Glass Wings Blog: June 2020

How A Feud Among Wolf-Kink Erotica FanFic Authors Demonstrates What The Copyright Office Got Wrong In Its DMCA Report

Tue, 2 Jun 2020 03:04:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200525/23544244573/how-feud-among-wolf-kink-erotica-fanfic-authors-demonstrates-what-copyright-office-got-wrong-dmca-report.shtml>

"The full NY Times article is worth reading, describing a still ongoing
legal fight between two fanfic authors who wrote stories building on
some apparently common tropes in the wolf-erotica fiction genre. One

(More...)

‘Incel’ violence is a form of extremism. It’s time we treated it as a security threat

Tue, 2 Jun 2020 03:05:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/incel-violence-is-a-form-of-extremism-its-time-we-treated-it-as-a-security-threat-138536>

"Incel is the name adopted by an online community comprised almost
entirely of men and boys who rage against women and blame them for their
sexless lives.

(More...)

Public land is being sold exactly where thousands on the waiting list need housing

Tue, 2 Jun 2020 03:05:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/public-land-is-being-sold-exactly-where-thousands-on-the-waiting-list-need-housing-139118>

"The need for public housing is greater than ever before – Australia has
a shortfall of at least 433,000 dwellings. Using public land for public
housing is a no-brainer. But, at the time of writing, the Victorian

(More...)

Why Ravens and Crows Are Earth’s Smartest Birds

Wed, 3 Jun 2020 03:33:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/03/year-of-the-bird-brains-intelligence-smarts/>

"Their brains may be tiny, but birds have been known to outsmart
children and apes."

(More...)

Trading Standards squad targets anti-5G USB stick

Wed, 3 Jun 2020 03:40:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52810220

"A device costing more than £300 promises to protect your family from
the supposed dangers of 5G, using ground-breaking quantum technology -
but does it work? Of course not."

(More...)

Slow Tuesday Night by R. A. Lafferty

Wed, 3 Jun 2020 03:44:00 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.baen.com/Chapters/9781618249203/9781618249203___2.htm

"One thing we can be fairly sure of: if we don’t blow up the world or
strangle in our own excreta, the future will be more complex and strange
than we suppose, maybe more strange than we can even imagine. R. A.

(More...)

Covid Rainbow | dayinyourlifeproject

Thu, 4 Jun 2020 02:52:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.rowenameadows.com.au/covid-colour-portraits

"When forced to spend a sanity-threatening amount of time together, the
boundaries between individual and group identity may blur. This is a
study in colour enmeshment during my family’s time in quarantine."

(More...)

Prairie Dogs Kinetic LEGO Sculpture

Thu, 4 Jun 2020 02:54:25 +1000

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

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

"Watch as I assemble this kinetic LEGO sculpture of a group of prairie
dogs hanging around, and in, their burrow. I show how the mechanisms
work for each as I put the model together. This model was a

(More...)

Free Speculative Fiction Online

Thu, 4 Jun 2020 03:00:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.freesfonline.net/

"An author is listed if the author meets the requirements for SFWA
membership, which are e.g. ‘Three Paid Sales of prose fiction (such as
short stories) to Qualifying Professional Markets’."

(More...)

'Billions of years of evolutionary history' under threat

Fri, 5 Jun 2020 04:49:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52808103

"Scientists say more than 50 billion years of cumulative evolutionary
history could be lost as humans push wildlife to the brink.

(More...)

David Attenborough to publish 'witness statement' on climate crisis

Fri, 5 Jun 2020 04:50:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/28/david-attenborough-climate-crisis-a-life-on-our-planet>

"David Attenborough is to publish his “vision for the future” of Earth
this autumn, laying out “the dreadful damage” done by humanity, and the
ways “we can begin to turn things round”.

(More...)

