Glass Wings Blog: December 2020
Researchers hacked a robotic vacuum cleaner to record speech and music remotely
Wed, 2 Dec 2020 04:42:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://techxplore.com/news/2020-11-hacked-robotic-vacuum-cleaner-speech.html>
"A team of researchers demonstrated that popular robotic household
vacuum cleaners can be remotely hacked to act as microphones.
(More...)
The outlook for older women in Australia is dire – but no one seems to care
Wed, 2 Dec 2020 04:43:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/23/the-outlook-for-older-women-in-australia-is-dire-but-no-one-seem-to-care>
"Prior to Covid, women over 55 were already the fastest growing group
among the homeless. Research released in August estimated that 400,000
women over the age of 45 currently face this fate. Women who are in the
(More...)
Berlin’s Second-Hand Craze Is Turning It into a ‘Zero-Waste City’
Wed, 2 Dec 2020 04:44:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/berlin-second-hand-used-goods-karstadt/>
"Kebab stands. Hairdressers. Shisha bars. Cell phone stores. Berlin’s
Hermannplatz is a riot of commerce at the junction of two districts,
Kreuzberg and Neukölln. The backdrop to it all is the mighty Karstadt
(More...)
Cancelling Bismarck
Thu, 3 Dec 2020 05:51:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://insidestory.org.au/cancelling-bismarck-neumann/
"Demands to engage critically with Hamburg’s colonial past go back a
long way. In 1967, and again in 1968, student protesters toppled a
bronze statue of Hermann von Wissmann, a former commander of German
(More...)
Booting from a vinyl record
Thu, 3 Dec 2020 05:53:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://boginjr.com/it/sw/dev/vinyl-boot/
"Most PCs tend to boot from a primary media storage, be it a hard disk
drive, or a solid-state drive, perhaps from a network, or – if all else
fails – the USB stick or the boot DVD comes to the rescue… Fun, eh?
(More...)
China Disappeared My Professor. It Can’t Silence His Poetry.
Thu, 3 Dec 2020 05:54:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/opinion/uighur-poetry-xinjiang-china.html>
"I last saw my old professor Abduqadir Jalalidin at his Urumqi apartment
in late 2016. Over home-pulled laghman noodles and a couple of bottles
of Chinese liquor, we talked and laughed about everything from Uighur
(More...)
Mixtape for the Milky Way - Video Games
Fri, 4 Dec 2020 04:53:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://vimeo.com/481734387
"Lyrics:
when i was young i played video games
castles and dungeons and damsels to save
(More...)
No evidence that increased unemployment benefits act as disincentive for job seekers, economists say
Fri, 4 Dec 2020 04:54:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/25/no-evidence-that-increased-unemployment-benefits-act-as-disincentive-for-job-seekers-economists-say>
"There is “no evidence” the coronavirus supplement stopped jobseekers
looking for work and even a “substantial increase” in unemployment
benefits would not provide a disincentive to take a job.
(More...)
How a catastrophic global pandemic has given Australia a new lens on New Zealand
Fri, 4 Dec 2020 04:57:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-28/what-australia-can-learn-from-new-zealand/12922956>
"Much of the recent looking has been driven by a fascination with
Ardern, particularly admiration for her empathetic leadership in the
wake of the Christchurch massacre, the White Island volcano eruption and
(More...)
The Danger Of Ron & Hermione's Relationship
Sat, 5 Dec 2020 05:59:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bustle.com/articles/198364-ron-hermiones-relationship-in-harry-potter-wasnt-just-disappointing-but-dangerous>
"As a child of the '90s, I learned a lot from Harry Potter 's Hermione
Granger that I will forever hold close to my heart. From her, I learned
to be unapologetic about my knowledge and confident in my opinions. I
(More...)
Intelligence Project Poll on Extremism Shows Divide in How Americans Understand Racism, Reveals Deep Unpopularity of Paramilitary Groups
Sat, 5 Dec 2020 06:05:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/11/23/intelligence-project-poll-extremism-shows-divide-how-americans-understand-racism-reveals>
"A national survey of 1,500 adults fielded by the Intelligence Project
and Tulchin Research revealed that Americans understand white supremacy
and other forms of racism as a threat to our society, but still struggle
(More...)
