Glass Wings Blog: January 2024
What should I give my child’s teacher at the end of the year?
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 13:02:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-should-i-give-my-childs-teacher-at-the-end-of-the-year-217687>
"As we approach the end of the school year, many families are thinking about
what might be an appropriate gift to thank teachers.
(More...)
‘I can see the characters’: how reading aloud to patients can break through ‘cancer fog’
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 13:04:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
What are fire ants, and what will happen if these tiny killers take hold across Australia?
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 13:05:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/29/fire-ants-found-nsw-invasive-species-bites-sting-death>
"Fire ants have been found in New South Wales. The invasive species can kill
people and livestock, and damage infrastructure and ecosystems. Eradication
requires a $2bn commitment – but experts warn those costs pale in comparison to
(More...)
How does Australia’s health system stack up internationally? Not bad, if you’re willing to wait for it
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 13:05:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-does-australias-health-system-stack-up-internationally-not-bad-if-youre-willing-to-wait-for-it-218031>
"When things are going bad in the health system, we are reassured we’ve got one
of the best health systems in the world. But we’re rarely told where we
actually stand relative to others.
(More...)
Paul McCartney and Elton John to appear in Spinal Tap sequel
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 13:07:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/28/paul-mccartney-and-elton-john-to-appear-in-spinal-tap-sequel>
"Paul McCartney and Elton John will appear in the sequel to cult mockumentary
This Is Spinal Tap, for which filming is due to get under way early next
year, it has been revealed.
(More...)
3 reasons why removing grazing animals from Australia’s arid lands for carbon credits is a bad idea
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 13:08:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-why-removing-grazing-animals-from-australias-arid-lands-for-carbon-credits-is-a-bad-idea-218129>
"If you run a large polluting facility and can’t work out how to actually cut
emissions, you might buy carbon credits to offset your emissions from the
Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme. These credits are meant to represent
(More...)
Holiday home tax to triple after three years under deal between Allan government, Greens
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 19:22:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Driving a greener future: how your electric car could help power your neighbourhood
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 19:23:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Will Big Carbon Capture the COP?
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 19:24:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-new-climate/will-big-carbon-capture-the-cop-c2334134e90b>
"Between November 30 and December 12, the biggest yearly event in climate
politics will take place: the 28th Conference of Parties (usually referred to
as COP 28). COP meetings, which have taken place at least once a year since
(More...)
Her Retirement Home Said ‘No’ to Solar Panels. She Got It to Buy 1,344.
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 19:25:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/nyregion/solar-power-panels-retirement-home-connecticut.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AE0.ySLy.R8tCkhJht3W1&smid=url-share>
"Susan Auslander, at 89, is an energetic, convent-educated, white-haired Prius
driver, and when her retirement community told her it was not feasible to
convert to solar power, Ms. Auslander decided to push back. That push turned
(More...)
ITSA Newsletter: Giving Tuesday
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 19:27:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://itsanewsletter.beehiiv.com/p/itsa-newsletter-giving-tuesday
"Here’s the latest Basic Income News:
‣ Canada’s Prince Edward Island says basic income is doable
(More...)
DOS_deck offers free, all-timer DOS games in a browser, with controller support
Mon, 1 Jan 2024 19:29:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/11/dos_deck-offers-free-all-timer-dos-games-in-a-browser-with-controller-support/>
"Revisiting a classic game from the AUTOEXEC.BAT/CONFIG.SYS era of MS-DOS can
be a fun distraction. But the more friction and configuration between you and a
playable game, the more likely you are to fall off before you ever hit the menu
(More...)
Dominica to create world's first sperm whale reserve
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 04:03:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67413973
'The Caribbean island of Dominica says it will create the world's first sperm
whale reserve.
(More...)
Seven Clean Seas removes 2 million kg of ocean plastic
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 04:04:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sustainableplastics.com/news/seven-clean-seas-removes-2-million-kg-ocean-plastic>
"Seven Clean Seas, a UK-based environmental organisation, announced it has
achieved a milestone in its mission to combat global plastic pollution. Since
its inception in July 2020, it has removed a staggering 2,206,079 kilograms of
(More...)
Unilever accused of breaking plastics pledge as sachet sales approach 53bn
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 04:05:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/28/unilever-accused-of-breaking-plastics-pledge-53bn-sachets-greenpeace>
"Unilever is on track to sell 53bn non-reusable sachets containing anything
from sauces to shampoo in 2023, breaking its commitment to switch away from
single-use plastic, a report from Greenpeace has found.
(More...)
Top green energy award for Maria Island’s 13,000-litre diesel reduction solar project
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 04:06:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://pulsehobart.com.au/news/top-green-energy-award-for-maria-islands-13000-litre-diesel-reduction-solar-project/>
"A project that has transformed Tasmania’s Maria Island National Park into a
‘clean, green energy hub’ through the installation of a new solar array and
battery storage facility has taken out a top award.
(More...)
Indigenous community in Ecuador wins legal fight to reclaim ancestral land after more than 80 years
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 04:08:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/29/americas/indigenous-siekopai-ecuador-court-battle-intl-hnk/>
"An indigenous community has won a court battle to regain ownership over its
ancestral homeland in the Ecuadorian Amazon, more than 80 years after they were
displaced because of war.
(More...)
Since the Gaza war began, violence against Palestinians has also surged in the West Bank – and gone virtually unnoticed
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 04:09:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/since-the-gaza-war-began-violence-against-palestinians-has-also-surged-in-the-west-bank-and-gone-virtually-unnoticed-218236>
"While the world remains fixated on the devastating October 7 Hamas attacks and
the subsequent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, there has been a pronounced –
and mostly unnoticed – escalation in violence against Palestinians in the
(More...)
Chris Bowen warns global heating will fuel political instability in annual climate statement
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 13:19:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/30/chris-bowen-warns-global-heating-will-fuel-political-instability-in-annual-climate-statement>
"The climate change minister, Chris Bowen, will declare runaway global heating
remains a national security threat and predict that countries vulnerable to sea
level rise will look to Australia to provide “mobility with dignity” as the
(More...)
Weather experts in Midwest say climate change reporting brings burnout and threats
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 13:20:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2023/11/29/1215554774/weather-experts-in-midwest-say-climate-change-reporting-brings-burnout-and-threa>
'Chris Gloninger was excited to start his new job as chief meteorologist at
KCCI, a TV station in Des Moines, when he moved to Iowa from Boston in 2021.
Gloninger had extensive experience — more than 15 years in TV meteorology,
(More...)
A year of ChatGPT: 5 ways the AI marvel has changed the world
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 13:21:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-year-of-chatgpt-5-ways-the-ai-marvel-has-changed-the-world-218805>
"OpenAI’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT was unleashed onto an
unsuspecting public exactly one year ago.
(More...)
COVID wave: what’s the latest on antiviral drugs, and who is eligible in Australia?
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 13:21:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/covid-wave-whats-the-latest-on-antiviral-drugs-and-who-is-eligible-in-australia-218423>
"Australia is experiencing a fresh wave of COVID, seeing increasing cases, more
hospitalisations and a greater number of prescriptions for COVID antivirals
dispensed over recent months.
(More...)
Plans to present meat as ‘sustainable nutrition’ at Cop28 revealed
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 13:22:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/29/plans-to-present-meat-as-sustainable-nutrition-at-cop28-revealed>
"Big meat companies and lobby groups are planning a large presence at the Cop28
climate conference, equipped with a communications plan to get a pro-meat
message heard by policymakers throughout the summit.
(More...)
What is a ‘just’ transition to net zero - and why is Australia struggling to get there?
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 13:23:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-just-transition-to-net-zero-and-why-is-australia-struggling-to-get-there-218706>
"Australia’s net-zero transition is struggling. Despite the government’s
efforts, announced last week, to revive flagging investment in renewable
energy, greenhouse gas emissions from existing industry are still rising. Yet
(More...)
US accuses Indian agent of directing plot to assassinate American citizen
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 20:44:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/29/india-assassination-attempt-american-citizen>
"US prosecutors have accused an agent of the Indian government of directing the
attempted assassination of an American citizen on US soil, according to a
superseding indictment released by the Department of Justice, which revealed
(More...)
What are young Australians most worried about? Finding affordable housing, they told us
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 20:46:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-are-young-australians-most-worried-about-finding-affordable-housing-they-told-us-218426>
"Many of us were anxious and fearful during the COVID pandemic, but we’ve
probably started to feel a lot better since lockdowns have stopped and life
looks more like it did previously.
(More...)
The Legendary Ocean Explorer Protecting ‘Hope Spots’ Around the World
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 20:47:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/sylvia-earle-hope-spots-ocean-conservation/>
"Despite celebrating her 88th birthday last August, Sylvia Earle seems to whirl
around the globe faster than a hurricane gathering strength. She still travels
about 300 days of the year and just returned from the Cayman Islands, Brazil,
(More...)
Henry Kissinger, 1923-2023. War criminal
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 20:50:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Do you really need antibiotics? Curbing our use helps fight drug-resistant bacteria
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 20:54:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/do-you-really-need-antibiotics-curbing-our-use-helps-fight-drug-resistant-bacteria-217920>
"Antibiotic resistance occurs when a microorganism changes and no longer
responds to an antibiotic that was previously effective. It’s associated with
poorer outcomes, a greater chance of death and higher health-care costs.
(More...)
It’s not the quarantine that made so many other diseases surge: It’s the COVID
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 20:56:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/11/28/2208445/-It-s-not-the-quarantine-that-made-so-many-other-diseases-surge-It-s-the-COVID>
"The world is nearly four years into the COVID-19 pandemic, but how the
SARS-CoV-2 virus damages human lives, both in the short term and across a span
of years, is still becoming clear. Earlier this month, a study in Lancet showed
(More...)
Meal kits are booming – but how do they stack up nutritionally?
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 04:42:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/meal-kits-are-booming-but-how-do-they-stack-up-nutritionally-218339>
"Meal kits are a billion dollar industry selling the promise of convenience
while cooking healthy meals at home. Delivering ingredients and step-by-step
recipes to the doorstep, meal kits reduce the time and energy to plan, shop and
(More...)
How El Paso’s Streetcars, Left for Dead in the Desert, Rose Again
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 04:43:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/el-paso-streetcar-system-transit/
"In 2010, El Paso native and photographer Peter Svarzbein had a vision for
bringing El Paso’s streetcars back to life.
(More...)
We analysed citizen science to find Australia’s top 10 most elusive birds
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 04:44:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-analysed-citizen-science-to-find-australias-top-10-most-elusive-birds-216645>
"Australia is one of the greatest places to see birds. We are fortunate to have
more than 800 different bird species across the nation. At least 370 species
are found nowhere else on Earth. They range from the iconic Australian magpie
(More...)
Couple Plants 2 Million Trees in 20 Years to Turn Destroyed Forest Back Into a Wildlife Haven
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 04:48:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/couple-plants-2-million-trees-in-20-years-to-restore-a-destroyed-forest-and-even-the-animals-have-returned/>
"In 2001, the legendary photojournalist Sebastião Salgado had a dream of
restoring the forest near his home in the state of Minas Gerais. Now 20 years
later, his family property is a biodiverse paradise.
(More...)
Miami's little-known Indigenous history
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 04:55:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231128-miamis-little-known-indigenous-history>
"Miami, Florida, is renowned for its flashy clubs, Art Deco design and eclectic
Latin and Caribbean culture. Yet, most visitors today have no idea that Miami –
one of the United States' youngest major cities – is built directly over one of
(More...)
It can be hard to challenge workplace discrimination but the government’s new bill should make it easier
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 04:56:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/it-can-be-hard-to-challenge-workplace-discrimination-but-the-governments-new-bill-should-make-it-easier-218359>
"Alex Gutierrez worked for MUR Shipping and its predecessors for nearly 30
years. But in 2018 he was told, in line with company policy, it was time to set
a retirement date.
(More...)
New research shows how Indigenous-owned businesses are creating better outcomes for their employees
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 13:24:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-research-shows-how-indigenous-owned-businesses-are-creating-better-outcomes-for-their-employees-218246>
"We are seeing more Indigenous businesses in Australia. This is important,
given these businesses produce social impact, support Indigenous economic
self-determination and maintain strong levels of Indigenous employment.
(More...)
Half of pre-mixed alcohol features nutritional claims as industry targets young Australians, study finds
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 13:25:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/30/half-of-pre-mixed-alcohol-features-nutritional-claims-as-industry-targets-young-australians-study-finds>
"The alcohol industry is targeting health-conscious younger Australians with
nutritional claims such as “low calorie”, “low sugar” and “gluten free”
appearing on half of pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, according to new research.
(More...)
Fossil fuel projects awaiting approval could blow Australia’s ‘carbon budget’ tenfold, climate groups say
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 13:28:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/01/over-20-bn-tonnes-of-co2-could-be-emitted-if-australian-fossil-fuel-projects-up-for-approval-go-ahead>
"The Australian government will face decisions on whether to greenlight 30
fossil fuel developments, mostly to export coal or gas, that together could
result in more than 20bn tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the
(More...)
A Peruvian farmer is trying to hold energy giant RWE responsible for climate change – the inside story of his groundbreaking court case
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 13:29:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-peruvian-farmer-is-trying-to-hold-energy-giant-rwe-responsible-for-climate-change-the-inside-story-of-his-groundbreaking-court-case-218408>
"On a crisp, sunny day high in the Peruvian Andes, two German judges gaze
across a mountain lake to the towering white glaciers in the distance. Dark
spots are visible on the pristine ice and, in quiet moments, the cold wind
(More...)
Agreement on loss and damage deal reached on first day of Cop28 talks
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 13:30:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/30/agreement-on-loss-and-damage-deal-expected-on-first-day-of-cop28-talks>
"A landmark deal to help the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries pay
for the irreversible impacts of climate disaster was agreed on the first day of
the Cop28 UN summit.
(More...)
French ski resorts risk becoming hooked on artificial snow
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 13:30:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/french-ski-resorts-risk-becoming-hooked-on-artificial-snow-212921>
"Winter hasn’t arrived yet, but French ski resorts are already resorting to
snowmaking. Milder temperatures as a result of climate change have effectively
led to its use becoming entrenched in recent years, with 29% of French ski
(More...)
Russia outlaws ‘international LGBT public movement’ as extremist
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 19:40:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/30/russia-supreme-court-outlaws-lgbt-movement>
"Russia’s supreme court has outlawed what it called an “international LGBT
public movement” as extremist, in a landmark ruling that representatives of gay
and transgender people warn will lead to arrests and prosecutions of the
(More...)
Climate complacency: study finds even the most informed people would rather take the easy option
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 19:42:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-complacency-study-finds-even-the-most-informed-people-would-rather-take-the-easy-option-217879>
"It is often argued that all we need to do is raise awareness of a “global
emergency” and rising eco-anxiety means individuals will “do the right thing”.
Our new study indicates this just is not the case.
(More...)
Reform delay causes dental decay. It’s time for a national deal to fund dental care
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 19:42:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/reform-delay-causes-dental-decay-its-time-for-a-national-deal-to-fund-dental-care-217914>
"A Senate committee has investigated why so many Australians are missing out on
dental care and made 35 recommendations for reform.
(More...)
LGBTQ+ couple in Nepal are first in south Asia to be legally married
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 19:44:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/30/lgbtq-couple-nepal-first-south-asia-to-be-legally-married>
"An LGBTQ+ couple in Nepal have said they want to “scream to the world that we
are husband and wife at last” after becoming the first in south Asia to have
their marriage legally recognised.
(More...)
Cupcake Ipsum - Sugar-coated Lorem Ipsum Generator
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 19:45:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://cupcakeipsum.com/
"Tired of how boring Lorem Ipsum got?
How about using auto-generated text that will actually
(More...)
Parliamentary report slams mutual obligation, calling for total overhaul of employment services
Wed, 3 Jan 2024 19:47:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/parliamentary-report-slams-mutual-obligation-calling-for-total-overhaul-of-employment-services-218807>
"A parliamentary inquiry has delivered a scathing indictment of Australia’s
employment services, finding it does not serve the interests of job seekers or
employers and urging the privatised system be partially wound back.
(More...)
Mallacoota cut off after landslide, Victoria’s east on flood alert
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 04:01:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-s-east-on-flood-alert-after-heavy-rain-sparks-hundreds-of-calls-for-help-20231130-p5enxs.html>
"A severe weather warning has been issued for Victoria’s east after 24 hours of
heavy rain and strong winds, which sparked hundreds of calls for help and
caused a landslide that cut off a Gippsland town.
(More...)
‘We will coup whoever we want!’: the unbearable hubris of Musk and the billionaire tech bros
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 04:03:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/25/we-will-coup-whoever-we-want-the-unbearable-hubris-of-musk-and-the-billionaire-tech-bros>
"Even their downfalls are spectacular. Like a latter-day Icarus flying too
close to the sun, disgraced crypto-god Sam Bankman-Fried crashed and burned
this month, recasting Michael Lewis’s exuberant biography of the convicted
(More...)
Babies in the global south are being poisoned by plastic from the north. Yet they are missing from the data
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 04:04:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/30/babies-in-the-global-south-are-being-poisoned-by-plastic-from-the-north-yet-they-are-missing-from-the-data>
"For the last 70 years, we have all been lab rats in the biggest health
experiment of human history, one that none of us signed up for, least of all
our children.
(More...)
It’s beginning to look a lot like burnout. How to take care of yourself before the holidays start
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 04:05:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-burnout-how-to-take-care-of-yourself-before-the-holidays-start-216175>
"It’s getting towards the time of the year when you might feel more overwhelmed
than usual. There are work projects to finish and perhaps exams in the family.
Not to mention the pressures of organising holidays or gifts. Burnout is a real
(More...)
What Drives This Madness On Small Modular Nuclear Reactors?
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 04:07:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/11/30/what-drives-this-madness-on-small-modular-nuclear-reactors/>
"A few months ago, a STEM and economics literate global decarbonization
executive for a $4 billion annual revenue logistics business operating in most
of the major trading companies of the world asked me “What drives this madness
(More...)
Dungeons & Dragons Is a Household Name Again
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 04:08:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wired.com/2023/12/geeks-guide-dnd-household-name/
"Kyle Newman, director of the cult classic
Fanboys, recently coauthored the
book
Lore and Legends: A Visual Celebration of the World’s Greatest
Roleplaying Game. The book chronicles the astounding success of the
Dungeons
(More...)
Why are people still flying to climate conferences by private jet?
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 12:34:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-are-people-still-flying-to-climate-conferences-by-private-jet-218459>
"Rishi Sunak, David Cameron and King Charles are just three of the more than
70,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries at the latest UN climate summit in
Dubai, COP28. But they are among hundreds who will have travelled there by
(More...)
10 ways the climate crisis and nature loss are linked
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 12:34:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/29/10-ways-in-which-climate-crisis-and-nature-are-linked-aoe>
"Nature loss and the climate crisis are locked in a vicious cycle. These two
issues are separate yet inextricably linked. As the climate crisis escalates,
natural habitats are being destroyed. This in turn exacerbates the climate
(More...)
‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ became the surprise hit of 2023 by upending conventional wisdom about what gives video games broad appeal
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 12:35:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Air pollution from fossil fuels ‘kills 5 million people a year’
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 12:36:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/29/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-a-year>
"Air pollution from fossil fuel use is killing 5 million people worldwide every
year, a death toll much higher than previously estimated, according to the
largest study of its kind.
(More...)
Rosalynn Carter's quiet victory: How she saved thousands and took no credit
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 12:37:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.salon.com/2023/12/01/rosalynn-carters-quiet-victory-how-she-saved-thousands-and-took-no-credit/>
"The late civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis liked to talk about
the necessity for getting into “good trouble” —the moral duty for good people
to go about their lives by comforting the afflicted and afflicting the
(More...)
Latest Draft of UN Cybercrime Treaty Is A Big Step Backward
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 12:38:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/12/latest-draft-un-cybercrime-treaty-big-step-backward>
"A new draft of the controversial
United Nations Cybercrime Treaty has only
heightened concerns that the treaty will criminalize expression and dissent,
create extensive surveillance powers, and facilitate cross-border repression.
(More...)
A California lake has enough lithium to power 375 million EVs
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 20:14:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://electrek.co/2023/12/01/a-california-dried-up-lake-has-enough-lithium-to-power-375-million-evs/>
"California’s infamous Salton Sea has been a known hotbed of lithium for years,
but no one had a sense of how much “white gold” was found there. Now a new
study quantifies that, and it’s impressive: The huge underground reserve of
(More...)
The Australian Curriculum is copping fresh criticism – what is it supposed to do?
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 20:15:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-australian-curriculum-is-copping-fresh-criticism-what-is-it-supposed-to-do-218914>
"This week a new report said there was a “curriculum problem” in Australia.
Education consultancy group Learning First found the science curriculum lacked
depth and breadth and had major problems with sequencing and clarity.
(More...)
Friday essay: can marriage be feminist? – a ‘hopeless romantic’ says no, but a same-sex newlywed says yes
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 20:16:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-can-marriage-be-feminist-a-hopeless-romantic-says-no-but-a-same-sex-newlywed-says-yes-213887>
"Early in my career as a gender studies scholar, I was asked to give some
“expert” commentary on whether it was possible to have a “feminist” wedding.
Without any specific research or personal expertise – never a real barrier in
(More...)
‘It a punitive f***ing system’: Brooke Oliver spent a majority of her life as a ward of the state, now she helps kids coming out of care
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 20:19:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A legacy of logging
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 20:24:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Can we sustainably harvest trees from tropical forests? Yes – here are 5 ways to do it better
Thu, 4 Jan 2024 20:25:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-we-sustainably-harvest-trees-from-tropical-forests-yes-here-are-5-ways-to-do-it-better-216606>
"Logging typically degrades tropical forests. But what if logging is carefully
planned and carried out by well-trained workers?
(More...)
The real AI fight
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 04:27:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/27/10-types-of-people/#taking-up-a-lot-of-space>
"Last week's spectacular OpenAI soap-opera hijacked the attention of millions
of normal, productive people and nonconsensually crammed them full of the fine
details of the debate between "Effective Altruism" (doomers) and "Effective
(More...)
Is Winston Peters right to call state-funded journalism ‘bribery’ – or is there a bigger threat to democracy?
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 04:28:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/is-winston-peters-right-to-call-state-funded-journalism-bribery-or-is-there-a-bigger-threat-to-democracy-218782>
"Winston Peters had only just been sworn in as deputy prime minister when his
long-standing antipathy to the news media emerged in the form of a serious
accusation.
(More...)
How problematic is mineral mining for electric cars?
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 04:29:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/01/do-electric-cars-have-problem-mining-for-minerals>
"In the deserts of Chile, the Australian outback and the plains of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, the earth is being peeled back and the water
sucked up and dried out to find the minerals needed to feed the world’s need
(More...)
Artificial intelligence is already in our hospitals. 5 questions people want answered
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 04:31:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/artificial-intelligence-is-already-in-our-hospitals-5-questions-people-want-answered-217374>
"Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in health care. AI can look
for patterns in medical images to help diagnose disease. It can help predict
who in a hospital ward might deteriorate. It can rapidly summarise medical
(More...)
