Glass Wings Blog: March 2014

Pillow Fighting As A Sport

Sat, 01 Mar 2014 11:51:55 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
Suddenly, the front door flew open, and a dark figure filled the frame.
"PILLOW FIGHT!!!" screamed Mr. Sato as he charged into the room. "Eat my
Pillows Officially Recognized by the All Japan Pillow Fighting
Association!" he shouted, flinging bedding with as much skill as twenty
experienced sleepover tweens combined.

(More...)

MythBusters' Kari Byron Explains How to Safely Blow Stuff Up When You're Pregnant

Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:04:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/01/inquiring-minds-kari-byron-mythbusters>

"I'd be going to my doctor saying, 'All right, so, when do I have to
stop shooting guns because she has ears?'" recalls Byron on the latest
installment of the Inquiring Minds podcast. "And the doctor would say,

(More...)

Dr. Matthew Rimmer Takes A Closer Look At Fair Use

Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:06:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140131/16224426064/dr-matthew-rimmer-takes-closer-look-fair-use.shtml>

It is twenty years since the Supreme Court of the United States handed down
its landmark decision on copyright law and the defence of fair use in the
"Pretty Woman" case, Campbell v. Acuff Rose Music. Inspired by the

(More...)

Pete Seeger and the NSA

Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:07:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/02/pete-seeger-and-nsa

"The world lost a clear, strong voice for peace, justice, and community
with the death of singer and activist Pete Seeger last week. While
Seeger was known as an outspoken musician not shy about airing his

(More...)

Darn Scammers!

Sun, 02 Mar 2014 08:11:32 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
What a week! This is my warning about potential scammers, having
potentially gotten myself slightly tricked by one.

On a list, I started particularly enjoying the conversation with one
fellow. This was all just friendly banter. He then disappeared for three

(More...)

The Technium, A Conversation with Kevin Kelly

Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:40:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.edge.org/conversation/the-technium

"KEVIN KELLY is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He helped launch
Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor until January 1999. He
is currently editor and publisher of the popular Cool Tools, True Film,

(More...)

What The Internet Is, and Should Continue To Be

Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:42:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.reed.com/blog-dpr/?p=132

"The key is that the Internet is created by its users, because its users
are free to create it. There is no “governor” who has the power to say
“no” – you cannot technically communicate that way or about that."

(More...)

Editorial: Why Games Should Enter The Public Domain

Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:43:14 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/03/editorial-why-games-should-enter-the-public-domain/>

"I said it frustrates me that games more than a couple of decades old
aren’t entering the public domain. Twenty years was a fairly arbitrary
number, one that seems to make sense in the context of games’ lives, but

(More...)

The End of Higher Education’s Golden Age

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:07:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.shirky.com/weblog/2014/01/there-isnt-enough-money-to-keep-educating-adults-the-way-were-doing-it/>

"Interest in using the internet to slash the price of higher education is being
driven in part by hope for new methods of teaching, but also by frustration
with the existing system. The biggest threat those of us working in colleges

(More...)

The Dangers of Certainty: A Lesson From Auschwitz

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:09:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/the-dangers-of-certainty/

"We always have to acknowledge that we might be mistaken. When we forget that,
then we forget ourselves and the worst can happen."

(More...)

Law Enforcement Is Not About Generating Revenue

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:11:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140116/13543425909/law-enforcement-is-not-about-generating-revenue-speed-trap-booking-fee-edition.shtml>

'People "ruining" speed traps by warning oncoming drivers usually results in
some sort of interdiction by law enforcement. In most cases, what the citizen
is doing isn't actually illegal, but that usually doesn't stop the person for

(More...)

The Petrie Multiplier: Why an Attack on Sexism in Tech is NOT an Attack on Men

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:51:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://iangent.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-petrie-multiplier-why-attack-on.html

"The Petrie Multiplier is the amazing effect that the amount of sexism
experienced by women compared to men goes as the square of the gender ratio in
Tech. And this is assuming that women are equally sexist towards men as men are

(More...)

