Glass Wings Blog: May 2014

How we were fooled into thinking that sexual predators lurk everywhere

Fri, 02 May 2014 01:59:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/matter/f121382adebb

"Creating a moral panic about social media didn’t protect teens—it left
them vulnerable"

(More...)

Gender-specific books demean all our children. So the Independent on Sunday will no longer review anything marketed to exclude either sex

Fri, 02 May 2014 02:01:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/genderspecific-books-demean-all-our-children-so-the-independent-on-sunday-will-no-longer-review-anything-marketed-to-exclude-either-sex-9194694.html>

"When I grew up in the 1970s, and when my parents grew up in the 1950s,
brothers and sisters shared the same toys, books and games, which came
in many more colours than just pink and blue, and there was no obvious

(More...)

Mass Effect developer makes emotional plea to eliminate social injustice in games

Fri, 02 May 2014 02:04:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5528066/mass-effect-manveer-heir-gdc-social-injustice>

"An hour-long speech delivered by Manveer Heir, a veteran of the Mass
Effect series, laid out in stark relief the social injustices present in
modern games and proposed ways to work against them."

(More...)

World Order: "Have a Nice Day"

Fri, 02 May 2014 15:49:44 +1000

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

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

"Check out what the buzz is all about! WORLD ORDER's HAVE A NICE DAY is getting
everyone talking (and watching). See how the crew unleashes itself in
Akihabara. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up or just want to put a smile on

(More...)

Billy Joel and Jimmy Fallon Form 2-Man Doo-Wop Group Using iPad App

Fri, 02 May 2014 15:51:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU-eAzNp5Hw

'Jimmy and Billy Joel loop their voices on an iPad app to form a 2-man doo-wop
group — singing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens in 4-part harmony.'

(More...)

Judge Otis Wright Slams 'Made Up' Government 'Plot' Designed To Ensnare Gullible Poor People

Fri, 02 May 2014 15:53:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140319/07345226624/judge-otis-wright-slams-made-up-government-plot-designed-to-ensnare-gullible-non-criminals.shtml>

'For years now, we've been writing about the FBI's now popular practice of
devising its own totally bogus "terrorist plots" and then convincing some
hapless individual to join the "plot" only to later arrest them to great

(More...)

Steadfast Stanley

Sat, 03 May 2014 11:29:32 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Dogs and zombies. How could a film go wrong with that combination!
This one is especially for you Amanda!

http://vimeo.com/93544310

(More...)

The pseudo-science of Alcoholics Anonymous: There’s a better way to treat addiction

Sat, 03 May 2014 17:35:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.salon.com/2014/03/23/the_pseudo_science_of_alcoholics_anonymous_theres_a_better_way_to_treat_addiction/>

"AA and rehab culture have shockingly low success rates, and made it
impossible to have real debate about addiction"

(More...)

The global Transition tipping point has arrived - vive la révolution

Sat, 03 May 2014 17:37:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/environment/earth-insight/2014/mar/18/transition-tipping-point-revolution-doom>

"A new post-carbon era dawns as the old fossil fuel system dies. It's
time to step up."

(More...)

Sunday Sweets: Toons From Our Childhood

Sat, 03 May 2014 17:38:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2014/3/23/sunday-sweets-toons-from-our-childhood.html>

Glorious cartoon-themed cakes!

(More...)

Tubular Bells by the Brooklyn Organ Synth Orchestra

Sat, 03 May 2014 19:14:34 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
ZOMG!! This ROCKS SOCKS! Mike Oldfield sounds great, all the cool old
synths are a hoot to see and hear, the young women are a delight!

http://youtu.be/aeujZtBvMFY

(More...)

Bear Simulator

Sun, 04 May 2014 18:09:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/03/bear-simulator-is-like-a-mini-skyrim-but-youre-a-bear/>

"Because we need more games where we can play as bears."

I, for one, welcome our new bear overlords.

(More...)

The Vision of Crazy-Wool

Sun, 04 May 2014 18:11:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://ursulav.livejournal.com/1581372.html

"So, err...have a story! For those of you who've played
CrypticStitching, here's a small prequel for your amusement."

(More...)

How to suppress women's coding

Sun, 04 May 2014 18:13:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+RowanCota/posts/LXbXWJ5fcN6

'When I was in high school, I was asked what I wanted to go to college
for. And young, naive, optimistic me said, "Well, what I'd really like
to do when I grow up is computer programming."'