‘They’ve been following the science’: How the Covid-19 pandemic has been curtailed in Cherokee Nation
Sun, 6 Dec 2020 05:29:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/17/how-covid19-has-been-curtailed-in-cherokee-nation/>
"While the United States flounders in its response to the coronavirus,
another nation — one within our own borders — is faring much better.
(More...)
Debra White Plume, Defender of Her Tribe, Is Dead at 66
Sun, 6 Dec 2020 05:31:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/27/us/debra-white-dead.html
"Debra White Plume, a prominent Native American activist who faced down
police bullets, uranium mining companies and oil pipeline projects in
trying to protect the traditional Oglala Lakota way of life, died on
(More...)
Victoria just gave 2 billion litres of water back to Indigenous people. Here’s what that means for the rest of Australia
Sun, 6 Dec 2020 05:36:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/victoria-just-gave-2-billion-litres-of-water-back-to-indigenous-people-heres-what-that-means-for-the-rest-of-australia-150674>
"For the first time in Victoria’s history, the state government has
handed back water to traditional owners, giving them rights to a river
system they have managed sustainably for thousands of years.
(More...)
An ‘Electrifying’ Economist’s Guide to the Recovery
Mon, 7 Dec 2020 05:18:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/us/economist-covid-recovery-mariana-mazzucato.html>
"Mariana Mazzucato, a professor who has the ears of world leaders and
chief executives, envisions a post-pandemic world that redefines what is
valued."
(More...)
Legendary Science Fiction Author Ben Bova Has Passed at the Age of 88
Mon, 7 Dec 2020 05:20:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.tor.com/2020/11/30/legendary-science-fiction-author-ben-bova-has-passed-at-the-age-of-88/>
"Scientist, Hugo Award winner, and prolific science fiction author and
editor Ben Bova passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of
88, Tor.com is able to confirm. The author of more than one hundred
(More...)
Star Trek: Discovery stars share their exploits and lessons from playing Dungeons & Dragons together
Mon, 7 Dec 2020 05:21:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/dungeons-and-dragons-5e/feature/star-trek-discovery-cast-dnd>
"Blu del Barrio simply wanted to find a way the cast of
Star Trek:
Discovery could spend time together, again.
(More...)
What’s behind China’s bullying of Australia? It sees a soft target — and an essential one
Tue, 8 Dec 2020 05:40:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/whats-behind-chinas-bullying-of-australia-it-sees-a-soft-target-and-an-essential-one-151273>
"As the diplomatic fallout continues over the digitally altered war
crimes tweet sent by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian,
earlier this week, it’s important to note this inflammatory and
(More...)
‘Severely threatened and deteriorating’: global authority on nature lists the Great Barrier Reef as critical
Tue, 8 Dec 2020 05:42:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/severely-threatened-and-deteriorating-global-authority-on-nature-lists-the-great-barrier-reef-as-critical-151275>
"The Great Barrier Reef is now in “critical” condition and the health of
four other Australian World Heritage properties has worsened, according
to a sobering report just released by the International Union for
(More...)
This Japanese Shop Is 1,020 Years Old. It Knows a Bit About Surviving Crises.
Tue, 8 Dec 2020 05:43:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/business/japan-old-companies.html
"KYOTO, Japan — Naomi Hasegawa’s family sells toasted mochi out of a
small, cedar-timbered shop next to a rambling old shrine in Kyoto. The
family started the business to provide refreshments to weary travelers
(More...)
Five Black British figures history forgets
Wed, 9 Dec 2020 05:51:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2020/12/2/five-black-british-figures-history-forgets>
"London, United Kingdom – Amid a global uprising against racism, there
has been increased interest in learning about figures in history that
are often ignored in school curricula across the world. Many of these
(More...)
Covid crisis offers a chance to act on climate, report says
Wed, 9 Dec 2020 05:52:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/02/covid-pandemic-offers-chance-to-act-on-climate-report-says>
"The devastation caused by Covid-19 presents an opportunity for
countries to rebuild their economies in a way that is environmentally
responsible, researchers say.
