Glass Wings Blog: July 2025

10 Hopepunk Sci-Fi Books That Will Restore Your Faith In The Future

Tue, 1 Jul 2025 18:21:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.themarysue.com/10-hopepunk-sci-fi-books-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-the-future/>

"With the ever present threat of World War Three looming on the horizon, it’s
hard to have faith in humanity’s future. Many sci-fi authors tend to pile on
the pessimism, what with all their predictions of grimdark futures where

(More...)

Iran emerged weakened and vulnerable after war with Israel − and that could mean trouble for country’s ethnic minorities

Tue, 1 Jul 2025 18:22:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/iran-emerged-weakened-and-vulnerable-after-war-with-israel-and-that-could-mean-trouble-for-countrys-ethnic-minorities-259753>

"The 12-day confrontation between Iran and Israel in June 2025 may not have
escalated into a full-scale regional war, but it marks a potentially critical
turning point in Iran’s internal political landscape.

(More...)

First Peoples’ Assembly set to become permanent voice to Victorian parliament with crossbench support

Tue, 1 Jul 2025 18:23:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/01/first-peoples-assembly-set-to-become-permanent-voice-to-victorian-parliament-with-crossbench-support>

"Victoria will have a permanent Indigenous voice to state parliament, with the
progressive crossbench throwing their support behind a plan to allow the First
Peoples’ Assembly’s work to continue following treaty.

(More...)

Cities are heating up the planet – how they can do more to fight climate change

Tue, 1 Jul 2025 18:23:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/cities-are-heating-up-the-planet-how-they-can-do-more-to-fight-climate-change-259391>

"Cities have a central role to play tackling climate change. They contribute
67–72% of the greenhouse gas emissions which are heating up the planet.

(More...)

Self-censorship and the ‘spiral of silence’: Why Americans are less likely to publicly voice their opinions on political issues

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 02:58:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/self-censorship-and-the-spiral-of-silence-why-americans-are-less-likely-to-publicly-voice-their-opinions-on-political-issues-251979>

"For decades, Americans’ trust in one another has been on the decline,
according to the most recent General Social Survey.

(More...)

Could the first images from the Vera Rubin telescope change how we view space for good?

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 02:59:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/could-the-first-images-from-the-vera-rubin-telescope-change-how-we-view-space-for-good-259857>

"We are entering a new era of cosmic exploration. The new Vera C Rubin
Observatory in Chile will transform astronomy with its extraordinary ability to
map the universe in breathtaking detail. It is set to reveal secrets previously

(More...)

Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 03:00:09 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/australias-cutest-mammal-is-now-australias-cutest-three-mammals-260006>

"Australia is home to more than 60 species of carnivorous marsupials in the
family Dasyuridae. Almost a quarter of those have only been scientifically
recognised in the past 25 years.

(More...)

Your Netflix just got a free NASA upgrade - beaming spacewalks straight to your living room

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 03:01:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-netflix-just-got-a-free-nasa-upgrade-beaming-spacewalks-straight-to-your-living-room/>

'For several years now, NASA has quietly had its own free streaming service
where you could watch live rocket launches, spacewalks, and other space-related
content.

(More...)

Australia’s university system is ‘battered’ and ‘broken’ – a new book surveys the wreckage and offers some solutions

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 03:02:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/australias-university-system-is-battered-and-broken-a-new-book-surveys-the-wreckage-and-offers-some-solutions-259273>

"Review: Broken: Universities, Politics and the Public Good – Graeme Turner
(Monash University Press)

(More...)

Why the Pride turned into a disaster for Orbán and whether he could lose power in Hungary

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 13:44:01 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/eng/news/2025/07/1/7214951/

'"Pride turned into a funeral march for Orbán’s regime." That was the headline
of an editorial in HVG, one of Hungary’s key independent outlets, assessing
last weekend’s events.

(More...)

Understanding the ‘Slopocene’: how the failures of AI can reveal its inner workings

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 13:44:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/understanding-the-slopocene-how-the-failures-of-ai-can-reveal-its-inner-workings-258584>

"Some say it’s em dashes, dodgy apostrophes, or too many emoji. Others suggest
that maybe the word “delve” is a chatbot’s calling card. It’s no longer the
sight of morphed bodies or too many fingers, but it might be something just a

(More...)

[citation needed] Issue 87 – SO ORDERED

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 13:45:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.citationneeded.news/issue-87/

"It feels like every week I write something along the lines of “Trump’s crypto
conflicts surge to new heights”, but Trump’s crypto conflicts have again surged
to new heights as the Emirati investment fund Aqua 1 pours $100 million into

(More...)

‘Completely unexpected’: Antarctic sea ice may be in terminal decline due to rising Southern Ocean salinity

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 13:46:30 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/completely-unexpected-antarctic-sea-ice-may-be-in-terminal-decline-due-to-rising-southern-ocean-salinity-259743>

"The ocean around Antarctica is rapidly getting saltier at the same time as sea
ice is retreating at a record pace. Since 2015, the frozen continent has lost
sea ice similar to the size of Greenland. That ice hasn’t returned, marking the

(More...)

Victoria’s Indigenous people experienced ‘genocide’, truth-telling inquiry says

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 13:47:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/01/victorias-indigenous-people-experienced-genocide-truth-telling-inquiry-says>

"Australia’s first truth-telling inquiry has labelled the injustices
experienced by First Nations people in Victoria a “genocide” and urged the
state government to provide redress for injustices from “colonial invasion”.

(More...)

‘My greatest handicap was the attitude of normal people.’ Alan Marshall’s artful polio memoir, "I Can Jump Puddles", turns 70

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:04:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/my-greatest-handicap-was-the-attitude-of-normal-people-alan-marshalls-artful-polio-memoir-i-can-jump-puddles-turns-70-257620>

"With vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr as United States Health Secretary
and an outbreak in Papua New Guinea last month, polio – largely eliminated in
most of the world – has been back in the news. It’s a potent sign of why

(More...)

