Glass Wings Blog: October 2024

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/09/almost-68-of-australias-tourism-sites-at-major-risk-if-climate-crisis-continues-report-says>

"South Australia’s wine regions shrouded in bushfire smoke, the Daintree
rainforest cut off by flooding and tourists marooned at major airports because
of violent storms. This snapshot is the potential chaotic future for

FutureRack

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:37:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://futurerack.info/main.php

"Server racks are everywhere. Now you can find them in your home."

"This project, developed for the Ethereum Foundation’s 2024 Summer of Protocols

Plot twist: how giving old graveyards new life as parks can improve our cities

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:41:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/plot-twist-how-giving-old-graveyards-new-life-as-parks-can-improve-our-cities-236791>

"Old graveyards are a forgotten land asset that can find new life as urban
parks in crowded cities. As the density of our cities increases, efficient use
of urban land becomes paramount. In particular, land for urban parks becomes

Vaping damages young people’s lungs as much as smoking, study suggests

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:42:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/sep/08/vaping-damages-young-peoples-lungs-as-much-as-smoking-study-suggests>

"Vaping damages young people’s lungs as much as smoking, according to research
that has prompted fresh debate over the health risks of e-cigarettes.

Bunyip birds and brolgas: how can we better protect species important to Indigenous people?

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:43:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/bunyip-birds-and-brolgas-how-can-we-better-protect-species-important-to-indigenous-people-236801>

"Kamilaroi Country lies in far northwest New South Wales, past Tamworth and
crossing over the Queensland border. Here, the bunyip bird (Australasian
bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus), and the brolga (Grus rubicunda or

As COVID Surges, the High Price of Viral Denial

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:14:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2024/09/03/COVID-Surge-High-Price-Viral-Denial/>

"COVID is surging once again and, if you live in British Columbia, you probably
already know someone sick with fever, chills and a sore throat.

‘He had no symptoms’: how wearable tech can help older Indigenous people catch heart problems – and save lives

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:15:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/he-had-no-symptoms-how-wearable-tech-can-help-older-indigenous-people-catch-heart-problems-and-save-lives-236875>

"Many people with atrial fibrillation don’t have any symptoms. But this heart
condition – which involves an irregular and often rapid heartbeat – increases
the risk of stroke and heart failure, especially if untreated.

“Perfect storm” of criminalization: Analyzing mask bans

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:23:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thesicktimes.org/2024/09/03/perfect-storm-of-criminalization-analyzing-mask-bans/>

"Key points you should know:

The ozone hole above Antarctica will keep opening up each spring for decades to come – here’s why that still matters

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:32:20 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-ozone-hole-above-antarctica-will-keep-opening-up-each-spring-for-decades-to-come-heres-why-that-still-matters-237013>

"At this time of year, as the sun rises over Antarctica, a “hole” opens up in
Earth’s ozone layer.

As a doctor, I’m disappointed in my colleagues for ignoring Long COVID. I made a resource to educate them and the public.

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:40:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thesicktimes.org/2024/09/03/as-a-doctor-im-disappointed-in-my-colleagues-for-ignoring-long-covid-i-made-a-resource-to-educate-them-and-the-public/>

"Back in early 2020, the news of the strange illness causing terrible
pneumonias in China saddened me, but I believed I was safe in Canada. Within
weeks, there was a reckoning: thousands were dying on my doorstep, too.

Africa desperately needs mpox vaccines. But donations from rich countries won’t fix this or the next health emergency

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:45:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/africa-desperately-needs-mpox-vaccines-but-donations-from-rich-countries-wont-fix-this-or-the-next-health-emergency-237747>

"Africa says it needs an estimated ten million doses of mpox vaccine to control
this public health emergency.

Risking His Own Extinction to Rescue the Rarest of Flowers

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:13:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/20/world/europe/carlos-magdalena-flowers-royal-botanic-gardens-kew.html>

"In Australia, he went plant hunting by helicopter and waded in
crocodile-infested waters to watch a water lily bloom. In Mauritius, he grabbed
a plant specimen off the ledge of a cliff. Last month, while looking for lilies

California to get first new national marine sanctuary in 32 years, banning offshore oil drilling along miles of coast

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:15:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://phys.org/news/2024-09-california-national-marine-sanctuary-years.html>

'A long-running effort by native tribes and environmentalists to establish the
first new national marine sanctuary along California's coastline in 32
years—the aquatic version of a new national park—where offshore oil drilling

“Cowardly decision:” Victorian Labor flinches on fossil exit, says gas cooktops can stay

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:19:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/cowardly-decision-victorian-labor-flinches-on-fossil-exit-says-gas-cooktops-can-stay/>

"A ban on new gas cooktops is off the table in Victoria, with the state
government backing away from the introduction of across-the-board restrictions
on all new gas appliances in the state’s homes.

When dogs recall toys, and horses plan ahead, are animals so different from us?

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:25:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/sep/07/when-dogs-recall-toys-and-horses-plan-ahead-are-animals-so-different-from-us>

"The details differ, but really it’s the same story, turning up every few
weeks, for around a decade now. The revelation – and it’s always presented with
a dramatic flourish – is this: animals are much more like us than we thought.

James Earl Jones Dies: Revered ‘Field Of Dreams’ Star, Darth Vader Voice & Broadway Regular Was 93

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:52:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://deadline.com/2024/09/james-earl-jones-dead-1236082801/

"James Earl Jones, the revered actor who voiced Star Wars villain Darth
Vader, starred in Field of Dreams and many other films and Broadway shows and
is an EGOT winner, died this morning at his home in Dutchess County, NY. He was

Australia’s construction industry needs more hands on deck – so why is it ignoring skilled migrant women?

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:55:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australias-construction-industry-needs-more-hands-on-deck-so-why-is-it-ignoring-skilled-migrant-women-237639>

"Australia’s construction industry is facing a perfect storm: enormous targets
for building – 1.2 million new homes and A$230 billion worth of infrastructure
over the next five years – at the same time as net migration is forecast to

Whatever happened to ... the Brazilian besties creating an mRNA vaccine as a gift to the world

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:56:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.npr.org/2024/09/09/g-s1-20882/best-friends-mrna-vaccine-covid-brazil>

"When NPR first featured the work of Brazilian scientists and longtime best
friends Patricia Neves and Ana Paula Ano Bom, they were in the early stages of
an audacious attempt to break open global access to vaccines – specifically the

The Uruguayan company teaching people how to turn regular cars into EVs

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:57:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://restofworld.org/2024/electric-vehicle-conversions-uruguay/

"In 2010, Uruguayan president-elect José Mujica made headlines for the bright
blue mini-truck he rode to his inauguration ceremony.

Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:59:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/crowds-water-guns-and-protests-could-slow-tourism-be-the-answer-to-an-overtourism-backlash-238316>

"With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound
after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the
strain.

Hong Kong’s Puppet Government Convicts Two More Journalists On Sedition Charges

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 13:00:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/09/hong-kongs-puppet-government-convicts-two-more-journalists-on-sedition-charges/>

"The Chinese government wants the money that flows through Hong Kong. It has no
desire to put up with the freedom and democracy Hong Kong has enjoyed since
being freed of its colonialist overlords.

Vaccines accounted for 40% of the decline in infant mortality over the last 50 years

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:22:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://ourworldindata.org/data-insights/vaccines-account-for-40-of-the-decline-in-infant-mortality-over-the-last-50-years>

"Infant mortality rates have plummeted over the last 50 years. Globally,
they’ve fallen by over two-thirds, from around 10% in 1974 to less than 3%
today.

Rich countries silencing climate protest while preaching about rights elsewhere, says study

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:23:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/10/climate-rights-report-draconian-measures-protest>

"Wealthy, democratic countries in the global north are using harsh, vague and
punitive measures to crack down on climate protests at the same time as
criticising similar draconian tactics by authorities in the global south,

Five disinformation tactics Russia is using to try to influence the US election

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:24:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/five-disinformation-tactics-russia-is-using-to-try-to-influence-the-us-election-238379>

"The White House’s recent exposure of Russian attempts to influence this year’s
US presidential election will come as little surprise to anyone who followed
disinformation tactics during the last US election.

Warm winters are waking snakes early. Here’s what that means for them and us

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:25:45 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/warm-winters-are-waking-snakes-early-heres-what-that-means-for-them-and-us-237556>

"For people in southeast Australia, springtime means soaking up the sun and
getting our vitamin D levels back to baseline. But we’re not the only ones
likely to be basking. Snakes are getting out and about, too.

Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:27:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/belarus-crackdown-lukashenko-political-opponents-exiles-c4be86b4417aac2ac3b301f93ba60fa8>

"TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — More than a half-million Belarusians have fled their
country in the past four years as the authoritarian government launched a harsh
crackdown on its political opponents. Some of them, however, are discovering

Europe’s new normal: High energy bills, fading industry and one chance to fix it

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:29:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-energy-bills-germany-brussels-pipeline-prices/>

"ZIMMERN OB ROTTWEIL, Germany — You’ve never heard of Hans Keim Kunststoffe,
but you’ve almost certainly come across one of its products.

Where did all these dragonflies come from?

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 03:54:12 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/where-did-all-these-dragonflies-come-from-238087>

"If you’ve spent much time outdoors along the east coast of Australia in the
past week, particularly near waterways, you’ve probably seen something quite
interesting emerging: dragonflies, whether in ones and twos or what feel like

Record labels forgot these songs existed. One man rescued them

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 03:56:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgl7ld1glk3o

"Twenty years ago, your music collection consisted of whatever CDs or records
you could cram into your bedroom.

A Parade of 100 Elephant Sculptures Makes a Jumbo Entrance in New York

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 03:58:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://news.artnet.com/art-world/great-elephant-migration-art-new-york-2533879>

"A herd of elephants has descended on New York, making their way down the
cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District in what’s being hailed as the
largest outdoor public art installation in the city since Christo and

From runways to film: the untold story of trailblazing First Nations fashion designer Stephen FitzGerald

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 03:59:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-runways-to-film-the-untold-story-of-trailblazing-first-nations-fashion-designer-stephen-fitzgerald-236880>

"In August, I attended the Darwin Aboriginal Arts Fair to witness First Nations
designers and artists showcase their fashions and win awards for their talents.
From textile makers to artists and designers, their range of fashion designs

New legislation on corporate emissions reporting has made it through parliament. Will it lead to real action on climate change?

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 04:00:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/new-legislation-on-corporate-emissions-reporting-has-made-it-through-parliament-will-it-lead-to-real-action-on-climate-change/>

"Legislation that has just passed the Australian Parliament will significantly
increase and standardise reporting for Australia’s largest companies on their
greenhouse gas emissions and the risks and opportunities they face from climate

D&D, Once The Subject Of Moral Panic, Found Therapeutic In Autism Cases In Study

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 04:02:50 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/09/dd-once-the-subject-of-moral-panic-found-therapeutic-in-autism-cases-in-study/>

"Regular readers here will know we are no strangers to talking about Dungeons
& Dragons or moral panics. Those two topics are often interrelated, given the
moral panic history of the tabletop game itself, as well as how it should

Chicago wants to open a city-run grocery store. It could be the solution to urban food deserts

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 11:41:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.fastcompany.com/91179278/chicago-grocery-store-urban-food-desert>

"Aldi, Whole Foods, Walmart, Save a Lot: These grocery stores have become a sad
commentary on the challenges facing historically disinvested communities in
Chicago. In the past few years, all these franchises have shuttered locations,

DOJ: Russia Aimed Propaganda at Gamers, Minorities to Swing 2024 Election

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 11:49:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.wired.com/story/project-good-old-usa-russia-2024-election/

"In late August 2023, Ilya Gambashidze was in a conference room at the office
of Social Design Agency, a Russian IT company he founded that is based in
Moscow, close to the world-renowned Moscow Conservatory. Gambashidze was

Mount Gambier woman enjoys freedom through 'addiction' to V/Line after life in institutions

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 11:50:11 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-11/woman-with-disability-enjoys-freedom-through-vline-addiction/104280512>

'Daphne Robinson is making the most of her freedom after spending more than two
decades in medical and mental health institutions.

'Indoor solar power' could replace disposable batteries and charger cables with photovoltaic strips

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 11:52:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2024-09-11/indoor-solar-power-could-replace-batteries-and-charger-cables/104301316>

'"Indoor solar power" sounds like a contradiction, but it may be coming to a
gadget near you.

The ultimate source for icons.

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 11:54:00 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://iconbuddy.com/

"Iconbuddy is a search engine that allows you to search, download, customize,
and edit over 200,000 open source svg icons for free."

James Earl Jones has died – but as the voice of Darth Vader, he will live forever

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 11:55:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/james-earl-jones-has-died-but-as-the-voice-of-darth-vader-he-will-live-forever-238678>

"It is difficult to imagine a world of pop culture villains without Darth
Vader.

South Korea reveals new evidence of ‘violent and systemic’ forced adoption abroad

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 19:10:51 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/sep/10/south-korea-finds-mothers-were-forced-to-give-up-babies-for-adoption-abroad>

"South Korea has found new evidence that mothers were forced to give up their
children for adoption in countries including Australia, Denmark and the United
States.

Kids are digital natives. They have ideas to help protect children from being harmed online

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 19:11:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/kids-are-digital-natives-they-have-ideas-to-help-protect-children-from-being-harmed-online-237869>

"The vast expanse of internet connectivity, online media, social media
platforms, gaming platforms, and new forms and uses of artificial intelligence
(AI) have opened enormous opportunities for commerce and communication.

Aussie Gov’t: Age Verification Went From ‘Privacy Nightmare’ To Mandatory In A Year

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 19:12:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/10/aussie-govt-age-verification-went-from-privacy-nightmare-to-mandatory-in-a-year/>

"Over the last few years, it’s felt like the age verification debate has gotten
progressively stupider. People keep insisting that it must be necessary, and
when others point out that there are serious privacy and security concerns that

Social media is like sex – young people need education, not unrealistic bans

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 19:13:38 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/social-media-is-like-sex-young-people-need-education-not-unrealistic-bans-238680>

"The federal government has committed to a national plan to ban children from
social media.

Jet Charge to help Australia’s largest insurer electrify vehicle fleet

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 19:14:35 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/11/jet-charge-to-help-australias-largest-insurer-electrify-vehicle-fleet/>

"Australia’s leading electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company Jet Charge
has announced that it will partner with local insurer IAG to electrify its
fleet of around 650 vehicles.

We found 1 in 6 Australian reptile species traded as pets overseas, despite the export ban

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 19:15:55 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/we-found-1-in-6-australian-reptile-species-traded-as-pets-overseas-despite-the-export-ban-229723>

"Trade in “exotic” pets from foreign countries is a global multibillion-dollar
industry. Australian species are highly sought after.

1.2 billion young people will need a job in the next 10 years. The World Bank is trying to help them find one

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 03:30:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/1-2-billion-young-people-will-need-a-job-in-the-next-10-years-the-world-bank-is-trying-to-help-them-find-one-238587>

"World Bank president Ajay Banga is in Canberra this week. It’s the first time
a World Bank president has visited Australia in seven years.

AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX® | 2024,Annual Update

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 03:37:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AQLI-2024-Report_English.pdf>

"We’re pleased to bring you the latest data from the Air Quality Life Index
(AQLI). This data shows that fine particulate air pollution remains the
greatest external threat to public health. But pollution is also unequally

Methane emissions are at new highs. It could put us on a dangerous climate path

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 03:38:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/methane-emissions-are-at-new-highs-it-could-put-us-on-a-dangerous-climate-path-237809>

"The goal of the 2021 Global Methane Pledge is bold: cut methane emissions by
30% by the end of the decade. This is to buy us vital time to work on cutting
carbon dioxide emissions. Over 150 nations have now signed up to the pledge –

Announcing significant expansion in Tigray, Ethiopia

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 03:40:40 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/news/announcing-significant-expansion-in-tigray-ethiopia>

"We are delighted to announce a significant expansion of our school feeding
programme in Tigray, Ethiopia, following a generous response to our most recent
crisis appeal. We have increased the number of vital meals we are serving every

Crystals hold a secret history of volcanoes – and clues about future eruptions

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 03:42:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/crystals-hold-a-secret-history-of-volcanoes-and-clues-about-future-eruptions-234808>

"Imagine you had a crystal ball that revealed when a volcano would next erupt.
For the hundreds of millions of people around the world who live near active
volcanoes, it would be an extremely useful device.

Transforming lives in Mauritania through adaptive social protection

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 13:00:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2024/09/05/afw-transforming-lives-in-mauritania-through-adaptive-social-protection>

"Henniya mint Teyib is one of more than 200,000 poor households registered in
the Social Registry database benefiting from the Tekavoul National Social
Transfer Program, one of several adaptive and transformative social protection

The future of the Regent Theatre: why we must preserve not only architecture, but also public use of our community spaces

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 13:01:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-future-of-the-regent-theatre-why-we-must-preserve-not-only-architecture-but-also-public-use-of-our-community-spaces-238548>

"The current Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, has said that if
re-elected he would sell the City of Melbourne’s majority stake in the Regent
Theatre and redirect the funds to support, among other things, a new arts

What I Learned When My AI Kermit Slop Went Viral

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 13:03:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/09/kermit-ai-generated-home-screen/679757/>

"First, I want to apologize. My Kermit the Frog post was not entirely sincere.

This particular post of mine has been viewed more than 10 million times, which

When I was cycling, the world was big again': What it takes to replace a flight with a long-distance bike ride

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 13:04:25 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240823-does-long-distance-biking-pay-off-for-the-climate>

"Before the advent of fossil fuel-powered transport, travellers crawled across
the surface of the planet slowly. The world, back then, was bigger; getting
anywhere at all was an adventure in itself. Today, the world is small. I can

NASA Deploys Sail of Experimental Spacecraft Propelled Purely by Light

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 13:05:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.sciencealert.com/nasa-deploys-sail-of-experimental-spacecraft-propelled-purely-by-light>

"Those of you following the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System may have heard
that its booms and sail are now deployed. It is receiving light pressure from
the Sun to propel it through the Solar System.

Scammers demanded $10,000 from Josh’s grandma so he made a movie where she hunts them down

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 13:06:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-12/thelma-josh-margolin-phone-scam/104337836>

'Josh Margolin has spent his whole life in awe of his grandmother, 104-year-old
Thelma. He spent years chronicling her everyday life in video, from accessing
her emails to going on a shopping trip.

Tuvaluans prepare for life in Australia as rising tides swallow their country

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 19:37:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-12/tuvaluans-prepare-for-life-in-australia-falepili-union/104285386>

'Kuata Taumaheke has her hopes set on a new beginning in Australia.

She's lived her entire life in the atoll nation of Tuvalu, and grew up on its

Exclusive: The Discworld RPG gleefully ignores "modifiers to dice, and anything crunchy" in favor of puns

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 19:40:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.gamesradar.com/tabletop-gaming/exclusive-the-discworld-rpg-gleefully-ignores-modifiers-to-dice-and-anything-crunchy-in-favor-of-puns/>

'The Discworld RPG takes a good look at tabletop gaming cliches for a moment,
scratches its chin, and then says "sod it." This pen-and-paper adventure does
something different – and it feels rather clever about that, thank you very

It’s a big deal if Australia and the Pacific are chosen to host UN climate talks. Here’s why

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 19:40:50 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/its-a-big-deal-if-australia-and-the-pacific-are-chosen-to-host-un-climate-talks-heres-why-238320>

"It’s now very likely Australia will be announced as the host of the COP31
global climate talks in 2026 alongside Pacific nations. This would be a very
big deal. The talks run for a fortnight and draw tens of thousands of

Rogue WHOIS server gives researcher superpowers no one should ever have

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 19:42:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/09/rogue-whois-server-gives-researcher-superpowers-no-one-should-ever-have/>

"It’s not every day that a security researcher acquires the ability to generate
counterfeit HTTPS certificates, track email activity, and the position to
execute code of his choice on thousands of servers—all in a single blow that

Buried treasures: how seeds help us learn about fire in the Australian landscape

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 19:43:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/buried-treasures-how-seeds-help-us-learn-about-fire-in-the-australian-landscape-235788>

"Fire is a natural part of Australian ecosystems. Many plants have developed
ways to adapt and even thrive after fire. They may store their seeds in the
soil, ready to sprout after fire. Or they may flower after fire, which helps

Google Teams With the Internet Archive to Revive Cache Feature

Fri, 4 Oct 2024 19:45:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://gizmodo.com/google-teams-with-the-internet-archive-to-revive-cache-feature-2000497624>

"What was once dead now lives again through the power of the Internet Archive.
Seven months after killing the ability to see old versions of websites through
Google, the search engine has partnered with the archive and is directly

With a million home batteries, we could build far fewer power lines. We just need the right incentives

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 04:26:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/with-a-million-home-batteries-we-could-build-far-fewer-power-lines-we-just-need-the-right-incentives-237851>

"It’s no secret Australia has abundant and cheap renewable energy, especially
wind and solar power. But yes, there are times when the sun doesn’t shine and
the wind doesn’t blow. We need energy storage to get us through those still

Huge EV charging hub to service electric grocery deliveries in Australia’s biggest city

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 04:27:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/12/huge-ev-charging-hub-to-service-electric-grocery-deliveries-in-australias-biggest-city/>

"UK company Zenobē is moving on from Sydney’s electric buses and into grocery
delivery, locking in $8.5 million in federal funding to do so.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is on track to become the world’s first trillionaire. It’s a sign markets aren’t working

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 04:28:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/tech-billionaire-elon-musk-is-on-track-to-become-the-worlds-first-trillionaire-its-a-sign-markets-arent-working-238560>

"Apparently, the world is about to get its first trillionaire.

A report from the business intelligence agency Informa Connect says, at his

How to get battery electric vehicles to the mainstream

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 04:29:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/12/how-to-get-battery-electric-vehicles-to-the-mainstream/>

"It usually takes time for new technologies to gain widespread acceptance.
According to Everett M. Rogers’ Technology Adoption Life Cycle model, new
technologies follow a five-stage diffusion path that starts with tech-savvy,

Vital green spaces are disappearing in NZ cities – what can central and local government do?

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 04:30:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/vital-green-spaces-are-disappearing-in-nz-cities-what-can-central-and-local-government-do-237861>

"Urban green spaces are disappearing from New Zealand cities, at a time when
denser housing is being planned in many areas.

New bill paves way to get gas out of Victorian homes, just days after cooktop concession

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 04:31:46 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/new-bill-paves-way-to-get-gas-out-of-victorian-homes-just-days-after-cooktop-concession/>

"The Victorian Labor government has introduced legislation that will pave the
way for the phase out of fossil gas hot water and heating in the state’s homes
and businesses, just days after it was slammed for back-tracking on the policy.

Physicist MV Ramana on the problem with nuclear power

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 14:11:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/04/mv-ramana-why-nuclear-power-not-solution-energy-needs>

"You would be forgiven for thinking that the debate on nuclear power is pretty
much settled. Sure, there are still some naysayers, but most reasonable people
have come to realise that in an age of climate crisis, we need low-carbon

Life After Factory Farming: ‘The Longer They’re Out, the Happier They Are.’

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 14:12:55 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/29/climate/factory-farming-transfarmation-project.html>

"A few years ago, Tyler Whitley was working at a help line for farmers in
financial distress when a call came from a man who was raising poultry.

