firehose

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art-of-swords:

Shark-Tooth Sword reveals “lost” shark species

Shark-tooth weapons once used for warfare in the Central Pacific have revealed two locally extinct shark species, a new study says. Historical records show that natives of the Gilbert Islands, now part of the country of Kiribati, once battled one another using wooden swords, spears, daggers, and other weapons inlaid with the sharp, jagged teeth of local shark species.

By studying 120 such weapons housed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, scientists determined that Gilbert Islanders used teeth from at least 17 shark species in making their weapons. The Gilbert Island weapons used in the study date to the mid-19th century, when the first British and American missionaries and whalers arrived at the island. (Read about the pioneers of the Pacific.)

The main bodies of the weapons were made of wood, and shark teeth were painstakingly sewn along their edges using thread made from coconut fiber and human hair. Because the islanders had no metal, they used spiral snail shells to bore holes in the teeth before sewing them to the weapons. According to written eyewitness accounts by the missionaries, the Gilbert Islanders used the shark weapons in violent and often fatal territorial disputes. “Space on the island was at a premium,” explained Drew, whose study was published online April 3 in the journal PLoS ONE.

Often in these battles, two “champions” would fight in a central skirmish. The champions “were dressed in this really cool armor made of very tightly woven coconut cords, and they had tiger shark ‘brass knuckles’ and helmets made out of dried pufferfish with spikes on them,” Drew said. The champions’ weapons might include elaborate swords made of three separate shark-teeth-encrusted blades bound together with stingray skin. Meanwhile, as the champions clashed, their “henchmen” would duke it out in the background, he said.

According to the missionaries, “the henchmen had these really long spears that were completely covered with shark teeth. And while the two main guys were fighting, the henchmen would basically try to reach over their guy and poke the other guy… so there was this battle of these 15-foot [4.5-meter] spears above the heads of the champions,” Drew said.

Women also took part by lobbing clubs at the enemies—sometimes hitting their own warriors.

While sharks were important for the construction of weapons, historical records indicate the Gilbert Islanders weren’t killing them just for their teeth. “The ethnographic literature suggests they used all the different parts—for shields, for household [items], and for food,” Drew said. 

Source: © 1996-2013 National Geographic Society

really-shit:

The REAL Toy Story | Michael Wolf

Behind those toys are a whole new world of “fun”.

D.B. Weiss and David Benioff have proven themselves game for interacting with shows vastly different than their HBO fantasy epic Game Of Thrones. Recently they swapped shows with Parks And Recreation’s Michael Schur and Dan Goor to write plot synopses of an episode for Entertainment Weekly. Now they’ve taken their collaborative spirit a step further, with Rob McElhenney announcing via Twitter that Benioff and Weiss wrote an episode of the upcoming season of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

Other details haven’t trickled out yet, but the show moves to FX’s new youth-oriented FXX channel sometime in the fall. Benioff’s other writing credits include 25th Hour and The Kite Runner, so we’re all in for a laugher. Perhaps the collaboration will lead to a Sunny-written episode of Game Of Thrones, presumably where Tyrion and Bronn spend the entire episode in a King ...

The web is abuzz with opinions on the new Daft Punk album, Random Access Memories, which will be officially released on May 21 but is available to stream right now. But even if the whole world is talking about your record, and high-ranking Billboard debut is imminent, you haven't really made it until somebody adds one of those goats that sounds like a person to your song. Somebody did just that to the Pharrell-assisted jam "Get Lucky." Here it is.

Leave it to the Internet to take something perfectly highbrow and debase it. The fine people at Previously.TV have posted a supercut of Downton Abbey season one, but with added farts. The Wet Hot American Summer homage (we assume) is a little under three minutes long but contains countless unbridled toots that presumably sullied dozens of fine silk gowns, dinner jackets, and maids uniforms. How disgraceful. 

Reminding Jon Snow and company that, on the wall, there’s nothing but time, a Swiss watch company has released a Game Of Thrones-inspired watch for the Night’s Watch. Ulysse Nardin debuted the $10,500 watch this week at its store in New York, saying that the marine diver’s combination of black and red represents “the serious feel of the sacred order.” Of course, as Mance Rayder can attest, no member of the Night’s Watch can actually wear red, but whatever.

The Night’s Watch watch is made of stainless steel and rubber (not that Jon Snow knows anything about rubbers, right? Right?), is supposedly inspired by the show’s opening credits, and features two inscriptions on the strap: “The Night’s Watch” and “I am the Sword in the Darkness.”

Only 25 versions of the watch have been made, but Ulysse Nardin says it might ...

1. Game Dev Tycoon (2013)

DRM—an initialism for “digital rights management” copy protection—has a lousy reputation, and it’s well-earned. Most players have encountered onerous DRM that punishes paying customers while doing little to deter pirates (who often find ways to crack a DRM-protected game anyway). And yes, it’s gross when, say, a publisher forces you to check in with a nanny server every time you want to play a game. But in principle, encouraging legitimate purchases is a noble aim. That’s why it was so amusing this year when the makers of Game Dev Tycoon revealed their scheme for teaching pirates a lesson. Game Dev Tycoon is a simulation in which you run your own video game studio. It’s DRM-free, so the Tycoon developers knew it would inevitably be stolen. They decided to preempt the wave of theft by seeding a “cracked” version of ...