(More...)

Dana Simpson explains negative space

Mon, 05 May 2014 15:18:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.gocomics.com/heavenly-nostrils/2014/03/23#.U2ce63J5NTM

Share and enjoy,
            *** Xanni ***

(More...)

BarbershopMe - GQ - Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good

Mon, 05 May 2014 15:22:11 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZCvZY6oxFc
http://www.girlsquartet.com/

"GQ first starting singing together in July of 2011, they knew right away that
they had something unique. Each voice brought an important quality to the

(More...)

Lost poems of Douglas Adams and Griff Rhys Jones found in school cupboard

Mon, 05 May 2014 15:23:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/mar/19/lost-school-poems-douglas-adams-griff-rhys-jones

"Brentwood school uncovers works penned by teenage schoolmates in its
sixth-form literary society"

(More...)

Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying: Defining the Differences

Tue, 06 May 2014 17:21:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/signe-whitson/bullying_b_2188819.html

"It is important for me to begin this article by establishing that without
doubt, many of the stories of bullying that are shared with me are horrifying
and some are unspeakably cruel. But now, I also want to be honest and share

(More...)

Celebrating Mighty Girl Heroes: Ten Women You Might Not Know, But Should

Tue, 06 May 2014 17:30:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=2515

"Do you know the name of the Polish social worker who rescued 2,500 Jewish
children from the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII? How about the name of America’s
first female self-made millionaire? Can you name a British suffrage movement

(More...)

No Longer at the Kids Table: Bisexuality A Useful Fiction, a Response

Tue, 06 May 2014 17:33:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://vegawriters.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/no-longer-at-the-kids-table-bisexuality-in-fiction-a-response/>

"This post is about the lack of honest representation for bisexuality and then,
when we look to bring our honest representation to the table, being turned
away. Or worse, being told to go sit at the kids table."

(More...)

Kafka’s Joke Book.

Wed, 07 May 2014 16:08:00 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/kafkas-joke-book

Very clever!

Via Joanna Staebler-Kimmel and Yonatan Zunger.

(More...)

Verification Handbook

Wed, 07 May 2014 16:11:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://verificationhandbook.com/

"Authored by leading journalists from the BBC, Storyful, ABC, Digital
First Media and other verification experts, the Verification Handbook is
a groundbreaking new resource for journalists and aid providers. It

(More...)

Culture Enriches Everything: Fair Use and The Office Time Machine

Wed, 07 May 2014 16:13:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/03/culture-enriches-everything-fair-use-and-office-time-machine>

'If you're looking for proof that new cultural works speak to and are
embedded within a vast array of pre-existing works and ideas, you can't
do much better than "The Office Time Machine," a new art project by

(More...)

Henry 8.0 - The Book of Faces

Thu, 08 May 2014 16:00:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMMIhJOXY1w

"In this episode of the online comedy sketch series, Henry gets his own back on
the King of France using the power of social networking. Starring Brian Blessed
as Henry VIII."

(More...)

On Shaming People Online “For Their Own Good”

Thu, 08 May 2014 16:03:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://freethoughtblogs.com/brutereason/2014/03/24/on-shaming-people-online-for-their-own-good/

"Online vigilantism in general is nothing new, but lately I’ve been noticing a
disturbing trend of people trying to teach others that they “should’ve known
better” by posting “embarrassing” photos of them online, and/or doxing them

(More...)

Stunning libraries from around the world – in pictures

Thu, 08 May 2014 16:04:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2014/mar/24/libraries-around-world-pictures

"'Without libraries we have no past and no future,' said Ray Bradbury. A new
book celebrates the most innovative library buildings. Take a whirlwind tour
with our gallery."

(More...)

These cat-laden sweets are too cute to eat…but we still want to!

Fri, 09 May 2014 16:33:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/03/23/these-cat-laden-sweets-are-too-cute-to-eat-but-we-still-want-to%E3%80%90photos%E3%80%91/>

"The best match for a cup of hot coffee or cocoa with a cute cat floating in it
has to be hotcakes loaded with little wandering kitties!"

(More...)

What If Everything You Knew About Poverty Was Wrong?

Fri, 09 May 2014 17:42:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/03/kathryn-edin-poverty-research-fatherhood

"Researcher Kathryn Edin left the ivory tower for the streets of Camden—and
turned sociology upside down."

