Russian blogger convicted for chasing Pokemons in Church

Saying Pokemons were easier to find there than Jesus.

A Russian court on Thursday convicted a video blogger of inciting hatred against believers by posting videos online showing him chasing Pokemons in a church, giving him a suspended sentence.

Ruslan Sokolovsky, a militant atheist who posted the videos on his YouTube channel, was detained in August 2016 and spent nine months in jail and under house arrest.

His case, heard in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, highlighted the role of the powerful Orthodox Church and sparked comparisons with the scandalous case that saw members of the Pussy Riot punk group sent to prison for a performance critical of President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral in 2012.

Sokolovsky, who was born in 1994, was accused of "blasphemy" by the Church after he filmed himself in Yekaterinburg's famous Church on the Blood zapping Pokemons on his smartphone and swearing, as well as saying Pokemons were easier to find there than Jesus.

Judge Yekaterina Shoponyak convicted him on three charges, including inciting hatred and violating believers' rights.

"Aggregating all offences, the court sentences (Sokolovsky) to three years and six months of prison. The punishment is suspended, with a probationary period of three years," Shoponyak said in a packed courtroom.

The court agreed with the prosecution that a number of videos on Sokolovsky's channel hurt the feelings of religious people and incited hatred against them by comparing Jesus Christ to a zombie, saying that God does not exist and arguing that Russia is an obscurantist country.

His statements "confuse citizens" and are "disrespectful of society," Shoponyak said during the three-hour-long verdict.

"These actions are extremist actions," she said of his video postings.

The decision to give Sokolovsky a suspended sentence and free him from house arrest, where he had been currently held, was met with claps and sighs of relief in the courtroom.

Sokolovsky with his mother

"I thought I would die and not see him again," his mother said after the hearing. "Thank you everybody."

- 'I'm not an extremist' -

Sokolovsky during the trial pleaded not guilty and refused to testify.

In a passionate final statement, he said he is "an atheist, a cosmopolitan and a libertarian" and did not want to prevent anyone from practising their religion.

On Thursday Sokolovsky walked out of the courthouse to greet a crowd of supporters, which included a man wearing a yellow Pokemon costume, and said that he is "very pleased to be free."

He added that he will "be very calm and quiet since they can chase me down and give me a real term."

"It will be a long time before a new video clip appears," he said. "I'm not an extremist, that much is certain."

A spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church, Serapion Mitko, told RIA Novosti agency that he hopes Sokolovsky "draws the right conclusions" from the case, adding that a suspended sentence is evidence of humaneness of the Russian court system.

Amnesty International called him a prisoner of conscience and had urged Russia to release him.

On Thursday, the rights group said that Russia "blatantly misused the criminal justice system" in Sokolovsky's case, calling it a "show trial".

“While some may see Ruslan Sokolovsky’s comments on religion as disparaging, this alone is not enough to throw him behind bars," the NGO's Russia director Sergei Nikitin said in a statement.

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Ransomware based on leaked NSA tools spreads to dozens of countries in the last 24 hours

WannaCry Ransomware That's Hitting World Right Now

A ransomware attack seemingly based on leaked NSA hacking tools is spreading like wildfire among unpatched Windows systems worldwide. Early reports suggested it was targeted at the UK’s National Health Service, but it’s clear now that the attack is a global one, with thousands of computers apparently affected in Russia alone.

A Kaspersky lab analysis puts the number of infected computers at more than 45,000 as of early Friday afternoon, the vast majority of which are Russian (Ukraine, India, Taiwan and Philippines follow). The ransomware’s code makes it pretty clear that it’s taking advantage of an exploit called EternalBlue, published in April by the Shadow Brokers but patched preemptively by Microsoft in March.

If everyone just kept their boxes up to date we wouldn’t have the current viral conflagration, of course, but as usual that’s too much to ask.

A bitcoin wallet reportedly used by the ransomers shows numerous incoming transactions of between 0.15 and 0.3 BTC, worth around $250-$500 today, so at least a few of those infected have opted to pay rather than attempt to extricate their data safely or do a full wipe and rollback.

Microsoft released a patch for the vulnerability in March (MS17-010), but many users and organizations who did not patch their systems are open to attacks. (specially pirated ones)

On Good Friday, the Shadow Brokers released a massive trove of Windows hacking tools allegedly stolen from NSA that works against almost all versions of Windows, from Windows 2000 and XP to Windows 7 and 8, and their server-side variants such as Server 2000, 2003, 2008, 2008 R2 and 2012, except Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016.


The exploit has the capability to penetrate into machines running unpatched version of Windows XP through 2008 R2 by exploiting flaws in Microsoft Windows SMB Server. This is why WannaCry campaign is spreading at an astonishing pace.

