Glass Wings Blog: April 2016

Toby Little, the boy who decided to write a letter to every country in the world

Fri, 1 Apr 2016 12:21:34 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.smh.com.au/world/toby-little-the-boy-who-decided-to-write-a-letter-to-every-country-in-the-world-20160315-gnjzwj.html>

"When he was just five, Toby Little decided to send a letter to every
country in the world."

(More...)

The most impressive thing about Google's self-driving car

Fri, 1 Apr 2016 12:22:20 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.canberratimes.com.au/technology/innovation/the-most-impressive-thing-about-googles-selfdriving-car-20160314-gniyke>

"Google's self-driving car knows how to run yellow lights."

Another nice article.  Via Antony Barry.

(More...)

Yes, You Can Reconcile The Wide Sharing Of Personal Medical Research Data With Greater Participant Control

Fri, 1 Apr 2016 12:23:11 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160304/10122633808/yes-you-can-reconcile-wide-sharing-personal-medical-research-data-with-greater-participant-control.shtml>

"Although the benefits of sharing big datasets are well-known, so are
the privacy issues that can arise as a result. The tension between a
desire to share information widely and the need to respect the wishes of

(More...)

Homework is wrecking our kids: The research is clear, let’s ban elementary homework

Sat, 2 Apr 2016 15:16:32 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.salon.com/2016/03/05/homework_is_wrecking_our_kids_the_research_is_clear_lets_ban_elementary_homework/>

“There is no evidence that any amount of homework improves the academic
performance of elementary students.”

(More...)

Studio Ghibli Film Adapts 12th Century Manga

Sat, 2 Apr 2016 15:17:26 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/studio-ghibli-film-adapts-12th-century-manga/>

"Acclaimed Japanese toon house Studio Ghibli may have slowed down its
feature production pace (its last full length film, When Marnie Was
There, came out in 2014) — but that doesn’t mean the animators’ desks

(More...)

Emma Watson goes bright red as she attempts to beat box her way to gender equality

Sat, 2 Apr 2016 15:18:39 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/12197385/Emma-Watson-goes-bright-red-as-she-attempts-to-beat-box-her-way-to-gender-equality.html>

"Emma Watson sat down with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the star of Broadway hit
musical Hamilton, for an an hour-long interview as part of UN Women’s
HeForShe Arts Week to raise awareness about gender equality."

(More...)

Japanese Master Restores Old Books

Sat, 2 Apr 2016 15:19:36 +1100

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

Andrew Pam
http://designyoutrust.com/2016/03/japanese-master-restores-old-books/

"Okano Nobuo is a fine craftsman who have been patching up old books in
poor condition making them look brand new for the last 33 years. Have a
look how skilfully he does it."

(More...)

HK Devblog

Sun, 3 Apr 2016 12:06:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://hk-devblog.com/

"We are happy to announce that we are working on HK, a cat adventure
videogame."

(More...)

Wintergatan

Sun, 3 Apr 2016 12:08:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
You probably saw the awesome marble music machine created by this band,
but also check out their other videos!  This one is inspired by Harry
Potter:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBK2AF-NdVA

Another great Wintergatan music video featuring an innovative use of a

(More...)

New fence for Stella

Sun, 3 Apr 2016 12:09:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjBUZ43bLjE

Ah yes, pride in a job well done...  Via Muse.

(More...)

13.3 inch Android e-reader

Sun, 3 Apr 2016 12:10:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/13-3-inch-android-e-reader#/

"Every day thousands of people are in need of a large screen e-reader to
consume e-books, manga, technical documents, PDF files and sheet music.
 The standard six inch e-reader simply does not provide enough screen

(More...)

Dutch Windmills Host a Mesmerizing Laser Show

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 14:03:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.citylab.com/weather/2016/03/netherlands-dutch-wind-turbines-laser-art-green-energy-windlicht-daan-roosegaarde/473523/>

"It’s literally green energy."

Ooh, pretty!  Via Jan Wildeboer.

(More...)

ZeroNet

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 14:04:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://zeronet.io/

"Open, free and uncensorable websites, using Bitcoin cryptography and
BitTorrent network"

(More...)

In Israeli desert, wolves and hyenas cooperate on hunts

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 14:06:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2016/0319/In-Israeli-desert-wolves-and-hyenas-cooperate-on-hunts>

"Sometimes the most unlikely friends can be the best allies, especially in the
animal world. A recent study published in Zoology in the Middle East finds that
grey wolves and striped hyenas in Israel’s Negev desert work together to

(More...)

