Glass Wings Blog: March 2020
How people around the world see democracy in 8 charts
Mon, 2 Mar 2020 04:21:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/02/27/how-people-around-the-world-see-democracy-in-8-charts/>
"People around the world are widely dissatisfied with democracy in their
country and believe that elected officials don’t care what people like
them think, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Global
(More...)
The boss who put everyone on 70K
Mon, 2 Mar 2020 04:21:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-51332811
"In 2015, the boss of a card payments company in Seattle introduced a
$70,000 minimum salary for all of his 120 staff - and personally took a
pay cut of $1m. Five years later he's still on the minimum salary, and
(More...)
Two Men Created “Leather” From Cactus to Save Animals and the Environment
Tue, 3 Mar 2020 05:58:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/vegan-cactus-leather-desserto/
"Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez have developed a method of
transforming cacti into a vegan leather that looks so realistic, you’d
never guess it was made from this desert plant. They called their cactus
(More...)
New York Museum Unearths 9,000-Pound Amethyst Geode
Tue, 3 Mar 2020 05:59:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://returntonow.net/2020/02/28/the-museum-of-natural-history-unearths-rocking-display-of-gems-and-minerals/>
"The American Museum of Natural History is reopening The Allison Mignone
Hall of Gems and Minerals this fall.
(More...)
How I managed to raise a little bookworm in the age of smartphones and tablets
Tue, 3 Mar 2020 06:01:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The Leopard Cub With the Lioness Mom
Wed, 4 Mar 2020 04:36:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/science/leopard-lion-adoption.html
"Scientists documented a rare and very cute interspecies adoption in a
national park in India."
(More...)
Joanna Russ Was Sci-Fi’s Most Outspoken Feminist
Wed, 4 Mar 2020 04:36:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wired.com/2020/02/geeks-guide-joanna-russ/
"Joanna Russ, author of novels such as
The Female Man and
We Who Are
About To, was the most outspoken feminist in the history of science
fiction. Gwyneth Jones spent five years researching a book about Russ,
(More...)
World Exclusive: Renault MORPHOZ | Fully Charged
Wed, 4 Mar 2020 04:38:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdwkRwcORwc
"According to the official Renault Press release:
• Ability to physically and technologically adapt between two modes
depending on driver needs.
(More...)
The Musical Ghost - Potato Chips [Electro Swing] [CC BY]
Thu, 5 Mar 2020 06:18:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDJ9k9l1Xco
Via Muse, who wrote "This is hilarious electro-swing."
(More...)
Open access journals get a boost from librarians—much to Elsevier’s dismay
Thu, 5 Mar 2020 06:20:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/02/how-librarians-keep-for-profit-scientific-journals-from-squeezing-their-budgets/>
"A quiet revolution is sweeping the $20 billion academic publishing
market and its main operator Elsevier, partly driven by an unlikely
group of rebels: cash-strapped librarians.
(More...)
Radio 4 Extra to celebrate 42 years of Hitchhiker's Guide
Thu, 5 Mar 2020 06:21:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/news/5682/h2g2_at_42/
"Radio 4 Extra is to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of sci-fi sitcom The
Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with a series of programmes.
(More...)
How did liberal democracies emerge?
Fri, 6 Mar 2020 06:34:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/05/how-did-liberal-democracies-emerge/>
"Nearly two decades ago, the political commentator Fareed Zakaria wrote
a prophetic article called “The Rise of the Illiberal Democracy,” in
which he worried about the rise of popular autocrats with little regard
(More...)
I Illustrated National Parks In America Based On Their Worst Review And I Hope They Will Make You Laugh (16 Pics)
Fri, 6 Mar 2020 06:36:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.boredpanda.com/one-star-reviews-into-illustrations-national-parks-amber-share/>
"I'm an illustrator and I have always had a personal goal to draw all 62
US National Parks, but I wanted to find a unique twist for the project.
When I found that there are one-star reviews for every single park, the
(More...)
Play Emulator Online
Fri, 6 Mar 2020 06:39:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.playemulator.com/
"Play retro games online within your browser in the highest quality
available. GBA (Gameboy Advance), SNES (Super Nintendo), N64 (Nintendo
64), PSX (PlayStation), SEGA and more. Emulator games play free on
(More...)
