Glass Wings Blog: July 2021
Global herd immunity remains out of reach because of inequitable vaccine distribution – 99% of people in poor countries are unvaccinated
Fri, 2 Jul 2021 06:20:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
How palm oil became the world’s most hated, most used fat source
Fri, 2 Jul 2021 06:21:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-palm-oil-became-the-worlds-most-hated-most-used-fat-source-161165>
"Palm oil is everywhere today: in food, soap, lipstick, even newspaper ink.
It’s been called the world’s most hated crop because of its association with
deforestation in Southeast Asia. But despite boycott campaigns, the world uses
(More...)
Hong Kong's last pro-democracy paper sells out final edition
Fri, 2 Jul 2021 06:22:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/apple-daily-newspaper-edition-sold-hong-kong-78457602>
"HONG KONG — The final edition of Hong Kong's last remaining pro-democracy
paper sold out in hours Thursday, as readers scooped up all 1 million copies of
the Apple Daily, whose closure was yet another sign of China's tightening grip
(More...)
Fighting for the truth about climate change
Fri, 2 Jul 2021 06:23:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://nit.com.au/fighting-for-the-truth-about-climate-change/
"Australia’s largest electricity company AGL Energy has lost its case against
Greenpeace Australia Pacific for the use of their logo in the organisation’s
recent campaign.
(More...)
Counting the economic cost of anti-LGBTQ laws
Sat, 3 Jul 2021 06:27:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/6/25/counting-the-economic-cost-of-anti-lgbtq-laws>
"Nathanson estimates that in recent years, thousands of LGBTQ people have left
Zimbabwe, where sodomy is criminalised and there are no ways to change one’s
gender on official documents. When they go, they often take with them skilled
(More...)
Frank Gehry’s Luma Arles tower to open in south of France
Sat, 3 Jul 2021 06:29:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/jun/25/frank-gehrys-luma-arles-tower-to-open-in-south-of-france>
"Rising from the skyline of Arles, the tower appears like a futuristic
structure from a Marvel movie with nearly 11,000 stainless steel panels
gleaming in the Provençal sun.
(More...)
Beijing using its financial muscle to target Uyghurs living abroad – report
Sat, 3 Jul 2021 06:30:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/jun/25/beijing-using-its-financial-muscle-to-target-uyghurs-living-abroad-report>
"China is using its unprecedented economic clout across vast swathes of Asia
and the Middle East to target Uyghur Muslims living beyond its borders through
a sprawling system of transnational repression, a new report says.
(More...)
Melbourne's birth destroyed Bunurong and Wurundjeri boundaries. 185 years on, they've been redrawn
Sat, 3 Jul 2021 06:32:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-26/melbourne-aboriginal-traditional-owners-bunurong-wurundjeri/100236480>
"When colonists arrived to set up the city of Melbourne, Bunurong people who
had lived on the land for tens of thousands of years had their world upended.
(More...)
‘Dingoes were here first’: the landowners who say letting ‘wild dogs’ live pays dividends
Sun, 4 Jul 2021 06:14:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/21/dingoes-were-here-first-the-landowners-who-say-letting-wild-dogs-live-pays-dividends>
"How to treat dingoes – and whether to even acknowledge they exist – is an
issue that divides Australians. It splits ecologists from government
agriculture departments and, in some cases, neighbours from each other.
(More...)
‘I had threats to my life’: how mob attacks on social media are silencing UK teachers
Sun, 4 Jul 2021 06:18:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/jun/26/i-had-threats-to-my-life-how-mob-attacks-on-social-media-are-silencing-uk-teachers>
"Teachers, headteachers and academics say they have been driven off social
media and made to feel intensely anxious – sometimes even facing death threats
– after their comments or work have been labelled too “woke” on Twitter or in
(More...)
Bitcoin myths: immutability, decentralisation, and the cult of “21 million”
Sun, 4 Jul 2021 06:19:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Climate change: Why action still ignites debate in Australia
Sun, 4 Jul 2021 06:21:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-57606398
"In my first week as the BBC's new Australia correspondent in 2019, a state of
emergency was declared in New South Wales. Bushfires blazed and came very close
to Sydney.
(More...)
Internet in a Box
Sun, 4 Jul 2021 06:23:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://internet-in-a-box.org/
"In short, Internet-in-a-Box brings the very best of the World’s Free Knowledge
(Wikipedia, Khan Academy, OpenStreetMap, E-Books and many others) to those who
are offline — e.g. anybody nearby with an old smartphone, tablet or laptop.
(More...)
My Little Pony: The Movie - Official 'Rainbow' 🌈 Lyric Music Video by Sia
Mon, 5 Jul 2021 04:56:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gut423ANiwo
Via Muse, who wrote "So many movies have original songs that you only hear
afterward if you buy the soundtrack. Some are so good that they deserve a
little more attention. Probably the most buried songs are those that come from
(More...)
Australia once rejected ‘feeble-minded’ immigrants. While the language has changed, discrimination remains
Mon, 5 Jul 2021 04:57:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Sunday Sweets: Jim Henson Tribute
Mon, 5 Jul 2021 04:58:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2021/6/27/sunday-sweets-jim-henson-tribute>
"Today we’re celebrating Jim Henson with some Sweets featuring his most famous
friends"
(More...)
Crossing the Red Line: Behind China’s Takeover of Hong Kong
Mon, 5 Jul 2021 05:00:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/28/world/asia/china-hong-kong-security-law.html>
"Hong Kong’s march toward an authoritarian future began with a single phrase in
a dry policy paper. Beijing, the document declared, would wield “comprehensive
jurisdiction” over the territory.
(More...)
