Glass Wings Blog: February 2016

Cure

Mon, 1 Feb 2016 14:10:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.lunarbaboon.com/comics/cure.html

Awww!

Via Joyce Donahue and CathiBea Stevenson.

(More...)

Autistic explosions abound

Mon, 1 Feb 2016 14:24:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://theconversation.com/autistic-explosions-abound-53275

The post-publication headline change from "autism explosion" to "autism
diagnosis explosion" is becoming a trend too - go with the most shocking
headline on initial publication, then dial it back afterwards if it's a bit

(More...)

Despite Politicians, the Internet Can Save Us from Ourselves

Mon, 1 Feb 2016 14:26:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/001145.html

"Persons scattered around the globe, sometimes in widely different cultures and
national frameworks whose governments may even be distinctively antagonistic
toward each other --- persons all bending over backwards to help each other as

(More...)

China collides with Earth

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 14:58:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://bbs.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2016/01/17/China-collides-with-Earth/stories/201601170049>

The punchline:  "Our common challenge, both East and West, is to foster a kind
of collective well-being and prosperity that isn’t secured by robbing the
future."

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The Myth of Creative Success

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 15:01:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://joelmckerrow.wordpress.com/2016/01/17/the-myth-of-creative-success/>

"The notion of the full-time creative in any field is one that is strived for.
There is a myth that once you are a full time
poet/musician/writer/dancer/whatever then you have truly made it. When your art

(More...)

The incredible tale of irresponsible chocolate milk research at the University of Maryland

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 15:28:39 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.vox.com/2016/1/16/10777050/university-of-maryland-chocolate-milk>

"Academic press offices are known to overhype their own research. But the
University of Maryland recently took this to appalling new heights — trumpeting
an incredibly shoddy study on chocolate milk and concussions that happened to

(More...)

The tube at a standstill: why TfL stopped people walking up the escalators

Wed, 3 Feb 2016 13:48:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/16/the-tube-at-a-standstill-why-tfl-stopped-people-walking-up-the-escalators>

"It’s British lore: on escalators, you stand on the right and walk on the left.
So why did the London Underground ask grumpy commuters to stand on both sides?
And could it help avert a looming congestion crisis?"

(More...)

When U.S. air force discovered the flaw of averages

Wed, 3 Feb 2016 13:50:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2016/01/16/when-us-air-force-discovered-the-flaw-of-averages.html>

"In the early 1950s, a young lieutenant realized the fatal flaw in the cockpit
design of U.S. air force jets. Todd Rose explains in an excerpt from his book,
The End of Average."

(More...)

These 20 Adorable Art Plushies Will Make You Melt

Wed, 3 Feb 2016 13:53:17 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.epbot.com/2016/01/these-20-adorable-art-plushies-will.html

"From prop building to metal etching to Monster High doll repaints, I've lost
more hours than I can count learning to appreciate new skills and marveling at
fan interests I never even knew existed. I love the passion. I love the

(More...)

Open Cooperativism

Thu, 4 Feb 2016 14:21:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://katherinephelps.com/2016/01/open-cooperativism/

Via Muse, who wrote: "Fabulous article on cooperativism. I've been saying for
awhile now that we need to form federations of non-profit cooperatives as a way
to overcome current corporate structures."

(More...)

Building an Impossible Clock

Thu, 4 Feb 2016 14:23:51 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/01/pendulum-clock-john-harrison/424614/>

"The 18th-century horologist John Harrison claimed that he could make the
world's most accurate pendulum clock, but his methods were scorned for hundreds
of years—until someone proved him right."

(More...)

"Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (Japanese KABUKI Funk ver.)

Thu, 4 Feb 2016 14:25:39 +1100

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

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

I do love cultural fusion!  This guy has lots of great covers.  For example:
Shake It Off:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_abBmAXYiRA
Happy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPVnsgKHZnc

(More...)

Desktop Neo

Fri, 5 Feb 2016 14:11:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.desktopneo.com/

"Neo is a conceptual desktop operating system interface that is built for
todays people, needs and technologies. Visualized below are ideas that were
designed to inspire and provoke discussions about the future of productive

(More...)

Where’s Rey?

