Glass Wings Blog: August 2021
Can Arctic Animals Keep Up With Climate Change? Scientists are Trying to Find Out
Mon, 2 Aug 2021 05:20:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26072021/arctic-animals-climate-change-heat/>
"Heat stress is an emerging focus of Arctic research. As extreme heat waves
become more frequent and rapid warming threatens northern latitudes, the same
adaptations that have allowed animals to survive cold temperatures are the ones
(More...)
The truth behind corporate climate pledges
Mon, 2 Aug 2021 05:21:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/26/climate-crisis-green-light>
"For climate campaigners, 26 May seemed like the start of a long-awaited
reckoning for oil and gas companies.
(More...)
Who’s behind Australia’s anti-lockdown protests? The German conspiracy group driving marches
Mon, 2 Aug 2021 05:23:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/27/who-behind-australia-anti-covid-lockdown-protest-march-rallies-sydney-melbourne-far-right-and-german-conspiracy-groups-driving-protests>
"A German-based conspiracy group helped to drive a series of anti-lockdown
protests across Australia which saw dozens of people arrested and hundreds
fined after violent clashes with police.
(More...)
The Framework Laptop
Mon, 2 Aug 2021 05:24:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://frame.work/
"Consumer electronics is broken. We’ve all had the experience of a busted
screen, button, or connector that can’t be fixed, battery life degrading
without a path for replacement, or being unable to add more storage when full.
(More...)
Why governments will have to consider the costs of long COVID when easing pandemic restrictions
Tue, 3 Aug 2021 05:41:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-governments-will-have-to-consider-the-costs-of-long-covid-when-easing-pandemic-restrictions-164944>
"With governments worldwide under pressure to ease pandemic restrictions as
vaccination rates rise and impatience with border restrictions grows, new
threats become clearer.
(More...)
Artificial refuges are a popular stopgap for habitat destruction, but the science isn’t up to scratch
Tue, 3 Aug 2021 05:41:53 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/artificial-refuges-are-a-popular-stopgap-for-habitat-destruction-but-the-science-isnt-up-to-scratch-164401>
"Wildlife worldwide is facing a housing crisis. When land is cleared for
agriculture, mining, and urbanisation, habitats and natural refuges go with it,
such as tree hollows, rock piles and large logs.
(More...)
Climate emergency not slowed by COVID-19 pandemic and planet's 'vital signs' worsening, scientists say
Tue, 3 Aug 2021 05:45:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-07-28/climate-emergency-pandemic-planet-vital-signs-worsening/100329094>
"Chances are in the past 18 months you've heard someone exclaim that air travel
is at an all-time low, and how good that must be for the climate.
(More...)
Weathering With You, Your Name Creator Discusses Climate Change and More
Tue, 3 Aug 2021 05:48:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.cbr.com/weathering-with-you-creator-climate-change/
"Makoto Shinkai, the director of acclaimed anime movies
Your Name and
Weathering With You has penned a new essay where he discusses the themes of
his movies, climate change and the importance of giving young people a choice
(More...)
Is Russia Finally Ready to Tackle Climate Change?
Wed, 4 Aug 2021 05:31:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/07/28/is-russia-finally-ready-to-tackle-climate-change-a74639>
"Until recently, there was little interest in climate change among Russian
society, business, financial institutions, and the government. Although the
country is the world’s fifth biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, it is ranked a
(More...)
Samoa’s first female leader has made history — now she faces a challenging future at home and abroad
Wed, 4 Aug 2021 05:32:06 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/samoas-first-female-leader-has-made-history-now-she-faces-a-challenging-future-at-home-and-abroad-165083>
"After nearly four months of being taken to the brink of dictatorship, Samoa’s
constitutional crisis ended on July 26 when the prime minister for the past 23
years, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, conceded defeat.
(More...)
The policing of Australian satire: why defamation is still no joke, despite recent law changes
Wed, 4 Aug 2021 05:33:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-policing-of-australian-satire-why-defamation-is-still-no-joke-despite-recent-law-changes-164076>
"The reformed defamation laws came into effect on July 1 in New South Wales,
Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. They will become nationally uniform
by the end of this year.
(More...)
Bolsonaro’s 1,000km Amazon railway will cause climate chaos. It must be stopped
Wed, 4 Aug 2021 05:35:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/28/bolsonaro-amazon-railway-climate-chaos-must-be-stopped>
"Despite increasing global concern, Jair Bolsonaro is determined to expand his
exploitation of Brazil’s crucial natural resources. His latest project, one of
the most destructive yet, would rapidly deforest large areas of the Amazon.
(More...)
Greta Thunberg: The show is over.
Thu, 5 Aug 2021 05:19:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://gretathunberg.medium.com/the-show-is-over-66e03dd38efa
"Tomorrow 150 weeks will have passed since we started to school strike for the
climate. During this time more and more people around the world have woken up
to the climate- and ecological crisis, putting more and more pressure on you —
(More...)
Download 1,000+ Japanese Woodblock Prints by Edo-Era Master Hiroshige
Thu, 5 Aug 2021 05:21:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mymodernmet.com/hiroshige-woodblock-prints/
"With rich colors and distinct aesthetics, Japanese woodblock prints blossomed
between the 17th and 19th centuries, in the Edo era. During this time, Japan
was mostly closed off from the outside world, and only a handful of Dutch and
(More...)
More livestock, more carbon dioxide, less ice: the world’s climate change progress since 2019 is (mostly) bad news
Thu, 5 Aug 2021 05:24:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/more-livestock-more-carbon-dioxide-less-ice-the-worlds-climate-change-progress-since-2019-is-mostly-bad-news-165168>
"Back in 2019, more than 11,000 scientists declared a global climate emergency.
They established a comprehensive set of vital signs that impact or reflect the
planet’s health, such as forest loss, fossil fuel subsidies, glacier thickness,
(More...)
Our biggest enemy is no longer climate denial but climate delay
Thu, 5 Aug 2021 05:25:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/30/climate-denial-delay-inaction-british-government>
"Future generations will look back on the climate events of 2021 and say: “That
was the year they ran out of excuses.”
(More...)
