Glass Wings Blog: January 2015

The Politics of the Sharing Economy

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:45:45 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/the-politics-of-the-sharing-economy

"If you’ve heard about companies like Airbnb, Zipcar, Skype, Uber,
Getaround and Lyft, and you know a bit about crypto-currencies, you get
the picture. The “sharing economy” is just as exhilarating and vexing as

(More...)

Hogswatch Sausage Supper attended by hundreds of Discworld fans

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:46:39 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Hogswatch-Sausage-Supper-attended-hundreds/story-25215842-detail/story.html>

"WITH the flag of Ankh-Morpork flying from the town hall throughout the
weekend residents could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped into
another world, especially with the colourful array of characters to be

(More...)

Talking Hamsters comedy sketch

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:58:59 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlC4voe_7NI

"Funny video where two cute hamsters argue over the time difference
between London and LA. As you do."

(More...)

Fennec Fox Adorably Chases Soap Bubbles Around a Giraffe-Print Blanket

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:59:40 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/fennec-fox-adorably-chases-soap-bubbles-around-a-giraffe-print-blanket/>

"Amir the fennec fox has an absolute ball as he adorably chases soap
bubbles around a giraffe-print blanket at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson,
Arizona. Amir is an animal ambassador who makes public appearances on

(More...)

What it was like to be an asylum seeker in 2014

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 12:21:15 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.crikey.com.au/2014/12/08/what-it-was-like-to-be-an-asylum-seeker-in-2014>

"If you were to pick a year to seek asylum in Australia, it probably
wouldn’t be 2014. You’d be better advised to go back to the ’80s. Since
1989, Australia has made it progressively harder to enter on

(More...)

‘Hall of Heroes’, Illustrations of 80 Famous Female Characters From Films and Television

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 12:22:13 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/hall-of-heroes-illustrations-of-80-famous-female-characters-from-films-and-television/>

"Scott Park, the Toronto-based illustrator about whose work we’ve
written in the past, recently unveiled “Hall of Heroes,” his latest
creation that depicts, in Park’s words, “80 of the most butt-kicking

(More...)

Another Batch Of Baggage Handlers Accused Of Stealing From Luggage; Because Airport 'Security' Isn't

Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:22:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141205/08500329335/another-batch-baggage-handlers-accused-stealing-luggage-because-airport-security-isnt.shtml>

"Now, if this were a one time thing, it might not even be that
noteworthy. But this seems like fairly common practice at airports. A
few years ago, we wrote about TSA agents stealing iPads and stories of

(More...)

How I Defeated the Tolkien Estate

Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:23:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://the-toast.net/2014/12/08/defeated-tolkien-estate/

"No one who gets a postgraduate degree in Hobbit Studies ever imagines
they’ll be sued by the Estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. I certainly didn’t
expect to wind up in court against Christopher Tolkien and his lawyers,

(More...)

Parable of the Polygons

Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:32:38 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://ncase.me/polygons/

"This is a story of how harmless choices can make a harmful world."

A brilliant use of interactivity to teach important lessons.

(More...)

How many Germans does it take to change a lightbulb?

Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:34:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://9gag.com/gag/aqZzBZ7

Stimmt.  Via Ralph H. who added: "Also, we now use LED, we do not need
to change them often!"

(More...)

Police Killing of Unarmed Native American Continues To Receive Little Media Attention

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:46:34 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://countercurrentnews.com/2014/12/justice-for-corey-kanosh/

"The tragic case of Corey Kanosh, 35, has received very little media
attention, in spite of the growing outrage over police shootings of
unarmed, innocent citizens. In Corey’s case, we are not dealing with an

(More...)

Dutch Real Estate Broker Installs a Small Roller Coaster in a House to Give Tours to Prospective Buyers

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:47:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/dutch-real-estate-broker-installs-a-small-roller-coaster-in-a-house-to-give-tours-to-prospective-buyers/>

"Dutch real estate broker Verder met Wonen installed a small roller
coaster inside a house in the Netherlands to give tours to prospective
home owners. The small-scale amusement park ride, which was documented

(More...)

Margaret Hamilton, lead software engineer, Project Apollo

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 13:29:23 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@3fingeredfox/margaret-hamilton-lead-software-engineer-project-apollo-158754170da8>

"This is a great photo I just ran across on the internets. It said it
was “Margaret Hamilton, Apollo program”, but it didn’t say who Margaret
Hamilton was."

(More...)

An Inside View On The Purpose And Implications Of The Torture Report

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 13:31:00 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141209/15305629375/inside-view-purpose-implications-torture-report.shtml>

"The CIA put Americans at risk when they undermined the international
agreements that protect Americans detained by foreign powers and
sacrificed the moral authority we’ve long used to advocate for the

(More...)

