Glass Wings Blog: November 2019
Smartphones with wheels: how modern transportation brings new privacy problems
Sat, 2 Nov 2019 05:31:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2019/10/smartphones-with-wheels-how-modern-transportation-brings-new-privacy-problems/>
"Tracking vehicles as a way of carrying out surveillance has been used
by governments around the world for years. When exactly it should be
allowed is still a hot topic, in the US at least. And it’s not just the
(More...)
The Age of Constitutional Coups by Paul Street
Sat, 2 Nov 2019 05:34:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2019/10/28/the-age-of-constitutional-coups-by-paul-street/>
"The contemporary global neofascistic right has become adept at seizing
power through legal and parliamentary coups that do not involve military
units dramatically taking over government headquarters and radio and
(More...)
Carbon capture technology could make pollution worse, says Stanford report
Sat, 2 Nov 2019 05:36:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/carbon-capture-technology-could-make-pollution-worse-says-stanford-report-34071/>
"There is no shortage of research questioning the credibility of carbon
capture and storage as an effective tool in the fight against climate
change, but a new report out of America’s Stanford University goes one
(More...)
Minus18 photoshoot
Sat, 2 Nov 2019 05:42:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
I recently modelled for a stock photo for Minus18’s #trans awareness
week campaign.
https://www.minus18.org.au/
Australia's Youth Driven Network for LGBTIQ Youth
(More...)
I Went to Mexico to Meet Asylum-Seekers Trapped at the Border. This Is What I Saw.
Sun, 3 Nov 2019 11:15:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/28/i-went-mexico-meet-asylum-seekers-trapped-border-what-i-saw>
"Two weeks ago, I traveled to northern Mexico along with Mexican
photographer Guillermo Arias to meet with asylum-seekers who’ve been
trapped at the southern U.S. border by Trump Administration policies.
(More...)
The fight to stop Nestlé from taking America's water to sell in plastic bottles
Sun, 3 Nov 2019 11:16:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/the-fight-over-water-how-nestle-dries-up-us-creeks-to-sell-water-in-plastic-bottles>
"Creek beds are bone dry and once-gushing springs are reduced to
trickles as fights play out around the nation over control of nation’s
freshwater supply"
(More...)
Climate crisis – here’s what the experts recommend we do
Sun, 3 Nov 2019 11:21:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-crisis-heres-what-the-experts-recommend-we-do-123238>
"The debate over whether climate change is happening is over, and the
conversation about what should be done is beginning in earnest. As such,
for the past few weeks, we’ve asked experts from around the world to
(More...)
DS X E-Tense, Rep AOC & Tesla Solar Roof | Fully Charged News
Sun, 3 Nov 2019 11:23:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
A particularly good episode of Fully Charged:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tabGuqQRWgo
In this latest instalment of Fully Charged News;
(More...)
Rainbow Connection - my birthday with Save the Children
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 05:29:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryXdcm6rgFE
"Happy Birthday Nataly and Ester!! If you’d like to support a child who
shares your birthday, go to
http://savethechildren.org/bday
(More...)
‘OK Boomer’ Marks the End of Friendly Generational Relations
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 05:32:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/style/ok-boomer.html
"“Ok boomer” has become Generation Z’s endlessly repeated retort to the
problem of older people who just don’t get it, a rallying cry for
millions of fed up kids. Teenagers use it to reply to cringey YouTube
(More...)
Rising sea levels pose threat to homes of 300m people – study
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 05:33:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/rising-sea-levels-pose-threat-to-homes-of-300m-people-study>
"More than three times more people are at risk from rising sea levels
than previously believed, research suggests.
(More...)
Summer Daze at Hero-U
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 05:36:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/transolargames/summer-daze-at-hero-u>
"Summer Daze at Hero-U is a light-hearted interactive tale of
friendship, fun, and folly suitable for all ages. It's up to you to save
the upcoming Harvest Festival at Hero University from imminent
(More...)
Shaming actors for their day jobs is classism disguised as entertainment
Tue, 5 Nov 2019 02:19:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/25/shaming-actors-day-jobs-classism-disguised-entertainment-10980997/>
"The acting profession is as unpredictable as a soap character’s family
tree and those at the top will have had their fair share of trial shifts
and tribulations. Only two per cent of actors actually make a living
(More...)
