Fast Food Loves Facebook: Restaurant Chains on Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

Plenty of brands are interacting with fans on social media these days. But few are as adept at responding as the industry already known for speed: fast food chains.What networks these brands uses varies. Some may be more active on Facebook while others take to Twitter. The overall leaders on both, according to multiple metrics? McDonalds and Taco Bell.Unmetric collects data based on these brands’ behavior and allows you to track your favorite brands...

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Windows 8 Gets Unboxed

First they decided to kill the Start button. Now this: Microsoft is reportedly dropping the retail, boxed, full version option from Windows 8. This is kind of sad, but also sensible. Not being able to find a full version of Windows 8 on retail shelves shouldn’t bother many, considering how many of us buy computers with the OS pre-installed. Still, the demise of the Windows box (there may still be a Windows 8 upgrade DVD) marks a turning point in...

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A Flash Sales Site for Modest Fashion

The Spark of Genius Series is made possible by Microsoft BizSpark. Each post highlights a unique feature of a startup. If you'd like your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here. Name: Mode-styQuick Pitch: A flash sales site for conservative dress.Genius Idea: A niche in the online fashion discount market that caters to working women.As a young attorney in Minneapolis, Zahra Aljabri and her colleagues struggled to find fashionable...

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Who is the Superhero of the Social Web? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Who is the most discussed Marvel character on the social web? Spiderman, of course.Data analytics company Networked Insights has collected data on the most popular Marvel characters on the social web in the last 30 days, and although it’s not surprising that Spiderman topped the list — especially in light of the franchise’s latest movie debut — the Avengers clinched the second most socially-discussed spot.According to Networked Insights, the Incredible...

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Solar Flare Heading Toward Earth, Could Result in Beautiful Sky Show [VIDEO]

Take a look up in the sky Saturday night, and if you’re far enough north, you might catch a glimpse of the magnificent aurora borealis. The northern lights sky show will be more intense tonight because the sun released a large solar flare on Thursday and Friday, and it’s just starting to affect Earth on Saturday morning.This is a big solar flare, classified by astronomers as “extreme,” but according to spaceweather.com, it’s barely into that extreme...

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Screen Time: How Much is Too Much for Your Kids?

A decade from now it will seem ordinary for a two-year-old child to be an iPad whiz or for a newborn to practice tummy time in front of a bright screen. We know this because the next generation of kids will be the first ever to have access to gadgets, electronic games, and tablets from birth. In fact, technology is constantly being handcrafted for this young group of digital citizens. There are so many spectacular apps out there that promote everything...

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Non-Profits to Reap $10 Million From Facebook Settlement [REPORT]

Privacy and consumer groups will pocket $10 million from the Facebook “Sponsored Stories” settlement once a Federal judge signs off on the deal. Facebook reported in mid-June that it would be settling the lawsuit. However, initial reports did not detail which charities would be getting the $10 million. This week, a new court motion revealed more than a dozen consumer rights groups — including Consumer Federation of America, Rose Foundation, Center...

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NASA Releases Awesome Images of Massive Solar Flare Heading Toward Earth [VIDEO]

NASA is keeping a close eye on that solar flare that started on Thursday, July 12, and now it’s released dramatic time-lapse video and photos of the flare that’s found its way to Earth.There’s nothing to fear with this solar dustup — although it’s rated X1.4, barely within the “extreme” range, it’s not expected to cause any damage to electronic equipment, either in orbit or here on terra firma. However, as we mentioned in our previous post about...

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50 Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed

Has your love of Mashable‘s newest channel Watercooler turned into a full-blown addiction? You’re not alone, and you don’t need help. It’s perfectly healthy to be obsessed with Nyan Cat, stripper parody videos and Pee-wee Herman dubs — at least, that’s what we keep telling ourselves.There is, however, one possible side effect: In the whirlwind of memes, you just might have missed out on some of Mashable‘s features coverage this week. If you’re looking...

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This Website Uses Social Media to Find Your Dream Job

Chances are you already know how difficult it is to find any job in this economy, let alone your dream job. Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 12.7 million unemployed Americans, and there aren’t any quick fixes in sight. With millions of others looking for the same jobs, you don’t have time to scroll through hundreds of listings every day — you need to be able to optimize your search. Luckily there’s a new website that has...

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Workout Gadgets Will Soon Be Battery-Free and Powered by You

Lightweight, wearable gadgets have changed our workout routines. Some of us consider it an integral part of every workout to monitor our heart rates, activity and calories burned in real time. Future devices may become even more enmeshed in our fitness routines.Enter battery-free gadgets powered by body heat. If you run hard, bike for miles or work up a daily sweat, TEGwear technology will reward you with power. Perpetua, a company that specializes...

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