Trump Launches America’s Newest Concentration Camp, Complete With Tacky Merch

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:05:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/01/trump-launches-americas-first-concentration-camp-complete-with-tacky-merch/>

"Not content with just shipping people to a foreign concentration camp, Donald
Trump now has his own, homegrown concentration camp in Florida. Trump, DHS
Secretary Kristi Noem, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gleefully toured the

(More...)

How to Achieve Peace in the War of Disinformation

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:07:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_achieve_peace_in_the_war_of_disinformation>

"In 2020, I witnessed an online influence campaign so devious that I could not
stop thinking about it—­in fact, it inspired me to begin researching my book,
Stories Are Weapons, from which this essay is adapted.

(More...)

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:07:43 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/distressed-by-all-the-bad-news-heres-how-to-stay-informed-but-still-look-after-yourself-259913>

"If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not
alone.

(More...)

Antarctic summer sea ice is at record lows. Here’s how it will harm the planet – and us

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:08:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/antarctic-summer-sea-ice-is-at-record-lows-heres-how-it-will-harm-the-planet-and-us-256104>

"On her first dedicated scientific voyage to Antarctica in March, the
Australian icebreaker RSV Nuyina found the area sea-ice free. Scientists were
able to reach places never sampled before.

(More...)

Letters from an American: July 1, 2025

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:09:55 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-1-2025

"Just after noon today, the Senate passed its version of the budget
reconciliation bill. All Democrats and Independents voted no. Three
Republicans—Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of

(More...)

Dalai Lama vows he won’t be the last leader of Tibetan Buddhism

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 03:08:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/02/asia/dalai-lama-reincarnation-announcement-intl-hnk>

"The Dalai Lama has announced that he will have a successor after his death,
continuing a centuries-old tradition that has become a flashpoint in the
struggle with China’s Communist Party over Tibet’s future.

(More...)

‘Shit in, shit out’: AI is coming for agriculture, but farmers aren’t convinced

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 03:09:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/shit-in-shit-out-ai-is-coming-for-agriculture-but-farmers-arent-convinced-259997>

"Australian farms are at the forefront of a wave of technological change coming
to agriculture. Over the past decade, more than US$200 billion (A$305 billion)
has been invested globally into the likes of pollination robots, smart soil

(More...)

The Moral Imperative Of Clear Language

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 03:10:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/01/the-moral-imperative-of-clear-language/>

"I need to say something that will make many of you deeply uncomfortable: your
refusal to call fascism “fascism” is not sophistication—it’s complicity.

(More...)

Farming within Earth’s limits is still possible – but it will take a Herculean effort

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 03:11:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/farming-within-earths-limits-is-still-possible-but-it-will-take-a-herculean-effort-259901>

"The way we currently produce and consume food takes a big toll on the
environment.

(More...)

Obama and Bush call Trump’s USAID closure a ‘travesty’ as report warns of 14 million extra deaths

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 03:12:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/01/obama-bush-trump-usaid-closure-lancet-report-warns-extra-deaths>

"Barack Obama and George W Bush have criticised the closure of the US Agency
for International Development (USAID), as a study warned it could result in “a
staggering number” of avoidable deaths – more than 14 million over five years.

(More...)

Are you a top US-based scientist wanting to relocate to Australia?

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 03:13:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/are-you-a-top-us-based-scientist-wanting-to-relocate-to-australia>

"The Australian Academy of Science is leading Australia’s efforts to attract
top US scientific talent Down Under. The call for applications is now open.

(More...)

Trump seizes on ‘moral character’ loophole as way to revoke citizenship

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:24:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/01/us-citizenship-denaturalization-trump-memo>

"A justice department memo directing the department’s civil division to target
the denaturalization of US citizens around the country has opened up an new
avenue for Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, experts say.

(More...)

Italy limits outdoor work as heatwave breaks records across Europe

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:25:45 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/01/italy-limits-outdoor-work-as-heatwave-breaks-records-across-europe>

"Outdoor working has been banned during the hottest parts of the day in more
than half of Italy’s regions as an extreme heatwave that has smashed June
temperature records in Spain and Portugal continues to grip large swathes of

(More...)

“Interest has been record-breaking:” Ikea launches its own balcony solar kit

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:26:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/interest-has-been-record-breaking-ikea-launches-its-own-balcony-solar-kit/>

"Iconic Swedish furniture retailer Ikea has jumped aboard the balcony solar
craze, launching its own range of balkonkraftwerk panel and battery kits for
the booming German market.

(More...)

Endangered primates use new canopy bridges in a Brazilian Amazon city

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:28:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/07/endangered-primates-use-new-canopy-bridges-in-a-brazilian-amazon-city/>

"Hundreds of monkeys can now safely cross roads in Alta Floresta, a city in the
southern Brazilian Amazon. Seven canopy bridges have reconnected rainforest
fragments that were separated by urban roads.

(More...)

Trump’s NOAA budget proposes eliminating funding for six Colorado climate and science labs

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:29:34 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/02/noaa-budget-boulder-climate-labs-trump-administration/>

"A Trump administration budget proposal for one of the nation’s preeminent
science agencies would slash funding for climate and earth systems research —
including shuttering four Colorado-based labs and ending federal funding for

(More...)

Distrust in AI is on the rise – but along with healthy scepticism comes the risk of harm

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:30:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/distrust-in-ai-is-on-the-rise-but-along-with-healthy-scepticism-comes-the-risk-of-harm-260189>

"Some video game players recently criticised the cover art on a new video game
for being generated with artificial intelligence (AI). Yet the cover art for
Little Droid, which also featured in the game’s launch trailer on YouTube,

(More...)