Australia's stalled migrant boom derails golden economic run

Fri, 5 Jun 2020 04:51:32 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-australia-immigration-analysis-idUSKBN2370U1>

"SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia’s three decades of uninterrupted
prosperity are coming to an abrupt end as the global coronavirus
pandemic crashes one of its most lucrative sources of income – immigration."

(More...)

The Buzzer is Mightier: The Author as a Game Show Contestant

Sat, 6 Jun 2020 03:25:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://epiphanyzine.com/features/2020/5/27/the-buzzer-is-mightier-the-author-as-a-game-show-contestant>

"I recently became aware of the prevalence of famous authors appearing
as game show contestants during the Golden Age of game shows (which I'd
align with What's My Line?'s initial run, from 1950-1967). Just as the

(More...)

Pixar short 'Out' makes history with gay protagonist.

Sat, 6 Jun 2020 03:30:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/05/29/pixar-short-out-makes-history-gay-protagonist-stream-on-disney-plus/5284175002/>

"NEW YORK — In Steven Clay Hunter’s 23 years as an animator at Pixar, he
has drawn a seven-armed octopus, a Canadian daredevil and a wheezing toy
penguin. But there were scenes he never expected to animate until he

(More...)

5 Economists Redefining… Everything. Oh Yes, And They’re Women

Sat, 6 Jun 2020 03:32:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/avivahwittenbergcox/2020/05/31/5-economists-redefining-everything--oh-yes-and-theyre-women/#1d426c15714a>

"Few economists become household names. Last century, it was John
Maynard Keynes or Milton Friedman. Today, Thomas Piketty has become the
economists’ poster-boy. Yet listen to the buzz, and it is five female

(More...)

James Corden: It's Time for Change in the US

Sun, 7 Jun 2020 04:49:12 +1000

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

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

"In the midst of civil unrest following the death of George Floyd at the
hands of Minneapolis police, James Corden offers a message of support
and love for those fighting for justice. After, bandleader Reggie Watts

(More...)

The 'Human-Caused' Sixth Mass Extinction Is 'Likely Accelerating,' Study Suggests

Sun, 7 Jun 2020 04:57:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.newsweek.com/human-caused-sixth-mass-extinction-accelerating-study-1508040>

"Land-based vertebrates—animals with a backbone—are likely going extinct
at higher rates than previously thought, a team of researchers have
suggested.

(More...)

‘I can’t breathe!’ Australia must look in the mirror to see our own deaths in custody

Sun, 7 Jun 2020 04:58:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/i-cant-breathe-australia-must-look-in-the-mirror-to-see-our-own-deaths-in-custody-139848>

"It is comfortable for us in Australia to throw stones at racist police
violence in the United States. It is comfortable because we do not see
our own glass house."

(More...)

There Is A Pot Of Feel-Good Gold At The End Of This Rainbow

Mon, 8 Jun 2020 03:35:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://notalwaysright.com/there-is-a-pot-of-feel-gold-at-the-end-of-this-rainbow/199055/>

“My five-year-old daughter is very sick and in hospital, and tonight is
her birthday. She asked earlier for a rainbow pizza, and I didn’t think
it was possible, but I figured it never hurt to ask. I don’t think she’d

(More...)

Matt Canavan says Australia doesn’t subsidise the fossil fuel industry, an expert says it does

Mon, 8 Jun 2020 03:36:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/matt-canavan-says-australia-doesnt-subsidise-the-fossil-fuel-industry-an-expert-says-it-does-131200>

"Setting aside the madness of this support for fossil fuels given the
climate crisis, the subsidies make no financial sense.

(More...)

The coronavirus crisis has revealed what Americans need most: Universal basic services

Mon, 8 Jun 2020 03:37:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.vox.com/2020/6/3/21275755/coronavirus-us-stimulus-economy-universal-basic-services>

"The notion of “universal basic services” (UBS) is a relatively new
entrant in the debate over social democratic policy. Much more familiar
is the idea of a universal basic income, which would distribute cash

(More...)