The fight to preserve a 44,000-year-old painting
Sat, 7 Mar 2020 05:20:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.1843magazine.com/features/the-fight-to-preserve-a-44000yearold-painting>
"One of the world’s oldest artworks has been discovered inside a working
Indonesian mine. It survived this long – Krithika Varagur ventures to
Sulawesi to find out if it has a future"
(More...)
Planet Plastic
Sat, 7 Mar 2020 05:22:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/plastic-problem-recycling-myth-big-oil-950957/>
"Every human on Earth is ingesting nearly 2,000 particles of plastic a
week. These tiny pieces enter our unwitting bodies from tap water, food,
and even the air, according to an alarming academic study sponsored by
(More...)
Parrots Are Only The Second Kind of Animal We've Found That Can Grasp Probabilities
Sat, 7 Mar 2020 05:24:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/parrots-are-only-the-second-animal-we-ve-found-that-can-grasp-probabilities>
"Up until now, only human beings and other great apes have demonstrated
an ability to understand probabilities – being able to weigh up the odds
based on the available data, or statistical inference, as it's formally
(More...)
Bhutan PM Asks All Citizens to Adopt a Stray Dog or Plant a Tree for King’s Birthday
Sun, 8 Mar 2020 05:50:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/bhutan-prime-minister-birthday/
"Rather than give extravagant gifts to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck for his birthday this year, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay
Tshering asked people to simply give back to their country. The King
(More...)
Tropical forests losing their ability to absorb carbon, study finds
Sun, 8 Mar 2020 05:51:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/04/tropical-forests-losing-their-ability-to-absorb-carbon-study-finds>
"Tropical forests are taking up less carbon dioxide from the air,
reducing their ability to act as “carbon sinks” and bringing closer the
prospect of accelerating climate breakdown.
(More...)
Among Ripples: Shallow Waters - Restore the World
Sun, 8 Mar 2020 05:53:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eatcreatesleep/among-ripples-shallow-waters-restore-the-world/>
"Among Ripples: Shallow Waters takes place in a near future where
humanity has banded together to combat climate change and other
ecological disasters. In the game your team is part of the Freshwater
(More...)
The APA issued 3 statements supporting LGBTQ people & equality
Mon, 9 Mar 2020 08:31:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2020/03/apa-issued-3-statements-supporting-lgbtq-people-equality/>
"The American Psychological Association (APA), the leading scientific
and professional organization representing psychology in the United
States, way back in 1976 adopted a position statement asserting: “The
(More...)
People kept working, became healthier while on basic income: report
Mon, 9 Mar 2020 08:33:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/basic-income-mcmaster-report-1.5485729>
"Participants in Ontario's prematurely cancelled basic income pilot
project were happier, healthier and continued working even though they
were receiving money with no-strings attached.
(More...)
Coronavirus: Australian newspaper prints extra pages to help out in toilet paper shortage
Mon, 9 Mar 2020 08:34:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Torture Prevalent, Effective in Popular Movies, Study Finds
Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:11:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.ua.edu/news/2020/01/torture-prevalent-effective-in-popular-movies-study-finds/>
"TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The majority of popular films, including those for
children, have at least one torture scene, and the scenes are usually
depicted as achieving the torturer’s goal, according to a study
(More...)
Coronavirus scare: When will 'hamsterkauf' become an English word?
Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:12:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-scare-when-will-hamsterkauf-become-an-english-word/a-52635400>
"The coronavirus scare has seen quite a number of Germans resorting to
panic buying, although the chances of them really needing a lot of stuff
at home over a longer period are rather slim. But that's a different story.
(More...)
Nine out of 10 people found to be biased against women
Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:13:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/05/nine-out-of-10-people-found-to-be-biased-against-women>
"Almost 90% of people are biased against women, according to a new index
that highlights the “shocking” extent of the global backlash towards
gender equality.
(More...)
The Greta Thunberg Helpline | 7.30
Wed, 11 Mar 2020 04:41:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIP2vukNOPc
"If you’re a grown adult enraged by 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg,
satirist Mark Humphries and his co-writer Evan Williams have created a
new service that could help."
(More...)
Corporations are Human Creations. We Can't Let Them Threaten Our Survival
Wed, 11 Mar 2020 04:42:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/06/corporations-are-human-creations-we-cant-let-them-threaten-our-survival>
"[...] the United States has become a global driver of the processes by
which global corporations pursue with impunity the destruction of
Earth’s capacity to support life. And ironically, they do so for the
(More...)
