Glass Wings Blog: December 2015

'Blazing Saddles' + animation = 'Blazing Samurai'

Tue, 1 Dec 2015 12:50:17 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.flayrah.com/6292/blazing-saddles-animation-blazing-samurai

"Can a massive theatrical animated hodgepodge make a massive theatrical
animated anthropomorphic hit? That’s what a lot of people are hoping when
Blazing Samurai, an animated pastiche of the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy Blazing

(More...)

Vacation on the Riviera with the Moomins

Tue, 1 Dec 2015 12:52:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.flayrah.com/6293/vacation-riviera-moomins

"Les Moomins sur la Riviera is an 80-minute 2014-2015 co-production of Pictac
Cie. in France and Handle Productions in Finland, co-directed by Xavier Picard
and Hanna Hemilä, in honor of Tove Jansson’s 100th birthday. It’s an adaptation

(More...)

Oktavists Can Sing a Full Octave Below the Bass and It Sounds Awesome

Tue, 1 Dec 2015 12:53:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://twistedsifter.com/videos/compilation-of-oktavists-singing/

"An oktavist is an exceptionally deep-ranged basso profondo, especially typical
of Russian Orthodox choral music. This voice type has a vocal range which
extends down to A1 (an octave below the baritone range) and sometimes to F1 (an

(More...)

What I Discovered From Interviewing Imprisoned ISIS Fighters

Wed, 2 Dec 2015 12:45:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.thenation.com/article/what-i-discovered-from-interviewing-isis-prisoners/>

"They’re drawn to the movement for reasons that have little to do with belief
in extremist Islam."

(More...)

We asked a young Afghan seeking a new life in Europe to take pictures of his family’s journey from Turkey to Switzerland. The photos tell his story

Wed, 2 Dec 2015 12:46:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/a-nine-country-scramble-to-freedom-through-the-eyes-of-a-refugee/article27236026/>

"The Akbary family’s tale is just one among hundreds of thousands of similar
stories this year. Europe’s borders have been swamped by the arrival of more
than three-quarters of a million asylum seekers since January, and the European

(More...)

Leval On Fair Use And Google Books: A Sketch Of A Story

Wed, 2 Dec 2015 12:48:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151113/15302832814/leval-fair-use-google-books-sketch-story.shtml>

"I'm sure I'll be re-watching the lecture many times for all that nuance, but
the chance to live-tweet with sketches of the man himself was
once-in-a-lifetime. So, I present for you below the broad outlines of the story

(More...)

The Internet will always suck

Thu, 3 Dec 2015 12:09:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/11/15/the-internet-will-always-suck.html

"Have you ever wondered why the Internet is always just a little bit too slow
to support the kind of activity you're trying to undertake?"

(More...)

Judged by Your Accent

Thu, 3 Dec 2015 12:11:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.braindecoder.com/judged-by-the-sound-of-your-voice-1446330758.html

"Our brains have to work harder to understand voices unlike our own, but that's
not a reason to ignore them."

(More...)

Princess Bride Themed Restaurant

Thu, 3 Dec 2015 12:13:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://imgur.com/gallery/dgO43a2

Brilliant!  What a great idea.  Via MegaZone and Irreverent Monk.

(More...)

5 things the media does to manufacture outrage

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 15:22:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@parkermolloy/5-things-the-media-does-to-manufacture-outrage-ba79125e1262>

"Here’s a story about something that happened to me, and the 5 steps involved
in going from innocuous comment to an “outrage narrative” providing us all with
content for days to come."

(More...)

It even has a talking cat

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 15:24:03 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.flayrah.com/6301/it-even-has-talking-cat

"In a steampunk alternate world’s 1941, when Europe is united in a Triple
Empire under Napoleon V and its three capitals of London-Paris-Berlin are
connected by cable car, scientists have been disappearing for decades."

(More...)