Donkeys in danger of extinction as study shows 10 animals you didn't know were too
Fri, 6 Aug 2021 06:18:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/donkeys-danger-extinction-study-shows-23544517>
"Brits have ‘no idea’ which creatures are thriving or close to extinction –
with nine in 10 unaware the beloved donkey is at risk of being wiped out.
(More...)
Aussie startup invents breakthrough non-toxic battery electrolyte that’s cheaper ‘by factor of 100’
Fri, 6 Aug 2021 06:20:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/07/28/aussie-startup-invents-breakthrough-non-toxic-battery-electrolyte-thats-cheaper-by-factor-of-100/>
"About a decade ago, Professor Thomas Nann realized the key to achieving a zero
carbon economy was not renewably generating electricity, which was already well
on its way to undercutting fossil fuels, but rather energy storage – figuring
(More...)
Idling is the new smoking: Health experts call for anti-idling zones for ICE cars
Fri, 6 Aug 2021 06:23:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2021/07/29/idling-is-the-new-smoking-health-experts-call-for-anti-idling-zones-for-ice-cars/>
"A group of “concerned health professionals, academics and scientists” has
called on the Victorian government to introduce anti-idling laws for fossil
fuelled cars – starting with school drop-off zones – as one of the easiest and
(More...)
Fiji’s other crisis: away from the COVID emergency, political dissent can still get you arrested
Fri, 6 Aug 2021 06:25:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fijis-other-crisis-away-from-the-covid-emergency-political-dissent-can-still-get-you-arrested-165238>
"The arrest of nine Fijian opposition politicians, including party leaders and
two former prime ministers, once again exposes Fijian democracy’s fragility.
The intimidation doesn’t bode well for the parliamentary elections due next
(More...)
If I could go anywhere: Greek cake shops, the Athenian countryside and the sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron
Sat, 7 Aug 2021 05:32:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-i-could-go-anywhere-greek-cake-shops-the-athenian-countryside-and-the-sanctuary-of-artemis-at-brauron-164357>
"In Book Two of the
Republic, Plato famously describes the “fevered” city, a
town bustling with artists, musicians, actors, butchers, barbers, courtesans,
and … confectionery!
(More...)
Climate change is causing tuna to migrate, which could spell catastrophe for the small islands that depend on them
Sat, 7 Aug 2021 05:33:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-causing-tuna-to-migrate-which-could-spell-catastrophe-for-the-small-islands-that-depend-on-them-164000>
"Small Pacific Island states depend on their commercial fisheries for food
supplies and economic health. But our new research shows climate change will
dramatically alter tuna stocks in the tropical Pacific, with potentially severe
(More...)
Pest plants and animals cost Australia around $25 billion a year – and it will get worse
Sat, 7 Aug 2021 05:34:02 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/pest-plants-and-animals-cost-australia-around-25-billion-a-year-and-it-will-get-worse-164969>
"Shamefully, Australia has one of the highest extinction rates in the world.
And the number one threat to our species is invasive or “alien” plants and
animals.
(More...)
How a perfect storm of events is turning Myanmar into a ‘super-spreader’ COVID state
Sat, 7 Aug 2021 05:34:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-a-perfect-storm-of-events-is-turning-myanmar-into-a-super-spreader-covid-state-165174>
"Myanmar is facing a catastrophic health crisis that could have ramifications
not just for the country’s long-suffering people, but across the region as
well.
(More...)
Corporate courts vs the environment
Sun, 8 Aug 2021 06:13:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/8/2/corporate-courts-vs-the-environment>
"Any day now, Italy expects to be ordered to hand millions of dollars over to
an oil exploration corporation, following the Italian government’s decision to
ban such exploration off its coast.
(More...)
Exclusive: Citi, HSBC, Prudential hatch plan for Asian coal-fired closures – sources
Sun, 8 Aug 2021 06:15:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://kfgo.com/2021/08/02/exclusive-citi-hsbc-prudential-hatch-plan-for-asian-coal-fired-closures-sources/>
"LONDON/MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Financial firms including British insurer
Prudential, lenders Citi and HSBC and BlackRock Real Assets are devising plans
to speed the closure of Asia’s coal-fired power plants in order to lower the
(More...)
Equality and fairness: vaccines against this pandemic of mistrust
Sun, 8 Aug 2021 06:17:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/equality-and-fairness-vaccines-against-this-pandemic-of-mistrust-160100>
"The COVID crisis has laid bare a crisis of trust.
In many Western nations there’s a small but significant minority refusing to
(More...)
Earthmender Fiction: How to be a Storyteller and an Earthmender
Sun, 8 Aug 2021 06:18:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://friends-institute.org/2021/08/03/earthmender-fictionhow-to-be-a-storyteller-and-an-earthmender/>
"We live in challenging times: times when big changes need to happen and fast.
Those of us who are storytellers, we have important skills that the world
requires. We have the capacity to imagine and portray better futures in order
(More...)
Tool Generates Interactive PCB Diagrams From KiCAD
Mon, 9 Aug 2021 05:11:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hackaday.com/2021/08/03/tool-generates-interactive-pcb-diagrams-from-kicad/>
"Nearly everyone likes nice pinout diagrams, but the more pins and functions
are involved, the more cluttered and less useful the diagram becomes. To
address this, Jan Mrázek created
Pinion, a tool to help generate interactive
(More...)
Cell Phones Still Somehow Get The Entirety Of The Blame For Teen Depression
Mon, 9 Aug 2021 05:13:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210802/06560347287/cell-phones-still-somehow-get-entirety-blame-teen-depression.shtml>
"For years now a strong narrative has emerged that the increase in teen
depression (and suicides) is almost single handedly being caused by social
media and cell phone use. Though quite often when you look a little more deeply
(More...)
COVID vaccines offer the pharma industry a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset its reputation. But it’s after decades of big profits and scandals
Mon, 9 Aug 2021 05:14:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/covid-vaccines-offer-the-pharma-industry-a-once-in-a-generation-opportunity-to-reset-its-reputation-but-its-after-decades-of-big-profits-and-scandals-165082>
"Just weeks before the first COVID-19 cases emerged, Gallup published its
latest poll on America’s views about business. At the bottom of the list of 25
sectors was the pharmaceutical industry. Below advertising. Below oil and gas.
