Glass Wings Blog: April 2013

If Boys Really Won’t Read Books about Girls, We Have a Problem

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:07:03 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://practicalfreespirit.com/2013/02/28/if-boys-really-wont-read-books-about-girls-we-have-a-problem/>

"In which I discuss how the YA genre is NOT dominated by female writers, how
there are NOT so many more female than male protagonists in YA, and how if boys
are unwilling to read any books about girls, then we have a problem."

(More...)

Support Free eBooks

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:15:50 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://unglue.it/

"Unglue.it offers a win-win solution: Crowdfunding. We run pledge campaigns for
books; you chip in. When, together, we've reached the goal, we'll reward the
book's creators and issue an unglued ebook."

(More...)

Damsel in Distress: Part 1 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:54:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://youtu.be/X6p5AZp7r_Q

"This video explores how the Damsel in Distress became one of the most widely
used gendered clichés in the history of gaming and why the trope has been core
to the popularization and development of the medium itself."

(More...)

Observations on MLP: Embracing Girliness

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://youtu.be/4MZJEe-dzqk

An interesting discussion on femininity as expressed in children's shows,
specifically what My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has chosen to do
differently and why that's important.

(More...)

What Teens Get About the Internet That Parents Don't

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:55:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/03/what-teens-get-about-the-internet-that-parents-dont/273852/>

"Parents more often than not have a negative view of the role of the Internet
in learning, and young people almost always have a positive one."

(More...)

India: Leopards in the Backyard

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:57:01 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130308093806.htm

"A new camera-trapping study in India has revealed that leopards can occur at
high densities in densely-populated and heavily-modified agricultural
environments. Despite the high density of leopards there are no reports of

(More...)

Which Encryption Apps Are Strong Enough to Help You Take Down a Government?

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:21:40 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://gizmodo.com/5989770/which-encryption-apps-are-strong-enough-to-help-you-take-down-a-government>

"Pretty much everyone know what encryption is, but how it works is a much more
complicated question. Cryptographer and research professor at Johns Hopkins
University Matthew Green <http://blog.cryptographyengineering.com/> has turned

(More...)

The Finkbeiner Test

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:23:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.doublexscience.org/the-finkbeiner-test/

"What matters in stories about women scientists?"

(More...)

Wildcat Loves Camera Operator's Hair

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:16:55 +1100

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

Katherine Phelps
I should probably say something about this video:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH *gasp!*

http://youtu.be/HR3cdyZjqcA

(More...)

Squee-Worthy Geeky Plush Roundup

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:38:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.epbot.com/2013/03/squee-worthy-geeky-plush-roundup.html

"OMIGOSH SO MUCH SQUISHY AWESOMENESS. Seriously. I am overwhelmed. Did
you guys know all this was out there?!"

(More...)

1968 Article "Spock: Teenage Outcast"

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:42:05 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://mystartrekscrapbook.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/1968-article-spock-teenage-outcast.html>

Via Muse: "In 1968 Leonard Nimoy wrote as Spock in response to a
biracial girl's concerns.  Pretty good stuff."

(More...)

The Day My Grandfather Groucho and I Saved ‘You Bet Your Life’

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:31:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
By Andy Marx
http://boingboing.net/2013/03/12/the-day-my-grandfather-groucho.html

“He’s right,” Jack Nicholson chimed in. “Groucho, that stuff is classic.
Listen to your grandson. Let them send the reels to you.”

(More...)

Menswear Dog

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:35:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.petapixel.com/2013/03/14/menswear-dog-features-photos-of-mens-fashion-modeled-by-a-shiba-inu/>
http://mensweardog.tumblr.com/

"Each entry on the Tumblr page features a three-year-old Shiba Inu
decked out in stylish outfits for men. Portraits of the dapper dog are

(More...)

Cows Help Rescue Dog

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:17:34 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
I keep telling people cows are pretty wonderful creatures.

http://swns.com/news/dog-rescured-cows-freezing-nights-trapped-hay-bales-33597/

(More...)

