Glass Wings Blog: February 2025
The Curative Power of Quieter Cities
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:37:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/noise-pollution-quieter-cities/
"When Krystal Martin started surveying her neighbors in the southwest
Mississippi town of Gloster about the impact of a local wood pellet
manufacturing facility, she was focused on air quality. The facility has been
(More...)
Russia gives Navalny lawyers multi-year sentences for relaying his messages
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:38:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/17/russia-gives-navalny-lawyers-multi-year-sentences-for-relaying-his-messages>
"Russia has sentenced three lawyers who had defended Alexei Navalny to several
years in prison for bringing messages from the late opposition leader from
prison to the outside world.
(More...)
70 mil. COVID cases, 130,000 deaths in 5 yrs since outbreak in Japan
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:40:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/ee88ea62d591-70-mil-covid-cases-130000-deaths-in-5-yrs-since-outbreak-in-japan.html>
'As Japan marks five years on Wednesday since its first confirmed case of
COVID-19, government data show that over 70 million people in the country are
estimated to have contracted the virus as of March last year, while total
(More...)
The Revival of India’s Stunning Stepwells
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:41:16 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/reviving-indias-stepwells-water-scarcity/>
"The lawns of Purana Qila in the historic quarters of New Delhi have been
gleaming a brighter shade of green these past few years. The site — whose name
means “old fort,” a nod to its 16th-century vintage — has benefited from
(More...)
Meteorite strike captured in rare video from Canadian home’s doorbell camera
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:42:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/17/meteorite-strike-video-canada>
"A doorbell camera on a Canadian home has captured rare video and sound of a
meteorite striking Earth as it crashed into a couple’s walkway.
(More...)
‘Like a sylvan spa!’ Inside Zurich’s staggering, revolutionary new hospital for kids
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:43:46 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/oct/09/zurich-hospital-kinderspital-herzog-de-meuron>
"‘Hospitals are the ugliest places in the world,” says Jacques Herzog. “They
are a product of blind functionalist thinking, while neglecting basic human
needs.” The Swiss architect has a point. With their low ceilings, windowless
(More...)
Bamboo bonanza: how a village in India used its forest to go from poverty to prosperity
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 23:51:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/dec/17/india-adivasi-tribal-village-pachgaon-forest-law-traditional-rights>
"It’s late morning and the sound of axes clacking against wood echoes through
Pachgaon’s bamboo forest in the central Indian state of Maharashtra. A huge
depot, larger than a cricket stadium, is full of bamboo branches, stacked
(More...)
Braving the frozen wilderness: the researchers working to protect Antarctic penguins
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 23:52:49 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/environment/the-researchers-working-to-protect-antarctic-penguins/>
"The Antarctic tundras are home to a range of species that have adapted in
fascinating ways to the frozen conditions. The climate crisis means that
thousands of penguins are now at risk, but efforts are under way to protect
(More...)
Seven quiet breakthroughs for climate and nature in 2024 you might have missed
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 23:54:05 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20241216-seven-quiet-breakthroughs-for-climate-and-nature-in-2024-you-might-have-missed>
"It's been another tough year for the climate and nature. From the 1.5C
threshold set to be breached for a full year for the first time, to the
disappointment of vulnerable nations at this year's UN climate summit, it can
(More...)
How climate-friendly waterwheels are coming around again
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 23:55:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/17/how-climate-friendly-waterwheels-are-coming-around-again>
"In the foothills of the Himalayas, a group of villagers hauled a sturdy metal
waterwheel into place. Its horizontal blades soon caught the rushing water of
the stream directly below it. The machine began to spin, and electricity began
(More...)
CSIRO, WWF and Australian government team up to launch AdaptLog conservation solutions project
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 23:57:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-20/tasmania-adaptlog-conservation-solutions-csiro/104811206>
'It's night-time on Heron Island, near the Great Barrier Reef in 2019.
A group of scientists gather around a collection of green turtle eggs, gently
(More...)
Repairing a landscape
Sat, 1 Feb 2025 23:58:22 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-18/can-landscape-regeneration-be-profitable-quoin-tas/104687798>
"The Earth is experiencing extraordinary biodiversity loss, with the United
Nations warning immediate action is needed to avoid ecosystem collapse.