Unfixable

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 01:19:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.redwombatstudio.com/blog/2014/12/10/unfixable/

"Maybe we need the books and the games and the narratives that give us
the coping mechanisms for not being able to fix things. For being one
tiny person in a world that is so desperately screwed."

(More...)

Snowdrift.coop: Funding for free projects

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 01:22:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://lwn.net/Articles/625051/

"What projects need is a stable source of funding that they can depend
on, while donors want a way to pick and choose which projects deserve
funding. Over time, if a project is not producing what the donors want,

(More...)

How the Death of Mid-Budget Cinema Left a Generation of Iconic Filmmakers MIA

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:52:22 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://flavorwire.com/492985/how-the-death-of-mid-budget-cinema-left-a-generation-of-iconic-filmmakers-mia/view-all>

"It wasn’t always this way. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, when Waters and
Lynch were doing their most commercially successful work, it was
possible to finance — either independently or via or the studio system —

(More...)

Leaked Emails Reveal MPAA Plans To Pay Elected Officials To Attack Google

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:53:31 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141212/12142629419/leaked-emails-reveal-mpaa-plans-to-pay-elected-officials-to-attack-google.shtml>

"There's a lot of background here that's important (beyond just the MPAA
really hates Google). First, as you know, the MPAA has certainly not
given up on its SOPA desire to get certain websites completely blocked."

(More...)

Australians May Get Their Own SOPA

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:28:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141211/16253729396/australians-may-get-their-own-sopa.shtml>

"The proposal to give copyright owners the power to block websites is
highly controversial. The Australian Government have devised a local
version of the Stop Online Piracy Act--nicknamed #SOPA. There is a

(More...)

Unveiling the Birdbox Christmas card

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:30:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aiKg5AscQ8

"We thought we'd show off the 2014 Christmas pop-up card with a difference."

Wow.  That really is amazing.  Via Romana Challans.

(More...)

Art is a business – and, yes, artists have to make difficult, honest business decisions

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:23:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/13/amanda-palmer-art-business-difficult-honest-decisions>

"It’s tough enough to make a living when we do what we love. Quit being
so critical of artists who are transparent about the money side"

(More...)

The Top 10 Apology Cakes Of All Time

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:24:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2014/12/12/the-top-10-apology-cakes-of-all-time.html>

"Hold on to your hats, wrecky minions, 'cuz I'm about to unleash my
personal favorites from over six years and 10,000 wrecks"

(More...)

Alexander Robotnick - Problèmes D'Amour (Dub Version)

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:23:21 +1100

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

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

'The original version of this seminal italo disco track was released in
1983 on Fuzz Dance. This mysterious dub version was released on the 2003
LP "The Dark Side of Disco" compilation.'

(More...)

Big Kitty!

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:24:52 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://thistle25.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/big-kitty/

"This picture is of a Canada Lynx, taken at the Frisco Creek wildlife
Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as the Dietrich
Native Species Treatment Center, in Colorado."

(More...)

Stop Pitting Women Against Each Other

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:15:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.sarahdarkmagic.com/content/stop-pitting-women-against-each-other>

"Discussing female representation in gaming art, especially tabletop
role-playing games is complicated by a number of factors. One of the
first issues is that it's often presented as a zero-sum discussion,

(More...)

German Domino Enthusiasts Set World Record by Toppling More Than 50,000 Dominoes in a Circle Formation

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:16:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/german-domino-enthusiasts-set-world-record-by-toppling-more-than-50000-dominoes-in-a-circle-formation/>

"Sixteen members of Germany’s Sinners Domino Entertainment (previously)
spent several days assembling 54,321 dominoes in a circle formation,
securing the Guinness world record for “Most Dominoes Toppled in a

(More...)

An exploration of the basis for patient complaints about the oldness of magazines in practice waiting rooms: cohort study

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:55:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g7262

"Conclusions: General practice waiting rooms contain mainly old
magazines. This phenomenon relates to the disappearance of the magazines
rather than to the supply of old ones. Gossipy magazines were more

(More...)

Leila Elkhalidy: Cat Piano

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:57:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgbsRc1IKfQ

"Trying to record my Mega Man 2 medley when my cat decide[d] to come bug
me."

(More...)

Dragon Dating Simulator - A visual novel

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 15:05:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dragon-dating-simulator-a-visual-novel

"You have been selected as one of the humans to travel to the world of dragons
in a cultural exchange program. While you are only getting to know this
strange, yet somewhat familiar land, it will be up to you and the friends you

(More...)

Top 12 Mean-But-Funny Cakes

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 15:06:42 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2014/12/15/top-12-mean-but-funny-cakes.html

"I'm not saying it's right.  I'm just saying we laughed."

