Glass Wings Blog: February 2021
3 Things You Can Do to Help Avoid Climate Disaster
Tue, 2 Feb 2021 05:58:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Shark, ray populations have declined by 'alarming' 70 per cent since 1970s, study finds
Tue, 2 Feb 2021 05:59:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-28/alarming-70pc-decline-in-shark-and-ray-numbers-study-says/13096442>
'Shark and ray populations have declined by around 70 per cent since the
1970s, according to research published today in Nature.
(More...)
30 Women Share The Times They Were Completely Ignored In Favor Of Men, Despite Being Clients
Tue, 2 Feb 2021 06:01:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.boredpanda.com/i-am-the-client-not-my-husband/
"Being ignored is a frustrating experience. But being ignored because of
your gender, race, culture, or sexuality is enough to make you livid.
Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, being stereotyped and written
(More...)
Avian: Protect the skies
Wed, 3 Feb 2021 05:02:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://playavian.com/
"Avian is a cooperative multiplayer game with conservation,
collaboration, and altruism at its core. Engage in multiple modes of
play such as a negotiation puzzler and a fast-paced race as you help
(More...)
Tackling the monopoly problem
Wed, 3 Feb 2021 05:05:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://lwn.net/SubscriberLink/844102/a23d1543b5a55cae/
"There was a time when people who were exploring computational
technology saw it as the path toward decentralization and freedom
worldwide. What we have ended up with, instead, is a world that is
(More...)
Box seat: scientists solve the mystery of why wombats have cube-shaped poo
Wed, 3 Feb 2021 05:07:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/29/box-seat-scientists-solve-the-mystery-of-why-wombats-have-cube-shaped-poo>
"How wombats produce their cube-shape poo has long been a biological
puzzle but now an international study has provided the answer to this
unusual natural phenomenon.
(More...)
A major report excoriated Australia’s environment laws. Sussan Ley’s response is confused and risky
Thu, 4 Feb 2021 05:15:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/a-major-report-excoriated-australias-environment-laws-sussan-leys-response-is-confused-and-risky-154254>
"It’s official: Australia’s natural environment and iconic places are in
deep trouble. They can’t withstand current and future threats, including
climate change. And the national laws protecting them are flawed and
(More...)
Taiwan is a civilization
Thu, 4 Feb 2021 05:16:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/taiwan-is-a-civilization
"Anyway, I myself am a complete newbie to Taiwan; I’ve never even been
there. So here are just a few quick things I have learned about Taiwan
since I started paying more attention to it over the last year.
(More...)
Science Fictions
Thu, 4 Feb 2021 05:17:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/science-fictions
"A comic based on the book by Dr. Stuart Richie"
Via Kevin O'Brien.
(More...)
Literature Professor Rides Bicycle-Powered Mobile Library to Bring Books to the Homeless
Fri, 5 Feb 2021 05:24:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/street-books-laura-moulton-portland/
"To you and me, libraries are the place we go if the bookstore doesn't
have a certain book we're looking for, or perhaps the place we go when
we need to wait out the rain. For many in the homeless community,
(More...)
The old news business model is broken: making Google and Facebook pay won’t save journalism
Fri, 5 Feb 2021 05:25:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-old-news-business-model-is-broken-making-google-and-facebook-pay-wont-save-journalism-150357>
"The federal government is talking tough about making Google and
Facebook pay Australian news businesses for linking to, or featuring,
these publishers’ content."
(More...)
Estonia’s first female prime minister vows to tackle climate crisis
Fri, 5 Feb 2021 05:26:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/01/estonias-first-female-prime-minister-vows-to-tackle-climate-crisis>
"Estonia’s first female prime minister has promised to implement changes
in both style and substance in the governance of the Baltic nation, as
she takes charge after two years in which a far-right party was in the
(More...)
50 years of tax cuts for the rich failed to trickle down, economics study says
Sat, 6 Feb 2021 06:39:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tax-cuts-rich-50-years-no-trickle-down/
"Tax cuts for the wealthy have long drawn support from conservative
lawmakers and economists who argue that such measures will "trickle
down" and eventually boost jobs and incomes for everyone else. But a new
(More...)
