Glass Wings Blog: October 2021
China is financing infrastructure projects around the world – many could harm nature and Indigenous communities
Sat, 2 Oct 2021 05:57:52 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/china-is-financing-infrastructure-projects-around-the-world-many-could-harm-nature-and-indigenous-communities-168060>
"China is shaping the future of economic development through its Belt and Road
Initiative, an ambitious multi-billion-dollar international push to better
connect itself to the rest of the world through trade and infrastructure.
(More...)
Angela Merkel’s career shows why we need more scientists in politics
Sat, 2 Oct 2021 05:58:58 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/angela-merkels-career-shows-why-we-need-more-scientists-in-politics-168365>
"For 16 years, German chancellor Angela Merkel has guided her country through
wave after wave of uncertainty, from the 2008 global financial crisis to
Brexit, the imperative to drop fossil fuels, and of course the COVID pandemic.
(More...)
Fossil Fuel Companies Want Governments To Pay $18 Billion For Bringing In Laws Tackling The Climate Crisis Largely Caused By Fossil Fuel Companies
Sat, 2 Oct 2021 06:00:43 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210920/09324347599/fossil-fuel-companies-want-governments-to-pay-18-billion-bringing-laws-tackling-climate-crisis-largely-caused-fossil-fuel.shtml>
"Back in 2013,
Techdirt started writing about the boring-sounding
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system. It was so boring, we decide to
use a better term for it: corporate sovereignty. It's an appropriate name,
(More...)
Real Rukshan: the live streamer who took Melbourne’s protest to the world stage
Sat, 2 Oct 2021 06:01:56 +1000
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.crikey.com.au/2021/09/24/real-rukshan-live-stream-melbourne-protest/>
"Fernando is a Sri Lankan-Australia who went to school in Dandenong and studied
law at Victoria University, according to his LinkedIn profile. For the past
decade, he’s run a wedding photography business, Ferndara.
(More...)
Vital Signs: a simple way to cut carbon emissions — don’t let polluters hide
Sun, 3 Oct 2021 05:55:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/vital-signs-a-simple-way-to-cut-carbon-emissions-dont-let-polluters-hide-168560>
"World leaders and about 30,000 others from assorted interest groups will
converge on Glasgow in November for the United Nations’ 26th annual climate
summit, COP26 (“Conference of the Parties”).
(More...)
China played dirty to get Huawei’s 'princess' back — too dirty even to tell its own people
Sun, 3 Oct 2021 05:57:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-26/huawei-meng-wanzhou-china-played-dirty-birtles/100491980>
"Family and supporters of two diplomatic hostages held in China for almost
three years have celebrated their arrival home in Canada, as the woman they
were traded for, Meng Wanzhou, was given a hero's welcome in the city of
(More...)
Our climate projections for 2500 show an Earth that is alien to humans
Sun, 3 Oct 2021 05:58:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/our-climate-projections-for-2500-show-an-earth-that-is-alien-to-humans-167744>
"There are many reports based on scientific research that talk about the
long-term impacts of climate change — such as rising levels of greenhouse
gases, temperatures and sea levels — by the year 2100. The Paris Agreement, for
(More...)
The Cost of Climate Change: Who is Really Protected by Urban Mitigation Efforts?
Sun, 3 Oct 2021 05:59:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.archdaily.com/969056/the-cost-of-climate-change-who-is-really-protected-by-urban-mitigation-efforts>
"The impact that the climate crisis has had on the globe over the last decade
is a critical influence on how architects and urban planners design future
cities. It’s clear that both at an individual and corporate level, it’s
(More...)
Iceland misses out on Europe's first female-majority parliament after recount
Sun, 3 Oct 2021 06:01:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58698490
"Iceland briefly believed it had made history by electing Europe's first
female-majority parliament - before a recount showed it had just fallen short.
(More...)
How Covid-19 upended our understanding of migration, citizenship and inequality
Mon, 4 Oct 2021 05:03:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-covid-19-upended-our-understanding-of-migration-citizenship-and-inequality-168318>
"The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that the global system governing migration may
not be sustainable. Temporary migration schemes including those for seasonal
agriculture workers or those allowing for construction and care work no longer
(More...)
The transformation of Greta Thunberg
Mon, 4 Oct 2021 05:04:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2021/sep/25/greta-thunberg-i-really-see-the-value-of-friendship-apart-from-the-climate-almost-nothing-else-matters>
"Three years ago Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg was an unknown
15-year-old terrified that we were destroying the planet and furious that
adults were letting it happen. Her fury was particularly directed at those with
(More...)
From Bruce Lee to Shang-Chi: a short history of the kung fu film in cinema
Mon, 4 Oct 2021 05:05:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-bruce-lee-to-shang-chi-a-short-history-of-the-kung-fu-film-in-cinema-168273>
"With action sequences that are being hailed as some of the best in the history
of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
is shaping up to overtake
Black Widow as the biggest film of the pandemic.
(More...)
What is dust? And where does it all come from?
Mon, 4 Oct 2021 05:06:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-is-dust-and-where-does-it-all-come-from-168265>
"Everything in our homes gathers dust. But what exactly is it? Where does it
come from, and why does it keep coming back? Is it from outside? Is it fibres
from our clothes and cells from our skin?
(More...)
The Stories Behind 20 Inventions That Changed the World
Tue, 5 Oct 2021 05:33:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/648542/inventions-changed-world
"You might find it impossible to imagine a world without your smartphone, or
have trouble remembering a time when Wi-Fi wasn’t everywhere, but many of
today’s most relied-upon technologies would not have been possible—or even
(More...)
Race to the bottom: the disastrous, blindfolded rush to mine the deep sea
Tue, 5 Oct 2021 05:34:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/27/race-to-the-bottom-the-disastrous-blindfolded-rush-to-mine-the-deep-sea>
"A short bureaucratic note from a brutally degraded microstate in the South
Pacific to a little-known institution in the Caribbean is about to change the
world. Few people are aware of its potential consequences, but the impacts are
(More...)
