Glass Wings Blog: July 2014
Nothing succeeds like success
Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:11:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21601494-and-science-has-now-proved-it-nothing-succeeds-success>
"Dr van de Rijt designed a series of experiments intended to look at whether
giving people an arbitrary advantage over their fellows at the beginning of an
endeavour led to a significantly better outcome for those people."
(More...)
The Great Works of Software
Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:12:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://medium.com/message/the-great-works-of-software-705b87339971
"Is it possible to propose a software canon? To enumerate great works of
software that are deeply influential—that changed the nature of the code that
followed?"
(More...)
"Japanese Spider-Man"
Tue, 01 Jul 2014 11:14:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPX-FX0KStE
Somehow I have never heard of this! Awesome.
I still have a fondness for "Italian Spiderman" though.
(More...)
Disney Animator Returns
Wed, 02 Jul 2014 08:32:05 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
Gil Keane formerly of Disney releases this stunning hand drawn animated
short.
http://youtu.be/O9CG_PoEWCg
(More...)
A Better Way to Say Sorry
Wed, 02 Jul 2014 11:43:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.cuppacocoa.com/a-better-way-to-say-sorry/
"I first heard this in a teacher training program. The speaker started
off with a rant about how No one teaches children how to apologize
properly these days. My ears perked up, because I didn’t really know of
(More...)
Slamazon: 7 Kitten T-Shirt
Wed, 02 Jul 2014 11:45:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOBqiw4kp8k
"Real Amazon product reviews personified."
Rhett and Link demonstrate another way to have fun with Amazon reviews!
(More...)
Can Economic Growth Last?
Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:44:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://physics.ucsd.edu/do-the-math/2011/07/can-economic-growth-last/
"My focus, as a physicist, is to understand whether the impossibility of
indefinite physical growth (i.e., in energy, food, manufacturing) means
that economic growth in general is also fated to end or reverse."
(More...)
Y All the Hype?
Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:46:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Spock VS Q (Leonard Nimoy & John de Lancie)
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 00:13:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XZBTv5yrmA
"Bits and pieces of video from the Spock VS Q performance. This is a
video of the recording session of the CDs (performed in front of an
audience). This whole skit is hilairious. It's avaible on 2 CDs. Check
(More...)
This Town Needs a Better Class of Racist
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 00:15:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://plus.google.com/+YonatanZunger/posts/YWdk254wjSu
"It's easy for polite American society to condemn Cliven Bundy and
banish Donald Sterling while turning away from the elegant, monstrous
racism that remains."
(More...)
19-year-old girl hugs her father with two arms for the first time after being given bionic limb
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 00:16:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Fox News' Bizarre Crusade to Convince Viewers That Children Are Dangerous
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:43:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/fox-news-bizarre-crusade-convince-viewers-children-are-dangerous>
"Young people are the conservative company's new enemy-du-jour."
This is actually a very old trope that conservatives have notoriously
(More...)
How Many Times A Day Do You Violate Copyright Laws Without Even Realizing It
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:45:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140430/17244727083/how-many-times-day-do-you-violate-copyright-laws-without-even-realizing-it.shtml>
"Nearly seven years ago, we wrote about a paper from law professor John
Tehranian, in which he detailed just how much he likely accidentally
infringed on copyright law each and every day, just doing normal things."
(More...)
How The US Gov't Destroyed The Lives Of A Muslim American Man's Entire Family After He Refused To Become An Informant
Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:46:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140501/08043127088/how-us-govt-destroyed-lives-muslim-american-mans-entire-family-after-he-refused-to-become-informant.shtml>
"We recently wrote about a new lawsuit from some Muslim men, suing the
US government after they were all placed on the no-fly list for refusing
to become informants. Some of the stories were ridiculous, displaying
(More...)
Adorable Itsy Bitsy Houses
Sat, 05 Jul 2014 09:09:13 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
"We've featured a few small homes before, but with the exception of The
Truffle
<
http://www.homesandhues.com/Thats-No-Rock-Thats-A-Vacation-Home/>, most
of these seem downright spacious compared to some of the truly tiny
houses out there. While these matchbox homes might not be for everyone,
(More...)
Welcome to English Disco Lovers (EDL)
Sat, 05 Jul 2014 22:22:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.edl.me/
"The English Disco Lovers movement aims to reclaim and redefine the much
hated EDL-acronym. We humorously subvert the three letters, drawing on
the positivity of the Disco music genre and the history of Disco as a
(More...)
