Glass Wings Blog: January 2020
Happy Public Domain Day 2020!
Thu, 2 Jan 2020 05:45:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://boingboing.net/2019/12/30/coulda-been-bob-dylan.html
"Works from 1924 are finally entering the public domain, after a 95-year
copyright term. However, under the laws that were in effect until 1978,
thousands of works from 1963 would be entering the public domain this
(More...)
Neil Innes obituary
Thu, 2 Jan 2020 05:47:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/dec/30/neil-innes-obituary
"Amid the anarchy of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Neil Innes, who has
died unexpectedly aged 75, was a creative force, calming influence and
urbane spokesman for a merry group of student satirists whose early
(More...)
Over 100,000 Vinyl Records Are Being Digitized for Anyone to Listen to Online
Fri, 3 Jan 2020 02:57:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/internet-archive-digitizing-vinyl/
"Looking to the past can help foster greater appreciation for a variety
of subjects, including music. And as it happens, vinyl records are
experiencing a resurgence of appreciation among music lovers today. The
(More...)
Is Theater Ridiculous? Movies, TV and Books Seem to Think So
Fri, 3 Jan 2020 03:00:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/arts/theater-in-movies-tv-books.html>
"Anti-theatrical prejudice isn’t news; Plato banished theater from his
republic because he felt it encouraged unreality. And plays have long
made fun of their own foibles. But whether affectionate (“The Prom”) or
(More...)
What Moved Me to Tears (In a Good Way) in 2019
Sat, 4 Jan 2020 04:07:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://researchbuzz.me/2019/12/27/what-moved-me-to-tears-in-a-good-way-in-2019-part-1-of-4/
"I went through all my ResearchBuzz entries of 2019 and made a huge list
of all the stories that moved me to gratitude for these people. Then I
ruthlessly edited it and got it down to 92 entries, which are in roughly
(More...)
Earthshot Prize: William and Kate launch prize to 'repair the Earth'
Sat, 4 Jan 2020 04:09:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50958960
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced a global prize to
tackle climate issues, pledging “a decade of action to repair the
Earth”. Five winners will receive the Earthshot Prize every year between
(More...)
'Starvation event' shows wildlife may need human help to survive
Sat, 4 Jan 2020 04:11:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/starvation-event-shows-wildlife-may-need-human-help-to-survive-20200101-p53o3t.html>
"More than 300 baby flying foxes have been abandoned in a "starvation
event" on NSW's South Coast as their desperate mothers leave them behind
in order to survive.
(More...)
Melbourne Australia 1920s travelogue
Sun, 5 Jan 2020 06:44:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.org/details/76784Melrose
"Made by the government of Australia to promote the nation in the late
1920s or early 30s, this silent travelogue shows the city of Melbourne
with its classic streetcars, towering buildings, Collins Street, Central
(More...)
Steam Powered Giraffe - Transform
Sun, 5 Jan 2020 06:46:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRdkV208W80
"Transform by Steam Powered Giraffe
Written by Isabella Bunny Bennett"
(More...)
The 100 Best Science Photos of 2019
Sun, 5 Jan 2020 06:52:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.livescience.com/best-science-photos-of-2019.html
"Science can be beautiful, and gross, and surprising, and awe-inspiring.
From stoic primates and graceful sea creatures, to cosmic cannibals and
black hole jets, to bloody waterfalls and sparkling glaciers, this year
(More...)
Oracle, how do I live forever? - The Oatmeal
Tue, 7 Jan 2020 03:50:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://theoatmeal.com/comics/be_kind
"A collaboration with James Miller of A Small Fiction."
Via Muse, who wrote "Beautiful!"
(More...)
Stunning Photos Capture the Majestic Beauty of Ravens
Tue, 7 Jan 2020 03:54:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://www.whitewolfpack.com/2015/03/stunning-photos-capture-majestic-beauty.html>
"Talented wildlife photographer Deidre Lantz shares with us her stunning
Raven pictures"
(More...)
