It's The 174th Birthday Of The Detective Story, So Read The Very First!

Or re-read, more likely. Take a coffee break and enjoy Edgar Allan Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue, published in 1841 in Graham’s Lady’s and Gentlemen’s Magazine (and written before the word “detective” was in use). Read it via the Poe Museum’s website, among other short-story selections, here. » 4/20/15 8:00pm Today 8:00pm

Some Of The Most Amazing Dirt Cheap Homemade Robots Ever Built

Robots have come a long way in the past few decades — but some of the coolest advances in robotics haven’t come from huge companies or massive university labs. Makers, inventors, tinkerers and builders have been creating some to-die-for robots for years now. Check out some videos of the very best DIY cheap robots. » 4/20/15 4:00pm Today 4:00pm

Crickets Alone Will Not Save You, Futurist Foodies

Eating bugs is a great idea!” shout future-minded gourmets, the kinds of people who eat waxworm tacos willingly and feed bug cookies to their coworkers. But are insects like crickets and grasshoppers really the solution to our environmental and food-security woes? Well... maybe not. Not entirely, at least. … » 4/20/15 3:40pm Today 3:40pm

FBI Admits Flawed Forensics May Have Led To Wrongful Convictions 

The FBI and the Justice Department admitted that flawed forensic testimony over more than 20 years — particularly pertaining to hair analysis — may have led to wrongful convictions in hundreds of cases, including 14 instances where a possibly innocent defendant was executed or died in prison. » 4/20/15 5:26pm Today 5:26pm

With Sincerity: I Want This Mass Effect Talking Elcor Plush Toy

Uncontrollable Glee: This is the best. Mass Effect fans are already fond of the alien Elcor, a race of massive creatures that preface all of their sentences with an emotion to convey tone (they also make great Shakespearean actors) — but I can almost guarantee they’ll be even fonder of this adorable plush version. » 4/20/15 5:11pm Today 5:11pm

The Most Incredible Cosplay From This Weekend's Star Wars Celebration!

Star Wars Celebration is more than just a convention — it’s a rare chance to live in a world of nothing but Star Wars for a few days. And the love of Star Wars comes across beautifully in some of the photos from the event. Photographer Davann Srey was in Anaheim all weekend, and here’s the best costumes he saw. » 4/20/15 1:00pm Today 1:00pm

The Lizzie Borden Chronicles Just Went Completely, Insanely Over The Top

We’re three episodes into The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’ eight-ep run on Lifetime, and last night’s episode, “Flowers,” was full of dramatic twists galore — including some very gory ones that sacrificed some key characters (or seemed to, anyway). Where the hell can this show possibly go next? » 4/20/15 3:58pm Today 3:58pm

I Used To Smoke Pot Every Time I Played A Video Game. Here's Why I…

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I started smoking pot during my junior year of college, after a loud and messy breakup with my first girlfriend that sent me into an absolutely manic rage. It was shortly after she left, bawling, that one of my roommates asked if I wanted to get high. I guess that was his way of trying to make me feel better. That… » 4/20/15 3:54pm Today 3:54pm

Get 50% Off One Week of Blue Apron: Fresh Ingredient & Recipe Delivery 

With fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered to your home weekly, Blue Apron cuts down on meal-planning drudgery and focuses on the fun and flavor of home cooking. Even better, Blue Apron is offering io9 readers the first week - three meals for two people – for just $30, half off the regular price. » 4/17/15 9:48am Friday 9:48am