The Hunger Shames

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 15:25:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://notalwaysfriendly.com/the-hunger-shames/39454

"(I’m standing in a kiosk, looking at four Romanian Romani that have previously
tried to beg for money from me. The group consists of a mother, a teen, and two
children below the age of ten. They’re going to buy a cola and two biscuits. A

(More...)

Our Generation Ships Will Sink

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 16:30:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/11/16/our-generation-ships-will-sink.html

"In this exclusive feature essay, Kim Stanley Robinson explains the
technology behind the best science fiction novel of 2015."

(More...)

People Are People

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 16:31:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/102282887764745350285/posts/aq7RVLj9vDB

A classic song raises some interesting thoughts.

(More...)

Former Apple designers say the company has lost 'the fundamental principles of good design'

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 16:32:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theverge.com/2015/11/16/9743996/apple-designer-interview-bruce-tog-tognazzini-don-norman>

"Two early Apple designers have written a piece on Co.Design chastising
Apple's new design direction, which they claim puts elegance and visual
simplicity over understandability and ease of use."

(More...)

This Subtle Dementia Symptom Sends Warning 9 Years Early

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 16:33:49 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.spring.org.uk/2015/11/this-subtle-dementia-symptom-sends-warning-9-years-early.php>

"A shift to preferring slapstick humour — like Mr Bean — over satirical
or absurdist comedy, such as Monty Python, could be an early sign of
Alzheimer’s."

(More...)

50 Brilliant Science Fiction Movies That Everyone Should See At Least Once

Sun, 6 Dec 2015 14:11:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://io9.com/5619137/25-classic-science-fiction-movies-that-everybody-must-watch>

"Science fiction has rocked cinemas for a century, and the genre has
produced many undisputed classics during that time. But which movies are
essential viewing for anyone interested in the genre? We broke down the

(More...)

After Being Wounded With Poison Arrows, Desperate Elephant Runs To Humans For Help

Sun, 6 Dec 2015 14:13:09 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.trueactivist.com/after-being-wounded-with-poison-arrows-desperate-elephants-runs-to-humans-for-help/>

"Amazingly, though the lead bull had never been to the David Sheldrick
Wildlife Trust, he had an instinct the humans there would help him and
his friends."

(More...)

Australia to return to the Eurovision Song Contest!

Sun, 6 Dec 2015 14:16:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=173093

"After placing 5th in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015,
Australia will compete in the semi finals in 2016"

(More...)

Mr. Rogers Introduces Kids to Experimental Electronic Music by Bruce Haack & Esther Nelson (1968)

Sun, 6 Dec 2015 14:18:06 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.openculture.com/2014/05/mr-rogers-introduces-kids-to-experimental-electronic-music.html>

"Experimental electronic musician and inventor Bruce Haack’s
compositions expanded many a young consciousness, and taught kids to
dance, move, meditate, and to be endlessly curious about the technology

(More...)

Music Distributor Claims Right to Monetize JFK Speech

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 12:07:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://torrentfreak.com/music-distributor-claims-right-to-monetize-jfk-speech-140511/>

"After uploading part of a JFK speech to YouTube, a TorrentFreak reader had a
surprise when a music distribution company filed a complaint, claiming full
monetization rights on the clip. Why would they do that to material in the

(More...)

More Evidence Of How Copyright Makes Culture Disappear In A Giant Black Hole

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 12:09:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151116/17303032828/more-evidence-how-copyright-makes-culture-disappear-giant-black-hole.shtml>

"Once again, this should raise serious questions about the problems of
copyright term length. It seems fairly obvious that at their current length,
copyright terms are actively suppressing a ridiculous amount of cultural

(More...)

Is There Any Evidence In The World That Would Convince Intelligence Community That More Surveillance Isn't The Answer?

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 12:10:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151116/23593032831/is-there-any-evidence-world-that-would-convince-intelligence-community-that-more-surveillance-isnt-answer.shtml

If the intelligence community and its supporters will call for greater
surveillance and less encryption even after the surveillance capabilities
have been shown not to work at all — is there any evidence at all that

(More...)