This adorable mouse was considered extinct for over 100 years — until we found it hiding in plain sight
Mon, 5 Jul 2021 05:01:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/this-adorable-mouse-was-considered-extinct-for-over-100-years-until-we-found-it-hiding-in-plain-sight-160930>
"Australia has the world’s worst track record for wiping out mammals, with 34
species declared extinct since European colonisation. Many of these are humble
native rodents, who’ve suffered the highest extinction rate of any mammal
(More...)
Sufferers of chronic pain have long been told it’s all in their head. We now know that’s wrong
Tue, 6 Jul 2021 04:41:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/28/sufferers-of-chronic-pain-have-long-been-told-its-all-in-their-head-we-now-know-thats-wrong>
"To most people, pain is an unpleasant but short-lived sensation, occurring as
a result of illness or injury. Although some people may experience ongoing or
chronic pain, the assumption is there must be some kind of underlying physical
(More...)
Australia is at the climate crossroads. The choice is yours, mates
Tue, 6 Jul 2021 04:45:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/30/australia-is-at-the-climate-crossroads-the-choice-is-yours-mates>
"Australia stands at a crossroads, once more. While most of the world has
started down a path toward building a cleaner, safer energy and climate future,
the Australian government remains stuck in place.
(More...)
Big oil and gas kept a dirty secret for decades. Now they may pay the price
Tue, 6 Jul 2021 04:47:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/30/climate-crimes-oil-and-gas-environment>
"After a century of wielding extraordinary economic and political power,
America’s petroleum giants face a reckoning for driving the greatest
existential threat of our lifetimes.
(More...)
Academic freedom is paramount for universities. They can do more to protect it from China’s interference
Tue, 6 Jul 2021 04:48:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/academic-freedom-is-paramount-for-universities-they-can-do-more-to-protect-it-from-chinas-interference-163647>
"A report from Human Rights Watch released yesterday found students and
academics critical of China’s Communist Party are being harassed and
intimidated by supporters of Beijing.
(More...)
Australia’s threatened species plan has failed on several counts. Without change, more extinctions are assured
Tue, 6 Jul 2021 04:50:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australias-threatened-species-plan-has-failed-on-several-counts-without-change-more-extinctions-are-assured-163434>
"Australia is globally renowned for its abysmal conservation record – in
roughly 230 years we’ve overseen the extinction of more mammal species than any
other nation. The federal government’s Threatened Species Strategy was meant to
(More...)
Meet the broad-toothed rat: a chubby-cheeked and inquisitive Australian rodent that needs our help
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 05:45:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/meet-the-broad-toothed-rat-a-chubby-cheeked-and-inquisitive-australian-rodent-that-needs-our-help-160929>
"When people think of rodents, they usually think of introduced species such as
the black rat and house mouse. But Australia actually has around 54 native
rodent species, which live in a vast range of habitats across the continent,
(More...)
Canada is a warning: more and more of the world will soon be too hot for humans
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 05:46:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/30/canada-temperatures-limits-human-climate-emergency-earth>
"The climate crisis means that summer is a time of increasingly dangerous heat.
This week in the Pacific north-west, temperature records are not just being
broken, they are being obliterated. Temperatures reached a shocking 47.9C in
(More...)
The Communist Party claims to have brought prosperity and equality to China. Here’s the real impact of its rule
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 05:48:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-communist-party-claims-to-have-brought-prosperity-and-equality-to-china-heres-the-real-impact-of-its-rule-163350>
"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is in full swing to prepare for the 100th
anniversary of its founding this week, with an intense publicity push to crow
about its achievements.
(More...)
Germany: Inaction on Heat Plans Threatens Health
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 05:49:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/01/germany-inaction-heat-plans-threatens-health>
"Germany has delayed putting into action its plans to address increasing heat
waves linked to climate change, threatening public health, Human Rights Watch
said today. Current plans largely leave out the danger from extreme heat to
(More...)
Australia ranks last for climate action among UN member countries
Wed, 7 Jul 2021 05:50:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/01/australia-ranks-last-for-climate-action-among-un-member-countries>
"Australia has been ranked last for climate action out of nearly 200 countries
in a report assessing progress towards global sustainable development goals.
(More...)
BBC reveals new archive that allows access to 200,000 programmes – and early editions of Radio Times
Thu, 8 Jul 2021 05:51:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/bbc-new-archive-access-programmes-radio-times-newsupdate/>
"If you’ve ever wanted to time travel via your television set, then you’re in
luck (sort of) – the BBC has updated its programming archive to include a host
of transmissions from 1923 to the present day.
(More...)
The twisted psychology of capitalism—and why it won’t hold sway forever
Thu, 8 Jul 2021 05:53:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.fastcompany.com/90650835/the-twisted-psychology-of-capitalism-and-why-it-wont-hold-sway-forever>
"If you listen to economists talk about the world right now, you’d be forgiven
for feeling a little confused. The pandemic precipitated the worst recession
since the stock market crash of 1929. Now, we’re told, the U.S. and China could
(More...)
The Internet Is Rotting
Thu, 8 Jul 2021 05:56:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/06/the-internet-is-a-collective-hallucination/619320/>
"Sixty years ago the futurist Arthur C. Clarke observed that any sufficiently
advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. The internet—how we both
communicate with one another and together preserve the intellectual products of
(More...)
New Zealand has lost thousands of hectares of wetlands in past decades, study shows
Thu, 8 Jul 2021 05:57:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/01/new-zealand-has-lost-thousands-of-hectares-of-wetlands-in-past-decades-study-shows>
"Thousands of hectares of New Zealand’s wetlands have been lost in the past
twenty years, leaving the country with just 10% of its pre-European wetland
areas and posing significant risks for biodiversity, according to new research.
(More...)