Next-Gen and Siemens partner to make battery materials in Australia

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 14:14:11 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/next-gen-and-siemens-partner-to-make-battery-materials-in-australia/>

"Australian battery materials start-up Next-Gen Energy Technology has signed a
partnership with German technology giant Siemens to accelerate the local
development of battery materials, with a goal to building the first materials

Good news for some threatened species as numbers rise

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 14:15:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thewest.com.au/news/environment/good-news-for-some-threatened-species-as-numbers-rise-c-15975006>

"Dozens of plants and animals at risk of extinction are doing better with their
numbers stable or growing, according to an Australian-first study of threatened
species in NSW national parks.

Six ways to improve ecosystem outcomes of renewable energy

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 14:16:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/six-ways-to-improve-ecosystem-outcomes-of-renewable-energy/>

"The world is faced with the twin threat of climate change and biodiversity
loss, each reinforcing the other. Changes to the climate such as rainfall
patterns and rising average temperatures are contributing to the biodiversity

Origami Simulator

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 14:19:33 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://origamisimulator.org/

'This app allows you to simulate how any origami crease pattern will fold. It
may look a little different from what you typically think of as "origami" -
rather than folding paper in a set of sequential steps, this simulation

Entire Earth vibrated for nine days after climate-triggered mega-tsunami

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 23:25:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/12/entire-earth-vibrated-climate-triggered-mega-tsunami>

"A landslide and mega-tsunami in Greenland in September 2023, triggered by the
climate crisis, caused the entire Earth to vibrate for nine days, a scientific
investigation has found.

When a Lie Becomes a Bomb Threat: The Fallout of a Racist Conspiracy in Springfield

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 23:26:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.readtpa.com/p/when-a-lie-becomes-a-bomb-threat

"The lie was absurd, and yet it spread like wildfire. A baseless rumor,
claiming Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating
people’s pets, began as a fringe social media post. In a matter of days, it had

Big publishers think libraries are the enemy

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 23:28:10 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.citationneeded.news/hachette-v-internet-archive/

"I’ve seen quips to the effect of “if public libraries were invented today,
they’d be outlawed.” The joke is increasingly becoming reality, most recently
thanks to a decision in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Facebook has scraped public data from Australian users without an opt out. What can we do?

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 23:28:56 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/facebook-has-scraped-public-data-from-australian-users-without-an-opt-out-what-can-we-do-238814>

"Facebook acknowledged in a Senate inquiry yesterday that it is scraping the
public photos of Australian users to train its artificial intelligence (AI)
models.

Instead of banning kids from online spaces, here’s what we should offer them instead

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 23:29:50 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/instead-of-banning-kids-from-online-spaces-heres-what-we-should-offer-them-instead-238798>

"Banning children under 16 from social media sounds like a seductive idea. For
overwhelmed parents navigating their kids’ lives in a digital age, this move
from the Australian government may seem like welcome relief.

A snapshot of contemporary Australia: the 2024 Bowness photography prize – in pictures

Sat, 5 Oct 2024 23:30:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2024/sep/13/bowness-photography-prize-2024-winners-robert-fielding-pictures>

"Robert Fielding has won the $30,000 photography prize for his work Sacred
Earth/Manta Miil Miilpa, a celebration of Yankunytjatjara land and culture.
Here is a selection of works from other finalists in the Museum of Australian

Farm fences trouble turtles in search of water. Here’s how to help

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:47:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/farm-fences-trouble-turtles-in-search-of-water-heres-how-to-help-236939>

"Freshwater turtles live in farm dams, creeks and wetlands across Australia.
They often travel over land when these wetlands or farm dams dry up, or during
breeding season.

Dynamicland intro, Aug 2024

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:49:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q9r-AEzRMA

"6-minute introduction to Dynamicland and communal computing."

Much more: https://dynamicland.org

Exceptional new fish fossil sparks rethink of how Earth’s geology drives evolution

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:49:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/exceptional-new-fish-fossil-sparks-rethink-of-how-earths-geology-drives-evolution-236693>

"Coelacanths are deep-sea fish that live off the coasts of southern Africa and
Indonesia and can reach up to two metres in length. For a long time, scientists
believed they were extinct.

“Not useful:” Electric air taxis an option for wealthy, but won’t save emissions or time

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:50:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/13/not-useful-electric-air-taxis-an-option-for-wealthy-but-wont-save-emissions-or-time/>

"Air taxis and other electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs)
are not useful mass transport technologies for the energy transition, according
to a report by the Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW).

New study links low incomes, stressed parents and child behaviour – better support would bring lifelong benefits

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:51:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/new-study-links-low-incomes-stressed-parents-and-child-behaviour-better-support-would-bring-lifelong-benefits-238762>

"Poverty has long been established as a crucial factor hindering the
development of young children. Living in poverty can hurt a child’s lifelong
health, social and educational outcomes.

A bag of Cheetos created a huge impact on a national park ecosystem

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:53:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/carlsbad-caverns-national-park-cheetos-04f30c48dfa7fa3deee29702e083aa56>

"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A bag of Cheetos gets dropped and left on the floor.
Seems inconsequential, right?

Sudan is burning and foreign powers are benefiting – what’s in it for the UAE

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:14:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/sudan-is-burning-and-foreign-powers-are-benefiting-whats-in-it-for-the-uae-238695>

"The United Nations has accused foreign players of prolonging the war in Sudan,
making it harder for the country to find peace. The fighting between the
Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces started in April 2023. It

Atlas of Ungulate Migration

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:15:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.cms.int/en/gium/migration-atlas

"Driven by tracking data on ungulate migrations, the Atlas of Ungulate
Migration serves as a repository for up-to-date migration maps that can inform
conservation planning, infrastructure development and policy making. The maps

For the First Time, Part of the Ocean Has Been Granted Legal Personhood

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:16:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://hakaimagazine.com/news/for-the-first-time-part-of-the-ocean-has-been-granted-legal-personhood/>

"The Brazilian city of Linhares has legally recognized its waves as living
beings, marking the first known time part of the ocean has been granted legal
personhood.

The Fall: Some Things are Worth Losing for the Greater Things We Gain

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:17:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://rupamarya.substack.com/p/the-fall

"As I stand here at the precipice of a cliff that spells career suicide as an
academic physician, I pause to wonder how I got here.

Nigeria Takes Action to Protect its Surviving Elephants

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:22:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.elephantprotectioninitiative.org/post/nigeria-takes-action-to-protect-its-surviving-elephants>

"The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Environment, in
partnership with the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) and the
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), launched Nigeria’s first ever National

What would an adequate COVID response look like?

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 12:23:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.thegauntlet.news/p/what-would-an-adequate-covid-response

"The problem is stark: we have unmitigated transmission of a deadly and
disabling virus, in all public spaces, with zero plan to bring it under
control.

Judge in Brazil orders slaughterhouses to pay for Amazon reforestation

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 19:36:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/brazil-amazon-deforestation-cattle-environment-387912a13bf13b03da0b7724604c9325>

"BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — A judge in the Brazilian state of Rondonia has found
two beef slaughterhouses guilty of buying cattle from a protected area of
former rainforest in the Amazon and ordered them, along with three cattle

New report: COVID more severe, longer-lasting than other respiratory diseases

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 19:38:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/new-report-covid-more-severe-longer-lasting-other-respiratory-diseases>

"Healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID-19 had more severe symptoms that lasted
longer than those with other respiratory diseases, and a higher proportion met
the World Health Organization (WHO) or UK National Institute for Health and

The Hague becomes world’s first city to pass law banning fossil fuel-related ads

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 19:38:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/13/the-hague-becomes-worlds-first-city-to-ban-fossil-fuel-related-ads>

"The Hague has become the first city in the world to pass a law banning
advertisements promoting fossil fuel products and climate-busting services.

How a small update in global standards can contribute to climate change awareness

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 19:39:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-a-small-update-in-global-standards-can-contribute-to-climate-change-awareness-237907>

"You may notice, now and again, the ISO name and logo being used as a quality
label by public, non-profit or for-profit organizations. If you were to look a
little more often, you will likely see ISO is much more ubiquitous than you

See 11 Breathtaking Space Images From the Astronomy Photographer of the Year Contest

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 19:40:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-11-breathtaking-space-images-from-the-astronomy-photographer-of-the-year-contest-180985072/>

"Images of the sky, stars and galaxies have the ability to strike wonder and
awe.

If Trump wins the election, this is,what's at stake

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 19:42:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/sep/06/presidential-election-climate-crisis-project-2025-trump>

"Here is the biggest thing happening on our planet as we head into the autumn
of 2024: the Earth is continuing to heat dramatically. Scientists have said
that there’s a better than 90% chance that this year will top 2023 as the

A chainsaw amnesty is protecting the rainforest in Borneo

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 04:13:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://edition.cnn.com/climate/borneo-rainforest-chainsaw-heath-harmony-spc/>

"Borneo was once covered in lush, dense rainforests, but they are rapidly
disappearing. The Southeast Asian island, roughly three times the size of the
UK, has lost half its forest cover since the 1930s, destroying precious habitat

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in professional settings, shops, shared transport, and leisure activities in France, 2020–2022

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 04:15:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19651-y>

"Between October 27, 2020 and October 2, 2022, 175,688 cases were matched with
43,922 controls. An increased risk of infection was documented throughout the
study for open-space offices compared to offices without open space (OR range

These robot boats are cleaning up Asia’s waterways

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 04:16:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://edition.cnn.com/science/clearbot-waste-boat-hnk-spc/

"In between the speedboats, luxury yachts, and wooden fishing boats moored in a
Hong Kong marina, a different kind of vessel maneuvers. It looks unassuming,
but as the three-meter-long (10-foot-long) uncrewed catamaran moves deftly

Yosemite National Park: Crews restore damaged landscape back to conditions not seen in 150 years

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 04:17:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://phys.org/news/2024-09-yosemite-national-crews-landscape-conditions.html>

'Yosemite National Park is famous for towering waterfalls, giant sequoia trees
and massive granite cliffs. But at an out-of-the-way spot near the park's
western boundary few visitors ever see, a landmark of a different type is

Wildflower meadows’ first bloom wows in north Devon

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 04:19:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/wildflower-meadows-first-bloom-wows-in-north-devon/>

"Newly created rare wildflower meadows have bloomed for the first time this
summer.

EV sales have not fallen, cooled, slowed or slumped. Stop lying in headlines.

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 04:22:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://electrek.co/2024/09/10/ev-sales-have-not-fallen-cooled-slowed-or-slumped-stop-lying-in-headlines/>

"EV sales continue to rise, but the last year of headlines falsely stating
otherwise would leave you thinking they haven’t. After about full year of these
lies, it would be nice for journalists to stop pushing this false narrative

‘Waste has value’: how surfing helps Colombia solve its plastic problem

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 11:32:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/sep/12/colombia-environment-amigos-del-mar-tierra-bomba-cartagena-plastic-waste-value-water-sports-school-children-surfing>

"As the morning sun beats down on the Caribbean island of Tierra Bomba in
Colombia, a group of schoolchildren heads towards the beach, with two carrying
surfboards over their heads. The children, many of whom are barefoot, meander

Gazprom Postpones Arctic Gas Exploration Projects After Record Loss

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 11:33:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/09/04/gazprom-postpones-arctic-gas-exploration-projects-after-record-loss-a86260>

"Gazprom is postponing several major offshore exploration projects in the
Arctic, the Interfax news agency reported, citing data from the state register
of geological study of subsoil.

This Tiny Electric Van Means BIG Business!

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 11:34:14 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkZn9gkfpfg

"In this episode Robert takes a look around the ELM, a tiny electric vehicle
that's redefining the future of last-mile delivery. This compact one-person
van, classified as an L7e, is the only vehicle in its class that can carry a

Potential for a catastrophic flood event to unfold across parts of central Europe

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 11:35:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.netweather.tv/weather-forecasts/news/12633-potential-for-a-catastrophic-flood-event-to-unfold-across-parts-of-central-europe>

"There is concern for a major flooding event to unfold across parts of central
and eastern Europe over the coming days, with weather models for a while now
predicting an unprecedented deluge in the coming days, raising the spectre of

Academic Journal Publishers Antitrust Litigation

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 11:37:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.lieffcabraser.com/antitrust/academic-journals/

"On September 12, 2024, Lieff Cabraser and co-counsel at Justice Catalyst Law
filed a federal antitrust lawsuit on behalf of plaintiff Lucina Uddin in
federal court in New York against six commercial publishers of academic

Space solar inspires hope and skepticism as it inches closer to reality

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 11:38:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/space-solar-inspires-hope-and-skepticism-as-it-inches-closer-to-reality/>

"Imagine you wake up and it’s raining outside. Your rooftop solar panels won’t
be much help today. But you flick your lights on and start the coffee anyway,
knowing the electricity reaching you through the grid is still powered by the

Bright Green Futures Ep. 20: Technofeudalists vs. Solarpunk

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 19:13:14 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://brightgreenfutures.substack.com/p/ep-20-technofeudalists-vs-solarpunk>

"Often we call the war capitalism vs. solarpunk. Or we might call the
antagonists fascists or Neo Colonialists or TESCREALs. Maybe their ideology is
authoritarianism or their economics are Technofeudalism, a form of cloud-based

Letters from an American: September 14, 2024

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 19:14:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-14-2024

"Five years ago, on September 15, 2019, after about a six-week hiatus during
the summer, I wrote a Facebook post that started:

World’s largest air-to-water heat pump to warm 30,000 homes in Finland

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 19:15:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://interestingengineering.com/energy/worlds-largest-heat-pump-finland>

"Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, is building the world’s largest heat pump to
keep as many as 30,000 homes warm in the winter while reducing carbon
emissions. The pump can operate at temperatures as low as -4 Fahrenheit (-20

Climate protesters are taking action against Big Oil. UK courts are handing them prison terms akin to rapists and thieves

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 19:17:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/14/climate/uk-climate-protests-policing-laws-prison-intl/>

"As right-wing rioters attacked communities with racist violence across parts
of the UK last month, 22-year-old climate activist Cressie Gethin sat in a
prison cell.

Planes, trains and monster diggers: The vehicles pushing the limits of electric power

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 19:19:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240829-the-search-for-the-worlds-biggest-electric-vehicles>

"This is no golf cart. This is one of the biggest mining excavators in the
world. The clawed bucket it uses for tearing at mineral-laced rock is so big
that you could fit more than 3,000 footballs in it. The driver sits in a cab

Green hydrogen pathways, energy efficiencies, and intensities for ground, air, and marine transportation

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 19:21:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.cell.com/joule/abstract/S2542-4351(24)00341-6

"The transportation sector was responsible for approximately 22% of global and
37% of US CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion in 2022. Hydrogen produced
by the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity can help decarbonize

Alice lives off-grid, but not by choice. ‘Hecs for households’ could radically improve her dilapidated home

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 04:54:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/15/alice-lives-off-grid-but-not-by-choice-hecs-for-households-could-radically-improve-her-dilapidated-home>

"On the side of Alice Underwood’s house is a list of things she wants written
in chalk. “Shower. Electricity” are at the top, in bright red. “Flowers.
Berries” follow.

‘The system is the problem, not people’: how a radical food group spread round the world

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 04:55:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/13/radical-food-group-incredible-edible-guerrilla-gardening>

"Pam Warhurst insists she’s no anarchist. Nevertheless, the founder of
Incredible Edible, a food-focused guerrilla gardening movement, wants the state
to get out of people’s way.

Race is on to produce a super-coral to survive world’s warming seas

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 04:56:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/15/race-is-on-to-produce-a-super-coral-to-survive-worlds-warming-seas>

"It is one of the least understood processes in nature. How do two very
different species learn to live with each other and create a bond, known as
symbiosis, which can give them a powerful evolutionary advantage?

What I learned about eco-anxiety after listening to the climate stories of 1,000 people from around the world

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 04:57:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-i-learned-about-eco-anxiety-after-listening-to-the-climate-stories-of-1-000-people-from-around-the-world-237724>

"Six out of nine planetary boundaries for the liveable environmental niche are
crossed, as North America and parts of Asia bake, Nigeria and Brazil flood, and
Filipinos flee homes buffeted by another intense typhoon. I am thus worried

Europe saved its predators from the brink of extinction. So why is it killing thousands of bears, wolves and lynx?

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 04:58:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/12/europe-saved-its-predators-from-brink-of-extinction-so-why-killing-thousands-bears-wolves-lynx-aoe>

"The forest was unnaturally still when Soňa Chovanová Supeková first picked up
the bear’s scent. It was roe deer rutting season in southern Slovakia, and the
hills below the Carpathian mountains were busy with tourists biking and

Get set for more extreme weather across Australia this spring and summer

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 04:59:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/get-set-for-more-extreme-weather-across-australia-this-spring-and-summer-238985>

"Australia is no stranger to extreme weather. From heatwaves and droughts to
flooding rains, hailstorms or fire weather, our continent experiences it all.

More rooftop solar in cities would help solve NZ’s energy crisis – and build disaster resilience

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:44:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/more-rooftop-solar-in-cities-would-help-solve-nzs-energy-crisis-and-build-disaster-resilience-238193>

"New Zealad’s current electricity supply crisis requires immediate solutions.

But we argue the government’s emphasis on importing natural gas and

Instead Of Fearing & Banning Tech, Why Aren’t We Teaching Kids How To Use It Properly?

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:46:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/13/instead-of-fearing-banning-tech-why-arent-we-teaching-kids-how-to-use-it-properly/>

"I recognize why some parents are worried about screen time and the use of
technology in the classroom. But isn’t the better idea to teach kids how to use
it properly, rather than banning it altogether?

A ‘superficial’ and ‘misguided’ version of freedom has captured the American right. Joseph Stiglitz considers the alternatives

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:47:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/a-superficial-and-misguided-version-of-freedom-has-captured-the-american-right-joseph-stiglitz-considers-the-alternatives-236407>

"Review: The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society – Joseph
Stiglitz (Allen Lane)

‘Entire ecosystem’ of fossils 8.7m years old found under Los Angeles high school

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:48:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/15/fossils-los-angeles-high-school>

"Marine fossils dating back to as early as 8.7m years ago have been uncovered
beneath a south Los Angeles high school.

‘Catastrophe of epic proportions’: eight drown in Europe amid heavy floods

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:49:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/15/catastrophe-of-epic-proportions-six-drown-in-europe-amid-heavy-floods-storm-boris-poland-austria-slovakia-hungary>

"Eight people have drowned in Austria, Poland and Romania and four others are
missing in the Czech Republic as Storm Boris continues to lash central and
eastern Europe, bringing torrential rain and floods that have forced the

Thanks Complicated Music Licensing Schemes: ‘Alan Wake’ Updated To Remove Bowie Song From Credits

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 12:51:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/13/thanks-complicated-music-licensing-schemes-alan-wake-updated-to-remove-bowie-song-from-credits/>

"Here we go again. For those of us that view video games as a vital and still
emerging form of culture and art, one of the more frustrating aspects of the
industry is how music is licensed for game soundtracks and how that licensing

Hydrogen car is dead and buried, just three years after Morrison hailed it a “game changer”

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 19:25:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/16/hydrogen-car-is-dead-and-buried-just-three-years-after-morrison-hailed-it-a-game-changer/>

"Remember Scott Morrison? The former prime minister had a bit of a blind spot
when it came to new technologies, insisting that electric vehicles would “ruin
the weekend”, and that big batteries would be as useful as the Big Banana or

Milestone for vanadium flow battery technology after electrolyte tests for Australian project

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 19:26:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/milestone-for-vanadium-flow-battery-technology-after-electrolyte-tests-for-australian-project/>

"Factory acceptance testing of a long-duration energy storage battery has been
successfully completed in a potential breakthrough for a local supply chain.

How national parks failed nature – and how to fix them

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 19:27:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/13/how-national-parks-failed-nature-and-how-to-fix-them>

"What do you think of when you think of a national park? Is it a wide area of
glorious natural beauty, where wildlife runs free under the protection of the
state? Or is it a wide area mostly farmed by private landowners, in which

How Final Fantasy maestro Nobuo Uematsu legitimised video game music

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 19:28:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-16/final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu-changed-video-game-music/104344212>

'The cliché goes that video games have come a long way since Pac-Man. The same
can be said for their soundtracks.

USPS’ long-awaited new mail truck makes its debut to rave reviews from carriers

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 19:29:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/postal-service-next-generation-delivery-vehicle-a2ebbfc7afec0eea2e036eef93bee4d9>

"ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The Postal Service’s new delivery vehicles aren’t going to
win a beauty contest. They’re tall and ungainly. The windshields are vast.
Their hoods resemble a duck bill. Their bumpers are enormous.

I've Traveled Across The Country To Attend Trump Rallies. Here's What You Won't See On TV.

Tue, 8 Oct 2024 19:30:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-rallies-mainstream-media_n_66e07063e4b0f6ea72e2b59c>

"Some people spend their summers following musicians on tour, meeting people
and swapping friendship bracelets. I spent mine traveling around the country to
attend Donald Trump rallies and interview his MAGA faithful in Florida,

We're losing our digital history. Can the Internet Archive save it?

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 04:49:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240912-the-archivists-battling-to-save-the-internet>

'It's possible, thanks to surviving fragments of papyrus, mosaics and wax
tablets, to learn what Pompeiians ate for breakfast 2,000 years ago. Understand
enough Medieval Latin, and you can learn how many livestock were reared at

The environment was meant to be ‘back on the priority list’ under Labor. Instead we’ve seen a familiar story

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 04:50:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2024/sep/17/the-environment-was-meant-to-be-back-on-the-priority-list-under-labor-instead-weve-seen-a-familiar-story>

"It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Back in the heady new government days of
July 2022, Tanya Plibersek told the National Press Club that change was coming
for environmental protection in Australia after a decade of disaster and

What would a second Trump presidency mean for the global economy?

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 04:51:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-would-a-second-trump-presidency-mean-for-the-global-economy-239069>

"Donald Trump inherited a strong economy from President Obama and managed it
poorly.

Electric Candela hydrofoil boat sets world record by crossing Baltic Sea

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 04:53:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/16/electric-candela-hydrofoil-boat-sets-world-record-by-crossing-baltic-sea/>

"An all-electric hydrofoiling boat from Swedish company Candela has set two new
world records by travelling between Stockholm and the Finnish autonomous region
of Åland, marking the first time an electric boat has crossed the Baltic Sea.

National parks and other protected areas often fail to conserve Earth’s forests, research finds

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 04:54:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/national-parks-and-other-protected-areas-often-fail-to-conserve-earths-forests-research-finds-237567>

"The destruction of nature is a global crisis. Establishing protected areas of
forest is a common policy governments use to tackle the problem.

Australia’s Security Chief Says It’s Time To Start Forcing Companies To Break Chat Room Encryption

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 04:56:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/16/australias-security-chief-says-its-time-to-start-forcing-companies-to-break-chat-room-encryption/>

"More than a half-decade ago, the Australian government gave itself more
powers. These new powers allowed the government to compel decryption —
something far easier said than done, especially if existing encryption was

‘Pirate birds’ force other seabirds to regurgitate fish meals. Their thieving ways could spread lethal avian flu

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 12:25:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/pirate-birds-force-other-seabirds-to-regurgitate-fish-meals-their-thieving-ways-could-spread-lethal-avian-flu-238438>

"It’s not easy finding food at sea. Seabirds often stay aloft, scanning the
churning waters for elusive prey. Most seabirds take fish, squid, or other prey
from the first few metres of seawater. Scavenging is common.

Many of us can save a child’s life, if we rely on the best data

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 12:26:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://ourworldindata.org/cost-effectiveness

"Giving money to a charity is one of the best things you can do for others. As
we will see, your donation can make a huge difference.

Fungi to the rescue: South African scientists use innovative approach to protect apple trees

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 12:27:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/fungi-to-the-rescue-south-african-scientists-use-innovative-approach-to-protect-apple-trees-236886>

"Gardeners the world over dread the appearance of aphids on their plants. There
are around 4,000 species of these sap-sucking insects and about 250 are pests
that can wreak havoc on crops in a garden or orchard.