Anti-Racism Resources for White People - the Australian Edit

Tue, 9 Jun 2020 04:46:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uFzLrzaN_MoQaYq5XXltzNYEd-kIANT7K15vN6u_is/edit>

"We came together to create a list of resources for white people and
received feedback that many others need this info too. So while some
resources are directed specifically towards white people, people from

(More...)

Scientists are trying to save coral reefs. Here's what's working.

Tue, 9 Jun 2020 04:50:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/06/scientists-work-to-save-coral-reefs-climate-change-marine-parks/>

"The world’s coral reefs do more for the planet than provide underwater
beauty.

(More...)

How Do Societies Recover After Years (Even Decades) of Lies?

Tue, 9 Jun 2020 04:52:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2020/06/04/disinformation-cycle-society-government-recover-lies-propoganda-germany/ideas/essay/>

"How do societies get over years, or even decades, of being lied to? How
does a society that has run on “disinformation” exit from that system?

(More...)

seycara | illusions of the heart [full album]

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:25:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT9ABOe-7S0

"As someone who appreciates artists such as Potsu, City Girl, &
Biosphere, I always loved the lo-fi/jazzhop beats genre. Two months ago,
I decided to start experimenting on an all original album that merges

(More...)

Major Publishers Sue The Internet Archive's Digital Library Program In The Midst Of A Pandemic

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:30:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200604/01241444641/major-publishers-sue-internet-archives-digital-library-program-midst-pandemic.shtml>

"For many years, we've said that if the public library were invented
today, the book publishers would sue it out of existence. It appears
that the big book publishers have decided to prove me right, as they

(More...)

Black Death, COVID, and Why We Keep Telling the Myth of a Renaissance Golden Age and Bad Middle Ages

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:33:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.exurbe.com/black-death-covid-and-why-we-keep-telling-the-myth-of-a-renaissance-golden-age-and-bad-middle-ages/>

"Brilliant Medievalists have been posting Black Death pieces correcting
misconceptions and flailing as one does when an error refuted 50 times
returns the 51st (The Middle Ages weren’t dark and bad compared to the

(More...)

The aesthetics of science fiction spaceship design

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:04:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/4935

"In this thesis, we present a detailed analysis of the conventions that
appear in fictional spaceship design, including a discussion of their
origins, their uses in emulating certain traits, and reasons these

(More...)

Let's start a solar-powered chocolate factory in rural Ghana

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:06:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fairafric/lets-start-a-solar-powered-chocolate-factory-in-rural-ghana>

"Africa’s raw materials have always been mainly used to produce goods in
the Global North. That is why it is important for us that we go one step
further, processing raw materials locally and shifting the value

(More...)

Elephants, Long Endangered by Thai Crowds, Reclaim a National Park

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:09:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/world/asia/thailand-elephants-coronavirus.html>

"Since the coronavirus pandemic accelerated in March, Khao Yai,
Thailand’s oldest national park, has been closed to human visitors for
the first time since it opened in 1962. Without the jeeps and the

(More...)

Meet Hertha Ayrton, the mathematician who cleared WW1 trenches of poisonous gas

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 03:42:32 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://massivesci.com/articles/hertha-ayrton-mathematics-bodichon-electric-arc/>

"Mathematician, inventor, and friend of Marie Curie, Hertha Ayrton was
an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in science and in the voting
booth. Her Ayrton fan dispelled toxic fumes from WWI trenches, and her

(More...)

L’Art Moyenâgeux de Simon De Thuillières

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 03:47:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.geek-art.net/lart-moyenageux-de-simon-de-thuillieres/

"Simon de Thuillères is an artist who knows how to take full advantage
of lockdown!  This Marseille artist took the approach of remixing
stylised paintings from the Middle Ages to create illustrations taking

(More...)

Mad magazine legend Al Jaffee retires at age 99 after a record-breaking career

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 03:49:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/06/06/al-jaffee-mad-magazine-retires/>

"Mad magazine’s iconic back-page Fold-In is about to fold it in. Finito
after 56 years. Because Al Jaffee, officially the longest-working comic
artist ever, has decided to retire at age 99.