Coca-Cola Critics Have Never Heard of ‘E Pluribus Unum’

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:52:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
The rage directed at the Super Bowl ad with “America the Beautiful” sung in
foreign languages shows some people can’t get on board with the future:
<http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/04/coca-cola-critics-have-never-heard-of-e-pluribus-unum.html>

An excellent response to racists.

(More...)

Hanging at home with Jonas the tiger! (video)

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:53:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAPf_hRoRtM

"This is how Bowmanville Zoo does it. We love our animals just like family.
This is not a pet! Nor do we believe that exotic animals make good pets."

(More...)

Political interference: when politicians try and steal the show

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:05:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://dailyreview.crikey.com.au/political-interference-when-politicians-try-and-steal-the-show/>

"Many years ago, the then federal arts minister in Malcolm Fraser’s
cabinet, Tony Staley, told me it took a very sophisticated politician to
be comfortable with handing out government subsidies in the arts and

(More...)

Restaurant manager pens letter to autistic girl's mum

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:07:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/restaurant-manager-pens-letter-to-autistic-girls-mum/story-fn93ypt9-1226818292487>

"In fifteen years I do not have a lot of memorable moments as a
restaurant manager. I remember some guests who were mad that their
burger was not the way they wanted it. I remember a woman who called

(More...)

ANTHROS – 20 awesome illustrations of humanized animals!

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:09:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.ufunk.net/en/artistes/anthros/

"In line with the excellent series “Zoo Portraits – The dressed animals
of Yago Partal“, here the “ANTHROS” series of Vietnamese illustrator Kim
Nguyen, based in U.S, who offers us some amazing humanized animals in a

(More...)

Share This With All the Schools, Please

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:08:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://momastery.com/blog/2014/01/30/share-schools/

"Chase’s teacher is not looking for a new seating chart or “exceptional
citizens.” Chase’s teacher is looking for lonely children. She’s looking for
children who are struggling to connect with other children. She’s identifying

(More...)

How Will Ezra Klein's 'Project X' Add Context to News?

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:12:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/how-will-ezra-kleins-project-x-add-context-to-news/283568/>

'What will his alternative look like? A "21st Century encyclopedia" as much as
a news site. "We want to think really hard about how to connect not just new
information, but to bring it together with important contextual information to

(More...)

Tiger Rag on a Callioforte (video)

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:15:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flMWEaIJq4k

"A lively version of the old classic, performed on my homemade Callioforte."

This is awesome!

(More...)

Lost Star Wars Movie

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:35:28 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
We live in a world that's thought to have consumed every piece of
material from the Star Wars franchise. But chances are, you haven't
heard of Black Angel, probably because it was lost for over three decades.

The 1980 short film was created to accompany The Empire Strikes Back

(More...)

Photos: Time Capsule Mansion Opened After 100 Years

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:23:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/02/pictures/110209-maison-mantin-french-time-capsule-mansion/>

"A late 19th-century French mansion shuttered for more than a century has
opened its doors to the public, revealing an array of outdated luxuries and
oddities."

(More...)

The facts about ‘boat people’ – The government & media are lying

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:25:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.glennmurray.com.au/australia-boat-people-illegal-policy/

"‘Boat people’ are asylum seekers who arrive by boat, without a valid visa or
any other appropriate authorisation. They’re seeking protection (asylum)
because they fear persecution in/from the home country (torture, murder,

(More...)

You can't see me behind this leaf!

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:26:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://cuteanimals.me/p/1206/you-can-t-see-me-behind-this-leaf

cuteanimals.me is another fun website specialising in cute animals! It's what
the Internet is for, after all.

(More...)

Dead End Thrills

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:08:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://deadendthrills.com/

Video game screenshots as fine art.  Simply gorgeous.

"Dead End Thrills is a website celebrating the passion and talent behind

(More...)

Animals from 60 different species are best pals at this Arkansas critter refuge (photos)

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:09:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2014/02/06/animals-from-60-different-spec.html

"Via Bored Panda, photographs from Rocky Ridge Refuge in Arkansas, a
facility that cares for abused and abandoned animals from some 60
domestic and wild species."