Your Barbie Can Now Slay in a Suit of Medieval Armor
Wed, 8 Jan 2020 02:58:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://time.com/3001691/barbie-medieval-armor/
"Rodda, who isn't affiliated with Mattel, wants to make Barbie powerful
by outfitting her with intricate battle suits and weapons in his new
"Faire Play" battle set. Rodda designs and sells the 3D blueprints, so
(More...)
Fantastic arctic fox: animal walks 3,500km from Norway to Canada
Wed, 8 Jan 2020 02:59:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/02/fantastic-arctic-fox-animal-walks-3500km-from-norway-to-canada>
"An arctic fox has walked more than 3,500km (2,000 miles) from Norway to
Canada in just 76 days, astonishing researchers at the Norwegian Polar
Institute.
(More...)
What I learned from studying billions of words of online fan fiction
Wed, 8 Jan 2020 03:05:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/614936/online-fan-fiction-learning-communities/>
"Fanfic used to be a joke—now it’s teaching kids important skills like
learning how to write."
(More...)
We are seeing the very worst of our scientific predictions come to pass in these bushfires
Thu, 9 Jan 2020 06:27:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Russia Disconnects Itself From The Internet, Asks UN To Let It Have More Control Of Internet Usage Around The World
Thu, 9 Jan 2020 06:28:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191231/12450943660/russia-disconnects-itself-internet-asks-un-to-let-it-have-more-control-internet-usage-around-world.shtml>
"The idea is to isolate the Russian internet from the internet the rest
of the world uses. It’s not to protect Russia or Russian internet users.
It’s to force all Russian internet traffic through Roskomnadzor servers,
(More...)
Stupidity and Malice
Thu, 9 Jan 2020 06:29:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://lucky13thcopy.wordpress.com/2020/01/04/stupidity-and-malice/
"There’s a joke that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing
over and over but expecting a different result. If I push the button
enough something different might happen. Sometimes you can just tell
(More...)
Inside Science Fiction’s Compassionate Revolution
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:38:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.yesmagazine.org/health-happiness/2019/04/23/science-fiction-revolution-hope-hugo-award/>
"The field celebrates a diverse universe of rising stars and celebrates
hope with a new subgenre."
(More...)
Sunday Sweets: Deco-licious
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:38:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2020/1/5/sunday-sweets-deco-licious
"We're officially in the 20s again, my friends, so of COURSE we need
some 1920's Art Deco Sweets to celebrate!"
(More...)
Urgent new ‘roadmap to recovery’ could reverse insect apocalypse
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:40:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/06/urgent-new-roadmap-to-recovery-could-reverse-insect-apocalypse-aoe>
"The world must eradicate pesticide use, prioritise nature-based farming
methods and urgently reduce water, light and noise pollution to save
plummeting insect populations, according to a new “roadmap to insect
(More...)
A blizzard of “sustainability” labels
Sat, 11 Jan 2020 04:00:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.knowablemagazine.org/article/sustainability/2019/blizzard-sustainability-labels>
"Earth-friendly certifications and standards abound for products like
coffee, chocolate and palm oil. But do the programs work?"
(More...)
Two Mathematicians Just Solved a Decades-Old Math Riddle — and Possibly the Meaning of Life
Sat, 11 Jan 2020 04:01:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.livescience.com/diophantine-42-solved-meaning-of-life.html
"In Douglas Adams' sci-fi series
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,
a pair of programmers task the galaxy's largest supercomputer with
answering the ultimate question of the meaning of life, the universe and
(More...)
The Fox News Theory of Art
Sat, 11 Jan 2020 04:04:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://thebaffler.com/outbursts/the-fox-news-theory-of-art-wetzler
"According to the Fox News theory of art, an artwork’s primary purpose
isn’t to awe, inspire, or delight, let alone challenge your
understanding of the world, but to serve as an expression of partisan
(More...)
The gloves come off!
Sun, 12 Jan 2020 06:53:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://thediscoverblog.com/tag/gloves/
"We are often asked why our book conservators and librarians don’t wear
gloves when handling rare or fragile books. This question is
understandable given the iconic imagery in film and television of rare
(More...)
