Circles Tech: Family amp; Parenting

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Affordable Ways of Keeping in Touch With Far-Away Family

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When
 a family person is away, it becomes an urge as well as a necessity to 
keep in touch with them. Calling the loved ones from another country can
 prove to be heftily expensive and this solution is out of the cards. 
The technology has evolved over the time and it has come in good terms 
for the people. </div>
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<h4>
See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2013/12/kano-computer-anyone-can-make-by-kano.html">Kano: A computer anyone Can Make by Kano For Kids</a></h4>
</div>
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Now days, it is incredibly easy to connect with the 
faraway family members without the hassles and concerns. Technology has 
made it as easy as it could ever be. Not to forget, it is many times 
cheaper than calling someone on phone from a faraway place.</div>
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With the holiday season 
nearing, the family members always miss their loved ones who live far 
from them. In order to show the loved ones some love, people often use 
the services of video calling service like Skype and sometimes send 
season greetings to them. It is a very important aspect of keeping in 
touch with the closed ones. There are an ample of apps that exist in the
 market. They help the person to keep a good touch with closed ones and 
without costing them a fortune. These apps are so strong and impactful 
that not for a single day you realize talking to a faraway relative.</div>
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Here are some of the options that can be availed by the person in order to connect with the faraway members of family or friend:</div>
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<b>1. Video Calling:</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.skype.com/en/" target="_blank">Skype</a>, <a href="http://www.apple.com/ios/facetime/" target="_blank">Facetime</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a></b>
 are some of the services, using which the people can connect to the 
loved ones without any hassles. With the help of service like Skype, you
 can conduct a video chat with relatives without having to pay a single 
penny to the app. It had never been easier to conduct a conversation 
with far relatives before Skype and other video calling services like 
Facetime and Google Hangouts arrived in the scene. Even if you want to 
share your holiday experience with the family members, you can turn on 
Skype and stimulate the conversations. The Christmas decorations can be 
shown by you to the family members and it also includes the regular 
conversations that you can have with them. Skype works on all the 
platforms and it works very well. Almost all the users availing the 
service of video service go for Skype. Facetime is also quite popular 
but it integrates only with the IOS platform. It is custom made for the 
Apple devices.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>2. To send the digital holiday greetings:</b></div>
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The apps like <b><a href="http://postagramapp.com/" target="_blank">Postagram</a> and <a href="http://www.touchnote.com/" target="_blank">Touchnote</a></b>
 are best for sending the holiday greetings to loved ones. The cards can
 be directly sent from your smartphone. You don’t need to visit the post
 office for this purpose anymore. It has become way too easy for the 
people to connect with their close ones via greeting cards. The app 
named Touchnote can be used to send holiday greetings to the family 
without any hassles. It enables the user to attach a picture as well as a
 personalized message to send the relatives. The charges of delivering 
postcards using these apps are quite nominal. The user can send a 
postcard within the US for only 0.99 USD via Postagram and while sending
 the postcard abroad, it costs 1.99 USD. On the other hand, with the 
help of Touchnote the user can send postcards at a minimal cost of 1.49 
USD. When the requirement is bigger and the user wants to send a 
greeting card (foldable) to be delivered worldwide, he needs to pay a 
sum of 3 USD. For bulk orders, there are separate discounts in the 
Touchnote app.</div>
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<b>3. For texting purposes:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.whatsapp.com/" target="_blank"><b>Whatsapp</b></a> and <a href="http://www.viber.com/" target="_blank"><b>Viber</b></a>
 have brought a revolution in the texting world. The times are gone when
 you needed to spend a lot of money in order to send a text message to 
your family members. No one ever knew that you could send messages 
across the globe for no cost. It sounds intimidating but it is certainly
 true. This app does not only lets you send text messages but you can 
also send videos and pictures. All you got to spend for this service is 
buying an internet connection. No matter how far you are from the loved 
ones, it is always good to send messages via Whatsapp or viber for the 
reason because they are cheaper and also their service is commendable. 
For texting purposes, one must possess apps like Whatsapp and Viber if 
he has a smartphone.</div>
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Affordable Ways of Keeping in Touch With Far-Away Family

When a family person is away, it becomes an urge as well as a necessity to keep in touch with them. Calling the loved ones from anot...

+ Read more »

Amazon Discounts Kindle Fire Prices for Cyber Monday

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Although Black Friday has a reputation as a launch pad for some of the most aggressive deals offered by major stores and brands, in recent years Cyber Monday
 has also shaped up as a choice time to find a deal. Keying in on this 
trend, Amazon has announced major price cuts on two of its flagship 
hardware products, the Kindle Fire HD and the Kindle Fire HDX.<br />
<br />

<div class="see-also">
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2013/11/cyber-monday-deals-dont-want-to-miss.html" target="_blank">Cyber Monday Deals Don’t Want To Miss</a><span class="GHUY-LPLB"></span></h4>
</div>
The deal, which went live at 5 p.m. PST on Sunday, drops the price of the 16GB Kindle Fire HD 7-inch from $169 to $119, and cuts the price of the Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch from $229 to $179.<br />
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Another recently announced tablet deal of note offered direct from the manufacturer comes from Samsung.
 The price of the company's 10-inch Galaxy Note has been dropped from 
$599 to $549 for the 32GB version and $549 to $499 for the 16GB version.
    <br />

For those who have been on the fence as to which tablet they’ll start
 the new year with, these major price reductions for Cyber Monday will 
likely make the prospect of trying out a tablet that <em>isn't</em> the iPad a lot more attractive.<br />
<br />

<em>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</em></div>

Amazon Discounts Kindle Fire Prices for Cyber Monday

Although Black Friday has a reputation as a launch pad for some of the most aggressive deals offered by major stores and brands, in rec...