(More...)

No, Australia is not the US. Our shocking racial injustice is all our own

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 03:06:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2020/jun/07/no-australia-is-not-the-us-our-shocking-racial-injustice-is-all-our-own>

"I actually double-checked , because it is one thing to hear the
numbers, but to see the rate of Indigenous men in prison towering above
the rest is somewhat confronting.

(More...)

Renewable energy stimulus can create three times as many Australian jobs as fossil fuels

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 03:06:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/07/renewable-energy-stimulus-three-times-as-many-australia-jobs-fossil-fuels-coronavirus-economic-recovery>

"Stimulus programs backing clean energy as a path out of recession would
create nearly three times as many jobs for every dollar spent on fossil
fuel developments, according to a financial consultancy analysis.

(More...)

'Black Superman' champions talent in Adelaide's northern suburbs

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 03:10:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-07/gabriel-akon-dyspora-inspiring-musicians-adelaide/12325242>

"Gabriel Akon is angry, but wants to use the fire burning inside him to
provide a beacon of hope to the struggling youth of Adelaide's northern
suburbs.

(More...)

No pubs, no kissing, no flying: how Covid-19 is forcing authors to change their novels

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 04:50:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/01/no-pubs-no-kissing-no-flying-how-covid-19-is-forcing-authors-to-change-their-novels>

"Never mind newly minted corona lockdown stories, authors are
frantically rewriting existing projects to reflect a world turned upside
down by the pandemic – or shelving them indefinitely"

(More...)

Africa by Toto on Musical Tesla Coils

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 04:54:50 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fstnVzw7Vbw

"For those who did not understand what is going on this video, here's a
brief explanation: The main loud music really comes from the tesla coil
sparks. They are literally playing the music due to the programmed

(More...)

Supply Chain

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 04:56:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://cheeseness.itch.io/supply-chain

"Supply Chain aims to explore and prompt discussion on how highly
optimised, just-in-time supply chains can be susceptible to disruption.

(More...)

It is as if you were doing work

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:44:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://pippinbarr.github.io/itisasifyouweredoingwork/

"It is as if you were doing work is an application created especially
for those humans who feel a need to recapture an appearance of
usefulness through traditional human-computer interaction."

(More...)

Maybe Someday: Stories of Promise, Visions of Hope

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:45:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tylerchintanner/maybe-someday

"Maybe Someday: Stories of Promise, Visions of Hope is a full-color
anthology featuring over 25 inspiring stories about a brighter future.
It is also the sequel to the New York Times featured and Ringo Award

(More...)

‘Collapse of Civilisation is the Most Likely Outcome’: Top Climate Scientists - Resilience

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:49:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.resilience.org/stories/2020-06-08/collapse-of-civilisation-is-the-most-likely-outcome-top-climate-scientists/>

"Australia’s top climate scientist says “we are already deep into the
trajectory towards collapse” of civilisation, which may now be
inevitable because 9 of the 15 known global climate tipping points that

(More...)

On Systemic Debt

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:50:51 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://thedailywtf.com/articles/on-systemic-debt

"Technical debt has been on my mind because I've been thinking a lot
lately about broader, systemic debt. Any systems humans build—software
systems, mechanical systems, or even social systems—are going to accrue

(More...)

George Floyd protests show how the US has retreated from its position as a world leader

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:56:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/george-floyd-protests-show-how-the-us-has-retreated-from-its-position-as-a-world-leader-139912>

"In the broadest sense, at home and internationally, the US is moving
towards coercion and the exercise of hard power, and away from its
previous strategies based on soft power and international leadership."

(More...)

How The Antifa Fantasy Spread In Small Towns Across The US

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:59:14 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/antifa-rumors-george-floyd-protests>

"Militia members get to plan, anticipate, and enact the idea at the
foundation of their existence. And they get to do it in a way that
positions them as “the good guys,” fighting a cowardly bogeyman easily

(More...)

Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:02:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://itch.io/b/520/bundle-for-racial-justice-and-equality

"We live in a time of racial injustice, inequality, and police brutality
against black people. We hope that everyone takes a stand in any way
that they can. We’ve partnered with creators from all across our

(More...)

Ocean data need a sea change to help navigate the warming world

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:23:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01668-z

"The ocean covers about 70% of Earth’s surface, regulates the climate
and is home to countless species of fish, a major source of protein for
more than one billion people. It is now under threat from climate

(More...)

Dalai Lama Preps Debut Album of Teachings and Mantras Set to Music

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:42:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dalai-lama-debut-album-inner-world-1012484/>

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama will release a new album that mixes mantras
and chants with newly composed music, Inner World, out July 6th to
coincide with the Tibetan spiritual leader’s 85th birthday."

(More...)

13 Virtual Train Rides From Around the World That You Can Experience Right Now (Video)

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:45:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/virtual-train-rides>

"Virtual train rides offer viewers the chance to zone out and calm their
minds.

(More...)

They Built a Utopian Sanctuary in a Minneapolis Hotel. Then They Got Evicted.

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:53:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2020/06/minneapolis-sheraton-george-floyd-protests/>

"The 136-room hotel had been transformed into a pop-up homeless shelter
of sorts, with no staff and virtually no rules. The hotel’s typical
guests had been ordered to evacuate when the protests in Minneapolis

(More...)

Exotic, fifth state of matter created on the space station

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:55:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.livescience.com/fifth-state-of-matter-created-space-station.html>

'Scientists have generated an exotic form of matter in the unique
microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station and are
using it to explore the quantum world, a new study finds.

(More...)

GitHub to replace "master" with alternative term to avoid slavery references

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 05:36:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.zdnet.com/article/github-to-replace-master-with-alternative-term-to-avoid-slavery-references/>

"GitHub is working on replacing the term "master" on its service with a
neutral term like "main" to avoid any unnecessary references to slavery,
its CEO said on Friday.

(More...)

'She just started blooming': the trans kids helped by a pioneering project

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:06:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/15/trans-transgender-children-gender-family-project>

"At the center are the lives of trans and gender-variant kids who have
immediate needs – a safe family home and a supportive school environment
– regardless of what gendered adult outcome other people are hoping for.

(More...)

Harry Potter and the Author Who Failed Us

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 05:55:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.vox.com/culture/21285396/jk-rowling-transphobic-backlash-harry-potter>

"Trans and queer Harry Potter fans get to keep Tonks and Remus and
Sirius Black and Charlie Weasley and Draco, because I say so; Harry
Potter is ours now, and we make the rules. J.K. Rowling lost custody

(More...)

Australia Triumphs Definitively In Long-Running Battle With Big Tobacco Over Plain Packs For Cigarettes

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 05:57:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200610/07070244680/australia-triumphs-definitively-long-running-battle-with-big-tobacco-over-plain-packs-cigarettes.shtml>

"As a typically brilliant John Oliver segment explained back in 2015,
Big Tobacco companies have used corporate sovereignty clauses in
international trade and investment deals to sue countries for daring to

(More...)

Don’t Listen to Fox. Here’s What’s Really Going On in Seattle’s Protest Zone.

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 05:14:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/06/15/dont-listen-to-fox-heres-whats-really-going-on-in-seattles-protest-zone-321507>

"What’s going on in these four blocks that shook the world is indeed an
occupation, but it looks nothing like the conquista touted on Fox. It’s
also the “block party” that Mayor Jenny Durkan has compared it to, to

(More...)

We Can Protect the Economy From Pandemics. Why Didn't We?

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 05:16:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.wired.com/story/nathan-wolfe-global-economic-fallout-pandemic-insurance/>

"How must those CEOs feel, I wondered aloud, who had the foresight to
buy the world’s first pandemic business insurance? What a story they
would have to tell.