The Art of Book Covers (1820–1914)
Wed, 11 Mar 2020 04:44:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-art-of-book-covers-1820-1914>
"Inspired by rising literacy rates and advancing technologies, the
nineteenth century saw the book transform from a largely hand-made
object to a mass-produced product. In this new environment the book
(More...)
Ennio Morricone - The Ecstasy of Gold - Theremin & Voice
Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:16:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajM4vYCZMZk
"Composed by Morricone for the legendary movie The Good, the Bad and the
Ugly featuring Clint Eastwood and heavily used by Metallica before the
shows.
(More...)
A Crazy Illustration Of How Fast A Lava Flow Can Move
Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:20:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://digg.com/video/lava-flow-speed
"Most of us associate "lava flows" with a slow, oozing sort of movement.
As this footage from 2018's eruptions in Hawaii show, lava flows can be
extremely fast."
(More...)
This Algae Canopy Produces The Same Amount Of Oxygen As Four Hectares Of Woodland
Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:22:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://truththeory.com/2019/11/03/this-algae-canopy-produces-the-same-amount-of-oxygen-as-four-hectares-of-woodland/>
"Welcome to the world of tech-enhanced biology. A breakthrough
development in this virgin field has unified the conventional standards
of digital cultivation and micro-algal cultures to produce oxygen, and a
(More...)
Thomas Piketty Goes Global
Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:23:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/03/09/thomas-piketty-goes-global>
"[...]the policies we adopt certainly do influence inequality. Steeply
progressive income taxes and estate taxes shaped income distributions
during those Trente Glorieuses. Consider, for that matter, how
(More...)
A stich in time: world famous lace makers get grant to keep their skills safe for years to come
Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:24:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/a-stich-in-time-world-famous-lace-makers-get-grant-to-keep-their-skills-safe-for-years-to-come-10930>
"A lace-making cottage industry unique to the world has received a
PLN-80,000 grant from the culture ministry to ensure the skills of the
trade are passed onto the next generation.
(More...)
Rats Will Avoid Actions That Hurt Others -- Even If It Earns Them A Treat
Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:25:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/3685/Rats-Will-Avoid-Actions-That-Hurt-Others-Even-If-It-Earns-Them-A-Treat>
"A new study has found that rats, like humans, will avoid actions that
can cause pain to their fellow beings."
(More...)
Stop asking me ‘what about men?’
Sat, 14 Mar 2020 06:55:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://victimfocus.wordpress.com/2018/01/03/stop-asking-me-what-about-men/>
"Recently I have been getting increasingly frustrated with
‘whataboutery’ every single time I write or speak about women or girls.
For those of you who don’t know what that word means, ‘whataboutery’ is
(More...)
Old School Sweets: Retro Video Game Cakes!
Sat, 14 Mar 2020 07:00:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
We’re innovative when housing bushfire victims. Why not all the homeless?
Sat, 14 Mar 2020 07:00:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/were-innovative-when-housing-bushfire-victims-why-not-all-the-homeless-132268>
"With more than 3,500 homes destroyed by disastrous bushfires, the
willingness of government and community to work together to find ways to
house people has been heartwarming. Australians showed great concern for
(More...)
Skinny's brother Fatty makes his piano debut
Sun, 15 Mar 2020 05:04:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://twitter.com/sammyashermusic/status/1234215838636363776
"Skinny's brother Fatty makes his piano debut at the end 👂🎶🐈"
Via Jim Douglas.
(More...)
Column: Perverted Illinois bald eagle threesome threatens sanctity of marriage. What’s next, hawk orgies?
Sun, 15 Mar 2020 05:10:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Minimizing Coronavirus’ impact is a race against time - this chart explains why
Sun, 15 Mar 2020 05:13:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/this-one-chart-shows-why-minimizing-coronavirus-impact-is-a-race-against-time/>
"Coronavirus continues to spread, highlighting the need to minimize its
impact and slow the rate of new infections.
(More...)
Cute otters intimately filmed by spy camera | Spy in the Wild - BBC
Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:24:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIWbjgPYcJY
"Spy Otter quietly films the most intimate views of otters using tools
and caring for their young.
(More...)
Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now
Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:29:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca>
With everything that’s happening about the Coronavirus, it might be
very hard to make a decision of what to do today. Should you wait for
more information? Do something today? What?