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7 Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Father

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The holidays
 are just around the corner, which means it's time to start shopping for
 loved ones. Instead of getting your dad another tie to add to his pile,
 why not get him something more unique?<br />

We’ve curated some useful tech gifts and gadgets for the man who deserves them most. Whether your dad loves camping or a great glass of wine, we’ve got you covered.<br />

<div class="see-also">
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
See also:  <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2013/11/cyber-monday-deals-dont-want-to-miss.html" target="_blank">Cyber Monday Deals Don’t Want To Miss</a></h4>
</div>
Your old man showed you the wonders of the world — the least you can 
do is return the favor. Check out our gallery above for some ideas to 
get started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl7l6T7Gxn2xi_WKla731xq1PJp2G5MXwtAqo_HMlz7VUo2jLC0m7Xj-YXBMZO5hyphenhyphend4ro5icVAWKVzxbkRslivyZJke7lPjsFaOls_iaJJ4b7Z0g-DshFBuAG3hYoDa_9ESdyid6HghY/s1600/Sonysmartphonelens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl7l6T7Gxn2xi_WKla731xq1PJp2G5MXwtAqo_HMlz7VUo2jLC0m7Xj-YXBMZO5hyphenhyphend4ro5icVAWKVzxbkRslivyZJke7lPjsFaOls_iaJJ4b7Z0g-DshFBuAG3hYoDa_9ESdyid6HghY/s640/Sonysmartphonelens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="https://store.sony.com/gsi/webstore/WFS/SNYNA-SNYUS-Site/en_US/-/USD/ViewProduct-Start;pgid=hPNiA7DvzSBSRpVnqw67Rf850000FQgK1cJM;sid=Xbpk4jsqcZvr52mllUkV5qcgQk-SqyTfq_MLEueK?SKU=27-DSCQX10%2FB" target="_blank">Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-QX10</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
Sure, Dad can take quick snaps on his smartphone, but now you can add
 quality to that convenience. Sony’s attachable lens turns a smartphone 
into a 10x-zoom camera, and it's easily detachable so Dad can take it 
wherever he goes.<br />

The lens syncs with his smartphone so that he can still edit and 
share photos as he would with any other photo he takes with his phone.<br />

<strong>Price</strong>: $249.99<br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn24IlOcMyPQtRgYTpoWDUT5P9e7F_j9T92SSg2dR29nRwdLdxKJ9WgMs3Uc1iBgW35V3EapowOR22qA7FzxUSIn4JIS9DoVSqF_GJhkn5R41zBt9bENiB56nhTdmURn8M9C4pEpDDck/s1600/Philipsbeardtrimmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn24IlOcMyPQtRgYTpoWDUT5P9e7F_j9T92SSg2dR29nRwdLdxKJ9WgMs3Uc1iBgW35V3EapowOR22qA7FzxUSIn4JIS9DoVSqF_GJhkn5R41zBt9bENiB56nhTdmURn8M9C4pEpDDck/s640/Philipsbeardtrimmer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2 class="title">
2. <a href="http://www.usa.philips.com/c/facial-stylers-and-grooming-kits/beardtrimmer-series-9000-0.2mm-precision-settings-full-metal-dual-sided-trimmer-60mins-cordless-use-1h-charge-with-laser-guide-bt9295_41/prd/en/" target="_blank">Philips Norelco Beardtrimmer Series 9000</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
Just because your old man is getting older, it doesn’t mean his beard
 game has to be any less precise. This beard trimmer will give him a 
close cut by projecting a laser guide onto his face, making for a 
chiseled shave. The trimmer also has customizable settings, such as 
desired length, and is completely water resistant.<br />

<strong>Price</strong>: $99<br />
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<h2 class="title">
3. <a href="http://www.ocdesk.com/products/ocdock-regular" target="_blank">OCDock</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
This little dock will clear up clutter and make Dad’s life much 
simpler. The dock has an ultra-thin iPhone cable that lies flat under an
 iMac, minimizing the amount of wires on his desk. The OCDock will 
charge naked iPhones as well as phones in cases.<br />

Better yet, the OCDock syncs your dad's phone with his iMac so that hr can accept calls or text via his computer.<br />