What gas shortage? Fossil lobby warns of blackouts, but Australia has 6x more gas than it needs

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 12:27:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/what-gas-shortage-fossil-lobby-warns-of-blackouts-but-australia-has-6x-more-gas-than-it-needs/>

"Australia has six times as much uncontracted gas – that is, gas available for
use right now – than the potential shortfall predicted by the energy market
operator, according to The Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell.

The internet is worse than it used to be. How did we get here, and can we go back?

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 12:28:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-internet-is-worse-than-it-used-to-be-how-did-we-get-here-and-can-we-go-back-236513>

"When it comes to our experience of the internet, “the times, they are
a-changin’”, as Bob Dylan would say. You can’t quite recall how, but the
internet certainly feels different these days.

CEFC invests $70m to help electrify and decarbonise maritime ports

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 12:29:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/cefc-invests-70m-to-help-electrify-and-decarbonise-maritime-ports/>

"The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced a “landmark”
investment to help decarbonise maritime ports in South Australia, focusing on
the electrification of vehicles and equipment.

Consumerism and the climate crisis threaten equitable future for humanity, report says

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 19:00:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/12/consumerism-and-the-climate-crisis-threaten-equitable-future-for-humanity-report-says>

"All of humanity could share a prosperous, equitable future but the space for
development is rapidly shrinking under pressure from a wealthy minority of
ultra-consumers, a groundbreaking study has shown.

Dedicated artists are keeping Japan’s ancient craft of temari alive

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 19:01:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/japan-craft-tradition-temari-balls-embroidery-f96611976b5a07db22fa870098ebde5a>

"KAWARAMACHI, Japan (AP) — Time seems to stop here.

Women sit in a small circle, quietly, painstakingly stitching patterns on balls

2024 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes reward six groundbreaking initiatives

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 19:02:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/2024-unesco-international-literacy-prizes-reward-six-groundbreaking-initiatives>

"Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has awarded the 2024 International
Literacy Prizes to six exceptional literacy programmes from Austria, Egypt,
Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Panama. Selected based on the recommendations of

What are the best ways to get off gas? Ask the Tesla-driving sparkie

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 19:03:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/what-are-the-best-ways-to-get-of-gas-ask-the-tesla-driving-sparkie/>

"Brendan Lang is an electrician from Melbourne who swapped his diesel guzzling,
tradie ute for a Tesla, and calls his business Get off Gas.

China’s radar with 5,900 miles range detects plasma bubbles over Giza pyramids

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 19:05:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://interestingengineering.com/science/china-plasma-bubbles-giza-pyramids>

"Chinese scientists detected plasma bubbles over the Egyptian pyramids and
Midway Islands using the LARID radar in Hainan.

The Washington Blade interviews President Joe Biden

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 19:07:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/09/16/the-washington-blade-interviews-president-joe-biden/>

"Writing about President Joe Biden’s legacy is difficult without the distance
and time required to assess a leader of his stature, but what becomes clear
from talking with him is the extent to which his views on LGBTQ rights come

Lab-grown blood stem cells could replace bone marrow transplants

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:06:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/lab-grown-blood-stem-cells-could-replace-bone-marrow-transplants/>

"A new method could soon produce personalised blood stem cells to improve
transplant outcomes for people with blood diseases, such as leukaemia and bone
marrow disorders.

Pacific nations want ecocide to become a crime – here’s why NZ should support the proposal

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:07:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/pacific-nations-want-ecocide-to-become-a-crime-heres-why-nz-should-support-the-proposal-238675>

"The recent proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to recognise ecocide as a crime
against humanity is timely and could provide a global framework of
accountability for environmental damage.

The punishment for felling Australia’s foreshore trees is a mere pittance against developers’ obscene profits

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:13:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/18/lane-cove-sydney-300-trees-killed>

"I have a dream. It’s all about the day on which the first of Sydney’s
antisocial tree vandals cops a truly punitive fine or, better still, prison
time as they more likely would if they’d so cynically destroyed private

Could the world’s autocrats successfully plot to defeat the West?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:15:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/could-the-worlds-autocrats-successfully-plot-to-defeat-the-west-238894>

"Review: Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World – Anne
Applebaum (Allen Lane)

Wildlife charity declares 'butterfly emergency'

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:16:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y8p4zglpyo

"A wildlife charity has declared a national “butterfly emergency” after its
annual Big Butterfly Count recorded its lowest ever numbers.

2024 Tech Layoffs: Over 200,000 jobs slashed globally since January

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:17:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bestbrokers.com/stock-brokers/2024-tech-layoffs-over-200000-jobs-slashed-globally-since-january/>

"Last year, the tech industry faced a brutal wave of layoffs, with 167.6
thousand employees losing their jobs in the first three months alone, exceeding
the total number of layoffs for all of 2022. This trend of job cuts has

CATL unveils “cutting edge” electric bus battery with one million kilometre warranty

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:38:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/18/catl-unveils-cutting-edge-electric-bus-battery-with-one-million-kilometre-warranty/>

"Chinese battery manufacturing giant CATL has unveiled a new “cutting-edge”
electric bus battery that boasts an industry-leading energy density of 175Wh/kg
and a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Fujii Kaze - Feelin’ Go(o)d [Official Video]

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:40:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyU1t8G0LZw

"Where has the storm gone
Where have I gone
Seems like I've finally turned into freedom

First electric concrete mixer truck begins trials in Australia

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:41:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/18/first-electric-concrete-mixer-truck-begins-trials-in-australia/>

"The first electric concrete truck mixer in Australia is currently undergoing
trials in Melbourne, and is expected to deliver significantly lower operating
costs than diesel options, and a lot less noise and emissions.

What JD Vance and Donald Trump don't want you to know about Springfield

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:43:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://radleybalko.substack.com/p/what-jd-vance-and-donald-trump-dont

"JD Vance’s broadside against the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio is one
of the uglier mask-off episodes in American politics in recent memory. It isn’t
just the racism, it’s the glee with which right-wing personalities and outlets

All Aboard the Electric School Bus!

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:44:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/all-aboard-the-electric-school-bus/

"Across the country, fall is synonymous with the new school year: sharpened
pencils, new bento-style lunch boxes and, for many, the return of the iconic
yellow school bus. Only this year, millions of students will be transported by

EPA Scientists Said They Were Pressured to Downplay Harms From Chemicals. A Watchdog Found They Were Retaliated Against.

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:47:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.propublica.org/article/epa-scientists-faced-retaliation-after-finding-harm-from-chemicals>

"Three reports issued by the agency’s inspector general detailed personal
attacks suffered by the scientists — including being called “stupid,”
“piranhas” and “pot-stirrers” — and called on the EPA to take “appropriate

Russia tried to stage coup in Armenia, prosecutors allege

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:31:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-stage-violent-coup-armenia-investigation-allegiation/>

"Moscow paid and trained a ring of insurgents in a bid to overthrow Armenia’s
pro-Western government earlier this year, prosecutors in the country have said,
but local security forces disrupted the alleged plot.

Why is the internet overflowing with rubbish ads – and what can we do about it?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:32:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980>

"It is difficult to spend any time on the internet these days without being
inundated with advertisements.

Global heating is making El Niño and La Niña forecasts less reliable, BoM says

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:33:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/19/global-heating-is-making-el-nino-and-la-nina-forecasts-less-reliable-bom-says>

"The Bureau of Meteorology is shifting the way it communicates about climate
phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, because global heating is making
predictions based on the past less reliable.

Lost in translation: What spirituality and Einstein’s theory of time have to do with misunderstandings about climate change

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:33:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/lost-in-translation-what-spirituality-and-einsteins-theory-of-time-have-to-do-with-misunderstandings-about-climate-change-231375>

"As a child growing up in the early 1990s, I remember learning in school about
the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels traps
heat near the Earth’s surface, like the glass of a greenhouse. I imagined

The Arctic Seed Vault Shows the Flawed Logic of Climate Adaptation

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:34:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-arctic-seed-vault-shows-the-flawed-logic-of-climate-adaptation/>

"At a latitude of 78 degrees north lies the northernmost city in the world. It
is an odd place. Way above the Arctic Circle—a mere 814 miles from the North
Pole—Longyearbyen, in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, is home to only 2,400

Australia is a mess. Cop31 is a chance to redefine ourselves from climate laggard to global leader

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:36:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/19/cop31-climate-conference-australia-hosting-bid>

"As the world grapples with the climate crisis, Australia stands at a
crossroads. Our bid to co-host the UN’s climate conference, Cop31, with Pacific
nations is not just a diplomatic event; it is a pivotal opportunity to redefine

South Africa’s move to green energy was slowed down by government to protect coal mining

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:21:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/south-africas-move-to-green-energy-was-slowed-down-by-government-to-protect-coal-mining-238358>

"South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy was split in two
after the 2024 general elections: Electricity and Energy and Mineral and
Petroleum Resources. Part of the reason was to prevent conflicts of interest.

Global spending on subsidies that harm environment rises to $2.6tn, report says

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:22:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/18/spending-subsidies-environment-deforestation-pollution-fossil-fuels-aoe>

"The world is spending at least $2.6tn (£2tn) a year on subsidies that drive
global heating and destroy nature, according to new analysis.

Looking on the bright side: the risks - and rewards - of political optimism

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:24:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/looking-on-the-bright-side-the-risks-and-rewards-of-political-optimism-238885>

"There are plenty of reasons right now for finding the present state of the
world – and to some extent Australia – anything but bright. Internationally,
they include:

Ukraine fury as Australia offloads military gear on ‘military eBay’

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:26:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/ukraine-fury-as-australia-offloads-military-gear-on-ebay-for-weapons-20240918-p5kbet.html>

"Decommissioned Australian military equipment keenly sought by Ukraine to help
its fight against invading Russian forces is being sold for recreational use on
eBay-style auction websites, angering the Ukrainian diaspora and sparking calls

Australia desperately needs a strong federal environmental protection agency. Our chances aren’t looking good

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:26:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australia-desperately-needs-a-strong-federal-environmental-protection-agency-our-chances-arent-looking-good-239099>

"When Labor came to power federally after almost a decade in opposition,
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek pledged to turn around Australia’s
worsening environmental woes, from extinctions to land clearing to climate

The Looming Economic Catastrophe: China on the Brink of Collapse

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:27:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://medium.com/@financefusionhub/the-looming-economic-catastrophe-china-on-the-brink-of-collapse-40f44a22bc38>

"Over the past few decades, China has been lauded as the rising titan of the
global economy, a nation poised to displace the United States as the world’s
preeminent economic power. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly

How do ecosystems collapse? Our study shows evolution plays a role – and can delay a disaster

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:32:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-do-ecosystems-collapse-our-study-shows-evolution-plays-a-role-and-can-delay-a-disaster-239000>

"Dying coral reefs, rainforests transforming into savannas, grasslands turning
into deserts – these are ecosystem “tipping points”, boundary lines we’re
desperate not to cross.

Elon Musk Doesn't Understand AI

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:32:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/predict/elon-musk-doesnt-understand-ai-8bba3fc442dd>

"Musk's facade is crumbling before us. Just a few years ago, he was the golden
boy of capitalism, a visionary engineer, a revolutionary business leader and a
saviour of the environment. He had built the perfect mythology around him and

Climate change threatens Australian tourism more than is widely believed. Here’s why

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:33:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/climate-change-threatens-australian-tourism-more-than-is-widely-believed-heres-why-238768>

"Right now, Australia is one of the top five tourist destinations in the world,
a distinction the World Economic Forum says it shares with only the United
States, France, Spain and Japan.

New study finds “vast majority” of EV batteries will outlast the vehicle

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:34:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/19/new-study-finds-vast-majority-of-ev-batteries-will-outlast-the-vehicle/>

"In stark contrast to the fears and propaganda aiming to undermine the
electromobility transition, a new study of actual electric vehicle (EV) usage
reveals less battery degradation than previously observed, with the “vast

Georgian trans model murdered after parliament passes ‘anti-LGBTQ+’ law

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:35:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/19/georgia-trans-model-kesaria-abramidze-murdered-parliament-passes-anti-lgbtq-law>

"A well-known Georgian transgender model has been murdered, local officials
said, a day after the government passed legislation that will impose sweeping
curbs on LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Even the heaviest particles experience the usual quantum weirdness, new experiment shows

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:36:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/even-the-heaviest-particles-experience-the-usual-quantum-weirdness-new-experiment-shows-239138>

"One of the most surprising predictions of physics is entanglement, a
phenomenon where objects can be some distance apart but still linked together.
The best-known examples of entanglement involve tiny chunks of light (photons),

Two-thirds of new-build homes don’t have solar: Report calls to plug holes, double rooftop PV capacity

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:41:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/two-thirds-of-new-build-homes-dont-have-solar-report-calls-for-policy-to-fill-gaps-in-rooftop-rollout/>

"Despite leading the world in rooftop solar installations, with panels on more
than half of all owner-occupied houses, two-thirds of new houses in Australia
are being built without a solar system.

Tilling the Floodplain: How Farmers Embrace the Power of Floods

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:42:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/flood-recession-farming-india/

"Every year, when the monsoons arrive on the North India Gangetic plain, the
river spreads its girth across miles on either bank. When the floodwaters
recede, they leave behind organic material, which Siyaram Bhind, a farmer in

Astronomers just detected the biggest black hole jets ever seen – and named them Porphyrion

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:43:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/astronomers-just-detected-the-biggest-black-hole-jets-ever-seen-and-named-them-porphyrion-239297>

"The largest known black hole jets, 23 million light years across, have been
discovered in the distant universe. This pair of particle beams launched by a
supermassive black hole is over a hundred times larger than our galaxy, the

Electric truck market to reach tipping point by 2030, new report finds

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:44:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/19/electric-truck-market-to-reach-tipping-point-by-2030-new-report-finds/>

"Electrification of the global transport industry will shape the next phase of
the eMobility revolution, with 20 per cent of all trucks and buses around the
globe expected to be battery electric by 2030.

The US election has put the spotlight on Haiti. Its history reveals extensive exploitation by the US – and France

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:46:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-us-election-has-put-the-spotlight-on-haiti-its-history-reveals-extensive-exploitation-by-the-us-and-france-239193>

"Since the recent US presidential debate, Donald Trump and his running mate JD
Vance have doubled down on claims that Haitian immigrants are causing crime and
disorder in Springfield, Ohio.

“Too afraid of China:” Meyer Burger chief quits and lambasts EU for failing to defend solar industry

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:47:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/too-afraid-of-china-meyer-burger-chief-quits-and-lambasts-eu-for-failing-to-defend-solar-industry/>

"The outgoing chief of Swiss solar manufacturer, Meyer Burger, has reaffirmed
his belief that Europe can compete against China on PV module production,
despite the troubled company’s ongoing struggle to survive.

E-scooter riders flouting rules, blocking footpaths and causing accidents? We need to use smart solutions (and bust the myths)

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:06:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/e-scooter-riders-flouting-rules-blocking-footpaths-and-causing-accidents-we-need-to-use-smart-solutions-and-bust-the-myths-237757>

"Recent decisions by several Australian and New Zealand cities to discontinue
shared e‑scooter services have again thrust misperceptions and moral panic into
the limelight.

North Korean hackers target Python devs with malware disguised as coding tests — hack has been underway for a year

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:08:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/python-developers-targeted-by-north-korean-lazarus-group-with-fake-jobs-and-malware-disguised-as-coding-tests>

'Few things are more strenuous than finding new employment— but even worse is
when a potential new employer turns out to be fake and is instead using an
apparent job opportunity as a way to infect you with malware. Per a report from

Clones in the classroom: why universities must be wary of embracing AI-driven teaching tools

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:09:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/clones-in-the-classroom-why-universities-must-be-wary-of-embracing-ai-driven-teaching-tools-238977>

"The university sector in Aotearoa New Zealand is at a tipping point due to
chronic underfunding, shifting enrolments and increasing costs from inflation.
In response, the government has established two working groups to assess the

Why wordfreq will not be updated

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:36:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://github.com/rspeer/wordfreq/blob/master/SUNSET.md

"The wordfreq data is a snapshot of language that could be found in various
online sources up through 2021. There are several reasons why it will not be
updated anymore."

‘Side job, self-employed, high-paid’: behind the AI slop flooding TikTok and Facebook

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:37:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/side-job-self-employed-high-paid-behind-the-ai-slop-flooding-tiktok-and-facebook-237638>

"TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms are being flooded with
uncanny and bizarre content generated with artificial intelligence (AI), from
fake videos of the US government capturing vampires to images of shrimp Jesus.

“Catastrophic:” Coalition plan to stop renewables and push nuclear will result in massive supply gaps

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:38:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/catastrophic-coalition-plan-to-stop-renewables-and-push-nuclear-will-result-in-massive-supply-gaps/>

"Federal energy minister Chris Bowen has launched a new attack against the
federal Coalition’s nuclear power policy, saying its plan to stop renewables
and potentially “sweat” the remaining coal assets could lead to “catastrophic”

The Innu have lived in eastern Canada for thousands of years, yet their rights to this land are increasingly threatened by the question: who is Indigenous?

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:20:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-innu-have-lived-in-eastern-canada-for-thousands-of-years-yet-their-rights-to-this-land-are-increasingly-threatened-by-the-question-who-is-indigenous-237404>

"Concerns over false claims of Indigenous heritage – whether for professional,
financial or other reasons – appear to be growing around the world.
High-profile claims that have been challenged include people from music,

Affordable nuclear? Dutton’s plan would add nearly $1,000 a year to the power bill of a family of four

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:27:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/affordable-nuclear-duttons-plan-would-add-nearly-1000-a-year-to-the-power-bill-of-a-family-of-four/>

"A family of four in living on the east coast of Australia would pay nearly
$1000 more a year for electricity under the federal Coalition’s nuclear power
plan, a new report has found, while the average Australian household would see

What makes an Italian? An olympic gold medal and a vandalised mural reopen debate about race and citizenship

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:29:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-makes-an-italian-an-olympic-gold-medal-and-a-vandalised-mural-reopen-debate-about-race-and-citizenship-238913>

"When Paola Egonu, born in Italy to Nigerian parents, won a gold medal at the
2024 Paris Olympic games volleyball tournament, a dormant discussion in Italian
politics was reignited. Egonu only [became an Italian citizen at the age of

Global status report highlights parlous state of nuclear power sector

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:29:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/global-status-report-highlights-parlous-state-of-nuclear-power-sector/>

"Two new reports have undermined the Dutton Coalition’s claims about nuclear
power.

Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:36:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/sudans-civilians-urgently-need-protection-the-options-for-international-peacekeeping-239071>

"In September 2024, the United Nations’ independent fact-finding mission to
Sudan issued its first report. Citing grave human rights violations amounting
to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the report called for the immediate

Survey finds homes poorly prepared for heatwaves – here’s what needs to change

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:37:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/survey-finds-homes-poorly-prepared-for-heatwaves-heres-what-needs-to-change/>

"Heatwaves in Australia are expected to become hotter, longer and more frequent
under climate change. They can seriously affect our health and wellbeing, and
even kill people.

I’ve studied geopolitics all my life: climate breakdown is a bigger threat than China and Russia

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:25:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/19/russia-china-global-security-climate-breakdown>

"The Irish sea captain who in 1751 discovered the Atlantic Meridional
Overturning Circulation (Amoc) – closely connected with, though not identical
to, the Gulf Stream – found a practical use for it: he used the frigid deeper

UN’s pact to protect future generations will be undermined by Security Council’s veto and its use in cases of mass atrocity

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:26:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/uns-pact-to-protect-future-generations-will-be-undermined-by-security-councils-veto-and-its-use-in-cases-of-mass-atrocity-238670>

"World leaders will gather at the United Nations on Sept. 22-23, 2024, where
they are set to adopt the Pact for the Future – an ambitious plan for how to
best reform the U.N., and other institutions, to address the current problems

“Extraordinary find:” Offshore wind seabed survey solves century old maritime mystery

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:28:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/extraordinary-find-offshore-wind-seabed-survey-solves-century-old-maritime-mystery/>

"Seafloor surveys for a floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Scotland
have helped solve a 107-year-old maritime mystery, after stumbling upon the
uncharted wreck of a Russian merchant vessel that was sunk during the Great

What James Earl Jones can teach us about activism and art in times of crisis

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:29:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-james-earl-jones-can-teach-us-about-activism-and-art-in-times-of-crisis-238861>

"The death of James Earl Jones has forced me to consider the end of an era.

Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and Jones were giants in my industry. They were

The world’s biggest bus manufacturer has big electric plans for Australia

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:31:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/20/the-worlds-biggest-bus-manufacturer-has-big-electric-plans-for-australia/>

"The world’s largest manufacturer of buses and coaches has an estimated 95 per
cent market share in China and 10% globally. Yutong now have their eyes firmly
set on the Australia and the Asia-Pacific market.

Pellegrini's Espresso Bar in Melbourne farewells beloved server Rocco Eliche after 50 years

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:32:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-21/rocco-eliche-pellegrinis-coffee-bar-retires/104377144>

"On his last day, after kissing his wife goodbye, Rocco Eliche donned a crisp
white shirt, tucked it into pressed black slacks, tied the shoelaces of his
black trainers, and headed out the door.

Knowing polluting impact of home fires could modify behaviour, study finds

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:09:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/20/knowing-polluting-impact-of-home-fires-could-modify-behaviour-study-finds>

"While traffic and industry have been the focus of air pollution controls for
the past two decades, the old issue of pollution from home heating has crept up
again.

Wood carver Maud Baillie made 'world-class' craft furniture on remote Wedge Island 120 years ago

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:10:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-21/wood-carver-maud-baillie-artwork-on-display-at-sa-gallery/103962792>

'Port Lincoln's Bill Lakin fondly remembers his grandmother, Ma-ma, as a
humble, frail lady in a wheelchair, who had scrapbooks of paintings and
drawings.

Donald Trump insists a ‘strongman’ leader will help America. My new book explains why he’s wrong

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:11:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-insists-a-strongman-leader-will-help-america-my-new-book-explains-why-hes-wrong-238693>

"It is well known former US President Donald Trump admires the power strongman
leaders wield.

‘Every donation at our op-shop carries a story. Why didn’t the 1960s newlyweds open their gifts?’

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:12:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/sep/21/every-donation-at-our-op-shop-carries-a-story-why-didnt-the-1960s-newlyweds-open-their-gifts>

"At the Melbourne op-shop where I work, I look forward to at least one offbeat
donation each shift; though not so much the false teeth.

Pager attack on Hezbollah was a sophisticated ‘booby-trap’ operation − it was also illegal

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:13:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/pager-attack-on-hezbollah-was-a-sophisticated-booby-trap-operation-it-was-also-illegal-239360>

"The operation that used pagers and walkie-talkies to kill members of the
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was ingenious – but was it legal?

The Farmers Abandoning Big Ag to Grow Mushrooms and Herbs

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:15:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/farmers-quitting-factory-farming-transfarmation/>

"By any definition, Leah Garcés considered Craig Watts her enemy. As CEO and
president of the nonprofit Mercy for Animals, Garcés has devoted her life to
protecting animals. When she met Watts in the spring of 2014 at his poultry

India is in the midst of an electric vehicle revolution – and Australia should tap in

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:37:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/india-is-in-the-midst-of-an-electric-vehicle-revolution-and-australia-should-tap-in-234557>

"You don’t have to be in India long to appreciate just how dramatic its
electric vehicle revolution is. Whether it’s electric two-wheelers or trucks,
buses or bicycles, they are hard to miss.