AI is coming for our jobs! Could universal basic income be the solution?
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 04:48:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/16/ai-is-coming-for-our-jobs-could-universal-basic-income-be-the-solution>
"The idea of a guaranteed income for all has been floating around for
centuries, its popularity ebbing and flowing with the passing tide of current
events. While it is still considered by many to be a radical concept,
(More...)
New unified theory shows how past landscapes drove the evolution of Earth’s rich diversity of life
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 04:49:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
How to Free People From the Gravitational Pull of Hatred
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 12:30:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/on-reflection/how-to-free-people-from-the-gravitational-pull-of-hatred-2a03dbca7ff7>
'I found Ryan the mechanic slumped over his workstation and I felt a sharp stab
of concern. We've developed a friendly banter over the years even though I only
see him when I get my oil changed.
(More...)
COP28 climate summit just approved a ‘loss and damage’ fund. What does this mean?
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 12:30:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-climate-summit-just-approved-a-loss-and-damage-fund-what-does-this-mean-218999>
"Day one of the COP28 climate summit saw the first big breakthrough: agreement
on a “loss and damage” fund to compensate poor states for the effects of
climate change.
(More...)
Why Ban "Divisive" Teachings While Protecting Divisive Confederate Monuments?
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 12:31:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/illumination-curated/why-ban-divisive-teachings-while-protecting-divisive-confederate-monuments-0665de82978a>
'In a previous article, I compared recent attempts by conservative legislatures
to pass laws prohibiting the teaching of American history that emphasizes the
systemic oppression of Black people by white people to attempts by American
(More...)
COP28: How 7 policies could help save a billion lives by 2100
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 12:34:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-how-7-policies-could-help-save-a-billion-lives-by-2100-212953>
"In a recent review of more than 180 peer-reviewed articles — which I conducted
with fellow researcher Richard Parncutt — we found that a scientific consensus
has formed around the so-called
1,000-ton rule.
(More...)
Wind & Solar Dominate While Other Technologies Are Rounding Errors in End State Projection for…
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 12:35:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-future-is-electric/wind-solar-dominate-while-other-technologies-are-rounding-errors-in-end-state-projection-for-f3868040f658>
"This week I had the opportunity again to speak truth to money, a key focus of
mine. We need trillions invested the right way quickly in order to get
ourselves out of the climate mess we've created. My efforts over the past 15
(More...)
Video of ceramic storage system prototype surfaces online
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 12:36:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techradar.com/pro/video-of-ceramic-storage-system-prototype-surfaces-online-10000tb-cartridges-bombarded-with-laser-rays-could-become-mainstream-by-2030-making-slow-hard-drives-and-tapes-obsolete>
"Cerabyte has released a video showcasing the potential of its long-anticipated
ceramics-based data storage system that promises to revolutionize how
organizations store data on data centers in the future.
(More...)
What’s in a name?
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:47:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Police raid Moscow gay bars after a Supreme Court ruling labeled LGBTQ+ movement ‘extremist’
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:49:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/russia-lgbtq-nightclub-raids-crackdown-33e1b9a0110bf22dc2ebc7c42efe6335>
"Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow Friday night,
less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the
“global LGBTQ+ movement” as an extremist organization.
(More...)
Beaded moccasins confiscated from a Pa. school 100 years ago return to Native tribe
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:49:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2023/11/24/carlisle-indian-industrial-school-beaded-moccasins-sisseton-wahpeyton-oyate/stories/202311220102>
"LAKE TRAVERSE RESERVATION, S.D. — The moccasins sat for decades in the corner
of a glass-enclosed bookcase in Pennsylvania, nestled on a shelf with a Davy
Crockett trading card and Canadian Mountie knick-knack.
(More...)
Study: Air purifier use at daycare centres cut kids' sick days by a third
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:55:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://yle.fi/a/74-20062381
"Use of air purifiers at two daycare centres in Helsinki led to a reduction in
illnesses and absences among children and staff, according to preliminary
findings of a new study led by E3 Pandemic Response.
(More...)
Trust, Conflict, Resistance
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:56:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://nadinbrzezinski.medium.com/trust-conflict-resistance-449658e0ff25>
"When people ask why it is that Ukraine does not sit down with the Russian
Federation, it's because they know Russia. They have done this in the past.
They know the Federation can't be trusted because it's an imperial power
(More...)
Covid linked to deadly diseases, Parkinsons, Alzheimers, bowel disease
Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:58:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/covid-linked-to-deadly-diseases-parkinsons-alzheimers-bowel-disease/news-story/91d03ac183a8b6718f3b3e267a4e0fd4>
"As Australia enters its eighth Covid wave, researchers are warning of a
possible link between Covid and a range of devastating diseases such as
Parkinsons, Alzheimers as well as auto-immune conditions like bowel disease and
(More...)
Come for the Free Meals, Stay for the Company
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 03:43:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/foodcycle-pop-up-cafes-hunger-food-waste-loneliness/>
"Brandon, Jackie and Julie meet for dinner every Thursday, sitting at their
regular table, and often going out afterwards to a pub quiz nearby. They talk
about possible quiz topics and whether they can beat their previous
(More...)
Where are our leaders?
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 03:47:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://johnsnowproject.org/insights/where-are-our-leaders/
"
Newsweek recently published a commentary, which notes the alarming rise in
disability and excess mortality in the United States. Unfortunately, the
authors suggest the declining state of general health might have something to
(More...)
Meet the tree tenders
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 03:50:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/11/07/volunteers-caring-planting-street-trees/>
"As a child, Abdallah Tabet would leave his home in Beirut during the summer to
visit his grandmother in the lush mountains. When he’d return to the city, it
felt like a “concrete jungle” in comparison, he says, leaving him longing for
(More...)
Colombia joins international alliance calling for treaty to end use of fossil fuels
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 03:51:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/02/colombia-joins-international-alliance-calling-for-treaty-to-end-use-of-fossil-fuels>
"Colombia has formally joined an alliance of nations calling for a fossil fuel
non-proliferation treaty to prevent the “omnicide of planet Earth”, the
country’s president announced at Cop28.
(More...)
The Rise of the 'Bike Bus' Movement
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 03:54:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.distilled.earth/p/the-rise-of-the-bike-bus-movement
"On Earth Day 2022, Sam Balto, a physical education teacher in Portland,
convinced a few dozen parents to send their kids to school on their bikes and
posted the first in a series of videos that turned his “bike bus” into a viral
(More...)
COVID-19 cases in the NT a worry for Indigenous health group
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 03:56:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://nit.com.au/28-11-2023/8818/covid-19-cases-in-the-nt-a-worry-for-indigenous-health-group>
'As an eighth wave of COVID-19 sweeps across Australia there has been a sharp
rise in the number of people contracting the virus in the Northern Territory.
(More...)
EU criminalises environmental damage ‘comparable to ecocide’
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 13:45:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/17/eu-criminalises-environmental-damage-comparable-to-ecocide>
"The European Union has become the first international body to criminalise
wide-scale environmental damage “comparable to ecocide”.
(More...)
Everybody is asking for their art back
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 13:47:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://theprogressnetwork.org/art-repatriation-2023/
"On Monday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a planned meeting with
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after Mitsotakis made the case for the
return of the Elgin Marbles in a BBC interview. The Elgin Marbles are statues
(More...)
ALGERIA: 1 million hectares of steppe to be reforested by 2030
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 13:48:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.afrik21.africa/en/algeria-1-million-hectares-of-steppe-to-be-reforested-by-2030/>
"In Algeria, unsustainable exploitation of the steppe is at the root of
desertification. As a result, the steppe is seeing its component change, with
whole areas becoming increasingly degraded, as is the case in the wilayas of El
(More...)
Could purpose-led firms lift the UK’s flagging economy?
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 13:49:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/economics/could-purpose-led-firms-lift-the-uk-flagging-economy/>
"Forget legislative bonfires and tax cuts. To really stimulate the UK’s
flatlining economy, what about rewriting the rules of business so people and
the planet are on a par with profit?
(More...)
Bringing back California's redwood forests
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 13:50:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231113-bringing-back-californias-redwood-forests>
'Only 5% of California's redwood forests have never been logged. An initiative
to restore these forests is gaining momentum, aided by research showing that
redwoods store more aboveground carbon than any forest on Earth.
(More...)
I’m watching ‘AI upscaled’ Star Trek and it isn’t terrible
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 13:53:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/02/ai-upscaled-star-trek-deep-space-9-ds9/>
"For years, dedicated
Star Trek fans have been using AI in an attempt to make
a version of the acclaimed series
Deep Space 9 that looks decent on modern
TVs. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but I was surprised to find that it’s actually
(More...)
Billionaires Are Suing the Honduran Government for Blocking Their Profit-Making Scheme
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 19:31:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://jacobin.com/2023/11/honduras-international-law-isds-thiel-prospera-free-market-neocolonialism>
"You may not have heard of the area of international law known as
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), through which private corporations
are able to sue governments that implement legislation that constrains their
(More...)
Commercial Flights Are Experiencing 'Unthinkable' GPS Attacks and Nobody Knows What to Do
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 19:34:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7bk3v/commercial-flights-are-experiencing-unthinkable-gps-attacks-and-nobody-knows-what-to-do>
"Commercial air crews are reporting something “unthinkable” in the skies above
the Middle East: novel “spoofing” attacks have caused navigation systems to
fail in dozens of incidents since September.
(More...)
We all know about JobKeeper, which helped Australians keep their jobs in a global crisis. So how about HomeKeeper?
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 19:35:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-all-know-about-jobkeeper-which-helped-australians-keep-their-jobs-in-a-global-crisis-so-how-about-homekeeper-218520>
"Bipartisan support for temporary extra government spending to preserve
businesses and jobs through JobKeeper was one of the few positive outcomes from
the COVID-19 pandemic.
(More...)
Hyped and expensive, hydrogen has a place in Australia’s energy transition, but only with urgent government support
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 19:36:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hyped-and-expensive-hydrogen-has-a-place-in-australias-energy-transition-but-only-with-urgent-government-support-219004>
"If you listen to the dreamers, hydrogen is the magical fuel of the future that
can replace everything from the petrol in your car to the coal in a steelworks.
(More...)
Net zero policy for new gas projects abandoned after industry objected
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 19:37:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/04/net-zero-policy-new-gas-projects-abandoned-industry-objections>
"The Northern Territory government walked away from a proposal to set net zero
emissions requirements for new onshore gas developments after the industry
objected, government documents show.
(More...)
‘I’m not buying new stuff any more’: the young people getting into ‘degrowth’
Sat, 6 Jan 2024 19:39:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Seven solutions to ease the UK’s housing crisis
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 03:35:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.positive.news/society/seven-solutions-uk-housing-crisis/
"The housing crisis looks set to be a key topic ahead of the next general
election in the UK, amid soaring rents, rising interest rates, record waiting
lists for council houses and growing alarm about the ‘Airbnbification’ of
(More...)
Why renewed China-US cooperation bodes well for climate action
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 03:37:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-renewed-china-us-cooperation-bodes-well-for-climate-action-218394>
"The relationship between the US and China is the most important in the world,
and it has been unstable and sometimes under extreme stress in recent years.
But a recent meeting between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in California
(More...)
Santos, now booted from the House, got elected as a master of duplicity – here’s how it worked
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 03:38:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/santos-now-booted-from-the-house-got-elected-as-a-master-of-duplicity-heres-how-it-worked-218742>
"U.S. Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York, was expelled on Dec. 1,
2023, from Congress for doing what most people think all politicians do all the
time: lying.
(More...)
Bison return to Texas Indigenous lands, reconnecting tribes to their roots
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 03:40:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/13/texas-native-american-tribes-bison-return/>
"SULPHUR SPRINGS — Silence falls over a crowd of 40 people on a windy afternoon
in early November, each breath held in anticipation as two 800-pound bison
slowly approach.
(More...)
The Case of the Missing Vega AVUM Propellant Tanks
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 03:41:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://europeanspaceflight.com/the-case-of-the-missing-vega-avum-propellant-tanks/>
"Two of the four tanks necessary to power the fourth stage of the final Vega
flight disappeared several months ago, leaving Avio scrambling to find an
alternate solution.
(More...)
Major Victory! Canada Bans The Trade Of Elephant Ivory & Rhino Horn In Historic Decision
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 03:54:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://worldanimalnews.com/major-victory-canada-bans-the-trade-of-elephant-ivory-rhino-horn-in-historic-decision/>
"The Canadian government has just announced a ban on the domestic trade of
elephant ivory and rhino horn, as well as the import of hunting trophies
containing these parts. The landmark measures fulfill a 2021 Ministerial
(More...)
Renault starts heavy vehicle production for electric trucks
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 12:10:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/renault-starts-heavy-vehicle-production-for-electric-trucks/>
"Production is underway at Renault Trucks’ Bourg-en-Bresse plant in France for
its electric E-Tech T and C models.
(More...)
Drone fishing in South Africa is a danger to sharks and may be unfair to other fishers – study
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 12:11:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/drone-fishing-in-south-africa-is-a-danger-to-sharks-and-may-be-unfair-to-other-fishers-study-218267>
"“Drone fishing” is a relatively recent innovation in the use of unmanned
aerial vehicles. Some recreational anglers are using personal drones to fly
baited lines into hard-to-reach areas of water, or to look for good fishing
(More...)
Argentina’s Brexit: why new president Milei is threatening to pull out of South America’s common market
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 12:13:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/argentinas-brexit-why-new-president-milei-is-threatening-to-pull-out-of-south-americas-common-market-218564>
"Javier Milei, who was elected as Argentina’s new president on November 19, has
promised to withdraw from the South American “common market”, Mercosur.
(More...)
Fossil fuel giants play home ground advantage as climate COP despairs about 1.5°C
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 12:14:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/fossil-fuel-giants-play-home-ground-advantage-as-climate-cop-despairs-about-1-5c/>
"If there was any doubt about the difficulties of playing the fossil fuel
industry on its home ground they have been quickly dismissed in the first few
days of the COP28 climate conference in the UAE.
(More...)
Two charts in Australia’s 2023 climate statement show we are way off track for net zero by 2050
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 12:15:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/two-charts-in-australias-2023-climate-statement-show-we-are-way-off-track-for-net-zero-by-2050-218930>
"Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced Australia is
“within striking distance” of the government’s 2030 emissions reduction target.
(More...)
Fires broke out in a Melbourne landfill site four years ago. Residents are still waiting for them to end
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 12:16:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Massachusetts Blues
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 20:16:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://prospect.org/politics/2023-12-04-massachusetts-blues-progressive-policies/>
"At first glance, Massachusetts seems to be among the bluest states in the
nation. It sends an all-Democratic delegation to the U.S. House and Senate,
including progressive champions Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. And in the past
(More...)
COP28: with a ‘loss and damage’ fund in place, protecting climate refugees is more urgent than ever
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 20:17:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-with-a-loss-and-damage-fund-in-place-protecting-climate-refugees-is-more-urgent-than-ever-218509>
"It has taken decades, but the complex and increasingly urgent issue of
“climate mobility” has gradually become central to international climate
negotiations.
(More...)
Cruel summer ahead – why is Australia so unprepared?
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 20:18:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cruel-summer-ahead-why-is-australia-so-unprepared-219015>
"2023 has shattered climate records, accompanied by extreme weather that has
left a trail of devastation and despair, according to the World Meteorological
Organization at COP 28. Some of the most significant extreme heat events were
(More...)
Australia urged not to rely on ‘drug dealer’s defence’ for gas exports and help wean Japan off fossil fuels
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 20:19:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/05/australia-urged-not-to-rely-on-drug-dealers-defence-for-gas-exports-and-help-wean-japan-off-fossil-fuels>
"The Albanese government should do more to leverage its relationship with Japan
– arguably the world’s most important energy partnership – to help its trading
partner move away from gas and towards a rapid and ambitious decarbonisation,
(More...)
For domestic violence victim-survivors, a data or privacy breach can be extraordinarily dangerous
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 20:20:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/for-domestic-violence-victim-survivors-a-data-or-privacy-breach-can-be-extraordinarily-dangerous-216630>
"A suite of recent cybersecurity data breaches highlight an urgent need to
overhaul how companies and government agencies handle our data. But these
incidents pose particular risks to victim-survivors of domestic violence.
(More...)
Sellafield: ‘bottomless pit of hell, money and despair’ at Europe’s most toxic nuclear site
Sun, 7 Jan 2024 20:21:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/04/sellafield-money-europe-toxic-nuclear-site-cumbria-safety>
"Ministers who visit Sellafield for the first time are left with no illusions
about the challenge at Europe’s most toxic nuclear site.
(More...)
How the keffiyeh – a practical garment used for protection against the desert sun – became a symbol of Palestinian identity
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 05:59:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-the-keffiyeh-a-practical-garment-used-for-protection-against-the-desert-sun-became-a-symbol-of-palestinian-identity-218780>
"After Israel declared war on Hamas following the militant group’s surprise
attack on Oct. 7, 2023, and hostilities resumed in the region, some
Palestinians have been urging non-Palestinians to wear the keffiyeh, a
(More...)
Stay or go? Most older Australians want to retire where they are, but renters don’t always get a choice
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 06:01:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/stay-or-go-most-older-australians-want-to-retire-where-they-are-but-renters-dont-always-get-a-choice-218024>
"As Australia’s population gets older, more people are confronted with a
choice: retire where they are or seek new horizons elsewhere.
(More...)
Misinformation expert says she was fired by Harvard under Meta pressure
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 06:02:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/dec/04/facebook-harvard-joan-donovan>
"One of the world’s leading experts on misinformation says she was fired by
Harvard University for criticising Meta at a time that the school was being
pledged $500m from Mark Zuckerberg’s charity.
(More...)
COP28: health is finally on the agenda – but there’s more to do as we face continued climate extremes
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 06:03:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-health-is-finally-on-the-agenda-but-theres-more-to-do-as-we-face-continued-climate-extremes-218913>
"As global leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, health has finally landed firmly
on the climate change agenda, with the first “health day” at the annual UN
climate summit taking place yesterday (December 3).
(More...)
If Creators Suing AI Companies Over Copyright Win, It Will Further Entrench Big Tech
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 06:04:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/04/if-creators-suing-ai-companies-over-copyright-win-it-will-further-entrench-big-tech/>
"There’s been this weird idea lately, even among people who used to recognize
that copyright only empowers the largest gatekeepers, that in the AI world we
have to magically flip the script on copyright and use it as a tool to get AI
(More...)
How Kit-Kat made chocolate part of Ramadan
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 06:05:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thedrum.com/news/2023/12/04/how-kit-kat-made-chocolate-part-ramadan>
"KitKat has long been synonymous with the “break” and its various meanings and
interpretations within culture. From the water-cooler break at the office, to
the serendipitously unplanned break, to mental breaks. It’s a brand famous for
(More...)
The Greening of Milan: Porta Nuova and Vertical Forest
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 13:20:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://worldsensorium.com/the-greening-of-milan-porta-nuova-and-vertical-forest/>
"One of the cities leading the way in embracing sustainability and
environmentally friendly urban design is Milan. When walking through the city’s
streets, it is immediately evident that the emphasis is placed on letting the
(More...)
Meet the Vietnamese Grandmother Fighting Misinformation One YouTube Video at a Time
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 13:21:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A home among the gum trees: will the Great Koala National Park actually save koalas?
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 13:22:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-home-among-the-gum-trees-will-the-great-koala-national-park-actually-save-koalas-217276>
"It’s a visionary idea: a national park for koalas. Conceived over a decade
ago, the idea gained prominence after Labor took the idea to three successive
elections in New South Wales. Now they’re in office and have finally begun
(More...)
Science is a human right − and its future is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 13:24:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/science-is-a-human-right-and-its-future-is-enshrined-in-the-universal-declaration-of-human-rights-214451>
"Dec. 10 marks the anniversary of the 1948 signing of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in the aftermath of the
Holocaust. Though contested, imperfect and unfulfilled, the declaration remains
(More...)
Decentralization Matters: But Why?
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 13:25:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/04/decentralization-matters-but-why/
"About a year ago, the Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web asked if I
would help edit and compile a “magazine” talking about decentralization and why
it’s important. It was a fun and interesting challenge, and now the final
(More...)
Fossil CO₂ emissions hit record high yet again in 2023
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 13:26:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fossil-co-emissions-hit-record-high-yet-again-in-2023-216436>
"Global emissions of fossil carbon dioxide (CO₂), in yet another year of
growth, will increase by 1.1% in 2023. These emissions will hit a record 36.8
billion tonnes. That’s the finding of the Global Carbon Project’s 18th annual
(More...)
As a doctor I’ve been given some inexpensive yet priceless gifts. These are my favourites
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 19:34:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/05/as-a-doctor-ive-been-given-some-inexpensive-yet-priceless-gifts-these-are-my-favourites>
"Every December a hospital communique concerning gifts “provided and received
in the course of your work” lands in my inbox. It says, naturally, your
patients are grateful but in accepting their thanks you must behave with
(More...)
COP28 president is wrong – science clearly shows fossil fuels must go (and fast)
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 19:35:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-president-is-wrong-science-clearly-shows-fossil-fuels-must-go-and-fast-219128>
"According to the president of COP28, the latest round of UN climate
negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, there is “no science” indicating that
phasing out fossil fuels is necessary to restrict global heating to 1.5°C.
(More...)
An inside look at the dangerous, painstaking work of collecting evidence of suspected war crimes in Ukraine
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 19:36:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/an-inside-look-at-the-dangerous-painstaking-work-of-collecting-evidence-of-suspected-war-crimes-in-ukraine-214725>
"In a village in the Chernihiv region of northern Ukraine, activists
documenting evidence of potential war crimes in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
last year interviewed a witness whose relative went missing during the early
(More...)
5 Public Space Strategies that Promote Local Economies
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 19:40:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/reimagining-the-civic-commons/5-public-space-strategies-that-promote-local-economies-93492ffe8f2a>
"As cities look for new ways to boost their local economies, supporting public
life — people spending time together in public — is key. There are many
benefits associated with a thriving public life, from improved physical health
(More...)
Australian homes can be made climate-ready, reducing bills and emissions – a new report shows how
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 19:41:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australian-homes-can-be-made-climate-ready-reducing-bills-and-emissions-a-new-report-shows-how-219113>
"Millions of homes were built before Australia introduced housing energy
efficiency standards in 2003. They’re leaky. Gaps around windows, doors and
between building materials allow air to move in and out. So people tend to
(More...)
It’s time to rethink the climate emergency narrative
Mon, 8 Jan 2024 19:45:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://razgo.medium.com/its-time-to-rethink-the-climate-emergency-narrative-05ce6909a87c>
"“The science is clear. The world is in a state of climate emergency, and we
need to shift into emergency gear.” This is the opening sentence on the UN’s
Environment Program (UNEP) page on climate emergency.
(More...)
