Glass Wings Blog: November 2017

Catholic school sex-ed plan as advertised won't ever be taught, premier says

Wed, 1 Nov 2017 23:41:23 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/catholic-school-sex-ed-notley-1.4370304>

'Under no circumstances will we ... condone a sexual health curriculum
that normalizes an absence of consent'

(More...)

Why electrical engineers should support the right to repair

Wed, 1 Nov 2017 23:42:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2017/10/25/you-bought-it-you-own-it.html

"Writing in IEEE Spectrum, iFixit's superhero founder Kyle Wiens and
Repair.org exective director Gay Gordon-Byrne bring the case for the
right to repair to the engineering community, describing the economic,

(More...)

Jackie Chan Goes Undercover on Reddit, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram | Actually Me | GQ

Thu, 2 Nov 2017 21:59:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7H7XsPCcyQ

'On this episode of "Actually Me," Jackie Chan goes undercover on the
Internet and responds to real comments from Twitter, Reddit, Quora,
YouTube, and more. Jackie Chan stars in "The Foreigner" which is out in

(More...)

The Uncanny Resurrection of Dungeons & Dragons

Thu, 2 Nov 2017 22:03:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-uncanny-resurrection-of-dungeons-and-dragons>

"Dungeons & Dragons nights have spread into classrooms and game stores
across the country."

(More...)

Digital Resource Lifespan

Fri, 3 Nov 2017 22:51:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://xkcd.com/1909/

"It's unsettling to realize how quickly digital resources can disappear
without ongoing work to maintain them."

(More...)

aibo returns

Fri, 3 Nov 2017 22:54:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://aibo.sony.jp/en/

"A new story begins."

Sony have launched an updated version of their classic and beloved

(More...)

Oh My God, Scott; Watch Out!

Sat, 4 Nov 2017 22:28:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://niskanencenter.org/blog/oh-god-scott-watch/

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma’s devastation in Florida, EPA
Administrator Scott Pruitt said it was not the time to discuss the cause
and effect of the storm."

(More...)

Digging Holes

Sat, 4 Nov 2017 22:28:59 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/@muse_9093/digging-holes-3638b7c14fb6

"Some people dig holes for others to fall down.  Some people who haven’t
fallen down a hole walk past the holes and just ignore them."

(More...)

The Lives They Live: Building houses keeps his dream alive

Sun, 5 Nov 2017 22:48:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/building-houses-keeps-his-dream-alive-the-lives-they-live>

"Mr Sum Kin Nar retired as a carpenter about 17 years ago. But the
78-year-old is still building houses."

(More...)

Stuxnet-style code signing is more widespread than anyone thought

Sun, 5 Nov 2017 22:49:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/11/evasive-code-signed-malware-flourished-before-stuxnet-and-still-does/>

"Forgeries undermine the trust millions of people place in digital
certificates."

(More...)

Music Mouse on the web

Tue, 7 Nov 2017 18:37:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://teropa.info/musicmouse/

'A partial emulation by Tero Parviainen of Laurie Spiegel's "Music Mouse
- An Intelligent Instrument".'

(More...)

Cleaning up the Manus damage

Thu, 9 Nov 2017 22:29:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/cleaning-manus-damage

"Last Tuesday saw the official closure of the Manus Island Regional
Processing Centre, the Australian-funded and managed detention centre
for unauthorised boat arrivals in Papua New Guinea."

(More...)

Bonobos help strangers without being asked

Thu, 9 Nov 2017 22:30:29 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171107122904.htm

"Humans aren't the only species eager to make a good first impression"

Bonobos are awesome.  Via Kerry Amburgy-Dickson.

(More...)

A Lavishly Illuminated Medieval Bestiary Goes Online

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:14:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://hyperallergic.com/338199/a-lavishly-illuminated-medieval-bestiary-goes-online/>

"The Aberdeen Bestiary is filled with paintings of animals that
illustrate tales of moral behavior. You can now page through it online."