Fri, 5 Feb 2016 14:13:07 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://sweatpantsandcoffee.com/rey/

"Insider Says Lucasfilm Vendors Removed Star Wars Character to ‘Improve Sales’"

More on the Rey toys.  Let's hope things are finally starting to change.

(More...)

Don't agree to do record-breaking tricks on Chinese TV. Just don't.

Fri, 5 Feb 2016 14:14:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/01/19/dont-agree-to-do-record-brea.html

Gentleman juggler Mat Ricardo writes, "Last week I got booked to travel to
China and appear on their big world records TV show to pull the biggest
tablecloth ever. Here's how none of that happened and I ended up literally

(More...)

Leonard Nimoy Loved Space Shuttle Enterprise's Final Flight (Exclusive Video)

Sat, 6 Feb 2016 13:06:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.space.com/31664-leonard-nimoy-enterprise-shuttle-flight-video.html>

"The final flight of the prototype space shuttle Enterprise apparently
made a big impression on late actor Leonard Nimoy."

(More...)

Enter the Grief Police

Sat, 6 Feb 2016 13:08:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/01/enter-the-grief-police/424746/>

"The Internet is allowing a return to age-old, communal forms of
mourning. That makes some people uncomfortable."

(More...)

No Parking Here

Sat, 6 Feb 2016 13:11:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/01/future-parking-self-driving-cars>

"You've heard about how robocars are going to upend the economy.  But
have you thought about what they'll do to urban space?"

(More...)

Animeyed (Self-Portraits)

Sat, 6 Feb 2016 13:13:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.behance.net/gallery/32763127/Animeyed-%28Self-Portraits%29

Via Muse, who wrote: "Wow! Cool animal/person portraits!"

(More...)

Australian Raptors May Be Playing With Fire

Sun, 7 Feb 2016 12:31:52 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/australian-raptors-may-be-playing-fire>

"Two scientific conferences have heard evidence that at least two
Australian birds have learned to use fire, picking up smoldering sticks
and dropping them in unburnt territory."

(More...)

Living fossils and rare corals revealed

Sun, 7 Feb 2016 12:33:17 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160119142531.htm

"A team of researchers has published their analysis of data, specimens,
photographs and video footage collected in 2009, when they sent a
remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a depth of 800 meters (2,625 ft) at

(More...)

These Smart Light Bulbs Play Music, Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal, and More

Sun, 7 Feb 2016 12:34:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.yahoo.com/tech/these-smart-lightbulbs-play-music-boost-your-185717626.html>

"The smart-bulb revolution began a few years back, when companies
started making bulbs that you can control with a phone app — turning on
and off, dimming them, and even changing the color.  In the last few

(More...)

Another Word: Let's Write a Story Together, MacBook

Sun, 7 Feb 2016 12:36:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/another_word_01_16/

"The bridge of the Starship Dolphin was a sight to behold. There was an
air conditioning unit off in the distance. There seemed to be
electricity in the air.  Ensign Serenity Starlight Warhammer O’James was

(More...)

The other side of paradise

Mon, 8 Feb 2016 12:44:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.economist.com/news/business/21688390-glamorous-tech-startups-can-be-brutal-places-workers-other-side-paradise>

"Glamorous tech startups can be brutal places for workers"

Tech jobs are not always as attractive as they may seem.

(More...)

The Gaeneviad

Mon, 8 Feb 2016 12:46:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://english.bouletcorp.com/2015/02/02/24-hours-comic-the-gaeneviad/

Another beautiful Boulet comic.  Via Yonatan Zunger.

(More...)

128,000 Dominoes Were Arranged In A Pattern. The Chain Reaction That Follows Is Mind Boggling

Mon, 8 Feb 2016 12:47:19 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.wimp.com/128000-dominoes-fall-world-record-guinness-wall-gym/

"In a world that has been consumed by digital forms of entertainment, it's good
to see that dominoes are still popular in some circles."

(More...)

The Internet of Things That Talk About You Behind Your Back

Tue, 9 Feb 2016 16:53:00 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://motherboard.vice.com/en_ca/read/the-internet-of-things-that-talk-about-you-behind-your-back>

"SilverPush is an Indian startup that’s trying to figure out all the different
computing devices you own. It embeds inaudible sounds into the webpages you
read and the television commercials you watch."

