Apple's new Ping social network -- introduced alongside iTunes 10 -- required a special trademark agreement to make happen, a press statement reveals. Karsten Manufacturing notes that it technically owns the Ping name for one of its sub-brands, which produces golf equipment.

Computer Shopper makes the quad-core Mac Pro an Editors’ Choice, citing its speedy performance, easy upgradability, and new lower price. The reviewers write: “Creative professionals who need a machine with both muscle and good looks, and Mac fans who love to game, will find a lot to like in the new Mac Pro.”

Texas residents are relieved that the deadly Category 5 storm just missed them, destroying a horn-shaped land mass south of them instead.

#iphone Gears of War and Unreal Tournament creators Epic Games will bring competitive multiplayer sword-based combat, powered by its Unreal Engine, to the iPhone later this year with slash-em-up Project Sword. More

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County has refused to turn over documents concerning the treatment of Hispanics.

Hurricane Earl unleashed severe rain squalls and wind gusts even as it weakened on its way up the coast Friday.

The shape of information science is changing more radically and rapidly than ever, and our libraries can’t keep up.

Arc Touch Mouse flattens, pops up with touch of your finger, features scroll strip for easy navigation.

Aries Your daughter's memory will still haunt your dreams, but it's a welcome change from all the relived failures and sweaty former scoutmasters. Taurus Just when you thought it couldn't possibly get any worse, the star...



SlashGear reviewer Vincent Nguyen judges the Magic Trackpad a “pretty tempting proposition” because it brings the “useful” Multi-Touch “gestures Apple’s mobile users have been enjoying to their desktop compatriots.” Adds Nguyen: “I wholeheartedly recommend the Magic Trackpad.”

Impulse buying is something weve all done. Maybe it was a glossy magazine in the checkout line or a pair of shoes being offered at a price you couldnt pass up. These small, irrelevant items that find their way into your shopping cart can add up quickly. Although impulse buying has dealt a fatal blow to many a household budget, the good news is yours doesnt have to be next. Arming yourself with a few tips before you go out shopping can ensure you resist the urge to make these trivial (and costly) purchases for good. 1. Track spending trends. At the beginning of the month, start a log. Write down everything you spend for a full month. At the end of that month, review your trends to see how much you spent impulsively. The results may startle you enough to kick start your anti-impulse buying campaign. 2. Make a list. Know what you need before shopping. This cuts down on time spent browsing, which is most often when the impulse to buy strikes. 3. Use coupons. If you do need to purchase an item, seek out a coupon first. These days, you can find a coupon for almost any product, from any retailer online. Gone are the days of coupon clipping. For example, if youre looking for Macys coupons, then simply go to your preferred search engine and type that in. Youll get pages full of website that publish coupons and deals. 4. Learn to separate needs from wants. Make every attempt to justify your purchases based on a need instead of a want. Just because you want that leather jacket you saw on sale at the mall doesnt mean you need it especially with four others hanging in your closet. 5. Shop alone. Friends, spouses and children can all be a hindrance on a budget-conscious shoppers mission. The urge to splurge gets stronger around certain influences such as shopaholic friends and crying children. 6. Eat before going shopping. It sounds silly, but a lot of impulse shopping happens when people grocery shop on an empty stomach. Every thing is tempting, making shoppers more likely to buy pricier things than they would normally buy to satisfy a food craving. 7. Avoid temptation. Some impulse buyers have a particular weakness. It might be cosmetics, clothing, DVDs or even books. Avoid these items. Dont even shop at the same stores. Change your shopping routine completely to get out of this rut. 8. Develop a mantra. Remind yourself that every impulsive purchase you resist is $X toward a vacation or other special treat, $X more dollars in your savings account or $X less dollars in debt. 9. Shop sales smartly. Some people wait all year for Black Friday when its possible to get the same kind of deals online. Cyber Monday is a holiday introduced a few years ago that allows online retailers to get in on the Black Friday madness. Its also easier to comparison shop online as some merchants normal prices are considerably higher than others. 10. Sleep on it. If you find something that you think you truly cannot live without sleep on it. Return to the store the next day. If the urge is still there and still as strong, you might consider making the purchase. If not, recite your mantra from #8 and give yourself a pat on the back. What tips do you have to curb impulse spending? Helen Fang is an avid deal hunter and works for a Dealio.com, a comparison shopping, online coupons and daily deals website. Helen never pays retail and you shouldnt either. Get fresh coupons daily by following Dealio on Twitter.

The new Apple TV offers the simplest way to watch your favorite HD movies and TV shows on your HD TV for the breakthrough price of just $99. With Apple TV, you can choose from the largest online selection of HD movies to rent, including first-run movies for just $4.99, and the largest online selection of HD TV show episodes to rent — from ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel, and BBC America — for just 99 cents.

Chris Lukawski, a longtime devotee of the Packers and beer, is confident his battered liver and family can handle another NFL season of unrestrained alcohol consumption.

Private employers added 67,000 jobs, more than forecast, but governments shed jobs in August, the Labor Department reported, as the jobless rate rose to 9.6 percent.

Afghanistan’s top bank official tried to calm fears of a meltdown at Kabul Bank, while depositors were unable to withdraw money.

Gadgetwise blogger Nick Bilton at The New York Times reports taking Magic Trackpad for a test drive that covered “two-finger scroll on Web pages, pinch and zoom on images in Apple’s Preview application, and a number of other multitouch features.” He concludes: “I’m pretty certain I will never own a traditional mouse again, at least when I use an Apple computer. Instead I will own a trackpad — a Magic Trackpad.”

PC Magazine makes the new quad-core 27-inch iMac an Editors’ Choice, calling it “a highly sophisticated, yet simple to use media PC.” The magazine found the new iMac to be faster than other all-in-one models they’ve recently tested and concludes that it “cements the Apple iMac as the all-in-one desktop to have and to beat.”

PC Magazine reviews the new 21.5-inch iMac and makes it the Editors’ Choice (4/5 stars) for mid-priced all-in-one desktops, citing its “classic” design, excellent display, powerful multimedia performance, and reasonable price. The review adds: “The $1,199 iMac is the system that can convert your friend/relative/significant other into one of the Mac faithful.”

A study on energy supply conducted by a German military think tank reports on the potential for serious consequences as oil production declines.

DULUTH, GA—Duluth resident Paul Bennett's aim to tackle unresolved emotional issues during a $110-per-hour session with his therapist Tuesday somehow digressed into an earnest recapping of the plot of the action-comedy film Midnight Run, sour...