How the unemployed ‘disappear’ and why it matters

Tue, 5 Apr 2016 15:18:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/how-the-unemployed-disappear-and-why-it-matters-35850>

"For those of us who are interested in how unemployment contributes to the way
we experience ourselves in the world, who is excluded from these figures is
just as important as who is included."

(More...)

Ylvis - Language of Love [Official music video HD]

Tue, 5 Apr 2016 15:21:11 +1000

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

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

Ylvis does it again!  Via Muse.

(More...)

利き手とねこ。-Dominant hand and Maru&Hana.-

Tue, 5 Apr 2016 15:22:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOzcEEd_9Rw

"猫の効き手を調べる実験映像です。This is the experiment video to check a dominant hand of a
cat."
A fun experiment!  Even with the tiny sample size of only two cats, this at

(More...)

Unfiltered.news

Wed, 6 Apr 2016 13:25:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://unfiltered.news/

Clever idea.  Pick a country and see what news is being underreported compared
to other countries.  Via Kee Hinckley.

(More...)

A little guide to working with online communities

Wed, 6 Apr 2016 13:27:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://suegardner.org/2016/03/21/a-little-guide-to-working-with-online-communities/>

"About a decade ago I migrated into community work [1] from a non-community
background. This is the guide I wish I had read back then."

(More...)

Hamilton cat burglar nabs neighbours undies in the night

Wed, 6 Apr 2016 13:28:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/78069049/hamilton-cat-burglar-nabs-neighbours-undies-in-the-night>

"Brigit, a six-year-old Tonkinese cat, has an oddball obsession with underwear,
hauling a dozen boxer briefs and around 60 single socks."

(More...)

UK Teachers Report 4 Year Old Boy To The Terrorism Police For Drawing A Cucumber

Thu, 7 Apr 2016 15:05:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160316/14440233925/uk-teachers-report-4-year-old-boy-to-terrorism-police-drawing-cucumber.shtml>

"The unintended but entirely predictable consequences from the UK's disastrous
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act keep on a-coming."

(More...)

Legalize It All

Thu, 7 Apr 2016 15:07:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://harpers.org/archive/2016/04/legalize-it-all/

"In 1994, John Ehrlichman, the Watergate co-conspirator, unlocked for me one of
the great mysteries of modern American history: How did the United States
entangle itself in a policy of drug prohibition that has yielded so much misery

(More...)

Scarf

Thu, 7 Apr 2016 15:08:55 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://scarfcommunity.org/

"We believe that hospitality can transform lives."

A wonderful program that's doing great work.  Via Emma Fawcett at Infoxchange.

(More...)

Compassionate supermarket manager offers shoplifter a job instead of pressing charges

Fri, 8 Apr 2016 13:31:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/03/21/compassionate-supermarket-manager-offers-shoplifter-a-job-instead-of-pressing-charges/>

"Instead of resorting to punishment, this supermarket manager tries to
solve the root of the problem in this heartwarming tale of second chances."

(More...)

Syrian Refugees Helped Rescue Far-Right Anti-Immigrant German Politician After Car Crash

Fri, 8 Apr 2016 13:32:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/03/22/syria_refugees_rescued_anti_immigrant_german_politician_after_car_crash.html>

"A German neo-Nazi politician who crashed his car into a tree was
rescued by passing Syrian refugees, German media has reported on Tuesday."

(More...)

新海誠監督作品のアニメ背景画と実際の風景を比較したら見分けがつかない!すげええええ!

Fri, 8 Apr 2016 13:45:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://yusaani.com/topics/2016/03/09/280800/  (scroll down)

"Indistinguishable when you compare the actual landscape and anime
background picture of Makoto Shinkai work! Sugeeeee!"

(More...)

Elephants, Arts, & Conservation

Fri, 8 Apr 2016 17:00:09 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
I have a new show up and happening! It's a musical about elephant
conservation.

The story follows the lives of a family of elephants for one year and
all the things they experience: birth, animals encounters, mating,

(More...)

A New Number Format: The Unum

Sat, 9 Apr 2016 16:53:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/104879277024913363852/posts/gSF4Du7SYfg

"Unums get the right answers in cases where floating point numbers of
any precision do not."

(More...)