(More...)

What happens with digital rights management in the real world?

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:10:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2014/feb/05/digital-rights-management>

"DRM is one of the most salient, and least understood, facts about
technology in the contemporary world"

(More...)

FBI Checks Wrong Box, Places Student on No-Fly List

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 15:19:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2014/02/no-fly-list-bungle/

"The government contested a former Stanford University student’s
assertion that she was wrongly placed on a no-fly list for seven years
in court despite knowing an FBI official put her on the list by mistake

(More...)

A Linguist Explains the Rules of Summoning Benedict Cumberbatch

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 15:22:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://the-toast.net/2013/12/02/a-linguist-explains-the-rules-of-summoning-benedict-cumberbatch/>

"Bandicoot Cabbagepatch, Bandersnatch Cumberbund, and even Wimbledon
Tennismatch: there seem to be endless variations on the name of Benedict
Cumberbatch."

(More...)

Not All the Knights of the Round Table Were White

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 15:24:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/not-all-knights-round-table-were-white-180949361/?no-ist>

"Picture the knights of the round table. They’re probably tall and
strong, wearing armor and drinking out of chalices. And they’re probably
all white. And while most of that picture is relatively accurate, the

(More...)

Stunning Japanese Railway Posters

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 08:40:18 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
"As soon as we got them to the restorer, we started taking pictures,
which I sent all over the world, including to the Victoria and Albert
Museum <http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/p/posters/>, which has a fantastic
poster collection. Some people knew what they were, to the extent that
they knew Japan's national railway had distributed posters in the '30s,

(More...)

One Ad to Rule Them All

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:34:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://oneadtorulethemall.tumblr.com/

'Hey there! My name is Valerio Amaro, and i am a student at Miami Ad
School Berlin. I have two passions in life: advertising and The Lord of
the Rings. I wanted to find a way to combine them, so i asked myself

(More...)

Hands On: Vertiginous Golf

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:36:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/06/hands-on-vertiginous-golf/

"If regular mini golf is crazy, then Vertiginous Golf is stark-raving
deranged, running around in a straitjacket and screaming about the eels
in its mind. Floating platforms in the sky make up the most incredibly

(More...)

Goro Miyazaki to Direct Studio Ghibli TV Series

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:37:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/goro-miyazaki-to-direct-studio-ghibli-tv-series/>

"Studio Ghibli and Japan’s Polygon Pictures are joining forces to
produce an animated TV series called Ronia, The Robber’s Daughter, based
on the novel by Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren."

(More...)

New Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Broadcast!

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 08:04:48 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
The BBC is organising a new recording of The Hitchhikers Guide to the
Galaxy.

The original radio cast are being assembled to perform a special show
from the BBC Radio Theatre in London on the 29th March...

(More...)

A Valuable Reputation

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:35:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2014/02/10/140210fa_fact_aviv?currentPage=all

"After Tyrone Hayes said that a chemical was harmful, its maker pursued him."

A depressing read - this is one of many such fights where organisations with

(More...)

Rupert Murdoch's attack on 'our ABC' like a mediaeval siege

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:36:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theage.com.au/comment/rupert-murdochs-attack-on-our-abc-like-a-mediaeval-siege-20140207-32746.html>

"Rupert Murdoch is the most successful right-wing radical of his era."

Murdoch has long made it clear that he regards government funded media like the

(More...)

Mathigon: World of Mathematics ebook

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:38:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://world.mathigon.org/

"Dive into a colourful and engaging world, discovering some of the most
exciting and curious mathematical ideas. Using interactive games, animations
and countless illustrations, advanced mathematics becomes accessible to both

(More...)

Deep Dive into First Unitarian Church v. NSA: Why Freedom of Association Matters

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:00:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/01/deep-dive-first-unitarian-church-v-nsa-why-freedom-association-matters>

"The debate over the NSA spying often focuses on the deep and disturbing
privacy violations, but as First Unitarian Church v. NSA shows, there are
critically important free speech issues involved as well. Here’s a deep dive on

(More...)