No, Getting Rid Of Anonymity Will Not Fix Social Media; It Will Cause More Problems
Sat, 6 Feb 2021 06:40:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210131/01114246154/no-getting-rid-anonymity-will-not-fix-social-media-it-will-cause-more-problems.shtml>
"There’s an idea that pops up every so often among people who are upset
about misinformation online but don’t actually understand the realities
of online communities and the dynamics of how it all works: it’s the
(More...)
Murdoch Seeks Takeover of Australia’s Online Market
Sat, 6 Feb 2021 06:41:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.danablankenhorn.com/2021/02/murdoch-seeks-takeover-of-australias-online-market-.html>
"To some reporters, Australia’s demand that Google and Facebook “pay”
for links to local papers seems like a revolution.
(More...)
Australia the only developed nation on world list of deforestation hotspots
Sun, 7 Feb 2021 05:17:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/13/australia-the-only-developed-nation-on-world-list-of-deforestation-hotspots>
"Australia remains one of the world’s hotspots for deforestation
according to a new report by WWF, which finds an area six times the size
of Tasmania has been cleared globally since 2004.
(More...)
Our secret shame: Mothers, grandmothers living rough on Queensland's streets
Sun, 7 Feb 2021 05:18:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://inqld.com.au/insights/2021/01/22/our-secret-shame-mothers-grandmothers-living-on-brisbanes-streets/>
"The number of single older women seeking help to avoid being homeless
was “bubbling over” with support agencies across the state struggling to
deal with the crisis in affordable rental accommodation exposed by the
(More...)
RIAA Launches Brand New Front Group Pretending To Represent Independent Artists
Sun, 7 Feb 2021 05:20:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210126/10111946125/riaa-launches-brand-new-front-group-pretending-to-represent-independent-artists.shtml>
"A few days ago, a friend asked if I’d ever heard of the “Digital
Creators Coalition,” an apparently new group that claimed to be
representing independent artists. I was unfamiliar with it, and its
(More...)
The Coup We Are Not Talking About
Mon, 8 Feb 2021 05:22:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/opinion/sunday/facebook-surveillance-society-technology.html>
"I have spent exactly 42 years studying the rise of the digital as an
economic force driving our transformation into an information
civilization. Over the last two decades, I’ve observed the consequences
(More...)
Thousands flee Hong Kong for UK, fearing China crackdown
Mon, 8 Feb 2021 05:23:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thousands-flee-hong-kong-uk-fearing-china-crackdown-75602792>
"HONG KONG — Thousands of Hong Kongers have already made the sometimes
painful decision to leave behind their hometown and move to Britain
since Beijing imposed a strict national security law on the Chinese
(More...)
Endonyms of the World Map
Mon, 8 Feb 2021 05:24:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://endonymmap.com/
"An
endonym is the name for a place, site or location in the language
of the people who live there. These names may be officially designated
by the local government or they may simply be widely used.
(More...)
Where have all the criminals gone?
Tue, 9 Feb 2021 05:17:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://insidestory.org.au/where-have-all-the-criminals-gone/
"I have shocking news for regular readers of the
Daily Telegraph:
crime has plummeted in Australia. Between 2001 and 2017 — the data
analysed in a new book on crime in Australia — break and enters fell by
(More...)
Humans force wild animals into tight spots, or send them far from home. We calculated just how big the impact is
Tue, 9 Feb 2021 05:19:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/humans-force-wild-animals-into-tight-spots-or-send-them-far-from-home-we-calculated-just-how-big-the-impact-is-152619>
"The COVID pandemic has shown us that disruptions to the way we move
around, complete daily activities and interact with each other can
shatter our wellbeing.
(More...)
Hazel the Donkey Loves the Wizard Over the Rainbow
Tue, 9 Feb 2021 05:20:13 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2egS2GzvGWg
"Our famous girl Hazel loves to relax to some of the most classic tunes
ever written. Today she wanted Christopher Ameruoso to play Over the
Rainbow. Her priceless looks will melt your heart."
(More...)