“Steve Carell” by Fichtenbrenner

Worth1000 ran a “Modern Renaissance” photo effects contest this past February that challenged their community members to recreate classic paintings using the faces of modern celebrities from movies and television shows. There were some really hilarious and impressive entries. You can view all of digitally manipulated images at Worth1000.

“Honey Boo Boo Mama” by HarryPeters

“Keanu” by qwertyop

“Robert Downey Jr. by Jacques Louis David” by ghimm

“Drew Barrymore” by Shorra

“S.Sheldon Ren” by netodark2012

“Doctor Alphonse Gregory” by BrunoSousa

“Angelina Jolie” by BrunoSousa

images and video via Worth1000

via Lost At E Minor

makemestfu:

So relatable blog :)

payroo submitted:

since we’re on the topic of soul calibur ii… what drives me insane is that they actually made P2 costumes for the girls that usually make much more sense than the default.

while the time period is still way off (the game supposedly takes place in the late 1500s) they’re at least less horrendous than bright red spandex/purple what the fuck even is that.

(Images shown above)

but of course these outfits that don’t make me cringe to look at can’t be used for promotional materials…..

Oh, wow. Talk about a true contrast from what we’ve been seeing before.

As a historical costume freak myself, I’d love to see the character’s “main costumes” turned into something more proper historical from 1500’s. That would be so awesome.

It's no secret that female armor in games can sometimes be ridiculous and unrealistic. The Repair Her Armor Tumblr recently put together a list of thirteen types of ridiculous female armor you come to expect in MMORPGs—the commentary being less serious than it is for fun.

Read more...

wtfbyrne:

Link to part one - http://tiny.cc/6mb3ww

—— ——- ——- ——- ——-
May 12, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me

Hello,

This is (representative’s name) from Etsy’s Marketplace Integrity Team. Thank you for your interest in selling on Etsy.

Unfortunately, some of the items listed in your shop do not appear to qualify for the Etsy marketplace. We are a venue for independent artists to sell their own handmade goods as well as Vintage items and Craft Supplies. 

As your items do not appear to meet the criteria to sell on Etsy, your shop has been suspended. 

Here is some information about what can be sold on Etsy:



Items Handmade by You:


Artists and crafters can sell items they have made. Some production assistance is allowed, but the person running the shop needs to have a large part in creating the items for sale.



Vintage Goods:


These must be at least 20 years old. “Vintage style” or “vintage inspired” items less than 20 years old cannot be sold in the Vintage category. 



Crafting Supplies:



These are items intended for crafting. This category is for raw materials and tools that may be used to create things sold on Etsy. “Ready to use” items do not qualify as Craft Supplies.

Do not open other Etsy accounts. They will be closed immediately and without notice. Your other Etsy accounts may be suspended as well. 

Let us know if you have any questions about this.

Best,
Etsy Marketplace Integrity
http://www.etsy.com/policy/dosdonts
____

This message is a private conversation between you and Etsy. Please respect this confidentiality and refrain from distributing this communication without permission from Etsy. If you feel this message was sent to you in error, please delete it and let us know. Thank you.

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-
May 12, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace Integrity

Hi (represenative’s name),

My items do fit these qualifications. I build my electronics by hand.

Can you please tell me which item you have an issue with?

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 13, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me

Brendan,

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  In order to consider reopening your shop, we need to know more about how your items are made.

Please respond to the following questions within 5 days. This information is for internal use only.Incomplete, incorrect, or otherwise false information may result in your account privileges being revoked.

Step 1 - Information about your shop



1. How many people are involved in your shop?
2. Write the name of each person and their role in the shop. This includes making things, creating listings, running the shop, and shipping items.
3. Do you outsource any aspect of production of your handmade items? If so, what part(s)? 



Step 2 - Information about a specific item in your shop


https://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/6829829/il_fullxfull.445047669_272f.jpg

4. In detail, please outline the steps used to make this item. Include as much information as possible.



Step 3 - Attach images

In all of the images, please include a piece of paper showing:
• your username
• the date
This will show us that the images are current and taken by you.

Attach images of:

• Raw materials used to make the item in Step 2
• Step-by-step images of your handmade process in Step 2
• Images of the finished product in Step 2
• Equipment and work space



Thank you for providing us with this information. We look forward to hearing from you.

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 13, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace Integrity

Step 1 - Information about your shop



1. How many people are involved in your shop?

One. 

2. Write the name of each person and their role in the shop. This includes making things, creating listings, running the shop, and shipping items.

Brendan Byrne - Design, fabrication, assembly, administrator, and everything else. 

3. Do you outsource any aspect of production of your handmade items? If so, what part(s)? 



I outsource the circuit-boards. They’re printed in China. The chemicals involved in the production of them are not suitable for homes.