Around 250 million years ago, Earth was near-lifeless and locked in a hothouse state. Now scientists know why

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:13:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/around-250-million-years-ago-earth-was-near-lifeless-and-locked-in-a-hothouse-state-now-scientists-know-why-260203>

"Some 252 million years ago, almost all life on Earth disappeared.

Known as the Permian–Triassic mass extinction – or the Great Dying – this was

(More...)

“Watershed moment:” Big battery storage prices hit record low in huge China auction

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:15:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/watershed-moment-big-battery-storage-prices-hit-record-low-in-huge-china-auction/>

"The price for big battery storage modules have hit a new record low in the
latest giant auction in China, where more than 70 bidders competed for 25
gigawatt hours of capacity in what is being described as a “watershed moment”

(More...)

More and more tourists are flocking to Antarctica. Let’s stop it from being loved to death

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:16:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/more-and-more-tourists-are-flocking-to-antarctica-lets-stop-it-from-being-loved-to-death-258294>

"The number of tourists heading to Antarctica has been skyrocketing. From fewer
than 8,000 a year about three decades ago, nearly 125,000 tourists flocked to
the icy continent in 2023–24. The trend is likely to continue in the long term.

(More...)

Robotics firm lands funding to help slash costs of delivering large scale solar projects in Australia

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:17:38 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/robotics-firm-lands-funding-to-help-slash-costs-of-delivering-large-scale-solar-projects-in-australia/>

"A US-based robotics firm has become the first recipient of funding from a $100
million Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) program to back innovative
technologies that can slash the cost of building large scale solar projects.

(More...)

Legal questions raised over climate conflict of $200 million fossil fuel fund

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:18:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/legal-questions-raised-over-climate-conflict-of-200-million-fossil-fuel-fund/>

"One of New Zealand’s trading partners is investigating whether the creation of
an investment fund for gas producers breaches a “sustainable” free trade
agreement that explicitly blocks new fossil fuel subsidies, the deputy leader

(More...)

Thumbs up: good or passive aggressive? How emojis became the most confusing kind of online language

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:19:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/thumbs-up-good-or-passive-aggressive-how-emojis-became-the-most-confusing-kind-of-online-language-259151>

"Emojis, as well as memes and other forms of short-form content, have become
central to how we express ourselves and connect online. Yet as meanings shift
across different contexts, so too does the potential for misunderstanding.

(More...)

Droughts worldwide pushing tens of millions towards starvation, says report

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 03:42:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/02/droughts-worldwide-pushing-tens-millions-starvation-report>

"Drought is pushing tens of millions of people to the edge of starvation around
the world, in a foretaste of a global crisis that is rapidly deepening with
climate breakdown.

(More...)

Why you should be able to buy your neighbour’s solar output, without paying interstate prices

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 03:43:32 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-new-study-is-testing-virtual-energy-networks-that-let-households-buy-solar-power-from-their-neighbours-but-outdated-network-tariffs-could-undermine-the-local-low-cost-energy-revolution/>

"In a sun-drenched nation like Australia, rooftop solar has boomed, but the
benefits haven’t always been evenly distributed.

(More...)

Europe’s heatwave moves east as row erupts in France over air conditioning

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 03:44:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/02/europe-heatwave-moves-east-row-france-air-conditioning>

"The European heatwave has moved east, threatening record temperatures in
Germany, as a political row broke out in France over air conditioning.

(More...)

Wild orcas offer humans food. Could they be trying to make friends — or manipulate us?

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 03:48:10 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.livescience.com/animals/orcas/wild-orcas-offer-humans-food-could-they-be-trying-to-make-friends-or-manipulate-us>

'Wild orcas occasionally approach humans and offer us food, according to a new
study — but scientists aren't sure why.

(More...)

Garbage Day: Trump's big, beautiful gulag

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 03:49:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.garbageday.email/p/trump-s-big-beautiful-gulag-eceef93f0f861d7b>

"President Donald Trump toured a new migrant detention center in Florida this
week that Republicans are calling “Alligator Alcatraz.” When asked if the
center was called “Alligator Alcatraz” because escapees might be eaten by the

(More...)

How Norway Is Proving That Homelessness Is a Solvable Problem

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 03:51:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/norway-proving-homelessness-solvable-problem/>

"Strolling around the major sites in Oslo, from the strikingly modernist opera
house along the harbor to the 17th century Domkirke cathedral, there’s
something notably absent from the streets of the Norwegian capital.

(More...)

Evaluating the impact of two decades of USAID interventions and projecting the effects of defunding on mortality up to 2030: a retrospective impact evaluation and forecasting analysis

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 12:47:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01186-9/fulltext>

"The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is the largest funding
agency for humanitarian and development aid worldwide. The aim of this study is
to comprehensively evaluate the effect of all USAID funding on adult and child

(More...)

“Not fair” to force consumers to pay for gas death spiral, says advocate

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 12:48:44 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/not-fair-to-force-consumers-to-pay-for-gas-death-spiral-says-advocate/>

"Anger over rising fees to pay for future stranded gas infrastructure is
building, with another consumer advocate demanding regulators better manage the
new cost on customers.

(More...)

Industry accused of “gaslighting” Australians over future of Beetaloo fracking operations

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 12:49:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/industry-accused-of-gaslighting-australians-over-future-of-beetaloo-fracking-operations/>

"The overwhelming majority of gas that would be produced from fracking the
Beetaloo Basin would be sent overseas for export according to a new analysis
that claims the industry has been “gaslighting” Australians over the projects.

(More...)

What Happens to Leftover Hotel Soap?

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 12:50:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/upcycling-leftover-hotel-soap/

"A little over 10 years ago, while teaching English in northern Cambodia, Samir
Lakhani had a soap epiphany. “I saw a village mom bathing her newborn kiddo,
but unfortunately, she was scrubbing him with laundry powder, which can be

(More...)