<strong>Price</strong>: $79<br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITRLEJ7c5ByS9KES08LjXLVwG8-h7ALqEuCEDrABx9kAeO1B1peRDJQwD-JBckJZ63nPUKXEzOLW86SAJTMi93Zk-qSE2f4Ds6wHPpFw8tUEwPNpgq83HxMKVoe4GjG-_wletnri9DoA/s1600/QlocktwoW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITRLEJ7c5ByS9KES08LjXLVwG8-h7ALqEuCEDrABx9kAeO1B1peRDJQwD-JBckJZ63nPUKXEzOLW86SAJTMi93Zk-qSE2f4Ds6wHPpFw8tUEwPNpgq83HxMKVoe4GjG-_wletnri9DoA/s640/QlocktwoW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2 class="title">
4. <a href="http://store.biegertfunk.com/us/collection-qlocktwo-w.html" target="_blank">Qlocktwo W</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
Don’t make anything more complicated than it needs to be. Qlocktwo W 
from German company Biegert & Funk will give your dad the literal 
time in words. The watch, like the company’s similarly designed clocks, 
lights up with words, spelling out the time with a touch of a button. 
Hours and five-minute increments are illuminated, and one of four points
 at the bottom of the face tell the exact time.<br />

<strong>Price</strong>: $770 - $880<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNgPW3Iy4tvNQNkSCsJSzUeFb3Wsdoz1mWIH3FOmpVzkdiQmeQxnoID_O25YnaAQ-ZrxX6-buwrA-eAnjlosIZyvPBBck0DIvGQBb_rg5hZPRd5cKG_7VuEVZg472h9LwZLEaDo9udfQ/s1600/corkcicleone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNgPW3Iy4tvNQNkSCsJSzUeFb3Wsdoz1mWIH3FOmpVzkdiQmeQxnoID_O25YnaAQ-ZrxX6-buwrA-eAnjlosIZyvPBBck0DIvGQBb_rg5hZPRd5cKG_7VuEVZg472h9LwZLEaDo9udfQ/s640/corkcicleone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2 class="title">
5. <a href="http://corkcicle.com/corkcicle-one/" target="_blank">Corkcicle ONE</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
Next time Dad pours one out, make it a well-chilled one. The 
Corkcicle ONE chills a bottle of wine while aerating it. The thin rod 
inserts into a wine bottle and a freezing gel keeps whites chilled for 
up to an hour and cools down room-temperature reds in a matter of 
minutes.<br />

<strong>Price: $49.95</strong><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGbAlciAAbvtfjlCbBpQMRjaupbVa5SprZQ7FBDn09zO19ZJrV2lSOLQ42YpxDyPv9d0ZVVGAEwbj0PVI-eQwLDS_pO9-C2BsxcKi_0JVVoTAFrhTNy4-s4-bXqwCcY86JYpBKzQ_T1M/s1600/GoalZero-panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGbAlciAAbvtfjlCbBpQMRjaupbVa5SprZQ7FBDn09zO19ZJrV2lSOLQ42YpxDyPv9d0ZVVGAEwbj0PVI-eQwLDS_pO9-C2BsxcKi_0JVVoTAFrhTNy4-s4-bXqwCcY86JYpBKzQ_T1M/s640/GoalZero-panels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2 class="title">
6. <a href="http://www.goalzero.com/p/11/nomad-7-solar-panel" target="_blank">Nomad 7 Solar Panel</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
If Dad’s an outdoorsy type, get him this solar panel that will charge
 his devices anywhere using the power of the sun -- even when it’s 
cloudy. He can strap these panels on his back and charge his digital 
items on the go, or lay them out in the sun when he's taking a break on a
 hike.<br />

Along with Goal Zero’s chargers, the Nomad 7 Solar Panel directly 
charges most USB devices, including most phones and MP3 players.<br />

<strong>Price: $79.99</strong><br />
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<h2 class="title">
7. <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/motorized-grill-brush-with-steam?bkeid=cj%7Ccj%7C5640001%7C10373017%7CBrookstone+Product+Catalog" target="_blank">Motorized Grill Brush</a>
</h2>
<div class="caption">
Prep your dad for his next big summer BBQ. This motorized grill brush
 also comes with steam cleaning power, so it can cut your dad a break 
after he's finished cooking. Not only will the heavy-duty motor power 
easily clear off grease, but the steam will also soften up grime and 
buildup for an easy cleanup.<br />

<strong>Price: $29.99</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uGOXJqUsJdIYOBvTjobbrYFfW_mjc4AqNMAW_p3TE_68Rf6GL1Uqq6yf7w99Ijse-cewlubA6TNOu_R1hwdQNMkiJ2VKIR_ogzVIFu-ZLHw6geYyVeHblHDEHFXidIGRzOJHYpyqjy8/s1600/NESphonecase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uGOXJqUsJdIYOBvTjobbrYFfW_mjc4AqNMAW_p3TE_68Rf6GL1Uqq6yf7w99Ijse-cewlubA6TNOu_R1hwdQNMkiJ2VKIR_ogzVIFu-ZLHw6geYyVeHblHDEHFXidIGRzOJHYpyqjy8/s640/NESphonecase.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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8. <a href="https://www.thinkgeek.com/product/17a4/?i=front" target="_blank">NES Controller Case for iPhone 5</a>
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Make your dad feel young(er) again with this retro phone case. The buttons may not be real, but the memories sure will be.<br />

<strong>Price: $34.99</strong><br />

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<i> Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i><br />

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7 Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Father

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it's time to start shopping for loved ones. Instead of getting your dad another...