Hmmmm.

(More...)

Ian Irvine: The Truth About Publishing

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:14:38 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.ian-irvine.com/publishing.html

"Here's the sad truth: most people who write a book will never get it
published, half the writers who are published won't see a second book in
print, and most books published are never reprinted. What's more, half

(More...)

The Year We All Wore Kigurumi

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:16:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2014/12/16/the-year-we-all-wore-kigurumi.html

"Why did this idea spread, and not another one? Why the kigurumi, and
not, say, the Forever Lazy? Why weren’t we all inspired to go out and
buy really nice shoes?"

(More...)

Seattle’s unbelievable transportation megaproject fustercluck

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 12:52:27 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://grist.org/politics/seattles-unbelievable-transportation-megaproject-fustercluck/>

"A tragicomic infrastructure own goal like this deserves wider exposure.
Perhaps some lessons can be learned. Or you can just point and laugh."

(More...)

Lego Friends

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 12:54:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://seasonaldepressioncomic.com/2014/12/06/lego-friends/

Brilliant.  Also via Jim Cheetham.

(More...)

Delightfully Surreal Paintings of Plaid Animals by Sean Landers

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 01:42:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/delightfully-surreal-paintings-of-plaid-animals-by-sean-landers/>

"Animals are covered in plaid patterns in this recent series of
delightfully surreal paintings by artist Sean Landers."

(More...)

The Mysterious Floating Orb

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 01:44:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib2Vl7JEjfc

"Thanks to Justin Willman for showing me this stupid trick."

Oh Al you incorrigible joker!  Via matthew rappaport​​.

(More...)

Letters from Nauru

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:26:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.themonthly.com.au/blog/monthly/2014/19/2014/1418951326/letters-nauru>

"The following letters, written by asylum seekers on Nauru in the past
three months, were provided to the Monthly. They are accounts of
conditions in the detention centre on the island and the state of mind

(More...)

The greatest magic of Harry Potter: Reducing prejudice

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:28:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jasp.12279/abstract

"Recent research shows that extended contact via story reading is a
powerful strategy to improve out-group attitudes. We conducted three
studies to test whether extended contact through reading the popular

(More...)

A short sf story

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:46:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://i.imgur.com/D3xmTmh.png

A couple of typoes, but a fun little story.  Via Ralph H.

(More...)

Inspirograph, A Highly Customizable Browser-Based Version of the Classic Spirograph Drawing Toy

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:48:51 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/inspirograph-a-highly-customizable-browser-based-version-of-the-classic-spirograph-drawing-toy/>

"The Inspirograph is an online, browser-based take on the classic
Spirograph geometric drawing toy created by engineer Nathan Friend.
There are several different size and color options, plus features for

(More...)

Worst Date In 5 Words

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:46:42 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://whatever.scalzi.com/2014/12/18/worst-date-in-5-words/

"It was a Twitter hashtag. I was bored. SUE ME."

Excellent.  The commenters continue in the same spirit.

(More...)

The Best Sci-Fi Characters of All Time: the verdict

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:48:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/announcements/best-sci-fi-characters-all-time-verdict>

"Ellen Ripley and the Doctor went head to head. The votes have now been
counted."

(More...)

I'll take that by mrs1989

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 01:14:03 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://mrs1989.deviantart.com/art/I-ll-take-that-501160306

"... What am I drawing?"

In 2050, there will be a major My Little Pony revival.  It'll be all the

(More...)

20+ Breathtaking Photos Of Animal Migration

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 01:14:49 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.boredpanda.com/animal-migration-photography/

"While seeing an animal in the wild can be fun, seeing thousands of them
migrating is mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. These awesome wildlife
photos will show you just how amazing of a sight a migration can be!"

(More...)

Fire Juggling!

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:02:36 +1100

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

Katherine Phelps
I love poi. I love seeing people juggling fire. This video shows a woman
juggling poi...in reverse. The effect is stunningly beautiful.

http://vimeo.com/106008423

(More...)

Put the evil bastards on trial: The case for trying Bush, Cheney and more for war crimes

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:20:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.salon.com/2014/12/20/put_the_evil_bastards_on_trial_the_case_for_trying_bush_cheney_and_more_for_war_crimes/>

"The evidence for the prosecution is clear. Human decency requires
putting the Bush administration on trial"

(More...)

Ball Pit + Mongooses = Awesome

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:24:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyaps5xYUP4

"What do you get when you make a ball pit out of a kiddie pool and put
it in the mongoose habitat at the Houston Zoo? Watch to find out!"

(More...)

The General’s Report

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 01:18:06 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/06/25/the-generals-report

"How Antonio Taguba, who investigated the Abu Ghraib scandal, became one
of its casualties."

