Glass Wings Blog: November 2020
Studio Ghibli releases 300 more free images from six films including ‘Princess Mononoke’
Mon, 2 Nov 2020 04:57:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/studio-ghibli-releases-300-more-free-images-from-six-films-including-princess-mononoke-102020>
"To tide its fans over until the release of ’Aya and the Witch’, Studio
Ghibli has been very generous, offering free background images for our
WFH Zoom meetings and hundreds of free movie stills which can be pieced
(More...)
Bongo Cat
Mon, 2 Nov 2020 04:59:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://bongo.cat/
"Hit the bongos like Bongo Cat!
Bongo Cat is a meme created by DitzyFlama using StrayRogue's drawing of
(More...)
Fragranced Products Could Hurt Your Health
Mon, 2 Nov 2020 05:00:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://elemental.medium.com/fragranced-products-could-hurt-your-health-f746b7680f71>
"Chemicals that give a product fragrance — whether that product is an
all-purpose cleaner, a scented candle, an air freshener, or hair spray —
have lately been worrying some consumer-health researchers. A 2020
(More...)
Imagining the End of Capitalism With Kim Stanley Robinson
Mon, 2 Nov 2020 05:02:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/kim-stanley-robinson-ministry-future-science-fiction>
"Kim Stanley Robinson is the author of more than twenty books, including
New York 2140,
Red Moon, and the Mars trilogy. He talked to
Jacobin about his latest work, his vision of socialism, and why we
(More...)
Owl boards helicopter fighting California wildfire
Tue, 3 Nov 2020 06:46:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/10/16/Owl-boards-helicopter-fighting-California-wildfire/9711602880111/>
"Oct. 16 (UPI) — A helicopter pilot helping to fight the Creek Fire in
California snapped a photo of an "unheard of" scene — an owl that
boarded the chopper mid-flight.
(More...)
Snail's House - Imaginary Express (Official MV)
Tue, 3 Nov 2020 06:48:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLrh1IstMHM
"snailchan got into some weird dream...
this song is part of the album
Imaginarium
<
https://fanlink.to/imaginarium>"
(More...)
Most plastic recycling produces low-value materials – but we’ve found a way to turn a common plastic into high-value molecules
Tue, 3 Nov 2020 06:50:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/most-plastic-recycling-produces-low-value-materials-but-weve-found-a-way-to-turn-a-common-plastic-into-high-value-molecules-148506>
"If you thought those flimsy disposable plastic grocery bags represented
most of our plastic waste problem, think again. The volume of plastic
the world throws away every year could rebuild the Ming Dynasty’s Great
(More...)
The Indian doctor taking care of thousands of elephants
Tue, 3 Nov 2020 06:52:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-54610762
'Kushal Konwar Sarma is affectionately known as the "elephant doctor" in
India's wildlife community. He has spent 35 years of his life caring for
elephants, saving the lives of thousands of them in the forests of India
(More...)
Capitalism Will Ruin the Earth By 2050, Scientists Say
Wed, 4 Nov 2020 06:25:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7m48d/capitalism-will-ruin-the-earth-by-2050-scientists-say>
"A spate of new scientific research starkly lays out the choice
humankind faces in coming decades:
(More...)
Climate-protected citadels, virtual worlds only for the privileged: is this the future of inequality?
Wed, 4 Nov 2020 06:26:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-protected-citadels-virtual-worlds-only-for-the-privileged-is-this-the-future-of-inequality-146680>
"Imagine visiting the Europe of 2048. The cities are strangely silent.
Desperate communities in Paris, London and Berlin struggle in the shadow
of hollowed-out buildings. The once-popular coastal resorts have also
(More...)
Mould and damp health costs are about 3 times those of sugary drinks. We need a healthy housing agenda
Wed, 4 Nov 2020 06:27:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/mould-and-damp-health-costs-are-about-3-times-those-of-sugary-drinks-we-need-a-healthy-housing-agenda-147743>
"Housing – its ability to provide shelter, its quality, location, warmth
– has proven to be a key factor in the pandemic’s “syndemic” nature.