The problem with negative comments

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:16:35 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.npr.org/2013/03/11/174027294/the-nasty-effect-how-comments-color-comprehension
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/opinion/sunday/this-story-stinks.html

"At its best, the Web is a place for unlimited exchange of ideas. But the
uncivil discourse that unfolds in comments sections can be poisonous."

(More...)

Amazing My Little Pony sculptures

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:20:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://electricmayhem8416.deviantart.com/gallery/

Wow.  These are incredible!  I love so many of these sculptures...

(More...)

WriteLaTeX

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:41:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
Online collaborative LaTeX editor with integrated rapid preview.
https://www.writelatex.com/

"WriteLaTeX is a free service that lets you create, edit & share your
scientific ideas easily online using LaTeX

(More...)

Changing my (metaphorical) operating system

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:45:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
A great interview with Derek Sivers of CD Baby fame:
http://sivers.org/os

"I think this is what I mean about changing your operating system. It's taking
in new knowledge and actually living by it, applying it
. Not just reading and

(More...)

Fresh Off the 3D Printer: Henry Segerman’s Mathematical Sculptures

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:43:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/artscience/2013/03/fresh-off-the-3d-printer-henry-segermans-mathematical-sculptures>

"Segerman <http://www.segerman.org/> has found a way to illustrate the
complexities of three-dimensional geometry and topology—his areas of
expertise—in sculptural form."

(More...)

The Kings of Q*bert

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:44:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
Fun story:
<http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9053237/q*bert-video-game-marathoning-trend-aftermath-king-kong>

"Why do we play arcade games for hundreds of hours?"

(More...)

Odd Art Fabricators

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:14:51 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
These guys specialise in making peculiar items such as zombie gingerbread men.
Some of their puppets and figurines are adorable.

http://www.oddartfabrications.com/gallery.html

(More...)

Shelved

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:15:16 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Brilliantly fun computer animated film about a couple of robots. Be sure to
watch the credits at the end. They include fascinating shots of how the film
was made.

http://vimeo.com/45684858

(More...)

The Miner’s Daughter

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:41:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
"Gina Rinehart is Australia’s richest—and most controversial—billionaire."
<http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/03/25/130325fa_fact_finnegan?currentPage=all>

Excellent journalism.

(More...)

Creator's Rube Goldberg Machines in YouTube Space Tokyo

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:42:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXRK4nOhaP8

A nice promotion for the new YouTube production studios in Tokyo and some of
the creators based there.

(More...)

Child Safe

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:33:52 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
The Comedy Festival has asked for my show to add a few nights. Numerous people
have been calling and wanting a return season. If you are interested, we would
love to have you along. Here are the details.

Child Safe? (not suitable for children)

(More...)

Wolf Children - Meet the Director!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:46:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
This is a wonderful film and well worth seeing - and even better, the director
of this and the equally impressive "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" and
"Summer Wars" will be at the screening!  Don't miss this opportunity.

"Director Mamoru Hosoda will visit Australia for the first time and will appear

(More...)

Scientists find visions of a benevolent future society motivate reform

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:48:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/03/21/scientists-find-visions-of-a-benevolent-future-society-motivate-reform/

"Activists, take note: People support reform if they believe the changes will
enhance the future character of society, according to a study published online
this month in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

(More...)

Charlie Stross: Why I don't self-publish

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:54:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2013/03/why-i-dont-self-publish.html

The discussion is also well worthwhile.

(More...)

Comedy Festival

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:03:23 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Just thought I would put out a few plugs for the Comedy Festival. Two shows
that I have reviewed I believe you guys would really love:

Watson—Once Were Planets
This show has more scifi pop culture references than you can shake a

(More...)

Navigating online geo-blocking

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:31:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/computers-and-online/networking-and-internet/shopping-online/navigating-online-geoblocks.aspx>

"CHOICE looks at how international companies such as Amazon, Apple and
Microsoft conduct geo-blocking and offers tips to circumvent the price
discrimination."

(More...)

