Israeli leaders, as well as a visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. (Image via Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Black Caviar Trackwork Session

Black Caviar (L) relaxing in the shallows of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. Black Caviar will aim to win her 24th straight race on Friday night at Moonee Valley, possibly starting at her lowest odds in her career. (Image via Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

Launch Of "Dine For Dogs Trust" At The George Club

Brix Smith Start joins VIP (very important pooches) of the furry variety took to Mayfair members' club George in aid of Dogs Trust to launch a dog friendly menu. Yasmin Le Bon, Patrick Cox and Tuuli Shipster and their four-legged friends joined members to celebrate the new dishes in aid of the UK's largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust at The George Club in London, England. (Image via Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for The Dogs Trust)

Dominican Republic Wins World Baseball Classic

Robinson Cano #24 and Jose Reyes #7 of the Dominican Republic celebrate with their teammates after defeating Puerto Rico to win the Championship Round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic by a score of 3-0 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Image via Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

David Beckham Visits China

British soccer player David Beckham kicks the ball during his visit to a middle school in Beijing. David Beckham is on a five-day visit to China at the invitation of the China Football Association as China's first international ambassador. (Image via Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Global Kids Fashion Week AW13

Models walk the runway at the end of the Global Kids Fashion Week AW13 media and VIP show at The Freemason's Hall in London. (Image via Ian Gavan/Getty Images for AlexandAlexa.com)

Winter X Games Europe 2013

Nick Goepper of the U.S. performs during the Men's Ski Slopestyle Elimination during day three of Winter X Games Europe 2013 in Tignes, France. (Image via Richard Bord/Getty Images)

Bayer Art Collection Show Preview

A visitor looks at photographs by Marven Graf at the "From Beckmann To Warhol: Art of the 20th and 21st Centuries, The Bayer Collection" exhibition during a press preview day at Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin, Germany. The exhibition, which features works by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Miro, Richter and others from the private collection of the Bayer corporation, will be open to the public from March 22 through June 19. (Image via Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Nowruz Celebrations Take Place In Kabul

An Afghan vendor sells balloons near the Sakhi shrine, which is the center of the Afghanistan new year celebrations during the Nowruz festivities in Kabul, Afghanistan. Nowruz is an ancient festival that marks the beginning of the Spring Equinox and the start of the year in the Iranian calendar, which this coming year will be 1392. (Image via Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

A Farmer Helps His Ewes Give Birth

Farmer Bob King picks up a newborn lamb, born this morning at his farm in the Wiltshire village of Edington, near Westbury, England. Despite the poor weather, the lambing season â€" which normally runs from February to May â€" is well underway. Many farmers across the UK are on the lookout for signs in their flocks of Schmallenberg disease, a virus that can result in congenital disorders and stillbirths when infection takes place during early stages of pregnancy. (Image via Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Round One of the 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Tiger Woods of the United States plays his second shot at the par 3, 17th hole during the first round of the 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida. (Image via David Cannon/Getty Images)

Perez Hilton Introduces His Son Perez Jr. To The World

In this handout photo, Perez Hilton (legal name Mario Lavandeira Jr.) poses with his one-month-old son Mario Lavandeira III (nicknamed Sweet Pea or Perez Jr.) during a portrait photo session in Los Angeles. (Image via Perez Hilton via WireImage)

Hindus Celebrate Holi In India

Transgender Hindu devotees dance as others play with color during Lathmaar Holi celebrations in the village of Barsana, near Mathura, India. The tradition of playing with colors on Holi draws its roots from a legend of Radha and the Hindu God Krishna. (Image via Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

2013 Samsung World Cup

Competitors prepare during day one of the 2013 Samsung World Cup at Sydney International Rowing Centre on in Sydney, Australia. (Image via Matt King/Getty Images)

Thumbnail Image via Matt King/Getty Images

Bill Gates Will Give You $100,000 to Build a Better Condom

Condoms are recognized and used by an estimated 750 million people across the world and reduce both unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexually-transmitted infections. However, unlike most other technologies, they haven't changed much in the last half-century. So isn't it about time for something new?