(More...)
The Mature Artist
Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:29:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://katherinephelps.com/2020/03/the-mature-artist/
"Part of maturing as an artist is finding better dreams. Youth: I want
to be famous! Adulthood: I want to create something significant!
Maturity: I just want to leave the world a better place, however small
(More...)
Polar ice caps melting six times faster than in 1990s
Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:09:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/11/polar-ice-caps-melting-six-times-faster-than-in-1990s>
"The polar ice caps are melting six times faster than in the 1990s,
according to the most complete analysis to date.
(More...)
Bernie Addresses the Nation on the Health and Economic Crisis
Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:11:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2As11EyIRWc
"HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CRISIS: Bernie addresses the nation regarding
coronavirus and the economic crisis facing the country."
(More...)
Trans or cis, women are stronger united
Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:13:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/12/trans-or-cis-women-are-stronger-united>
"The trans “debate” – a term I use loosely, as I don’t believe trans
people’s rights should be up for debate – has focused largely on the
voices of those decrying the right of trans women to be considered at
(More...)
Japan Approves New Law To Make Manga Piracy A Criminal Offense
Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:01:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200311/10263944082/japan-approves-new-law-to-make-manga-piracy-criminal-offense.shtml>
"The idea of Japan eroding its own constitution as a favor to the manga
industry is almost too insane to believe, except that it happened."
(More...)
Wind and solar plants will soon be cheaper than coal in all big markets around world, analysis finds
Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:03:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/12/wind-and-solar-plants-will-soon-be-cheaper-than-coal-in-all-big-markets-around-world-analysis-finds>
"Building new wind and solar plants will soon be cheaper in every major
market across the globe than running existing coal-fired power stations,
according to a new report that raises fresh doubt about the medium-term
(More...)
Former Refrigerator Manufacturer Says Companies Using Open Source, Royalty-Free Video Technology Must Pay To License 2,000 Patents
Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:03:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200312/04075244087/former-refrigerator-manufacturer-says-companies-using-open-source-royalty-free-video-technology-must-pay-to-license-2000-patents.shtml>
"There are currently 1,050 patents that Sisvel says must be licensed,
but in due course it expects that number will rise to around 2,000. The
fact that people can claim that there are 2,000 separate patents
(More...)
#Color Our Collections
Thu, 19 Mar 2020 06:55:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://library.nyam.org/colorourcollections/
"#ColorOurCollections is a week-long coloring fest on social media,
generally occurring on the first full week of February, organized by
libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions around the world.
(More...)
Entire hillsides of trees turned brown this summer. Is it the start of ecosystem collapse?
Thu, 19 Mar 2020 06:56:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/entire-hillsides-of-trees-turned-brown-this-summer-is-it-the-start-of-ecosystem-collapse-126107>
"The drought in eastern Australia was a significant driver of this
season’s unprecedented bushfires. But it also caused another, less well
known environmental calamity this summer: entire hillsides of trees
(More...)
In this crisis, God bless the net
Thu, 19 Mar 2020 06:57:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://buzzmachine.com/2020/03/13/in-this-crisis-god-bless-the-net/
"Imagine, just try to imagine what it would be like to weather this very
real-world crisis without the internet. Then imagine all the ways it can
help even more. And stop, please stop claiming the net is broken and
(More...)
How to waste over half a trillion dollars: The economic implications of deflationary renewable energy for coal power investments
Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:06:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://carbontracker.org/reports/how-to-waste-over-half-a-trillion-dollars/>
"Coal developers risk wasting more than $600 billion because it is
already cheaper to generate electricity from new renewables than from
new coal plants in all major markets."
(More...)
Professor Calls Student's Idea To Teach Class On Twitch 'Terrible,' Does It Anyway
Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:07:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/03/professor-calls-students-idea-to-teach-class-on-twitch-terrible-does-it-anyway/>
"On Tuesday, Yang streamed his class about Twitch on Twitch to an
audience that included his students—and also a crowd of online strangers
that topped out at 90 concurrent viewers. That’s not an enormous
(More...)
America Is a Sham
Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:11:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/03/coronavirus-tsa-liquid-purell-paid-leave-rules.html>
"Policy changes in reaction to the coronavirus reveal how absurd so many
of our rules are to begin with."
(More...)