Google releases new open-source security software program: Scorecards
Thu, 8 Jul 2021 05:59:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-releases-new-open-source-security-software-program-scorecards/>
"The Scorecards project hopes to make security checks easier to make security
easier to achieve with the release of Scorecards v2. This includes new
security checks, scaled up the number of projects being scored, and made this
(More...)
Beef farmer working to bring back native grasslands from brink of extinction
Fri, 9 Jul 2021 05:34:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-30/farmer-bringing-back-native-grasslands-from-brink-of-extinction/100255182>
"Drew Gailey loves farming and also his land.
He bought a property on the Patho Plains in northern Victoria 10 years ago.
(More...)
The problem with Oodies: hooded blankets are cosy but they are not great for oceans or our health
Fri, 9 Jul 2021 05:35:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-problem-with-oodies-hooded-blankets-are-cosy-but-they-are-not-great-for-oceans-or-our-health-163087>
"Last year, Australian kids hounded parents for Ooshies — character-based
plastic collectibles distributed by supermarket chain Woolworths. But like the
attention span of a five year old, the contentious marketing campaign quickly
(More...)
The scientific genius who eschewed fame: remembering Thomas Harriot, 400 years on
Fri, 9 Jul 2021 05:36:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-scientific-genius-who-eschewed-fame-remembering-thomas-harriot-400-years-on-163167>
"Four hundred years ago, on July 2 1621, a remarkable Englishman named Thomas
Harriot died in London. He left behind some 8,000 pages of scientific research,
but it is only in recent decades that scholars have uncovered their treasures.
(More...)
Friday essay: trees have many stories to tell. Is this our last chance to read them?
Fri, 9 Jul 2021 05:37:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-trees-have-many-stories-to-tell-is-this-our-last-chance-to-read-them-161428>
"As tree scientist, I am fascinated by the magnificent biology of trees. I also
find it enthralling and encouraging that trees are being appreciated by writers
around the world right now.
(More...)
Almost 60 coral species around Lizard Island are ‘missing’ – and a Great Barrier Reef extinction crisis could be next
Fri, 9 Jul 2021 05:38:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/almost-60-coral-species-around-lizard-island-are-missing-and-a-great-barrier-reef-extinction-crisis-could-be-next-163714>
"The federal government has opposed a recommendation by a United Nations body
that the Great Barrier Reef be listed as “in danger”. But there’s no doubt the
natural wonder is in dire trouble. In new research, my colleagues and I provide
(More...)
Who Decides What Is True?
Sat, 10 Jul 2021 05:38:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://medium.com/@mtobis/who-decides-what-is-true-b6d9057489cd
"We’re in an increasingly complex world, which requires increasingly complex
collective decisions. If we avoid magical thinking, it seems clear that getting
the facts right is, while hardly sufficient, at least necessary.
(More...)
Sparks - Please Don't Fuck Up My World (Official Lyric Video)
Sat, 10 Jul 2021 05:40:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Givls9BUhc
"The official audio for 'Please Don't Fuck Up My World' by Sparks, from the new
album 'A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip'."
(More...)
Changing perspective
Sat, 10 Jul 2021 05:41:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.facebook.com/572102539799121/posts/changing-perspective-chris-buckgreg-semu/1285572931785408/>
Via Muse, who wrote "Fascinating images by Chris Buck/Greg Semu. Of course this
is what terrifies some people: the shoe being on the other foot…as if that’s
the only way things could be, since they have told themselves the current
(More...)
Canadian inferno: northern heat exceeds worst-case climate models
Sat, 10 Jul 2021 05:42:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/02/canadian-inferno-northern-heat-exceeds-worst-case-climate-models>
"If you were drawing up a list of possible locations for hell on Earth before
this week, the small mountain village of Lytton in Canada would probably not
have entered your mind.
(More...)
We should thank the unemployed for their service. They've been used to control inflation
Sat, 10 Jul 2021 05:43:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-04/the-unemployed-have-been-used-to-control-inflation/100259072>
"By preventing the unemployment rate from falling below its presumed "natural"
level, they've been using hundreds of thousands of unemployed Australians as
shock absorbers.
(More...)
Record-breaking temperatures mean we must change the way we talk about the climate emergency
Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:46:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
The government is clamping down on charities — and it could have a chilling effect on peaceful protest
Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:49:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-government-is-clamping-down-on-charities-and-it-could-have-a-chilling-effect-on-peaceful-protest-163493>
"The Australian government introduced new regulations last week that could have
a major chilling effect across Australia’s diverse charities sector.
(More...)
World’s largest ever four day week trial in Iceland ‘overwhelming success’
Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:51:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/four-day-week-pilot-iceland-b1877171.html>
"More than 1 per cent of Iceland’s working population took part in the pilot
programme which cut the working week to 35-36 hours with no reduction in
overall pay.
(More...)
How ‘Climate Investment Traps’ Create A Vicious Cycle For African Nations
Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:52:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidrvetter/2021/07/05/how-climate-investment-traps-create-a-vicious-cycle-for-african-nations/>
"The high cost of accessing sustainable investment is preventing developing
countries from decarbonizing their economies, but levelling the finance playing
field could help accelerate poorer nations’ climate readiness by a decade, new
(More...)
Sixty years of climate change warnings: the signs that were missed (and ignored)
Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:53:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/05/sixty-years-of-climate-change-warnings-the-signs-that-were-missed-and-ignored>
"In August 1974, the CIA produced a study on “climatological research as it
pertains to intelligence problems”. The diagnosis was dramatic. It warned of
the emergence of a new era of weird weather, leading to political unrest and
(More...)