Fact-bombing by experts doesn’t change hearts and minds. But good science communication can
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 03:59:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fact-bombing-by-experts-doesnt-change-hearts-and-minds-but-good-science-communication-can-218030>
"A stir went through the Australian science communication community last week,
caused by an article with the headline
Science communicators need to stop
telling everybody the universe is a meaningless void. In meetings and online
(More...)
GraphCast: AI model for faster and more accurate global weather forecasting
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 04:02:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/graphcast-ai-model-for-faster-and-more-accurate-global-weather-forecasting/>
"The weather affects us all, in ways big and small. It can dictate how we dress
in the morning, provide us with green energy and, in the worst cases, create
storms that can devastate communities. In a world of increasingly extreme
(More...)
‘All in same canoe’: What’s it like being young on a sinking small island?
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 04:05:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/6/all-in-same-canoe-whats-it-like-being-young-on-a-sinking-small-island>
"When it comes to climate change, the low-lying Marshall Islands in the middle
of the Pacific Ocean are as front line as it gets.
(More...)
What happens after net zero? The impacts will play out for decades, with poorest countries still feeling the heat
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 04:06:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-happens-after-net-zero-the-impacts-will-play-out-for-decades-with-poorest-countries-still-feeling-the-heat-214361>
"Humanity’s emissions of greenhouse gases have caused rapid global warming at a
rate unprecedented in at least the past 2,000 years. Rapid global warming has
been accompanied by increases in the frequency and intensity of heat extremes
(More...)
If you want to avoid ‘giving away your first born’ make sure you read the terms and conditions before signing contracts
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 04:07:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-you-want-to-avoid-giving-away-your-first-born-make-sure-you-read-the-terms-and-conditions-before-signing-contracts-218705>
"In 2019, a travel insurance company held a secret contest in which they
included a line in the fine print of their policy promising $10,000 to the
first person who spotted it.
(More...)
Robot Hand With Working Tendons Printed in One Go
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 04:08:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://spectrum.ieee.org/3d-printed-robot-hand
"A skeletal robotic hand with working ligaments and tendons can now be
3D-printed in one run. The creepy accomplishment was made possible by a new
approach to additive manufacturing that can print both rigid and elastic
(More...)
Joby, Volocopter fly electric air taxis over New York City
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 12:11:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/13/joby-volocopter-fly-electric-air-taxis-over-new-york-city/>
"Joby Aviation and Volocopter gave the public a vivid glimpse of what the
future of aviation might look like this weekend, with both companies performing
brief demonstration flights of their electric aircraft in New York City.
(More...)
AI and Trust
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 12:12:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2023/12/ai-and-trust.html
"I trusted a lot today. I trusted my phone to wake me on time. I trusted Uber
to arrange a taxi for me, and the driver to get me to the airport safely. I
trusted thousands of other drivers on the road not to ram my car on the way. At
(More...)
A passionate argument for the necessity of functioning infrastructure
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 12:13:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2023/10/17/how-infrastructure-works-deb-chachra/>
"To understand what infrastructure is, advises engineer Deb Chachra, start with
your commute. You drive on a road network, or take transit that’s part of a
larger public system, or simply disengage from your networked
(More...)
The Portland Airport’s Astonishing New Roof Tells a Local Timber Story
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 12:14:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/portland-airports-new-mass-timber-roof-all-local/>
"When passengers pass through the newly remodeled Portland International
Airport in spring 2024, they’ll be able to point up to specific Douglas fir
beams around the oval skylights and know that they came from the ancestral
(More...)
Emails Reveal How a Hospital Bowed to Political Pressure to Stop Treating Trans Teens
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 12:16:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.propublica.org/article/musc-medical-university-south-carolina-trans-healthcare-emails>
"One Saturday morning in September 2022, Terrence Steyer, the dean of the
College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, placed an
urgent call to a student. Just a year prior, the medical student, Thomas
(More...)
Can the government’s new market mechanism help save nature? Yes – if we get the devil out of the detail
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 12:17:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A Revolution In Vehicle Drivetrains?
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 19:36:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://hackaday.com/2023/12/06/a-revolution-in-vehicle-drivetrains/
"Power delivery in passenger vehicle drivetrains hasn’t changed much since the
introduction of the constant velocity (CV) joint in the 1930s. Most electric
vehicles still deliver power via the same system used by internal combustion
(More...)
A great year to be a cabbage white butterfly: why are there so many and how can you protect your crops?
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 19:37:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-great-year-to-be-a-cabbage-white-butterfly-why-are-there-so-many-and-how-can-you-protect-your-crops-217794>
"Cabbage white butterflies –
Pieris rapae – are one of the most common garden
visitors across southern and eastern Australia. The butterfly looks elegant in
white with black dots on its wings: females have a pair of black spots and
(More...)
"The Boy and the Heron" is an autobiographical reflection by Hayao Miyazaki in the twilight of his life
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 19:39:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-boy-and-the-heron-is-an-autobiographical-reflection-by-hayao-miyazaki-in-the-twilight-of-his-life-219117>
"Much about Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film,
The Boy and the Heron, remained a
mystery until its premiere in Japanese theatres on July 14.
(More...)
Offshore oil regulator ‘avoiding scrutiny’ over approval for Woodside blasting and drilling
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 19:40:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/07/offshore-oil-regulator-avoiding-scrutiny-over-approval-for-woodside-blasting-and-drilling>
"Environmental lawyers have raised concern the offshore petroleum regulator is
attempting to avoid scrutiny by not publishing its reasons for approving
seismic blasting and drilling for a major fossil fuel development in northern
(More...)
Joe Biden to support Haudenosaunee Nationals
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 19:42:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://ictnews.org/news/joe-biden-to-support-haudenosaunee-nationals
"The Haudenosaunee Nationals’ women and men lacrosse teams have been outspoken
about competing under their own flag at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and
Wednesday they will get support from a top world leader, President Joe Biden.
(More...)
Earth on Brink of Five Catastrophic Climate Tipping Points, Report Warns
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 19:44:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/earth-on-brink-of-five-catastrophic-climate-tipping-points-report-warns>
'It's now almost inevitable that 2023 will be the warmest year ever recorded by
humans, probably the warmest for at least 125,000 years.
(More...)
Visual Anagrams: Generating Multi-View Optical Illusions with Diffusion Models
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:21:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://dangeng.github.io/visual_anagrams/
"
tl;dr: We use pretrained diffusion models to make optical illusions
We present a simple, zero-shot method to generate
multi-view optical
(More...)
Billie Eilish slams Variety for ‘outing’ her sexuality at red carpet: ‘Leave me alone’
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:24:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-12-04/billie-eilish-vareity-outing-me-red-carpet-sexuality>
"Billie Eilish said she wants the internet to “leave me alone” about liking
both women and men, after her sexuality became red carpet talk for
Variety.
(More...)
Guide to the classics: the sophisticated aesthetics of Sei Shōnagon’s "The Pillow Book"
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:25:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/guide-to-the-classics-the-sophisticated-aesthetics-of-sei-shonagons-the-pillow-book-212619>
"Over a thousand years ago, a gentlewoman received a precious bundle of fine
paper from her beloved Empress Teishi. She decided to write down her thoughts
and opinions on anything that “moved and fascinated” her during her service at
(More...)
Noam Chomsky turns 95: the social justice advocate paved the way for AI. Does it keep him up at night?
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:26:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/noam-chomsky-turns-95-the-social-justice-advocate-paved-the-way-for-ai-does-it-keep-him-up-at-night-218034>
"Noam Chomsky, the revered and reviled genius once famously described as “the
most important intellectual alive”, turns 95 today. He is a monumental figure
in modern linguistics, and only a slightly lesser deity in psychology,
(More...)
There are 26 jobseekers for every entry-level position in Australia, report finds
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:27:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/07/there-are-26-jobseekers-for-every-entry-level-position-in-australia-report-finds>
"A lack of suitable jobs and a trend towards insecure work is locking hundreds
of thousands of people in poverty, according to a new report that finds there
are 26 jobseekers for every entry-level position in Australia.
(More...)
Wikipedia’s volunteer editors are fleeing online abuse. Here’s what that could mean for the internet (and you)
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:28:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
COP28: 7 food and agriculture innovations needed to protect the climate and feed a rapidly growing world
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:53:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-7-food-and-agriculture-innovations-needed-to-protect-the-climate-and-feed-a-rapidly-growing-world-218414>
"For the first time ever, food and agriculture took center stage at the annual
United Nations climate conference in 2023. More than 150 countries signed a
declaration, committing to make their food systems – everything from production
(More...)
Melbourne has a new hero. He is the Voice of Flinders Street Station
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:54:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-has-a-new-hero-he-is-the-voice-of-flinders-street-station-20231205-p5ep4n.html>
"First, it was Carrot Man. Then, it was the Darth Vader busker. Next, it was
Water Bottle Girl. Now, it’s the Voice of Flinders Street Station.
(More...)
Kissinger’s obsession with Chile enabled a murderous dictatorship that still haunts the country
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:57:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/kissingers-obsession-with-chile-enabled-a-murderous-dictatorship-that-still-haunts-the-country-218982>
"Noticing my nonappearance at the start of a black-tie dinner at the
Johannesburg home of Harry Oppenheimer, a mining magnate and Africa’s richest
man, the host assumed I was boycotting the event on principle. It was a
(More...)
The Price We Must Pay: Navigating Emissions Trading Schemes
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:58:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-new-climate/the-price-we-must-pay-navigating-emissions-trading-schemes-b86c6d9e4dba>
"Imagine residing on an island barely 26km by 12km, shared with 520,000 local
inhabitants and almost 3 million visiting tourists every year. This is on an
arid land that can naturally only support about 30,000 people. If that sounds
(More...)
DRC elections: three factors that have shaped Tshisekedi’s bumpy first term as president
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:59:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/drc-elections-three-factors-that-have-shaped-tshisekedis-bumpy-first-term-as-president-217018>
"Africa’s second-largest country by land mass, the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), is scheduled to go to the polls on 20 December 2023. President Felix
Tshisekedi will be seeking re-election. However, his first tenure has been
(More...)
Announcing Wikipedia’s most popular articles of 2023
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:00:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/freely-sharing-the-sum-of-all-knowledge/announcing-wikipedias-most-popular-articles-of-2023-cc3afe5a8c99>
"People around the world have a lot of questions. And when they’re looking for
answers, they turn to Wikipedia. English Wikipedia received about 92 billion
views this year alone, according to data from the Wikimedia Foundation, the
(More...)
The only artist in the world to embed gold leaves in glass; kirikane | Yamamoto Akane: Making Beauty
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:59:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__slPKAVTtg
"This series celebrates the work of living Japanese artists and craftspeople.
Yamamoto Akane puts the traditional decorative technique of kirikane centre
(More...)
How to protect people displaced by the climate crisis
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:03:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.futurity.org/climate-displaced-people-global-south-3006042-2/>
"World leaders discuss plans to combat climate change at the annual United
National Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai this week, but the climate
crisis has already displaced millions of people.
(More...)
Taylor Swift’s ‘Time’ Cover Is Breaking Far-Right Brains
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:04:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/taylor-swift-time-cover-breaking-043803718.html>
"
Time magazine declared Taylor Swift as 2023’s person of the year on
Wednesday, and accompanied the announcement with a rare interview from the
artist in which she reflected on the year of her career that truly put her on
(More...)
LogoFAIL exploit bypasses hardware and software security measures and is nearly impossible to detect or remove
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:06:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/logofail-exploit-bypasses-hardware-and-software-security-measures-and-is-nearly-impossible-to-detect-or-remove>
"Computers running Windows or Linux are vulnerable to a new type of firmware
attack called LogoFAIL, according to a report from
Ars Technica. This attack
has proven to be extremely effective because it rewrites the logo that
(More...)
Designer layoff stories
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:08:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://matejlatin.com/blog/designer-layoff-stories/
"I got a raise at 3 PM, at 4 I was laid off. Exactly two months before our
twins were due and my wife and I would become parents for the first time. It
was just another Thursday afternoon, at 3 PM I spoke to my manager who told me
(More...)
These conservation-minded Illinois farmers are in a race against climate change to save their soil
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:09:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/12/1/23979634/climate-change-farming-soil-conservation-jake-lieb-michelle-carr>
"Jake Lieb drives his John Deere two-seater around his property and across the
shallow Camp Creek. The waterway cuts back and forth through miles of farm
fields until it reaches the Sangamon River and eventually pours into Lake
(More...)
Letter to America: A Rewilding
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 04:58:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
How place names impact the way we see landscape
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.hcn.org/issues/54.5/people-places-how-place-names-impact-the-way-we-see-landscape>
"Imagine scaling a peak so intimidating that it was called El Capitan, a name
ringing of conquest, conferred by the Mariposa Battalion, an Indian-killing
militia, in the mid-1800s. Imagine the rush of surveying Yosemite Valley from
(More...)
Scientists Warn The Atmosphere Hasn't Been Like This in 14 Million Years
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:01:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-warn-the-atmosphere-hasnt-been-like-this-in-14-million-years>
"The last time carbon dioxide in the atmosphere consistently matched today's
human-driven levels was 14 million years ago, according to a large new study
Thursday that paints a grim picture of where Earth's climate is headed.
(More...)
Mice Just Passed the Mirror Test. Here’s What That Says About Our Sense of Self
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:02:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://singularityhub.com/2023/12/07/mice-just-passed-the-mirror-test-heres-what-that-says-about-our-sense-of-self/>
"Here’s a fun test: Dab some blush onto the forehead of a six-month-old baby
and plop them in front of a mirror. They might look at their reflection with
curiosity but ignore the rouge. Redo the experiment at two years old. Now
(More...)
The climate change we caused is here for at least 50,000 years – and probably far longer
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:04:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-climate-change-we-caused-is-here-for-at-least-50-000-years-and-probably-far-longer-218641>
"In February 2000, Paul Crutzen rose to speak at the International
Geosphere-Biosphere Programme in Mexico. And when he spoke, people took notice.
He was then one of the world’s most cited scientists, a Nobel laureate working
(More...)
Helping the Pacific financially is a great start – but Australia must act on the root cause of the climate crisis
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:05:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/helping-the-pacific-financially-is-a-great-start-but-australia-must-act-on-the-root-cause-of-the-climate-crisis-219399>
"The federal government has announced an extra A$150 million for climate
finance – including $100 million for the Pacific to help protect its people,
housing and infrastructure from the escalating impacts of global warming.
(More...)
Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest in scathing attack on oil and gas industry
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:31:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/07/mining-billionaire-andrew-forrest-in-scathing-attack-on-oil-and-gas-industry>
"The Australian mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has used the backdrop of the
Cop28 climate summit to pay for ads in more than 10 major newspapers around the
world attacking the oil and gas industry and calling for fossil fuels to be
(More...)
It's Time: Scientists Urge The World to Declare a New Epoch on The Moon
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:32:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/its-time-scientists-urge-the-world-to-declare-a-new-epoch-on-the-moon>
'The Moon is no longer pristine. We humans have been messing about up there for
over half a century now, and our prints, dead equipment, crashed spacecraft,
art, and even feces is speckled across its gray and cratered surface.
(More...)
Councils are opening the door to tiny houses as a quick, affordable and green solution
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:33:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/councils-are-opening-the-door-to-tiny-houses-as-a-quick-affordable-and-green-solution-217267>
"Soaring rents and home prices, increasing mortgage stress, record immigration
and a growing population are fuelling a housing crisis and increasing
homelessness. In the face of this pressing need, tiny houses offer an
(More...)
Street Cat Bob Memorial Statue
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:34:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/street-cat-bob-memorial-statue
"Most of the 1,100 monuments scattered around London are dedicated to
individuals who carried out heroic deeds in the service of the Crown. Others
applaud the achievements of persons in the fields of arts or sciences. However,
(More...)
Opec rails against fossil fuel phase-out at Cop28 in leaked letters
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:36:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/08/opec-rails-against-fossil-fuel-phase-out-at-cop28-in-leaked-letters>
"The Opec oil cartel has warned its member countries with “utmost urgency” that
“pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible
consequences” at Cop28, in leaked letters seen by the
Guardian.
(More...)
Pluralistic: "If buying isn't owning, piracy isn't stealing"
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:38:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/08/playstationed/#tyler-james-hill
"20 years ago, I got in a (friendly) public spat with Chris Anderson, who was
then the editor in chief of
Wired. I'd publicly noted my disappointment with
glowing
Wired reviews of DRM-encumbered digital devices, prompting Anderson
(More...)
What are farm animals thinking?
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:30:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.science.org/content/article/not-dumb-creatures-livestock-surprise-scientists-their-complex-emotional-minds>
"Dummerstorf, Germany—You’d never mistake a goat for a dog, but on an
unseasonably warm afternoon in early September, I almost do. I’m in a red-brick
barn in northern Germany, trying to keep my sanity amid some of the most unholy
(More...)
AI laser that reads heartbeat through the throat could replace stethoscopes
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:32:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/02/laser-reads-heartbeat-through-throat-could-replace-stethoscopes>
"Scientists have developed a laser camera that can read a person’s heartbeat at
a distance and pinpoint signs that they might be suffering from cardiovascular
illnesses.
(More...)
Happy Public Domain Day 2024!
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:40:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://publicdomainreview.org/blog/2024/01/public-domain-day-2024/
"For anyone vaguely tuned in to the machinations of copyright law, this Public
Domain Day (the day at the start of each year on which works enter the public
domain) is an extra special one, for it
finally sees the appearance of a
(More...)
Accessibility in gaming expands with Sony’s new Access Controller for PS5
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:43:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/electronics/accessibility-in-gaming-ps5-access-controller>
"The gaming industry is actively removing barriers for gamers with
disabilities, developing accessible hardware like Sony’s new Access Controller
for PlayStation 5, released worldwide on Dec. 6. We spoke to gamers with
(More...)
We thought we’d find 200 species living in our house and yard. We were very wrong
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:45:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-thought-wed-find-200-species-living-in-our-house-and-yard-we-were-very-wrong-217082>
"We are biodiversity researchers – an ecologist, a mathematician and a
taxonomist – who were locked down together during the COVID pandemic. Being
restricted to the house, it didn’t take long before we began to wonder how many
(More...)
The Climate Change We've Already Created Will Last 50,000 Years, Scientists Warn
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:46:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-climate-change-weve-already-created-will-last-50000-years-scientists-warn>
"In February 2000, Paul Crutzen rose to speak at the International
Geosphere-Biosphere Programme in Mexico. And when he spoke, people took notice.
He was then one of the world's most cited scientists, a Nobel laureate working
(More...)
Friday essay: blind people are often exhausted by daily prejudice – but being blind is ‘inherently creative’
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:13:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-blind-people-are-often-exhausted-by-daily-prejudice-but-being-blind-is-inherently-creative-212343>
"Andrew Leland was in his thirties when he had to stop driving at night – and
then stop driving at all. Next, he had to start using a cane in public. As the
cycle of decreasing vision became familiar, each absent sliver of vision
(More...)
Wind and solar pose climate threat too, oil giant Saudi Arabia argues
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:15:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/07/saudi-arabia-focuses-on-emissions-from-wind-and-solar-over-oil-00130506>
"Oil-rich Saudi Arabia is urging nations to take action on what it suggests is
a growing threat to the Earth’s climate — wind and solar power.
(More...)
The weird materials behind sustainable furniture
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:16:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67425538
'From crushed oyster shells to agricultural waste, Celine Sandberg has
experimented with some wacky ingredients to make parts for furniture.
(More...)
Nobody reads T&C’s – but the High Court’s Ruby Princess decision shows consumer law may protect us anyway
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:17:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/nobody-reads-tandcs-but-the-high-courts-ruby-princess-decision-shows-consumer-law-may-protect-us-anyway-219229>
"How many times have you booked travel - like a cruise or a tour - and simply
clicked that you’ve read and agreed to the terms and conditions for your trip
without actually reading them?
(More...)
Megacities: life in the cities home to more than 10 million people – photo essay
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:19:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/dec/08/megacities-in-the-world-ngv-triennial-national-gallery-of-victoria-megacity-list-2023-life-in-cities-more-than-10-million-people-photo-essay>
"At last count, our planet is home to 34 “megacities”: cities with populations
of more than 10 million. By 2035, the UN estimates there will be 48 megacities;
by 2050, it is expected that two out of every three people will live in cities
(More...)
Creative bureaucracy is possible. Here are 3 things cities do to foster innovative local government
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:20:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/creative-bureaucracy-is-possible-here-are-3-things-cities-do-to-foster-innovative-local-government-218997>
"Heavyweight international players from the OECD to Bloomberg Philanthropies
and the United Nations have in recent years prescribed “innovation” as a
solution for the many challenges city governments face.
(More...)
Stable Video AI Watched 600,000,000 Videos!
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:59:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwDaQKOxgFY
Two Minute Papers on (open source) Stable Video Diffusion and Emu.
(More...)
Is it right to be worried about getting stranded in an electric car?
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:01:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/09/stranded-electric-car-ev-range-anxiety-charging-network>
"Of all the reasons car buyers give to avoid buying an electric car, two words
stand out above all: range anxiety. Drivers wary of making the switch from
petrol or diesel to electric overwhelmingly cite a concern that batteries will
(More...)
If humans disappeared, what would happen to our dogs?
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:02:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-humans-disappeared-what-would-happen-to-our-dogs-218703>
"For many of us, dogs are our best friends. But have you wondered what would
happen to your dog if we suddenly disappeared? Can domestic dogs make do
without people?
(More...)
A group of political ‘assassins’ is quietly threatening American democracy, a new book says
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:05:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/08/us/tyranny-of-the-minority-american-democracy-cec/>
"It started as a political protest in the nation’s capital over a disputed
election, but it quickly turned into an all-out assault.
(More...)
COP28: Turning the tap off slowly – why Australia’s decision to end overseas fossil fuel finance matters
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:06:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-turning-the-tap-off-slowly-why-australias-decision-to-end-overseas-fossil-fuel-finance-matters-219318>
"Until recently, financing fossil fuel projects has been relatively easy.
But that is slowly changing. At the COP28 climate negotiations yesterday,
(More...)
The Curious World of Tchibo
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:08:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://40percentgerman.com/home/2016/10/23/how-to-shop-in-germany-tchibo-cg2m2-f24rh-yjgxy>
"If you’ve spent any time in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands,
Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic or Türkiye, you will have likely
come across a Tchibo store. The popular chain is one of Germany’s most
(More...)
Visiting One of Japan's Most Remote Islands
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:20:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Good And Bad News On Attempts To Implicate DNS Services For Copyright Infringement At The Domains They Resolve
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:21:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/07/good-and-bad-news-on-attempts-to-implicate-dns-services-for-copyright-infringement-at-the-domains-they-resolve/>
"Two years ago
Techdirt wrote about an attempt by Sony Music in Germany to
implicate Quad9, a free anycast DNS platform (Cloudflare has technical details
on what “recursive” means in this context), in copyright infringement at the
(More...)