Once a single computer in your organization is hit by the WannaCry ransomware, the worm looks for other vulnerable computers and infects them as well. I suggest unplug the LAN of the infected computer so I won't spread on other network computers 

In addition some say they crack the malware with password "WNcry@2o17",  if you encounter this ramsomware try the crack password for WannaCry  "WNcry@2o17" without quote.

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Scientists Developed Spray Can Turn Any Surface Into A Touch Screen

This Spray can be applied to variety of surfaces to become touch sensitive.

The technology, called Electrick, was developed by scientists from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, with the findings published in an open access paper.

Electrick, a low-cost and versatile sensing technique that enables touch input on a wide variety of objects and surfaces, whether small or large, flat or irregular. 

The spray consists of an electrically conductive carbon-based material. When applied to an object, it allows it to conduct electricity. By applying electrodes to the object, and then measuring the voltage at different points, the position of a person’s finger can be tracked.

"For the first time, we've been able to take a can of spray paint and put a touch screen on almost anything," said Chris Harrison, assistant professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) and head of the Future Interfaces Group at CMU, in a statement.

The spray can be applied to a variety of objects, anything from plastic toys to smartphone cases, and even to Jell-O. In the video below, the team describe the various uses for this technology.





 
The effect is known as shunting, where electric current is “shunted” to the ground when a finger touches a particular location. The electrodes can localize where this shunting is occurring, using a process known as electric field tomography.

The team also said their process is compatible with regular manufacturing methods, such as spray coating or casting, and even 3D printing. This means there is a huge range of objects that can be made touch sensitive, with little additional technology required.

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Japanese University to set up World's First Research Centre devoted to Ninja

The world's first research centre devoted to ninja -- the black clad assassins known for secrecy and stealth

A Japanese university is planning what it says will be the world's first research centre devoted to ninja -- the black clad assassins known for secrecy and stealth.

While mostly confined to history books and fiction, ninja have been enjoying something of a resurgence as Japanese authorities increasingly deploy them to promote tourism ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Now, Mie University in central Japan -- the region considered the home of the feudal martial arts masters -- has announced that a ninja research facility will be established in July.

It plans to compile a database of ninja and encourage cooperation between scholars from different disciplines who study ninja, according to Yuji Yamada, a professor of Japanese history at the university.

"We'll conduct research on ancient documents and collaborate with science researchers to be able to apply the wisdom of ninja to modern society," Yamada, who is setting up the centre, told AFP on Thursday.

"For instance, ninja burnt Japanese incense before going out to avoid evil things.

"We assume the incense could boost concentration and thus ninja could avoid injuries," he said, adding that research on such fragrances might prove useful in today's world.

The facility will be located in Iga -- 350 kilometres (220 miles) southwest of Tokyo -- a mountain-shrouded city that was once home to many ninja.

Yamada also said that the centre plans to publish its research in English and well as Japanese so as to make it accessible for interested researchers and fans overseas.

Amid the ongoing ninja boom, Aichi prefecture last year began hiring full-time ninja, including a foreigner, to promote tourism in the area known for historic Nagoya castle.

In 2015, governors and mayors from prefectures around the country traded their usual suits for ninja costumes to announce the launch of a "ninja council".


original source: Yahoo Sg

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The First DOTA 2 School in the Philippines is Finally Here!

First Esports School in the Philippines.

Yes you read the title right, and this is not fake new either, Philippines is finally having its very own esports school! Playing while learning is absolutely one of the biggest dreams of Filipino students that are also gamers, specially Dota 2 players. No need to be envious anymore of other countries having Esport schools.

Cebu will be having its first e-sports school. It will be under the University of the Visayas New School’s (UVNS) senior high track for arts and design, which is game design. Students can either focus on e-sports or game development. UVNS is by the way located at Mandaue City in Cebu Philippines.

“We’ll have game strategy for Dota 2 and we will have game design and development animation and 2D and 3D animation, and of course, game creation. After two years, the students can either choose to be game creators, designers, or e-sports players in the professional league,” said Genesis Raña, founder and school director of UVNS.

The core subjects for e-sports is theory, mechanics, strategy and game awareness. Students would also be learning game design, branding, shoutcasting as well as entrepreneurship.

Parents need not be wary if their children won’t choose to become professional e-sports players because aside from learning the game, they would also be learning new skills that are on demand in the technology world today.

“This will not only build skills but also character through a new medium — gaming,” Genesis said.