As Thailand’s fishing cats face habitat loss & conflict, experts seek resolution

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 12:51:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://news.mongabay.com/2025/07/as-thailands-fishing-cats-face-habitat-loss-conflict-experts-seek-resolution/>

"Pacing paw-to-paw, the fishing cat hisses. About twice the size of a domestic
cat, its grey-green eyes fix on the keeper who carries a tub of tilapia on the
other side of the fence. The gate of the enclosure at the Wildlife Friends

(More...)

Jaguar population doubles around Brazil’s Iguaçu Falls

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 12:54:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/07/jaguar-population-doubles-around-brazils-iguacu-falls/>

"Once vanishing from view in the dense Atlantic Forest, jaguars are again
stalking the undergrowth of Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. Their comeback —
numbers have more than doubled in the region since 2010 — is a rare success in

(More...)

Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:12:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/antarctic-research-is-in-decline-and-the-timing-couldnt-be-worse-260197>

"Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes
to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the
news a lot lately. All of these threats were likely on the minds of the

(More...)

Anthony Albanese names his top 10 Australian songs of all time – and there’s one big surprise

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:13:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/04/anthony-albanese-names-his-top-10-australian-songs-of-all-time-and-theres-one-big-surprise>

"A few years back, when Anthony Albanese first ascended to the nation’s top
job, I was asked to write about what the occasional DJ’s taste in music might
say about him.

(More...)

Creative Australia’s backflip on Venice Biennale representatives exposes deep governance failures

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:14:35 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/creative-australias-backflip-on-venice-biennale-representatives-exposes-deep-governance-failures-260402>

"The reinstatement of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as
Australia’s representatives for the 2026 Venice Biennale closes a bruising
recent cultural episode and exposes the fragility of the systems meant to

(More...)

‘A plea for connection’: Gaza musicians perform at Sydney Opera House as cultural institutions destroyed at home

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:15:57 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/04/gaza-musicians-perform-sydney-opera-house-ntwnfb>

"As long as you can hear a beat or someone singing, you can dabke.

“The official definition, if there is one for dabke, is when a group of

(More...)

The Dalai Lama is a cisgender man – yet he has an unexpected connection to the trans community

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:17:34 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/the-dalai-lama-is-a-cisgender-man-yet-he-has-an-unexpected-connection-to-the-trans-community-260106>

"Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, turns 90 this week – a milestone that’s
reigniting speculation over his eventual successor.

(More...)

TN Govt. Saves School Children From Smut Like Magic Tree House, Calvin & Hobbes, & A Light In The Attic

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 19:18:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/02/tn-govt-saves-school-children-from-smut-like-magic-tree-house-calvin-hobbes-a-light-in-the-attic/>

"Book bans are all the rage these days, as you likely well know. Far too many
people, and folks in government more importantly, seem to have read Ray
Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 not as a lesson in the dangers of new media, but as

(More...)

Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action, study shows

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 03:47:49 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/experiencing-extreme-weather-and-disasters-is-not-enough-to-change-views-on-climate-action-study-shows-260308>

"Climate change has made extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods
more frequent and more likely in recent years, and the trend is expected to
continue. These events have led to human and animal deaths, harmed physical and

(More...)

State Dept. Tells Student Visa Applicants To Set Their Social Media Profiles To ‘Public’ If They Want To Come To The US

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 03:59:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/2025/07/03/state-dept-tells-student-visa-applicants-to-set-their-social-media-profiles-to-public-if-they-want-to-come-to-the-us/>

"Way back in the day of EARLIER THIS YEAR, people could expect to be subjected
to warrantless, invasive device searches only at US borders and international
airports. Visa applicants, however, just needed to fill out some paperwork and

(More...)

We spent a month writing and reading in glass boxes. We read faster, wrote more – and inspired passersby

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 04:02:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/we-spent-a-month-writing-and-reading-in-glass-boxes-we-read-faster-wrote-more-and-inspired-passersby-259797>

"Lucy Christopher, a new mother, had been trying to return to her
work-in-progress for several months, but could find neither time, headspace,
nor validation that writing was worth the time away from her child.

(More...)

Fix the News: Giving Update 2025

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 04:03:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://fixthenews.com/giving-update-2025/

"Hey everyone, Amy here. Welcome to our annual giving edition, where we check
in with all of our charity partners around the world. Over the past few months,
we've been reaching out to ask how things are going and there's definitely been

(More...)

Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 04:05:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/tears-trauma-and-unpaid-work-why-men-in-tinnies-arent-the-only-heroes-during-a-flood-disaster-260327>

"When flooding strikes, our screens fill with scenes of devastated
victims, and men performing heroic dinghy rescues in swollen rivers. But
another story often goes untold: how women step in, and step up, to hold

(More...)

Tape Hoarding is Saving History

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 04:23:20 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsTpVMyK2s4

"For the past 50 years people have been collecting video tapes in some shape or
form. In the last 10 or 15 years, those tapes have been getting thrown away.
From news coverage, to cartoons, to lost media, these are the tapes that we

(More...)

Fewer people doesn’t always mean better outcomes for nature – just look at Japan

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 12:32:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/fewer-people-doesnt-always-mean-better-outcomes-for-nature-just-look-at-japan-259414>

"Since 1970, 73% of global wildlife has been lost, while the world’s population
has doubled to 8 billion. Research shows this isn’t a coincidence but that
population growth is causing a catastrophic decline in biodiversity.

(More...)

Congress votes for “big beautiful lie” that will kill wind and solar, condemns world to 3°C warming

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 12:33:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/congress-votes-for-big-beautiful-lie-that-will-kill-wind-and-solar-condemns-world-to-3c-warming/>

"The US Congress has voted to approve Donald Trump’s astonishing “big beautiful
bill,” effectively ending credits for wind, solar and EVs in the country, and
in a move that some environmentalists say could condemn the world to a

(More...)