Laura Jean McKay wins the Arthur C Clarke award
Tue, 5 Oct 2021 05:35:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/sep/27/laura-jean-mckay-wins-the-arthur-c-clarke-award>
"Twenty years before Margaret Atwood won the inaugural Arthur C Clarke award
for her seminal novel
The Handmaid’s Tale, she published a poem entitled
The
animals in that country. Now Laura Jean McKay, who borrowed the title of
(More...)
The hydropower industry is talking the talk. But fine words won’t save our last wild rivers
Tue, 5 Oct 2021 05:36:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-hydropower-industry-is-talking-the-talk-but-fine-words-wont-save-our-last-wild-rivers-168252>
"Technologies to harness the power of water are touted as crucial for a
low-emissions future. But over many decades, the hydropower industry has caused
serious damage to the environment and people’s lives.
(More...)
Moiré no more
Wed, 6 Oct 2021 05:47:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.getrevue.co/profile/shift-happens/issues/moire-no-more-688319>
"I learned a thing long time ago, and it was:
Once you print something, you
can’t get it back.
(More...)
Children do not understand concept of others having false beliefs until age 6 or 7
Wed, 6 Oct 2021 05:49:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-children-concept-false-beliefs-age.html>
"New developmental psychology work has upended decades of research suggesting
that children as young as 4 years old possess theory of mind.
(More...)
Indigenous children set to receive billions after judge rejects Trudeau challenges
Wed, 6 Oct 2021 05:50:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/sep/29/canada-indigenous-children-first-nations-trudeau>
"A federal court in Canada has paved they way for billions in compensation to
First Nations children who suffered discrimination in the welfare system, after
a judge dismissed a pair of legal challenges by the government.
(More...)
Daintree: World Heritage rainforest handed back to Aboriginal owners
Wed, 6 Oct 2021 05:51:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-58729781
"Australia's Daintree - the world's oldest tropical rainforest - has been
returned to its Aboriginal custodians in a historic deal.
(More...)
No, Barnaby. The UK energy crisis has nothing to do with its net-zero target, and to suggest otherwise is outrageous
Thu, 7 Oct 2021 06:38:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/no-barnaby-the-uk-energy-crisis-has-nothing-to-do-with-its-net-zero-target-and-to-suggest-otherwise-is-outrageous-168869>
"As debate heats up in Australia about adopting a net-zero emissions target,
Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce and other key party figures have pointed to the
UK energy crisis as a supposedly cautionary tale.
(More...)
How making a film exploring Indigenous stories of the night sky enriched my perspective as a scientist
Thu, 7 Oct 2021 06:39:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-making-a-film-exploring-indigenous-stories-of-the-night-sky-enriched-my-perspective-as-a-scientist-167529>
"Over the last 13 years, I have been privileged to work with colleagues from
Yamaji Art in Geraldton, exploring Indigenous stories about the sky alongside
the stories of the Greeks and Romans, and the astrophysical stories about the
(More...)
Black Sea faces ecological catastrophe due to Bulgaria’s inaction
Thu, 7 Oct 2021 06:41:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/black-sea-faces-ecological-catastrophe-due-to-bulgarias-inactio/>
"The cargo ship Vera Su, which flies the Panamanian flag and has a Turkish
crew, crashed and ran aground on the high rocky Bulgarian coast a few
kilometres from the Kaliakra Nature Reserve on 20 September. If Bulgarian
(More...)
90% of the top Christian Facebook pages were run by Eastern European troll farms
Thu, 7 Oct 2021 06:42:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/09/90-top-christian-facebook-pages-run-eastern-european-troll-farms/>
"Nineteen of the 20 top Christian Facebook pages were run by troll farms out of
Kosovo and Macedonia in 2019 according to a leaked internal report.
(More...)
My End of Life Document: What Covid Means for the Chronically Ill
Fri, 8 Oct 2021 06:06:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://ramonamag.com/2021/09/my-end-of-life-document-what-covid-means-for-the-chronically-ill/>
"I cannot and will never be able to get a covid vaccine. In 2010 I faced my own
mortality for the first time as my body was wracked with not one, but three
hospital introduced infections after major surgery. On that occasion I spent 5
(More...)
Facebook's Latest Scandals: The Banality Of Hubris; The Messiness Of Humanity
Fri, 8 Oct 2021 06:07:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210929/17352047662/facebooks-latest-scandals-banality-hubris-messiness-humanity.shtml>
"In the days since the Facebook Files came out I've been having a few
conversations with people about the write-ups and what it all means. There is
general agreement that none of this makes Facebook look good. And it shouldn't.
(More...)
After buying health company Vectura, tobacco giant Philip Morris will profit from treating the illnesses its products create
Fri, 8 Oct 2021 06:08:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/after-buying-health-company-vectura-tobacco-giant-philip-morris-will-profit-from-treating-the-illnesses-its-products-create-168564>
"The consequences of Philip Morris’s acquisition of Vectura are far reaching,
especially for the medical and research workforce fighting against respiratory
disease. The Philip Morris takeover will have significant implications for the
(More...)
Sen̓áḵw
Fri, 8 Oct 2021 06:11:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://twitter.com/IDoTheThinking/status/1443636143707222019
"The Squamish Nation owns many parcels around Vancouver exempt from local
zoning. With 87% of the nation voting in favor, they're going to build 6,000
homes at Hong Kong-density, 90% less parking than required by law and beside
(More...)
Rewilding: conservationists want to let elephants loose in Europe – here’s what could happen
Sat, 9 Oct 2021 06:21:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/rewilding-conservationists-want-to-let-elephants-loose-in-europe-heres-what-could-happen-168212>
"Imagine driving through a lush, green landscape in France or Germany and
spotting a herd of elephants roaming freely. As absurd as that might seem, it
was only 10,000 years ago that creatures the size of elephants populated
(More...)