Hidden women of history: Ennigaldi-Nanna, curator of the world’s first museum
Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:01:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/hidden-women-of-history-ennigaldi-nanna-curator-of-the-worlds-first-museum-116431>
"“It belongs in a museum.” With these words, Indiana Jones, the world’s
best-known fictional archaeologist, articulated an association between
archaeologists, antiquities, and museums that has a very long history. Indeed,
(More...)
Can We Fix the Global Food System by 2045?
Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:02:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://modernfarmer.com/2021/06/can-we-fix-the-global-food-system-by-2045/>
"Many experts agree that our food system is broken, leaving billions of people
either under or overfed as agricultural practices continue to contribute to
climate change. The past 15 months has helped magnify those fractures. Farmers
(More...)
Big investors warn Australia on climate change
Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:03:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/big-investors-warn-australia-on-climate-change-20210622-p5833k>
"Large foreign investment funds have warned they could blacklist Australia and
cut billions of dollars of investments in the country if the federal government
fails to join the rest of the world in committing to a net-zero 2050 greenhouse
(More...)
Morrison’s ‘new deal’ for a return to post-COVID normal is not the deal most Australians want
Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:04:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/morrisons-new-deal-for-a-return-to-post-covid-normal-is-not-the-deal-most-australians-want-163889>
"All-encompassing crises like a pandemic can expose systemic flaws and failures
in government and society, clearing the decks for radical reform and
renovation.
(More...)
Great, Lapland Just Recorded Its Hottest Temperature in 100 Years
Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:05:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgx45q/great-lapland-just-recorded-its-hottest-temperature-in-100-years>
"Lapland, the most northerly part of Finland known for its deep winters, has
recorded its hottest temperature in more than 100 years.
(More...)
Astonishing 3D animated cat on Tokyo digital billboard
Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:21:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://boingboing.net/2021/07/06/astonishing-3d-animated-cat-on-tokyo-digital-billboard.html
'This astonishing 3D animated cat now presides over Tokyo's Shinjuku
Station. Watch the clip below. Cross Shinjuku Vision's curved display
enables the truly incredible depth effects. According to TimeOut, "the
(More...)
Australian government must protect young people from climate crisis harm, court declares
Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:25:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/08/australian-government-must-protect-young-people-from-climate-crisis-harm-court-declares>
"Australia’s federal court has formally declared the nation’s
environment minister has a “duty to take reasonable care” that young
people won’t be harmed or killed by carbon dioxide emissions if she
(More...)
How the BBC let climate deniers walk all over it
Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:27:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/08/bbc-climate-change-deniers-fossil-fuel-broadcasters>
"Yes, we should rake over the coals. And the oil, and the gas.
Democratic accountability means remembering who helped to stoke the
climate crisis. We should hold the fossil fuel companies to account.
(More...)
‘Heat dome’ probably killed 1bn marine animals on Canada coast, experts say
Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:29:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/08/heat-dome-canada-pacific-northwest-animal-deaths>
"More than 1 billion marine animals along Canada’s Pacific coast are
likely to have died from last week’s record heatwave, experts warn,
highlighting the vulnerability of ecosystems unaccustomed to extreme
(More...)
Will your grandchildren have the chance to visit Australia’s sacred trees? Only if our sick indifference to Aboriginal heritage is cured
Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:21:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/will-your-grandchildren-have-the-chance-to-visit-australias-sacred-trees-only-if-our-sick-indifference-to-aboriginal-heritage-is-cured-163581>
"In a small township called Narrandera situated along the Marrambidya
(Murrumbidgee River), sacred Wiradjuri trees still survive. They represent a
living continuum between the old ways and the new.
(More...)
Death Toll in Oregon Heat Wave Climbs to 116 as Officials Call It a 'Mass Casualty Event'
Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:22:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/death-toll-in-oregon-heat-wave-climbs-to-116-as-officials-call-it-a-mass-casualty-event/ar-AALVPvr>
"More than 100 people in Oregon have died as a result of the record-breaking
heat wave that has blanketed the Pacific Northwest in recent weeks.
(More...)
Huge New Wave Is the COVID Nightmare Scientists Feared Most
Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:23:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thedailybeast.com/huge-new-wave-is-the-covid-nightmare-scientists-feared-most>
"Coroners in Tunisia—which is experiencing its fourth and worst wave of the
COVID-19 pandemic— have run out of space, meaning the dead are often left in
crowded hospital rooms alongside still suffering patients for 24 hours. The
(More...)
She flew from Australia to England for a first date
Thu, 15 Jul 2021 04:56:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/laura-sara-australia-uk-twitter-romance/index.html>
"(CNN) — British college student Laura was scrolling through social media one
day in 2014, when a Tweet caught her eye, and changed her life.
(More...)
Australia’s Bowen Basin producing 47% more methane than global average
Thu, 15 Jul 2021 04:57:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.industryleadersmagazine.com/australias-bowen-basin-producing-47-more-methane-than-global-average/>
"A study done by the energy industry consultancy group Kayrros says Australia’s
coal-producing region Bowen Basis emits methane equivalent to the greenhouse
gas effect of 30 million combustion engine vehicles.
(More...)
If we stop using the unemployed to control inflation, will we all be better off?
Thu, 15 Jul 2021 04:58:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-11/if-we-stopped-using-the-unemployed-to-control-inflation/100279494>
"I want to try something a little unusual.
Last week, I explained how Australia's economic policymakers have been using
(More...)
Could Sri Lanka’s ship fire have been avoided? Here’s what we can learn from the shocking environmental disaster
Fri, 16 Jul 2021 07:14:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/could-sri-lankas-ship-fire-have-been-avoided-heres-what-we-can-learn-from-the-shocking-environmental-disaster-162770>
"Hundreds of dead turtles continue to wash ashore in Sri Lanka, almost two
months after a newly built container ship caught fire while anchored off
Colombo’s port.
(More...)