Man Walks All Day to Create Massive Dragon Mural in Snowy Siberia

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 13:41:59 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/simon-beck-snow-dragon

"Map orienteer turned professional snowshoe artist, Simon Beck has once
again created a spectacular display of large-scale snow art, this time
in Yakutsk, Siberia. This colossal snow dragon was made for a film still

(More...)

Fear truly is the mind killer

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 13:45:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+KeeHinckley/posts/FJCESNPFqNf

'Like the generations before us, we've let our pundits brainwash us to
fear those who are different. A frightened population is a population
easy to control. We have given up our privacy. Our ability to speak

(More...)

Give It Away - '60s 'Austin Powers' - Style RHCP Cover ft. Aubrey Logan

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 13:48:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufvZzhK_3X8

'Aubrey Logan (from our "Bad Blood" cover) is back, and we're going back
to the shagadelic '60s to bring you the Red Hot Chili Peppers classic,
"Give It Away," as it would have sounded in the "Austin Powers" soundtrack.'

(More...)

Four Indie Games You Should Play

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 12:58:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://geekandsundry.com/four-indie-games-you-should-play/

"For every AAA game developer, there’s a dozen indie studios–many just one guy
with a business card–contributing fun and innovation to the field. While I
could make a series from this article (and hey, maybe I should), here are four

(More...)

In just a few keystrokes and five scenes, the most striking game about guns

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 12:59:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2015/11/19/a-series-of-gunshots.html

"A shot rings out in the dark, lighting up one of dozens of faceless windows in
front of you. This game is about the feelings that follow."

(More...)

Sunday Sweets: Doctor Who Day...ish

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 13:00:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2015/11/22/sunday-sweets-doctor-who-dayish.html>

"Please enjoy today's cakes and imagine we're saying something witty and/or
profound."

(More...)

Dream Letters - Turn Your Child Into An Avid Reader & Writer

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:22:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1427246697/dream-letters-turn-your-child-into-an-avid-reader>

"Dream Letters is the first interactive reading and writing game on paper. A
magical, personalized story sent to your child’s mailbox"

(More...)

Why Australia needs a new model for universities

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:24:22 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/why-australia-needs-a-new-model-for-universities-43696>

"University managers now hire a considerable number of advertising staff to
create the pretty picture. Behind the façade are growing signs of trouble."

(More...)

The underappreciated art of furniture in video games

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:26:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.hopesandfears.com/hopes/culture/design/216873-video-games-furniture-design>

"Furniture has often been a part of games, but for players, it's easy to
ignore. Even if the home is the next frontier of gaming environments, will
players ever stop to feel the velvet drapes?"

(More...)

Meet the outsider who accidentally solved chronic homelessness

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 15:57:13 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2015/05/06/meet-the-outsider-who-accidentally-solved-chronic-homelessness/>

"Homeless services once worked like a reward system. Kick an addiction, get a
home. Take some medication, get counseling. But Tsemberis’s model, called
“housing first,” said the order was backward. Someone has the best chance of

(More...)

Maxwell's equations: 150 years of light

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 15:58:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/science/life-and-physics/2015/nov/22/maxwells-equations-150-years-of-light>

"A century and a half ago, James Clerk Maxwell submitted a long paper to the
Royal Society containing his famous equations. Inspired by Michael Faraday’s
experiments and insights, the equations unified electricity, magnetism and

(More...)

Google Searches For Its Future

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 16:01:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://time.com/google-now/

"While Google.com is not going anywhere, the difficulty for Google is that the
way we access information is undergoing its most fundamental shift since we
were first introduced to ten blue links in 1998."

(More...)

Hot Earth Dreams: What if severe climate change happens, and humans survive?

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 20:03:54 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+JohnAHardy/posts/bHYYsdhAfYb

"Black humor abounds in this pessimistic but realistic look at the
future. Landis has a background in plant ecology and he describes what
appears to be a fairly realistic research based view of the changes the

(More...)