Global Warming’s Terrifying New Chemistry

Sat, 9 Apr 2016 16:56:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.thenation.com/article/global-warming-terrifying-new-chemistry/>

"Our leaders thought fracking would save our climate. They were wrong.
Very wrong."

(More...)

MoMA.org | Access to Tools

Sat, 9 Apr 2016 16:57:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2011/AccesstoTools/

"This exhibition of printed matter in the collection of The Museum of
Modern Art Library surveys these publications and summarizes the history
of the catalogue project."

(More...)

CO9 by Fatboy

Sat, 9 Apr 2016 16:59:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://shop.fatboyusa.com/products/co9

"You know that one piece you’re just sure your house is missing? It’s
the bunny. Believe us, it’s this bunny."

(More...)

Court To Film Director: You Must First Create An Infringing Work Before We Can Discuss Whether Or Not It's Actually Infringing

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:37:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160323/16533433997/court-to-film-director-you-must-first-create-infringing-work-before-we-can-discuss-whether-not-actually-infringing.shtml>

"Is there anything more gloriously effed-up than IP law? I submit to you
there is not."

(More...)

Great Barrier Reef: aerial survey reveals extent of coral bleaching

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:38:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/25/great-barrier-reef-aerial-survey-reveals-extent-of-coral-bleaching>

"James Cook University professor Terry Hughes says he flew over 600km of
reef and more than 60% was bleached"

(More...)

Why Cryonics Makes Sense

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:39:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://waitbutwhy.com/2016/03/cryonics.html

"The first person to give cryonics a try was James Bedford, a psychology
professor who died of cancer in 1967 at the age of 73 and is doing his
thing in a vat of liquid nitrogen in Arizona as you read this. Others

(More...)

Designing with LibreOffice

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:41:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://designingwithlibreoffice.com/

"If you are a new user, the book will help you get up to speed with
LibreOffice. If you have already used LibreOffice, then this book will
leave you with a clearer overview of the program and its capabilities."

(More...)

After Years Of Deforestation, China's Forests Are Starting To Return

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:42:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/03/after-years-of-deforestation-chinas-forests-are-starting-to-return/>

"A new report from Michigan State University is praising China’s efforts to
roll back decades of deforestation and habitat destruction, noting that there
are major implications for global climate change and local biodiversity."

(More...)

Terrorism by association: FBI files on Food Not Bombs

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:43:34 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2016/mar/25/fbi-files-food-not-bombs/>

"FBI surveilled cars sporting pro-peace bumper stickers"

Law enforcement has an inherent suspicion of dissidents, no matter how

(More...)

Firefly Poster Sets

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:45:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://qmxonline.com/products/firefly-les-femmes-poster-set
http://qmxonline.com/products/firefly-les-femmes-saffron-poster
http://qmxonline.com/products/firefly-les-hommes-poster-set

Oooh.  Very nice.  Via Lerato Majikfaerie.

(More...)

When They Say “Next Generation” They Mean It

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 12:44:55 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.tor.com/2016/03/24/star-trek-the-next-generation-playset/

"Author Linda Mooney shared a Star Trek: The Next Generation toy that it
suitable for even the tiniest acting ensigns!"

(More...)

Namespaces, Intellectual Property, Dependencies And A Big Giant Mess

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 12:45:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160324/17160034007/namespaces-intellectual-property-dependencies-big-giant-mess.shtml>

"There's been a bit of a mess in the programming world, the past few days, that
you may have missed if you don't pay close attention to certain circles of the
internet, but it's fascinating on a number of different levels."

(More...)

Antarctic birds recognize individual humans

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 12:46:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160325093651.htm

"You may have heard of crows, magpies, and mockingbirds recognizing individual
people. These birds live among people, so it may be natural that they learn to
differentiate people. But what about the animals that live in remote areas?"

(More...)

Heard of Elephants Song!

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 23:08:46 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
Well, here's a test version of one of the songs from Heard of
Elephants
! It was the first song I put together right after the car
accident last year. I've been having to do physio to return the use of
my neck muscles to produce sound correctly. So, that was quite the
effort! I'm looking forward to my actor Dushan returning from India and

(More...)

50 years after The Lucky Country, Australia’s sustainability challenge remains

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:27:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/50-years-after-the-lucky-country-australias-sustainability-challenge-remains-56506>

"We are among the worst of the affluent countries on resource use, waste
production, greenhouse gases released per unit of economic output, and our
obesity rate."

(More...)