Friday essay: on birds — feathered messengers from deep time
Sat, 9 Oct 2021 06:22:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-on-birds-feathered-messengers-from-deep-time-168469>
"Scientists began to think in the 19th century that birds might have evolved
from dinosaurs, when the 150-million- year-old fossil skeleton of
Archaeopteryx — which we now know was capable of short bursts of active
(More...)
‘Odds are against you’: the problem with the music streaming boom
Sat, 9 Oct 2021 06:24:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/02/odds-are-against-you-the-problem-with-the-music-streaming-boom>
"With the streaming revolution breathing new life into a once-moribund music
industry collapsing under plummeting CD sales and rampant piracy, the world’s
biggest record companies – Universal Music, Sony Music and Warner Music – have
(More...)
Virtual Cities: An Atlas & Exploration of Video Game Cities
Sat, 9 Oct 2021 06:25:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.game-cities.com/virtual-cities
"Video games allow us to construct and visit believable imaginary cities,
provide us with glimpses of ancient urbanism, and let us immerse ourselves in
the wildest utopias and darkest dystopias of our possible futures. They are an
(More...)
Play CLASSIC games,online, in a web browser!
Sat, 9 Oct 2021 06:26:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://playclassic.games/
"All CLASSIC old games in one place. Play the best old DOS or classic console
games here, in a web browser!
(More...)
Indigenous knowledge and the persistence of the ‘wilderness’ myth
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 05:58:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/indigenous-knowledge-and-the-persistence-of-the-wilderness-myth-165164>
"According to the Oxford English dictionary, wilderness is defined as:
A wild or uncultivated region or tract of land, uninhabited, or inhabited
(More...)
Alaska's Indigenous tribes 'livid', turn to hunting as salmon stocks dwindle on Yukon River
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 06:00:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-03/-dwindling-alaska-salmon-leave-yukon-river-tribes-in-crisis/100510470>
"In a normal year, the smokehouses and drying racks that First Nations people
use to prepare salmon to tide them through the winter would be heavy with fish
meat, the fruits of a summer spent fishing on the Yukon River like generations
(More...)
List of lists of lists
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 06:00:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lists_of_lists
"This is a list of lists of lists, an article that is a list of articles that
are themselves lists of article lists. In other words, each of the articles
linked here is an index to multiple lists on a topic. Some of the linked
(More...)
Electrify: An Optimist's Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 06:02:21 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/electrify
"Climate change is a planetary emergency. We have to do something
now—but
what? Saul Griffith has a plan. In
Electrify, Griffith lays out a detailed
blueprint—optimistic but feasible—for fighting climate change while creating
(More...)
Facebook pages fall quiet as administrators fear legal action over defamatory comments
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 06:05:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Can radicalisation be defeated? Yes, if we understand that it happens when people’s bonds are broken
Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:14:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/can-radicalisation-be-defeated-yes-if-we-understand-that-it-happens-when-peoples-bonds-are-broken-168399>
"Radical extremism has increased by 320% in the last five years and cost the
world an estimated US$14.1 trillion as of 2018. It’s a worldwide problem. From
the agitations of separatist movements and Boko Haram militia in Africa to an
(More...)
3 reasons people with power are more likely to make bad decisions
Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:15:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-people-with-power-are-more-likely-to-make-bad-decisions-169017>
"Research shows having a formal position of authority with influence over
people, resources and rewards is associated with cognitive and behavioural
costs. People who feel powerful (either in the moment or consistently) make
(More...)
Remembering the Black abolitionists of slavery in Yorkshire
Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:16:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/remembering-the-black-abolitionists-of-slavery-in-yorkshire-168894>
"“Cunning better than strong” is a Jamaican proverb; a message of survival and
resistance that urges us to use our brain rather than our brawn to overcome
oppressors. It’s a proverb that is encapsulated by the Jamaican trickster folk
(More...)
Multibillion-dollar strategy with no end in sight: Australia’s ‘enduring’ offshore processing deal with Nauru
Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:16:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/multibillion-dollar-strategy-with-no-end-in-sight-australias-enduring-offshore-processing-deal-with-nauru-168941>
"Late last month, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews and the president of
Nauru, Lionel Aingimea, quietly announced they had signed a new agreement to
establish an “enduring form” of offshore processing for asylum seekers taken to
(More...)
Privatising the sky: drone delivery promises comfort and speed, but at a cost to workers and communities
Tue, 12 Oct 2021 06:10:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/privatising-the-sky-drone-delivery-promises-comfort-and-speed-but-at-a-cost-to-workers-and-communities-166960>
"Drone delivery company Wing recently celebrated 100,000 deliveries with an
unusual burst of media fanfare. Australia is at the forefront of Wing’s plans,
with the company’s two biggest trial sites running in Canberra and Logan in
(More...)
Rewiring Australian households could save them up to $6,000 a year, research finds
Tue, 12 Oct 2021 06:12:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-04/rewiring-australian-households-could-save-up-to-6000-per-year/100512028>
"As Glasgow looms over the federal government's climate change goals, new
research could help both the major parties embrace more aggressive emissions
reduction targets by saving up to $6,000 a year on voters' household energy
(More...)
Russia is building its own kind of sovereign internet — with help from Apple and Google
Tue, 12 Oct 2021 06:12:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/russia-is-building-its-own-kind-of-sovereign-internet-with-help-from-apple-and-google-169115>
"On September 17, the first day of Russia’s parliamentary elections, Apple and
Google agreed to demands from the Russian government to remove a strategic
voting app developed by opposition leader Alexei Navalny from the iOS and
(More...)
14% of world’s coral lost in less than a decade, study shows
Tue, 12 Oct 2021 06:13:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/05/world-coral-lost-study-shows-reef-health>
"About 14% of the world’s coral has been lost in less than a decade, a study of
the health of coral reefs has found.
(More...)
Doctors Are Soothing Pain with Virtual Reality Worlds
Wed, 13 Oct 2021 06:05:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/doctors-are-soothing-pain-with-virtual-reality-worlds/>
"Pain is not an objective experience — context determines its intensity. We
experience it more acutely when we’re tense, anxious, or overly focused on it.