A 'hole' new attraction has been unveiled at the Hobbiton Movie Set | Seven Sharp
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:22:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0TQLBvB9Ic
"Lord of the Rings fans can now get a whole lot closer to the magic of
Middle-earth in Matamata."
(More...)
China Is Set To Take A Massive Leap Forward
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:23:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/predict/china-is-set-to-take-a-massive-leap-forward-5fbcc2989cc0>
"China is the climate elephant in the room. It is responsible for 29.2% of the
world's annual emissions, giving it the unwanted title of the most polluting
nation on Earth. Not only that, it emits more than twice the emissions of the
(More...)
Letters from an American: December 8, 2023
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:24:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-8-2023
"You all are in trouble, because I am home tonight from ten weeks on the road
and am taking the night for myself, writing about one of the Very Cool Things I
learned in my travels. I expect there will be more stories along these lines in
(More...)
Extreme poverty rate dropped faster than ever during the past decades
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:27:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.gapminder.org/facts/extreme-poverty-rate-dropped-to-less-than-half-since-1990/>
"
Most people in the world no longer live in extreme poverty!
Today, just 9% of people in the world live in extreme poverty, with less than
(More...)
Shipments to African countries herald final steps toward broader vaccination against malaria: Gavi, WHO and UNICEF
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:35:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.who.int/news/item/22-11-2023-shipments-to-african-countries-herald-final-steps-toward-broader-vaccination-against-malaria--gavi--who-and-unicef>
"Shipments of the world’s first WHO-recommended malaria vaccine, RTS,S, have
begun with 331 200 doses landing last night in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The delivery
is the first to a country not previously involved in the malaria vaccine pilot
(More...)
If YouTubers were Completely Honest with us...
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:36:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0uuRON0N7M
"In collaboration with GeeksWelcome, we have a video about what it's like to be
a YouTuber and why it seems like we know exactly what we are doing, right?"
(More...)
Tanzania to complete rural electrification by June 2024
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:37:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/tanzania-to-complete-rural-electrification-by-june-2024-4443250>
"
Dar es Salaam. The Rural Energy Agency (REA) announced on Thursday that all
12,318 villages across the country will be electrified by June 2024, marking
the culmination of a journey that began three decades ago.
(More...)
Will the Insurrectionist Order a Final Solution for His Own November Criminals?
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:39:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://aninjusticemag.com/will-the-insurrectionist-order-a-final-solution-for-his-own-november-criminals-328b41be9bf4>
'In college, I took a class on Nazi Germany. The teacher was an elderly man in
his final year. One day, he got into an argument with an entitled and defiant
student who felt compelled to spew the kind of fringe conspiracy theory that's
(More...)
Tambacounda: The power interconnection project that is transforming an entire region
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:40:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/11/22/tambacounda-the-power-interconnection-project-that-is-transforming-an-entire-region>
"The sun has set in Tambacounda at 18:35 GMT on this twentieth day of October,
2023, but this regional capital in eastern Senegal has not been plunged into
darkness. Better still, the power generators of companies, hotels, and shops
(More...)
The Park Where Conservation and Indigenous Rights Go Hand in Hand
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:41:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/peru-indigenous-rights-conservation-cordillera-azul/>
"Cesar Lopez Tanchiva strolls through the tropical rainforest with a
sure-footedness that comes with decades of experience. Despite his
authoritative appearance — a prim, khaki uniform and tall, jade green boots —
(More...)
Biden’s $8 billion quest to solve America’s groundwater crisis
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:26:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://grist.org/drought/biden-reclamation-groundwater-infrastructure/
"Water is hard to come by on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation, and it has been for a
long time. The Chippewa Cree tribe members who live on this reservation in
north-central Montana get most of their water from a thin underground aquifer
(More...)
Generating Life on the Baja Peninsula, One Mangrove at a Time
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:27:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/mexico-desert-mangroves-carbon-sink/
"The sun sits low in the sky as David Borbón walks from one young mangrove to
another, treading carefully so as not to disturb their roots. A golden glow
lights the plants as he delicately checks for flowers and new growth, removing
(More...)
South Africa to introduce shared parental leave after landmark judgment
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:28:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/10/south-africa-to-introduce-shared-parental-leave-after-landmark-judgment>
"South Africa is set to become the first country in Africa to introduce shared
parental leave after a high court ruled that both parents must have the right
to time off after the birth of a baby or adopting a child.
(More...)
‘A bus is open to everyone regardless of class’: riding the world’s biggest network
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:30:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/30/a-bus-is-open-to-everyone-regardless-of-class-riding-the-worlds-biggest-network>
"In 2004, Ananda Putra Fajar, or Nanda to his family, was among those trying
out Jakarta’s newly launched first bus fleet. Jakarta had long been infamous
for its traffic congestion and air pollution, and in the search for a solution
(More...)
Coral reef: How divers are using antibiotics to save sick corals
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:31:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67647402
'If Reginald Beckford had been told a few years ago that he would later make a
living as a scuba diving instructor, he would probably have laughed.
(More...)
Planning approval given for Australia’s biggest battery to soak up solar and replace coal
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:32:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/planning-approval-given-for-australias-biggest-battery-to-soak-up-solar-and-replace-coal/>
"Planning approval has been given for what will be Australia’s biggest battery
project, with a specific role to help soak up solar in the middle of the day
and replace coal in the evening peak.
(More...)
The Community Kitchens as an opportunity for migrant women in Peru
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:37:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://blogs.worldbank.org/latinamerica/community-kitchens-opportunity-migrant-women-peru>
"Moving to a country that is not our own involves significant challenges. The
main one is to successfully integrate into a new environment, culture, and
customs.
(More...)
Revolutionary earbuds developed in Vancouver to dramatically change life for disabled
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:38:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/it-was-immediate-revolutionary-earbuds-to-dramatically-change-life-for-disabled-developed-in-vancouver>
"Imagine you could move an object with your eyes or transport yourself with the
slightest shift of a muscle. It sounds like the stuff of magic, but thanks to
Naqi Logix, a Vancouver tech company, that magic is now a reality.
(More...)
Australia’s ‘deeply unfair’ housing system is in crisis – and our politicians are failing us
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:40:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Wiradjuri taught in NSW schools: ‘Our language is a living thing’
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:42:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/11/first-nations-indigenous-languages-taught-nsw-schools>
"In a newly constructed yarning circle, students from Holmwood public school
are practising an acknowledgment of country in Wiradjuri. The relieving
principal, Beatrice Murray, raises her voice to be heard above the noise.
(More...)
Tales of the unexpected: inside the thriving world of independent bookshops
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:43:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/dec/10/tales-of-the-unexpected-inside-the-thriving-world-of-independent-bookshops>
"Just off the market square in Beaminster, west Dorset, is a small,
glass-fronted bookshop with bright green walls and an even brighter yellow
armchair in the window. “I definitely call it my happy place,” says Gracie
(More...)
Republicans to meet allies of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán on ending Ukraine aid
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:44:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/10/hungary-viktor-orban-republicans-ukraine-aid>
"Allies of Hungary’s far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán will hold a
closed-door meeting with Republicans in Washington to push for an end to US
military support for Ukraine, the
Guardian has learned.
(More...)
Chris Bowen says agreement on global fossil fuel phase out central to Australia’s renewable energy plans
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 05:43:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/11/chris-bowen-tells-cop28-to-end-the-use-of-fossil-fuels-in-energy-production-as-talks-try-to-break-deadlock>
"The Australian climate change minister, Chris Bowen, has declared phasing out
fossil fuels globally is central to Australia’s push to become a renewable
energy superpower, and named Saudi Arabia as a block to agreement on the issue
(More...)
How an underwater sculpture trail plays a role in the health – and beauty – of the Great Barrier Reef
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 05:44:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-an-underwater-sculpture-trail-plays-a-role-in-the-health-and-beauty-of-the-great-barrier-reef-194335>
"The widespread demise of coral reefs due to climate change is now a certainty.
But what role does art have in our future for coral reefs?
(More...)
Why Venezuela is threatening to annex Guyana’s oil-rich province of Essequibo
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 05:45:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-venezuela-is-threatening-to-annex-guyanas-oil-rich-province-of-essequibo-219352>
"The US air force has taken the unusual step of holding joint drills with
Guyana as the United Nations scheduled an emergency meeting of the security
council to discuss Venezuela’s threat to annex more than two-thirds of the
(More...)
As the temperature rises, so do rates of domestic violence
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 05:46:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/as-the-temperature-rises-so-do-rates-of-domestic-violence-215070>
"Large parts of Australia are currently in the grip of a heatwave, and climate
change means we’re in for more frequent and intense heat events into the
future.
(More...)
Javier Milei sworn in as president in ‘tipping point’ for Argentina
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 05:48:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/10/javier-milei-sworn-in-as-president-in-tipping-point-for-argentina>
"Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, has vowed to lead his country out of
decades of “decadence and decline” but said its punishing economic crisis would
intensify over the coming months, as a “who’s who” of the global far right
(More...)
Australia’s first mobile cooling hub is ready for searing heat this summer – and people who are homeless helped design it
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 05:49:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australias-first-mobile-cooling-hub-is-ready-for-searing-heat-this-summer-and-people-who-are-homeless-helped-design-it-218829>
"Heatwaves are a major public health hazard. Socially disadvantaged people are
especially exposed to extreme heat and other impacts of climate change. Many
people experiencing homelessness – more than 120,000 on any given day in
(More...)
Iran stops Mahsa Amini’s family from travelling to receive human rights prize
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:25:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/10/iran-bans-mahsa-amini-family-travelling-receive-human-rights-prize>
"Iran has banned Mahsa Amini’s family from travelling to France to receive the
EU’s top human rights prize on her behalf, as the family of the imprisoned
Nobel peace prize winner Narges Mohammadi said she had begun a new hunger
(More...)
Golden mole that swims through sand is rediscovered in South Africa after 86 years
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:25:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/golden-mole-that-swims-through-sand-is-rediscovered-in-south-africa-after-86-years-219022>
"The De Winton’s golden mole was last seen in 1937 on the north-western coast
of South Africa, and later declared officially lost. This iridescent blind mole
with hearing superpowers evades contact with humans and “swims” through sand
(More...)
Stopping Trillions In Subsidies To The Fossil Fuel Industry Is Key To Climate Action
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:26:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-future-is-electric/stopping-trillions-in-subsidies-to-the-fossil-fuel-industry-is-key-to-climate-action-2e8ec5385879>
"According to the International Monetary Fund, in 2022 direct subsidies for the
fossil fuel industry rose to US$1.3 trillion. In previous years, the industry
averaged profits of $1.5 trillion, but last year their global profits were $4
(More...)
Fewer children in England having teeth out since sugar tax began, study finds
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:27:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/15/fewer-children-in-england-having-teeth-out-since-sugar-tax-began-study-finds>
"Fewer children in England have been having rotten teeth pulled out since the
sugar tax on soft drinks began, prompting calls for the levy to be extended to
sweets, biscuits and cereals.
(More...)
How the Christmas pudding, with ingredients taken from the colonies, became an iconic British food
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:28:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-the-christmas-pudding-with-ingredients-taken-from-the-colonies-became-an-iconic-british-food-218326>
"As an American living in Britain in the 1990s, my first exposure to Christmas
pudding was something of a shock. I had expected figs or plums, as in the “We
Wish You a Merry Christmas” carol, but there were none. Neither did it resemble
(More...)
Bhutan took a step towards queer rights, but its LGBTIQ+ people want a giant leap
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:30:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.himalmag.com/bhutan-queer-rights-lgbtiq-marriage-equality/
"In June 2022, in the middle of Pride Month celebrations across the world,
Tashi Choden Chombal was crowned the third Miss Bhutan. Chombal was 23 years
old at the time and had been openly gay for nine years. She came out on social
(More...)
Cities must replace harmful lead pipes within 10 years under new Biden administration plan
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:19:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/lead-epa-flint-discrimination-biden-white-house-ca10a72d628491fe03ec687432bf0b45>
"WASHINGTON (AP) — Most U.S. cities would have to replace lead water pipes
within 10 years under strict new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection
Agency as the Biden administration moves to reduce lead in drinking water and
(More...)
It’s Personal Now: How My State Solidified My Resolve to Fight for Change
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:21:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/12/11/2210858/-It-s-Personal-Now-How-My-State-Solidified-My-Resolve-to-Fight-for-Change>
"Two of the happiest moments of my gender affirmation journey were when I was
able to change my birth certificate’s gender marker to female, and subsequently
make the same change on my driver’s license. The sense of pride and fulfillment
(More...)
Papua New Guinea Triples Ocean Protection, Announcing Two New Marine Protected Areas
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:23:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21438/Papua-New-Guinea-Triples-Ocean-Protection-Announcing-Two-New-Marine-Protected-Areas.aspx>
"NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (Nov. 12, 2023) – In an incredible boon for the planet’s
oceans, the government of Papua New Guinea today announced more than 1.5
million hectares (more than 16,000 km²) of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
(More...)
Australian Human Rights Commission to crack down on employers who fail to actively prevent workplace sexual harassment
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:24:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/12/australian-human-rights-commission-to-crack-down-on-employers-who-fail-to-actively-prevent-workplace-sexual-harassment>
"Employers will be held legally responsible for failing to proactively take
steps to prevent sexual harassment at work under a change that Australia’s sex
discrimination commissioner, Dr Anna Cody, hopes shifts the burden of progress
(More...)
With Taiwan’s election just a month away, the China threat looms large
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:25:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/with-taiwans-election-just-a-month-away-the-china-threat-looms-large-216069>
"Taiwan is gearing up for important presidential and legislative elections next
month. How to manage “cross-strait” relations with China is not surprisingly
emerging as the critical issue of the campaigns.
(More...)
Why scientists are making transparent wood
Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:26:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/12/why-scientists-are-making-transparent-wood/>
"Thirty years ago, a botanist in Germany had a simple wish: to see the inner
workings of woody plants without dissecting them. By bleaching away the
pigments in plant cells, Siegfried Fink managed to create transparent wood, and
(More...)
1 in 4 adults think smacking is necessary to ‘properly raise’ kids. But attitudes are changing
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:01:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/1-in-4-adults-think-smacking-is-necessary-to-properly-raise-kids-but-attitudes-are-changing-218837>
"“Do you want a smack?!” This has been a common refrain from many parents
across history. Right along with “just wait till your father gets home”.
Somehow parents thought this threat of violence would magically improve their
(More...)
Floods and environmental flows a boon for south-east Australia’s waterbirds, survey shows
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:02:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/12/floods-and-environmental-flows-a-boon-for-south-east-australias-waterbirds-survey-shows>
"Widespread floods and environmental flows have been a boon for waterbirds,
with annual surveys in eastern Australia recording more than half a million
birds.
(More...)
How getting a second opinion can stop you being ripped off
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:02:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-getting-a-second-opinion-can-stop-you-being-ripped-off-218349>
"You leave your car at the mechanic for a routine service ahead of your summer
escape to the coast. When your mobile rings, you are stricken by unwelcome
news: the mechanic goes through a list of parts that urgently need replacing to
(More...)
Cop28 draft climate deal criticised as ‘grossly insufficient’ and ‘incoherent’
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:04:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/11/cop28-draft-agreement-calls-for-fossil-fuel-cuts-but-avoids-phase-out>
"A draft deal to cut global fossil fuel production is “grossly insufficient”
and “incoherent” and will not stop the world from facing dangerous climate
breakdown, according to delegates at the UN’s Cop28 summit.
(More...)
Return of the ‘consultocracy’ – how cutting public service jobs to save costs usually backfires
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:04:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/return-of-the-consultocracy-how-cutting-public-service-jobs-to-save-costs-usually-backfires-218990>
"It has been clear that change is coming to the New Zealand public service
since the election campaign. Just what impact that change will have is less
easy to predict now the new government is installed.
(More...)
We’re on track to eliminate hepatitis C, but stigma remains and reinfection is a risk
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:07:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/were-on-track-to-eliminate-hepatitis-c-but-stigma-remains-and-reinfection-is-a-risk-216439>
"Hepatitis C is a preventable but potentially life-threatening blood-borne
virus. It primarily affects the liver and, if untreated, can lead to cirrhosis
(scar damage) and cancer.
(More...)
The moral injury of having your work enshittified
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:55:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://doctorow.medium.com/the-moral-injury-of-having-your-work-enshittified-2860c586ed44>
"This week, I wrote about how the Great Enshittening — in which all the digital
services we rely on become unusable, extractive piles of shit — did not result
from the decay of the morals of tech company leadership, but rather, from the
(More...)
COP28: Why China’s clean energy boom matters for global climate action
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:56:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-why-chinas-clean-energy-boom-matters-for-global-climate-action-218825>
"With an energy-hungry economy, an historic reliance on coal and vast
manufacturing enterprises, China is the world’s single largest emitter,
accounting for 27% of the world’s carbon dioxide and a third of all greenhouse
(More...)
Noisy boats may drown out beluga whale chatter
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:57:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.futurity.org/beluga-whales-shipping-noise-alaska-3007222-2/
"Beluga whales are highly social and vocal marine mammals. They use acoustics
to navigate, find prey, avoid predators, and maintain group cohesion. For
Alaska’s critically endangered Cook Inlet beluga population, these crucial
(More...)
'To-day and To-morrow': The 100-year-old book series that predicted a wild and wonderful future
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:58:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231212-to-day-and-to-morrow-the-100-year-old-series-that-predicted-a-wild-and-wonderful-future>
'One hundred years ago, towards the end of 1923, the geneticist JBS Haldane
published a short book imagining the world that lay ahead. Fewer than 100 pages
long,
Daedalus, or Science and the Future was an extraordinary whistle-stop
(More...)
‘Like unscrambling an egg’: scientists alter DNA to save Scottish wildcats
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:59:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/10/like-unscrambling-an-egg-scientists-alter-dna-to-save-scottish-wildcats>
"Scientists are preparing plans to restore the fortunes of Scotland’s
threatened Highland wildcats – by identifying and removing DNA they have
acquired from domestic cats.
(More...)
The Artists of ‘PULP’ Fold, Emboss, and Quill Their Way Through the Possibilities of Paper
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:00:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2023/12/pulp-paper-exhibition/
"Strips of cardboard, papier-mâché, and precision folding are just a few of the
techniques artists employ as they explore of the endless potential of paper.
Whether using found pages of magazines and books, intricately folding single
(More...)
Doing science in Antarctica has harmed an environment under great pressure. Here’s how we can do better
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:41:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/doing-science-in-antarctica-has-harmed-an-environment-under-great-pressure-heres-how-we-can-do-better-211616>
"Scientific research in Antarctica has played a key role in many important
discoveries of the past century. But it has also come at a considerable cost to
the environment.
(More...)
Up to 220 Indonesians could be compensated after children wrongly jailed in Australia as people smugglers
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:42:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/13/indonesians-could-be-compensated-children-wrongly-jailed-people-smugglers>
"Up to 220 Indonesians could receive compensation after they were wrongfully
prosecuted and detained as adult people smugglers in Australia despite being
children at the time.
(More...)
The Arctic Smashed So Many Terrifying Records in 2023, What Can We Even Say?
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:43:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-arctic-smashed-so-many-terrifying-records-in-2023-what-can-we-even-say>
"The year 2023 shattered the record for the warmest summer in the Arctic, and
people and ecosystems across the region felt the impact.
(More...)
Why Russians still support Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:44:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-russians-still-support-vladimir-putin-and-the-war-in-ukraine-219484>
"Russian president Vladimir Putin has announced he intends to run in the 2024
presidential election. Putin is almost certain to win what would be his fifth
term as Russian president.
(More...)
Koalas suffer in the heat – here’s how to help this summer
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:44:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/koalas-suffer-in-the-heat-heres-how-to-help-this-summer-216435>
"As we brace for an unusually hot summer, spare a thought for koalas. They will
be out and about in search of love, food and water in the searing heat.
(More...)
People worry Christmas beetles are disappearing. We’re gathering citizen data to see the full picture
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:45:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/people-worry-christmas-beetles-are-disappearing-were-gathering-citizen-data-to-see-the-full-picture-217358>
"In eastern Australia, the arrival of the summer holidays has traditionally
been heralded by big iridescent beetles known as Christmas beetles due to their
appearance during the Christmas season.
(More...)
Giuliani’s lies turned my life ‘upside down’, election worker testifies
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:29:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/12/rudy-giuliani-election-workers-trial>
"Shaye Moss thought she was getting promoted when her boss stopped by her
cubicle on 4 December 2020. But when she stepped into his office, something was
amiss – she realized she was the only one smiling.
(More...)
ChatGPT, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:32:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://lessig.medium.com/chatgpt-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-ai-242f181723af>
"In my first book,
Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace (1999), I told the story
of why I had become a lawyer. My uncle, Richard Cates, had been the lawyer
working for the House Committee on Impeachment (along with a much younger
(More...)
We rely heavily on groundwater – but pumping too much threatens thousands of underground species
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:34:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-rely-heavily-on-groundwater-but-pumping-too-much-threatens-thousands-of-underground-species-218919>
"Groundwater is the world’s largest unfrozen freshwater reserve. Australia’s
Great Artesian Basin alone holds enough water to fill Sydney Harbour 130,000
times. Worldwide, groundwater provides drinking water for half the world’s
(More...)
One Simple Trick Could Make More People Eat Vegan Food
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:37:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/one-simple-trick-could-make-more-people-eat-vegan-food>
'Despite an avalanche of evidence pointing to the health and environmental
benefits of plant-based diets, researchers have uncovered an unexpected
obstacle preventing many of us from making any significant shift from meat and
(More...)
Should women be allowed to wear pants? It was a topic of contention in Australian parliament in 1933
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:38:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Google Promises Unlimited Cloud Storage; Then Cancels Plan; Then Tells Journalist His Life’s Work Will Be Deleted Without Enough Time To Transfer The Data
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:39:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/12/google-promises-unlimited-cloud-storage-then-cancels-plan-then-tells-journalist-his-lifes-work-will-be-deleted-without-enough-time-to-transfer-the-data/>
"Over a decade ago, I pointed out that as Google kept trying to worm its way
deeper into our lives, a key Achilles’ heel was its basically non-existent
customer service and unwillingness to ever engage constructively with users the
(More...)
The NZ aviation industry is making bold climate claims – and risking anti-greenwashing litigation
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:16:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-nz-aviation-industry-is-making-bold-climate-claims-and-risking-anti-greenwashing-litigation-219591>
"On the same day last week that Air New Zealand announced the purchase of its
first fully electric aircraft, Christchurch Airport announced it had reached “a
new standard for decarbonisation”. On the face of it, great news for reducing
(More...)
France to ban smoking on beaches and public parks
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:17:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/28/world/france-ban-smoking-beaches-public-parks/>
"France will ban smoking on beaches and public parks, the country’s health
minister said on Tuesday, presenting a series of measures as the government
looks to prevent 75,000 tobacco-related deaths per year.
(More...)
‘Computer says no’: more employers are using AI to recruit, increasing the risk of discrimination
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:18:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Cash transfers work
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:19:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.slowboring.com/p/cash-transfers-work
"Giving Tuesday has been around for a little over 10 years, and according to
the official website “whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or
stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some
(More...)