A look at LyX 2.1
Sat, 05 Jul 2014 22:23:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://lwn.net/Articles/597207/
"LyX is a graphical document editor that serves as a front end to TeX
and various TeX extensions (LaTeX, XeTeX, etc.). In that sense, LyX
serves as a bridge between the high-precision world of TeX typesetting
(More...)
Dealing With Disrespect
Sat, 05 Jul 2014 22:27:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.dealingwithdisrespect.com/online/
"Handling your critics, no matter what they throw at you"
Very interesting. I haven't had time to read past the intro yet, but it
(More...)
A Short History of Game Panics
Sun, 06 Jul 2014 11:37:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://reason.com/archives/2014/05/07/a-short-history-of-game-panics
"For decades moral guardians have warned us about the alleged evils of
video games. They make people violent. They make people gamble. They're
too addictive, too hypnotic, too bloody, too risque. If they aren't
(More...)
The Bizarro, Fact-free World Of Copyright Policymaking
Sun, 06 Jul 2014 11:40:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140506/16453627139/bizarro-fact-free-world-copyright-policymaking.shtml>
"That something does what it's supposed to is usually the baseline for
evaluating public policy. It's certainly what I expected to find as I
researched my (shameless self-promotion alert) just-published book,
(More...)
Lonely American seniors help Brazilian kids learn English via webcam
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 03:13:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://cbc.sh/yZcMBgJ
"A group of Brazilian students were eager to practice their English
skills with native speakers of the language. Meanwhile in Chicago,
retirement home residents were simply looking for someone to talk to."
(More...)
Every Week, 2 Anonymous Students Sneak Into A Classroom And Proceed To Blow Everyone’s Mind.
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 03:14:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.viralnova.com/weekly-chalkboard-art/
"At the Columbus College of Art and Design, two rogue college students
are creating quite a stir… but not by any normal means. They aren’t
cheating or stealing, they are causing a creative riot."
(More...)
What Happens When Electronic Dance DJs Remix A Steampunk Marching Band?
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:09:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://artery.wbur.org/2014/05/09/emperor-norton
"The 17 members of Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band describe
themselves as a gypsy-klezmer-circus-funk ensemble. But the Somerville
gang’s omnivorous musical appetites also extend to Balkan tunes, free
(More...)
World's First Alaskan Native Video Game Looks Like a Lovely Fairy Tale
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:10:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://kotaku.com/worlds-first-alaskan-video-game-looks-like-a-beautiful-1574003707>
"Alaska is far. And cold. But, there are beautiful stories there. Like
many remote places, it's home to a rich culture that many people might
never learn about. How best to tell the world the tales that come from
(More...)
Pinnipèdes
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:12:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
William Shatner stole Leonard Nimoy's bike!
Tue, 08 Jul 2014 23:55:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nxcw7ln9AU
"Leonard Nimoy tries to prove that William Shatner is not a nice guy and
tells us about the time Bill stole his bike."
(More...)
How Burrowing Owls Lead To Vomiting Anarchists (Or SF’s Housing Crisis Explained)
Tue, 08 Jul 2014 23:56:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://techcrunch.com/2014/04/14/sf-housing/
"The Santa Clara Valley was some of the most valuable agricultural land
in the entire world, but it was paved over to create today’s Silicon
Valley. This was simply the result of bad planning and layers of
(More...)
The Prince of Evolution: Lee Alan Dugatkin on Peter Kropotkin, Anarchism, and Cooperation in Nature
Tue, 08 Jul 2014 23:59:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/primate-diaries/2011/09/13/prince-of-evolution/>
"Evolutionary biologist Lee Alan Dugatkin has made his career studying
cooperation, so it makes perfect sense that the subject of his latest
book would be an anarchist. In The Prince of Evolution Dugatkin tells
(More...)
The Escherian Stairwell
Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:26:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBY4HaAngaA
"The myth is that there is a stairwell in Rochester, NY that defies the
laws of physics and logic by looping endlessly into itself."
(More...)
British comedians unite for Action on Stroke Month 2014
Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:27:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjj2f4wzqLU
"Some of Britain's top comedic talents and famous faces have joined
forces to mark Action on Stroke Month 2014 by telling their favourite
jokes in support of the Stroke Association's campaign about mini-stroke:
(More...)
Cephalopod pancakes
Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:28:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A Sunday of PIRATES!
Thu, 10 Jul 2014 19:08:23 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
To all you story lovers in Melbourne. I will be performing this Sunday
at the Butterfly Club. Our storytelling night will be on the subject of
PIRATES! ARRRRR! My story will be about bawdy psychedelic space pirates
(of course). Join us at 5:30pm 13 July.