(More...)

Mathematicians Make a Major Discovery About Prime Numbers

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 01:19:42 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.wired.com/2014/12/mathematicians-make-major-discovery-prime-numbers>

"This past August, two different groups of mathematicians released
papers proving a long-standing conjecture by the mathematician Paul
Erdős about how large prime gaps can get."

(More...)

Yup, we took Stephen Colbert out in New York City dressed as your (and his) favorite The Hobbit characters

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 12:27:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://entertainmentweekly.tumblr.com/post/104845068042/yup-we-took-stephen-colbert-out-in-new-york-city>

"It was amazing."

Great cosplay!  Via Irreverent Monk.

(More...)

6 things I learned from riding in a Google Self-driving Car

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 12:29:16 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://theoatmeal.com/blog/google_self_driving_car

"In addition to spending an afternoon cheating on my Intergalactic
SpaceBoat of Light and Wonder, I got to chat with the engineers about
the project."

(More...)

Scott Morrison's calculated cruelty is his legacy

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 02:35:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.smh.com.au/comment/scott-morrisons-calculated-cruelty-is-his-legacy-20141222-12c05g.html>

"He proved to be a callous Immigration Minister, yet he is given another
portfolio that requires compassion."

(More...)

"Time is running out": Neil Gaiman on why Radio 4's Good Omens is really for Terry Pratchett

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 02:36:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-12-22/time-is-running-out-neil-gaiman-on-why-radio-4s-good-omens-is-really-for-terry-pratchett>

"In his only interview about the show, author Neil Gaiman tells Stephen
Kelly why now was the time to adapt his and ailing friend Terry
Pratchett's apocalyptic comedy. “I want Terry to be able to enjoy this

(More...)

Why Have Americans Stopped Resisting Economic Privilege?

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:01:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://billmoyers.com/content/steve-fraser-age-acquiescence/

"Speaking generally, one might ask why people submit for so long to
various forms of exploitation, oppression, and domination. And then,
equally mysterious, why they ever stop giving in. Why acquiesce? Why

(More...)

CopyCamp 2014: post-conference publication

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:02:17 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://joindiaspora.com/posts/5338088

"Each year artists and producers, European Parliament members, Pirates,
collecting societies, librarians and lawyers, scientists, politicians
and educators from all over the world meet in Warsaw to participate in

(More...)

“Girls Don’t Like Toys?” President Takes Annual Toys For Tots Sort Event From Stereotypical To Awesome

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 01:48:23 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.womenyoushouldknow.net/girls-dont-like-toys-president-takes-annual-toys-tots-sort-event-stereotypical-awesome/>

"Declaring himself the “Big Elf,” the President’s job was to sort the
toys into girls and boys bins. The first toy he picked up was a
basketball, and that’s when the annual sort-a-thon went from

(More...)

Talislanta Library

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 01:50:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://talislanta.com/?page_id=5

"Talislanta’s flora and fauna really stands out as something unique and
special, even for the fantasy genre."

(More...)

Turtle Taxi, A Japanese Car Service That Drives Slowly for Safety and Environmental Reasons

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:20:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/turtle-taxi-a-japanese-car-service-that-drives-slowly-for-safety-and-environmental-reasons/>

"Turtle Taxi is a Japanese car service run by the Sanwa Koutsu Group
that distinguishes itself from the competition by driving at greatly
reduced speeds. Each taxi features a button near the passenger’s seat

(More...)

The World Is Not Falling Apart

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:21:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2014/12/the_world_is_not_falling_apart_the_trend_lines_reveal_an_increasingly_peaceful.single.html>

"Never mind the headlines. We’ve never lived in such peaceful times."

In general, things have mostly been getting better over time, not worse.

(More...)

BitLit Offers Free and Cheap Ebooks If You Own the Physical Copy

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:18:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://lifehacker.com/bitlit-offers-free-and-cheap-ebooks-if-you-own-the-phys-1674186086>

'Here's how it works: Install the app on your iOS or Android device,
then use the camera to take a photo of your bookshelf (the service calls
this photo a "shelfie," a groan-worthy phrase we'll only repeat once.)

(More...)

Most Wonderful Time (of the year) - Christmas Film - VivziePop

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:20:01 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0iOoLk8UrY

"Brought to you by Vivziepop, with the help of some talented friends!
Enjoy this special holiday animated treat."

(More...)

Cheetah Cub Takes Therapeutic Walk & Plays with Puppy Friend

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 13:58:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAYHo5HWdI

"Ruuxa and Raina, now just over four months old, were placed together at
four and five weeks of age, respectively, to be raised as ambassador
animals after the cheetah cub was rejected by his mother and had to be

(More...)