To fix Australia’s environment laws, wildlife experts call for these 4 changes — all are crucial
Wed, 10 Feb 2021 05:13:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/to-fix-australias-environment-laws-wildlife-experts-call-for-these-4-changes-all-are-crucial-154273>
"The independent review of Australia’s main environment law, released
last week, provided a sobering but accurate appraisal of a dire situation.
(More...)
Gross domestic product is destroying nature, says landmark UK government report
Wed, 10 Feb 2021 05:14:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/gross-domestic-product-is-destroying-nature-finds-landmark-uk-government-report/>
"A landmark UK government report has called for a thorough overhaul of
economic methods for valuing natural assets, arguing among other things
that gross domestic product is a short-term metric that allows for the
(More...)
Why is the Australian Christian Lobby waging a culture war over LGBTQ issues?
Wed, 10 Feb 2021 05:17:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-australian-christian-lobby-waging-a-culture-war-over-lgbtq-issues-127805>
"Martyn Iles is prepared to go to jail, along with (he claims) “half the
Christians in Victoria”. The managing director of the Australian
Christian Lobby (ACL) says in a recent YouTube video he thinks it might
(More...)
The story behind 'Blue Check Homes': How an SF artist created a fake company that fooled thousands
Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:24:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/Blue-Check-Homes-SF-artist-prank-verified-Twitter-15918854.php>
“Personally, I wanted to know how Baskin came up with all of these
made-up credentials. But to my surprise, she pointed out these are all
the same qualifications the actual Twitter app requires of its users
(More...)
US anti-abortion “gag rule” hits women hard: what we found in Kenya and Madagascar
Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:25:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/us-anti-abortion-gag-rule-hits-women-hard-what-we-found-in-kenya-and-madagascar-154434>
"US President Joe Biden has reversed a Trump administration policy that
prohibited US funding for nongovernmental groups that provide or refer
patients for abortions.
(More...)
Cacophony of human noise is hurting all marine life, scientists warn
Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:26:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/04/cacophony-human-noise-hurting-marine-life-scientists-warn>
"A natural ocean soundscape is fundamental to healthy marine life but is
being drowned out by an increasingly loud cacophony of noise from human
activities, according to the first comprehensive assessment of the issue.
(More...)
Cats Don’t Dance imploded just before it could take on Disney
Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:57:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.polygon.com/movies/2021/2/2/22241412/cats-dont-dance-making-of-warner-turner-animation>
"In the late 1990s, right at the height of the Disney Renaissance and
before American animation diverged into snappy comedies and more serious
adventures, the short-lived Turner Animation and Warner Bros. Pictures
(More...)
A deep dive into the wormhole of sci-fi invention
Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:59:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.ft.com/content/dfcacff9-9613-4b5e-a94b-4ea7f01bba9b
"The Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction, a free online resource
that went live last week, should come with a warning — it is a
delightful black hole that will suck in word nerds and SF geeks alike.
(More...)
Cab Ride
Fri, 12 Feb 2021 06:00:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://powersaurus.itch.io/cab-ride
"Drive a train, forever, through a dreamlike land.
Transport passengers to their destination.
(More...)
Kiri and Lou
Sat, 13 Feb 2021 06:27:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://kiriandlou.com/
"
Kiri and Lou is made in old fashioned stop motion animation, with
clay creatures and a world made of cut out paper. It’s a gentle show,
with charming and funny characters, delightful songs, set in a beautiful
(More...)
China's latest weapon against Taiwan: the sand dredger
Sat, 13 Feb 2021 06:29:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.yahoo.com/chinas-latest-weapon-against-taiwan-122203630.html>
"(Reuters) - Taiwanese coast guard commander Lin Chie-ming is on the
frontline of a new type of warfare that China is waging against Taiwan.
China's weapon? Sand.
(More...)
Putting Indigenous Place-Names and Languages Back on Maps
Sat, 13 Feb 2021 06:30:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcnews/putting-indigenous-place-names-and-languages-back-on-maps/>
"How many Indigenous Nations and communities can you name? Who are the
Indigenous Peoples original to the land you now reside and work on?
(More...)