Thursday Appointment l
Sun, 12 Jan 2020 06:55:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAxgscOh86o
"Iranian short film (just over 1 min) that won an award at the Luxor
Film Festival. فارسی فلم، شارٹ فلم ایوارڈ ایران."
(More...)
The Decade in Cheer
Sun, 12 Jan 2020 06:55:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-decade-in-cheer/
"Homicides fell, green space grew and your weather forecast got a lot
more precise. The last 10 years were filled with positive change—really!
Read our list…"
(More...)
‘If the GOP is not yet a fascist party, it is well on its way to becoming one’: A historian reflects on the return of Fascism
Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:04:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Welcome to 2020 and your annual State of the World discussion with Bruce Sterling, Jon Lebkowsky and The WELL
Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:11:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://boingboing.net/2020/01/08/everybody-knows-4.html
"Every year Bruce Sterling and Jon Lebkowsky conduct a public salon with
the users of The WELL on the "State of the World." It's always one of
the highlights of the new year for me, and this year (which Sterling
(More...)
Imperial Oil, Canada’s Exxon Subsidiary, Ignored Its Own Climate Change Research for Decades, Archive Shows
Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:13:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://theintercept.com/2020/01/08/imperial-oil-climate-change-exxon/
"Record droughts, raging forest fires, crop failures, and disappearing
glaciers: It has become undeniable that the planet is in the early
stages of a climate crisis with dire implications. As terrifying as it
(More...)
Slayer, Striker, Shooter and the Rise of the Extreme Baby Boy Name
Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:50:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/extreme-boys-names
"Parents tend to be more conservative about naming baby boys. But when
they do get creative, they turn them into throat-ripping action heroes"
(More...)
Our buildings aren’t made to keep out bushfire smoke. Here’s what you can do
Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:53:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/our-buildings-arent-made-to-keep-out-bushfire-smoke-heres-what-you-can-do-129367>
"In early December 2019, a Sheffield Shield cricket match between NSW
and Queensland was played in bushfire smoke so thick that the ball was
at times invisible to the spectators.
(More...)
How Rupert Murdoch Is Influencing Australia’s Bushfire Debate
Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:55:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/08/world/australia/fires-murdoch-disinformation.html
"Critics see a concerted effort to shift blame, protect conservative
leaders and divert attention from climate change."
(More...)
We, the media, must take some of the blame as Australia burns
Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:50:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/we-the-media-must-take-some-of-the-blame-as-australia-burns-20200106-p53pc3.html>
"Climate-change denial is a complex, protean phenomenon that is as much
about the genuine convictions held in good faith by deeply misinformed
individuals, as is it about preserving the vast and mostly untaxed
(More...)
Mike Resnick, RIP
Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:53:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://whatever.scalzi.com/2020/01/09/mike-resnick-rip/
"Laura Resnick has posted that her father Mike Resnick has died, which
means that it’s a very sad day for his friends and fans in the science
fiction community. Give the length of his remarkable career, and the
(More...)
Australia is built on lies, so why would we be surprised about lies about climate change?
Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:55:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The Chinese paddlefish, one of world's largest fish, has gone extinct
Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:38:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/01/chinese-paddlefish-one-of-largest-fish-extinct/>
"The Chinese paddlefish and its close relatives have been around for at
least 200 million years. The species, reaching up to 23 feet in length,
survived unimaginable changes and upheavals, such as the mass extinction
(More...)
A billion animals have been caught in Australia’s fires. Some may go extinct.
Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:40:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/01/09/australia-fire-animals-killed/>
"The mouse-size dunnart is not as renowned as the koalas or platypuses
that draw tourists, but it is arguably the most special mammal on
Australia’s Kangaroo Island.
(More...)
Australia bushfires spark 'unprecedented' climate disinformation
Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:43:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://phys.org/news/2020-01-australia-bushfires-unprecedented-climate-disinformation.html>
"Australia's bushfire emergency has sparked an online disinformation
campaign "unprecedented" in the country's history, researchers told AFP
Friday, with bots deployed to shift blame for the blazes away from
(More...)