(More...)
How the World’s Largest Book Sorter at The New York Public Library Processes 5,000 Books Per Hour
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:08:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://laughingsquid.com/worlds-largest-book-sorter-nypl/
"New York Nico of Heller Films visited The New York Public Library where Sal
Magaddino, a former NYPD captain and the deputy director of the library’s “Book
Ops” division, talked about the largest book sorter in the world, which sorts
(More...)
How is Antarctica melting, exactly? Crucial details are beginning to come into focus
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:09:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/how-is-antarctica-melting-exactly-crucial-details-are-beginning-to-come-into-focus-245660>
"The size of the Antarctic ice sheet can be hard to comprehend. Two kilometres
thick on average and covering nearly twice the area of Australia, the ice sheet
holds enough freshwater to raise global sea levels by 58 metres.
(More...)
Nato flotilla assembles off Estonia to protect undersea cables in Baltic Sea
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:11:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/19/nato-flotilla-assembles-off-estonia-protect-undersea-cables-baltic-sea>
"A Nato flotilla likened to “the security camera of the Baltic” has assembled
off the coast of Estonia as the military alliance seeks to protect European
undersea cables and pipelines from sabotage.
(More...)
Solar farms are booming in the US and putting thousands of hungry sheep to work
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:12:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://apnews.com/article/sheep-solar-texas-climate-333e72167bcf24047257e1be352ce1a9>
"BUCKHOLTS, Texas (AP) — On rural Texas farmland, beneath hundreds of rows of
solar panels, a troop of stocky sheep rummage through pasture, casually bumping
into one another as they remain committed to a single task: chewing grass.
(More...)
Superannuation is complicated. A guaranteed government income in retirement would be simpler
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:13:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/superannuation-is-complicated-a-guaranteed-government-income-in-retirement-would-be-simpler-247383>
"Having compulsory super should help create a comfortable and stress-free
retirement. But Australia’s super system is too complex for retirees to
navigate.
(More...)
From securing pets to building ‘insect hotels’ – here are 7 ways to attract birds to your garden
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:14:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/from-securing-pets-to-building-insect-hotels-here-are-7-ways-to-attract-birds-to-your-garden-247561>
"Home gardens can provide vital habitat for Australian birds. But there’s more
to it than just planting certain types of shrubs and flowering trees.
(More...)
At this remote outpost, Australians are racing to find the world’s oldest ice and unlock the secrets it holds
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 13:45:27 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/20/at-this-remote-outpost-australians-are-racing-to-find-the-worlds-oldest-ice-and-unlock-the-secrets-it-holds>
"Traversing the world’s most unforgiving continent requires a generous measure
of stoicism. “We took risks, we knew we took them,” wrote the Antarctic
explorer Robert Falcon Scott in 1912, trapped by a fierce blizzard in the days
(More...)
Emissions to impact: How climate science will hold fossil fuel companies to account
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 13:50:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/emissions-to-impact-how-climate-science-will-hold-fossil-fuel-companies-to-account/>
"Two weeks into 2025 and it already feels like a turning point for climate
action – for good and bad. We start the year with news that the Earth
experienced yet another ‘warmest year on record’ and global temperatures
(More...)
Norway’s Equinor forced to withdraw key carbon capture claim
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 13:52:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/norways-equinor-forced-to-withdraw-key-carbon-capture-claim/>
"Equinor has retracted a claim that it stores about a million tonnes of carbon
dioxide annually at its flagship carbon capture project after
DeSmog obtained
data showing the real figure was as little as a tenth of that amount.
(More...)
Philippine Indigenous communities restore a mountain forest to prevent urban flooding
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 14:00:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://news.mongabay.com/2025/01/philippine-indigenous-communities-restore-a-mountain-forest-to-prevent-urban-flooding/>
"On the slopes of Mount Kalatungan, a protected area on the island of Mindanao
in the southern Philippines, rows of robusta coffee shrubs thrive alongside
tropical hardwoods like
lauan. The verdant mountain is enveloped in
(More...)