(More...)
Auditors slam EU for 'marine protected areas' that fail to protect ocean
Wed, 9 Dec 2020 05:54:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/03/auditors-slam-eu-for-marine-protected-areas-that-fail-to-protect-ocean>
"Europe’s marine protected areas (MPAs), set up to prevent biodiversity
loss at sea, are failing to protect the oceans according to an
excoriating report from auditors.
(More...)
Meet TIME's First-Ever Kid of the Year
Thu, 10 Dec 2020 05:39:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://time.com/5916772/kid-of-the-year-2020/
"Kid of the Year: Gitanjali Rao, 15
“Observe, brainstorm, research, build and communicate.” That is what the
(More...)
Eliminating most homelessness is achievable. It starts with prevention and ‘housing first’
Thu, 10 Dec 2020 05:40:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/eliminating-most-homelessness-is-achievable-it-starts-with-prevention-and-housing-first-151182>
"The causes of homelessness are complex. The sterotype is that it
involves mental illness and substance addiction. But the more common
denominators are poverty, unemployment and a lack of affordable adequate
(More...)
Climate change is resulting in profound, immediate and worsening health impacts, over 120 researchers say
Thu, 10 Dec 2020 05:41:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-resulting-in-profound-immediate-and-worsening-health-impacts-over-120-researchers-say-151027>
"Climate change is resulting in profound, immediate and worsening health
impacts, and no country is immune, a major new report from more than 120
researchers has declared.
(More...)
FOSS wins again: Free and Open Source Communities comes through on 19th Century Newspapers (and Books and Periodicals…)
Fri, 11 Dec 2020 06:16:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://blog.archive.org/2020/11/23/foss-wins-again-free-and-open-source-communities-comes-through-on-19th-century-newspapers-and-books-and-periodicals/>
"I have never been more encouraged and thankful to Free and Open Source
communities. Three months ago I posted a request for help with OCR’ing
and processing 19th Century Newspapers and we got soooo many offers to
(More...)
Spring Heats Up Down Under
Fri, 11 Dec 2020 06:17:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/147619/spring-heats-up-down-under>
"Australia has experienced its warmest spring on record, hitting a mean
temperature of 24.53°C (76.15°F), which was 2.03°C above the long-term
average. The season began with record warm daily maximum and minimum
(More...)
16 Authentic Portraits Of Native Americans Posing In Traditional Regalia
Fri, 11 Dec 2020 06:19:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.boredpanda.com/portrait-photography-of-native-americans-craig-varjabedian/>
"Photographer Craig Varjabedian is working with indigenous people around
New Mexico to celebrate their past and their culture with the Native
Light Photo Collaboration Project.
(More...)
Graphic novels help teens learn about racism, climate change and social justice – here’s a reading list
Sat, 12 Dec 2020 05:28:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/graphic-novels-help-teens-learn-about-racism-climate-change-and-social-justice-heres-a-reading-list-131442>
"Teen activists worldwide are making headlines for their social justice
advocacy on everything from climate change and immigration to substance
abuse and LGBTQ issues. As young people get more vocal about these
(More...)
How to put an electric car on your driveway for as little as £900
Sat, 12 Dec 2020 05:29:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/how-put-electric-car-your-driveway-little-%C2%A3900>
"Many of us will be looking nervously at the clock counting down to
2030, and the government’s proposed ban on the sale of new petrol or
diesel cars. How much will an electric car cost? £20,000? £30,000? How
(More...)
How Melbourne eradicated Covid-19
Sat, 12 Dec 2020 05:32:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/2020/12/4/22151242/melbourne-victoria-australia-covid-19-cases-lockdown>
"In July and August, the Australian state of Victoria was going through
a second Covid-19 wave. Local leaders set an improbable goal in the face
of that challenge. They didn’t want to just get their Covid-19 numbers
(More...)