Mauna Loa Observatory captured the reality of climate change. The US plans to shut it down

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 12:34:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/mauna-loa-observatory-captured-the-reality-of-climate-change-the-us-plans-to-shut-it-down-260403>

"The greenhouse effect was discovered more than 150 years ago and the first
scientific paper linking carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere with climate
change was published in 1896.

(More...)

Australia’s big four banks caught napping on methane emissions, and still supporting coal

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 12:35:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/australias-big-four-banks-caught-napping-on-methane-emissions-and-still-supporting-coal/>

"Australia’s big four banks are being urged to take greater action against
climate change after a study found none were specifically identifying emissions
of a major greenhouse gas.

(More...)

Drones capture devastating coral loss as bleaching wipes out most reef life

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 12:37:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://phys.org/news/2025-07-drones-capture-devastating-coral-loss.html

'New research has revealed alarming coral mortality rates of 92% after last
year's bleaching event at Lizard Island on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef,
marking one of the highest coral mortality rates ever documented globally.

(More...)

The Trump Admin Isn't a Deviation From American History. Just Ask Indigenous People

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 12:37:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.teenvogue.com/story/trump-admin-american-history-indigenous-people>

"This year, many Americans might be feeling less patriotic than usual on the
Fourth of July. During a time usually marked by fireworks, parades, and
barbecues, people across the country are grappling with increasing attacks on

(More...)

I’ve seen the brain damage contact sports can cause – we all need to take concussion and CTE more seriously

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 19:07:40 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/ive-seen-the-brain-damage-contact-sports-can-cause-we-all-need-to-take-concussion-and-cte-more-seriously-259785>

"Concussion in sport continues to make headlines, whether it be class actions,
young men flocking to the highly violent “RunIt” activity or debate about
whether Australian rules football should remove the “bump” once and for all.

(More...)

Friday essay: ‘whose agony is greater than mine?’ Testimonies of Gaza and October 7 ask us to recognise shared humanity

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 19:09:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-whose-agony-is-greater-than-mine-testimonies-of-gaza-and-october-7-ask-us-to-recognise-shared-humanity-257554>

"Review: Eyes on Gaza – Plestia Alaqad (Macmillan), Letters from Gaza –
edited by Mohammed Al-Zaqzooq & Mahmoud Alshaer (Penguin), Gates of Gaza –
Amir Tibon (Scribe)

(More...)

As coal crumbles, failure to pivot to green iron risks halving Australian export revenues

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 19:10:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/as-coal-crumbles-failure-to-pivot-to-green-iron-risks-halving-australian-export-revenues/>

"The latest data from the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), out this week,
forecasts that Australia’s resource and energy export revenues will decline by
$33 billion in 2026-27, compared to 2024-25.

(More...)

Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 19:11:58 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186>

"The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League
of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic
credentials.

(More...)

A Food-Growing Tradition Finds New Roots in the Mississippi Delta

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 19:12:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/local-food-movement-mississippi-delta/

"Dorothy Grady pulled at a tuft of green fronds sprouting from one of an array
of soil-filled buckets sitting in the driveway of her house. A plump carrot,
five inches long and brilliant orange, popped out.

(More...)

Immigrants: A Love Letter

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 19:14:26 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.meditationsinanemergency.com/immigrants-a-love-letter/

"It has never been easy to be an immigrant to the United States – for most
economic, linguistic, and cultural barriers make life here a struggle, even if
they were escaping a worse life elsewhere. The utterly evil bill that just

(More...)

‘The nurse told me I couldn’t keep my baby’: how a controversial Danish ‘parenting test’ separated a Greenlandic woman from her children

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 03:15:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/29/controversial-danish-parenting-test-separated-greenlandic-mother-children>

"Two hours after Keira Alexandra Kronvold gave birth, her daughter was taken
from her – the third child to be removed from her care following a now-banned
assessment that disproportionately targets Inuit women in Denmark. Will she win

(More...)

An impending gas shortfall in eastern Australia? This is just gas market Groundhog Day

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 03:16:28 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/02/an-impending-gas-shortfall-in-eastern-australia-this-is-just-gas-market-groundhog-day>

"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is yet again warning of
imminent gas shortfalls for Australia’s east coast. In response, the federal
government has announced another review into whether we need to reform our gas

(More...)

Autonomous electric tractors headed to Australia with pitch to farmers

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 03:25:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://thedriven.io/2025/07/04/autonomous-electric-tractors-headed-to-australia-with-pitch-to-farmers/>

"A Dutch company that makes fully electric autonomous tractors is setting its
sights on the Australian market, with plans to offer its emissions-free farm
machinery Down Under as early as the middle of 2026.

(More...)

Don’t call it ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Call it a concentration camp.

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 03:26:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/immigration-alligator-alcatraz-concentration-camp-rcna216874>

"For many Americans, the word “concentration camp” evokes another country, a
time long ago and a facility operating in the dark of night, away from the
prying eyes of an outraged public. But a new concentration camp opened in

(More...)

Digitised manuscripts: Mediaeval and Renaissance Women

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 03:28:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.bl.uk/research/digitised-manuscripts/

"Access over 1,000 of our digitised manuscripts, including a range of
manuscripts digitised as part of our Medieval and Renaissance Women
digitisation project, and featured in our recent exhibition, Medieval Women:

(More...)

RFK's proposal to let bird flu spread through poultry could set us up for a pandemic, experts warn

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 11:51:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.livescience.com/health/flu/rfks-proposal-to-let-bird-flu-spread-through-poultry-could-set-us-up-for-a-pandemic-experts-warn>

"High-ranking federal officials have suggested that bird flu virus should be
left to "rip" through poultry farms across the U.S. — but experts warn that
this hands-off approach could hasten the beginning of a new pandemic

(More...)

How this long-lost Chinese typewriter from the 1940s changed modern computing

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 11:52:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.npr.org/2025/07/05/nx-s1-5405452/chinese-typewriter-mingkwai-stanford>

'STANFORD, California — Scholars in the U.S., Taiwan and China are buzzing
about the discovery of an old typewriter, because the long-lost machine is part
of the origin story of modern Chinese computing — and central to ongoing

(More...)

A Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Pushing Forward (NextGen Covid Vax Update 30)

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 11:54:03 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://absolutelymaybe.plos.org/2025/06/30/a-universal-coronavirus-vaccine-pushing-forward-nextgen-covid-vax-update-30/>

"A big first this month for next generation coronavirus vaccine. The first
clinical trials for a US-developed pancoronavirus vaccine have been under the
radar. Now the developers from Stanford University have a South Korean

(More...)

Meet the ‘Bicycle Mayors’ Making Cities Around the World More Bike-Friendly

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 11:55:13 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/bicycle-mayors-bike-friendly-cities/

"When Maren Ahlers started cycling around the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa
on her housemate’s yellow bicycle during the pandemic, she was just trying to
avoid the cramped public transportation. But once she started inviting the

(More...)

Many children suffering ongoing Covid symptoms

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 11:56:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/many-children-suffering-ongoing-covid-symptoms>

"More than 20 per cent of children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are
experiencing significant persistent health symptoms following Covid-19
infection, according to a new Otago-led study.

(More...)

Tiny Bricks, Big Impact: Why the Queer Eye LEGO Set Hits Us Right in the Feels

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 12:00:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/bricksnbrackets/tiny-bricks-big-impact-why-the-queer-eye-lego-set-hits-us-right-in-the-feels-ba14e0ac98b3>

"As June rolled in with its usual heatwave, I was reminded that Pride Month
always stirs up something deep in my chest: a mix of warmth, frustration, and
hope. Living in a country where celebrating diversity often feels more like an

(More...)

“I pretty much haven't worked since 2020”: How the effects of Long COVID have harmed professional musicians and DJs

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 22:45:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.musicradar.com/music-industry/i-pretty-much-havent-worked-since-2020-how-the-effects-of-long-covid-have-harmed-professional-musicians-and-djs>

"Fatigue, disorientation, cognitive difficulties - these are daily occurrences
for a large number of people, including those in the music industry.

(More...)

A map, a myth and a pre-Incan lagoon: the man who brought water back to a drought-ridden town

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 22:47:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jun/13/ecuador-indigenous-map-pre-inca-myths-ancient-lagoon-water-drought->

"One day in 1983, while studying a hand-drawn map from 1792 of his home town in
Ecuador, Galo Ramón, a historian, came across a dispute between a landowner and
two local Indigenous communities, the Coyana and the Catacocha. The boundary

(More...)

Long COVID Rates Higher in Women: Evidence Grows

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 22:48:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/long-covid-rates-higher-women-evidence-grows-2025a1000hkl>

"When Brazilian scientist Letícia Soares contracted COVID-19 in April 2020, she
was in the final stretch of her postdoctoral studies in disease ecology at a
Canadian university. By August, she was bedbound.

(More...)

Could this city be the model for how to tackle the housing crisis and climate change?

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 22:51:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.npr.org/2025/06/15/nx-s1-5400642/affordable-housing-environment-vienna-climate-change>

'VIENNA — At the edge of a wide, grassy park in Vienna, there's a modern
building with lots of windows and a sleek wood facade. For the past six years,
Sebastian Schublach has lived here with his family in a light-filled

(More...)

The Ed's Up - Unbreaking

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 22:53:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://buttondown.com/edyong209/archive/the-eds-up-unbreaking/

"I hope you’re all hanging in there.

In the earliest months of the COVID-19 pandemic, people knew that the

(More...)

In California’s largest landback deal, the Yurok Tribe reclaims sacred land around Klamath River

Sun, 6 Jul 2025 22:54:23 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://grist.org/indigenous/in-californias-largest-landback-deal-the-yurok-tribe-reclaims-sacred-land-around-the-klamath-river/>

"More than 17,000 acres around the Klamath River in Northern California,
including the lower Blue Creek watershed, have returned to the Yurok Tribe,
completing the largest landback deal in California history.

(More...)

AI chatbots oversimplify scientific studies and gloss over critical details — the newest models are especially guilty

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 05:34:52 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ai-chatbots-oversimplify-scientific-studies-and-gloss-over-critical-details-the-newest-models-are-especially-guilty>

'Large language models (LLMs) are becoming less "intelligent" in each new
version as they oversimplify and, in some cases, misrepresent important
scientific and medical findings, a new study has found.

(More...)

Largest Floating Solar Farm in Europe Begins Operations

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 05:36:48 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.ecowatch.com/largest-floating-solar-farm-europe.html

"A new solar farm is operational as of June 20 in Perthes, France and is
currently the largest floating solar farm in Europe.

(More...)

CATL to bring battery-swapping technology to Europe

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 05:38:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://archive.is/WIXvC

"CATL, the world’s largest maker of electric vehicle batteries, plans to bring
its battery-swapping and recycling technology to Europe, amid a global battle
to secure more sustainable EV supply chains.

(More...)

In Seattle, preserving trees while increasing housing supply is a climate solution

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 05:40:31 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.npr.org/2025/06/11/nx-s1-5340711/climate-urban-housing-trees>

"SEATTLE — Across the U.S., cities are struggling to balance the need for more
housing with the need to preserve and grow trees that help address the impacts
of climate change.

(More...)

Nepal’s Electric Leapfrog: How This Himalayan Nation Is Leading Global EV Adoption

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 05:42:19 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://cleantechnica.com/2025/06/14/nepals-electric-leapfrog-how-this-himalayan-nation-is-leading-global-ev-adoption/>

"Nepal, a small Himalayan nation of 30 million better known globally for its
mountains, including Mt Everest, and trekking tourism, is quietly setting an
impressive benchmark in the electric vehicle transition. In recent months,

(More...)