(More...)

The seven megatrends that could beat global warming: 'There is reason for hope'

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:16:01 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/08/seven-megatrends-that-could-beat-global-warming-climate-change>

"Until recently the battle to avert catastrophic climate change –
floods, droughts, famine, mass migrations – seemed to be lost. But with
the tipping point just years away, the tide is finally turning, thanks

(More...)

Gorgeously Realistic Hand-Crafted Butterfly Wing Scarves, Capes and Cloaks

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 00:01:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://laughingsquid.com/hand-crafted-butterfly-wing-scarves-capes-cloaks/>

"Spanish costume designer Alassie of Costurero Real has created an
absolutely gorgeous line of realistic butterfly scarves, capes and
cloaks that are so light and airy, they seem as if they could fly away

(More...)

Inside Trump’s Cruel Campaign Against the U.S.D.A.’s Scientists

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 00:02:27 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/11/usda-food-stamps-school-lunch-trump-administration>

"The folks at the Department of Agriculture laid on a friendly welcome
for the Trump transition team, but they soon discovered that most of his
appointees were stunningly unqualified. With key U.S.D.A. programs—from

(More...)

Overview: Stories in the Stratosphere

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 21:25:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://csi.asu.edu/books/overview/

"A collection of science fiction stories, art, and speculative timelines
exploring the near future of the stratosphere. From Star Trek and 2001: A Space
Odyssey to The Martian, great science fiction stories have shaped how we think

(More...)

“What Race Is Islam?” Racist Asks. “What Race Is Dickhead?” Australian Lawmaker Replies.

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 21:27:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theintercept.com/2017/11/09/race-islam-racist-asks-race-dickhead-australian-lawmaker-replies/>

"The member of parliament from Melbourne was widely praised for the
comeback on social networks."

(More...)

The Disinformation Playbook

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 23:04:45 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/center-science-and-democracy/disinformation-playbook>

"How Business Interests Deceive, Misinform, and Buy Influence at the
Expense of Public Health and Safety"

(More...)

African Artist and Japanese Designer Create Stunning Kimonos By Mixing Cultures

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 23:05:40 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://nextshark.com/wafrica-african-artist-and-japanese-designer-create-stunning-kimonos-with-african-art/>

"Wafrica’s kimono collections, which heavily feature African designs on
the traditional Japanese garment, are fine examples of an artistic
fusion of cultures done right."

(More...)

Subtle Yoyo Vandalism

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 22:31:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.boredpanda.com/subtle-yoyo-vandalism/

"Even though vandalism is a criminal activity, it's not always wrong.
Let's face it, creatives really do see beauty and humor in places where
us mortals don't, so why not turn a blind eye to some of their

(More...)

Mars has pledged $1 billion to fight climate change

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 22:48:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/09/mars-has-pledged-1-billion-to-fight-climate-change>

"The chocolate giant Mars is promising to spend close to $1 billion over
the next few years fighting climate change."

(More...)

15,000 scientists give catastrophic warning about the fate of the world in new ‘letter to humanity’

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 23:01:22 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/letter-to-humanity-warning-climate-change-global-warming-scientists-union-concerned-a8052481.html>

"The message updates an original warning sent from the Union of
Concerned Scientists that was backed by 1,700 signatures 25 years ago.
But the experts say the picture is far, far worse than it was in 1992,

(More...)

Neligh never forgot: 140 years after White Buffalo Girl's death, town still tends to her grave

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 23:03:21 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.omaha.com/living/the-better-half/neligh-never-forgot-years-after-white-buffalo-girl-s-death/article_c2c1f8d8-a9e6-57fe-8fe0-8742100d71e8.html>

"His short speech, translated into English at the graveside, so struck
the residents of Neligh that the pioneers who attended the burial that
day remembered it for the rest of their lives. They wrote it down. They

(More...)