The Brains of the Animal Kingdom

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:37:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
A good overview article:
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323869604578370574285382756.html>

"New research shows that we have grossly underestimated both the scope
and the scale of animal intelligence. Primatologist Frans de Waal on

(More...)

Why the Rich Don't Give to Charity

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:56:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/04/why-the-rich-dont-give/309254/>

"The wealthiest Americans donate 1.3 percent of their income; the
poorest, 3.2 percent. What's up with that?"

(More...)

A real-life archer faster than Legolas?

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:02:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/03/24/70162-a-real-life-archer-faster-than-legolas/>

"Danish archer Lars Andersen believes he’s rediscovered ancient
techniques that allow him to shoot as fast — or faster than — Legolas
does in the movie of The Lord of the Rings."

(More...)

A Glass Wings Artist Becomes A Hero!!!!

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:59:34 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Oh! Our Mark Stanley gets a mention by Gregory Benford.
http://freefall.glasswings.com/

http://www.gregorybenford.com/uncategorized/variations-on-clarkes-third-law/

(More...)

Meerkat Saved!

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:15:43 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Somehow I read about this Chihuahua/meerkat pairing and I think OF COURSE!

http://swns.com/news/baby-meerkat-shunned-birth-expected-die-saved-pet-dog-34076/

(More...)

Medieval Book Paintings

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:14:30 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Some of these are NSFW! in a middle ages kind of way. Cats, pigs, and
rabbits...ohmy!

http://discardingimages.tumblr.com/

(More...)

One of Us

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:26:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
A more historical and philosophical take on the subject of animal
consciousness, via Jon Swabey:
http://www.laphamsquarterly.org/essays/one-of-us.php?page=all

"On what seems like a monthly basis, scientific teams announce the results of

(More...)

Mark Kroos Plays Dueling Banjos From Deliverance by Himself

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:33:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://youtu.be/b0eknUtEMWw

Wow.  Now that's a party trick!

(More...)

About Apologies

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:10:27 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
This article by humorous fantasy writer John Scalzi about how to make a good
apology is just AWESOME!

http://whatever.scalzi.com/2013/04/15/apologies-what-when-and-how/

(More...)

Free Access To Dozens of Anonymous VPNs Via New University Project

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:44:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://torrentfreak.com/free-access-to-dozens-of-anonymous-vpns-via-new-university-project-130324/

"As citizens around the world endure Internet censorship of all types, a
Japanese university has stepped in to level the playing field."

(More...)

Are Americans Too Stupid For Democracy?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:48:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.alternet.org/belief/are-americans-too-stupid-democracy

"How can we rationally pursue our self-interests when we don't know what's
going on?"

(More...)

4-Billion-Pixel Panorama From Curiosity Rover Brings Mars to Your Computer Screen

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:14:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/03/4-billion-pixel-mars-panorama/

"The entire image stretches 90,000 by 45,000 pixels and uses pictures taken by
the rover’s two MastCams."

(More...)

Why Can’t We Prevent An Asteroid Strike?

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:19:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/space/asteroid-detection-and-deflection/

"Psychology, not technology, is delaying asteroid detection and deflection
programs."

(More...)

Art by "Red" Hong Yi

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:17:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.redhongyi.com/

"Hong Yi is a Master of Architecture graduate from the University of Melbourne
[...] She is also known as the artist who 'loves to paint, but not with a
paintbrush'."

(More...)

A Tropical Octav3 Animation

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:27:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://youtu.be/MLeicQZKuKw

Cute fun!

(More...)

Uplifting photography

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:12:06 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
"Slovenia photographer Matej Peljhan <http://mate.1x.com/> has a touching
series of photographs titled The Little Prince, which stars a 12-year-old boy
named Luka. The images show the boy exploring an imaginary world created by
laying colored sheets and household objects on the ground. Peljhan created the
images to give Luka the feeling of being able to do things he can't.

(More...)

Dog Wants A Kitty!