(More...)

Stan Grant's speech on racism and the Australian dream goes viral

Tue, 9 Feb 2016 16:54:52 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jan/24/stan-grants-speech-on-racism-and-the-australian-dream-goes-viral>

"The veteran journalist and Wiradjuri man, Stan Grant, has told a Sydney
audience that racism is “at the heart of the Australian dream,” as he delivered
a sobering speech about the impact of colonisation and discrimination on

(More...)

This Custom Pancake Printer Is an Engineering Marvel

Tue, 9 Feb 2016 16:56:03 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/this-custom-pancake-printer-is-an-engineering-marvel>

"As demonstrated in the video above, the machine takes images designed on a
computer — like a sailboat — and prints them out as pancakes onto a griddle
with incredible precision. The genius device, which the students designed for

(More...)

A new survey explains one big reason there are so few women in technology

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:56:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.vox.com/2016/1/17/10781366/women-technology-sexual-harassment>

"A new study finds that sexism is rampant in the tech industry, with almost
two-thirds of women reporting sexual harassment and nearly 90 percent reporting
demeaning comments from male colleagues."

(More...)

You’re not seeing things, that’s a cat selling roasted sweet potatoes

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:57:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/03/16/youre-not-seeing-things-thats-a-cat-selling-roasted-sweet-potatoes/>

"It’s a common sight to see hot dog stands in America. In Singapore, ice cream
stands are a lifesaver in the sweltering hot weather. In Japan, however, you’re
more likely to find a yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato) stand on the streets,

(More...)

How a City in France Got the World’s First Short-Story Vending Machines

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:58:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/how-a-city-in-france-got-the-worlds-first-short-story-vending-machines>

"The city of Grenoble, France, is testing the first models of a local startup’s
short-story vending machine."

(More...)

Why I Just Asked My Students To Put Their Laptops Away

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:19:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@cshirky/why-i-just-asked-my-students-to-put-their-laptops-away-7f5f7c50f368>

"I teach theory and practice of social media at NYU, and am an advocate and
activist for the free culture movement, so I’m a pretty unlikely candidate for
internet censor, but I have just asked the students in my fall seminar to

(More...)

The double-standard of making the poor prove they’re worthy of government benefits

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:20:53 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/04/07/the-double-standard-of-making-poor-people-prove-theyre-worthy-of-government-benefits/>

"Poverty looks pretty great if you're not living in it. The government gives
you free money to spend on steak and lobster, on tattoos and spa days, on — why
not? — cruise vacations and psychic visits."

(More...)

100+ Makers eco-hack the future with open-source prototypes for a fossil-free, zero waste society

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:21:47 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/100-makers-eco-hack-future-prototypes-fossil-free-zero-waste-society.html>

"100+ makers, designers, engineers, scientists, and geeks gathered at POC21 and
spent five weeks developing 12 sustainable lifestyle technologies."

(More...)

Tim O'Reilly schools Paul Graham on inequality

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 15:25:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/01/26/tim-oreilly-schools-paul-gra.html

"Y Combinator founder and essayist Paul Graham's essay on the
inevitability — and desirability — of income inequality sparked many
scathing rebuttals, some of them quite brilliant, but the best so far

(More...)

World Report 2016: ‘Politics of Fear’ Threatens Rights

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 15:26:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/01/27/world-report-2016-politics-fear-threatens-rights>

"The politics of fear led governments around the globe to roll back
human rights during 2015."

(More...)

The problem with empathy games

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 15:27:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://killscreen.com/articles/the-problem-with-empathy-games/

"A niche genre of videogames hopes to inspire players to walk a mile in
someone else’s shoes, leading to an important discussion about how
players experience empathy."

(More...)

Fabulous Beasts - a new kind of game

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:36:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sensibleobject/fabulous-beasts-a-new-kind-of-game>

"A tasty blend of tabletop dexterity and digital strategy. Beautiful
pieces, custom hardware and super-social gameplay."

(More...)

Imposter syndrome: Game developers who feel like frauds

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:37:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.polygon.com/features/2016/1/22/10776792/imposter-syndrome-game-developers-who-feel-like-frauds>

"Two years ago, sound designer and composer Stephan Schütze went to Sony
Studios with a friend to watch the orchestra record a Muppets movie
soundtrack. After, at dinner, they chatted about his career in the game

(More...)