(More...)
Pacific nations grapple with COVID’s terrible toll and the desperate need for vaccines
Mon, 9 Aug 2021 05:15:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/pacific-nations-grapple-with-covids-terrible-toll-and-the-desperate-need-for-vaccines-164769>
"Fiji now heads the grim list of Pacific nations counting their dead from
coronavirus, having just passed Papua New Guinea’s toll. So far, 254 Fijians
have died from the disease, and the nation is recording 1,000 new cases every
(More...)
Africa can prevent Ethiopia from going down Rwanda’s path: here’s how
Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:27:41 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/africa-can-prevent-ethiopia-from-going-down-rwandas-path-heres-how-165254>
"In my mind, two factors should be raising alarm bells about the current
situation. One is paralysis in intervening to end the conflict – both
internationally and from within Africa. The other is the rhetoric of genocide
(More...)
Malawi’s tiny Chapman’s chameleons are holding on for dear life
Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:28:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/malawis-tiny-chapmans-chameleons-are-holding-on-for-dear-life-153734>
"Chameleons occur almost exclusively on mainland Africa and the nearby island
of Madagascar, and most species inhabit rainforests. Because these rainforests
are naturally fragmented by the more arid savanna vegetation types,
(More...)
98% of emperor penguin colonies could be extinct by 2100 as ice melts – can Endangered Species Act protection save them?
Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:31:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/98-of-emperor-penguin-colonies-could-be-extinct-by-2100-as-ice-melts-can-endangered-species-act-protection-save-them-165468>
"Emperor penguins thrive on Antarctica’s coastlines in icy conditions any human
would find extreme. Yet, like Goldilocks, they have a narrow comfort zone: If
there’s too much sea ice, trips to bring food from the ocean become long and
(More...)
How some countries are using digital ID to exclude vulnerable people around the world
Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:33:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-some-countries-are-using-digital-id-to-exclude-vulnerable-people-around-the-world-164879>
"The world has become interconnected at a level we never before imagined
possible. States, banking, communications, transport, tech and international
development organisations have all embraced digital identification. The current
(More...)
Germany is returning Nigeria’s looted Benin Bronzes: why it’s not nearly enough
Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:42:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/germany-is-returning-nigerias-looted-benin-bronzes-why-its-not-nearly-enough-165349>
"After years of pressure, Germany recently announced that an agreement had been
reached to return hundreds of priceless artefacts and artworks that had been
looted from Nigeria in colonial times and were on display in German museums.
(More...)
Truckies Going Electric in Australia
Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:46:11 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2021/08/03/truckies-going-electric-in-australia/>
"A diesel engine on average needs to be reconditioned every 10 years or 1.3
million kilometers. Instead of rebuilding an old diesel, Janus argues that it
is cost-effective to replace it with an electric motor. Especially if you
(More...)
‘Dancing ghosts’: a new, deeper scan of the sky throws up surprises for astronomers
Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:48:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/dancing-ghosts-a-new-deeper-scan-of-the-sky-throws-up-surprises-for-astronomers-165239>
"Scanning through data fresh off the telescope, we saw two ghosts dancing deep
in the cosmos. We had never seen anything like it before, and we had no idea
what they were.
(More...)
Our leaders look climate change in the eyes, and shrug
Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:53:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/04/climate-change-crisis-environment-politics>
"The G20 is a perfect model of our collective failure to build institutions
capable of coping with deep, long-term, existential problems that cannot be
solved by building more weapons. On the one hand, the head of the United
(More...)
The lost history of the electric car – and what it tells us about the future of transport
Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:01:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/aug/03/lost-history-electric-car-future-transport>
"In the 1890s, the biggest cities of the western world faced a mounting
problem. Horse-drawn vehicles had been in use for thousands of years, and it
was hard to imagine life without them. But as the number of such vehicles
(More...)
‘I don’t think the police would do much’: new research shows racism during COVID is rarely reported
Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:02:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/i-dont-think-the-police-would-do-much-new-research-shows-racism-during-covid-is-rarely-reported-165312>
"It’s not “new” news that Asian Australians are experiencing high rates of
racism during the pandemic. However, existing data under-represent the true
extent of COVID-related racism. The vast majority of cases aren’t being
(More...)
50 years since Mike Oldfield began writing Tubular Bells: the pioneering album that changed the sound of music
Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:03:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/50-years-since-mike-oldfield-began-writing-tubular-bells-the-pioneering-album-that-changed-the-sound-of-music-162254>
"English composer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield began writing Tubular
Bells 50 years ago, at the age of 17. The record, released two years later, was
the first on Richard Branson’s newly established Virgin label and remains
(More...)
Why whales in Alaska have been so happy
Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:05:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58032702
"By analysing hydrophone data, and taking a small park service boat into
Glacier Bay three times a week to photograph and identify whales, Gabriele has
already noted changes.
(More...)
Climate paralysis? Try multisolving
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:23:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nationofchange.org/2021/08/05/climate-paralysis-try-multisolving/>
"Climate action would save lives—and money. That’s because fossil fuel
pollution takes an enormous toll on health and the economy. In the U.S. alone,
the health costs of air pollution and climate change already far exceed $800
(More...)
Diagnosing Earth: the science behind the IPCC’s upcoming climate report
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:24:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02150-0
"The United Nations is poised to release the most confident and comprehensive
assessment yet of global warming, including detailed estimates of how continued
greenhouse-gas emissions will increase Earth’s sea levels and drive extreme
(More...)
Civilization-ending climate change is knocking on the door — unless we act now
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:26:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.salon.com/2021/08/05/civilization-ending-climate-change-is-knocking-on-the-door--unless-we-act-now_partner/>
"We are standing in an extinction event. Many of us started noticing it when
the insects began to vanish in large numbers right after the turn of the
century.
(More...)
Agriculture Is Killing Way More Bees Than We Realized, Huge Study Reveals
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:28:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.sciencealert.com/huge-metastudy-says-pesticide-threat-to-bees-likely-underestimated>
'Exposure to a cocktail of agrochemicals significantly increases bee mortality,
according to research Wednesday that said regulators may be underestimating the
dangers of pesticides in combination.