Female elephants rumble to say ‘let’s go!’ New study in Namibia shows males do too, a sign of unexpected social bonds

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:38:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/female-elephants-rumble-to-say-lets-go-new-study-in-namibia-shows-males-do-too-a-sign-of-unexpected-social-bonds-236702>

"In elephant family groups made up of related females and their young, it is
clear that the animals produce vocal sounds to coordinate action. This happens
when it’s time to leave a waterhole, for example. The matriarch or dominant

UN chief António Guterres to seek world leaders’ backing for vision of the future

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:39:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/21/un-chief-antonio-guterres-to-seek-world-leaders-backing-for-vision-of-the-future>

"The UN’s secretary general, António Guterres, will try to persuade world
leaders to extend their horizons beyond current wars by adopting a pact that he
hopes will set a path for a new system of global governance that can prevent

Endure – or peter out? Here’s what Northern Rivers organisers and Stop Adani can teach us about building climate groups

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:40:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/endure-or-peter-out-heres-what-northern-rivers-organisers-and-stop-adani-can-teach-us-about-building-climate-groups-235774>

"Over the last decade, several groups in Australia have successfully mobilised
against fossil fuel interests. But which ones have gone the distance?

Food forests rise in Boston. Edible lots create green space – and community.

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:42:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Food/2024/0828/boston-food-forests-community-permaculture>

"Ann Noble has lived in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester for 11 years. Her
third-floor condo lacks the space to garden. And, until recently, she didn’t
know any of her neighbors.

Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notice

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 13:43:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/scientists-reviewed-7-000-studies-on-microplastics-their-alarming-conclusion-puts-humanity-on-notice-239105>

"It’s been 20 years since a paper in the journal Science showed the
environmental accumulation of tiny plastic fragments and fibres. It named the
particles “microplastics”.

The false dichotomy of systemic and individual behaviour change

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:36:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/the-false-dichotomy-of-systemic-and>

"There is often a polarising debate about who is “responsible” for climate
change, and ultimately, who should fix it.

From cauldrons to cardigans - the lurking prejudices behind the name ‘Granny’

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:37:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-cauldrons-to-cardigans-the-lurking-prejudices-behind-the-name-granny-238200>

“Honestly, I can’t wait to have grandkids and spoil them — but I don’t want
to be called ‘Granny’” (overheard on the No. 96 tram in Melbourne)

Covid-19 may lead to longest period of peacetime excess mortality, says new Swiss Re report

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:39:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.swissre.com/press-release/Covid-19-may-lead-to-longest-period-of-peacetime-excess-mortality-says-new-Swiss-Re-report/eadc133c-01bd-49e8-9f3a-a3025a3380e6>

"Zurich, 16 September 2024 – Four years after the peak of the COVID-19
pandemic, many countries are still reporting elevated all-cause excess
mortality compared with pre-pandemic levels. According to Swiss Re Institute's

Saving Mar Menor, Europe’s largest salt lagoon

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:40:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://geographical.co.uk/science-environment/saving-mar-menor-europes-largest-salt-lagoon>

"In the gentle warmth of a Spring morning, Isabel Rubio strolls along Los
Alcázares beach, a sandy expanse facing the Mar Menor in southeastern Spain.
The sun bathes the area in a golden light and the air is tinged with the crisp

Lucy’s job should be more secure – but at Australian universities, labour laws are having the opposite effect

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:41:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/22/lucys-job-should-be-more-secure-but-at-australian-universities-labour-laws-are-having-the-opposite-effect>

"Lucy Nicolls is used to disappointment. She has been casually employed by the
University of Sydney for eight years, despite repeatedly trying to get an
ongoing contract.

David Graham Dead: Voice Of ‘Peppa Pig’, ‘Doctor Who’ And ‘Thunderbirds’ Was 99

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:44:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://deadline.com/2024/09/david-graham-voice-of-peppa-pig-doctor-who-thunderbirds-dies-aged-99-1236096322/>

"The man behind one of the world’s most familiar voices has died aged 99.

In a long career, British actor David Graham provided the voices for characters

Queensland teachers forced to work while sick due to struggling relief system cracking under pressure

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:20:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://archive.md/T2oHI

"Queensland teachers claim they are being forced to work when sick – including
while infected with Covid – as the state’s replacement staff system struggles
to cope with a surge in absences.

The Amazon’s Ashaninka tribe restored their territory. Now they aim to change the region

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:22:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/brazil-indigenous-amazon-reforestation-ashaninka-climate-8f1311d0f1febc1125511b3c1662aaea>

"APIWTXA VILLAGE, Brazil (AP) — It was just before dawn when the Ashaninka
people, wearing long, tunic-like dresses, began singing traditional songs while
playing drums and other instruments. The music drifted through Apiwtxa village,

How people imagine the future post-COVID

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:23:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://simplysociology.wordpress.com/2024/09/14/how-people-imagine-the-future-post-covid/>

"I have a new article out in the journal Futures which draws on my
‘Australians’ Experiences of COVID-19′ project which has now spanned four years
of the pandemic. It reports findings from qualitative interviews conducted in

The Rights of Nature Prevail Again in Ecuador

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:25:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.yesmagazine.org/environment/2024/09/11/forest-rights-nature-ecuador>

"Jose Martín Ovando suddenly halts in his tracks and crouches down along the
steep forest path shrouded in mist, pulling out a magnifying glass from his
small backpack to inspect a clump of deep green moss.

Filipinos are embracing electric three-wheelers faster than officials can regulate them

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:27:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://restofworld.org/2024/electric-three-wheelers-philippines-regulations/>

"Manila’s gridlock can exasperate even the most patient drivers, but it does
not faze Kyla Adlawon, who weaves between the traffic on an electric tricycle.
The red three-wheeled vehicle has ferried her and her family on market runs,

Denial: The Hidden Link Connecting Mpox, COVID-19, HIV/AIDS

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:28:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://archive.md/GnXOE

"In the late 1970s and early ‘80s, a mysterious illness spread through
America’s overlooked communities, mainly affecting intravenous drug users and
homosexual men.

Ecuador shuts down oil drilling at nature reserve

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:19:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.birdguides.com/news/ecuador-shuts-down-oil-drilling-at-nature-reserve/>

"The Ecuadorian government has initiated the closure of a significant block of
oil wells following a referendum on pumping oil at a huge nature reserve last
year.

Deadly Fungal Infections Causing a 'Silent Pandemic', Scientists Warn

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:20:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.sciencealert.com/deadly-fungal-infections-causing-a-silent-pandemic-scientists-warn>

'The world is in the midst of an antibiotic resistance crisis that contributes
to the death of nearly 5 million people a year. But bacteria aren't the only
mutating pathogens we need to worry about.

People can't make "risk assessments" without knowing the risks

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:21:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.thegauntlet.news/p/people-cant-make-risk-assessments

"Last week, Jason Gale of Bloomberg put out an excellent piece about
post-COVID brain damage, titled “What We Know About Covid’s Impact on Your
Brain.”

Hope for North America’s Most Endangered Bird

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:22:46 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07092024/florida-grasshopper-sparrow-fights-extinction/>

"On a recent morning, 10 Florida grasshopper sparrows, tiny brown-speckled
birds that are the most endangered on the continent, took their first scampers
and flaps on the state’s central prairie.

What We Know About Covid’s Impact on Your Brain

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:23:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-09-13/does-covid-lead-to-dementia-here-s-what-the-virus-may-have-done-to-your-brain>

"Many of Covid’s earliest and most alarming effects involve the brain,
including a lost sense of smell, sluggish thinking, headaches, delirium and
strokes. More than four years after the pandemic began, researchers are

From oil well to wetland: meet the B.C. First Nations reclaiming old oil and gas wells on their homelands

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:24:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://thenarwhal.ca/aski-saulteau-first-nation-oil-wells-reclamation/

"When Alycia Aird drives from Moberly Lake, B.C., heading east through the
traditional homelands of the Saulteau and West Moberly Lake First Nations, she
sees remnants of the oil and gas industry everywhere.

New study: Risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease increases by 50-80% in older adults who caught COVID-19

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:14:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedaily.case.edu/new-study-risk-factor-for-developing-alzheimers-disease-increases-by-50-80-in-older-adults-who-caught-covid-19/>

"Older people who were infected with COVID-19 show a substantially higher
risk—as much as 50% to 80% higher than a control group—of developing
Alzheimer’s disease within a year, according to a study of more than 6 million

How Lower Ninth Ward Residents Created a Haven for Birds and People

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:17:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-lower-ninth-ward-residents-created-haven-birds-and-people>

"For Rashida Ferdinand, stepping into Sankofa Wetland Park is like walking back
in time. Growing up in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Ferdinand and
other neighborhood children spent their days exploring the wetland. But slowly,

The Rot Goes To The Core

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:20:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.the-reframe.com/the-rot-goes-to-the-core/

"Word is we've got a 2nd moon for a few months. It's a rock the size of a city
bus that's going to hang out in our gravity well for a half-spin before heading
off into the void to do whatever asteroids do. So the big brains tell me. I

The surfer and tribal chief fighting to save a 550km South African coast

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:22:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/22/the-surfer-and-tribal-chief-fighting-to-save-a-550km-south-african-coast>

"Martinus Fredericks meets me outside the police station in South Africa’s
Atlantis, a somewhat forlorn semi-industrial town on the outskirts of Cape
Town. On this winter’s morning, Atlantis is shrouded in fog. After a firm

50 Incredibly Cool Things That Are Free Online That Everyone Should Take Advantage Of

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:23:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.boredpanda.com/free-online-things-should-take-advantage/

"Everyone likes a good deal. And deals don’t get better than free! The internet
is one of the best things to happen to humankind, offering access to a wealth
of knowledge that goes beyond the wildest dreams. There are a jaw-dropping 5.35

SocialAI offers a Twitter-like diary where AI bots respond to your posts

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:12:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/socialai-offers-a-twitter-like-diary-where-ai-bots-respond-to-your-posts/>

"Are we at peak social media yet? It’s an interesting question to ponder after
the launch of an iOS app offering a social media experience just for one. At a
glance, SocialAI — which is billed as a pure “AI Social Network” — looks like

Afghan women have been robbed of health care, education and now their voices. But they won’t remain silent

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:13:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/afghan-women-have-been-robbed-of-health-care-education-and-now-their-voices-but-they-wont-remain-silent-238435>

"Last month, the Taliban passed a new “vice and virtue” law, making it illegal
for women to speak in public. Under the law, women can also be punished if they
are heard singing or reading aloud from within their homes.

Many people in the Pacific lack access to adequate toilets – and climate change makes things worse

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:14:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/many-people-in-the-pacific-lack-access-to-adequate-toilets-and-climate-change-makes-things-worse-238416>

"The Pacific Islands may evoke images of sprawling coastlines and picturesque
scenery. But while this part of the world might look like paradise, many local
residents are grappling with a serious public health issue.

'People can be a positive force for nature': The fishermen reviving Finland's scarred wastelands

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:15:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240912-the-finnish-fishermen-fighting-climate-change-by-preserving-carbon-rich-peatlands>

"On a patch of land near Finland's eastern border, life exists where once it
didn't.

‘Breakthrough discovery’: Indigenous Rangers in outback WA find up to 50 night parrots – one of Australia’s most elusive birds

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:16:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/breakthrough-discovery-indigenous-rangers-in-outback-wa-find-up-to-50-night-parrots-one-of-australias-most-elusive-birds-239449>

"In arid inland Australia lives one of Australia’s rarest birds: the night
parrot. Missing for more than a century, a live population was rediscovered in
2013. But the species remains elusive.

“Absolutely world leading:” Why Australia is leading the charge away from baseload power

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:17:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/absolutely-world-leading-why-australia-is-leading-the-charge-away-from-baseload-power/>

"It has become the key part of the debate around Australia’s energy transition:
Will a future grid depend on the old paradigms of baseload and peaking plants?
Or can a grid dominated by variable renewables and supported by dispatchable

Why isn’t dental included in Medicare? It’s time to change this – here’s how

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:47:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-isnt-dental-included-in-medicare-its-time-to-change-this-heres-how-239086>

"When the forerunner of Medicare was established in the 1970s, dental care was
left out. Australians are still suffering the consequences half a century
later.

Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan still has no costings, and no grid connection: It’s a political hoax

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:48:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/peter-duttons-nuclear-plan-still-has-no-costings-and-no-grid-connection-its-a-political-hoax/>

"Outside, in Martin Place, the voices were clear – unions and environmental
groups holding placards and denouncing Coalition leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear
“fantasy:” A combination of denial and delay they said: “Dutton wants gas,

How did they get my data? I uncovered the hidden web of networks behind telemarketers

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:49:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-did-they-get-my-data-i-uncovered-the-hidden-web-of-networks-behind-telemarketers-238991>

"Last year, I started getting a lot of unsolicited phone calls, mainly from
people trying to sell me things. This came as a surprise because, as a data
scientist, I am very careful about what personal information I let out into the

Explainer: How the “climate trigger” could be the answer to Australia’s fossil fuel problem

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:54:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/explainer-how-the-climate-trigger-could-be-the-answer-to-australias-fossil-fuel-problem/>

"With the next federal election looming on the not-so-distant horizon,
temperatures have flared both inside and outside Parliament House in Canberra
as the Albanese government becomes increasingly desperate to clear its

Introducing Long COVID Essentials, a new resource series

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:58:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thesicktimes.org/2024/09/16/introducing-long-covid-essentials-a-new-resource-series/>

"We are excited to announce Long COVID Essentials, a new collaboration
between The Sick Times and Long COVID Justice.

Cans to car parts: Inside the complex, crucial world of aluminum recycling

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:00:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-aluminum/cans-to-car-parts-inside-the-complex-crucial-world-of-aluminum-recycling>

"On a muggy summer day in an industrial stretch of Brooklyn, New York, Josefa
Marín stood in a sea of empty aluminum cans, methodically sorting the tall
green Heinekens from blue-and-silver Red Bulls and bright red Coca-Colas. She

Amazon, Tesla and Meta among world’s top companies undermining democracy – report

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:47:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/sep/23/amazon-tesla-meta-climate-change-democracy>

"Some of the world’s largest companies have been accused of undermining
democracy across the world by financially backing far-right political
movements, funding and exacerbating the climate crisis, and violating trade

Pioneering solar garden prepares for its first harvest

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:48:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/pioneering-solar-garden-prepares-for-its-first-harvest/>

"By the side of the highway in Grong Grong, in the NSW Riverina region,
Australia’s first solar garden is almost ready to harvest.

Ecotourism offers new hopes for Bhutanese youth — and local environments

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:49:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://news.mongabay.com/2024/09/ecotourism-offers-new-hopes-for-bhutanese-youth-and-local-environments/>

"Bhutan’s journey into tourism began in 1974, when the country opened its doors
to package tourists, prioritizing sustainable growth and development. Today,
with more than 70% forest cover safeguarded by a vast network of protected

Is green the new black? New sustainable fashion show to kick off

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:50:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/good-clothes-show-prioritises-sustainable-fashion/>

"We may all have committed fashion misfires at some point, and mistakes are
commonplace for those who design our clothes too. ‘Strike-off’ refers to a
sample of fabric on which designers test materials, techniques and colours

People must understand: we in Malawi are paying for the climate crisis with our lives

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:56:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/sep/23/malawi-climate-crisis-paying-with-our-lives-acc>

"Millions of people in my country, Malawi, face unprecedented existential
crises driven by climate breakdown. The frequency of extreme weather events and
the massive impact they have on communities have left government officials like

Create ‘positive tipping points’ with climate mandates, governments urged

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:57:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/23/create-positive-tipping-points-climate-mandates-governments-urged>

"In the terminology of the climate and ecological crises the phrase “tipping
point” is loaded with dreadful implications.

Who’s to blame when climate change turns the lights off?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:32:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/whos-to-blame-when-climate-change-turns-the-lights-off-236446>

"Deadly Storm Boris has flooded large areas of central Europe and the UK,
destroying homes and displacing thousands of people.

Cleanup volunteer shares sad reality hidden among Hawaiian beaches: 'This plastic comes from all around the world'

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:33:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/plastic-pollution-hawaii-beaches-sustainable/>

'A Hawaiian local has shared the dark reality of plastic pollution and the
devastating consequences for the island's once-pristine beaches.

Move over Olympians, Australia’s wildlife are incredible athletes

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:34:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/move-over-olympians-australias-wildlife-are-incredible-athletes-238303>

"Now that the Paris Olympics and Paralympics have disappeared from our screens,
let’s get back to watching animal videos.

Sydney ferry fleet to go fully electric, with first on the harbour in 2026

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:35:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/24/sydney-ferry-fleet-to-go-fully-electric-with-first-on-the-harbour-in-2026/>

"The Sydney Harbour fleet is to go all electric, with the first fully electric
ferry set to join the Parramatta River service in 2026, and the first Manly and
inner harbour ferries to follow soon after.

Scientists issue warning about increasingly alarming whale behavior due to human activity: 'Distinct and concerning changes'

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:36:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/whale-communication-ocean-noise-pollution/>

"The marine communication that whales depend on could soon be under threat as
ocean traffic — and the problematic noise pollution it generates — continues to
increase, Dr. Stuart Johnston, a mathematical biologist from the University of

Earth may have breached seven of nine planetary boundaries, health check shows

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:37:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/23/earth-breach-planetary-boundaries-health-check-oceans>

"Industrial civilisation is close to breaching a seventh planetary boundary,
and may already have crossed it, according to scientists who have compiled the
latest report on the state of the world’s life-support systems.

The time to create better indoor climates is now — we need an inside equivalent of EPCs

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:40:46 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.ft.com/content/86e0a684-54bc-4426-bc50-b09517481604

"It is 17 years since house sellers and landlords in the UK were required by
law to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to potential buyers and
tenants. Based on an independent inspection of insulation levels, heating

The pressing case for a new emergency visa to help people fleeing Gaza and other conflicts

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:42:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-pressing-case-for-a-new-emergency-visa-to-help-people-fleeing-gaza-and-other-conflicts-238877>

"Recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza have displaced large
numbers of people. In each case, Australia’s humanitarian response has been
different. Some people have been able to acquire a visa and travel to Australia

Mass retrofit: 12 start-ups selected to help switch existing car fleet to fully electric

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:43:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/24/mass-retrofit-12-start-ups-selected-to-help-switch-existing-car-fleet-to-fully-electric/>

"The second annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge has chosen 12
local start-ups that boast potential solutions that could accelerate the
transition of Australia’s car fleet to fully electric vehicles (EVs) through a

The Taliban suspends polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan – here’s the likely impact

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:43:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-taliban-suspends-polio-vaccine-campaign-in-afghanistan-heres-the-likely-impact-239316>

"The Taliban recently announced that they are suspending its polio vaccination
campaign in Afghanistan. The announcement was made shortly before the campaign
was due to start.

ING Further Cuts Fossil-Fuel Financing in New Climate Pledge

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:52:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-19/ing-further-limits-fossil-fuel-financing-in-new-climate-pledge>

"ING Groep NV plans to further reduce the financing it provides to fossil-fuel
companies as part of its effort to drive down emissions in its loan portfolio
and achieve a net zero target by 2050.

Graphene at 20: still no sign of the promised space elevator, but here’s how this wonder material is quietly changing the world

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:53:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/graphene-at-20-still-no-sign-of-the-promised-space-elevator-but-heres-how-this-wonder-material-is-quietly-changing-the-world-239223>

"Twenty years ago this October, two physicists at the University of Manchester,
Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, published a groundbreaking paper on the
“electric field effect in atomically thin carbon films”. Their work described

London’s new urban greening structure is a ‘garden for insects and people’

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:33:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/londons-new-urban-sustainable-greening-structure/>

"Outside the Chelsea College of Arts in London, UK, a 10-metre ‘urban greening’
structure has been unveiled: a showcase of using natural materials in
construction to support biodiversity.

Mass animal extinctions: our new tool can show why large mammals – like the topi – are in decline

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:34:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/mass-animal-extinctions-our-new-tool-can-show-why-large-mammals-like-the-topi-are-in-decline-233882>

"We could be witnessing the sixth mass extinction at an alarming rate
worldwide. It’s marked by the rapid loss of species due to human activities
like habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. Unlike previous mass

Don’t fear the boomers! How Poland is celebrating its old people – and making life better for every age

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:35:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/sep/18/dont-fear-the-boomers-how-poland-is-celebrating-its-old-people-and-making-life-better-for-every-age>

"On a balmy Friday afternoon earlier this month, the most feared group of
people in Europe breached the 13th-century defensive walls of Wrocław and
poured into the town square. Some wore blue berets, others cowboy hats, straw

UN security council: African countries face hurdles and dangers in getting permanent seats

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:36:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/un-security-council-african-countries-face-hurdles-and-dangers-in-getting-permanent-seats-239642>

"There is growing global consensus among the members of the United Nations that
the UN security council, responsible for maintaining international peace and
security, requires reform or restructuring to reflect the current balance of

How restoring rivers' natural curves can prevent flooding

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:37:46 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20240918-how-restoring-rivers-natural-curves-can-prevent-flooding>

"Swindale Beck, a stream in Cumbria, in the heart of the UK's Lake District,
meanders through fields, farmland and valleys. However, not long ago, the river
took a far more linear course.

How to build a dragon

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:39:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-25/bendigo-golden-dragon-museum-building-a-dragon/104313678>

"In May, Bendigo’s Chinese community, in fact, the entire regional Victorian
city, was rocked by an act of violence against two of its oldest citizens.

Clothes piling up in your closet? A landmark California bill would mandate brands recycle them

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:49:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/24/clothes-recycling-california-responsible-textile-recovery-act>

"Let’s say you bought a new pair of jeans and wore them for a few years before
deciding it was time to part ways. You could throw them away, or, if you wanted
a more environmentally friendly option, you might try to sell or swap them or

The internet can be toxic. But there are also online oases where mutual care flourishes

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:50:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-internet-can-be-toxic-but-there-are-also-online-oases-where-mutual-care-flourishes-237769>

"The internet can be a toxic place. Disinformation, hate speech and trolling
are not just abundant – they are encouraged by the economy of clicks which
governs many online platforms. There are no good clicks, no bad clicks, only

Quolls and bettongs join bilbies and bandicoots as locally extinct species reintroduced to NSW national park

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:51:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/25/quolls-and-bettongs-join-bilbies-and-bandicoots-as-locally-extinct-species-reintroduced-to-nsw-national-park>

"Quolls and bettongs delivered to the far north-west corner of New South Wales
are the final piece of a decade-long project to reintroduce seven locally
extinct mammals to the arid desert landscape.

In "Slick", Royce Kurmelovs exposes just how long, and hard, the fossil fuel industry has worked to advance its interests

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:53:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/in-slick-royce-kurmelovs-exposes-just-how-long-and-hard-the-fossil-fuel-industry-has-worked-to-advance-its-interests-235890>

"Review: Slick: Australia’s Toxic Relationship with Big Oil – Royce
Kurmelovs (University of Queensland Press)

Black Teens’ Schoolwork Twice As Likely To Be Falsely Flagged As AI-Generated

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:54:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://peopleofcolorintech.com/articles/black-teens-schoolwork-twice-as-likely-to-be-falsely-flagged-as-ai-generated/>

"Black students are over twice as likely to be falsely accused of using
artificial intelligence (AI) tools to complete school assignments compared to
their white and Latine peers, according to a new report from Common Sense

Sri Lankans throw out old guard in election upset: What nation’s new Marxist-leaning leader means for economy, IMF loans

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:55:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/sri-lankans-throw-out-old-guard-in-election-upset-what-nations-new-marxist-leaning-leader-means-for-economy-imf-loans-239649>

"Sri Lankans voted for a new direction in leadership on Sept. 22, 2024,
electing a leftist anti-poverty campaigner as president of the South Asian
nation.