(More...)

State Dept. Now Trolling Twitter Terrorists

Fri, 09 May 2014 17:44:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140322/10393226658/state-dept-now-trolling-twitter-terrorists.shtml>

"The State Dept. uses analysts familiar with the many terrorist factions
currently operating around the world, including some fluent in Arabic, Urdu,
Somali and Punjabi, to provide countering arguments to assertions made by

(More...)

Guest Post: Stop Judging Me for Being on Welfare

Sat, 10 May 2014 14:51:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://skepchick.org/2014/03/guest-post-stop-judging-me-for-being-on-welfare/>

"Editor’s Note: In media and popular culture, the myth of the “welfare
queen” is still present. Obviously, this stereotype does not reflect the
reality of people who need government assistance. Today’s guest post is

(More...)

Finding the statistical fingerprints of election thieves

Sat, 10 May 2014 14:52:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.santafe.edu/news/item/pnas-thurner-fingerprints-election-thieves/>

"The art of swaying an election is as old as democracy itself.
Strategies like ballot stuffing, redistricting, voter venue switching,
and temporary traffic detours have skewed regional results, and

(More...)

Animal Song

Sun, 11 May 2014 09:11:05 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
To start your weekend with a good laugh!

http://youtu.be/Lf5F0v_FYSQ

(More...)

Worker co-ops: business without bosses

Sun, 11 May 2014 13:58:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2014/03/27/worker-co-ops-business-withou.html

"Worker-owned co-ops have better productivity than regular businesses,
pay higher wages, and offer better benefits packages."

(More...)

A Man Plays the ‘Main Title’ From the ‘Star Wars’ Symphonic Suite on a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ

Sun, 11 May 2014 13:59:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/a-man-plays-the-main-title-from-the-star-wars-symphonic-suite-on-a-wurlitzer-pipe-organ/>

"Pianist Jelani Eddington did an amazing job of playing the entire “Main
Title” from the Star Wars Symphonic Suite on a Wurlitzer pipe organ. The
musical talent is strong with this young man."

(More...)

Artist Turns Her Small Studio Room Into Surreal Dreamscapes Without Using Photoshop

Sun, 11 May 2014 23:28:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.boredpanda.com/stage-of-mind-surreal-photography-jee-young-lee/>

"Young Korean artist Jee Young Lee recently presented her beautiful,
surrealistic and Photoshop-free photography exhibition named “Stage of
Mind”."

(More...)

Bears Doing Human Things

Sun, 11 May 2014 23:30:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-bears-doing-human-things/

"We love to project human actions or thoughts onto animals, and it can
be done with almost any animal – even bears. We found 33 pictures of
very expressive bears that look like they could be thinking or doing

(More...)

Here Are 5 Infuriating Examples of Facts Making People Dumber

Mon, 12 May 2014 14:59:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://climatedesk.org/2014/03/here-are-5-infuriating-examples-of-facts-making-people-dumber/

"The notorious “backfire effect” has now been captured in multiple studies."

It shouldn't be a surprise that people generally hate to be wrong, hate to be

(More...)

Scientists Translate Dolphin Whistles

Mon, 12 May 2014 15:01:05 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/scientists-translate-dolphin-whistles

"Researchers may have developed a dolphin-to-English translator that works in
real time, and by this summer, they may have a two-way communication system."

(More...)

Big data: are we making a big mistake?

Mon, 12 May 2014 23:14:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/21a6e7d8-b479-11e3-a09a-00144feabdc0.html

"Big data is a vague term for a massive phenomenon that has rapidly
become an obsession with entrepreneurs, scientists, governments and the
media"

(More...)

Metal Cats

Mon, 12 May 2014 23:16:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1576876772/

"Skulls and Siamese. Corpse paint and Persians. Baphomet, pentagrams,
blood, and tabbies!"

(More...)

"Tom and Jerry" remake and comparison: 霊夢とレミリアの「トムとジェリー」ごっこ_Full

Tue, 13 May 2014 15:45:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvEn_Od4nyg

Great job matching all the moves.  A good way to learn animation skills!

Via Muse, who wrote:  "Fascinating remake of a Tom and Jerry cartoon using

(More...)

It's time to define a covenant of human ethics

Tue, 13 May 2014 15:46:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/01/its-time-to-define-a-covenant-of-human-ethics>

"There is a common ethic running through the world’s major religions. The basic
values needed for a just society are shared, and their acceptance may be a
prerequisite for a peaceful world"

(More...)