(More...)
Cory Wong "Bluebird" (feat. Chris Thile) // Official Animated Music Video
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:29:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
Happy Friday! Just released:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iJqDffokTQ
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
(More...)
Always Coming Home: The Pleasures and Challenges of Writing Fictional Food
Sat, 14 Aug 2021 06:02:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://vittles.substack.com/p/always-coming-home-the-pleasures
"“For fantasy is true, of course,” Ursula Le Guin reminded us. “It isn’t
factual, but it’s true”. If fantasy functions as a commentary on the real, then
how should we read its food? In
Lord of the Rings, Tolkien made a distinction
(More...)
Australian Court Ridiculously Says That AI Can Be An Inventor, Get Patents
Sat, 14 Aug 2021 06:03:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210801/00400547281/australian-court-ridiculously-says-that-ai-can-be-inventor-get-patents.shtml>
"There have been some questions raised about whether or not AI-created works
deserve intellectual property protection. Indeed, while we (along with many
others) laughed along at the trial about the monkey selfie, we had noted all
(More...)
Friday essay: Tongerlongeter — the Tasmanian resistance fighter we should remember as a war hero
Sat, 14 Aug 2021 06:05:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-tongerlongeter-the-tasmanian-resistance-fighter-we-should-remember-as-a-war-hero-165308>
"Australians love their war heroes. Our founding myth centres on the heroism of
the ANZACs. Our Victoria Cross recipients are considered emblematic of our
highest virtues. We also revere our dissident heroes, such as Ned Kelly and the
(More...)
Australians are three times more worried about climate change than COVID. A mental health crisis is looming
Sat, 14 Aug 2021 06:06:42 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-06/australians-three-times-more-worried-about-climate-change-covid/100354008>
"As we write this article, the Delta strain of COVID-19 is reminding the world
the pandemic is far from over, with millions of Australians in lockdown and
infection rates outpacing a global vaccination effort.
(More...)
Siberia Feels the Brunt of Climate Change as Wildfires Rage
Sat, 14 Aug 2021 06:09:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/08/05/siberia-feels-the-brunt-of-climate-change-as-wildfires-rage-a74704>
"Yakutia, which has a border with the Arctic Ocean and sits atop permafrost on
a territory nearly five times the size of France, is a canary in the coal mine
for the global climate crisis, says Fyodorov.
(More...)
Ted Nelson’s Unfinished Revolution
Sun, 15 Aug 2021 05:36:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medium.com/pragmatic-programmers/ted-nelsons-unfinished-revolution-49f2632811bc>
"In 1974, before ordinary folks could get their hands on a computer (or saw any
reason why they should), Ted Nelson self-published a remarkable book titled
Computer Lib. (Flip it over and you get a companion book, Dream Machines.)
(More...)
Reduce methane or face climate catastrophe, scientists warn
Sun, 15 Aug 2021 05:38:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/06/reduce-methane-or-face-climate-catastrophe-scientists-warn>
"Cutting carbon dioxide is not enough to solve the climate crisis – the world
must act swiftly on another powerful greenhouse gas, methane, to halt the rise
in global temperatures, experts have warned.
(More...)
My first electric flight, and why electric planes will follow same path as EVs
Sun, 15 Aug 2021 05:39:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thedriven.io/2021/08/06/my-first-electric-flight-and-why-electric-planes-will-follow-same-path-as-evs/>
"There are a few moments for every pilot that stand out above the rest, and I
have just had one … my first electric-powered flight.
(More...)
The wind farm where turbines shut down 400 times a day when eagles approach
Sun, 15 Aug 2021 05:40:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/the-wind-farm-where-turbines-shut-down-400-times-a-day-when-eagles-approach/>
"As Tasmania enters a new phase of wind farm development that will test the
bounds of social licence and environmental stewardship, one of the state’s
largest wind farms has been making key progress on one of the industry’s most
(More...)
Sunday Sweets: Leggo My LEGO
Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:08:32 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Tuberculosis, the forgotten pandemic relying on a 100-year-old vaccine
Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:10:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/tuberculosis-the-forgotten-pandemic-relying-on-a-100-year-old-vaccine-165303>
"By some estimates, 2 billion people are now infected worldwide, and in 2019,
around 1.4 million people died from it.
(More...)
Books offer a healing retreat for youngsters caught up in a pandemic
Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:11:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/books-offer-a-healing-retreat-for-youngsters-caught-up-in-a-pandemic-165247>
"Parents at a loss to find activities for their children during COVID lockdowns
can encourage them to escape into a book. New research shows how reading books
can help young people escape from their sources of stress, find role models in
(More...)
Hey Pandas !! Today Is The International Day Of The World’s Indigenous People. Let’s Celebrate With A Bit Of Culture !!
Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:12:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.boredpanda.com/hey-pandas-today-is-the-international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-people-lets-celebrate-with-fun-facts/>
"There are 370 million Indigenous people around the world spread across more
than 90 countries. They belong to more than 5,000 different Indigenous peoples
and speak more than 4,000 languages. Indigenous people represent about 5% of
(More...)
U.N. climate change report ‘a wake up call,’ says activist Greta Thunberg
Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:56:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://q107.com/news/8097313/u-n-climate-change-report-greta-thunberg/
"Calling for “massive” pressure to fight climate change after Monday’s dire
report by a U.N. science panel, activist Greta Thunberg said she plans to go to
this year’s global climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, after all.
(More...)
Major climate changes inevitable and irreversible – IPCC’s starkest warning yet
Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:58:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/09/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-and-irreversible-change-to-climate-scientists-warn>
"Human activity is changing the Earth’s climate in ways “unprecedented” in
thousands or hundreds of thousands of years, with some of the changes now
inevitable and “irreversible”, climate scientists have warned.
(More...)
This is the most sobering report card yet on climate change and Earth’s future. Here’s what you need to know
Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:59:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/this-is-the-most-sobering-report-card-yet-on-climate-change-and-earths-future-heres-what-you-need-to-know-165395>
"Earth has warmed 1.09℃ since pre-industrial times and many changes such as
sea-level rise and glacier melt are now virtually irreversible, according to
the most sobering report yet by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(More...)