Australian-first LGBTQIA+ hub opens for Melbourne's queer community
Fri, 16 Jul 2021 07:16:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-11/pride-centre-opens-melbourne-st-kilda/100284334>
'More than a dozen LGBTQIA+ organisations will take up residence today in a
groundbreaking new community centre that will host essential groups and
services for LGBTQIA+ people across Melbourne.
(More...)
The First New Vacuum Tube Computer Design For Well Over Half A Century
Fri, 16 Jul 2021 07:17:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hackaday.com/2021/07/12/the-first-new-vacuum-tube-computer-design-for-well-over-half-a-century/>
"In a few museums around the world, there lies the special experience of seeing
some of the earliest computers. These room-filling monsters have multiple racks
of vacuum tubes that are kept working by the dedication and care of their
(More...)
How Political Opinions Change
Sat, 17 Jul 2021 05:32:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-political-opinions-change
"Our political opinions and attitudes are an important part of who we are and
how we construct our identities. Hence, if I ask your opinion on health care,
you will not only share it with me, but you will likely resist any of my
(More...)
What happened when I stopped using Emojis
Sat, 17 Jul 2021 05:34:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://uxdesign.cc/what-happened-when-i-stopped-using-emojis-23be7dfdd006>
"When was the last time you went a day without using any emoji? How about a
week? In March 2021, I went through a fun self-imposed experiment: no emoji for
2 weeks. Not on social media, not in private messages, not even as Slack or
(More...)
Majority of Australians support UNESCO Great Barrier Reef ‘in danger’ listing
Sat, 17 Jul 2021 05:35:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.miragenews.com/majority-of-australians-support-unesco-great-594450/>
"More than seven in ten (72%) Australians support UNESCO’s recommendation to
add the Great Barrier Reef to the World Heritage ‘in danger’ list, just 11%
oppose. Furthermore, Queenslanders are most likely (50%) to think that climate
(More...)
Haruki Murakami
Sun, 18 Jul 2021 05:24:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://dia.so/5gx
Via Tenzin, who wrote "I’m sorry if you’ve seen this before— from time to time
I post this in case someone is interested. For a while now, I’ve been taking
any of Murakami’s short stories that I can find on the web (completely free and
(More...)
‘Environmental accounting’ could revolutionise nature conservation, but Australia has squandered its potential
Sun, 18 Jul 2021 05:26:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/environmental-accounting-could-revolutionise-nature-conservation-but-australia-has-squandered-its-potential-163661>
"Let’s say a new irrigation scheme is proposed and all the land it’ll take up
needs to be cleared — trees felled, soil upturned, and habitats destroyed.
Water will also have to be allocated. Would the economic gain of the scheme
(More...)
Raze paradise to put in a biofuel crop? No, there are far better ways to tackle climate change
Sun, 18 Jul 2021 05:27:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/raze-paradise-to-put-in-a-biofuel-crop-no-there-are-far-better-ways-to-tackle-climate-change-162800>
"We all know action on climate change is urgently needed. But that doesn’t mean
a forest should be razed to build a wind farm. Nor should vast fields of a
single crop be grown year after year – reducing the number of other species
(More...)
No, we can’t treat COVID-19 like the flu. We have to consider the lasting health problems it causes
Sun, 18 Jul 2021 05:28:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/no-we-cant-treat-covid-19-like-the-flu-we-have-to-consider-the-lasting-health-problems-it-causes-164072>
"Earlier this month, the Australian government announced a four-phase plan to
return us to something resembling normality. Under this plan, Prime Minister
Scott Morrison said, we will eventually treat COVID-19 “like the flu”.
(More...)
Keeping People Out of Jail Keeps People Out of Jail
Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:19:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/reducing-incarceration-no-prosecuting-minor-non-violent-crimes/>
"In March 2020 in Baltimore, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby tried a similar
experiment initially prompted by the increased risk of Covid spreading in
prisons. Her office would no longer prosecute a host of minor nonviolent
(More...)
Climate change is fueling mass-casualty heat waves. Here's why experts say we don't view them as crises
Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:22:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/12/weather/climate-change-mass-casualty-psychology/>
"The Pacific Northwest heat wave in late June was a mass casualty event,
officials said. Hundreds of people likely died in the multi-day,
record-breaking heat, and the death toll continues to rise.
(More...)
Headphones, saw blades, coat hangers: how human trash in Australian bird nests changed over 195 years
Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:23:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/headphones-saw-blades-coat-hangers-how-human-trash-in-australian-bird-nests-changed-over-195-years-164316>
"When we opened a box supplied by museum curators, our research team audibly
gasped. Inside was a huge Australian magpie nest from 2018.
(More...)
Amazon rainforest now emitting more CO2 than it absorbs
Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:24:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/14/amazon-rainforest-now-emitting-more-co2-than-it-absorbs>
"The Amazon rainforest is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is able to
absorb, scientists have confirmed for the first time.
(More...)
The forces driving ‘white fright’
Tue, 20 Jul 2021 06:10:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://freethoughtblogs.com/singham/2021/07/14/the-forces-driving-white-fright/>
"The blame for the seeming rise of racist words and actions targeting people of
color and immigrants has sometimes been placed on what might be called ‘white
fright’, the fear of the white majority that changing demographics might
(More...)
The Creator of Dogecoin Says He Now Believes That All Cryptocurrency Is Horrible
Tue, 20 Jul 2021 06:11:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://futurism.com/creator-dogecoin-cryptocurrencies-horrible
"In a scathing — and eye-opening — Twitter thread, the co-creator of popular
altcoin Dogecoin, Jackson Palmer, eviscerated the technology and community
behind cryptocurrencies in general.
(More...)
