Glass Wings Blog: February 2017
‘We picked you up from a bin’: Sex education in China
Wed, 1 Feb 2017 21:27:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/abc-news-australia/we-picked-you-up-from-a-bin-sex-education-in-china-54fc052ea8d1>
"Chinese people don’t care about appearing ignorant when it comes to
sex, but this makes for a confusing start to adult life."
(More...)
An Open Letter to the Reddit Community
Wed, 1 Feb 2017 21:29:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.reddit.com/r/blog/comments/5r43td/an_open_letter_to_the_reddit_community/>
"After two weeks abroad, I was looking forward to returning to the U.S.
this weekend, but as I got off the plane at LAX on Sunday, I wasn't sure
what country I was coming back to."
(More...)
How to Avoid Being Psychologically Destroyed by Your Newsfeed
Thu, 2 Feb 2017 22:59:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.anndouglas.net/blog/2017/1/30/how-to-avoid-being-psychologically-destroyed-by-your-newsfeed>
"So lately I've been thinking a lot about the mental health impact of a
steady avalanche of Really Bad News. Many of us (myself included) deal
with mental health challenges on a daily basis and being fed a steady
(More...)
Bay of Bengal: depleted fish stocks and huge dead zone signal tipping point
Thu, 2 Feb 2017 22:59:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/31/bay-bengal-depleted-fish-stocks-pollution-climate-change-migration>
"Long treated as a bottomless resource pit, over-exploitation of the
ocean, pollution and rising sea levels are having a catastrophic impact
on life in the bay"
(More...)
Our Humanity
Fri, 3 Feb 2017 19:56:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170130/00540836584/our-humanity.shtml>
"We're not a political blog. We cover technology and innovation, as well
as the legal, economic and policy issues related to those things. Over
the years, that's included issues related to civil liberties and civil
(More...)
This Danish ad will challenge you to step outside your defining box
Fri, 3 Feb 2017 19:57:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://mashable.com/2017/01/31/danish-ad-all-that-we-share-box/
"Sometimes it's difficult to find the things that we, as human beings,
have in common."
(More...)
avengergram: "What is it with cats and boxes?"
Sat, 4 Feb 2017 17:24:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Jews Hand Muslims Synagogue Keys When a Texas Mosque Burns Down
Sat, 4 Feb 2017 17:25:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://forward.com/news/361793/jews-hand-muslims-synagogue-keys-when-a-texas-mosque-burns-down/>
"Now, in a sense, the synagogue has become a mosque: the Jews of
Victoria handed the Muslims the key to the building, so they would a
place to worship while rebuilding."
(More...)
Why aren’t men changing their name after marriage?
Sun, 5 Feb 2017 12:23:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/abc-news-australia/why-arent-men-changing-their-name-after-marriage-fc99e02dcf7f>
"Kylie Minogue plans to take her husband’s name when she marries “to
make a statement”. But why is he not taking hers?"
(More...)
What will you never be able to respect?
Sun, 5 Feb 2017 12:24:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.quora.com/What-will-you-never-be-able-to-respect/answer/Tillman-Huett-Lassman>
"My mother was a single mother of two children when she was 21 years
old. She worked a minimum wage job and my grandparents had to babysit us
so that she could make ends meet."
(More...)
Make America Bohemian Again
Wed, 8 Feb 2017 02:19:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://medium.com/@bagelboy/make-america-bohemian-again-de846e35d757
"Why haven’t we built another multi-billion dollar art colony?"
In support of Bohemianism.
(More...)
Trump Advisor Pens Almost Totally Clueless Piece About 'Intellectual Property Theft'
Wed, 8 Feb 2017 02:20:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170131/23523236603/trump-advisor-pens-almost-totally-clueless-piece-about-intellectual-property-theft.shtml>
"And, as a kicker, Furchtgott-Roth suggests that the fact that China has
literally been kidnapping book publishers and sellers it doesn't like is
a good example of how it can crack down on copying. Really."
(More...)
What to Expect from an NPD President
Wed, 8 Feb 2017 20:02:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/@muse_9093/what-to-expect-from-an-npd-president-c1c436b4811a>
"I keep feeling surprised that others are surprised by the actions
Donald Trump is taking. His actions are all textbook NPD."
(More...)
Political affiliation can predict how people will react to false information about threats
Wed, 8 Feb 2017 20:03:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170202141851.htm
"How liberal or conservative a person is predicts how likely they are to
believe information about potential hazards, a new study has found."
(More...)
Know Your Human Rights
Thu, 9 Feb 2017 21:47:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://katherinephelps.com/2017/02/know-your-human-rights/
"If people are made unaware of their rights, then they become unaware
when their government is abridging those rights and should be called
into account."