In pictures: Royal Society photo award winners

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 20:04:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-34880592

"An underwater photo of a group of tadpoles silhouetted against a bright
blue sky has won first place in the inaugural Royal Society Publishing
photography competition."

(More...)

Strategies for success in the ivory war

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 20:06:15 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/environment/africa-wild/2015/nov/16/strategies-for-success-in-the-ivory-war>

"Kenya’s coalition for wildlife has succeeded in bringing poaching under
control. This article explains how it was done"

(More...)

The 100 best photographs ever taken without photoshop

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 20:07:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://brightside.me/article/100-best-photographs-without-photoshop-46555/>

"Today Bright Side has collected for you works in which the combined
efforts of mother nature and photographic artists have captured magic
moments showing the wondrous diversity of modern life and the natural

(More...)

The Infocom Cabinet: Binders and Folders of Infocom, Inc. (1981-1987)

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:07:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://archive.org/details/infocomcabinet&tab=collection

"A collection of digitized scans from a large cache of documents related to the
game publisher Infocom, Inc. of Cambridge, MA. Assembled by Steven Meretzky of
Infocom."

(More...)

New Indiana Jones Bar at Disney Springs: Photo Tour!

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:08:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.epbot.com/2015/11/new-indiana-jones-bar-at-disney-springs.html

"My parents have been visiting this past week, so John and I took them out to
Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) to wander and see the newest
additions."

(More...)

Mom Who Made American Boy Doll for 6-Year-Old Son: 'There's No Such Thing as a Boy's Toy and a Girl's Toy'

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:10:38 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.people.com/article/mom-makes-son-american-boy-doll

"Never underestimate a mother's determination."

Excellent.  Via Kimberly Chapman.

(More...)

THE MODELS AND MINIATURES OF RIDLEY SCOTT’S ‘BLADE RUNNER’: A BEHIND-THE-SCENES GALLERY

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:37:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://oneperfectshotdb.com/news/the-models-and-miniatures-of-ridley-scotts-blade-runner-a-behind-the-scenes-gallery/>

“Ridley really knew how to appeal to the art department, he was very wise
about it. What he would say, up in the art department : ‘If you build it,
I’ll shoot it.’ And who could resist the temptation of that? Because we’ve

(More...)

A Pop Culture Primer on Parts of Speech

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:58:31 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://popchartlab.com/products/a-pop-culture-primer-on-parts-of-speech

"A pop-cultural grammar cheat sheet, this chart brings together famous figures
from cinema, television, music, and literature to help illustrate the parts of
speech—let Walter White break down concrete/abstract nouns; allow Dr. Who take

(More...)

Eurocats - Surfen Multimedia - Deutsche Vorentscheidung Eurovision

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:58:45 +1100

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

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

Eurovision Song Contest Vorentscheidung 1996... "komm sei ein User, geh
online, im e-Mail triffst du mich" :-)))
Das Internet war "brandneu"... Der kultigste Vorentscheidungssong aller

(More...)

Peace symbol-wearing Muslim girl to Trump: I heard you wanted us to wear badges so I chose one for myself

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 12:28:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.rawstory.com/2015/11/peace-symbol-wearing-muslim-girl-to-trump-i-heard-you-wanted-us-to-wear-badges-so-i-chose-one-for-myself/>

"A young Muslim woman is being commended for writing an open letter to GOP
presidential candidate Donald Trump blasting him for saying Muslim Americans
should be tracked by the government and have special identification."

(More...)

Dream of New Kind of Credit Union Is Extinguished by Bureaucracy

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 12:31:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/business/dealbook/dream-of-new-kind-of-credit-union-is-burdened-by-bureaucracy.html>

"Mr. Kahle’s experience and internal documents offer a glimpse into how
regulators approach a new technology like Bitcoin, which most banks have
refused to touch, partly because of the hesitation of regulators. More broadly,

(More...)