Apache Stronghold
Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:11:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
http://users.neo.registeredsite.com/8/3/2/11897238/assets/News_Release_20210204_DOJ_ATTORNEY_CLAIMS__DESTRUCTION_NOT_SUBSTANTIAL_BURDEN.pdf>
"PHOENIX, Ariz. – In a riveting and emotional hearing in front of U.S.
District Court Judge Steven Logan at the Federal Court in Phoenix, the
Department of Justice attorney claimed that the destruction of Oak Flat,
(More...)
The City with 16,000 Electric Buses & 22,000 Electric Taxis
Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:12:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P7fTPLSMeI
"This episode is overflowing with positivity as Elliot visits a
world-leading city in which the drive to go electric has resulted in
16,000 electric buses and 22,000 electric taxis. The commitment to
(More...)
A Pandemic is a Great Time to Stop Ignoring Unpaid Care Work
Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:13:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/a-pandemic-is-a-great-time-to-stop
"Unpaid care work is work. I want to make that clear first and foremost.
However, it’s also more than that. It’s a kind of work that can’t really
be measured like wage work. It’s not like informal care workers clock
(More...)
Economics’ Failure Over Destruction of Nature Presents “Extreme Risks”
Mon, 15 Feb 2021 05:06:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/articles/entry/economics-failure-over-destruction-of-nature-presents-extreme-risks/>
"The world is being put at “extreme risk” by the failure of economics to
take account of the rapid depletion of the natural world and needs to
find new measures of success to avoid a catastrophic breakdown, a
(More...)
Tim Berners-Lee’s plan to save the internet: give us back control of our data
Mon, 15 Feb 2021 05:07:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/tim-berners-lees-plan-to-save-the-internet-give-us-back-control-of-our-data-154130>
"Releasing his creation for free 30 years ago, the inventor of the world
wide web, Tim Berners-Lee, famously declared: “this is for everyone”.
Today, his invention is used by billions – but it also hosts the
(More...)
A Vast Web of Vengeance
Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:51:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/30/technology/change-my-google-results.html>
"Public smears have been around for centuries. But they are far more
effective in the internet age, gliding across platforms that are loath
to crack down, said Peter W. Singer, co-author of “LikeWar: The
(More...)
No more acting like ‘stunned mullets’ — bigger, better, faster responses needed to meet future bio-threats
Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:52:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/no-more-acting-like-stunned-mullets-bigger-better-faster-responses-needed-to-meet-future-bio-threats-154719>
"The review committee is developing an authoritative chronology of
COVID-19. It’s a timeline of virus spread, knowledge acquisition,
recommendation sharing and actions taken. Clark said this “will speak
(More...)
The US jumps on board the electric vehicle revolution, leaving Australia in the dust
Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:53:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-us-jumps-on-board-the-electric-vehicle-revolution-leaving-australia-in-the-dust-154566>
"The Morrison government on Friday released a plan to reduce carbon
emissions from Australia’s road transport sector. Controversially, it
ruled out consumer incentives to encourage electric vehicle uptake. The
(More...)
Japan Has A Train Station Just So People Can Enjoy The Beautiful Scenery
Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:30:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.smalljoys.tv/train-station-just-for-enjoying/
"Japan is a country filled with beautiful scenery and travel spots that
are famous worldwide.
(More...)
Disappearing glaciers are threatening rare alpine plants with extinction
Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:33:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/disappearing-glaciers-are-threatening-rare-alpine-plants-with-extinction-154135>
"In a new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution,
researchers found that one-fifth of alpine plant species on four
glaciers in the Italian Alps are likely to become locally extinct once
(More...)
To defuse political violence across US, conflict mediators apply lessons from gang disputes and foreign elections
Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:35:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/to-defuse-political-violence-across-us-conflict-mediators-apply-lessons-from-gang-disputes-and-foreign-elections-151179>
"After a violent American election season, activists are trying to keep
the peace using technologies and techniques more often applied in
unstable democracies.
(More...)
Fantasy & Science Fiction giveaway
Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:37:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://books.bookfunnel.com/febfantasy
"Searching for new worlds for the start of 2021?