(More...)

Researchers Solve One of the Most Notorious Open Problems in Math

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:43:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a31977621/math-problem-random-walks-solved/>

"Mathematicians from the California Institute of Technology have solved
an old problem related to a mathematical process called a random walk.

(More...)

This model forecast the US's current unrest a decade ago. It now says 'civil war'

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:45:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/model-predicting-united-states-disorder-now-points-to-civil-war/12365280>

'In the early 1990s, when Bill Clinton was in the White House and the
United States looked unshakeable, the administration appointed Jack
Goldstone to study how states fail. They meant other states; not the US.

(More...)

Copyright Gets In The Way Of Chef Andres' 'Recipes For The People'; Because The DMCA Takedown System Is Still Broken

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:44:05 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200617/17540144738/copyright-gets-way-chef-andres-recipes-people-because-dmca-takedown-system-is-still-broken.shtml>

"While this story might just seem like a “mistake” it’s actually
illustrative for a variety of important debates we’re having – both the
debate about making the DMCA even worse and the Section 230 debates. We

(More...)

World has six months to avert climate crisis, says energy expert

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:47:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/18/world-has-six-months-to-avert-climate-crisis-says-energy-expert>

"The world has only six months in which to change the course of the
climate crisis and prevent a post-lockdown rebound in greenhouse gas
emissions that would overwhelm efforts to stave off climate catastrophe,

(More...)

Meet the neuroscientist shattering the myth of the gendered brain

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:26:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/feb/24/meet-the-neuroscientist-shattering-the-myth-of-the-gendered-brain-gina-rippon>

"Rippon has analysed the data on sex differences in the brain. She
admits that she, like many others, initially sought out these
differences. But she couldn’t find any beyond the negligible, and other

(More...)

‘State-sanctioned violence’: US police fail to meet basic human rights standards

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:29:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/us-police-human-rights-standards-report>

"Police in America’s biggest cities are failing to meet even the most
basic international human rights standards governing the use of lethal
force, a new study from the University of Chicago has found.

(More...)

If the government listened to business leaders, they would encourage humanities education, not pull funds from it

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 03:12:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/if-the-government-listened-to-business-leaders-they-would-encourage-humanities-education-not-pull-funds-from-it-141121>

"The federal government’s announcement they will more than double the
cost of humanities and communications degrees for university students
has taken the sector by surprise – not least because it goes against

(More...)

If we could design JobKeeper within weeks, we can exit coal by 2030. Here’s how to do it

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 03:14:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/if-we-could-design-jobkeeper-within-weeks-we-can-exit-coal-by-2030-heres-how-to-do-it-141178>

"As we emerge from the lockdown phase of the pandemic, there are many
lessons to learn. One is that when given credible warning of an
existential threat, it is better to act early and risk doing too much

(More...)

Why Obsessive K-Pop Fans Are Turning Toward Political Activism

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 05:53:59 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://dnyuz.com/2020/06/22/why-obsessive-k-pop-fans-are-turning-toward-political-activism/>

"Spurred at first by the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests around the
world, K-pop stans made themselves known outside of music circles this
weekend, when some took credit for helping to inflate expectations for

(More...)

This is absolutely phenomenal

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 05:55:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1275261886460821505

"The Sun being eclipsed by Mars' moon Phobos, captured by
@MarsCuriosity's MastCam on April 4 2020 (Sol 2723). Adjusted for true
time rate (39 seconds start to finish)."

(More...)

Yello - Waba Duba (Official Video)

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 03:40:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN9DaTXV0b0

"New Single "Waba Duba" by Yello OUT NOW! 🎵"

Still going since 1979!  This is the first single from their new album.

(More...)