Climate change has already hit Australia. Unless we act now, a hotter, drier and more dangerous future awaits, IPCC warns
Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:00:31 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-change-has-already-hit-australia-unless-we-act-now-a-hotter-drier-and-more-dangerous-future-awaits-ipcc-warns-165396>
"Australia is experiencing widespread, rapid climate change not seen for
thousands of years and may warm by 4℃ or more this century, according to a
highly anticipated report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(More...)
IPCC says Earth will reach temperature rise of about 1.5℃ in around a decade. But limiting any global warming is what matters most
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:33:20 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/ipcc-says-earth-will-reach-temperature-rise-of-about-1-5-in-around-a-decade-but-limiting-any-global-warming-is-what-matters-most-165397>
"Of all the troubling news in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) report out on Monday, one warning will surely generate the most
headlines: under all scenarios examined, Earth is likely to reach the crucial
(More...)
IPCC WGI Interactive Atlas
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:34:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://interactive-atlas.ipcc.ch/
"A novel tool for flexible spatial and temporal analyses of much of the
observed and projected climate change information underpinning the Working
Group I contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report, including regional
(More...)
cluppo / Flapping wings (Official Music Video)
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:37:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0cr7nh6NCI
"A solo project by Miku Kobato, the creator of BAND-MAID.
A new music genre created titled HIPPIE-POPPO.
cluppo reinterprets the good old 70's music in a lovely and peaceful way."
(More...)
Reckoning: creative writing on environmental justice
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:39:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Stop blaming yourself for the climate crisis
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:41:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/09/opinions/climate-crisis-ipcc-report-john-sutter/index.html>
"For decades, fossil-fuel companies and politicians have pushed a false
narrative that if we change our habits — drive electric cars, fly less, cut
beef from our diets — that they won't need to make wholesale changes to the
(More...)
I’m a Luddite. You should be one too
Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:51:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://theconversation.com/im-a-luddite-you-should-be-one-too-163172
"I’m a Luddite. This is not a hesitant confession, but a proud proclamation.
I’m also a social scientist who studies how new technologies affect politics,
economics and society. For me, Luddism is not a naive feeling, but a considered
(More...)
XKCD: Global Temperature Over My Lifetime
Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:52:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://xkcd.com/2500/
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
(More...)
The Surprising Lives of Germany’s ‘Basic Income’ Raffle Winners
Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:54:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-surprising-lives-of-germanys-basic-income-raffle-winners/>
"The idea of a universal basic income is nothing new. For centuries,
philosophers, economists and politicians have dreamt of a society where people
could work less while maintaining a decent standard of living. Since the 1970s,
(More...)
The End Of Ownership: How Big Companies Are Trying To Turn Everyone Into Renters
Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:55:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210808/17000347325/end-ownership-how-big-companies-are-trying-to-turn-everyone-into-renters.shtml>
"We've talked a lot on Techdirt about the end of ownership, and how companies
have increasingly been reaching deep into products that you thought you bought
to modify them... or even destroy them. Much of this originated in the
(More...)
With the release of a terrifying IPCC report, Australia must face its wilful political blindness on climate
Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:32:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/with-the-release-of-a-terrifying-ipcc-report-australia-must-face-its-wilful-political-blindness-on-climate-165868>
"Ever wonder why an Australian political class steeped in short-termism is so
animated about 2050 — a date way beyond the horizons of those currently in
power?
(More...)
The Murrumbidgee River’s wet season height has dropped by 30% since the 1990s — and the outlook is bleak
Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:32:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-murrumbidgee-rivers-wet-season-height-has-dropped-by-30-since-the-1990s-and-the-outlook-is-bleak-165764>
"The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia’s biggest agricultural region, producing
almost 40% of the national food supply during the growing season from April to
September. It’s filled with criss-crossing rivers, wetlands and lakes farmers
(More...)
There is no ‘getting back to normal’ with climate breakdown
Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:35:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/11/no-getting-back-to-normal-climate-breakdown-ipcc-report>
"Academic papers often take time to leach out into public consciousness. One
that did not filter through was a study from Anglia Ruskin University that
analysed “nodes of persisting complexity”, in the face of “global
(More...)
Fossil fuel misinformation may sideline one of the most important climate change reports ever released
Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:36:10 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fossil-fuel-misinformation-may-sideline-one-of-the-most-important-climate-change-reports-ever-released-165887>
"This week’s landmark report on the state of the climate paints a sobering
picture. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that,
without deep and immediate cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the world is very
(More...)
British Library puts 1 million newspaper pages online for free
Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:39:33 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2021/08/11/british-library-puts-1-million-newspaper-pages-online-for-free/>
"The British Library project to digitise copies of newspapers from its archive
is to release one million pages as a free resource.
(More...)
Yeah, nah: Aussie slang hasn’t carked it, but we do want to know more about it
Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:40:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/yeah-nah-aussie-slang-hasnt-carked-it-but-we-do-want-to-know-more-about-it-165746>
"Writer C.R Read cautioned in 1853 “that Englishmen going to the Australian
digging should search their souls and ask themselves ‘if they can stand a
little colonial slang’”.
(More...)
Australia was a model for protecting people from COVID-19 — and then we dumped half a million people back into poverty
Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:41:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Climate Clock
Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:44:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://climateclock.world/
"The Climate Clock is one of the most dynamic climate campaigns in the world
today, melding art, science, technology, and grassroots organizing to get the
world to #ActInTime.
(More...)
By pushing for more oil production, the US is killing its climate pledges
Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:47:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/12/pushing-oil-production-us-joe-biden-killing-climate-pledges>
"We should not mince words: if this is the stance of the Biden administration
then its decarbonisation agenda has been well and truly buried. According to no
less an authority than the IEA, if we are to reach net zero by 2050, we need to
(More...)
Is Narcissism Treatable?
Sun, 22 Aug 2021 06:00:21 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-narcissist-in-your-life/201910/is-narcissism-treatable>
"Elinor Greenberg isn't your average Manhattan psychologist. She works with
clients who have one of the most combative, challenging conditions on the human
mental map—narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Entrenched and notoriously
(More...)