These creatures eat, excrete, and transform microplastics into a much bigger threat
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 14:01:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.earth.com/news/filter-feeders-transform-microplastics-into-a-bigger-threat/>
"A study led by Tel Aviv University has revealed alarming insights into how
microplastic particles are transformed within marine ecosystems, posing new
challenges to the health of the ocean’s food web.
(More...)
Manufacturing crisis: the challenge of Trump 2.0’s ‘power in chaos’ for other democracies
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 14:02:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/manufacturing-crisis-the-challenge-of-trump-2-0s-power-in-chaos-for-other-democracies-246403>
"On the eve of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, the world is braced
for more of what has been described as his instinct for “weaponised chaos”.
(More...)
Most of us trust scientists, shows a survey of nearly 72,000 people worldwide
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:38:00 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/most-of-us-trust-scientists-shows-a-survey-of-nearly-72-000-people-worldwide-246252>
"Public trust in scientists is vital. It can help us with personal decisions on
matters like health and provide evidence-based policymaking to assist
governments with crises such as the COVID pandemic or climate change.
(More...)
Almost 26,000 hectares of threatened species habitat approved for clearing under Labor in 2024, new report finds
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:39:03 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/21/threatened-species-habitat-destruction-labor>
"Almost 26,000 hectares of threatened species habitat was greenlit for
destruction in 2024 – more than double the previous year – according to
analysis that environmentalists are using to pressure Anthony Albanese to
(More...)
Don’t rely on social media users for fact-checking. Many don’t care much about the common good
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:40:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/dont-rely-on-social-media-users-for-fact-checking-many-dont-care-much-about-the-common-good-246977>
"In the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, Meta chief executive Mark
Zuckerberg fired the fact-checking team for his company’s social media
platforms. At the same time, he reversed Facebook’s turn away from political
(More...)
Labor’s green aluminium play is canny politics, not least for exposing Dutton’s wilful energy ignorance
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:41:54 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/labors-green-aluminium-play-is-canny-politics-not-least-for-exposing-duttons-wilful-energy-ignorance/>
"In the wake of federal Labor’s announcement on Monday of a $2 billion green
aluminium production credit scheme, it has been difficult to find anyone
outside of Liberal National Party ranks who isn’t loudly singing its praises.
(More...)
What’s happening on RedNote? A media scholar explains the app TikTok users are fleeing to – and the cultural moment unfolding there
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:43:08 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/whats-happening-on-rednote-a-media-scholar-explains-the-app-tiktok-users-are-fleeing-to-and-the-cultural-moment-unfolding-there-247621>
"TikTok refugees fled by the millions to RedNote, a Chinese app, in response to
the TikTok ban, which went into effect Jan. 19, 2025. The company shut down the
app shortly before midnight on Jan. 18 but restored service the following day.
(More...)
Trump’s Paris cop-out is bad news for climate, but could give Australia a boost
Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:44:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/trumps-paris-cop-out-is-bad-news-for-climate-but-could-give-australia-a-boost/>
"Donald Trump’s abandonment of the US’s climate goals won’t deter Australian
investment in clean energy, with the sector promising tens of thousands of new
jobs.
(More...)
Elon Musk and the narratives of decadence that link all anti-democratic movements
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:20:19 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-and-the-narratives-of-decadence-that-link-all-anti-democratic-movements-247396>
"“It’s the birthrates. It’s the birthrates. It’s the birthrates,” echoed the
introduction line in the manifesto of the Christchurch shooter who killed 51
people in a mosque in 2019. His claim was that white people are being
(More...)
CEFC backs low-cost loans to help farmers buy in to carbon removal
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:21:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/cefc-backs-low-cost-loans-to-help-farmers-buy-in-to-carbon-removal/>
"Farmers will soon be able to take out loans discounted by the government-owned
green bank to cover the cost of planting native trees and shrubs on their land
to draw down carbon.
(More...)