With the rapid growth of gaming in Cebu, UVNS has even partnered with E-Sports Alliance, along with SunStar Cebu and SM Seaside city, in organizing The Domination League, a three-day tournament for Dota 2 players. A championship prize pool of P210,000 is up for grabs in the tournament slated this July 7 to 9 at the SM Seaside City Mountain Wing Atrium. Elimination rounds are ongoing.

Esports industry is one of the most profitable and in demand career today. Wouldn’t it be more convenient if more schools in the country offer the same?

source: SunStar. Inquirer

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#NuggsForCarter Breaks All-Time Retweet Record

#NuggsForCarter Teen reaches all-time retweet record.

Last month, Wilkerson accepted a challenge from Wendy's official fast food Twitter account to get 18 million retweets in exchange for a year's supply of chicken nuggets.

Carter Wilkerson 16, of Reno, a student at Manogue High School, started the legendary social media campaign in early April when he tweeted: "Yo @Wendys how many retweets for a year of free chicken nuggets" as a joke. Wilkerson said at the time that he didn't really expect a reply.

#NuggsForCarter, reached the top of the Twitter game Tuesday morning with the most retweets ever, surpassing previous record-holder Ellen DeGeneres.

And he'll get his chicken nuggets, plus $100,000 to a national charity.

   
On Tuesday, Wendy's announced that #NuggsForCarter passed 3.4 million retweets. "That's good for the nuggets, and $100k to @DTFA," Wendy's Twitter account said.

.@carterjwm is now the most retweeted tweet of all-time. That’s good for the nuggets, and $100k to @DTFA. Consider it done. #nuggsforcarter pic.twitter.com/k6uhsJiP4E

— Wendy's (@Wendys) May 9, 2017

The DTFA is the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
GuinnessWorldRecords Twitter account also congratulate Carter.

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Saturday Night Nicki Minaj Was Telling Her Fans That She Would Pay College Tuition If They Have Good Grades

Need some help paying your college tuition fees or student loans? Nicki Minaj can help!

Saturday night, the award-winning rapper was on Twitter telling her fans that she would pay international airfare for contest winners (who would get to spend time with her at the Billboard music awards in Las Vegas) when a US student popped an important question: “Well you wanna pay for my tuition?” Surprisingly, Nicki not only agreed but she also extended the offer to her other fans in need!.

The only catch was that Minaj needed verification of 4.0 GPAs and confirmation from their schools. Throughout the evening, the rapper helped a total of 30 current and former students with their college tuition, students loans, and other education-related fees.

Was never really a fan and to be honest I didn't think much of her. This has just proven how wrong I was. She's fantastic.

But this is something that even the richest people in the world don't do ... Now I have developed a lot of respect for her!.

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MSI-ECS Announces Availability of Genius MT-20 Mobile Theater Speaker in the Philippines

It’s your mobile theater on the go.

The newest addition to the broad line-up of computer and mobile peripherals from Genius, the MT-20 Mobile Theater speaker, is now finally available in the Philippines. It’s your surround-sound theater-like speaker that delivers deep immersive bass with optimal precision. 

Full Immersion with Deep Bass
Immerse yourself in the experience of powerful surround audio even in outdoors. Enjoy the feel of a life-like movie theater experience the MT-20 brings. 

10 hr+ Continuous Play
Without the need to recharge, you can enjoy the theater surround sound when watching up to 5 to 6 movies – that’s 10 hours of continuous movie playing for you and the family. Or unlimited party music for your summer escapades with friends. Enjoy the continuous entertainment with a fully-charged MT-20. 

Convenient and Easy to Switch
MT-20 offers two single buttons for you to choose between: Music or Cinema Sound mode. Whether you are at home, outside or wherever you might be, the MT-20 is equipped with Bluetooth for easy device pairing and toggling between tracks. It also supports a 3.5mm AUX connector and TF-Card reader so you can play your favourite songs without connecting to a mobile device. 

Handy and Elegantly Built
The MT-20 also comes in an ease-of-carry handle and offers multiple play connection options. Sporting the finest design and texture, it’s the elegant speaker you need, indoor or outdoor.

The Genius MT-20 is available in black and silver and is retailed at P 3,995. For store availability, you may contact MSI-ECS, the exclusive distributor of Genius products in the Philippines, at 688-3512 or email marketing@msi-ecs.ph. 

Visit MSI-ECS at: http://www.msi-ecs.com.ph/
Follow MSI-ECS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSIECSPhils.Inc/



About MSI-ECS: MSI-ECS is one of the country's leading providers of innovative and reliable computing solutions. Specializing in IT distribution as its core competence, MSI-ECS has continuously redefined and broadened its portfolio of IT products and services to fully address the evolving needs 

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Bastron Transparent Ultra Slim Smart Keyboard

Bastron transparent touch keyboard is a new science and technology innovation

The future of computing is here and it looks like smooth glass floating above glowing blue lights. The Glass Keyboard by Bastron eliminates the infamous broken keyboard button and ergonomic mouse clicking catastrophe we all face more than we'd like to admit. Use the Bastron as a mouse as well as a keyboard with its touch sensitive key and gesture controls, so you can swipe, scroll, click, and type with ease. It's as smart as it is attractive, and its intuitive functionality is sure to help you be more productive with every word typed. 