Why we don't dole out many compliments – but should
Sun, 22 Aug 2021 06:02:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210722-why-we-dont-dole-out-many-compliments-but-should>
"Unfortunately, our anxieties about the ways others may perceive our own words
can prevent us from giving compliments ourselves. No one, after all, wants to
come across as clumsy, patronising or fawning.
(More...)
The "Impossible" Rebellion
Sun, 22 Aug 2021 06:04:54 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/08/11/impossible-rebellion
"Some of the Earth’s tipping points are already being reached and we have only
warmed our planet by 1.8°F (1°C). We are expected to reach 2°F (1.5°C) warming
between 2030 and 2032 and then the next threshold of 3.6°F (2°C) a decade
(More...)
Cruel, costly and ineffective: Australia’s offshore processing asylum seeker policy turns 9
Sun, 22 Aug 2021 06:06:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cruel-costly-and-ineffective-australias-offshore-processing-asylum-seeker-policy-turns-9-166014>
"This week marks nine years since Australia re-introduced a policy of offshore
processing for asylum seekers arriving by boat. Nine long years of a cruel,
costly and ineffective policy sustained by successive governments of both major
(More...)
Lethal autonomous weapons and World War III: it’s not too late to stop the rise of ‘killer robots’
Sun, 22 Aug 2021 06:07:29 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/lethal-autonomous-weapons-and-world-war-iii-its-not-too-late-to-stop-the-rise-of-killer-robots-165822>
"Last year, according to a United Nations report published in March, Libyan
government forces hunted down rebel forces using “lethal autonomous weapons
systems” that were “programmed to attack targets without requiring data
(More...)
Fotovergleich: Berlin mit und ohne Mauer
Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:33:05 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://interaktiv.morgenpost.de/berliner-mauer-damals-heute/
"Die Berliner Mauer ist fast komplett aus dem Stadtbild verschwunden. So sah
die Stadt einst entlang der Mauer aus, und so ist es heute dort - direkt vor
Ort und im Vergleich auf einer interaktiven Luftbild-Karte."
(More...)
My Little Pony: A New Generation | Official Trailer | Netflix
Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:34:19 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2I5HtYlwrQ
"Once upon a time, ponies, pegasi and unicorns all lived in harmony, but those
days are no more. When a happy-go-lucky unicorn wanders into Maretown, Earth
Pony “Sunny” and her new friends set out on an adventure to restore magic and
(More...)
Excel 4, Yes Excel 4, Can Haunt Your Cloud Security
Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:40:22 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thenewstack.io/excel-4-yes-excel-4-can-haunt-your-cloud-security/>
"If you think Windows software security is bad today, then you missed the “good
old days” of Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), Object Linking and Embedding (OLE),
and Office macros security holes. While DDE and OLE are now nothing but the
(More...)
Friday essay: Our utopia … careful what you wish for
Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:41:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-our-utopia-careful-what-you-wish-for-165314>
"Roman Quaedvlieg standing tall in his smart black suit — medals glistening,
insignia flashing — looked every bit the man-in-uniform from central casting
when he posed between then Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Immigration Minister
(More...)
Are you in denial? Because it’s not just anti-vaxxers and climate sceptics
Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:42:46 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/13/denial-anti-vaxxers-climate-sceptics>
"What explains this level of Covid denialism? In the US, the roots of a “don’t
tread on me” libertarianism that regards any instruction from government as a
step towards tyranny run deep. In the Trump era, it has become a matter of
(More...)
Japanese shrine creates special water fountain for thirsty bees
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:10:36 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://soranews24.com/2021/08/13/japanese-shrine-creates-special-water-fountain-for-thirsty-bees/>
"In Japan, Shinto shrines are usually shady spots, shrouded with large trees
and leafy plants that attract all sorts of visitors, including non-human ones
like cats and insects.
(More...)
“Blue” hydrogen is worse for the climate than coal, study says
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:11:55 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/08/blue-hydrogen-pushed-by-gas-companies-harms-climate-more-than-coal-study-says/>
"Gas companies and utilities are in a pickle. Their entire business model
relies on the extraction, transport, and combustion of methane, one of the most
potent greenhouse gases known to humankind. With many countries aiming to reach
(More...)
It’s now or never: Scientists warn time of reckoning has come for the planet
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:13:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/15/its-now-or-never-scientists-warn-time-of-reckoning-has-come-for-the-planet>
"At the end of the 60s sci-fi classic, The Day the Earth Caught Fire, the
camera pans across the Daily Express case room to a front page proof hanging on
a wall. “World Saved”, screams the headline. The camera pans. “World Doomed”,
(More...)
Ocean conservation: 6 reasons you can be optimistic about the future of our planet
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:15:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.inverse.com/culture/the-case-for-ocean-optimism
"Yes, we’ve got an ocean of bad news. Climate change is warming and acidifying
seawater, stressing or destroying coral reefs. Marine species ranging from
whales to algae are endangered; overfishing is crushing many subsistence
(More...)
If I could go anywhere: a world through the eyes of botanical artist Marianne North at Kew Gardens
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:15:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-i-could-go-anywhere-a-world-through-the-eyes-of-botanical-artist-marianne-north-at-kew-gardens-165663>
"Have you ever entered a gallery, cathedral or grand old ballroom and drawn
breath with surprise? Usually, it is opulence, vastness or one stunning
painting or sculpture that evokes this response — think Michelangelo’s David,
(More...)
Climate repair: three things we must do now to stabilise the planet
Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:24:18 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/climate-repair-three-things-we-must-do-now-to-stabilise-the-planet-163990>
"The challenge of surviving the next 50 years is now seen as a planet-wide
existential crisis; we need to work together urgently, just to secure a
short-term future for human civilisation. Global weather patterns are violently
(More...)
The world must not look away as the Taliban sexually enslaves women and girls
Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:25:12 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-world-must-not-look-away-as-the-taliban-sexually-enslaves-women-and-girls-165426>
"Since the withdrawal of American and NATO forces from Afghanistan in July, the
Taliban have swiftly taken control of large parts of the country. The president
has fled and the government has fallen.