The Elite's War on Remote Work Has Nothing to Do with Productivity

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:26:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://archive.md/zL3DH

"Every year, CEOs demand more employees return to the office. Mainstream news
outlets run stories calling remote workers lazy.

Scientists discover heat-tolerant corals hidden in plain sight. Could it help protect the Great Barrier Reef?

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:26:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/scientists-discover-heat-tolerant-corals-hidden-in-plain-sight-could-it-help-protect-the-great-barrier-reef-231823>

"Just as individual humans handle stress differently, so do corals. Even coral
colonies of the same species, growing side by side, vary in their tolerance to
pressures such as heatwaves.

Come to sunny Melbourne! Don’t worry about the AI mutants invading the parks

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:27:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://pivot-to-ai.com/2024/09/23/come-to-sunny-melbourne-dont-worry-about-the-ai-mutants-in-the-parks/>

"Nick Reece is mayor of the City of Melbourne, the local council for the
central business district of the city. He’s running for re-election in October.

The ‘publish or perish’ mentality is fuelling research paper retractions – and undermining science

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:28:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-publish-or-perish-mentality-is-fuelling-research-paper-retractions-and-undermining-science-238983>

"When scientists make important discoveries, both big and small, they typically
publish their findings in scientific journals for others to read. This sharing
of knowledge helps to advance science: it can, in turn, lead to more important

What if schools could prevent sick days, teacher shortages and lost IQ points? A new COVID safety course lights the way

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:29:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-24/covid-safety-schools-course-sick-days-teachers-long-covid/104319032>

'There wasn't a dramatic "lightning bolt" moment when Colin Kinner realised he
needed to roll up his sleeves and start tackling what he'd come to see as a
pernicious problem: the largely unchecked spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Australian

From waste to power: how floating solar panels on wastewater ponds could help solve NZ’s electricity security crisis

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:31:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-waste-to-power-how-floating-solar-panels-on-wastewater-ponds-could-help-solve-nzs-electricity-security-crisis-237455>

"Wastewater ponds may seem an unlikely place to look for solutions to New
Zealand’s electricity security crisis. But their underutilised surfaces could
help tackle two problems at once – high power prices and algal growth.

Australians are installing batteries at a record rate, as rooftop solar heads for major new milestone

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:22:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australians-are-installing-batteries-at-a-record-rate-as-rooftop-solar-heads-for-major-new-milestone/>

"Australia is hurtling towards a major new milestone of 25 gigawatts (GW) total
installed rooftop solar capacity, and adding behind-the-meter batteries to the
mix at a record rate, as households and businesses continue their march to

AI is fuelling a deepfake porn crisis in South Korea. What’s behind it – and how can it be fixed?

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:23:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ai-is-fuelling-a-deepfake-porn-crisis-in-south-korea-whats-behind-it-and-how-can-it-be-fixed-238217>

"It’s difficult to talk about artificial intelligence without talking about
deepfake porn – a harmful AI byproduct that has been used to target everyone
from Taylor Swift to Australian school girls.

Forrest strikes $4 billion deal for electric trucks and dozers to eliminate fossil fuels at giant mines

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:24:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/fortescue-strikes-4-billion-deal-for-electric-trucks-and-dozers-to-eliminate-fossil-fuels-at-giant-mines/>

"Iron ore billionaire and green energy evangelist Andrew Forrest has struck a
$4 billion deal that will see hundreds of giant electric trucks, excavators and
dozers installed at its huge iron ore mines to help eliminate the burning of

Humanity needs more rare earth elements. Extinct volcanoes could be a rich new source

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:25:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/humanity-needs-more-rare-earth-elements-extinct-volcanoes-could-be-a-rich-new-source-239410>

"Extinct volcanoes are hard to study – we never see them erupt. Using a unique
experimental technique, we were able to recreate a certain type of extinct
volcano in a lab, learning more about the magma these volcanoes produce.

“Shocking, shameful, abhorrent:” Coal mine approvals slammed for reckless disregard of climate

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:26:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/shocking-shameful-abhorrent-coal-mine-approvals-slammed-for-reckless-disregard-of-climate/>

"The Albanese government has given the green tick to three major thermal coal
mine expansions in New South Wales, in a move that critics say lays bare the
blatant disregard of climate change in Australia’s federal environmental laws.

Where do we stash the equivalent of 110 Sydney harbour bridges? That’s the conundrum Australia faces as oil and gas rigs close

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:27:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/where-do-we-stash-the-equivalent-of-110-sydney-harbour-bridges-thats-the-conundrum-australia-faces-as-oil-and-gas-rigs-close-235867>

"Oil and gas wells are dotted off Australia’s shores. They involve huge steel
structures fixed firmly to the sea floor, and thousands of kilometres of
pipelines.

It Turns Out Charging Stations Are Cash Cows For Nearby Businesses

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:38:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://insideevs.com/news/734705/ev-chargers-cash-cow-nearby/

'When people ask me how long it takes me to top off while charging, I often
give them the same spiel: "Long enough for me to use the bathroom, grab a snack
or drink, and walk back to the car." It turns out I'm not alone.

Climate scientists call on Labour to pause £1bn plans for carbon capture

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:05:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/25/climate-scientists-call-on-labour-to-pause-1bn-investment-plans-carbon-capture-blue-hydrogen>

"Leading climate scientists are urging the government to pause plans for a
billion pound investment in “green technologies” they say are unproven and
would make it harder for the UK to reach its net zero targets.

He’s 130, with three eyes and two girlfriends: meet New Zealand’s beloved tuatara Henry

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:07:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/26/henry-new-zealand-tuatara-age-130>

"About 130 years ago – as New Zealand women celebrated their world-first right
to vote, athletes competed in the first international Olympic Games, and the
first motion pictures were flickering into view – a tiny mottled green reptile

Celebrating Birds, Together

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:08:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.birdcount.org/bird-and-people-photos-gbbc-2024/

"The 2024 Great Backyard Bird Count saw hundreds of thousands of people turn
their eyes and ears outside to watch and listen for birds—on every continent
and virtually every country. Fortunately for us, many of those people brought

What are ‘rent tech’ platforms? Action on reining in these exploitative tools is long overdue

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:11:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-are-rent-tech-platforms-action-on-reining-in-these-exploitative-tools-is-long-overdue-239602>

"This week the New South Wales government announced it would introduce
legislation that ensures renters are offered convenient, fee-free options to
pay their rent.

It Happened Again: Child In UK Initially Denied Passport Over Copyright

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:13:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/23/it-happened-again-child-in-uk-initially-denied-passport-over-copyright/>

"It happened again and it has to stop. Back in 2014, we talked about how a UK
woman had trouble getting her passport approved because her middle name was
“Skywalker” and the UK’s passport office for some reason thought that Disney

No people, no problem: AI chatbots predict elections better than humans

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:07:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.semafor.com/article/09/20/2024/ai-startup-aaru-uses-chatbots-instead-of-humans-for-political-polls>

"In a closely watched New York Democratic primary in June, centrist George
Latimer ousted incumbent Jamaal Bowman by a wide margin of 58.7% to 41.3%.

Mixing it up: hybrid work models can offer the best of both worlds for worker wellbeing and productivity

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:08:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/mixing-it-up-hybrid-work-models-can-offer-the-best-of-both-worlds-for-worker-wellbeing-and-productivity-239710>

"Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sparked debate on the future of work in New
Zealand this week when he ordered public service employees back to the office.

Why are we seeing more pandemics? Our impact on the planet has a lot to do with it

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:09:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-are-we-seeing-more-pandemics-our-impact-on-the-planet-has-a-lot-to-do-with-it-226827>

"Pandemics – the global spread of infectious diseases – seem to be making a
comeback. In the Middle Ages we had the Black Death (plague), and after the
first world war we had the Spanish flu. Tens of millions of people died from

Researchers discover simple secret to extend battery lifespans by 50 pct

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:19:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/researchers-discover-simple-secret-to-extend-battery-lifespans-by-50-pct/>

"Researchers in the United States have discovered a simple method of extending
the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by as much as 50 per cent.

Taliban to be taken to international court over gender discrimination

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:19:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/25/taliban-to-be-taken-to-international-court-over-gender-discrimination>

"The Taliban are to be taken to the international court of justice for gender
discrimination by Canada, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands in a
groundbreaking move.

Microwave tech cuts perovskite cell cook time from 30 mins to just 30s

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:20:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/microwave-tech-cuts-perovskite-cell-cook-time-from-30-mins-to-just-30s/>

"Faster perovskite cell manufacturing may be around the corner, thanks to
technology advances that swaps out a hot plate for a microwave.

“Net zero is a con:” Forrest outlines how Fortescue mines will eliminate fossil fuels by end of decade

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:00:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/net-zero-is-a-con-forrest-outlines-how-fortescue-mines-will-eliminate-fossil-fuels-by-end-of-decade/>

"A day after unveiling a $4 billion plan to buy hundreds of electric haul
trucks, dozers and excavators, and unveiling the world’s most powerful EV fast
charger, iron ore billionaire Andrew Forrest has outlined in detail how his

Sea level rise inevitable for Pacific Islands despite future greenhouse gas emissions reduction, NASA finds

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:01:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-26/sea-levels-will-rise-new-research-nasa/104400114>

'Pacific Island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati and Fiji will experience at
least 20 centimetres of sea level rise in the next 30 years regardless of
whether greenhouse gas emissions change in the short term, according to new

Fortescue’s 6MW electric vehicle charger stuns the EV and mining industries

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:03:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/26/fortescues-6mw-electric-vehicle-charger-stuns-the-ev-and-mining-industries/>

"Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals grabbed some headlines this week with news
that it would invest $4 billion for hundreds of giant electric haul trucks,
electric dozers and electric excavators. But what really caught many people’s

Opinion: Authoritarianism and hatred are no match for a politics of love

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:04:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-09-17/election-authoritarianism-fascism-mussolini-donald-trump-kamala-harris>

"In 1941, as Allied bombs fell on Italy and Benito Mussolini plunged his
country further into war, the young Italian filmmaker Alberto Lattuada
explained how 20 years of fascist rule had led to catastrophe.

Trina unveils world’s first fully recycled silicon solar module

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:05:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/trina-unveils-worlds-first-fully-recycled-silicon-solar-module/>

"Chinese solar manufacturing giant Trina Solar announced this week that it has
successfully produced the world’s first fully recycled crystalline silicon
(c-Si) module which still boasts efficiency of 20.7 per cent and power output

‘You could single-handedly push it to extinction’: how social media is putting our rarest wildlife at risk

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:07:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/26/social-media-posts-endangered-species-capercaillie-birders-aoe>

"With its impressive size, striking plumage and rowdy displays, sighting a
capercaillie is many birders’ dream. Only about 530 of the large woodland
grouse survive in the wild in Scotland, most in the Cairngorms national park.

The Hospitals That Send Patients Home With Nutritious Food

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 04:56:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/food-pantries-in-hospitals-nutrition/

"The waiting room in the basement of Boston Medical Center looks like any
other, with lines of chairs and a TV. But when patients here are called in,
they don’t enter an exam room. Instead, they’re welcomed into the Preventive

California’s first new national marine sanctuary in 32 years to ban offshore oil drilling along 100 miles of coastline

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 04:59:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/06/california-to-get-first-new-national-marine-sanctuary-in-32-years-banning-offshore-oil-drilling-along-more-than-100-miles-of-coastline/>

"A long-running effort by native tribes and environmentalists to establish the
first new national marine sanctuary along California’s coastline in 32 years —
the aquatic version of a new national park, where offshore oil drilling would

Before Trump, there was a long history of race-baiting, fear-mongering and building walls on the US-Mexico border

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 05:00:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/before-trump-there-was-a-long-history-of-race-baiting-fear-mongering-and-building-walls-on-the-us-mexico-border-238425>

"Last month, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered a
one-hour address on the danger of illegal immigration to the United States. His
stage was the US-Mexico border in Arizona and the set piece of his performance

Britain’s tropical rain and parched Amazon are new norms in a messed-up climate

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 05:01:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/26/britain-tropical-rain-parched-amazon-new-norms-messed-up-climate>

"Returning to British suburbia from the Brazilian Amazon is always
disconcerting, but it has been doubly weird in the past few days because the
London commuter belt has been inundated with volumes of rain that normally

The common raupō once kept NZ’s wetlands and lakes thriving – now it could help restore them

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 05:02:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-common-raupo-once-kept-nzs-wetlands-and-lakes-thriving-now-it-could-help-restore-them-238887>

"With about 90% of New Zealand’s natural wetlands drained or severely damaged
during the past decades, we need to understand the role of native plants in the
restoration of these important habitats.

Sukhdeep wants to see her mother while she is still alive – but Australia’s visa rules have left her in limbo

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 05:03:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/26/sukhdeep-wants-to-see-her-mother-while-she-is-still-alive-but-australias-visa-rules-have-left-her-in-limbo>

"Sukhdeep Kaur sits in her living room in Melbourne, phone in hand, day after
day, waiting for her mother, Ranwant, to call from Ludhiana in India. The phone
rings in the evenings – when the time difference and her mother’s cancer

Honest Government Ad | TRUMP 2024 🇺🇸🦅

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:42:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHuMjIhS6t0

"The "US Government" has made an ad about the 2024 election, and it’s
surprisingly honest and informative"

ChatGPT is changing the way we write. Here’s how – and why it’s a problem

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:42:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/chatgpt-is-changing-the-way-we-write-heres-how-and-why-its-a-problem-239601>

"Have you noticed certain words and phrases popping up everywhere lately?

Phrases such as “delve into” and “navigate the landscape” seem to feature in

In a new manifesto, OpenAI’s Sam Altman envisions an AI utopia – and reveals glaring blind spots

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:43:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/in-a-new-manifesto-openais-sam-altman-envisions-an-ai-utopia-and-reveals-glaring-blind-spots-239841>

"By now, many of us are probably familiar with artificial intelligence hype. AI
will make artists redundant! AI can do lab experiments! AI will end grief!

How Bad Is It to Be a Software Engineer in Today's Market?

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:44:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium.cfd/https://code.likeagirl.io/how-bad-is-it-to-be-a-software-engineer-in-todays-market-1ffb986489b6>

"Just a few years ago, software engineering was a dream job, with endless
opportunities and high salaries for even entry-level developers. Boot camps
were thriving, and the industry couldn't fill positions fast enough. But the

Grattan on Friday: Experts want Albanese to lead on indoor air quality as part of pandemic planning

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:45:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-experts-want-albanese-to-lead-on-indoor-air-quality-as-part-of-pandemic-planning-239829>

"Last month, a delegation led by Brendan Crabb, head of the Burnet Institute, a
prestigious medical research body, met Anthony Albanese in the prime minister’s
parliament house office.

Covid on the rise as experts say England has ‘capitulated’ to the virus

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 12:46:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/26/covid-on-the-rise-as-experts-say-england-has-capitulated-to-the-virus>

"Covid is on the rise in England, and experts have warned that more must be
done to prevent and control infections after a “capitulation to the virus”.

When Russia and Israel talk about setting up ‘buffer zones’ what they are really talking about is a land grab

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:05:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/when-russia-and-israel-talk-about-setting-up-buffer-zones-what-they-are-really-talking-about-is-a-land-grab-239765>

"In the conflicts raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, we have recently seen
calls for the establishment of what are being referred to as “buffer zones”.

Maggie Smith, Oscar-winning star of stage and screen, dies aged 89

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:07:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/sep/27/maggie-smith-oscar-winning-star-of-stage-and-screen-dies-aged-89>

"Maggie Smith, the prolific, multi-award-winning actor described by peers as
being “one of a kind” and possessed of a “sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable
talent”, has died aged 89.

Africa is the world’s largest market for Guinness beer – how its ad campaigns exploit men

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:07:46 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/africa-is-the-worlds-largest-market-for-guinness-beer-how-its-ad-campaigns-exploit-men-239120>

"Africa is the world’s largest market for Guinness beer (and Nigeria is second
only to Britain for the most consumers in one country). The Irish brand’s
success on the continent is regarded as a trailblazing business model. And that

Easing Africa’s debt burdens: a fresh approach, based on an old idea

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:08:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/easing-africas-debt-burdens-a-fresh-approach-based-on-an-old-idea-239427>

"The statistics are stark: 54 governments, of which 25 are African, are
spending at least 10% of their revenues on servicing their debts; 48 countries,
home to 3.3 billion people, are spending more on debt service than on health or

The audacity of Kamala Harris’ laughter – and the racist roots of Trump’s derision

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:09:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-audacity-of-kamala-harris-laughter-and-the-racist-roots-of-trumps-derision-238189>

"Just when the summer uproar over Donald Trump calling his potential rival
“Laffin’ Kamala” and “Cackling Copilot Kamala Harris” was beginning to subside,
an apparent new round of attacks by Trump and other Republicans has emerged

I am tired of AI

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:11:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.ontestautomation.com/i-am-tired-of-ai/

"Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few years, you probably
have seen the same massive surge I’ve seen in the application of artificial
intelligence (AI) to pretty much every problem out there, in software testing,

Assam's rhino population grows fivefold as poaching drops 86% since 2016

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:29:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/assam-s-rhino-population-grows-fivefold-as-poaching-drops-86-since-2016-124092300450_1.html>

"Assam has seen a fivefold increase in its one-horned rhinoceros population
over the past sixty years, growing from about 600 in the 1960s to over 3,000.
This data was shared by the Assam government in celebration of World Rhino Day

How Germany outfitted half a million balconies with solar panels

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:32:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://grist.org/buildings/how-germany-outfitted-half-a-million-balconies-with-solar-panels/>

"Matthias Weyland loves having people ask about his balcony. A pair of solar
panels hang from the railing, casting a sheen of dark blue against the red
brick of his apartment building. They’re connected to a microinverter plugged

LibriVox: Free public domain audiobooks

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:34:16 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://librivox.org/

"LibriVox volunteers record chapters of books in the public domain, and then we
release the audio files back onto the net for free. All our audio is in the
public domain, so you may use it for whatever purpose you wish. Please note:

Reading desert sands – Indigenous wildlife tracking skills underpin vast monitoring project

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:35:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/reading-desert-sands-indigenous-wildlife-tracking-skills-underpin-vast-monitoring-project-238978>

"As animals move across the desert, they leave tracks, diggings and droppings.
For skilled trackers, reading these signs is like watching a movie. A story of
who was there and what they were doing unfolds in front of them.

New California law inspired by Ubisoft and Sony requires retailers to warn consumers that the digital games they buy can be taken away at any time

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:38:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/new-california-law-inspired-by-ubisoft-and-sony-requires-retailers-to-warn-consumers-that-the-digital-games-they-buy-can-be-taken-away-at-any-time/>

'A new California law set to come into effect in 2025 will make it illegal for
sellers to use terms like "buy" or "purchase" in relation to digital
goods—movies, books, and of course videogames—unless they provide a "clear and

Green roofs and solar chimneys are here – experts say it’s time to use them

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:39:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/sep/27/using-green-roofs-solar-chimneys-indoor-cooling>

"The US sweltered under record-breaking heat this year, with new research
suggesting that air conditioning is no longer enough to keep homes cool.
Spiraling energy demands and costs of indoor cooling now have planners looking

What pathogen might spark the next pandemic? How scientists are preparing for ‘disease X’

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:31:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-pathogen-might-spark-the-next-pandemic-how-scientists-are-preparing-for-disease-x-223193>

"Before the COVID pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) had made a list
of priority infectious diseases. These were felt to pose a threat to
international public health, but where research was still needed to improve

POSSE: Reclaiming social media in a fragmented world

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:32:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.citationneeded.news/posse/

"First it was LiveJournal, Friendster, and MySpace. Then Facebook exploded onto
the scene. Twitter came along not long after, although it would still be a
while before it integrated now-ubiquitous features like mentions, retweets, and

The Dutch ‘tile whipping’ competition to green gardens and streets

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:33:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/the-dutch-tile-whipping-competition-to-green-gardens-and-streets/>

"Move over, football. The Netherlands has a new national sport, one helping to
greenify gardens and rewild urban spaces. This year marks the fourth annual
Tegelwippen – which translates literally as ‘tile whipping’ – where Dutch

Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 winners – in pictures

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:34:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/bird-photographer-of-the-year-2024-winners-in-pictures/>

"A tobogganing penguin, balletic goldfinch and a Peregrine Falcon fledgling
gleefully chasing a butterfly are among the winning shots in this year’s Bird
Photographer of the Year competition.

Opus Dei and the Moneybags Kid

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:35:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/opus-dei-leonard-leo-supreme-court-moneybags-kid-1235115538/>

"In an excerpt from his new book OPUS: The Cult of Dark Money, Human
Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church, author
Gareth Gore examines the ties binding Supreme Court kingmaker Leonard Leo and

Remote rescue: how aviation skills picked up in the RAF during the second world war can save lives today

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:36:14 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.positive.news/society/the-aviation-charity-saving-lives/

"Atauro Island in Timor-Leste is a tropical paradise of turquoise waters,
swaying palms, white sandy beaches and some of the most beautiful and
biodiverse coral reefs in the world.

From wastelands to wetlands: The fight to save Sri Lanka's natural flood buffers

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:17:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20240917-how-sri-lanka-is-cleaning-up-wastelands-and-reviving-colombos-wetlands>

'Pay Drechsel is going for his daily morning walk around Thalangama Wetland, in
Sri Lanka's capital Colombo. The Sun casts a warm glow over flowering pink
water lilies as a farmer scrubs down his water buffalo. A kingfisher hovers

Studio 100 Int’l Announces HD Remasters of Classic Animated Series

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:19:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/09/studio-100-intl-announces-hd-remasters-of-classic-animated-series/>

"Studio 100 International is breathing new life into its iconic classic series,
embarking on a remastering project to make them available in Full-HD and 16:9
widescreen format for the very first time. Iconic IPs such as Sindbad,

Can you change your personality? Psychology research says yes, by tweaking what you think and do

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:20:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/can-you-change-your-personality-psychology-research-says-yes-by-tweaking-what-you-think-and-do-237190>

"Have you ever taken a personality test? If you’re like me, you’ve consulted
BuzzFeed and you know exactly which Taylor Swift song “perfectly matches your
vibe.”

Reclaiming the Narrative: Nemonte Nenquimo’s Fight for Her People and the Earth

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:21:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://latina.com/reclaiming-the-narrative-nemonte-nenquimos-fight-for-her-people-and-the-earth/>

"“For us, stories are living beings,” writes Nemonte Nenquimo in the
introduction of her memoir, We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People,
co-written with her husband, and fellow activist Mitch Anderson, “A story dies

JD Vance Really Hates The Cat Ladies

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:24:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://digbysblog.net/2024/09/27/jd-vance-really-hates-the-cat-ladies/

"Media Matters found a number of examples of JDs irrational hostility toward
childless people, particularly women who haven’t given birth. It’s creepy and
bizarre:

World leaders adopt pivotal UN Pact for the Future

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:28:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154581

"The Pact for the Future

Cellar Door

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:29:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.cellar-door.co.uk/

"We're on a quest to find the most beautiful word in the English language.
We'll show you two words; choose the one you like the most."