Oil's slick rebranding is more like disinformation
Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:01:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/columnists/tomlinson/article/Oil-lobby-tries-rebranding-as-clean-energy-14962391.php>
"Oil and gas lobbyists are finally feeling the heat on climate change,
but sadly, they remain committed to misleading the American people.
(More...)
Australian bushfires: The canary building the coal mine
Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:03:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dw.com/en/australian-bushfires-the-canary-building-the-coal-mine/a-51955677>
"The world's biggest exporter of coal is engulfed in flames and Aussies
are taking to the streets demanding action. Could this summer be the
turning point for a notorious climate offender?"
(More...)
Welcome to Hawaii's 'plastic beach', one of the world's dirtiest places
Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:04:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/10/kamilo-beach-plastic-hawaii-pollution
"Hawaii has long evoked images of a Pacific paradise but Kamilo Beach,
located on the Big Island, presents a starkly different reality"
(More...)
What Will Happen to The Trump Toadies?
Sun, 19 Jan 2020 05:57:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/01/what-will-happen-to-trumps-republican-collaborators.html>
"All cults come to an end, often abruptly, and Trump’s Republican Party
is nothing if not a cult. While cult leaders are generally incapable of
remorse — whether they be totalitarian rulers, sexual Svengalis, or the
(More...)
Paris Musées Releases 100,000+ Works Into the Public Domain
Sun, 19 Jan 2020 05:59:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://creativecommons.org/2020/01/10/paris-musees-releases-100000-works-into-the-public-domain/>
"This announcement by the Paris Musées is a cause for celebration as it
marks the continuation of a growing trend among GLAM institutions,
including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of
(More...)
At Davos we will tell world leaders to abandon the fossil fuel economy
Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:01:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/10/greta-thunberg-davos-tycoons-fossil-fuels-dismantle-climate-crisis>
"Averting catastrophe would be the best business decision to emerge from
the economic forum in its 50 years of existence"
(More...)
Australia’s Decade of Burning Environmental Apathy
Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:02:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.thenation.com/article/australia-fires-climate-morrison/
"With the help of a cadre of climate skeptics, Australia presented
itself as far less capable than it actually is, advancing specious
arguments about its international insignificance. Australia once aspired
(More...)
Masher Menace: When American Women First Confronted Their Sexual Harassers
Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:41:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/when-american-women-first-confronted-their-sexual-harassers/>
"In the late 19th century, from the moment that American women were
granted the freedom to leave their houses unescorted, they encountered a
pest known as “the masher.” Generally, a smarmy mustachioed fop, this
(More...)
Ornithologists, Birdwatchers Uncover Staggering Magnitude of Bird Population Decline
Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:42:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cornellsun.com/2019/09/26/ornithologists-birdwatchers-uncover-staggering-magnitude-of-bird-population-decline/>
"Cornell Lab of Ornithology conservation scientist Dr. Ken Rosenberg led
an international team of 12 scientists in an analysis of decades of data
on bird population — and the conclusion is disturbing. In the last 50
(More...)
Cory Doctorow: Inaction is a Form of Action
Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:45:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://locusmag.com/2020/01/cory-doctorow-inaction-is-a-form-of-action/
"It’s time to stop trying to fix the platforms and time to start working
on fixing the internet. Even if the “group of five websites, each
consisting of screenshots of text from the other four” is made more
(More...)
Feeding Wildlife during drought and bushfires
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 04:30:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://perfectpets.com.au/best-pet-blog/post/what-you-should-feed-wildlife-during-drought-and-bushfires>
"Under normal conditions, the rule of thumb is that you don’t feed
wildlife. Feeding can cause problems including; familiarity which is
contrary to natural wariness and independence; disruption of natural
(More...)
The People of the World Need a Much Better Way to Curtail the Power of Multi-National Corporations
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 04:31:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/01/10/people-world-need-much-better-way-curtail-power-multi-national-corporations>
"The omnipresence of corporations—as resource extractors and processors,
employers and developers, lobbyists and campaign donors—has spawned
countless initiatives to tame their excesses and steer their activities
(More...)