Yes, says the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is offering $100,000 of initial funding with up to $1 million of possible continued funding to whoever designs the "next generation of condoms." What might such a futuristic prophylactic look like?

"The primary drawback from the male perspective is that condoms decrease pleasure as compared to no condom," says the Foundation's description of the challenge.

"The primary drawback from the male perspective is that condoms decrease pleasure as compared to no condom," says the Foundation's description of the challenge. So a "next-generation" condom would, perhaps, find some way to increase sensation as to get men to wear them more often â€" purely in the name of global health, of course.

Female condoms, meanwhile, "suffer from some of the same liabilities as male condoms, require proper insertion training and are substantially more expensive than their male counterparts," says the Foundation. So a cheaper, simpler female condom might also help reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and spread of STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

Got an idea for building a better condom? Proposals sent to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation must have a "testable hypothesis, include an associated plan for how the idea would be tested or validated and yield interpretable and unambiguous data" to receive continued funding toward development. Ideas that prove too expensive for widespread use in the developing world, or those that don't do the job of preventing pregnancy or disease transmission will be dismissed right off the bat.

The next-generation condom challenge is part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's "Grand Challenges Explorations," a continuing initiative to fund programs geared toward improving the lot of the world's poorest citizens.

"To overcome persistent health and development problems, we need new, game-changing ideas," said Chris Wilson, Director of Global Health Discovery & Translational Science at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in a statement. "Inspiration can come from anywhere and we are hopeful that this new round of Grand Challenges Explorations will uncover innovative approaches to improve lives around the world."

Ideas for a better condom and other global health innovations are being accepted at GrandChallenges.org. How would you build a better condom? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Image via iStockphoto, Ekaterina79

Newscast Ruins Intimate Moment Between Dogs

Neha Prakash2013-03-23 03:55:39 UTC

Well, this is awkward. We're just not sure for who; the two dogs who got caught on live television gettin' jiggy with it, or the newscaster who had to report through the footage of it all.

The segment was supposed to be about a home under investigation for housing a dogfighting ring. Instead, the WCAU station (a Philadelphia NBC affiliate) caught some X-rated, doggy fun footage on their helicopter cam. Props to reporter Christine Maddela who managed to stay relatively composed and continue the report.

But we're glad to see that those potentially-abused pooches are managing to keep calm and carry on no matter what. And next time, WCAU, knock first.

H/T Hypervocal. Image courtesy of iStockphoto, tverkhovinets

How to Convince People to Join Your Startup

When youâ€™re first getting your startup off the ground, finding and reeling in awesome team members can be one of your biggest challenges. Once youâ€™ve found the right employees, how do you convince them to drop what theyâ€™re doing and join your company?

There are a few key factors that matter most to early stage startup employees, and these are often the reasons that employees join startups in the first place. So, if you can show your top candidates how you can offer them those things, youâ€™ll have a much better chance of people coming on board.

Here are the four important aspects of your company youâ€™ll want to showcase throughout the interview and hiring process.

Opportunity to Make Significant Contributions

Working at a large company usually provides greater career security, a higher salary and better benefits. But it can also mean corporate ladders, constant meetings and narrowly focused job descriptions.

One of the best things about startups is that everybody on the team is expected to wear multiple hats and manage multiple parts of the businessâ€"and the right people crave that kind of responsibility and variety, too.

When youâ€™re talking to job candidates, make sure to discuss the ways in which youâ€™ll expect them to contribute to the team and build out their role in the company. This may mean talking through what a given candidateâ€™s team might look like down the road (and if he or she would want to be running it someday!) or chatting about what other skills he or she might like to utilize (like a marketing person who also can do support, or an engineer with a knack for design).