‘It’s a Miracle’: Helsinki’s Radical Solution to Homelessness
Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:00:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/it-s-a-miracle-helsinki-s-radical-solution-to-homelessness>
"Housing First costs money, of course: Finland has spent €250m creating
new homes and hiring 300 extra support workers. But a recent study
showed the savings in emergency healthcare, social services and the
(More...)
Diversifying Your Classroom Book Collections? Avoid these 7 Pitfalls
Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:01:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/57026/diversifying-your-classroom-book-collections-avoid-these-7-pitfalls>
"As protests against racial injustice spread to communities large and
small in this year, many educators have been pushed to examine how
systemic racism harms students. Some have publicly proclaimed the steps
(More...)
Storms that slammed Central America in 2020 just a preview, climate change experts say
Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:03:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-hurricanes-idUSKBN28D2V6>
"HAVANA/GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - Villagers in Guatemala’s Mayan
hillside hamlet Sanimtaca had been about to harvest their cardamom crops
that take three years to grow when waves of floodwater triggered by two
(More...)
When Ships Are Abandoned, Stuck Sailors Struggle to Get By—and Get Paid
Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:28:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sailors-on-abandoned-ships
"When Captain Alexander Ovchinnikov took over command of the ship
Gobustan in Istanbul, the term “COVID-19” hadn’t been coined yet,
“quarantine” was the stuff of apocalyptic science fiction, and few
(More...)
Lynx Climbs up to Have a Look at Human || ViralHog
Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:29:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl_UKDq-C0M
"I am a logger from Alberta, Canada. I was stopped on the road with my
skidder and looked back and to my great surprise, there was a Lynx
standing by the tire on my machine. I quickly climbed on the roof and
(More...)
'It always hits me hard': how a haunting album helped save the whales
Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:30:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/06/the-songs-that-saved-the-whales>
"Fifty years ago an album of whale calls became an unlikely global hit
and kickstarted the ban on hunting. On the anniversary our writer talks
to the US scientist who started it all"
(More...)
I will never get to go to Hong Kong
Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:44:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/i-will-never-get-to-go-to-hong-kong
"In October 2019, I went to Hong Kong for the first time. I had two
reasons for going: First, because I had never seen the city, and it was
one of Earth’s great legendary metropolises. Second, because Hong Kong
(More...)
We read the paper that forced Timnit Gebru out of Google. Here’s what it says.
Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:46:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/12/04/1013294/google-ai-ethics-research-paper-forced-out-timnit-gebru/>
"Many details of the exact sequence of events that led up to Gebru’s
departure are not yet clear; both she and Google have declined to
comment beyond their posts on social media. But MIT Technology Review
(More...)
Stranded at sea: the humanitarian crisis that’s left 400,000 seafarers stuck on cargo ships
Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:47:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Folding electric scooter can be carried in the hand or in a backpack
Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:45:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://newatlas.com/urban-transport/boozter-electric-scooter/
"Micro-mobility startup WheelKinetic has launched a squat little
electric scooter called the BooZter which folds down to a portable
package that can be carried by hand or thrown in a backpack.
(More...)
In rare show of solidarity, 14 key nations commit to protect oceans
Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:46:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/environment-and-conservation/2020/12/in-rare-show-of-solidarity-14-key-nations-commit-to-protect>
"When the heads of state of 14 nations sat down together in late 2018 to
discuss the grim condition of the world’s oceans, there was no certainty
that anything consequential would result. The leaders planned 14
(More...)
Numbats at brink of extinction, not seen in NSW wild for more than 100 years, hang on with pest fence
Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:47:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-07/saving-numbats-from-brink-of-global-extinction/12951644>
"Numbats have not been seen in the New South Wales wild for more than a
century and globally they are rarer than the black rhino, their
near-extinction caused by feral predators such as foxes and feral cats.
(More...)
Max Richter - Voices | Full Album
Thu, 17 Dec 2020 04:27:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNjz6JrA1Co
Via Muse, who wrote "On my way to pick up my glasses this new piece of
music by Max Richter began to play on ABC Classic FM. I ended up having
to pull off the road in order to blubber. The music celebrates the
(More...)