When Work Is Play
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:21:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://petergray.substack.com/p/24-when-work-is-play
"Dear friends,
One of the first and most often reinforced lessons children learn in school is
(More...)
St Helena has been declared an International Marine Hope Spot
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:22:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-news/st-helena-has-been-declared-an-international-marine-hope-spot/>
"The St Helena Marine Protected Area was established in 2016 and covers an area
of 445,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest MPAs in the world.
It encompasses the waters surrounding the island, including seamounts, canyons,
(More...)
Recyclable, Plant-Based Material Could Take a Spin on Next Generation of Wind Turbines
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:04:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/12/11/recyclable-plant-based-material-could-take-a-spin-on-next-generation-of-wind-turbines/>
"About three years ago, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers
Robynne Murray, Nicholas Rorrer, and their team set out on a mission to make an
easily recycled resin to serve as the central glue holding a wind turbine blade
(More...)
‘We used to give hope to the world’: is Costa Rica’s green halo fading?
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:05:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/13/we-used-to-give-hope-to-the-world-is-costa-ricas-green-halo-fading>
"From his home, José Sanchez looks out at the mountain Cerro Pasquí, in Cartago
province, Costa Rica, across ever-expanding fields of cabbage and potato. It
wasn’t always like this. Sanchez, 68, recalls a time when the hills were
(More...)
Hard-fought COP28 agreement suggests the days of fossil fuels are numbered – but climate catastrophe is not yet averted
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:06:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hard-fought-cop28-agreement-suggests-the-days-of-fossil-fuels-are-numbered-but-climate-catastrophe-is-not-yet-averted-219597>
"As negotiators stagger towards their beds in Dubai and another year’s climate
talks come to a close, it’s time to take stock. Did COP28 achieve the big
breakthrough the world needs on climate change?
(More...)
Greenpeace legal action alleges Woodside lied about climate performance
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:07:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/13/greenpeace-legal-action-alleges-woodside-lied-about-climate-performance>
"Greenpeace has launched a legal action against Australia’s biggest energy
company, alleging it lied to the public by “greenwashing” its gas and oil
projects.
(More...)
We reviewed the arguments for and against ‘high-stakes’ exams. The evidence for using them doesn’t stack up
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:08:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-reviewed-the-arguments-for-and-against-high-stakes-exams-the-evidence-for-using-them-doesnt-stack-up-219595>
"Across Australia, students are receiving and digesting important exam results.
University students began receiving their semester 2 results at the end of
November. This week and early next week, Year 12 students are also receiving
(More...)
‘The age of fossil fuels will end’: Australia’s Chris Bowen hails Cop28 agreement
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:09:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/the-age-of-fossil-fuels-will-end-australias-chris-bowen-hails-cop28-agreement>
"Climate change minister Chris Bowen says the Cop28 climate summit sent a clear
message that “our future is in clean energy and the age of fossil fuels will
end”, but acknowledged it did not go as far as many countries wanted.
(More...)
From sexual liberation to fashionable heels, new research shows how women are changing North Korea
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:19:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-sexual-liberation-to-fashionable-heels-new-research-shows-how-women-are-changing-north-korea-218711>
"Kang* was 20 years old when she left her official job as a potato researcher
in North Korea. She wanted to join the women who had taken up illicit market
activities, first to survive the “Arduous March” (as the famine years of the
(More...)
Good Cop, bad Cop: what the Cop28 agreement says and what it means
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:20:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/what-the-cop28-agreement-says-and-what-it-means>
"The decision text from Cop28 has been greeted as “historic”, for being the
first ever call by nations for a “transition away” from fossil fuels, and as
“weak and ineffectual” and containing a “litany of loopholes” for the fossil
(More...)
Pesticide residue from farms and towns is ending up in fresh oysters
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:21:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/pesticide-residue-from-farms-and-towns-is-ending-up-in-fresh-oysters-219395>
"For years, oysters have been lauded as one of the most sustainable and healthy
seafood options. But our food is only as healthy as the environment it is grown
in.
(More...)
After 30 years of waiting, Cop28 deal addresses the elephant in the room
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:22:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/cop28-deal-significant-progress-tackle-climate-crisis>
"As temperatures broke records around the world this summer, António Guterres,
the UN secretary general, warned in September: “Humanity has opened the gates
of hell.”
(More...)
Distributed Battery Management Inverters: The New Frontier For Life-Extended, Cost-Reduced Batteries
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:23:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/12/12/distributed-battery-management-inverters-the-new-frontier-for-life-extended-cost-reduced-batteries/>
"Building on many incredible technological innovations, solar energy is set to
break all-time records with 413 GW expected to be deployed globally in 2023.
Similarly, the stationary battery storage market is expected to grow 26-fold
(More...)
Arctic Permafrost Hides Migrating Methane That Could Skyrocket Emissions
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:24:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/arctic-permafrost-hides-migrating-methane-that-could-skyrocket-emissions>
"A methane monster, lurking beneath the Arctic's frozen ground, is threatening
to rear its ugly head.
(More...)
Marine heatwave leaves warm water in its wake along the South Coast
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:16:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/8458191/unusual-marine-heatwave-sweeps-nsw-south-coast/>
'As humans on the South Coast have sweltered through heatwave conditions
recently, the ocean has gone through its own version of the hots.
(More...)
Our cities will need to harvest stormwater in an affordable and green way – here’s how
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:17:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/our-cities-will-need-to-harvest-stormwater-in-an-affordable-and-green-way-heres-how-216363>
"When it rains, stormwater runs down surfaces like streets and parking lots and
into drains. Most of the time, we see it as a problem because it can cause
floods. Recent storms across eastern Australia created huge amounts of
(More...)
Prison Libraries: How Do They Work? Why Are They Important?
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:18:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/everylibrary/prison-libraries-how-do-they-work-why-are-they-important-cb1a472827d0>
"Do you know that prison libraries provide access to a broad range of written
materials to help inmates improve their literacy skills or keep existing skills
sharp? Or that every Federal Bureau of Prisons institution has inmate leisure
(More...)
New Conservation and Sustainable Use Area in Ecuador Protects Water Sources for over 180,000 People
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:19:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.andesamazonfund.org/country/new-conservation-and-sustainable-use-area-in-ecuador-protects-water-sources-for-over-180000-people/>
"Andes Amazon Fund applauds the creation of the Yanuncay-Zhucay Municipal
Conservation and Sustainable Use Area in Azuay, Ecuador. Established on
November 9th, 2023, the Yanuncay-Zhucay Municipal Conservation Area protects
(More...)
Comparison of post-acute sequelae following hospitalization for COVID-19 and influenza
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:21:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-023-03200-2>
"
Background
Few studies have directly compared the risk and magnitude of post-acute
(More...)
Is B.C. finally getting real about protecting nature?
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:23:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://thenarwhal.ca/opinion-bc-nature-protection-agreement/
"It’s been an extraordinary month for nature protection in British Columbia. A
slew of unprecedented funding and legislative announcements have come in almost
too fast to keep up with. Taken together, they underscore a sea change in the
(More...)
Infectivity of exhaled SARS-CoV-2 aerosols is sufficient to transmit covid-19 within minutes
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:34:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47829-8
"Exhaled SARS-CoV-2-containing aerosols contributed significantly to the rapid
and vast spread of covid-19. However, quantitative experimental data on the
infectivity of such aerosols is missing. Here, we quantified emission rates of
(More...)
‘From mountaintop to seafloor’: First Nation declares new 40,000-hectare protected area on B.C. coast
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:36:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://thenarwhal.ca/bc-broughton-indigenous-protected-area/
"In a conference room at an oceanfront hotel in Sooke, B.C., surrounded by
Hereditary Chiefs wearing regalia of white ermine headdresses, red and black
button blankets and cedar bark garlands, Rick Johnson picked up a pen to sign a
(More...)
Failure of Cop28 on fossil fuel phase-out is ‘devastating’, say scientists
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:37:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/14/failure-cop28-fossil-fuel-phase-out-devastating-say-scientists>
"The failure of Cop28 to call for a phase-out of fossil fuels is “devastating”
and “dangerous” given the urgent need for action to tackle the climate crisis,
scientists have said.
(More...)
Report: Russia has laundered $2.5 billion of African gold since February 2022
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:39:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://kyivindependent.com/report-russia-has-laundered-2-5-billion-of-african-gold-since-february-2022/>
"The Kremlin has laundered $2.5 billion of African gold since the start of the
full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a report by an international group
of researchers and human rights activists published on Dec. 12.
(More...)
John de Lancie & Son Interview: FanFair Signatures & Q's Star Trek Legacy
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:40:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://screenrant.com/star-trek-john-de-lancie-owen-fanfair-signatures-interview/>
"John de Lancie is forever known as
Star Trek: The Next Generation's
omnipotent Q, but he and his son, Owen de Lancie, are using their powers to
reach out to fans and give them a new experience to connect with their favorite
(More...)
Procedural planets
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:42:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://dgreenheck.github.io/threejs-procedural-planets/
Via Esther Schindler, who wrote "Your interactive moment of zen."
(More...)
West Antarctica Glacier's Retreat Unstoppable: Study Says Tipping Point Crossed
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:42:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/west-antarctica-glaciers-retreat-unstoppable-study-says-tipping-point-crossed>
"Pine Island glacier is one of the fastest flowing outlets of ice from the west
Antarctic ice sheet, draining an area three-quarters the size of the UK. In
recent decades, the glacier has been retreating rapidly and losing ice,
(More...)
Coal will be all but gone by 2034 under Australia’s latest energy roadmap
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:43:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/coal-will-be-all-but-gone-by-2034-under-australias-latest-energy-roadmap-219714>
"Australia’s coal power stations will all close in 2038 – five years earlier
than previously expected – and variable renewable energy capacity will need to
triple by 2030 and increase sevenfold by 2050.
(More...)
Aemo warns coal-fired power plants could drop off before replacements are ready
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:44:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/15/aemo-warns-coal-fired-power-plants-could-drop-off-before-replacements-are-ready>
"Australia’s main power grid faces the “real” possibility ageing coal-fired
power plants will drop out before sufficient generation capacity and
transmission lines are in place, the Australian Energy Market Operator has
(More...)
The COP28 climate agreement is a step backwards on fossil fuels
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:45:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-cop28-climate-agreement-is-a-step-backwards-on-fossil-fuels-219753>
"The COP28 climate summit in Dubai has adjourned. The result is “The UAE
consensus” on fossil fuels.
(More...)
Work-from-home rates fall but skill shortages may delay full return to Australian offices
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:47:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/14/australia-work-from-home-office-rates-numbers-declining-why-skills-shortage>
"The number of people regularly working from home has declined – but remains
higher than pre-pandemic levels – as many bosses force a staggered return to
the office.
(More...)
Friday essay: do readers dream of running a bookshop? Books about booksellers are having a moment – the reality can be less romantic
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:49:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-do-readers-dream-of-running-a-bookshop-books-about-booksellers-are-having-a-moment-the-reality-can-be-less-romantic-216750>
"My mother and I wanted to open a bookshop. We signed up for a CAE course,
which was cancelled when the bookseller who ran it went out of business. I
learnt this later because I went on to work in a bookshop and the book business
(More...)
It’s Like They Picked Them Off A Shelf…
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:46:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://notalwaysright.com/its-like-they-picked-them-off-a-shelf/314223/
"
I work in a grocery store that’s open twenty-four-seven. One night, a
customer comes in looking a little tired and starts… organizing the shelves.
(More...)
Scotland the Brave India the Bold (Bagpipes) Official Music Video - The Snake Charmer ft. Poczy
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:48:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8LsBxJSYGY
"Scotland the brave Bagpipes in a punjabi version. Bringing together two
different worlds of music from Scotland and India that is fueled by the same
fire. When Scotland the brave meets India the bold, This musical fusion mix
(More...)
Eggs from men, sperm from women: how stem cell science may change how we reproduce
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:48:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/eggs-from-men-sperm-from-women-how-stem-cell-science-may-change-how-we-reproduce-219005>
"It may soon be possible to coax human skin cells into becoming functional eggs
and sperm using a technique known as “in vitro gametogenesis”. This involves
the creation (genesis) of eggs and sperm (gametes) outside the human body (in
(More...)
New Zealanders are learning to live with COVID – but does that mean having to pay for protection ourselves?
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:49:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-zealanders-are-learning-to-live-with-covid-but-does-that-mean-having-to-pay-for-protection-ourselves-219698>
"I’m writing this with a dull ache in my left arm, sore from my third COVID
booster. My second was in April when I also got a flu vaccination, which was
funded by my employer. The arrival of the fifth wave of COVID in Aotearoa New
(More...)
Saving Michoacán forests: Purépechas plant millions of trees
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:50:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/culture/saving-michoacan-forests-purepechas-plant-millions-of-trees/>
"Located in the central west of Mexico is the state of Michoacán, famous for
its multiculturalism. Is also one of the most biodiverse states in Mexico. In
its temperate zones, there are forests of oyamel, pine, oak, and pine-oak,
(More...)
Myrtle rust is devastating Australian forests. A new high-tech spray holds out hope for native trees
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:52:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/myrtle-rust-is-devastating-australian-forests-a-new-high-tech-spray-holds-out-hope-for-native-trees-219411>
"Around a decade ago, an invasive fungal disease called myrtle rust reached
Australia and began to spread like a plague through certain plants. The disease
affects plants of the Myrtaceae family, which includes eucalypts, paperbarks
(More...)
Oman’s Mangrove Restoration Could Generate $150 Million in Carbon Credits
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:47:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://carboncredits.com/omans-mangrove-restoration-could-generate-150-million-in-carbon-credits/>
"The government of Oman has been restoring mangroves quickly, a valuable
natural resource, not just for their essential role in the global environmental
ecosystem but also for their integral part in absorbing carbon. The goal is to
(More...)
We followed 14 ‘long haulers’ for 3 months. Here’s what they told us about living with long COVID
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:47:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-followed-14-long-haulers-for-3-months-heres-what-they-told-us-about-living-with-long-covid-219504>
"At least 65 million people around the world are estimated to have long COVID,
which describes the continuation or development of symptoms at least three
months after an initial COVID infection.
(More...)
Pakistan is planting lots of mangrove forests. So why are some upset?
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:49:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2023/11/10/1208201179/pakistan-is-planting-lots-of-mangrove-forests-so-why-are-some-upset>
'KETI BANDAR, Pakistan — Wildlife ranger Mohammad Jamali boats through mangrove
forests of the Indus River Delta, the terminus of a curly waterway that begins
thousands of miles upstream in the Himalayas. Birds flutter in and out. Insects
(More...)
What does a building need to call itself ‘accessible’ – and is that enough?
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:49:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-does-a-building-need-to-call-itself-accessible-and-is-that-enough-217278>
"The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) review and the disability
royal commission’s final report both highlighted the crucial role of accessible
buildings and homes in ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities.
(More...)
Internet Archive Files Appeal Brief Defending Libraries and Digital Lending From Big Publishers’ Legal Attack
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:51:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.eff.org/press/releases/internet-archive-files-appeal-brief-defending-libraries-and-digital-lending-big>
"SAN FRANCISCO—A cartel of major publishing companies must not be allowed to
criminalize fair-use library lending, the Internet Archive argued in an
appellate brief filed today.
(More...)
The AI industry is on the verge of becoming another boys’ club. We’re all going to lose out if it does
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:52:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-ai-industry-is-on-the-verge-of-becoming-another-boys-club-were-all-going-to-lose-out-if-it-does-219802>
"A recent
New York Times article released a list of people “behind the dawn
of the modern artificial intelligence movement” – and not a single woman was
named. It came less than a week after news of a fake auto-generated woman being
(More...)
How LIFE pulled one of Europe’s rarest birds back from extinction
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:17:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/how-life-pulled-one-europes-rarest-birds-back-extinction-2023-11-07_en>
"Once one of the continent’s most critically endangered birds, the Azores
bullfinch - known to locals as Priolo and to scientists as
Pyrrhula murina -
can only be found on the island of São Miguel in Portugal. When the first LIFE
(More...)
This Is The First EVER Lightweight Electric Sports Car!
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:18:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aTzuUrdyIc
"Jack is in The Netherlands for a world first drive of an all-new lightweight
electric sports car: the Carice TC2. A hand built labour of love designed
purely for driving enjoyment, is this the purest electric driver's car to date?
(More...)
What it Means When I'm Critical of Capitalism
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:20:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://eand.co/what-it-means-when-im-critical-of-capitalism-2b902ad244c1>
'I get in trouble, sometimes, for being critical of…ta dum…capitalism. Eye
roll. It's painted as some kind of radical stance, Not a capitalist? Then…you
must be a socialist!! And that means you're dangerous!! The only two choices
(More...)
African countries at COP28: several big wins and a united voice
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:21:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/african-countries-at-cop28-several-big-wins-and-a-united-voice-219833>
"African countries entered the recent COP28 negotiations on climate change in
high spirits. Before this conference, in September, African government leaders,
policymakers, activists and other groups from the continent met at the African
(More...)
The road to recovery: conservation management for the Critically Endangered Bali myna shows signs of success
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:24:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/road-to-recovery-conservation-management-for-the-critically-endangered-bali-myna-shows-signs-of-success/F804B2368C5BFADFC697D48194001458#>
"The Bali myna
Leucopsar rothschildi has long suffered heavy trapping,
leading to its near extinction in the wild and categorization as Critically
Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Decades of conservation breeding, release of
(More...)
Teens don’t know everything − and those who acknowledge that fact are more eager to learn
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:25:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/teens-dont-know-everything-and-those-who-acknowledge-that-fact-are-more-eager-to-learn-214120>
"If you, like me, grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, you may have come across the
classic refrigerator magnet, “Teenagers, leave home now while you still know
everything.”
(More...)
Lundy Island wild bird numbers soar
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:21:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-67386799
"
Bird populations have soared on Lundy Island with some 40,000 rare seabirds
thriving on its shores, said the RSPB.
(More...)
From a Detour to Global Dominance
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:22:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://erictopol.substack.com/p/from-a-detour-to-global-dominance
"In October, I wrote about a major detour in the evolutionary arc of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, from a series of recombinants known as the XBBs over a year
to BA.2.86, a descendant of an early Omicron (BA.2), and its derivative JN.1
(More...)
Østmarka: A New National Park for Oslo
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:24:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.lifeinnorway.net/ostmarka-national-park-oslo/
"
It's unusual for a National Park to be so close to a major city. Here's
everything you need to know about Norway's latest National Park, located on the
doorstep of the capital city, Oslo.
(More...)
Burnet Oration: Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly urges action for long COVID treatment
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:25:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.burnet.edu.au/knowledge-and-media/news-plus-updates/burnet-oration-dr-ziyad-al-aly-urges-action-for-long-covid-treatment/>
'Almost four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, research continues
to provide new insights into the disease and what the future holds.
(More...)
The Black Mambas: South Africa's all-female anti-poaching unit
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:27:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231120-the-black-mambas-south-africas-all-female-anti-poaching-unit>
'Most anti-poaching units in Africa follow a familiar pattern: male rangers
armed with rifles patrol the bush to catch those hoping to snare big game for
the lucrative illegal trade in their body parts. One unit operating in the
(More...)
Wollongong researcher Stuart Tan finds majority of study participants still struggle with long COVID
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:28:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-02/long-covid-study-still-suffering-but-some-hope/103173430>
'Before Giuliano Gaspari caught COVID-19, he was climbing up transmitter towers
overlooking the New South Wales Illawarra region as part of his full-time
maintenance job.
(More...)
Ottawa bans captive monkeys and elephants
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:19:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://nationworldnews.com/ottawa-bans-captive-monkeys-and-elephants/
"
After whales and dolphins, Ottawa intends to ban keeping elephants and great
apes in captivity in the country “because of the cruelty they represent”.
(More...)
Inside India’s Gargantuan Mission to Clean the Ganges River
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:21:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wired.com/story/india-ganges-river-clean-project/
"In the mornings in Varanasi, the air on the banks of the Ganges fills with the
scent of burning bodies. On the steps of the Manikarnika
ghat—the holiest of
the city’s stepped riverbanks, upon which Hindu dead are cremated—the fires are
(More...)
The Winnemem Wintu won land back for their tribe. Here’s what’s next.
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:23:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/climate/23906426/winnemem-wintu-land-back-run4salmon-chinook-california-indigenous-peoples-rights-sovereignty>
"Globally, Indigenous peoples protect 80 percent of the earth’s biodiversity on
the lands they’ve maintained for centuries, despite being only 5 percent of the
world’s population. And when Indigenous peoples have sovereignty over their
(More...)
‘Take It Down and They’ll Return’: The Stunning Revival of the Penobscot River
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:24:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/dam-removal-project-maine-penobscot-river-success/>
"About a week before the removal of the Great Works Dam on the Penobscot River
in Old Town, Maine, Dan Kusnierz dragged his sons to the riverside to take
their picture in front of the aging structure. They had just come from a little
(More...)
Klamath Tribes all hands on deck to save endangered C’waam and Koptu suckerfish
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:26:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.opb.org/article/2023/11/25/klamath-tribes-koptu-cwaan-suckerfish-endangered-species/>
"It takes a village to raise suckerfish, and the Klamath Tribes are growing
hundreds of the bottom-dwelling species in constructed ponds near Chiloquin of
Southern Oregon. On a bright October morning, a crew has gathered to return a
(More...)
It all started with a mouse
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:27:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/15/mouse-liberation-front/#free-mickey
'For the public domain, time stopped in 1998, when the Sonny Bono Copyright Act
froze copyright expirations for 20 years. In 2019, time started again, with a
massive crop of works from 1923 returning to the public domain, free for all to
(More...)
How scientists and a community are bringing a Bornean river corridor back to life
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:19:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.mongabay.com/2023/11/how-scientists-and-a-community-are-bringing-a-bornean-river-corridor-back-to-life/>
"SABAH, Malaysia — Although it’s early in the day, the sun is already beating
down fiercely as we step off the boat onto the muddy banks of the Kinabatangan
River in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Amaziasizamora Jumail strides ahead into
(More...)
Making fossil fuel companies accountable for their products’ emissions would support the clean energy transition
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:20:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/making-fossil-fuel-companies-accountable-for-their-products-emissions-would-support-the-clean-energy-transition-219659>
"I recently found myself among a group of alarmed scientists, writing a fervent
plea to the European Commission to be more ambitious when it comes to corporate
greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Our open letter calling for
(More...)
A juice company dumped orange peels in a national park. Here's what it looks like now.
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:22:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.upworthy.com/a-juice-company-dumped-orange-peels-in-a-national-park-heres-what-it-looks-like-now-rp4>
"In 1997, ecologists Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs approached an orange
juice company in Costa Rica with an off-the-wall idea.
(More...)
China’s Remote Deserts Are Hiding an Energy Revolution
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:50:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
When will global greenhouse gas emissions peak?