Beyond Lara Croft: 30 truly interesting female game characters

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:39:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jan/25/beyond-lara-croft-30-truly-interesting-female-game-characters-part-one>

"From mad scientists to stealthy assassins, we celebrate the video game
women who get things done"

(More...)

Things I Learned Today: Barbie Is Based On A Bachelor Party Gag Gift?!

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:40:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.epbot.com/2016/01/things-i-learned-today-barbie-is-based.html

"If you haven't seen this all over yet, you will soon: Barbie has a new
body."

(More...)

Journey LIVE by Fifth House Ensemble

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 12:28:02 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/40058920/journey-live

"Journey LIVE: the first fully interactive performance of Austin
Wintory's Grammy-nominated score, responsive to live game play"

(More...)

8 non-code ways to contribute to open source

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 12:30:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://opensource.com/life/16/1/8-ways-contribute-open-source-without-writing-code>

"Whether you're a novice programmer, a seasoned veteran, or not an
engineer at all, there are many ways to contribute to open source
projects beyond coding."

(More...)

Kissing Is All Better

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 12:31:50 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://notalwaysworking.com/kissing-is-all-better/42489

What a fun idea for making people's lives a little better!

(More...)

The Present

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 12:32:54 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://vimeo.com/152985022

"After a very successful festival circuit, running on over 180 film
festivals and winning more than 50 awards, we’ve decided that it’s
finally time to share “The Present” with the rest of the world."

(More...)

Why clean tech inspires a new magnitude of wrongness

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:16:40 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://etwasluft.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/why-clean-tech-inspires-new-magnitude.html>

"There's an ironic, vindicating righteousness in believing, as intensely as you
possibly can, that technology used to reduce environmental impact actually
increases it."

(More...)

Researchers have found an 'octopus village' off Australia that reveals the creatures' social side

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:17:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.businessinsider.com.au/researchers-have-found-an-octopus-village-off-australia-that-reveals-the-creatures-social-side-2016-1>

"Octopuses, once thought to be loners who lived and hunted with little
interaction from others of their kind, are actually quite social."

(More...)

Shake It Off-Taylor Swift / Cover by TEAM KOZAN(光山組)

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:18:34 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXddHUDUxt0

"We TEAM KOZAN performed“Shake it off”in front of Taylor Swift with The
Japanese musical instruments “Shakuhachi” and “Koto”.  And we appeared on
Taylor Swift’s Instagram."

(More...)

Toy of Nausicaa

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 00:50:30 +0900

yoshida yukihiko <yukihikoyo [at] gmail.com>

yoshida yukihiko
Here is toy of Ohmu in "Nausicaa" by Hayao Miyazaki.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUfmVenW6kk
http://www.ensky.co.jp/item/7115.html

Related article

(More...)

Gamers Have Become the New Religious Right

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:33:46 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.houstonpress.com/arts/gamers-have-become-the-new-religious-right-8069235>

"There was a time back when I was a teenager when I could always count on
organized protesters of a particular religious bent to get together and try to
shut something down."

(More...)

Breaking the silence: On being a single parent

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:35:06 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.inkedincolour.com/breaking-the-silence-on-being-a-single-parent/

"There is so much to be said about the honest experience of the single parent.
There is so much silence surrounding the truth. There are so many things that
people are afraid to say."

(More...)

Cookies Have Never Looked As Cute As They Do When You Make Them With This Awesome Kitty Rolling Pin

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:36:02 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.awesomeinventions.com/cat-rolling-pin/

"In these cat-obsessed times you just can't have enough cat-themed stuff! This
awesome kitty rolling pin by Mood For Wood on Etsy brings a new dimension of
cat-loving into your life."

(More...)

How the Smithsonian is restoring the original USS Enterprise to full 1967 glory

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:13:41 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.com/the-multiverse/2016/01/how-the-smithsonian-is-restoring-the-original-uss-enterprise-to-full-1967-glory/>

"2016 is a big year for Star Trek fans—it's the 50th anniversary of the debut
of the series! To mark the occasion, there will be a new film (Star Trek
Beyond) and likely initial glimpses of the forthcoming new television series.