Fake podcast clips are misleading millions of people on social media. Here’s how to spot them
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:21:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fake-podcast-clips-are-misleading-millions-of-people-on-social-media-heres-how-to-spot-them-246425>
"Podcasting is the medium of choice for millions of listeners looking for the
latest commentary on almost any topic. In Australia, it’s estimated about 48%
of people tune in to a podcast each month.
(More...)
Oyster ‘blood’ holds promise for combating drug-resistant superbugs: new research
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:23:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/oyster-blood-holds-promise-for-combating-drug-resistant-superbugs-new-research-226823>
"Superbugs that are resistant to existing antibiotics are a growing health
problem around the world. Globally, nearly five million people die from
antimicrobial resistant infections each year. The annual toll of antimicrobial
(More...)
Don’t pretend COVID-19 didn’t happen
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:25:38 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv8836
"Just over 5 years ago, on New Year’s Eve 2019, the World Health Organization
(WHO) became aware of the first cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in
Wuhan, China. A massive global infectious disease storm was already brewing—one
(More...)
The red flowering gum: a perennial favourite and a summer stunner
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 05:27:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/the-red-flowering-gum-a-perennial-favourite-and-a-summer-stunner-246485>
"If you’ve been on a summertime stroll in recent weeks, chances are you’ve seen
a red flowering gum,
Corymbia ficifolia.
(More...)
A third of the Arctic’s vast carbon sink now a source of emissions, study reveals
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 13:49:28 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/21/third-of-arctic-carbon-sink-now-a-source-of-emissions-study>
"A third of the Arctic’s tundra, forests and wetlands have become a source of
carbon emissions, a new study has found, as global heating ends thousands of
years of carbon storage in parts of the frozen north.
(More...)
‘Catastrophic’: Great Barrier Reef hit by its most widespread coral bleaching, study finds
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 13:50:26 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/22/catastrophic-great-barrier-reef-hit-by-its-most-widespread-coral-bleaching-study-finds>
"More than 40% of individual corals monitored around a Great Barrier Reef
island were killed last year in the most widespread coral bleaching outbreak to
hit the reef system, a study has found.
(More...)
NZ’s climate policies are no longer enough to keep warming at 1.5°C – here’s what needs to happen
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 13:52:25 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/nzs-climate-policies-are-no-longer-enough-to-keep-warming-at-1-5-c-heres-what-needs-to-happen-245829>
"It’s now official. Last year was the warmest year on record globally and the
first to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This doesn’t mean it’s too
late to rein in further warming, but the ambition required rises with each
(More...)
Water quality expert calls for wider PFAS ban as NSW community seeks blood tests on ‘poisoned’ land
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 13:54:34 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/21/forever-chemicals-ban-criticised-as-nsw-community-airs-its-long-held-contamination-concerns>
"A water quality expert says the Australian government should expand a planned
ban of PFAS as a New South Wales Indigenous community called for funding for
blood tests for people living on “poisoned” land.
(More...)
Trump has begun dismantling America’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Here’s why Australia may not follow suit
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 13:55:44 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Trump launches immediate attack on climate, renewables and EVs. How worried should we be?
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 13:56:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/trump-launches-immediate-attack-on-climate-renewables-and-evs-how-worried-should-we-be/>
"Donald Trump, newly installed for his second term as president of the United
States, has directed his government to begin a withdrawal from the Paris
Agreement, and taken aim at a wide swathe of pro-environment and clean energy
(More...)
It’s science, not fiction: high-tech drones may soon be fighting bushfires in Australia
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 22:21:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/its-science-not-fiction-high-tech-drones-may-soon-be-fighting-bushfires-in-australia-247789>
"Picture this. It’s a summer evening in Australia. A dry lightning storm is
about to sweep across remote, tinder-dry bushland. The next day is forecast to
be hot and windy. A lightning strike tonight could spark a fire that grows into
(More...)
By Federal Order, All Men Are Now Women
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 22:22:42 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/1/21/2298268/-By-Federal-Order-All-Men-Are-Now-Women>
"All fetuses are anatomically female until sexual differentiation begins,
approximately seven weeks after conception.
(More...)