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Friday Is The Happy Day

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwp7HOBaM0nHINQeWZ74CHMLX6lqiVQl3w9Hqwo99Wn4vFIIcbNX0dN7SVvfDnz2zyOYx3P2T-LdX9xcq6WQOsn369QT1rPShUifav9J2j826d6A0jf-aL0AGZ9kBkMMeGPXAUiVFBRg/s1600/Friday+Is+The+Happy+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwp7HOBaM0nHINQeWZ74CHMLX6lqiVQl3w9Hqwo99Wn4vFIIcbNX0dN7SVvfDnz2zyOYx3P2T-LdX9xcq6WQOsn369QT1rPShUifav9J2j826d6A0jf-aL0AGZ9kBkMMeGPXAUiVFBRg/s640/Friday+Is+The+Happy+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With Black Friday sales beginning as early as Wednesday this year, Thanksgiving is barely getting its time in the spotlight.<br />
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See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2013/11/how-to-control-your-referral-traffic.html" target="_blank">How To Control Your Referral Traffic</a></h4>
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In this comic, Krishna Sadasivam of <em><a href="http://pcweenies.com/" target="_blank">PC Weenies</a></em> illustrates that Black Friday has sadly eclipsed Thanksgiving as the holiday that everyone focuses on.<br />
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<i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments. </i></div>

Friday Is The Happy Day

With Black Friday sales beginning as early as Wednesday this year, Thanksgiving is barely getting its time in the spotlight. See a...

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'Genome Hacker' Builds Family Trees With Millions of Branches - CIrclesTech

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSWKwS3BZAsqvhKGAo5_8Sqny4yZPnnolC3XiVQrChzLn0hFZi5bpDNAEbRiQJgsHtLCKPmRi4SioOYSwQPBrHVhCsjecwg-PUcHTmz7o1SY5x5U_L-BK3xzuQIqdhaR76T9Be7976J8n/s1600/url.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSWKwS3BZAsqvhKGAo5_8Sqny4yZPnnolC3XiVQrChzLn0hFZi5bpDNAEbRiQJgsHtLCKPmRi4SioOYSwQPBrHVhCsjecwg-PUcHTmz7o1SY5x5U_L-BK3xzuQIqdhaR76T9Be7976J8n/s320/url.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There may be a new record for the largest family tree ever assembled. It dates back to the 15th century. It is comprised of 13 million individuals. And it is only one part of an even larger collection of genomic information: a collection compiled by the computational biologist Yaniv Erlich and stored not in albums or on walls, but in machines.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />Presented at the annual meeting American Society of Human Genetics in Boston, and discussed in the journal <i>Nature</i>, the mega-repository could offer a new way for researchers to analyze the relationships between human genotypes and phenotypes — between, essentially, nature and nurture.<br /><br />In the past, such expansively branched informational trees would have been painstaking to cultivate. We have documentation, sure, of family relationships and the traits associated with them — church records, hospital logs, that kind of thing — but gathering those documents for analysis took time. Assembling genealogical data for even just a few thousand individuals, Erlich noted during his ASHG presentation, could take years.<br /><br />So here's where the hacking comes in: Erlich and his team, rather than gathering those data themselves, went to a more streamlined source: geni.com, which is a genealogy website with 43 million public profiles. Those profiles offered a wealth of information, typically including not just individuals' birth and death dates, but also the locations of their births and deaths. Occasionally, they'd even contain photos uploaded by the site's users.<br /><br />What resulted, in turn, was an extensive collection of trait-and-gene information, ripe for analysis. And it was from that collection that Erlich and his colleagues were able to compile what <i>Nature</i> calls "a single uber-pedigree" involving some 13 million individuals. "We Are Family," as performed by a huge swath of humanity. (But performed anonymously: In making that and similar pedigrees available to other researchers, Erlich and his team stripped names from the data to protect individuals' privacy.)<br /><br />So what does a database like that — the family tree, digitized — get us? For one thing, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="it-allows-for-a"></a><br /><blockquote><br /><div></div><br />it allows for a kind of longitudinal analysis of given traits, helping researchers to gain insights into the nature-versus-nurture aspects</blockquote><br />it allows for a kind of longitudinal analysis of given traits, helping researchers to gain insights into the nature-versus-nurture aspects of those traits as they played out over time.<br /><br />It can also offer insights into how traits are, ultimately, controlled. Given a trait like fertility, say, are there a few genes that exert broad influence ... or is fertility influenced by many genes that have smaller effects? It might also help us understand inherited diseases. (See, for example, the Iceland-based genetics firm deCODE, which is taking advantage of the country's famously rich genealogical data to help determine genetic signatures that can influence diseases — and their treatment.)<br /><br />For all that, <i>Nature</i> notes, it's unclear how, exactly, researchers will use the database for their own purposes. ("Some scientists at the meeting expressed enthusiasm for the project," Heidi Ledford puts it, "but were hard-pressed to come up with a specific experiment using the data.")<br /><br />Put another way, though, the biggest uses for the results of Erlich's genome-hacking may simply be to come. And those uses would rely on developments that are cultural as much as scientific; on medical records being stored and analyzed in digital, and potentially public, forms. Imagine Erlich's database being linked to individual medical information. Imagine it being linked to DNA sequence data. As Nancy Cox, a human geneticist at the University of Chicago, tells Ledford: "We’ve really only begun to scratch the surface of what these kinds of pedigrees can tell us."<br /><br /><i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

'Genome Hacker' Builds Family Trees With Millions of Branches - CIrclesTech

There may be a new record for the largest family tree ever assembled. It dates back to the 15th century. It is comprised of 13 million indiv...

