Malfunction

News

What Happened To United Airlines Last Night?

8:00AM June 19, 2011 | Kwame Opam

The scene was apparently bedlam at airports in cities across the country last night as United Airlines’ computer system totally failed, leaving thousands of flyers stranded for hours. So what the hell happened? More »


Computing

A Cacophony Of Failing Hard Drives

8:00AM February 7, 2011 | Jack Loftus

Lovers of failure, train your ears on this fine list of failing hard drive sounds that Boing Boing has discovered this weekend. Hard drive lovers, perhaps you should just move along. [Data Cent via Boing Boing, Image: Flickr] More »


Science

“Out Of Order” Sign Graces ISS Toilet As 13 Cramped Spacefarers Share Two Stalls

1:00PM July 20, 2009 | Jack Loftus

Following another space-related toilet malfunction, there are currently 13 astronauts and cosmonauts sharing two toilets in orbit around the earth. More »


Geek Out

Things You Don’t Know About Modern Elevators

12:40PM April 17, 2008 | Adrian Covert

Earlier today we posted on a New Yorker piece about a man trapped in an elevator for 41 hours. But the real gem of the article was the mountain of “Did you know…” facts laced throughout. Like that Door Close button you’re always pushing? Yeah, it doesn’t work. Here’s the full list:

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Software

Broken ATM Doubles Withdrawals (While Supplies Last)

9:00AM March 22, 2008 | Wilson Rothman

It didn’t last long, but we’re surprised it happened at all: An ATM located in northern England was paying out double when users went for the maximum £300 withdrawal, netting £600 in spending cash. Needless to say, everyone who benefitted called their mothers, fathers, cousins and dog sitters, so that the overly generous cash machine was plumb out of bills within hours.

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