Chance to Build Something Meaningful

A major part of the excitement at startups is that your team is actually building something from nothing. As a founder, chances are that you started the company because of a problem you want to solve. It's highly likely youâ€™re not the only one who recognizes the problem. Most people who work at startups are there because they want to be part of the solution, too.

Ask candidates what makes them interested in working at your startup. This will inevitably spark a conversation that allows you to discuss a bigger vision. Even if your companyâ€™s mission isnâ€™t tied to something somewhat altruistic, spend plenty of time getting people excited about what youâ€™re buildingâ€"whether itâ€™s a food truck or a fun game.

Your Great Team

People spend most of their waking hours at the office, so knowing that theyâ€™ll be surrounded by smart, fun people can make a big difference. Sure, great teams can be found in every type of company, but as a startup, itâ€™s easier to show yours off during the interview process.

Aside from the official interview, take candidates to drinks, dinner or coffee to get to know each other in a more casual environment. Make sure they have the chance to get to meet multiple members of the team.

Possibility of Making a Lot of Money

At a startup, what you may not be able to offer your employees in salary, you can give in stock options. Granting stock options essentially means that your employees will have the opportunity to own a portion of the companyâ€"in other words, when your company makes money (usually through an acquisition or IPO), your employees make money, too.

In a successful startup, the potential financial upside that comes from stock options can far outweigh a low base salary. Cases like the Facebook IPO â€" which turned more than 100 early employees into overnight millionaires â€" may be rare, but they keep the dream alive. They can also help make employees more invested in your companyâ€™s dream.

So, when youâ€™re making an offer, consider combining salary and stock options. It can make the difference between a non-starter offer and a competitive compensation package.

When you start bringing potential employees into your office to meet with you and your team, remember that youâ€™re both interviewing them and selling them on your company at the same time. Both of you need to pick each other in order for a potential hire to become an early (and enthusiastic) employee. As you ask them about their experiences, find out what motivates them, and make sure they understand your mission and vision. If you do that well, the right people will be happy to join.

Image via Oli Scarff/Getty Images

This article originally published at The Daily Muse here

Windows Phone Ad Disses Galaxy S III With Camera Comparison

Anita Li2013-03-21 09:59:20 UTC

As part of its "Windows Phone Challenge," Microsoft compares the camera capabilities of Nokia's Lumia 920 and Samsung's Galaxy S III in a new video ad.

Naturally, the Lumia â€" a Windows Phone â€" is portrayed as reigning supreme. The ad's "real people" who own the Galaxy S III toss it aside for the Lumia after seeing that the latter produces photos "like a professional camera."

But some YouTube viewers took issue with the fairness of the video's comparison shot, which features a dazzlingly bright Lumia pic versus a dark and blurry Galaxy one.

"No one thought that the brightness of the [Galaxy] phone [was] turned all the way down? Also, the screen is dim because if it wasn't then the soft keys would be lit up just like the Nokia," said YouTuber Kenny Hudman.

The timing of the video â€" released Tuesday â€" is noteworthy, as it comes less than a week after Samsung launched its next-generation Galaxy S4. Microsoft has targeted Samsung in previous ads, indicating that it sees the Korean electronics giant as one of its top competitors.

What do you think of Microsoft's "Windows Phone Challenge" ad? Tell us in the comments, below.

[via Geekwire]

Screenshot image courtesy of windowsphone via YouTube

Build Your Own Arduino-Powered LED Clock

Vignesh Ramachandran2013-03-16 03:40:44 UTC

If you're looking for a weekend project, and you're especially computer savvy, how about building an Arduino-powered LED clock?

A person with a creative mind, identified only as "Tobias," developed a one-of-a-kind timekeeper, shown in the video above. The design incorporates 60 LED units, and hours, minutes and seconds can be displayed as a pattern of colors. An Arduino processor is the command center of the clock.

If you're inspired to create your own, Tobias posted theÂ step-by-step process online, including materials he used as well as a template. The project only cost him about $30 from materials on eBay. Note that the building process is not for every do-it-yourself warrior, however, and programming the device to work correctly may not be as easy as it looks. But if you're familiar with Arduino projects it could be right up your alley.