That is, as well as shaping exposure to the virus itself, housing
(More...)
'Massive' coral reef taller than the Empire State Building discovered in Australia
Wed, 4 Nov 2020 06:36:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/climate-and-environment/massive-coral-reef-taller-than-the-empire-state-building-discovered-in-australia-1.5162479>
'A "massive" new reef measuring 500 metres has been discovered in
Australia's Great Barrier Reef, making it taller than some of the
world's highest skyscrapers.
(More...)
Do truth and reconciliation commissions heal divided nations?
Thu, 5 Nov 2020 04:55:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/do-truth-and-reconciliation-commissions-heal-divided-nations-109925>
"As long as unresolved historic injustices continue to fester in the
world, there will be a demand for truth commissions.
(More...)
Could a universal basic income work in Australia?
Thu, 5 Nov 2020 04:57:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Drones are being used to reseed forests and revitalize ecosystems
Thu, 5 Nov 2020 04:57:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mashable.com/video/drones-ai-reseed-restore-forests/
"Dendra Systems is using technology to speed up reforestation. It's a
data-driven effort, using AI to map and identify the conditions of the
ecosystem. Drones are then used to reseed the land."
(More...)
The world's banks must start to value nature and stop paying for its destruction
Thu, 5 Nov 2020 04:58:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28/the-worlds-banks-must-start-to-value-nature-and-stop-paying-for-its-destruction-aoe>
"The scientific community has long been unequivocal about biodiversity
destruction. Last month, the UN reported that the world had failed to
meet fully any of the 2020 Aichi bioiversity targets that countries
(More...)
Australian Firefighters Pose With Adorable Rescued Animals for Sizzling Wildlife Charity Calendar
Sat, 7 Nov 2020 06:36:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/australian-firefighters-animal-charity-calendar-2021/>
"Turning up the heat for 2021, six new calendars depict brave—and
incredibly handsome—Australian firefighters posing with some of the most
adorable animals their country has to offer.
(More...)
A litany of losses: a new project maps our abandoned arts events of 2020
Sat, 7 Nov 2020 06:45:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-litany-of-losses-a-new-project-maps-our-abandoned-arts-events-of-2020-148716>
"There was a time when artists imagined and planned work for 2020. For
some, years had gone into the planning. But, as we know, everything
scheduled from the middle of March had to be cancelled. Some events may
(More...)
The other big event happening in the first week of November
Sat, 7 Nov 2020 06:49:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thebulletin.org/2020/10/the-other-big-event-happening-in-the-first-week-of-november/>
"An important date is coming up. On November 4, the day after the
election, the United States will earn a dubious distinction: It will
become the only country in the world to formally exit the Paris
(More...)
Protecting nature is vital to escape 'era of pandemics’ – report
Sat, 7 Nov 2020 06:51:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/29/protecting-nature-vital-pandemics-report-outbreaks-wild>
"The world is in an “era of pandemics” and unless the destruction of the
natural world is halted they will emerge more often, spread more
rapidly, kill more people and affect the global economy with more
(More...)
Cuts to humanities departments are cuts to our ability to reason
Sun, 8 Nov 2020 06:30:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theage.com.au/national/cuts-to-humanities-departments-are-cuts-to-our-ability-to-reason-20201022-p567hb.html>
"When you diminish humanities departments, you fracture and destabilise
an apparatus that fosters and supports thinking – analytical, creative,
imaginative, productive, progressive thinking.
(More...)
The Parallel Universe of Peace
Sun, 8 Nov 2020 06:32:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/29/parallel-universe-peace
"We can start a nuclear war in five minutes, faster than we can order a
pizza. But it took the world 72 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki to
officially declare nukes illegal (for some), and another three years to
(More...)
UN report says up to 850,000 animal viruses could be caught by humans, unless we protect nature
Sun, 8 Nov 2020 06:35:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/un-report-says-up-to-850-000-animal-viruses-could-be-caught-by-humans-unless-we-protect-nature-148911>
"Human damage to biodiversity is leading us into a pandemic era. The
virus that causes COVID-19, for example, is linked to similar viruses in
bats, which may have been passed to humans via pangolins or another species.