Step 2 - Information about a specific item in your shop


https://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/6829829/il_fullxfull.445047669_272f.jpg

4. In detail, please outline the steps used to make this item. Include as much information as possible.



The wood panels and acrylic front and bottom panels were cut using a 75 watt laser cutter that I have at my disposal. I designed the enclosure in Adobe Illustrator. The PCB was sourced from Music from Outer Space, an online synth hobbyist store. The owner, Ray Wilson, explicitly gives permission for the resale of his boards in finished projects. I adhere to his policies.

The knobs, potentiometers, and jacks were all secured by me. I did all of the wiring as well. Ordered the parts and soldered them all to the board too. Easily a day’s work to assemble not including the time to design it.

Step 3 - Attach images

In all of the images, please include a piece of paper showing:
• your username
• the date
This will show us that the images are current and taken by you.

Attach images of:

• Raw materials used to make the item in Step 2
• Step-by-step images of your handmade process in Step 2

I didn’t take documentation during the build process, but this is a very similar item that I used the same techniques on.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52082118@N05/sets/72157633038558161/

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 13, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me

Dear Brendan,

Thanks for getting back to us. We appreciate the time you have taken to answer our questions. 

However, we still do not have enough information about your items to confirm that they comply with our policies.

In order for us to have sufficient information, we need to see images of the specific item we inquired about in our previous message being made from beginning to completion.

Please note that any and all information you share with us is completely confidential.  We look forward to receiving this information.

Best,
Etsy Marketplace Integrity
http://www.etsy.com/policy/dosdonts

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-
May 13, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace Integrity

I don’t have photos of me building the item from start to finish. I checked Etsy’s “Do’s and Don’ts” page and nowhere does it even suggest that sellers be required to supply photos of the build process.

I’ve supplied photos of a device that I’ve documented the construction of that is nearly identical to this item. It’s linked to my Flickr site and to my Gmail which are direct representations of my craftmanship and practice. I’m wondering what the problem is? And why if the problem is so focused on this one particular item my entire store was suspended without warning. It should be obvious these devices were made by me and no one else. Where else could it have come from?!

 

I know electronic devices are an offshoot of what Etsy does and I’m always amazed by what items pop up there. However, I can’t help but doubt how well you or your staff is versed in the production of these devices, which I completely understand and don’t fault you for.

 

The photos I’ve supplied should be evidence enough to anyone that I’ve built this device.

 

If at all possible, I’d like to discuss this over phone. Are you able to schedule a time to speak with me tomorrow?

 

I’m currently putting together a large batch of devices that I’m planning to sell through Etsy and need my page functional. This downtime is incredibly embarrassing. I usually pick up 1-2 followers daily and depend on them as my base market for my next products. 

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 14, 2012

From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me

Brendan,

We appreciate your cooperation with this process.  This is a standard questionnaire used to learn more about items on Etsy and ensure they comply with our policies.  We reach out to many sellers to ask for this information.  Unfortunately, we’re not equipped to offer phone support at this time.

As you’ve indicated you’re currently working on some devices for your shop, if you could take photos of that process and provide them, we can review them for compliance with our policies and revisit your account status.  Thanks.

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 14, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace Integrity

I’d appreciate a link to the section on your website that states sellers are expected to document their build process and can be asked to supply those photos on demand by Etsy staff.

 

I’ve done nothing wrong and have cooperated by showing photos of my workshop, the item in question which was obviously assembled by my own hand, and my technical process for constructing an almost identical device already. I consider this to be MORE than enough evidence to settle the question of who built it. I find your further insistence for evidence completely unnecessary and insulting.

 

When I look over Etsy and see cases of rampant copyright infringement and “prints” that were generated using Photoshop filters and standard copiers I can’t help but feel persecuted for the nature of my items. Do you ask those sellers for photos of the work coming out of the printer? Or images of them adjusting levels in photoshop?

 

At this point, I’m going to ask for access to my account and an apology or I’ll take my business elsewhere.

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 14, 2012
From: me
To: Etsy Marketplace Integrity

A photo of my logo and etsy shop address laser etched into the back of the item in question.

THANKS!

 

 

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

May 14, 2012
From: Etsy Marketplace Integrity
To: me

Brendan,

The information you provided in your response did not adequately demonstrate your Handmade process. Based on what you submitted, we are unable to approve your shop to sell on Etsy at this time. 

If you would like to submit additional information that clearly demonstrates how your items are made, we will review it. However, we cannot reconsider your account status or respond further until we receive information sufficient to confirm that your items meet our policies. Thank you.

——- ——- ——- ——- ——-

 

I sent a final email stating that I would be sharing the email thread with my school’s listserv.

Wow, Etsy … get your act together.

Korea - Korea

vvolare:

“Minimum Monument”  by brazilian artist Néle Azevedo, presented as part of the Festival of Queen’s in Belfast, Northern Ireland

I’ll never get over this installation. Hits me in the square in the gut every time I revisit it.

hellotailor:

diyseamster:

Sleepy Hollow

Detail done on Christopher Walken’s Hessian Horseman costume.

Costume by Colleen Atwood

COLLEEN ATWOOD

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Fear less

Kluwe told Brendon Ayanbadejo, now writing for FoxSports.com, that he’s joining the Oakland Raiders. The deal is for one year and the league minimum.