Apple's logo is considered 'blasphemo​us' in Russia as a sign of sinful behavior

Apple's logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Many Apple iPhone buyers have referred to the insignia on the back of the handset as a part of the overall design of the phone that attracted them to it in the first place. While most people around the world see the logo and think technology, Orthodox Christians in Russia see the symbol and think 'sin'. For this group, the bitten Apple logo reminds them of the story of Adam and Eve and the concept of original sin. This is based on the translation of a news report in Russia and some have gone on to cover up the Apple trademark with a cross whenever they see it in the country.

To the Russian Orthodox Church, this represents sin

Of course, those familiar with the story of Apple know that the apple portrayed on the back of the Apple iPhone and Apple iPad represents the famous fruit that allegedly fell and conked Sir Isaac Newton on the head leading to the discovery of gravity. The Soviet Church, though, is thought to be interested in passing anti-Blasphemy laws which could force Apple to change its logo in the country or refrain from selling its products there.

Apple might even have a defender in the country. Political party Yabloko is against what it sees as a "clerical police state" in the country. The party is railing against what it sees as a battle between the Russian Orthodox Church and "secular civil society". That would make the party an ally of Apple's if the Russian Orthodox Church ever makes an issue out of the Cupertino based firm's Apple logo.That, and one other thing. It seems that Yabloko, the name of the party, is also Russian for Apple.

Source: phonearena.com

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Top 10 Ways to Make Yourself Look (and Be) Smarter

Whether you're trying to survive an intensive college schedule or just want to seem smarter in front of your friends, you can do a lot of things to both look and be smarter. Here are ten simple tricks for boosting your real (and perceived) brain power.

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Astronomers discover giant planet chock-full of diamonds

55 Cancri e was first identified back in 2004, but at the time scientists thought that it was covered in water and rocks, much like the Earth. We now know that's probably not true and, what's more, the most interesting find regarding 55 Cancri e could be under the surface.

More accurate measurements have revealed a surface temperature of nearly 4,000 °F, and a density much higher than our planet, leading researchers to conclude that 55 Cancri e is actually composed almost entirely from high-density carbon, or, in other words, solid diamond.

With a diameter that's about double that of earth's, 55 Cancri e revolves around a star called 55 Cancri a. The star is part of the constellation Cancer and is visible from earth with the naked eye, although the much smaller planet is a tough catch. Both are approximately 40 light years from earth, so the chances of heading up there to grab some diamonds are pretty slim.

I guess that until we perfect warp speed travel, anyone looking for the ultimate bling had better headto Siberia.

Reuters, via The Nation (Pakistan)

Source: dvice.com

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Keep Computer and Smartphone Screens from Destroying Your Eyes

Staring at a screen all day can cause eye strain and other vision problems. Keep your eyes healthy and prevent other issues like neck and shoulder pain by practicing good "eye-gonomics."

The Vision Council has published a helpful 16-page guide to avoiding digital eye strain. The first step is to identify symptoms of digital eye strain: red or dry eyes, blurred vision, general fatigue, or headaches. Back and neck pain can also be caused by poor workspace ergonomics.

Remembering to blink and using the 20-20-20 rule (take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away) are among the many tips The Vision Council offers to combat eye strain.

One of the more interesting tips is to make sure your computer screen is far enough away from your eyes using the "high five test": If you can't give your display a proper high five, you're sitting too close. You should be sitting like so:

 And holding your smartphone this way:

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