(More...)
Cheaper to prevent pandemics than 'cure' them
Sun, 8 Nov 2020 06:37:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54721687
"The world needs a new approach to prevent future pandemics killing
millions more victims, a report says.
(More...)
An Engineering Argument for Basic Income
Mon, 9 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://scottsantens.com/engineering-argument-for-unconditional-universal-basic-income-ubi-fault-tolerance-graceful-failure-redundancy>
"We have engineered a life support system without fault tolerance, and
we did it because engineers didn't design the system. Politicians did.
Special interests did. And it's built on antiquated job-centric moralism
(More...)
Things fall apart in the United States — and Canada takes a hard look in the mirror
Mon, 9 Nov 2020 05:01:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/united-states-trump-biden-democracy-canada-1.5783716>
"The United States has offered the world a demonstration of how things
can fall apart — not in one cataclysmic moment, but slowly and steadily
over a long period of time as institutions and ideas erode and crumble.
(More...)
Net zero: what if Australia misses the moment on climate action?
Mon, 9 Nov 2020 05:06:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/31/net-zero-what-if-australia-misses-the-moment-on-climate-action>
"For a national leader who had just been told up to $80bn in fossil fuel
export industries were on the chopping block, Scott Morrison seemed
remarkably sanguine.
(More...)
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: 2020 Winners
Mon, 9 Nov 2020 05:09:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/gallery/comedy-widlife-2020-competition-winners.php>
"Mark’s image of Terry the Turtle, the first time an underwater image
has won this competition, will quite possibly need something more than a
PG certificate, but for many of the public, the judges, and from the
(More...)
The Milton Friedman Doctrine Is Wrong. Here’s How to Rethink the Corporation.
Tue, 10 Nov 2020 04:43:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://evonomics.com/milton-friedman-doctrine-wrong-heres-rethink-corporation/>
"The problem isn’t that the political system doesn’t want to deal with
excessive CEO pay. There have been any number of formal efforts to rein
in executive pay, involving a host of direct regulation and tax changes.
(More...)
It Pays to Be Kind. People Live Longer in Societies That Share More Across Generations
Tue, 10 Nov 2020 04:45:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/people-live-longer-in-societies-that-share-more-across-generations/>
"Our natural inclination to help others in need runs extremely deep
within our mammalian heritage - there's many examples of altruism in
primates and it's even been demonstrated in mice.
(More...)
15 recent sci-fi books that forever shaped the genre
Tue, 10 Nov 2020 04:47:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.polygon.com/21516173/best-new-science-fiction-books-scifi-last-15-years>
"The last 15 years have provided plenty of fodder for science fiction
authors, and looking back, it’s clear that science fiction is in a
period of transition: there are more people writing stories than ever
(More...)
Billboards doubling as disinfection terminals for phones
Tue, 10 Nov 2020 04:48:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://technologydecisions.com.au/content/it-management/news/billboards-doubling-as-disinfection-terminals-for-phones-588780463>
"Nordic health company Terveystalo has turned billboards into
disinfectant terminals, to clean phones in 15 seconds with UVC light.
Located in Helsinki and Turku in southern Finland, the billboards
(More...)
Madis - Cracow Sunset (Live Performance on The Vistula River)
Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:18:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuaRhpLZrcI
"If you plan to visit Cracow and you would like to admire the beautiful
views of Cracow and Wawel Castle from the deck of this boat, be sure to
check: <
https://rejsy.krakow.pl/>"
(More...)
The Redemption of Rosa Bonheur
Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:19:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/redemption-rosa-bonheur-french-artist-180976027/>
"She was an international superstar. And then she was ignored. Now one
family is working fervently to restore the forgotten artist to greatness"
(More...)