(More...)
Glaciers draining Antarctic basin destabilized, big sea level rise all but certain
Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:29:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://arstechnica.com/science/2014/05/glaciers-draining-antarctic-basin-destabilized-big-sea-level-rise-all-but-certain/>
"There's little that will stop continued retreat of Antarctic glaciers."
Well this is not good news at all. Should have significant longer-term
(More...)
Disney Jaeger Pilots from Pacific Rim Fan Art
Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:30:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://geekxgirls.com/article.php?ID=2314
"This amazing series by artist Lou aka jiinsy shows Disney characters
who would be drift compatible as Jaeger Pilots from Pacific Rim."
(More...)
Preventing Ukraine From Spiraling Out of Control
Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:32:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://fas.org/blogs/security/2014/05/preventing-ukraine-spiraling-control/>
De-escalation and bridge-building is urgently needed in Ukraine, not an
ever-growing feud.
(More...)
A political proposal
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 23:00:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
Here's a thought: Due to human psychology, politics tends towards the
tribal, aided by the tendency of the media to portray elections as
sports contests. This only encourages people to vote for their "team",
and rather than expecting those elected to represent the best interests
of all citizens there is a tendency to act as if winning entitles them
(More...)
Anti-piracy lobby still suffering from self-delusion
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 23:02:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://delimiter.com.au/2014/05/13/anti-piracy-lobby-still-suffering-self-delusion/>
"Most Australians understand that the only solution to the nation’s
record Internet piracy rates is for the film and TV industry to follow
the music, book and gaming sectors and make their content available
(More...)
Amazing matchstick models
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 23:09:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.matchstickmarvels.com/
"Iowa artist Patrick Acton has glued over 4 million ordinary wooden
matchsticks into 65 incredibly detailed scale models of life-like
sculptures, complex machines, and world renown architecture. Acton has
(More...)
The Worst Muse
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 07:45:09 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
For all you writers...this is a HOOT!
"You won't have to do as much research if you replace the city's
immigrant population with elves."
(More...)
New Muppety Movie!
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 07:46:24 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
Toby Froud, the baby in Labyrinth, has teamed up with a Henson and put
together a movie! Looks awesome.
http://vimeo.com/97022699
(More...)
5 Shockingly Outdated Problems Gay People Still Face Today
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 12:06:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.cracked.com/article_21129_5-shocking-ways-society-still-doesnt-understand-gay-people.html>
"There's no denying that coming out as gay isn't as hard as it used to
be: We're not considered mentally ill anymore, which is rad, and in some
places we're even allowed to have jobs. But this kind of obscures how
(More...)
An & Ria's first flight - the full film
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 12:07:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD2NtzEPBcA
"With Vodafone's help, two nans take a leap of faith and board their
#First flight."
(More...)
The reason every book about Africa has the same cover—and it’s not pretty
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:18:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://qz.com/207527/the-reason-every-book-about-africa-has-the-same-cover-and-its-not-pretty/>
"Last week, Africa Is a Country, a blog that documents and skewers
Western misconceptions of Africa, ran a fascinating story about book
design. It posted a collage of 36 covers of books that were either set
(More...)
What it's like to own a Tesla Model S - A cartoonist's review of his magical space car - The Oatmeal
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:21:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/tesla_model_s
Now tell us how you really feel!
Be sure to also check out part 2, where Inman tries a moonshot of his
(More...)
SIGGRAPH 2014 : Technical Papers Preview Trailer
Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:23:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3Z1hDwGEmM
"The SIGGRAPH Technical Papers program is the premier international
forum for disseminating new scholarly work in computer graphics and
interactive techniques. In addition to the core topics of modeling,
(More...)
Latest Trade Agreements Are Re-defining Cultural Choices As 'Non-Tariff Barriers' That Need To Be Eliminated
Sun, 13 Jul 2014 10:50:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140513/07215527217/latest-trade-agreements-are-re-defining-cultural-choices-as-non-tariff-barriers-that-need-to-be-eliminated.shtml>
'It's something of a misnomer to call TPP, TTIP and TISA trade
agreements: they go far beyond traditional discussions about things like
tariff removal, and are encroaching on domains that are as much cultural
(More...)
The most terrifying graph on democracy is a flat line
Sun, 13 Jul 2014 10:54:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.vox.com/2014/5/14/5718080/the-most-terrifying-graph-about-democracy-is-a-straight-line>
"Is America becoming an oligarchy where the average citizens has little
to no power? New research shows average Americans have little to no sway
on the political process unless their views happen to line up with those
(More...)