(More...)

Cheap cab ride? You must have missed Uber’s true cost

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:14:42 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jan/31/cheap-cab-ride-uber-true-cost-google-wealth-taxation>

"When tech giants such as Google and Uber hide their wealth from taxation, they
make it harder for us to use technology to improve services"

(More...)

The Trouble with Trademarks

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:15:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@hankgreen/the-trouble-with-trademarks-dcd8af3bede3>

"Copyright was bad enough. Now this more strict and poorly-understood system of
protecting intellectual property is freaking out the internet."

(More...)

The Future of the Humanities: Reading

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:11:29 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/the-future-of-the-humanities-reading

"As technology advances, doomsaying remains constant."

Nice article about the history and current state of reading.  Via Susan Stone.

(More...)

The Secret UX Issues That Will Make (Or Break) Self-Driving Cars

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:12:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.fastcodesign.com/3054330/innovation-by-design/the-secret-ux-issues-that-will-make-or-break-autonomous-cars>

"In an unassuming research lab, Volkswagen is solving problems that Tesla and
Google haven't come close to cracking."

(More...)

Orangutans in Melbourne Zoo playing interactive videogames using Xbox technology

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:14:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-03/orangutans-in-melbourne-zoo-playing-computer-games/7136478>

"The games project images on to the floor of the orangutans' enclosure, and
sense the animals' movements when they interact with the projections."

(More...)

One of Africa’s Biggest Dams Is Falling Apart

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:23:25 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/one-of-africas-biggest-dams-is-falling-apart>

The punchline:  "It’s the trap of Industrial Age technology: once
mechanized systems supplant natural ones, they must be managed in
perpetuity, or else they break down."

(More...)

It's not about sex, it's about identity: why furries are unique among fan cultures

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:24:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/feb/04/furry-fandom-subculture-animal-costumes>

"Furries tend to get a bad rap as perverse fetishists when in reality,
the subculture is about playful escapism and a fascination with what
links humans to animals"

(More...)

The 100 Jokes That Shaped Modern Comedy

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:25:57 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.vulture.com/2016/01/100-jokes-shaped-modern-comedy-c-v-r.html

"From the Marx Brothers to ​The Simpsons, Richard Pryor to Amy Schumer:
100 bits, sketches, and one-liners that changed humor forever."

(More...)

Don't Panic about "going dark"

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 20:38:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://lwn.net/Articles/674468/

On the new "Don't Panic" report.

"From a security and privacy standpoint, the findings are worrisome, as

(More...)

Techdirt Reading List: Information Feudalism: Who Owns The Knowledge Economy?

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 20:40:32 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160203/23440733512/techdirt-reading-list-information-feudalism-who-owns-knowledge-economy.shtml>

'The book, which came out over a decade ago, is a detailed accounting of
how a bunch of legacy industry lobbyists — including those from
Hollywood, the pharmaceutical industry and the tech industry — figured

(More...)

Sharing Cities: Why Ownership, Governance and The Commons Matter More Than Ever

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 20:41:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.shareable.net/blog/sharing-cities-why-ownership-governance-and-the-commons-matter-more-than-ever>

"Widespread interest in Sharing Cities makes perfect sense. In 1800 only
3% of the world's population lived in cities. This figure has climbed to
50% today, and the global urban population is projected to reach around

(More...)

Student creates captivating display of “floating whales” to symbolise Buddhism’s Six Realms

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 20:42:29 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/02/03/student-creates-captivating-display-of-floating-whales-to-symbolise-buddhisms-six-realms/>

"Graduating students from Tokyo University of the Arts held their final
exhibition recently, and there was one display that caught everyone’s
attention: “Samsara” by Isana Yamada. Having studied for two years to

(More...)

Counterpart

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:00:08 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=611512520

"You're a bot, zipping around a strange cyberspace world. Your goal is
to touch the one other bot in this world that's just like you: your
Counterpart."

(More...)

'Phoebe and Her Unicorn' cartoonist makes magic

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:03:18 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.king5.com/story/entertainment/television/programs/evening/2016/02/05/phoebe-and-her-unicorn-cartoonist-makes-magic/79884664/>

"It's an overused word, but Auburn's Dana Simpson is kind of a unicorn.
She's a professional cartoonist. And her work is in 3 books, and
syndicated in more than 100 papers. It's a feat bordering on mythical."