And while every parent knows that a child can be distracted by putting him or
(More...)
Be Your Own Boss: More Co-op Businesses Are Returning Workers’ Power
Wed, 13 Oct 2021 06:06:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/09/worker-co-ops-photos-labor-democracy-communitarian-no-boss/>
"At worker cooperatives, workers both own and run the business. Sometimes they
must buy in to become owners, and they may also have representation on a board
of directors. Worker-owners tend to benefit far more directly from their
(More...)
Pandemic policing in ‘multicultural’ Australia
Wed, 13 Oct 2021 06:08:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/10/4/pandemic-policing-in-multicultural-australia>
"I’ve always been a walker. It’s my way of de-stressing. Under lockdown, I
assumed taking walks around my neighbourhood would be a therapeutic activity.
But this has not been the case. Instead, my walks led me to question my ideals
(More...)
Rethinking Facebook: We Need To Make Sure That 'Good For The World' Is More Important Than 'Good For Facebook'
Wed, 13 Oct 2021 06:08:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20211004/17543247698/rethinking-facebook-we-need-to-make-sure-that-good-world-is-more-important-than-good-facebook.shtml>
"I'm sure by now most of you have either seen or read about Facebook
whistleblower Frances Haugen's appearance on
60 Minutes discussing in detail
the many problems she saw within Facebook. I'm always a little skeptical about
(More...)
Biodiversity’s Greatest Protectors Need Protection
Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:22:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/biodiversitys-greatest-protectors-need-protection/>
"In the late 19th century Yellowstone, Sequoia and Yosemite became the first of
the great U.S. National Parks, described by author and historian Wallace
Stegner as America's “best idea.” But the parks were devastating for the Native
(More...)
Could Low-Carbon Trains Cure Europe’s Flying Addiction?
Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:26:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/rail-travel-europe-low-carbon-trains/
"In the 1920s and ’30s, long-distance train rides were the norm across Europe,
according to Mark Smith, also known as the
Man in Seat 61. The luxurious
Orient Express, gliding its way along a picturesque route from London to
(More...)
If I could go anywhere: the deep mountains and mysterious valleys of Tokyo’s Nezu Museum
Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:27:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/if-i-could-go-anywhere-the-deep-mountains-and-mysterious-valleys-of-tokyos-nezu-museum-168468>
"A nimble row of bamboo grows between the street and the grounds of the Nezu
Museum 根津美術館 in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. The softly murmuring greenery gently
ushers you along the side of the museum, beneath its overarching eaves, to the
(More...)
Longer copyright protection means fewer books are available, and they cost more
Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:28:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://walledculture.org/longer-copyright-protection-means-fewer-books-are-available-and-they-cost-more/>
"As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the standard copyright term of life
plus 70 years makes no sense: a promise that they’ll be paid after their death
is unlike to stimulate extra creativity from artists. Conscious of how weak
(More...)
Bespoke: A modular DAW for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:34:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bespokesynth.com/
"Bespoke is like a DAW* in some ways, but with less of a focus on a global
timeline. Instead, it has a design more optimized for jamming and exploration.
(More...)
Nobel prize: why climate modellers deserved the physics award – they’ve been proved right again and again
Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:35:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/nobel-prize-why-climate-modellers-deserved-the-physics-award-theyve-been-proved-right-again-and-again-169300>
"This year’s Nobel prize in physics has been split between Syukuro Manabe,
Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi. While Parisi is a theoretical physicist,
the other two are climate modellers whose work laid the foundations of our
(More...)
5 reasons why the Morrison government needs a net-zero target, not just a flimsy plan
Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:35:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/5-reasons-why-the-morrison-government-needs-a-net-zero-target-not-just-a-flimsy-plan-169015>
"Prime Minister Scott Morrison may be warming to a net-zero emissions target by
2050, but Australia is still far from adopting it – largely thanks to
resistance from the National Party.
(More...)
Announcing the Winners of the 2021 Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards
Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:37:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://coveringclimatenow.org/climate-beat-story/announcing-the-winners-of-the-2021-covering-climate-now-journalism-awards/>
"The global news media consortium Covering Climate Now today announced the
winners of the first annual Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards. The 12
winners, including print reporters and photojournalists, digital, television
(More...)
Can Australia’s path to net-zero really be fuelled by carbon capture and LNG?
Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:38:35 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Loved to death: Australian sandalwood is facing extinction in the wild
Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:41:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/loved-to-death-australian-sandalwood-is-facing-extinction-in-the-wild-167281>
"The sweet, earthy fragrance of sandalwood oil has made it immensely popular in
incense sticks, candles and perfumes. But its beautiful scent may also be its
downfall – Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is facing extinction in
(More...)
Far right and extremist groups are targeting military veterans for recruitment. Does the ADF owe them a duty of care?
Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:42:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/far-right-and-extremist-groups-are-targeting-military-veterans-for-recruitment-does-the-adf-owe-them-a-duty-of-care-166756>
"Even before extremist group activity in Australia’s 2021 anti-lockdown
protests was exposed, concern about right-wing extremism in Australia was on
the rise.
(More...)
Why does Congress fight over childcare but not F-35s?
Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:43:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nationofchange.org/2021/10/07/why-does-congress-fight-over-childcare-but-not-f-35s/>
"President Biden and the Democratic Congress are facing a crisis as the popular
domestic agenda they ran on in the 2020 election is held hostage by two
corporate Democratic Senators, fossil-fuel consigliere Joe Manchin and
(More...)
Vital Signs. Laugh at the US if you will, but Australia narrowly escaped a debt ceiling
Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:47:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Read the student survey responses shared by academics and you’ll see why Professor Hambling is justified in burning hers
Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:49:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/read-the-student-survey-responses-shared-by-academics-and-youll-see-why-professor-hambling-is-justified-in-burning-hers-167897>
"If you’ve watched the Netflix sitcom
The Chair you’ll remember the scene in
which Professor Joan Hambling burns her student evaluations, after admitting
she hadn’t read any of them since the 1980s. Many of us in academia whooped in
(More...)