Art For Australia! Come Shop The Adorableness & Help Spread Some Hope
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 04:32:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.epbot.com/2020/01/art-for-australia-come-shop.html
"In an effort to focus on the good among the bad - to focus on the
helpers - here's a quick shout-out to some of the artists I know who
are donating their profits to help with Australia's fire relief/recovery
(More...)
For First Time Ever, Scientists Identify How Many Trees to Plant and Where to Plant Them to Stop Climate Crisis
Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:02:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/how-many-trees-to-plant-to-stop-climate-crisis/>
"Around 0.9 billion hectares (2.2 billion acres) of land worldwide would
be suitable for reforestation, which could ultimately capture two thirds
of human-made carbon emissions.
(More...)
How Years Of Copyright Maximalism Is Now Killing Pop Music
Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:03:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200108/16390543702/how-years-copyright-maximalism-is-now-killing-pop-music.shtml>
"All echo is theft. That’s definitely the argument that many copyright
system supporters have made for years. And now it’s coming back to bite
them."
(More...)
The Snow Job
Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:04:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
JoinedTheHerd - Faith
Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:05:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDP-Bol3vB8
"Here is a chill flutters song for you all. Hope you enjoy"
(More...)
How do I choose a more climate-friendly phone?
Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:04:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://grist.org/ask-umbra/how-do-i-choose-a-more-climate-friendly-phone/>
"The most eco-conscious mobile device, to your point, E.T., is the one
that you will use for as long as possible. No two-year upgrade, no
succumbing to the shiny new release, no giving up as soon as the screen
(More...)
The government has been forced to talk about climate change, so it’s taking a subtle – and sinister – approach
Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:06:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/jan/14/the-government-has-been-forced-to-talk-about-climate-change-so-its-taking-a-subtle-and-sinister-approach>
"The impact of climate change over the past five months across Australia
has caused climate change deniers within the media and governments to
quickly update their tactics to a new, sinister position."
(More...)
Artists help communities during a crisis, not hinder. Why are we still told they don’t matter?
Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:07:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Imagination becomes reality in the winners of the 2019 Wiki Loves Earth photo contest
Fri, 24 Jan 2020 07:06:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://wikimediafoundation.org/news/2019/12/02/imagination-becomes-reality-in-the-winners-of-the-2019-wiki-loves-earth-photo-contest/>
"Wiki Loves Earth focuses on “protected” areas, referring to places like
nature reserves, landscape conservation areas, national parks—the unique
locations that make up a large proportion of the world’s natural
(More...)
Winners of the 2019 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest
Fri, 24 Jan 2020 07:07:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2020/01/winners-2019-ocean-art-underwater-photo-contest/604891/>
"The judging for the eighth annual Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest,
organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, has wrapped up, and the
winning images and photographers have been announced. Greg Lecoeur took
(More...)
Climate crisis fills top five places of World Economic Forum’s risks report
Fri, 24 Jan 2020 07:08:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/15/climate-crisis-environment-top-five-places-world-economic-forum-risks-report>
"A year of extreme weather events and mounting evidence of global
heating have catapulted the climate emergency to the top of the list of
issues worrying the world’s elite.
(More...)
Turtle Journey: the crisis in our oceans
Sat, 25 Jan 2020 04:13:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQB4RAZVMf4
"Six out of seven sea turtle species are threatened with extinction.
Watch their story and sign the petition calling for a global network of
ocean sanctuaries to protect the turtles’ homes:
(More...)
“Give Up”
Sat, 25 Jan 2020 04:15:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://katherinephelps.com/2020/01/give-up/
"We are all constantly being bombarded with messages that are meant to
make us give up."
(More...)
Trump May Be Even More Unpopular Than His Approval Rating Shows
Sat, 25 Jan 2020 04:16:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/trump-may-be-even-more-unpopular-than-his-approval-rating-shows/>
"But does the standard presidential approval question actually capture
what voters think of Trump’s job performance? There are several reasons
it might not tell the full story. For one, in this hyper-partisan era,
(More...)