Clients, Beulah, Karen, Minnie (Elephants)

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 23:36:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.nonhumanrights.org/clients-beulah-karen-minnie/

"Torn from their families and forced to perform for humans for decades."

Via Muse, who wrote: "Support this as the beginning of something wonderful!"

(More...)

That One Insight (to save the world)

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 23:36:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@muse_9093/that-one-insight-to-save-the-world-10acef770eb4>

"We have been applying the wrong answer. We have been trying to create
harmony within and among our nations by integrating people into a
Western monoculture: a culture that is deeply flawed, a culture that has

(More...)

Saber-toothed cat struts down Wilshire Blvd in L.A. and comes home to the Tar Pits!

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 21:14:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvlGqt_zL6o

A classic from 2012.  Great suit and a fun performance.  The eyes are
pretty good!  Via Muse.

(More...)

This summer, hundreds of China’s young gay people took their parents on a sea voyage of reconciliation

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 21:15:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://qz.com/1040595/chinas-lgbt-cruise-when-hundreds-of-gay-chinese-people-set-sail-with-their-parents-to-be-free-and-connect/>

"When Zhou Chenguang invited his mother to take a trip with him, he
didn’t tell her that the Glory Sea wasn’t just another cruise. It wasn’t
until she was boarding and saw a guy unrolling a rainbow flag that she

(More...)

A mesh network spontaneously erupts in the US and helps connect Puerto Rico

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 22:24:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/14/a-mesh-network-spontaneously-erupts-in-the-us-and-helps-connect-puerto-rico/amp/>

"The Mesh works a lot like the original goTenna, which pairs to your
phone using Bluetooth, then uses walkie-talkie radio frequencies to send
text communications (no cell network necessary) to another device paired

(More...)

My name is Mike Prysner

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 22:26:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+RupertNeethling/posts/UsxxFNUXqgn

"Um, so when I first joined the Army, we were told that racism no longer
existed in the military. A legacy of inequality and discrimination was
suddenly washed away by something called the 'Equal Opportunity Program.'"

(More...)

On Bullshit

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 22:38:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://astrorhysy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/on-bullshit.html

"I'm currently following the University of Washington course, "Calling
Bullshit", which is available online in its entirety. This course
attempts to promote critical thinking by drawing attention to how people

(More...)

The Necessity of Kindness

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 22:39:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://katherinephelps.com/2017/11/the-necessity-of-kindness/

"We are seeing a lot of cynical self-interest passing itself off as
realism. This form of realism is polluting all ends of the political
spectrum. The problem is that it’s ultimately self-destructive. If you

(More...)

Understanding brain damage

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 22:59:31 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+ShavaNerad/posts/Nmv1PfZrec5

"one case history in multiple intelligences and (dis)abilities"

Shava's story. Brain damage is profoundly disabling, but people are

(More...)

How an unpaid UK researcher saved the Japanese seaweed industry

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 23:00:31 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/11/how-an-unpaid-uk-researcher-saved-the-japanese-seaweed-industry/>

"After crops failed, botanist Kathleen Drew-Baker realized that nori
wasn't what it seemed."

(More...)

Baroque-Inspired Portraits Of Black Girls Highlight Their Amazing Natural Hair So Other Girls Would Stop Hiding It

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:48:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.boredpanda.com/baroque-portraits-afro-art-creativesoul-photography/>

"We are all full of natural beauty, we just need to bring it out. Regis
and Kahran, a husband and wife team behind CreativeSoul did just that,
only for young black ladies. Focusing on their hair, the duo created

(More...)

DRAM’s Damning Defects—and How They Cripple Computers

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:49:02 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/hardware/drams-damning-defects-and-how-they-cripple-computers>

"An investigation into dynamic random-access memory chip failure reveals
surprising hardware vulnerabilities"

(More...)

What’s the Matter with Libertarianism?

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 23:16:39 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-fair-society/201108/what-s-the-matter-libertarianism>

"Its models of human nature and society are terminally deficient."