If Harry Potter Was An Academic Work

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:00:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140207/06354226128/if-harry-potter-was-academic-work.shtml

A savage but well-deserved satire on the process of academic publishing.

(More...)

At Work Inside Our Detention Centres: A Guard’s Story

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:02:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://serco-story.theglobalmail.org/

Very moving. Hopefully this can reach more people.

Via Arjen Lentz.

(More...)

Melbourne Comedy Festival Preview Night at The Gin Mill

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:35:39 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
I'm the MC for this shindig. So if you want to come along and enjoy some
comedy and a martini stirred not shaken, please join me at The Gin Mill.

(More...)

Jeremy Grantham on Tesla, Fertilizer Wars

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:34:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424053111904710004579367232326349324.html

"Because of this optimism concerning the technology of alternative energy, I
have felt for some time that new investments today in coal and tar sands are
highly likely to become stranded assets, and everything I have seen, in the

(More...)

Life in The National Security State

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:35:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.nytexaminer.com/2014/02/life-in-the-national-security-state/

"The news that Sister Megan Rice, an 84-year old nun and two army veterans,
Michael Walli, 65, and Greg Boertje-Obed, 58, are about to receive prison
sentences for challenging, no, for daring to protest America’s long love affair

(More...)

Perils of the Lady Gamer

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:38:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.shaenon.com/ladygaming.jpg

A most Accurate Representation of the Current Situation, in the Fond Hope of
Enlightening the Population.

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Kids Read to Cats with the “Book Buddies Program” at The Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Pennsylvania

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:20:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/kids-read-to-cats-with-the-book-buddies-program-at-the-animal-rescue-league-of-berks-county-pennsylvania/>

"Children in grades 1-8 who are able to read at any level may come into the
shelter to read to the cats in our adoption room. Similar programs at other
shelters across the country have seen the benefits the program has to offer.

(More...)

US Copyright Lobbyists Equate Fair Dealing To Piracy And Copyright Infringement

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:24:46 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140209/15101226159/us-publishers-equate-fair-dealing-to-piracy-copyright-infringement-latest-special-301-report.shtml>

'Access Copyright, the Canadian collection society that licenses publications
for use in Canadian educational institutions, increased its per student rates
1,300% back in 2010. Anyone with a passing familiarity with the term "pricing

(More...)

Not Doctor Livingstone, They Presume

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:26:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://notalwaysworking.com/not-doctor-livingstone-they-presume/33772

A classic demonstration of the human capacity to see only what you expect to
see, not what's actually there.

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Glass Wings 20th Anniversary

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 00:03:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
Here's the video of our party:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyafoaUI-x8

The beginning of the video is silent, see the first comment on YouTube

(More...)

New Police Strategy in New York – Sexual Assault Against Peaceful Protestors

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 18:28:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2012/05/david-graeber-new-police-strategy-in-new-york-sexual-assault-against-peaceful-protestors.html>

"As Gandhi revealed, non-violent protest is effective above all because
it reveals how power really operates: it lays bare the violence it is
willing to unleash on even the most peaceful citizens when they dare to

(More...)

Text Dump: Sloths, Politics, Narratives

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 18:29:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.fogbanking.com/text-dump-sloths-politics-narratives/

"I’m dumping these ideas here to air them so that my head can empty a
bit, and maybe I’ll take parts of them back up later."

(More...)

Writing Off the Unemployed

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 18:31:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/opinion/krugman-writing-off-the-unemployed.html>

"What do we know about long-term unemployment in America?"

Spot on.  It's part of an overall ideology.

(More...)

How to Help Homeless Families

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 18:06:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/how-to-help-homeless-families/>

"The question is particularly timely, not just because we have a new
mayor, but because we have new, and better, methods to reduce
homelessness. In the past few years, cities across the country have made

(More...)