Nobel Prize for groundbreaking way of building molecules that made chemistry greener
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:52:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/nobel-prize-for-groundbreaking-way-of-building-molecules-that-made-chemistry-greener-169393>
"Benjamin List and David MacMillan, respectively based in Germany and the US,
will share the 10 million Swedish kronor (£870,000) Nobel prize in chemistry
2021 for their development of “organocatalysis” – a precise tool for
(More...)
Royal Society of Biology photography competition 2021 – in pictures
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:53:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2021/oct/07/royal-society-of-biology-photography-competition-2021-in-pictures>
"Highlights of the Royal Society of Biology’s photography competition 2021,
from ants feasting on honeydew to zebras drinking in the savannah"
(More...)
Friday essay: a world of pain – Australian theatre in crisis
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:54:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-a-world-of-pain-australian-theatre-in-crisis-168663>
"Australia’s performing arts sector has long been recognised as an ecosystem.
It is a community of artists, arts organisations and institutions, all affected
by factors such as education and training, audiences, policy and revenues.
(More...)
The English language dominates global conservation science – which leaves 1 in 3 research papers virtually ignored
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:55:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-english-language-dominates-global-conservation-science-which-leaves-1-in-3-research-papers-virtually-ignored-168951>
"English is considered the language of international science. But our new
research reveals how important scientific knowledge in other languages is going
untapped. This oversight squanders opportunities to help improve the plight of
(More...)
The Ship That Became a Bomb
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:57:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/10/11/the-ship-that-became-a-bomb>
"Soon, a vast, decrepit oil tanker in the Red Sea will likely sink, catch fire,
or explode. The vessel, the F.S.O. Safer—pronounced “Saffer”—is named for a
patch of desert near the city of Marib, in central Yemen, where the country’s
(More...)
Games Workshop declares war on its customers (again)
Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:09:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://doctorow.medium.com/games-workshop-declares-war-on-customers-again-978a5531aebe>
"There’s a difference between a con-artist and a grifter. A con-artist is just
a gabby mugger, and when they vanish with your money, you know you’ve been
robbed.
(More...)
The Trolley Problem and Vaccinating Young People Against COVID-19
Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:10:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-trolley-problem-and-vaccines/
"Death from COVID-19 is worse than myocarditis from the vaccine. Though this
seems like an uncontroversial statement, intelligent doctors from prestigious
universities have penned articles opining that it is preferable to leave young
(More...)
It’s time Biden started making good on his big climate change promises
Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:12:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/opinion/contributors/2021/10/08/its-time-biden-started-making-good-on-his-big-climate-change-promises.html>
"Just seven days into President Joe Biden’s administration, he declared that
the United States must “meet the moment” and raise our “climate ambition.” He
backed that sentiment up with a set of sweeping executive orders directing the
(More...)
Hot Air by Peter Stott review – the battle against climate change denial
Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:13:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/09/hot-air-by-peter-stott-review-the-battle-against-climate-change-denial>
"How on earth did we get here? How did we arrive in a world where temperatures
in British Columbia can come within a whisker of 50C, where a ring of fire made
Athens look apocalyptic, massive floods ripped apart towns in Belgium and
(More...)
Japanese sugar artist astounds fans with edible robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky【Video】
Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:14:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://soranews24.com/2021/10/10/japanese-sugar-artist-astounds-fans-with-edible-robot-from-laputa-castle-in-the-sky%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/>
"In amongst all the conflict and explosions shown in the 1986 Ghibli movie
Laputa: Castle in the Sky, one thing that stays with audiences long after the
movie has ended is the gentle, silent sweetness of the nature-loving Laputian
(More...)
ASU lecture to preview forthcoming book 'The White Savior and the Waif'
Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:45:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.asu.edu/20211004-asu-lecture-preview-forthcoming-book-white-savior-and-waif>
"In recent years, respected humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without
Borders, Feed the Children and Oxfam have come under pressure for being part of
what is described as the “White Savior Industrial Complex.” Critics are forcing
(More...)
Australia could ‘green’ its degraded landscapes for just 6% of what we spend on defence
Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:46:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-could-green-its-degraded-landscapes-for-just-6-of-what-we-spend-on-defence-168807>
"The health of many Australian ecosystems is in steep decline. Replanting vast
tracts of land with native vegetation will prevent species extinctions and help
abate climate change – but which landscapes should be restored, and how much
(More...)
Richie Merzian: Net zero by 2050 is a fraud if fossil fuels flourish
Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:48:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2021/10/11/net-zero-by-2050-is-a-fraud/>
"If you’ve ever seen the TV food series
Nailed It!, or if you yourself are an
amateur cook with a colourful track record, you’ll know that things don’t
always turn out the way they look on the packet.
(More...)
Australia had a record number of police shootings in the past year. Should we be concerned?
Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:49:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-had-a-record-number-of-police-shootings-in-the-past-year-should-we-be-concerned-169354>
"Data released by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) this week show
fatal police shootings in Australia have reached an all-time high.
(More...)
Found in a Trunk: The Lost Avant-Garde Movement that came Decades before Dada
Wed, 20 Oct 2021 06:29:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.messynessychic.com/2021/10/08/found-in-a-trunk-the-lost-avant-garde-movement-that-came-decades-before-dada/>
"If modern art has taught us anything, it is that anything can be considered
art. Picasso’s and Braque’s curious peeling newspaper collages of the 1910s
spring to mind as the opening act for the ‘Modern Art’ movement. It was at this
(More...)
Bolsonaro must be held criminally responsible for assault on the Amazon, say activists
Wed, 20 Oct 2021 06:30:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/12/bolsonaro-must-be-held-criminally-responsible-for-assault-on-the-amazon-say-activists>
"The Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro must be held criminally responsible for
a “ruthless” assault on the Amazon that has exacerbated the climate emergency
and imperilled humanity’s very survival, activists have argued in a petition to
(More...)