Via Muse.

(More...)

For Some Native Americans, Uranium Contamination Feels Like Discrimination

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 23:17:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/11/14/562856213/for-some-native-americans-uranium-contamination-feels-like-discrimination>

"Helen Nez had 10 children. Now she only has three."

An ongoing tragedy.  Via Christopher Lamke and Kerry Amburgy-Dickson.

(More...)

Too right it's Black Friday: our relentless consumption is trashing the planet

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 21:47:43 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/22/black-friday-consumption-killing-planet-growth>

"Growth must go on – it’s the political imperative everywhere, and it’s
destroying the Earth. But there’s no way of greening it, so we need a
new system"

(More...)

Humble Book Bundle: Stellar Sci-Fi and Fantasy by Tachyon

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 21:49:23 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/scifi-fantasy-tachyon-books

"Insert "out of this world" joke here. We're all starry-eyed over our
new ebook bundle! The superstars at Tachyon have collected some of their
most stellar science fiction and fantasy titles. Kelley Armstrong? Peter

(More...)

Annie Lennox to become Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 23:48:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.annielennox.com/news/annie-lennox-become-chancellor-glasgow-caledonian-university/>

"Royal Academician, singer songwriter, highly-respected social activist
and philanthropist, Dr Annie Lennox OBE is to become the new Chancellor
of Glasgow Caledonian University."

(More...)

Obsession, A Mesmerizing Music Video by OK Go Featuring Colorful Paper Coming Out 567 Printers

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 23:49:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://laughingsquid.com/obsession-ok-go/

"OK Go has released a single from their Hungry Ghosts album entitled
“Obsession” and in usual fashion, they accompanied the song with an
incredible timelapse music video featuring the members of the band

(More...)

How Not to Respond

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 21:47:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://linlori.wordpress.com/2017/11/26/how-not-to-respond/

"My oldest daughter heard her first antisemitic “joke” this week. For
the remainder of this essay, I’m going to refer to it as a joke, without
quotations, but with the safe assumption that we all realize that there

(More...)

Habeas corpus victory for bear in Colombia encourages animal rights lawyers

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 19:58:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://changingtimes.media/2017/08/03/habeas-corpus-victory-for-bear-in-colombia-encourages-animal-rights-lawyers/>

"A bear named Chucho has been granted a writ of habeas corpus in
Colombia in a landmark case that is encouraging lawyers who are fighting
for animal rights elsewhere."

(More...)

Chocolate Makers Agree to Stop Cutting Down Forests in West Africa for Cocoa

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 19:59:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.ecowatch.com/chocolate-makers-forests-west-africa-2511687825.html>

"At COP23, the UN climate talks in Bonn, Germany that wrapped up last
week, top cocoa-producing countries in West Africa announced new
commitments to end the massive deforestation for cocoa that is occurring

(More...)

Earliest "recording" in music history! - 220 year old Joseph Haydn Organ

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:52:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rz9JcOaZw4

"This could maybe be seen as the earliest music recording in History,
enjoy some fine Joseph Haydn beats, the exact way he wanted them to boom!"

(More...)

Space Command: Redemption

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:53:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/58936338/space-command-redemption

"SPACE COMMAND is a bold, new sci-fi adventure, starring sci-fi legends.
It has a retro feel and an optimistic view of the future."

(More...)

What would it take to abolish poverty in Australia?

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 22:42:23 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/culture/article/2017/11/21/what-would-it-take-abolish-poverty-australia>

"In Australia, the poverty rate has remained stagnant for a decade.
Tackling this means addressing a culture that “others” those who are
struggling while disguising its own systemic flaws, writes Neha Kale."

(More...)

After Uluru: Australia's Politics of Contempt Threatens the Soul of the Nation

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 22:43:31 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2017/11/24/4771072.htm

"The following contributions are part of a modest attempt to keep the
Uluru Statement from the Heart at the heart of our national conversation."

(More...)

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