India’s wicked problem: how to loosen its grip on coal while not abandoning the millions who depend on it
Tue, 20 Jul 2021 06:12:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/indias-wicked-problem-how-to-loosen-its-grip-on-coal-while-not-abandoning-the-millions-who-depend-on-it-163075>
"India is the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its
transition to a low-carbon economy is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris
Agreement. But unfortunately, the nation is still clinging firmly to coal.
(More...)
To navigate all the junk on the internet, you need powers of critical thinking — but also critical ignoring
Wed, 21 Jul 2021 06:04:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
How Sketchy Data Scavengers Are Using Hatred Of 'Big Tech' To Attack Plans To Make The Web More Private
Wed, 21 Jul 2021 06:05:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210713/17155347166/how-sketchy-data-scavengers-are-using-hatred-big-tech-to-attack-plans-to-make-web-more-private.shtml>
"We warned that this was likely back when Google announced plans to phase out
third-party cookies in Chrome (something all the other major browser makers had
already done): that this would be used to attack Google as being
(More...)
There’s a new tactic for exposing you to radical content online: the ‘slow red-pill’
Wed, 21 Jul 2021 06:06:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/15/theres-a-new-tactic-for-exposing-you-to-radical-content-online-the-slow-red-pill>
"I spend a lot of time on Instagram. Not posting stories, but researching Gen Z
online political subcultures. That’s how I first stumbled across a content
strategy that I’ve dubbed the “slow red-pill”.
(More...)
Book Review: How to Win the War Against Climate Change — Go Electric
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:18:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://artsfuse.org/232988/book-review-how-to-win-the-war-against-climate-change-go-electric/>
"In case you are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the challenges posed by
climate change, Saul Griffith has a plan for how we can win what Michael Mann
(
The New War on Climate Change), John Kerry, and others have declared to be
(More...)
The week in wildlife – in pictures
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:19:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2021/jul/16/the-week-in-wildlife-in-pictures>
"The best of this week’s wildlife pictures, including endangered vultures, a
baby beaver and a spectacular wingnut tree"
(More...)
How ‘In God We Trust’ bills are helping advance a Christian nationalist agenda
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:20:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-in-god-we-trust-bills-are-helping-advance-a-christian-nationalist-agenda-164143>
"City vehicles in Chesapeake, Virginia, will soon be getting religion.
At a meeting on July 13, 2021, city councilors unanimously voted in favor of a
(More...)
Ships Are Dumping So Much Human Waste in Seas It Can Be Seen From Space
Fri, 23 Jul 2021 05:44:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://interestingengineering.com/ships-are-dumping-so-much-human-waste-in-seas-it-can-be-seen-from-space>
"AI-based satellite image analysis firm Simularity released a report last week
stating that raw sewage from over 200 anchored ships, suspected to be Chinese
vessels, in the South China Sea is damaging marine life, a report from Reuters
(More...)
Repeating mistakes: why the plan to protect the world’s wildlife falls short
Fri, 23 Jul 2021 05:44:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/repeating-mistakes-why-the-plan-to-protect-the-worlds-wildlife-falls-short-164497>
"It’s no secret the world’s wildlife is in dire straits. New data shows a
heatwave in the Pacific Northwest killed more than 1 billion sea creatures in
June, while Australia’s devastating bushfires of 2019-2020 killed or displaced
(More...)
If I could go anywhere: Château La Coste, a sculpture and wine walk in Provence holds random surprises
Fri, 23 Jul 2021 05:45:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-i-could-go-anywhere-chateau-la-coste-a-sculpture-and-wine-walk-in-provence-holds-random-surprises-162928>
"As winter digs in across the country, I’ve been thinking of summer days in
Europe. How pleasant to be back in sunny, southern France among the vineyards
and hum of crickets, rather than trapped on our large island continent with
(More...)
Excessive strip-searching shines light on discrimination of Aboriginal women in the criminal justice system
Sat, 24 Jul 2021 05:46:38 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/excessive-strip-searching-shines-light-on-discrimination-of-aboriginal-women-in-the-criminal-justice-system-163969>
"In January, an unnamed incarcerated Aboriginal woman on remand at the
Alexander Maconochie Centre in the ACT was the victim of an alleged strip
search undertaken by four guards in full riot gear in full view of male
(More...)
The world might run out of a crucial ingredient of touch screens. But don’t worry, we’ve invented an alternative
Sat, 24 Jul 2021 05:47:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-world-might-run-out-of-a-crucial-ingredient-of-touch-screens-but-dont-worry-weve-invented-an-alternative-164631>
"Have you ever imagined your smart phone or tablet without a touch screen? This
could soon be the case if we run out of indium, one of the rarest minerals on
Earth.
(More...)
The Sounds of Healing
Sun, 25 Jul 2021 06:12:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/yoko-sen-music-healing-hospitals/
"What Washington musician Yoko Sen describes as the “soundtrack of her life” is
not one of the songs she wrote for the band Dust Galaxy, but the alarm of the
heart monitor at her hospital bedside. “The constant rhythm of a cardiac
(More...)
The next big financial crisis could be triggered by climate change – but central banks can prevent it
Sun, 25 Jul 2021 06:13:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-next-big-financial-crisis-could-be-triggered-by-climate-change-but-central-banks-can-prevent-it-161726>
"In 2008, as big banks began failing across Wall Street and the housing and
stock markets crashed, the nation saw how crucial financial regulation is for
economic stability – and how quickly the consequences can cascade through the
(More...)
This Group Of Women Tried To Break Into Astronaut Program In 1960s; One Just Made It
Sun, 25 Jul 2021 06:15:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hackaday.com/2021/07/20/this-group-of-women-tried-to-break-into-astronaut-program-in-1960s-one-just-made-it/>
"When Mary Wallace “Wally” Funk reached the boundary of space aboard the first
crewed flight of Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule earlier today, it marked the
end of a journey she started 60 years ago. In 1961 she became the youngest
(More...)