Fill Your New Kindle, iPad, iPhone, eReader with Free eBooks, Movies, Audio Books, Online Courses & More

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 13:59:50 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.openculture.com/2014/12/fill-your-new-kindle-ipad-iphone-ereader-with-free-ebooks-movies-audio-books-online-courses-more.html>

"Santa left a new Kindle, iPad, Kindle Fire or other media player under
your tree. He did his job. Now we’ll do ours. We’ll tell you how to fill
those devices with free intelligent media — great books, movies,

(More...)

Police Chief's Perfect Response: Respect Protestors, Keep an Open Mind

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 01:21:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://gawker.com/police-chief-respecting-cops-means-respecting-protesto-1675787560>

'When a pro-cop citizen wrote the Nashville Police to express his
"frustration and outrage" at the city's peaceful handling of recent
Ferguson protests, Chief Steve Anderson reminded the letter-writer of a

(More...)

Leunig: It's a curly old world

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 01:23:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.smh.com.au/national/leunig-its-a-curly-old-world-20141119-11p4to.html>

"Back in the day, no share house was without one. Roughly torn from the
newspaper, yellowing and rumpled and starring a friendly, faintly
ridiculous duck, perhaps a bemused little man with a curl atop his head,

(More...)

On Nerd Entitlement

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 19:31:09 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.newstatesman.com/laurie-penny/on-nerd-entitlement-rebel-alliance-empire>

"White male nerds need to recognise that other people had traumatic
upbringings, too - and that's different from structural oppression."

(More...)

Understanding “New Power”

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 19:31:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://hbr.org/2014/12/understanding-new-power

"We all sense that power is shifting in the world. We see increasing
political protest, a crisis in representation and governance, and
upstart businesses upending traditional industries. But the nature of

(More...)

Watch Thunderbirds Are Go! teaser trailer for upcoming ITV remake

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 19:32:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/watch-thunderbirds-go-teaser-trailer-4883425>

"The world is waiting for Thunderbirds Are Go! to return to the small
screen in 2015, and now we're more excited than ever."

(More...)

This Tiny, Old Book Can Do Something That Most Modern Books Can't

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 13:31:55 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://books.viralnova.com/sixfold-binding/

"While Kindles and tablets are fun and versatile, there's always
something charming about physical books. The book we're about to show
you is a little text housed at the National Library of Sweden. This book

(More...)

Lauren Ipsum: The Phantom Tollbooth meets Young Ladies' Illustrated Primer

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 13:32:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2014/12/29/lauren-ipsum-the-phantom-toll.html

"Lauren Ipsum is an absolutely brilliant kids' book about computer
science, and it never mentions computer science—it's a series of witty,
charming, and educational parables about the fundamentals that underpin

(More...)

How Copyright Forced A Filmmaker To Rewrite Martin Luther King's Historic Words

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 01:41:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141229/13390429545/how-copyright-forced-filmmaker-to-rewrite-martin-luther-king.shtml>

"Among the most powerful moments of Selma, the new film about the march
Martin Luther King, Jr. led in 1965 in support of voting rights for
African Americans, are the speeches, sermons, and eulogies King

(More...)

The day the Pintupi Nine entered the modern world

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 01:42:42 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30500591

"In 1984 a group of Australian Aboriginal people living a traditional
nomadic life were encountered in the heart of the Gibson desert in
Western Australia. They had been unaware of the arrival of Europeans on

(More...)

Ringing in 2015 with 40 Linux-friendly hacker SBCs

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 12:23:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://linuxgizmos.com/ringing-in-2015-with-40-linux-friendly-hacker-sbcs/>

"Over the last year we’ve seen some new quad- and octa-core boards with
more memory, built-in WiFi, and other extras. Yet, most of the growth
has been in the under $50 segment where the Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone

(More...)

Quantum Vibe by Scott Bieser

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 12:24:32 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.quantumvibe.com/strip?page=1

"The sci-fi adventures of a girl, a mad scientist, and a robot."

Looks interesting.  Via SF author David Brin.

(More...)

Latest Trade Agreements Are About The Opposite Of Free Trade: Protectionism For Big Business

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 00:25:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141223/16545229515/latest-trade-agreements-are-about-opposite-free-trade-protectionism-big-business.shtml>

'We've been talking a lot about the various big "trade agreements" that
are being worked on around the globe — with a major focus on the TPP
(Trans Pacific Partnership) and the TTIP (Trans-Atlantic Trade and

(More...)

86 Viral Images From 2014 That Were Totally Fake

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 00:26:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://factually.gizmodo.com/86-viral-images-from-2014-that-were-totally-fake-1671880787>

"Below, a recap of 2014's fake viral images, all in one place for your
perusing pleasure."

(More...)