You're The Voice (John Farnham) by Naturally 7 - Official Music Video (Long Version)

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 12:31:52 +1100

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

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

"Naturally 7's vocalplay take of "You're The Voice" - a hit song of the '80s
originally recorded by Australian singer, John Farnham."

(More...)

Stunning 2200-Year-Old Mosaics Discovered in Ancient Greek City

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:24:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://twistedsifter.com/2014/11/2200-year-old-mosaics-discovered-in-ancient-greek-city/>

"Three new mosaics were recently discovered in the ancient Greek city of
Zeugma, which is located in the present-day province of Gaziantep in southern
Turkey. The incredibly well-preserved mosaics date back to 2nd century BC."

(More...)

Policing is a Dirty Job, But Nobody's Gotta Do It: 6 Ideas for a Cop-Free World

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:26:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/policing-is-a-dirty-job-but-nobodys-gotta-do-it-6-ideas-for-a-cop-free-world-20141216>

"While law enforcers have existed in one form or another for centuries, the
modern police have their roots in the relatively recent rise of modern property
relations 200 years ago, and the "disorderly conduct" of the urban poor. Like

(More...)

The Emperor Has No Clothes: Socrates Deconstructs Singularity University

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:28:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.singularityweblog.com/socrates-deconstructs-singularity-university/

"We need many, many Singularity Universities. That is why for example when
people are sometimes surprised that I allow other tech bloggers and podcasters
to post on my blog, link to their sites and quote “steal my audience”, I reply

(More...)

No teacher lets them suffer: inside the German schools taking in refugees

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:19:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/nov/29/german-schools-taking-refugee-children-syria>

"With 325,000 refugee children expected to enter German schools, teachers face
unprecedented challenges. But they are determined to support new arrivals"

(More...)

Why Are Finland's Schools Successful?

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:21:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/why-are-finlands-schools-successful-49859555/?all&no-ist>

Great article with some valuable lessons.

"The second critical decision came in 1979, when reformers required that every

(More...)

Minecraft: We Are the Rangers

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:22:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://animals.oreilly.com/we-are-the-rangers-minecraft/

"116 volunteer Minecraft players spent the last 12 months recreating an African
wildlife conservancy map and added wildlife (elephants, rhinos, etc.) and
actual camera traps to the game."

(More...)

Impatient Lady Driving Her Jaguar On the Grass Turns Out to Be Queen Elizabeth

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:18:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://bestride.com/blog/impatient-lady-driving-on-grass-turns-out-to-be-queen-elizabeth/27552/>

"The UK’s Mirror published a series of photographs depicting a senior
driver in a Jaguar X-Type Estate wheeling off in the grass to get around
a young couple walking a baby in a stroller. That driver turns out to be

(More...)

What Can a Technologist Do About Climate Change? (A Personal View)

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:19:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://worrydream.com/ClimateChange/

"This is aimed at people in the tech industry, and is more about what
you can do with your career than at a hackathon. I’m not going to
discuss policy and regulation, although they’re no less important than

(More...)

The False Promise of Meritocracy

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:20:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/12/meritocracy/418074/

"Managers who believe themselves to be fair and objective judges of
ability often overlook women and minorities who are deserving of job
offers and pay increases."

(More...)

The Golden Giraffes 2015

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:21:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://thebrowser.com/giraffes

"The Browser and Pocket present the Golden Giraffes for the best writing
in small publications and blogs in 2015."

(More...)

6 things parents and policy-makers need to know about children and the internet

Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:21:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2015/11/18/6-things-parents-and-policy-makers-need-to-know-about-children-and-the-internet/>

"Sonia Livingstone has been researching children’s internet use for 20
years, and based on this research and that of many others, she’s come to
six evidence-based conclusions that should be of value to parents and

(More...)

