Tired Of Online Dating? Try Dating A Cyborg!

Online dating is frequently bemoaned as the cause of all manner of evil: it's hampering interpersonal connection, allowing douchebags to run rampant through the dating scene, and reducing something so innately human to cold statistics and match percentages. This all may be true, but it's too early to decide that technology has no part in romance. Cyborg Dating, a project from Sander Veenhof and Rosa Frabsnap, presented at the Impakt Festival in Utrecht, demonstrated one possible way virtual reality can create intimacy instead of destroying it.

The idea behind Cyborg Dating is simple: two people go on a date, one of them wearing a VR headset, in this case Google Cardboard. The person wearing the headset finds herself in an 3-D-rendered forest, while the other keeps his eyes on the streets of downtown Utrecht, which served as the location for the project. This is an example OutdoorVR, which uses portable VR devices and incorporates natural stimulus as part of virtual reality instead of trying to create stimulus from scratch. For example, the animated forest in this project used GPS coordinates corresponding to buildings in the real world to place trees and other objects. This lent a realism to the experience, even though what the participant was seeing was wildly different from their real surroundings.

Working together, the person using VR can lead the way to her destination, while the non-cyborg makes sure his partner doesn't get hit by a car. Along the way, the software tries to heighten the mood with little tricks, like "suggestions on what to say." There are also other options for enhancing the romance: "A rose could be given to the human guide. The contents of a picnic basket could be shared. And at one point en route, the forest could be switched to nighttime, to subtly nudge the date towards a romantic ending," reads an explanation on the project's website. Ooh la la.

Veenhof and Frabsnap consider this technology a peek into what our social encounters will be like in the future, when they predict most of us will be interfacing with both virtual and regular reality simultaneously. Their project proves that tech can be used to bring people together, even while our sense of humanity is changing. In any case, it sure beats OKCupid.

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Tired Of Online Dating? Try Dating A Cyborg!

Epic 4k Drone Footage Over Cozumel Hotel Beaches DJI Phantom 2 GoPro Hero4 Black w/Gimbal – Video


Epic 4k Drone Footage Over Cozumel Hotel Beaches DJI Phantom 2 GoPro Hero4 Black w/Gimbal
Crazy footage of some of the clearest water in the world. Excellent GoPro time-lapse scene at the end. Filmed at the El Presidente Hotel Resort. High low altitude shots. Be sure to watch...

By: Jim Ammons

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Epic 4k Drone Footage Over Cozumel Hotel Beaches DJI Phantom 2 GoPro Hero4 Black w/Gimbal - Video

Impromptu Walt Disney World Trip: Beaches & Cream And Magic Kingdom – Video


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We decided to make an impromptu trip to Walt Disney World on Saturday night to get on a few rides and we ended up having a really amazing time. We stopped at Beaches Cream first for some...

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Impromptu Walt Disney World Trip: Beaches & Cream And Magic Kingdom - Video

Best Beach Holidays Philippines – 3 Undiscovered Holiday Beaches in the Philippines – Video


Best Beach Holidays Philippines - 3 Undiscovered Holiday Beaches in the Philippines
If you consider yourself a jetsetter, treat yourself to a life-changing holiday by visiting 3 largelyundiscovered holiday beaches in the Philippines. Samal Island in Mindanao, Boracay Island...

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Beach Holidays: Save Your Money – 5 Important Strategies to Enjoy Holiday Beaches – Video


Beach Holidays: Save Your Money - 5 Important Strategies to Enjoy Holiday Beaches
One factor about a beach vacation is the chance of lessening your expenses during the trip. Going on a beach holiday doesn #39;t have to be expensive, especially if you know places that are unspoiled....

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Top 10 Thailand Beaches: Ten Most Beautiful Beaches in Thailand [HD] – Video


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Top 10 Thailand Beaches: Ten Most Beautiful Beaches in Thailand. We run a poll asking which beach of Thailand is the most beautiful to 2451 voters online. These are the final round beaches...

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Beaches closed: Five-metre great white shark the biggest Newcastle has seen

The shark lurks behind a lifesaver on a jet-ski on Saturday. Photo: Nicholas Tonks

All Newcastle beaches will close again on Thursday, with council lifeguards emphasising that the great white shark cruising along the coast for five days was "of a size that has not been seen before around Newcastle".

Estimates have the near fully-grown shark as being five metres long and about 1700kg, with a council spokeswoman stating authorities would like to have a 24-hour period with no sightings before beaches are again opened.

Newcastle Council aquatic services co-ordinator Peter Withers, who has served in the region for 37 years, said: "We've consistently seen the big one every day.Certainly it's the biggest shark we've ever had and it's hung around longer than any other shark," hesaid.