Deep-sea ‘gold rush’: secretive plans to carve up the seabed decried
Thu, 17 Dec 2020 04:28:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/09/secretive-gold-rush-for-deep-sea-mining-dominated-by-handful-of-firms>
"Private mining firms and arms companies are exerting a hidden and
unhealthy influence on the fate of the deep-sea bed, according to a new
report highlighting the threats facing the world’s biggest intact ecosystem.
(More...)
Human-made materials now outweigh Earth's entire biomass – study
Thu, 17 Dec 2020 04:29:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/09/human-made-materials-now-outweigh-earths-entire-biomass-study>
"The giant human footprint stamped across the world in 2020 is greater
than the impact on the planet of all other living things, research suggests.
(More...)
How Architecture Could Help Us Adapt to the Pandemic
Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:51:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/09/magazine/architecture-covid.html>
"When the coronavirus crisis prompted Yale to move classes online,
Sanders’s first thought was: “How do you make the content of your class
seem relevant during a global pandemic? Why should we be talking about
(More...)
The future for general-purpose computing
Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:52:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://lwn.net/Articles/839397/
"There can be no doubt that general-purpose computing has been a boon to
the world. The ability to run different kinds of programs, from various
sources, including bought from companies, written from scratch, and,
(More...)
“A damn stupid thing to do”—the origins of C
Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:53:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/features/2020/12/a-damn-stupid-thing-to-do-the-origins-of-c/>
"In one form or another, C has influenced the shape of almost every
programming language developed since the 1980s. Some languages like C++,
C#, and objective C are intended to be direct successors to the
(More...)
San Francisco 1945
Sat, 19 Dec 2020 04:59:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://webtv.un.org/watch/san-francisco-1945/4018283569001/
"Documentary about the founding of the United Nations Organization and
the San Francisco Conference in 1945."
(More...)
analog audio tape cassette nostalgia
Sat, 19 Dec 2020 05:02:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.tapedeck.org/
"Tapedeck.org is a project of neckcns.com, built to showcase the amazing
beauty and (sometimes) weirdness found in the designs of the common
audio tape cassette. There's an amazing range of designs, starting from
(More...)
Pando, One of the World’s Largest Organisms, Is Dying
Sat, 19 Dec 2020 05:03:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/pano-one-worlds-largest-organisms-dying-180970579/>
"Sweeping across 107 acres of Utah’s Fishlake National Forest is one of
the world’s largest organisms: a forest of some 47,000 genetically
identical quaking aspen trees, which all stem from a single root system.
(More...)
What’s the Value of Hackable Hardware, Anyway?
Sun, 20 Dec 2020 05:06:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.crowdsupply.com/sutajio-kosagi/precursor/updates/whats-the-value-of-hackable-hardware-anyway>
"There is plenty of skepticism around the value of hackable products.
Significantly, hackability is different from openness: cars are
closed-source, yet support vibrant modding communities; gcc is one of
(More...)
The world’s rich need to cut their carbon footprint by a factor of 30 to slow climate change, U.N. warns
Sun, 20 Dec 2020 05:07:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2020/12/09/carbon-footprints-climate-change-rich-one-percent/>
"The world’s wealthy will need to reduce their carbon footprints by a
factor of 30 to help put the planet on a path to curb the ever-worsening
impacts of climate change, according to new findings published Wednesday
(More...)
Tasmanian devils look set to conquer their own pandemic
Sun, 20 Dec 2020 05:08:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/tasmanian-devils-look-set-to-conquer-their-own-pandemic-151842>
"In the midst of a human pandemic, we have some good news about a
wildlife one: our new research, published today in Science, shows
Tasmanian devils are likely to survive despite the infectious cancer
(More...)
A majority of Australians would welcome a universal basic income, survey finds
Sun, 20 Dec 2020 05:11:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-11/survey-says-most-australians-welcome-universal-basic-income/12970924>
"Nearly two-thirds of Australians say they would support the
introduction of a universal basic income (UBI), according to a new poll.
(More...)