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:52:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://climateanalytics.org/publications/when-will-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-peak>
"Reaching peak global greenhouse gas emissions – the point at which emissions
stop growing and start falling – will be a crucial inflection point for the
world. Instead of speeding in the wrong direction, we could finally say we’re
(More...)
Counting Bugs to Save Birds
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 04:53:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/counting-bugs-to-save-birds/
"Wyoming’s professional pollinator whisperer didn’t always like bugs very much.
He’s a common sight these days among the scrubby plants retaking former oil and
(More...)
Bowen may still fall short of his 82 pct renewables target, but it’s bad news for coal
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:26:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/bowen-may-still-fall-short-of-his-82-pct-renewables-target-but-its-bad-news-for-coal/>
"Think, for a moment of the National Electricity Market as a human or a plant,
where the parts contribute to the whole. The NEM is neither human not plant,
and is in fact the country’s biggest machine. But if you assume transmission is
(More...)
Record broken as EV enthusiast charges around Australia in just 10 days
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:27:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2023/12/15/record-broken-as-ev-enthusiast-rocks-around-australia-in-just-10-days/>
"Secretary of the Tesla Owners Club WA and frequent road tripper Harald Murphy
has broken the record for the fastest ‘Big Lap’ around the country in an
electric vehicle.
(More...)
Construction starts on new coal plants on track to hit a record low
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:28:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://globalenergymonitor.org/report/construction-starts-on-new-coal-plants-on-track-to-hit-a-record-low/>
"A key indicator of coal power capacity growth — new construction starts —
looks set to decline outside of China for the second year in a row, according
to new quarterly data from Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
(More...)
A Community-Driven Path to Replenishing Groundwater in a Parched Region
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:30:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/banda-india-drought-community-water-budgeting/>
"A lone tractor trundles along a bumpy road in Banda, one of the most
drought-prone districts in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Up until a
few years ago, soil here would dry and crack into fissures deep enough for
(More...)
Four ways AI is making the power grid faster and more resilient
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:31:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/11/22/1083792/ai-power-grid-improvement/>
"The power grid is growing increasingly complex as more renewable energy
sources come online. Where once a small number of large power plants supplied
most homes at a consistent flow, now millions of solar panels generate variable
(More...)
Honest Government Ad | Visit the UK! 🇬🇧
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:31:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sRoYvFTE3c
"The British Government has made a tourism ad ahead of the 2024 election, and
it’s surprisingly honest and informative."
(More...)
Solar News Large And Small — Abu Dhabi, Six Flags, And Arizona
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:04:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/11/26/solar-news-large-and-small-abu-dhabi-six-flags-and-arizona/>
"The United Arab Emirates is in the spotlight this week as some 70,000
premiers, potentates, and poseurs descend on Dubai to attend the COP 28 climate
conference, from which much is hoped but little is expected. Not far away, 35
(More...)
The BIG Battery Breakdown: Fires, Failures and Future Breakthroughs!
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:06:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoT6e-Mobw
"Buckle up, we're going in! In this episode, renowned electrochemist Dr Euan
McTurk joins Imogen to take us through a buffet of battery delights; from the
next big breakthroughs, to what's really going on with electric vehicle fires,
(More...)
Fast charge with frites: McDonald’s in France gets 150-200kW EV chargers
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:07:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://electrek.co/2023/11/22/fast-charge-avec-frites-mcdonalds-in-france-gets-150-200kw-ev-chargers/>
"McDonald’s, or “McDo” as the French say, is installing 2,000 new fast charging
points across 700 car parks in France by 2025. Each McDonald’s charging station
will offer 150-200 kilowatts of power, so you can recharge your car in about
(More...)
Student Groups Are Distributing Free Emergency Contraceptives on Campus
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:09:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/grassroots-college-networks-distributing-birth-control-on-campus/>
"Limya Harvey and Cydney Mumford set up a folding table a few times a month on
the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) campus to give away kits containing
emergency contraceptives, condoms and lube, or menstrual products like tampons
(More...)
Northvolt, BYD Announce Sodium Ion Battery Plans
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:10:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/11/21/northvolt-byd-announce-sodium-ion-battery-plans/>
"Suddenly, everyone is talking about sodium ion batteries. Why? Because China
dominates the world market for lithium ion batteries. It controls most of the
supply and processing. It also dominates the market for battery components,
(More...)
University isn’t right for everyone. Pushing young people to go can have devastating effects
Sat, 20 Jan 2024 20:10:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/university-isnt-right-for-everyone-pushing-young-people-to-go-can-have-devastating-effects-205652>
"Australian school students feel immense pressure to go to university, often at
the exclusion of all other pathways, which can lead to devastating mental
health effects.
(More...)
Cairns airport closed as Queensland premier declares ‘serious weather emergency’ amid record flood fears
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:21:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/17/cairns-airport-closed-as-queensland-premier-declares-serious-weather-emergency-amid-record-flood-fears>
"Cairns airport has been closed in anticipation of record flooding in the far
north Queensland city as the state premier, Steven Miles, declared a “serious
weather emergency” in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
(More...)
What we don’t understand about China’s actions and ambitions in the South China Sea
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:22:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-we-dont-understand-about-chinas-actions-and-ambitions-in-the-south-china-sea-216068>
"In recent weeks, China’s activities in the South China Sea have raised more
concerns in the region. Its ships have collided with Filipino vessels, fired
water cannon at others and used sonar pulses close to an Australian ship,
(More...)
Australia’s plan to phase out expanded polystyrene packaging is failing and was never possible, industry says
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:23:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/18/australia-polystyrene-packaging-ban-phase-out-details-not-viable>
"A nationwide promise to phase out expanded polystyrene from consumer packaging
such as of white goods and electronics is more than a year behind schedule,
with the packaging industry saying it was never a workable proposal.
(More...)
Long COVID Rate in Africa Is Almost 50% of Cases, Researchers Warn
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:24:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/long-covid-rate-in-africa-is-almost-50-of-cases-researchers-warn>
'Almost half the people known to have contracted COVID-19 in Africa are now
living with the effects of long COVID, according to a comprehensive review of
previous studies and analysis, covering data from a total of 29, 213 people.
(More...)
Private landholders control 60% of the Australian continent – so let’s get them involved in nature protection
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:25:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/private-landholders-control-60-of-the-australian-continent-so-lets-get-them-involved-in-nature-protection-217450>
"As the federal government attempts a major overhaul of national environment
law, all options must be on the table to prevent the fast deterioration in
Australia’s natural places. And more than ever before, the efforts of private
(More...)
Common "Forever Chemicals" May Trigger Cancer Cells to Spread
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 04:27:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/common-forever-chemicals-may-trigger-cancer-cells-to-spread>
'When colorectal cancer cells are exposed to two different types of 'forever
chemicals' in the lab, the chemicals can potentially accelerate cancer
progression, new research suggests.
(More...)
Data poisoning: how artists are sabotaging AI to take revenge on image generators
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:11:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/data-poisoning-how-artists-are-sabotaging-ai-to-take-revenge-on-image-generators-219335>
"Imagine this. You need an image of a balloon for a work presentation and turn
to a text-to-image generator, like Midjourney or DALL-E, to create a suitable
image.
(More...)
Letters from an American: December 17, 2023
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:14:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-17-2023
"It seems that former president Donald Trump is aligning his supporters with a
global far-right movement to destroy democracy.
(More...)
‘He’s dog-whistling’: Trump denounced over anti-immigrant comment
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:15:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/17/trump-denounced-anti-immigrant-comment>
"Donald Trump is facing a backlash for repeating a remark at a political rally
on Saturday where he said undocumented immigrants to the United States were
“poisoning the blood of our country”.
(More...)
The first-ever survey on Australian attitudes towards space is out. So, what do we think?
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:16:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-first-ever-survey-on-australian-attitudes-towards-space-is-out-so-what-do-we-think-219813>
"If someone were to ask you how space technologies impact your daily life, or
how much Australia should invest in space, would you have an immediate answer
or would you wonder why these questions were even being asked?
(More...)
BYD ATTO 3 Now Available In 50+ Countries, Neta Auto Enters Central & South America
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:17:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/11/27/byd-atto-3-now-available-in-50-countries-neta-auto-enters-central-south-america/>
"Electric vehicle sales are growing nicely in most of the world’s major auto
markets. We regularly see coverage of all this exciting action here on
CleanTechnica. Norway of course is the leader when it comes to market share,
(More...)
The first-ever drive from North to South pole is complete – and it was all-electric
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:18:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://electrek.co/2023/12/17/the-first-ever-drive-from-north-to-south-pole-is-complete-and-it-was-all-electric/>
"After nearly nine months on the road, an all-electric Nissan Ariya has become
the first vehicle ever, gas or electric, to drive all the way from North to
South pole, piloted by Chris Ramsey of Plug in Adventures and his wife Julie.
(More...)
COP28 deal confirms what Australia already knows: coal is out of vogue and out of time
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:29:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cop28-deal-confirms-what-australia-already-knows-coal-is-out-of-vogue-and-out-of-time-219906>
"At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai this week, nations agreed to “transition
away” from coal, oil and gas. After 30 years of COP meetings, the world has
finally committed to weaning itself from these carbon-based drivers of climate
(More...)
‘Prison or bullet’: new Argentina government promises harsh response to protest
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:31:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/argentina-president-javier-milei-security-guidelines-protests-currency-devaluation>
"Human rights activists in Argentina have expressed consternation over new
security guidelines to crack down on an anticipated wave of protests after the
incoming government of libertarian president Javier Milei devalued the
(More...)
‘Dolomite Problem’: 200-year-old geology mystery resolved
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:32:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://news.umich.edu/200-year-old-geology-mystery-resolved/
"For 200 years, scientists have failed to grow a common mineral in the
laboratory under the conditions believed to have formed it naturally. Now, a
team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Hokkaido University in
(More...)
Opinion: This is a pandemic of attrition
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:33:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-this-is-a-pandemic-of-attrition>
"It’s time for our society to admit that we’ve made a mistake and change
course. The COVID-is-mild experiment, despite the wishing and the hoping, has
been a tragic failure. We aren’t just accepting ongoing hospitalizations and
(More...)
What if debt was written off to protect climate and nature?
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:34:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231212-what-if-the-world-cancelled-debt-for-climate-and-nature>
"Hundreds of miles off the coast of South America lie the rocky, volcanic
islands of the Galapagos. Teeming with unusual creatures – from jaunty,
blue-footed birds to dragon-like iguanas – these bountiful isles have long
(More...)
From laggard to leader? Why Australia must phase out fossil fuel exports, starting now
Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:43:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-laggard-to-leader-why-australia-must-phase-out-fossil-fuel-exports-starting-now-219912>
"For years large fossil fuel producers — including Australia — have expanded
fossil fuel production while maintaining rhetorically that the world needs to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But global emissions are overwhelmingly caused
(More...)
“Museum of Austerity” tells story of those killed due to punitive UK benefits system
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:10:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/12/18/vvft-d18.html
"Museum of Austerity, recently displayed at the HOME arts centre in Manchester,
UK, brings to life the terrible plight of 10 of the disabled victims of a
brutal and inhumane benefits system who were failed and left to die.
(More...)
Facebook Is Being Overrun With Stolen, AI-Generated Images That People Think Are Real
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:14:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/WECC2
"In the photo, a man kneels in an outdoor sawmill next to his painstaking work:
An intricate wooden carving of his bulldog, which he proudly gazes at. “Made it
with my own hands,” the Facebook caption reads. The image has 1,300 likes, 405
(More...)
How the Netherlands built a thriving circular economy
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:15:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theprogressplaybook.com/2023/12/13/how-the-netherlands-built-a-thriving-circular-economy/>
"The Netherlands is pulling even further ahead of its peers in the shift to a
recycling-driven circular economy, new data shows.
(More...)
North Queensland’s record-breaking floods are a frightening portent of what’s to come under climate change
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:16:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/north-queenslands-record-breaking-floods-are-a-frightening-portent-of-whats-to-come-under-climate-change-220039>
"Unprecedented rain brought by Tropical Cyclone Jasper has triggered widespread
flooding in far north Queensland, forcing thousands of people to evacuate.
Cairns airport is closed, roads are extensively damaged and residents in the
(More...)
Cyclone Jasper: how did it cause so much rain and could global heating be to blame?
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:17:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/19/cyclone-jasper-how-did-it-cause-so-much-rain-and-could-global-heating-be-to-blame>
"On 5 December a system of storms and low pressure converged around Solomon
Islands to form the first tropical cyclone of the season for Australia, making
landfall just north of Port Douglas on 13 December.
(More...)
Recycling Batteries With Bacteria
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:18:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://hackaday.com/2023/12/18/recycling-batteries-with-bacteria/
"Vehicle battery recycling is going to be a big deal with all the electric cars
hitting the roads. What if you could do it more effectively with the power of
microbes? (via
Electrek)
(More...)
Saitama priest near tears after researchers solve ceiling art puzzle
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:17:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15066086
"KUMAGAYA, Saitama Prefecture—Since her inauguration as chief priest of
Suwajinja shrine here in the latter half of the 1980s, Shoko Koshiba had always
felt there was something wrong from above.
(More...)
Silicon Valley Fairy Dust
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:18:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://crookedtimber.org/2023/11/06/silicon-valley-fairy-dust/
"Silicon Valley companies began life with the Fairy dust of 1960s dreams
sprinkled on them. The revolution that 1960s activists dreamed of had failed,
but the personal computer movement carried that dream onto the early personal
(More...)
A long-dead soprano has taken to the stage with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Are holograms the future?
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:21:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-long-dead-soprano-has-taken-to-the-stage-with-the-melbourne-symphony-orchestra-are-holograms-the-future-219716>
"I was recently among a curious Melbourne audience who turned out to see a
hologram of the long-dead soprano Maria Callas singing with the Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra.
(More...)
Migrants scapegoated as cause of Australia’s housing crisis a ‘disturbing’ trend, advocates say
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:22:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/19/migrants-being-scapegoated-as-cause-of-australias-housing-crisis-in-disturbing-trend-groups-say>
"More than 40 housing and welfare groups say they are concerned migrants are
being scapegoated as the main reason for Australia’s housing crisis, calling on
the prime minister and opposition leader to show leadership on the issue.
(More...)
Planting pine or native forest for carbon capture isn’t the only choice – NZ can have the best of both
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:22:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/planting-pine-or-native-forest-for-carbon-capture-isnt-the-only-choice-nz-can-have-the-best-of-both-217772>
"New Zealand’s per-capita contribution to carbon emissions is very high by
international comparison. But so too is its potential to mitigate climate
change by planting forests to quickly sequester large amounts of carbon.
(More...)
More vulnerable people live in Philadelphia neighborhoods that are less green and get hotter
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:23:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/more-vulnerable-people-live-in-philadelphia-neighborhoods-that-are-less-green-and-get-hotter-216976>
"The ways an urban neighborhood is built and the characteristics of the people
who live there are both related to how hot it gets. That is the result of our
study, published by the
Journal of Buildings.
(More...)
‘Like a gothy yoghurt starter’: how Neil Gaiman and an Australian string quartet fell in love
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:37:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/dec/19/like-a-gothy-yoghurt-starter-how-neil-gaiman-and-an-australian-string-quartet-fell-in-love>
"Neil Gaiman is well known for his melodic, dreamy voice, which has been put to
use on everything from audiobooks to voicing the Simpsons’s cat Snowball. But
Neil Gaiman the singer? When he’d occasionally perform live with his ex-wife,
(More...)
The Sahara Desert used to be a green savannah – new research explains why
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:38:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-sahara-desert-used-to-be-a-green-savannah-new-research-explains-why-216555>
"Algeria’s Tassili N’Ajjer plateau is Africa’s largest national park. Among its
vast sandstone formations is perhaps the world’s largest art museum. Over
15,000 etchings and paintings are exhibited there, some as much as 11,000 years
(More...)
Reality bites for COVID tree-changers called back to city offices
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:39:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/reality-bites-for-covid-tree-changers-called-back-to-city-offices-20231205-p5ep6x.html>
"Sydney had just endured the great lockdown of 2021 when Stephen Mudd and his
family packed up their inner Sydney lives, handed back the keys to their
two-bedroom rental apartment and hit the highway for Newcastle, where a house
(More...)
Everything you ever wanted to know about building a secure password reset feature
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:40:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.troyhunt.com/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know/
"Recently I’ve had a couple of opportunities to think again about how a secure
password reset function should operate, firstly whilst building this
functionality into ASafaWeb and secondly when giving some direction for someone
(More...)
War is destroying Ukraine’s cultural heritage
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:42:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.futurity.org/ukraine-war-cultural-heritage-antiquities-3010392/>
"Ian Kuijt and William Donaruma from the University of Notre Dame visited
Ukraine to see firsthand and begin to document the extent of the damage to
cultural sites including churches, schools, opera houses, libraries, and
(More...)
7 Months Inside an Online Scam Labor Camp
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:44:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/17/world/asia/myanmar-cyber-scam.html>
"Neo Lu had been looking forward to starting his lucrative new job as a
translator. But from the moment he arrived, he knew something was off.
(More...)
Nobody Knows What’s Happening Online Anymore
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:53:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/12/internet-information-trends-virality-tracking/676888/>
"You are currently logged on to the largest version of the internet that has
ever existed. By clicking and scrolling, you’re one of the 5 billion–plus
people contributing to an unfathomable array of networked
(More...)
Nepal registers first same-sex marriage hailed as win for LGBT rights
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:54:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67574710
'Authorities in the western Lumjung district formally registered the union of
Maya Gurung, 35, and Surendra Pandey, 27, on Wednesday.
(More...)
The History of Cartography, the “Most Ambitious Overview of Map Making Ever,” Is Free Online
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:55:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.openculture.com/2023/12/the-history-of-cartography-the-most-ambitious-overview-of-map-making-ever-is-free-online.html>
"FYI: The University of Chicago Press has made available online — at no
cost –five volumes of The History of Cartography. Or what Edward
Rothstein, of The New York Times, called “the most ambitious overview of map
(More...)
Biden’s burden: four percentage points, a struggling economy and a fragile democracy
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:56:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/bidens-burden-four-percentage-points-a-struggling-economy-and-a-fragile-democracy-219496>
"In the United States, one of the men vying for the presidency faces 91
criminal charges in four concurrent criminal cases. He uses openly fascist
language, and has mused about “terminating” the Constitution. Just last week,
(More...)
From COVID to climate: Queensland’s new emissions pledge shows state governments are once again leading change
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:57:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Scientists brace for possibility of ‘severe’ damage to Great Barrier Reef from ex-Cyclone Jasper
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:58:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/20/scientists-brace-for-possibility-of-severe-damage-to-great-barrier-reef-from-ex-cyclone-jasper>
"Cyclone Jasper’s slow-moving progress across the Coral Sea exposed as much as
20% of the Great Barrier Reef to waves high enough to break apart corals,
according to modelling from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
(More...)
An AI-driven influence operation is spreading pro-China propaganda across YouTube
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:41:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/an-ai-driven-influence-operation-is-spreading-pro-china-propaganda-across-youtube-219962>
"A recent investigation from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
has revealed an extensive network of YouTube channels promoting pro-Chinese and
anti-US public opinion in the English-speaking world.
(More...)
‘If our food is good enough, they will come’: the hidden dining gems at Australian petrol stations and carwashes
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:43:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/dec/20/best-petrol-station-food-places-australia>
"In south-west Sydney, there’s a small diner serving a beef phở so rich it’s
the colour of rendang. Along with the usual sidekicks – bean sprouts, Thai
basil, lemon – it comes with pickled garlic and chilli sauce, both made
(More...)
You Really Should Just Say No to That Invitation, Study Finds
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:44:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/you-really-should-just-say-no-to-that-invitation-study-finds>
'Which is worse: Attending a party you don't want to attend, or staying home
and disappointing a friend?
(More...)
2023 was the year of generative AI. What can we expect in 2024?
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:45:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/2023-was-the-year-of-generative-ai-what-can-we-expect-in-2024-219808>
"In 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) truly entered our daily lives. The
latest data shows four in five teenagers in the United Kingdom are using
generative AI tools. About two-thirds of Australian employees report using
(More...)
Australia’s freight used to go by train, not truck. Here’s how we can bring back rail – and cut emissions
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:46:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
China rights activist goes on trial for ‘inciting subversion of state power’
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:47:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/19/china-human-rights-activist-li-qiaochu-trial>
"Li Qiaochu, a human rights activist detained for nearly three years in China,
has gone on trial in Shandong province charged with “inciting subversion of
state power”.
(More...)
Remote Work Isn’t Dead – An Inevitable Uprising is Brewing
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:08:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/cZgdL
"Obituaries have already been written and all evidence points to the death of
remote work.
(More...)
The Mental Imagery Alone Is Both Adorable And Terrifying
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:09:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://notalwaysright.com/the-mental-imagery-alone-is-both-adorable-and-terrifying/314871/>
"I was part of a fundraiser where we all dressed up like zombies and people had
to run through a track in the park and buildings, collecting various tokens and
staying “alive”. They stayed alive if they held on to three fabric tags
(More...)
The Big Cloud Exit FAQ
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:11:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://world.hey.com/dhh/the-big-cloud-exit-faq-20274010
"Just over a year ago, we announced our intention to leave the cloud. We then
shared our complete $3.2 million cloud budget for 2022, and the fact that we
were going to build our own tooling rather than pay for overpriced enterprise
(More...)
Giant Caribbean Mountain Chicken Frog On The Brink Of Extinction
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:12:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2023/10/16/giant-caribbean-mountain-chicken-frog-on-the-brink-of-extinction/?sh=240c256a18ee>
"A global collaboration of conservation scientists is sounding the alarm to
initiate urgent action to save one of the world’s largest frogs, which hovers
on the brink of extinction. A recent survey revealed that only 21 individual
(More...)
The Real Gift Is A Relative Who Understands Your Pets
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:13:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://notalwaysright.com/the-real-gift-is-a-relative-who-understands-your-pets/294290/>
"A few Christmases ago, my younger sister brought her boyfriend to our family
gathering. The largest box under the tree was addressed to “[Younger Sister]
and Cats”.
(More...)
'No Wonder I'm Weird' by Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:14:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Governments urged to end the neglect of long COVID prevention and treatment
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:36:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.croakey.org/governments-urged-to-end-the-neglect-of-long-covid-prevention-and-treatment/>
"The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) released a statement this
week urging federal, state and territory governments to do a better job of
tackling long COVID.
(More...)
5 Cities Leading the Charge Toward Electric Bus Transportation
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:38:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.ecowatch.com/electric-bus-travel-cities-us.html
"In metropolitan areas around the globe, public transportation is going
greener. Many cities are working towards eliminating greenhouse gas emissions
by transitioning away from fossil fuels — which are responsible for roughly 75%
(More...)
Video games and musical theatre: 2023’s most unlikely crossover?
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:40:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/dec/20/video-games-and-musical-theatre-2023s-most-unlikely-crossover>
"Toward the end of
Baldur’s Gate 3, widely considered the most outstanding
video game released this year, you can literally go to hell. If you do, you’ll
have a showdown with the game’s equivalent of the devil, a charismatic yet
(More...)