Walking While Fat and Female
Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:31:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-meaker/walking-while-fat-and-female_b_5311083.html>
"I started walking between 5 and 12 miles a day about a year after I
moved to Seattle. The main motivator was a crippling anxiety about being
late coupled with an inconsistent public transportation system (that
(More...)
Gender (and race) bent Disney
Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:33:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Big Red Bow
Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:33:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://vimeo.com/93653271
Clever.
Via Lauren Weinstein.
(More...)
Want to learn how to make a video game?
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:13:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.eteeski.com/
"Knowledge should be free, and on Youtube.com/ETeeskiTutorials, it is!
Making video games isn't just for big high tech companies. Anyone can
make video games! Learn how to become a game designer! You don't even
(More...)
The Snowden leaks; a meta-narrative
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:14:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2014/05/the-snowden-leaks-a-meta-narra.html>
"...it occurs to me that it's worth pointing out that the NSA set
themselves up for it by preventing the early internet specifications
from including transport layer encryption."
(More...)
Non-Luddite Alternative To The Authors Guild Launching
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:20:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140515/17372427246/non-luddite-alternative-to-authors-guild-launching.shtml>
"So it's good to see that an alternative, the Authors Alliance, is about
to launch, put together by law professor Pamela Samuelson and sporting a
rather impressive advisory board of folks, including Larry Lessig,
(More...)
Joss Whedon Shows How Being Awesome Rewards Creators
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:02:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/blog/casestudies/articles/20140516/04044027247/joss-whedon-shows-how-being-awesome-rewards-creators.shtml>
"Joss Whedon has long held a special place in the hearts of geeks. And
not only for producing some real cultural gifts, such as Firefly and the
Avengers movies. On top of those achievements, he's also been fairly
(More...)
Mythica
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:24:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.arrowstormentertainment.com/
"Mythica follows the adventures of Marek, a wizard born with the dark
power of necromancy, as she learns to harness the power that threatens
to corrupt her, and build a team of adventurers to battle Szorlok, the
(More...)
Hi, I'm Liz
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:26:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://lizclimo.tumblr.com/
"Hi, I’m Liz. I’m a character artist/storyboard revisionist on The
Simpsons. When I am not at work doing those things, I’m at home
attempting to draw other things, and then I post those things here."
(More...)
“But we’re speaking Japanese!”: Humorous video confronts lingering stereotypes in Japan
Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:45:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/05/17/but-were-speaking-japanese-humorous-video-confronts-lingering-stereotypes-in-japan/>
"One of the most frustrating parts about living in Japan was when I
would go out to dinner with my husband. No, it wasn’t because I wasn’t
able to read the menu or because I don’t like Japanese food – it was
(More...)
What If We Admitted to Children That Sex Is Primarily About Pleasure?
Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:47:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.psmag.com/navigation/health-and-behavior/admitted-children-sex-primarily-pleasure-81691/>
'“You know,” my mate said to our son, “this is one of those times when
you have to not help the teacher even if you know how something works.”'
(More...)
Low-cost production will mean the end of jobs
Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:51:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25584-lowcost-production-will-mean-the-end-of-jobs.html>
"The internet and low production costs will free us from work and want,
says social theorist Jeremy Rifkin – but what will we do then?"
(More...)
Ebooks and statistics
Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:40:51 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
To any who read the article about epublishing and its viability, this is
an important follow up.
"I've been looking at the Author Earnings Excel spreadsheets (the 'raw
data') for the last few days...
(More...)
The Story of Leo, Baloo and Shere Khan: The Inseparable Bond Between a Bear, Lion and Tiger
Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:29:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://twistedsifter.com/2014/05/the-inseparable-friendship-of-a-bear-lion-and-tiger/>
"The BLT are the only bear, lion and tiger in the world that live in the
same enclosure. In 2001, Baloo an American Black Bear, Leo an African
Lion, and Shere Khan a Bengal Tiger; were discovered in an Atlanta
(More...)
How extreme isolation warps the mind
Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:30:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140514-how-extreme-isolation-warps-minds>
"When people are isolated from human contact, their mind can do some
truly bizarre things, says Michael Bond. Why does this happen?"
(More...)
Nordic cuddly capitalism: Utopia, no. But a global model for equity
Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:31:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0511/Nordic-cuddly-capitalism-Utopia-no.-But-a-global-model-for-equity>
"The cuddly capitalism of the Nordic nations provides an economic equity
that makes a middle class lifestyle the norm, where the sharp edges of
worry about the cost of health care, elder care, child care, and
(More...)