Fix the News 283: How To Survive Being Online
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 22:25:20 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://fixthenews.com/283-survive-being-online/
"Plus, vortex lances, why life is more than an engineering problem, and good
news on global wage inequality, sanitation in Cambodia, conservation in
Bolivia, and peak oil in China."
(More...)
‘Net zero hero’ myth unfairly shifts burden of solving climate crisis on to individuals, study finds
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 22:26:29 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/19/net-zero-hero-myth-unfairly-shifts-burden-of-solving-climate-crisis-onto-individuals-study-finds>
"It’s not unusual to see individuals championed as heroes of climate action,
with their efforts to install rooftop solar and buy electric cars promoted as
pivotal in the fight to save the planet.
(More...)
The Kyoto climate treaty is hailed on stage but reality tells a different story
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 22:27:40 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
What another Lukashenko ‘victory’ will mean for Europe’s security – and that of Belarus’ citizenry
Mon, 3 Feb 2025 22:28:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/what-another-lukashenko-victory-will-mean-for-europes-security-and-that-of-belarus-citizenry-247882>
"Europe’s longest-serving authoritarian leader, Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko,
is set to run for a seventh term on Jan. 26, 2025. And even before the first
vote is counted, it can be stated with a fair degree of confidence that he will
(More...)
‘Kindness’ is named Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2024
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 05:51:06 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/kindness-is-named-oxford-childrens-word-of-the-year-for-2024/>
"In what has been a particularly turbulent week in global affairs, the choice
of ‘kindness’ as Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2024 offers a reminder
of the hope we carry for younger generations.
(More...)
China has invested billions in ports around the world. This is why the West is so concerned
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 05:52:09 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/china-has-invested-billions-in-ports-around-the-world-this-is-why-the-west-is-so-concerned-244733>
"On his way to the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November, Chinese President
Xi Jinping met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to officially open a new
US$3.6 billion (A$5.8 billion) deepwater mega-port in Peru called Chancay.
(More...)
The last gasp of theatre restaurants in Melbourne? Witches in Britches prepares to take a final bow
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 05:54:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/26/melbourne-theatre-restaurant-witches-in-britches-closure>
"Stepping into the dungeon-like front room of Melbourne’s last remaining
theatre restaurant, Witches in Britches, feels akin to visiting an 80s
Melbourne goth nightclub – complete with coffins, skulls, red leather couches
(More...)
Children of the 1960s watch in pain as the story of our lifetime is erased
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 05:57:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://archive.md/HAPSG
"My almost pathological obsession with what historians now call “the Long
Sixties” — especially the years between JFK’s assassination in 1963 and Richard
Nixon’s Watergate downfall in 1974 — includes way too much time still listening
(More...)
What The F***?!
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 05:58:10 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
(More...)
Kremlin promotes ‘traditional values’ – but leaves some battles to the governors
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 05:59:33 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/kremlin-promotes-traditional-values-but-leaves-some-battles-to-the-governors-246396>
"As 2025 begins, Russia ends its official “Year of the Family.” But the state
has been promoting what it calls “traditional” or “pro-family” values for more
than a decade – and looks likely to continue.
(More...)
ITSA Newsletter: January 2025
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:38:02 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://itsanewsletter.beehiiv.com/p/itsa-newsletter-january-2025
"Here’s the latest and biggest Basic Income news:
‣ South Korea could as soon as this year become the first country to adopt UBI
(More...)
Trump has fired a major cyber security investigations body. It’s a risky move
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:38:50 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/trump-has-fired-a-major-cyber-security-investigations-body-its-a-risky-move-248106>
"Before the end of its first full day of operations, the new Trump
administration gutted all advisory panels for the Department of Homeland
Security. Among these was the well-respected Cyber Safety Review Board, or
(More...)
From Doge to Smoge, Peter Dutton’s Coalition is an eerie echo of Trump (and Musk’s) America
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:40:12 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/27/from-doge-to-smoge-peter-duttons-coalition-is-an-eerie-echo-of-trump-and-musks-america-ntwnfb>
"On 22 January, Gina Rinehart said: “If we are sensible, we should set up a
Doge [Department of Government Efficiency] immediately, reduce government
waste, government tape and regulations.”