Monty Python's silly walk: A gait analysis and wake-up call to peer review inefficiencies
Sat, 21 Mar 2020 05:11:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://phys.org/news/2020-03-monty-python-silly-gait-analysis.html
"Fifty years ago, Monty Python's famous sketch, "The Ministry of Silly
Walks," first aired on BBC One. The sketch pokes fun at the inefficiency
of government bureaucracy. It opens with the Minister (John Cleese)
(More...)
Climate Change Has Lessons for Fighting the Coronavirus
Sat, 21 Mar 2020 05:13:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/climate/climate-change-coronavirus-lessons.html>
"Scientists like Dr. Cobb have, for years, urged world leaders to bend
the curve of planet-warming emissions. Instead, emissions have raced
upward. Now the consequences are being felt: a three-month-long flood in
(More...)
Saving The Day
Sat, 21 Mar 2020 05:15:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://katherinephelps.com/2020/03/saving-the-day/
"As things stand we are hitting a serious economic bump in the road.
COVID-19 is going to take more months to resolve, and quite possibly
longer. In the meantime businesses are already going belly up, and the
(More...)
How to clean up the mess we've made that's orbiting the Earth
Sun, 22 Mar 2020 03:08:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/infrastructure/482336-how-do-you-take-out-the-trash-when-youre-in>
"We’ve been shooting large metal objects into space since 1957.
Satellites, rockets, space stations, missiles. So it’s no wonder that a
garbage truck is set to launch in 2025 to start cleaning up the mess.
(More...)
Your smartphone is dirtier than a toilet seat. Here's how to disinfect it.
Sun, 22 Mar 2020 03:10:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://mashable.com/article/how-to-clean-smartphone-iphone-galaxy-pixel/>
"Yep, you read that right: There are 10 times more germs on our
smartphones than on a toilet seat. So unless you're regularly cleaning
your lil' portable germ box, you're not really doing that good a job of
(More...)
We must fight climate change like it’s World War III – here are 4 potent weapons to deploy
Sun, 22 Mar 2020 03:11:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/we-must-fight-climate-change-like-its-world-war-iii-here-are-4-potent-weapons-to-deploy-131052>
"We are a group of experts in physics, geology, science education, coral
reefs and climate system science. We believe the lack of progress by
governments in reducing global emissions means bold solutions are now
(More...)
Powering communities with clean energy
Sun, 22 Mar 2020 03:13:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.birchal.com/company/indigopower
"A community energy hub is a community or town working together to
create and share electricity.
(More...)
The Economic Lessons of Star Trek’s Money-Free Society
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:55:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.wired.com/2016/05/geeks-guide-star-trek-economics/
"A few years ago Manu Saadia, a longtime Star Trek fan, went looking for
a book about the economics of Star Trek. When he couldn’t find one, he
decided to write his own. The result, Trekonomics, has drawn praise from
(More...)
Hopepunk, the latest storytelling trend, is all about weaponized optimism
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:57:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/2018/12/27/18137571/what-is-hopepunk-noblebright-grimdark>
"Depending on who you ask, hopepunk is as much a mood and a spirit as a
definable literary movement, a narrative message of “keep fighting, no
matter what.” If that seems too broad — after all, aren’t all fictional
(More...)
Our way of life is fragile. Only trust can preserve it
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:59:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-our-way-of-life-is-fragile-only-trust-can-preserve-it/>
"So this is a genuine emergency, and fully validates the most severe
prescriptions for resolving it: banning public gatherings, limiting
travel and other means of increasing “social distance” – withdrawing
(More...)
Virtual tour of the HNF
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 05:00:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.hnf.de/en/permanent-exhibition/virtual-tour.html
"We hope you enjoy your tour of the world's biggest computer museum!"
Via Christoph S and Ed S.
(More...)
Stuck at home? These 12 famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your couch
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:49:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://hellogiggles.com/news/museums-with-virtual-tours/
"Going into a self-quarantine can have many complex issues and
complications beyond having enough food and supplies for two weeks. In
terms of entertainment, it also probably means you’re in for a lot of
(More...)
Watch the Aquatic Animals at Monterey Bay Aquarium via These Free Live Streams
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:50:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/03/monterey-bay-aquarium-live-stream/>
"You may have had to cancel your spring vacation, but you still can
(virtually) visit the aquatic animals housed at the Monterey Bay
Aquarium. Peek at the groups of jellyfish and sharks, do some bird
(More...)