(More...)
I Can’t Stop Thinking About the First Chapter of This Climate Change Novel
Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:27:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://slate.com/technology/2021/08/ministry-for-the-future-first-chapter-kim-stanley-robinson-interview.html>
"Reviewing the novel for the Los Angeles Review of Books, Gerry Canavan
described the approach as “John Dos Passos–inspired polyperspectival writing,”
a pastiche of “traditional narrative with other prose forms” like news reports,
(More...)
Facebook Is NOT The Internet; Stop Regulating As If It Was
Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:28:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210812/14490147348/facebook-is-not-internet-stop-regulating-as-if-it-was.shtml>
"For quite some time now we've been trying to remind people that the internet
is not just Facebook. Unfortunately, this seems quite difficult for many people
— especially policy makers — to understand. We've discussed how the various
(More...)
Opinion: Big Oil should help pay for the climate mess it created
Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:29:59 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/08/16/van-hollen-environment-polluters-pay-climate-fund-act/>
"
Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, represents Maryland in the U.S. Senate.
Global warming has reached “unprecedented” levels and is causing catastrophic
(More...)
10 Mind-Blowing Dollar Tree DIYs You Have To See To Believe - And Even Then It's Iffy
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:26:16 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.epbot.com/2021/08/10-mind-blowing-dollar-tree-diys-you.html
"Crafts like that are what hooked me on Dollar Tree DIYs. Sure, mostly you see
re-painted signs and floral wreaths, but there are also crafty geniuses out
there taking random DT items and transforming them into mind-blowing builds."
(More...)
In Kabul’s ‘Saigon moment’, Australia faces the shame of repeating its mistakes exiting the Vietnam war
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:27:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/in-kabuls-saigon-moment-australia-faces-the-shame-of-repeating-its-mistakes-exiting-the-vietnam-war-166163>
"I think there is considerable moral responsibility for the Australian
government to continue to try to get out as many Afghans who helped us, even
though their government seems to have collapsed.
(More...)
Why Clive Palmer’s lockdown ads can be rejected by newspapers on ethical grounds
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:28:17 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/why-clive-palmers-lockdown-ads-can-be-rejected-by-newspapers-on-ethical-grounds-166099>
"So where does that leave media organisations that receive an approach from the
likes of Palmer to publish advertisements the terms of which are not false,
misleading or deceptive, but which are clearly designed to undermine public
(More...)
Forget massive seawalls, coastal wetlands offer the best storm protection money can buy
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:29:14 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/forget-massive-seawalls-coastal-wetlands-offer-the-best-storm-protection-money-can-buy-165872>
"Coastal communities around the world are facing increasing threats from
tropical cyclones. Climate change is causing rising sea levels and bigger, more
frequent storms.
(More...)
How one simple rule change could curb online retailers’ snooping on you
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:30:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-one-simple-rule-change-could-curb-online-retailers-snooping-on-you-166174>
"I spent last week studying the 26,000 words of privacy terms published by eBay
and Amazon, trying to extract some straight answers, and comparing them to the
privacy terms of other online marketplaces such as Kogan and Catch (my full
(More...)
The world must cooperate to avoid a catastrophic space collision
Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:29:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02167-5
"There’s an awful lot of stuff orbiting Earth, with more arriving all the time.
More than 29,000 satellites, pieces of rockets and other bits of debris large
enough to track from the ground are circling the planet. Smaller items number
(More...)
The more video streaming services we get, the more we’ll turn to piracy
Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:30:34 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-more-video-streaming-services-we-get-the-more-well-turn-to-piracy-166090>
"Paramount+, for example, is offering content from Paramount Pictures and other
entertainment companies owned by entertainment conglomerate ViaComCBS. These
include Showtime, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. Its catalogue ranges from the
(More...)
Let’s heed the UN’s dire warning and stop the east African oil pipeline now
Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:32:40 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/aug/17/lets-heed-the-uns-dire-warning-and-stop-the-east-african-oil-pipeline-now>
"If there is one world leader trying to look out for the planet as a whole, not
just their own nation, it’s the UN secretary general. Last week, António
Guterres was resolute in the wake of the damning report from the IPCC on the
(More...)
Live animal exports are being used as cover by smugglers, say NGOs
Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:34:04 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/18/live-animal-exports-are-being-used-as-cover-by-smugglers-say-ngos>
"Nearly 2 billion farm animals are transported around the world every year in a
trade worth worth more than $20bn (£15bn) a year.
(More...)
Axtara - Banking and Finance
Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:36:15 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56383097-axtara---banking-and-finance>
"From the mind behind
Shadow of an Empire and
Colony comes a new YA Fantasy
adventure full of friendship, discovery, and finance!
(More...)
BHP is selling its dirty oil and gas assets, but hold the applause
Sat, 28 Aug 2021 06:11:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/bhp-is-selling-its-dirty-oil-and-gas-assets-but-hold-the-applause-166333>
"When BHP announced it would sell its stake in its oil and gas business to
Woodside Petroleum to form a merged oil and gas business, it appeared welcome
news. A big miner finally takes climate change seriously.
(More...)
Those Anti-Covid Plastic Barriers Probably Don’t Help and May Make Things Worse
Sat, 28 Aug 2021 06:13:24 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/19/well/live/coronavirus-restaurants-classrooms-salons.html>
"Covid precautions have turned many parts of our world into a giant salad bar,
with plastic barriers separating sales clerks from shoppers, dividing customers
at nail salons and shielding students from their classmates.
(More...)
Cleverly Designed Table With a Hole in the Middle That Lets Your Cat Become a Living Centerpiece
Sat, 28 Aug 2021 06:14:27 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://laughingsquid.com/cat-table/
"Japanese online retailer Dinos is selling a very cleverly designed table that
lets the resident cats have a seat. The table features a hanging shelf in the
middle of the table where a cat can sleep or sit and a hole directly above it
(More...)
Can a polite sign lead to political change? What kinds of protest work?
Sat, 28 Aug 2021 06:16:00 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-a-polite-sign-lead-to-political-change-what-kinds-of-protest-work-166023>
"Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently gave reporters in Canberra a “lesson”
in what kinds of protest he thinks work best.