Tobias states on his site that his inspiration was industrial designerÂ Bram Knaapen's Equinox Clock. Knaapen's similar Arduino-powered clock uses 60 RGB LED lights and has software that cycles through the colors of the rainbow twice a day.

Thumbnail and image courtesy of Tobiscorner.com.

CNN Reporter Labeled 'Rape Apologist' After Steubenville Comments

A CNN segment on the Steubenville rape trial verdict sparked online backlash Sunday, including accusations that one of its reporters is a "rape apologist."

The outrage centered on an exchange between anchor Candy Crowley and reporter Poppy Harlow on CNN's State of the Union. After a judge found Trent Mays and Ma'Lik Richmond, two members of Steubenville High School's football team, guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl, Crowley told Harlow, "I cannot imagine having just watched this on the feed coming in. How emotional that must have been sitting in the courtroom."

Harlow, who was reporting from Steubenville, OH, responded as follows (click here for the entire transcript):

"I've never experienced anything like it, Candy. It was incredibly emotional â€" incredibly difficult even for an outsider like me to watch what happened as these two young men that had such promising futures, star football players, very good students, literally watched as they believe their life fell apart."

Mays, 17, and Richmond, 16, were sentenced to a minimum of one year in juvenile prison, according to the AP. Mays must serve an additional year for photographing the victim naked.

Crowley later asked CNN legal contributor Paul Callan how the verdict would affect the two boys. Her question and Callan's response that "it will have a lasting impact" led some online commenters to accuse CNN of "sympathizing with rapists."

The public expressed their outrage on Twitter, condemning CNN, Crowley and particularly Harlow. Women's groups and other journalists were among those who spoke out.

A Change.org petition demanding CNN to "apologize on air for sympathizing with the Steubenville rapists" began circulating online shortly after a YouTube video of the segment, above, went viral.

Poppy Harlow and CNN did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Screenshot image courtesy of YouTube, TheSublimeDegree

Al Gore Defends Against Critics of His Al Jazeera Deal at SXSW

Anita Li2013-03-10 05:27:52 UTC

Former U.S. vice-president and environmental activist Al Gore has faced harsh criticism recently for selling Current TV to Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based news network funded largely by oil money.

After defending his choice in a interview on the Today Show, Gore spoke up again Saturday at a South by Southwest panel in Austin. Watch his full answer in the video, above.

"I knew when I made that decision...my principle obligation was to do business in a way that makes the world a better place," Gore told NowThis News.

"You have heard me be very critical of American television journalism. I think that the addition of a very high-quality, 24-7 honest-to-goodness news channel that covers international news as well as national â€" that covers climate, that covers poverty, that cover issues that are ignored today â€" has the potential to be disruptive in a creative and positive way, and raise the game for television journalism here in the United State of America."

Media consultant John Terenzio filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Gore, claiming that he originally came up with the idea for Current TV's sale to Al Jazeera, but was neither notified of the transaction, nor compensated. Gore co-founded Current TV, a cable and satellite television network, in 2002.

Al Jazeera is funded by the government of Qatar, but has said it maintains editorial independence.

What do you think of Gore's response? Tell us in the comments, below.

Screenshot image courtesy of NowThis News

Your Typical St. Patrick's Day, As Told By GIFs

This Sunday marks a momentous day for everyone. It's the holiday created solely for the purpose of bad choices, shamrock headbands and acceptable alcoholism: It's St. Patrick's Day.

It's the one day when leprechauns and non-Irish folk celebrate in solidarity, because everyone loves a good cold green beer. But after years of St. Paddy's Day attempts at 18-hour-long bar binges, you've realized a pattern in the way the day's events unfold.

So before you even begin painting your entire body in green glitter, take a look into the future through these GIFs:

You wake up and don your best green swag.

Image courtesy of Tumblr, iam-a-kitty-cat.