It’s holiday party season, and you’re probably spending your weekend hopping around from one festive fete to another. At the minimum, you avoid devolving into a sloppy drunken mess. Best case scenario, you actually come across as clever and well-informed. Here are your talking points for the week.
Did you think the world was going to end today? It didn’t.
Summary: The Mayans predicted that the apocalypse was happening on December 21.
Your opinion: There were some legitimate ways the end could have actually come. But you didn’t believe that would happen, did you?
Most surprising fact: A lot of people tried to use our utter demise as an excuse to get laid.
Did you know some of those Apple Store employees are totally corrupt?
Summary: When you’re not watching, those people who are supposed to be fixing your gadgets can do some really horrible things. Making a game of destroying gadgets, looking through your data — that’s just the start of it.
Your opinion: Be nice to the staff at Apple Stores. Seriously.
Most surprising fact: The employees would steal the gadgets, sure. But some employees would even steal the giant novelty gadgets used as window displays. We found one ex-employee with a “pretty large collection” that included a giant Nano and a giant iPod Touch.
Did you hear Instagram wanted to sell your photos?
Summary: Your favourite photo-filtering app changed its Terms of Service to say it could sell your photos for advertising. Everyone freaked out, so Instagram changed its mind.
Your opinion: Screw it! Buy my photos.
Most surprising fact: Instagram actually listened to people’s criticisms. But if you’re still a little put-off, here are some alternative camera apps.
Question: When it’s raining, do you get more wet running or walking?
Summary: You think about it every time you’re caught in a downpour. Do you run, and potentially catch more drops, or walk — and maybe not get so wet?
Your opinion: Easy. You run. As Minute Physics explained to us, it’s science.
Most surprising fact: Do some people seriously slow down to dodge raindrops? Run for cover, idiots!