Shaq tweets his retirement, tornados in Massachusetts, and more from while you were sleeping

Shaq retires via Twitter After nearly two decades, four NBA titles, and an MVP award, yesterday, Shaquille O'Neal announced to the world his upcoming retirement from the NBA. He posted a short video to Twitter, saying: "We did it. 19 years baby. Thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first: I'm about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon." Moments later he asked followers to give him a new nickname. The announcement and subsequent tweets have caused plenty commotion on Twitter as people bid the Big Aristotle farewell, offer suggestions for a new #shaqname, and reminisce about his all-star career.

A first peek at Windows 8 Yesterday afternoon, Microsoft shared with the world a glimpse of what's in store for Windows 8. They did so with a candid video of Jensen Harris, director of program management for the Windows user Experience team, demonstrating the revolutionary look and functionality of the Windows 8 interface. The changes include a start screen based on tiles rather than icons and an interface designed for touch. The video is currently trending on YouTube, and although video comments are disabled, many people have tweeted their response and excitement. TechCrunch goes into further detail about the developments.

Tornadoes take Massachusetts by surprise Late Wednesday afternoon tornadoes plowed through Western Massachusetts, leaving Springfield, the state's third largest city, in shock and shambles. The unexpected storm killed at least four people and put at least 40 others in the hospital, CBS News reports. This rare storm was the strongest tornado Massachusetts has seen in 45 years. In the wake of the disaster, many people have tweeted both sympathy and advice on how to stay safe to those experiencing the storms.