The Fundamentals of the Economy are People
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:52:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://alexandraerin.substack.com/p/the-fundamentals-of-the-economy-are>
"I happen to agree that the fundamentals of our economy are strong, but
I don't think they will stay that way without not just swift but
committed and continuous action during the global health crisis, because
(More...)
Daði Freyr - Think About Things (Daði og Gagnamagnið)
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 03:33:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFZNvj-HfBU
Via Muse, who wrote "This is PRICELESS! Iceland’s entry for the 2020
Eurovision competition (which has sadly been cancelled)."
(More...)
GOG is offering 27 free games to help you relax at home
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 03:33:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3533348/gog-is-offering-27-free-games-to-help-you-relax-at-home.html>
"GOG.com wants to help you keep your sanity while everyone’s sheltering
in place, so the DRM-free platform’s handing out a whole lot of
oldies-but-goodies for free—27 of them (Fun fact: GOG.com started out as
(More...)
Why more than 500 political figures and academics globally have called for universal basic income in the fight against coronavirus
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 03:35:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/coronavirus-universal-basic-income-ubi-poverty-economy-business-migrants-a9408846.html>
"We, a growing group of now over 500 academics and public figures on all
continents, have signed the following open letter, calling on our
governments to enact emergency basic income to save lives.
(More...)
Quarantine + Creativity = Quarantivity
Thu, 26 Mar 2020 04:10:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.quarantivity.com/
"It all begins with an idea. Inspiration. Watching some of the touching
videos of Italian singing made me wonder what else was out there. Let us
celebrate the people creating in the face of fear, adversity, and the
(More...)
The grim, necessary optimism of sci-fi author Becky Chambers
Thu, 26 Mar 2020 04:13:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/3/18/21183867/becky-chambers-books-science-fiction-read>
"Chambers writes science fiction about far-future humans who have taken
to the stars. Her work is obviously influenced by TV shows like
Battlestar Galactica, Farscape, and Firefly, in that it trends more
(More...)
Melbourne zoos are now live-streaming their penguins, lions and baby snow leopards
Thu, 26 Mar 2020 04:14:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/news/melbourne-zoos-are-now-live-streaming-their-penguins-lions-and-baby-snow-leopards-031920>
"Practising social distancing right now? Luckily for you, Melbourne’s
zoos have decided to live stream their animals so you won’t miss out on
a second of all that cute creature fun.
(More...)
Coronavirus response proves the world can act on climate change
Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:20:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-response-proves-the-world-can-act-on-climate-change-133999>
"In the past few weeks, governments around the world have enacted
dramatic measures to mitigate the threat of COVID-19.
(More...)
In the wake of bushfires and coronavirus, it’s time we talked about human security
Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:21:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/in-the-wake-of-bushfires-and-coronavirus-its-time-we-talked-about-human-security-133914>
"The term “human security” was first adopted by the United Nations
Development Program in 1994. We speak far less of it now than we did
then. Yet the cataclysmic events of this year should remind us national
(More...)
Should We Provide Emergency Universal Basic Income to Everyone or Just Those Who Need It?
Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:23:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://vocal.media/theSwamp/should-we-provide-emergency-universal-basic-income-to-everyone-or-just-those-who-need-it>
"Think of it this way. Right now, we’re all trapped in a room we can’t
escape and the water is rising. We have no idea who will drown and can
only guess. It therefore only makes sense to make sure everyone gets a
(More...)
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 06:12:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCGDVHjPX0c
"Open from midnight to 7 a.m. — and serving whatever the customers
request — the tiny, tucked-away Japanese diner draws a diverse group of
patrons who bond over the Master's food while sharing their soulful
(More...)
If You’re Stuck Inside, Might As Well Enjoy This List of Animal Cams
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 06:15:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/03/if-youre-stuck-inside-might-as-well-enjoy-this-list-of-animal-cams/>
"God bless the animals. The non-human animals anyway. Just out there,
living their best lives, mostly oblivious to human foibles. Few things
help calm the mind like watching animals do their thing. Reminds us that
(More...)
Across Canada, Scaremongering Becomes ‘Caremongering’ as Citizens Help Each Other In Challenging Times
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 06:19:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/caremongering-is-helping-canadians-in-challenging-times/>
"Anyone who pays attention to mainstream media, especially these days,
has experienced “scaremongering”—but what about “caremongering”? Even as
I write this article my spelling software suggests that I change
(More...)