The Oscars Finally Find Their Rightful Winners
Tue, 5 Nov 2019 02:21:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/10/honorary-oscars-fixes-old-mistakes-governors-awards/600952/>
"Along with Lynch, the 2019 honorees were the Italian writer and
director Lina Wertmüller, the Cherokee American actor Wes Studi, and
Geena Davis, who was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her
(More...)
Team 6502: The story of the team behind the chip that launched a revolution
Tue, 5 Nov 2019 02:22:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.team6502.org/
"One of the most influential microprocessors ever designed, the MOS
6502 is credited with ushering in the most rapid democratization of
technology in human history: the personal computing revolution."
(More...)
Russia’s Crackdown on Human Rights Defenders Escalates
Wed, 6 Nov 2019 03:47:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/11/01/russias-crackdown-human-rights-defenders-escalates-0>
"Today, Russia’s Supreme Court granted the Justice Ministry’s demand to
shut down one of the most prominent rights groups in the country – the
Movement for Human Rights. The ruling, in keeping with government
(More...)
Scott Morrison threatens crackdown on protesters who would 'deny liberty'
Wed, 6 Nov 2019 03:49:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/01/scott-morrison-threatens-crackdown-on-secondary-boycotts-of-mining-companies>
"Scott Morrison has branded environmental protesters “anarchists” and
threatened a radical crackdown on the right to protest in a speech
claiming progressives are seeking to “deny the liberties of Australians”.
(More...)
Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: no country is sufficiently prepared
Wed, 6 Nov 2019 03:51:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-change-pandemics-biodiversity-loss-no-country-is-sufficiently-prepared-123466>
"There’s little that the left and the right agree on these days. But
surely one thing is beyond question: that national governments must
protect citizens from the gravest threats and risks they face. Although
(More...)
Just Another Day In Academic Publishing: Professor Posts His Own Article On His Own Website, Gets Takedown Notice Alleging Copyright Infringement
Wed, 6 Nov 2019 03:52:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191030/10483543290/just-another-day-academic-publishing-professor-posts-his-own-article-his-own-website-gets-takedown-notice-alleging-copyright.shtml>
"This episode highlights once more what a raw deal academics receive
from publishers, which are able to disseminate papers without paying for
them, and draw on reviews provided by other researchers, also for no
(More...)
Maestro
Thu, 7 Nov 2019 04:16:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://vimeo.com/359281775
Via Muse, who wrote "The animation on this is superb!"
(More...)
Purebred dingo pup that dropped from the air into a backyard garden turns out to be endangered breed
Thu, 7 Nov 2019 04:17:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-01/alpine-dingo-dropped-by-eagle-into-victorian-yard/11657972>
"Months after it was found hiding and crying in the garden of a backyard
in north-eastern Victoria, DNA testing has confirmed a small pup that
was suspected to have arrived by air is pure dingo."
(More...)
If you think Labor's 'too progressive', you couldn't be more wrong
Thu, 7 Nov 2019 04:19:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Canada resettled more refugees than any other country in 2018, UN says
Fri, 8 Nov 2019 04:58:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-resettled-most-refugees-un-1.5182621>
"Canada admitted the largest number of refugees who were resettled last
year and had the second highest rate of refugees who gained citizenship,
according to the United Nations Refugee Agency's global report.
(More...)
Starlink is a very big deal
Fri, 8 Nov 2019 05:05:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/starlink-is-a-very-big-deal/>
"Starlink, SpaceX’s plan to serve internet via tens of thousands of
satellites, is a staple in the space press, with articles appearing
every week on the latest developments. The broad schema is clear and,
(More...)
Is Scott Morrison's Government 'authoritarian populist' with a punitive bent?
Fri, 8 Nov 2019 05:07:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-04/morrison-authoritarian-populist-punitative-bent/11667284>
'In a recent interview Malcolm Turnbull raised the possibility that
these days many so-called "conservatives" in the Liberal Party might be
better described as "authoritarian populists".
(More...)
US Government Threatening To Kill Free Trade With South Africa After Hollywood Complained It Was Adopting American Fair Use Principles
Sat, 9 Nov 2019 06:07:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191031/00591143300/us-government-threatening-to-kill-free-trade-with-south-africa-after-hollywood-complained-it-was-adopting-american-fair-use.shtml>
"Hollywood hates fair use. Even though Hollywood frequently relies on
fair use, it seems to go out of its way to fight against fair use being
used anywhere else. The International Intellectual Property Alliance
(More...)