NASA Adviser Resigns Over Giant Homophobic Telescope
Wed, 20 Oct 2021 06:31:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-adviser-resigns-giant-homophobic-telescope>
"Last month, NASA deliberated and decided against changing the name of the
James Webb Space Telescope, an orbital observatory expected to revolutionize
astronomy that happens to be named after a homophobic former NASA
(More...)
Ruthie Tompson, an animator with the longest history at Disney, dies at 111
Wed, 20 Oct 2021 06:33:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/12/1045309046/ruthie-tompson-disney-animator-obituary>
"Ruthie Tompson liked to tell people that she and Mickey Mouse "grew up
together."
(More...)
The Movement to Give ‘Personhood’ Rights to Animals
Thu, 21 Oct 2021 05:42:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/legal-personhood-rights-animals/
"Every pet owner knows that animals experience sorrow and joy. Research has
proven that even fish feel pain, and that species from orcas to bats
communicate extensively in complex languages. Chimpanzees can do math
(More...)
Professor Elemental - It's Great To Be Me (nothing bad will ever happen) (dir. John Callaghan)
Thu, 21 Oct 2021 05:42:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Di3ZN1v_M
"The first song from the Terrifying new album NEMESIS, available from
www.professorelemental.com www.teasearecords.com and all good online places."
(More...)
Introducing David Card, the 2021 Nobel Prize in Economics winner who made the minimum wage respectable
Thu, 21 Oct 2021 05:43:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/introducing-david-card-the-2021-nobel-prize-in-economics-winner-who-made-the-minimum-wage-respectable-169715>
"Every year Australia’s Fair Work Commission considers whether to raise the
minimum wage. And every year business leaders warn doing it will cost jobs.
(More...)
Of Fair (And Balanced) Reporting
Thu, 21 Oct 2021 05:45:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://buttondown.email/AlexandraErin/archive/aeopinion-of-fair-and-balanced-reporting/>
"There's a school of thought... not a particularly good school and not at all a
good thought... that says that the people who are closest to an issue, the
people who are affected by and experience an issue, cannot be trusted to judge
(More...)
Lebanon’s crisis has gone from bad to worse. But is anyone listening?
Thu, 21 Oct 2021 05:46:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/lebanons-crisis-has-gone-from-bad-to-worse-but-is-anyone-listening-169645>
"In the midst of a pandemic that has wrenched the world off its axis, Lebanon’s
precipitous decline has not received the attention it deserves given the
country’s strategic importance.
(More...)
Brian Eno calls for “a revolution” in music industry’s approach to climate change
Fri, 22 Oct 2021 06:22:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nme.com/news/music/brian-eno-calls-for-a-revolution-in-music-indusrys-approach-to-climate-change-3068596>
"Brian Eno has spoken about
Coldplay and
The 1975‘s efforts to tackle
climate change, while calling for “a revolution” in the wider music industry’s
approach.
(More...)
Don’t put all your eggs in one Facebook basket
Fri, 22 Oct 2021 06:24:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3636451/don-t-put-all-your-eggs-in-one-facebook-basket.html>
"OK, I get it. Facebook is insanely popular. With it closing in on 3 billion
(yes, billion with a “b”) users, no one can ignore Facebook. But do you really
want to base your business's advertising and outreach on Facebook alone? I
(More...)
Winners of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021
Fri, 22 Oct 2021 06:25:24 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2021/10/winners-wildlife-photographer-year-2021/620372/>
"The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, founded in 1965, is an
annual international showcase of the best nature photography. This year, the
contest attracted more than 50,000 entries from 95 countries. Wildlife
(More...)
‘Mountain’ of electronic waste from this year alone will weigh as much as Great Wall of China, experts warn
Fri, 22 Oct 2021 06:26:41 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/electronic-waste-pollution-recycling-phones-b1937904.html>
"The amount of electronic waste produced by humans each year is rapidly
growing, totalling millions of tonnes of metals, plastics and precious mineral
resources which are rarely recycled, and usually incinerated or sent to
(More...)
Technological progress + outdated copyright laws = huge swathes of our cinematic culture lost forever
Fri, 22 Oct 2021 06:29:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://walledculture.org/technological-progress-outdated-copyright-laws-huge-swathes-of-our-cinematic-culture-lost-forever/>
"Physical books can be bought, shared, and accessed in libraries quite easily.
Films in a physical form, on the other hand, are hard to acquire, share or view
in archives. Writing in the Guardian, the non-fiction filmmaker Charlie
(More...)
Never Gonna Give You Up (Medieval Cover)
Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:14:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxjY_YTksKM
"Nev'r gonna giveth thee up! Enjoy in Medieval style!"
Via Muse, who wrote "Well, here is some lovely medieval music!"
(More...)
Lego’s return to gender neutral toys is good news for all kids. Our research review shows why
Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:15:59 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/legos-return-to-gender-neutral-toys-is-good-news-for-all-kids-our-research-review-shows-why-169722>
"Lego announced this week it would work to remove gender stereotypes from its
brand, including no longer marketing toys distinctly to boys or girls and
ensuring products are gender-neutral.
(More...)
The queer subtext of Superman comics has long been suppressed. Here’s to the original justice defender coming out
Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:16:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
5 Australian COVID experts on receiving abuse and trolling amid the pandemic
Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:17:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/5-australian-covid-experts-on-receiving-abuse-and-trolling-amid-the-pandemic-169825>
"A survey by the Australian Science Media Centre, published today, found around
20% of the 50 Australian scientists who responded have received threats of
physical or sexual violence when speaking about COVID in the media.
(More...)
Ecological Land Cooperative
Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:18:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://ecologicalland.coop/our-model
"The Ecological Land Cooperative develops affordable, low impact, smallholdings
for ecological agriculture.
(More...)
Back to the party: the Duchess of Devonshire’s Costume Ball 1897
Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:31:01 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://rbkclocalstudies.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/back-to-the-party-more-pictures-from-the-duchess-of-devonshires-costume-ball-1897/>
"After nearly a year of blogging I’ve been looking back at the most popular
posts of the last twelve months and at number four was the original post about
the Duchess of Devonshire’s Diamond Jubilee costume ball in 1897. The
(More...)