Ironically, modern surveillance states are baffled by people who change countries

Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:22:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/12/01/ironically-modern-surveillanc.html

"Scott Smith and his family moved from the USA to the Netherlands and
discovered that despite living in the most heavily surveilled moment in
human history, neither his old country nor his new one can figure out

(More...)

Mork and Mindy Was One of the Most Unlikely Miracles in the History of Television

Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:23:34 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://io9.gizmodo.com/mork-and-mindy-was-one-of-the-most-unlikely-miracles-in-1745289352>

"Robin Williams took a one-off joke character on Happy Days, the alien
Mork from Ork, and created something unforgettable. His insane routines
spawned a spinoff, which became one of the most popular science fiction

(More...)

Open for Business

Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:24:50 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/made-with-creative-commons/open-for-business-2d4579c7664d>

"A look at how platforms and creators build successful endeavors around
open digital content."

(More...)

The Maccabeats - Latke Recipe - Hanukkah

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 12:11:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg51la8Yayc

'Music video for "Latke Recipe," a parody of "Shut Up And Dance" originally
performed by Walk the Moon'

(More...)

Tetris / Korobeiniki - Fast Ragtime Piano Cover

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 12:13:04 +1100

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

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

'Originally known as "Korobeiniki" (Russian: Коробейники), a nineteenth-century
Russian folk song, it became widely known because of its appearance in
Nintendo's 1989 version of Tetris and is often referred to as "The Tetris

(More...)

15 things I learnt about Islam and British values being a gay boy living opposite a mosque.

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 12:14:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@tommauchline/15-things-i-learnt-about-islam-and-british-values-being-a-gay-boy-living-opposite-a-mosque-ebd385eb3113>

"The media stories about islam meant that I was genuinely a little nervous
about moving in across the road to a mosque. What I have learnt in the four
years since I moved is that the ridiculousness of British culture is universal.

(More...)

Being a sandpiper

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:58:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://aeon.co/essays/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-bird-the-science-of-animal-consciousness

"Animals have thoughts, feelings and personality. Why have we taken so long to
catch up with animal consciousness?"

(More...)

If Authors Were Programmers

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:00:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://imgur.com/a/G0Uln?utm_content=buffer7bd5f

Recontextualising famous quotes.  These are great!

Via The Daily WTF and Jim Donegan.

(More...)

Wake Me Up (Old English Version)

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:03:22 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOyEQah0s-k

"Find out what happens when a hardened, Anglo-Saxon warrior teams up with the
village wizard to create the world's first direct-drive turntable."

(More...)

Sanzoku no Musume Rōnya

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:05:02 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanzoku_no_Musume_R%C5%8Dnya

Goro Miyazaki is doing a classic Astrid Lindgren series!  Looks
interesting.

(More...)

Being A Girl: A Brief Personal History of Violence

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:05:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://bellejar.ca/2015/12/03/being-a-girl-a-brief-personal-history-of-violence/

Here's an experiment:  If you read this and feel offended or defensive, please
don't post a comment.  Just think about why you feel that way. Via Muse.

(More...)

Unprecedented Image Shows a Dolphin's Echolocated Impression of a Submerged Human

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:06:55 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://gizmodo.com/unprecedented-image-shows-a-dolphins-echolocated-impres-1746714755>

"In a world’s first, researchers from the US and UK have created an impression
of a submerged human as recorded by a dolphin’s echolocation."

(More...)

Happy 200th Birthday Ada Lovelace – Ada’s bicentenary – Let’s make more Adas together

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 13:06:03 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://blog.adafruit.com/2015/12/10/happy-200th-birthday-ada-lovelace-adas-bicentenary>

"Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (née Byron; 10 December 1815 –
27 November 1852) was a British mathematician and writer, chiefly known
for her work on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose

(More...)

Kunbarrasaurus is Australia’s new armoured dinosaur

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 13:06:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/austropalaeo/2015/12/kunbarrasaurus-is-australia%E2%80%99s-new-armoured-dinosaur>

"The re-analysis of an incredibly preserved fossil shows Australia had a
variety of armoured dinosaurs."