Rights Groups in Canadian Court Because 'The US Cannot Be Considered a Safe Country for Refugees'
Sat, 9 Nov 2019 06:09:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/rights-groups-canadian-court-because-us-cannot-be-considered-safe-country-refugees>
"A collective of rights groups is demanding Canada meet its legal
obligations by recognizing that the United States is no longer a safe
place to send refugees and scrapping an agreement between the two
(More...)
No Australian city has a long-term vision for living sustainably. We can't go on like this
Sat, 9 Nov 2019 06:13:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-05/no-australian-city-has-long-term-vision-for-living-sustainably/11670264>
"No Australian city has a long-term vision showing how a future
stabilised population might be supported with the essential resources of
food, water and energy. No Australian city has faced up to the
(More...)
Fishery collapse ‘confirms Silent Spring pesticide prophecy'
Sun, 10 Nov 2019 05:05:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/31/fishery-collapse-confirms-silent-spring-pesticide-prophecy>
"The Silent Spring prophecy that pesticides could “still the leaping of
fish” has been confirmed, according to scientists investigating the
collapse of fisheries in Japan. They say similar impacts are likely to
(More...)
Mosque clean-up shows Hong Kong is a city that stands up for everyone’s rights
Sun, 10 Nov 2019 05:06:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/mosque-clean-up-shows-hong-kong-is-a-city-that-stands-up-for-everyones-rights-126012>
"Amid rising violence and vandalism in ongoing protests, the public’s
role in cleaning up a mosque sprayed with blue dye last week by the
police proves once again the distinctiveness of Hong Kong civil society.
(More...)
Climate crisis: 11,000 scientists warn of ‘untold suffering’
Sun, 10 Nov 2019 05:08:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/05/climate-crisis-11000-scientists-warn-of-untold-suffering>
"The world’s people face “untold suffering due to the climate crisis”
unless there are major transformations to global society, according to a
stark warning from more than 11,000 scientists.
(More...)
'Fantastic day for elephants': court rejects ivory ban challenge
Sun, 10 Nov 2019 05:10:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/05/fantastic-day-for-elephants-court-rejects-ivory-ban-challenge>
"Antique dealers have failed in an attempt to overturn a total ban on
ivory trading being introduced by the government after the high court
ruled the legislation did not breach European law.
(More...)
When America Tried to Deport Its Radicals
Mon, 11 Nov 2019 04:32:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/11/11/when-america-tried-to-deport-its-radicals>
"Many Americans shared the resentment voiced in a book published in
1902: “Throughout the [nineteenth] century men of the sturdy stocks of
the north of Europe had made up the main strain of foreign blood which
(More...)
The Science, Fiction, and Fantasy of Genre
Mon, 11 Nov 2019 04:33:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://uncannymagazine.com/article/the-science-fiction-and-fantasy-of-genre/>
"When you get down to it, science fiction is a name, and a name is a
handle, and a handle is a thing you put on something so you can get a
hold of it more easily. Calling a story science fiction helps us come to
(More...)
The Myth of America’s Mayor: Will the Real Rudy Giuliani Please Stand Up?
Mon, 11 Nov 2019 04:34:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://alexandraerin.substack.com/p/the-myth-of-americas-mayor
"Luxuriating in the muck at the center of the president’s Ukraine
scandal is Rudolph William Louis Giuliani—a man who, not that long ago,
was named “Person of the Year” by Time magazine and knighted by Queen
(More...)
For third year in a row, Trump’s budget plan eliminates arts, public TV and library funding
Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:45:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Breaking up over climate change: My deep dark journey into doomer Facebook
Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:49:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/breaking-up-over-climate-change-my-journey-into-doomer-facebook/11678736>
"Doomers speak a lot about their inner journey from despair and anger to
acceptance. This makes sense; in the absence of political change,
personal development is all that's left."
(More...)
'We're screwed': the New Zealanders left stranded in Australia
Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:50:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/08/were-screwed-the-new-zealanders-left-stranded-in-australia>
"Hana is one of thousands of New Zealanders living in Australia who have
fallen through the cracks left open by law changes in 2001 which stopped
those on the SCV from accessing most forms of welfare. These people have
(More...)
How much is a whale worth?
Wed, 13 Nov 2019 02:51:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/09/how-much-is-a-whale-worth/>
"Protecting large, charismatic animals like whales is often seen as a
sort of charity work individuals and governments do on behalf of nature.