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Forget the NSA — That Smartphone Snooper May Be Your Spouse - CirclesTech

Forget the NSA — That Smartphone Snooper May Be Your Spouse - CirclesTech

It's not just the National Security Agency spying on smartphones. Many ordinary people are also using sophisticated software to eavesdr...

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Forget the NSA — That Smartphone Snooper May Be Your Spouse - CirclesTech

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's not just the National Security Agency spying on smartphones. Many ordinary people are also using sophisticated software to eavesdrop on the wireless communications of their lovers, children and business rivals.<br /><br />According to a new study that examined the data traffic of mobile devices operating on the Middle Eastern network of a European carrier, hundreds of people had some form of surveillance software installed on their phones.<br /><br />These aren't malicious apps that the users had been tricked into downloading. They're pieces of commercially available spyware that people with physical access to the devices have installed to secretly log each text message, phone call and contact, and in some cases, eavesdrop on calls in real time.<br /><br />Most of the installations were probably done by spouses and private investigators, according to Michael Shaulov, CEO of Lacoon Mobile Security, the San Francisco-based startup that did the study. Although the number of phones with spyware was relatively small — more than 600 — Shaulov expects that figure to grow amid increasing awareness of surveillance technology, be it at the consumer or national level. Lacoon, which does research and development in Israel, sells security software that detects malicious mobile applications and attacks on corporate networks.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />The findings offer a rare insight into consumers' use of spying techniques that traditionally have been limited to the realm of government spy agencies.<i> Bloomberg News</i> last year examined the use of surveillance software by repressive regimes in a series of stories called "Wired for Repression." Corporate espionage is a growing motivation for installing spyware.<br /><br />Lacoon, founded in 2011 by former members of the Israel Defense Forces and backed by prominent Israeli security entrepreneur Shlomo Kramer, analyzed the mobile traffic with permission from the carrier, which Shaulov wouldn't identify. Lacoon looked at the wireless traffic to determine how many devices were communicating with servers known to be associated with spyware companies.<br /><br />Nearly half of those that did were linked to SpyToMobile, which markets its product to consumers. While it's generally not illegal to spy on phones you own, things get murky when the spying involves phones you routinely have access to, like a partner's.<br /><br />The company's terms of service states that users need to own the phones the software is being installed on, or the users need to have written authorization from the target. SpyToMobile said via email that all users must agree to its terms of service and that it has suspended accounts found to have used the app without the device owners' permission.<br /><br />For its part, SpyToMobile is actually using the NSA spy scandal in its sales pitch, although the company said it does not share data with the NSA. At least, not knowingly.</div>

Forget the NSA — That Smartphone Snooper May Be Your Spouse - CirclesTech

It's not just the National Security Agency spying on smartphones. Many ordinary people are also using sophisticated software to eavesdro...

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Must Reads: Spotify's Music Overhaul, a Roadmap for Connected Cars andMore -Circles Tech

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><section>During the week, we consume words in snackable, tweetable bites. But on the weekends, we have the time to take a dive into the murkier, lengthier depths of the Internet and expand our attention spans beyond 140 characters. We can brew a cup of coffee and lie back with our iPads, laptops, smartphones and Kindles.<br /><br />Since you're bound to miss a few things during the daily grind, we present to you, in our weekly installation of <b><i>Mashable</i> Must Reads</b>, a curated collection of can't-miss stories to read and reflect on. (You can find last week's must reads here.)<br /><h3>How Spotify Engineered the New Music Economy</h3><br />In the post-Napster industry, music was nearly broken. But then companies like Spotify figured out how to monetize streaming services. No one can argue Spotify's model is a boon for record labels and music execs, but many artists are less than thrilled with their respective cuts.<a name="more"></a><br /><h3>Connected Cars: How Long Must We Wait?</h3><br />Connected cars, for many drivers, sound like a dream — but when will it come true? We take a look at the possibilities that are on the table (after all, the technology exists), and which ones are next in line from some of the developers involved.<br /><h3>Bullying: Abuse Goes Digital and Finally Meets Its Match</h3><br />Bullying is as old as humankind. Despite the power of the online hive mind to curb bullying and provide a sense of community for geeks and nerds, social media can also provide bullies with a way to get away with torture: anonymity. Cyberbullies can attack online without anyone else seeing their dirty work.<br /><h3>Paid Apps Aren't Dead — But They Are on Life Support</h3><br />Making cold, harsh cash from paid applications in the App Store is proving more difficult for developers. But according to the latest statistics from analytics companies, app revenues for Apple's App Store and Google Play are on the rise. If people aren't buying as many paid apps, how are developers making more money?<br /><h3>8 Alleged Silk Road Drug Dealers Arrested Worldwide</h3><br />The long and winding Silk Road didn't end with the arrest of alleged mastermind Ross Ulbricht. This week, authorities have busted eight others around the world accused of selling drugs on the world's largest online drug marketplace — some of whom were not even connected to Ulbricht's capture.<br /><br /><b>Don't have time to read them all now? In our Readlist below, export this week's must reads to your tablet to save for a time you have no distractions. Simply click the "read later" button alongside each story or or click "export" to send the entire list of articles to your preferred device.</b><br /></section></div>

Must Reads: Spotify's Music Overhaul, a Roadmap for Connected Cars andMore -Circles Tech

During the week, we consume words in snackable, tweetable bites. But on the weekends, we have the time to take a dive into the murkier, leng...