Raspberry Pi 400 is a $70 personal Pi computer built into a keyboard
Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:21:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.xda-developers.com/raspberry-pi-400-personal-computer-keyboard/>
"The folks over Raspberry Pi Foundation have introduced yet another
product. The Raspberry Pi 400 is a unique device, especially for the
ones who love minimalism. It is an ARM-based PC built right into a
(More...)
Djab Wurrung Protectors Fund
Thu, 12 Nov 2020 04:55:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://chuffed.org/project/djab-wurrung-protectors-fund
"
Djab Wurrung Sacred Trees and Songline Landscape need protecting.
The Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy is protecting Sacred
(More...)
The BBC is releasing over 16,000 sound effects for free download
Thu, 12 Nov 2020 04:57:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://happymag.tv/bbc-sound-effects-archive/
"The BBC have opened up their insane archive of over 16,000 sound
effects, which you can now download in WAV format free of charge.
(More...)
Endangered sea turtle rebounding thanks to COVID-19 and indigenous peoples
Thu, 12 Nov 2020 04:59:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://boingboing.net/2020/11/04/endangered-sea-turtle-rebounding-thanks-to-covid-19-and-indigenous-peoples.html>
"To an environmental degree the Earth has benefited from the lack of
humans traveling all over it due to COVID-19 lock downs. The olive
ridley sea turtle is one of those beneficiaries. Regarded by the WWF the
(More...)
Here Comes The Sun on a Kalimba
Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:16:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4we73GHH9k
Via Muse, who wrote "This qualifies as KEWT!!!"
(More...)
This Page Is All About Sharing Cases Of “Mild Vandalism” And Here Are The 50 Best Pics
Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:17:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.boredpanda.com/mildly-vandalized/
"If you often find yourself in the middle of a flaming desire to rage
against the machine and respect for authority, don't worry. There's
nothing wrong with you. Duality is an integral part of human nature.
(More...)
Climate heroes: the countries pioneering a green future
Sat, 14 Nov 2020 06:07:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/11/climate-heroes-the-countries-pioneering-a-green-future>
"While the world must wait to see whether US president-elect Joe Biden
can fulfil his election promise of a $2tn Green New Deal, nations
elsewhere in the world are setting carbon-neutral targets and pushing
(More...)
'Buddha would be green': Dalai Lama calls for urgent climate action
Sat, 14 Nov 2020 06:08:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/11/buddha-would-be-green-dalai-lama-calls-for-urgent-climate-action>
"The Dalai Lama has appealed to world leaders to take urgent action
against climate change, warning of ecological destruction affecting the
lives of billions and ruining the planet, including his birth country,
(More...)
Almost half of thermal coal firms set to defy climate pledge – report
Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:05:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/12/thermal-coal-firms-climate-pledge-report-paris-goals>
"Almost half the companies involved in the thermal coal industry are
expected to defy global climate commitments by deepening their coal
interests in the coming years, according to a report.
(More...)
Beijing gives up on even the pretense of allowing opposition in Hong Kong
Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:07:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/11/asia/hong-kong-legco-china-npc-intl-hnk/index.html>
"Hong Kong (CNN) — For more than two decades, Hong Kong has been the
freest city in China, a status symbolized by two things: regular street
protests, and elections to the city's legislature.
(More...)
Despite RIAA's Claim That YouTube-dl Is Infringing, Journalists Use It All The Time
Mon, 16 Nov 2020 04:56:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20201111/09520645685/despite-riaas-claim-that-youtube-dl-is-infringing-journalists-use-it-all-time.shtml>
"The popular free software project “YouTube-dl” was removed from GitHub
following a legal notice from the Recording Industry Association of
America claiming it violates U.S. copyright law. According to the RIAA,
(More...)
Hot Tub (the first track on our album!!!) - Pomplamoose
Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:05:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YdQ6O7MJ30
"An original song by Pomplamoose."
I love the space helmets!
(More...)
Happy 20th Birthday To 'No One Lives Forever', The Classic PC Game That Can't Be Sold Today Thanks To IP
Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:02:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20201111/10541245687/happy-20th-birthday-to-no-one-lives-forever-classic-pc-game-that-cant-be-sold-today-thanks-to-ip.shtml>
"Legal gridlock is being extremely kind. Why you cannot buy this game is
one of the most frustrating stories in intellectual property. We
discussed much of this back in 2015. Nightdive Studios is a company that
(More...)