A team of economists led by Ralph Chami, an assistant director of the
(More...)
U.S. border agents wrote fake court dates on paperwork to send migrants back to Mexico
Wed, 13 Nov 2019 02:52:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-11-07/u-s-border-agents-wrote-fake-court-dates-on-paperwork-to-send-migrants-back-to-mexico>
"Asylum seekers who have finished their court cases are being sent back
to Mexico with documents that contain fraudulent future court dates,
keeping some migrants south of the border indefinitely, records show."
(More...)
Experience: my face became a meme
Wed, 13 Nov 2019 02:53:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
SKA! (Nov 8, 2019)
Thu, 14 Nov 2019 05:56:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4W0w23eMMs
Paulo explains and then demonstrates how to play ska!
(The full song starts at 7:53)
(More...)
Spotlight on green news & views: Paradise lost, a year later; a new ice age is not on the way
Thu, 14 Nov 2019 05:58:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/11/9/1865398/-Spotlight-on-green-news-amp-views-Paradise-lost-a-year-later-a-new-ice-age-is-not-on-the-way>
"The myth that scientists in the ‘70s were predicting a global cooling
is a mainstay among deniers, and the idea that extreme cooling is the
sort of climate change we should be worried about remains a recurring
(More...)
Recording the Sounds of Extinction
Thu, 14 Nov 2019 06:00:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.greatbigstory.com/stories/sound-of-extinction
"Bernie Krause has been recording wildlife sounds, or "soundscapes," for
over forty years. He's amassed the largest archive in the world, and in
doing so, can chart how wildlife sounds have changed over the course of
(More...)
The Problems with First Past the Post Voting Explained
Fri, 15 Nov 2019 06:58:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
Via Muse, who wrote: "This gives both a broad and in depth view as to
how and why first past the post voting divides a country. It also
demonstrates why major parties talk about “centrist” voters. They aren’t
(More...)
International Week of Science and Peace
Fri, 15 Nov 2019 07:00:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.un.org/en/events/scienceday/week.shtml
"The annual observance of the International Week of Science and Peace is
making an important contribution to the promotion of peace. The Week
encourages greater academic exchanges on a subject of universal
(More...)
Unsettling Study Finds People Just Don't Care That Much if Humans Go Extinct
Fri, 15 Nov 2019 07:02:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-find-we-don-t-care-all-that-much-if-humans-go-extinct>
"As you might expect, most people ranked no catastrophe as the best
possibility and complete human extinction as the worst. But when asked
to think about the difference in "badness" between the possibilities,
(More...)
Is hard work enough to lift anyone out of poverty? This question divides the nation
Fri, 15 Nov 2019 07:04:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-11/wealth-inequality-and-poverty-australia-talks/11685264>
"There's logic to this view — Australia is a developed country with
solid public education and health systems that should, at least in
theory, offer everyone in the community a baseline of opportunity from
(More...)
A little humour may help with climate change gloom
Sat, 16 Nov 2019 02:34:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-little-humour-may-help-with-climate-change-gloom-125860>
"This year, three studies showed that humour is useful for engaging the
public about climate change. The studies, published in
The Journal of
Science Communication,
Comedy Studies and
Science Communication,
(More...)
Black Facebook Workers Write Open Letter to Company: We Are Treated Every Day 'As If We Do Not Belong Here'
Sat, 16 Nov 2019 02:38:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theroot.com/black-facebook-workers-write-open-letter-to-company-we-1839776402>
"One year after a black Facebook employee accused the social media giant
of failing its black employees and users, a group of Facebook employees
published an anonymous memo saying the culture at the company has only
(More...)
We've been in bushfire hell in Glen Innes – and the scientists knew it was coming
Sat, 16 Nov 2019 02:39:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Multicolored Paper Art of the Human Microbiome Mimics Textures Found in Coral Reefs
Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:04:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://mymodernmet.com/paper-art-coral-reef-human-microbiome-rogan-brown/>
"Many of nature’s objects feature recurring patterns and motifs
described as fractals, which can be seen repeating themselves at
increasing levels of magnification. Inspired by this phenomenon, artist
(More...)
A report claims koalas are ‘functionally extinct’ – but what does that mean?
Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:07:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-report-claims-koalas-are-functionally-extinct-but-what-does-that-mean-116665>
"It’s hard to say exactly how many koalas are still remaining in
Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the
Australian Capital Territory, but they are highly vulnerable to threats
(More...)