(More...)
David Attenborough sends handwritten letter to four-year-old Laila
Thu, 9 Feb 2017 21:48:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/4445404/why-david-attenborough-is-a-champion/?cs=2452>
"A Bega Valley child’s dream came true recently when she received a
handwritten letter from her hero Sir David Attenborough."
(More...)
Scientists Open Their Labs to Colleagues Stranded by Trump’s Immigration Ban
Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:32:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/02/welcome-scientists-trump-immigration-ban/515418/>
"More than 380 people have signed a list volunteering their facilities
to American-based researchers who are stuck outside the U.S."
(More...)
"Evolution Of Tap Dance" - Postmodern Jukebox ft. Sarah Reich
Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:33:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d03mJD2Pk0Y
"Watch PMJ tap dance sensation Sarah Reich tap her way through the
history of pop music - from ragtime to EDM - in this brand new tap
feature, as seen on #PMJtour!"
(More...)
Who wants to be second?
Sun, 12 Feb 2017 13:02:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://everysecondcounts.eu/
The gift that just keeps giving to satirists the world around.
(More...)
The 10 Best Conservation And Environment Books Of 2016
Sun, 12 Feb 2017 13:03:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2017/01/18/the-10-best-conservation-environment-books-of-2016/>
"This list of fabulous science reads will keep you going strong on your
New Year's resolution to read (more) books this year"
(More...)
Tom Countryman’s Farewell: A Diplomat’s Love Letter to America
Sun, 12 Feb 2017 13:04:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://diplopundit.net/2017/02/02/tom-countrymans-farewell-a-diplomats-love-letter-to-america/>
"Among the senior officials who were asked to leave the State Department
this past week was career diplomat Tom Countryman. Below is the touching
and inspiring farewell remarks he delivered (as prepared) at his
(More...)
My Position
Sun, 12 Feb 2017 13:05:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://katherinephelps.com/2017/02/my-position/
"I originally wrote this 2016 February 05. I think it was meant to be
advice for online discussion. Under current circumstances it is
completely relevant to resisting tyranny. We need the patience to create
(More...)
American and Arab uprisings converge
Mon, 13 Feb 2017 19:39:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/rami-g-khouri/american-and-arab-uprisings-converge>
"Never in my life, which has spanned the United States and the Arab
world, have I experienced a moment such as the past week when ordinary
Americans and ordinary Arabs shared exactly the same sentiments of
(More...)
Ordinary Americans carried out inhumane acts for Trump
Mon, 13 Feb 2017 19:41:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-airport-inhumanity-20170206-story.html>
"A week ago, men and women went to work at airports around the United
States as they always do. They showered, got dressed, ate breakfast,
perhaps dropped off their kids at school. Then they reported to their
(More...)
Easily-Triggered Privileged People Have Turned Society Into Their Own Giant Safe Space
Tue, 14 Feb 2017 20:17:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theestablishment.co/easily-triggered-privileged-people-have-turned-society-into-their-own-giant-safe-space-b7110b2d9e79>
"The problem the privileged have with ideas of trigger warnings and safe
spaces is the same they have with most pushes for inclusivity and
education: being asked to consider someone else’s feelings, particularly
(More...)
Behind the Scam: What Does It Take to Be a ‘Best-Selling Author’? $3 and 5 Minutes.
Tue, 14 Feb 2017 20:18:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/the-mission/behind-the-scam-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-best-selling-author-3-and-5-minutes-ec05cee1749a>
"Here’s what happened in the book industry over the last few years: As
Amazon has become the big dog in the book world, the “Amazon Bestseller”
status has come to be synonymous with being an actual bestseller. This
(More...)
Scientists Need to Stop “Othering” the General Public
Thu, 16 Feb 2017 00:16:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://extranewsfeed.com/scientists-need-to-stop-othering-the-general-public-e91d22c2ffb9>
"I believe that passionate scientists spending a few minutes each week
to connect with non-scientists could recruit a whole new wave of curious
minds, build trust between scientists and non-scientists, and combat
(More...)
Depeche Mode - Where's the Revolution
Thu, 16 Feb 2017 00:18:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsCR05oKROA
"Where's The Revolution" from the new album 'Spirit' out March 17th.
So great to see
Depeche Mode back in action. Via Kee Hinckley.
(More...)
In Berlin, refugees become friends—through board games
Thu, 16 Feb 2017 20:03:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/cardboard-connection-board-games-that-tell-refugees-stories/>
"Whenever I play games with others, we share each other’s stories. The
games themselves do not have to tell a story; they simply give us a
starting point and a framework for interaction."