The Eternal October: Bringing Back Tech Optimism, Without The Naivety
Sun, 25 Jul 2021 06:15:57 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210718/01065747196/eternal-october-bringing-back-tech-optimism-without-naivety.shtml>
"For many reasons, it seems we're deep in the mire of the techlash: everywhere
you look, there are stories about the evils of technology. And while it is
important to explore the risks and downsides of technology — especially after
(More...)
‘Reckless’: G20 states subsidised fossil fuels by $3tn since 2015, says report
Sun, 25 Jul 2021 06:16:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/20/g20-states-subsidised-fossil-fuels-2015-coal-oil-gas-cliamte-crisis>
"The G20 countries have provided more than $3.3tn (£2.4tn) in subsidies for
fossil fuels since the Paris climate agreement was sealed in 2015, a report
shows, despite many committing to tackle the crisis.
(More...)
Every Book Lover Should Fear This Graph
Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:03:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/@andyhunter777/every-book-lover-should-fear-this-graph-4f16d85bf2b1>
"Books are a fundamental social good that have an outsized impact on our
development, individually and collectively. They move us forward. They have
been fundamental to our moral and social evolution, our inner lives, and our
(More...)
New analysis reveals global distribution of toxic pollution and climate change
Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:04:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210721141930.htm
"A new analysis of global datasets shows low-income countries are significantly
more likely to be impacted by both toxic pollution and climate change — and
provides a list of at-risk countries most (and least) able to immediately begin
(More...)
Australia’s government gives more support to fossil fuel research than is apparent
Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:05:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australias-government-gives-more-support-to-fossil-fuel-research-than-is-apparent-161421>
"Australian governments direct billions to fossil fuel companies. Among the
projects funded by Commonwealth and state governments are work on coal ports,
railways and power stations, and research into “clean coal” or “coal
(More...)
Syria: The visionary reconstruction of Raqqa | DW Documentary
Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:06:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsa3SXmMyFE
"Leila Mustafa is a young Syrian Kurd. She’s also mayor of the so-called
Islamic State’s former capital. Raqqa has been levelled as a result of the
Syrian civil war. But Mustafa, an engineer, wants to rebuild the city on
(More...)
The long-term quest to build a 'galactic civilisation'
Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:08:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210721-the-quest-for-a-galactic-civilisation-that-saves-humanity>
"Behind the headlines about billionaire jaunts into space, there's a deeper
motivation – the belief that spreading into the cosmos will save humanity's
future. How did this idea emerge?
(More...)
The Novel Solutions of Utopian Fiction
Tue, 27 Jul 2021 06:02:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/utopian-fiction-climate-literature/>
"Recently I read an excellent book:
The Soviet Novel, by Katerina Clark. In
it she observed that the USSR’s socialist realism suffered from what she called
“modal schizophrenia,” because the writers were supposed to stay true to the
(More...)
Tokyo Olympics: how hosting the Games disrupts local lives and livelihoods
Tue, 27 Jul 2021 06:03:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/tokyo-olympics-how-hosting-the-games-disrupts-local-lives-and-livelihoods-162893>
"In the run up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the favela community of Vila
Autódromo was virtually destroyed. It sat on prime real estate at the water’s
edge, in the up and coming West Zone neighbourhood. Dwellings were demolished,
(More...)
Wind turbines off the coast could help Australia become an energy superpower, research finds
Tue, 27 Jul 2021 06:09:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/wind-turbines-off-the-coast-could-help-australia-become-an-energy-superpower-research-finds-164590>
"Offshore wind farms are an increasingly common sight overseas. But Australia
has neglected the technology, despite the ample wind gusts buffeting much of
our coastline.
(More...)
Operation Fox Hunt: How China Exports Repression Using a Network of Spies Hidden in Plain Sight
Tue, 27 Jul 2021 06:10:37 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.propublica.org/article/operation-fox-hunt-how-china-exports-repression-using-a-network-of-spies-hidden-in-plain-sight>
"China sends covert teams abroad to bring back people accused — justifiably or
not — of financial crimes. One New Jersey family was stalked as part of a
global campaign that takes families hostage and pressures immigrants to serve
(More...)
Second-hand panels: Australia’s massive wasted solar opportunity
Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:25:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/second-hand-panels-australias-massive-wasted-solar-opportunity/>
"On a recent visit to the local rubbish tip, Dr Nick Engerer – the founder and
CEO of solar data services company Solcast – was struck by an increasingly
familiar sight: a stack of perfectly functional, discarded solar panels.
(More...)
Unis are killing the critical study of religion, and it will only make campuses more religious
Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:26:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/unis-are-killing-the-critical-study-of-religion-and-it-will-only-make-campuses-more-religious-164402>
"Global developments in tertiary education suggest the critical scientific
study of religion is endangered. One of the departments slated for
extinguishment amid the pandemic-related upheavals was my own at the University
(More...)
The Brisbane Olympics are a leap into an unknowable future
Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:27:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-brisbane-olympics-are-a-leap-into-an-unknowable-future-164933>
"There’ll be two types of Australian high jump in Tokyo this month. The first,
most likely scripted, was Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s front row
leap after Brisbane was awarded the right to host the 2032 Olympics.
(More...)
The Olympic movement claims political neutrality. In reality, that ideal is often selectively applied
Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:29:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-olympic-movement-claims-political-neutrality-in-reality-that-ideal-is-often-selectively-applied-164558>
"The confluence of nations at the Olympics also underscores the IOC’s
much-vaunted position that the games must be politically neutral. Indeed, as a
practical demonstration of that aspiration, both the IOC and the United Nations
(More...)