2,500 Museums You Can Now Visit Virtually
Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:02:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hyperallergic.com/547919/2500-virtual-museum-tours-google-arts-culture/>
"There’s no point in sugarcoating it — things are bad and they’re about
to get worse before they get any better. COVID-19 virus has brought the
world to a halt, shuttering all art and cultural institutions in
(More...)
When the System Breaks Down, Leaders Stand Up
Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:04:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://dailystoic.com/marcus-aurelius-leadership-during-a-pandemic/
"It shouldn’t surprise us that an ancient pestilence—one that spanned
the entire reign of Marcus Aurelius—feels so, well, modern. As Marcus
would write in his diary at some point during this horrible plague,
(More...)
Japanese Chef Has Filled Notebooks with Delectable Illustrations of All of His Meals for 32 Years
Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:05:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/03/itsuo-kobayashi-food-paintings/
"Some meals leave an impression—you might remember the cherry pie your
grandma always made or a multi-course dinner consisting of toast and
caviar, a mound of shaved truffle topping pasta, and wagyu tartare.
(More...)
Our GoFundMe nation is about to collapse
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:35:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/3/16/1927922/-Our-GoFundMe-nation-is-about-to-collapse>
"You may have received an email similar to the one I recently received.
It was from a small music venue that I’ve been to several times over the
past year. It employs bartenders, security guards, doormen, managers,
(More...)
Everyone, everywhere: the global challenge of climate change
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:36:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00834-7
"Climate change demands action: humanity must shift from persistent
destruction to intentional regeneration. So, how best to make that
happen? Two new books give very different answers. In one, the solution
(More...)
Urban owls are losing their homes. So we’re 3D printing them new ones
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:37:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/urban-owls-are-losing-their-homes-so-were-3d-printing-them-new-ones-133626>
"Nesting boxes aren’t very successful for many species. For example,
many boxes installed along expanded highways fail to attract animals
such as the squirrel glider, the superb parrot and the brown
(More...)
Ancestor of all animals identified in Australian fossils
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:39:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://phys.org/news/2020-03-ancestor-animals-australian-fossils.html
"A team led by UC Riverside geologists has discovered the first ancestor
on the family tree that contains most familiar animals today, including
humans.
(More...)
Do Your Part, Rights Holders: Open The Vaults!
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:40:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200320/10485144141/do-your-part-rights-holders-open-vaults.shtml>
"While each of us is doing our part to stay indoors, rights holders can
do their part to make these trying times a little less tedious for the
home-bound. How? By making their content freely available for streamers
(More...)
The Kindness Pandemic
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:42:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.pozible.com/profile/catherine-barrett-1
"As the Coronavirus spreads around the world, many people's lives are
being turned upside down. Some frightened people are panicking, some are
aggressive - and many people are calling for kindness. This is a time
(More...)
September 87 & Dream Fiend - Light Years (Official Video)
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:43:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urj7Uw4TodA
"An amazing new song and video from September 87. Listen and enjoy!"
Via Fritz R. Brilliant!
(More...)
Japanese baker
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 07:48:59 -1000
Raven Hanna <ravenhanna [at] gmail.com>
https://youtu.be/mY7e6A-EFzc
Beautiful and amazing video of a baker in Japan. I found this relaxing and
delightful, and I thought your Glass Wings list would like it, too!
(More...)
The World After This
Wed, 1 Apr 2020 05:53:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/wxekvw/the-world-after-coronavirus-healthcare-labor-climate-internet>
"We're not going back to "normal" after the coronavirus. Here is exactly
how things need to change for good, and for the better."
(More...)
Brazen fox demands top prize in animal photography competition
Wed, 1 Apr 2020 05:55:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://newatlas.com/digital-cameras/mammal-society-photography-competition-2020-winners-gallery/>
"Amateur photographer Roger Cox has won the top prize in the UK Mammal
Society’s annual photo contest. The extraordinary image of an urban fox
staring down the lens is just one of several superb shots in this small
(More...)
Asterix creator Albert Uderzo dies at 92
Wed, 1 Apr 2020 05:56:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/mar/24/asterix-creator-albert-uderzo-dies-at-92>
"Asterix illustrator Albert Uderzo has died at the age of 92, his family
has announced.
(More...)
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