(More...)

Love Picking: Locksport meets love locks

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:04:56 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/02/06/love-picking-locksport-meets.html

"Love Picking": "the act of non-destructively opening Love Locks using
pick tools, shims, and other such methods so as to preserve them and
eventually relocate them elsewhere... typically someplace where they

(More...)

history of japan

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:05:44 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh5LY4Mz15o

Amusingly silly high-speed history.  Via Irreverent Monk.

(More...)

I Will Always Remember You

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:36:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/02/04/i-will-always-remember-you.html

"The power of simple animation can be overwhelming. This film, 'I Will Always
Remember You' by Hugo Guinness, done for The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, is
shattering."

(More...)

Sea-level rise 'could last twice as long as human history'

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:38:30 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/08/sea-level-rise-could-last-twice-as-long-as-human-history>

"Research warns of the long timescale of climate change impacts unless urgent
action is taken to cut emissions drastically"

(More...)

The Enduring Solidarity of Whiteness

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:41:12 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/why-we-write/459909/>

"Black poverty is fundamentally distinct from white poverty—and so cannot be
addressed without grappling with racism."

(More...)

Corvids could save forests from the effects of climate change

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:09:13 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.co.uk/science/2016/02/corvids-could-save-forests-from-the-effects-of-climate-change/>

"Crows, jays, and nutcrackers have co-evolved with trees for good reason."

Fascinating and excellent!  Via glyn moody.

(More...)

Miranda July’s Internet Interventions

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:10:27 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.wheelercentre.com/notes/miranda-julys-internet-interventions

"From encouraging strangers to document their bald spots, to forwarding Kirsten
Dunst's email correspondence to 100,000 readers, July's projects are much like
her fiction – drawing us closer to strangers, and toward strangeness itself."

(More...)

Winners act as thick as thieves

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:11:45 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/02/winners-act-as-thick-as-thieves/

"While previous studies have shown that honesty and dishonesty can influence
the odds of winning a competition, this study presents new data suggesting that
these influences go both ways."

(More...)

The Problem With Common Sense: One Person’s No Brainer Is Andrew Bolt’s Latest Conspiracy

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:22:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://newmatilda.com/2016/02/10/the-problem-with-common-sense-one-persons-no-brainer-is-andrew-bolts-latest-conspiracy/>

"It’s not that the monopoly on common sense in political discourse has migrated
from Left to Right; rather, this eighteenth century dispute illustrates just
how devoid of any meaning appeals to common sense have always been. It was, and

(More...)

The best way to protect us from climate change? Save our ecosystems

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:23:38 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/the-best-way-to-protect-us-from-climate-change-save-our-ecosystems-54110>

"When we think about adapting humanity to the challenges of climate change,
it’s tempting to reach for technological solutions. We talk about seeding our
oceans and clouds with compounds designed to trigger rain or increasing carbon

(More...)

Traffic sign makes people do the Monty Python Silly Walk

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:24:37 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By95MlAGTjE

"A new sign in Ørje encourage residents to walk silly. However, the sign is
illegal and must be eliminated, require the authorities."

(More...)

Let’s End the Peril of a Nuclear Winter

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:36:14 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/11/opinion/lets-end-the-peril-of-a-nuclear-winter.html

"We haven’t heard much about this apocalyptic future in recent years. But the
research into the destructive potential of a war involving nuclear weapons has
continued."

(More...)

5 Brainwashing Tricks That Work No Matter How Smart You Are

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:37:24 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-reasons-you-get-tricked-into-believing-stupid-things/>

"Why is it so easy for evil/stupid movements to find followers — including
intelligent, well-educated ones? I'm pretty sure the future of civilization
hangs on figuring this out, so here's what I've got"

(More...)

OK Go - Upside Down & Inside Out

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:39:58 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWGJA9i18Co

New OK Go video!  And this is possibly their most ambitious yet, using
carefully timed weightlessness.  I do love their choreography! Excellent timing
in conjunction with the announcement of the discovery of gravitational waves...

(More...)