+ Read more »

This Minimalist Wearable Device Could Protect Your Child - Circles Tech

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>One-Liner Pitch</b>: With Guardian's smartwatch, always know where your children are located.<br /><br /><b>Why It's Taking Off</b>: Wearable gadgets for specific purposes are growing in popularity, and the price point on Guardian makes it very accessible for parents while still addressing a key pain point.<br /><br />In the future, it should be impossible to lose anything. There's Tile, a bluetooth-enabled tracker you can attach to a wallet or keys, and Tagg, the tracker for your pets. Bluetooth capabilities seem to improve with every smartphone release, making these types of trackers extremely reliable. The latest location-aware device aims to help parents keep track of their kids.<br /><br />Guardian is a wearable gadget made by Beluvv, a startup in Taiwan. The founders are seasoned entrepreneurs and parents who felt this simple technology could go a long way in keeping children safe. While the issue of missing children is a complicated one, Beluvv's product, called Guardian, could definitely be part of the solution. Waterproof, with a battery that lasts up to a year and priced at $25, it's hard to justify not purchasing the device if you have small kids.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="m!531e"></a><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><img alt="Guardian buckle on a bag" height="426" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzEwLzA3L2U0L0d1YXJkaWFuYnVjLjg5ZjMwLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/a5213e2f/099/Guardian-buckle-on-a-bag.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />Other similar products have been introduced — Revolutionary Tracker is $199 plus a $25 fee each month, while a tracker called Kid Alert intended to sell for $49 after a crowdfunding campaign but appears to have failed. Whereoscope was a Y Combinator startup that shut down after eight months with a similar product.<br /><br />There are a few variables that could play into whether a device such as Guardian will succeed in the market. The first is technology. Guardian is only compatible with iOS devices that have Bluetooth 4.0 (so the iPhone 4s, iPad mini or 3rd gen and newer). This could be a big step up from earlier products.<br /><br />The second variable is price point — Beluvv's location in Taiwan means quality manufacturers are easily accessible, says founder Oni Chen. The criticism a product such as Guardian will get is that even the best technology is no reason to not watch your children. That said, at $25, Guardian costs not much more than the classic ID bracelet or the leash backpacks sometimes seen in busy public places. It's not a replacement for good parenting, but in the unfortunate event that a child was lost in a mall, being able to locate your child even 10 minutes faster makes the product well worth it.<br /><br />While Guardian can definitely provide parents with peace of mind, would it be much help on a larger scale?<br /><br />According to Ernie Allen, president & CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, when a child goes missing, the most effective technique to recover them is rapid response — also emphasized is the power of a "good, old-fashioned photograph."<br /><br />"Somebody knows where these children are and if we can reach enough people in a timely way with the best possible images and information, we can bring many more children home," Allen wrote in an email.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="m!c92e"></a><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><img alt="guardian-screenshots" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzEwLzA3L2U0L2d1YXJkaWFuc2NyLjkxNzE1LnBuZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/ac345a8e/ca7/guardian-screenshots.png" /></div><br />Here, it's possible that a company such as Beluvv could pitch in. The emergency search feature can notify others in the network with information about your child, including a photo. As people's attention moves from mass media to their mobile devices, it's crucial that these types of emergency notifications continue to flow, getting in front of people who can be of help.<br /><br />Guardian can be preordered now and will ship globally in November.</div>

This Minimalist Wearable Device Could Protect Your Child - Circles Tech

One-Liner Pitch : With Guardian's smartwatch, always know where your children are located. Why It's Taking Off : Wearable gadgets fo...

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Because of iPad, 'Little Mermaid' Will Never Be the Same - Circles Tech