21 kids sued the government over climate change. A federal court dismissed the case.
Sat, 25 Jan 2020 04:18:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/2020/1/17/21070810/climate-change-lawsuit-juliana-vs-us-our-childrens-trust-9th-circuit>
"It is as if an asteroid were barreling toward Earth and the government
decided to shut down our only defenses. Seeking to quash this suit, the
government bluntly insists that it has the absolute and unreviewable
(More...)
The descent of Economic Man by @BloggersRUs
Sun, 26 Jan 2020 05:16:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://digbysblog.net/2019/12/the-descent-of-economic-man-by/
"People are reduced to human resources, economic inputs. Decades of this
economic logic enriches an investor class that refuses to share its
catch. Our organizing model satisfies theoreticians by factoring out
(More...)
Trying Out the Pinebook Pro - a $200 ARM Laptop
Sun, 26 Jan 2020 05:18:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.jeremymorgan.com/blog/linux/pine64-pro-laptop-review/
"The Pinebook Pro is a $200 laptop that runs a couple of ARM processors,
and it promises a lot. Does it deliver? After what seemed like an
eternity waiting, mine arrived and here’s what I think."
(More...)
Academic papers should be free
Sun, 26 Jan 2020 05:19:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <andrew [at] sericyb.com.au>
https://ibby.blog/free-papers/
"I believe academic papers should be freely available. Not 'freely
available if you're a student', not 'costing just a small fee', but
freely available for everyone, no strings attached.
(More...)
Are My Friends’ Deaths Their Fault or Ours?
Sun, 26 Jan 2020 05:21:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/18/opinion/sunday/deaths-despair-personal-responsibility.html>
"When we underinvest in our own human capital, when so many Americans
are only marginally literate or numerate or suffer from ill health or
dependencies, then our entire country suffers. If America wants to
(More...)
Bird species are facing extinction hundreds of times faster than previously thought
Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:43:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/bird-species-are-facing-extinction-hundreds-of-times-faster-than-previously-thought-129134>
"Extinction, or the disappearance of an entire species, is commonplace.
Species have been forming, persisting and then shuffling off their
mortal coil since life began on Earth. However, evidence suggests the
(More...)
'Brink of extinction': Steep drop in platypus numbers as drought bites
Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:44:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/brink-of-extinction-steep-drop-in-platypus-numbers-as-drought-bites-20200116-p53rz8.html>
"The platypus, once viewed as so bizarre as to be mythical, could end up
merely a legend as habitat destruction and climate threats push the
mammal towards the “brink of extinction”.
(More...)
Unbuilding cities as high-rises reach their use-by date
Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:46:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/unbuilding-cities-as-high-rises-reach-their-use-by-date-129002>
"We are entering a new world where skyscrapers and other huge buildings
are becoming redundant and need significant overhaul or replacement. The
process is called unbuilding or, if you’re a bit highfalutin,
(More...)
Conservation scientists are grieving after the bushfires – but we must not give up
Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:47:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/conservation-scientists-are-grieving-after-the-bushfires-but-we-must-not-give-up-130195>
"That a billion animals may die as a result of this summer’s fires has
horrified the world. For many conservation biologists and land managers,
however, the unprecedented extent and ferocity of the fires has
(More...)
WORLD ORDER "EXODUS"
Tue, 28 Jan 2020 03:42:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Facial recognition isn't just bad because it invades privacy: it's because privacy invasions fuel discrimination
Tue, 28 Jan 2020 03:43:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://boingboing.net/2020/01/20/shadowy-data-brokers.html
"Bruce Schneier writes in the New York Times that banning facial
recognition (as cities like San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Brookline
and Somerville have done) is not enough: there are plenty of other ways
(More...)
Malaysia has sent back tons of plastic waste to rich countries, saying it won't be their 'garbage dump'
Tue, 28 Jan 2020 03:43:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/20/asia/malaysia-plastic-waste-return-scli-intl/index.html>
"Malaysia has sent back 150 shipping containers of plastic waste to rich
countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France and
Canada, insisting it won't be the "garbage dump" of the world.