How a small town's trajectory changed after the construction of a 600-hectare solar farm
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:42:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-21/workforce-narrandera-construction-solar-farm/103235476>
'Driving past the high-tech jumble of photovoltaic panels, poles and torques,
Bel Atkinson says to her kids proudly: "I built that out there."
(More...)
Invasive grasses are worsening bushfires across Australia’s drylands
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:43:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/invasive-grasses-are-worsening-bushfires-across-australias-drylands-215530>
"As the semi-arid Pilliga Scrub burns in New South Wales, many of us are
thinking about fire once again. It’s an El Niño summer in the hottest year on
record. And there’s a remarkable amount of grass drying out and ready to burn.
(More...)
Far-right ‘tradwives’ see feminism as evil. Their lifestyles push back against ‘the lie of equality’
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:45:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/far-right-tradwives-see-feminism-as-evil-their-lifestyles-push-back-against-the-lie-of-equality-219000>
"There is a seductive simplicity to the “tradwife” trend, with its filtered
representations of domestic bliss – from homesteading to homeschooling, home
baking to homemaking.
(More...)
‘Busiest Christmas I have seen’: families turn to food banks in Australia’s cost-of-living crisis
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:45:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/20/busiest-christmas-i-have-seen-families-turn-to-food-banks-in-australias-cost-of-living-crisis>
"Joanne Oliver has been serving meals to those in need for six years at One
Meal in Sydney’s Blacktown but she’s never seen anything like the current
demand.
(More...)
The police officer who searched for a book in a Great Barrington classroom also used a body camera. The ACLU has ‘deep concerns’
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:48:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/southern_berkshires/great-barrington-gender-queer-book-police-ban-classroom-du-bois-middle-school-aclu-rights/article_14ba4abc-9eb9-11ee-83c9-0b3ff1c1b9dd.html>
"GREAT BARRINGTON — The plainclothed police officer who entered an eighth grade
classroom to search for a book wore a body camera and recorded the incident,
leading to more legal questions and concerns.
(More...)
Australia can no longer afford to ignore Russia’s expanding naval power in the Pacific
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:49:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-can-no-longer-afford-to-ignore-russias-expanding-naval-power-in-the-pacific-217913>
"China’s expanding naval presence in the Pacific Ocean and the South and East
China seas has become a major focus for Australia, the US and its allies.
(More...)
Is Joko Widodo paving the way for a political dynasty in Indonesia?
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:50:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/is-joko-widodo-paving-the-way-for-a-political-dynasty-in-indonesia-219499>
"Joko Widodo, popularly known as “Jokowi”, has served as Indonesia’s president
for almost a decade. He is hugely popular, garnering around 80% in some polls.
But the constitution bars him from serving a third term in office.
(More...)
‘Graphene will change the world’: the boss using the ‘supermaterial’ in the global microchip war
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:52:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/19/graphene-will-change-the-world-the-boss-using-the-supermaterial-in-the-global-microchip-war>
"The first thing visitors to Paragraf’s lab, in the Cambridgeshire village of
Somersham, are shown is a thin disc made of synthetic sapphire with a piece of
graphene taped on to it. This was the first graphene product the company made,
(More...)
Same-sex couples divide household chores more fairly – here’s what they told us works best
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:54:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/same-sex-couples-divide-household-chores-more-fairly-heres-what-they-told-us-works-best-219477>
"Who does which household chores – or who does the most – is a perennial source
of tension for many couples. From cleaning the toilet to taking out the trash,
it’s sometimes the little things that can cause the biggest trouble.
(More...)
‘This community’s beautiful’: Machans Beach residents band together after devastating floods
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:39:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/21/this-communitys-beautiful-machans-beach-residents-band-together-after-devastating-floods>
"Judy Kitching fell into coordinating an evacuation centre by accident.
She runs the Machans Beach community hall, one of the very few public
(More...)
Melbourne furniture icon Franco Cozzo dies, aged 87
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:41:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
What Do AI Companies Want With the Media?
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:43:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/12/what-do-ai-companies-want-with-the-media.html>
"This past week, Axel Springer, the German media conglomerate that owns
Politico and
Business Insider, signed a “multiyear licensing deal” with
OpenAI worth tens of millions of Euros. According to the company, the deal
(More...)
Carbon in, carbon out: Australia’s ‘carbon budget’ assessment reveals astonishing boom and bust cycles
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:44:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/carbon-in-carbon-out-australias-carbon-budget-assessment-reveals-astonishing-boom-and-bust-cycles-219592>
"If you really want to know how much Australia contributes to the amount of
carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere, you have to study all the “sources” and
“sinks”.
(More...)
Something Must Be Done About LED Bulbs
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:45:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://diylifetech.com/something-must-be-done-about-led-bulbs-93ae9df18926>
"According to the package for the LED bulbs I installed when I bought my house
three years ago, I shouldn't have to change a lightbulb until my kids are
grown, college-educated — and perhaps even married and having kids of their
(More...)
Reporting on Long Covid Taught Me to Be a Better Journalist
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:46:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/opinion/long-covid-reporting-lessons.html>
"In the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people who are now
still sick were first infected, the common wisdom was that the coronavirus
either sent you to an intensive care unit or, more commonly, caused mild
(More...)
How China's buses shaped the world's EV revolution
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:16:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231206-climate-change-how-chinas-electric-vehicle-revolution-began-with-buses>
'There are two distinctive types of electric buses making their way along
Nanjing Xi Lu, one of Shanghai's busiest roads.
(More...)
The Covid mask rules of Victoria’s major hospitals revealed, as state battles worsening wave
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:18:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
This company can convert your fuel car into an EV — in just a day
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:20:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/convert-your-fuel-car-ev
"Converting a fuel-run car to a fully electric car in 24 hours sounds
unbelievable, but that’s what German startup e-Revolt claims it can do.
(More...)
2024's public domain is a banger
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:22:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/20/em-oh-you-ess-ee/#sexytimes
"They stole something from you. For decades, they stole it. That thing they
stole? Your entire culture. For all of human history, works created in living
memory entered the public domain every year. 40 years ago, that stopped.
(More...)
Climate TRACE
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:23:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://climatetrace.org/
"Climate TRACE is a non-profit coalition of organizations building a timely,
open, and accessible inventory of exactly where greenhouse gas emissions are
coming from.
(More...)
Napping cats take over northern Thailand rice paddies in carefully planned artworks
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:25:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-18/sleeping-cat-art-takes-over-thai-rice-farm/103243472>
'A sleeping cat hugs a fish in a picture seen from the air, picked out in
sprouting rainbow seedlings in a rice field in Thailand to illustrate a
traditional proverb about abundance.
(More...)
I have COVID. How likely am I to get long COVID?
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:20:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/i-have-covid-how-likely-am-i-to-get-long-covid-218808>
"EG.5 or the Eris COVID variant is dominant in parts of Australia. Eris, along
with other circulating strains, are descendants of Omicron.
(More...)
‘You are deceased’: Services Australia bungle results in woman losing bank accounts and pension
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:22:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/22/you-are-deceased-services-australia-bungle-results-in-woman-losing-bank-accounts-and-pension-twice>
"The Centrelink officer on the end of the phone to Eve* was telling her she was
dead. Eve, 74, who receives a carer payment, had called after she noticed an
extra $3,000 from Centrelink in her 81-year-old husband’s account in May this
(More...)
Untangling Threads
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:23:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://erinkissane.com/untangling-threads
"Back in the fall, I wrote a series of posts on a particularly horrific episode
in Meta’s past. I hadn’t planned to revisit the topic immediately, but here we
are, with Threads federation with the ActivityPub-based fediverse ecosystem an
(More...)
What octopus DNA tells us about Antarctic ice sheet collapse
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:24:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-octopus-dna-tells-us-about-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-218810>
"If we want to understand the future, it’s often useful to look at the past.
And even more useful if you use octopus DNA to peer into worlds long gone.
(More...)
Gina Rinehart says renewable energy could use one-third of Australia’s prime agricultural land. Is she right?
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:25:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/22/gina-rinehart-says-renewable-energy-could-use-one-third-of-australias-prime-agricultural-land-is-she-right>
"Wind and solar farms are popping up in renewable energy zones and designated
development areas around Australia. Within those zones, it can feel as though
new projects are everywhere: on your property or your neighbour’s, on the hills
(More...)
A Vast Realm Off The Coast of Australia May Have Been Populated by Millions
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:27:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-vast-realm-off-the-coast-of-australia-may-have-been-populated-by-millions>
"For much of the 65,000 years of Australia's human history, the now-submerged
northwest continental shelf connected the Kimberley and western Arnhem Land.
This vast, habitable realm covered nearly 390,000 square kilometres, an area
(More...)
‘Everything is over. Ciao!’ Death of a salesman loved by a city
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:48:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/everything-is-over-ciao-death-of-a-salesman-loved-by-a-city-20231221-p5et1e.html>
"He sailed into Port Melbourne on January 26, 1955, after a 32-day journey from
Italy, alone and with not a word of English.
(More...)
The Only "Exit Strategy" for Ukraine is Survival
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:49:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Could dinosaurs be the reason humans can’t live for 200 years?
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:50:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/could-dinosaurs-be-the-reason-humans-cant-live-for-200-years-219435>
"All human beings age. It is part of our biology and limits our lifespan to
slightly over 120 years.
(More...)
How America Gets Freedom Wrong
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:52:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Why Taiwan’s falling birth rate has become a national security issue
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:53:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-taiwans-falling-birth-rate-has-become-a-national-security-issue-219968>
"Christmas is coming to Taipei and the city is at least partially decked out
for the season. In Muzha, on the city’s outskirts, the Catholic church has set
up a nativity scene. There is as yet no baby in the manger and the scene looks
(More...)
Good Artists Copy, Great Artists Steal: And Generative AI Does The Marketing For Both
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:54:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/20/good-artists-copy-great-artists-steal-and-generative-ai-does-the-marketing-for-both/>
"The attacks on generative AI started out claiming that it was all about
protecting the creators whose works were being “stolen” in some mysterious way
by virtue of software analyzing them. In some cases, that high-minded stance
(More...)
Flowers Are Evolving to Self-Pollinate, And It Could Be a Big Problem
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:22:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/flowers-are-evolving-to-self-pollinate-and-it-could-be-a-big-problem>
'Insects numbers have declined so much that plants are now taking reproduction
matters into their own hands (or petals). They're evolving to self-pollinate
more often, rather than rely on ever-rarer insects to carry their pollen far
(More...)
Men and women who hold sexist views are less responsive as parents: new research
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:23:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/men-and-women-who-hold-sexist-views-are-less-responsive-as-parents-new-research-216622>
"Do your attitudes about women and men influence how you parent your children?
Perhaps you think women are warmer and more supportive and so naturally better
(More...)
ChatGPT Cheating Fears Seem Overstated
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:24:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/21/chatgpt-cheating-fears-seem-overstated/>
"There have been all sorts of overblown fears and moral panics raised by the
availability of new generative AI tools. And one that I keep hearing about,
which many people have accepted as obviously true, is that it will damage
(More...)
What kind of bubble is AI?
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:26:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/19/bubblenomics/#pop
"My latest column for
Locus Magazine is "What Kind of Bubble is AI?" All
economic bubbles are hugely destructive, but some of them leave behind wreckage
that can be salvaged for useful purposes, while others leave nothing behind but
(More...)
The Pernicious Myth of Meritocracy (Why American capitalism is so rotten, Part 5)
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:28:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-myth-of-meritocracy-why-is-american>
"Friends,
“We renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country,” Donald
(More...)
Money Talks In The World Of Copyright Legislation; And That’s A Big Problem For Ordinary Internet Users
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:30:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/21/money-talks-in-the-world-of-copyright-legislation-and-thats-a-big-problem-for-ordinary-internet-users/>
"Copyright has always been about money. That’s why the copyright industry
fights so hard to strengthen legal protections, in order to boost its profits.
However, getting detailed information about how much money is involved, and who
(More...)
Planting Mangrove Forests Is Paying Off in Indonesia
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:52:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/11/30/planting-mangrove-forests-is-paying-off-in-indonesia>
"Mangroves play a critical role in supporting coastal livelihoods, protecting
coasts from disasters, and mitigating global climate change. They can
contribute to ending poverty and creating a livable planet. They are
(More...)
Covid Safe Furs
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:54:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://covidsafefurs.org/
"We are Covid Safe Furs, a group of furries discussing Covid issues in our
personal lives and in our communities. We seek to become an information and
advocacy resource not only for our own members but for furry at large.
(More...)
More states are banning plastic bags. Florida is not among them
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:56:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/11/29/more-states-are-banning-plastic-bags-florida-is-not-among-them/>
"Starting in January, most stores in Colorado won’t be allowed to provide
single-use plastic carryout bags to customers without charging them a fee.
Polystyrene containers, also known as Styrofoam, also will be banned at
(More...)
Why have Americans Embraced So Many Toxic GOP Scams?
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:58:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://hartmannreport.com/p/why-have-americans-embraced-so-many-4a2
"The GOP — to keep the support of “average” American voters while they work
entirely for the benefit of giant corporations, the weapons and fossil fuel
industries, and the morbidly rich — have run a whole series of scams on voters
(More...)
Alarming Increase in Microplastics Detected in Human Placentas
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:59:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/alarming-increase-in-microplastics-detected-in-human-placentas>
'Scientists are finding microplastics unnervingly close to developing fetuses
during pregnancy.
(More...)
Britons increasingly turning to food black market, experts say
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 12:01:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/22/britons-increasingly-turning-to-food-black-market-experts-say>
"Increasing numbers of people are turning to a growing black market for food to
supplement their diets as prices rocket, experts have said.
(More...)
A major LGBTQ+ org just left X over the site’s cyberbullying of queer youth
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:32:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/12/a-major-lgbtq-org-just-left-x-over-the-sites-cyberbullying-of-queer-youth/>
"GLSEN, the LGBTQ+ student rights advocacy organization, has announced that it
will no longer use X (formerly Twitter) because of “increased cyberbullying and
harassment against transgender and LGBTQ+ youth” on the microblogging platform.
(More...)
Centering the Ineffable
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:33:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://rushkoff.medium.com/centering-the-ineffable-b1676c2a0612>
'I have been a fan of Carne Ross, disillusioned diplomat turned anarchist
organizer, since I was introduced to his work during Occupy Wall Street. He's
the guy who gave secret evidence to a British inquiry into the Iraq war, then
(More...)
Warner Bros Discovery Eyes Paramount Merger, Because Its Last Two Disastrous Mergers Apparently Weren’t Disastrous Enough
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:35:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/22/warner-bros-discovery-eyes-paramount-merger-because-its-last-two-disastrous-mergers-apparently-werent-disastrous-enough/>
"By now we’ve well established that this particular series of media mergers —
which began with AT&T’s doomed acquisition of Time Warner and ended with Time
Warner’s subsequent spin off and fusion with Discovery — were some of the
(More...)
Why It's a Tragedy that Adults Rarely Model Accountability in the USA
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:36:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/on-reflection/why-its-a-tragedy-that-adults-rarely-model-accountability-in-the-usa-79e2be5d44dd>
'I like to help coach my daughter's basketball team. This is the third year,
and it's been delightful to get to know the kids. Sometimes they seek me out.
They come and stand beside me, look up, and smile and I say, "Good job."
(More...)
2023: The Year Of AI Panic
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:37:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/22/2023-the-year-of-ai-panic/
"In 2023, the extreme ideology of “human extinction from AI” became one of the
most prominent trends. It was followed by extreme regulation proposals.
(More...)
Long-term outcomes following hospital admission for COVID-19 versus seasonal influenza: a cohort study
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:38:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(23)00684-9/fulltext>
"
Background
Previous comparative analyses of people admitted to hospital for COVID-19
(More...)
St Kitts and Nevis to ban use of styrofoam, plastic products
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:52:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2023/11/29/st-kitts-and-nevis-to-ban-use-of-styrofoam-plastic-products/>
"BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – The St Kitts and Nevis government has launched a
plastic ban campaign to raise public awareness and support for its agenda
towards banning, phasing out and replacing selected single-use styrofoam and
(More...)
Long Covid and the Economy: There Is Money in Prevention
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:55:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.manager-magazin.de/harvard/long-covid-and-the-economy-there-is-money-in-prevention-a-54022db9-428f-41d7-b71c-3f9befa58b0e>
'The report from Jena, Germany, was covered only briefly by the media. No
comment from the business world. But what an interdisciplinary team from Jena
University Hospital found out in a survey involving 40 long Covid patients
(More...)
Wolverines Receive Federal Protection as a Threatened Species in the Lower 48 States
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:56:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wolverines-receive-federal-protection-as-threatened-species-in-lower-48-states-180983346/>
"As global warming melts their snowy habitat, wolverines in the contiguous
United States will be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act,
earning them additional federal protections. The move comes after years of
(More...)
Strict new-car emissions standards coming to Australia from 2025, utes and 4WDs among hardest hit
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:58:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.drive.com.au/news/strict-vehicle-emissions-rules-announced-australia-euro-6d/>
"The Federal Government has announced strict emissions standards for new petrol
and diesel-powered vehicles, planned for introduction from 2025 – as well as
upgrades to the quality of petrol sold locally – intended to catch Australia up
(More...)
Moyenne Island: The world's smallest national park
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:59:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220119-moyenne-island-the-worlds-smallest-national-park>
'Most people who buy their very own tropical island do so in the pursuit of
luxury. Brendon Grimshaw was different. So, too, was Moyenne, the island in the
Seychelles that Grimshaw bought.
(More...)
A naturalist finds hope despite climate change in an era he calls 'The End of Eden'
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 05:01:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/23/1214002178/naturalist-looks-for-hope-despite-climate-change>
'On a chilly morning this fall, Adam Welz wades through chest high grass in New
York state's Adirondack Park, pausing often to scan with his binoculars and
listen.
(More...)
A new era: Coal usage and emissions in the global power sector to peak in 2023
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:46:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.rystadenergy.com/news/coal-power-peak-solar-wind-emissions
"Global coal-fired power generation is on track to peak in 2023 as new sources
of renewable and low-carbon energy expand rapidly. Coal has dominated the
global power sector for the past 30 years, but Rystad Energy modeling shows
(More...)
Shocking Wake-Up Call: First Marine Fish Declared Extinct Due to Humans
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:47:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/shocking-wake-up-call-first-marine-fish-declared-extinct-due-to-humans>
'Java Stingarees are the first marine fish to be declared extinct as a result
of human activity.
(More...)
MEUTE - Aurora
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:48:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puBKcI7c0F8
"Hamburg, Germany: Raving with the neighborhood to raise awareness for
participation in urban development and a city for all ♥️
(More...)
The Most Important Invention of the 20th Century: Transistors
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:49:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuFlISa73Sw
'On December 23, 1947, three researchers at Bell labs demonstrated a new device
to colleagues. The device, a solid-state replacement for the audion tube,
represented the pinnacle of the quest to provide amplification of electronic
(More...)
Gamechanger
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:52:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.lxbeckett.com/gamechanger/
"
First there was the Setback.
Then came the Clawback.
Now we thrive.
(More...)
Policy experts, scientists, disability groups urge Biden to address the Long Covid crisis
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:53:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thesicktimes.org/2023/12/18/policy-experts-scientists-disability-groups-urge-biden-to-address-the-long-covid-crisis/>
"A wide breadth of policy experts, scientists, and disability groups are
calling on President Biden to urgently address the Long Covid crisis with
annual funding in the billions.
(More...)
Solar surging 58% in 2023, 413 GW of installations expected globally
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:23:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2023/11/28/solar-surging-58-in-2023-413-gw-of-installations-expected-globally/>
"
BloombergNEF has released its updated solar market outlook for 2023,
projecting that 413 GW of module capacity will be installed this year. This
capacity is largely driven by China’s contribution of 240 GW, along with strong
(More...)
Many Canadians have had long COVID for almost 4 years. Researchers say there's hope
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:25:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Tracking national ambition towards a global tripling of renewables
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:26:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://ember-climate.org/insights/research/tracking-national-ambition-towards-a-global-tripling-of-renewables/>
"This report analyses national 2030 renewable targets for the power sector to
evaluate them against what is required to meet the proposed goal to triple
global renewable capacity by 2030.
(More...)
1,374 Days: My life with long Covid
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:27:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/14/opinion/my-life-with-long-covid.html>
"Every morning, I wake up in my Brooklyn apartment, and for two seconds, I can
remember the old me. The me without pain, the me with energy, the me who could
do whatever she wanted.
(More...)
Biden Administration Announces Rule to Cut Millions of Tons of Methane Emissions
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:29:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://web.archive.org/web/20231205202332/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/02/climate/biden-methane-climate-cop28.html>
"Vice President Kamala Harris pledged at a United Nations climate summit on
Saturday that the United States would spend billions more to help developing
nations fight and adapt to climate change, telling world leaders that “we must
(More...)
Scammers Are Tricking Anti-Vaxxers Into Buying Bogus Medical Documents
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:30:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wired.com/story/telegram-covid-19-vaccination-fakes/
"Kristina Collins didn’t know her photo was being used on Telegram. Over the
past few months, an Instagram picture of Collins, a Texas-based doctor and
dermatologist, has been used by scammers on the chat app to try to persuade
(More...)
A new kind of solar cell is coming: is it the future of green energy?
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:38:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/3KqDT
"On the outskirts of Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, nestled among car
dealerships and hardware shops, sits a two-storey factory stuffed with
solar-power secrets. It’s here where UK firm Oxford PV is producing commercial
(More...)
US homelessness up 12% to highest reported level as rents soar and coronavirus pandemic aid lapses
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:39:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://smdp.com/2023/12/20/homelessness-up-to-highest-reported-levels/
"The United States experienced a dramatic 12% increase in homelessness to its
highest reported level as soaring rents and a decline in coronavirus pandemic
assistance combined to put housing out of reach for more Americans, federal
(More...)
Climate change is driving a global youth revolution
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:40:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://web.archive.org/web/20231202050208/https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2023/1027/Climate-change-is-driving-a-global-youth-revolution>
"The Climate Generation looks like Atlas Sarrafoğlu, a boyish 16-year-old with
a shy smile, Nike high tops, and a cardboard sign of accusation: “Your
mistakes, our future.” He has it resting next to him by a park bench in
(More...)
British Home Children: Antique box tells heart-breaking history
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:42:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67809153
'Five years after it was discovered in a Scottish auction house in Glasgow, a
long wooden box of about 80 glass negatives is now in Canada, where it is
putting a spotlight on the heart-breaking history of the British Home Children.
(More...)
Surreal NASA Footage Reveals What a Solar Eclipse Looks Like on Mars
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:44:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/surreal-nasa-footage-reveals-what-a-solar-eclipse-looks-like-on-mars>
'Every now and again, a reminder comes along that our planet really is unusual
in so many fabulous ways. Those reminders don't even have to come from far away
– they can be as close as our next-door neighbor.