‘Not defensible, not debatable’: Charlotte Wood makes impassioned plea for Australian writers
Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:04:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/nov/13/not-defensible-not-debatable-charlotte-wood-makes-impassioned-plea-for-australian-writers>
"“Covid is destroying the lives of writers in many ways – through the
loss of their day jobs in lots of cases, but also by obliterating three
major income streams for writers outside their books: public speaking,
(More...)
Split decision: Telstra’s carve-up plan comes 23 years too late for competition and customers
Wed, 18 Nov 2020 05:42:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/split-decision-telstras-carve-up-plan-comes-23-years-too-late-for-competition-and-customers-149991>
"Telstra’s plan to split into three entities is the most radical
shake-up of Australia’s largest telecommunications company since the
Howard government began privatising it in 1997.
(More...)
State of the climate: five big issues from the report that will affect every Australian
Wed, 18 Nov 2020 05:44:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Jerry Lawson revolutionized video gaming from his Silicon Valley garage. Then the world forgot him
Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:45:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sfchronicle.com/culture/article/Jerry-Lawson-revolutionized-video-gaming-from-his-15726001.php>
"Through his own research, he discovered that ham radio stations
transmitted out of federal housing projects didn’t need the permission
of management to set up their own broadcast hubs — a fortuitous
(More...)
'It’s a game-changer': Victoria commits $5.3bn to 12,000 social housing homes
Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:52:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/15/its-a-game-changer-victoria-commits-53bn-to-12000-social-housing-homes>
"The Victorian government has committed $5.3bn towards building 12,000
social housing homes throughout Melbourne and regional areas.
(More...)
‘Hypocrites and greenwash’: Greta Thunberg blasts leaders over climate crisis
Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:50:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/09/hypocrites-and-greenwash-greta-thunberg-climate-crisis>
"Greta Thunberg has blasted politicians as hypocrites and international
climate summits as empty words and greenwash. Until humanity admits it
has failed to tackle the climate crisis and begins treating it as an
(More...)
The harm JobMaker will do to women and older workers far outweighs any benefits
Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:54:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/11/15/jobmakers-dangerous-good-intentions/>
"The Morrison government’s JobMaker hiring-subsidy scheme has passed the
Parliament – rushed through after its measures aimed at getting
unemployed Australians under 35 back into work were subjected to a very
(More...)
400,000 women over 45 are at risk of homelessness in Australia
Sat, 21 Nov 2020 05:47:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/400-000-women-over-45-are-at-risk-of-homelessness-in-australia-142906>
"Older women have been recognised as the fastest-growing group of
homeless people in Australia in recent years. Yet until now we have not
known exactly how many older women are at risk of homelessness. Our
(More...)
Global treaty to tackle plastic pollution gains steam without US and UK
Sat, 21 Nov 2020 05:49:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/16/us-and-uk-yet-to-show-support-for-global-treaty-to-tackle-plastic-pollution>
"Support is growing internationally for a new global treaty to tackle
the plastic pollution crisis, it has emerged, though so far without the
two biggest per capita waste producers – the US and the UK – which have
(More...)
Does reading fiction make us better people?
Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:40:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190523-does-reading-fiction-make-us-better-people>
"Every day more than 1.8 million books are sold in the US and another
half a million books are sold in the UK. Despite all the other easy
distractions available to us today, there’s no doubt that many people
(More...)
To Boldly Go Where No Internet Protocol Has Gone Before
Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:42:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.quantamagazine.org/vint-cerfs-plan-for-building-an-internet-in-space-20201021/>
"Space exploration is hard, not least because of how difficult it is to
communicate. Astronauts need to talk to mission control, ideally by
video communication, and space vehicles need to send back data they
(More...)