Rats love driving tiny cars, even when they don’t get treats
Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:16:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/11/these-rats-learned-to-drive-tiny-cars-for-science/>
"Rats that learn to drive are more able to cope with stress. That might
sound like the fever-dream of a former scientist-turned-car writer, but
it's actually one of the results of a new study from the University of
(More...)
Young Ravens Could Have Cognitive Skills That Rival Adult Great Apes, Research Finds
Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:20:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/young-ravens-could-have-smarts-that-rival-cognitive-skills-of-adult-great-apes>
"It's safe to say if there was a Mensa for animals, corvids would be
crowing about it. They can plan like us, make tools like us, and might
even be consciously judging us for all we know. We get it, they're super
(More...)
Uighur family freed after three years, and reunited in Australia
Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:21:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/11/uighur-family-reunited-in-australia-after-leaving-xinjiang>
"An Australian man, who is originally from China’s Muslim Uighur
community, was reunited with his family, including a three-year-old son
he had never met, after Beijing agreed they could depart Xinjiang.
(More...)
'Oak Flat' Tells The Story Of An Apache Tribe Fighting To Save Its Land From Mining
Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:35:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/20/936989723/oak-flat-tells-the-story-of-an-apache-tribe-fighting-to-save-their-land-from-min>
"Redniss'
Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West
certainly feels expansive. It combines scientific and cultural history
with contemporary testimony to tell the story of Oak Flat, a contested
(More...)
Budget blowouts: offshore processing costs $1.2bn for fewer than 300 people
Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:37:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/11/budget-blowouts-offshore-processing-costs-12bn-for-fewer-than-300-people>
"Sahar Okhovat, from the Refugee Council of Australia, says the reported
spending on offshore is less than the true cost because it doesn’t
include additional foreign aid as part of resettlement deals, the cost
(More...)
Bushfires in a wet year have Australia's scientists looking to climate change
Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:38:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.reuters.com/article/australia-bushfires-climate-change-idUSKBN28L0ER>
"With climate change overriding some of Australia’s more moderating
weather forces, scientists say wildfires like the one that tore through
half of the island’s forest in recent weeks are increasingly likely.
(More...)
The Struggle for Civil Rights in Mississippi
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:27:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1964/08/29/letter-from-jackson
"To people who happen to be admirers of Spanish Civil War literature,
Jackson as the headquarters of the Mississippi Summer Project is likely
to conjure up visions of Madrid as the capital of the Spanish Loyalists.
(More...)
Canada Will Ban Plastic Bags, Straws, Cutlery, and Other Single-Use Plastics Starting in 2021
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:29:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/canada-single-use-plastic-ban/
"The Canadian government has released a list of single-use plastic items
that will be banned by the end of 2021. The restrictions include
commonly used items such as straws, coffee stirrers, drink rings,
(More...)
The Morrison government wanted tax cuts for the wealthy, and that is what they have delivered
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:32:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/business/commentisfree/2020/dec/13/the-morrison-government-wanted-tax-cuts-for-the-wealthy-and-that-is-what-they-have-delivered>
"Last year the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, told parliament that
“creating one major tax bracket between $45,000 and $200,000” would
“tackle bracket creep”. He suggested that “if you get another job or a
(More...)
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé are worst plastic polluters of 2020, have made ‘zero progress,’ new report finds
Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:15:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
United Nations urges world leaders to declare a state of climate emergency
Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:17:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-13/un-tells-world-leaders-to-declare-states-of-climate-emergency/12978646>
'World leaders should declare states of "climate emergency" in their
countries to spur action to avoid catastrophic global warming, UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told a climate summit.
(More...)
These are the plastic items that most kill whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds
Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:18:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/these-are-the-plastic-items-that-most-kill-whales-dolphins-turtles-and-seabirds-151200>
"How do we save whales and other marine animals from plastic in the
ocean? Our new review shows reducing plastic pollution can prevent the
deaths of beloved marine species. Over 700 marine species, including
(More...)
U.N. Report: In The Age Of Humans, 'The Dominant Risk To Our Survival Is Ourselves'
Fri, 25 Dec 2020 05:30:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/15/946765066/un-report-in-the-age-of-humans-the-dominant-risk-to-our-survival-is-ourselves>
'"Warning lights — for our societies and the planet — are flashing red."