The climate disaster is here
Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:32:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2021/oct/14/climate-change-happening-now-stats-graphs-maps-cop26>
"The enormous, unprecedented pain and turmoil caused by the climate crisis is
often discussed alongside what can seem like surprisingly small temperature
increases – 1.5C or 2C hotter than it was in the era just before the car
(More...)
What is COP26 and why does the fate of Earth, and Australia’s prosperity, depend on it?
Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:33:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-is-cop26-and-why-does-the-fate-of-earth-and-australias-prosperity-depend-on-it-169648>
"In just over two weeks, more than 100 world leaders will gather in the
Scottish industrial city of Glasgow for United Nations climate change
negotiations known as COP26. Their task, no less, is to decide the fate of our
(More...)
Friday essay: invisible no more – putting the first women archaeologists of the Pacific back on the map
Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:33:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-invisible-no-more-putting-the-first-women-archaeologists-of-the-pacific-back-on-the-map-167886>
"History is the study of “present traces of the past”, as historian Judith
Allen once put it. In our Pacific Matildas research project, we are recovering
the hidden traces of the first female archaeologists in the Pacific.
(More...)
Superman's Next Big Fight Is Against Climate Change
Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:34:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://screenrant.com/superman-jon-kent-climate-change-fight-dc-comics/>
"The Man of Steel is about to take on a real-life problem that impacts everyone
on Earth as DC's new Superman will fight climate change head-on. In a new
preview for the upcoming
Superman: Son of Kal-El #7 by DC Comics, Jon Kent
(More...)
Forget net zero – let’s have a ‘fossil freedom day’
Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:59:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/14/net-zero-fossil-freedom-day-2047-industrial-revolution>
"The one thing that tends to get lost is the bigger picture – actually solving
the climate emergency. It’s on the agenda, of course, because it’s what the
meeting is meant to be about, but at the same time it’s not actually on the
(More...)
Biodiversity depends on pollinators: a first estimate of how many plants rely on animals
Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:00:51 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/biodiversity-depends-on-pollinators-a-first-estimate-of-how-many-plants-rely-on-animals-166908>
"The honeybee may be the best-known pollinator of plants, but there are
thousands of pollinator species, including other bees, butterflies, moths,
beetles, flies and even some birds and mammals. Pollinators help to produce
(More...)
The Complexity Of Making An RPG That’s Authentically Australian
Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:02:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/10/the-complexity-of-making-a-rpg-thats-authentically-australian/>
"When was the last time you actually saw an Australian city replicated in a
video game? Not something in the background, but a 2D or 3D space that you
could walk around and interact with, one that actually mirrored the spirit of
(More...)
Yes, Australia can beat its 2030 emissions target. But the Morrison government barely lifted a finger
Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:03:31 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/yes-australia-can-beat-its-2030-emissions-target-but-the-morrison-government-barely-lifted-a-finger-169835>
"With just over a fortnight until world leaders gather in Glasgow at a
make-or-break United Nations climate conference, all eyes are on the biggest
climate laggards, including Australia.
(More...)
Hydrogen Is As Broadly Useful As Hemp, And Will Be Used Just As Much
Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:05:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://cleantechnica.com/2021/10/13/hydrogen-is-as-broadly-useful-as-hemp-and-will-be-used-just-as-much/>
"Hemp can do a lot of things adequately, but most of the things it could do are
done better and more cheaply by something else that’s less versatile.
(More...)
When you find someone who had the same problem as you
Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:36:47 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnUpTyKSjag
"Hello! Anybody!"
Via Andy Nicholson at Cogent.co.
(More...)
The “Awesome” Tag Was Made For Workers Like This
Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:37:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://notalwaysright.com/the-awesome-tag-was-made-for-workers-like-this/245760/>
"My state is in its fourth lockdown. I have been out of work since the start of
the health crisis. I get a call about a job that I applied for a couple of
months ago that I didn’t get but was next in line for. Great — they want me to
(More...)
Climate inaction: Assaulting the mental health of kids
Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:39:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.thesudburystar.com/opinion/climate-inaction-assaulting-the-mental-health-of-kids>
"In some circles, it’s fashionable to blame the climate angst of young people
like Greta Thunberg on environmental education and the constant deluge of dire
warnings about imminent climate catastrophe, destruction of ecosystems, and
(More...)
Barnaby Joyce has refused to support doubling Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction targets – but we could get there so cheaply and easily
Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:40:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/barnaby-joyce-has-refused-to-support-doubling-australias-2030-emissions-reduction-targets-but-we-could-get-there-so-cheaply-and-easily-169932>
"As Prime Minister Scott Morrison tries to land a Coalition climate policy deal
ahead of the international COP26 summit in Glasgow, Nationals leader Barnaby
Joyce on Sunday ruled out supporting more ambitious 2030 targets.
(More...)
Converting classic cars to electric vehicles is booming in popularity
Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:41:45 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-10-18/converting-classic-cars-to-electric-vehicles/100533104>
"From suburban garages to professional workshops, Australians are popping car
bonnets and stripping out petrol and diesel motors, fuel tanks and gear boxes,
mufflers and exhausts.
(More...)
Michael Jackson - Bad (Euphonium Cover)
Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:32:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXBP5Wd_ppc
Via Muse, who wrote "I guess it’s music day. These guys are funny… and good!"
(More...)
Caring or killing: harmful gender stereotypes kick in early — and may be keeping girls away from STEM
Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:40:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/caring-or-killing-harmful-gender-stereotypes-kick-in-early-and-may-be-keeping-girls-away-from-stem-169742>
"Gender stereotypes begin in early childhood. Bright pink “toys for girls” and
blue “toys for boys” are sold on store shelves around the world.
(More...)