Hobbyist Group Flies Drone Over World's Tallest Building
Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:37:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/aerial-robots/drone-flies-over-world-tallest-building>
'The video includes a high altitude view of the Burj Khalifa, the
tallest building in the world at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet). And by "high
altitude view" we mean, holy sheep, the drone flies above the antenna
(More...)
Time Machine, A Remix of the 1985 Sci-Fi Comedy Film ‘Back to the Future’ by Pogo and Skye
Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:38:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://laughingsquid.com/time-machine-a-remix-of-the-1985-sci-fi-comedy-film-back-to-the-future-by-pogo-and-skye/>
'“Time Machine” is a collaborative remix by electronic music artist
Christopher Nicholas Bertke (a.k.a “Pogo“) and Skye Sonomura (a.k.a.
“Skye“) of the 1985 sci-fi comedy film Back to the Future.'
(More...)
A Heartfelt 1990s R&B Cover of Disney’s ‘Gummi Bears’ Cartoon Series Theme Song
Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:39:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://laughingsquid.com/a-heartfelt-1990s-rb-cover-of-disneys-gummi-bears-cartoon-series-theme-song/>
"For his ongoing series, Saturday Morning Slow Jams, pianist Scott
Bradlee and his band perform a heartfelt 1990s R&B cover of Disney’s
Gummi Bears cartoon series theme song with vocals by singer and
(More...)
In pictures: French schoolboys wear skirts to fight sexism
Sat, 19 Jul 2014 04:00:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.france24.com/en/20140516-pictures-french-schoolboys-wear-skirts-fight-sexism-discrimination-protests/>
"Hundreds of male pupils in the city of Nantes in western France ditched
their trousers and came to school wearing skirts Friday as part of a
campaign against sexism, despite opposition by some conservative groups."
(More...)
Purdue University Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Winners Show Off Their Contraption on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’
Sat, 19 Jul 2014 04:01:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://laughingsquid.com/purdue-university-rube-goldberg-machine-contest-winners-show-off-their-contraption-on-jimmy-kimmel-live/>
"Host Jimmy Kimmel brought the 2014 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest (RGMC)
College Nationals winners from Purdue University in West Lafayette,
Indiana on a recent episode of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel
(More...)
'World's first' braille mobile phone goes on sale in the UK
Sat, 19 Jul 2014 04:02:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/19/ownfone-braille-mobile-phone/
"Touchscreens may have kicked-off a mobile computing revolution, but
they didn't do much for the visually impaired. OwnFone, which launched a
customizable mobile phone for kids and the elderly back in 2012, is now
(More...)
Why Do People Persist in Believing Things That Just Aren't True?
Sun, 20 Jul 2014 10:48:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://plus.google.com/112884630701584601505/posts/NWbFFwd4uMX
This is important. People are emotional and defensive, especially when
threatened or scared. Politicians, advertisers and con artists thrive on
promulgating these feelings both so that people will come to them for
(More...)
The Rise of Nintendo: A Story in 8 Bits
Sun, 20 Jul 2014 10:49:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://grantland.com/features/the-rise-of-nintendo-video-games-history/
"From ‘Donkey Kong’ to the NES — how a Japanese company took over the
American living room. An exclusive first serial from ‘Console Wars.’"
(More...)
Absolutely Anything filming completed
Sun, 20 Jul 2014 10:51:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/film/absolutely_anything/special/filming_complete/>
"The film stars Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale, alongside others
including Joanna Lumley, Judy Loe, Meera Syal, Robert Bathurst and
American comedian Rob Riggle. [...] The aliens have been voiced by
(More...)
A visual tour of the United States’ biggest video arcade
Mon, 21 Jul 2014 03:02:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/05/a-visual-tour-of-galloping-ghost-the-largest-arcade-in-the-usa/>
"If you live in the Chicago area and are a fan of classic arcade games,
you really need to visit Galloping Ghost. The arcade is open from 1pm to
2am daily and offers unlimited gameplay for $15, a fact that would have
(More...)
ตอกเสาเข็มจังหวะ 3ช่า v.2
Mon, 21 Jul 2014 03:04:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFb0nLCKypg
That's the way you do it.
Via Paul Wayper, who wrote:
(More...)
Secrets, lies and Snowden's email: why I was forced to shut down Lavabit
Mon, 21 Jul 2014 03:05:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/20/why-did-lavabit-shut-down-snowden-email>
"For the first time, the founder of an encrypted email startup that was
supposed to insure privacy for all reveals how the FBI and the US legal
system made sure we don't have the right to much privacy in the first place"
(More...)