Experts Worry Active Shooter Drills In Schools Could Be Traumatic For Students
Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:11:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2019/11/10/778015261/experts-worry-active-shooter-drills-in-schools-could-be-traumatic-for-students>
"Melissa Reeves, a professor at Winthrop University and former president
of the National Association of School Psychologists, talked with NPR's
Lulu Garcia-Navarro about changes in how school shooting drills are
(More...)
The government is in authoritarian mode and now is not the time for complacency
Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:13:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2019/nov/12/the-government-is-in-authoritarian-mode-and-now-is-not-the-time-for-complacency>
"Deputy prime minister Michael McCormack’s attack on “raving inner-city
lunatics” who believe in climate science may just seem a bit unhinged
but it is part of a broader government strategy to quell political
(More...)
In Praise of Whistleblowers
Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:08:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/power-media-whistleblower-20191106>
"The corporate press has largely attacked whistleblowers or questioned
their motives rather than analyzing the relevance and meaning of the
information they have released. For example, in response to Snowden’s
(More...)
Speech pathologist teaches her dog to use a soundboard and now it communicates in sentences
Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:10:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.upworthy.com/speech-pathologist-teaches-her-dog-to-use-a-speech-pad-and-now-it-communicates-in-sentences>
'Christina Hunger, 26, is a speech-language pathologist in San Diego,
California who believes that "everyone deserves a voice."
(More...)
How Russia Meddles Abroad for Profit: Cash, Trolls and a Cult Leader
Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:11:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/11/world/africa/russia-madagascar-election.html>
"Madagascar has little obvious strategic value for the Kremlin or the
global balance of power. But Russians were there during an election,
offering bribes, spreading disinformation and recruiting an apocalyptic
(More...)
The Big Lie of the Fascists: That Climate Holocaust is Inevitable by Rainer Shea + Can Eco-Socialism Save The World?
Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:12:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/the-big-lie-of-the-fascists-that-climate-holocaust-is-inevitable-by-rainer-shea-can-eco-socialism-save-the-world/>
"The assertion to the contrary is based off of the same false claim
that’s supported the lie about world poverty being natural or
inevitable: the claim that there aren’t enough resources to give
(More...)
The So-Called War on Terror Has Killed Over 801,000 People and Cost $6.4 Trillion: New Analysis
Tue, 19 Nov 2019 04:16:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/13/so-called-war-terror-has-killed-over-801000-people-and-cost-64-trillion-new-analysis>
'The so-called War on Terror launched by the United States government in
the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks has cost at least 801,000 lives
and $6.4 trillion according to a pair of reports published Wednesday by
(More...)
Neutrinos Lead to Unexpected Discovery in Basic Math
Tue, 19 Nov 2019 04:18:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.quantamagazine.org/neutrinos-lead-to-unexpected-discovery-in-basic-math-20191113/>
"After breakfast one morning in August, the mathematician Terence Tao
opened an email from three physicists he didn’t know. The trio explained
that they’d stumbled across a simple formula that, if true, established
(More...)
Hong Kong protests: "Might as well go down fighting"
Tue, 19 Nov 2019 04:19:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://boingboing.net/2019/11/14/fearless-but-afraid.html
"More than 80% of Hong Kongers have been teargassed. The protesters have
lost much of their fear, and understand the stakes they're playing for.
Their sole fear is of being disappeared and of being murdered and having
(More...)
Millions of people eat octopus- here's why we shouldn't
Wed, 20 Nov 2019 06:03:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/05/millions-of-people-eat-octopus-heres-why-we-probably-shouldnt/>
"There is already a wealth of research that suggests octopuses are one
of the most complex and intelligent animals in the ocean. They can
recognise individual human faces, solve problems (and remember the
(More...)
Finally, Presidential Candidates Are Talking About Poverty
Wed, 20 Nov 2019 06:05:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thenation.com/article/poor-peoples-campaign-poverty-forum-democratic-candidates/>
"To that end they were able to impress upon the candidates and viewers
that the official measure of 40 million people in poverty doesn’t even
begin to capture who is poor in this country. Instead, using the more
(More...)
The Final Days Of Japan's Most Incredible Arcade
Wed, 20 Nov 2019 06:06:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/11/the-final-days-of-japans-most-incredible-arcade/>
"Japan is known for its video arcades, from the tiniest little
collections of claw games in basements to entire high-rise buildings
packed with floor after floor of video amusements. On Sunday, November
(More...)