The Cutest Story Of A Kitten Plotting Revenge With An Unwanted Robot

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 18:10:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.buzzfeed.com/catvshuman/little-robot

The comic this comes from is great fun too:
http://catversushuman.tumblr.com/

(More...)

Cats Taking Selfies

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 18:12:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.sadanduseless.com/2014/01/cats-taking-selfies/

These are wonderful!

Via Susan Jones and Muse.

(More...)

The Little Girl from the 1981 LEGO Ad is All Grown Up, and She’s Got Something to Say

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:47:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.womenyoushouldknow.net/little-girl-1981-lego-ad-grown-shes-got-something-say/

"Children haven’t changed, but adults who market to them have… What do
we have to lose, besides stereotypes?"

(More...)

Water Experiment No. 33 Automata Video

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:48:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqzjAmPFND8

"All components were hand made the aim was to recreate the reaction of droplet
as it impacts a body of water."

(More...)

It's a great life if you don't weaken.

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:52:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://matociquala.tumblr.com/post/76422712809/when-you-are-hurting-there-will-always-be-people

"When you are hurting, there will always be people who find a way to make it
about themselves. If you break your wrist, they’ll complain about a sprained
ankle. If you are sad, they’re sadder. If you’re asking for help, they’ll

(More...)

Amazon and the Perils of Non-Disclosure

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:58:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2014/02/the-perils-of-non-disclosure.html

"To some degree, secrecy prevails in all American corporations, and in large
institutions generally. No one at these places wants to get caught saying the
wrong thing. A gaffe (famously defined by Michael Kinsley as inadvertently

(More...)

‘Managerial Myopia’: How CEOs Pump Up Earnings for Their Own Gain

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:59:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/managerial-myopia-ceos-pump-earnings-gain/

"New research by Wharton finance professor Alex Edmans and two colleagues sheds
some light on how an incentive plan can backfire. It shows how an approaching
vesting of stock options can cause a CEO to pump up the firm’s earnings, and

(More...)

Steven Tyler, Don Henley And Others Join Forces To Fight A Compulsory License For Remixes

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:01:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140211/14171626185/steven-tyler-don-henley-others-join-forces-to-fight-compulsory-license-remixes.shtml>

"In a letter signed by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and music attorney Dina LaPolt
(and echoed by like minded artists like Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Sting, Deadmau5
[somewhat disappointing] and entities like BMI, SESCAC, ASCAP, etc.), LaPolt

(More...)

Surprise: ASCAP and Music Labels Colluded To Screw Pandora

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:20:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140209/01061226149/details-come-out-about-how-ascap-colluded-with-labels-to-screw-pandora.shtml>

'A key part of this was that the major labels, key members of ASCAP, suddenly
started "dropping out" of ASCAP in order to do licensing directly. At first we
thought this was a sign of how the labels might be realizing that ASCAP was

(More...)

The Book of Unwritten Tales 2

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:23:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kingartgames/the-book-of-unwritten-tales-2

"Help us tread new paths with the second installment of the acclaimed BoUT
adventure game series. A sequel is coming..."

(More...)

Nothing To Hide Is A Very Smart Anti-Stealth Game

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:26:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/12/nothing-to-hide-is-a-very-smart-anti-stealth-game/

'This is a really interesting puzzle game in which you must dutifully spy on
yourself, constantly ensuring that government cameras are able to see you
wherever you go. And despite currently being in development, it’s entirely in

(More...)

Glass Sculptures

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 09:44:53 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
These stunning and whimsical sculptures of animals are all done in
glass. They are so exquisitely detailed, it's remarkable how skilled the
artist clearly is.

http://chrisahalt.com/

(More...)

Giant isopod stuffed toys!

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:02:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_toys-and-games?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=TST+ADVANCE,INC.&node=165793011>

These are cute too, and include coelacanthes:
<http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_toys-and-games?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Karorata&node=165793011>

(More...)