Balloon Sculptures
Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:24:35 +1000
Katherine Phelps <muse [at] glasswings.com.au>
These are the stand out entries at the world balloon convention. These
guys have SCALE on Lego sculpture. I'm a little worried about the
costume entries. :)
http://www.pleated-jeans.com/2014/07/18/theres-a-world-balloon-convention-and-the-sculptures-are-awesome-25-pics/
(More...)
Ian Hickson on DRM
Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:59:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://plus.google.com/+IanHickson/posts/iPmatxBYuj2
"Discussions about DRM often land on the fundamental problem with DRM:
that it doesn't work, or worse, that it is in fact mathematically
impossible to make it work."
(More...)
How the NRA Rewrote the Second Amendment
Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:01:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/nra-guns-second-amendment-106856.html>
"The Founders never intended to create an unregulated individual right
to a gun. Today, millions believe they did. Here’s how it happened."
(More...)
Michael Tiemann on YouTube copyright claims
Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:02:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://plus.google.com/+MichaelTiemann/posts/ZcpLEnmuY3e
"I don't understand how a user can keep their account in good standing
when (1) they claim copyright on a work that is obviously not theirs to
prosecute, (2) make the same wrong claim numerous times against numerous
(More...)
Student photographer imagines herself as a teenager from every decade in the last hundred years [20 pics]
Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:40:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://twentytwowords.com/photographer-imagines-herself-as-a-teenager-from-every-decade-in-the-last-hundred-years-20-pics>
"For a class project, budding photographer Annalisa Hartlaub imagined
herself as a teenager in every decade since the 1920′s."
(More...)
The Rights And Liberties Of Our Parents
Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:42:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2014/05/the-rights-and-liberties-of-our-parents/>
"Our parents had certain rights and liberties that they took for
granted, inherited from our grandparents. They have not been passed on
to our children. That is an enormous failure of our generation."
(More...)
Free public education
Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:44:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://plus.google.com/+PierreBonhomme/posts/djEAT5TkU2i
"In Norway, universities are publicly funded so students are not charged
tuition or fees. This also applies to foreign students, no matter which
country you come from."
(More...)
Congratulations, class of 2014: You’re totally screwed
Thu, 24 Jul 2014 03:01:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.salon.com/2014/05/18/congratulations_class_of_2014_youre_totally_screwed/>
"College costs more and more, even as it gets objectively worse. Only
people worse off than indebted grads: adjuncts"
(More...)
My Adopted Cat Is The Best Climbing Partner Ever
Thu, 24 Jul 2014 03:02:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.boredpanda.com/adopted-cat-climbing-partner-craig-armstrong-millie/>
"Most pet cats will become timid or defensive when outdoors, but not
Millie – after being adopted by her mountain-climbing owner Craig
Armstrong, Millie has become a feline hiking and mountain-climbing legend."
(More...)
Wild mice actually enjoy running on exercise wheels
Thu, 24 Jul 2014 03:03:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.theguardian.com/science/grrlscientist/2014/may/21/wild-mice-exercise-wheels-behaviour-stereotypy-neurosis>
"Findings dispel the idea that wheel running is a product of captivity,
indicative of a neurotic or repetitive stereotyped behaviour that may be
associated with poor welfare"
(More...)
Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography
Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:12:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.amazon.com/Neil-Patrick-Harris-Choose-Autobiography-ebook/dp/B00JTCDAWA/>
"Tired of memoirs that only tell you what really happened?
Sick of deeply personal accounts written in the first person? Seeking an
exciting, interactive read that puts the “u” back in “aUtobiography”?
(More...)
Imaginary Worlds, An Exhibition of Mosaiculture Living Sculptures at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:13:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://laughingsquid.com/imaginary-worlds-an-exhibition-of-mosaiculture-living-sculptures-at-the-atlanta-botanical-garden/>
"“Imaginary Worlds,” an outdoor exhibition of mosaiculture, is currently
on view at the Atlanta Botanical Garden through October 2014. The
exhibition features 28 mosaiculture living sculptures (mosaiculture is
(More...)
The Indie Game Market (2014)
Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:16:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.worthlessbums.com/blog/2014/05/22/the-indie-game-market-2014/
"Development and distribution of (indie) games right now is easier than
it has ever been in the past. It is cheaper, more efficient, and the
quality of games is rising."
(More...)
The IndieBox
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 06:23:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/the-indiebox-get-a-fancy-boxed-copy-extras-of-a-linux-supported-game-every-month.3754/>
"The IndieBox is a fantastic idea and I hope they get enough orders to
keep going. You subscribe monthly (or buy single past boxes) to get a
Linux-supported game-pack every month. Their single-purchase for their
(More...)
