This Day in Blogging History: Genderbent Slave Leia; NZ Netizens go dark in protest of 3 strikes rule; Dmitry Sklyarov's DRM-cracking book

Cory Doctorow 3:00 pm Sun Feb 16, 2014

One year ago today

Slave Leo, A Genderbent Slave Leia Costume: Hobbyist armorsmith Ryan spent the winter creating a version of the iconic “Slave Leia” costume fit for a man.

Five years ago today

New Zealand netizens go black in protest of new "no-proof" copyright law that cuts off your Internet on accusation: An amendment to the Copyright Act that required ISPs to have a policy to disconnect users after repeated accusations of infringement, over the objections of technologists. While it's possible to have a policy that requires proof rather than accusation.

Ten years ago today

Dmitry has a book out! Dmitry Sklyarov became the first martyr of the DMCA's Dark Age when he was arrested by federal agents for speaking at a conference about eBook security in 2001. He has since written 'Hidden Keys to Software Break-ins and Unauthorized Entry.'

Blogging History: Painting characters on coin-heads; UK wants brawl-proof pint glasses; EFF kicks Diebold's ass

One year Coins painted as fictional characters: Andre Levy, a designer in Frankfurt, likes to paint coins. Five years Britain seeks ban on glass pint-glasses to prevent bar-brawl injuries: The… READ THE REST
Blogging History: Soviet plane-spotting head-gear; Ralph Lauren visits Uncanny Valley; Internet bubble's blessings

One year Soviet plane-spotting head-gear: Drakegoodman scanned this 1917-ish photo of Soviet planespotters in exotic headgear; according to a commenter, the binox are focused at infinity "so that when you… READ THE REST
Blogging History: Non-gender kids' clothes retail; London cops apologize for geek-mugging; Lucas ships Xbox malware

One year Better way to organize kids' clothing departments: Ever since our daughter's birth, my wife Alice and I have found ourselves shopping the "boys" section of the department stores… READ THE REST
Short Post, just one paragraph

Dessert cheesecake wafer bear claw fruitcake. Fruitcake chupa chups donut candy canes marzipan. Apple pie sweet roll tart chocolate cake macaroon marshmallow carrot cake gummi bears sweet. Pastry sugar plum… READ THE REST
Save 50% on a 1-year subscription to Dashlane's premium password manager

We all know vital information about ourselves and our private digital accounts can be compromised by cybercriminals. However, many would be frightened to know just how compromised they and their… READ THE REST
The Bite Helper removes the itch of a mosquito bite in seconds

While mosquitoes have certainly earned their title as the deadliest animal on earth, their impact on most of our lives is usually a lot less consequential. But even though they… READ THE REST