(More...)
Trump has called time on working from home. Here’s why the world shouldn’t mindlessly follow
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:41:15 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/trump-has-called-time-on-working-from-home-heres-why-the-world-shouldnt-mindlessly-follow-248036>
"US President Donald Trump has called time on working from home. An executive
order signed on the first day of his presidency this week requires all federal
government departments and agencies to:
(More...)
Elizabeth Cameron Dalman at 91: ‘In dance we are ageless’
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:42:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/jan/27/elizabeth-cameron-dalman-a-quiet-language-odeon-theatre>
"At 91, Elizabeth Cameron Dalman dances in nature at her bushland retreat
outside Canberra, Mirramu Creative Arts Centre, surrounded by writers, singers
and visual artists stoking their respective muses. “So many people bring up
(More...)
Wanting to ‘return to normal’ after a disaster is understandable, but often problematic
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:43:37 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/wanting-to-return-to-normal-after-a-disaster-is-understandable-but-often-problematic-247884>
"Media coverage of the recent fires in Los Angeles showed the heartbreaking
damage in Pacific Palisades and elsewhere across Los Angeles County. People
lost not only their houses but also the thriving communities of which they had
(More...)
Sweden opens inquiry into damaged undersea cable as Nato deploys ships
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 22:37:57 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/26/latvia-investigating-significant-damage-to-undersea-fibre-optic-cable>
"An undersea fibre optic cable between Latvia and Sweden was damaged on Sunday,
probably as a result of external influence, Riga has said, prompting Nato to
deploy patrol ships to the area and triggering a sabotage investigation by
(More...)
3 reasons to fear humanity won’t reach net-zero emissions – and 4 reasons we might just do it
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 22:39:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-to-fear-humanity-wont-reach-net-zero-emissions-and-4-reasons-we-might-just-do-it-247992>
"Within hours of taking office last week, President Donald Trump made good on
his pledges to wind back the United States’ climate action – including
withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement.
(More...)
Clothes destined for landfill become capsule wardrobes for domestic abuse survivors
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 22:40:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.positive.news/society/clothing-tailored-capsule-wardrobes-for-domestic-abuse-survivors/>
"ALICAS, a charity that was co-founded by domestic abuse survivor Rachael Bews,
has launched across the UK to “end the shame for people in clothing crisis”.
(More...)
Fermented clothing? Here’s how the biofilm on kombucha can be turned into green textiles
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 22:41:32 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fermented-clothing-heres-how-the-biofilm-on-kombucha-can-be-turned-into-green-textiles-228904>
"If you’ve ever made kombucha, you will be familiar with the term SCOBY – a
symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It’s impossible to miss – it’s the
floating biofilm on top of your delicious drink.
(More...)
1975 was declared International Women’s Year. 50 years on, the ‘revolution in our heads’ is still being fought
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 22:42:17 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/1975-was-declared-international-womens-year-50-years-on-the-revolution-in-our-heads-is-still-being-fought-241791>
"In December 1972, the same month the Whitlam government was first elected, the
United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1975 as International Women’s Year
(IWY). This set in train a series of world-changing events, in which Australia
(More...)
FDA bans Red 3 dye from food and drugs – a scientist explains the artificial color’s health risks and long history
Tue, 4 Feb 2025 22:43:07 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/fda-bans-red-3-dye-from-food-and-drugs-a-scientist-explains-the-artificial-colors-health-risks-and-long-history-247757>
"Red 3 – also called FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine or E127 – has been widely used
in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals since its FDA approval in 1969. You’ve
likely encountered Red 3 before. It’s a common additive to many candies,
(More...)
Forrest says no reason world can’t stop burning fossil fuels by 2040, hints at hydrogen breakthrough
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:17:55 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/forrest-says-no-reason-world-cant-stop-burning-fossil-fuels-by-2040-hints-at-hydrogen-breakthrough/>
"Iron ore billionaire and green energy evangelist Andrew Forrest has made
another major intervention into the global energy debate, insisting that there
is no reason that the world cannot stop burning fossil fuels by 2040, even if
(More...)