Climate change deniers’ new battle front attacked
Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:48:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/nov/09/doomism-new-tactic-fossil-fuel-lobby>
"The battle between climate change deniers and the environment movement
has entered a new, pernicious phase. That is the stark warning of one of
the world’s leading climate experts, Michael Mann, director of the Earth
(More...)
Giant Publisher Macmillan Goes To War Against Libraries
Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:49:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191108/23524343352/giant-publisher-macmillan-goes-to-war-against-libraries.shtml>
"We've joked in the past that, given the insane state of copyright
maximalism, if libraries were invented today, it's quite clear that book
publishers would insist they were dens of piracy and had to be stopped
(More...)
Build with Respect: Pants problems
Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:51:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://buildwithrespect.com/2019/11/16/pants-problems/
"People looking for help with their pants are exceedingly inventive, so
this won’t stop them entirely, but it should help you clear up your
product, the space over which you have control and for which you are
(More...)
This Mexican Village’s Embroidery Designs Are Admired (and Appropriated) Globally
Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:17:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/13/world/americas/mexico-tenango-embroidery.html>
"Those who do the heavy labor of needlework earn less than $10 to
embroider a square about the size of a small cushion. Some artisans,
known as “dibujantes,” draw the designs onto the fabric, and earn more.
(More...)
Sourcetrail is now free and open-source software
Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:18:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sourcetrail.com/blog/open_source/
"Sourcetrail is a cross-platform source explorer that helps you get
productive on unfamiliar source code. It uses static analysis on C, C++,
Java and Python source code and lets you navigate the collected
(More...)
The Greta Thunberg effect: are climate crisis documentaries feeling it?
Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:19:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/18/2040-climate-crisis-documentary-greta-thunberg-effect-damon-gameau>
"The eco documentary 2040 is a gentle antidote to environmental anxiety.
Directed by Damon Gameau, it imagines a world 20 years from now, free
from the climate crisis that’s gobbling up our globe. Committed to
(More...)
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2019
Sat, 23 Nov 2019 03:45:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/
"The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, ingeniously titled to avoid any
confusion, was the result of two factors: Firstly, a need for a
photography competition that was light hearted, upbeat, possibly
(More...)
Canada Post loses $1,500 worth of Super 8 film reels, hands empty envelope to stunned artist
Sat, 23 Nov 2019 03:47:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/seth-cardinal-budginghorse-tsuutina-super8-canada-post-1.5360328>
"A film project about missing artifacts has itself gone missing. An
Alberta artist was stunned when Canada Post delivered an empty envelope
instead of the $1,500 in Super 8 film he expected."
(More...)
Free broadband: internet access is now a human right, no matter who pays the bills
Sat, 23 Nov 2019 03:48:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/free-broadband-internet-access-is-now-a-human-right-no-matter-who-pays-the-bills-127267>
"Internet access is today necessary for leading a minimally decent life,
which doesn’t just mean survival but rather includes political rights
that allow us to influence the rules that shape our lives and hold
(More...)
Why Scott Morrison is so determined to suck up to Donald Trump: faith, loyalty, sacrifice
Sat, 23 Nov 2019 03:49:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/19/why-scott-morrison-is-so-determined-to-suck-up-to-donald-trump-faith-loyalty-sacrifice>
"Trump is not well loved down under, any more than he is in Europe or
elsewhere. Despite this, Scott Morrison has spent much of this year
appearing to lash himself to the president’s mast. His visit in
(More...)
Teen climate activists speak on Standing Rock Sioux Reservation
Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:26:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/teen-climate-activists-speak-on-standing-rock-sioux-reservation/article_f70eecb7-f0c6-53d1-bd0c-bfdc3db7005d.html>
"FORT YATES — Two 16-year-olds, one from Sweden and the other from the
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, sat side by side Tuesday in a high school gym
with a common message: climate change is here, and young people need to
(More...)
‘Sesame Street’ Is Highlighting a Forgotten Skill: Failing
Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:27:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://forge.medium.com/sesame-street-is-highlighting-a-forgotten-skill-failing-e70f12b47292>
"The message of the show’s 50th season is that it’s okay to make
mistakes. It couldn’t come at a better time."
(More...)