Photo Essay: Urban Farming Around the World

Wed, 14 May 2014 02:43:55 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1913033_1915367,00.html>

Urban farming is cool.  Some great photos!

Via Janet Reid.

(More...)

The Beauty of Japan’s Artistic Manhole Covers

Wed, 14 May 2014 02:45:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.adafruit.com/blog/2014/04/01/the-beauty-of-japans-artistic-manhole-covers-arttuesday/>

"Colossal has a bunch of pictures of these incredibly cool looking
manhole covers found all over Japan. What a beautiful way to brighten up
the streets."

(More...)

How The Most Expensive Game Jam In History Crashed And Burned In A Single Day

Wed, 14 May 2014 15:08:32 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://indiestatik.com/2014/03/31/most-expensive-game-jam/

"It was a total wash, completely unsalvageable from a production standpoint,
while the developers sat in tears, horror and shock on brand-integrated lawn
chairs mere yards from a freelance crew already looking for their next gigs...

(More...)

Tone Of Comments Affects Perception Of Online Article's Content

Wed, 14 May 2014 15:10:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130109/07355021616/tone-comments-affects-perception-online-articles-content.shtml>

"One of the defining characteristics of online journalism is the possibility
for readers to respond immediately, and to debate with each other in the
comments — something that was much harder and slower in pre-digital days.

(More...)

Why the Government Should Provide Internet Access

Thu, 15 May 2014 02:21:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.vox.com/2014/4/6/5587138/susan-crawford-internet-public-option>

"Susan Crawford, Former Special Assistant to President Obama on Science,
Technology, and Innovation Policy, talks to Ezra Klein about how the
internet is too important to be left to the private market."

(More...)

Is The Zero Marginal Cost Society The End Of Capitalism... Or A Way To Fix Capitalism?

Thu, 15 May 2014 02:22:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140329/07150626725/is-zero-marginal-cost-society-end-capitalism-way-to-fix-capitalism.shtml>

"When you have a zero marginal cost item, you are creating an infinite
good — a resource that can never run out. When you begin to realize
that you have a new form of resources — inputs in economic terms —

(More...)

Senate Report Says CIA Repeatedly Lied About The Fact That Its Torture Efforts Were Useless In Finding Bin Laden

Thu, 15 May 2014 16:02:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140331/07281826744/senate-report-says-cia-repeatedly-lied-about-fact-that-its-torture-efforts-were-useless-finding-bin-laden.shtml>

"Did you see that movie Zero Dark Thirty, which purported to show how
torture helped find bin Laden? That was nothing more than CIA propaganda
via Hollywood to try to press that story forward. The reality is

(More...)

“Pirate Bay Bundle” shares 101 little-known indie games via BitTorrent

Thu, 15 May 2014 16:04:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/03/pirate-bay-bundle-shares-101-little-known-indie-games-via-bittorrent/>

"The Pirate Bay Bundle is a free collection of 101 small indie titles
that I can almost guarantee you've never heard of, let alone played."

(More...)

Why the fossil fuel industry wants us to ignore risk

Thu, 15 May 2014 22:57:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/why-the-fossil-fuel-industry-wants-us-to-ignore-risk-80330>

"They have managed (quite successfully) to cast doubt over specific and
detailed forecasts to suggest that the risk either does not exist, or
can be safely ignored -  as though people should decide not to insure

(More...)

Exclusive: 'locked-up' Saudi princesses' message for Obama

Thu, 15 May 2014 22:58:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.channel4.com/news/saudi-princesses-sahar-jawaher-king-abdullah-barack-obama>

'"He should be ashamed to meet a leader that has four grown women locked
up" - the message from two Saudi princesses to President Obama as he
meets with their father, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.'

(More...)

Cat Shop

Fri, 16 May 2014 15:18:12 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
This 1960s British report on a cat shop is certainly no advertisement!
The announcer is clearly underwhelmed by the place and expresses
sympathy for the "poor cat".

http://youtu.be/cVKzhmXs8Ks

(More...)

Announcing the Winners of the 2014 A+ Awards

Fri, 16 May 2014 23:12:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://architizer.com/blog/announcing-the-winners-of-the-2014-a-awards/

"Drum roll, please: After successive rounds of voting by our blue-chip
cast of more than 300 jury members and tens of thousands of votes from
Architizer readers across the world, we now present to you the winners

(More...)