People sit on Nobbys beach on Tuesday after it was closed. Photo: Darren Pateman

Newcastle would typically get as many as five shark sightings triggering beach closures annually, a number that hasn't changed much in years, Mr Withers said this year notwithstanding.

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A late suspected sighting of the shark on Wednesday near Nobbys Head means the beaches will be closed for a record sixth consecutive day on Thursday.

Prior to that, there was a sighting by those on board a police vessel off Burwood and Merewether beaches.

A dolphin missing its tail was possibly killed by a shark. Photo: Craig Hollier

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Beaches closed: Five-metre great white shark the biggest Newcastle has seen

Shark sightings: despite record stretch of closures, little change on previous years

Despite a record stretch of beach closures in Newcastle, shark sightings are not showing a discernible increase. Photo: Darren Pateman

Newcastle beaches will be closed for a record sixth straight day due to the repeated sightings of a very large shark, raising the question whether we should be more alarmed than usual.

The number of NSW beach closures because of shark sightings is little changed on previous years, with public anxiety likely to be inflated by the explosion of social media reporting, experts say.

Figures compiled for most of the coast and Sydney Harbour by Surf Life Saving NSW tally 165 shark sightings resulting in beach closures this season, on a par for the same stage of last summer.

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While the closures exclude those at popular beaches such as Bondi and Cronulla which are served by council-paid lifeguards there was no indication that shark numbers were on the rise, said Vic Peddemors, a shark biologist with the Department of Primary Industries.

"Because there is commercial fishing along the entire east coast of sharks of various description, the chance of the shark population going up is pretty much inconceivable," Dr Peddemors said.

Concern about sharks has been heightened this week by the closure of Newcastle beaches since Saturday because of multiple sightings of a great white shark estimated to be five metres long and 1700 kilograms in weight.

"Certainly it's the biggest shark we've ever had and it's hung around longer than any other shark," Newcastle Council aquatic services co-ordinator Peter Withers, who has served in the region for 37 years, said

A late suspected sighting of the shark on Wednesday near Nobbys Head means Newcastle beaches will be closed for a record sixth consecutive day on Thursday, Mr Withers said. "We've consistently seen the big one every day."

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Shark sightings: despite record stretch of closures, little change on previous years

Newcastle beaches shark closure: Beaches shut for fourth day, fifth day likely

By HELEN GREGORYJan. 14, 2015, 6 a.m.

NEWCASTLE: Beaches are likely to be closed for a record-breaking fifth day in a row on Wednesday.

Swimmers stranded on the sand at Nobbys on Tuesday after more shark sightings. Pic: Darren Pateman

Lifeguard Adam Metcalfe searches for the shark near the mouth of the Hunter river. Pic: Darren Pateman

Lifeguard Adam Metcalfe searches for the shark near the mouth of the Hunter river. Pic: Darren Pateman

Lifeguard Scott Hammerton on duty at Nobbys. Pic: Darren Pateman

Swimmers stranded on the sand at Nobbys on Tuesday after more shark sightings. Pic: Darren Pateman

Lifeguard Adam Metcalfe warns a kayaker about shark sightings on Tuesday. Pic: Darren Pateman

Lifeguard Scott Hammerton on duty at Nobbys. Pic: Darren Pateman

Newcastle Beaches closed for the fourth day due to shark sighting. Image shows people swimming in the rockpool at Bar Beach. Pic Darren Pateman

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Newcastle beaches shark closure: Beaches shut for fourth day, fifth day likely

Newcastle beaches closed for record fifth day after four shark sightings in 24 hours

People sit on Nobbys Beach on Tuesday after it was closed. Photo: Darren Pateman

Newcastle's beaches are closed on Wednesday for a record fifth day in a row after four shark sightings in 24 hours, a police boat's close encounter and the discovery of the washed-up remains of a dolphin suspected to have been killed by a shark.

Nobbys Beach inspector Scott Hammerton was on a jet-ski investigating a shark lingering at the end of the breakwall about 2.30pm on Tuesday when water police called him to the northern end of Burwood Beach.

This dolphin was possibly attacked by a shark. Photo: Craig Hollier

"A four-metre great white came up to the police launch, had a look at the boat, flicked its tail and went underneath it," Mr Hammerton told The Newcastle Herald.

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"It was right on the surface, about 50 metres behind the waves, before heading into the surf zone.

"At this point, we decided to call it off, it was not worth getting any closer."

Surfers ride the waves at Merewether despite shark warnings. Photo: Darren Pateman

Mr Hammerton said the sightings confirmed at least two sharks were cruising along the city's coastline.

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Newcastle beaches closed for record fifth day after four shark sightings in 24 hours

Newcastle beaches shut over shark fears

Newcastle's beaches have been closed for a fourth straight day because of fears over a shark.