Jordan becomes first country to receive WHO verification for eliminating leprosy

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:31:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.who.int/news/item/19-09-2024-jordan-becomes-first-country-to-receive-who-verification-for-eliminating-leprosy>

"The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulates the Hashemite Kingdom of
Jordan for becoming the first country in the world to be officially verified as
having eliminated leprosy. This significant milestone marks a new era in global

Stem cells reverse woman’s diabetes — a world first

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:33:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03129-3

"A 25-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes started producing her own insulin
less than three months after receiving a transplant of reprogrammed stem cells.
She is the first person with the disease to be treated using cells that were

The Pursuit of Truth: for inclusive, democratic societies

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:40:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.clintonfoundation.org/commitment/clinton-global-initiative/the-pursuit-of-truth-for-inclusive-democratic-societies/>

"In 2024, BBC Media Action is launching The Pursuit of Truth, a
groundbreaking new initiative devoted to truthful reporting through the support
of reporters, newsrooms, and media ecosystems. BBC Media Action is committing

Acclaimed artist Tom Moore uses ancient glassblowing technique to create prize-winning Dandy Lion

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:42:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-30/glass-artist-tom-moore-wins-fuse-glass-prize/104377172>

'When Tom Moore first watched a team of glass blowers at work, he says "it felt
like they were juggling fire … it blew my mind".

Russians who promote 'child-free movement' could soon face hefty fine

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:55:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-proposes-ban-child-free-lifestyle-rcna172616>

"Russia’s fight against the West and its values has taken aim this week at an
“ideology” that the Kremlin and its allies say threatens the country’s very
foundations: people not wanting to have children.

Australia may be facing another La Niña summer. We’ve found a way to predict them earlier, to help us prepare

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:56:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australia-may-be-facing-another-la-nina-summer-weve-found-a-way-to-predict-them-earlier-to-help-us-prepare-239826>

"Meteorologists are again predicting a possible La Niña this summer, which
means Australia may face wetter and cooler conditions than normal.

New Zealand reclaims world record for largest mass haka

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:58:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/29/new-zealand-reclaims-world-record-for-largest-mass-haka>

"New Zealand has reclaimed the world record for the largest mass haka after
more than 6,000 people performed the Māori dance, dethroning France.

Artists, social climbers and mermaids: 10 Australian women who followed their dreams to the US in the early 20th century

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:59:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/artists-social-climbers-and-mermaids-10-australian-women-who-followed-their-dreams-to-the-us-in-the-early-20th-century-237458>

"Review: Travelling to Tomorrow: The Modern Women Who Sparked Australia’s
Romance with America – Yves Rees (NewSouth)

Our leaders are collaborators with fossil fuel colonialists. This is the source of our communal dread

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:00:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/30/our-leaders-are-collaborators-with-fossil-fuel-colonialists-this-is-the-source-of-our-communal-dread>

"“Kids these days are such snowflakes! So flaccid and self-involved, so doomy
and anxious. If it’s not the drugs, it’s the screen time, right? I mean, what’s
their problem?”

A new immersive cinema is helping firefighters to better prepare for megafires

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:02:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/a-new-immersive-cinema-is-helping-firefighters-to-better-prepare-for-megafires-235892>

"As summer approaches, the threat of bushfires looms. Earlier this month, an
out-of-control blaze in Sydney’s northern beaches burnt more than 100 hectares
of bushland, threatening nearby homes.

The painstaking race to save a renowned Victorian experience

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:34:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-painstaking-race-to-save-a-renowned-victorian-experience-20240929-p5ked9.html>

"Huddled together, blasted by icy winds, waiting to catch a glimpse of tiny
penguins waddling ashore.

Attacks on health care during war are becoming more common, creating devastating ripple effects

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:35:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/attacks-on-health-care-during-war-are-becoming-more-common-creating-devastating-ripple-effects-237484>

"The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
has warned attacks on health-care workers, patients and facilities “must not
become the norm”.

A multi-billion dollar solar sheep rental industry is taking shape in Australia

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:36:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-multi-billion-dollar-solar-sheep-rental-industry-is-taking-shape-in-australia/>

"Solar grazing isn’t a reality in Australia yet, but farmer-turned vegetation
managers are pricking up their ears at the US-born concept.

The climate crisis is here. We can still have a better world.

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:37:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.vox.com/climate/374637/climate-ayana-elizabeth-johnson-what-if-we-get-it-right-gray-area>

"If I asked you to tell me the one issue that makes you feel the most
pessimistic, what would it be?

Lithuania refers the Situation in Belarus to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to investigate the crimes against humanity committed by the authoritarian regime of Lukashenko

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:39:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://tm.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuania-refers-the-situation-in-belarus-to-the-prosecutor-of-the-international-criminal-court-to-investigate-the-crimes-against-humanity-committed-by-the-authoritarian-regime-of-lukashenko/>

"1. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania, pursuant to Articles 13(a) and
14 of the Rome Statute, on 30 September 2024, referred to the International
Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) the situation in the Republic of Belarus for

Switzerland, Italy to redraw borders because of glacier melt

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:40:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/09/30/Switzerland-border-Italy-glacier/2871727699352/>

"Sept. 30 (UPI) — Switzerland and Italy redrew their shared borders in
response to fast-melting glaciers along the Matterhorn.

Transforming seaweeds into raw materials for aviation fuel and pharmaceuticals

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:50:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://phys.org/news/2024-09-seaweeds-raw-materials-aviation-fuel.html

"A new technology has been developed to convert common seaweeds such as
Kkosiraegi, which are often used in cooking, into high-quality sources for both
bio-aviation fuels and energy storage devices. The results were published in

Can Australia prosecute foreigners for genocide overseas? Here’s how our atrocity laws work

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:51:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/can-australia-prosecute-foreigners-for-genocide-overseas-heres-how-our-atrocity-laws-work-236394>

"The onslaught in the Middle East has brought to the world’s attention once
again the “crime of crimes”, genocide.

Victory in Austria is another step in far right’s march across Europe

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:53:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/30/victory-austria-another-step-far-right-march-europe-eu>

"It had been expected for months – the party had been leading the polls since
2022. Nor was it exactly a crushing victory: far from an absolute majority, and
just two points more than its previous highest score. It may not even end up in

How do economists judge Australia’s response to the COVID pandemic?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:55:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-do-economists-judge-australias-response-to-the-covid-pandemic-236403>

"Review: Australia’s Pandemic Exceptionalism: How we Crushed the Curve But
Lost the Race by Steven Hamilton and Richard Holden (NewSouth)

Australia’s ‘immoral’ coalmine decision akin to drowning Pacific neighbours, Tuvalu climate minister declares

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:57:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/01/australia-coalmine-decision-akin-to-drowning-its-pacific-neighbours-tuvalu-climate-minister-says>

"Tuvalu’s climate minister says Australia’s decision to approve three coalmine
expansions calls into question the country’s claim to be a “member of the
Pacific family” and undermines the Australian case to co-host the 2026 UN

New research reveals why the mighty Darling River is drying up – and it’s not just because we’re taking too much water

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:58:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/new-research-reveals-why-the-mighty-darling-river-is-drying-up-and-its-not-just-because-were-taking-too-much-water-239923>

"Water flows in mainland Australia’s most important river system, the
Murray-Darling Basin, have been declining for the past 50 years. The trend has
largely been blamed on water extraction, but our new research shows another

Low Orbit Satellite Companies Respond To Scientists’ Concerns About Light And Environmental Pollution With Even Bigger, Brighter Satellites

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:13:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/27/low-orbit-satellite-companies-respond-to-scientists-concerns-about-light-and-environmental-pollution-with-even-bigger-brighter-satellites/>

"Scientists say that low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations being built
by Amazon, Starlink, and AT&T pose a dire threat to astronomy and scientific
research, and that too little is being done to address the issue.

Tim Winton goes cli-fi – his dystopian novel Juice breaks new ground to face the climate emergency

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:15:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/tim-winton-goes-cli-fi-his-dystopian-novel-juice-breaks-new-ground-to-face-the-climate-emergency-238769>

"Review: Juice – Tim Winton (Hamish Hamilton)

When I got my first job in publishing in New York City, the managing editor

Reality Hits AI Very Hard Again

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:17:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/@ignacio.de.gregorio.noblejas/reality-hits-ai-very-hard-again-9c6b68143147>

"In an industry as hyped as Generative AI, it's more important to know the
things that don't work than those that do. However, knowing what's true and
provable and what's empty hype is not something that standard media or

Why the changing representation of dwarfism in Disney’s live action Snow White remake is so important

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:18:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-the-changing-representation-of-dwarfism-in-disneys-live-action-snow-white-remake-is-so-important-239275>

"The upcoming release of Disney’s live action remake of Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs, currently scheduled for March 2025, has been surrounded by
controversy – so much so that the film’s trailer has received over 1 million

Hurricanes Grow Stronger in New Era of Superstorms

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:36:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/aha-science/hurricanes-are-off-the-charts-eb4927690693>

'Hurricane Helene's rapid intensification this week and its ultimate power of
destruction through record storm surges, high winds and an utter deluge
hundreds of miles inland are all reflections of the changing climate, and

Jimmy Carter at 100: how his life outside the White House proves he’s long been ahead of his time

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:40:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/jimmy-carter-at-100-how-his-life-outside-the-white-house-proves-hes-long-been-ahead-of-his-time-240016>

"On October 1, Jimmy Carter, the United States’ 39th president, turns 100.

Carter’s longevity is notable. In 2024, centenarians make up just 0.03% of the

Pharrell Williams Released A LEGO Set And Included Me In It

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:46:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/bricksnbrackets/pharrell-williams-released-a-lego-set-and-included-me-in-it-1b4b567013d8>

'It most definitely feels odd to see Pharrell Williams' name on the LEGO store
shelves. It feels odd, it looks odd, and you can't but raise one eyebrow, then
another and wonder confused as to why a musician suddenly ended up being

Animals in the machine: why the law needs to protect animals from AI

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:46:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/animals-in-the-machine-why-the-law-needs-to-protect-animals-from-ai-234176>

"The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered concern about
potentially detrimental effects on humans. However, the technology also has the
potential to harm animals.

The Copyright Directive’s Link Tax Has Been A Failure; Will Anyone Learn From This?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:48:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/30/the-copyright-directives-link-tax-has-been-a-failure-will-anyone-learn-from-this/>

"It seems so long ago that people were trying to stop the worst aspects of the
EU Copyright Directive. It was quite a battle, as Chapter 6 of Walled Culture
the book (free digital versions available) recounts in detail. The final

An Post releases ‘Imagine Ireland’ AI stamp that’s also an NFT — in 2024

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:49:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://pivot-to-ai.com/2024/10/01/an-post-releases-imagine-ireland-ai-stamp-thats-also-an-nft-in-2024/>

"An Post, the Irish post office, has released a new series of stamps, “Imagine
Ireland,” generated by “AI artist” and advertising executive Kasia Oźmin.

Exmouth, gateway to Ningaloo, to go 80 per cent renewables with help of solar and battery

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:50:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/exmouth-gateway-to-ningaloo-to-go-80-per-cent-renewables-with-help-of-solar-and-battery/>

"Two Western Australian power companies have struck a 20 year deal to supply
mostly renewable electricity to Exmouth, a remote town near the world-heritage
Ningaloo reserve in the state’s north west.

Paralyzed Man Unable to Walk After Maker of His Powered Exoskeleton Tells Him It's Now Obsolete

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:52:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://futurism.com/neoscope/paralyzed-man-exoskeleton-too-old

'A former jockey who was left paralyzed from the waist down after a horse
riding accident was able to walk again thanks to a cutting-edge piece of
robotic tech: a $100,000 ReWalk Personal exoskeleton.

The world’s largest battery electric ferry is being built in Australia: What will power it?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:56:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/09/30/the-worlds-largest-battery-electric-ferry-is-being-built-in-australia-what-will-power-it/>

"Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania is currently building the world’s largest
zero-emissions catamaran ferry which will be fully battery-powered and use a
battery electric propulsion system and waterjets from Finnish technology giant

US justice department announces investigation into Tulsa race massacre

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:58:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/01/tulsa-race-massacre-doj-investigation>

"Late Monday, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced it plans to launch
the first-ever federal investigation into the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, in
which hundreds of Black Tulsans were killed, thousands were displaced and

Pine martens return to Dartmoor after 150-year absence

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:59:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/oct/01/pine-martens-return-to-dartmoor-after-150-year-absence>

"Fifteen pine martens are darting through the woods of Dartmoor for the first
time in 150 years after the rare but recovering species was reintroduced into
south-west England.

Gen Z supports sustainability – and fuels ultra-fast fashion. How does that work?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/gen-z-supports-sustainability-and-fuels-ultra-fast-fashion-how-does-that-work-238874>

"Generation Z has been called “the sustainability generation”.

Born between 1997 and 2013, 58% of this consumer cohort seek to buy products

Alpine dingoes at risk of extinction after Victorian government extends right to cull

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:02:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/02/alpine-dingoes-at-risk-of-extinction-after-victorian-government-extends-right-to-cull>

"Traditional owners and dingo advocates say a Victorian government decision
extending the right to kill dingoes on private and public land until 2028 could
threaten local populations with extinction.

Enough, already: why humanity must get on board with the concept of ‘sufficiency’

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:03:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/enough-already-why-humanity-must-get-on-board-with-the-concept-of-sufficiency-235013>

"Humanity’s rapacious consumption is more than Earth and its climate can
handle, which is driving an ecological crisis. Australians are the worst
offenders per person due to our excessive resource use.

St Baker battery giga factory starts commercial production in the Philippines

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:33:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/st-baker-battery-giga-factory-starts-commercial-production-in-the-philippines/>

"A gigawatt-scale battery manufacturing plant backed by – and named after – the
energy innovation vehicle of former Australian coal baron Trevor St Baker has
begun commercial production in the Philippines.

Scientists have found carbon dioxide on Pluto’s largest moon – offering clues about how it formed

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:34:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/scientists-have-found-carbon-dioxide-on-plutos-largest-moon-offering-clues-about-how-it-formed-240115>

"In the outer reaches of our Solar System, 5.7 billion kilometres from the Sun,
lies the dwarf planet Pluto. Smaller than Australia, it is an icy world of
mountains, glaciers and craters where the average temperature is –232°C.

Last coal power station in UK shuts down, brings coal era to end after 143 years

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:36:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/last-coal-power-station-in-uk-shuts-down-bring-coal-era-to-end-after-143-years/>

"After nearly 143 years of power generation, the era of coal in the United
Kingdom has drawn to a close, with the 2GW Ratcliffe-on-Soar facility in the
East Midlands officially ceasing operations at midnight on Monday UK time.

I got generative AI to attempt an undergraduate law exam. It struggled with complex questions

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:37:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/i-got-generative-ai-to-attempt-an-undergraduate-law-exam-it-struggled-with-complex-questions-240021>

"It’s been nearly two years since generative artificial intelligence was made
widely available to the public. Some models showed great promise by passing
academic and professional exams.

Coal generator switches off to make room for solar in significant boost to renewable switch

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:37:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/coal-generators-are-learning-how-to-shut-down-for-solar-in-significant-boost-to-renewable-switch/>

"Australia’s biggest coal generator AGL Energy has reported success with a
ground breaking initiative that will allow it to shut down coal units in the
middle of the day, effectively making way for rooftop and large scale solar to

The Internet Archive’s Fight to Save Itself

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:40:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.wired.com/story/internet-archive-memory-wayback-machine-lawsuits/>

"If you step into the headquarters of the Internet Archive on a Friday after
lunch, when it offers public tours, chances are you’ll be greeted by its
founder and merriest cheerleader, Brewster Kahle.

Offshore hydrogen “energy islands” could save Germany €4 billion per year – report

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:40:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-hydrogen-energy-islands-could-save-germany-e4-billion-per-year-report/>

"Building “energy islands” in the North Sea to produce green hydrogen using 20
gigawatts of offshore wind power can save Germany billions of euros, according
to a report by the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System

The Lies Russia Tells Itself

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:41:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/lies-russia-tells-itself

"In early September, the infamous Russian disinformation project known as
Doppelganger hit the news again. Doppelganger—a scheme to disseminate fake
articles, videos, and polls about polarizing political and cultural issues in

If motorists knew more about electric cars, they’d be more willing to buy them

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:43:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/10/02/if-motorists-knew-more-about-electric-cars-theyd-be-more-willing-to-buy-them/>

"Knowledge and familiarity with electric vehicles (EVs) could be the missing
link in speeding up their adoption, with a new study published this week by
NRMA indicating that if motorists knew more about EVs they would be more

Marvel, DC Lose ‘Superhero’ Trademarks After Failing To Respond To Cancellation Petition

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:44:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/10/01/marvel-dc-lose-superhero-trademarks-after-failing-to-respond-to-cancellation-petition/>

"We have a hero in our midst, one that is responsible for freeing up the term
“superhero” from its previous trademark imprisonment. If you don’t recall,
Scott Richold is a British comic artist who produces the Superbabies line of

California’s Gavin Newsom signs law banning all plastic bags at grocery stores

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:46:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/23/california-plastic-bag-ban>

"“Paper or plastic” will no longer be a choice at grocery store checkout lines
in California under a new law signed on Sunday by the governor, Gavin Newsom,
that bans all plastic shopping bags.

Climate goal to triple global renewable energy by 2030 within reach, IEA says

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:47:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/embargoed-climate-goal-triple-global-renewable-energy-by-2030-within-reach-iea-2024-09-24/>

"LONDON, Sept 24 (Reuters) - A goal to triple global renewable energy capacity
by 2030 and cut fossil fuel use is within reach, the International Energy
Agency said in a report on Tuesday, but will require a huge push to unlock

Taylor Swift: Singer, Songwriter, Copyright Innovator

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:44:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2024/10/01/taylor-swift-singer-songwriter-copyright-innovator/>

"Taylor Swift is in the news, and not just because she has become the most
decorated solo artist of all time. The fact that Taylor Swift has already been
mentioned multiple times on Walled Culture underlines that she is also an

Tokaido Shinkansen marks 60th anniversary

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:48:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/01/japan/japan-tokaido-shinkansen-60-years/>

"The Tokaido Shinkansen marked its 60th anniversary on Tuesday, with a
commemorative ceremony at Tokyo Station held by Central Japan Railway (JR
Tokai) to send off the first train of the day.

How a Nation of Beekeepers Protects Pollinators

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:50:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/slovenia-beekeepers-protecting-pollinators/>

"Beekeeping has been a way of life for Peter Kozmus since he was 14 years old.
He had been part of a beekeeping club at school, and when his mentor decided to
retire and sell his bee colonies, he jumped at the opportunity. “My dad was a

How to Renovate Your Home for a Billion Children

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:54:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.wired.com/story/inside-tiktok-unhinged-home-remodeling-videos/>

"If you’ve been on TikTok at any point in the past six months, chances are
you’ve stumbled across them, as I first did during a fairly routine doomscroll
one night this summer. For me it started with two videos somewhat incongruously

The Californians Rescuing Surplus Produce to Fight Hunger

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:56:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/food-forward-fresh-produce-distribution/>

"The day at the “Pit Stop” warehouse in Bell, California, starts at 4 a.m.
Forklifts move pallets of tomatoes, broccoli and bell peppers into trucks.
Boxes of grapes and bananas wait to be loaded while trucks arrive with an

Peter Susanto becomes first NT youth delegate to attend annual UN climate change conference COP

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:58:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-02/darwin-teen-peter-susanto-to-attend-un-climate-change-conference/104383728>

'A Darwin teenager has been selected as one of just four Australian youth
delegates to take part in climate talks at a major upcoming United Nations
conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

4,000+ Free Movies Online: Great Classics, Indies, Noir, Westerns, Documentaries & More

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:03:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.openculture.com/freemoviesonline

"Watch 4,000+ movies free online. Includes classics, indies, film noir,
documentaries and other films, created by some of our greatest actors,
actresses and directors. The collection is divided into the following

The biodiversity jukebox: how sound can boost beneficial soil microbes to heal nature

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:03:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-biodiversity-jukebox-how-sound-can-boost-beneficial-soil-microbes-to-heal-nature-235866>

"In a race against time, scientists are exploring new ways to restore natural
systems. Alongside traditional methods such as planting trees, reducing
pollution and reintroducing native species, a surprising new tool is emerging:

The ABC’s racism review is scathing. Can Aunty find the strength of character to properly address it?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:06:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-abcs-racism-review-is-scathing-can-aunty-find-the-strength-of-character-to-properly-address-it-240203>

I am writing this because no one at the ABC — whose producers invited me
onto their coronation coverage as a guest — has uttered one word of public
support. Not one ABC executive has publicly refuted the lies written or

Gang violence leaves Haiti facing ‘worst hunger emergency in the western hemisphere’

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:07:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/oct/02/gang-violence-leaves-haiti-facing-worst-hunger-emergency-in-the-western-hemisphere>

"Half of all Haitians are struggling every day to find food as rampant gang
violence and lawlessness are causing “the worst hunger emergency in the western
hemisphere”, a report has found.

‘Iyashikei’ healing manga comforts readers with attention to small joys

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:09:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/iyashikei-healing-manga-comforts-readers-with-attention-to-small-joys-237117>

"Iyashikei is a Japanese genre that, according to Japanese studies scholar
Paul Roquet, tells stories that are designed to comfort and heal weary readers
by creating an aesthetic of calm. In order to achieve this, as Roquet

EPA will withdraw approval of Chevron plastic-based fuels likely to cause cancer

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:12:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/30/epa-withdraws-approval-chevron-fuels-causing-cancer>

"The US Environmental Protection Agency is planning to withdraw and reconsider
its approval for Chevron to produce 18 plastic-based fuels, including some that
an internal agency assessment found are highly likely to cause cancer.

More consumption, more demand for resources, more waste: why urban mining’s time has come

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:45:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/more-consumption-more-demand-for-resources-more-waste-why-urban-minings-time-has-come-232484>

"Pollution and waste, climate change and biodiversity loss are creating a
triple planetary crisis. In response, UN Environment Programme executive
director Inger Andersen has called for waste to be redefined as a valuable

A new solar farm is now shading Denver Botanic’s actual farm in one of the state’s biggest “agrivoltaics” experiments

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:47:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://coloradosun.com/2024/10/02/agrivoltaics-denver-botanic-gardens-chatfield-solar-power-vegetables/>

"Just south of the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, past the actual-farm
that includes a Halloween corn maze and a soulful pumpkin patch, there’s a new
solar farm taking root.

‘Survival sex’, ‘mob justice’ and more: the first independent study of abuse in the Australian Defence Force is damning

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:48:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Warning: this article describes institutionalised torture and abuse.

<https://theconversation.com/survival-sex-mob-justice-and-more-the-first-independent-study-of-abuse-in-the-australian-defence-force-is-damning-239522>

"Review: Warrior, Soldier, Brigand: Institutional Abuse within the Australian

Cuddles and drama as live stream shows secret life of ‘ridiculously fluffy’ greater glider

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:50:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/03/cuddles-and-drama-as-live-stream-shows-secret-life-of-ridiculously-fluffy-greater-glider>

"Conservationists call them “ridiculously cute” and “captivating” – and now a
live stream offers a global audience the chance to view life inside the hollow
for a family of eastern Australia’s largest gliding possums.

How can we improve public health communication for the next pandemic? Tackling distrust and misinformation is key

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:50:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-can-we-improve-public-health-communication-for-the-next-pandemic-tackling-distrust-and-misinformation-is-key-226718>

"There’s a common thread linking our experience of pandemics over the past 700
years. From the black death in the 14th century to COVID in the 21st, public
health authorities have put emergency measures such as isolation and quarantine

Hybrid solar and battery project dubbed first of its kind gets green light for construction

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:51:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/hybrid-solar-and-battery-project-dubbed-first-of-its-kind-gets-green-light-for-construction/>

"Plans to build a hybrid 360MW solar farm and 300MW, two-hour big battery in
Mortlake in Victoria’s south west, have been cleared for construction after
being given the all-clear by the state planning department this week.