The Document Foundation announces the Document Liberation Project

Fri, 16 May 2014 23:14:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://lwn.net/Articles/592822/

"The Document Liberation Project was created in the hope that it would
empower individuals, organizations, and governments to recover their
data from proprietary formats and provide a mechanism to transition that

(More...)

Ebola, Organic Food, and Fukushima. Three Dope Slaps About How We Get Risk Wrong.

Fri, 16 May 2014 23:16:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://bigthink.com/risk-reason-and-reality/ebola-organic-food-and-fukushima-three-dopeslaps-about-how-we-get-risk-wrong>

"The goal of this blog is to help raise awareness of what I call The
Risk Perception Gap: the danger that arises when we worry about some
things more than the evidence suggests we need to, or less about some

(More...)

No, but in all seriousness…

Sat, 17 May 2014 12:56:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://deepseanews.com/2014/01/no-but-in-all-seriousness/

"I’m not talking about the blatant trolling, conspiracy theorists and ad
hominem attacks – those are easily dealt with – rather, I mean the
comments that seem valid (their authors probably genuinely believe them)

(More...)

GRAVITY - Exclusive Alternate Scene (Redefines Entire Movie)

Sat, 17 May 2014 13:00:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw79smKZB9E

'Hard to believe, but Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron ("Children
of Men") originally shot an opening scene for Gravity that would have
radically changed the film. Too bad the brass at Warner Bros. rejected

(More...)

Yet Another Music Collection Society Corruption Scandal May Lead To Real Copyright Reform In Peru

Sun, 18 May 2014 18:30:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140402/17490026782/yet-another-music-collection-society-corruption-scandal-may-lead-to-real-copyright-reform-peru.shtml>

"Last time we had checked in on Peru, there were efforts under way to
put in place very bad copyright legislation, copying the approach in
SOPA to place copyright liability on service providers. It looks like

(More...)

A nation of slaves

Sun, 18 May 2014 18:33:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2014/04/a-nation-of-slaves.html>

"Today, in the political discourse of the west, it is almost unthinkably
hard to ask a very simple question: why should we work?"

(More...)

Robert Reich: How Increasing Numbers of Americans are Saying 'No Deal' to Absurd Inequality

Sun, 18 May 2014 18:35:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.alternet.org/economy/robert-reich-how-increasing-numbers-americans-are-saying-no-deal-absurd-inequality>

"And what to do about a distribution 'game' that seems increasingly rigged."

Good article on reactions to perceived unfairness.

(More...)

Monty Python "The Silly Walks Song" (New Music Video)

Mon, 19 May 2014 15:32:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvpsoEOJ0_E

'Here's a new music video from the Pythons to accompany their new track - "The
Silly Walks Song" - that's been written for, and will be featured in, the
upcoming "Monty Python Live (mostly)" O2 shows this July. Visit

(More...)

The value of non-instrumental computer use: Skills acquisition, self-confidence, and community-based technology training

Mon, 19 May 2014 15:34:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://tascha.uw.edu/publications/the-value-of-non-instrumental-computer-use

"Time to stop kicking kids off computers for goofing around. Turns out games &
social networking improve computer skills."

(More...)

Stop-and-frisk as the most visible element of deep, violent official American racism

Tue, 20 May 2014 16:20:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2014/04/03/stop-and-frisk-as-the-most-vis.html

"Christopher E Smith is the white father of a black, biracial son, and it is
through his son's experience of being black in America that he has learned just
how pervasive and humiliating and violent officialdom is to black Americans, a

(More...)

Information Geographies

Tue, 20 May 2014 16:21:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://geography.oii.ox.ac.uk/

Lots of cool visualisations!

(More...)

Case Law Hall of Fame

Tue, 20 May 2014 22:16:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://kevinunderhill.typepad.com/lowering_the_bar/case-law-hall-of-fame.html>

All-time classic US legal decisions compiled at the "Lowering the Bar"
legal humour blog.

(More...)

Econophysics: Can antimoney prevent the next financial crisis?

Tue, 20 May 2014 22:20:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://phys.org/news/2014-04-econophysics-antimoney-financial-crisis.html>

An interesting concept.

Via Andres Soolo, who added:

(More...)