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ariel’s not the only one with gadgets and gizmos aplenty. In 16 locations across the U.S., audiences can bring their own tablets to the movie theater during the month after Sept. 20 — and actually use those devices during the film.<br /><br />Disney’s latest re-release of the 1989 classic <i>The Little Mermaid</i> came with a twist: The company encouraged children to bring and use their iPads during the screening, provided, of course, they played along on Disney’s free iPad app, Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid App. Audience members can play games, compete with other participants in the theater and sing along with the music as the story unfolds.<br /><br />IPad in hand, I caught a showing of <i>Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid</i> to test the app, the experience and to consider what second screen moviegoing means for the future of the industry.<br /><br />The app is well designed. Using your iPad's microphone to sync, its interactive elements match up with the film even if you have to close the app for any reason (like a potty break). The games come fast and often, and usually associate with a specific character or event in the movie. For example, when Triton comes onscreen you'll be playing <i>Triton's Trivia.</i> Most importantly, the games are appropriate for a wide range of ages — and 20-something reporters.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This isn’t Disney’s first foray into the world of second screen gaming. The App Store has hosted second screen games for <i>Real Steel</i>, <i>TRON Legacy</i>, <i>The Lion King</i> and more for several months, as companions to the Blu-Ray DVDs.<br /><br />However, bringing your second screen to the movie theater makes this version different, and it may indicate a future trend.<br /><br />Disney has long supported the movie-going experience. Its classic re-releases offer new audiences a chance to see their favorite princes and princesses on the big screen — and Disney can make several million bucks or so in the process. The push for second screen is simply the next step.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="but-does-the-little"></a><br /><blockquote><br /><div></div><br />But does <i>The Little Mermaid</i> need second screens to get a second wind?</blockquote><br />But does <i>The Little Mermaid</i> need second screens to get a second wind? The brand remains popular even after 25 years; according to Google, it's the third most frequently mentioned Disney movie on the web. Does adding distracting games and new character voiceovers help a new generation fall in love with the story?<br /><br />Because the games <i>are</i> distracting. Some moviegoers meeting Ariel and friends for the first time will find it hard to focus on the movie, with a new game every minute or two. Many games require an individual's full attention, for instance, when players quickly pop bubbles or tilt the iPad to catch Ariel's treasures in a chest. In fact, the games were so distracting, on multiple occasions key information was lost to gameplay.<br /><br />See an example of one of the games in the video below:<br /><br /><br /><br />Not to mention the voiceover and inter-theater competition, where up to four characters talk over the dialogue in the film to encourage players to compete with other audience members. As someone who grew up with Ariel, sure, the games were fun. But children seeing the movie for the first time missed seeing Triton destroy Ariel's treasures; Ariel meet Eric for the first time; Ariel's visit with Scuttle.<br /><br />The only time the iPad truly helps the audience pay attention to the movie is during a song. Following along with lyrics on your iPad not only provides good practice for young readers, it helps the audience focus on the movie's plot.<br /><h2>Is this the future of the movie theater?</h2><br />While <i>The Little Mermaid</i> will soon return to the Disney Vault, iPads and all, Disney is releasing <i>The Nightmare Before Christmas</i>: Second Screen in theaters later this year. One can expect the trend will continue as long as the movies are profitable.<br /><br />So, does this mark the beginning of a trend for moviegoers? And if so, could it revive the movie theater industry or drive the final nail in the coffin?<br /><h3>The Pros</h3><br /><ol><br /><li>Despite the number of "digital detox" vacation tips you may have read this year, we're more attached to our devices than ever. Statista reports that the amount of time Americans spend consuming digital media will eclipse the amount of time spent watching television for the first time ever this year. The extension of the second screen experience into the movie theater seems like a natural progression.</li><br /><li>Adding a game element to a movie elevates it from a linear to non-linear narrative, giving audience members the chance to interact with the story and its characters. It revitalizes the almost 25-year-old animation, bringing it up to par with more recent animated creations like <i>Monsters University</i> or <i>Brave</i>. And the novelty of the experience could drive revenue for Disney in a time when many agree the the movie industry is in decline.</li><br /><li>There's no telling what's next for second screens. If geared towards an adult audience, second screens could provide background information, a chance to live-tweet movie reviews to friends or quiz movie buffs. For series, (like the upcoming <i>Star Wars</i> episode, perhaps?) audiences could get refreshers on how characters fit into the universe, family trees, etc.</li></ol><br /><h3>The Cons</h3><br /><ol><br /><li>There's a reason we're instructed to turn off cellphones before a movie. Extra devices ruin the movie experience by providing unwanted distractions that take the viewer out of the story. Ariel walking on her shaky legs for the first time is excitement enough for young audiences.</li><br /><li>Many parents are trying to <i>limit</i> their children's screen time, especially for children under the age of five, due to its potential link to emotional distress, anxiety and depression.</li><br /><li>As of now, you need an iPad to participate. Not an iPhone. Not an Android or Microsoft tablet. So, what about the other 50% of the tablet-wielding population?</li></ol><br />Where do you stand on Disney's second screen / silver screen experience? Let us know in the comments.</div>

Because of iPad, 'Little Mermaid' Will Never Be the Same - Circles Tech

Ariel’s not the only one with gadgets and gizmos aplenty. In 16 locations across the U.S., audiences can bring their own tablets to the movi...