(More...)

View-Master World: The Addams Family

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 13:08:09 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://viewmasterworld.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/addams-family-1-b486.html>

"On Cemetery Ridge, at the edge of town, stands a mysterious old mansion
surrounded by a thick hedge and a fence with razor-sharp spikes.  A sign
at the gate warns, “Beware the Thing.”  From the house come occasional

(More...)

The 2015 Holiday Fantasy Bundle

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 13:10:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://storybundle.com/holiday?utm_content=buffer9db56

"Holidays are full of magic, good cheer, mystery, and wonderful
fantasies. This time of year—from Thanksgiving through Hanukkah, Winter
Solstice, Christmas, New Years—is packed with possibilities, and great

(More...)

Seasonal festive music

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 13:12:54 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
[Official Video] Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Pentatonix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt3oAyK_IG8

Last Christmas - Vintage Andrews Sisters - Style Wham! Cover -
Postmodern Jukebox

(More...)

Seasonal festive movies

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 13:15:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
The Star Wars Holiday Special (HD) "The WHIO 1st Generation 2013 VHS"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX0x-I06Fpc

Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever | Lifetime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrSPuBYm-Cw

(More...)

‘Wallace And Gromit’ Creators Release New 360-Degree Animation for Google’s Spotlight Stories (Exclusive)

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 13:16:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/wallace-and-gromit-creators-release-new-animation-googles-spotlight-stories-1201665204/>

"Santa Claus is coming to town — but one particular custodian really
doesn’t like the idea of someone messing with his chimneys, or climbing
around on the roof. He tries to catch the intruder, starting an epic and

(More...)

Casio Museum

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 09:45:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
On 26/12/15 02:46, yoshida yukihiko wrote:
Here is Casio Museum in Tokyo.
We can see the history of their computer and invention.
http://kashiotoshio.org/english/

(More...)

Accidental Guests of the Midwest Fur Fest ~ Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, IL

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 17:57:16 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://healthynotnuts.com/2015/12/06/accidental-guests-of-the-midwest-fur-fest-hyatt-regency-ohare-rosemont-il/>

"As you read through this please try to put any pre-conceived notions to
the side for a moment.  The Midwest Fur Fest takes place in December in
Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.  Allan and I happened to be at the

(More...)

triple j's Hottest 100 Official Trailer (2015)

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 17:58:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.facebook.com/triplej/videos/10156406494150160/

Awesome!  Best comment:

"Good to see you blew the ABC 's entire 2016 budget on this video"

(More...)

A Small Herd of Female Elephants Work Together to Rescue a Tiny Calf From a High Sided Waterhole

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 17:59:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/a-small-herd-of-female-elephants-work-together-to-rescue-a-tiny-calf-from-a-high-sided-waterhole/>

"When a tiny elephant calf got stuck inside a shallow waterhole with
high sides at Kruger National Park in South Africa , the females of the
herd came together to help the little one get back onto dry land."

(More...)

What Would a Futuristic Low-Carbon Tech World Actually Look Like?

Sat, 26 Dec 2015 18:00:50 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://gizmodo.com/what-would-a-futuristic-low-carbon-tech-world-actually-1747162427>

"Let’s face it, if we’re going to save the planet from ourselves, we’re
going to have to develop cleaner technologies. Here’s what the future
has in store once we make the transition to a high-tech, low-carbon world."

(More...)

A great, low-tech hack for teaching high-tech skills

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 12:47:06 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/12/10/a-great-low-tech-hack-for-tea.html

"After years of technology training seminars in which Miriam Posner ran
through a lecture or tutorial and watched as some students got it and
others didn't, but were too embarrassed about breaking up the class's

(More...)

Anthony Daniels on 4 Decades of Life As C-3PO

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 12:48:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://blog.adafruit.com/2015/12/13/anthony-daniels-on-4-decades-of-life-as-c-3po-scifisunday/>

"Fantastic profile of C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels by Boris Kachka in New
York Magazine."