Look no further! Check below for FREE ebooks in fantasy & science
(More...)
‘We’ll Never Make That Kind of Movie Again’
Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:29:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vulture.com/article/an-oral-history-of-disney-the-emperors-new-groove.html>
"The story of the making of the 2000 movie
The Emperor’s New Groove is
actually the story of the making of three movies, only one of which can
be legally seen today. First, there is
The Kingdom of the Sun, an epic
(More...)
Outcry as more than 20 babies and children deported by US to Haiti
Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:31:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/08/us-ice-immigration-customs-enforcement-haiti-deportations>
"US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) deported at least 72
people to Haiti on Monday, including a two-month-old baby and 21 other
children, as the Biden administration made clear it would press on with
(More...)
20 underwater photos that illuminate creatures dwelling in the dark depths
Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:33:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mashable.com/article/underwater-photographer-of-the-year-2021/
'Underwater photography is no easy feat, especially in the dark.
But the photographers featured in the annual Underwater Photographer of
(More...)
It’s like a Little Free Library, but there’s art inside. People are flocking to it, tiny art in hand.
Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:43:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/01/18/art-gallery-little-free-library/>
"Stacy Milrany probably runs the only art gallery in the country where
visitors are encouraged to walk away with the art.
(More...)
‘Under a White Sky’ explores whether we must tinker with nature to save it
Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:44:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/under-white-sky-kolbert-book-save-nature-ecosystems>
"In 1900, the city of Chicago completed a 45-kilometer-long canal that
altered the hydrology of two-thirds of the United States.
(More...)
Norway’s Electric Car Triumph Started With an ’80s Pop Star
Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:46:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/norway-gm-electric-cars-morten-harket/>
"The annual Monday morning quarterbacking has begun: Which of
yesterday’s Super Bowl commercials deserve a victory dance in the
endzone? A frontrunner is already emerging: the General Motors ad in
(More...)
Study Shows Fossil Fuel Pollution Killed 8.7 Million People in 2018—Almost One-Fifth of Global Deaths
Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:48:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/02/09/study-shows-fossil-fuel-pollution-killed-87-million-people-2018-almost-one-fifth>
"“Often, when we discuss the dangers of fossil fuel combustion, it’s in
the context of CO2 and climate change and overlook the potential health
impact of the pollutants co-emitted with greenhouse gases,” he said. “We
(More...)
Gorgeous Floating Research Station Wins the 2020 Grand Prix Award
Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:44:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/8th-continent-lenka-petrakova-grand-prix/
"Climate change and the resulting rise in sea levels is directly
impacting the future of architecture. It’s an unavoidable truth that
environmental issues need to be addressed right now. One looming problem
(More...)
Code is law: why software openness and algorithmic transparency are vital for privacy
Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:46:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/code-is-law-why-software-openness-and-algorithmic-transparency-are-vital-for-privacy/>
'In the current case, the code will not be publicly disclosed, but made
available to the defense team only. Arguably any code that has such
important consequences for people’s lives should be publicly accessible
(More...)
Snippet Taxes Not Only Violate The Berne Convention, But Also Betray The Deepest Roots Of Newspaper Culture
Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:47:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210209/02071146211/snippet-taxes-not-only-violate-berne-convention-also-betray-deepest-roots-newspaper-culture.shtml>
"Last week Techdirt wrote about Australia's proposed News Media
Bargaining Code. This is much worse than the already awful Article 15 of
the EU Copyright Directive (formerly Article 11), which similarly
(More...)
States housed 40,000 people for the COVID emergency. Now rough sleeper numbers are back on the up
Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:48:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/states-housed-40-000-people-for-the-covid-emergency-now-rough-sleeper-numbers-are-back-on-the-up-154059>
"The numbers Australia’s emergency housing program needed to shelter
showed our homelessness problem is much larger than often imagined. The
8,200 people counted as sleeping rough on census night 2016 were only
(More...)