+ Read more »

4 Fun DIY Camera Kits - Circles tech

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/kon.jpg"><img alt="kon" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-459" height="298" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/kon.jpg" width="547" /></a><br /><h2 class="title">1. <a href="http://shop.lomography.com/us/konstruktor" target="_blank">Lomography Konstruktor</a></h2><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="caption"><br /><br />Lomography's Konstruktor kit gives you a fully-working 35mm plastic SLR camera that you can build from scratch. You can learn all about camera mechanics as you make the device, and when you're done, have loads of fun by taking pictures with your own single-lens reflex camera. Features include a top-down viewfinder, multiple exposure function and bulb setting for long exposures.<br /><br /><br /><b>Price</b>: $35<br /><br /><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/kit.jpg"><img alt="kit" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-458" height="297" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/kit.jpg" width="551" /></a><br /><h2>2. <a href="http://fotodioxpro.com/index.php/fotodiox-diy-twin-lens-reflex-tlr-camera-kit.html" target="_blank">Fotodiox TLR</a></h2><br /><div><br /><br />This camera is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) with a twist -- it takes standard 35mm film. All you need is a small Philips screwdriver and you can build your own TLR.<br /><br />The collapsible viewfinder hood and adjustable focus allow you to really consider composition in a way that you probably don't with a digital point-and-shoot. It's the perfect kit for anyone looking to enjoy vintage-style photography, but with the convenience of modern film.<br /><br /><b>Price</b>: $14.95<br /><br /><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bigshot.jpg"><img alt="bigshot" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-456" height="299" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bigshot.jpg" width="546" /></a><br /><h2 class="title">3. <a href="http://www.bigshotcamera.com/" target="_blank">Bigshot Camera</a></h2><br /><div class="caption"><br /><br />The Bigshot camera is a DIY digital snapper primarily aimed at the education market. It promises to teach "fundamental concepts in optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, electronics and image processing."<br /><br />With different lenses, including a 3D option, and a hand crank to generate power to take shots, it's a digicam with a difference for those that want to make their own.<br /><br /><b>Price</b>: $89<br /><br /><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/detail_lc_06.jpg"><img alt="detail_lc_06" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-457" height="303" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/detail_lc_06.jpg" width="463" /></a><br /><br /><br /><h2>4. <a href="http://www.superheadz.com/lastcamera/en/" target="_blank">SuperHeadz Last Camera</a></h2><br /><div><br /><br />SuperHeadz is offering you the chance to "swim against the tide" of digital and smartphone photography with its "super analog camera." The world's first DIY film camera that comes complete with interchangeable lens, the Last Camera offers 45mm standard and 22mm wide options, while the interchangeable camera backs give you a choice of normal or light leaking.<br /><br />If those bundled options aren't creative enough for you, there's the ability, once built, to customize your Last Camera further with additional parts and modifications.<br /><br /><b>Price</b>: Approximately $50, available as a Japanese import<br /><br /><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/75cafed-0000001297539253.jpg"><img alt="75cafed-0000001297539253" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-455" height="298" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/75cafed-0000001297539253.jpg" width="559" /></a><br /><h2 class="title">5. <a href="http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/diy-camera-kits/" target="_blank">Photojojo DIY Pinhole Camera</a></h2><br /><div class="caption"><br /><br />Finally, if you want to go all the way back to the very basics, Photojojo offers a Pinhole Camera Kit that provides all the materials to make a fully functional camera. The "old timey experiment in aperture" takes 35mm film (a film barrel is included) so you can get creative while learning about the fundamental principles of image making.<br /><br />Cost: $25 (with "Sunprint Kit" included)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br />While "analog" photography may have fallen out of fashion with the mainstream masses years ago, there's still plenty that can be learned from film. Capturing images the old-fashioned way is just as enjoyable as using Instagram on your smartphone.<br /><br />Whether you're looking to rekindle your passion for old school image-making, or looking to teach a new generation about the basics of photography, a DIY camera kit is a great way to go about it.<br /><div class="see-also"><br /><br />See also: How to Back Up Your iPhone Photos<br /><br /></div><br />We found five make-your-own photography kits that will help you build your very own camera and learn about how it works. Have you already had a go at one of these clever kits? Let us know how it went in the comments below.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div></div>

4 Fun DIY Camera Kits - Circles tech

1. Lomography Konstruktor Lomography's Konstruktor kit gives you a fully-working 35mm plastic SLR camera that you can build from scratch...

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Facebook Sells 'Social Butterfly Blue' Nail Polish For Everyone

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/facebook-nail-polish.jpg"><img alt="facebook-nail-polish" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-404" height="303" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/facebook-nail-polish.jpg" width="549" /></a><br /><br />You can now wear Facebook pride on your fingertips.<br /><br />The company is currently selling a shade of nail polish, "social butterfly blue" at its campus store in Menlo Park, Calif. Although Facebook told <i>Mashable</i> it added the polish to its collection of branded swag at the beginning of the year, its existence was recently brought to light by <i>Huffington Post</i> executive tech editor Bianca Bosker, who tweeted a picture of it on sale at the headquarters' store.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />You won't find the Facebook logo on the packaging, though. Instead, it's decorated with a small icon of a butterfly.<br /><br /><a href="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FacebookNailPolish.jpeg"><img alt="FacebookNailPolish" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-406" height="309" src="http://circlestech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FacebookNailPolish.jpeg" width="548" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, you'll have to visit the shop in person to pick up your Facebook blue polish; no online orders are available. Each bottle costs $4.95.<br /><br /></div>

Facebook Sells 'Social Butterfly Blue' Nail Polish For Everyone

You can now wear Facebook pride on your fingertips. The company is currently selling a shade of nail polish, "social butterfly blue...

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