(More...)

Get rich or die vlogging: The sad economics of internet fame

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 12:50:09 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://fusion.net/story/244545/famous-and-broke-on-youtube-instagram-social-media/>

"The disconnect between internet fame and financial security is hard to
comprehend for both creators and fans. But it’s the crux of many
mid-level web personalities’ lives."

(More...)

Faster Internet video

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 12:59:45 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
Inside Netflix’s Plan to Boost Streaming Quality and Unclog the Internet
(Exclusive)

<https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/netflix-better-streaming-quality-1201661116/>

(More...)

Ask Ethan: Why Aren't Spiral Galaxies More Wound Up?

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 12:53:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2015/12/12/ask-ethan-why-arent-spiral-galaxies-more-wound-up/>

"You can look at any number of spiral galaxies, but they all have the
same apparent structure in common."

(More...)

To Make Cities More Sustainable, Let Go of Tradition

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 12:54:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.citylab.com/design/2015/12/to-make-cities-more-sustainable-let-go-of-tradition/419769/>

"A conversation with Gabriel Metcalf on his new book, Democratic by Design."

Looks like an interesting book.  Via Muse.

(More...)

Paul Friedlander's kinetic light sculpture

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 12:55:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW_GOIu1wm0

"WIRED UK visited kinetic light artist Paul Friedlander in his studio in
London."

(More...)

Help A Blind Person Identify Everyday Things, Via Smartphone App

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 12:15:27 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/12/15/459870958/help-a-blind-person-identify-everyday-things-via-smartphone-app>

"That camera on the phone could be used by people who are blind, to get
help seeing remotely. The company Be My Eyes has created a novel kind of
volunteer opportunity on the Internet."

(More...)

The Jacob’s Ladder of coding

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 12:16:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/@thi.ng/the-jacob-s-ladder-of-coding-4b12477a26c1

"Anecdotes and questions about climbing up and down the ladder of
abstraction: Atari, ARM, demoscene, education, creative coding,
community, seeking lightness, enlightenment & strange languages"

(More...)

The best games about home are the ones that make you leave it

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 12:17:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/12/15/homecoming-games.html

"There's something comforting about games that mirror the everyday
rituals of departure and return, the rhythms of our real lives."

(More...)

The U.N. Sent 3 Foreign Women To The U.S. To Assess Gender Equality. They Were Horrified.

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:22:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/foreign-women-assess-us-gender-equality_566ef77de4b0e292150e92f0>

"The human rights experts concluded that the country falls far behind
most others."

(More...)

A Lesson in the Compassion of Islam

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:23:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.beaconbroadside.com/broadside/2015/12/a-lesson-in-the-compassion-of-islam.html>

"In his book Acts of Faith, interfaith leader Eboo Patel writes about
the time he spent with his devout Muslim grandmother in India. In this
excerpt, he recounts the invaluable lesson his grandmother gave him in

(More...)

The Play that Goes Wrong performing at The Royal Variety Performance 2015

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:24:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOWO4gq-whg

Great stuff!  Wonderful acting.  Via S. A. Hunt and Elisa T.

(More...)

Dearborn Muslims Protested ISIS, and You Can Probably Guess What Happened Next

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 18:53:19 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://nymag.com/following/2015/12/dearborn-muslims-protested-isis-and-then.html>

"No way — the fever-swamp internet couldn't possibly be passing around a
photo of an anti-ISIS march as a pro-ISIS march, right?"

(More...)

The evolution of self-driven cars

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 18:54:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ThomasBaekdal/posts/5eKadjLGGTP

"It's fascinating how history tends to repeat itself, and the evolution
of self-driven cars are certainly one such case."

(More...)

The best twitter bots of 2015

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 18:55:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/12/17/the-best-twitter-bots.html

"Zachary M. Seward picks the best Twitter bots of 2015 for Quartz."

Some clever ideas here.

(More...)

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