The new map helping conservationists protect migratory species

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 11:52:25 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.positive.news/environment/the-new-map-helping-conservationists-protect-migratory-species/>

"Leatherback turtles swimming tens of thousands of kilometres from Indonesia to
Oregon, and Arctic terns traversing the planet from pole to pole.

(More...)

Sam Altman’s AI Empire Relies on Brutal Labor Exploitation

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 12:01:08 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://jacobin.com/2025/07/altman-openai-artificial-intelligence-labor-environment-deepseek/>

"Review of Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI by
Karen Hao (Penguin Press, 2025)

(More...)

The News Cycle Is a Stress Monster. But There's a Healthy Way to Stay Informed.

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 12:02:17 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.sciencealert.com/the-news-cycle-is-a-stress-monster-but-theres-a-healthy-way-to-stay-informed>

"If you're feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you're not
alone.

(More...)

ASCIIMoon

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 12:04:04 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://asciimoon.com/

"ASCIIMoon is a small web app that tracks the moon's phases and uses ASCII art
to create a basic visual representation of the moon's current appearance based
on light percentage."

(More...)

What Motherhood Cost Us | NYT Opinion

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 12:05:09 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Pqs-heGkg

"Research has shown that 15 years after graduating college, mothers earn 11
percent less than women without children — and a staggering 42 percent less
than fathers. There’s a term for this: the “motherhood penalty.” Last year,

(More...)

Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 12:06:09 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422>

"This week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our
Solar System.

(More...)

We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:30:42 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/we-dont-need-deep-sea-mining-or-its-environmental-harms-heres-why-260401>

"Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without
the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing
nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would

(More...)

South Australia ‘helpless’ in face of deadly marine algal bloom spreading to Adelaide beaches

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:31:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/07/south-australia-helpless-in-face-of-deadly-marine-algal-bloom-spreading-to-adelaide-beaches>

"South Australia’s toxic algal bloom has arrived on Adelaide’s beaches,
deepening public concern about the unfolding catastrophe which has affected the
state’s coastline since March.

(More...)

Much to celebrate as NAIDOC Week turns 50, but also much to learn

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:32:59 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/much-to-celebrate-as-naidoc-week-turns-50-but-also-much-to-learn-259900>

"In 1938, when Australia celebrated the sesquicentenary – 150 years since
Captain Phillip and the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove – the organisers
wanted Aboriginal people to be involved in a re-enactment.

(More...)

Australian doctors call for clampdown on social media influencers allegedly glamorising poker machines

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:34:09 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/07/australian-doctors-call-for-clampdown-on-social-media-influencers-poker-machines-ntwnfb>

"The peak body for Australian doctors has urged politicians and social media
companies to restrict “shocking” content of influencers allegedly glamorising
poker machines on social media, in what it called an incredibly new phenomenon.

(More...)

‘A defiant stand’: histories of Australia’s frontier wars are revealing their true complexity, but there’s more to be done

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:35:25 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/a-defiant-stand-histories-of-australias-frontier-wars-are-revealing-their-true-complexity-but-theres-more-to-be-done-253233>

"Review: Uprising: War in the Colony of New South Wales, 1838–1844 – Stephen
Gapps (NewSouth)

(More...)

Why was this stranger calling me sweetheart? The benevolent ageism of ‘elderspeak’

Mon, 7 Jul 2025 19:36:24 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/07/the-benevolent-ageism-of-elderspeak>

"I recently joined an exercise class for over 55s. I estimated the majority of
(mostly) women in the class were, like me, septuagenarians. They all seemed
familiar with the drill – chairs, weights, bands, balls – and within a few

(More...)

Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 14:45:47 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/ageing-bridges-around-the-world-are-at-risk-of-collapse-but-theres-a-simple-way-to-safeguard-them-260005>

"The Story Bridge, with its sweeping steel trusses and art deco towers, is a
striking sight above the Brisbane River in Queensland. In 2025, it was named
the state’s best landmark. But more than an icon, it serves as one of the vital

(More...)

Drawing from the deep: seaweed ink makes waves for ocean conservation

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 14:47:06 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.positive.news/society/drawing-from-the-deep-seaweed-ink-makes-waves-for-ocean-conservation/>

"Creators have turned an artistic eye to the topic of ocean health, with a
little help from seaweed.

(More...)

Solar project reimagines railway network as clean energy lifelines

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 14:48:07 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.positive.news/society/solar-project-reimagines-railway-network-as-clean-energy-lifelines/>

"A Swiss firm is on track to solve the conundrum of where to site industrial
solar farms, by turning railways into power plants.

(More...)

‘We want to change the way humans relate to the rest of the natural world’

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 14:49:22 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.positive.news/environment/we-want-to-change-the-way-humans-relate-to-the-rest-of-the-natural-world/>

"A cutting-edge research centre that’s designed to transform our understanding
of animal feelings and rewrite the rules on how we live alongside them will
launch this autumn at the London School of Economics.

(More...)

State-subsidised restaurants to offer nutritious food to deprived households

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 14:50:27 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.itv.com/news/2025-07-07/state-subsidised-restaurants-to-offer-nutritious-food-to-deprived-households>

"Two state-subsidised restaurants are to open in Dundee and Nottingham to
provide deprived households with access to nutritious food in a social setting,
the Government has announced.

(More...)

Pockets

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 14:51:53 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://pudding.cool/2018/08/pockets/

"There are few things more frustrating than collecting your belongings only to
realize that the pockets in your pants are too small to hold them. Or worse,
the fabric designed to look like a pocket is merely for decoration and doesn’t

(More...)

New US directive for visa applicants turns social media feeds into political documents

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 23:12:21 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/new-us-directive-for-visa-applicants-turns-social-media-feeds-into-political-documents-260201>

"In recent weeks, the US State Department implemented a policy requiring all
university, technical training, or exchange program visa applicants to disclose
their social media handles used over the past five years. The policy also

(More...)