Otherworldly, life-giving: award-winning photos on the theme of 'water'

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 03:41:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2020/jun/23/otherworldly-life-giving-award-winning-photos-on-the-theme-of-water>

"The winning shots of the 2020 Hamdan International Photography Award
capture both ethereal underwater scenes and our human relationship to
the sea"

(More...)

MOST. ADORABLE. ROLLER COASTER. VIDEO. EVER!!!

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 04:11:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOE8oabxnUM

"These bears are riding the world's #1 steel coaster "Untamed" at Walibi
Holland!"

(More...)

Senators Launch Full On Nuclear War Against Encryption: Bill Will Require Broken Encryption, Putting Everyone At Risk

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 04:12:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200623/17050744767/senators-launch-full-nuclear-war-against-encryption-bill-will-require-broken-encryption-putting-everyone-risk.shtml>

"Another day, another bad bill. Just as we're coming to terms with the
EARN IT Act moving forward in Congress, three Senators — Lindsey
Graham, Tom Cotton, and Marsha Blackburn — have announced a direct

(More...)

Top 10 books about remaking the future

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 04:13:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jun/24/top-10-books-about-remaking-the-future-peter-f-hamilton>

"There is no consensus on what constitutes a better future or how to
cultivate one – such nebulous concepts can really only be interpreted
through the prism of personal situation. Clean energy, universal access

(More...)

Michael Hawley, Programmer, Professor and Pianist, Dies at 58

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 05:58:02 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/24/technology/michael-hawley-dead.html

"Mr. Hawley began his career as a video game programmer at Lucasfilm,
the company created by the “Star Wars” director George Lucas. He spent
his last 15 years curating the Entertainment Gathering, or EG, a

(More...)

Can Being a Furry Protect You from Coronavirus?

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 06:00:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2020/06/24/43962644/can-being-a-furry-protect-you-from-coronavirus>

"Without realizing it, the whole country is starting to adopt the same
habits that furries have been practicing for years. So should we all
just give in and become full-on furries as a matter of public health?

(More...)

The Great Wonders Beyond the Great Reef

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 06:01:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://dnyuz.com/2020/06/26/the-great-wonders-beyond-the-great-reef/

"What lies off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, in the Coral Sea? The
region was mostly unexplored and uncharted until a recent expedition
searched its dark waters, uncovering an abundance of life, weird

(More...)

Summer In Space Vol. 3

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:54:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
http://www.spacesoundrecords.com/summerinspace3.html

Space Sound Records Summer In Space Vol. 3 is out now! Free 2-CD album
of cool space synth tracks. The previous two volumes plus 11 volumes of
their annual new year’s sampler CDs are also available for free

(More...)

World Refugee Day message from NZ

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:58:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://twitter.com/twopaddocks/status/1273726200934850560
https://kiwiswelcome.raisely.com/

"New Zealand has a proud history of accepting and embracing refugees.
Since WWII, we have formally resettled tens of thousands of people from

(More...)

Dolphins Are So Smart They're Learning Tool-Use From Their Friends

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 05:00:55 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.sciencealert.com/clever-dolphins-can-pick-up-fishing-tricks-from-their-friends>

'There are similarities between dolphin and great ape societies that
have led scientists to believe that dolphins should be capable of
horizontal learning.

(More...)

The West Is Being Won by Tiny Bits of Plastic

Wed, 1 Jul 2020 06:41:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/microplastics-in-national-parks

"The Grand Canyon is vast and magnificently unsubtle: The 277-mile gash
has long humbled visitors with its sheer rock walls and the river
ribboning below. The landscape is also cloaked with something much, much

(More...)

Is this the most powerful word in the English language?

Wed, 1 Jul 2020 06:42:15 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200109-is-this-the-most-powerful-word-in-the-english-language>

"‘The’. It’s omnipresent; we can’t imagine English without it. But it’s
not much to look at. It isn’t descriptive, evocative or inspiring.
Technically, it’s meaningless. And yet this bland and innocuous-seeming

(More...)

Home E-Mail Sponsors Index Search About Us