Young And UnAustralian: Bigotry Is Driving Away A New Generation

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:28:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://newmatilda.com/2016/03/24/young-and-unaustralian-bigotry-is-driving-away-a-new-generation/>

"Many young Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to identify with
their country. Mostafa Rachwani explains."

(More...)

The Tesla Dividend: Better Internet Access

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:29:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://backchannel.com/the-tesla-dividend-better-internet-access-db175e1835f6>

"Elon Musk’s newest car doesn’t just run on electricity — it needs a world
class fiber network"

(More...)

Miike Snow - Genghis Khan / Lisa Crawley - SHOWGIRL

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:25:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
Two from Muse:

"Great video! It's a little bit Despicable Me live action."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_SlAzsXa7E

(More...)

Tiger Tops Elephant Camp Walking Safari

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:27:11 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyk20axmGBs

"An elephant walking safari is a new concept, a unique adventure in Nepal.
Tiger Tops has introduced this new activity for their guests to walk alongside
elephants on a jungle walk. Elephant Aid International is proud to assist Tiger

(More...)

OSVehicle: Modular Open Source Electric Car Platform

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:28:32 +1000

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

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

"We enable businesses and startups to design, prototype, and build electric
vehicles and transportation services"

(More...)

What you think about Millennials says a lot about you, nothing about them

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 15:26:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/03/26/what-you-think-about-millennia.html

'Adam "Ruins Everything" Conover was asked to give a keynote to a
conference on marketing to millennials, and he brought the house down
with an amazing speech about the absurdity of generalizations about

(More...)

People who feel out of control of their lives are more likely to believe in conspiracies

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 15:27:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/03/29/people-who-feel-out-of-control.html

"A study by Jennifer Whitson and Adam Galinsky from the University of
Texas found a correlation between a belief in superstitions and
conspiracies and a sense of helplessness about your own life and your

(More...)

Two on mass surveillance

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 15:29:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
German studies eight years ago show that surveillance brings horrible
self-censorship. Why is this news to the US now?

<https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2016/03/germans-studies-eight-years-ago-show-surveillance-brings-horrible-self-censorship-news-us-now>

(More...)

Save The Elephant Day!

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 08:39:51 +1000

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

Katherine Phelps
It's SAVE THE ELEPHANT DAY!
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/save-the-elephant-day/

And here's why you should give to the musical Heard of Elephants.

(More...)

5 Common Misconceptions People Have About Furries

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 21:17:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.highlevelgames.ca/blog/5-common-misconceptions-people-have-about-furries>

"​When people ask what I do for a living, I tell them that, among other
things, I study furries."

(More...)

DMCA's Notice And Takedown Procedure Is A Total Mess, And It's Mainly Because Of Bogus Automated Takedowns

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 21:18:25 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160330/01583234053/dmcas-notice-takedown-procedure-is-total-mess-mainly-because-bogus-automated-takedowns.shtml>

"The same content may be infringing in one context, while protected fair
use in another. But a notice and staydown process would completely wipe
out the fair use possibilities, and potentially violate the First Amendment"

(More...)

An analogy for "catcalling" (street harrassment)

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 21:19:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+KimberlyChapman/posts/Y4HRJMRjARk

"Hey guys, I just realized a parallel that will help explain a thing
women get mad about and men often don't get."

(More...)

March Art Roundup: "Stained Glass" Star Trek, Watercolor Kylo Ren, & Geeky ABCs!

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 21:21:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.epbot.com/2016/03/march-art-roundup-stained-glass-star.html

Awesome geek art!

(More...)

Supaman - Why

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:22:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiVU-W9VT7Q

'Supaman and world champion dancer Acosia Red Elk team up on this
visually stimulating video for the song called "Why" which is featured
on Supaman's forth coming album titled "ILLUMINATIVES".'

(More...)

Alan Lomax's Massive Archive Goes Online

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:23:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/03/28/148915022/alan-lomaxs-massive-archive-goes-online>

"Folklorist Alan Lomax spent his career documenting folk music
traditions from around the world. Now thousands of the songs and
interviews he recorded are available for free online, many for the first

(More...)

A Basic Income Is Smarter Than a Minimum Wage

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:25:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2016-04-01/a-basic-income-is-smarter-than-minimum-wages>

"By guaranteeing basic survival, a government provides a service as
necessary as, say, policing the streets or fighting off foreign enemies."

(More...)