‘Seeing climate change like this, it changes you’: dance duo Bicep on making a new project in Greenland

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 23:13:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/01/dance-duo-bicep-on-making-an-album-in-greenland-takkuuk>

"Russell glacier, at the edge of Greenland’s vast ice sheet, sounds as if it’s
crying: moans emanate from deep within the slowly but inexorably melting ice.
Andy Ferguson, one half of dance duo Bicep, walks around in its towering shadow

(More...)

The hard questions NZ must ask about the claimed economic benefits of fast-track mining projects

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 23:14:37 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/the-hard-questions-nz-must-ask-about-the-claimed-economic-benefits-of-fast-track-mining-projects-259779>

"Much of the debate about the fast-track applications by a number of new or
extended mining projects has, understandably, focused on their environmental
impacts. But the other side of the equation – economic growth and investment,

(More...)

First electric buses begin operating in Perth’s suburban network

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 23:15:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://thedriven.io/2025/07/07/first-electric-buses-begin-operating-in-perths-suburban-network/>

"The first electric buses to begin operating beyond the Western Australian
capital of Perth’s CBD district are now ready to go, with around 90 set to be
operating from Transperth’s Malaga depot by the first half of 2026.

(More...)

Russia is paying schoolgirls to have babies. Why is pronatalism on the rise around the world?

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 23:16:46 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/russia-is-paying-schoolgirls-to-have-babies-why-is-pronatalism-on-the-rise-around-the-world-258979>

"In some parts of Russia, schoolgirls who become pregnant are being paid more
than 100,000 roubles (nearly £900) for giving birth and raising their babies.

(More...)

Offshore wind turbines near impossible to see in visualisations for Gippsland zone

Tue, 8 Jul 2025 23:17:35 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://reneweconomy.com.au/offshore-wind-turbines-near-impossible-to-see-in-visualisations-for-gippsland-zone/>

"With the naked eye, it will be nigh impossible to see offshore wind turbines
from Gippsland beaches, according to updated visualisations issued by the
Victoria state government.

(More...)

Ageing isn’t the same everywhere – why inflammation may be a lifestyle problem

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 06:53:12 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/ageing-isnt-the-same-everywhere-why-inflammation-may-be-a-lifestyle-problem-260322>

"For years, scientists have believed that inflammation inevitably increases
with age, quietly fuelling diseases like heart disease, dementia and diabetes.
But a new study of Indigenous populations challenges that idea and could

(More...)

‘It’s a nightmare.’ U.S. funding cuts threaten academic science jobs at all levels

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 06:55:35 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.science.org/content/article/it-s-nightmare-u-s-funding-cuts-threaten-academic-science-jobs-all-levels>

"It was a conversation neither wanted to have. Last month, University of
Maryland professor Anne Simon broke the difficult news to Xiaobao Ying that she
didn’t have funding to extend his assistant research scientist position beyond

(More...)

A test of political courage: Yoorrook’s final reports demand action, not amnesia

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 06:56:29 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/a-test-of-political-courage-yoorrooks-final-reports-demand-action-not-amnesia-260580>

"Australia’s colonial era may be formally over but its legacies of inequality,
land dispossession and systemic racism continue to shape daily life for First
Peoples.

(More...)

Angélique Kidjo first black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 06:57:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx2g5znggpo

'Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has become the first black African performer to
be selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

(More...)

Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 07:00:16 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-sewage-treatment-isnt-coping-scientists-are-worried-about-what-the-city-is-telling-the-public-260317>

"Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large
sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and
pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own. When they are released

(More...)

Putin is invading more than Ukraine

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 07:01:39 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-invasion-ukraine-russia-romania-elections-democracy-nato-eu-donald-trump/>

"We all know Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine with tanks in
2022. But many don’t know that in 2024, he invaded Romania — with tweets.

(More...)

SUSE launches new European digital sovereignty support service to meet surging demand

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:35:33 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.zdnet.com/article/suse-launches-new-european-digital-sovereignty-support-service-to-meet-surging-demand/>

'Wary of the US government and tech companies, the European Union (EU) has seen
a surge in support for open source and Linux. In the last few months, local EU
governments, including the city of Lyon in France, the German state of

(More...)

Orkney tidal stream energy project 'sets new world record'

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:36:56 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://www.thenational.scot/news/25297315.orkney-tidal-stream-energy-project-sets-new-world-record/>

"A SCOTTISH renewable energy project has set a “new world record” in what has
been hailed as a “major breakthrough” for the tidal stream energy sector.

(More...)

Underwater lake heat waves are on the rise, threatening aquatic life

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:37:54 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://phys.org/news/2025-07-underwater-lake-threatening-aquatic-life.html>

"Lakes are essential to ecosystems, providing freshwater, supporting
biodiversity and offering crucial habitat for fish and other aquatic species.

(More...)

Thailand’s judiciary is flexing its muscles, but away from PM’s plight, dozens of activists are at the mercy of capricious courts

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:38:41 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/thailands-judiciary-is-flexing-its-muscles-but-away-from-pms-plight-dozens-of-activists-are-at-the-mercy-of-capricious-courts-260408>

"Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is currently feeling the sharp end
of the country’s powerful judiciary.

(More...)

Some things about sound mixing and dialogue and why subtitles are a trend

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:39:36 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://fields.medium.com/some-things-about-sound-mixing-and-dialogue-and-why-subtitles-are-a-trend-a77113f9bd3a>

"I keep seeing links to stories about how an increasingly large number of
people are turning subtitles on to watch streaming movies and TV shows,
primarily because they can’t hear the dialogue.

(More...)

Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:40:18 +1000

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

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/australia-is-set-to-get-more-ai-data-centres-local-communities-need-to-be-more-involved-259799>

"Data centres are the engines of the internet. These large, high-security
facilities host racks of servers that store and process our digital data, 24
hours a day, seven days a week.

(More...)

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