Fiber Optic Dress by Natalina

Wed, 21 May 2014 22:47:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fiber-Optic-Dress/

"The inspiration for this dress followed the first time I saw this
fiberoptic product in action. I was at a festival when I saw a bloom of
fiber optic jellyfish approach, and they created such a beautiful effect

(More...)

Cable News Is Reporting in an Alternate Universe

Wed, 21 May 2014 22:48:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/cable-news-reporting-alternate-universe>

'Obsessed with missing planes and a "new Cold War," TV news people are
missing the stories right under their noses.'

(More...)

America's Class System Across The Life Cycle

Wed, 21 May 2014 22:50:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.demos.org/blog/3/25/14/americas-class-system-across-life-cycle>

"I am not usually one for a long charticle, but occasionally it's
worthwhile to step back and summarize what we know. Here, I tackle
America's class system, across the life cycle."

(More...)

UN Human Rights Committee Finds US in Violation on 25 Counts

Thu, 22 May 2014 23:23:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://truth-out.org/news/item/22887-un-human-rights-committee-finds-us-in-serious-violation>

"Recently, the UN Human Rights Committee issued a report excoriating the
United States for its human rights violations. It focuses on violations
of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which

(More...)

Studio Enjoy: Supaman - 'Prayer Loop Song'

Thu, 22 May 2014 23:25:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0jq7jIa34Y

"Montana hip hop artist Supaman performs his song 'Prayer Loop Song' in
the Gazette's Studio Enjoy."

(More...)

Sony Demands Removal of Open-Source Indie Short ‘Sintel’ From YouTube [Updated]

Thu, 22 May 2014 23:26:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cartoonbrew.com/ideas-commentary/sony-demands-removal-of-open-source-indie-short-sintel-from-youtube-98182.html>

"Sony Pictures has demanded the removal of the CGI short film Sintel
from YouTube due to a claim of copyright infringement. One small
problem: they don’t actually own anything in the film."

(More...)

The Nursery of the FUTURE-TURE-ture!

Fri, 23 May 2014 16:27:54 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Yes, this is what it was supposed to look like. Not too certain what
that headgear is for. Maybe to beam sleep rays into your head, so it
feels like you've had some rest even while staying up for a midnight
feeding.

(More...)

The Typewriter - The Israeli Vocal Octet --- הכתבנית - שמיניית ווקאל

Fri, 23 May 2014 23:18:05 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2nvv1_Yza4

"The Israeli Vocal Octet (www.8vocal.co.il) at a 90's TV performance,
singing their famous a cappella Hebrew version of Leroy Anderson's The
Typewriter."

(More...)

Patatap

Fri, 23 May 2014 23:22:23 +1000

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

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

Make some music!  Letters to play, space to change samples.

(More...)

Wild Cats VS Toilet Paper!

Fri, 23 May 2014 23:27:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agVnhrFD3ww

"Do wild species of cats (servals/bobcats/lynx/ocelots) like to destroy
toilet paper like their domestic cousins?"

(More...)

Hilarious Travel Accomodation

Sat, 24 May 2014 09:33:46 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Want some place interesting to stay? These hotels offer uniqueness in
spades. I would love to stay at the hamster hotel, where you get to live
like a hamster complete with hamster wheel. Good thing I have a Hamtaro
onesie!

(More...)

Pretty girls, pockets, and possibilities: how fashion traps girls

Sat, 24 May 2014 23:24:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://wantonfeminist.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/pretty-girls-pockets-and-possibilities-how-fashion-traps-girls/>

"My utility belt fits the following: wallet, cellphone, chap-stick,
keys, a half dozen vials of varying sizes, a few ziplocks, a knife, and
two loups (16x and 10x magnefication). I could fit more in if I

(More...)

On race, discrimination and white men’s privilege

Sat, 24 May 2014 23:27:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.crikey.com.au/2014/03/21/keane-on-race-discrimination-and-white-mens-privilege/>

Bernard Keane on free speech.

"White men don’t face racial discrimination. Advocates of reforming the

(More...)

A Fascinating Way to Put a Stop to the School-to-Prison Pipeline for Black Children

Sat, 24 May 2014 23:32:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.alternet.org/education/learning-while-black-school-prison-pipeline-and-what-we-can-do-about-it>

"Restorative justice techniques for all children will stem the tide of
unequal classroom punishment."

(More...)