That's according to a new report from the United Nations Development
Programme.
(More...)
The vanishing Arctic
Fri, 25 Dec 2020 05:32:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/arctic-sea-ice-dramatic-transformation-as-seen-by-satellites/12961584>
"For the locals of Verkhoyansk, a tiny town in the far-flung reaches of
Siberia, today will be one of the last sunrises they see for the year.
(More...)
Australia-first research reveals staggering loss of threatened plants over 20 years
Fri, 25 Dec 2020 05:34:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-first-research-reveals-staggering-loss-of-threatened-plants-over-20-years-151408>
"When it comes to threatened species, charismatic animals usually get
the most attention. But many of Australia’s plants are also in grave
danger of extinction, and in many cases, the problem is getting worse.
(More...)
Gaming Like It's 1925: Get Ready For The Next Public Domain Game Jam
Sat, 26 Dec 2020 06:32:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20201215/10450345890/gaming-like-1925-get-ready-next-public-domain-game-jam.shtml>
"In a couple weeks, the public domain in the US will expand for the
third year in a row, as works published in 1925 finally run out of
copyright protection — and just like we have for the past two years,
(More...)
French Film Company Somehow Trademarks 'Planet', Goes After Environmental NGOs For Using The Word
Sat, 26 Dec 2020 06:33:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20201215/09492645887/french-film-company-somehow-trademarks-planet-goes-after-environmental-ngos-using-word.shtml>
"We cover a great many ridiculous and infuriating trademark disputes
here, but it’s always the disputes around overly broad terms that never
should have been trademarked to begin with that are the most
(More...)
Blob Opera
Sat, 26 Dec 2020 06:35:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://artsandculture.google.com/experiment/blob-opera/AAHWrq360NcGbw
"Create your own opera inspired song with Blob Opera - no music skills
required ! A machine learning experiment by David Li in collaboration
with Google Arts & Culture"
(More...)
Lies, debates, and silences
Sun, 27 Dec 2020 06:13:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/climate-justice/murdoch-climate-denial-report/lies-debates-and-silences>
"Funded by GetUp members,
Lies, debates, and silences: How News Corp
produces climate scepticism in Australia proves not only that News Corp
is negative towards climate action, but they're actively creating debate
(More...)
Kangaroos can communicate with humans, researchers say
Sun, 27 Dec 2020 06:14:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/environment/530517-kangaroos-can-communicate-with-humans-researchers>
"A new study suggests non-domesticated kangaroos can intentionally
communicate with humans similar to how domesticated animals such as
dogs, horses or goats do.
(More...)
tree.fm
Sun, 27 Dec 2020 06:17:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.tree.fm/
"Remember Forests?
People around the world recorded the sounds of their forests, so you can
(More...)
Wien Museum zeigt 47.000 Objekte online
Mon, 28 Dec 2020 05:44:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://wien.orf.at/stories/3075645/
"Wenn die Museen geschlossen haben, müssen die Ausstellungen eben zu den
Menschen nach Hause kommen. Das Wien Museum lädt zum virtuellen Besuch
und präsentiert seinen Bestand in einer Onlinesammlung. Ab sofort können
(More...)
Fifty Years of Tax Cuts for Rich Didn’t Trickle Down, Study Says
Mon, 28 Dec 2020 05:45:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-16/fifty-years-of-tax-cuts-for-rich-didn-t-trickle-down-study-says>
"Tax cuts for rich people breed inequality without providing much of a
boon to anyone else, according to a study of the advanced world that
could add to the case for the wealthy to bear more of the cost of the
(More...)
Why people still starve in an age of abundance
Mon, 28 Dec 2020 05:47:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/12/17/1013213/hunger-starvation-food-policy-history/>
"Hunger around the globe is getting worse, not better. It’s true that
the proportion of people who regularly fail to get enough calories to
live has been declining, dropping from 15% in 2000 to 8.6% in 2014.
(More...)