November 16, 2009: The Murder of Sergei Magnitsky
Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:28:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.billbrowder.com/sergei-magnitsky
"There are those who ask why Sergei put himself at risk by defending
Hermitage and testifying against dangerous people. He did it because it
was the right thing to do, because he believed in the rule of law in
(More...)
Fossil fuel production on track for double the safe climate limit
Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:29:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/20/fossil-fuel-production-on-track-for-double-the-safe-climate-limit>
“We’re in a deep hole – and we need to stop digging,” said Måns Nilsson,
executive director of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), which
was part of the analysis. “Despite more than two decades of climate
(More...)
Is there hope for a Hong Kong revolution?
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:41:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/is-there-hope-for-a-hong-kong-revolution-127292>
"Hong Kong may seem like an unlikely place for a revolution. In this
relatively affluent and privileged city, young people might be expected
to be more concerned with making money than with protesting in the
(More...)
Masnick's Impossibility Theorem: Content Moderation At Scale Is Impossible To Do Well
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:42:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191111/23032743367/masnicks-impossibility-theorem-content-moderation-scale-is-impossible-to-do-well.shtml>
"I’ve argued for years that while many people like to say that content
moderation is difficult, that’s misleading. Content moderation at scale
is impossible to do well. Importantly, this is not an argument that we
(More...)
Bohemian Rhapsody and a BBQ: Stephen Colbert visits Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:45:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/stephen-colbert-jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-late-show-bbq-bohemiam-rhapsody>
"The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert engaged in potentially
copyright-infringing carpool karaoke with prime minister Jacinda Ardern
and pranked Lorde at a barbecue – aka a “New Zealand state dinner” – as
(More...)
Why the innovation revolution risks governments letting inequality rip
Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:20:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2019/nov/21/why-the-innovation-revolution-risks-governments-letting-inequality-rip>
"This collision of market forces, entrepreneurship and government policy
are at the heart of Gans’s and Leigh’s book. While primarily written for
a US audience (it is published by MIT Press), it has both good advice
(More...)
Thanksgiving Promotes Whitewashed History, So I Organized Truthsgiving Instead
Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:33:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bustle.com/p/thanksgiving-promotes-whitewashed-history-so-i-organized-truthsgiving-instead-13154470>
"There are many settler colonial mythologies about Native Americans.
These widely held but false beliefs are rooted in deeply entrenched
discriminatory attitudes and behaviors that are perpetuated by
(More...)
A new 'Sesame Street' show in Arabic aims to help refugee children
Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:36:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/20/world/sesame-workshop-syrian-refugees-trnd/index.html>
'The childhoods of refugee children are smeared with memories of
violence and disorder. Many have witnessed the deaths of their parents,
siblings, and friends.
(More...)
Global fossil fuel output set to swamp Paris climate goals, UN report warns
Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:37:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-20/planned-fossil-fuel-output-wont-meet-paris-climate-goals/11722912>
"Oil, gas and coal output already planned or in the pipeline will
overwhelm efforts to cap global warming at levels consistent with a
liveable planet, the UN and leading research groups warned Wednesday.
(More...)
2019 Winners of the Bulwer Lytton Fiction Contest
Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:39:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bulwer-lytton.com/2019
"Space Fleet Commander Brad Brad sat in silence, surrounded by a slowly
dissipating cloud of smoke, maintaining the same forlorn frown that had
been fixed upon his face since he’d accidentally destroyed the
(More...)
How airships could return to our crowded skies
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:13:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191107-how-airships-could-return-to-our-crowded-skies>
"Airships lost out to conventional aircraft after a series of disastrous
crashes. But now safer technology could be the key to their return."
(More...)
An amazing gay couple just opened a group home for queer youth
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:15:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/11/amazing-gay-couple-just-opened-group-home-queer-youth/>
"Brad and Nick Shlaikowski, a married couple, are the co-founders of
Courage MKE, Wisconsin’s first-ever group home for homeless queer youth
who would otherwise be sleeping in state-run homes or the streets."
(More...)
Big Power Does Not Provide Big Answers
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:32:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://katherinephelps.com/2019/11/big-power-does-not-provide-big-answers/>
"Democracy is not just about ensuring all people are represented in the
government of their nation. Democracy is also about diffusing power, so
that it is never too concentrated in any one set of hands. There is no
(More...)
Will America's Billionaires Start a Second Civil War?