Continued sightings of a five-metre great white shark off the Newcastle coast has closed beaches for a fourth straight day.

Newcastle City Council beach inspector Mick Body says the closure has been the longest in his memory.

"We're a little bit frustrated, especially today because it's such a nice day," he said.

"We are still searching and being cautious, we're constantly getting sightings from members of the public."

Mr Body said he was waiting for the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter to fly over the coastline and hopefully give the all clear.

The helicopter has been busy with medical emergencies throughout Tuesday.

While some surfers have found the waves too tempting, most had kept clear of the water since the shark was first seen on Saturday afternoon at Merewether Beach.

The latest sighting at Dudley beach on Tuesday morning could indicate the shark was moving south of Newcastle, reversing its northbound route overnight.

Although a jet ski has been patrolling the beaches, Mr Body said a helicopter was needed to get a good look.

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Newcastle beaches shut over shark fears

Shark keeps Newcastle beaches closed

Newcastle beaches remain closed as a shark continues to lurk near the coast for a fifth day.

Newcastle beach inspectors say it's too risky to reopen beaches with a five-metre shark lurking near the coast for a fifth straight day.

A great white shark of this size could bite someone in half, says Nobbys Beach inspector Paul Bernard.

"You don't get a second chance with these things, [a] bite can be fatal," he told AAP.

"We've never had a shark this size hanging around."

The inspector, who was just metres away from the shark during a jet ski beach patrol, said it had been sighted numerous times.

The shark was last seen by water police in a boat at about 2.30pm on Tuesday at Burwood Beach, near Merewether Beach where it was first sighted on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, beaches have remained closed for a record fifth day in a row.

Mr Bernard said the council was taking the decision seriously, especially as beach kiosks and businesses could be affected.

"Would I go into the water? Would I put my kids in the water? No," Mr Bernard said.

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Shark keeps Newcastle beaches closed

Around the Region: Beaches Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and more

FIRST COAST Camp Composition teaches FSA writing skills

Camp Composition, a six-week program that prepares students in grades 4-11 for the new FSA English Language Arts writing test, begins on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the University of North Florida and meets for six Saturdays. A registration fee of $240 is required, with siblings receiving a discount. Some scholarships may be available. To register or for more, (904)620-1754 or cweber@unf.edu.

BEACHES Elections Official To Speak

Tracie N. Davis, Duval County Deputy Supervisor of Elections, will be the guest speaker at the Beaches Democratic Club meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Beaches public library, 600 3rd Street, Neptune Beach. The public is invited. Davis, an SOE employee since 2001, is seeking the top job in the municipal elections in March, and will talk about the changes in election laws and procedures during the 12 years she has worked for three different election chiefs.

BEACHES Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

St. Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church, Roberts Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Espiscopal Church and St. Pauls by-the-Sea Espiscopal Church presents a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at St. Pauls by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 465 11th Avenue N., Jacksonville Beach. The celebration features Dr. Percy J. Golden, senior bishop of The Holy Church of the Living God Revival Center in Atlantic Beach, as the keynote speaker and the First Coast Beaches Community Choir. A reception immediately follows the celebration. Public is welcome to attend.

CLAY Blue Star Marker Dedication

District IV of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. is hosting a Blue Star Marker Dedication 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road. This special event is to honor all who have served or will serve in the Armed Forces. For more, (904) 264-6619.

ORANGE PARK Leisure and professional development classes offered at SJRSC

St. Johns River State College offers a variety of non-credit leisure and professional development courses this spring on its Orange Park campus, 283 College Drive. Courses include digital photography, BLS, Microsoft Office software and general English and math. These classes have no prerequisites, and cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of a degree or certificate program. Registration fees vary for each course, and students may register for one or several courses. For more, (386) 312-4211 or visit the website at SJRstate.edu/continuinged2.html to download a registration form.

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Around the Region: Beaches Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and more

Newcastle beaches might stay closed

Newcastle beaches remain closed as a shark continues to lurk near the coast for a fifth day.

Newcastle beach inspectors say it's too risky to reopen beaches with a five-metre shark lurking near the coast for a fifth straight day.

A great white shark of this size could bite someone in half, says Nobbys Beach inspector Paul Bernard.

"You don't get a second chance with these things, [a] bite can be fatal," he told AAP.

"We've never had a shark this size hanging around."

The inspector, who was just metres away from the shark during a jet ski beach patrol, said it had been sighted numerous times.

The shark was last seen by water police in a boat at about 2.30pm on Tuesday at Burwood Beach, near Merewether Beach where it was first sighted on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, beaches have remained closed for a record fifth day in a row.

Mr Bernard said the council was taking the decision seriously, especially as beach kiosks and businesses could be affected.

"Would I go into the water? Would I put my kids in the water? No," Mr Bernard said.

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Newcastle beaches might stay closed