A Visual Tour of 35 Literary Bars and Cafés from Around the World
Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:04:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://lithub.com/a-visual-tour-of-35-literary-bars-and-cafes-from-around-the-world/>
"In our habitual fantasies, writers do nothing but sit at small café
tables, sometimes meeting with their friends, other times gazing
wistfully into a pint or swirling an espresso before they scribble down
(More...)
The year everything got cancelled: how the arts in Australia suffered (but survived) in 2020
Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:05:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-year-everything-got-cancelled-how-the-arts-in-australia-suffered-but-survived-in-2020-152180>
"It seems the federal government has no idea how long it takes to
develop these arts programs, and that once they are gone, they are gone.
(More...)
Is the DJI Mini 2 a good BEGINNER DRONE?
Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:06:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmQ4Br6KlhI
"The DJI Mini 2 is often touted as a good beginner drone because of it's
great price / performance ratio. But is it? I set out to answer that in
this video!"
(More...)
Synthetic biology 2020–2030: six commercially-available products that are changing our world
Wed, 30 Dec 2020 05:48:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20122-2
"Synthetic biology will transform how we grow food, what we eat, and
where we source materials and medicines. Here I have selected six
products that are now on the market, highlighting the underlying
(More...)
How a real-life monopoly made Monopoly the world’s biggest board game
Wed, 30 Dec 2020 05:50:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thehustle.co/how-a-real-life-monopoly-made-monopoly-the-worlds-biggest-board-game/>
"On New Year’s Eve, Monopoly celebrates the 85th anniversary of its patent.
Its publisher, Hasbro, can toast the occasion knowing that its prized
(More...)
No spare change: how charities, buskers and beggars aren’t feeling so festive in our cashless society
Wed, 30 Dec 2020 05:51:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/no-spare-change-how-charities-buskers-and-beggars-arent-feeling-so-festive-in-our-cashless-society-151024>
"We may be becoming a cashless society, but our research shows people
are also less receptive to using contactless technology when casually
solicited by charities. What happens when your traditional business
(More...)
Sky News Australia is increasingly pushing conspiracy theories to a global audience online
Thu, 31 Dec 2020 06:11:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/21/sky-news-australia-is-increasingly-pushing-conspiracy-theories-to-a-global-audience-online>
"As Australians look back on 2020, they will remember the defeat of
Donald Trump, who was never popular in their country. But they may also
reflect on how parts of Australia’s media, including some ostensibly
(More...)
India's Female Superhero And Her Flying Tiger Are Out To Fight The Pandemic
Thu, 31 Dec 2020 06:13:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Global food industry on course to drive rapid habitat loss – research
Thu, 31 Dec 2020 06:14:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/21/global-food-industry-to-drive-rapid-habitat-loss-research>
"The global food system is on course to drive rapid and widespread
ecological damage with almost 90% of land animals likely to lose some of
their habitat by 2050, research has found.
(More...)
Happy New Year 2021!
Fri, 1 Jan 2021 00:25:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
May your 2021 be a good year.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
(More...)
20 new species found, and lost wildlife rediscovered, in the Bolivian Andes
Fri, 1 Jan 2021 06:29:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/13/americas/new-species-bolivian-andes-spc-intl-scn/index.html>
'Scientists have announced the discovery of 20 new species in the
Bolivian Andes, as well as sightings of plants and animals not seen for
decades.
(More...)
Shigeru Miyamoto Wants to Create a Kinder World
Fri, 1 Jan 2021 06:30:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/shigeru-miyamoto-wants-to-create-a-kinder-world>
"In 1977, Shigeru Miyamoto joined Nintendo, a company then known for
selling toys, playing cards, and trivial novelties. Miyamoto was
twenty-four, fresh out of art school. His employer, inspired by the
(More...)
London Is “Rewilding” and Native Species Are Flocking In
Fri, 1 Jan 2021 06:31:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/london-is-rewilding-and-native-species-are-flocking-in/>
"London’s Wild West End project is a prime example. Launched in 2015,
the scheme set out to turn the city’s fragmented natural landscape into
a place where native species could thrive, weaving pockets of greenery
(More...)
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