Giant Leak of Offshore Financial Records Exposes Global Array of Crime and Corruption

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:26:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://panamapapers.icij.org/20160403-panama-papers-global-overview.html>

"The cache of 11.5 million records shows how a global industry of law
firms and big banks sells financial secrecy to politicians, fraudsters
and drug traffickers as well as billionaires, celebrities and sports stars."

(More...)

How libraries can save the Internet of Things from the Web's centralized fate

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:26:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://boingboing.net/2016/03/28/how-libraries-can-save-the-int.html

"Everyone thinks libraries have a positive role to play in the world, but that
role differs greatly based on whether you’re talking to a librarian or a
patron. Ask a patron what libraries have in common and they’d probably answer:

(More...)

If I’m really good, in my next life I get to be a librarian

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:28:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2016/04/01/if-im-really-good-in-my-next-life-i-get-to-be-a-librarian/>

"Of the 5,000 people who visit the San Francisco Public Library every day,
about 15 percent of them are homeless, PBS reported."

(More...)

Awesome Stuff: Putting Nature In The Public Domain

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:29:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/blog/innovation/articles/20160402/08160534084/awesome-stuff-putting-nature-public-domain.shtml>

"The project emerges from the simple fact that bunch of landscapes on earth are
disappearing forever (and the fact that plenty already have). While many are
fighting to stop or at least slow down that loss, the folks behind

(More...)

Nor a Lender Be

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:28:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://harpers.org/blog/2016/02/nor-a-lender-be/\

"The virtue quest is an exciting moral crusade that seems to be extremely
important but at the conclusion of which you discover you’ve got little to show
for it besides NAFTA, bank deregulation, and a prison-building spree."

(More...)

Brussels terror attacks: Why ramping up online surveillance isn’t the answer

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:33:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/04/brussels-terror-attacks-surveillance-isnt-the-answer/>

"I don’t want to live in a city where everyone is viewed with suspicion by the
authorities, because it won’t stop there. Suspicion is infectious. When
misappropriated and misdirected, suspicion becomes racism and prejudice—two of

(More...)

How the One Percenters Divorce: Offshore Intrigue Plays Hide and Seek with Millions

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:35:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://panamapapers.icij.org/20160403-divorce-offshore-intrigue.html

"For decades, spouses — nearly always male and part of the global One Percent —
have solicited Mossack Fonseca to help shield assets from soon-to-be exes,
according to the files. And Mossack Fonseca has agreed with little hesitation."

(More...)

Inside Meow Wolf, the amusement park for people who want a weirder Disneyland

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:21:05 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/04/inside-meow-wolf-the-amusement-park-for-people-who-want-a-weirder-disneyland/>

"A high-tech storytelling gameworld has just opened its doors in Santa Fe, New
Mexico."

(More...)

Silhouette (Owl City) - Fan Animated - VivziePop

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:22:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t47fADGOaxc

"My character Spam is very inspired by Owl City music, and this song always
gave me a very specific kind of vibe so I just wanted to try to illustrate it
out!"

(More...)

ELECTRA WOMAN & DYNA GIRL OFFICIAL TRAILER // Grace Helbig

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:24:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lWxNJF-ufM

"The full length feature version of Electra Woman & Dyna Girl is coming June
7th 2016! Go to http://www.electrawomandynagirl.com for all the important
info!"

(More...)

Ronnie Corbett

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:35:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/news/2066/ronnie_corbett_dies_aged_85

'BBC Director General Tony Hall says: "Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful
comic and entertainer. A man of great charm and warmth who brought
laughter and joy to millions. He was quite simply one of the true greats

(More...)

Tax havens don’t need to be reformed. They should be outlawed

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:37:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/news/commentisfree/2016/apr/04/tax-havens-reformed-outlawed-panama-papers>

"To tackle the cancer of corruption at the heart of the global financial
system, tax havens need not just to reform but to end. Companies, trusts
and other structures constituted in this shadow world must be refused

(More...)

Some Birds Are Just As Smart As Apes

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:38:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://neurosciencenews.com/bird-ape-intelligence-3801/

"At first glance, the brains of birds and mammals show many significant
differences. In spite of that, the cognitive skills of some groups of
birds match those of apes."

(More...)

Suspended Floral Installations by Rebecca Louise Law

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:43:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/04/suspended-floral-installations-by-rebecca-louise-law/>

"Rebecca Louise Law is a London-based installation artist known for her
transformation of spaces using hundreds or thousands of suspended flowers."