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:08:54 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Animal shelters put together some of the BEST videos. This is hilarious!

http://youtu.be/kI4yoXyb1_M

(More...)

Cruel and Unusual Punishment: The Shame of Three Strikes Laws

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:08:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/cruel-and-unusual-punishment-the-shame-of-three-strikes-laws-20130327

"While Wall Street crooks walk, thousands sit in California prisons for life
over crimes as trivial as stealing socks"

(More...)

So your teenager tells you they want to 'make video games' for a living...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:14:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://codesuppository.blogspot.ca/2013/04/so-your-teenager-tells-you-they-want-to.html

"Just because you like to eat candy doesn't mean you want to work in a candy
factory....."

(More...)

Comedy Festival Offer

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:43:22 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Tonight and tomorrow are the last nights of my comedy festival show. As a
special deal for my friends, on SATURDAY you can pay $5 for entry at the door.
That's a $10 discount.

Childsafe (not suitable for children) is about children's books and includes

(More...)

Darth Baby's Lightsaber

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:18:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://youtu.be/4uer5Gk_y-8

"Just try and get a lightsaber out of a toddler's hands. It's easier
said than done when you're unarmed."

(More...)

What Is the Business of Literature?

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:19:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.vqronline.org/articles/2013/spring/nash-business-literature/

A lengthy but very interesting article: "As technology disrupts the
business model of traditional publishers, the industry must imagine new
ways of capturing the value of a book."

(More...)

Misogyny, Sexism, And Why RPS Isn’t Shutting Up

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:42:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/04/06/misogyny-sexism-and-why-rps-isnt-shutting-up/>

"There is a clear message: Rock, Paper, Shotgun will never back down on
the subject of sexism and misogyny (nor racism, nor homophobia, for that
matter) in games, the games industry, and the games journalism industry.

(More...)

Costumes Are Not Consent: Combatting Cosplayer Harassment

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:44:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2013/04/04/costumes-are-not-consent-combatting-cosplayer-harassment/>

"Costumes are not consent. It’s a phrase you may be hearing a lot
lately, and one we need to keep talking about. In the past few weeks,
the internet has exploded with women speaking up about the treatment we

(More...)

Adorable Photos Documenting the Friendship Between a Girl and Her Cat

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:37:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://flavorwire.com/382845/adorable-photos-documenting-the-friendship-between-a-girl-and-her-cat/view-all>

"Meet Katherine and her adorable British Shorthair cat named LiLu Blue Royal
Lada. Andy Prokh <http://www.photodom.com/portfolio/Andy%20Prokh>, Katherine’s
father, has been documenting his daughter’s friendship with the family pet for

(More...)

A Brooklyn Jester Had an Enduring Comic Brew That Was True

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:40:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/arts/television/danny-kaye-so-20th-century-has-his-moments.html?src=dayp&_r=0>

"To people over a certain age it no doubt seems incredible that people under a
certain age have to be told who Danny Kaye was. In the middle of the last
century Kaye was one of the country’s biggest stars, working his nimble,

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Brilliant article about marketing

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:23:28 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
In the midst of a stellar advertising career, Greg Foyster came to the
realisation that the work he was doing had grave consequences for the health of
the planet. He became a walking contradiction, spending weekdays writing ads
promoting petrol-guzzling V8 cars and weekends researching the dire impacts of
climate change.

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Paul Friedlander, Kinetic light sculptor: scientific artist

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:44:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
Beautiful kinetic light sculptures!
http://www.paulfriedlander.com/

Share and enjoy,
            *** Xanni ***

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Online Python Tutor

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:47:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
Learn programming by visualizing code execution
http://www.pythontutor.com/

"Online Python Tutor is a free educational tool that helps students overcome a
fundamental barrier to learning programming: understanding what happens as the

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Cutest Exercise Routine Evah!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:04:46 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
I might even convince Andrew to do these exercises.

http://youtu.be/AGVAR1m8gf8

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Fascism Is Not "That Which Hurts My Feelings"

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:36:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.popehat.com/2013/04/08/fascism-is-not-that-which-hurts-my-feelings/

"...speech is not tyranny. Speech is what we have instead of tyranny."