Mass Incarceration in the US

Sun, 25 May 2014 15:51:49 +1000

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

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

"It wasn't easy to pick this topic, but I believe that America's 40-year
policy of mass incarceration is deeply unethical, not very effective,
and promotes the security of the few at the expense of the many."

(More...)

Cute Baby Goats Compilation

Sun, 25 May 2014 15:53:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL6Ws4i07is

"Playing, jumping, making a mess... Nope, no little puppies or kittens
here, just baby goats. Once again they prove that goats are awesome!"

(More...)

The Public Library: A Photographic Love Letter to Humanity’s Greatest Sanctuary of Knowledge, Freedom, and Democracy

Sun, 25 May 2014 22:28:09 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/04/09/the-public-library-robert-dawson-book/>

“When a library is open, no matter its size or shape, democracy is open,
too.”

(More...)

The Dollar-And-Cents Case Against Hollywood’s Exclusion of Women

Sun, 25 May 2014 22:29:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-dollar-and-cents-case-against-hollywoods-exclusion-of-women/>

"In trying to explain the difference in funding levels between movies
that pass the Bechdel test and your typical movie, Hollywood insiders
referred to a culture in which men control the creative process and the

(More...)

A Story About Low-Key Policing and Corduroy

Mon, 26 May 2014 23:54:55 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.popehat.com/2014/04/09/a-story-about-low-key-policing-and-corduroy/>

"A couple of people have asked me to explain an odd corduroy reference I
made on Twitter last night."

(More...)

Salut Salon "Wettstreit zu viert" | "Competitive Foursome"

Mon, 26 May 2014 23:56:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKezUd_xw20

'"The Summer", composed by Antonio Vivaldi, becomes the stage for a
musical competition.'

(More...)

A New Animated Web Series About Copying And Copyright

Mon, 26 May 2014 23:58:05 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140408/12314926842/new-animated-web-series-about-copying-copyright.shtml>

'A group of filmmakers has decided to put together an interesting new
animated web series called "Copy-Me" all about copying and copyright —
and more specifically about culture and sharing, and why that's

(More...)

A Talk Between Women

Tue, 27 May 2014 14:56:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.sandraandwoo.com/2014/04/10/0571-a-talk-between-women/

Brilliant.

(More...)

Open Systems and Glass Ceilings

Tue, 27 May 2014 14:58:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://aep.typepad.com/american_empire_project/2014/04/open-systems-and-glass-ceilings.html>

"The Web is regularly hailed for its “openness” and that’s where the
confusion begins, since “open” in no way means “equal.” While the
Internet may create space for many voices, it also reflects and often

(More...)

Looking For Tom Lehrer, Comedy’s Mysterious Genius

Tue, 27 May 2014 23:18:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.buzzfeed.com/bensmith/tom-lehrer

"Tom Lehrer is considered one of the most influential figures in comedy
— despite a body of work consisting of just 37 pitch-black songs and a
career that stopped abruptly when the counterculture he helped spawn

(More...)

This beautiful tiny house looks like an orange and was built for less than $9,000

Tue, 27 May 2014 23:20:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://grist.org/list/this-beautiful-tiny-house-looks-like-an-orange-and-was-built-for-less-than-9000/>

"To be affordable, tiny houses are often all angles, with sharp, modern
design. For those of us tired of spare, impersonal homes in drab
brown-black, this mango-like dome is a juicy slice of bliss"

(More...)

Amazing Glass Art

Wed, 28 May 2014 08:15:42 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
You see Jason Gamrath's glass sculptures out of context and you might
think: how realistic, how beautiful. amazing detail. However, what
really blows my mind is when you discover he has made all these pieces
on a gigantic scale!

(More...)

Major Cute Kitty and Puppy Fixes

Wed, 28 May 2014 10:27:57 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Harry Whittier Frees

An early photographer who took cute to the extreme:

http://electricbiscuitonline.blogspot.com.au/2006/01/harry-whittier-frees.html

(More...)

Freedom: the government's inconsistent approach

Wed, 28 May 2014 21:27:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theage.com.au/comment/freedom-the-governments-inconsistent-approach-20140408-zqs32.html>

"Our federal government is committed to promoting greater “freedom”. It
has appointed a “Freedom Commissioner”, Tim Wilson, and has asked the
Australian Law Reform Commission to conduct a freedom audit of statutory

(More...)