(More...)
We Are The Scientists Against A Fascist Government
Thu, 16 Feb 2017 20:05:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theestablishment.co/we-are-the-scientists-against-a-fascist-government-d44043da274e>
"Our lengthy human legacy traces a long and fraught entanglement between
scientists and fascist administrations; we’ve borne witness to the havoc
it wreaks not only on scientific research, but on society’s most
(More...)
Material Design and the Mystery Meat Navigation Problem
Fri, 17 Feb 2017 17:45:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.freecodecamp.com/material-design-and-the-mystery-meat-navigation-problem-65425fb5b52e>
"Mystery meat navigation is a term coined in 1998 by Vincent Flanders of
the famous website Web Pages That Suck. It refers to buttons or links
that don’t explain to you what they do. Instead, you have to click on
(More...)
So Proud to be a Jew Today
Fri, 17 Feb 2017 17:46:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://byrslf.co/so-proud-to-be-a-jew-today-7c014be50ded
"Within living memory, it was our people fleeing war and genocide, and
being turned away based on flimsy excuses of “national security” and
accusations of spying for the very regimes trying to kill us all. We
(More...)
How global economic growth will drown in Trump’s oil glut after 2018
Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:48:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/insurge-intelligence/how-global-economic-growth-will-drown-in-the-oil-glut-after-2018-5c96dec3f13b>
"Rather than an adaptive response based on a whole systems
understanding, information overload — along with a deeply inadequate
approach to understanding global systemic crises — allows short-sighted
(More...)
New research to help preserve the benefits people receive from nature
Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:49:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170209133421.htm
"Humans rely on things that come from nature — including clean air,
water, food, and timber. But how can we tell if these natural services
that people rely on, are at risk of being lost, potentially permanently?"
(More...)
She Outsmarted Jamie Oliver — And Figured Out The Future Of School Lunch
Sat, 18 Feb 2017 12:50:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/school-lunch/
"How an unassuming bureaucrat outsmarted Jamie Oliver and pulled off an
honest-to-god miracle in one of America's unhealthiest cities."
(More...)
Studio Ghibli Characters Look Even Better in Traditional Japanese Wood-Cut Style
Sun, 19 Feb 2017 17:04:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
I’m A Refugee From A Banned Country— This Is My American Story
Sun, 19 Feb 2017 17:05:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theestablishment.co/im-a-refugee-from-a-banned-country-this-is-my-american-story-9a324d131618>
"But consider what a fatwa is: It’s an executive order, unhindered by
checks and balances, issued by a supreme leader."
(More...)
PayPal freezes Canadian media company's account over story about Syrian family
Sun, 19 Feb 2017 17:06:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/manitoba/paypal-freezes-flin-flon-newspaper-syrian-refugees-1.3977292>
"A community newspaper's payment to enter a feel-good story about a
family of Syrian refugees in an awards competition prompted PayPal to
freeze the account of a national media organization after flagging the
(More...)
Taronga Zoo welcomes energetic fennec fox baby as it emerges from nesting box
Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:43:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-03/fennec-fox-baby-emerges-at-taronga-zoo-in-sydney/8238106>
"A newborn fennec fox has emerged from its nesting box at Sydney's
Taronga Zoo and the energetic kit has been keeping its parents busy."
(More...)
Free Speech and the Paradox of Tolerance
Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:44:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/@juliaserano/free-speech-and-the-paradox-of-tolerance-e0547aefe538>
"Those of us who are passionate about free speech, and who want to live
in a truly open society, cannot afford to be bystanders anymore. We must
absolutely refuse to tolerate intolerant speech and the people who
(More...)
“I’ve Got A Little List”: The Next Six Months Under Trumpism
Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:07:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://medium.com/everyvote/ive-got-a-little-list-9acf9129f5a5
"One of the challenges of discussing the transition from democracy to
authoritarianism is that it’s hard to put your finger on concrete risks
which we might face."
(More...)
The Heart of Storytelling
Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:08:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://katherinephelps.com/2017/02/the-heart-of-storytelling/
"Conflict certainly helps to sell blockbuster films. This solidifies its
place in a dogma of storytelling that is more about status and
domination than experiencing and understanding the world both within and
(More...)
Why it’s time for Australia to launch its own space agency
Wed, 22 Feb 2017 21:27:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-its-time-for-australia-to-launch-its-own-space-agency-72735>
"Any nation that hopes to have a space program needs to be able to keep
an eye on its orbiting assets at all times. This means that Australia
has become a key link in the global chain of ground-based tracking
(More...)