Interview with Kim Stanley Robinson about his book “The Ministry for the Future”
Sun, 21 Feb 2021 05:27:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://bioneers.org/kim-stanley-robinson-on-his-book-the-ministry-for-the-future/>
"
The Ministry for the Future is the latest novel by legendary science
fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson. In this interview with Bioneers
Senior Producer J.P. Harpignies, Robinson discusses the inspiration for
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Hundreds of fish species, including many that humans eat, are consuming plastic
Sun, 21 Feb 2021 05:28:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-fish-species-including-many-that-humans-eat-are-consuming-plastic-154634>
"Trillions of barely visible pieces of plastic are floating in the
world’s oceans, from surface waters to the deep seas. These particles,
known as microplastics, typically form when larger plastic objects such
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COVID has reached Antarctica. Scientists are extremely concerned for its wildlife
Sun, 21 Feb 2021 05:29:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/covid-has-reached-antarctica-scientists-are-extremely-concerned-for-its-wildlife-154481>
"In December, Antarctica lost its status as the last continent free of
COVID-19 when 36 people at the Chilean Bernardo O'Higgins research
station tested positive. The station’s isolation from other bases and
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Our national water policy is outdated, unfair and not fit for climate challenges: major new report
Sun, 21 Feb 2021 05:30:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/our-national-water-policy-is-outdated-unfair-and-not-fit-for-climate-challenges-major-new-report-155116>
"Most Australians know all too well how precious water is. Sydney just
experienced a severe drought, while towns across New South Wales and
Queensland ran out of drinking water. Under climate change, the
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1 in 5 deaths caused by fossil fuel emissions
Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:55:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/02/deaths-from-fossil-fuel-emissions-higher-than-thought/>
"This new model found a higher mortality rate for long-term exposure to
fossil fuel emissions, including at lower concentrations.
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NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson Is Honored With a New Spacecraft Named After Her
Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:57:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/ss-katherine-johnson-spacecraft/
"As a pivotal figure in the Space Race between the United States and the
U.S.S.R during the 1960s, Katherine Johnson had an incredible life but
only received the national attention she deserved in recent years. She
(More...)
The Net Zero Challenge
Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:58:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.netzerochallenge.info/
"The Net Zero Challenge is a global competition to answer the following
question:
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The “Programming for Cats” aptitude test
Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:59:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://programmingforcats.com/
"Not everyone has an aptitude for programming. The Association for Cat
Machinations (ACM) has compiled a list of traits that are needed to be a
good programmer.
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Noahpinion: My sci-fi novel recommendations
Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:53:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/my-sci-fi-novel-recommendations
"People have been asking me for a list of science fiction book
recommendations for a while now. My new podcast with Brad DeLong goes
pretty deep into sci-fi geekery, so I thought now would be a good time.
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20 years of orange cones: The history of VLC
Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:54:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.protocol.com/vlc-history-open-source
"When students at the École Centrale Paris lobbied for a campus network
upgrade in the '90s, they weren't really thinking about the future of
media. All they wanted was to play Duke Nukem 3D. But the public-private
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Unstoppable eating machines: why Australian farmers are renting out goats for weed control
Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:56:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/13/unstoppable-eating-machines-why-australian-farmers-are-renting-out-goats-for-weed-control>
"La Niña has been good to the backyards and farmlands of much of eastern
Australia. Cooler, wetter conditions have led to a flourishing of lush
grass, trees and – unfortunately – weeds.
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General Unstructured Thoughts On “Being Cancelled”
Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:57:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://whatever.scalzi.com/2021/02/13/general-unstructured-thoughts-on-being-cancelled/>
"Because it’s been in the news recently, enough that even though I’ve
been lost in my own world this last week — a good thing, if you want a
book from me — the various stories of people being “cancelled” in the
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Canada’s ‘huge’ and ‘remarkable’ immigration offer to Hongkongers is partly political, partly pragmatic
Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:02:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3121509/canadas-huge-and-remarkable-immigration-offer-hongkongers-partly>
"When Canada unveiled new details of its open work permit scheme for
Hongkongers this month, it framed the action as part of a defence of
democratic values, against Beijing’s “controversial national security law”.
(More...)
Announcing The Winners Of The 3rd Annual Public Domain Game Jam!
Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:03:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210211/16241946234/announcing-winners-3rd-annual-public-domain-game-jam.shtml>
"It’s that time again — the judges’ scores and comments are in, and
we’ve selected the winners of our third annual public domain game jam,
Gaming Like It’s 1925! As you know, we asked game designers of all
(More...)
Mexico was once a climate leader – now it's betting big on coal
Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:04:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/15/mexico-coal-fossil-fuels-climate-crisis-amlo>
"As the climate crisis worsens and clean energy prices plunge,
governments around the world have been weaning their economies of coal
and other fossil fuels.
(More...)
Beautiful Science: Picturing Data, Inspiring Insight
Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:06:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bl.uk/press-releases/2014/february/the-importance-of-data-visualisation-is-explored-in-the-british-librarys-first-science-exhibition-be>
"
Beautiful Science, sponsored by Winton Capital Management, explores
the work of scientists and statisticians through the ages using the
Library’s own vast science collections together with new and exciting
(More...)
The Real Novelty of the ARPANET
Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:03:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://twobithistory.org/2021/02/07/arpanet.html
"If you run an image search for the word “ARPANET,” you will find lots of maps
showing how the government research network expanded steadily across the
country throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s. I’m guessing that most people
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‘Everyone else does it, so I can too’: how the false consensus effect drives environmental damage
Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:04:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/everyone-else-does-it-so-i-can-too-how-the-false-consensus-effect-drives-environmental-damage-153305>
"There’s a useful concept from psychology that helps explain why good people do
things that harm the environment: the false consensus effect. That’s where we
overestimate how acceptable and prevalent our own behaviour is in society.
(More...)
Why telling stories could be a more powerful way of convincing some people to take a COVID vaccine than just the facts
Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:06:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
There’s A Genius Street Artist Running Loose And Let’s Hope Nobody Catches Him (30 New Pics)
Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:08:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.boredpanda.com/street-art-tom-bob-nyc/
"Tom Bob is not your everyday kind of graffiti artist. Instead of vandalizing
urban landscapes, he’s making cities come back to life.
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Wales’s “One Planet” Policy Is Transforming Rural Life
Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:22:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/one-planet-development-policy-wales-rural-sustainability/>
"In Wales, the average citizen uses almost three times their share of the
world’s resources. But Cassandra and her family are part of a groundbreaking
scheme launched by the Welsh government in 2011 that aims to address that
(More...)
'Glum future for the platypus': why the elusive mammal is disappearing under our noses
Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:25:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/09/glum-future-for-the-platypus-why-the-elusive-mammal-is-disappearing-under-our-noses>
"A lack of long-term platypus monitoring means that as land-clearing and
regulation of rivers has altered their habitat, any decline could be going
unnoticed.
(More...)
Library Holdings from the University of Tokyo Now Available Through the Internet Archive
Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:26:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://blog.archive.org/2021/02/16/library-holdings-from-the-university-of-tokyo-now-available-through-the-internet-archive/>
"As our global society grows ever more connected, it can be easy to assume that
all of human history is just one click away. Yet language barriers and physical
access still present major obstacles to deeper knowledge and understanding of
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Weird Al Yankovic Explains How Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Changed His Life
Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:28:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a35520993/weird-al-yankovic-elton-john-goodbye-yellow-brick-road/>
"Weird Al Yankovic, accordion-playing pop music parodist from Lynwood,
California, who got his big break at age sixteen in 1976 when he handed a
cassette of his polkaheavy comedy songs to LA deejay Dr. Demento.
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Children with same-sex parents do better at school than their peers
Sat, 27 Feb 2021 05:15:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/children-with-same-sex-parents-do-better-at-school-than-their-peers-155205>
"Children with same-sex parents get higher scores on standardised tests than
children with different-sex parents. This is the key finding from our study
published today in the journal Demography.
(More...)
Global weekly COVID cases are falling, WHO says — but ‘if we stop fighting it on any front, it will come roaring back’
Sat, 27 Feb 2021 05:15:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/global-weekly-covid-cases-are-falling-who-says-but-if-we-stop-fighting-it-on-any-front-it-will-come-roaring-back-155355>
"The number of reported global weekly COVID cases is falling and has dropped
nearly 50% this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said overnight. This
incredibly encouraging news shows the power of public health measures — but we
(More...)