Cuba’s Heroic COVID Response Medical Teams Deserve Nobel Peace Prize
Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:44:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/16/cubas-heroic-covid-response-medical-teams-deserve-nobel-peace-prize>
"WASHINGTON - When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Cuba responded to emergency
requests for trained medical personnel by sending 53 health teams to 39
countries on four continents. The health teams were able to assist
(More...)
Harlan Ellison's The Last Dangerous Visions may finally be published, after five-decade wait
Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:26:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/16/harlan-ellison-the-last-dangerous-visions-anthology-may-be-published>
"It is the great white whale of science fiction: an anthology of stories
by some of the genre’s greatest names, collected in the early 1970s by
Harlan Ellison yet mysteriously never published. But almost 50 years
(More...)
Ships moved more than 11 billion tonnes of our stuff around the globe last year, and it’s killing the climate. This week is a chance to change
Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:26:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/ships-moved-more-than-11-billion-tonnes-of-our-stuff-around-the-globe-last-year-and-its-killing-the-climate-this-week-is-a-chance-to-change-150078>
"The shipping of goods around the world keeps economies going. But it
comes at an enormous environmental cost – producing more CO₂ than the
aviation industry. This problem should be getting urgent international
(More...)
Greenland is melting: we need to worry about what’s happening on the largest island in the world
Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:05:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/greenland-is-melting-we-need-to-worry-about-whats-happening-on-the-largest-island-in-the-world-150261>
"Greenland is the largest island in the world and on it rests the
largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere. If all that ice melted, the
sea would rise by more than 7 metres.
(More...)
'If you make China the enemy, China will be the enemy': Beijing's fresh threat to Australia
Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:07:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/if-you-make-china-the-enemy-china-will-be-the-enemy-beijing-s-fresh-threat-to-australia-20201118-p56fqs.html>
'Beijing has issued an extraordinary attack on the Australian
government, accusing it of "poisoning bilateral relations" in a
deliberately leaked document that threatens to escalate tensions between
(More...)
Childline reminds kids that nobody is normal, with help from Radiohead
Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:48:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/childline-reminds-kids-nobody-normal-help-radiohead/1699382>
"NSPCC children-support service Childline is showing that everyone is
different, and therefore no-one is “normal”, in a campaign launching
today (9 November).
(More...)
China’s Belt and Road mega-plan may devastate the world’s oceans, or help save them
Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:49:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/chinas-belt-and-road-mega-plan-may-devastate-the-worlds-oceans-or-help-save-them-150176>
"China’s signature foreign policy, the Belt and Road initiative, has
garnered much attention and controversy. Many have voiced fears about
how the huge infrastructure project might expand China’s military and
(More...)
Legendary Arecibo telescope will close forever — scientists are reeling
Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:50:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03270-9
"One of astronomy’s most renowned telescopes — the 305-metre-wide radio
telescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico — is closing permanently. Engineers
cannot find a safe way to repair it after two cables supporting the
(More...)
IBM Apologizes For Firing Computer Pioneer For Being Transgender...52 Years Later
Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:19:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremyalicandri/2020/11/18/ibm-apologizes-for-firing-computer-pioneer/?sh=6c1a29dd67d5>
"You’ve likely never heard of 82-year-old computer scientist Lynn
Conway, but her discoveries power your smartphones and computers. Her
research led to successful startups in Silicon Valley, supported
(More...)
The literary life of Octavia E. Butler
Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:22:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-libraries-octavia-butler-books-life/>
"
How local libraries shaped a sci-fi legend
In one of the most turbulent years in recent memory, readers are turning
(More...)
Friday essay: how many climate crisis books will it take to save the planet?
Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:23:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-how-many-climate-crisis-books-will-it-take-to-save-the-planet-149529>
"The incoming tide of new books makes me reflect and wonder whether
writing still more books about climate change is a waste of precious
time. When the UN is calling for governments to act to achieve carbon
(More...)
Electric Ferrari - time to give classic cars a new lease of life? | 100% Independent, 100% Electric
Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:03:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGGypnauxE
"This might look like a classic red Ferrari 308 GTS but it has one
little secret - its 100% electric.
(More...)