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:35:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/will-americas-billionaires-start-a-second-civil-war/>
"If we are, indeed, on the brink of a second Civil War, it’s already
being waged as a “cold war,” with the occasional armed skirmish being
provoked by the so-called alt-right movement. And, as in the past, this
(More...)
“OK boomer” isn’t just about the past. It’s about our apocalyptic future.
Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:40:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/2019/11/19/20963757/what-is-ok-boomer-meme-about-meaning-gen-z-millennials>
"With all this repetitive back-and-forth — seriously, there are bingo
cards — it’s no wonder the most polarizing meme of the year is a
two-word dismissal of the whole debate. “OK boomer,” which floated into
(More...)
‘Horrific’ stats show how most disability benefit fraud allegations are false
Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:42:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/horrific-stats-show-how-most-disability-benefit-fraud-allegations-are-false/>
"A “staggering” and “horrific” proportion of allegations of disability
benefit fraud that are made by the public are eventually found to be
completely false, the government’s own figures have revealed."
(More...)
Light pollution is key 'bringer of insect apocalypse'
Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:43:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/22/light-pollution-insect-apocalypse>
"Light pollution is a significant but overlooked driver of the rapid
decline of insect populations, according to the most comprehensive
review of the scientific evidence to date.
(More...)
Nature Photographer of The Year 2019 results
Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:45:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://naturephotographeroftheyear.com/previous-editions/npoty-2019-results/>
"Nature Photographer of The Year is a Nature Photography contest that
celebrates the beauty of nature photography. We have some fantastic
prizes for you to win including our top prize of €3.000,- cash for the
(More...)
Researchers say there’s a simple way to reduce suicides: Increase the minimum wage
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:51:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2019/04/30/researchers-say-theres-simple-way-reduce-suicides-increase-minimum-wage/>
"Since 2000, the suicide rate in the United States has risen 35 percent,
primarily because of the significant increase in such deaths among the
white population.
(More...)
Apple and Intel Sue SoftBank-Funded Patent Troll, Claiming Antitrust Violations For Patent Trolling
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:52:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191121/13312643430/apple-intel-sue-softbank-funded-patent-troll-claiming-antitrust-violations-patent-trolling.shtml>
"So for all the talk about using antitrust laws against the tech giants,
perhaps there’s a much better use of antitrust law in taking down
abusive patent trolling operations. At least that’s the theory in a new
(More...)
Scott Morrison and the big lie about climate change: does he think we're that stupid?
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:53:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/25/scott-morrison-and-the-big-lie-about-climate-change-does-he-think-were-that-stupid>
"In Australia we are all now being treated as children, quietened
Australians, most especially on the climate crisis. While the climate
crisis has become Australians’ number one concern, both major parties
(More...)
Internet Freedom in Asia Hits Unprecedented Low
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:54:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thediplomat.com/2019/11/internet-freedom-in-asia-hits-unprecedented-low/>
"A daunting variety of governments across Asia are seizing control of
the internet. Employing a growing range of tactics, administrations in
democracies and non-democracies alike are working to diminish online
(More...)
Dog befriends baby giraffe after abandoned in South Africa
Sat, 30 Nov 2019 03:23:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://apnews.com/ce57339630294e358f9f0d8693028ed9
"MOKOPANE, South Africa (AP) — A dog in South Africa has befriended a
baby giraffe that was abandoned at birth, rescued and taken to a local
orphanage.
(More...)
How Elaborate Cakes Make Science Sweet
Sat, 30 Nov 2019 03:26:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2019/11/25/how-elaborate-cakes-make-science-sweet/>
"Cakes are the perfect centerpiece of a celebration. Whether you’re
celebrating a birthday, a wedding or National Cake Day, a sweet slice of
cake makes any event special. At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of
(More...)
Beijing Was Confident Its Hong Kong Allies Would Win. After the Election, It Went Silent.
Sat, 30 Nov 2019 03:27:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/26/world/asia/china-hong-kong-protests-election.html>
"BEIJING — The Chinese government seemed confident that its allies would
prevail in the Hong Kong elections on Sunday.
(More...)
UN calls for push to cut greenhouse gas levels to avoid climate chaos
Sat, 30 Nov 2019 03:28:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/26/united-nations-global-effort-cut-emissions-stop-climate-chaos-2030>
"Countries must make an unprecedented effort to cut their levels of
greenhouse gases in the next decade to avoid climate chaos, the UN has
warned, as it emerged that emissions hit a new high last year.
(More...)
All articles are Copyright © their respective authors.