Adorable Red Fox Ecstatically Wags Her Tail While Getting A Really Good Belly Rub

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:05:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/adorable-red-fox-ecstatically-wags-her-tail-while-getting-a-really-good-belly-rub/>

"In these videos from January 2013 and February 2013, Dawn the adorable
red fox ecstatically wags her tail while getting a belly rub at the
Nuneaton & Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in Warwickshire, England.

(More...)

Jackie Chan: Chinese attitudes to illegal wildlife products are changing

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:07:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/13/jackie-chan-chinese-attitudes-illegal-wildlife-products-change>

"Martial arts film star and WildAid ambassador believes there is a
generational change in views on ivory and rhino horn"

(More...)

The Vampire Squid Strikes Again: The Mega Banks' Most Devious Scam Yet

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:40:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-vampire-squid-strikes-again-the-mega-banks-most-devious-scam-yet-20140212>

"Banks are no longer just financing heavy industry. They are actually buying it
up and inventing bigger, bolder and scarier scams than ever"

(More...)

Beautiful Photos of Artfully Arranged Microscopic Diatoms

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:49:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://laughingsquid.com/beautiful-photos-of-artfully-arranged-microscopic-diatoms/

"These beautiful geometric arrangements are actually microscopic diatoms—a
common form of phytoplankton—that have been artfully arranged on microscope
slides. The arrangements were created in San Francisco at the California

(More...)

"Ruby" by Emma Allen (video)

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:51:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://vimeo.com/72670988

"An animated self-portrait exploring the idea of rebirth and illustrating the
transfer of energy from one incarnation to another. I painted this stop frame
animation on myself over 5 days, using some face paints, a mirror and a

(More...)

The Economics of Star Trek

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:58:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/editors-picks/29bab88d50

"I’ve been reading a lot about robots lately. When I read about robots,
and the future, I can’t help but think about it in economic terms. And
that inevitably turns my mind to the branch of economics called post

(More...)

Poverty and the “Just World hypothesis”

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:01:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://pando.com/2014/02/13/poverty-and-the-just-world-hypothesis/

"Because people can’t explain the terrible things that happen in the
world, and because humans need to imagine a sort of cosmic balance of
justice, they incorrectly assign blame to those most local to misfortune."

(More...)

Clicking 'Yes': Amazing marriage proposal via videogame

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:06:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6CfF6v2710

"When Daniel learned that one of his girlfriend's favorite game
developers produced a game in which you can create your own stories to
play with friends, he hatched a brilliant plan to win her heart..."

(More...)

Internet Trolls Really Are Horrible People

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:51:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/climate_desk/2014/02/internet_troll_personality_study_machiavellianism_narcissism_psychopathy.html>

"In the past few years, the science of Internet trollology has made some
strides. Last year, for instance, we learned that by hurling insults and
inciting discord in online comment sections, so-called Internet trolls

(More...)

'State Secrets,' Non-Denials And Lies: How The Government Tried To Bury Its 'No Fly' List Screwup

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:52:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140212/08591926196/state-secrets-non-denials-lies-how-government-attempted-to-cover-up-its-no-fly-list-screwup.shtml>

"The government cannot be so beholden to its own inflated terrorism
fears that it willingly punishes a person for nearly a decade because of
a paperwork error."

(More...)

Gravy Boat: My Week on the High Seas With Paula Deen and Friends

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:54:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://gawker.com/gravy-boat-my-week-on-the-high-seas-with-paula-deen-an-1522108382>

"Everyone on the boat is racist and nice. (including me.)"

A curiously entertaining article.

(More...)

Make Your Own Masterpiece With the Rijksmuseum

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:36:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://blog.etsy.com/en/2014/rijks-museum-and-etsy/

"Last year, the Rijksmuseum — the Dutch national museum dedicated to art and
history — launched the Rijkstudio, an incredible online portal that not only
allows users to browse 150,000 masterworks in their collection, but encourages

(More...)

lageneracion (assemblage art)

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:43:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://secure.flickr.com/photos/losgritosdelenny/

Beautiful colourful assemblage art.