Perth company successfully switches on solid state battery using table salt

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:28:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/perth-company-successfully-switches-on-solid-state-battery-using-table-salt/>

"A Perth company is planning its next steps after successfully switching on a
60 kilowatt (kW) sodium-chloride solid-state battery prototype in a trial in
Germany.

Barcelona Is Turning Subway Trains Into Power Stations

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:30:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/barcelona-subway-trains-power-stations/>

"Most of the passengers emerging from the station in Bellvitge, a working-class
neighborhood outside Barcelona, have no idea just how innovative the city’s
subway system is. Using technology not unlike the regenerative braking found in

“Pivotal moment” for ClearVue as it lands first order for solar cladding on iconic Perth building

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:30:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/pivotal-moment-for-clearvue-as-it-lands-first-order-for-solar-cladding-on-iconic-perth-building/>

"Australian smart building materials company ClearVue Technologies has landed
the first order for its solar building envelope solution which will be used for
the construction of an equipment screen on the Enex100 building in Perth.

Scrappy Farmers in Bangladesh Are Growing Pumpkins in Sand

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:31:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/scrappy-farmers-in-bangladesh-are-growing-pumpkins-in-sand/>

"In Bangladesh, river flooding is a fact of life — and it creates islands of
floodplain sediments known as chars. Around five percent of the country’s area
consists of these transitional lands, which form on the banks of rivers due to

Moldova Says Russia Channeling Millions to Thwart EU Path

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:32:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-03/moldova-says-russia-channeling-millions-to-thwart-its-eu-path>

"Authorities in Moldova said they uncovered a Russia-backed operation involving
130,000 of its citizens that was designed to influence crucial votes on
President Maia Sandu’s European aspirations this month.

Mining giant Fortescue says it’s time to walk away from the ‘proven fantasy’ of net zero

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:36:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/02/mining-giant-fortescue-time-to-walk-away-from-the-net-zero-fantasy.html>

"Australian mining tycoon Andrew Forrest, founder and executive chairman of
Fortescue, says it is time for the world to walk away from the “proven fantasy”
of net zero emissions by 2050 and to embrace “real zero” by 2040 instead.

Unite Against Book Bans: Book Résumés

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:31:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org/

"Book Résumés help teachers, librarians, parents, and community members defend
books from censorship. They detail each title’s significance and educational
value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees,

Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle: 5 key health priorities for future disaster response

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:32:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-cyclone-gabrielle-5-key-health-priorities-for-future-disaster-response-239392>

"“The climate crisis is a health crisis.” So says World Health Organization
Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.

The medicines we take to stay healthy are harming nature. Here’s what needs to change

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:33:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-medicines-we-take-to-stay-healthy-are-harming-nature-heres-what-needs-to-change-235012>

"Evidence is mounting that modern medicines present a growing threat to
ecosystems around the world. The chemicals humans ingest to stay healthy are
harming fish and other animals.

Friday essay: are wars and violence inevitable, or is there another way to live?

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:35:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-are-wars-and-violence-inevitable-or-is-there-another-way-to-live-239102>

"Most of us want to live in peace and safety. Yet violence is in epic
proportions, particularly towards women and children. The Israel-Palestine
conflict is now escalating into Lebanon. This week, Israeli troops entered

Solar car parks: Australia’s great untapped PV potential

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:36:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-car-parks-australias-great-untapped-pv-potential/>

"Australia has become a world leader in the uptake of rooftop solar PV, but one
of the assets that remains largely untouched are outdoor car parks.

71% of Australian uni staff are using AI. What are they using it for? What about those who aren’t?

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:37:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/71-of-australian-uni-staff-are-using-ai-what-are-they-using-it-for-what-about-those-who-arent-240337>

"Since ChatGPT was released at the end of 2022, there has been a lot of
speculation about the actual and potential impact of generative AI on
universities.

Australian researchers turn wine into a battery storage breakthrough

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:54:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-researchers-turn-wine-into-a-battery-storage-breakthrough/>

"Leftover wine and overripe citrus fruit could be used to create powerful
batteries after Australian chemists uncovered a fresh use for food acids.

Wildfires are burning through humanity’s carbon budget, study shows

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:56:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/03/wildfires-are-burning-through-humanitys-carbon-budget-study-shows>

"Wildfires are burning through the carbon budget that humans have allocated
themselves to limit global heating, a study shows.

Africa’s famous Serengeti and Maasai Mara are being hit by climate change – a major threat to wildlife and tourism

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:57:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/africas-famous-serengeti-and-maasai-mara-are-being-hit-by-climate-change-a-major-threat-to-wildlife-and-tourism-238378>

"The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara and
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, is one of the most famous and wildlife-rich
areas in Africa.

Climate change is causing algal blooms in Lake Superior for the first time in history

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:58:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-causing-algal-blooms-in-lake-superior-for-the-first-time-in-history-233515>

"Lake Superior is known for its pristine waters, but a combination of nutrient
additions from increasing human activity (including farming and development),
warming temperatures and stormy conditions have resulted in more frequent

If Peter Dutton has a better understanding of the cost of building nuclear, then let’s see it

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:59:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/if-peter-dutton-has-a-better-understanding-of-the-cost-of-building-nuclear-then-lets-see-it/>

"Two weeks ago, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
released a report analysing how much electricity prices and Australian
household energy bills would need to rise to make nuclear power plants

The darker side of human rights for great apes

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:01:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-darker-side-of-human-rights-for-great-apes-240122>

"The Spanish government has announced plans to ban harmful experiments on great
apes as part of a wider initiative to give them increased rights closer to the
ones humans enjoy.

The "Plantasia Moog" Modular Synth - An Untold Story

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:47:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwXmD1do3sA

"In 2023, Anthony Marinelli aquired a 1969 Moog IIIc modular synthesizer that
has a very interesting history. In this video, we tell that story for the first
time."

XEC is now in Australia. Here’s what we know about this hybrid COVID variant

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:48:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/xec-is-now-in-australia-heres-what-we-know-about-this-hybrid-covid-variant-239292>

"Over the nearly five years since COVID first emerged, you’d be forgiven if
you’ve lost track of the number of new variants we’ve seen. Some have had a
bigger impact than others, but virologists have documented thousands.

How we created a beautiful native wildflower meadow in the heart of the city using threatened grassland species

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:49:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-we-created-a-beautiful-native-wildflower-meadow-in-the-heart-of-the-city-using-threatened-grassland-species-240332>

"A city street may seem an unusual place to save species found in critically
endangered grasslands. My new research, though, shows we can use plants from
these ecosystems to create beautiful and biodiverse urban wildflower meadows.

Positive tipping points could save the climate – this man is showing us how

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:52:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/environment/tim-lenton-positive-tipping-points-climate/>

"Professor Tim Lenton is having a chocka-block afternoon. With back-to-back
interviews, journalists are eager to ask Lenton, who is director of the Global
Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, about one thing. They aren’t

‘A celebration of migration.’ Portrait series salutes NHS workers

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:53:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/a-celebration-of-migration-portrait-series-salutes-nhs-workers/>

"A moving portrait series by photographer and Oscar-nominated director JJ Keith
has been released, celebrating the pivotal role migrant workers play in keeping
the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) running.

Well versed: the pharmacy that dispenses poems instead of medicine

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:55:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/the-pharmacy-that-dispenses-poems-instead-of-medicine/>

"What’s the cure for a broken heart? What about for grief, anxiety or
loneliness? For those visiting the Poetry Pharmacy – customers or patients,
depending how you see them – it’s these questions that are on their minds. The

The garden-artwork that positively reframes ‘weeds’

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 11:41:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/the-garden-artwork-that-positively-reframes-weeds/>

"The Turner prize-winning architecture practice Assemble, together with garden
designer Sarah Alun-Jones, have created their first garden: a project that
challenges our negative associations with weeds.

Rewilder Derek Gow on turning his farm into an ark for lost species

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 11:42:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/rewilder-derek-gow-on-turning-his-farm-into-an-arc-for-lost-species/>

"Derek Gow has dedicated his life to animals and biodiversity. After a Shetland
ewe captured his heart as a boy, Gow grew up to become a farmer with a passion
for ancient breeds. Realising how many of our species were close to extinction

Serenity Forge Makes Weird Games with a Purpose

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 11:44:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.inverse.com/gaming/serenity-forge-10-year-anniversary

"In 2008, Zhenghua “Z” Yang was diagnosed with a rare condition in which his
body couldn’t form enough blood platelets, meaning his blood couldn’t clot and
even a simple cut could be fatal. He was hospitalized for two years, then sent

NSW will remove 65,000 years of Aboriginal history from its years 7–10 syllabus. It’s a step backwards for education

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 15:06:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nsw-will-remove-65-000-years-of-aboriginal-history-from-its-years-7-10-syllabus-its-a-step-backwards-for-education-240111>

"The NSW Education Standards Authority will be removing the teaching of the
Aboriginal past prior to European arrival from the Year 7–10 syllabus as of
2027.

There’s a renewed push to scrap junior rates of pay for young adults. Do we need to rethink what’s fair?

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 15:07:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/theres-a-renewed-push-to-scrap-junior-rates-of-pay-for-young-adults-do-we-need-to-rethink-whats-fair-240548>

"Should young people be paid less than their older counterparts, even if
they’re working the same job? Whether you think it’s fair or not, it’s been
standard practice in many industries for a long time.

Australia has an extraordinary 13 million spare bedrooms. Here’s how to use at least some of them to ease the housing crisis

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 15:08:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australia-has-an-extraordinary-13-million-spare-bedrooms-heres-how-to-use-at-least-some-of-them-to-ease-the-housing-crisis-239490>

"While there’s little relief in sight for Australia’s housing crisis, with new
projects years away from completion, there appear to be as many as 13 million
unused spare bedrooms across the country.

Letters from an American: October 6, 2024

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:12:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-6-2024

"This morning began with a CNN headline story by fact checker Daniel Dale,
titled “Six days of Trump lies about the Hurricane Helene response.” Dale noted
that Republican nominee for president Donald Trump has been one of the chief

Australia is hosting the world’s first ‘nature positive’ summit. What is it, and why does it matter?

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:13:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australia-is-hosting-the-worlds-first-nature-positive-summit-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter-236236>

"This week, Australia hosts the inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit in
Sydney. It comes at a crucial time: biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse is
one of the biggest risks the world faces in the next decade.

Swiss pilot to install solar panels in-between railway tracks

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:14:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/swiss-pilot-to-install-solar-panels-in-between-railway-tracks/>

"A Switzerland based start-up has received permission from local authorities to
build an 18kW, 100-metre-long removable solar PV plant between railway tracks
in the country’s west.

A year of devastation: with hope and trust shattered, what can bring an end to the violence in Israel-Palestine?

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:15:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/a-year-of-devastation-with-hope-and-trust-shattered-what-can-bring-an-end-to-the-violence-in-israel-palestine-239204>

"On October 7 2023, Hamas launched a savage attack on southern Israel,
massacring around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 240
people. The following day, I wrote in an analysis for The Conversation:

Climate warning as world’s rivers dry up at fastest rate for 30 years

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:16:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/07/climate-warning-as-worlds-rivers-dry-up-at-fastest-rate-for-30-years>

"Rivers dried up at the highest rate in three decades in 2023, putting global
water supply at risk, data has shown.

Trump’s Death Cult: How the Trauma of COVID Fueled MAGA Madness

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:19:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://hartmannreport.com/p/trumps-death-cult-how-the-trauma-8e6

"Could the Covid disaster of 2020 — which Trump botched so badly that America
has had more Covid deaths than any other nation in the world except Peru (whose
president denied Covid was dangerous) — be what’s fueling the Trump MAGA cult?

People Are Sharing Fake Hurricane Helene Photos for Profit and Political Gain

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:06:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.readtpa.com/p/people-are-sharing-fake-hurricane

"“This picture has been seared into my mind,” wrote Amy Kremer. “My heart
hurts,” she added alongside broken heart and crying emojis.

Could Eelgrass Be the Next Big Bio-Based Building Material?

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:10:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/could-eelgrass-be-the-next-big-bio-based-building-material-180985203/>

"Henning Johansen used both hands to twist a pile of silver, ribbony eelgrass
into a boa fit for the Little Mermaid. On this late August afternoon on Laeso,
an island 12 miles off the northeast coast of Denmark, he walked his new plant

Gila River Indian Community breaks ground on 2 water conservation projects

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:11:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/100724_gila_conservation/gila-river-indian-community-breaks-ground-2-water-conservation-projects/>

"Recalling the amazing water infrastructure and canal system the Huhugam people
developed in southern Arizona is the legacy that Gila River Indian Community
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis thinks about as his tribe breaks ground on two major

A Huge Complex of Roman Baths with Mosaics Discovered in the Ancient City of Halaesa Archonidea in Sicily

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:12:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2024/10/a-huge-complex-of-roman-baths-with-mosaics-discovered-in-the-ancient-city-of-halaesa-archonidea-in-sicily/>

"In the ancient city of Halaesa Archonidea (now known as Tusa), on the northern
coast of Sicily, archaeologists have uncovered a series of monumental
structures and remains at the end of the fifth archaeological excavation

What Do US Vehicle Regulators Have Against Tiny Cars?

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:14:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-04/why-americans-can-t-buy-the-tiny-cars-that-europeans-love>

"If there is such a thing as a minicar safari, I felt like I was on one last
month while traveling through Northern Italy. The neighborhoods I explored were
full of tiny vehicles that I had read about in the US but never seen in the

NASA is launching a major mission to look for habitable spots on Jupiter’s moon Europa

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:14:46 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nasa-is-launching-a-major-mission-to-look-for-habitable-spots-on-jupiters-moon-europa-239928>

"NASA is set to launch a hotly anticipated new mission to Jupiter’s
fourth-largest moon, Europa.

Fighting for our web

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:40:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.citationneeded.news/fighting-for-our-web/

'For a lot of people, the web feels worse than it used to. Much of our time is
spent on a handful of giant social networks that do everything they can to keep
people in their apps for as long as possible, even if it has detrimental

Australian Security Leaders Climate Group calls for overhaul of federal government's climate threat preparedness strategy

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:41:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-08/australian-security-leaders-climate-group-risk-report/104442438>

'A group of former national security leaders says the federal government needs
to radically overhaul the way it plans for climate threats, warning that
Australia is totally unprepared to deal with the cascading and existential

One of science’s greatest achievements: how the rapid development of COVID vaccines prepares us for future pandemics

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:42:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/one-of-sciences-greatest-achievements-how-the-rapid-development-of-covid-vaccines-prepares-us-for-future-pandemics-228787>

"Since COVID was first reported in December 2019, there have been more than 775
million recorded infections and more than 7 million deaths from the disease.
This makes COVID the seventh-deadliest pandemic in recorded history.

‘Huge environmental win’: Australia to protect 52% of its oceans, more than any other country, Plibersek says

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:43:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/huge-environmental-win-australia-to-protect-52-of-its-oceans-more-than-any-other-country-plibersek-says>

"The environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, has declared Australia will soon
protect more ocean than any other country after the government finalises a more
than 300,000 square kilometre expansion of a sub-Antarctic marine park.

People believe lab animals have less mental capacity than other animals, research shows

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:44:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/people-believe-lab-animals-have-less-mental-capacity-than-other-animals-research-shows-240490>

"Many of us care for animals and feel empathy when they suffer. At the same
time, many of us also accept their suffering and death when it happens in the
name of science.

Freedom for Chagos Islands: UK’s deal with Mauritius will be a win for all

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 11:47:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/freedom-for-chagos-islands-uks-deal-with-mauritius-will-be-a-win-for-all-240590>

"Britain is close to resolving its territorial dispute with Mauritius over the
Chagos Archipelago, located in the central Indian Ocean.

Meet the microbes that transform toxic carbon monoxide into valuable biofuel

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:27:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/meet-the-microbes-that-transform-toxic-carbon-monoxide-into-valuable-biofuel-240066>

"Microbes are hungry. All the time. And they live everywhere, in enormous
numbers. We might not see them with the naked eye, but they are in soils,
lakes, oceans, hydrothermal vents, our homes, and even in and on our own

‘Where’d you find tyres that size?’ Giant red tractor is Australia’s newest Big Thing

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:28:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/08/giant-red-tractor-carnamah-wa-australias-big-things>

"On the flat plains of midwest Western Australia, three hours north of Perth,
there is a new marker on the horizon.

Nobel prize in medicine awarded for discovery of microRNAs, the molecules that control our genes

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:29:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nobel-prize-in-medicine-awarded-for-discovery-of-micrornas-the-molecules-that-control-our-genes-240736>

"Two scientists, Victor Ambros (UMASS Chan Medical School in the US) and Gary
Ruvkun (Harvard Medical School in the US), have won the 2024 Nobel prize in
medicine or physiology.

Large French Alpine ski resort to close in face of shrinking snow season

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:30:11 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/oct/07/large-french-alpine-ski-resort-to-close-in-face-of-shrinking-snow-season>

"A large French Alpine ski resort has announced it is to close, citing a lack
of funds to become a year-round destination, as low- and medium-altitude
mountain areas around Europe struggle with a truncated season due to global

Ocean protection accounts for 10% of fish in the world’s coral reefs – but we could save so much more

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:30:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ocean-protection-accounts-for-10-of-fish-in-the-worlds-coral-reefs-but-we-could-save-so-much-more-239188>

"Ocean fish populations have fallen dramatically in the past half-century, and
climate change is expected to make the problem worse. Governments have
designated “marine protected areas”, where where human activity is constrained

Solar recycling machine powers up as key export market closes to used Australian panels

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:31:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-recycling-machine-powers-up-as-key-export-market-closes-to-used-australian-panels/>

"Queensland’s first machine that can extract nearly 100 per cent of materials
from discarded solar panels has come online, just as a key market for
secondhand panel reuse collapses.

The Disappearance of an Internet Domain

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:14:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://every.to/p/the-disappearance-of-an-internet-domain

"On October 3, the British government announced that it was giving up
sovereignty over a small tropical atoll in the Indian Ocean known as the Chagos
Islands. The islands would be handed over to the neighboring island country of

Volkswagen ID.7 electric car covers 794 kms with single battery charge

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:16:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2024/10/08/volkswagen-id-7-electric-car-covers-794-kms-with-single-battery-charge/>

"A Volkswagen team recently took the new all-electric ID.7 Pro S out for a
nearly-800km drive on a single battery charge, serving to demonstrate the
continuing evolution of battery electric vehicle technology.

Earth’s ‘vital signs’ show humanity’s future in balance, say climate experts

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:21:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/earths-vital-signs-show-humanitys-future-in-balance-say-climate-experts>

"Many of Earth’s “vital signs” have hit record extremes, indicating that “the
future of humanity hangs in the balance”, a group of the world’s most senior
climate experts have said.

Should you need a permit to protest? Here’s why that’s a bad idea (and might be unlawful)

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:23:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/should-you-need-a-permit-to-protest-heres-why-thats-a-bad-idea-and-might-be-unlawful-240671>

"Australians’ ability to protest has again been in the news this week. Against
the background of an armed conflict in the Middle East and rallies nationwide,
the government has suggested Australia should establish a permit system for all

Manawanui sinking: an expert explains why a speedy cleanup will be crucial – and the main challenges ahead

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:24:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/manawanui-sinking-an-expert-explains-why-a-speedy-cleanup-will-be-crucial-and-the-main-challenges-ahead-240775>

"Speed will be of the essence as salvage crews attempt to stop fuel leaking
from the sunken New Zealand naval ship off the coast of Samoa.

Australian astrophysicist’s $250,000 prize for field-changing discovery a ‘nice surprise’

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:25:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/08/matthew-bailes-fast-radio-bursts-australian-astrophysicists-pm-science-prize-winner>

"When Prof Matthew Bailes and his collaborators discovered a mysterious flash
from a galaxy far, far away, he thought it was “too good to be true”.

Grave cleaning videos are going viral on TikTok. Are they honouring the dead, or exploiting them?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:37:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/grave-cleaning-videos-are-going-viral-on-tiktok-are-they-honouring-the-dead-or-exploiting-them-240553>

"Cleaning the graves of strangers is the latest content trend taking over
TikTok. But as millions tune in to watch the videos, it’s becoming clear not
all of them are created equal. Two grave-cleaning creators in particular seem

Scientists contest environment minister’s claim of ‘blitzing’ Australia’s ocean reserve expansion goal

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:38:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/08/scientists-contest-environment-ministers-claim-of-blitzing-australias-ocean-reserve-expansion-goal>

"Scientists have challenged Tanya Plibersek’s claim that Australia is
protecting more than half of its oceans and has “blitzed” a 30% target, arguing
industrial longline fishing will still be allowed in some areas the government

Australia will protect a vast swathe of the Southern Ocean, but squanders the chance to show global leadership

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:39:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australia-will-protect-a-vast-swathe-of-the-southern-ocean-but-squanders-the-chance-to-show-global-leadership-240789>

"The Albanese government has today declared stronger protections for the waters
around Heard Island and McDonald Islands, one of Australia’s wildest, most
remote areas. The marine park surrounding the islands will be extended by

Many of Australia’s top car sellers are collecting and sharing driver data, Choice investigation finds

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:41:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/09/many-of-australias-top-car-sellers-collect-share-driver-data-choice-investigation>

"A Choice analysis of carmaker privacy policies has found some of the biggest
car sellers in Australia collect and share a range of driver data, including in
some cases video and biometric data, with third parties.

700 million plastic bottles: we worked out how much microplastic is in Queensland’s Moreton Bay

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:41:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/700-million-plastic-bottles-we-worked-out-how-much-microplastic-is-in-queenslands-moreton-bay-238892>

"When it rains heavily, plastic waste is washed off our streets into rivers,
flowing out to the ocean. Most plastic is trapped in estuaries and coastal
ecosystems, with a small fraction ending up offshore in the high seas.

Trump secretly gave Putin Covid test machines, Bob Woodward book says

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:43:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/08/trump-putin-covid-test-machines-bob-woodward>

"Donald Trump secretly sent Covid-19 testing machines to Vladimir Putin in the
early stages of the pandemic when such resources were in short supply, the
veteran reporter Bob Woodward reveals in an eagerly awaited new book.

Oregon county sues major gas provider for allegedly sowing climate doubt

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:37:56 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/08/nw-natural-lawsuit-climate-doubt-oregon>

"Oregon’s most populous county has sued the state’s biggest gas provider for
allegedly sowing climate doubt, marking the first time a utility has faced
charges of climate deception.

From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do to the US and Australia

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:39:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-mass-deportations-to-huge-tariff-hikes-heres-what-trumps-economic-program-would-do-to-the-us-and-australia-240650>

"It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely
as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today.

Will the Earth warm by 2°C or 5.5°C? Either way it’s bad, and trying to narrow it down may be a distraction

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:40:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/will-the-earth-warm-by-2-c-or-5-5-c-either-way-its-bad-and-trying-to-narrow-it-down-may-be-a-distraction-229497>

"Climate change is usually discussed in terms of rising temperatures.