(More...)
I drove 6,000 miles across the US in an EV. Here’s what I learned
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:45:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2023/12/20/i-drove-6000-miles-across-the-us-in-an-ev-heres-what-i-learned/>
"When I set out from Montana on a cross-continent, 6,000-mile journey in my
electric car, I had two goals. I wanted to visit family and friends in
Wisconsin, Maine, Illinois, and Iowa. And I wanted to prove, to myself and
(More...)
3,800-km Cable Offers Glimpse of a Global Power Grid
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:18:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://spectrum.ieee.org/underwater-power-cable
"At first glance, North Devon, an expanse of rolling hills and gentle seaside
cliffs deep in the English countryside, may not seem like a place to find the
future.
(More...)
‘People are at their best when they have a choice’: Aussie bosses give up on ending WFH
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:20:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
An ultra-thin tattoo that gives a tactile sensation
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:21:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://techxplore.com/news/2023-11-ultra-thin-tattoo-tactile-sensation.html>
'An ultra-thin wearable device capable of reproducing the localized sensation
of touch had been developed at the Center for Materials Interfaces of the
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology, IIT), in
(More...)
Steve Kirsch’s “mother of all revelations” about the “deadliness” of COVID-19 vaccines goes poof
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:23:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/steve-kirschs-mother-of-all-revelations-about-the-deadliness-of-covid-19-vaccines-goes-poof/>
"Last Thursday, tech bro turned rabidest of rabid antivaxxers Steve Kirsch
finally gave a talk that he had been hyping for a couple of weeks as the
“definitive” evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are not just deadly, but so deadly
(More...)
Don't You Dare Judge the Homeless Population
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:26:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/dont-you-dare-judge-the-homeless-population-75afc36492cd>
'Upon leaving the grocery store earlier today, I saw a man standing near the
exit with a sign. He seemed tired and dejected. He looked like he could use
some help.
(More...)
Covid: It's That Bad
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:28:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.okdoomer.io/its-that-bad/
'There's no limit to what it can steal from you.
Those are the words of Natalie, a Covid survivor who went hiking on her wedding
(More...)
The Bittersweet Story of the World’s First Motel
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:16:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.messynessychic.com/2023/06/01/the-bittersweet-story-of-the-worlds-first-motel/>
"It’s as American as Apple Pie in all its neon-lit glory, evoking our
collective cultural memory of 1950s road-tripping, film noir fugitive hideouts
and the golden age of kitsch. The motel is as much a part of the American open
(More...)
How I Got Hooked on Solutions Journalism
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:17:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/hooked-on-solutions-journalism
"At the turn of this century,
New York Times reporter Tina Rosenberg had
uncovered a massive scandal but couldn’t convince her editor to publish her
research: The price for HIV medication had soared. Thousands of patients in the
(More...)
66 Good News Stories You Didn't Hear About in 2023
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:18:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://futurecrunch.com/goodnews2023/
"The news is supposed to tell us what's happening in the world. It doesn't. It
tells us what's going wrong. Thanks to a combination of commercial pressures,
cognitive biases and cultural habits, news organisations have become modern-day
(More...)
‘Getting a bike was a resurrection’: the project donating bicycles to refugees
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:19:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/getting-a-bike-was-a-resurrection-the-project-donating-bicycles-to-refugees/>
"Two wheels. A frame. Cables, brakes and pedals. There’s no earthly reason to
get emotional over a jumble of metal and rubber – however artfully it’s put
together – but that’s the magic of bicycles. They’re so much more than the sum
(More...)
How Solutions Journalism Is Sparking Change
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:20:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/solutions-journalism-growing-impact/
"When Karen McIntyre began her PhD at the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill in 2012, she had never heard of solutions journalism. But one day a
professor asked her to compile a list of “positive news” websites for a media
(More...)
How can activists change the world? Experts offer seven strategies
Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:21:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/17/activism-strategies-book-practical-radicals>
"In their new book,
Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World,
Deepak Bhargava and Stephanie Luce offer what they say are “winning strategies,
history and theory for a new generation of activists”.
(More...)
Cooperative Ways to Weather the Silver Tsunami
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:19:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yesmagazine.org/economy/2023/12/07/business-cooperative-boomers-model>
"Sierra Allen, 21-year-old barista, had just ended their shift at Baltimore’s
Common Ground Cafe on July 2, 2023, when a co-worker texted them the shocking
news: Owner Michael Krupp was unceremoniously closing the beloved coffee shop
(More...)
Electrifying Everything Everywhere All At Once Is Key Climate Wedge
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:21:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-future-is-electric/electrifying-everything-everywhere-all-at-once-is-key-climate-wedge-2e30366f931b>
"*Burning ~20 billion tons of fossil fuels a year for heat, movement and
electricity throws away two-thirds of their energy as waste heat while creating
~40 billion tons of CO₂*
(More...)
‘No, that’s fascism’: the librarian who defied Russia’s purge of LGBTQ+ books
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:23:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/24/vladimir-kosarevsky-librarian-defied-russia-purge-of-lgbt-books>
"As a gay man growing up in Russia, books were Vladimir Kosarevsky’s refuge,
offering him a precious glimpse into lives that in some way echoed his own. So
when the Moscow librarian received orders late last year to destroy books
(More...)
Avian influenza has killed millions of seabirds around the world: Antarctica could be next
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:24:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/avian-influenza-has-killed-millions-of-seabirds-around-the-world-antarctica-could-be-next-216738>
"Antarctica is often imagined as the last untouched wilderness. Unfortunately,
avian influenza (“bird flu”) is encroaching on the icy continent. The virus has
already reached the sub-Antarctic islands between the Antarctic Peninsula and
(More...)
Native Americans are building their own solar farms
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:26:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231204-native-americans-are-building-their-own-solar-farms>
'It was at Standing Rock, as he watched a fellow protester be cuffed and
manhandled into a police car, that Cody Two Bears, member of the Sioux tribe in
North Dakota, decided he would build a solar farm.
(More...)
How reindeer help fight climate change
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:28:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231219-how-reindeer-help-fight-climate-change>
'It's just after lunchtime, and darkness is already falling. Tiia Jeremejeff, a
reindeer herder in northern Finland, jumps on a snowmobile to go and feed her
family's herd, who are kept in a large enclosure in the winter. Her breath
(More...)
These cities are building solar plants on trash to save space
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:02:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theprogressplaybook.com/2023/11/14/these-cities-are-building-solar-plants-on-trash-to-save-space/>
"Old landfill sites are difficult to repurpose, which is why they tend to sit
idly for decades. That’s a problem in a world with finite land resources, lots
of waste, and ever-growing energy requirements.
(More...)
Why Does the Economy Feel So Bad?
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:03:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/why-does-the-economy-feel-so-bad-7c9e8dc2149b>
"It's one of the biggest economic and political problems in America — people
are mad about the economy, even though economists think the economy is pretty
good.
(More...)
“Sometimes Your Whole Life Boils Down To One Insane Move”
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:06:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://notalwaysright.com/sometimes-your-whole-life-boils-down-to-one-insane-move/313142/>
"I get really anxious about seeing my dentist — doubly so when it’s a new
dentist in a new city after a move.
(More...)
As Aussie as vanilla slice: how the delicate European dessert became the snot block of Aussie bakeries
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:07:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/as-aussie-as-vanilla-slice-how-the-delicate-european-dessert-became-the-snot-block-of-aussie-bakeries-214378>
"In 1998, Victorian premier Jeff Kennett visited a town in regional Victoria
and said he had discovered, in his opinion, the best vanilla slice in Australia
at the local bakery. He was so inspired by his slice experience that he
(More...)
Bricking it: Do you actually own anything digital?
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:09:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/22/opinion_column/
"What do Amazon, Sony, and Broadcom all have in common? Give up? Each, in their
own way, has made it clear that when you buy something from them, you don't
actually own it.
(More...)
Every COVID Infection Increases Your Risk of Long COVID, Study Warns
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:11:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/every-covid-infection-increases-your-risk-of-long-covid-study-warns>
'Vaccines ensure bouts of COVID are far less deadly than they were at the
pandemic's start, yet multiple studies now suggest even seemingly mild cases of
the coronavirus have a cost. With every single infection, our risk of long
(More...)
The curious joy of being wrong – intellectual humility means being open to new information and willing to change your mind
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:12:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-curious-joy-of-being-wrong-intellectual-humility-means-being-open-to-new-information-and-willing-to-change-your-mind-216126>
"Mark Twain apocryphally said, “I’m in favor of progress; it’s change I don’t
like.” This quote pithily underscores the human tendency to desire growth while
also harboring strong resistance to the hard work that comes with it. I can
(More...)
How Zoos Victoria is using technology to transform conservation efforts
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:13:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-27/zoos-victoria-technology-conservation/103214190>
"Between bushfires, floods and land clearing, conservation efforts across
Victoria have been an all-hands-on-deck operation in recent years.
(More...)
The science of the ideal salad dressing
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:13:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-the-ideal-salad-dressing-216159>
"Summer means salads. And salads are even more delicious with a good dressing.
Most salad dressings are temporarily stable mixtures of oil and water known as
(More...)
‘Rights of nature’ are being recognised overseas. In Australia, local leadership gives cause for optimism
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:15:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/rights-of-nature-are-being-recognised-overseas-in-australia-local-leadership-gives-cause-for-optimism-212851>
"As each day passes, the need to protect Australia’s environment grows more
urgent. As noted in the most recent
State of Environment Report in 2021, we
are increasingly turning to “measures of last resort” to prevent species
(More...)
The 10 biggest physics and astronomy lies from 2023
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:16:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/starts-with-a-bang/the-10-biggest-physics-and-astronomy-lies-from-2023-a0d52216ae4d>
"Science, as an enterprise, is a work in progress.
And sometimes, dubious work on its frontiers masquerades as revolutionary
(More...)
Zeekr Just Embarrassed Tesla & The Entire EV World
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:10:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/predict/zeekr-just-embarrassed-tesla-the-entire-ev-world-17e5de1faaf0>
'You may never have heard of Zeekr or its Chinese parent company, Geely. But if
you have any interest in the EV revolution, affordable e-mobility or
environmentally friendly technology, you will soon! You see, they have
(More...)
Sexism Starts in Childhood
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:11:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://slate.com/human-interest/2017/11/how-to-stop-sexism-and-raise-a-son-who-respects-women.html>
"With every sexual harassment scandal that hits, I feel all the emotions:
anger, betrayal, heartbreak that something I vaguely sensed turns out to really
be true. I also feel a growing sense of fear—not for me, but for my kids. How
(More...)
On origami, and why STEM and arts belong together
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:12:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/educreation/on-origami-and-why-stem-and-arts-belong-together-7111532b1c82>
"It’s a quietly tense January afternoon at York University’s Scott Library.
I’ve just finished a package design class with professor Albert Ng, feeling
challenged and inspired (as always). I pull out my laptop and a handful of
(More...)
Circles Of Credulity, Bias & Desperation Fuel Small Modular Nuclear Dreams
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:14:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-future-is-electric/circles-of-credulity-bias-desperation-fuel-small-modular-nuclear-dreams-4a5f9913334d>
'A few months ago, a STEM and economics literate global decarbonization
executive for a $4 billion annual revenue logistics business operating in most
of the major trading companies of the world asked me "What drives this madness
(More...)
Swedish ‘Spotify of heat pumps’ hopes to reach more UK homes
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:15:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/27/swedish-spotify-of-heat-pumps-aira-hopes-to-reach-more-uk-homes>
"Britain’s plan to wean homes off fossil fuels has had a tepid start, but
despite its lukewarm beginning, the market for heat pumps is hotting up.
(More...)
People around the world are living in non-traditional housing to cope with rising cost of living
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:16:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-27/alternatives-to-traditional-housing-cost-of-living-crisis/103251738>
'From living out of a hotel room to a houseboat in a marina, some people are
turning to "non-traditional" methods of housing to put a roof over their heads.
(More...)
Revealed: US utility firms offer builders cash and trips to fit new homes with gas appliances
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:59:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/21/new-home-builder-contractor-fossil-fuel-utilities-natural-gas>
"Dozens of US gas utilities, serving more than 35 million customers, offer
builders and contractors incentives to keep fossil fuels in buildings, the
Guardian has found.
(More...)
‘You don’t know why they’re filming or what they’ll do with it’: flight attendants on being unwilling stars of viral videos
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:00:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/you-dont-know-why-theyre-filming-or-what-theyll-do-with-it-flight-attendants-on-being-unwilling-stars-of-viral-videos-217089>
"As any frequent social media user knows, airline passengers often record and
post in-flight incidents – from frightening turbulence to unruly members of the
public.
(More...)
21 Species Removed From The Endangered Species Act Due To Extinction
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:01:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/discourse/21-species-removed-from-the-endangered-species-act-due-to-extinction-b5d3c347aa82>
'The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced recently that they will delist 21
species from the Endangered Species Act because they are extinct. Found in 16
states and in the U.S. territory of Guam, most of these species were listed
(More...)
I collect marsupial poo. A crack team of volunteers across Australia helps me out
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:03:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/i-collect-marsupial-poo-a-crack-team-of-volunteers-across-australia-helps-me-out-217925>
"I thought convincing my husband of the merits of my returning to study just as
he had retired would be a very tricky sell. So his enthusiasm for the idea
caught me by surprise.
(More...)
Substack Turns On Its ‘Nazis Welcome!’ Sign
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:04:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/26/substack-turns-on-its-nazis-welcome-sign/>
"Back in April Substack founder/CEO Chris Best gave an interview to Nilay Patel
in which he refused to answer some fairly basic questions about how the company
planned to handle trust & safety issues on their new Substack Notes
(More...)
‘Foul and loathsome’ or jewels of the natural world? The complicated history of human-frog relations
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:04:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/foul-and-loathsome-or-jewels-of-the-natural-world-the-complicated-history-of-human-frog-relations-213976>
"When was the last time you saw a frog? Perhaps you came across one in your
garden and wondered at its little hands, glossy skin and what looked very much
like a contented smile.
(More...)
How Copyright Hinders The Preservation Of Modern, Digital Culture
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:02:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/26/how-copyright-hinders-the-preservation-of-modern-digital-culture/>
"A recent
Guardian interview with the British Library’s head of digital
publications, Giulia Carla Rossi, reveals the problems caused by copyright for
those tasked with preserving modern culture. In some respects, the British
(More...)
New Zealand newsrooms saw the rise of ‘mob censorship’ in 2023, as journalists faced a barrage of abuse
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:03:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/new-zealand-newsrooms-saw-the-rise-of-mob-censorship-in-2023-as-journalists-faced-a-barrage-of-abuse-219583>
"New Zealand consistently ranks well in global monitors of democracy, media
freedom and open government. But high rates of abuse and threats directed at
journalists put us at risk of “mob censorship” – citizen vigilantism that seeks
(More...)
Stupid Patent of the Month: Selfie Contests
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:04:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/27/stupid-patent-of-the-month-selfie-contests/>
"Patents are supposed to be an incentive to invent. Too often, they end up
being a way to try to claim “ownership” of what should be basic building blocks
of human activity, culture, and knowledge. This is especially true of software
(More...)
Another Reason Why Diamond Access Makes Sense: No Economic Barriers To Publishing Rebuttals
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:06:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/27/another-reason-why-diamond-access-makes-sense-no-economic-barriers-to-publishing-rebuttals/>
"
Walled Culture has written numerous posts about the promise and problems of
open access. An important editorial in the journal
Web Ecology raises an
issue for open access that I’ve not seen mentioned before. It concerns the
(More...)
Clue in the windscreen may be key in legal challenge to Queensland’s AI traffic fine system
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:07:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/28/queensland-government-ai-traffic-fine-system-legal-challenge>
"Evelyn Trueman did jury duty once but, other than that, has never been to
court. Now the 79-year-old Brisbane pensioner is preparing to represent herself
against the Queensland government in one of several cases set to test the
(More...)
How we built a less-explodey lithium battery and kickstarted the EV revolution
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:09:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.engadget.com/hitting-the-books-material-world-ed-conway-knopf-153010572.html>
"Sand, salt, iron, copper, oil and lithium — these foundational materials are
literally what the modern world is built on. Without sand for glass, say
goodbye to our fiber optic internet. No copper means no conductive wiring. And
(More...)
A 10-panel comic explores a subtle kind of racism many people of color experience.
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:54:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.upworthy.com/10-panel-comic-explores-a-subtle-kind-of-racism-many-people-of-color-experience-rp3>
"
If we're being honest, we all make assumptions about other people, right?
We look at their skin, their clothes, and their car, and we make guesses about
(More...)
Can your Windows 10 PC be saved in 2025? Yes - for free. Here's how
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:56:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.zdnet.com/article/can-your-windows-10-pc-be-saved-in-2025-yes-for-free-heres-how/>
"We all know that some perfectly good Windows 10 PCs can't be upgraded to
Windows 11. But did you know that Canalys Insights estimated there are 240
million Windows 10 PCs doomed to the trash heap because they can't be upgraded
(More...)
The 21 things you learn in your first year in Melbourne
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:57:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/things-to-do/things-you-learn-in-your-first-year-in-melbourne>
"In a normal year, some 70,000 new people make Melbourne their home. That's in
addition to the 2.7 million who visit our gorgeous city. To all of you, we say:
welcome! We hope you love it here. But the city has some things you'll need to
(More...)
Will the world see more wars or unrest in 2024? Here are 5 hotspots to watch
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:58:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/will-the-world-see-more-wars-or-unrest-in-2024-here-are-5-hotspots-to-watch-217807>
"Sadly, 2023 has been a violent one on the global stage. War broke out between
Israel and Hamas in Gaza, leading to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians
and hundreds of Israelis, including many children on both sides. And the bitter
(More...)
Review: Studio Ponoc's New 'The Imaginary' is Darkly Fantastical
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 04:00:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://unseenjapan.medium.com/review-studio-ponocs-new-the-imaginary-is-darkly-fantastical-8f90431200d6>
'In 2014, Japanese animation titan Studio Ghibli shut down its production team.
Within a year, some of the studio's bigger names had regrouped, and a successor
animation team came into being: Studio Ponoc.
(More...)
Making The Case For Wooden Wind Turbines With Swedish Modvion
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 04:02:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hackaday.com/2023/12/28/making-the-case-for-wooden-wind-turbines-with-swedish-modvion/>
"Modern-day wind turbines are constructed using mostly concrete and steel,
topped by the fiberglass composite blades mounted to the nacelle that houses
the gearbox and generator, along with much of the control systems. With the
(More...)
Once Public Schools are Largely Dead, Here's What Happens Next...
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:07:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/12/28/2214215/-Once-Public-Schools-are-Largely-Dead-Here-s-What-Happens-Next>
"In 1776, British economist Adam Smith published
The Wealth of Nations, a
book that laid out the principles that modern economies have operated under for
centuries (with the exception of the Reagan Revolution years of 1981-2021). In
(More...)
Want to get into stargazing? A professional astronomer explains where to start
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:08:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/want-to-get-into-stargazing-a-professional-astronomer-explains-where-to-start-218921>
"There are few things more peaceful and relaxing than a night under the stars.
Through the holidays, many people head away from the bright city lights to go
camping. They revel in the dark skies, spangled with myriad stars.
(More...)
Electrifying Cars Is A Great Wedge But Far From The Only One
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:16:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/the-future-is-electric/electrifying-cars-is-a-great-wedge-but-far-from-the-only-one-16d064614cab>
'Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky were amazing thinkers. Despite being
psychologists, Kahneman won the Nobel Prize for Economics, something he would
have shared with Tversky had that luminary not passed too soon.
(More...)
‘Ecology on steroids’: how Australia’s First Nations managed Australia’s ecosystems
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:17:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/ecology-on-steroids-how-australias-first-nations-managed-australias-ecosystems-214854>
"On October 9 1873, George Augustus Frederick Dalrymple reclined in a boat on
the glorious North Johnstone River in the coastal Wet Tropics. Dalrymple was in
raptures. A riot of palms, bananas, ferns and lilies descended to the waters
(More...)
The NY Times Lawsuit Against OpenAI Would Open Up The NY Times To All Sorts Of Lawsuits Should It Win
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:19:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/28/the-ny-times-lawsuit-against-openai-would-open-up-the-ny-times-to-all-sorts-of-lawsuits-should-it-win/>
"This week the
NY Times somehow broke the story of… well, the
NY Times
suing OpenAI and Microsoft. I wonder who tipped them off. Anyhoo, the lawsuit
in many ways is similar to some of the over a dozen lawsuits filed by copyright
(More...)
I lost my sense of smell after Covid. Here’s what I’ve learned about life without it
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:21:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/dec/24/do-me-a-flavour-adjusting-to-life-without-a-sense-of-smell-after-covid>
"To celebrate our anniversary, my partner and I dine in a trendy London
restaurant in Hackney with a Michelin star – my first time in such a place. A
crispy little bonbon is introduced to us simply as “Pine, kvass lees and vin
(More...)
'Retreat by Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer'
Thu, 1 Feb 2024 04:01:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Long COVID will take your health, your wealth — then it will come for your marriage
Thu, 1 Feb 2024 04:02:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-27/long-covid-mecfs-health-damaging-relationships-crisis/103205564>
'Sarah* fully expected that catching COVID would be a disaster for her health.
As a health researcher, she'd followed the science of SARS-CoV-2 more closely
than many people — she understood how serious the pandemic was.
(More...)
Turns Out Taser’s ‘Tragic’ Backstory Is Mostly Just Alternate Facts Cooked Up By Its Founder
Thu, 1 Feb 2024 04:04:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/28/turns-out-tasers-tragic-backstory-is-mostly-just-alternate-facts-cooked-up-by-its-founder/>
"Jeffrey Dastin, writing for Reuters, has dug up some very interesting
information about TASER, which has since re-branded to Axon (and has since set
its sights on arming cops with body cams, in addition to its infamous
(More...)
Impact of Long COVID on productivity and informal caregiving
Thu, 1 Feb 2024 04:05:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10198-023-01653-z
"
Background
Around 2 million people in the UK suffer from Long COVID (LC). Of concern is
(More...)
No climate for cricket: how global warming is putting the heat on NZ’s summer game
Thu, 1 Feb 2024 04:07:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/no-climate-for-cricket-how-global-warming-is-putting-the-heat-on-nzs-summer-game-219319>
"The recently concluded men’s Cricket World Cup in India reached record
audiences. But there was one thing the organisers did not want those viewers to
see (other than India’s defeat by Australia in the final): cricket’s own
(More...)
ExxonMobil's "Let's Deliver" Commercials Are Malicious Propaganda
Thu, 1 Feb 2024 04:09:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freedium.cfd/https://aninjusticemag.com/exxonmobils-let-s-deliver-commercials-are-malicious-propaganda-16013248848c>
'Recently, ExxonMobil has been putting out these ads that tout its efforts to
"reduce" emmissions. The one I always see is of a woman of color standing in
front of a backdrop of gas refineries and saying, "Heavy industry with low
(More...)
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