It's biggest weakness is no traditional keyboard touch feeling. Very difficult to type on for professional typists. If you are a keyboard single finger pecker it is fine.
There needs to be an elevated dash on the "F" and "J"... you constantly have to watch your fingers and not the screen etc.

But it is also a subversion of the traditional design: touch gestures recognition, transparent design, cool blue LED, all this look and feel sense of science and technology. It also has a high practicality, can be in the hospital, in the laboratory, where there are sources of infection to use. It can be waterproof and can also be disinfected for treatment. 

Design:

• Cool blue backlight
• Bluetooth wireless functionality
• Gesture control functionality
• Touch-sensitive key controls
• Extremely high-quality craftsmanship
• Ultra-slim 0.094" thick glass
• Simple micro USB connection & universal compatibility
• Durable aluminum frame

English version available on  http://www.bastron.com.ua/

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Watch all 2017 summer’s blockbuster movies with this amazing! mash-up trailer

Whole bunch of fan-edited movie retrospectives that collect the year’s films into one long trailer. 

YouTuber AMONymous (Amon Warmann) is getting a head start this year by putting together a fun mega trailer for all of this summer’s big blockbuster films.

Warmann’s mash-up, is expertly exited together: the action from the various movies flow together nicely, set to “Feel Invincible” by Christian rock band Skillet. What makes the video really great is that the clips line up with the song’s lyrics: what you’re seeing on-screen is what you’re hearing in the song, which is no easy feat.


 
The list of movies included in the mash-up are the ones that you’ll be hearing a lot of in the next couple of months. There’s the big Marvel releases (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Spider-Man: Homecoming), sequels (War of the Planet of the Apes, and Alien: Covenant), and even some non-franchise offerings (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Atomic Blonde, and Dunkirk). Together, they come together in a high-energy mash-up of action, explosions, close-ups, and it perfectly captures the manic energy of the summer blockbuster season.

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Microsoft new version Windows 10 S Windows for low-end hardware

The New Windows Education PCs

Microsoft is introducing a new version of Windows 10 today: Windows 10 S. It's essentially Microsoft's answer to Chrome OS, to simplify Windows for low-end hardware and in particular, the education market.

Windows 10 S will take around 15 seconds to be ready for a student to log in and use for the first time, and yes it was tweaked for a faster process than what's currently available on Windows 10 Pro, says Microsoft. Other improvements include the ability to set up machines using a USB drive with preconfigured options. Windows 10 S will simply detect the key and customize all settings ready for a school.

Devices will start at $189 this summer, and all machines will ship with a free subscription to Minecraft: Education Edition. Windows 10 S will also be free for all schools that are currently running Windows 10 Pro PCs, and include free Office 365 education with Microsoft Teams.

If it's too restrictive, Microsoft is offering an option to enable all desktop apps, for a fee. 
“Everything that runs on Windows 10 S is downloaded from the Windows Store,” says Microsoft’s Windows chief Terry Myerson.

That doesn't mean that desktop apps won't run on this version of Windows 10, but they'll need to be specially packaged and listed in the Windows Store.

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Indiegogo new campaign: The Banana Phone - A Phone With Funny Design

Finally, it exists! Now you can actually call friends and family - on a BANANA!

A new Indiegogo campaign is trying to sell a Bluetooth phone accessory that’ll let you take calls on a plastic banana-looking thing. Banana Phone is a beautifully designed mobile handset that wirelessly connects to your smartphone. Ask your voice assistant to make calls and spark conversations!

The device has a built-in microphone and speaker, and it charges over a Micro USB. It can apparently last 10 hours on a single charge, or 70 hours if you leave it to idle. Obviously it has a button for hanging up a call, too. Although it’s officially called the Banana Phone, it isn’t actually a phone. To reiterate: it’s a Bluetooth phone accessory that requires a cellphone to actually work. One will cost you $40.

Banana Phone for a Cause

The Banana Phone team does say 1 percent of purchases go toward Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, a UK-based charity that focuses on the conservation of the mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so that’s nice!

To inspire people to TALK more, SMILE more, and SAVE endangered Mountain Gorillas through conservation. 1% of all sales goes directly to our partner, Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, to help rescue one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

To learn more about them visit : Indiegogo campaign

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