Flower power: lavender oil for longer-lasting sodium-sulfur batteries
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:20:18 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://www.mpg.de/24073565/sodium-sulfur-batteries-service-life
"It is a crucial question in the energy transition: how can electricity from
wind power and photovoltaics be stored when it is not needed? Large batteries
are one option. And sulfur batteries, in particular sodium-sulfur batteries
(More...)
Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:21:14 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/mpox-in-the-drc-residents-of-the-slum-at-the-centre-of-kinshasas-epidemic-have-little-chance-of-avoiding-this-major-health-crisis-247809>
"Walking through the crowded streets of the Pakadjuma neighbourhood in
Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am struck by the
vibrant atmosphere around me.
(More...)
Think your efforts to help the climate don’t matter? African philosophers disagree
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:21:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/think-your-efforts-to-help-the-climate-dont-matter-african-philosophers-disagree-247042>
"When I drive my car on weekends, I emit greenhouse gases – but not enough to
change the global climate on my own. But when I, my neighbours and hundreds of
millions of other people drive, fly, eat meat and embark on countless other
(More...)
Trump’s PCLOB Purge Risks Banning Meta, ExTwitter, Google, And Even Truth Social From Europe
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:22:52 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/01/27/trumps-pclob-purge-risks-banning-meta-extwitter-google-and-even-truth-social-from-europe/>
"In his latest “drain the swamp” move that will actually flood the entire
ecosystem, Trump demanded the Democratic members of the Privacy and Civil
Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) resign immediately. This may sound like just
(More...)
Can communities living side by side with wildlife beat Africa’s national parks at conservation?
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 06:24:23 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/28/conservation-environment-africa-community-wildlife-conservancies-national-parks-sustainable-tourism-indigenous-people-aoe>
"Africa’s first national park was created 100 years ago by the Belgian colonial
state in the Congo, and since then hundreds more have been developed – but in
many areas there is more wildlife in protected areas run by local people.
(More...)
‘A hugely significant sighting’: red goshawk photographed for first time in central Australia
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:22:43 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/24/endangered-red-goshawk-photographed-central-australia>
"Recent wet weather in the arid plains of central Australia prompted the
wildlife ecologist and bird enthusiast Dr Tim Henderson to stop last week at a
small lake to see if any waterbirds had shown up.
(More...)
Trump has withdrawn the US from the Paris Agreement. Here’s why that’s not such a bad thing
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:24:53 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/trump-has-withdrawn-the-us-from-the-paris-agreement-heres-why-thats-not-such-a-bad-thing-248109>
"On his first day back in office as United States president, Donald Trump gave
formal notice of his nation’s exit from the Paris Agreement – a vital global
treaty seeking to rein in climate change.
(More...)
What is Solarpunk - An Intro with resources
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:31:11 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/113908272119868814
'So solarpunk is an artistic aesthetic, literary genre, and social activism.
The artistic aesthetic tends to focus on the elements of solarpunk (discussed
(More...)
As the ‘digital oligarchy’ grows in power, NZ will struggle to regulate its global reach and influence
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:32:48 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/as-the-digital-oligarchy-grows-in-power-nz-will-struggle-to-regulate-its-global-reach-and-influence-247899>
"The images of President Donald Trump at his inauguration surrounded by the
titans of the global tech industry is a warning of what could come: a global
digital oligarchy dominated by a tiny tech elite.
(More...)
For my great-grandparents, for all Jews, for all humanity, I say never again
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:38:58 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/28/auschwitz-anniversary-antisemitism-australia-great-grandparents-jews>
"My father has a photograph of Albert Ransenberg taken in the yard of the
railway station in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1942. It was secretly taken by a
local policeman.
(More...)
Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art is now charging for entry. It’s a sign our cultural sector needs help
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:40:36 +1100
Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>
<
https://theconversation.com/sydneys-museum-of-contemporary-art-is-now-charging-for-entry-its-a-sign-our-cultural-sector-needs-help-247458>
"From January 31, Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) will reintroduce
ticketed entry, charging adults $20 for general admission and $35 for combined
special exhibitions and museum entry. Entry will remain free for Australian
(More...)
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