(More...)

Can Crowdfunding Replace Artists’ Day Jobs?

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:49:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/currency/2014/02/can-we-crowdfund-a-creative-middle-class.html

"If we believe artists perform labor of value, we should also care about how
(and whether) they get paid. A vibrant culture benefits from a creative middle
class—arts workers who earn enough to support themselves and their families."

(More...)

Dr Who & Harry Potter: Two great stories that go great together

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:20:40 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
My show Pop Mashup: Happy Birthday Doctor! is about to open for another
season at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

If you missed out the first time, please come along to our polished up
version. This time we even have a bouncy castle TARDIS!

(More...)

Barbershop Quartet from the Awesome Side

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:32:45 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
The GQ Singers are a quartet of amazing young female voices. Here they
are singing a combination of Something Tells Me and Happy Together

http://youtu.be/6ZCvZY6oxFc

(More...)

Stunning Papercraft

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:58:59 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
Hari & Deepti moved to Denver from India and carried with them a Pandora
box full of stories and imagination that they bring to life through
their intricate paper cut light boxes and paper clay sculptures. They
have always been drawn towards the imaginative aspect of story telling
and seek inspiration from them. Stories have so many shades and depth in

(More...)

Kevin Kelly: Retooling Cool

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:58:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/the-magazine/2f18c20498e4

Great interview with the wonderful Kevin Kelly, starting with Whole
Earth Review (I still have quite a few issues myself!) and then covering
his excellent Cool Tools website and book, plus lots of discussion about

(More...)

Rainbow Mountains In China's Danxia Landform Geological Park Are Very, Very Real (PHOTOS)

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:59:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/31/rainbow-mountains-china-danxia-landform_n_3683840.html>

"Yes, we had a hard time believing that this insane mountain formation
was actually real, because we haven't fallen down the rabbit hole. But,
believe it or not, this technicolor range actually exists."

(More...)

Ganz Grumpy Sitting Cat 8" Plush

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:01:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GH4EQ8A/

"Grumpy Cat is a female cat and Internet celebrity known for her grumpy
facial expression. Are you feeling Grumpy today?"

(More...)

Announcing the 2014 Campbellian Anthology

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:02:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://stupefyingstories.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/announcing-2014-campbellian-anthology.html

"M. David Blake’s magnum opus, the 2014 Campbellian Anthology, is now available
for download! This book attempts to collect in one volume representative works
by most of the writers eligible for this year’s John W. Campbell Award for Best

(More...)

The Powerball lottery: is it really a stupidity tax?

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:03:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/16/powerball-lottery-real-stupidity-tax

"Most people view lotto tickets as throwing money away, but the poor don't have
many legal options available to get rich"

(More...)

The obesity era

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 13:05:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://aeon.co/magazine/being-human/david-berreby-obesity-era/

"As the American people got fatter, so did marmosets, vervet monkeys and mice.
The problem may be bigger than any of us"

(More...)

Sharon & Stan Sakai fundraising & call for submissions: hardcover to be published by Dark Horse Comics

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:36:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.furrynewsnetwork.com/2014/02/sharon-stan-sakai-fundraising-call-for-submissions-hardcover-to-be-published-by-dark-horse-comics/>

"As reported a few months ago, Sharon Sakai has been battling illness. The
Cartoon Arts Professional Society (CAPS) have been fundraising for Sharon &
Stan Sakai (creator of Usagi Yojimbo) to help with medical bills."

(More...)

What the Dickens will Brandis do to copyright in the digital realm?

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:44:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.zdnet.com/what-the-dickens-will-brandis-do-to-copyright-in-the-digital-realm-7000026345/

"Summary: When it comes to developing a legal framework for Australia's digital
future, Attorney-General George Brandis has shown us that he's completely up to
speed — with the 19th Century."

(More...)

Sunday Sweets: Filibuster Edition

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:45:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2014/2/16/sunday-sweets-filibuster-edition.html

Massive geek cred if you recognise all the quotes in this post!

(More...)