From Idea to Icon: 50 Years of the Floppy Disk
Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:05:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.howtogeek.com/740436/from-idea-to-icon-50-years-of-the-floppy-disk/>
"Fifty years ago, IBM introduced the first-ever floppy disk drive, the IBM
23FD, and the first floppy disks. Floppies made punched cards obsolete, and its
successors ruled software distribution for the next 20 years. Here’s a look at
(More...)
Australia’s reliance on gas exports questioned as Japan winds down fossil fuel power
Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:06:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/23/australias-reliance-on-gas-exports-questioned-as-japan-winds-down-fossil-fuel-power>
"A Japanese pledge to wind down gas and coal-fired electricity much faster than
previously planned has sparked warnings Australia needs to speed up a
transition away from fossil fuel exports.
(More...)
Capturing carbon: West Carleton high school grad hopes to use seawater to slow climate crisis
Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:08:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
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World Heritage Committee agrees not to place Great Barrier Reef on ‘in danger’ list
Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:10:45 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/23/world-heritage-committee-agrees-not-to-place-great-barrier-reef-on-in-danger-list>
"The Great Barrier Reef will not be placed on a list of world heritage sites
“in danger” after a global lobbying effort from Australia against the proposed
listing.
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#TheSoapbox: The Third World War is climate change and we’re in the thick of it
Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:25:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sudbury.com/columns/the-soapbox/thesoapbox-the-third-world-war-is-climate-change-and-were-in-the-thick-of-it-3979443>
"The heat domes are coming! We have underestimated the enemy. California
burned, B.C. is burning. As I write this, Western Ontario is under a heat dome
and the fires will grow.
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The Board Games That Ask You to Reenact Colonialism
Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:26:48 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/07/board-games-have-colonialism-problem/619518/>
"Boutique board games have been around for years, but in the mid-2000s, as
“Catan”—which was formerly called “Settlers of Catan,” and which also employs a
colonist mechanism, this time in a fictional place—permeated the culture,
(More...)
New concept to see older women living together to avoid homelessness, loneliness
Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:27:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-24/older-women-look-to-live-together-to-avoid-homelessness/100319352>
"Facing a soaring rental market and no hope of ever owning her own home, Ms
Shambrook and several other women turned to the newly formed foundation Sharing
With Friends.
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Mathematically Correct Breakfast
Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:28:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
http://www.georgehart.com/bagel/bagel.html
"It is not hard to cut a bagel into two equal halves which are linked like two
links of a chain."
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The Uncensored Library
Sat, 31 Jul 2021 06:59:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.uncensoredlibrary.com/en
"In many countries, websites, social media and blogs are controlled by
oppressive leaders. Young people, in particular, are forced to grow up in
systems where their opinion is heavily manipulated by governmental
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10 cleaning mistakes you’re probably making at home
Sat, 31 Jul 2021 07:00:28 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/surface-cleaners/articles/cleaning-mistakes>
"From the kitchen to the bathroom and everywhere in between, we all have our
tried-and-true methods for cleaning. (Or maybe you don't and you're just
winging it – we won't judge!)
(More...)
8 Photo Stories That Will Challenge Your View Of The World
Sat, 31 Jul 2021 07:01:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/piapeterson/photo-stories-july-24
"This week was another sobering look at the effects of climate change around
the world. We watched as China flooded and the monstrous wildfires continued in
the Pacific Northwest. The photographer Marina Vitaglione used an old
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'Difficult' G-20 talks show battle lines on coal and climate
Sat, 31 Jul 2021 07:02:49 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Climate-Change/Difficult-G-20-talks-show-battle-lines-on-coal-and-climate>
"TOKYO — The failure of Group of 20 environment and energy ministers to agree
on a global temperature goal exposes the divide between advanced and
emerging-market economies on the pace of industrial transformation needed to
(More...)
The YouTubers who blew the whistle on an anti-vax plot
Sat, 31 Jul 2021 07:04:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-57928647
'A mysterious marketing agency secretly offered to pay social media stars to
spread disinformation about Covid-19 vaccines. Their plan failed when the
influencers went public about the attempt to recruit them.
(More...)
Purrfect match: cats and their human doubles
Sun, 1 Aug 2021 06:40:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/oct/10/purrfect-match-cats-and-their-human-doubles>
"We all know someone who looks like their dog, but what about our feline
friends? Photographer Gerrard Gethings set out to match moggies with their
lookalikes – with uncanny results."
(More...)
Radicalism mixed with openness: how Desmond Tutu used his gifts to help end Apartheid
Sun, 1 Aug 2021 06:40:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/radicalism-mixed-with-openness-how-desmond-tutu-used-his-gifts-to-help-end-apartheid-156499>
"A court in Colombia has recently been working to uncover the dread secrets of
a long and bloody civil war. But rather than identifying perpetrators for death
or imprisonment, it seeks reconciliation of the estranged and restoration of a
(More...)
Not declaring the Great Barrier Reef as ‘in danger’ only postpones the inevitable
Sun, 1 Aug 2021 06:41:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/not-declaring-the-great-barrier-reef-as-in-danger-only-postpones-the-inevitable-164867>
"After much anticipation, the World Heritage Committee on Friday decided
against listing the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”.
(More...)
Australia must get serious about airborne infection transmission. Here’s what we need to do
Sun, 1 Aug 2021 06:43:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
A 10% Switch To Reusables Could Cut Ocean Plastic Waste By 50%: WEF Report
Sun, 1 Aug 2021 06:44:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/reusables-ocean-plastic-waste-wef-report/
"If the world reused just 10% of plastic packaging, as much as half of our
annual plastic waste would be prevented from entering the ocean. That’s
according to a new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF), which examined
(More...)
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