Iconic Puerto Rico telescope to be dismantled amid collapse fears
Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:04:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-55008567
"The iconic Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico is to be dismantled
amid safety fears, officials have announced.
(More...)
The bee population is dying. Researchers have created the first global map of the species to save them
Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:06:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/19/world/first-global-map-bee-species-scn-trnd/index.html>
"(CNN) More than 20,000 species of bee exist throughout the world — and
they are dying, thanks to climate change, pesticide poisoning and plant
loss.
(More...)
Set the elephants free
Sat, 28 Nov 2020 05:36:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/set-the-elephants-free/
"Humans and elephants have shared environments for thousands of years,
but what might surprise readers is that a quarter of the world’s Asian
elephants live in captivity.
(More...)
A destructive legacy: Trump bids for final hack at environmental protections
Sat, 28 Nov 2020 05:38:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/21/trump-environmental-protections-rollback-climate-crisis>
"Donald Trump is using the dying embers of his US presidency to hastily
push through a procession of environmental protection rollbacks that
critics claim will cement his legacy as an unusually destructive force
(More...)
“Shameful”: Victoria follows South Australia and imposes electric car road tax
Sat, 28 Nov 2020 05:40:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2020/11/21/shameful-victoria-follows-south-australia-and-imposes-electric-car-road-tax/>
"The Victorian Labor government has followed the example of the South
Australia Liberal government and announced the imposition of an electric
vehicle road tax from July next year.
(More...)
This Is Neoliberalism
Sun, 29 Nov 2020 06:11:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
‘Pandemics Come in Predictable Cycles. If I’m the Smartest Guy in the Room, We’re in Big Trouble’
Sun, 29 Nov 2020 06:13:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/max-brooks-pandemics-come-in-predictable-cycles-if-i-m-the-smartest-guy-in-the-room-we-re-in-big>
"
World War Z author, Max Brooks, talks about how science fiction
turned him into a disaster expert, Donald Trump, and growing up with
parents Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft."
(More...)
Australia's delivery deaths: the riders who never made it and the families left behind
Sun, 29 Nov 2020 06:15:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Aquatic robots can remove contaminant particles from water
Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:47:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200810103314.htm
"Corals in the Ocean are made up of coral polyps, a small soft creature
with a stem and tentacles, they are responsible for nourishing the
corals, and aid the coral's survival by generating self-made currents
(More...)
Noor Inayat Khan: The forgotten Muslim princess who fought Nazis
Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:49:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2020/10/28/noor-inayat-khan
"She spied for Britain during World War II and was eventually caught and
killed by the Nazis, but Noor Inayat Khan, a descendant of Tipu Sultan –
an 18th-century Muslim ruler of Mysore state – remained in near
(More...)
New York’s Own “Pizza Rat” on Making Performance Art Accessible
Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:51:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hyperallergic.com/602315/new-yorks-own-pizza-rat-on-making-performance-art-accessible/>
"The internet is squeaking with delight this week at a 23-second-long
clip of a figure in a rat costume, complete with a long tail, whiskers,
and mousy gray suit, dragging a life-sized pizza slice up the stairs in
(More...)
A surfing CAT!!!
Tue, 1 Dec 2020 06:01:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Sarah Cooper: ‘Trump has bigger fish to fry than me’
Tue, 1 Dec 2020 06:03:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/nov/22/sarah-cooper-comedian-trump-politics-netflix-bigger-fish-to-fry>
"Lockdown videos of Sarah Cooper lip-syncing Donald Trump made her a
Twitter sensation. Now the comedian is working with the likes of Helen
Mirren and Whoopi Goldberg. She reveals how she ditched Silicon Valley
(More...)
Humans are changing fire patterns, and it’s threatening 4,403 species with extinction
Tue, 1 Dec 2020 06:04:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/humans-are-changing-fire-patterns-and-its-threatening-4-403-species-with-extinction-150532>
"Last summer, many Australians were shocked to see fires sweep through
the wet tropical rainforests of Queensland, where large and severe fires
are almost unheard of. This is just one example of how human activities
(More...)
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