Smart Birds Open Doors
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 06:25:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs6n4XKApqc
"Birds nesting in an underground parkade could have been locked in when
the parkade was converted to a campus bike centre with doors on the end.
The swallows quickly learned how to trigger the motion detectors to open
(More...)
Codemancer
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 06:32:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://codemancergame.com/
"‘Codemancer’ is an educational game designed for 9 to 14-year-olds (but
fun for grownups, too) that teaches the magic behind programming.
Players will code their way through a fantasy world full of rival
(More...)
Summary Bug
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:00:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://summarybug.com/
"Dispatches from a glitch in a Netflix app"
Ah ludicrous juxtapositions, the purest form of humour! Some good ones
(More...)
In dogs’ play, researchers see honesty and deceit, perhaps something like morality
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:02:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Sunday Sweets Hitches A Ride
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:03:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Ordinary people, lending a hand
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 23:40:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.theage.com.au/national/ordinary-people-lending-a-hand-20140526-38z3w.html>
"More Victorians are offering practical help to asylum seekers in need.
Peter Barrett reports on a grassroots movement that is putting out the
welcome mat in the face of unwelcoming government policies."
(More...)
Six Studies That Show Everything Republicans Believe is Wrong
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 23:42:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A Group of Asian Small-Clawed Otters Playing a Keyboard at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 23:43:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://laughingsquid.com/a-group-of-asian-small-clawed-otters-playing-a-keyboard-at-the-smithsonians-national-zoo/>
"Move over, Mozart! Asian small-clawed otter paws fly across the
keyboard as part of their #ZooEnrichment. The otters are given the
choice to play the keyboard or just sit back and enjoy the show—engaging
(More...)
If someone ever complains about welfare collectors, show them this.
Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:10:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://m.tickld.com/pic/t/826419
Poor people don't deserve nice things, because that's breaking the
social rules. They're not living in poverty properly and need to be
punished.
(More...)
A Delightful Animated Music Video for ‘Monkey Rag’ by The Asylum Street Spankers
Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:11:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://laughingsquid.com/a-delightful-animated-music-video-for-monkey-rag-by-the-asylum-street-spankers/>
"Atlanta animator Joanna Davidovich spent nearly four years working on
an animated short based on The Asylum Street Spankers song “Monkey Rag”
in her down-time between freelance gigs. The result is a traditionally
(More...)
Korgi (Book 1): Sprouting Wings!
Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:12:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/korgi-book-1-sprouting-wings/546
"Christian Slade, a former Disney animator and currently full-time
freelance illustrator, has brought to Top Shelf a gorgeously illustrated
woodland fantasy about a young girl Ivy, her dog Sprout, and their
(More...)
The Most Clever And Thought-Provoking #YesAllWomen Tweets
Sun, 27 Jul 2014 23:43:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://uproxx.com/webculture/2014/05/the-best-of-yesallwomen-tweets-yes-all-women-twitter/>
"Unfortunately, egomaniacal manchildren who think they’re entitled to
women’s attention are a sadly common phenomenon, and women on social
media began sharing stories with #YesAllWomen."
(More...)
Trickle-down theory all washed up now
Sun, 27 Jul 2014 23:44:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/trickledown-theory-all-washed-up-now-20140527-zrpcc.html>
"The International Monetary Fund is one of a number of influential
groups now raising concerns that austerity budgets in a post-GFC world
not only contribute to inequality but also act as a major brake on
(More...)
Are we witnessing the emergence of the United States of Australia?
Sun, 27 Jul 2014 23:46:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/26/are-we-witnessing-the-emergence-of-the-united-states-of-australia>
"Australia can have its cake and eat it too, because a healthy and
materially secure population will repay enormous economic dividends.
Instead, we're going further down the US path"
(More...)
How To Spot A Chinese Domain Name Scam
Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:18:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/spot-chinese-domain-name-scam/
"Chinese domain name scams are rampant. In a little bit, I’ll explain exactly
what these scams are, but first it’s more important to understand what started
them."
(More...)
独りでやさしさに包まれたなら (Singing alone "Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara")
Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:22:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMSV5uD7x38
A beautiful cover of the theme from Kiki's Delivery Service. Really lovely!
English translation of the YouTube description (via Google Translate):
(More...)