Plastic in the ocean kills more threatened albatrosses than we thought
Sat, 27 Feb 2021 05:16:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/plastic-in-the-ocean-kills-more-threatened-albatrosses-than-we-thought-154925>
"Plastic in the ocean can be deadly for marine wildlife and seabirds around the
globe, but our latest study shows single-use plastics are a bigger threat to
endangered albatrosses in the southern hemisphere than we previously thought.
(More...)
Giant rainbow road commemorates the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia
Sat, 27 Feb 2021 05:17:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://mashable.com/article/rainbow-path-australia-sydney-marriage-equality/>
"Australians can remember the explosively emotional moment when the country
overwhelmingly voted for marriage equality in 2017 by wandering down a giant
rainbow path in a Sydney park.
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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine accidentally predicted the 2020s by writing about the 1990s
Sun, 28 Feb 2021 05:13:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vox.com/culture/22273263/star-trek-deep-space-nine-past-tense-prediction-2024>
"Science fiction is almost never really about the future, and shouldn’t aim to
be — it’s much more effective as a way to make sense of the present. A book
like Octavia Butler’s
Parable of the Talents (about a brutally racist,
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Interview: Professor Jun Murai – The Father of the Internet in Japan, the Past 40 Years, and the Future to Come
Sun, 28 Feb 2021 05:14:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.ccrc.keio.ac.jp/jun-murai-kgri-interview/
"The development of the internet in Japan, a changing world, and the future of
internet culture … These are some of the many themes about which we wanted to
hear from “The father of the internet in Japan.”
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Jamaica should repeal homophobic laws, rights tribunal rules
Sun, 28 Feb 2021 05:18:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/17/jamaica-should-repeal-homophobic-laws-rights-tribunal-rules>
"The Jamaican government is responsible for violating the rights of two gay
people and the country’s homophobic laws should be repealed immediately,
according to a ruling by an international human rights tribunal.
(More...)
GPS Only Exists Because Of Two People: Albert Einstein And Gladys West
Sun, 28 Feb 2021 05:21:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2021/02/18/gps-only-exists-because-of-two-people-albert-einstein-and-gladys-west/?sh=6af96585864f>
"Over the span of a single lifetime, the world has changed in ways that would
have been virtually unimaginable in the first half of the 20th century. Two
major breakthroughs that occurred in physics — relativity and quantum physics —
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The U.S. Senate Is a Global Problem
Mon, 1 Mar 2021 08:30:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://fpif.org/the-u-s-senate-is-a-global-problem/
"The Senate has been a crowded graveyard for arms control initiatives. There
you can find gravestones for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), various
nuclear-weapon-free zones, and the Arms Trade Treaty (which Trump dramatically
(More...)
Morris Library receives Buckminster Fuller’s books for research, study
Mon, 1 Mar 2021 08:31:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.siu.edu/2021/02/021821-Morris-Library-receives-Buckminster-Fullers-books-for-research,-study.php>
"Morris Library’s Special Collections Research Center has Fuller’s personal
library of more than 3,000 volumes; part of a recent donation of artifacts and
furniture to the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-For-Profit. The organization
(More...)
The Bizarre Reaction To Facebook's Decision To Get Out Of The News Business In Australia
Mon, 1 Mar 2021 08:33:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210217/22383446265/bizarre-reaction-to-facebooks-decision-to-get-out-news-business-australia.shtml>
"None of this should have been a surprise. Back in September we wrote about
Facebook publicly saying that if Australia went forward with its ridiculous
attack on the open internet, and instituted a "news link tax" on Facebook and
(More...)
Like it or not, history shows that taxes and bureaucracy are cornerstones of democracy
Mon, 1 Mar 2021 08:37:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://phys.org/news/2021-02-history-taxes-bureaucracy-cornerstones-democracy.html>
"The media has been rife with stories about democracy in decline: the recent
coup in Myanmar, the ascent of strongman Narendra Modi in India, and of course
ex-President Trump's attempts to overturn the U.S. presidential election—all of
(More...)
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