A detailed explanation of a black man's experience in the US

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:57:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.facebook.com/steveneharris/posts/754984921243109

"Hey Roger. I appreciate your willingness to be a part of the
conversation. You sincerely asked me what I think, and I offer the
following. As you read, I ask that you simply read it to try and

(More...)

Impressive Liara T’Soni Costume

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:59:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.adafruit.com/blog/2014/12/31/impressive-liara-tsoni-costume/

"Mass Effect’s Liara T’Soni can’t be an easy costume to tackle. The
asari researcher’s jumpsuit isn’t exactly simple and then there’s the
matter of her blue skin and head appendages. Dressing as her requires a

(More...)

Five Destructive Myths Perpetuated by Roleplaying Games

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 02:39:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://mythcreants.com/blog/five-destructive-myths-perpetuated-by-roleplaying-games/>

"We’ve all had a game or two where things just felt wrong. Sometimes
these problems can be chalked up to a single disruptive player or bad
GM. However, there are a number of more systemic issues that are harder

(More...)

We get Huck Finn all wrong: Race, Mark Twain, children and myths of an American classic

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 02:40:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.salon.com/2015/01/03/we_get_huck_finn_all_wrong_race_mark_twain_children_and_myths_of_an_american_classic/>

'Our sense of comedy and seriousness in "Huck Finn" says more about
America now than America in Mark Twain's time'

(More...)

The Indiana Jones of collapsed cultures: Our Western civilization itself is a bubble

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 12:16:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/indiana-jones-collapsed-cultures-western-civilization-bubble/>

"How can you spot an economy, indeed a civilization, in collapse?
Anthropology gives us some answers."

(More...)

The Abbott government’s war on transparency

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 12:17:29 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://insidestory.org.au/the-abbott-governments-war-on-transparency

"Political attention over the past few weeks has been fixed on the drama
of the Abbott government’s first budget – the winners and losers, the
problem of broken promises, the prospects in the Senate. Beyond that,

(More...)

18 Scientists On What They Actually Think About Climate Change

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 02:53:23 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/how-do-scientists-actually-feel-about-climate-change>

"Science communicator Joe Duggan asked several researchers working in
climate science how they really felt about climate change. These quotes
are excerpted from their answers."

(More...)

Sunday Sweets: Tolkien Treats!

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 02:54:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2015/1/4/sunday-sweets-tolkien-treats.html>

"In honor of J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday yesterday, how about some Middle
Earth-themed Sweets to celebrate?"

(More...)

Why cash and copyright are bad news for creativity

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 12:35:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://theconversation.com/why-cash-and-copyright-are-bad-news-for-creativity-34696>

"Imagine you were asked to write a law that encouraged creativity. What
would it look like? Whatever your answer, it’s pretty clear that it
wouldn’t look like copyright."

(More...)

Why Do the Japanese Draw Themselves as White?

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 12:36:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2010/08/30/guest-post-why-do-the-japanese-draw-themselves-as-white/>

"As it turns out, that is an American opinion, not a Japanese one. The
Japanese see anime characters as being Japanese. It is Americans who
think they are white. Why?  Because to them white is the Default Human

(More...)

30 of the Most Amazing University Museums

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 01:12:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.bestcollegesonline.org/30-of-the-most-amazing-university-museums/>

"Here is a list of 30 the most outstanding university museums around the
world listed by country."

(More...)

Sharpest ever view of the Andromeda Galaxy

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 01:13:51 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic1502a/zoomable/

Beautiful zoomable photo of the Andromeda Galaxy.  That's a lot of
stars!  Via glyn moody.

(More...)

About Opinions

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:23:27 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/about-opinions/

"We all have them, about everything, all the time. It’s OK!"

Best.  Article.  Ever.  Via David Hill.

(More...)

This City Eliminated Poverty, And Nearly Everyone Forgot About It

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:24:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/30/city-eliminated-poverty-mincome_n_6392126.html>

"Between 1974 and 1979, residents of a small Manitoba city were selected
to be subjects in a project that ensured basic annual incomes for
everyone. For five years, monthly checks were delivered to the poorest

(More...)

Snowmachiner says he and buddies dug moose out of avalanche in Hatcher Pass

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 03:03:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.adn.com/article/20150101/snowmachiner-says-he-and-buddies-dug-moose-out-avalanche-hatcher-pass>

"A moose caught in an avalanche in Hatcher Pass may have three passing
snowmachiners to thank for making it into the new year."

(More...)

Pixel: A Mesmerizing Dance Performance Incorporating Interactive Digital Projection

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 03:05:50 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/01/pixel-a-mesmerizing-dance-performance-incorporating-digital-projection/>

"The hour-long performance incorporates a host of digital projection
mapping techniques, 11 dancers, and bills itself as “a work on illusion
combining energy and poetry, fiction and technical achievement, hip hop

(More...)