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The mental model mismatch

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:38:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://everythingsysadmin.com/2013/04/users-make-mental-models.html

"Humans use mental models of how things work to fill in context. If we are not
given the model, we make one up."

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5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Things About Ayah Bdeir

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:52:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://blog.makezine.com/2013/04/09/5-4-3-2-1-things-about-ayah-bdeir/

"New York-based engineer and interactive artist Ayah Bdeir is founder
and CEO of littleBits, an open source library of electronic modules that
snap together with magnets, no soldering, wiring, or programming necessary."

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A Pickpocket’s Tale

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:54:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
A great in-depth article about the wonderful Apollo Robbins:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/01/07/130107fa_fact_green

Share and enjoy,
                *** Xanni ***

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Tiger in the Bathroom

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:33:22 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
The best bit of this story is at the end. snort Priceless!

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/04/23/kansas-woman-discovers-circus-tiger-in-bathroom/

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Scifi Remodel: People Who Have Converted Their Homes into Imaginary Worlds

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:28:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
I've seen most of these before, but this is a good summary post:
http://io9.com/people-who-have-turned-their-homes-into-sets-from-scien-472002957

"As they sing in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, "Don't dream it — be it."
That's what these fans have done, by turning rooms and even whole apartments

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15 Popular Movie Poster Cliches

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:31:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.demilked.com/popular-movie-poster-cliches/

“Everything is a remix,” says the title of the famous short documentaries by
Kirby Ferguson, discussing how newly created work is strongly influenced by
existing work. You don’t have to look far to see it – just look at the movie

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A Journey To China’s Largest Ghost City

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:07:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
An interesting report on growth in China:
<http://www.vagabondjourney.com/zhengzhou-zhengdong-china-largest-ghost-city/>

"I’d been chasing reports of deserted cities around China since last
December, and I had yet to find one. Over and over again I would read

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Women in Space: The Mercury 13

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:00:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.neatorama.com/2013/04/15/Women-in-Space-The-Mercury-13/

"If you're interested in the history of space exploration, you've heard
of the Mercury 7. But have your heard of their (unofficial) female
counterparts, the Mercury 13? Here's their story."

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Apologies: What, When and How

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:25:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://whatever.scalzi.com/2013/04/15/apologies-what-when-and-how/

"Perhaps at some point in the near future you’ll need to apologize for
some stupid and/or ignorant and/or insensitive thing you have done. Here
are thoughts I have for you on the subject."

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PSA: Ignore the news

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:29:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2013/04/psa-ignore-the-news.html>

"Just a brief reminder that news is bad for you. No, seriously: publicly
available news media in the 21st century exist solely to get eyeballs on
advertisements. That is its only real purpose."

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Science as Art: Nanoscale Materials Imitate Everything From Flowers to Frost

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:54:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/04/science-as-art

"Flowers, cupcakes, tombstones and a giraffe are just a few of the objects
scientists have coaxed materials into impersonating."

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'Stress relief puppies', procrastination classes for pressured uni students

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:58:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
University students are using creative new strategies, such as "stress relief
puppies" and procrastination classes, to cope with their onerous workloads:
<http://www.news.com.au/business/your-business/stress-relief-puppies-procrastination-classes-for-pressured-uni-students/story-fn9evb64-1226621872291>

An outraged commenter enrolled at another university posted on the Bond Law

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Hummingbird music notation

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:52:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.hummingbirdnotation.com/

"A fresh take on music notation — easier to learn, faster to read, and simpler
for even the trickiest music."

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Ursula Vernon on Self-Publishing

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:58:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
Self-Publishing and Webcomics, or “Haven’t We Been Here Before?”
http://www.redwombatstudio.com/blog/?p=5504

"I’m gonna talk about self-publishing for a bit. And webcomics. Because, as my
dear buddy Otter wrote yesterday, the parallels are so damn obvious that I feel

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