Typography in 8/16 bits
Tue, 29 Jul 2014 01:39:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Beyond "Gravity": the complex quest to take out our orbital trash
Tue, 29 Jul 2014 01:41:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://arstechnica.com/science/2014/05/beyond-gravity-the-complex-quest-to-take-out-our-orbital-trash/>
"As 'Gravity' made clear to the general public, it’s getting crowded in
Earth orbit. In the nearly 57 years since Sputnik’s launch on October 4,
1957, Earth has seen a cloud of human-created objects continue to grow,
(More...)
True Tail
Tue, 29 Jul 2014 13:44:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/user/TrueTailSeries
"True Tail is a flash-animated series that takes place in the land of Splitpaw
- a fantastical medieval world of anthropomorphic animals."
(More...)
Dumb Ways to Lie
Tue, 29 Jul 2014 13:45:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE9ZTtMjFsI
"Animation by the Sauce (thesauce.co) to lyrics written by Eric TF Bat, sung by
Elizabeth Hillebrand."
(More...)
Failing union of capitalism and democracy fuels rise in inequality
Wed, 30 Jul 2014 01:09:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/failing-union-of-capitalism-and-democracy-fuels-rise-in-inequality-27217>
"Democracy and capitalism are two highly contested models. On paper,
throughout the past two centuries, they have proven the most successful
systems of economic and political order. Following the demise of
(More...)
Dear parents, you are being lied to.
Wed, 30 Jul 2014 01:11:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://violentmetaphors.com/2014/03/25/parents-you-are-being-lied-to/
"In light of recent outbreaks of measles and other vaccine preventable
illnesses, and the refusal of anti-vaccination advocates to acknowledge
the problem, I thought it was past time for this post."
(More...)
David Graeber: “Spotlight on the financial sector did make apparent just how bizarrely skewed our economy is in terms of who gets rewarded”
Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:45:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.salon.com/2014/06/01/help_us_thomas_piketty_the_1s_sick_and_twisted_new_scheme/>
"David Graeber is an American anthropologist who teaches at the London
School of Economics. He is the author of the classic “Debt: The First
Five Thousand Years” and played an important role in the launching of
(More...)
The Post-Snowden Surveillance World: Network Effects, Low Marginal Costs, And Technical Lock-in
Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:47:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140529/04222727386/post-snowden-surveillance-world-network-effects-low-marginal-costs-technical-lock-in.shtml>
"The concept of network effects, and the lock-in they produce, are both
by now fairly well known. Most people understand why Microsoft retains
its stranglehold on the desktop and word processing formats, despite the
(More...)
A Gentlemen’s Guide To Rape Culture
Thu, 31 Jul 2014 02:00:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/human-parts/a-gentlemens-guide-to-rape-culture-7fc86c50dc4c>
"I totally know how you feel. That was pretty much exactly my response
when someone told me I was a part of rape culture. It sounds horrible.
But just imagine moving through the world, always afraid you could be
(More...)
Universities can’t fulfill the myth, but they can’t become vocational schools either
Thu, 31 Jul 2014 02:01:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://arstechnica.com/science/2014/05/universities-cant-fulfil-the-myth-but-they-cant-become-a-vocational-school-either/>
"Is it time to rethink higher education? I'm someone who went through
the system and I'm now, to a greater or lesser extent, contributing to
its maintenance, so it seems strange that I should advocate its
(More...)
LED watch with a wooden face and bracelet
Fri, 01 Aug 2014 01:31:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://boingboing.net/2014/06/03/led-watch-with-a-wooden-face-a.html
"Tokyoflash's Kisai Night Vision Wood LED Watch builds on their earlier
work with beautiful, carved-wood bracelets, adding a wooden face backed
with powerful LEDs whose glow can be seen through the smooth vegetable
(More...)
Wil Wheaton Discusses TV, Cord-Cutting, Piracy... And Trying Desperately To Make Sure Fans Can Watch His Show
Fri, 01 Aug 2014 01:34:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140605/18120527491/wil-wheaton-discusses-tv-trying-desperately-to-make-sure-fans-can-watch-his-show.shtml>
"As you hopefully already know, Wheaton has a new TV show, the Wil
Wheaton Project on Syfy. Ever since he announced the program, he made it
clear that while it was out of his control, he would do his damnedest to
(More...)
High School Principal Cancels Entire Reading Program To Stop Students From Reading Cory Doctorow's 'Little Brother'
Fri, 01 Aug 2014 01:35:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140606/08401527494/high-school-principal-cancels-entire-reading-program-to-stop-students-reading-cory-doctorows-little-brother.shtml>
'Welcome to the modern equivalent of a book burning. The principal of
Booker T Washington High in Pensacola Florida has apparently cancelled
the school's "One School/One Book" summer reading program all in an
(More...)
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