I almost didn't read. And then I did. And I am glad I did

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:46:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://imgur.com/gallery/yjcNq0g

A lovely story (there's also a followup linked below the image).

Via Shival Wolf.

(More...)

Tomgram: Rebecca Solnit, Challenging the Divine Right of Big Energy

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:48:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175938/tomgram%3A_rebecca_solnit%2C_challenging_the_divine_right_of_big_energy/>

"As this year ends, Solnit, the author of the 2014 hit book Men Explain
Things to Me and an even more recent collection of essays, The
Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness, considers humanity’s latest

(More...)

Some of the Best from Tor.com 2014 is Free to Download Now!

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:48:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.tor.com/blogs/2015/01/some-of-the-best-from-torcom-2014-is-free-to-download-now>

"We are thrilled to announce the 2014 edition of Some of the Best from
Tor.com, an anthology of twenty-six of our favorite short stories,
novelettes, and novellas, selected from the seventy-plus stories we

(More...)

A Girl Dressed As a Stargate

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:50:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.adafruit.com/blog/2015/01/07/a-girl-dressed-as-a-stargate/

"No matter how many costumes I see at conventions and online, I always
stumble across ones I’ve never seen before. It amazes me. This
incredible wearable Stargate by Nyima, a.k.a. Nyima-chan on DeviantArt,

(More...)

New Clues

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:50:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://cluetrain.com/newclues/

"Hear, O Internet.  It has been sixteen years since our previous
communication."

(More...)

Facing the Challenge of Online Harassment

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:51:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/01/facing-challenge-online-harassment

"This post explains our thinking about combating online harassment, and
what we hope EFF's role can be in that effort given the scope of our
work. It isn't our last word, nor should it be; this is not a simple

(More...)

10 Rules For Making A Modern Transgender Superhero

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:32:31 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.themarysue.com/modern-trans-superhero/

"I started this article originally to write about transgender
superheroes in comics but that proved much more difficult than I first
thought it would be. For a start there are, in my opinion, no

(More...)

When We Call Criminal Acts 'Terrorism' We Destroy Our Rights And Sacrifice Our Principles

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:33:42 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150108/18213829642/when-we-call-criminal-acts-terrorism-we-destroy-our-rights-sacrifice-our-principles.shtml>

'That point, that we treat terrorism as different than crime really hits
home. When there's a criminal spree — bank robberies, burglaries, car
thefts — we may make certain changes in how we act (get better locks,

(More...)

Hamburg is burying the Autobahn and putting parks on top

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:39:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.vox.com/2015/1/9/7520805/hamburg-highway

'The project, which is called the Hamburger Deckel and is projected to
cost $800 million, comes after 20 years of lobbying from a local
residents' initiative called "Ohne Dach ist Krach" (German for "No Roof,

(More...)

DRAGON PROJECTION with fire on house front in Italy

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:40:16 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ1HRg3adWg

Very impressive.  Via Ninja On Rye.

(More...)

Download Linux Voice issue 2

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 01:00:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.linuxvoice.com/download-linux-voice-issue-2/

"It’s that time again! We’ve already made issue 1 freely available, and
now we’re releasing issue 2 of Linux Voice under the Creative Commons
BY-SA license. So you can modify and share all content from the magazine

(More...)

Storj: Decentralized Cloud Storage

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 01:02:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://storj.io/

"Storj (pronounced: storage) aims to become a cloud storage platform
that can’t be censored or monitored, or have downtime. Storj is a
platform, cryptocurrency, and suite of decentralized applications that

(More...)

The plight of the bitter nerd: Why so many awkward, shy guys end up hating feminism

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:06:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.salon.com/2015/01/10/the_plight_of_the_bitter_nerd_why_so_many_awkward_shy_guys_end_up_hating_feminism/>

"MIT professor Scott Aaronson wrote a post about how feminism makes him
feel like a monster. Here's what he meant"

(More...)

The invasion of America

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:07:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://aeon.co/magazine/society/americans-must-not-forget-their-history-of-dispossession/>

"Between 1776 and the present, the United States seized some 1.5 billion
acres from North America’s native peoples, an area 25 times the size of
the United Kingdom. Many Americans are only vaguely familiar with the

(More...)

WebGL Water

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:10:00 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.madebyevan.com/webgl-water/

"This demo requires a decent graphics card and up-to-date drivers. If
you can't run the demo, you can still see it on YouTube."

(More...)

This Is Why Manatees Need Space Suits

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:12:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://io9.com/why-do-manatees-need-space-suits-1679085554

"This manatee lives in a hollowed-out asteroid in space. Did you really
expect that humans would be the only animals from Earth who would
colonize the solar system? It's all part of a research project about how

(More...)