(More...)

NASA Just Opened Up Access To 2.95 Million Images Of Earth

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:44:25 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/nasa-earth-images-aster-environment_us_5705226fe4b053766188458e?section=australia>

"According to the space agency, a single capture by ASTER covers a square of
land about 37 miles wide and 37 miles tall. The instrument has recorded data
for 99 percent of Earth’s landmass."

(More...)

Librarian Rhapsody - Shoalhaven Library Staff

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:45:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLaWsjv92E0

"Is this non-fiction?  Is this just fantasy?"

Great fun!  Via Muse.

(More...)

Cat Takes Regular Rides on Tokyo Subway Train All By Himself

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:14:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.lovemeow.com/feline-1708143982.html

"A cool cat has been taking the train in Tokyo regularly. He keeps the
human passengers company and brings them plenty of smiles."

(More...)

Rick Astley - Keep Singing

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:16:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC3Ejf7vPEY

He's still got it.  Via David “Q the Platypus” Formosa.

(More...)

Fast Track - Simon's Cat

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:17:32 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV6O722O_ew

'A playful cat hunts a speedy foe!'

New Simon's Cat!

(More...)

‘RUN and RUN’ by Lyrical School, A Clever Music Video Made Specifically for Smartphone Viewing

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:19:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://laughingsquid.com/run-and-run-by-lyrical-school-a-clever-music-video-made-specifically-for-smartphone-viewing/>

"The music video for “RUN and RUN” by the Japanese group Lyrical School
was produced specifically for viewing on a smartphone, and gives the
illusion that the group has taken control of the viewer’s phone."

(More...)

Black Velvet Nebula Cake

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 12:41:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.sprinklebakes.com/2016/04/black-velvet-nebula-cake.html

"I recently ordered a couple of Hubble Space Telescope picture books and
- wow, are they ever gorgeous! I've been paging through them every day
for two weeks, just soaking in all that beautiful imagery."

(More...)

Hail the maintainers

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 12:42:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://aeon.co/essays/innovation-is-overvalued-maintenance-often-matters-more>

"Capitalism excels at innovation but is failing at maintenance, and for
most lives it is maintenance that matters more"

(More...)

Sweden Launches an Official Phone Number That Connects Callers to a Random Swede for a Chat

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 12:43:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://laughingsquid.com/sweden-launches-an-official-phone-number-that-connects-callers-to-a-random-swede-for-a-chat/>

"The country of Sweden has launched +46 771 793 336, an official
telephone number that connects callers to a random Swede for a chat. The
number is live now and anyone in the world can call to say, “Hej!” Since

(More...)

‘I’m Carmen. Nice to meet you again’: why I faced my rapist in prison

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 12:44:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/apr/09/carmen-aguirre-why-faced-my-rapist>

"Thirty-three years after she was raped, Carmen Aguirre travelled to
meet the man who attacked her"

(More...)

Cat Helps Man Pull a Cable Through a Hole

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:10:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://laughingsquid.com/cat-helps-man-pull-a-cable-through-a-hole/

"Brandon Kutzke enlisted his cat to help pull an electronics cable
through a hole. Now that’s teamwork!"

(More...)

For research, we pretended to be crooks and terrorists and tried to buy shell companies. The results were disturbing.

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:11:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/04/07/for-research-we-pretended-to-be-crooks-and-terrorists-and-tried-to-buy-shell-companies-the-results-were-disturbing/>

"If you really want to understand the problem of of secret companies and
dirty money, you should be paying at least as much attention to what big
states, especially the United States, are doing, and not doing."

(More...)

The Weird Redemption of SF’s Most Reviled Tech Bro

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:12:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://backchannel.com/the-weird-redemption-of-sf-s-most-reviled-tech-bro-ce8dd1bfb705>

"He blasted the homeless, then tried to make amends, startup-style. But
as Greg Gopman learned, no business plan can find your way back home."

(More...)

A Brilliant Cello Mashup of Beethoven’s ‘Fifth Symphony’ and Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:13:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://laughingsquid.com/a-brilliant-cello-mashup-of-beethovens-fifth-symphony-and-led-zeppelins-whole-lotta-love/>

"In their newest video, the incredible 2CELLOS, comprised of Luka Sulic
and Stjepan Hauser, performed an absolutely brilliant mashup, combining
the classic “Symphony No. 5” by Beethoven on acoustic cellos with a

(More...)

