Technology

7 Antisocial Facebook Apps by Chris Dannen

Social networks are about maintaining friendships and fostering new ones, but some apps seem bent on doing the opposite, from slapping, tickling, and biting your buddies to voting on their best and worst features (ouch).

Design

Designer Philippe Starck Embraces His Feminine Side by Linda Tischler

The Zikmu speakers' technology is first-rate, but it's the neck-snappingly cool design that creates product lust. Designer Philippe Starck explains why designing for men is like boxing and designing for women is like aikido -- and why simple, intuitive design is just so damned hard.

Ethonomics

Poop Is Good Fuel by Anya Kamenetz

Add dairy farmers to the list of those most likely to thrive during the downturn. A bill sponsored by Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson would subsidize the production of biogas -- a renewable source of natural gas processed from cow "flatus."

Magazine

Fast Company 50

Couldn't get enough of our annual roundup of the most innovative companies in the world? Dive deeper with Web exclusives, such as a slide show of Weta Digital's award-winning special effects and an audio interview with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

Newsroom Close-up: Kit Eaton

Scientist. Theater technician. Photographer. Writer. "My list of past jobs is a pale echo of Douglas Adams's career path -- I'm just lacking 'chicken-shed cleaner,' " says contributing writer Kit Eaton. A former blogger for gadget Web site Gizmodo, the London-based journalist now writes about technology and science for FastCompany.com.

Your Daily Dose

Packed with the latest news on technology, design, and sustainability, FastCompany.com is evolving daily. (Come join the discussion on our new Ethonomics channel.)

Got Tips? Send story ideas and news alerts to ideas@fastcompany.com.