New Research Shows Social Media Doesn't Turn People Into Assholes (They Already Were), And Everyone's Wrong About Echo Chambers
Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:42:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20211017/18143347766/new-research-shows-social-media-doesnt-turn-people-into-assholes-they-already-were-everyones-wrong-about-echo-chambers.shtml>
"We recently wrote about Joe Bernstein's excellent
Harper's cover story,
which argues that we're all looking at disinformation/misinformation the wrong
way, and that the evidence of disinformation on social media really influencing
(More...)
OnlyFans has a split identity – it needs to declare its support for adult content creators
Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:43:56 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Australia ranks last out of 54 nations on its strategy to cope with climate change. The Glasgow summit is a chance to protect us all
Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:45:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-ranks-last-out-of-54-nations-on-its-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change-the-glasgow-summit-is-a-chance-to-protect-us-all-169627>
"The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is widely discussed, but the other
side of climate action is less often talked about: adapting to impacts already
locked in. Even if we drastically reduce emissions, the cost of natural
(More...)
'Brown recovery' wipes out hopes that pandemic stimulus would drive climate spending
Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:37:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/19/world-leaders-climate-change-stimulus-516226>
"Governments in rich countries pledged last year to spend trillions of dollars
to rescue their economies from the trough of the pandemic — and to channel that
gusher of cash in ways that would aid the fight against climate change.
(More...)
Jair Bolsonaro Is a Mass Murderer Who Deliberately Spread Covid-19, Brazilian Senate Panel Finds
Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:38:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://gizmodo.com/jair-bolsonaro-is-a-mass-murderer-who-deliberately-spre-1847896208>
"Earlier this year, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro mocked the claim that
his administration’s reckless handling of the coronavirus pandemic—which has
entailed everything from straight denialism to promoting a cocktail of miracle
(More...)
Copyleft lawsuit against Vizio will allow anyone to defend the commons
Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:40:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/20/vizio-vs-the-world/#dumbcast
"Vizio's free ride is over. The nonprofit Software Freedom Conservancy has
filed suit against Vizio to force it to comply with the GPL – and this legal
challenge has the potential to change the game for GPL enforcement in a
(More...)
Microplastics are in the air we breathe and in Earth’s atmosphere, and they affect the climate
Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:43:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/microplastics-are-in-the-air-we-breathe-and-in-earths-atmosphere-and-they-affect-the-climate-170093>
"Microplastics are found in the most remote places on land and in the ocean as
well as in our food. Now several studies around the world have confirmed they
are also present in the air we breathe.
(More...)
Australia is undermining the Paris Agreement, no matter what Morrison says – we need new laws to stop this
Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:44:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/australia-is-undermining-the-paris-agreement-no-matter-what-morrison-says-we-need-new-laws-to-stop-this-170198>
"Prime Minister Scott Morrison is poised to take a 2050 net-zero emissions
target to Glasgow. While this may seem like a milestone, Australia is still
failing to abide by one of the core requirements of the Paris Agreement.
(More...)
Thinking About Art on the 10th Anniversary of Occupy Wall Street
Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:14:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://hyperallergic.com/677390/thinking-about-art-on-the-10th-anniversary-of-occupy-wall-street/>
"I used to think that to be relevant as an artist was to participate in the
logic of the market, but that changed in 2011."
(More...)
Fisher Price's Iconic Toy Telephone Now Actually Makes Phone Calls
Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:16:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://gizmodo.com/fisher-prices-iconic-toy-telephone-now-actually-makes-p-1847846984>
"As companies trip over themselves to get retro toys back on shelves for
nostalgic adults, Fisher-Price is taking a different route. Its iconic Chatter
Telephone has been enjoyed by toddlers for 60 years now, and to celebrate that
(More...)
COP26: Document leak reveals nations lobbying to change key climate report
Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:17:04 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58982445
"A huge leak of documents seen by BBC News shows how countries are trying to
change a crucial scientific report on how to tackle climate change.
(More...)
Sorry, Australia
Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:18:30 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2021/10/22/sorry-australia/
"The first thing I learned this morning is that Candace Owens wants us to
invade Australia. You might be curious about what prompted this bellicose idea:
it’s because they are managing the pandemic better than we are.
(More...)
Pismo Beach butterfly grove sees 3,500% increase in monarch count. ‘We’re thrilled’
Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:20:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article255185907.html
"California State Parks interpreter Danielle Bronson was practically jumping
with joy as she pointed out the thousands of butterflies weighing down branches
in the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove on Thursday afternoon.
(More...)
‘Community Ownership’ Might Be the Best Way to Fight Deforestation
Mon, 1 Nov 2021 05:31:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/community-forest-ownership-prevent-deforestation/>
"The idea is that community-run forests — those owned, managed and governed by
their inhabitants — naturally preserve biodiversity and have very low, if any,
levels of deforestation, while improving the livelihoods of the world’s often
(More...)
Climate change: Why Australia refuses to give up coal
Mon, 1 Nov 2021 05:34:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-57925798
"In a world racing to reduce pollution, Australia is a stark outlier.
It is one of the dirtiest countries per head of population and a massive global
(More...)
Why is the idea of ‘gender’ provoking backlash the world over?
Mon, 1 Nov 2021 05:35:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2021/oct/23/judith-butler-gender-ideology-backlash>
"In June, the Hungarian parliament voted overwhelmingly to eliminate from
public schools all teaching related to “homosexuality and gender change”,
associating LGBTQI rights and education with pedophilia and totalitarian
(More...)
How Is ‘Dune’ So Prescient About Climate Change? Thank This Native American Tribe.
Mon, 1 Nov 2021 05:44:39 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/23/opinion/culture/dune-frank-herbert-native-americans.html>
"The planet, or what’s left of it, is barely recognizable. Once verdant, it’s
now a parched wasteland. The rich shelter in air-conditioned bubbles, leaving
everyone else to face the storms and sand.
(More...)
By Toutatis!
Mon, 1 Nov 2021 05:46:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/books/by-toutatis/cid/1835720
"Using humour based on anachronism with aspects of modern life residing in
ancient settings, Asterix, Obelix, Dogmatix and a bunch of merry characters of
a tiny village we have known so well since the 1960s have been winning
(More...)
All articles are Copyright © their respective authors.