(More...)
Sci-Fi Short Film: "Laura & Vineta" | DUST
Sun, 29 Aug 2021 05:09:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIooFVe5-Ek
"A potato farmer connects with the injured alien that crash-landed in his
field, much to the chagrin of the local authorities."
(More...)
Amazon: regrowing forests have offset less than 10% of carbon emissions from deforestation
Sun, 29 Aug 2021 05:10:47 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/amazon-regrowing-forests-have-offset-less-than-10-of-carbon-emissions-from-deforestation-165419>
"Driven largely by the expansion of farm land to meet increasing global demand
for products such as soya bean, over 810,000 km² of forest in the Amazon has
been cleared – an area nearly as big as Norway and Sweden combined.
(More...)
‘OK Boomer’: how a TikTok meme traces the rise of Gen Z political consciousness
Sun, 29 Aug 2021 05:11:30 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/ok-boomer-how-a-tiktok-meme-traces-the-rise-of-gen-z-political-consciousness-165811>
"The phrase “OK Boomer” has become popular over the past two years as an
all-purpose retort with which young people dismiss their elders for being
“old-fashioned”.
(More...)
Meet the Death Metal Baron Giving His Irish Estate Back to Nature
Sun, 29 Aug 2021 05:12:50 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/rewild-dunsany-estate-ireland
"Randal Plunkett strides through the hip-high grass of Dunsany, a 650-hectare
(1,600-acre) estate in the middle of Ireland, trailed by an invisible swarm of
midges and his four Jack Russell terriers: Tiny, Lumpy, Chow, and Beavis &
(More...)
3 ways ‘algorithmic management’ makes work more stressful and less satisfying
Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:41:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/3-ways-algorithmic-management-makes-work-more-stressful-and-less-satisfying-166030>
"If you think your manager treats you unfairly, the thought might have crossed
your mind that replacing said boss with an unbiased machine that rewards
performance based on objective data is a path to workplace happiness.
(More...)
Aboriginal art on a car? How an Indigenous artist and an adventurer met in the 1930 wet season in Kakadu
Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:43:03 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/aboriginal-art-on-a-car-how-an-indigenous-artist-and-an-adventurer-met-in-the-1930-wet-season-in-kakadu-164552>
"Histories of Indigenous Australia are filled with stories of cross-cultural
encounters. Many of these were harsh and brutal, leaving inter-generational
wounds that are still healing. Other encounters can be framed around mutual
(More...)
Cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets battle for nest space as the best old trees disappear
Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:44:07 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/cockatoos-and-rainbow-lorikeets-battle-for-nest-space-as-the-best-old-trees-disappear-165973>
"The housing market in most parts of Australia is notoriously competitive. You
might be surprised to learn we humans are not the only ones facing such
difficulties.
(More...)
From 1m trees to a tree graveyard: how Dubai’s conservation plans went awry
Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:47:23 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/24/1m-trees-tree-graveyard-dubai-conservation-plans-desertification-real-estate>
"It all began so beautifully, with the ruler of Dubai photographed planting the
first tree of his ambitious environmental initiative, as smiling officials
applauded around him.
(More...)
Ordinary people, extraordinary change: addressing the climate emergency through ‘quiet activism’
Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:13:39 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/ordinary-people-extraordinary-change-addressing-the-climate-emergency-through-quiet-activism-160548>
"Across the world, people worried about the impacts of climate change are
seeking creative and meaningful ways to transform their urban environments. One
such approach is known as “quiet activism”.
(More...)
Pacific Island bats are utterly fascinating, yet under threat and overlooked. Meet 4 species
Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:14:35 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/pacific-island-bats-are-utterly-fascinating-yet-under-threat-and-overlooked-meet-4-species-165765>
"A whopping 191 different bat species live in the Pacific Islands across
Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia — but these are, collectively, the most
imperilled in the world. In fact, five of the nine bat species that have gone
(More...)
Hong Kong to scour old films for subversive themes under new censorship law
Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:16:09 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/25/hong-kong-to-scour-old-films-for-subversive-themes-under-new-censorship-law>
"Hong Kong will scrutinise past films for national security breaches under a
tough new censorship law in the latest blow to the city’s political and
artistic freedoms.
(More...)
Greta Thunberg: We cannot overestimate how storytelling can help climate crisis
Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:17:01 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/climate/greta-thunberg-climate-crisis-edinburgh-v3ae62387>
"Climate activist Greta Thunberg has said we shouldn’t overestimate "the power
of storytelling" when it comes to tackling the climate crisis when speaking at
the Edinburgh TV Festival.
(More...)
‘No one wanted to read’ his book on pandemic psychology – then Covid hit
Wed, 1 Sep 2021 05:46:25 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/19/book-psychology-pandemics-steven-taylor>
"In October 2019, a month or so before Covid-19 began to spread from the
industrial Chinese city of Wuhan, Steven Taylor, an Australian psychologist at
the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, published what would turn out
(More...)
Craig Kelly’s move to Palmer’s United Australia Party shows the need for urgent electoral law reform
Wed, 1 Sep 2021 05:48:13 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/craig-kellys-move-to-palmers-united-australia-party-shows-the-need-for-urgent-electoral-law-reform-166663>
"The news that Craig Kelly, MP, serial purveyor of COVID misinformation, is to
join Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party in order to fund his damaging
ravings on a grander scale, confronts Australian democracy with a dilemma.
(More...)
What Greenland’s record-breaking rain means for the planet
Wed, 1 Sep 2021 05:49:26 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-greenlands-record-breaking-rain-means-for-the-planet-166567>
"For three days this month, 7 billion tonnes of rain fell across Greenland —
the largest amount since records began in 1950. It’s also the first time since
then that rain, not snow, fell on Greenland’s highest peak.
(More...)
Is democracy getting in the way of saving the planet?
Wed, 1 Sep 2021 05:51:08 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/25/is-democracy-getting-in-the-way-of-saving-the-planet>
"What the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report confirmed this
month is that the stable climate many of us grew up with is gone and has been
replaced by a fundamentally unstable one. Sea levels will almost certainly rise
(More...)
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