(More...)
A Nursery School in Tottori that Connects Children to Nature
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 02:45:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2020/01/10/ym-nursery-tottori-hibino-sekkei/
"How do you design an institution for early learning that fosters
respect for nature and a deep sense of community? Just ask Hibino
Sekkei; they’ve been thinking about it a lot. Lead architect Taku Hibino
(More...)
Company Adopts 2 Office Kittens (Debit And Credit) To Boost Employee Morale
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 02:47:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.top13.net/company-adopts-office-kittens-debit-and-credit/
"Some basic skills of an office worker are organizing material,
answering the phone and using a computer. Debit and Credit, the office
cats, know how to do almost all of this. “Hired” by the finance and
(More...)
The Global Trust Crisis
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 02:51:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/01/22/davos-world-leader-trust-institutions-populism-protest/>
"The Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual study of the level of trust in
institutions across 28 countries, shows the erosion of faith in the
system. The results of the recently released 2020 report show low
(More...)
The Good Guy/Bad Guy Myth
Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:01:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-good-guy-bad-guy-myth
"Pop culture today is obsessed with the battle between good and evil.
Traditional folktales never were. What changed?"
(More...)
Koalas drinking from human hands is not normal
Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:02:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theage.com.au/national/koalas-drinking-from-human-hands-is-not-normal-20200108-p53px4.html>
"Last week my husband and I found a male koala in the yard, sitting at
the base of the tree. He wouldn’t move, not when I walked up and not
when I set a pot of water next to him. In the end I had to raise the pot
(More...)
Academic Consensus Growing: Phones And Social Media Aren't Damaging Your Kids
Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:03:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200119/17264343766/academic-consensus-growing-phones-social-media-arent-damaging-your-kids.shtml>
"We've pointed out for a while now that every generation seems to have
some sort of moral panic over whatever is popular among kids. You're
probably aware of more recent examples, from rock music to comic books
(More...)
When Buffy Sainte-Marie Met Big Bird
Fri, 31 Jan 2020 03:20:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://thewalrus.ca/when-buffy-sainte-marie-met-big-bird/
"The iconic singer helped Sesame Street teach a generation of children
about Indigenous cultures"
(More...)
Help the Moomins save #OURSEA
Fri, 31 Jan 2020 03:22:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BneTo7Y9dEQ
"Tove Jansson created the Moomin stories inspired by the beauty and
power of the sea. For her, the Baltic Sea was a home and a source of
safety, adventure and inspiration. Thus, the Moomin stories couldn't be
(More...)
Finland ends homelessness and provides shelter for all in need
Fri, 31 Jan 2020 03:23:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://scoop.me/housing-first-finland-homelessness/
"In Finland, the number of homeless people has fallen sharply. The
reason: The country applies the “Housing First” concept. Those affected
by homelessness receive a small apartment and counselling – without any
(More...)
Isaac Asimov on Optimism vs. Cynicism about the Human Spirit
Sat, 1 Feb 2020 04:26:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/07/03/isaac-asimov-optimism-cynicism/
"To me it seems to be important to believe people to be good even if
they tend to be bad, because your own joy and happiness in life is
increased that way, and the pleasures of the belief outweigh the
(More...)
Yip Yips Storage Crochet Free Pattern
Sat, 1 Feb 2020 04:27:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://letscrochet.org/home/yip-yips-storage-crochet-free-pattern/
"This Yip Yips Storage Crochet Free Pattern is a great and creative
idea. The Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children’s
television show Sesame Street. They are so lovely and cute so almost
(More...)
Nathan J. Robinson Wants You to Be a Socialist
Sat, 1 Feb 2020 04:35:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/nathan-j-robinson-wants-you-to-be-a-socialist/>
"I think as an exercise in imagining a better world, utopianism is not
just useful but crucial, because what we have to do is have some real
sense of what we’re aiming for. Not just what our general sympathies
(More...)
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