Meet the Robin Hood of Science

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:41:06 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://bigthink.com/neurobonkers/a-pirate-bay-for-science

"The tale of how one researcher has made nearly every scientific paper
ever published available for free to anyone, anywhere in the world."

(More...)

This Video Will Make You Angry

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:42:10 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3j_RHkqJc

A straightforward illustrated explanation of the Outrage Machine.

Via Muse.

(More...)

The Sound Effects Genius Behind The Looney Tunes And Merrie Melodies

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:51:04 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.neatorama.com/neatogeek/2016/02/11/The-Sound-Effects-Genius-Behind-The-Looney-Tunes-And-Merrie-Melodies/>

Sound design is actually really important.  Via Muse.

(More...)

The Opposite of Rape Culture is Nurturance Culture

Sat, 27 Feb 2016 12:07:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://norasamaran.com/2016/02/11/the-opposite-of-rape-culture-is-nurturance-culture-2/>

"Compassion for self and compassion for others grow together and are
connected; this means that men finding and recuperating the lost parts
of themselves will heal everyone."

(More...)

The phony in American politics: how voters turn into suckers

Sat, 27 Feb 2016 12:08:54 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/feb/13/american-politics-election-voters-suckers>

"History tells us that the skeptical American people are easily conned
when confronted with the promises of politicians. In 2016, the
hairstyles may have changed but the schtick remains the same"

(More...)

Global Water Shortage Risk Is Worse Than Scientists Thought

Sat, 27 Feb 2016 12:09:48 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/water-scarcity-study_us_56c1ebc5e4b0b40245c72f5e?section=australia>

"About two-thirds of the world's population faces water scarcity for at
least one month during the year."

(More...)

cats on synthesisers in space

Sat, 27 Feb 2016 12:11:07 +1100

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

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

Do you love cats?  Appreciate synthesizers?  Like space?  This website
is for you!  Via Muse and Jim Donegan.

(More...)

Kirigami – Japan’s Other Paper Art

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 16:33:55 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://japanistas.com/en/archives/58779

"You’ve likely heard of origami (折り紙), the popular Japanese paper
folding art. However, you might not be familiar with kirigami (切り紙),
a variation of origami which involves the folding then cutting (kiru; 切

(More...)

STOP THE PRESSES! The Independent is Dead. Long Live the Independent.

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 16:34:54 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/whither-news/stop-the-presses-the-independent-is-dead-long-live-the-independent-39bd12c94d57>

"For more than a decade, I’ve been imploring newspaper people to set a
date in the future — too close for comfort — when they will shut down
the presses because print has become unsustainable. Becoming a

(More...)

The Secret to Moonshots? Killing Our Projects

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 16:35:52 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://backchannel.com/the-secret-to-moonshots-killing-our-projects-49b18dc7f2d6>

"These days it’s Alphabet not Google and just plain “X” not Google[x];
otherwise the mission remains much the same for the far-out R&D lab at
the world’s most valuable tech company: Change the world. Break things.

(More...)

Violet Climbs a Rock

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 16:37:06 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwTs2PL_zuE

"HELLO WORLD!!! MY NAME IS VIOLET! Today was my first day in the BIG
WORLD! I RAN and CLIMBED A ROCK! It was EXCITING…and SCARY…and oh
HEY!!!!! WHERE'S MY MAMA?!!"

(More...)

Government launches porn site age checks consultation

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:07:32 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35581860

"A public consultation over plans to implement age checks on pornography
websites has been launched by the UK government."

(More...)

The NSA’s SKYNET program may be killing thousands of innocent people

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:10:28 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.co.uk/security/2016/02/the-nsas-skynet-program-may-be-killing-thousands-of-innocent-people/>

'In 2014, the former director of both the CIA and NSA proclaimed that "we kill
people based on metadata." Now, a new examination of previously published
Snowden documents suggests that many of those people may have been innocent.'

(More...)

Meet the Young Animator Channeling Studio Ghibli in Pakistan

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:11:33 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/pakistans-first-hand-drawn-animated-feature-film>

"The Glassworker is about two young children, Vincent, a glass smith
apprenticed to his father, and a girl named Alliz, a talented violinist who
frequently visits his shop. Sound like a Miyazaki film yet? The story follows

(More...)

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