The Entire Run Of IF Magazine Is Now Freely Available Online!

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 12:46:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-entire-run-of-if-magazine-is-now-freely-available-o-1761691317>

"IF Magazine was a monthly science fiction magazine that was first published in
1952, and ran through 1974, before it was merged into its sister publication,
Galaxy Science Fiction. Now, you can read the entire run online over on

(More...)

HeavyBubbles™ – Sprudelwasser, das dich zum Schwitzen bringt

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 12:59:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsOAItwvOE
http://www.heavybubbles.com/

"Sparkling water that makes you sweat"

(More...)

Cassetteboy vs The Snoopers' Charter

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:07:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2fSXp6N-vs

"If you're not worried about the Investigatory Powers Bill (aka the Snoopers’
Charter), you don't know enough about it."

(More...)

A Fox Tale Short Film

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 12:37:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xe72U7mXNg

"In the heart of ancient China, two brothers are hunting fox, this mad journey
will have them face treason, bravery, hatred and love."

(More...)

The Ultimate In CwF: How Lovers Of Stardew Valley Fought Piracy By Buying The Game For Pirates

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 12:38:32 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160307/14542033825/ultimate-cwf-how-lovers-stardew-valley-fought-piracy-buying-game-pirates.shtml>

"Our advocating for the Connecting with Fans and giving them a Reason to Buy
equation (CwF+RtB) being a solution to piracy has become something of a mantra
for us here at Techdirt. And we've seen an absolute ton of success stories of

(More...)

These scientists can prove it's possible to reduce prejudice

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 12:39:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.vox.com/2016/4/7/11380974/reduce-prejudice-science-transgender>

"Remember the same-sex marriage study that was faked? The theory's been
retested, and the results are very promising."

(More...)

Act of Love

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:54:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.facebook.com/1063897063646185/videos/1073199559382602/>

"Animal Courtship Dictionary of 73 different species from all over the world."

Adds new meaning to "giving someone the bird!"  Via Muse.

(More...)

How an internet mapping glitch turned a random Kansas farm into a digital hell

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:56:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://fusion.net/story/287592/internet-mapping-glitch-kansas-farm/>

"An hour’s drive from Wichita, Kansas, in a little town called Potwin, there is
a 360-acre piece of land with a very big problem."

(More...)

Compelling Science Fiction

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:57:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://compellingsciencefiction.com/

"We are a new online science fiction magazine focused on ‘hard’ science
fiction. All our stories are freely readable on this site, and we also provide
a DRM-free subscription for .mobi and .epub formats through Patreon to read on

(More...)

KNIFONIUM SteampunkSpaceSpies

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 16:49:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-gGuo17lYA

"25 tube monophonic synthesizer."

So retro!  Sounds great.  Via Adafruit Industries.

(More...)

80s Synth Medley (3 guys, 6 keyboards)

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 16:50:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpbAe2HyzqA

"Three guys, six keyboards, fifteen hits of the 1980s, all played live."

What fun!

(More...)

The Cave Art Paintings of the Chauvet Cave

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 16:51:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/chauvet/

"The Chauvet Cave is one of the most famous prehistoric rock art sites
in the world. With one exception, all of the cave art paintings have
been dated between 30,000 & 33,000 years ago."

(More...)

Trader slams "stupid" seafront scaremongering

Sat, 30 Apr 2016 16:25:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/14417436.Tourists__detained__by_mob____for_taking_photos_of_seafront/>

"A SEAFRONT trader has criticised members of the public for rounding on
foreign tourists and accusing them of being paedophiles."

(More...)

I'm on the Kill List. This is what it feels like to be hunted by drones

Sat, 30 Apr 2016 16:26:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/i-am-on-the-us-kill-list-this-is-what-it-feels-like-to-be-hunted-by-drones-a6980141.html>

"Friends decline my invitations and I have taken to sleeping outside
under the trees, to avoid becoming a magnet of death for my family"

(More...)

It’s the criminal economy, stupid!

Sat, 30 Apr 2016 16:27:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/institute-for-the-future/it-s-the-criminal-economy-stupid-28fac7936b8b>

"Naming and shaming corporate tax dodgers isn’t enough. We need to hack
them and track them, too."

(More...)

Radiooooo.com - The Musical Time Machine

Sat, 30 Apr 2016 16:29:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://radiooooo.com/

Very cool!  Via the kickstarter.com newsletter.

(More...)

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