Beyond Rage
Wed, 22 Feb 2017 21:28:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://katherinephelps.com/2017/02/beyond-rage/
"Change can and must be made to create a safe world: a world of peace.
Such change will require long-term dedication. Rage feels like power.
Rage feels like the hot steam needed to propel a train at high speed to
(More...)
Tech and the Fake Market tactic
Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:59:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/humane-tech/tech-and-the-fake-market-tactic-8bd386e3d382>
"In one generation, the Internet went from opening up new free markets
to creating a series of Fake Markets that exploit society, without most
media or politicians even noticing."
(More...)
Climate change: Scientists sad, frustrated as extreme weather becomes the new norm
Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:00:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-15/climate-change-blamed-for-australia-extreme-weather-events/8268692>
"We study the mechanisms and the data and remove our personal feelings
as much as possible but then every now and then it just hits you that
this is what we're actually doing to our planet."
(More...)
I’ll never bring my phone on an international flight again. Neither should you.
Fri, 24 Feb 2017 13:17:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.freecodecamp.com/ill-never-bring-my-phone-on-an-international-flight-again-neither-should-you-e9289cde0e5f>
"A few months ago I wrote about how you can encrypt your entire life in
less than an hour. Well, all the security in the world can’t save you if
someone has physical possession of your phone or laptop, and can
(More...)
When Good Intentions Backfire
Fri, 24 Feb 2017 13:18:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://points.datasociety.net/when-good-intentions-backfire-786fb0dead03>
"I find it frustrating to bear witness to good intentions getting
manipulated, but it’s even harder to watch how those who are wedded to
good intentions are often unwilling to acknowledge this, let alone start
(More...)
4chan: The Skeleton Key to the Rise of Trump
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:31:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/@DaleBeran/4chan-the-skeleton-key-to-the-rise-of-trump-624e7cb798cb>
"Trump’s younger supporters know he’s an incompetent joke; in fact,
that’s why they support him."
(More...)
Gallery of London's urban foxes
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:32:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://boingboing.net/2017/02/17/gallery-of-londons-urban-fox.html
"A common sight in London, foxes moved in after World War II and have
become a symbol of the city. They're mostly harmless, but the tabloids
there love to run fox-ate-my-baby stories."
(More...)
Your best pictures from the week
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:33:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-17/abc-open-pic-of-the-week/8277158
"Here is a selection of photos sent in by ABC Open audience members from
around Australia."
(More...)
The Troll Taunter
Sun, 26 Feb 2017 12:29:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://backchannel.com/one-womans-brilliant-fuck-you-to-wikipedia-trolls-aab4107d374b>
"A young Wikipedia editor withstood a decade of online abuse. Now she’s
fighting back — on Wikipedia itself."
(More...)
What’s your dog really eating?
Sun, 26 Feb 2017 12:30:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/@michaelwaxman/whats-your-dog-really-eating-3cdf45b7d2fd>
"A veterinarian and an engineer dive deep into the dark and confusing
world of dog food. Is kibble junk food? Is premium natural kibble any
better? Is raw food safe?"
(More...)
Why Do So Many Americans Fear Muslims? Decades of Denial About America’s Role in the World.
Sun, 26 Feb 2017 12:31:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/18/why-do-so-many-americans-fear-muslims-decades-of-denial-about-americas-role-in-the-world/>
"There are literally no national-level American politicians telling a
story that would help ordinary people understand why Trump’s goals are
both horrendously counterproductive and morally vile."
(More...)
4 ways to get people to care about the ocean
Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:22:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://ideas.ted.com/4-ways-to-get-people-to-care-about-the-ocean/
"A group of ocean scientists and activists brainstormed ways to make the
seas sound as amazing as they are. Read on for new tools, studies and
discoveries that could spark positive curiosity and empathy."
(More...)
Octopuses are taking over the oceans, and no one knows why
Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:23:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://inhabitat.com/octopi-are-taking-over-the-oceans-and-no-one-knows-why/>
"A new study published in the journal Current Biology has revealed some
startling statistics — a group of researchers from the University of
Adelaide have found that since the 1950s, the population of cephalopods
(More...)
Pac-Man, A Previously Unreleased ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Parody of ‘Taxman’ by The Beatles
Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:24:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://laughingsquid.com/pac-man-a-previously-unreleased-weird-al-yankovic-parody-of-taxman-by-the-beatles/>
"This hilarious parody of The Beatles’ “Taxman” was recorded at the
height of Pac-Man fever in 1982, but remained unreleased for 35 years.
Now, it’s part of Medium Rarities, the bonus album exclusively featured
(More...)
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