Portraits of One Person as Two Genders

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:31:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2014/02/10/jj_levine_alone_time_focuses_on_the_gender_binary_in_domestic_settings_photos.html>

"For the series “Alone Time,” Levine recreated and photographed typical
domestic environments that play with gender stereotypes. As a twist, he used
only one model to play both the male and female characters in the image. The

(More...)

Lobby pushing for Australian piracy crackdown donates millions

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:33:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.zdnet.com/au/lobby-pushing-for-australian-piracy-crackdown-donates-millions-7000026421/>

"Summary: When Australian Attorney-General George Brandis provided an example
of a film that was a victim of online copyright infringement, it happened to be
one produced by a major donor to the Liberal Party."

(More...)

5D фильм, На всех парах! (Steam Speed, 5D)

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:35:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4RIBmM2ZF0

"The Great Steampunk Race!"

I have no idea where you can find this steampunk-themed motion ride, but the

(More...)

Piip Show...not Peep Show

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 08:11:01 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
Photographer Magne Klann's "Piip-Show" project
<http://www.nrk.no/piipshow/> is a live broadcast that follows wild
birds (and squirrels, as they visit a specially constructed bird feeder
modeled after Java <http://www.javaoslo.no/>, a popular Oslo coffee shop.

(More...)

Zim and Zou Paper Art

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 08:15:52 +1100

Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>

Katherine Phelps
The below description is hilarious. They are "polyvalent"? Zim & Zou's
art is stunning: bright colours, detailed figures, humorous conceptions.

  "Lucie Thomas teamed up with Thibault Zimmermann to form Zim&Zou, a
french studio based in Nancy that explores different fields including

(More...)

Ellen Page has super powers, but why is this newsworthy?

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:49:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2014/feb/18/ellen-page-has-super-powers-but-why-is-this-newsworthy>

"The reaction to Ellen Page’s admission that she is a super-powered
mutant shows that there is still a lot of unnecessary attention being
directed to those in the public eye with mutant powers. Why is this? And

(More...)

Asian elephants reassure others in distress: First empirical evidence of consolation in elephants

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:50:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140218101020.htm

"Summary: Asian elephants console others who are in distress, using
physical touches and vocalizations, new research shows. The findings are
the first empirical evidence of consolation in elephants. Consolation

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Cooley! (Art prints)

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:53:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://cooley.bigcartel.com/

Humorous use of the Little Golden Book art style with classic movie scenes!

Via Michael Goasdoue and Joshua Kiley.

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Futuristic Tree Houses Take Us Back To Nature

Sun, 30 Mar 2014 14:31:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.seriouswonder.com/futuristic-tree-houses-take-us-back-nature/

"Blending into the natural forestry landscapes, Primeval Symbiosis is a
project designed to relieve the carbon impact on the climate and the
human-industrial impact on our overall environment. The goal isn’t to

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Economix Comix: The TPP and Free Trade

Sun, 30 Mar 2014 14:33:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://economixcomix.com/home/tpp/

A lengthy but very clear explanation of the TPP process.

Via Greg S.

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The Purrfect Home For A Serious Cat Lover

Sun, 30 Mar 2014 14:34:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.homesandhues.com/The-Purrfect-Home-For-A-Serious-Cat-Lover/

"It's one thing to love cats, but it takes a whole new level of
obsession to convert your entire home into a cat playground. If you're
going to go over the top for your felines though, you can at least do it

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Flower @ danmala: mandala art

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:19:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.danmala.com/gallery/

Lovely flower art!  Look closely - these are all made with flower petals.

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Software Engineering Made a Woman Outta Me

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:21:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/p/e60c10d3ed1f

"The men I work with don’t see me as an outsider, but I do. Here’s why
that matters."

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Three - #SingItKitty - cat advert

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:23:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXy6JElmgHU

"When a pedal-pumping songstress meets a flat-faced dynamo.The latest
advert from Three, starring The Girl, The Singing Cat and a whole load
of silly stuff."

(More...)

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