This Ex-Astronaut Is Stalking Asteroids to Save Civilization

Wed, 28 May 2014 21:28:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.wired.com/2014/04/astroid-ed-lu/

"Former astronaut Ed Lu thinks the biggest threat to our existence is up
in the air. Way up in the air. His nonprofit, the B612 Foundation, wants
to set up a defense perimeter around the planet. Not against aliens, but

(More...)

Flirtation or sexual harassment? Here's how to tell the difference

Wed, 28 May 2014 21:32:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2014/apr/10/sexual-harassment-flirting-six-differences>

"Not sure if you are complimenting a woman, starting a flirty
conversation – or harassing them? Consult our handy checklist"

(More...)

Scottish Town Raises $8,000 for Statue of Stray Cat

Thu, 29 May 2014 14:08:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://time.com/52012/scottish-town-cat-statue-st-andrews/

"A small Scottish town has taken its love for a 14-year-old local stray
cat to a bizarre extreme. The people of St Andrews, Fife, raised more
than $8,000 USD to immortalize stray cat Hamish McHamish (yes, really)

(More...)

Occupy was right: capitalism has failed the world

Thu, 29 May 2014 14:10:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/13/occupy-right-capitalism-failed-world-french-economist-thomas-piketty>

"One of the slogans of the 2011 Occupy protests was 'capitalism isn't
working'. Now, in an epic, groundbreaking new book, French economist
Thomas Piketty explains why they're right"

(More...)

Europe says no to data retention, so why is it an option in Australia?

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:55:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://theconversation.com/europe-says-no-to-data-retention-so-why-is-it-an-option-in-australia-25444>

"There has been plenty of technology-related legal activity in the
European Union this month. Last week the Court of Justice of the EU
(CJEU) ruled that data retention regulations, as they currently stand,

(More...)

What’s actually important for the NBN: Upload speeds

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:56:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://delimiter.com.au/2014/04/14/whats-actually-important-nbn-upload-speeds/>

"Shadow Assistant Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has published
an opinionated article arguing strongly that upload speeds represent one
of the key aspects of Australia’s current and future broadband needs and

(More...)

Hollywood Has Been Pressuring Australian Attorney General To Pressure ISPs Into Being Copyright Cops

Fri, 30 May 2014 22:21:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140411/06564926879/hollywood-has-been-pressuring-australian-attorney-general-to-pressure-isps-into-being-copyright-cops.shtml>

"AFACT rebranded as the Australian Screen Association, and apparently
has been very busy pumping new Australian Attorney General George
Brandis full of misleading information and pure propaganda. We recently

(More...)

The Legacy of Victor Gollancz: Publishing Pioneer

Fri, 30 May 2014 22:22:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.abebooks.com/books/publishing-pioneer-yellow-typography/victor-gollancz.shtml>

"Many of you will be familiar with Victor Gollancz’s last name. His
publishing company printed some of the finest books of the 20th century
- including The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell and Lucky Jim by

(More...)

Grumpy Cat Wore Pharrell’s Hat To The MTV Movie Awards.

Fri, 30 May 2014 22:24:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://uproxx.com/tv/2014/04/grumpy-cat-pharrells-hat-mtv-movie-awards/

"Just when we think Grumpy Cat can’t get any cuter, she shows up at last
night’s MTV Movie Awards wearing a very familiar hat. It appears to be
the scaled-down version of Pharrell’s Hat, the mountie hat which sparked

(More...)

The iconic Boston bombing photograph isn't about my legs – it's about a rescue

Sat, 31 May 2014 19:26:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/14/boston-bombing-wheelchair-photo-one-year-later>

"One year later, I've still only seen the Wheelchair Photo once. But it
still proves that two losers can't beat three heroes"

(More...)

The Truth About Google X: An Exclusive Look Behind The Secretive Lab's Closed Doors

Sat, 31 May 2014 19:27:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.fastcompany.com/3028156/united-states-of-innovation/the-google-x-factor>

"Space elevators, teleportation, hoverboards, and driverless cars: The
top-secret Google X innovation lab opens up about what it does—and how
it thinks."

(More...)

Charlie Stross: Generation Z

Sat, 31 May 2014 19:29:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2014/04/generation-z.html

"I've been spending a little time lately asking myself questions about
the near future. And in particular—this is especially relevant if you're
planning on writing a near-future SF novel set maybe 15-30 years

(More...)

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