But scientists often use a different measure, known as “equilibrium climate

Australia commits $9 million to help Pacific neighbours meet climate targets

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:40:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-commits-9-million-to-help-pacific-neighbours-meet-climate-targets/>

"The Australian government announced on Monday that it was contributing $9
million to the Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Hub in
an effort to further support the country’s Pacific neighbours respond to

Scientists Studying Earth's Trees Issue a Bleak Warning to Humanity

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:42:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-studying-earths-trees-issue-a-bleak-warning-to-humanity>

'From soaring coastal redwoods to dinosaur-era Wollemi pines and firs that make
the perfect Christmas trees, even our most revered woody plants are in an awful
lot of trouble.

‘It’s path-breaking’: British Columbia’s blueprint for decolonisation

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:44:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/09/british-columbia-blueprint-decolonisation>

"A wild experiment is under way in British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost
province: the government is rewriting its laws to share power with Indigenous
nations over a land base bigger than France and Germany combined.

Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:26:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-peril-disaster-lies-ahead-as-we-track-towards-2-7-c-of-warming-this-century-240549>

"You don’t have to look far to see what climate change is doing to the planet.
The word “unprecedented” is everywhere this year.

Smart TV Surveillance? How Samsung and LG’s ACR Technology Tracks What You Watch

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:28:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.securityweek.com/smart-tv-surveillance-how-samsung-and-lgs-acr-technology-tracks-what-you-watch/>

"Smart TVs from major manufacturers like Samsung and LG use a Shazam-like
tracking technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to monitor what
you watch — and opting out can be a painful process for end users.

Smart TVs are like “a digital Trojan Horse” in people’s homes

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:38:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/10/streaming-industry-has-unprecedented-surveillance-manipulation-capabilities/>

'The companies behind the streaming industry, including smart TV and streaming
stick manufacturers and streaming service providers, have developed a
"surveillance system" that has "long undermined privacy and consumer

Republicans once championed immigration in the US. Why has the party’s rhetoric – and public opinion – changed so dramatically?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:40:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/republicans-once-championed-immigration-in-the-us-why-has-the-partys-rhetoric-and-public-opinion-changed-so-dramatically-239836>

"It might seem surprising today in the era of Donald Trump, but Republicans in
the United States once championed immigration and supported pathways to
citizenship for undocumented Americans.

Green washed: LNG emits 33% more carbon than coal, new report finds

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:42:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/green-washed-lng-emits-33-more-carbon-that-coal-new-report-finds/>

"One of the world’s leading methane scientists has called out LNG for being a
larger emitter of carbon dioxide (CO₂) than coal – by a whopping 33 per cent
over its life cycle.

What are the limits of free speech? We may have arrived at them

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:43:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-limits-of-free-speech-we-may-have-arrived-at-them-239081>

"Political operatives on the far right have long spoken about their ambition to
shift the “Overton window”. The aim is to “mainstream” ideas long considered
unthinkable, through gradual, step-by-step radicalisation and repetition –

After 15 years, the World Wide Web Foundation is closing its doors

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:10:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.pcworld.com/article/2477263/world-wide-web-foundation-closing-its-doors.html>

"Last week, the World Wide Web Foundation announced in an open letter that it
would be “winding down” and “closing [its] virtual doors” after 15 years of
working to make the web safer and more accessible.

More workers are being forced back to the office – yet a new study shows flexibility is the best way to keep employees

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:12:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/more-workers-are-being-forced-back-to-the-office-yet-a-new-study-shows-flexibility-is-the-best-way-to-keep-employees-240649>

"Less than a month after Amazon announced employees would need to give up their
flexible work arrangements and return to the office full-time, new research has
reinforced the value of a flexible work culture.

War Memorial digs deep to slash energy costs using geothermal heat exchange

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:13:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/war-memorial-digs-deep-to-slash-energy-costs-using-geothermal-heat-exchange/>

"The largest geothermal heat exchange system in Australia has been switched on
at the Australian War Memorial in the nation’s capital this week in a move that
is estimated to save up to $1 million dollars each year in energy costs.

AI is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s underpinned by an invisible and exploited workforce

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:14:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ai-is-a-multi-billion-dollar-industry-its-underpinned-by-an-invisible-and-exploited-workforce-240568>

"In dusty factories, cramped internet cafes and makeshift home offices around
the world, millions of people sit at computers tediously labelling data.

Forums Are Still Alive, Active, And A Treasure Trove Of Information

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:15:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://aftermath.site/best-active-forums-internet-today

"When I want information, like the real stuff, I go to forums. Over the years,
forums did not really get smaller, so much as the rest of the internet just got
bigger. Reddit, Discord and Facebook groups have filled a lot of that space,

The renewable energy hidden in our wastewater ponds – here’s how it could work

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:16:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-renewable-energy-hidden-in-our-wastewater-ponds-heres-how-it-could-work-240300>

"New Zealand is confronting a perfect storm.

Its energy grid faces three pressing challenges at once: an unreliable

Ursula von der Leyen attacks Viktor Orbán over pro-Russia stance

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:11:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/09/ursula-von-der-leyen-attacks-viktor-orban-over-pro-russia-stance>

"Ursula von der Leyen has accused Viktor Orbán of a historic failure to support
Ukraine, economic mismanagement and making his country a “back door for foreign
interference” in her sharpest public rebuke yet to Hungary’s strongman leader.

Building companies feel they must sacrifice quality for profits, but it doesn’t have to be this way

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:12:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/building-companies-feel-they-must-sacrifice-quality-for-profits-but-it-doesnt-have-to-be-this-way-239821>

"The Australian construction industry has long been facing a crisis of serious
defects in apartment buildings. In the past, alarming incidents such as the
Sydney Opal Tower evacuation and the Melbourne Lacrosse fire signalled systemic

David Crisafulli faces questions about LNP’s transgender plans after party official’s email revealed

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:14:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/09/david-crisafulli-lnp-transgender-queensland-state-election>

"A Queensland Liberal National party official sent an election-eve email to
branch members – on party letterhead – claiming that the state had been
“captured by transgender ideology”. The email also promoted plans to ban

How mainstream climate science endorsed the fantasy of a global warming time machine

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:15:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-mainstream-climate-science-endorsed-the-fantasy-of-a-global-warming-time-machine-225597>

"When the Paris agreement on climate change was gavelled into being in December
2015, it briefly looked like that rarest of things: a political victory for
climate activists and delegates from the poorest regions of the world that, due

Unboxed?! Solar EV Charging Installed In A Day!

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:16:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGLvxGAE66I

"Slow grid upgrades can often hinder the rapid rollout of charging
infrastructure. However, 3ti has developed the nifty, solar-powered Papilio3
that can be delivered by truck and installed in a matter of hours. Robert

How do you stop elephant herds from trashing crops and trees? Target sensitive nostrils with a ‘scent fence’

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:17:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-do-you-stop-elephant-herds-from-trashing-crops-and-trees-target-sensitive-nostrils-with-a-scent-fence-239593>

"Elephant numbers are surging in southern Africa, with fewer natural predators,
reduced hunting pressure and feeding by farmers and tourist operators.

Coalition claims of a nuclear power renaissance in UK further expose its shameless policy con

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:35:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/coalition-claims-of-a-nuclear-power-renaissance-in-uk-further-expose-its-shameless-policy-con/>

"In the one-page nuclear policy pamphlet the LNP released in June, federal
opposition leader Peter Dutton states that “of the world’s 20 largest
economies, Australia is the only one not using nuclear energy, or moving

Rebates for buying e-bikes and e-scooters are good but unlikely to greatly boost sustainable transport on their own

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:35:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/rebates-for-buying-e-bikes-and-e-scooters-are-good-but-unlikely-to-greatly-boost-sustainable-transport-on-their-own-239939>

"Queensland has joined Tasmania as the second Australian state or territory to
offer a A$500 rebate for buyers of new e‑bikes. The pre-election announcement
includes a smaller $200 rebate for e‑scooters.

‘Incredible Things Are Possible’: The Power and Potential of New York’s Public Spaces

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:37:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/new-york-public-spaces-gotham-park/

"A little while ago, I came across this dark, desolate, barren, empty space
underneath one of our most beloved landmarks, which happens to be the Brooklyn
Bridge. At the time, we were trying to create or find spaces that we could

Teaching kids about Thanksgiving or Columbus? They deserve the real story

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:39:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/teaching-kids-about-thanksgiving-or-columbus-they-deserve-the-real-story>

"In the season four premiere of ABC’s hit sitcom “Black-ish,” Dre, a
charismatic dad played by Anthony Anderson, is distraught over his children’s
performance in a school play about Christopher Columbus.

New Zealand’s BMI threshold for publicly funded fertility treatment is outdated and unethical. Here’s why it should go

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:42:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/new-zealands-bmi-threshold-for-publicly-funded-fertility-treatment-is-outdated-and-unethical-heres-why-it-should-go-240295>

"Women seeking publicly funded fertility treatment in New Zealand must have a
body mass index (BMI) under 32, according to clinical priority assessment
criteria for access to assisted reproductive technology.

From Asphalt to Inspiration: The Student-Led Transformation of America’s Schoolyards

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:43:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/transformation-of-americas-schoolyards/>

"On October 8, to celebrate five years of publishing, Reasons to be Cheerful
will host the biggest event we’ve ever staged: a live variety show at New York
City’s Town Hall. Alongside a full slate of wacky and whimsical acts, the show

Clues left by the Alpine Fault’s last big quake reveal its direction – this will help NZ prepare for the inevitable next rupture

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:28:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/clues-left-by-the-alpine-faults-last-big-quake-reveal-its-direction-this-will-help-nz-prepare-for-the-inevitable-next-rupture-240879>

"One of the world’s most anticipated earthquakes is the next major surface
rupture of the Alpine Fault in the South Island of New Zealand.

North Koreans deployed alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, sources say

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:29:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/10/north-korea-engineers-deployed-russia-ukraine>

"North Korean military engineers have been deployed to help Russia target
Ukraine with ballistic missiles, and fighters operating in occupied areas of
the country have already been killed, senior officials in Kyiv and Seoul said.

Yes, nature is complex. But saving our precious environment means finding ways to measure it

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:30:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/yes-nature-is-complex-but-saving-our-precious-environment-means-finding-ways-to-measure-it-240583>

"Nature loss directly threatens half the global economy. The rapid destruction
of biodiversity should alarm the many Australian businesses dependent on
nature, such as those in agriculture, tourism, construction and food

Glitter has lost its shine – but scientists may have found a safer substitute

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:31:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/11/glitter-has-lost-its-shine-but-scientists-may-have-found-a-safer-substitute>

"Even before Taylor Swift donned “glitter freckles”, the sparkly stuff was
prolific – sold in tiny vials at craft shops and sprinkled on to a variety of
products from clothing to Christmas decorations, cards and makeup.

These 5 ‘post-truth’ claims are fuelling the water wars in Australia

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:31:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/these-5-post-truth-claims-are-fuelling-the-water-wars-in-australia-239941>

"The contest between truth and post-truth matters when trying to solve big
public policy questions. One of these questions is how to sustainably manage
water in Australia for the benefit of all.

Russia shares AI images of Hurricane Milton as disinformation abounds in US

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:33:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/10/russia-ai-hurricane-milton-disinformation>

"As Hurricane Milton ripped across Florida, leaving a trail of destruction in
its wake, trolls and politicians alike spawned misinformation about the storm,
questioning government preparations and calling it a “simulation” designed to

Israel has banned the UN secretary-general. Is this legal – or right?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:14:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/israel-has-banned-the-un-secretary-general-is-this-legal-or-right-240674>

"In early October, Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, announced on X he
had declared the United Nations secretary-general, António Guterres, persona
non grata. In other words, he had banned Guterres from setting foot in Israel.

Call for Australia to make wind turbine towers as well as solar PV and battery storage

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:15:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/call-for-australia-to-make-wind-turbine-towers-as-well-as-solar-pv-and-battery-storage/>

"The local manufacture of wind turbine towers in Australia could create more
than 4,000 direct jobs, produce more than 800 towers a year and slash millions
of tonnes of emissions from imports, a new report has found.

Huge waves in the atmosphere dump extreme rain on northern Australia

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:16:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/huge-waves-in-the-atmosphere-dump-extreme-rain-on-northern-australia-240788>

"In 2023, almost a year’s worth of rain fell over ten days in parts of
northwestern Australia, leading to catastrophic flooding in the town of Fitzroy
Crossing and surrounds. The rainfall was linked to a tropical cyclone, but

Can wind propulsion technology really help power modern ships?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:19:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/can-wind-propulsion-technology-really-help-power-modern-ships/>

"The maritime industry is again facing up to the broad call for decarbonisation
as the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 82 wraps up, including
key, laudable outcomes on the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) – a transparent

Space isn’t all about the ‘race’ – rival superpowers must work together for a better future

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:19:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/space-isnt-all-about-the-race-rival-superpowers-must-work-together-for-a-better-future-240543>

"In recent years, a new “space race” has intensified between the United States
and China. At a campaign rally last weekend, Republican presidential candidate
Donald Trump invoked this rivalry when declaring the US will “lead the world in

Turning the Lights Back on in Scotland’s Empty Homes

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:20:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/turning-the-lights-back-on-in-scotlands-empty-homes/>

"An abandoned fisherman’s cottage on a remote Scottish island that had no
running water, electricity or windows — and sheep living in it. That was all
ex-soldier and businessman Robert Tai could afford after a long and difficult

Why Trump accuses people of wrongdoing he himself committed − an explanation of projection

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:29:38 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-trump-accuses-people-of-wrongdoing-he-himself-committed-an-explanation-of-projection-237912>

"Donald Trump has a particular formula he uses to convey messages to his
supporters and opponents alike: He highlights others’ wrongdoings even though
he has committed similar acts himself.

California enacts unprecedented restrictions on rat poisons in bid to protect wildlife

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:31:02 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-10-01/california-enacts-unprecedented-ban-on-rat-poisons>

"California has become the first state in the nation to restrict use of all
blood-thinning rat poisons due to their unintended effect on mountain lions,
birds of prey and other animals.

New discoveries: three tiny species added to South Africa’s spectacular marine life

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:32:24 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/new-discoveries-three-tiny-species-added-to-south-africas-spectacular-marine-life-239315>

"South Africa’s marine realm is globally unique because of the two major ocean
currents that meet here. The cold, slow-moving Benguela and the warm,
fast-flowing Agulhas currents create a special environment that supports high

'Our plan worked': How Vienna prepared itself for a 5,000-year flood

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:33:45 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240920-our-plan-worked-how-vienna-prepared-itself-for-a-5000-year-flood>

'Storm Boris is the latest deluge in one of the most flood-plagued periods in
Europe in the past 500 years, but one city escaped relatively unscathed. The
steps Vienna took to prepare for extreme rainfall may hold lessons for how

ftfy: fixes text for you

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:36:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

A really useful tool:

https://github.com/rspeer/python-ftfy

"Here are some examples (found in the real world) of what ftfy can do:

Victorian flood victim 'first private resident' to import US military-grade protection for her home

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:38:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-11/victorian-flood-victim-builds-military-grade-levee-torrumbarry/104441784>

'It's been two years since floodwater devastated parts of Victoria, but Tuesday
Browell is still cleaning up at her property in Torrumbarry, near Echuca, on
the Victoria-New South Wales border.

Molly's world opened up when she discovered cosplay

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:45:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-11/cosplay-character-hobby-dungeons-dragons-builds-confidence-teens/104441098>

'Molly has always had a vivid imagination and a love of costumes, but it was at
the height of Victoria's lockdowns when she first started creating characters
of her own.

Why Germany's dying forests could be good news

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:47:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.dw.com/en/why-germanys-dying-forests-could-be-good-news/a-70461269>

'Driving through the Harz region in central Germany feels like entering an
eerie post-apocalyptic landscape. Row after row of gray, dry naked trees
stretch into the sky like a sea of brittle needles. This decades-old forest has

Drought has dried a major Amazon River tributary to its lowest level in over 122 years

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:49:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/brazil-amazon-drought-negro-river-rainforest-69d0930a06987973914c5ae24c1c05ff>

"MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — One of the Amazon River’s main tributaries has dropped
to its lowest level ever recorded, Brazil’s geological service said Friday,
reflecting a severe drought that has devastated the Amazon rainforest and other

Humanity’s future depends on our ability to live in harmony with nature

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:50:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/humanitys-future-depends-on-our-ability-to-live-in-harmony-with-nature-233042>

"The world is facing multiple — potentially catastrophic — crises, including
inequality, poverty, food insecurity, climate change and biodiversity loss.
These issues are interconnected and require systemic solutions, as changes in

Discovery of 5,000-year-old farming society in Morocco fills a major gap in history – north-west Africa was a central player in trade and culture

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:52:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/discovery-of-5-000-year-old-farming-society-in-morocco-fills-a-major-gap-in-history-north-west-africa-was-a-central-player-in-trade-and-culture-240848>

"A new discovery of an ancient farming society at Oued Beht in Morocco fills a
centuries-old gap in history. It reveals that, 5,000 years ago, the Maghreb
(north-west Africa) was far from a backwater. Rather, it was an integral part

Where Cargo Bikes Are Freeing Cities From Polluting Vans

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:53:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-25/london-cargo-bikes-rising-to-curb-pollution-not-just-in-ulez-areas>

"A peloton of 80 cargo cycles traverses London’s streets one August afternoon.
Among them are the familiar trikes of a “zero emissions courier,” beside the
two-wheelers of a cycling electrician. Dalston Egg Shop owner Simon Boot says

From the sea to your plate: how to choose more sustainable salmon

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:58:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/12/from-the-sea-to-your-plate-how-to-choose-more-sustainable-salmon>

"Salmon remains one of the most popular seafoods globally. However, there is
growing concern about the environmental impact of farming salmon, while
environmental groups have claimed that “responsibly sourced” labelling on

Climate emergencies threaten our collective security, but governments are flying blind into the storm

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:00:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/climate-emergencies-threaten-our-collective-security-but-governments-are-flying-blind-into-the-storm-240814>

"You probably missed it, but a few months ago a report was published that
inspected how the UK government prepared for major emergencies. What it found
has profound implications for the whole country.

Gazing at your dog can connect your brain with theirs, research shows

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:01:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/gazing-at-your-dog-can-connect-your-brain-with-theirs-research-shows-239859>

"It might sound far-fetched, but recent research suggests that dogs’ and
humans’ brains synchronise when they look at each other.

‘It’s the first time I’ve woven in 27 years’: Peruvian women revive arts lost to trauma of forced sterilisations

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:03:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/sep/23/its-the-first-time-ive-woven-in-27-years-peruvian-women-revive-arts-lost-to-trauma-of-forced-sterilisations>

"Ricardina Huaman Folopa carefully pinches and counts wool threads with her
fingers: 87 – the exact number of pairs of threads needed to weave a chumpi, a
belt traditionally made by women in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, in

The 2024 state of the climate report: Perilous times on planet Earth

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:05:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biae087/7808595>

"We are on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster. This is a global
emergency beyond any doubt. Much of the very fabric of life on Earth is
imperiled. We are stepping into a critical and unpredictable new phase of the

It’s time to talk about how the media talks about sexual harassment

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:06:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/its-time-to-talk-about-how-the-media-talks-about-sexual-harassment-238771>

"Sexual harassment is all too common in hospitality and tourism. One Australian
survey found almost half of the respondents had been sexually harassed,
compared to about one in three in workplaces more generally.

Use of AI in property valuation is on the rise – but we need greater transparency and trust

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:46:06 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/use-of-ai-in-property-valuation-is-on-the-rise-but-we-need-greater-transparency-and-trust-240880>

"New Zealand’s economy has been described as a “housing market with bits tacked
on”. Buying and selling property is a national sport fuelled by the rising
value of homes across the country.

I’m Running Out of Ways to Explain How Bad This Is

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:47:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/10/hurricane-milton-conspiracies-misinformation/680221/>

"The truth is, it’s getting harder to describe the extent to which a meaningful
percentage of Americans have dissociated from reality. As Hurricane Milton
churned across the Gulf of Mexico last night, I saw an onslaught of outright

JAMIE'S POND | Short Film

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:48:44 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8C-0TEoluc

"A lonely naiad discovers a crying human child at the edge of their pond and
tries to cheer him up. They soon discover they have more in common than meets
the eye. A short film written, directed, and animated by Reid Sandlund.

AI affects everyone – including Indigenous people. It’s time we have a say in how it’s built

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:49:36 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ai-affects-everyone-including-indigenous-people-its-time-we-have-a-say-in-how-its-built-239605>

"Since artificial intelligence (AI) became mainstream over the past two years,
many of the risks it poses have been widely documented. As well as fuelling
deep fake porn, threatening personal privacy and accelerating the climate

A patchwork of spinifex: how we returned cultural burning to the Great Sandy Desert

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:50:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/a-patchwork-of-spinifex-how-we-returned-cultural-burning-to-the-great-sandy-desert-240447>

"How can a desert burn? Australia’s vast deserts aren’t just sand dunes –
they’re often dotted with flammable spinifex grass hummocks. When heavy rains
fall, grass grows quickly before drying out. That’s how a desert can burn.

For kids with long COVID, "back to school" often means not returning at all

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 04:51:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.salon.com/2024/10/06/for-kids-with-long-covid-back-to-school-often-means-not-returning-at-all/>

"In January 2022, Jennifer Robertson’s now 11-year-old son, Fergus, developed
long COVID, a condition in which the symptoms of COVID-19 linger for months or
even years. Due to his symptoms, he missed nearly six weeks of school after his

Glass Wings Blog: October 2024

Almost 68% of Australia’s tourism sites at major risk if climate crisis continues, report says

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:34:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

FutureRack

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:37:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Plot twist: how giving old graveyards new life as parks can improve our cities

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:41:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Vaping damages young people’s lungs as much as smoking, study suggests

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:42:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Bunyip birds and brolgas: how can we better protect species important to Indigenous people?

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 12:43:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

As COVID Surges, the High Price of Viral Denial

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:14:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

‘He had no symptoms’: how wearable tech can help older Indigenous people catch heart problems – and save lives

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:15:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

“Perfect storm” of criminalization: Analyzing mask bans

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:23:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

The ozone hole above Antarctica will keep opening up each spring for decades to come – here’s why that still matters

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:32:20 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

As a doctor, I’m disappointed in my colleagues for ignoring Long COVID. I made a resource to educate them and the public.

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:40:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Africa desperately needs mpox vaccines. But donations from rich countries won’t fix this or the next health emergency

Tue, 1 Oct 2024 19:45:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Risking His Own Extinction to Rescue the Rarest of Flowers

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:13:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

California to get first new national marine sanctuary in 32 years, banning offshore oil drilling along miles of coast

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:15:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

“Cowardly decision:” Victorian Labor flinches on fossil exit, says gas cooktops can stay

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:19:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

When dogs recall toys, and horses plan ahead, are animals so different from us?

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 04:25:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

James Earl Jones Dies: Revered ‘Field Of Dreams’ Star, Darth Vader Voice & Broadway Regular Was 93

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:52:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Australia’s construction industry needs more hands on deck – so why is it ignoring skilled migrant women?

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:55:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Whatever happened to ... the Brazilian besties creating an mRNA vaccine as a gift to the world

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:56:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

The Uruguayan company teaching people how to turn regular cars into EVs

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:57:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 12:59:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Hong Kong’s Puppet Government Convicts Two More Journalists On Sedition Charges

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 13:00:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Vaccines accounted for 40% of the decline in infant mortality over the last 50 years

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:22:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Rich countries silencing climate protest while preaching about rights elsewhere, says study

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:23:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Five disinformation tactics Russia is using to try to influence the US election

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:24:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Warm winters are waking snakes early. Here’s what that means for them and us

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:25:45 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Belarusians fleeing repression at home say they face new threats and intimidation abroad

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 19:27:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Europe’s new normal: High energy bills, fading industry and one chance to fix it