Ellen Craft, the Slave Who Posed as a Master and Made Herself Free

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 02:58:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://jezebel.com/ellen-craft-the-slave-who-posed-as-a-master-and-made-h-1677144886>

"Ellen Craft was born in 1826, in Clinton, Georgia. Like many slaves,
she was the biological daughter of her mother, also a slave, and James
Smith, her mother's wealthy white master. Ellen's own mother was the

(More...)

Cat interrupts German weather broadcast and demands cuddles!

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 02:59:39 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.iizcat.com/post/1211/Cat-interrupts-German-weather-broadcast-and-demands-cuddles>

"Hey... you iz not doing anything important right? Cuz I need some cuddles."

He doesn't let the cat faze him and carries on very professionally.

(More...)

Manga: Quick Start!!

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:04:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.mangahere.co/manga/quick_start/c001/

A manga about a group of tabletop roleplaying schoolgirls.

I can see quite a few of my friends enjoying this.  Two notes:  This is

(More...)

Glenn Greenwald on How to Be a Terror "Expert": Ignore Facts, Blame Muslims, Trumpet U.S. Propaganda

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:06:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.democracynow.org/2015/1/13/glenn_greenwald_on_how_to_be

'Who are the so-called terrorism experts? In the wake of the Paris
attacks, the corporate media has once again flooded its news programs
with pundits claiming authority on terrorism, foreign policy and world

(More...)

Shadowrun: Hong Kong

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 00:24:52 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/webeharebrained/shadowrun-hong-kong

The recent "Shadowrun Returns" and "Shadowrun: Dragonfall" games were a
lot of fun and very successful.  Creators Harebrained Schemes have now
launched a new Kickstarter for the latest game in the series,

(More...)

The golden ratio has spawned a beautiful new curve: the Harriss spiral

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 00:25:52 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/science/alexs-adventures-in-numberland/2015/jan/13/golden-ratio-beautiful-new-curve-harriss-spiral>

"Inspired by the golden ratio, mathematician Edmund Harriss discovered a
delightful fractal curve that no one had ever drawn before. But it’s not
just a pretty picture, it contains some lovely theory – and brings the

(More...)

How ‘Harry Potter’ fans won a four-year fight against child slavery

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:19:55 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/01/13/how-harry-potter-fans-won-a-four-year-fight-against-child-slavery/>

"When Slack and his co-creators founded the Harry Potter Alliance in
2005, they were animated by the idea that J.K. Rowling’s novels,
inspired both by her own experiences with poverty and her work at

(More...)

Traditional Japanese Carpenters Exhibit Master Craftsmanship When Constructing Durable Buildings Without Nails

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:21:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/traditional-japanese-carpenters-exhibit-master-craftsmanship-when-constructing-durable-buildings-without-nails/>

"Japanese carpentry group Kobayashi Kenkou carefully demonstrates the
fascinating way in which highly durable buildings are constructed with
traditional methods of joining the wood with intricate cuts and

(More...)

RSA Animate - The Power of Outrospection

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 00:31:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG46IwVfSu8

"Introspection is out, and outrospection is in. Philosopher and author
Roman Krznaric explains how we can help drive social change by stepping
outside ourselves."

(More...)

The five data retention lies you were told

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 00:34:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.crikey.com.au/2014/10/31/the-five-data-retention-lies-you-were-told-yesterday/>

"The government’s unveiling of its data retention scheme was accompanied
by blatant falsehoods by people who have no excuse not to know better."

(More...)

Bogi Fabian: UV art

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 13:00:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://bogi-fabian.squarespace.com/glowing-murals/
http://bogi-fabian.squarespace.com/glowing-ceramics/

"Art - Even if the lights go down... I love to think up a project and
completely accomplished it by my own hands. I work in different areas of

(More...)

The Gender Police

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 13:01:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/olivia-wilson/the-gender-police_b_6460848.html>

"The cringe factor is the extreme embarrassment people feel when they
get it wrong. They have mistaken your place in the most basic division
of humanity. The fact is that the world cradles gender identity at its

(More...)

Zhou Youguang, 109 and going strong

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:47:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=17097

"Zhou xiansheng's mind is still sharp as a tack, and every day he sits
at his little desk to write articles and books on the tiny Sharp
typewriter that he helped design (the first workable electronic Chinese

(More...)

ERASING WOMEN: The Importance of "Agent Carter" to Comic Culture

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:49:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=58431

'"Agent Carter" is a superhero show about the postwar erasure of women
from American culture — which is incredibly fitting, as after World War
II the comics industry erased women on the page and behind the scenes.

(More...)

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